It was a fabulous 171st edition of this historic horse show. MARS EQUESTRIAN™, was the presenting sponsor along with other sponsors: The Ethel M® Chocolate Brand and Lugano Diamonds and Buckeye Nutrition, Nutro Pet Food, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Delta Air Lines, Markel and Piedmont Equine Practice.
Scott Keller on his mare Stellar won the Upperville Hunter Hack. Scott has ridden “Stella” in several large international derbies. “Of all the hunters that I’ve ridden, Stella is one of the very best. She has never said no, nor ever put a single foot wrong. I’ve owned and ridden her since she was imported seven years ago.” Scott, who lives in Upperville, first rode in the Upperville show in 1974 as a junior and current show president Joe Fargis was the judge. “Fifty years later, winning on Stella brought back some incredible memories of my favorite horse show on my home turf. If you had asked me in 1974 whether I would still be winning in 2024, I don’t think I could have imagined so much good fortune,” he told ZEST.Photo by Katy Carter-Upperville Horse Show.
Equestrian legend Nancy Dillon was presented the annual “Spirit of the Horse Award” from Virginia’s first lady, Suzanne S. Youngkin, on the final day of the horse show. The award, in its third year, was established in partnership with the first lady to recognize a woman and resident of Virginia who demonstrates exceptional service or dedication to, or promotion of, the equine industry. The award includes an engraved bowl, a gift certificate to a Virginia Governor’s Cup award-winning winery, a reception for family and friends and a $1,000 donation to an equine charity of choice.Photo by Tiffany Dillon Keen
“I was super confident in my horse,” said Gochman, who made a plan for tackling the course after walking it with her trainer, Amanda Mecca. “I gave him the best chance at every jump.” She explained that her strategy for the jump off was to give her horse the time he needed in specific turns while cutting time out where she knew he would be stronger. She also said she’s been practicing her rollback turns, which proved advantageous in the jump off.Photo by In The Frame Photography.
Mimi Gochman won the final $226,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic on her horse, Cosmos BH. Cosmos BH is an 11-year-old grey stallion owned by Mimi Snow Sport Horse LLC in Miami, Florida. Gochman, 19, lives in Palm Beach and has owned Cosmos for two years.
