"Competing for Something Better": A Recap of the MeadowGrove & Friends Open Classic
Imagine a show jumping competition that not only tests your equestrian skills to the brink but also brings awareness to a worthy cause. This is precisely what the participants at the annual MeadowGrove & Friends 1.20m Open Classic experienced. Hosted at the acclaimed Desert International Horse Park (DIHP), the competition had an incredible turnout, with over 74 entries and winners differentiated by mere seconds.
The Big Win of Jacqueline Chawke
The day's ultimate victory was achieved by Canadian rider Jacqueline Chawke partnering with the Irish Sport Horse Wrenwood Polly Pocket. Chawke managed to cinch first place with a jump-off time of 39.156 seconds, closely followed by Megan Holliday with Revelation, and last year's champion, Skyler Wireman with Flipper Lady.
Chawke later described her mount as "very, very special" noting the competitiveness, speed, and "really big heart" of the mare gifted to her by her trainer/husband, James Chawke. For Chawke, the importance of the event’s cause was not lost, especially as a mother. The MeadowGrove Classic, she said, was pivotal in creating awareness around the safety aspects of their sport and industry.
Supporting A Good Cause
The runner-up in the competition, Megan Holliday, also expressed the importance of the MeadowGrove & Friends event in advocating for a good cause. Holliday also seized the opportunity to have a final run for the season with her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, lovingly called 'Gogo' back in the barn. She attested that the Classic was a chance not only for competition but also to support a charitable cause.
#WeRideTogether’s Vision
The charity behind the scenes of this esteemed competition, #WeRideTogether, was formed in 2021 aiming to create a healthy, positive environment for young athletes in the equestrian sport and beyond. The president of #WeRideTogether, Carrie Kehring, voiced gratitude for the support received and expressed excitement at the momentum the fundraiser had generated with the help of sponsors, donors and the competition participants.
Supporting the ongoing mission of the #WeRideTogether movement can be executed through tax-deductible donations which can still be made on their website.
Thanks to the Supporters
The MeadowGrove & Friends Classic would not have been possible without the support of MeadowGrove, Hunterbrook, Mark Kinsella Equestrian, Sandhaven Farm, Alora Sporthorses, Balmoral, Jenn Serek, Sunnybrook, Trademark Stables & Friends, Chestnut Hill & the Wiremans, Brookway Stables, Ingenium Farm, Estancia Farms, Thunderbird Showpark, Parkside Stables, and Imagination Lane. Prize donations were courtesy of Equestrian Stockholm, Schulz, Infused Equestrian, Solea Equestrian, Equ Lifestyle Boutique, Show MD and Ice Horse.
In a fitting conclusion, the annual fundraiser did not just result in a thrilling competition but a promising push in supporting the welfare of young athletes across the sporting domain.
Wrapping Up
In the current sports landscape where winning is often the only thing, such events remind us of the charitable side of sports and the positive effect they can have on society. The MeadowGrove & Friends Open Classic was a delightful blend of white-knuckle competition and philanthropy. And as competitors and spectators alike came together for a common cause, true to its intent, they clearly rode together as a community.