IHSA alumna Wynatte Chu and Contador were champions of the Pérez & Bennett Adult Amateur Equitation 36 & Over Section B, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship 36 & Over and the $10,000 Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. Photo by Shawn McMillan
GLADYS, Va. – Nov. 1, 2024 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) celebrates the achievements of two remarkable community members who have captured championship titles at this year’s prestigious National Horse Show, underscoring the talent and passion of IHSA competitors past and present.
Wynatte Chu, a dentist from New York City and an alumna of Mount Holyoke College, claimed multiple championships, including the Pérez & Bennett Adult Amateur Equitation 36 & Over Section B Champion title and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship 36 & Over.
Riding her own Swiss Warmblood gelding, Contador, affectionately known as “Teddy,” in both the equitation and hunter classes, Chu’s impressive performances culminated a her third title, the $10,000 Adult Amateur Hunter Classic Championship. Chu trains with Jenny Martin-Rudaz at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, and is the former student of the legendary C.J. Law, head coach of Mount Holyoke College, who praised her steadfast dedication and commitment to the sport.
“Wynatte Chu consistently excelled as a team member, demonstrating a remarkable ability to connect with her horses and find the perfect distance at every jump,” Law said. “Her dedication and teamwork not only contributed to the success of the Mount Holyoke Riding Team but also inspired her peers to strive for excellence. Even after graduation, Wynatte remains a passionate supporter of the IHSA by promoting the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. She can always be counted to support Mount Holyoke College and IHSA in any and all capacities.”
For Chu, who only competes off-property at the National Horse Show each year, the competition is a much-anticipated event. “Teddy was amazing. He loves the big venues, and this show is his time to shine,” she said. “The entire experience here in Kentucky is phenomenal, from the organization to the sense of camaraderie.”
IHSA member Willow Vince and Hardwell were champions of the Pérez & Bennett Adult Amateur Equitation 18-21 Division. Photo by Shawn McMillan
In the Pérez & Bennett Adult Amateur Equitation 18-21 Division, Willow Vince, a member of the Amherst College IHSA team, captured the championship title. Vince, in her junior year majoring in psychology, is coached by Mara Niefer at Amherst and trains with Michael Dowling and the team at Windham Hill when not at school. Competing with Summer Stone Farm’s Irish Sport Horse gelding, Hardwell, Vince’s exceptional performance placed her at the pinnacle of her division.
She’s had Hardwell or “Sam” for five years, and he’s the only horse she's ever ridden at the National Horse Show.
“Riding in college through IHSA has taught me to be more precise in my aids," Vince said. “In IHSA, there’s almost no time to get a feel for the horse you’re riding, so it’s really all about precision and being very clear with what you’re asking.”
Vince says that the IHSA has especially improved her flatwork, helping her become more secure in her leg and less reliant on her hands. Not all IHSA horses are accustomed to going into contact or being ridden with a lot of pressure, so she’s learned the importance of a strong, steady leg—something that has translated to her work with Sam.
She says that Sam is so big and has so much suspension that having a tight leg is the key to sitting the trot well, and it definitely paid off because they won the flat in the Pérez & Bennett Adult Amateur Equitation 18-21 division and had the highest score in the flat phase of the Taylor Harris/National Horse Show Final in her age group.
“Walking into a ring like the Alltech Arena can feel overwhelming, and I still get nervous, but the preparation from my trainers at home—Michael Meyers, Michael Dowling and Ben Hoban—and my IHSA coach, Mara Niefer, along with the experience of riding so many different horses, has made me much more confident walking into these big finals,” Vince said.
Both Chu and Vince are exemplary representatives of the IHSA community, and their achievements at the National Horse Show reflect the strength and influence of IHSA training and competition. The IHSA congratulates Chu, Vince and their coaches on their outstanding performances.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to see IHSA members and alumni reach these heights on a national stage,” shared IHSA Executive Director Peter Cashman. “Their success at the National Horse Show exemplifies the benefit of the IHSA experience, from teamwork and dedication to resilience and sportsmanship.”
Includes edited National Horse Show press release content.