October 30th, 2024 | 141st National Horse Show
It was an action-packed day for Scott Stewart as his winning streak continued into the $75,000 Hunter Classic here at the 141st National Horse Show. Stewart and Gochman Ventures LLC’s Belgian Warmblood mare, Daydream led from start to finish with first-round scores of 90 and 92 and second-round scores of 93 and 95 to claim his fourth champion tricolor of the 2024 event.
Not only did Stewart win the class, but he also earned Reserve Champion honors with Sophie Gochman’s Hanoverian gelding, Colter.
Earlier in the day, Stewart rode several horses to Championship pinnings in the $10,000 Green Hunter 3’9 Division, $10,000 High Performance Conformation Hunter Division, as well as The 2024 Rockstar Grand Champion Professional Hunter, presented by Jennifer Burger, and was awarded The Rockstar Leading Hunter Rider Award and The Leading Hunter Rider Challenge Trophy, presented by Jennifer Burger.
“I still get really nervous,” stated Stewart. “I don’t sleep much at night before a horse show like this, but it’s been a great couple of days of showing, and obviously tonight couldn’t have gone any better because both horses were amazing.”
“I’ve had so many great memories at this horse show from when it was at Madison Square Garden to here in Kentucky but I think this week outdid all of the other years.”
The riders weren’t the only ones reminiscing on the days of old at Madison Square Garden. The National Horse Show brought back black tie to the 2024 event with the National Horse Show Hunter Classic Gala, hosted by Stephanie Danhakl and Melissa Jacobs.
John French, 3rd place in the $75,000 Hunter Classic
“My first time at the National Horse Show was with a horse named Drumroll and we ended up Reserve Champion so for me being in my early twenties it was very special,” French noted.
“One of my best memories from this horse show was winning the regular working hunter championship with Skyhawk a few years ago. To win in that division at the four foot level is the ultimate reward when bringing horses along, and it’s a level that we all hope to get to.”
The National Horse Show hosted a new award this year, The BioStar Happy Horse Award. BioStar puts horse happiness, harmony, and welfare first, offering a new award celebrating the harmony between horse and rider at the highest levels of equestrian sport.
This year, the BioStar Happy Horse Award was presented to Kelly Sims’ True Cassini and rider/trainer, Michael Britt-Leon, who placed 4th in the $75,000 NHS Hunter Classic.
“At BioStar, we believe that a truly successful partnership between horse and rider starts with harmony and respect,” stated BioStar US founder, Cynthia Montague. “That’s why we’re proud to offer the Happy Horse Award, recognizing horses and caretakers who exemplify welfare, joy, and a positive connection—even in the most demanding competition settings.”
“This award is not just a prize to be won, but an effort to help promote positive interactions in the show ring and highlight equestrians who put their horses’ health and happiness above a medal, ribbon, or prize money. As our sponsored riders and valued customers will tell you, a happy horse is key to achieving peak performance and maintaining a lasting partnership.”
Learn more about the BioStar Happy Horse Award.
See the full results HERE.
View the daily candids HERE.
The 141st National Horse Show | Lexington, Kentucky | October 23rd – November 3rd, 2024 | Official Livestream | Results / Orders
