Lexington, KY – May 8, 2025 – Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was thrilled to welcome professional hunter riders back to the Kentucky Horse Park as they vied for top honors during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Scott Stewart is no stranger to the winner’s circle and this week was no exception as he tied for the Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine. He swept the Green 3’9/High Performance Hunter division aboard Stephanie Danhakl’s 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Balou’s Beau and the Green Conformation Hunters aboard Betsee Parker’s 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding Fidelio.
Stewart has not shown Balou’s Beau since Week Six of the Winter Equestrian Festival as he typically competes with Danhakl in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, but was excited to have the reins again ahead of the iconic Devon Horse Show.
Scott Stewart & Balou’s Beau. Photo by: Winslow Photography
“I thought he went amazing this week,” said Stewart after receiving the Grand Championship. “He’s a gorgeous mover and really athletic jumper – he’s definitely special.”
Fidelio is a new mount for Stewart after being imported earlier this year, but Stewart immediately appreciated his potential for being an ideal conformation horse after seeing a video of the horse in Germany. The talented young horse showcased his brilliance by sweeping the Green Conformation Hunter division. “I personally think he’s a really top model. He’s won every model he’s been in and every hack,” noted Stewart. “He’s a real athlete – and he’s also beautiful.”
Scott Stewart & Fidelio
Stewart was delighted to be back at the Kentucky Horse Shows, concluding, “We love it here. The horses get here and they take a deep breath. It’s great to show here – the footing’s great and we got some new jumps in here today – it’s very pretty.”
The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will feature more hunter action this week, including Friday’s USHJA National Hunter Derby, Saturday’s USHJA Pony Derby and Sunday’s USHJA International Derby.
