Thrills and Chills at the 2019 Alpine Preview
Our second 2019 June show, the Alpine Preview, lived up to its predecessors for fun and exciting hunter jumper competition. Even the weather was thrilling, giving us a blustery start to the week, but our horses and riders rode through it with flying colors, as always.
Patrick Billes guided his willing partner Rabenschwarz to victory in the $9,999 Horseware Grand Prix presented by Absolute Horse, with Rachel Geringer aboard Alimera taking second. In the USHJA National Hunter Derby, Shelly Kerron repeated her win from the prior week, this time on MTM Check Me Out, against a strong field including 2nd place finisher John French and Casino T. Artistry, piloted by the steady and composed John French, took first in the USHJA Green Hunter Challenge.
15-year-old Andee Hawk and Summer Breeze were impressive in winning the Voltaire Need For Speed, overcoming challenges from a fast field that included Tami Masters and barn mate Kayla Long. Meanwhile, Nicole Stern and Jesting showed fine hunter hack form in capturing the Rosé All Day Amateur Classic, facing down a dedicated challenge from Kelsey King and Caspian C. Our inaugural $1,000 Junior/Amateur Hunt & Handy, presented by Infinity Hunters and Jumpers, was won by Phoebe Webb aboard Happy Together, while 17-year-old Madeleine Nielsen won our Horsemanship Challenge, presented by Northwest School of Animal Massage.
As in prior seasons, the Woodbrook Hunt Club was on hand to present the Woodbrook Hunter Pace, and a full field enjoyed the beautiful cross country trails of the Washington State Horse Park.
There was even more excitement on Saturday before the Grand Prix, as 15-year-old Phoebe Webb hippity-hopped her way to victory in our inaugural children-and-juniors-only No Joke, Hold My Coke Classic presented by Long Farms. Following the Grand Prix, Absolute Hunters & Jumpers presented the fan-favorite Absolute Blast Karaoke Classic, while everyone enjoyed our free hospitality events throughout the show week.
2019 Apline Preview Photo Gallery
Images by Gary Voth.
