The USEF Junior Hunter National Championships kicked off with an exhilarating start as junior riders from across the West Coast showcased their exceptional skills in the $4,000 Junior Hunter 3’6″ Classic Over Fences phase as well as many others. With high stakes and fierce competition, the first day of the championship set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable two days.
Simply Spectacular and Kate Parker (Laguna Beach, CA) stole the show in the day’s 3’6” Classic round in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Division. The pair delivered remarkable performances, earning scores of 88, 85, and 89 delivering the day topping score total of 262, and then continued their winning ways earning the blue ribbon in the under saddle.
“We got him about a year and a half ago, and he was fairly green when we first got him,” explained Parker of her 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (by Chatender). “So it’s been a pleasure to work with him and see his growth. My mindset going into day two is really that I’m so proud of him from today, and if I can just stay consistent, that would be perfect. I just want to be positive and give him the experience that he needs again.”
Winners were crowned all day throughout the 3’3” and 3’6” sections over course designer Meghan Rawlins’ Classic round track to an enthusiastic crowd at HITS Del Mar. Yesterday’s Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic winner Violet Tatum (Pacific Palisades, CA) picked up pertinent points in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under Division aboard Twain, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding (by Finest) owned by Becky Equestrian LLC with a total score of 263 points for the first day. No stranger to the winner’s circle at Junior Hunter Finals events, Paige Walkenbach (Paradise Valley, AZ) secured herself comfortably into the leading position on day one with a total score of 260 points in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 Division on Walkenbach Equestrian LLC’s 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Ever So Often (by Arko III). The Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division heralded Molly Copeland (Clyde Hill, WA) as the day’s victor after she and her own 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Top Tier (by Top Ten Du Gery), put on a top performance and earned a total score of 253 points.
Following the over fences portion, the under saddle classes rounded out the day to have very close competition across the board going into tomorrow’s Handy rounds.
“Hosting the USHJA Junior Hunter National Championships at HITS Del Mar Horsepark is a tremendous honor and a significant milestone for our equestrian community,” stated Dale Harvey, General Manager of Del Mar Horsepark. “These championships play a crucial role in shaping the future of our sport, as many of our top international riders begin their journeys in these very finals. California has a long-standing tradition of producing exceptional talent, and these events provide the perfect platform for young riders to build a strong foundation and excel in their equestrian careers.”
2024 judge Michael Tokaruk added “We saw some really lovely horses and good rounds today, and the cream rose to the top. The setting featured a beautiful course at a beautiful venue, with perfect weather. I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow.”
As expected, the first day of the USEF Junior Hunter National Championships did not disappoint and set an impressive tone for the final day of competition which will conclude with the crowning of the 2024 champions. For more information and results head to HITSShows.com and watch live from Del Mar, California on ClipMyHorse.
