Hannan and Best Regards, a seven year old Holsteiner stallion, took the top honor for their spectacular round over fences for which the judges gave the pair a score of 89 points.  A total of 18 horses competed in the class from both the 3’ and 3’3” divisions of Pre-Green Hunters.  Hannan and Best Regards jumped the 3’ course and took home a check for $3,900.00 for their winning efforts.

“We imported him this winter, in fact he got out of quarantine in March,” said Hannan.  “So he has just started his career as a hunter and he is a dream of a hunter.  He does everything.  He has learned his job so easily and he is an angel around the barn.  His score of 89 made me so happy.  It is a nice way to end his pre-green season.  He will be moving up to the first year green conformation ivision next year. 

He has a wonderful owner and it was really nice for her to see this.  I think that the Incentive Fund is a great program.  It is so nice to have that extra zero on the check. It steps everything up a bit.   I think that is quite important.  And that they can have the class at a venue like this, and that it is showcased is so important for the pre-green horses.”  

The USHJA offers The Pre-Green Incentive Program to horses of any age that are eligible to compete as a pre-green hunter under Federation rules. Horses must be enrolled in the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program and pay the annual enrollment fee to participate in the Pre-Green Stake classes and to be eligible for the Pre-Green Championship. Each class must offer a minimum of $1,000 in prize money when held at a Premier or National competition, and a minimum of $500 in prize money when held at a Regional I or Regional II competition.  Horses may be ridden by a professional, junior or amateur.

The 3’3” Pre-Green Hunter Champion was Walk The Moon and Daniel Geitner for owner Lynn Seithel.  The pair won three over fences classes, were second in the other and were second in the hack to claim the tri-color with a total of 40 points.  Reserve Champion was Helen Lenahan’s Girl Crush, ridden by Kristy Herrera.

The 3’ Pre-Green Hunter Championship was awarded to Redfield Farm’s Eermette and Cassandra Kahle.  Serena and Peter Pletcher, riding for owner Melanie Jeanes, were Reserve Champion.