APHA World Hunter Hack Winners Include Brewer, Dukes, Ligon, Rogers, Novacek

By: Brittany Bevis

Today marked the kickoff of the new and improved APHA World Show. The 2021 event is set up to be like it once was in the good, old days with youth, amateur, and open classes all under one roof.

On the schedule for Friday were Over Fence classes, specifically Hunter Hack. The winner of both the Youth 18 and Under Hunter Hack and Novice Youth Hunter Hack was Hannah Dukes with The Big Bang Theory.

15-year-old Hannah rode her 10-year-old gelding named “Sheldon” to win both classes at her second World Show. She’s been showing horses since she was six years old and currently competes under the guidance of Mason Lyon. They developed a plan of attack for today’s classes, which included perfecting crucial elements like the lead change and pace to the fences. This was her first time winning a World Championship title, and she won two in the same day!

“I like showing in English, because it helps me get rid of my problems and helps me to relax and be calm and confident,” she says. “Sheldon has great rhythm and likes to jump high jumps. Also, he has a great personality.”

The tenth grader has her sights on someday competing on an equestrian team like at Oklahoma State University.

Winning Senior Hunter Hack was Elizabeth Brewer with Inspired By Real. Reserve was Mason Lyon with Welovepie. Third was Shda Puta Ring On It and Kiana Berry.

We chatted with the owner of Inspired By Real, 10-year-old Addison Travis, who’s been a team with this gelding for the past two years under the guidance of Karen Banister and Elizabeth Brewer. 15-year-old “Louis Albert Travis” is a favorite in the barn, and Addison was very pleased with his performance today.

“I thought he did very, very, very well,” she says. “He’s like a bird; He’s very graceful over the jumps. Also, he’s very graceful in Hunter Under Saddle when he does his steps, and I think that he’s the best horse for it.”

Addison plans to show Louis Albert in upcoming walk-trot classes, and her favorite is Hunter Under Saddle. She’s been showing since she was just six years old, and this is Louis’ ninth World title! She’s very excited to compete in her favorite class this weekend and will head into the pen with some helpful words from her coaches. “Breathe, sit tall and proud, and have fun.”

The winner of Junior Hunter Hack was Lisa Ligon with Johnny Zipper. Reserve was Mason Lyon with Talk About A Debut. Third was Karen Banister with Sacred Blue Gator. Novice Amateur Hunter Hack was won by Morgan Rogers with Talk About A Debut. Reserve was Amy Novacek with Secret Treasure. Third was Sydney Caldwell with Death By Chocolate.

Amateur Hunter Hack was won by Amy Novacek with Secret Treasure. Reserve was Sarah Elder Chabot with A Well Dressed Man. Third was Angela Caldwell with Death by Chocolate.