Hunter Course at Central Park Show Features Incredible New York-style Graffiti Artwork, Music
Nicole Bellissimo and Harley David take the “I Love NY” themed jump under the lights of New York City. All photos courtesy of CPHS release.
The second-annual Central Park Horse Show full embraced the urban landscape of New York City during the five days of multi-disciplinary competition that took place Sept. 23-27. Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink was completely transformed, and on Saturday it was time for the hunter competition.
In a fun twist, riders in the $1,000 Pony Hunter Freestyle were invited to select their own music for their rounds. The winner, adorable Sophie Gochman and her horse Bit Of Love, were named the winners. They competed to the tune of Royals by artist Lorde.
Sophie Gochman and Bit of Love
Hunter course designer Bobby Murphy threw caution to the wind and all conventions out the window when he set about to design a hunter course for the show. He did away with the typical poles, gates, and standards and instead opted for a more artistic design that was inspired by iconic New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Subway.
Graffiti art and iconic imagery set the scene for a very exciting and unconventional horse show as did fun events like the new U.S. Open Arabians Native Costume Class, Land Rover Mini-Car Driving Experience for kiddos, and United States Pony Club Mounted Games.
