Saratoga Summer Show and USHJA Zone 2 Finals Opens With Wimberly Winning

The 2026 Saratoga Summer Horse Show and United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Zone 2 Finals have begun, crowning champions in a variety of divisions starting on Wednesday, August 12. On Thursday, August 13, Alfa Boy and Lainie Wimberly won their second Grand Hunter Championship at Saratoga Horse Shows this year after topping the Green Hunter 3’ division. They also finished as USHJA Zone 2 3’ Green Hunter Champions.

The nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding, owned by Mary J. Canner, won all four over fences classes and was second in the under saddle. They won at the Saratoga Classic II Horse Show in June as well.

Wimberly has had “Maarty” in her barn for nine months, and she will continue developing him so Canner can eventually move up to the 3’ Adult Hunters. Although Wimberly did a few shows at 3’3”, they have settled in at a lower height, with Canner competing in the 2’6” division.

“It's really nice for me to have Mary support the horse and see him develop through the green divisions,” she remarked. “I moved him back to the 3’ because I didn't want to jump 3’3” with the longer striding between the jumps and then have her go in the 2’6”; it didn't equate. His stride would get too big, his jump would get too big, and I wanted her to have a better introduction to the horse.

“She's really enjoying watching him win,” she continued. “If he's really taking off and doing well with her, I won't campaign in a higher division because I don't believe in competing a horse in two divisions on a regular basis. When the jumps are lower, it's fine, but I like my horses to last a long time. At this point in my career, I don't feel like I have to prove anything. I want to do the best job I can for the horse and my client.”

This year marks the first time Saratoga Horse Shows has hosted the USHJA Zone 2 Finals. Wimberly – who is a regular competitor in Saratoga – has noticed the extra effort put in by show management to make the experience special for everyone.

“There is a lot of pomp and circumstance, and they made it special with beautiful ribbons,” she said. “Maarty has about eight giant ribbons on his stall. They give prizes, coolers, and coolerettes. It was really lovely, and I think they did a great job.”

Learn More About Alfa Boy

What actor would play him in a movie? Robert Redford

Does he like other horses, people, or animals? “He likes my dog. He is friendly with other horses, but he wants all the attention. If you give a treat to the horse across the aisle, he'll pin his ears at you to get your attention. When you go to him, his ears are up, and he's oh so sweet. He really is an attention hound and will do anything for his treats.”

What’s his favorite treat? “He loves any treat you give him. He'll eat mints, he'll eat the dry-looking cookies that don't look very appealing, he loves Stud Muffins. He’s in your pocket, but he never gets rude.”

If he were a person, how would he like to spend a Saturday night? “He would go to a very nice, fancy restaurant in New York City. He would order a bottle of ‘54 Château Latour and caviar, have his steak a little bit rare, and sit at a table that was visible from the entrance so that when a movie star walks in, they see him first.”

Gallery of Champions

Zone 2 3’ Green Hunter Champion – Alfa Boy, ridden by Lainie Wimberly and owned by Mary Canner

Zone 2 Thoroughbred Hunter Champion: Absolute Bullet Proof, ridden and owned by Gabby Danz

Zone 2 USHJA Hunter 3’ Champion: Leading Lady, ridden by Kate Murphy and owned by Mia Stavola