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John French continued his winning ways at the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships being held in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. This time his success came with Valentino BF (Vagabond De La Pomme x Calida BF), a five year old stallion bred by close friend and former student, KC Branscomb.

A Stylish Start to Hunter Derby FridayThe first Hunter Derby Friday of November at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) kicked off in style with the $10,000 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby.

A talented field of professional riders took center stage in the R+L Arena at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) for the $10,000 Shoofly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby during Midwest Indoors I. The competition was fierce, with scores soaring into the 90s and riders delivering rounds that showcased style, precision, and rhythm.

A Confident Win to Close the Day Wrapping up the day’s competition in the WEC Stadium, Alexandra Hird and Lord Carlino, owned by Mad Maple Farm LLC, delivered a winning performance in the $7,500 Golden Ocala 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. The striking gelding by Lord Z out of R-Carlina showcased brilliance and composure throughout both phases to earn his first hunter derby victory.

A Strong Start to the DayThe day began with elegant rounds and precise riding in the $5,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3’ Hunter Derby, which welcomed 14 horse-and-rider combinations in a challenging hunt-and-go format.

John French and Crystal Blue shined under the bright lights of the Alltech Arena, claiming the championship title in the prestigious $75,000 NHS Hunter Classic at the National Horse Show.Their signature style, precision, and elegance over both rounds captivated judges and spectators alike, solidifying their reputation as one of the nation’s standout hunter pairs.

Despite the rainy, chilly conditions, Sheila Motley and Way With Words consistent performances over two days of competition secured them the Amateur Owner 36+ 3’6 championship along with the Grand Champion Amateur Owner 3'6 title.

Kaiden and John French rose to the top in the second day of showing at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY. Kaiden prevailed as the Rockstar Grand Champion Professional Hunter and John was crowned the Rockstar Leading Hunter Rider after claiming champion honors in the Green Conformation and reserve champion in Green Hunter 3’6 aboard Kaiden and Crystal Blue, respectively.

The second week of the National Horse Show kicked off this morning with the professional hunters taking the spotlight. The Alltech Arena saw the Green, Conformation, and High Performance horses over two courses designed by Paul Jewell. Laena Romond and Forsini along with the incomparable John French and Crystal Blue were impossible to beat in the most competitive division of the day.