John French and Incognito Recognized as Grand Hunter Champions at Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular

John French of Wellington, FL, and Incognito, owned by Ellie Sadrian, were honored with the Grand Hunter Championship on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Saratoga Women In Business (WIB) Spectacular. The Saratoga WIB Spectacular hosts a week full of exciting events and stellar competition through Sunday, July 14, including World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) qualifying opportunities, the USHJA Green Incentive Regional Championship, a “Supporting Women In Business” vendor market and party, kids stick horse egg and spoon race, Saturday breakfast, and a special dedication of the new Winslow Grand Prix and celebration of life for Leann Kelly.

The Saratoga WIB Spectacular, held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY, is the first-ever horse show created by women, operated by women, benefitting women’s health, and showcasing businesswomen throughout the equestrian industry and beyond.

French and Incognito couldn’t be caught as the Grand Hunter Champions when they won all five of their classes in the Green Hunter 3’6” division. It was another feather in the cap for the pair who only started competing together in April 2024. Incognito was showing in the jumpers in the summer of 2023 with rider Callan Solem, who then thought he would make a good hunter and qualified for the Devon Horse Show by showing at HITS Ocala.

“Right off the bat I took him to a national derby in Wellington, and he won,” said French of the 11-year-old Anglo European Sporthorse gelding by Twister de la Pomme. “He won at Devon too. He came here in June and was reserve champion behind Kalvador, and they flip-flopped this week. There were some good horses in the division and to win all five classes is pretty nice. We’re off to a good start.”

Incognito will compete in Friday’s $5,000 USHJA 3’6”/3’9” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship. “It’s great that the Regional is here in Saratoga,” commented French. “We really like it here. The ring is nice and big, and they decorate the jumps very well. I think more people should be coming here because it’s super nice. The fact that this week is for Women In Business means something because I know they support women’s health programs. It’s good when you can show and you’re also helping someone out at the same time.”

Competition continues on Friday, July 12, with highlights including the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships, the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by KeyFlow Feeds USA, and grand champion presentations for the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions.

Special Events
All events are free and open to all members of the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Friday, July 12 – Big Top Observation Tent
3 p.m. – “Supporting Women In Business” Vendor Market and Equestrian Businesswomen party – Meet local and equestrian women-owned businesses, enjoy wine and light bites, shop, enter to win a gift basket full of amazing items from vendors, and network with guests, spectators, and competitors.
Prior to the USHJA National Hunter Derby – Kids Stick Horse Egg and Spoon Race – fun and prizes for racers! The race will be called by professional racetrack caller Jessica Paquette.

Saturday, July 13 – Big Top Observation Tent
8-10 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee Bar – Everyone is welcome to enjoy iced coffee, pastries, donuts, yogurt, and more.

Saturday, July 13 – Dammerman Grand Prix Arena
Grand Prix Dedication and Celebration of Life for Leann Kelly

Competition Highlights

Friday, July 12 – Bainbridge Main Hunter Ring
8 a.m. – $10,000 USHJA 3/3’3” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship
$5,000 USHJA 3’6”/3’9” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship
Approx. 4 p.m. – $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by KeyFlow Feeds USA

Saturday, July 13 – Bainbridge Main Hunter Ring
8 a.m. – $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Hunter Ring 2
$1,000 2’3”/2’6” Non-Pro Hunter Derby

Saturday, July 13 – Dammerman Grand Prix Arena
$25,000 Winslow Grand Prix

Sunday, July 14
Hunter and Jumper Classics

Looking for horse show photos? Visit official photographer Dashing Paws Photography at www.DashingPaws.net to view all of your show proofs!

For more information on the Vendor Market and EQBW party, please contact Jennifer Connor at connor@eqbusinesswomen.com.

For more information on the Saratoga Horse Shows, visit www.saratogahorseshows.com.

About Saratoga Horse Shows

Now in its 26th year, Saratoga Horse Shows will offer nine USEF-rated competitions on the 2024 show calendar, along with an additional seven schooling show dates. Managed by Southbound Saratoga Management Group and held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York, Saratoga Horse Shows is situated on more than 100 acres and located eight miles from downtown Saratoga Springs. With eight large arenas featuring state-of-the-art drainage and all-weather performance footing, permanent and tented stabling, and turnout paddocks, it is the ideal place to show during the spring and summer months. Visit www.saratogahorseshows.com to learn more.