Nick Haness and Odette Dominate $100,000 WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular

WCHR Week came to a thrilling close on Saturday evening at Traverse City Horse Shows, where Nick Haness once again proved why he’s one of the sport’s leading hunter riders—claiming back-to-back titles in the prestigious $100,000 WCHR Central Hunter Spectacular, this time aboard the elegant Odette.

Riding under the lights in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring, Haness delivered two masterful rounds aboard the 9-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, securing the win with a combined score of 95.625.

The Central Hunter Spectacular marked the final leg of the WCHR Hunter Spectacular Triple Crown, following stops in Florida and California earlier this year. The two-round format—designed by Meghan Rawlins (CAN)—invited top 3’6”, 3’9”, and 4’ hunter combinations to shine in a classic round followed by a technical handy course that rewarded bold, beautiful riding.

The Competition

Judged by two panels—Scott Williamson and Cynthia Hankins, and Jennifer Fischer and Santa Ritter—the class welcomed 37 elite horse-and-rider combinations, with 12 returning for the handy round. Haness had already laid down a top score aboard Clear as Day, but entered the ring again aboard Odette—determined to raise the bar.

And he did just that.

Odette delivered elegance, scope, and precision, earning an average of 96.5 in the first round and a 95.75 in the handy. With nerves of steel and flawless execution, Haness sealed the win with a performance that wowed the crowd and judges alike.

The victory capped off an unforgettable WCHR week in Traverse City and secured Haness’s place in the history books as a back-to-back Central Hunter Spectacular champion.

Photo by Pexel