Hidden Hollow's riders scored tricolors and blue ribbons in abundance during the Lexington Spring Premiere and Encore horse shows, held April 28-May 9, in Lexington, Va.

Hidden Hollow owner and trainer Ginny Edwards said their most successful competitor during the first week's competition is also one of their youngest—Charlotte Scharfenberg, a sixth-grader at The Hill School in Middleburg, Va.

Scharfenberg, 12, The Plains, Va., rode Ann Thompson's Lemieux to the children's hunter, 14 and under, championship with three blue ribbons, was the grand children's hunter champion, then added the prestigious WIHS/NAL Children's Hunter Classic victory as icing on the cake. In recognition of her achievements, the judges also named her the best child rider on a horse.

"I was thrilled with the job she did. She's an unbelievably talented and hardworking young lady," said Edwards. "This was her second show since last fall. She spent the winter working and training at home, here in Virginia, with Hidden Hollow's Assistant Trainer Amanda Penick. Her results really show that hard work does pay off."

Samantha Gumbin, 15, The Plains, Va., also showed her winter of practice paid off with top ribbons in the large junior, 15 and under, division and added a blue in the THIS/National Children's Medal aboard The Golden Compass.

"Samantha keeps her horses at home and ships over to Hidden Hollow for lessons and training," said Edwards. "She's very methodical about doing her homework and following the program we give her. She's taken The Golden Compass, who's very talented but a little bit difficult, and has brought the best out of him."

Hidden Hollow's equitation riders also scored impressive victories during the Spring Encore when Gumbin and Beverly Catlett, 15, Bluemont, Va., made their respective debuts in the 3'6" classes.

"They both rode great, were focused and confident," said Edwards. "They really rose to the occasion. It was the first time they had experienced these more challenging classes, and they both performed beautifully."

Gumbin won the ASPCA Maclay class while Catlett placed second, and the two riders swapped placings in the WIHS Equitation Classic Jumper Phase with Catlett taking the blue ribbon over Gumbin. Gumbin also scored her second consecutive THIS/National Children's Medal top call. And both riders are well on their way to qualifying to compete in the prestigious fall equitation finals.

"Bev has a new horse whom she leases who was a jumper. She's done a great job teaching him about the equitation and taking her time with him. She's really studied the equitation this year, is understanding the concepts and doing a great job," said Edwards.

Other Hidden Hollow riders who excelled in Lexington included: Donna Gumbin, who guided Miss Fehrman to the low children's/adult jumper championship during week 1, Emily duPont, Wilmington, Del., who rode Coeur De Lis to blues in the children's hunter, 15-17, division, and Hidden Hollow professional rider Erin O'Neill who guided Ann Thompson's Ante Up to consistent ribbons in the second year green division.

Hidden Hollow specializes in developing horses and riders for the show ring, from short stirrup to the grand prix jumper ranks. Amenities include a state-of-the-art outdoor ring, a lighted indoor arena and miles of trails winding through the beautiful Virginia hunt country.

For information about Hidden Hollow and available boarding and training opportunities, contact Ginny Edwards (301) 980-4305 or Amanda Penick (540) 270-0906 or see www.hidden-hollow.com.