UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--Kendall Casaccio of Marmora.N.J., on Freya d’Ambrel won the $12,500 Adult Hunter Championship to open the Washington International Horse Show on Monday, October 20,
Kendall Casaccio on Freya d'Amel (Photo by Shawn McMiillen)After winning at Capital Challenge, Casaccio won her second championship of the indoor season when she scored 83 in the first round and improved to score 86 in the second round for a total of 169.
Molly Welborn on Theory was second wtih a total of 168, and Rachel Tanio on So Cool was third with 167.5..
Casaccio got Freya through Emil Spadone two years ago when she was imported from Europe as a jumper.
“I got to ride her in Ocala two years ago, and I just fell in love with her,” she said. “She's become a great hunter. She has always been so brave and transitioned to the hunters beautifully. She never has looked at any of the jumps and has always jumped in such a great form. She really fell so naturally into the hunters and has been so successful at it.”
“I've always wanted tto win at Washington as long as I have watched this class,” she said, “and I always wanted to trot in with the bright red cooler. It was really special being able to do that today.”
ISABELLA ROMAN of Wellington, Fla. on Irocco Grey won the $12,500 Children’s Hunter Championship.
After the first-round, the top 12 returned for round two. and Roman led going into round two with a score of 87.
“Coming into the second round sitting in first place, my nerves were very, very high,” Roman said. “I went and took a moment to myself before I went back in and just reminded myself, ‘It’s ok, you got this. Just calm down and don't let it get in your head.'”
Roman again had the top score of 86 points to win with a total of 173.
“This is a huge deal for me because I love this horse show,” said Roman. “I couldn't wait to show in this ring, and I have to go back home tomorrow for school, so this means a lot.”
“I've been riding Rocco for almost two years,” she said, “He was my birthday present. It’s definitely the greatest one I've had so far. He and I took a bit longer to get to know each other and figure out what was good for us, but it means so much to really shine in the ring and for it all to come together.”
Roman's sister Francesca also competed in Children's Hunter.
“Horse shows are a big family dynamic for us because we are always together at the barn,” she said. “For the past couple of years my sister and I have been showing against each other, and it’s always that competitive but supportive nature we have with each other. We are always very happy to see the other succeed.”
With a two-round total of 168, Geneva Saunders of Nashville, Tenn., on As Ever was Reserve Champion, and Angelina Principe of Huntington, Md., was third on Show Me on a score of 165.
The 2025 WIHS continues on Tuesday, October 21, with the conclusion of the professional hunter divisions, as well as the start of the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions.
