Goodwin and Reputation Grab Grand Green Hunter Honors at 2024 Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships

Las Vegas, Nev.—Nov. 14, 2024—The second day of the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships at The Las Vegas National brought top Green Hunters to the ring as they collected division tricolors. Held at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, the week continues with rated and affiliate competition through November 17.

USHJA 3' Green Hunter Championship

With Julia Rossow in the irons, What’s Up claimed the first championship of the week, along with the Green Hunter 3' Division Perpetual Trophy donated by Tapestry Farm and The Struve Family. The Calabasas, California, rider and the gelding owned by Eve Aron topped the Stake on their way to the USHJA 3' Green Hunter Championship.

“I just love showing here. The whole environment is really fun. It’s nice having everything together and being able to watch all of the rings,” said Rossow of the unique event. “Putting all of these divisions—even the [Affiliate] divisions—on this big stage and giving everyone the opportunity to have an indoors experience and not have to travel all the way back East…there’s something for everyone, and I like that it’s inclusive as well.”

Jamie Sailor, of Moorpark, California, and Heritage, owned by Lisa Bolle, took the reserve ribbon after taking first in the Welcome.

USHJA 3'3" Green Hunter Championship

The USHJA 3'3" Green Hunter Championship and Green Hunter 3'3" Division Puissance R' Trophy donated by Steve and Lisa Hankin went to Save the Date, owned by Meredith Pleasant and ridden by Joie Gatlin, of San Juan Capistrano, California. The pair topped the Welcome and the Handy on their way to the section win.

Lindsay Stefanko, of Venice, California, collected reserve as well as the blue in the $2,500 Green Hunter 3'/3'3" Classic and the $1,000 Green Hunter Incentive 3'/3'3" Stake Class with Chimansky 3, owned by Lily Stewart.

USHJA 3'6"/3'9" Green Hunter Championship

For the second year, Dustin Goodwin earned the Grand Green Hunter and USHJA 3'6"/3'9" Green Hunter Champion titles, this time with Reputation, owned by Kalli Heffner Gay. The Seattle, Washington-based rider guided the talented mare to a division sweep, the $2,500 Green Hunter 3'6"/3'9" Classic and $1,000 Green Hunter Incentive 3'6"/3'9" Stake Class wins, and claim the High Score Green Hunter honor with a score of 90 in the Handy. 

“It feels pretty crazy and surreal to come back and [win Grand Green Hunter] again,” said Goodwin of his back-to-back victories. “It's honestly not surprising. When I don't have good results with this horse, I know that it was my fault. She is just such beautiful quality and she's always right there, so it's more like, ‘I hope I don't let her down.’”

Reserve honors went to Michael Dennehy of Littleton, Colorado, riding Major Contention, owned by Sylvie Haas.

Live streaming coverage of all 2024 Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championship classes is available on USEF Network. Complete results are available on ShowgroundsLive.

The USHJA extends its thanks to the Desert International Horse Park team for hosting the Championships and to longtime Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling Insurance. Special thanks also go to Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, Parlanti, and Exhibitor’s; and Championship Sponsors Boy O Boy Bridleworks, Charles Owen, Essex Classics, Human Touch, Prize Possessions, RingSide Pro, SmartPak, and the US Equestrian Foundation.

Additionally, USHJA extends its gratitude to division supporters Balmoral Farm, Ledges Sporting Horses, The Struve Family, Showplace Productions, Tapestry Farm, Patrick and Nicole Boyle, Mr. and Mrs. Carleton Brooks, Steve and Lisa Hankin, and Cheryl and Michael Rubenstein.

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships.

Release: USHJA and Desert International Horse Park

Photos: Andrew Ryback Photography