Maggie Hill continued her dream season at the Washington International Horse Show, held October 22-27 in Washington, D.C.

Maggie, of Jackson, Wyoming, claimed the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, sponsored by Gotham North, receiving the DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. & Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia, after being selected by the judges as the rider who demonstrated the highest quality in horsemanship and sportsmanship, combined with good appearance and courtesy.

”For Maggie, it was pretty amazing,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “I’m so proud of her consistency. Last year she would step up and win a class here and there, but now she stays in the hunt and was able to clinch the championship with both Cassanto and O’Ryan. Her year so far with Cassanto has been remarkable—they really click.

“And she’s been great about understanding these two horses who are quite different,” noted Liza. “O’Ryan is older, and we pick and choose shows and classes versus, for instance, doing the whole Junior Hunter division. He might go to a two-week show and only show one week and the flat the other week to keep him fresh. She’s involved in the decisions we make. We’ll ask, ‘When do you want them to peak?’ And throughout the year that program has worked, and now they’re peaking at end of the year, which is what we wanted.”

Hill also rode Cassanto to the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, title for the Chance Step Perpetual Trophy, donated by Brooke Carmichael McMurray-Fowler and Pam Carmichael Keenan, and her O’Ryan to the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17 tricolor. She then collected the Georgetown Trophy for High-Score Owner-Rider Award with her O’Ryan.

Maggie’s WIHS Photo Gallery

Grace Ann Nolan’s Kumano also earned the spotlight at Washington. With trainer Liza Boyd aboard, Kumano received excellent ribbons in the 3’9” Green Hunter section, including second in the stake. handy and under saddle. Then, with Grace in the irons, the pair won the Large Junior, 16-17, under saddle.

Gigi Manigault and Bastille also earned ribbons in the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section, including fourth in the handy and fifth over fences, with excellent performances.

“Grace Ann hadn’t done him in the 3’6” very much, so it was exciting for her to have nice rounds,” said Liza. “She’ll come back next year with him as an amateur. Both Grace Ann and Gigi are seniors in high school, so we’re looking forward to having them both show with us next year.”

From Grace Ann’s mother, Lindsay Keogler Nolan:

“What a way to spend your 18th birthday! Solid trips over fences and won the hack! We are thrilled for Grace and Kumano 💖🦄💙 Thanks again to Jack Towell, Liza Towell Boyd, Katie Wood and Finally Farm for all your guidance, patience, and training! Thanks to Nick Haness, Ryan May and Gail Ellis for allowing us to have your special boy! He’s the best!”

Mary Caroline Nolan also enjoyed riding her Timoteo in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship.