Lexington, KY – Susan Horn, Bolton, Ontario, made it two in a row as she piloted Egano Van Het Slogenhof to victory in the $7,500 Brook Ledge Transportation Jr/AO 1.40 Meter Jumper Final on the final day of the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Bourbon International CSI 3*.
Nine riders came back to contest over the shortened course in their quest for top prizes. Horn was the second to ride the jump-off course, after watching Kady Abrahamson and Charline 28 complete their round fault free in a very quick time of 39.029 seconds. Horn entered the ring and 38.644 seconds later emerged with a clear round and the lead, which she would hang onto despite many attempts to unseat her from her top position.
Susan Horn and Egano Van Het Slogenhof. SEL Photography.
“He was such a good horse for me in that jump-off,” said Horn. “Olivia and Kady both gave it a really good shot, but I had the same strategy as always going into the jump-off. Go as fast as we were comfortable and go clear. I had to just believe in my plan. It was a little nerve wracking waiting but it came out the way we wanted. He is a really fast horse, he was very comfortable out there and it worked out well.”
Canadian Olympic veteran Mac Cone trains Horn and was very pleased with the pair. “We got the two of them together in Florida this year and by the end of it we got them into the ring where they won a nice high amateur class. As you can see, it has been building. The horse can jump higher and Susan can ride higher so it’s been a great purchase. He has worked out really well.”
Abrahamson had to settle for second place, with third going to Puerto Rico’s Michelle Navarro Grau with Alhalil who were double clear in a time of 39.657 seconds.
Kady Abrahamson, 18, of Loveland, OH, returned to the winner’s podium in the $7,500 Low Jr/AO 1.20 Meter Jumper Final with another one of her exceptional horses, Basco H2. Last to qualify for the 10 horse jump-off out of a starting field of 25, Abrahamson turned on the speed and she and Basco H2 completed the shortened course in 37.605 seconds with no penalties for the win.
“The horses have been so good all week,” said a beaming Abrahamson. “I love it here at this show. I’ve been here every year and I’ll keep coming back if it keeps happening like this. My first round was a little iffy. The horse jumped really well but it was a little cold and my head just wasn’t in the game but the jump-off definitely made up for it. I just kept galloping and everything just came right out of step.
Kady Abrahamson and Basco H2. SEL Photography.
I’ve had Basco since he was five and he is ten now and still thinks like a baby. He’s been my partner in the Jr/AO classes but that is why he is doing the lower division. He is a really careful horse. We backed him off to let him get some experience at this level but the plan is to move up. He definitely is talented.”
The Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Bourbon International CSI 3* runs October 5-9 and featured world-class show jumping competition every day, and culminating with the $130,000 CSI 3* Grand Prix Presented by Split Rock Farm on Sunday, October 9 at 2:00 pm.
The Bourbon International CSI 3* also featured a Kids Area, a live music stage and two Vendor Villages for exceptional shopping. Sunday also featured a West 6th Beer Tasting.
For more information please contact Split Rock Jumping Tour by calling 859-252-3247 or e-mail us at [email protected] or visit our website at http://splitrockjumpingtour.com.
