Partridge Pilots Wonderland to Win 2020 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Northwest Championship
Wilsonville, Ore.—Sept. 2, 2020—The USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Northwest Championship saw Quinn Partridge pilot Emily Steckler's Wonderland to the top spot at the Northwest Spectacular in Wilsonville, Oregon, on August 27. Corene Smith and Copacabana, owned by Hannah Scheuer, claimed the reserve champion title, and Heather Macdonald led Stephanie James' Cascade to third.
The combined class featured two phases for riders to showcase their green hunter mounts and vie for the regional title. Through both rounds, it was Wonderland, owned by Steckler and ridden by Partridge, who wowed the judges to take home the tricolor on a total score of 171.
"I thought both rounds were consistent and the mare, Wonderland, jumped quite well, receiving scores of 85 and 86, respectively. The first course had 11 obstacles and I felt that the mare gave it her all throughout the entire course. She then came back and continued to be brilliant in the second round," said Partridge.
Partridge, of Thumbs Up Farm in Redmond, Washington, is no stranger to USHJA events, having placed third in last year's WCHR Developing Professional Challenge.
"I am very thankful for being able to compete at the Regional Championships and having the opportunity to show such a talented horse. I think having the Regional Championships is an essential piece to the longevity of this Program and the continuation of developing Green Hunters in our industry," she said. "I think the Program is great. It gives something back to both riders and owners for their development of young, green horses. With the addition of the Regional Championships it provides more opportunities for our riders to promote the Hunter sport."
The USHJA extends a special thank you to the Northwest Spectacular team and Team NW Equestrian Sports for hosting the Championship.
This was the second of five Regional Championships available to USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program participants. Remaining Championships include the East Championship at Saratoga Fall, September 10-13, in Stillwater, New York; the Southwest Championship at the International Jumping Festival, September 16-20, in San Juan Capistrano, California; and the Central Championship at the Harvest Horse Show, October 28–November 1, in Katy, Texas.
USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program participants can choose from one of five regional championships held across the country. Exhibitors may choose whichever regional championship they want but horses may only compete in one regional championship per year. Each regional championship is two rounds, and the combined total score for both rounds will determine the winner. Prize money is awarded through twelfth place, and each championship will offer a minimum of $10,000 in prize money spread across all the sections offered. Horses must be enrolled in the program to be eligible to participate.
Learn more about the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program at ushja.org/GreenIncentive.
Photos by Julie Ward Photography
USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Northwest Championship Results
Placing - Horse - Rider - Owner
1 - Wonderland - Quinn Partridge - Emily Steckler
2 - Copacabana - Corene Smith - Hannah Scheuer
3 - Cascade - Heather Macdonald - Stephanie James
4 - Calais Chrome - Payton Smith - Sarah Kaldestad
5 - Winterfell - Catherine Cruger - Sonya Maxwell
