Pope and O-Chadischa close the 2026 Traverse City hunter season with a one-point victory in the $10,000 Hunter Classic, while Augusta Iwasaki and Ever So Clear finish second
To wrap up exciting hunter action for the season, Jacob Pope prevailed in the Traverse City Horse Shows $10,000 Hunter Classic aboard O-Chadischa, a mare he’s had the pleasure of getting to know over the course of the summer. With scores of 91 and 85 in the two-round classic, the pair took the win by a margin of only one point.
Both Pope and Augusta Iwasaki, who finished second with Ever So Clear, had four very nice entries in the class. Both are highly accomplished and decorated hunter riders, as well as good friends, so they joked about battling it out in the final big hunter class of the season.
“I sent a screenshot of the order to [Augusta’s] mom,” Pope laughed, knowing he was up against a tough competitor. He had four chances to get the job done, also snagging third with Malito. “We both had four and we’d battle it out. We’re great friends and I love supporting her. It was a really fun class.”
As for Pope’s winning mount, the 12-year-old mare for owner Mia Holstead, he believes she’s the full package for a nice hunter.
“I’ve had the ride on her all summer, so I’ve gotten to know her pretty well,” Pope shared. “I did her at Derby Finals, she did the international derbies here, and she’s a great horse. Not only does she have a great jump but she’s also beautiful across the ground. She’s a typey hunter which is what this class was suited for. She’s just overall lovely so I’m thankful to have the ride on such a nice horse.”
Pope, who competed Sunday in the $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W Traverse City for the American Gold Cup presented by Frank & Eileen, knows firsthand the final week shifts its primary focus to jumpers, but he appreciates that the show provides additional opportunities for hunters as well, creating a well-rounded season finale for all riders.
“I thought it was nice they had this class this week since it was such a big jumper week,” he shared. “To have a money class for the hunters shows how much management cares here about the hunters as well. It was a nice way to cap off the week. I felt like I could get a smooth, nice couple rounds under my belt before we head [to Capital Challenge].”
Pope, like many riders among the junior, amateur, and professional ranks, is thinking ahead to the fall season and indoor finals, so he strategically used this class as one more opportunity to get his top horses in the ring in preparation.
“I am obviously in this for the long haul so I’m trying to plan the best possible set up for each individual horse,” he noted. “It depends horse to horse which preparation is the best to set them up for success.”
Additional Hunter Winners
O-Chadischa’s owner had a great week in the Great Lakes Equestrian Realty Adult Amateur Hunter division, earning championship honors aboard SWS Brock, also winning the Child/Adult Hunter Classic. Lauren Trible-Laucht was reserve champion with Carerra Z.
In the Great Lakes Golf Cars Low Adult Hunter division, Natalie Grosinger was champion aboard On Point, while Pamella Kissman took reserve honors with River Bliss.
Jacqueline Mellowes and Poolside capped off a great week in The James Family Children’s Hunter division, taking the championship. Sydney Wise was reserve champion with Vintage HF.
