SWS HIGH LIGHT & PENELOPE SUGG
Overall Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Champion
Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Champion
Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 15 & U Champion
Owner: First Blue LLC
Mill Spring, NC – October 31, 2026 – Penelope Sugg made a remarkable debut at the 143rd National Horse Show, capturing five championship titles aboard two horses as Junior Hunter 3’3″ competition concluded Saturday at Tryon International.
Sugg and First Blue LLC’s SWS High Light claimed the Overall Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Championship, Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Championship, and Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 15 & Under Division Championship. She completed her impressive sweep aboard Sweet Oak Farm’s Ustica, earning the Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Championship and Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ 15 & Under Division Championship.
Competing at the National Horse Show for the first time, the 13-year-old rider from Arkansas admitted that she hadn’t anticipated such an extraordinary finish.
“I didn’t think I was going to win this many,” Sugg shared. “It was really awesome. I was a little nervous, but it was nice knowing that I could piggyback off of yesterday. It helped my confidence.”
USTICA & PENELOPE SUGG
Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ Grand Champion
Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ 15 & U Champion
Owner: Sweet Oak Farm
Sugg spoke fondly of both mounts, crediting their personalities and her confidence in each partnership for their success.
SWS High Light, affectionately known as “Eddie” in the barn, has become a favorite since the pair began competing together earlier this year.
“He’s just awesome. He’s perfect for me,” Sugg said. “We kind of just mesh really well. It’s fun to come in on a horse that you really trust.”
Of Ustica, Sugg praised the mare’s experience and kind nature.
“She’s the best. She’s been there, done that, so she’s quite a legend, actually,” Sugg explained. “It’s just really cool getting to ride her.”
With five championship titles and an impressive collection of ribbons, Sugg’s first National Horse Show proved to be one to remember.
ROMANO & CATIE KARPOWICH
Small Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17 Champion
Owner: Catie Karpowich
POINT OF VIEW & ADDISON LITMAN
Large Junior Hunter 3’3″ 16-17 Champion
Owner: Ashland Farms
