Peter Leone and Capito Z Win Equis Best Presented Horse Award at Hampton Classic CSI 4*

Peter Leone (USA) and Capito Z were honored with the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award during the Hampton Classic Horse Show running August 28 through September 4 in Bridgehampton, NY. The Hampton Classic Horse show is recognized as a CSI 4* competition by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Best Presented Horse Award was presented at the FEI Horse Inspection, which kicked off international competition on Thursday, September 2.

Leone, who hails from Greenwich, CT, and Capito Z, an eight-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Capitos x Burggraaf) were selected as winners of the Equis Best Presented Horse Award by members of the ground jury, led by president Neil O’Connor of Southampton, NY. Nearly 100 horses jogged during the FEI Horse Inspection with each horse and rider pair being evaluated on appearance, including grooming, tack, behavior, jog attire, and interaction with the judges.

While Leone is no stranger to international-level success, this is the first time his has won the Equis Best Presented Horse Award since the award’s inception in 2015. He was quick, however, to give all the credit to his groom of over 20 years, Valerie Huckstepp.

“Awards like this are hugely overdue,” said Leone. “This kind of attention and focus on the groom is exactly what we need more of. Horsemanship, horse care, and presentation are critically important, and it’s all about what goes into accomplishing that behind the scenes.”

Huckstepp has a long history in horse sport and a resume that includes working with some of the top U.S. riders. She has accompanied Leone and his horses to highlights that include the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, where Leone was part of the U.S. silver medal-winning team.

When asked about Huckstepp, Leone responded, “She is one of the best!”

As the winner of the Equis Best Presented Horse Award, Leone was honored with a commemorative plaque and a KASK Helmet by Alex West of Equis Boutique. KASK is one of Equis Boutique’s luxury partner brands and also the Official Helmet of the 2016 Hampton Classic Horse Show. True to form, Leone awarded the helmet to Huckstepp for her efforts to prepare Capito Z for the FEI Horse Inspection.

Capito Z has been the ride of Leone for just over a year, and the Hampton Classic Horse Show marks the gelding’s first FEI show with Leone in the tack.

“He’s one of those special horses,” said Leone. “He has less experience than the majority of promising eight year olds, but we haven’t rushed him and he has come along nicely. I expect to start him in some of the bigger grand prix events coming up.”

International competition at the Hampton Classic Horse Show is underway and will culminate with the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI 4* on Sunday, September 4.

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.

With a vision to raise the bar for FEI-sanctioned horse shows, Equis Boutique offers the Best Presented Horse Award at top events throughout North America. The next presentation will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY, during the CSI 5* week from September 7 through 11.

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.”