NEWS

A competitive group of six riders entered the Kentucky Horse Park Rolex Arena Friday, July 10, 2020, vying for the 2020 United Professional Horsemen's Association Adult Challenge Cup National Final champion title closing out the morning session of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Judges for the final were Josh Greer, Johnny Jones and Jimmy Robertson. Following the completion of rail and pattern work, Joan Benjamin from New Orleans, Louisiana, was named the National Champion. Benjamin rode her American Saddlebred, My Mikimoto, to top honors under the instruction of Barbe Smith, Cascade Stables.

The UPHA Challenge Cup was established in 1972 to encourage competition for saddle seat equitation riders throughout the nation. The UPHA Adult Challenge Cup began in 1987. The mission of the United Professional Horsemen's Association Foundation is to encourage and promote educational activities and competition related to the sport of showing horses. Through our Challenge Cup programs, many juvenile and adult riders have increased their equine knowledge and athletic skills.

Results from the 2020 UPHA Adult Challenge Cup National Final:

• Champion: Joan Benjamin, New Orleans, Louisiana riding My Mikimoto, instructed by Cascade Stables.
• Reserve Champion: Dr. John Stutts, Louisville, Kentucky riding CH (EQ) Autumn's Rainmaker, instructed by Zubrod Stables.

Remaining Top Ten in numerical order:

• Dr. Morgan Wolin, Chicago, IL riding So Smitten, instructed by Chad Cole
• Kaeley Arterburn, La Grange, KY riding CH (EQ) La Zingara, instructed by Zubrod Stables
• Macy Brangers, Prospect, KY riding Aunty Bellum, instructed by Betsy Webb
• Danielle Dubay Navarro, Louisville, KY riding Annie's Perfect Design, self-instructed

For more information on the UPHA Challenge Cup program, visit the website at www.uphaonline.com or contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, UPHA executive director at jmellenkamp@uphaonline.com or (859) 231-5070.

-- via UPHA