Linda Corvari Grabs Gold in USHJA Zones 1 & 2 Children's and Adult Amateur Hunter Championships, Presented by SmartPak

Saugerties N.Y.—September 4, 2019—Zone 2’s Linda Corvari of Long Valley, New Jersey, claimed the individual gold medal on the final day of the USHJA Zones 1 and 2 Children’s and Adult Amateur Hunter Championships, presented by SmartPak, riding Surfside on Sunday, September 2, at HITS Horse Shows’ HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. 

After three phases, including an under saddle, a classic hunter derby-style course, and a handy hunter course, Corvari won her second gold medal in two days. She was also part of the winning Pink Team on Saturday when hunters where able to enjoy an innovative team competition. Corvari and Surfside claimed individual gold with the highest overall score from two panels of judges, including John Berkos, Jimmy Lee, Brian Lenehan, and Laura O’Connor. 

Rounding out the podium finishes, adult riders swept the top three positions with Laura Barna from Zone 2 and Hundred Acre taking the silver medal, and Corinne Macaulay from Zone 2 finishing with bronze riding Pilgrim de Blue Mery.

This year marked Corvari’s first appearance in the USHJA Children’s and Adult Amateur Hunter Championships, presented by SmartPak, but the concept is one she has been longing for.

“It’s something new and different and one I have been hoping to participate in,” said Corvari, who trains with Robert Beck at Hunter’s Crossing Farm. “I encourage others to give it a try; yesterday was so much fun being part of a team and that camaraderie carried over to today.”

Surfside, a nine-year-old Selle Luxembourgeios gelding by Beaulieu’s Quissini, is known as “Fish” around the barn and is a new mount for Corvari after she purchased the horse for her 50th birthday a year ago. 

“He’s everything I love in a horse,” she said. “For me, today was all about going forward. He is so calm and can slow on a dime, so I wanted to go forward, get it done, and try to impress the judges in the handy round.”

Corvari succeeded in impressing the judges and pocketed first and second place ribbons over fences after taking third under saddle. In addition to earning the gold medal, ribbons and an embroidered cooler, Corvari also won a Charles Owen Helmet, CWD halter, Parlanti Boots, an Essex Classics Riding Shirt, and FITS Riding breeches.

“The prizes are much more than I expected,” said Corvari, who owns a medical communications company where she works when she is not riding. “This is amazing and far beyond my expectations from some of the top-quality brands in our sport.”

Finally, Corvari vowed to be back in 2020, saying, “This horse show is my vacation. I love it here and it’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons. I will be back next year and I want to help bring more people to experience this championship.” 

All Zone Championship riders received polo shirts and tote bags from the Championships' presenting sponsor SmartPak. For their wins, riders are awarded ribbons, and numerous prizes, including an embroidered cooler, Charles Owen helmet, CWD halter, Parlanti paddock boots, Essex Classics Show Shirt and FITS Riding breeches.

USHJA extends a special thanks to the HITS Horse Shows Team for hosting the Zones 1 & 2 Children's and Adult Amateur Hunter Championships for the second consecutive year. USHJA also thanks presenting sponsor SmartPak, as well as awards sponsors Charles Owen, CWD, Parlanti, Essex Classics and FITS Riding.

For more information about the USHJA Children's and Adult Amateur Hunter Championships, presented by SmartPak, visit ushja.org/ChAAHunter.  

Children's and Adult Amateur Hunter Individual Results
Rider / Hometown / Horse / Zone / Overall
GOLD: Linda Corvari / Long Valley, N.J. / Surfside / Zone 2 / 421
SILVER: Laurie Barna / Dallas, Pa. / Hundred Acre / Zone 2 / 400
BRONZE: Corinne Macaulay / Bronxville, N.Y. / Pilgrim de Blue Mery / Zone 2 / 383
4: Miranda Scarpone / Denville, N.J. / Rosso Rossini / Zone 2 / 383
5: Madelyn Sano / Clifton Park, N.Y. / Mahogany / Zone 2 / 379
6: Isabelle Mesiarik / Pottstown, Pa. / Azuro / Zone 2 / 375
7: Emily Weis / Geneseo, N.Y. / Celebration / Zone 2 / 374
8: Danielle Flavin / Valatie, N.Y. / Funtimes HS / Zone 2 / 363

Release by Jump Media for USHJA. Photos by ESI Photography.