The course was a nice flowing track with colorful sponsor jumps and the USET Liverpool jump. Moving to the top of the leader board was Caitlin Boyle of Hampshire, IL with a score of 92.

Caitlin Boyle's equitation success continued today at the Spring Spectacular II.

Boyle has had huge success in the equitation ring this year, recently winning the R.W. Mutch Equitation Trophy for excellence in equitation at the coveted Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Boyle currently has the ride aboard Clearway, the same mount Lillie Keenan rode to the win in last year's ASPCA Maclay Finals. Boyle rode with Andre Dignelli at Devon, and she will catch up with him again later this summer. While in Chicago, Boyle trains with Kim Gardiner, Katie Kappler and Freddie Vazquez.

Second in the WIHS Jumper Phase went to Rachel Turk of Glen Ellyn, IL with a score of 80, and third was Emily Sutherland of Wichita, KS. 

Caitlin Boyle topped the leaderboard in the WIHS Hunter Phase before earning the overall victory.

In the WIHS Hunter Phase it was again Boyle at the top followed by Turk with Emily Ablin filling the third spot. Boyle then took the overall win with second going to Turk.

Rachel Turk

Equitation competition continued with the ASPCA Maclay Medal in the Wisconsin Equine Hunter Ring. Rebecca Kozma, Streamwood, IL was the winner there with Rachel Turk second and Giavanna Rinaldi, Wayne, IL in third.

Kozma is only 15 and is already qualified for the Maclay regionals. She plans to be a professional after finishing college and currently rides with Boyle's trainer, Kim Gardiner.

"Today I was focused on qualifying for the championship class," said Kozma. "Kim [Gardiner] helps us get ready for bigger classes by making sure we are dressed appropriately for the ring. She makes sure our horses are prepared to do the job, and she teaches us to carry a presence in the ring."

Rebecca Kozma

When asked about what it is like to ride at the same barn as Boyle, Kozma remarked, "I look up to Caitlin. She is so lucky to have the opportunity to ride with Andre too. I watch her videos, and see I what I can change to ride like her and win."

All riders placing in the top three spots in the major equitation classes qualify for the Showplace Equitation Championship on Sunday, June 22, the final day of Spring Spectacular III. The class will run in a format similar to the Winter Equestrian Festival Championship where riders participate in the entire class without the help of a trainer - from walking the course to schooling and showing. 

For the hunters today in ring 6 the highlight was the $1,000 Novice Adult Hunter Classic. The winner was Micaela Kennedy's Pagani, ridden by Tyler Kennedy.

Spring Spectacular II continues tomorrow with junior and amateur hunters featuring the handy rounds. For more information and results, visit www.showplaceproductions.com.

Make Your Way Back to Spring Spectacular 

Now With New Third Week and USHJA 
$25,000 International Hunter Derby 

Showplace Productions' Spring Spectacular is bigger and better than ever. Showplace has added another week to its popular Spring Spectacular event from June 17-22. This new week will allow competitors to attend their regular summer circuits and have a taste of what Showplace and Chicago have to offer on a week when they might be off or traveling. Showplace Productions has added new classes and over-the-top hospitality to make your showing experience even more enjoyable at beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center.

During Week III, Showplace Productions will hold a USHJA $10,000 National Hunter Derby and a USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby in the Grand Prix Ring, plus compete to earn WCHR points. More prize monies have been added to the Open Jumpers, Welcomes and Junior/Amateurs Owners. A new and exciting Accumulator class has been added to the Junior/Amateur Owner division. For professionals, Showplace is offering the opportunity to show young jumpers in some classes at no cost. There will also be some no cost Tuesday schooling opportunities for the pros. For Juniors, an all-new Equitation Championship will be held on Sunday of Week III. Juniors will be asked to demonstrate their horsemanship skills without the help of their trainers in this challenging class. There is something for everyone and a good reason to make your way back to Chicago for Spring Spectacular.