Sydney Smith and Antidote Score Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Championship

Sydney Smith rode Antidote to top honors in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division to earn the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Champion title on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Saratoga Classic II, held during the 25th anniversary of Saratoga Horse Shows at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY.

Smith, of Madison, CT, and Antidote, owned by Kristi Smith, stayed consistent throughout two days of competition to secure the tricolor ribbon. The pair won both over fences classes on Saturday and picked up two second place ribbons on Friday.

“I thought he went really well today,” said Smith. “He jumped great and got across the fences really nicely. He felt like he was jumping high but relaxed. Both courses flowed well and felt nice. Antidote is brave as can be, never spooks, and has a huge stride. He is also fun to be around and almost a little pony-like.”

Although Smith and Antidote are not a new pairing, the duo recently started competing at the 3’6” height and are off to a strong start.

“We got Antidote about two years ago in Vermont,” shared Smith of the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Lascadell. “He had been doing little jumper classes when we saw him, and the owner decided he did not want to be a jumper. In the beginning, we did some smaller hunter divisions and the equitation. We moved up to the Amateur-Owner 3’6” division this year.”

Reilly Cookingham of Red Hook, NY, and Whatatime, owned by Mary Lannan-Cookingham, secured the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division.

Kirstie Lynn Dobbs and Hartog-Jan Dominate the Low/Medium Junior/Amateur Jumpers

Kirstie Lynn Dobbs of Worcester, MA, and Hartog-Jan, owned by Vincent Bailleul, won the blue ribbon in the Low/Medium Junior/Amateur Jumpers. Dobbs guided Hartog-Jan to an efficient clear round over the course designed by Ken Krome (USA) in a time of 70.484 seconds.

“My plan was to be quick, and that goal was met,” explained Dobbs. “It is just icing on the cake when you also end up with a ribbon. Hartog-Jan is confident in himself but also sensitive, which makes him competitive in the ring.”

This show season marks Dobb’s return to the jumper ring after competing in the hunters for the past three years. Dobbs is delighted to have such a great partner to compete with and to be back in the winner’s circle.
“Hartog-Jan and I met this April when I started riding with Vincent Bailleul,” commented Dobbs of the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “I’m half leasing him for the summer. It’s great to be matched with him to get me back and confident in the jumper ring. He has the best heart. I think of him as Batman because I know he’ll take care of me. He’s also super goofy on the ground.”

With the rest of the summer show season ahead of them, Dobbs is looking forward to spending more time in the jumper ring and continuing her success aboard Hartog-Jan.

“We are taking it one horse show at a time,” explained Dobbs. “Hartog-Jan did a grand prix here in Saratoga in May with Vincent. I’ve also jumped some smaller prix classes on him. I’d love to get back in the grand prix ring again, and hopefully that can be with him.”

Stephanie Garrett of New York, NY, piloted Elertina, owned by Postage Stamp Farm LLC, to second place after going through the timers at 77.119 seconds. Myra Krishna of Old Westbury, NY, and Juanito van de Zeilhoek, owned by Oakland Ventures LLC, received third place after having an unfortunate rail for four faults.

Sunday, June 25, will be the final day of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at the Saratoga Classic II. Due to weather conditions, the $30,000 Saratoga Grand Prix has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 25, starting at 8 a.m.  Also highlighting Sunday’s schedule is the Skidmore College President’s Cup Junior Equitation Challenge.