Category Archives: Classic Company

Business Is Booming for Jason Berry Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics

Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia was on fire Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics. He ended the week with a win in the $15,000 Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

Thirteen horse and rider teams tackled the course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana in the Olympic Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park.

The first round was set with a time allowed of 81 seconds and 43 seconds for the second round. Seven advanced to a second round opportunity.

Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot were the first horse and rider team to turn in double clear rounds in times of 71.642 seconds and 32.241 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Heather Hook of Wellington, Florida and Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their time of 33.934 wouldn’t beat Boggio and Co Pilot.

Berry and Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke followed with the next set of double clears and their time of 30.362 seconds would temporarily take the lead. Duvelke and Berry have been partners for only a couple of weeks according to Berry.

Aida Sanchez Long of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Darragh Kerin’s Rossco followed with the next set of clear rounds but their time of 32.210 seconds couldn’t beat Berry and Duvelke’s time.

Boggio and Victoria Press’ Quesada D’elle followed with the next clear rounds and with a clear second round in a time of 29.567 seconds, temporarily took the lead.

“He [Rheinheimer] had set a vertical to six strides to a triple bar then five strides to an in and out and some folks had problems with that. He definitely didn’t hand us that line,” said Berry.

Berry followed with Fazous and challenged that time with their own double clear rounds and with a time of 29.055 seconds, took the lead and set the new time to beat. “I just had to go faster. I had the lead then Chase [Boggio] took it back so I just went a little faster with Fazous,” he said.

Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Cricket sat in the enviable last to go position. Although the pair advanced to a second round, four jump faults in a time of 29.701 seconds would see them finish in seventh place and leave the win to Berry and Fazous.

Second place honors went to Boggio and Quesada D’Elle and Berry picked up a third with Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke.

Sanchez Long and Rossco earned a fourth place and Boggio returned for a fifth place ribbon with Co Pilot. Hooker and Quester De Virton rode home with a sixth place. Ludwig and Cricket earned a seventh place and Ludwig also picked up the eighth place ribbon in the irons of his own The Graduate.  Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia and Maarten Huygens’ Justin earned ninth place honors for their four fault first round in a time of 69.406 seconds and tenth was awarded to Jorja Rose Jones of Byhalia, Mississippi and Diane Masters’ Light Show for their four fault first round in a time of 70.880 seconds. Eleventh was awarded to Charlotte De Smedt and her own Chido and Berry wrapped up the class with a twelfth place ribbon in the irons of Lee Cesery’s Quantos.

Berry Takes Top Three Ribbons in the $7,500 Welcome

Berry kicked off his winning week when he snatched up the top three placings of the Welcome Jumper Classic during Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics. There were eight entries in the competition, with five pairs returning to the ring for the jump-off.

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, claimed the championship with Lee Cesery’s Quantos. Together they bested the other contenders, flawlessly completing the first round well within the time allowed of 81 seconds. Their jump off round was equally as seamless, with the duo finishing the shortened course in a clean and quick 36.857 seconds — one of two double clear efforts in the event.

The other double clear performance was also care of Berry, this time in the irons of Oak Ledge Farm’s Fazous. The pair left all the jumps up, but finished in 37.672 seconds — just a fraction of a second behind the winners.

Berry rounded off the top three placings for his ride aboard Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke. A clean first round gave the pair a shot at the jump-off, but a fallen rail at the last fence and a time of 37.268 seconds landed them the yellow ribbon.

Jorge Ludwig, riding his own Athenea, finished the class in fourth place. Ludwig, of Newbury Park, California, guided Athenea to an eight-fault jump off round, reaching the finish line in a speedy 34.824 seconds. The fifth place ribbon was awarded to Canton, Georgia’s Heather Steinman, who was completing with Maarten Huygens’ Justin. The pairing completed the second round in 42.159 seconds, accruing 12 faults.

Ludwig was back in the ring to pick up sixth prize for his ride with his own Cricket. Seventh place was awarded to Aida Sanchez Long, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who was in the saddle of Darragh Kerins’ Rossco. Ludwig rounded out the placings, ranking eighth with his own The Graduate.

