Harbor Square RWC Tops Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare

Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 20, 2024—Harbor Square RWC (Segantini x Esta) emerged as the standout star at the 2024 Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare. With top competition showcased from upcoming Hunters at the East and Central championships, judges Jessie Lang and Danny Robertshaw awarded the gelding the Overall Grand Champion Best Young Horse title, highlighting his exceptional talent and conformation.

On August 24 at the Virginia Young Horse Festival in Lexington, Virginia, handler Christopher Webb, of Middleburg, Virginia, led the 2022 KWPN gelding owned by RWC Limited, to victory in the 2-Year-Old Colts/Geldings division and then to the East Best Young Horse honor. Later, the pair was awarded the Dave Kelley Perpetual Trophy, donated by Nokomis Farm for the overall championship win. 

Jane and Robert Clark, owners of RWC Limited, were ecstatic to have their own Harbor Square RWC, affectionately known as Oscar, take the trophy and overall title after their 2023 success with Charlotte RWC. 

"It feels fantastic to win and we are very blessed," said the Clarks. "Coming in on the back end of our horses’ success last year, this was truly an exciting accomplishment. It is surreal. You want it to happen, but there are so many nice horses competing. This unique opportunity brings the best horses in North America together to compete for a National Breeding Championship without traveling thousands of miles. The same two judges judge both horse shows and pick the National Champion, it's truly great."

Jane and Robert had originally imported Harbor Square RWC two years ago alongside a filly and a pony colt at auction with hopes of showing all three. Unfortunately, the colt had an accident while being imported and the filly returned back to the Netherlands. While the Clarks had some lows, Oscar really made their efforts worthwhile this year. 

"There are great highs and great lows in the horse world," they reflected. "Thanks to Harbor Square RWC for giving us such an incredible year. To win Best Young Horse at Devon, Upperville, and the Hunter Breeding National Championship has exceeded our wildest dreams. Emily Anne Belin-McDonnell has provided the best care and training for him. She asked Christopher Webb to handle him because she said they both have a swanky job. Christoper has made him shine in the ring. We are so grateful to the entire Magic Hills LLC team for making our Hunter Breeding dreams come true."

Webb has been a long-time competitor and handler for championships such as this one. While he is a veteran at handling and riding young horses in these divisions, he had yet to win this Championship, making one of his competition win goals come true this year.  

"Winning the Championship is like living a dream," exclaimed Webb. "I’ve been coming to the Sallie B. Wheeler Championship for over nine years and this is my first big win! I’m over the moon and I’m so grateful to Emily Anne Belin-McDonnell and the Clark family for the opportunity to help secure the win!"

"Harbor Square RWC is a looker," continued Webb. "He’s a big horse with tons of personality, I think he knows when it’s his time to shine in the ring and loves to show off his dancing shoes. Having all the qualities and abilities is what makes a great show horse not to mention good looking too!"

The breeder of Harbor Square RWC, B.H. Harms, of the Netherlands, was awarded the J. Arthur Reynolds Memorial Trophy, donated by the Reynolds Family. 

Under the tutelage of Belin-McDonnell and Magic Hill Farms, Harbor Square RWC marked the trainer's fourth Overall Best Young Horse at the championship.

"The feeling of pride and joy for a goal successfully accomplished in our sport never gets old and it’s an honor to win again,"  the Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, trainer remarked. "Oscar is a very promising young horse that exudes a very noticeable star power every time he walks into the show ring. He has developed a cool confidence that has blossomed since arriving to our program in April. This star quality coupled with his natural athleticism will continue to make him shine as he progresses in sport. It’s such an exciting process with horses like him." 

Overall Reserve Grand Champion went to the Central Best Young Horse, Sidecar OOM (Bliss MF x Sip of Moonshine) a 2022 Westfalen filly owned and bred by Leading Central Owner Olde Oaks Farm, and handled by Philippe Creuzot. The mare took the blue in the 2-Year-Old Fillies, Westfalen Verband and USSHBA breed award, and the $1,000 Best Texas Bred award on September 12 at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas.  

The USHJA congratulates the following winners at the 2024 events:

East Coast

Best Young Horse

• Champion – Harbor Square RWC (Segantini x Esta) a 2022 KWPN gelding owned by RWC Limited and Robert & Jane Clark, handled by Christopher Webb, and bred by B. H. Harms 
• Reserve – Rockwell FV (Ribaldi x Replica) a 2023 Oldenburg-GOV gelding owned by Sue Tice-Grossmann, handled by Drew Taylor, and bred by Forest View Sporthorses

