Mimi Gochman Wins The FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic
by CeCe Cogar
By virtue of slick turns and quick thinking, 19-year-old Mimi Gochman turned in a speedy, efficient jump-off to win the $226,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic on her horse Cosmos BH. The 171st Upperville Colt & Horse Show was presented by MARS Equestrian™. The signature class of the week was co-presented by Ethel M. Chocolates® and Lugano Diamonds.
Mimi's horse Cosmos BH is an 11-year-old gray stallion owned by Mimi Snow Sport Horse, LLC in Miami, FL. Gochman lives in Palm Beach and has owned Cosmos for two years.
Gochman has been competing at the Upperville Horse Show since she rode ponies. Her family makes it an annual family event with her sister and mother also competing. “This is definitely one of our favorite shows,” she added.
Annual Spirit of the Horse Award Goes to Nancy Dillon
The 2024 Upperville Colt & Horse Show hosted Governor and Mrs. Youngkin on the last day of the weeklong show on Sunday, June 9.
The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, presented the “Spirit of the Horse Award” to Nancy Dillon of Philomont, Va. The award, in its third year, was established in partnership with the First Lady to recognize a woman and resident of Virginia who demonstrates exceptional service or dedication to, or promotion of, the equine industry.
Nancy Dillon is an equestrian legend in the Middleburg region. Having taught thousands of children to ride and introduced many to foxhunting, she has also brought along and trained countless ponies. Her students came to her farm after school and learned how to care for the ponies, learning full horsemanship as well as riding. In the summers, they spent all day at Dillon’s stable where they learned grooming, tacking up, washing off and mucking out.
Presented by Drive Middleburg
The Horses & Horsepower Car Show returned to the Upperville Colt &
Horse Show presented by MARS Equestrian™ on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 10am to 4pm. Attendees checked out collector’s edition antique cars, muscle cars and more! Votes were cast for favorite vehicle for The People’s Choice Award, presented before the Sunday Grand Prix.
What People Are Saying
The 171st Upperville Colt & Horse Show received high praise from attendees and participants, highlighting various aspects of the event:
Mimi Gochman's Winning Performance:Mimi Gochman and her horse Cosmos BH stole the spotlight by winning the $226,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic. Gochman was lauded for her "slick turns and quick thinking," making her a standout at the event.
Educational Seminars: The show introduced new educational opportunities, such as the "Conversation with the Course Designer" seminar. This session featured renowned course designers discussing the intricacies of hunter and jumper course design, which was appreciated by attendees eager to learn more about the sport.
Community and Family Activities: The event also catered to families and the local community with attractions like the "Horses & Horsepower" car show and the Pup Parade. These activities provided a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Scenic and Historic Venue: Many attendees commented on the picturesque setting of the showgrounds, which straddle U.S. Route 50 in Virginia. The combination of beautiful landscapes and historic significance added a unique charm to the event, making it a "must-see" for horse lovers.
A Tradition of Excellence
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, established in 1853, continues to uphold its rich legacy, blending history with modern competition. With more than 2,000 horse and rider pairs competing in various disciplines, the event remains a cornerstone of the equestrian calendar.
The 2024 show was a magnificent display of equestrian excellence, with Mimi Gochman's triumph and the week's highlights ensuring it will be remembered fondly. As the curtains closed, anticipation for the 172nd edition began to build, promising more thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments in the world of equestrian sports.
