Beverly Blues, a Canadian-bred five-year-old mare by Atlas RPH, won the 2025 Connaway & Associates High Point North American-Bred Horse Award at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, scoring an 86 in the Green Hunter Mares 3’-3’3” division under rider Meghan Knapic. Owned by Jenna Weinfurt’s First Blue LLC and bred by Lana Smith of Rosenol Performance Horses, Beverly Blues was purchased as a yearling at a Canadian auction and has been praised for her consistent performance, trainable temperament, and bravery in the ring. Knapic highlighted the importance of proper early training and groundwork in developing the mare’s calm and focused nature.
The award, celebrating top-quality hunter horses bred in North America, underscores the value of breeding programs that prioritize temperament and trainability alongside athleticism. Laura Connaway, president of Connaway & Associates, emphasized the significance of recognizing North American breeders who produce well-rounded horses for long-term success in the sport. Breeder Lana Smith echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of showcasing North American breeding quality amid a market often dominated by European imports, and praised the collaborative efforts of breeders and owners in developing horses like Beverly Blues.
