Mary Antonini and The Governor Conclude Equifest III with Amateur-Owner 36 and Older 3’6’’ Hunter Championship

Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 11, 2019 –Hunter competition at the Lamplight Equestrian Centerconcluded Sunday, August 11, for the third and final week of the Equifest show series. The Main Hunter Ring saw both amateur and junior competitors take to the arena to contend for their respective division championships. In the Amateur-Owner 36 and Older3’6’’ Hunter division, it was Mary Antonini that rode The Governor to the championship ribbon, while Marianne Pappas aboard Bocelli earned the reserve championship.

Mary Antonini and The Governor

Throughout the two days of the division, Antonini and The Governor earned two first place ribbons and two second place ribbons over fences, as well as a second place under saddle. Antonini purchased the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding from Hunter Holloway just over a year ago, and the pair have been competing in the Amateur-Owner Hunter division for nine months. In the future, Antonini hopes to one day compete with The Governor in hunter derby events.

Mary Antonini and The Governor

Pappas and Bocelli led the division after sweeping both over fences classes Saturday, August 10. Pappas and the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding would ultimately return Sunday morning to receive the reserve champion tricolor after earning a second and third place over fences, and a third place under saddle during the day’s portion of the division.
In the Amateur-Owner 3’3’’ Hunter division, it was Claire Elizabeth Patterson riding Fortune Favors that claimed championship honors. The pair earned a first, two seconds, and a sixth place ribbon over fences and a third place under saddle to claim the championship. Reserve champion in the Amateur-Owner 3’3’’ Hunter division was awarded to Olivia Lawton riding Atlodetto FZ to two firsts, a third, fourth and sixth place ribbon.

Marianne Pappas and Bocelli

Teddi Pritzker concluded junior hunter competition Sunday afternoon after nearly sweeping the Large 3’6” Junior Hunters to earn the championship in the division. The pair held their lead from Saturday’s portion of the division with two first place ribbons, riding to an additional two first place ribbons and a third place ribbon in the handy round to clinch top honors. The reserve champion ribbon was awarded to Taylor Holstead riding Roc’s All That.

The Lamplight Equestrian Center will next see horses and riders on the show grounds for the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships and the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals. For more information about the Equifest show series or the Lamplight Equestrian Center, visit www.lamplightequestriancenter.com

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Mary Antonini and The Governor

Mary Antonini – Amateur-Owner 3’6’’ Hunter 36 and Older champion

On The Governor:
“I have had him for about a year and a half. I bought him from Hunter Holloway – he was her derby horse. He was originally for my husband, [Larry Antonini], but he didn’t workout for him, so I got lucky enough to have him. I have been showing him for about nine months in this division.”

On her rounds throughout the division:
“Today they were much better. Over the last two weeks they were good – [The Governor] and I both have on and off days, like everyone. Today, he was quieter and in a happy mood! I have a tendency to go too slow in handy rounds and get too close to all the jumps. My goal was to stop slowing down. I rode jumpers for 35 years so I learned how to pull on the reins and now it is a bad habit. Holly [Shepherd] is trying to teach me how to let go and just move forward. My goal was to just keep going. ”

On the Lamplight Equestrian Center:
“I love this horse show. It is just the most beautiful showgrounds. We are from New Orleans and it is really hot there right now, but here I walk out of my hotel in the morning and I have to wear a jacket, which is amazing. I wish I didn’t have to go home!”

On her plans moving forward:
“I would like to continue to do this [with The Governor.] I would like to move into the derbies with him, but I need to get some more miles under my belt. I would love to do that because I know that he can do it. My horse High Society is going to derby finals, so I am going there to watch.”

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