Professional Hunter Riders Participate in WCHR Week at Showplace Productions' Spring Spectacular III

Wayne, IL - June 18, 2014 - The professionals took to the ring today for World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at Showplace Productions' Spring Spectacular III Premier Horse Show at Lamplight Equestrian Center.  Top hunter riders from around the country competed for WCHR points. The week kicked off Tuesday with Derby Day, including the $25,000 USHJA International Derby and the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Riders today had derby-type jumps and handy courses for the professional hunter divisions.

Beginning with the Green/Regular Conformation Hunters it was Scripted, owned by Kensel LLC and ridden by Kelley Farmer winning the model, the over fences and the handy today. Pony Lane Farm's Bugsy Malone with Maggie Jayne riding took the second place spot in both the over fences and the handy. The under saddle went to Garland Alban's Esco with Tim Goguen riding.
 
The First Year Green Hunters mixed it up a bit with Goguen and Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC, winning the first over fences class and Pony Lane Farm's The Answer with Haylie Rolfe in second. The handy round went to Tracy Fenney and MTM Inquisitive who rode her way back and forth over the split rail snake jumps to the top award. Tuesday's derby winner So To Speak and Kelley Farmer were second, but won the under saddle. Goguen and Esco took the second place spot in the under saddle.

"My horse went great today," said Goguen. "He's had a good year. Last week he was champion in Kentucky and won all four junior hunter over fences classes with scores of 94 and 95."

His junior rider is Vivian Yowan. Goguen spent several years riding in the Chicago area in the 80s. His Boggs Hill Farm in now located in Lexington, KY.

Goguen added, "We came here for WCHR week. I was here about 17 years ago and the place looked nothing like this. The improvements are unbelievable, it's nice to be back."

Maggie Jayne and Pony Lane's A Million Reasons won both classes in the Second Year Green Hunters today with Tim Goguen and Belhaven Stables' Character coming in second in both. Quite Chocolate owned by Katheleen Caya with Maria Rassmussen aboard was the winner of the under saddle.

Why, owned by David Glefke and ridden by Evan Coluccio, made a clean sweep in the High Performance Hunters winning all three classes. Shannon Kelly's Trust Me and Tina Judge took second in both over fences. "He was so good today," said Judge. "He was a little fresh in the schooling ring but came in the ring and jumped great."

Judge has a great resume with Trust Me including some derby wins. Shannon Kelly, the owner, rides him in the Amateur-Owner Hunter division. They imported the horse, have put every step into him and now get to reap the benefits of their hard work.

In the Pre-Green Hunter division it was Tammy Provost and Asscher, owned by Animal Eye Consultants winning both over fences classes and the $1,000 Pre-Green Hunter Incentive Stake. 

Hunter competition continues tomorrow with a $2,500 Open Hunter Classic and a $2,500 Pre-Green Hunter Classic.

For more information and results, visit www.showplaceproductions.com.

Make Your Way Back to Spring Spectacular-Now With New Third Week and USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby!!!
Showplace Productions' Spring Spectacular is bigger and better than ever. Showplace has added another week to its popular Spring Spectacular event from June 17-22. This new week will allow competitors to attend their regular summer circuits and have a taste of what Showplace and Chicago have to offer on a week when they might be off or traveling. Showplace Productions has added new classes and over-the-top hospitality to make your showing experience even more enjoyable at beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center.

During Week III, Showplace Productions will hold a USHJA $10,000 National Hunter Derby and a USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby in the Grand Prix Ring, plus compete to earn WCHR points. More prize monies have been added to the Open Jumpers, Welcomes and Junior/Amateurs Owners. A new and exciting Accumulator class has been added to the Junior/Amateur Owner division. For professionals, Showplace is offering the opportunity to show young jumpers in some classes at no cost. There will also be some no cost Tuesday schooling opportunities for the pros. For Juniors, an all-new Equitation Championship will be held on Sunday of Week III. Juniors will be asked to demonstrate their horsemanship skills without the help of their trainers in this challenging class. There is something for everyone and a good reason to make your way back to Chicago for Spring Spectacular.