Despite the unseasonably cold and very windy weather, Chestnut Hill horses and riders managed to stay calm and focused and netted impressive results!  Six championships, five reserve championships and three medal blues with four medal reds – a terrific tally.

Tylor Nowell had a great show, her highlights included bringing home both the championship and reserve in the Children’s Hunter 13 & Under division on her two new horses, an age group equitation championship, blues from three medals, and a reserve championship on her large pony, “Otteridge Black Hawk.”

Caroline Robbins and her pony, “Right on Time,” brought in their fair share of prizes as well, including championships in the Pony Equitation, and Small/Medium Pony Hunter divisions, a red, yellow and white from three medals.

Daphne and Lucie James each won a reserve championship – Daphne and “Canterbury Brightlight” in Small/Medium Pony Hunter and Lucie and Helicon Fiesta in Cross Rail Equitation.  Kat Taylor and “Maximus” were champions in their Adult Amateur division and also did well in the equitation ring with a second in the PCHA Horsemanship medal.

Congratulations to all competitors and their horses and ponies!

Alexandra Polidora (center) is just one of the many happy riders to hear that assistant trainer Katy Hull (left) will be returning to Chestnut Hill on June 1st after spending the last year in Singapore.  Trainer Beverly Jovais (right) is also delighted.  Katy will focus on riding and giving lessons, and will help manage the barn while the rest of the team is away at shows.  While in Singapore, Katy volunteered at the Riding for the Disabled Association, a therapeutic riding program for disabled kids and adults.

Olivia Jovais (above), the second of trainer Beverly and husband Chris Jovais’ three daughters, graduated from Emory University in Atlanta last weekend.  Olivia majored in Cultural Anthropology and minored in Spanish, and most impressive – she graduated Phi Beta Kappa!  Each year, only about one percent of college seniors, nationwide, are invited to join this prestigious academic honor society.

A huge congratulations to Olivia on this major accomplishment, and good luck on her future endeavors. Congratulations to proud parents Bev and Chris (below with Olivia) as well!

Headlines from the first Woodside show of the season include six championships, three reserve championships, and lots of great medal ribbons.  For a full accounting, click on “Results” in the navigation bar!  Congratulations to all participants – horses and riders alike.