Conigliaro 'Masters' CHJA Finals at Fairfield August Horse Show

Catie Staszak
2 days ago
4 min read

Riley Conigliaro won the CHJA 3'3" Master's Medal Final. Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography — *Riley Conigliaro won the CHJA 3'3" Master's Medal Final. Photo by* *Jess Windhurst Photography*

As the Connecticut Hunter & Jumper Association (CHJA) Medal Finals celebrated its 41st year at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, Riley Conigliaro celebrated her first victory at the event.

Conigliaro, 17, topped the CHJA 3'3" Master's Medal Final Saturday at the Fairfield August Horse Show, besting a field of 17 qualified junior and amateur riders in Westport, CT.

Riding her longtime partner Bulgari de Huz Z—known around the barn as "Gary"—Conigliaro earned a first round score of 87 before securing her victory with a stellar flat test. Wynatte Chu finished second, followed by Paige Dempsey-Weiner.

"This place is so historic, and it was so nice to be able to come here [and win]," said Conigliaro, who trains with Kate Oliver at CEO Stables. "I really enjoy the grass [jumping field], and it just offers something different from your usual show."

The CHJA Finals have been a constant in Conigliaro's riding career, starting in the CHJA Children's Hunter Pony Classic nearly five years ago. She's used her experiences to propel her to success across the show circuit, winning the 2024 USHJA Hunter Seat Medal Finals - East in West Springfield, MA. Bulgari de Huz Z was also Conigliaro's winning parter in that event.

"We got him as a jumper, and we turned him into an equitation horse, and he just jumped right into the division," Conigliaro said. "He's so much fun to jump around on, because he'll lock in. He's just a worker, and he'll do what you ask of him. It's really nice to go around on a horse that you feel confident with and trust."

Christiansen Gets Redemption in CHJA Adult Medal Final

Katie Christiansen and Jericho. Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography — *Katie Christiansen and Jericho. Photo by* *Jess Windhurst Photography*

For Katie Christiansen, the CHJA Medal Finals have regularly been an event associated with frustration. But the Mount Kisco, NY, native broke through in a big way Saturday at the Fairfield August Horse Show.

She didn't just earn her first ribbon in a CHJA Final. She won, topping the CHJA 3' Adult Medal Final with her own Jericho. Alexandra Hoffman finished second, with Christine Perrelli third.

"I've never gotten a ribbon before at CHJA finals. It is usually not my best horse show, so this was really amazing redemption," sad Christiansen, 35, who trains at Trademark Farm in North Salem, NY.

"I love Fairfield. I've been coming here since I was probably 10 years old. I rode all as a junior, coming here and showing, and then I took a long break as an amateur before I started showing back here again last year. And it's just such a warm, hospitable show. I think the grounds and the rings look amazing this year."

Christiansen and Jericho received an impressive first round score of 90 from judges Amy Eidson (Wakefield, RI) and Nancy Murphy (Middleborough, MA) before solidifying their position at the top of the class on the flat.

"It was just such a blast to ride that course," Christiansen said. "I thought the course was beautiful—it was just so lovely and flowing. It wasn't overly technical, but it still asked some questions that made sure that you had all your basics in order and had your plan in order."

Christiansen and Jericho have only been partnered since January, but their partnership has flourished quickly.

"I keep calling him 'the Adult Amateur Equitation Barbie Dream Horse,' because he's just so good and so fun to ride, and he makes my job easy," she gushed. "He's so handy, he loves to turn, and he has a really expressive, fun jump. I think the first time I ever rode him, I just came off with a smile."

Smirnoff Thrives on Home Turf in CHJA Junior Medal Final

Melania Smirnoff and Global Contender. Photo by Jess Windhurst Photography — *Melania Smirnoff and Global Contender. Photo by* *Jess Windhurst Photography*

Melania Smirnoff is at home at the Fairfield County Hunt Club. The 14-year-old has been riding at FCHC - Stables since she was 9 years old, and she has quickly established a winning record at CHJA Finals while training under Jenny Martin-Rudaz.

After winning the CHJA Pony Medal Final in 2023, Smirnoff added the CHJA 3' Junior Medal Final Saturday at the Fairfield August Show. Riding her own Global Contender, she received a first round score of 86 before clinching her victory on the flat, receiving a brand new pair of boots from Vogel, among her prizes.

Macy Rutledge finished second, while Brinley Farr was third.

"I like the CHJA Medals, because the top 12 come back to flat, and then you'll work off on the flat again," Smirnoff shared, identifying a clear strength in her riding. "I also loved today's course, because there were options for inside turns. You had enough time to think, but [the track] was still interesting."

Smirnoff's partner Global Contender is known as "Kobe" in the stable. Horse and rider have been paired for nearly two years.

"He's definitely super friendly," Smirnoff shared. "He has a personality, and he'll express whatever he wants. To ride, he's super smooth. He listens pretty well, but he's fun, too."