From the press release:
Cox took time to talk about his experience judging the event.
“The IHSA Intercollegiate Association has come so far,” Cox said. “I was national champion 35 years ago at Mount Holyoke, and I have to say, the horses, the organization, the riders are top notch. A shout-out to the schools that donated horses and brought horses here. It’s incredible what they have done and what Bob Cacchione envisioned in 1967 has come this far.”
Throughout the competition, Wells and Cox asked for work-offs in every class, both on the flat and over fences, testing the riders’ abilities.
“Well, this is at a national final,” Cox said. “We’re testing them. People have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this. The cream rises to the top.
“Judging here has been super with Andrea Wells at my side,” he continued. “We have seen eye to eye on every class, every test and we’re watching the same picture. My experience here at the Tryon International Horse Park has been great. It’s really nice that the horses are all under one roof and weather is irrelevant once you come inside. It’s equal for everyone and that’s really important for a national final. The horses here are outstanding. I’ve really been impressed. The overall quality here is comparable to any USEF-rated horse show.”
Click here to read the full IHSA press release.