Welcome winners Frances Land and Vieanne.
May 18th, 2013 – The 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show kicked off on Wednesday to blue skies at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. The show in its 10th year is produced by Aiken, SC based Equus Events and show manager J. P. Godard. The popular event is a USHJA Members Choice Award winning horse show and attracts some of the top hunter and jumper talent from across the country.
Thursday afternoon featured the 1.40 $5,000 Open Welcome Stake which took place in the International Arena. 21 horse rider combinations tried their luck against internationally famed course designer Michel Vaillancourt, but it was Frances Land and her Vieanne who came home the victors with a speedy jump off time of 37.83, just edging out Derek Peterson’s Titus 2:11 and rider Jared Peterson. Theo Genn and Bridlebourne Stables’ Winchester rounded out the top three.
The hunter divisions took center stage on Thursday and Friday with many championships being awarded as well as the USHJA International Hunter Derby taking place Friday night. Liza Boyd of Camden, SC made her presence known taking home multiple championships as well as the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with her and Mrs. Janet Peterson’s Brunello. In the first year green division Boyd took home the championship honors with Chestnut Avenue owned by Joann Loheac, the conformation hunter championship honors went to Erin McGuire’s Casallo also ridden by Liza, and in the performance 3’6-3’9 division it was Friday’s Farm’s Banderas with Boyd again in the irons. Liza also took home the win in the popular new $1,000 USHJA pre green incentive class on Sarah Orberson’s First Dance.
Friday evening featured the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Brick Church Farm and Reflections Farm. Exhibitors and spectators enjoyed a beautiful evening complete with a cool breeze while watching some of the country’s top hunter riders compete under the lights. While the action was taking place in the ring everyone ringside enjoyed the Derby Party catered by Proof of the Pudding and sponsored by the 2013 hospitality sponsors.
New this year was a high point award sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian for the junior or amateur rider accumulating the highest two round total in the derby. Maddison Manners and her Blue Steele took home this award with their two round total of 286. The pair won a Fenwick high performance soft shell jacket donated by Fenwick Equestrian.
The Atlanta Spring Challenge continues today featuring the $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian taking place at 6:30 in the International Arena. The annual Preakness Party sponsored by DFG Stables and Cathy and Daniel Geitner will also be taking place ringside along with viewing of the 138th Preakness Stakes. Post time for the Preakness is approximately 6:20.
Contact: Equus Events, Inc.
803-643-5698