Lexington, KY – May 14, 2026 – The professional hunter divisions kicked off the week as the Kentucky Spring Classic got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park. The best of the best proved to be Kelley Farmer and Aston. After earning the Green 3′ Hunter division’s championship prize, the duo also returned to the center of the ring to accept the Professional Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“He’s a lovely horse,” smiled Farmer after accepting the championship honors. “The first time I rode him was last week. That was his first show with his new owners and he was wonderful. He tries really hard, and he’s lovely to ride – goes in a rubber snaffle. He has a big stride and lots of ability, so that’s really exciting.”
Kelley Farmer and Aston
Aston is a 6-year-old warmblood gelding owned by Em-Jax Equestrian LLC, who showcased his talent over the last two days in the Claiborne Ring. He and Farmer brought home the blue ribbon in three of the over fences classes in the very competitive Green 3’ Hunter division, and also placed second in the under saddle to claim the division championship. Their consistent performance was also rewarded with the Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Farmer was honored to win the Grand Championship title, adding, “I love it. It’s wonderful for a young horse like Aston to be able to beat the older, bigger horses. He’s a really nice young horse for the family that bought him.”
Aston’s trainer is Cookie Beck, who teamed up with Chrissy Kerr of Ashland Farm during the Kentucky Horse Shows. “Rebecca Pirozzolo-Mellowes just bought him at the end of circuit,” explained Kerr. “He’s for a family that has young kids to bring him up. Kelley’s going to get to ride him for the summer, hopefully make him up, and then the plan is to do Green Incentive Finals here in August.”
The Kentucky Spring Classic will feature more hunter action this week, including Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, as well as Sunday’s $1,500 USHJA Pony Derby and $1,500 2’6” Non-Pro Derby, and more Grand Hunter Championships presented throughout the weekend, courtesy of Hagyard Equine.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
