The penultimate day of the Orange Blossom Classic featured two headline events: the $25,000 NSBA Non Pro Trail Challenge and the $3,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby.
In the $25,000 NSBA Non Pro Trail Challenge, Grant Mastin and Melissa Armstrong’s Hand Made Machine (Machine Made x Hot Angelina) swept both the Non Pro Trail Challenge and the NSBA Limited Rider Non Pro Trail.
We caught up with Mastin after the class to learn more about his ‘All Time Leading AQHA Trail Horse’ and what this win meant to him. “’Carl’ is a 12-year-old gelding that we’ve owned since he was three. This is just another accomplishment to add to his resume. He is a one-of-a-kind horse that has won us a lot of prizes. When the time counts, he always comes through for us.”
Mastin enjoyed the format of the class. “It was a super fun pattern. I love the idea behind bringing back the top 10 riders from each division and putting us out here for a big event. We didn’t get to practice over these obstacles. I went in cold turkey, but knew with my horse, this was a great chance for us to capitalize on,” he shared. “Once we got out there, he just felt real floaty and flowed through the entire pattern. It was perfect.”
Mastin expressed his appreciation to have a featured trail event for non pro athletes. “We don’t have a lot of opportunities, especially in trail to compete in a big class like this and I am so thankful for the opportunity.”
Ava Christina Palmeri and Winsome Ona Princess Emerge Victorious in $3,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby
On Saturday afternoon, a talented field of horse-and-rider combinations vied for top honors in the $3,000 NSBA Non Pro Hunter Derby, but it was Ava Christina Palmeri who emerged victorious riding her own Winsome Ona Princess.
Palmeri and the 15-year-old mare by Lucky Zip x Princess Leona put in two solid performances for an overall score of 152 to ultimately take home the win.
Winsome Ona Princess has been a longtime partner for Palmeri, “I’ve been riding her for five years. I know her really well. We show in the hunters and jumpers, but I really like doing the hunters.”
The 12-year-old athlete was thrilled about her first derby win, “It felt really good to win! We ended on a really good note today and I am so proud of her.”