Amateur-owner riders took to the StoneLea ring at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, US, (11-16 May) to vie for the title of grand amateur-owner hunter champion. The overall crown was awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the amateur-owner 3’6”, amateur-owner 3’3” 18-35, and the amateur-owner 3’3” 36+ hunter divisions.
Coming out on top was Becky Gochman riding Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s 17-year-old Westphalian gelding Mythical.
Mythical first impressed the judges to win both the over-fences classes with scores of 85 and 83. These two scores, in addition to a second-place finish on the flat, helped set the pace for the remainder of the amateur-owner hunter division the following day, placing the pair in contention for the grand champion honours.
In the final reckoning, Becky and Mythical started the amateur-owner 3’3’’ hunter division with a high score of 86 to secure a first place over fences, before earning a score of 84 to claim a second-place finish in the handy round, securing them the overall grand amateur-owner hunter champion sash.
Continues below…
‘He rose to the occasion every time’: farewell to top showjumping stallion
“He gave us so many thrilling moments. Witnessing the magical connection between him and Beezie was the gift of a
Delight as US rule change means all systems go for showjumping mules
“This is going to open up to a whole new section of the community the sport we all care about
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
“He’s not only my longtime partner of 16 years, he’s like a big, lovable puppy dog; when he lies down you can give him a big kiss,” said Becky, of Mythical. “He’s carried both of my girls — Sophie and Mimi Gochman — as well as extended members of the family when they want to ride. He’s the love of our barn.
“I was a little nervous coming into the show because I haven’t shown for quite a long time. I only did a couple of shows at WEF. Truthfully, I felt like I was getting a little burned out with showing as I’ve done it for so long but I feel like I had a new spirit while riding here at Kentucky.
“Mythical and I had a blast; he really knows what he’s doing. It was a real thrill to be here.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