Berry commented, “The horses went really well and the horse show was really good. The show management did a lot with the footing from schooling day throughout the week and it’s just getting better every day. Next week will be even better. Any shows that Classic Company manages, they just do better every time. There is always a major improvement, every year. Like the permanent restrooms in Gulfport were awesome this year. Some of the improvements are simple, but for other show managers, it’s like you have to pull teeth to get them to make any improvements,” he added. “Next week will be my Week 10 on the road, but I’ll be showing here in Conyers,” he said.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hunter News from Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics

Christina Fox and End Game earn firsts in both the inaugural Classic Derby and 3′ rider bonus

With a name like End Game, you would expect a performance worthy of a mic drop.

And you would have seen impressive sport during Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics, when Christina Fox made short work of the challenging courses laid in front of her during the Classic Derby. Fox was aboard the aptly named End Game.

Fox, of Aiken, South Carolina, piloted Southland Stables, LLC’s End Game for the challenging two-round class. The pair earned 75 points in the classic round, followed by 83 points in the handy round for an overall score of 158 points.

With a total score of 156 points, Marietta, Georgia’s Grace Ann Nolan was narrowly edged into second place. In the saddle of Donald Stewart’s Agiato, 16-year-old Nolan rode her way to the top classic round score of 80 points and a handy score of 76.

Lee Cesery, of St. Augustine, Florida, ranked third for her score of 151 aboard her own Candidate. Fourth place was awarded to Madison, Georgia’s Katie Kittrell, who piloted Autumn View Farm’s Golden Sun to a total score of 108 points.

Victory Tastes Sweet for Toblerone and Carolyn Bell in the Sidelines Green Hunter Division

The Sidelines Green Hunter division kicked off Week I of the 2018 Atlanta Spring Classics in Conyers, Georgia. And it started with the championship colors for Alpharetta, Georgia’s Carolyn Bell.

In the irons of Debra Rattary’s Toblerone, Bell secured the division title in the Sidelines Green 3’/3’3” Hunter. The duo chalked up a grand total of 36 points.

Kat Mulkey, of Madison, Georgia, was awarded the reserve championship for her performances with Grace Bridge’s Serenade. The pair accrued a total of 28 points.

“I am so pleased with Toblerone,” said Bell. “He is a kind, honest, quiet horse, but he’s also athletic and scopey. This was his third time in the green division, and his second time being champion.”

Toblerone was purchased three years ago by Rattary, with the intention of enjoying the horse at home at the barn, Bell remarked. Toblerone made his show debut this year when a student of Bell’s began leasing him, she said. The nine-year-old hunter prospect has been racking up ribbons ever since.

“I wasn’t surprised at all,” said Bell. “I expected the best from him. When we were in Germany looking at him, we were impressed with his brain — he’s calm, quiet and one of the smoothest horses I’ve ever ridden.”

Bell also ranked fourth overall with her own Ambiance. She said the Green Hunter division provides her up-and-coming hunters with a good solid foundation for a long and successful jumping career.

“The green division is a great place to learn the basics, such as balance and straightness,” she commented. “It provides a solid base, rather than moving up a division because a horse is athletic enough to jump bigger fences.”

With this win, Bell and Toblerone are well on their way up the qualifying charts for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, which is set to run at the Atlanta Fall Classics in Conyers, Georgia. There is still plenty of time to qualify for this finale event, held at the venue of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Points are still up for grabs during Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classics, as well as during the upcoming Jacksonville Spring Classic and the Charleston Summer Classic.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Announcing the 2018 Atlanta Spring Classics

Photo credit Alison Hartwell Photography.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic six-week circuit kicks off on February 7th. The show moves directly from the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast to the home of the 1996 Olympics at the Georgia International Horse Park for the Atlanta Spring Classics which start on March 22nd and run through March 31st – no horse show on Easter Sunday.

Two weeks of exciting competition at the world-famous facility offer more than $200,000 in cash and awards. Special events include the Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions which will count as qualifiers for the second installment of the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic scheduled for the Atlanta Fall Classics. The top 20 qualifiers will receive an invitation to compete in this Finals competition for no entry fee.

