Lively Goes from Tractor to Winner’s Circle, Payne and Virtue Win Grand Hunter Championship at 2026 Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular

The Saratoga Women In Business (WIB) Spectacular presented to winners on Thursday, July 19, 2026, with the Grand Hunter Championship awarded to Virtue, ridden by Christopher Payne of Cincinnati, OH, and owned by Melissa Jacobs. In the $5,000 Welcome Stake, Rachael Lively of Upperco, MD, rode Wavo Alvaro, owned by Eggs Over Easy LLC, to the win. The Saratoga WIB Spectacular hosts a week full of exciting events and stellar competition through Sunday, July 12, including World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) qualifying opportunities, the USHJA Green Incentive Regional Championship, a “Supporting Women In Business” vendor market and party, kids hobby horse egg and spoon races, a Saturday breakfast, and educational opportunities.

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.

Lively and Wavo Alvaro were the fastest of four in the jump-off to win the $5,000 1.30m Welcome in 45.323 seconds over a course designed by Hailey Rogge of Pinehurst, TX. Katie Lynch and Milano, owned by David Hopper Inc., placed second in 47.081 seconds. Third place went to Lynch again, this time riding Keagan, owned by AS Farms USA Inc., in 47.612 seconds. Samantha Ramsay and Gangster Montgothier, owned by Natalia McCarthy, were fourth in 48.897 seconds.

Lively and her husband Troy – who helps train Wavo Alvaro but stayed home this week to take care of their other horses – found the horse three years ago in Europe. While the young horse had started 1.15-1.20m jumper classes, their original plan was to make him a hunter.

“We realized that he wasn't particularly a hunter, but he does like to jump big fences,” said Lively of the nine-year-old Slovak Warmblood gelding by Cento Lano x Aristo B.

The Saratoga WIB Spectacular is a perfect fit for Lively, whose barn colors are pink, purple, and black. When one of the tractor drivers had to leave the show early to play in a polo match, Lively was happy to step in and take the wheel at the show’s iconic pink tractor.

“I know how to drive a tractor, but certainly not with people watching me,” she said with a laugh. “I do take out a jump standard here and there dragging my own ring. I had a quick lesson in one of the empty warm up rings with no jumps in it to make sure I wasn't going to actually drive through a fence or something, then I dragged the grand prix ring before my Welcome class. I was like, well, if the footing's bad, I have no one to blame but myself.”

Lively’s main business is sales horses along with training a few clients. With friend Caitlin Brooks, they combine forces and have brought Thoroughbreds to compete in Friday’s $10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic. Lively will return with Wavo Alvaro on Saturday for the $25,000 Winslow Grand Prix

Meet Wavo Alvaro

Barn Name: Eggs
Country of Origin: Czechia
Special Talent: Making weird faces for treats
Favorite Treat: “He’ll kill for a peppermint.”
Possible Second Career: 3’6” equitation – “He has a really soft mouth, and he has all of the buttons for nice flat work.”

A Virtuous Win

Payne and Virtue picked up three first-place and a second-place ribbon over fences and were first in the under saddle in the Green Hunter 3’6” division, which handed them the Grand Hunter Championship as well. Payne found “Nigel” – named after the character in “The Devil Wears Prada” movie by Jacobs – in Europe, and he was imported in November of 2025. The pair started competing in January in Florida, and Jacobs soon after picked up the reins to compete in the Amateur-Owner 3’6” Hunters as well.

He's adapted to being a hunter really quickly. He's incredibly straightforward about his job,” said Payne of the KWPN gelding by Jukebox that just turned seven years old. What stood out to me is he's a very quiet-minded horse. He tends to be very careful about the jump, but in a relaxed sort of way. As he's progressed, he's learned to just put in a lovely, soft effort over the jumps. He pays enough attention to put in the appropriate effort. I don't usually have to worry about him having a rub or anything because he's aware of the situation.”

Payne and business partner David Belford made the Saratoga Horse Shows a new stop on their competition calendar this year and are enjoying not only the show, but the surrounding area.

“I think that's one of the highlights of coming here is being able to leave the horse show and enjoy what's around,” he agreed. “It's always nice to be able to show in a nice facility, but then also have some time away at a lovely town.”

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

Friday, July 10 – Big Top Observation Tent
3-6 p.m. – “Supporting Women In Business” Vendor Market and Equestrian Businesswomen Meet-Up – 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 Hunter Derby – Kids Hobby Horse Egg and Spoon Race – fun and prizes for racers!

Saturday, July 11 – Big Top Observation Tent
8-10 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee Bar – Everyone is welcome to enjoy iced coffee, pastries, granola, yogurt, and more.

10 a.m. – Becoming a Steward – Sue Blessing talks about being a show steward, how to become one, and why they are important.

Sunday, July 12 – Big Top Observation Tent
9 a.m. – Wellness Hour – Grab a healthy snack and talk wellness for both humans and horses. Veterinarians and strength coach Nardine can answer your questions.

Competition Highlights

Friday, July 11 – Bainbridge Main Hunter Ring

$10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic
$10,000 USHJA 3/3’3” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship
$5,000 USHJA 3’6”/3’9” Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship
$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Hunt and Go Format

Saturday, July 12 – Dammerman International Ring

$25,000 Winslow Grand Prix

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.