Jo Plays Her Ace in CHJA Adult Medal Final
- Catie Staszak
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
Isabel Jo made her final show with HCH Dubai count.
Jo, 18, is readying to begin her college studies at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH, and she capped a milestone summer with a win in the CHJA 3' Adult Medal Final after moving up in testing.
Kennedy Teasdale was second aboard Cool, followed by Sydney Smith with Antidote.
"This means a lot," Jo said. "I've been coming to these Finals since 2021, and I've been second two or three times, so it really meant a lot to win, especially in my last show before I leave for college and my last with Dubai."
Jo met HCH Dubai in February, and the 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding quickly proved to be a great match, leading to a six-month lease. A number of top USHJA National Hunter Derby finishes had her feeling confident heading into CHJA competition, but a win still may have surpassed her expectations.
"[HCH Dubai] is perfect in every way. He's just the best horse, and he loves his job," Jo said. "In my first round, I just wanted to play it kind of safe, put down a nice score, and then try to move up in the flat. In the test, I wouldn't say I took any huge risks or anything. I just wanted to keep it clean, and I was more looking to keep my place than move up, but it was nice that that happened."
Jo has been riding at Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables with Jenny Martin-Rudaz for more than five years, having moved to the Hunt Club when she was 13 years old.
"Getting to ride with Jenny has been the most incredible experience," she reflected. "She's the best trainer I've ever trained with. She has so much knowledge, not only in the saddle, but also about how to prepare yourself. I think a lot of the things she's taught me will also help me in my adult life outside of riding."
Comments