A busy Chicago 'Horse' weekend

This past weekend was a busy fall weekend for Chicagoland Equestrians and Horse enthusiasts!

There was the Finals for the Emerging Athletes Program and Trainer Certification Program at Country Ridge Stables in Mundelein, IL. Chicago area junior rider, Lauren Ditallo participated in this years program with notable clinicians Peter Wylde, Mindy Bower and Jennifer Alfano. Check the website soon for a full article and interview with Lauren Ditallo.



The NIHJA and IHJA Banquets celebrating the accomplishments of riders and trainers throughout the year. It is always a great party when everyone gets together for dinner, awards and bit of dancing!




The Chicagoland Equestrian Lifestyle Expo at the Lake County Expo Center provided a one stop venue for shopping and a learning experience for everyone who loves horses.




There was even a Monty Roberts Methods clinic in Barrington, IL taught by Monty's daughter Debbie Loucks.

We would love to hear what you did this past weekend in the Chicagoland horse world!



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Location:All over Chicago!

Alltech National Horse Show: ASPCA Maclay National Championship

Sunday at the National Horse Show was 'Maclay Day'.

198 junior riders from around the country competed Sunday morning in the jumping phase of the finals class. 10 riders from the Chicago area were part of the intense competition that tests riders on seat, hand, guidance and control of the horse. These riders have worked very hard throughout the past year to qualify for this highly competitive class.

Chicago riders included Catherine Tyree, Alex Carlins, Kaitlin Calamos, Lauren Tyree, Caitlin Boyle, Abigail Mcardle, Courtney Harker, Madeline Thatcher, Nora Laue and Caitlin Creel. Saturday morning after the warmup class Chicago Equestrian caught up with several of the Chicago area riders for exclusive video interviews on their thoughts on riding in the Maclay Finals. Be sure to keep an eye on the website for the inside scoop from these talented junior riders.



Catherine Tyree



Alex Carlins



Kaitlin Calamos



Lauren Tyree



Caitlin Boyle



Abigail Mcardle



Courtney Harker



Madeline Thatcher



Nora Laue



Caitlin Creel

After the initial jumping phase three groups of riders, totaling 37 riders, were called back to test on the flat. Of those two of them were Chicago riders Catherine Tyree and Abigail Mcardle.







After the flat phase the top 18 competitors were called back for a work off over a course of fences that include several difficult components. Catherine Tyree was in 11th place going into the work off. The course included a trot in combination, roll backs, hand gallop to a fence and a change of gait to a walk in the middle of the course. Congratulations to Catherine Tyree who successfully worked her way into the top 10 with a seventh place finish!



Catherine Tyree over the Alltech triple bar approached at a hand gallop in the work off round of the ASPCA Maclay Finals.

For more National Horse Show coverage go to www.chicagoequestrian.com
For full class results NHS.org

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Location:KHP, Lexington, KY

Alltech National Horse Show: Saturday Jumper Update

Once again the action heated up and the adrenaline was pumping as the jumpers headed into the arena on Saturday night.

The first class was the Show Jumping Hall of Fame $50,000 Jr/AO Championship. We had three entrants from the Chicago area that qualified throughout the show to compete.

A/O rider Laura Linback riding Whittaker MVNZ for Woodrun farm took 8th place after leaving up all the rails but going just over time allowed. Laura raced to cross the finish timers while her husband anxiously looked on from the gate. The course was large and technical, it looked as if she was just a tad slow getting moving at the beginning.










Junior rider Lillie Ross riding Pako for Allison Ross took home the 10th place ribbon after having just a single rail down. She was fast enough with a 4faults to make the top 10. Great job for this junior rider and her beautiful horse Pako!





Caitlin Hope riding Total Touch for Kathleen Hope also qualified and rode in the Championship class.





Next up on the schedule was the pristine main event for the evening! The Alltech National Horse Show $250,000 International Grand Prix.

George Morris was a guest speaker to talk about the importance of supporting the Horse Show, the industry, the trainers and the riders. Mason Phelps, president of the National Horse Show and Dr Pierce Lyons, owner of Alltech welcomed the National Horse Show to it's permanent new home at The Kentucky Horse Park.


A single rider represented the Chicago area in the International Grand Prix. Charlie Jayne riding Athena for the London Group.
Charlie had a very exciting ride and left everyone holding their breath as he raced to the last jump. A collective groan from the crowd was heard as a rail on the very last fence splashed into the liverpool. Charlie took 11th place and a check for $5,000.




Congratulations to all the Chicago Area Jumper riders that qualified and competed at the Alltech National Horse Show!

For additional coverage of The National Horse Show please see www.chicagoequestrian.com
For full class results NHS.org

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Location:KHP, Lexington, KY

Alltech National Horse Show: Saturday Junior Hunter Updates

The Hunter competition heated up today as the top contenders battled it out for Champion and Reserve Champion of their divisions. Under Saddle classes were held first followed by the highly competitive Stakes classes.

Chicago area riders Madeline Thatcher and Catherine Tyree did their best to win the coveted Champion medals.

Congratulations to Maddie and Catherine on all their hard work!




Maddie Thatcher riding Catch Phrase




Maddie Thatcher riding Bella Blue




Maddie Thatcher riding Summer Place




Catherine Tyree riding Savant


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Location:KHP, Lexington, KY

Alltech National Horse Show: Friday Jumpers update

Friday evening at the Alltech National Horse Show had the action heating up with the Jumper classes!

Several Chicago area riders competed in the Alltech Arena.



Caitlin Hope on Total Touch




Lillie Ross on Pako

Laura Linback (no photo)




Charlie Jayne on Waldman Z

For more information on the show and on Chicago area riders please see our website. www.chicagoequestrian.com
For full class results go to NHS.org




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Location:KHP, Lexington, KY

Alltech National Horse Show: Junior Hunter Update

As the Hunters wrap up the afternoon at The Alltech arena a special award was given to Madeline Thatcher riding Summer Place for Pony Lane Farm. The award was for the Best Handy Round for all Junior Hunters.

Madeline also won her Large Junior Hunter 15 & under Handy class on Summer Place for Pony Lane Farm.

Congratulations Maddie!





- Steph

Location:KHP, Lexington, KY

We are headed to Lexington!

Alltech National Horseshow, here we come!

Chicago Equestrian, an official media partner of The National Horseshow, will be covering all the excitement of competition.

We will be on the lookout for any and all Chicago area riders. Stay tuned for Facebook updates, behind the scenes blog posts, and of course coverage on the website.

If you are going to be in Lexington, give us a shout! Facebook us, leave a message on the blog or just be on the lookout at the Alltech Arena at The Kentucky Horse Park.

See you in Kentucky!


- Steph