July News from the Capital Challenge Horse Show
The Capital Challenge Horse Show is eager to welcome competitors back to the Prince George's Equestrian Center for the 28th edition of the show. Photo by Jump Media
Upper Marlboro, Md. – The Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS) is officially 10 weeks away, and the horse show staff is working hard to prepare the venue and the schedule for the start of competition back at Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, from October 1-10, 2021. If you are interested in sponsoring the show, please contact Jennifer Glass at 239-851-8751 or jenniferleeglass@gmail.com.
The prize list will be available on Tuesday, August 3, for review and entries open on Wednesday, August 4. Keep reading to meet our featured sponsor, rider, and staff member, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ARIAT EQUESTRIAN
Capital Challenge's first corporate sponsor, and a prominent brand at horse shows of all disciplines, Ariat partnered with CCHS 28 years ago for its inaugural event. Ariat serves as a title sponsor of the Ariat Adult National Medal Finals, which will take place on Friday, October 8, 2021.
Due to the show's prestige and the presence of numerous Ariat-partner riders, Ariat has used Capital Challenge to exclusively launch and preview new products. When Ariat launched its new tall boot, the Divino, it debuted the first pairs at Capital Challenge, giving consumers an opportunity to see them before the boots officially hit the market.
Ariat plans to showcase new products at Capital Challenge again in the future. Its newest tall boot, Ravello, is in final stages of production. If ready in time, the Ravello will make its debut at Capital Challenge 2021.
One of Ariat's own employees, Holly Andrews, competed in the Ariat Adult National Medal Finals several years ago. An 'A'-circuit hunter rider and Senior Director of Global English Footwear, Andrews worked hard to qualify and attend Capital Challenge as a competitor in the Final.
Hear from Ashton Alexander, winner of the 2020 Ariat National Adult Medal Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. [Youtube Video Link]
GET TO KNOW OLIVIA SWEETNAM, LEADER OF THIS NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEDAL STANDINGS
Olivia Sweetnam and Armani were named Small Pony Hunter Champion at the 2020 Capital Challenge Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, FL, is currently leading the standings for the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children's Medal. She has been a top competitor in the Pony Hunters at Capital Challenge in recent years, and this year will also be taking on the equitation and the NAL Children's Jumper Finals. We spoke with Olivia about her experience in the equitation divisions so far in 2021.
What is your favorite thing about Capital Challenge Horse Show?
I love everything about Capital Challenge, but mainly I love seeing my friends, the scenery, and showing in the indoor arena.
What is it like riding in hunters, jumpers, and equitation? Do you have a favorite?
I love all three for different reasons. Each of them helps me work on certain aspects of my riding and training and helps further my riding.
What are your goals for Capital Challenge this year and for the rest of the indoor show circuit?
My goals for Capital Challenge this year is to get a top-three ribbon at Taylor Harris Insurance Services Children's Medal Finals and to stay consistent in the rest of the divisions.
What are your goals as a rider?
My short-term goals are to go to Maclay Finals and to win a class at each indoor horse show. My long-term goals are to win a big final, jump a national grand prix, and to follow the footsteps of my dad and go to the Olympics one day.
MEET NEW LEAD HORSE SHOW SECRETARY AND OFFICE MANAGER, JESSICA KEIL
Jessica Keil recently became the Lead Horse Show Secretary and Office Manager for the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Get to know her below.
In your new role as Lead Horse Show Secretary and Office Manager, what are your responsibilities for the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show?
My responsibilities include managing and overseeing all aspects of the horse show office including accepting and processing entries and managing the wait lists. I am also working on securing lodging partners, lodging arrangements for our staff, and handling any items and equipment we need to rent for the event.
How long have you been with CCHS? What have you done for them in the past?
I have been working for CCHS for a few years now, handling the feed & bedding office and last year working in the horse show office.
What makes this horse show so special to you?
The Capital Challenge Horse Show is special to me because it has always been such a prestigious show and I was happy to join the team of a few years ago. Now, I'm excited for my new role and helping the show grow.
What is your background with horses?
My mom has always had horses, so I grew up with them. I was a horse crazy kid in Red Hook, NY. I showed at local shows as a kid and then went to college for Equine Business Management, receiving my Associate of Applied Science at SUNY Morrisville and then my Bachelor of Science at Johnson & Wales. I have 15 years of horse show office experience.
How do you spend your free time?
Nowadays, although I don't get to ride as much as I'd like to, my mom has a couple of Tennessee Walkers, so when I am home, I enjoy trail riding with her. I also enjoy road biking, hiking with my dog, and baking. Last year, since we stayed in houses while attending the CCHS in Ohio, I baked apple pies a couple of the evenings. My co-workers are going to be disappointed that I won't have time to bake any pies this year!
What's a favorite horse show memory?
One of my favorite horse show experiences was working at the 2018 World Equestrian Games as head of the steward office. I created the daily schooling schedule for all of the disciplines, as well as organized the lodging for the 120 stewards and assisted the head steward in all of his duties. It was fun learning about and watching all of the other disciplines.