Dreamgirl Lives Up to Her Name to Close 2026 Saratoga Summer and USHJA Zone 2 Finals

The 2026 Saratoga Summer and United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Zone 2 Finals concluded on Sunday, August 16, with presentations for those who won championships as well as special memorial trophies. On Saturday, August 15, Alexis Bodo made the most of her time in the $10,000 All In One Jumper Classic, as she took home first, second, and fifth places with her horses Dreamgirl, Timeless, and Chaboozy, respectively.

With 15 in the jump-off, it was a foot race in the second round, but Dreamgirl sped her way to the win in 28.311 seconds. Timeless was just behind in 28.608 seconds. Samantha MacDonald and Kickstart, owned by Emily Marino, finished third in 29.160 seconds.

Speaking of the jump-off, Bodo said, “I've been working on being a little bit more direct and efficient in the jump-off. She is a smaller horse with a very big stride. There were a lot of turns in the jump-off, so it was good practice for us today.”

Bodo appreciate Saratoga Horse Shows as a place to produce her young jumpers. “It's quiet and friendly, and the jumps and courses are set so well,” she described. “It's such a positive experience for young horses to bring them here, and for clients too. It's a lovely horse show, and we love coming here.”

Bodo described Dreamgirl as “the sweetest mare you'll ever meet.” She continued, “She’s a smaller horse, but she's built very wide, and she's very powerful but never sassy. She always puts a big smile on your face, and even when you walk into the barn, she always is nickering at you.

“Her name fits her to a T,” she added of the seven-year-old Selle Francais by Andiamo Semilly. “She is a dream. She is careful, fast, and fun, and she always tries to leave the jumps up. She's the most consistent horse that we have in the barn, which is kind of crazy because she's so young.”

Bodo found Dreamgirl in Ireland in 2025 but did not compete with her until the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in 2026, where they ended as circuit champions in the seven-year-old young jumpers.

“I normally buy horses to sell, but we've decided because she's been so successful, to keep her and try to jump her a little bigger,” said Bodo. “By next WEF she's going to be ready to find a new person.”

Zone 2 Gallery of Champions

David Lauinger Unsung Hero Award: Jessica Keil

Jack Benson Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy: Dominique Mungen

Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Award, awarded to the Low Adult Hunter Champion: Ponderosa, ridden by Kristine Guthrie and owned by Oak & Maple Equestrian LLC

Best Child Rider on a Horse: Marni Bogdanoff

Best Child Rider on a Pony: Alexandra Haines

Saratoga Horse Show Awards

Grand Junior Hunter Champion: Chakrulo, ridden by Addison Rosenquest and owned by Lisa Williams

Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion: Hollywood Tango, ridden and owned by Samantha Takacs

Grand Children’s Hunter Champion and Zone 2 Best Child Rider on a Pony: Deluxe, ridden and owned by Alexandra Haines

Grand Adult Hunter Champion: Casalluno, ridden and owned by Samantha Takacs

While the USEF-rated Saratoga Horse Shows are finished for 2026, White Hollow Farm will welcome competitors for the last three of their schooling show series on August 30, September 13, and September 26-27. Find more information at www.saratogahorseshows.com.