JUNIOR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

THE ONLY ESCAPE TURNS OUT FOR THE BEST

BY ANDREA CAUDILL - FIELD EDITOR

The Only Escape trotted his way to fame in the junior working hunter class. Ridden by Nancy Sue Ryan for owners Anthony and Chris Curiale, the 4-year-old brown stallion defeated 37 competitors.

“We bought him as a yearling from Ruth Ellen,” Anthony said. “When we went to see him, and I saw my wife’s expression, I knew we had to buy him.”

What did Chris see in him?

“He had an awesome canter,” she said. “Even as a yearling. He’s beautiful” 

Nancy Sue Ryan wipes away a tear as The Only Escape is presented with his world championship award.

Originally trained by Vicky Holt, Ryan picked up the mount earlier this year. It is the stallion’s first world championship. The couple, who are from Swedesboro, New Jersey, also owned Hope By Invitation, who in 2003 was the world champion in 2-year-old snaffle bit western pleasure.

“He was very professional every time I took him in the arena,” Nancy Sue said.

Nancy Sue Ryan’s Alotta Luke, ridden by Allison Clark, finished second. Both horses sported braided tails and checkerboard patterns brushed into the hair on their hindquarters.

“People were teasing us,” Nancy Sue explained. “But this is the big time. To me, it’s like the Oscars. When they go down the red carpet, they dress up. This is our world championship show, and I wanted to do everything we could to dress up.”

Bred by Gretchen Swope and Ruth Ellen, The Only Escape is by Invitation Only and out of the Thoroughbred mare Escapist.  The Only Escape will now head to a new career as a breeding stallion.