In a report on the Devon Horse Show in the June 14, 1963, issue of the Chronicle, correspondent “Fencepost” writes…

New Hunter Division

A very popular innovation this year was the addition of an amateur owner-rider division. Three classes were offered: one working hunter, one conformation (25%) and a hunter under saddle class. This division, in which fences were 3’6″, was one of the biggest of the show despite the fact that no money was offered. Mrs. Sally D. Murray’s War Ghost, a most attractive and versatile young horse, won two of the three classes and placed third in the other to receive the tricolor.

A letter appearing in the Aug. 9, 1968, issue of the Chronicle revealed the further evolution of the amateur hunter classes.

Good Going

Dear Sir:

            Congratulations to the Sewickley Hunt Horse Show Committee. I see in the July 12th Chronicle, page 24, that they are the first to tackle sensibly the “dividing-up” of the ever increasing entries in the amateur-owner division. Since its inception, but a few years ago, this division has been snowballing. Now the Sewickley Show has taken a smart step to encourage the “over 30” amateurs who still enjoy the games. Even the “over 40s”! Good going! Other shows, please take note. Spectators enjoy the “old-timers” as well as the hordes of juniors, don’t they?

                                                            Sazerac

These articles were first published in the June 14, 1963, and Aug. 9, 1968, issues of The Chronicle. They are part of a series celebrating 75 years of Chronicle history.