Class Champions

• Yearling Colts/Geldings –  Rockwell FV 
• Yearling Fillies – What About Hannah (What About Jack) a 2023 ISR-Oldenburg NA filly, owned and bred by Tara Breuer, and handled by Charlie Brown 
• 2-Year-Old Colts/Geldings – Harbor Square RWC
• 2-Year-Old Fillies – Chardoneigh RWC (Cabardino x Lovin Honor) a 2022 KWPN filly owned by RWC Limited and Robert & Jane Clark, handled by Emily Ann Belin McDonnell, and bred by April Speyer 
• 3-Year-Old Colts/Geldings – Huntsville SL (Hampton x Hot Jazz and Soul) a 2021 Hanoverian colt owned and bred by Melissa Jo Hollingsworth, and handled by Drew Taylor  
• 3-Year-Old Fillies – Check Yourself NHF (Checkmate x Vallyria NHF) a 2021 Hanoverian filly owned and bred by North Hill Farm, and handled by Emily Anne Belin McDonnell 
• 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Braecrest Sir Jamestown (Sir Gregory x Revel Sel de Mer) a 2021 Canadian Sport Horse gelding owned by Melissa Rega, ridden by Alexia Hutchens, and bred by Clare Hunter 
• 3-Year-Old Hunter Hack – Au Chocolat (Amazing x Sugar Coated) a 2021 ISR-Oldenburg NA gelding owned, bred, and ridden by Mary Ellis 
• 4-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Good Thing I’m Best (Good Better Best x Unbridled Contessa) a 2020 Appendix Quarter Horse gelding owned by Caroline Leeth, ridden by Heather Weaver, and bred by Ondra Quarter Horses 
• 4-Year-Old Hunter Hack – Good Thing I’m Best 
• 4-Year-Old Conformation Over Fences – Good Thing I’m Best  
• Amateur Handler – Charlotte Simmons handling Princess Pinot ES (Con Capilot x G-Red Sangria CH) a 2021 Belgian Sport Horse filly owned and bred by Charlotte Simmons 
• Junior Handler – Aubrey McDonnell handling Check Yourself NHF  

Special Awards

• Leading East Owner – Robert & Jane Clark of RWC Limited  
• Leading East Handler and the Belcort Farm Perpetual Trophy, donated by Walter J. Lee – Drew Taylor 
• Leading East Breeder and the Richard M. Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Harriet Schiele and Drew Taylor in memory of Richard M. Taylor – Mary Ellis 
• Leading East Thoroughbred and the Foxwick Farm Perpetual Trophy, donated by Marcia Heylin – MyCampari (Runnintothealtar x My Catori) a 2022 filly owned and bred by Cheryll Francella, and handled by Dowell “Junior” Johnson
• East Coast High Score Filly and the Masquerade’s Cover Perpetual Trophy, donated by Kimberly Maloomian –  Chardoneigh RWC  
• 3-Year-Old High Point Award – Braecrest Sir Jamestown

Breed Awards

• American Hanoverian Society – Check Yourself NHF  

• Irish Draught Society of North America –  Bardigans Best and Final (Gemstone Clover x Iris Vartani) a 2022 gelding owned and bred by Caitlyn Mulligan Barden, and handled by Jamie Sullivan 

• ISR-Oldenburg NA – What About Hannah 

• KWPN – Chardoneigh RWC

• Oldenburg OHBS – Rockwell FV 

• USSHBA – champion: What About Hannah; reserve: WMF Golden Star (What About Jack x American Star) a 2023 filly owned and bred by Michelle Motyl, and handled by Dowell “Junior” Johnson 

• Westfalen Verband – Carranza (Carrico x Paramour) a 2022 filly owned and bred by Elizabeth Capor, and handled by William Howland  

• Zangersheide – Hetty Z (Harley VDL x Amy Donaldson) a 2020 filly owned and ridden by Michelle Motyl, and bred by Stan Creamers 

• $1,000 Best Virginia Bred – champion: What About Hannah; champion: Rockwell FV 

Central

Best Young Horse

• Champion – Sidecar OOM (Bliss MF x Sip of Moonshine) a 2022 Westfalen filly owned and bred by Olde Oaks Farm, and handled by Philippe Creuzot 
• Reserve – Really Fiona (Fabriano VDL x Coriana) a 2021 KWPN-NA filly owned and bred by Barbara Bailey, and handled by Abby Jeter 

