Photo Credit: Reilly Cookingham and Red Drum took top ribbons in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter division during the first week of HITS-on-the-Hudson. Photo By: ESI Photography.
Bedford, NY – June 1, 2012 – The first week of HITS-on-the-Hudson saw fierce competition as some of the nation’s best gathered to compete for the top honors. Cynthia Williams and New England Farm had great success during their stay, rising to the top of the leader board and taking home the championship tricolors in several divisions.
The Low Hunter division reserve championship was awarded to May-Ann Weinberg’s Paradigm with Cynthia Williams in the irons. The pair garnered two second place ribbons and a third place ribbon in the over fences. Williams also piloted Que Sera, owned by Sophie Cohen, to several good ribbons including two third place ribbons in the over fences and another third in the under saddle.
Paradigm continued to make his mark at HITS as the week continued; however, this time, he put his best foot forward with Janine Weinberg in the saddle. The junior rider showcased her mount in the Modified Children’s Hunters and guided Paradigm to two fifth place ribbons.
Success continued for New England Farm as Williams entered the ring aboard Grid Iron, owned by Natalie Gizzi LLC, to compete in the Second Year/High Performance Hunters. The duo dominated the division with the blue ribbon over fences, as well as three second place awards. Grid Iron was also presented with the third place ribbon in the under saddle, eventually earning the Second Year/High Performance Hunter Championship. The pair also took the fourth and third place ribbons in the Hi-Low Hunters.
Sophie Cohen’s Hero, ridden by Morgan Graber, earned several excellent ribbons in the Performance 3’3″ Working Hunters. The pair took the first place ribbon in the under saddle, as well as posting great rounds over fences. Competing against the pair was Cynthia Williams aboard All Time. They earned the fourth place ribbon for their effort over fences, and Reilly Cookingham saw success in the Adult 18-35 Hunters aboard her mount Red Drum. They were presented with the first and third place ribbons over fences.
“Red Drum has a very smooth ride, it is one rhythm all the time,” Cookingham described. “He is able to come out of the corner and find the distance with ease. He listens so well, and waits for your command, it doesn’t hurt that he jumps super cute and has the perfect jump.”
Cookingham continued, “I think not knowing him actually helped us, we challenged each other, and we definitely clicked. I am hoping that I can keep showing him, but since he is up for sale, I do hope that if I can’t keep showing him that he will find a good home.”
“I am so happy with how the week went, and it was so much fun getting to learn him better. Morgan and I have so much fun riding him, and he is the sweetest thing. We call him the ‘Big Dog’ around the barn. It was a great week of competition, and I am so pleased with our results,” Cookingham concluded.
New England Farm, Inc. was founded in 1978 by Cynthia Williams and Dennis Mulcahy, and again in 2001 by Cynthia Williams. It is devoted to distinction in all phases of horse production, training and care. New England Farm is well known for its excellence and quality of products, including horses and riders alike, as well as superior customer service. The team looks forward to their upcoming three weeks at HITS-on-the-Hudson, where they will compete against some of the nation’s best. To stay updated with New England Farm, please visit their Facebook. For more information, please call New England Farm at (914) 330-1443.
