First Light and It’s Me Win Equis Best Presented Model Horse Awards at Capital Challenge Horse Show

First Light, owned by Stephanie Danhakl of Pacific Palisades, CA, won the Equis Best Presented Model Horse Award in the Regular Conformation division, while It's Me, owned by Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, and Bibby Hill of Ocala, FL, took the prize in the Green Conformation division at the 2016 Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by the World Equestrian Center. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, hosted at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, will continue with elite hunter, jumper, and equitation competition through Sunday, October 9.

First Light, a seven-year-old bay Hanoverian stallion, was ridden in Regular Conformation competition by Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL, and stood in the model by Richard Slocum of Wellington, FL.

“I am just lucky to hold such a lovely horse,” said Slocum. “It was very exciting to win this award. [First Light] is a beautiful horse and always wants everyone to look at him.”

Slocum was quick to give credit to First Light’s groom Louis Gaytan saying, “The horse looks beautiful every single day and is always perfect. All of the horses he cares for look like that. It’s all a group effort, and without a good groom it’s no good. You may have the best built model horse, but if it’s not well turned out, it makes a difference. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that make things look great on camera.”

It's Me, an eight-year-old dark bay Warmblood stallion was ridden in Green Conformation competition by Farmer and stood in the model by Larry Glefke of Keswick, VA. Owner Bibby Hill watched from the sidelines as It’s Me was named the Equis Best Model Horse and was thrilled to see him collect the honor.

“It’s a fantastic award for a horse that is beautiful and beautifully cared for,” she said. “He’s just an awesome horse.”

Groom Omar Moreno prepared It’s Me for his model class, and Bibby was pleased to see him recognized for his hard work saying, “The more recognition we can give to those that don’t always get it is really fantastic,” she said. “We need to see more awards for more than first place. It’s important and a lot of people spend an awful lot of time to present these horses. The grooms get so excited when they hear about these awards and that’s nice to see."

In addition to the Best Presented Model Horse Awards in the Regular Conformation and Green Conformation divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, Equis Boutique also sponsored the $2,000 Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper speed class on Wednesday, October 5. Top call in the class of 67 was awarded to Elizabeth Kirby of Wellington, FL, and her own 13-year-old Selle Francais mare, Winter White.

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress the horse and rider. Featured brands include Parlanti, Manfredi Equestrian, KASK Helmets, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, Animo, and Dy’on, as well as a variety of imported specialty bits and Official FEI and Just World International merchandise.

For more information on Equis, LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram!  Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.

About Equis, LLC
Equis LLC delivers superior service in order to educate their consumers on the brands and products they offer and show the variety and quality of their made-to-order, customized products. By providing a unique shopping experience, Equis rises above your normal tack shop to offer only the best. “Live the Experience – A Boutique for the Discerning Equestrian.”