"Overall, the classes went really well. Henry [Westcliffe] was in a great mood, and he was jumping nice and high," Russo explained. "I would say my favorite trip was my stake the second day. He was so good and my trip flowed perfectly." The pair pinned fifth in the stakes class.

Russo expressed that Devon is one of her favorite shows on the schedule because of its prestige. "Devon is a very exciting show. It's different because of the excitement of trying to qualify and because of the formality of the classes. I love the schedule and all of the fun events going on around the show. It's very elegant and fun at the same time."

In addition to Westcliffe, Russo shows Miracle, a bay mare, in the same division. She also rides her horse St. Christopher in the 16 & 17 Small Junior Hunter divisions.

The 17-year-old will have a few weeks of summer vacation before she and her string of hunters make the trip north to Saratoga Springs, NY, Lake Placid, NY, and Cleveland, Ohio, for the summer shows.

"It's hard to say which show I'm most excited for because they are such different types of shows and are all so fun in their own different ways. I'm excited for all of our summer shows because of the great atmospheres, and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season," Russo enthused.

Russo resides in Coral Gables, FL, and commutes between Wellington and Miami during the school year to train and compete with Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms. In addition, she is an honor roll student at the prestigious Ransom Everglades School, which is located in Coconut Grove, FL.

PHOTO CREDIT: Christy Russo and Westcliffe compete at the Devon Horse Show. Photo (C)2007 Randi Muster.