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Nick Haness and Jenkins Garner Grand Hunter Championship at Middleburg Classic Horse Show

Upperville, Va. – September 19, 2024 – The historical Middleburg Classic Horse Show has returned to the Salem Farm Showgrounds in Upperville, Virginia, showcasing the best hunters in the country as they vie for top honors and the opportunity to have their name inscribed on one of the many perpetual trophies. On Thursday, Nick Haness piloted Jenkins to the Grand Hunter Championship to earn The Chronicle of the Horse Trophy. After earning the Conformation Hunter championship, the duo later returned to the winner’s circle to accept the overall title for their performances over the last two days.


“Middleburg is a very special show and we're happy to be here supporting it and to be involved in this great event,” smiled Haness after his win. “It's horse heaven here, and this ring is so special and beautiful – we're excited to be here. Jenkins is a special horse to all of us. He is beautiful, he's bold, he's brave, and at this point of his career, I know I'm like the back of my hand. He's a horse that we can count on. He comes out with a willing attitude to win, and he's a crowd favorite. He went beautifully for us this week!”

Nick Haness and Jenkins

Jenkins showcased brilliance and consistency during the first two days of competition at the Middleburg Classic. Haness and Jenkins won two over fences classes as well as the handy during the Conformation Hunter division.He also placed second in the model and the under saddle to eventually claim the championship prize. With three blue ribbons and three red ribbons, Jenkins’ performance was also rewarded with the Grand Hunter Championship and The Chronicle of the Horse trophy.


A 10-year-old Royal Dutch Sporthorse gelding, Jenkins is owned by the Ingram family and trained by Tom Wright of Uphill Farm. “He is one of my favorite horses and he does double duty with Martha Ingram in the Amateur Hunters,” explained Wright. “Nick has had him for a long time, and knows him really, really well, and the horse has really come into his own. This year we switched divisions to the regular conformation hunters because the horse had filled out and matured so we thought that he'd be a real contender on the line and he's proven to be that.”


Wright is on the Board of Directors for the Middleburg Horse Show, and is happy to be part of its long-standing tradition. “We love to be here to support this show,” he concluded. “More people need to come and enjoy it. I think that September can sometimes be a little bit of a tricky month for kids that are in school and people getting ready for Indoors, but it's worth the time to come to the standalone event. It's very special.”

Nick Haness and Odette

In addition to the Grand Hunter Championship, Heinous also earned the Grand 3’3”/3’ Green Hunter Championship with Odette, and his groom Adrian Rodriguez earned the Steve Timko Memorial Trophy. The Grand 3’9”/3’6” Green Hunter Championship went to Amanda Steege and Just Apple, while Madison Busey and Adagio won the Grand Middleburg Hunter Championship. The final award of the day was the Grand Baby Green Hunter Championship, which went to Jason Berry and Onthego.

Amanda Steege and Just Apple

The 2024 Middleburg Classic will continue with the $10,000 USHJA International Derby Hunter Derby, sponsored by Laura Karet and Glade Run Farm, on Friday afternoon with a cocktail party sponsored by Dr. Brad Wolf. On Saturday, the $5,000 Middleburg Classic Derby, sponsored by Hesslink Williams LLC will take center stage, with a hunter breakfast sponsored by Tom Wright.


The 2024 Middleburg Classic would like to thank all of the generous sponsors that help make this event a continued success including Ashland Farms, Brad Wolf, Brianne Goutal- Marteau, Clarke & Molly Ohrstrom, Derbydown, Don Stewart Stables, Eight Oaks Farm, ELM Equestrian, EMO Insurance, Every Little Something Stationery & Gifts, Fout Family/Dun Foundation, Hesslink Williams LLC, Hidden Ridge, John and Stephanie Ingram, Jacqueline B. Mars, Krissy Blake of Sotheby's International Realty, Laura Karet & Glade Run Farm, Missy Luczak-Smith, Lynn Ellen Rice, Mars Equestrian & Buckey Nutrition, Mount Fair Equine, Nick Haness & Hunterbrook Farms, Piedmont Vet, Robinson Ridge, Sally McVeigh & Windsor Farm Sales, SBS Farms, Skyland Farm, Spring Hollow, The Baldwin Group, The Rein Family, The Tack Box of Middleburg, Tri-County Feeds, Victoria Watters and the Virginia Equine Alliance.


For more information about the Middleburg Classic Horse Show please visit www.MiddleburgClassic.com

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