Don’t miss the new $5,000 Classic Hunter Derby offered both Weeks I and II at the Atlanta Spring Classic. In addition to the $3,000 prize money, a $2,000 Rider Bonus will be awarded to a non-professional hunter rider each week.

For the jumpers, the $5,000 Open Welcome is offered both Weeks I and II as well as the $15,000 1.35m Jumper Classic. There’s plenty of prize money for the Jr/Amateurs at the 1.20m and the 1.30m/1.40m as well as the Open Jumpers, 1.20m, 1.30m and 1.40m. Check the prize list, now online, for details.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Jumper News from Week II of the Atlanta Fall Classics

Michael Tokaruk and Ilan [Alison Hartwell Photography]

The $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome kicked off the high stakes jumper action and awarded Michael Tokaruk of Germantown, Tennessee and Maarten Huygens’ Ilan the blue ribbon after turning in double clear rounds.

The first round time allowed was 84 seconds and saw twelve advance to a second round opportunity.  Tokaruk was the first to turn in a clear in the irons of Klee Hellerman’s Cupid Shuffle. Although their second round time of 40.255 was well within the time allowed of 62 seconds, four jump faults would have them finish in tenth place. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and Seth Vallhonrat’s Conbalou followed Tokaruk with a clear first round and also went clear in their second round in a time of 40.255 seconds and set the new time to beat. Pelham Bay, owned and ridden by Lee Hughes of Redwood City, Georgia, followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their second round time of 42.369 seconds would find them finishing in seventh place overall.

Tokaruk followed with the next clear first round on his second ride, Ilan, posting a clear second round in a time of 39.364 and took the lead.

Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina and Stela Styslinger’s Cassiana followed with double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 41.609 would find them finishing in sixth place overall. Thomas John Russell of Columbus, North Carolina and Vick Russell’s Ragnar followed with the next set of double clear rounds but their second round time in 42.396 seconds would find them finishing in seventh place overall.

Meredith Bryans of Newborn, Georgia and her own Guidam Sid followed in the order with double clear rounds, but their second round time of 51.616 seconds saw them finish in ninth place overall.

Taylor Land of Atlanta, Georgia and Pinetree Farms, Inc.’s Falco V turned in the next double clear rounds, but their second round time in 41.500 would see them finish in fifth place.

Tokaruk returned for his third ride, this time in the irons of Mattie Hatcher’s Cristiano with double clear rounds and a second round time of 40.889 which secured fourth place.

Last to go was Tokaruk with Cassie Kime’s Tenacious D, turning in double clear rounds with their second round time of 40.884 locking in third place.

Geitner and Kenwood Victorious in $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix

The $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by EMO, took place Saturday night and awarded Daniel Geitner and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood the blue ribbon.

The first round was set at 88 seconds time allowed and Taylor Land of Atlanta, Georgia and Pinetree Farms, Inc.’s Falco V were the first to go clear. David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee and Deerfield Farm, LLC’s Tyson Uno followed in the order and insured a jump off with their clear first round.

Eight more horse and rider teams would qualify for the jump off round including Geitner with Kenwood and Conbalou, Tokaruk with Cupid Shuffle and Ilan, Glenn Hartigan of Alpharetta, Georgia and his own Z Coco Cabana, Lee Hughes of Redwood City, Georgia and Pelham Bay, and Thomas John Russell and Vick Russell’s Shining de Reve.

Of the nineteen horse and rider teams entered, ten advanced to the jump off with a jump off round time allowed of sixty seconds.  Jennings and Tyson Uno were the first to turn in a clear round in a time of 44.528 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Geitner and Kenwood followed with their own clear jump off round in a time of 41.607 seconds, taking the lead. Hughes and Pelham Bay followed with the next clear round in the jump off, but their time of 46.006 would find them finishing in third place overall. Russell and Shining de Reve followed with the last clear jump off round with their own 47.639 seconds and finished in fourth place, leaving Geitner and Kenwood as victors and Jennings and Tyson Uno in second place.

