Hunter Siebel and Boss (left) and Augusta Iwasaki on Small Affair went first-second in the USEF Junior Hunter National Championship-West

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DEL MAR – After two days and three phases, Hunter Siebel and Laura Wasserman’s Boss were crowned Overall Grand Champions of the 2017 USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – West. Earning second in the classic round and first in both the under saddle and the handy, the pair rose to the top with a grand total of 262.6 points in July 25 competition at Showpark.

Taking reserve after winning the winning the Large Junior Hunter 15-under division was Augusta Iwaski and Lynn Pederson’s Small Affair with a total of 256.4 points from the three phases.

With Kim Dorfman, Gary Duffy, and Robin Swinderman Mitchell as the judging panel, Siebel and Boss established themselves as a competitive duo with scores of 83, 84, and 85 in the classic round on the first day. The beautiful bay gelding truly shined in the under saddle, where he earned an 87, a 90, and a 92. With 90s across the board from the handy round, the pair stole the show.

“When it’s show time, he’s always ready to go and he makes it happen every time,” Siebel said of Boss, whom she’s been riding since the beginning of the year. “It’s been getting better and better as I’ve been getting to know him, and this show was amazing for us.

“I love to take my time, so the classic round course was made for me!,” she added.

A number of competitors from the four 3’6″ sections entered the handy round with incredibly close scores, but Siebel and Boss’s unbeatable performance gave them the edge they needed to rise above in the numbers. Siebel trains with Archie Cox, and will be attending Stanford University in the fall.

She took home The Monarch International/US Equestrian Perpetual Trophy for her overall win. Also champion of the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division, she received The River Edge Farm Perpetual Trophy, donated by River Edge Farm.

Earning scores of 83, 86, and 87 in the handy round, Augusta Iwasaki and Small Affair secured the Overall Reserve Grand Championship. Their two 84s and 87 from the classic round, combined with their 85, 87, and 88 from the under saddle, placed them atop the field of the Large Junior Hunter 15-under and behind Siebel overall by just a few points. For winning their Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, they earned The Escort Me In Perpetual Trophy, donated by Shalanno Farms.

Fresh off a win in the USHJA Hunterdon Cup Equitation Classic – West on Monday, Iwasaki put on her hunter hat to pilot her sensitive yet talented mount.

“I tried to stay calm and just give him the best ride that I could,” she said. “He was really good this year.”

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