Hope Walden and Zatopek B at Hagyard Midsouth. Photo by JJ Sillman.
Former Jon Holling ride Zatopek B is enjoying his time with young rider Hope Walden, and they’ve just completed their first Intermediate together with a win at River Glen this weekend.
Hope took over the ride on Zatopek B earlier this year and has had much success so far, most recently winning their Open Prelim division at Hagyard Midsouth. This weekend, the pair moved up from 10th to take home first thanks to one of three double clear show jumping rounds and a quick, clear cross country. They end their weekend in Tennessee on a final score of 42.1.
In second in the Open Intermediate are Jessica Shull and Calysta MWF, who were also movers on the board and jumped up from fifth. The show jumping looks to have been particularly tough, with many pairs accumulating multiple jump penalties.
Placing third, also in their first Intermediate together, are Chelsea Kolman and Dauntless Courage. You may remember Chelsea for her unique approach to calming a formerly anxious Dauntless Courage in this touching story. This pair has really put the pieces together this year and moved from eighth into third after a double clear cross country, one of just two in the division.
We also had another Intermediate division this weekend on the West Coast at Fresno County Horse Park. Alexis Helffrich and London Town took home the win in the Open Intermediate there on a final score of 37.3.
In second for the Fresno Intermediate are Kiersti Wylie and Justice for All, their first Intermediate together after having much success at the Preliminary level. Rounding out the top three is Alexis Helffrich with her second ride, Leonado SE, who finished on a 44.6.
It’s going to be sad to go without our score roundups as we move into the full swing of the off-season, but we’re anxiously awaiting updates from Florida and Aiken as many riders gear up for the January circuit.
Congratulations to all riders this weekend!
River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]
Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]