Geitner also picked up a fifth place ribbon with Conbalou for their four fault jump off round in a time of 42.403 seconds and sixth was awarded to Taylor Land and Falco V for their four fault jump off round in a time of 42.754 seconds.

Z Coco Cabana and Glenn Hartigan earned a seventh place finish and Quite Dark 2, ridden by Haley Gassel and owned by Westwind Equine Training Center placed eighth. Ninth and tenth places went to Tokaruk with Cupid Shuffle and Ilan, respectively, and Mattie Hatcher and her own Cristiano placed eleventh. Chasen Boggio and his own Co Pilot wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classics

The $3,500 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumpers 1.30 m welcomed ten horse and rider teams to the arena and only three advanced to a second round opportunity.

First to go Chasen Boggio and his own Co Pilot turned in double clear rounds and their second round time of 41.029 seconds beat the time allowed of 57 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own Kasarr followed in the order and also turned in double clear rounds. Their second round in a time of 38.610 seconds pushed Boggio out and she would eventually win the class with that time.

Haley Gassel and Westwind Equine Training Center’s Werner 61 were the last horse and rider team to turn in double clear rounds. Their second round time in 40.003 seconds would finish them in second place and move Boggio and Co Pilot to a third place ribbon.

Emma Willsky of Aspen, Colorado and her own Donegue placed fourth with their first round in a time of 87.786 seconds, which earned them two time faults. The fastest of the four faulters, Boggio and his own Conway, earned a fifth place ribbon for their first round in a time of 82.398 seconds and Bryan Dietz of Little Rock, Arkansas in the irons of his own Poppin Tags placed sixth for their four-fault first round in a time of 88.854 seconds.

Seventh was awarded to Shanna Beyer of Collierville, Tennessee and her own Invictus and eighth was awarded to Thomas Beazley and his own TKO Quincy for their eight-fault first round in a time of 84.194 seconds. Ninth was awarded to Nancy McFadden of Germantown, Tennessee and her own Catori.

The $2,500 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumpers 1.20 m saw big numbers with seventeen horse and rider teams competing for the blue.

Only six riders advanced to a second round opportunity over a course with the time allowed of 57 seconds. Madison Akins of Bogart, Georgia and her own Chasm Z rode home with the blue ribbon with their clear second round in a time of 38.373 seconds. Second place was awarded to Christina Cooper and her own Cora for their clear second round in a time of 40.288 seconds. Lily Bennett of Atlanta, Georgia and her own Zimba placed third for their 40.559 clear second round. Fourth was awarded to Kathleen Feely and her own Albrecht and fifth went to Accomplice owned and ridden by Grace Asbury of Atlanta, Georgia.

Kiersten Sudlow of Germantown, Tennessee and her won Athena Du Rouet placed sixth and Kaitlyn Smith of Carmel, Indiana and her own S’Envoler earned a seventh place ribbon.  Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana and her own Firebird placed eighth, and ninth was awarded to Carson Ruff of Jackson, Missouri and Sabina Holtzman’s Magnus Quequen Mail. Julia Tait of Marietta, Georgia and Falcon Ridge Stables’ Limited Edition earned a tenth place finish.

$5,000 Elite Equine Sport Horse Medicine and Lameness Child Adult Jumper

The $5,000 Elite Equine Sport Horse Medicine and Lameness Child Adult Jumper 1.20 Classic saw seventeen horse and rider teams tackle the course in the Olympic arena and it was Cathy Reed of and her own Emporio who took home the blue ribbon. Audrey Muscari in the irons of her own Ricardo placed second and Grayson Fallon rode Hope Rousseau’s Bad & Boujee to a third place ribbon.

