Davis, Alfano, Udelson and Bielefeld Get the Spotlight at Legacy Cup

Megan Udelson and Luminaire Dominated the Restricted 3'6" Pro Division

While Luminaire finished 8 th in the Finals (and earned $248), he won the Restricted 3’6” Pro Finals ($150) for rider Megan Udelson. The 9-year-old, 16.1 hand, bay, Trakehner, gelding not only won but was also the Champion of that division, which garnered them the Legacy Cup Trophy for the Restricted 3’6 Riders donated by Joe Darby and an additional $1,250.

This was no surprise to Udelson who explained that Luminaire “is a very special horse. He’s happy all the time. The owner Betty Weibel and I found him together three years ago and we’ve brought him along from the very beginning so this win is important to us.”

What’s even more unique is that “he loves his job. His favorite thing to do is go in the show ring and he always gives 100%. You can count on him.”

In addition, Luminaire “is fantastic to ride. He is so light and soft across the ground and he has an enormous stride and a lot of scope so you can go very slowly and smoothly,” continued his rider.

Udelson also has “developed a very special relationship with him. I don’t know that I can put it in words. It’s just a special bond.”

When asked how she felt once she realized they had won, Udelson commented, “I was proud because that was my goal coming into the evening. I was determined to ride my best. My horse was in the right condition and I also had great help from my trainer (Scott Williamson) and assistant trainer (Melissa Murphy).”

She paused for a moment and then continued. “It was such an accomplishment for the whole team of people from the owners, the grooms, the trainer, and the rider; everybody really works to bring it together. They are a very important part of the horse’s performance.”

Udelson was also thankful that there is such a thing as a Legacy Cup. “It’s a great way to promote good horses and good riders and I think it is also good for the hunter sport.”

Like Alfano, Udelson admitted that horses are a main focus in her life. “This is pretty much what I do. I love the relationship that you have with the animals and learning how to communicate with them is the biggest thing.” Yet in the end while horses are a big part of her daily schedule, the Cleveland , OH resident admits that she also “enjoys spending time with my husband Steven and our dog Keda.”