Caitlyn Shiels and Cassius Win $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Chicago Festival of the Horse

Written by: Allyson Lagiovane
Client: Lamplight Equestrian Center http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/
Release Date: 2016-08-12

Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 12, 2016 – The final hunter derby of the Chicago Festival of the Horse took place on Friday morning, showcasing top horse and rider combinations in the Main Hunter ring. Caitlyn Shiels and her unstoppable mount, Cassius, took home top honors to finish up the $5,000 UHSJA National Hunter Derby.

Shiels and Don Stewart’s Cassius have only been working together since April of this year, but their partnership has grown to produce success in the show ring. Shiels and Cassius finished their first over fences round with a score of 88, putting them in third place going into the handy round.

“He was great,” Shiels said of Cassius. “The first round was really nice. There were nice high options, good turns, and a nice bending line. I thought it really made the horses jump really nice, too. [Cassius] was very smooth, very rideable, and I was very happy with him!”

Following closely behind Shiels heading into the handy round was Laura Stern on Harrison. Stern was nicely situated in fourth place with a score of 87, and also followed closely behind with her other mount, Ellie, with a score of 76.

“Harrison is just a blast!” said Stern. “He’s really learned and grown, and this was our first derby this year. He’s just a really good boy. He walks in the ring at any time ready to play. He knows what to do and to go in and jump the jumps, he’s all about it. It’s nice that he’s a good mover too!”

Shiels was the second to last competitor to tackle the handy round, showcasing Cassius’ beautiful form over fences and ability to remain rideable throughout the course. The pair earned a score of 89, enough to move them up in the ranks and take home the first place ribbon.

“During the handy I just wanted to be super smooth,” explained Shiels. “I had a nice score in the first round, so I just wanted to go in and lay down the same trip with a little bit tidier turns. He handled it all very well. I just knew at the end that he was very good and really deserved the scores that he got, so I was very pleased with him today. It’s just been great having the opportunity to ride such a nice horse.”…continue reading on PhelpsMediaGroup.com by clicking here!