Meredith Huddle and Bluewater Finish on Top in WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Classic
Hunter action continued under the lights of the International Arena with Meredith Huddle of New Bern, NC, and her own Bluewater securing the win in Friday evening’s $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Classic during World Championship Hunter Rider Week (WCHR) week at the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
With 12 riders coming back for a second round from a 33-rider lineup, Huddle sat on top and was last to go with a score of 88 from the first round. With no expectations other than enjoying her round, Huddle returned with her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding and scored an 86 for a total of 174 points to claim the win.
“It was phenomenal, [WCHR] made it very special, and it was nice that we could get in [the International Arena] today,” said Huddle. “My horse was ready, it was a great course, and everything came up perfectly.”
First to go in from the original order and last to come out, Huddle spoke of her two winning rounds, saying, “I was very nervous—going first is always nerve-racking—but he loves it in there. It was easy; I saw the distances, the ring was beautiful, the jumps were so inviting, and he really enjoys the atmosphere out there.
“Coming into the second round, I knew I had to keep his motor running and was thinking, ‘let’s not have a rail.’ My trainer told me to ride every single jump like it’s our first jump,” stated Huddle, who trains under the direction of Liza Towell-Boyd out of Finally Farm. “That really came into play, especially at the last jump. I steadied a little, got my composure together, and then went for it.”
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