Thermal, CA – February 9, 2025 – Irene Neuwirth and Scout’s Honor have been the pair to beat in this Desert Circuit’s 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classics. The talented duo has topped the class three out of the four times that they have contested it this season, including on Sunday, February 9, during World Championship Hunter Rider Week.
With scores of 89 in both rounds for a 178 total, Neuwirth took home victory in the $5,000 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, sponsored by Marshall + Sterling Insurance and held in the Grand Prix Arena. Second place with a score of 166 (80+86) went to Alexis Meadows and Oslo, and Neuwirth also took home third with scores of 86 and 79 for a 165 total aboard Coconut Grove.
“Scout is the coolest little baby horse,” said Neuwirth of the 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He is the most athletic. It feels like he’s jumping on a trampoline and then just explodes over the jump. He’s a lot of fun to ride, and his stride is really big. He’s really maneuverable…He’s just a very, very magical and very athletic horse.”
In addition to winning the classic, Neuwirth and Scout’s Honor claimed the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 & Over division reserve championship, while Neuwirth and Coconut Grove took home the top tricolor. With two wins and two second-place finishes over fences, Coconut Grove was also awarded the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship title.
While Desert Circuit 5, presented by FOBI, marked a special week for hunter competitors – with the divisions at 3’6” and above taking center stage in the Grand Prix Arena – Neuwirth is grateful for any week in the saddle.
“I’m just grateful to be able to ride in the first place and to be able to take time out from working and the rest of my life,” concluded Neuwirth. “The fact that everyone supports me being here is really the best part, so hunter week or not, I just feel blessed to be able to be riding.”
In the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division, the championship went to Alexis Meadows and Oslo, and Katie McDonnell and Ritz finished as the reserve champions.
To view more hunter results from Desert Circuit 5, visit dihp.showgroundslive.com.
