Katie Cooper and Hallmark Earn Grand Hunter Championship at Lexington National Horse Show
Lexington, VA – August 6, 2026 – The Festival of Champions’ 2026 Lexington National Horse Show at the Virginia Horse Center began with top horse-and-rider hunter combinations vying for championship honors before one exceptional pair rose to the top. It was Katie Cooper and Hallmark, owned by Garland Alban, who claimed the prestigious Grand Hunter Championship title in the 3’3” Green Hunter division.
Hallmark, a talented young hunter, has continued to impress throughout the season, and his consistency and quality in the show ring were on full display at the Virginia Horse Center. Cooper and Hallmark earned the Grand Hunter Championship after a series of polished performances that showcased the gelding’s athleticism, style, and confidence. “Hallmark is a very special horse,” said Cooper. “He just keeps getting better and better and showing more and more ability. He’s so confident around the course, which makes him really fun to ride. If I make a little adjustment here or there, he’s right there with me and just gets better. He’s a phenomenal athlete with a great brain, and he never lets you down. I feel very lucky to be part of his progression.”
Owned by Garland Alban, Hallmark was discovered in Germany before joining Cooper’s program. While still fairly green when he arrived, the talented hunter quickly demonstrated his potential. After a limited show schedule last year, Hallmark has matured significantly throughout the 2026 season and is now proving himself as one of the sport’s promising young horses. “Garland actually found him first and was incredibly supportive of bringing him over,” Cooper explained. “She’s been a wonderful owner and has really allowed him the time to develop. Now she has a phenomenal horse, and I think he’s ready for his next career with a junior or amateur rider. Having an owner who understands the importance of letting a young horse develop has made all the difference.” Following their success in Lexington, Hallmark will head to Kentucky next week to compete in the Green Hunter Semifinals as the talented young horse continues his impressive campaign.
For Cooper, earning the Grand Hunter Championship at the Virginia Horse Center made the victory even more meaningful. “We’ve been coming to the Virginia Horse Center for many years, and we love it here,” she said. “The improvements they’ve made, especially to the footing in the Wiley Arena, are fantastic. It really helps the horses perform their best. Years ago, when I first started coming here, I hoped that someday I’d be able to win something like this. The Virginia Horse Center is such a welcoming place, it’s beautiful, our clients love coming here, and we’ll continue making this stop every August on our way to Kentucky.”
Thursday at the Lexington National Horse show also featured the $5,000 Open Welcome. 11 riders entered the ring, and it was Ashley Worthington and Diadora who claimed first place with a speedy jump off time of 33.475. Claiming second place was Thaisa Erwin and Nadia with a jump off time of 33.547. Rounding out the top three was MaryLisa Leffler and Oopsala with a jump off time of 33.824.
The Festival of Champions’ Lexington National Horse Show is off to a thrilling start. Exhibitors can look forwards to an action packed week including Friday’s Derby Day sponsored by Triple Crown Feed, Saturday’s $25,000 Grand Prix, and Sunday’s AYR Equitation Challenge.