Hot weekend at the Virginia Commonwealth Cup at Liberty University
McDonald Equine had a full and exciting weekend, with our team spread across three different venues. On Saturday, Kayleigh Burke traveled to Liberty University for the Commonwealth Games, Joe headed to the Appalachian Saddle Club Horse Show in Tennessee, and Noelle represented us at the Connemara Breed Show at the Virginia Horse Center. Despite the heat and a packed schedule, our horses and riders delivered impressive performances. Here are some standout moments from the Commonwealth Games at Liberty..
Show Highlights:
Gaylord Captain and Kayleigh Burke were named Champion in the Green Hunters after a consistent and polished day in the ring.
Good Thing I’m Best, also shown by Kayleigh Burke, earned Reserve Champion in the Green Hunters, rounding out a strong showing in the division.
Bonfire and Sydney Tuckwiller had a fantastic outing, finishing Reserve Champion in the Low Hunters and earning strong ribbons in the Green Hunters as well.
Casanova’s Fiddler and Lindsay Klein took home Reserve Champion in the Special Adult Hunters with confident and well-ridden rounds.
Envy, owned by Kayleigh and shown by Alexis Hinds, had a banner day—winning the Liberty Medal and finishing as Champion in the Special Children’s Hunters.
Gaylord Captain, ridden by Jennifer, put in excellent trips in the Low Hunters, placing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th across three classes.
Back to the Future, owned and ridden by Anna Lucy, impressed in the Hopeful Hunters with smooth and consistent rounds.
Porte More and Chris Wholwend had great trips in the Hopeful Hunters, even earning a ribbon in a large class of 12 entries.
Fergalicious and Alexis Hinds earned 2nd, 3rd, and 5th in the Intermediate Equitation, showcasing steady progress and strong riding.
It was a long, hot day at Liberty, but our riders kept their spirits high and our horses delivered. We're proud of the effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship that our team brings to every show. These weekends are a reminder of how fun and rewarding it is to be part of such a dedicated group.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our fall show season!
