DEVON, Pa.--Elizabeth Traband of Happy Valley, Pa., on Eddie Blue won the s $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix Saturday evening, Sept. 13.
Elizabeth Traband on Eddie BlueTraband won in a seven horse jump-off from a starting field of 36 over a course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico.
Second to last to go in the jump-off, Traband was clean in 42.488 to win over Collin Reynolds on Ideal HX , clean in 42.566, with Devin Ryan on Mondorado, the fastest of the four-faulters thirfd in 39.564.
Morgan Ward-Knowlton on GF Diego was fourth, four faults in 42.012, with Michael Kocher on Dexterity Z fifth, four faults in 42.523, Eleanor Kunsman on Covarina Blue PS sixth, four faults in 42.772, and Laura Chapot on C & C Willow seventh, eight faults in 39.341.
This was Traband's first Grand Prix win.
“I don’t think you can explain it," said Traband. "Devon is a place you just dream about as a kid. It’s the place where you watch your first class. You really get the bug here, so it’s pretty full circle.”
EDDIE BLUE, while seasoned in the show ring, is a newer ride for Traband.
Following the advice of his previous owner, Lori Larabee, she has taken her time to build a partnership over the past few months.
“He is a once-in-a-lifetime horse,” said Traband.
The Grand Prix drew an large, enthusiastic crowd that filled the stands, with the overflow sitting and standing two and three deep along the rail.
Known as Lizzy, Traband was born without her left hand.
Growing up at the family-owned Carousel Farm in Happy Valley, Traband spent time training the horses to do things limited only by her imagination.
By age 7, she was performing bridle-less jumping routines, liberty, and tricks at national events.
As one of 43 invited performers at the 2010 World Equestrian Games Lizzy fell in love with show jumping and landed a grant from the USHJA to compete in Wellington, Fla.
Traband became a nationally successful junior rider, and she was named 2016 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year.
Ria Ohtsu on Jimmy Jumper won the $7,500 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Classic Saturday evening and the division championship
Seven riders went clean in the first round to advance to the jump-off, with Ohtsu clean and fast for the win.
Ohtsu on her Irish Sport Horse gelding was champion, while Victoria Holtz on Aston Des Etisses was reserve champion
