Grace O'Connell and Calavino Garner NCEA Hunt Seat Medal at Lamplight Spring Spectacular II

Wayne, Ill. – June 17, 2023 – On Saturday afternoon during Lamplight Spring Spectacular II, top riders gathered in the Main Hunter Ring to demonstrate their equitation skills in the NCEA Hunt Seat Medal. The results were close, with Grace O'Connell and Calavino ultimately winning the day's top prize after the over fences and flat phases. Second place went to Maggie Lawler and Jackson Du Coeur Des Collines, and while Hailey Guidry and Cornet’s Sunshine took home third place. 

Grace O'Connell & Calavino

The athletes had to ride precisely around the track, which included bending lines and tight rollbacks throughout. The riders then came back for the flat test, which helped to determine the class champion. 

O'Connell’s winning mount was Calavino, a Holsteiner gelding by Catoo. “We just recently bought him last year,” she said. “He was originally a jumper but was a bit slow for the job, so that’s when we scooped him up and he’s been amazing in the equitation ring”

“His lateral work is amazing and he's just been a really good boy,” Harris explained. “My goal with Calavino is to hopefully qualify for the Mclay and Medal finals this year!”

Maggie Lawler & Jackson Du Coeur Des Collines

O'Connell expressed her love for the HITS Chicago concluding, “I love this facility! The rings are well taken care of, the jumps are beautiful, and the courses are always well designed.”

One more day of competition remains as part of the second week of the Spring Spectacular Series at Lamplight Equestrian Center during the HITS Chicago Series, which runs through September at the world-class facility.

Hailey Guidery & Cornet's Sunshine