Kathy Chiaf's Kindred has enjoyed a successful spring season under the auspices of SBS Farms, Inc., based in Buffalo, New York.
As of May 1, the bay warmblood leads the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program National Overall Standings with earnings of $3,876. The lovely bay also leads the Colts & Geldings and the 5-year-old section standings.
Kindred topped the standings after impressive performances during the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas, in March, where he won the Green Hunter Incentive stake during Week 2 and placed second during Week 1.
"He showed three times in Texas with three different riders," said rider/trainer Jennifer Alfano. "He's got such a great attitude and a great brain."
Jen had the ride on Kindred during Week 1, but she offered him to Peter Pletcher during Week 2 after a knee injury she'd been recovering from flared again. During the Spring Gathering Horse Show, the third week of the circuit, Kindred jumped around the Green Hunter Incentive stake with Kristy McCormack Herrera in the irons.
"We got him at the end of the Florida circuit, and we're super excited about him," said Jen. "He’s the whole package, a beautiful mover and great jumper. I’m really excited to bring him along."
Kindred and Jennifer Alfano
Jen was looking at young horses at Carly Campbell Cooper's Triple C Stables when she spotted Kindred trot across the ring.
"When she started trotting around, I thought, 'Oh, geeze.' When they move as well as he does they don't often jump that well. But when she cantered over the first jump, I was like, 'Wow!' I have to thank Carly, because he's a special horse."
Chiaf purchased Kindred with the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program in mind, and once Jen has recovered from another knee surgery she had on April 17, she'll be back in the saddle to continue Kindred's Green Hunter career.
"We're absolutely doing the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program Championship," she said of the annual championship held in August at the Kentucky Horse Park. "I hope to be back in the show ring during the Country Heir shows in June in Kentucky."
In the meantime, SBS Farms will be taking horses to the Saratoga Horse Shows this month while Jen recuperates from the golf cart and continues physical therapy.
To view the 2017 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program standings, please click here.