Fourth was awarded to Nelson Long and his own Merlerault and fifth went to My Wing Man, owned and ridden by Deborah Knowles. Sixth went to Kaitlyn Smith and her own VDL Casanova, and seventh was awarded to Alayna Myers of Maryville, Tennessee and Amanda Melton-Finger’s Reprieve. Smithwick, owned and ridden by Madison Massey of Pelham, Alabama, earned an eighth place finish, and Lynn Seithel of Johns Island, South Carolina and her own Jumping Jil Z placed ninth. Meredith Darst, LLC’s Quester De Virton ridden by Heather Hooker placed tenth, and EWSZ Quinetta, owned and ridden by Macie Atwood earned an eleventh place finish. Abigail Beaty of Indian Springs, Alabama and her own Via Dolorosa wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hunter News from the Atlanta Fall Classics

Holly Shepherd and Kodachrome [Alison Hartwell Photography]

Seasoned derby riders, Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, battled it out for the top placings in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby over a course designed by Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey.

Twenty-five horse and rider teams took to the oval arena and it was Derby Queen Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Nina Moore’s Kodachrome who took home the blue ribbon for their overall score of 375.

Special, owned by Missy Nolen and ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, earned a second place ribbon with their overall score of 363, and Shepherd returned for a third place ribbon in the irons of Belle Rolfe’s Cesar De Lison Z for their overall score of 362. Maddrix returned to the winner’s circle for the fourth place ribbon, this time aboard Margaret Camp’s Cascaron, for their overall score of 349.

Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California took the fifth, sixth, and seventh placings with Kelly Sims’ True Enough [348.50], his own Nil Du Buffan [347.50], and Sims’ True Story [347].

Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia and Liddy Strickland’s Valentine placed eighth, ninth was awarded to Allison Reichenbach’s High Life, ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Tennessee, and tenth went to Vick Russell of Columbus, North Carolina and his own Tall Paul. Eleventh and twelfth were awarded to West Meadow Farm, LLC’s Fergus, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, and Wimberly Debono’s Indecision, ridden by Maddrix.

“It was great to see so many compete in the International Hunter Derby,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “We’ve had a strong showing in the hunter divisions both weeks I and II.”

Julie Curtin and Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce Victorious in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia took the top two placings in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, besting a field of 23 horse and rider teams over a course designed by Paul Jewell. Curtin and Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce took the class with their combined score of 179.5, but beating Curtin’s second ride, Rebekah Warren’s Cassico, by only half a point.

“In the Handy round, Capisce and I had a couple of options. We took the inside turns and he was really smooth and extremely handy which made for a good trip. He just edged out my other horse, so it was really close,” she said.

Final results had Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama taking the third and fourth placings with Belle Rolfe’s Boure and Micaela Kennedy’s Magnus Hermes, respectively, with overall scores of 175 and 174.

Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour, ridden by Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California, placed fifth with their overall score of 171.5, and Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey, ridden by Carolyn Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed sixth with their overall 171.

Sabina Holtzman of Clayton, Missouri and her own Jerez Mail earned a seventh place ribbon and Cassino Royale, owned by Anna Huggins and ridden by Clay Alder of Germantown, Tennessee, placed eighth. Shanna Beyer’s Lacoste, ridden by Mary Mielenz of Collierville, Tennessee, earned a ninth place finish, and Curtin returned for a tenth with Select Sport Horses’ Hudson for a tenth place ribbon. SLF Bellarena, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and owned by Helen Byrd, placed eleventh, and Hannahlea, owned by Kelly Sims and ridden by Maggie Diehl of Alpharetta, Georgia, wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.

“I’ve ridden Cheryl’s horse before, but I rode him as a Pre Green. I was excited when Phoebe and Cheryl asked me about a week ago to ride him,” said Curtin. “He’s [Capisce] has really matured and grown up a lot and we just clicked right away. He’s a wonderful horse and I felt so comfortable on him.

“Paul used the same course for us as the International Hunter Derby and it rode really well for both heights,” she added. “It was open, flowing and there were lots of single jumps. Because the arena is very long, but not as wide, he did a great job on making it flow. He put a couple of jumps at the end of the ring because it was so long he had to use some of the width. The very first jump was on the end of the ring and the horses had to pay attention at Jump 1,” she commented. “But Paul let us finish with a nice long run to an oxer for our last jump which was really nice.

