Popeye K Shows Off His Strengths In the Hunters

Scott Stewart and Sports Fan Top Future Hunter World Championship

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 5, 2005 - Popeye K, a 17.1-hand stallion ridden by Tommy Serio, swept the Regular Working Hunter division at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD. The impressive bay collected 60 points for the showing and also finished up as the Grand Hunter Champion while Serio earned the leading hunter rider award. “It all came together today,” said Serio. “He’s been consistent all year.” The eight-year-old bay is owned by Elizabeth Spencer of Keswick, VA.

The top Future Hunters had the opportunity to show off in the championship class this afternoon. Topping the field of young hunters was Sports Fan ridden by Scott Stewart. The seven-year-old was imported from Bavaria a year ago and was just gelded this past May.

Stewart said of Sports Fan, “He’s really quiet and laid back…he’s just really laid back and takes everything in stride, even before he was gelded.” He went on to comment about the Future Hunter Division at the Capital Challenge saying, “I think it’s great that they offer this show case of young horses…especially for the owners. We don’t have anything else like that (on the circuit).”

Another Future Hunter to pick up a win today was Ashton, ridden by Ken Berkley. The six-year-old Oldenburg went head to head with the top hunters on the show grounds and won the World Champion Hunter Under Saddle Senior. Owner Karen Long Dwight knew she had a really good mover and suggested about an hour before the class that they enter Ashton. “He wasn’t even braided,” said Dwight. “I had to get the braider from the hotel.”

“He’s got a wonderful mind and a wonderful gallop,” said Berkley adding, “It means a lot to win this class. This is the most difficult horse show in the country. It’s harder to win here than it is at Harrisburg, Washington, or even Florida…because you’ve got everyone from all over the country here. For a pre-green hunter to win this under saddle it really sets a standard for the horse’s career.”

Thursday and Friday will feature adult amateur classes including the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Adult Amateur Finals to be held on Friday afternoon. Following the WCHR class the top 30 adult equitation riders in the national will vie for the championship title in the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show runs through Sunday, October 9. The $50,000 Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix presented by Stillwell-Hansen Inc. and Arwen Stables is the highlight of the jumper action. Held at 7:30pm on Saturday, October 8 the FEI World Cup Qualifying class is a great opportunity to witness US Equestrian Team veterans tackle a demanding course. As always, admission to the show is free and classes run in two rings throughout the day. Evening classes are held Wednesday through Saturday. Results, photos and the time schedule can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org . For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 952-7944.