Hunters Featured on Third Day of 2026 Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular

On Friday, July 10, 2026, $35,000 in prize money was awarded in the Bainbridge Hunter Ring alone in a day for featured hunter classes at the Saratoga Women In Business (WIB) Spectacular. The Saratoga WIB Spectacular hosts a week full of exciting events and stellar competition through Sunday, July 12, including World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) qualifying opportunities, the USHJA Green Incentive Regional Championship, a “Supporting Women In Business” vendor market and party, kids hobby horse egg and spoon races, a Saturday breakfast, Sunday Wellness Hour, and educational opportunities.

The Saratoga WIB Spectacular, held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY, is the first-ever horse show created by women, operated by women, benefitting women’s health, and showcasing businesswomen throughout the equestrian industry and beyond.

Syquia Has Tour de Force Win

Colin Syquia of Millerton, NY, rode Jasper de la Tour, owned by Constance Hunter, to victory in the $10,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championship with scores of 86 and 87 for a total of 173. Close behind with 172 points (84, 88) were Sara Taylor and To The Moon, owned by Stephanie Danhakl. Jennifer Hannan took third and fourth places with Chilled, owned by Rindy Dominguez, and Oakley, owned by Pieter Luyckx, respectively.

In their first round, Syquia felt his horse was “sharp in a good way” in the ring. “There's a lot to look at,” he explained. “That's why I'm here, because I’m getting my horses ready for the Rolex Arena in Kentucky. He got even better the second round.

“He's super light, uphill, and really balanced,” continued Syquia of the seven-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Dollar du Rouet. “He's a little sensitive, so you have to be smooth with him. When you enter the ring, you feel him start looking for the jumps, and he loves it.”

Hunter and Syquia imported Jasper de la Tour almost two years ago, and they have been slowly developing him since then. They competed in the 2025 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive National Championships and have moved up to also try their hand at national hunter derbies.

Syquia appreciated the chance to show in the Regional Championships at Saratoga, especially for his owners. “This program gives hunters a breath of air and life, and there's good prize money,” he said. “It is very exciting, and all the people who like to talk about their young horses, they come watch. It's a really great thing.”

Taylor’s Catch Ride Pays Off

It’s only been three days since Sara Taylor first rode Casalluno, but that’s all it took to forge a partnership that led to first place in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby out of 26 entries. Owned by Sara Hogan, Casalluno and Taylor scored 88 and 86 in the Hunt and Go format to win with a total of 174. Taylor also picked up second place on Never Better, owned by Anne Keesler; they had scores of 81 and 88 for a 169 total. Julia Brown and Catoki van het Gevahof finished in third place with 85 and 82 for a 167 total.

Trainer Chris Brown approached Taylor for the ride on Casalluno this week, and after solid performances in the USHJA Hunters, decided to have Taylor take on the hunter derby. From the first ride, Taylor described the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Casall as lovely and comfortable.

“Anything you ask, he just is happy to do it, and you can tell he's one of those horses that likes his job,” she described. “That makes all the difference in any horse.

“He has a lot of confidence and presence when you get in the ring,” she continued. “I just picked up a canter and went. The more impressive the jump, the better he jumped, and he was game to do the handy. We had a little stronger of a canter, and he had fun turning.”

Taylor has been riding Never Better for two years; they started in the Baby Green Hunters and have developed up the levels. The pair finished second in this class in 2025 as well.

In addition to his quality in the ring, it’s Never Better’s big personality that stands out for Taylor. “He's one of the only horses I'll let my kids go in his stall, and pet, hug, and kiss,” she said of the nine-year-old Warmblood gelding by Arko Junior PMS. “He’s so gentle, and he wants to be everyone's favorite. He is the favorite of every groom that comes into my barn. He's just a love bug.”

Taylor also finished second earlier in the day in the USHJA Green Incentive Regional Championship with To The Moon, a horse that she has been developing. “We are very excited about him and have high hopes for him,” she said.

Taylor, from Sherbourne, MA, has made a point to come to every Saratoga Horse Show this year and credits the show’s atmosphere and management.

“I love this horse show because they really care that everybody is enjoying it, and they try to make the exhibitors happy,” she explained. “When I come here with my horses, they're happy and comfortable, so it makes my job easier.”

