THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2026

Mill Spring, NC – October 30, 2026 – Amateur Owner Hunter champions opened the day’s competition at the 143rd National Horse Show, while top hunter horses and riders took center stage for the evening’s featured event, the $75,000 National Horse Show Hunter Classic. The day concluded with the $10,000 1.30m Open Jumper Stake.

$75,000 NHS Hunter Classic

An elite field of horse-and-rider combinations took center stage Thursday evening, showcasing their talent, style, and skill over two rounds in the prestigious $75,000 National Horse Show Hunter Classic at Tryon International.

A LISTER

Winner of the $75,000 NHS Hunter Classic

Owner: Rabbit Creek Inc

Rider: Scott Stewart

$2,500 Whipper In Award

Presented by Meredith Lipke

On the Fox Hunting field, the “Whipper In” is the one who makes order from chaos. They keep all the hounds in order and make sure the hunt flows smoothly. In the same way, the barn manager of an elite show barn organizes the detailed and ever-changing logistics that make for a successful horse show for their team. This award celebrates and honors the unending hard work of this operational mastermind.

2026 Winner, Christine Fullin

Amateur Owner Hunter Division Champions

DAFFODIL

Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter
The “Ruxton & Scot To Do” Challenge Trophy

Owner & Rider: Irene Neuwirth

DAFFODIL

Suzanne Thoben Marquard $12,500 Amateur Owner Hunter 35+ Division

Owner & Rider: Irene Neuwirth

CRYSTAL BLUE

$12,500 Amateur Owner Hunter
35 & Under Division

Owner: Walkenbach Equestrian LLC

Rider: Lanie Walkenbach

NIGHT FLIGHT

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3” Grand Champion

The “Susanne Stroh” Perpetual Trophy

Owner & Rider: Stephanie Zimmerman

NIGHT FLIGHT

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Oare $12,500
A/O Hunter 3’3” 35+ Division

Owner & Rider: Stephanie Zimmerman

ROYALE AM

$12,500 Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3” 35 & Under Division

Owner: GW Equine LLC

Rider: Grace Wilson

BLAKELY ANSLEY

Summerhouse Farm 
Sportsmanship Award

Presented by Abigail Steller


Presented to the Amateur rider displaying the best sense of horsemanship and sportsmanship in and out of the show ring.

Second Evening of Jumper Competition

Samantha Schaefer and R & R Hunter Horses, LLC’s Emely Van De Pluimert Z are on a winning streak at the 143rd National Horse Show!

After claiming victory in Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Open Jumper Welcome, the duo returned to the winner’s circle Thursday evening, taking top honors in the $10,000 1.30m Open Speed Stake.

NHS jumper competition at Tryon International continues on Friday with the $20,000 1.40M Open Speed Stake and concludes on Saturday night with the feature $100,000 National Horse Show National Standard 1.45m Grand Prix.

Andrea Fuellhart Douglas Memorial Trophy

KAITLYN LINCK

Awarded to the Junior rider with the greatest number of points from the $5,000 1.30m Open Jumper Welcome and the $10,000 1.30m Open Speed Stake

Guy McLean Special Exhibition

Renowned horseman and entertainer Guy McLean brought his extraordinary talents to the 143rd National Horse Show on Thursday evening, presenting a special exhibition that highlighted the remarkable partnership between horse and rider. Known for his exceptional ability to communicate with horses, McLean showcased the trust, precision, and connection at the heart of his performances.

McLean will return for two additional exhibitions on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, ahead of each evening’s featured competitions.

NHS Candid Gallery

The 143rd National Horse Show is officially underway! Make sure to check out our candid gallery daily to see if you can spot yourself.

NHS Quick Links

The NHS livestream is completely free to watch and will be live on nhs.org starting tomorrow morning.

The National Horse Show's 2026 orders and results are provided by Show Management System.

Features daily class offerings. For more info, check out the 2026 NHS Prize List.