Wayne, Illinois, USA – June 24, 2024 – Genevieve Munson (USA) of Rogers, Arkansas, concluded the 2024 Hits Chicago Lamplight Spring Spectacular Series with remarkable performances, securing top finishes in several key events. Notably, she claimed first place with her longtime partner, Zonderling, in the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix on Saturday, June 22, and the $20,000 Alliant Private Client Cup on Thursday, June 20.

In the week’s highlight event, the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix, six horse-and-rider pairs advanced to the jump-off. Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) set a challenging pace on Sovereign, an 18-year-old Selle Français stallion by Frontal owned by Barbara Disko, finishing in 44.309 seconds.

With Goldman-Smolen yet to ride Ivaro N, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding by Elvaro also owned by Disko, Munson needed a quick and clear round with her mount Zonderling to assure the victory. Munson delivered, crossing the finish line fault-free in 41.953 seconds.

Despite a strong effort with Ivaro N, Goldman-Smolen clocked in at 43.728 seconds, securing second and third places with Sovereign and Ivaro N, respectively.

In the end, it was Munson and Zonderling that led the lap of honor.

Munson’s journey with Zonderling, affectionately known as “Joey,” began in an unconventional way. A trainer in Oklahoma offered Joey for sale after clients found him too challenging.

“He over-jumps everything, making him difficult at lower levels, but he’s done very well with us,” explained Munson.

Now a longtime partner, the 20-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Escudo I that Munson owns with Mark Holden has proven to be an ageless rockstar.

Zonderling’s comeback is nothing short of remarkable. Following a traumatic trailer incident in 2022, where he fractured his sternum, Joey faced an uncertain future with no literature on equine sternum fractures to guide his recovery. After extensive veterinary care and careful rehabilitation, Joey not only returned to full health, but also regained his competitive edge, culminating in his triumphant performance at the Lamplight Spring Spectacular Series.

“He’s a bit of a goofball,” shared Munson. “He gets really excited when jumping the big classes, so mounting him is quite an event. He loves his job, and that’s why he’s still going strong. After the injury, we didn’t know if he would come back to jump big fences again, but he’s proven he still has that fire.”

Final Results – $35,000 CWD Grand Prix

1) Genevieve Munson (USA) & Zonderling – 0 / 0 – 41.95

2) Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) & Ivaro N – 0 / 0 – 43.73

3) Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) & Sovereign – 0 / 0 – 44.31

Source: Press Release from Hits Horse Shows

Photos: © Hits Shows / Alison Hartwell

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