Barnetta, ridden by Sharn Wordley and owned by The Sky Group, returned to the Grand Prix ring last night at the historic Dixon Oval after a well deserved break earlier this spring. As always, Barnetta looked every bit the seasoned competitor, laying down a beautiful round under the blaring lights and in front of a jammed packed crowd in Devon, Pennsylvania. After competing around the globe, this was Sharn and Barnetta’s first trip around the Dixon oval, one of the most atmosphere filled arenas in country!
Barnetta and Sharn had a beautiful ride, catching an unlucky rail in the final combination, which held them out of the jump off. They still finished in the money, a respectable 11th place among some of the best international horse and rider combinations.
It was also fun to catch up with longtime friend and client, Kevin Babington, who was the winner of the 2016 Devon Grand Prix. This also was not to be his year, but there will certainly be a win for both these gentlemen in the near future!
McLain Ward and his exuberant partner, Rothchild, proved unbeatable last night with two precise and fast rounds to top the field of 28 riders, noting in the press conference that as long as the 16 year old gelding continues to perform at the top of the sport, he will continue to compete. Rothchild’s signature move, kicking out after the last fence like spiking it in the end zone, signified this horse is still on the top of his game!
This evening, Sharn returns to Dixon oval aboard Caiman Des Sequoias, also owned in partnership with The Sky Group, for the $35K Devon Speed Derby.
To catch the highlights of the Grand Prix and all the Devon classes, check out the Live Streaming of Devon Horse Show – USEF Network!
Below are a few photos of Sharn and Kevin from last night’s Grand Prix under the lights.
