HARRISBURG, Pa.--Hunter Champey of Bedminster, N.J., began the Junior Jumper National Championships (Prix des States) Thursday evening, Oct. 13 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show with a decisive victory riding Escada,
Thirty-seven competed in Phase I of the individual competition, which runs over three days.
Finishing nearly two full seconds faster than her closest competitor, Champey led heading into Phase II on Friday.
“Looking at the course, I knew it was going to be based all on time, getting from one end of the course to the other,” said Champey. “I just thought, ‘Get around, and let the horse jump herself and let her do her thing,’ because she is a very fast horse and great in turns.”
CHAMPEY has been riding Escada for almost two years and says that she’s naturally fast and scopey, and that the partnership they’ve built is key to their success together.
“I was happy with the whole round. It was one of my best rounds with her and I’m just really proud of her and myself for having that great of a round,” said Champey. “It’s my first Prix des States ever, so I’m really happy that I started off on the right foot and got the win and got the confidence boost for the rest of the time here.”
Zayna Rizvi of Wellington, Fla., on Exquise Du Pachis was second in the first individual phase, giving her a converted score of 1.07 penalties.
Stella Wasserman of Los Angeles, Calif., on Eldorado Wp Z finished Phase I in third with 1.40 penalties.