Brooke Kemper and Rocket J Squirrel Top the Podium in the Classic Champions CSI1* Welcome at Live Oak International
Brooke Kemper and Rocket J Squirrel. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
OCALA- Fla.– March 4, 2022 - Brooke Kemper (USA) and Rocket J Squirrel won the CSI1* Classic Champions Welcome at Live Oak International. The CSI1* is a new addition to the schedule at the prestigious driving and show jumping event, offering more riders and horses the opportunity to compete in the world-class arena. The division is sponsored by Classic Champions, a nonprofit dedicated to the development and education of young jumpers. Renowned FEI 4* course designer Olaf Peterson Jr. set the power and speed-format track.
“I thought the course was lovely, it was a nice opening round for the CSI1* division," said Kemper, who hails from Reddick, Florida."It flowed nicely, there was a nice inside option. I thought it was a course that was great for all competitors."
Rocket J Squirrel, a chestnut KWPN gelding (Crespo VDL x Razsja), is owned by the Shadow Pond Group. This was his first FEI outing.
“He is a 9-year-old that I have had since he was 6 and I have been developing him,” Kemper said. “I am very happy the way he jumped.”
Second and third-place honors went to Ocala resident Lawson Whitaker (USA), piloting her own Brownie and Cream (Quintero x Vanilla G), a 13-year-old Holsteiner mare and Finch Farm Clifford (Charlemagne Ego Z x Just a Trade), a 13-year old Warmblood gelding.
The division culminates Saturday with the Classic Champions CSI1* Grand Prix. In addition, Cynthia Hampton, founder of Classic Champions, will present the Award of Distinction to the jumper selected by the judges to have demonstrated the quality of gaits, rideability, scope and potential to excel on the international stage.
Rocket J Squirrel and Brooke Kemper accept their award from Classic Champion's Cynthia Hampton with Chloe Reid, ringmaster Pedro Cebulka, Chester and My Elisabeth Weber.
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
SPECIAL THANKS
With thanks to Erin Gilmore Photography
Classic Champions Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 with the goal of implementing age-appropriate practices for the development of young jumper horses in North America. Classic Champions offers consulting, young jumper events and education designed specifically for 4-8-year-old horses to gain confidence and be competitive both in the United States and on the international stage.
For more information, please visit ClassicChampionsInc.com