Big Smiles at the 2019 Pacific Crest Open & Outreach

Our concurrent pair of July shows, the Pacific Crest Open and Pacific Outreach, were big hits as competitors, trainers, family and friends enjoyed near-perfect weather in Cle Elum. The mix of riders and horses made for busy days, but there was plenty of entertainment and hospitality to keep everyone smiling and having a good time.

In the rings, competition was as exciting as ever. Katherine Wade-Easley won our $2,000 Cascade Mini-Prix aboard Retro Girl, owned by Cascade’s own Jessica Vania. The pair overcame Katherine’s mare Risky Business and the rest of the field in a tight finish. The tables were turned in the Need for Speed presented by Voltaire Design, with Katherine Wade-Easley and Risky Business taking the win ahead of her second entry, Retro Girl. It’s safe to say that all three of these fierce ladies put on a jumper clinic for their appreciative fans.

Katherine Wade-Easley and Retro Girl win the Cascade Mini Prix at the Pacific Crest Open. Image by Gary Voth.

In the Grand Hunter Ring, Shannon Hendrickson and Aloha, owned by Christy Larson, took the blue in our $1,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Brick Road Farms. The pair is no stranger to the Derby winner’s circle, having won our 2018 Cascade Circuit Cup championship for this event. However, they had to overcome a very strong challenge by Jacque Stuckens on FF Spotlight who rode beautifully together across the morning hunt field.

Our Classics winners included Kira Charoenkul on her stylish pony Milo in the Low Childrens/Adult Hunter Classic 2’6″, presented by Dianna Connelly Insurance Services. Emma Robins piloted Bambeco to the win in the Children’s/Adult Hunter Classic 3′, presented by Stübben Custom Saddles.

Our special classes brought loads of fun and smiles to the faces of both exhibitors and spectators alike. First up was our Oh, Dear, I Need a Beer Pro class. Our judges really got into the spirit of things as they asked the pros to complete a series of “wrong” maneuvers and demonstrate handiness over a series of crossrails. Jonathan Shank won the event on Juneau, demonstrating both poise in the saddle and impressive, um, technique with a glass. Kate Sharkey and Useless Bay were a close second, but we have a feeling that every one of our pros felt like a winner after this class!

Sara Davis and Hamlin won the Cascade Canine Jumper Classic presented by Evolution Equestrian, while Rylan Davis won the No Joke, Hold My Coke hippity-hop class for 18 and under. A mother and son dynamic duo! Incidentally, Rylan and Helios were also division Champions in the meter jumpers, so we know he is also skilled with real horses!

Our Pacific Outreach event was very popular this year and fun for all involved. Tracy Bryant picked up the win in our USHJA Outreach Hunter Derby aboard Happy Days, while Ava Holmes and Trouble With Tribute were champions in the Outreach Jumper .95m division.

We wish we could mention every winner of every class… but we hope that whatever your placing you had an awesome time. As always, thank you for choosing to show with us. See you at the Cascade Finals!