An Overwhelming Success & A New Future for the Hunters Photo & Article By Diana De Rosa

Overview of arena where horses competed

at the Virginia Horse Center

The inaugural Legacy Cup, (May 1-6, 2001 in Lexington, VA, presented by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation) was truly a home run. Its goal was to breath new life into the hunters and to do something different. Not only did it accomplish that goal, but also the bases were truly loaded at this event. The Legacy Cup offered the competitors significant prize money in an atmosphere that was relaxed and fun. In between the competition there were parties and get-togethers. There was even quite a bit of laughter and a chance to catch your breath, a nice change of pace from the normal horse show rat race. Beyond the Pro and Non-Pro divisions, there was also money for specific breeds, Limited Pro riders and Pre-Green horses.

The foundation of the show was the Pro and Non-Pro divisions set at 3' and 3'6". Each division had two Go-Rounds after which the top 20 riders competed in a Finals based on their combined score. All the hunter classes were judged by four sets of two judges, a system both the competitors and the judges felt was the fairest way to judge the hunters. "It's nice to have our different panels of judges," explained Russell Frey, the judge from Hume, VA. "You get a different view of every round. Each pair of judges is judging a different course because there were some jumps you could see better than them and other jumps they could see better than you. It was a very fair way to do it."

A HOME RUN

It was a novel concept and it worked. "We need to recognize our membership because they are the ones who have supported the organization with private donations to make this and other events happen," explained Kerr, AHJF President. "The amateurs, owners, and parents as well as the professionals. Beyond the private donors, the vendors also donated great prizes to make the event even more special."

After it was all over, the committee of the Legacy Cup received a letter from Amanda Steege-Herrara who wrote, "I just wanted to thank you for all of the time and hard work you put into making the Legacy Cup happen. It was an unbelievable experience for me. I thought the facility was fabulous and you guys did so many things to make it feel special. Everyone who worked there was friendly and courteous. They were always available to answer questions or take suggestions. The courses were beautiful and so fun to ride. Everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves including the judges who seemed to have a great time and looked very relaxed. I loved the judging system and really didn't hear anyone complain about the judging during the six days of showing. The ribbons, trophies, and gifts were like nothing I have ever seen and the presentations in the ring made the event feel very important. The limited pro division was great for a young professional like me; it gave me a chance to feel like I really accomplished something at a very important horse show. Most of all I was overwhelmed by how supportive and friendly all of the other riders and trainers were towards each othereverybody watched and cheered for each otherthis is how I think horse shows should be all the time. I just wanted you to know that somebody out there appreciates all of your efforts. I can't wait for next year."

And with that letter, the committee knew their goal had been accomplished. The bases were loaded and they had hit a home run with this event. The Legacy Cup was new, different, relaxing and set the pace for a whole new future for the hunters.