Mill Spring, NC – October 29, 2026 – The spotlight turned to the sport’s top hunters as an elite field of horse-and-rider combinations returned to Tryon International’s indoor arena for the $75,000 National Horse Show Hunter Classic. Now in its sixth year, the prestigious event serves as the pinnacle of hunter competition at the 143rd National Horse Show, showcasing performance, style, and skill across two rounds.
Reserved for the top six horse-and-rider combinations from each eligible hunter division, the Hunter Classic brings together the best of the best to vie for one of the show’s most coveted titles.
Scott Stewart and Rabbit Creek Inc.’s A Lister, a Zangersheide gelding, set the pace with a first-round score of 91 and held onto their lead with a second-round score of 90, securing the championship title with a winning total of 181.
The victory continued a standout season for Stewart and A Lister, who also earned championship honors at the Capital Challenge Horse Show earlier this fall. Reflecting on their partnership, Stewart noted that the gelding joined his program shortly before Upperville in June and has continued to develop throughout the season.
Stewart’s impressive week at the 143rd National Horse Show also included his 18th Rockstar Leading Hunter Rider Award and two Professional Hunter division championships aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s horses: Rosewood, an Oldenburg mare, in the $10,000 Green Conformation Hunter Division, and California Love, a Holsteiner stallion, in the $10,000 Danhakl Family Foundation High Performance Conformation Hunter Division.
Just one point separated the top two finishers, with John French and Little Brook LLC’s Kaiden, a KWPN stallion, claiming second-place honors. The pair also captured the Rockstar Grand Champion Professional Hunter title on Wednesday.
Michael Britt-León and Marlene Holland’s Small Favor, a Warmblood gelding, rounded out the top three.
The podium featured familiar faces, with all three riders having previously earned top honors in the Hunter Classic. French swept the top two spots in 2025, with Britt-León finishing third. In 2024, Stewart claimed first and second place, while French completed the podium in third. This year’s results reinforced the consistency of these accomplished riders at one of the sport’s premier events.
$2,500 Whipper In Award
Presented by Meredith Lipke
On the Fox Hunting field, the “Whipper In” is the one who makes order from chaos. They keep all the hounds in order and make sure the hunt flows smoothly. In the same way, the barn manager of an elite show barn organizes the detailed and ever-changing logistics that make for a successful horse show for their team. This award celebrates and honors the unending hard work of this operational mastermind.
2026 Winner, Christine Fullin
