Wellington, Fla. – February 14, 2026—Hunter action continued under the lights of the International Arena with Meredith Huddle of New Bern, NC, and her own Bluewater securing the win in Friday evening’s $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Classic during World Championship Hunter Rider Week (WCHR) week at the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
Meredith Huddle & Bluewater. Photo ©Sportfot
With 12 riders coming back for a second round from a 33-rider lineup, Huddle sat on top and was last to go with a score of 88 from the first round. With no expectations other than enjoying her round, Huddle returned with her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding and scored an 86 for a total of 174 points to claim the win.
“It was phenomenal, [WCHR] made it very special, and it was nice that we could get in [the International Arena] today,” said Huddle. “My horse was ready, it was a great course, and everything came up perfectly.”
First to go in from the original order and last to come out, Huddle spoke of her two winning rounds, saying, “I was very nervous—going first is always nerve-racking—but he loves it in there. It was easy; I saw the distances, the ring was beautiful, the jumps were so inviting, and he really enjoys the atmosphere out there.
“Coming into the second round, I knew I had to keep his motor running and was thinking, ‘let’s not have a rail.’ My trainer told me to ride every single jump like it’s our first jump,” stated Huddle, who trains under the direction of Liza Towell-Boyd out of Finally Farm. “That really came into play, especially at the last jump. I steadied a little, got my composure together, and then went for it.”
Meredith Huddle & Bluewater are presented as winners of the $5,000 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Classic. Photo ©Sportfot
Taking her riding to this level only seven years ago, Huddle and Bluewater began their partnership when the gelding was four, and he has stepped up to the plate since then. “I got him in 2020, and my trainers brought him along for a couple of years. When I was ready to start showing him, I moved him to Finally Farm, and the rest is history.”
With her cheering section as loud as ever, it is clear there is no shortage of support for this mother of three. “Our barn as a whole, we always support each other—we always go to the ring and watch each other, no matter what class it is. The support really came out for me tonight, which means a lot.”
With a total score of 169.5, Stella Propp of New York, NY, and Remedy claimed second, while Grace Wilson of New York, NY, earned thirding riding Royale AM with a total score of 186.
Stella Propp & Remedy. Photo ©Sportfot
Grace Wilson & Royale AM. Photo ©Sportfot
As the class winner, Huddle was honored with the Legacy Trophy, donated by the WCHR Task Force.
For complete results of the $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Classic, click HERE.
WCHR Friday Champions
Click HERE for complete WCHR division results.
Adequan Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3” 18-35
Forsini & Lexi Maounis
Lexi Maounis & Forsini. Photo ©Sportfot
Stefano Ricci Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6” 36 & Over
Charming Boy & Brittany Schutt
Brittany Schutt & Charming Boy. Photo ©Sportfot
Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 & Under
Celebration & Sabrina Miller
Handmade & Campbell Cauthen
Sabrina Miller & Celebration. Photo ©Sportfot
Campbell Cauthen & Handmade. Photo ©Sportfot
Junior Hunter 3’3” 16-17
Mr. Fox & Wrenn Warren
Wrenn Warren & Mr. Fox. Photo ©Sportfot
