Emma Wujek of Grosse Point Farms, MI, and Puppet, an entry owned by John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC, were named champions of the Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division on Friday. The pair won two over fences classes with high scores of 88 and 89, placed second under saddle and in the stake round, and finished fourth in the handy trip. “He is such a good horse, and he jumps amazing!” said Wujek. “Every week he has come out and jumped so nicely. He has such a good personality and is a just a good horse. He actually acts like a dog; he will just stand there and lick you. My favorite thing about him is his trot and jump. He is just so smooth.” Wujek and the striking chestnut gelding have been partnered together for a year and have found much success during the winter circuit, earning the championship ribbon of the division during weeks five and ten at WEF. Speaking of her rounds, Wujek continued, “I focus on being slow, rhythmical, and nice. When I meet the jump really well, he just jumps perfectly. I really just float around on him. I love riding him!” Mimi Gochman of Palm Beach, FL, captured the reserve title, continuing her recent success aboard Scott Stewart’s Caldwell. Gochman guided the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding to win the under saddle, place second in the handy and an over fences round, and place third in the stake and another over fences trip. The duo earned the championship in the division during week 11. Commenting on her recent success with Caldwell, Gochman said, “I have been really consistent with him, which is unusual for me. I used to not do so well on him, but I think since I have gotten bigger and stronger, he has noticed me more and listened a lot better. He jumped great and was perfect this week. I’m really happy!”