King’s Vision Is Crowned

New to this year’s schedule at the Saratoga WIB Spectacular was the $10,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic. Leading the victory gallop were Jaime Bates and King’s Vision, owned by Lucinda Finley, who received scores of 83 and 86 for a 169 total. Caitlan Brooks finished second and third with In The Air (148) and Jersey Fresh (138), respectively.

Finley found King’s Vision eight years ago when he was on a truck to Puerto Rico after finishing his career at Finger Lakes Racetrack in New York. Finley raised money with a group, rescued him, and brought him to Bates for rehabilitation to become a hunter. They started in the 2’6” division and have moved up to become competitive in the hunter ring.

“He's been doing the Thoroughbred division for years now, and he's so reliable and consistent,” said Bates of the 17-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Gulch x Weekend Storm. “He's just a really great partner.”

Bates and her mother Becky, who operate Hasty Hills Farm in Java, NY, regularly rehabilitate Thoroughbreds for a horse show life. Bates’s parents bred, raised, and trained Thoroughbreds, so they have always been a part of her life. While they often come to Saratoga Horse Shows in the spring, they added this week to their calendar when they saw the new classic.

“It was so exciting to win, and I'm so appreciative to this sponsor,” expressed Bates. “It's a wonderful horse show, a wonderful ring; the jumps were perfect, and the course was amazing. I'm just so thankful that this was available to come to.”

Hannan and Cellestino Aim for Blue

In the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI, rode Cellestino, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding by Cornet Obolensky owned by Stephanie Bulger, to victory. They received scores of 93 and 95 with high options to finish with a winning score of 188. Amateur rider Samantha McCarthy and MTM All In finished second with a 160 total, while Lainie Wimberley and Chakrulo, owned by Lisa Williams, were third with 157.

Hannan and Bulger made a plan to aim “Cello” for these derbies, and it paid off with a second-place finish in the 2025 USHJA International Hunter Derby National Championship. Hannan plans to return this year and used the Saratoga WIB Spectacular as an additional opportunity to get experience under their belts.

“I thought the first round rode really well. He was nicely in front of my leg, and the course allowed a lot of galloping, which really suits him,” reviewed Hannan. “I really thought it was an interesting course. We're obviously getting ready and trying to peak at derby finals. They always do a nice job at Saratoga of putting a good course together. The handy asked some nice questions. He's really handy, and he can jump a house. My horse was great.”

After competing in the 1.30m Jumpers in Europe, Cello was imported and showed in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunters. Bulger purchased him after the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and while she rides him at home, he currently competes exclusively with Hannan in the derbies.

After the 2025 USHJA International Hunter Derby is when Bulger and Hannan knew they “had the real deal.” She continued, “He's been a very special horse, and his owners allowed us to tailor his program, so he just does the derbies and a practice class here and there. I'm very lucky they feel the same way, that we really have a special horse that we can project in that direction. It's been wonderful.”

Meet Cellestino:
Barn Name: Cello
Favorite Snack: “He’s happy to eat everything.”
Favorite Animal: “Horses are not his favorite thing. He's a little grumpy around them, but he loves his people.”
Celebrity Twin: LeBron James – “He truly is an athlete. He's kind of on a different level, especially to ride.”

Special Events
All events are free and open to all members of the public. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Saturday, July 11 – Big Top Observation Tent
8-10 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee Bar – Everyone is welcome to enjoy iced coffee, pastries, granola, yogurt, and more.

10 a.m. – Becoming a Steward – Sue Blessing talks about being a show steward, how to become one, and why they are important.

Sunday, July 12 – Big Top Observation Tent
9 a.m. – Wellness Hour – Grab a healthy snack and talk wellness for both humans and horses. Veterinarians and strength coach Nardine can answer your questions.

Competition Highlights

Saturday, July 12 – Dammerman International Ring
$25,000 Winslow Grand Prix

Looking for horse show photos? Visit official photographer Dashing Paws Photography at www.DashingPaws.net to view all of your show proofs!

For more information on the Vendor Market and EQBW party, please contact Jennifer Connor at connor@eqbusinesswomen.com.

For more information on the Saratoga Horse Shows, visit www.saratogahorseshows.com.