Dreary Weather Can’t Dampen These Spirits
Motley and “Quill” Lead Standout Amateur Performances as Rising Talent and Veteran Partnerships Shine Across National Horse Show Divisions
October 31, 2025 at 1:58 AMBy h.orlando
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.
“Quill” is an 8 year old Finnish Warmblood (Quality x Maloubet De Pleville) who loves bananas! This is his first year of showing indoors and is also piloted by Kelley Farmer in the Green Conformation division. Motley and Way With Words were presented with the Ruxton and Scot To Do Challenge Trophy which holds special meaning to her and her family. Both of these horses were under the care of Sheila’s aunt, Debbie Buchanan, at Belcort Farm in Keswick, Virginia during the time they dominated the hunter classes. Buchanan is still front and center today at the ring with Sheila and her horses. Motley is no stranger to success and credits Quill’s “great gallop and the ability to keep that pace throughout the round” as a huge part of their winning recipe.
Rising To The Challenge
Grand Remo and Stella Propp stepped back into the Alltech Arena for the Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35 3’6 championship after a solid two days of showing. Casallo and Maryann Zeira were all smiles after claiming the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3 championship and the Susanne Stroh Perpetual Trophy for the Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3 title. Forsini and Lexi Maounis continued their domination with the championship in the Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35 3’3 division.
Alone At The Top
John French and his very special horses, Crystal Blue and Kaiden, could not be beat in tonight’s National Horse Show $75,000 Hunter Classic. Congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible success!
Photo Credits: Olivia Airhart, Phelps Media Group
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