Glass Castle and Motion Picture Wow the Judges in 3'6' Pro Finals at Legacy Cup

Article and Photos by Diana DeRosa

Rio Renoir Wins Go Round

Rio Renoir, who is owned by Brad Wolf, is one of those horses that no matter who rides him he always rises to the occasion.  His name has been synonymous with championship honors since he entered his first hunter arena.  So it was no surprise when he dominated the Go Round with Emily Williams riding. 

“He is like riding a cloud.  He has the most comfortable rocking horse like canter and an incredible jump,” explained Williams.  “He is complete quality and a real pleasure to ride.

“I know the horse is more than capable to win because he won it last year,” continued Williams.  Yet, what she didn’t know is if they would make a great match. “I didn’t know him that well and so that was my only concern but I was hoping.”

In the end the rider who set a record by taking Strapless to three consecutive wins in the annual AHJF Hunter Classic in Wellington, FL, again rose to the top of the class.  Two champions were crowned.

When the topic turned to her thoughts about the Legacy Cup, Williams was quick to offer her support.  Her words were echoed by so many others throughout the week.  “It’s fun, something different – you get fired up and they make a big deal out of it.  It’s hard to get that way these days in the hunter classes when everyone is showing the same stuff week after week.  We need more stuff like this.  The hunters get so overshadowed.  They are not the way they used to be and we need more things to make it feel special.”

One of the unique things Emily pointed out was that the Legacy Cup format is based on Pros and Non Pros with none of the restrictions of the normal hunter classes.  You choose your height and whether you are competing as a pro or non pro.  You pay your money and you can compete.  It’s just that simple.  “We never are allowed to do this but here we are professionals riding amateur horses.  We are getting more opportunities to ride and this gives us more classes.  That makes it more fun.”

Skyler Dominates in Restricted Pro 3’6” Go Round

Loretta Mayer, Chestnut Ridge, NY, was floating after her win with Skylar in the Go Round on May 9th.  Then later that day she was even more amazed when she continued that streak by winning the Restricted Pro 3’ Finals. 

“Skylar is really unflappable and I can trust him,” explained Mayer about the 10-year-old, 16.3H, grey, Warmblood gelding.  Although they haven’t spent much time together she likes his style.  “He is very soft, straightforward and easy to ride.”

Mayer was not on the grounds when her name was announced as the winner of the Pro 3’6” Restricted Go Round but the thrill was still the same.  “When the owners called me and told me I had won I was in utter shock.  I wasn’t expecting it but it was a pleasant surprise.”

There was certainly no hiding how thrilled Mayer was.  She clearly was overcome with the emotion of her victories, beaming from ear to ear.   “It’s hard to express all the emotions I am feeling,” she added.  “Competing in the Legacy Cup is a dream come true.  I feel really enthusiastic about coming back and doing this next year.  I feel so privileged to compete here and want to thank my trainers Joe Sorce and Leslie Ward and the owner Kristin Montemarano for all their support.”