Upper Marlboro, Md.—Oct. 5

Sometimes when all the stars align, lightning strikes twice. That’s exactly what happened for Scott Stewart and Catch Me in the WCHR Professional Challenge held during the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

The pair put in two spectacular rounds, besting their winning performance from last year with scores from all three judging panels across both rounds in the 90s for a 188.66 total.

“It feels awesome,” said Stewart. “I though that that was probably one of the best rounds that I’ve ever had on any horse.”

Stewart has had the ride on the Gochman-owned Holsteiner since last winter and after last year’s indoor season the gelding just kept getting better, winning the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Spectacular during the Winter Equestrian Festival (Fla.) this February before coming to Maryland to defend his 2015 title.

Scott Stewart and Catch Me. Photo by Laura Lemon

“He tries so hard,” said Stewart. “Even though he’s a bit tired, he went in there and he really tried. I think even from Round 1, the scores seemed higher than they’ve been for everybody. It seemed like it was a good class, so it means a lot to be able to do that. It’s all the horse really. That’s a special horse. There’s not too many like him. He’s a good mover. He jumps great. He’s so nice to ride. It’s easy.

“It’s only the pressure that gets to you,” Stewart continued. “He’s just phenomenal.”

Which begs the question, when a professional who’s been in the business as long as Stewart has, do they feel the pressure?

“Oh yeah,” Stewart said. “I’ve had a good week, so it was fine, but it’s always hard coming back. The first round felt great too. Then trying to have to do it again. Then I saw John [French] go and he had such a good round, so I knew it had to be just as good.”

But Stewart and “Snoopy” bested John French’s score on Boss by 9 points, relegating them to second. Liza Boyd took third on O’Ryan.

Watch Stewart’s final round with Catch Me:

Henter Regains Her Sea Legs In WCHR Developing Pro Challenge

Although Amber Henter’s coach and mentor Valerie Renihan couldn’t physically be there to watch her capture the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge this week, Henter still heard her wise words as she piloted Findlays’ Ridge Group’s Si Bene around the course.

“Val is so good to me,” said Henter. “She really helps me every time I’m on the horse. There are always ways for me to improve my riding. And I think that really showed tonight. Even though she wasn’t here, I heard her the entire way around. ‘Do this. Help him here. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Take a breath.’ ”

Amber Henter and Si Bene. Photo by Kimberly Loushin

The 24-year-old has just started getting back into the swing of horse shows. After Henter graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in hospitality management last year, Renihan approached her with an assistant trainer and rider position at her stables Findlay’s Ridge LLC of North Salem, N.Y. and Wellington, Fla.

“I didn’t ride that much [in college] except for on the team,” said Henter. “I was like, ‘You know, I guess I’ll give it a try.’ ”

And while helping Renihan with the numerous equitation kids and overseeing approximately 36 horses, Henter had the opportunity to campaign Si Bene, or Zip, in the first year green divisions. And when she heard of the WCHR class for developing professionals, she decided they should try it.

“It was definitely was a little nervewracking,” Henter said. “I haven’t had pressure on me in a while so it was just fun to go out there. I knew everyone was counting on me no matter how did. So it was nice. It was a good feeling going in the ring knowing that it was OK to make a mistake. But if I didn’t, that would be better.”

But the black gelding put on his big boy breeches, letting the pair lead the class of emerging professionals throughout the two phases.

“This is his first indoor horse show, and he has not had any glitches,” said Henter. “He’s just walked in and been like, ‘OK, let’s go around. This will be fun.’

“I’m the only one that sits on him,” she said. “I get to show a couple others in the first year division or in the 3’6″ performance. But it’s always one weekend here, a class here, stuff like that. I showed him throughout the whole year, every horse show, and have really been working with him and Val and everyone to get him to where he needs to be. And I think he’s peaked. He’s there. He’s ready for the next step.”

And for Henter herself?

“I think that tonight was a big step in my career and feeling confident moving forward knowing that I can be successful. And hopefully I’ll keep on track and just keep pushing forward.”

Don’t forget to check out more photos of the WCHR Pro Challenges.

Click to see full results.

Want more Capital Challenge? Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Oct. 24 issue of the Chronicle.