NHJC NATIONAL FINALS at the CAPITAL CHALLENGE HORSE SHOW Thursday - October 4, 2001

Amateurs reigned at the Capital Challenge Horse Show today, and the National Hunter/Jumper Council presented four National Finals titles today.

Rick Oas of Zone 10 was thrilled with his NHJC win in the Amateur Owner Hunters 18-35 with his eight year old Holsteiner/ Thoroughbred cross, Wait ‘n See. Oas was especially thrilled with his win since he started the mare four years ago. "She was thin and unbroke, and then she just bloomed." Oas was hoping to do the Indoor shows this fall, and qualifying as the Zone 10 representative cemented the decision. "I had ridden in the East as a junior and I always wanted to come back. This is so much fun getting to compete against the best horses in the nation." Oas and his wife, Buffy, operate their own Pollyrich Farm, work together and show together. "We understand and respect one another," explained Oas "and we show as a team."

Tracy Weinberg credits her team of a wonderful horse, San Siro, her trainer, Tony Workman, and other key players, like her farrier and barn manager, for the success she has enjoyed with San Siro. "I only showed in ten shows this year, and after Indoors he will have the whole winter off and probably won't start showing until March or April. He is the horse of a lifetime and I want to have him for life." Weinberg won the Amateur Owner 36 and Over Hunter championship for the third year in a row, but enjoyed her first year as Grand Champion, Best Amateur, and the NHJC National Finals representing Zone 3. "All of this is really exciting," said Weinberg. "Usually the amateurs don't get things like this, only the grand prix riders. This is so special for us."

In the older Adult Amateur Hunter division, Kim Semyan continued her stellar year with Pico, a nine year old Belgian Warmblood. She gives great credit to trainer Belynda Bond for her success with Pico. Out of 18 shows this year we have been champion 12 times and reserve four times. "The four times Pico was reserve," added Kim's husband, John "Kim's other horse was champion." When Kim Semyan received her letter from the NHJC telling her she was the Zone 7 representative, she was not sure what the NHJC National Finals were all about. "I understand it now," she said laughing. "I am very, very proud."

Complete results of today's NHJC National Finals are listed below:

Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35
CH Wait ‘n See - Pollyrich Farms, owner Zone 10
RC Jazzyme - Sara Gentry-Slack, owner Zone 5

Amateur Owner Hunter 36 & Over
CH San Siro - Weinberg Brokerage Group, owner Zone 3
RC Hampton Way - Lee Cesery, owner Zone 4 Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35
CH Whoville - Mr. & Mrs. Hunt Tosh, owner Zone 4
RC City Editor - Courtney Somers, owner Zone 3

Adult Amateur Hunter 36 & Over
CH Pico - Kim Semyan, owner Zone 7
RC Scho Me The Way - Leslie Cain, owner Zone 4

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The National Hunter/Jumper Council is the official hunter/jumper discipline organization of the USA Equestrian. As such, the NHJC seeks to represent the interests of all hunter/jumper competitors, horse shows, and organizations in the United States.
The NHJC is divided into 12 geographic zones, with the chairmen and vice-chairmen from each zone serving on the Council's 30 member Board of Governors. Each chairman of the six USA Equestrian hunter/jumper discipline committees serves also, rounding out the 30 member governing board.
In addition, the NHJC has many other committees dealing with specific issues relevant to the hunter/jumper sport, such as education, grass roots, stewards, judges, show management, show standards, drugs and medications, young rider and junior jumper championships, and planning.
The NHJC is also committed to communicating with its hunter/jumper constituency through a variety of media, including "Equestrian" magazine, the NHJC website (www.nhjc.org), and its quarterly newsletter, "The Council Connection." For more information, contact Marnye Langer, Director of Communications.