World Championship Hunter Rider program officials have selected Mindful as their Hunter of the Year. The 11-year-old gelding will receive the Peter Wetherill Cup during the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular for his achievement.

The Hanoverian (Graf Grannus—Baronesse, Bold Indian) started his hunter career in late 2013 with Callie Schott, who rode him to the high performance hunter circuit championship at Gulf Coast Winter Series (Miss.) in early 2014. Ken and Selma Garber purchased the horse in partnership with trainer Larry Glefke from owner Devon Craig for Kelley Farmer to ride in the high performance hunter and conformation hunter divisions.

“He is truly one of the finest athletes I have ever seen and one of the easiest horses to prepare because he always wants to win,” said Selma, who now owns “Grappa” exclusively with her husband Ken. “To be in the company of the past [Peter Wetherill Cup Award] winners, it’s quite an honor. I am without words; I am so thrilled.” 

Under Farmer’s saddle he won high performance titles at Devon (Pa.), the National Horse Show (Ky.) and Pennsylvania National, and he earned the grand hunter title at the Washington International (D.C.). He also earned the Protocol trophy as the high performance hunter who earned the most points at Washington, Devon and Pennsylvania National, and he was Farmer’s mount to win the WCHR Pro Finals at Capital Challenge (Md.). He also earned two U.S. Equestrian Federation Horse of the Year awards and a third reserve title. They topped four USHJA International Hunter derbies, finishing overall sixth in the national standings.

He was named The Chronicle of the Horse’s Hunter Horse of the Year for 2014 as well.

Grappa accumulated his list of accolades despite Farmer breaking her collarbone in August, keeping her out of the tack for around six weeks.

“I cannot think of a horse more deserving,” said Farmer. “I’m so happy for him; he truly deserves this honor.”