Back by popular demand, the Costume Jumper Class returned to the 142nd National Horse Show on Halloween night—and our riders did not disappoint! Horse-and-rider combinations competing in Friday’s $30,000 1.40m Open Speed Stake showcased their creativity with imaginative costumes, vying not only for the class victory but also for the $5,000 Best Costume Award.
Thirty-two horse-and-rider pairs, decked out in full costume, took to Alan Wade’s (IRE) 14-obstacle speed track.
Jole Kosloske, in full vampire attire, and Crystal Claire topped the class with a blazing time of 53.87. Coming in second was JJ Torano aboard Vitus K with a score of 56.12, followed closely in third by Sloane Coles riding Ninja JW Van de Moerhoeve with a score of 56.62.
Summer Justus, who took home the top Best Costume Award, sourced her entire Chappell Roan-inspired look from Amazon. “It took a lot of research and a trial run to make sure everyone was going to safely make it to the last jump,” she shared.
For some, like first-place finisher Jole Kosloske—who found out about the costume contest the night before—a quick trip to Spirit Halloween in Lexington was all it took to pull together her vampire apparel. Regardless of when and how the costumes were acquired, the real treat was the riders’ creativity, bringing the Halloween spirit to life in Alltech Arena.
While the costumes brought plenty of fun and flair to the evening, the competition itself demanded precision and skill on course. Both riders appreciated Alan Wade’s design and the way it challenged competitors without overfacing them and helped to prepare them for Saturday night’s Grands Prix.
“He has a really good way of setting horses up the way he sets his tracks. They’re super inviting. They’ve got good flow, good rhythm,” said Justus. Kosloske agreed, adding, “I think it really put everyone in a good spot. It wasn’t too hard of a course, but it wasn’t easy either.”
$5,000 Best Costume Award
First Place
Summer Justus and La Belle SCF as
Chappell Roan and Pink Pony Club
Second Place
Adriana Forte and Arctic Blue as
Mike Wazowski and Sulley
Third Place
Taylor Madden and Manhattan VDL as
Lando Norris, Formula 1 Driver
Show jumping competition comes to a close on Saturday night with a double feature—the $20,000 CMJ Sporthorse 1.35m Open Jumper Grand Prix and the $100,000 CMJ Sporthorse 1.45m Open Jumper Grand Prix, hosted during Barn Night at the National Horse Show. Click HERE for more information on Barn Night.
