The Legacy Cup Begins

Coverage and Photos by Diana DeRosa

Mutch de Lothain Wins Restricted Pro 3' Finals and Papillon Rouge Wins Go Round

“I am on cloud nine,” commented a very happy and shocked Loretta Mayer, Chestnut Ridge, NY, after winning her second class.  Earlier that day in the Pro 3’6” Go Round she claimed the winning ride on Skylar.  For this class it was Mutch de Lothain’s chance to shine.

It was a totally unexpected win.  Mayer explained that the eight-year-old, 16H, bay, Belgian-bred gelding is a pre green horse and has had limited experience.  “He rose to the challenge and I was so pleased.  He has a wonderful temperament.   He is very compact and I just love his way of going.  His ears are always forward.  He's happy and comes out willing to please and is a pleasure to work with.”

For the Go Round McKrell Painter was an artist with Papillon Rouge, negotiating a course that tipped the scale.  It was an amazing work of art to watch.  Like Schatt this was the first class at this horse show for the 8-year-old, 16.1H, chestnut, Brandenburg gelding who the 29-year-old has only been riding for a little over a year.  She’s shown the horse sparingly but he quickly earned championship ribbons.

After doing very little this winter he came out like a true champion.  “He is incredibly brave and he loves stuff like this,” explained McKrell.  “The more impressive it is to look at the better he is.”

McKrell wasn’t surprised by their winning round.  “He is exactly what I had hoped and expected.  He is such a generous and special horse and he loves being in the limelight.”