Class Champions

• Yearling Colts/Geldings – Cabo OBR (Cabulous WH x Due Time) a 2023 ISR-Oldenburg NA gelding owned by Elizabeth Henry, handled by Claire Bensh, and bred by Karolina Vieser  
• Yearling Fillies – Corsage MJ (Corragio x Carrera PJ) a 2023 Hanoverian filly owned and bred by Melanie Jeanes, and handled by Abby Jeter  
• 2-Year-Old Colts/Geldings – Breaker One Nine (Bliss MF x Run Lucy Run) a 2022 ISR-Oldenburg NA gelding owned and bred by Ashley Martinfale, and handled by Robin Rhodes 
• 2-Year-Old Fillies – Sidecar OOM
• 3-Year-Old Colts/Geldings – Fourteen WH (Fabriano VDL x Azul WH) a 2021 Oldenburg-GOV gelding owned and bred by Whitehedge Farm, and handled by Macy White  
• 3-Year-Old Fillies – Really Fiona
• 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Fourteen WH  
• 3-Year-Old Hunter Hack – Fourteen WH  
• 4-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Caymus Calling (Cabalito x Verona CWF) a 2020 Oldenburg-GOV gelding owned and bred by MLC Equestrian – Melissa Cooksey, and ridden by Macy White 
• 4-Year-Old Hunter Hack – Creme de Lune AE (Creme de la Creme x Arabella) a 2020 ISR-Oldenburg NA filly owned and bred by Arroyo Escondida LLC, and ridden by Philippe Creuzot  
• 4-Year-Old Conformation Over Fences – Caymus Calling 
• Junior/Amateur Handler – Cordelia (Westporte x Coriana) a 2019 ISR-Oldenburg NA mare, owned, bred, and handled by Barbara Bailey  

Special Awards

• Leading Central Owner – Olde Oaks Farm 
• Leading Central Handler and the Ted Fieger Memorial Trophy, donated by Ted Fieger's friends and family – Abby Jeter 
• Leading Central Breeder and the Richard M. Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Harriet Schiele and Drew Taylor in memory of Richard M. Taylor – Arroyo Escondido, LLC 
• 3-Year-Old High Point Award – Fourteen WH  

Breed Awards

• American Hanoverian Society – Corsage MJ  

• Irish Draught Society of North America – Crogafox Irish Whiskey Ginger (Cappa Iriah Charmer x Lola Bird) a 2021 filly owned, bred, and handled by Laura Ruskoski 

• ISR-Oldenburg NA – Cabo OBR

• KWPN – Really Fiona  

• Oldenburg OHBS – Fourteen WH 

• USSHBA – champion: Sidecar OOM; reserve: Fourteen WH and SF Stiletto (Spot Cash PJ x SF Perfect Finesse) a 2023 filly owned and handled by Kourtney Bayem, and bred by Ann Daum 

• Westfalen Verband – Sidecar OOM 

• $1,000 Best Texas Bred – Sidecar OOM 

"I’ve always loved coming to the Championship because it’s had such a prestigious atmosphere and the best history," reflected Webb. "The name alone has had so many winners when you look back into the Wheeler family. Coming to the Championship has always been so fun and it’s one of my favorite horse shows because I get to see so many beautiful babies and all my Hunter Breeding friends."

Coordinated by the USHJA since 2019, the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships aim to increase awareness of the Hunter Breeding sport and provide an arena for handlers, owners and breeders to showcase their talented young horses.

"The show organizers go all out to support the exhibitors, giving out gift bags, providing learning opportunities, and extensive social media campaigns," said the Clarks. "It’s a great championship in honor of a great horsewoman."

The Championships are open to yearlings, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds of any breed that have a current USEF Horse Recording and are registered with the USHJA. In addition to in-hand classes, other offerings include an Amateur/Junior Handler class, 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle, 3-Year-Old and 4-Year-Old Hunter Hack Classes, and 4-Year-Old Conformation Over Fences classes. Horses are judged on athleticism, conformation, way of moving, quality, substance and suitability to become hunters. The same panel of judges officiate at two Championships, then an Overall Champion is named following the final event.

"I love that this championship creates a spectacular platform to showcase some of the best young Hunters being produced in the U.S.," said Belin-McDonnell from a trainers perspective. "Keedie Leonard and her team at the Virginia Horse Center could not be more welcoming and accommodating to put on an inviting experience for all the young horses, we are so appreciative of their efforts." 

The USHJA extends a special thanks to the Virginia Horse Center Foundation and Texas Rose Horse Park for hosting the Championships and to Presenting Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare. The USHJA also thanks Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, and Parlanti; supporting sponsors Essex Classics, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and SmartPak; and award sponsors Olde Oaks Farm, and Quillins Leather & Tack.

“I’d like to thank our family of wonderful clients such as Bob and Jane Clark and my entire Magic Hill team for their efforts and dedication to the care and well being of all our horses, especially the youngest residents," continued Berlin-McDonnell. "The care team lead by our incredible manager Cheyanne Walton makes me thankful every day. Additionally, our MHF show team consisting of Susan Weigand and Christopher Webb as handlers, and  Kerianne and Hailey Manipole as braiders always guarantee a continued positive experience for our youngsters from home and into the show ring. A trainer is only as successful as the commitment by their team strategically put in place is able to execute. I thank my lucky stars every day that mine happens to be the best." 

For more information about the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare, visit ushja.org/SallieB.

Photos: Jerry Mohme Photography, SDH Photography