Professional Hunters step into the spotlight at national horse show
Romond, French, and Stewart Lead Tight Races as Professional Hunters Shine at National Horse Show
October 29, 2025 at 2:52 AMBy h.orlando
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. Both horses jumped beautifully to scores in the 90’s in the Goshen Hill Green Hunter 3’6 classes to earn a first and second place each. Forsini winning the first class and Crystal Blue the handy. They will go head to head in tomorrow’s stake round.
Other Highlights
John French and Scott Stewart were up to the challenge in the Green Conformation aboard Kaiden and Fidelio, respectively. Kaiden finished in second behind Fidelio in the model and also the handy but secured the victory in the first class to head into tomorrow with a slight lead in points.
Stewart and his long time partner, California Love, were on top in the High Performance Conformation model and also led the way in the first over fence class with Michael Britt-Leon and his partner Simply Spectacular claiming the win in the handy. Britt-Leon was back in the winner’s circle in the Green Hunter 3’9 but this time with Kelly Sims’ On Call. Molly Graham and Cheers! navigated their way to a win in the handy.
A very familiar face held his own in the Judith Murch High Performance division. Lafitte De Muze and Amanda Steege continued their winning ways with a win in the handy and a runner up spot in the first class. Milagro and Riley Babb were able to hold off the perennial duo to take the victory in the first class.
Up Next
Tomorrow's schedule will see the pinning of champion and reserve in all five of the professional divisions. The points are close in each of them so there is still a lot at stake. The amateur owners will take center stage tomorrow afternoon.
ClipMyHorse.TV will, of course, be broadcasting live.
Foto: Shawn McMillen Photograph
Video: Laena Romond and Forsini
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