Katherine Newman and Almelo Score International Hunter Derby Win at Devon Horse Show

Photo: Katherine Newman on Almelo. Photo (C) 2008 Randi Muster.

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Devon, PA - May 26, 2008 - Despite her young age, 16-year-old Katherine Newman of Allwyn Court Farm outperformed some of the very best hunter professionals in the country at the Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA. In the $10,000 ASG Software USHJA International Hunter Derby, 20 of the nations top professional, amateur-owner, and junior hunter riders competed over a course that was comprised of natural obstacles set between 1.30m and 1.40m in height.  

Newman guided Almelo, a 14-year-old gray gelding, to first place after the pair executed two beautiful rounds in the Dixon Oval, Devon's famed show ring. After all 20 riders completed the first round, the top 12 returned for the second round of competition. Going into the second round, Newman and her mount were ranked in third place. The duo rode another picture-perfect round, and they received first place honors for their successful ride. Newman's horse Almelo is owned by Mimi Abel-Smith of Middleburg, VA.

"Almelo was just amazing," smiled Newman. "I'm really happy with how he went. He is so reliable, and I am always really confident when I go in the ring. The course was not technical, but it rode very nicely. After my first round, I was ranked in third, and I didn't expect to move up after the second round," she revealed. "I just wanted to jump around and do well. I was pleased with how my first course went, so I really wanted to be consistent. I didn't know I won first place until they announced it. It was really exciting."

The young rider, who resides in Wellington, FL, also earned the championship award in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division aboard Castleton, owned by Zack Parks. Newman and her mount won two over fences classes, securing the tricolor. Additionally, she earned second place in the ASPCA Maclay and ranked in second place for the "Best Child Rider on a Horse" award.

Before competing at the Devon Horse Show, Newman showed at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington, KY. She showed Jupiter, a 5-year-old jumper, for blue ribbons. She also received the reserve championship award in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division for her rides aboard Confidential. "He is a new horse in Tim and Kelly Goguen's barn, and I was asked to ride him," she explained. "Confidential is a little green, but he has a lot of quality. He has a lot of scope, which makes him really nice to ride."

Newman's horse, Chellapo Z, was victorious as well in the 1.30m Open Jumpers and the 7/8 Year Old division. Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, showed Chellapo Z for the blue ribbon rides.

Katherine Newman and the horses at Allwyn Court will compete next in Upperville, VA, at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show.

Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.

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