Upperville, Va. – June 9, 2019 – On the final day of the 2019 Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS), presented by St. Bride’s Farm, junior hunter competition concluded as riders vied for their division’s top prizes. Ella Bikoff and Garfield were ultimately crowned Grand Champion Junior Hunter, while Mimi Gochman claimed the title of Best Child Rider on a Junior Horse.
Ella Bikoff and Garfield. Photo by Teresa Ramsay Photography
Bikoff and Garfield showcased beautiful style in the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunters. They won the handy class and placed first and second in the other over fences classes to claim the championship award. The reserve championship went Kat Fuqua and Cupiodo Z. In addition to the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title, Bikoff and her 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding were also awarded the Marianna Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Payne, for winning the most points in their 3’6” division.
Ella Bikoff and Garfield earn Grand Champion Junior Hunter award
Garfield has carried many junior riders to championship honors, including Saturday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Salamander Resort & Spa, winner Samantha Schaefer. Bikoff took over the reins in 2018 and this year marked her first trip to the historic UCHS, where she enjoyed having the opportunity to show the veteran under the oaks in the Main Hunter Ring.
Mimi Gochman earns Best Child Rider on a Junior Hunter Horse award
The award for the Best Child Rider on a Junior Horse was presented to the 2018 Grand Champion Junior Hunter, Mimi Gochman, for her outstanding performances throughout the junior hunter divisions. Gochman was aboard two different mounts in her respective divisions. She earned the reserve championship title with Evermore in the Small Junior Hunters behind Temple Equestrian LLC’s Wisdom, ridden by Grace Debney, who claimed the division championship. Gochman also showed Remarkable in the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunters. She was excited to return to the historic competition before heading to Europe later this month.
Sunday marked the conclusion of the 2019 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, with hunter riders being recognized throughout the week for their efforts under the oaks. The entire team will be working hard as they prepare to continue to host both international and local athletes at the prestigious and historic event in 2020.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Ella Bikoff – 2019 Grand Champion Junior Hunter
On Garfield:
“He is older and he is very experienced. He knows what he is doing and that gives me a lot of confidence.”
On the courses in her division:
“I thought it was hard to navigate around the courses, but I was really proud of how he handled himself in the handy — when we were going around trees and from the ring to the grass.”
On showing at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show:
“I thought the ring was so cool and I really enjoyed riding around the trees. I have never ridden in a ring like this before.”
Mimi Gochman – Best Child Rider on a Junior Horse
On her horses:
“They were all really good. My Small Junior Hunter just had a week off from Devon and he’s a little tired. He’s always so good and tries his best. He’s a great mover, so that helped in the hack. He’s always game, he’s always happy, he’s so cute and I love him a lot. He’s got a great stride and a good jump and overall is a really nice hunter who always tries his best and helps me out a lot. My Large Junior Hunter is Remarkable and he’s unique because he has the white leg. He was really good and he loves this show. He jumped amazing this week. He’s still a little green, but he was very good this week.”
On the Best Child Rider on a Junior Horse award:
“It’s a huge honor. I wasn’t champion or grand, but it’s something the judges see. If you ride your best, are a good sport and treat your horses well, it’s something you can be awarded. It’s a huge honor because the judges thought I did something right. I love this award.”
On the Upperville Colt & Horse Show:
“I love this show. It’s beautiful. It’s a little different with the trees inside the ring, but I think the horses find it more interesting. It perks them up. I love it — the fresh air, the trees, nature everywhere, it’s not like a huge commercial show. I love this show.”