Laurie Barna Bests Competition to Emerge as Grand Champion Adult Amateur Hunter
Harrisburg, PA – The Adult Amateur Hunter divisions concluded on Friday, with all three age groups vying for the overall grand champion title. At the finale of the division classes, Laurie Barna and Hundred Acre emerged victorious.
The combination, now paired for over four years, laid down a series of impressive performances in the Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 division and earned rankings of two firsts, a second and a third throughout their division. Their top results ultimately earned them the division championship and the new A Bit of Thom Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated this year by Maria Cognetti.
“This is our goal all year long,” expressed Barna. “It’s super exciting; we pick a handful of shows to do and hope we qualify. So, when we do it’s great, and then when it turns out like today, you just can’t ask for anymore.”
Barna continued, “[Hundred Acre] is just such an exceptional athlete. He loves to show off, loves his job and loves being on top of the prizes. It’s absolutely his favorite.”
Taking the reserve championship in the Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 was Linda Shuford and Candy Crush with performances resulting in a first, second and third place ribbon.
The Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division saw Michael Blum and Park City, owned by Privet Farm LLC, top the leaderboard with class results landing them a first, two seconds and a fourth. Kaitlin Porath and King’s Landing closed the gap to earn the division reserve champion title.
Cara Garito and Tangelina topped the Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over with placings of two firsts and a third, while Sara Gentry and Grayon followed closely to reserve champion.
The win in the $10,000 Penn National Adult Hunter Finals went to Jeanine Cash and Boccaccio.
Earlier in the day, the Children’s Hunter divisions rounded out competition by awarding the Grand Champion Children’s Hunter title to Talia Kirson and Candor. The duo dominated in the Children’s Hunter 15-17 division to claim the overall win. The reserve champion in the Children’s Hunter 15-17 division went to Hallmark and Maya Grove.
Taking the young section of Children’s was Hannah Blasdell and Talisman with results of first, second and third added to their name. A surprising three-way tie was announced for the reserve champion prize between Charlotte Graham, Khloe McSwain and Ashley Garrido. McSwain also donned the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Children’s Hunter Final as she and As Ever dominated the competition.
For full results of the Adult and Children’s Hunters, visit pnhs.showmanagementsystem.com.