“It was so nice to see both the International and National Hunter Derbies with big numbers, especially now at the end of the year,” she added. “I’m looking forward to Gulfport this winter and plan on doing four weeks there.”

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Julia Curtis and Isarus Win the $25,000 Voltaire Design Grand Prix

Julia Curtis and Isarus [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

It was a happy anniversary for Julie Curtis of Villa Rica, Georgia and her own Isarus when they won the $25,000 Voltaire Design Grand Prix, presented by EMO, under the lights in the Olympic Arena.

“He’s nine coming ten years old and I got him one year ago here at the Atlanta Fall Classics,” said Curtis. “Kyle Timm called my trainer Harrison [Ford] and told him that he thought he had a perfect horse for me,” she said. “I really wasn’t even looking,” she added. “I was a junior then and only rode him in the 1.20 Low Juniors last year. Then we came here in the spring and got a third in our first Grand Prix but this is our first win together!” exclaimed Curtis.

Curtis and Isarus were the only horse and rider team to turn in a clear round in this Grand Prix. “When my trainer Harrison and I walked the course, we thought it was going to be simple and not so technical,” she said. “But once we got in the arena, there were no places to take a rest and you had to keep moving throughout the whole course,” commented Curtis.

“After the triple there was a bending seven to a wide oxer and my trainer said that once you got through the triple, the seven would come up tight,” she said. “Lots of horses had the back rail because they got there so tight,” she added.

“But my horse has a really hard left drift and since that part of the course was the hardest for me, when I jumped out of the triple, I used his drift to my advantage in order to get down the seven without coming in too tight to the oxer,” she said.

That strategy worked well for Curtis and she and Isarus were the only horse and rider team to go clear in a time of 74.535 seconds, beating the first round time allowed of 77 seconds. Glenn Hartigan of Canton, Georgia and his own Z Coco Cabana kept the rails up in the first round, but their time of 77.281 earned them one time fault and a second place ribbon.

The fastest of the four fault rounds, Danielle Grice of Northfield, Tennessee and Highridge Farm, LLC’s Kaprio placed third with their time of 71.488, and Summer Hill of Lexington, Kentucky, in the irons of Andrea Simpson’s Vendome DH Z, earned a fourth place ribbon with their four fault round in a time of 71.859 seconds.

Fifth was awarded to Seth Valhonrat’s Conbalou, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, for their four fault first round in a time of 71.875 seconds. Guidam Sid, owned and ridden by Meredith Bryans of Newborn, Georgia, placed sixth with their four fault first round in a time of 74.303 seconds, and seventh was awarded to Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot for their eight fault round in a time of 71.799 seconds.

Haley Gassel of Lenoir City, Tennessee and Werner 61, owned by Westwind Equine Training, placed eighth and she also earned a ninth place ribbon with Westwind’s Quite Dark 2. Vick Russell’s Shining De Reve, ridden by Thomas John Russell of Columbus, North Carolina, placed tenth, and Madison Dehaven’s Chanel, ridden by Sarah Meier of Lexington, Kentucky, wrapped up the class with an eleventh place finish.

“I’m a freshman at the University of Kentucky and studying psychology, but have been horse showing the last two weeks,” commented Curtis. “I rode in the National Horse Show last week with a hunter I own and we got eighth in one of the rounds and jogged in two of them. Then I left Kentucky on Thursday and drove here to show this weekend,” she said. “Tomorrow I have another horse here to do the Barry Lane and then I need to head back to Lexington and be a student again,” she said.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hunter News from Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic

Hunt Tosh and Bastogne [photo by Alison Hartwell Photography]

The highly anticipated $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, sponsored by Ariat and Friends of Ellen Veitch, took to the Olympic Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park and welcomed twenty-one finalists to the inaugural Classic championship.

Riders showed their horses in the Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions all year hopeful to qualify for this inaugural Classic. The first round of the 3′ class had fourteen horse and rider teams and the 3’3″ saw seven horse and rider teams.

Bastogne, owned by Doug Wheeler and ridden by Hunt Tosh of Milton, Georgia, galloped away with the first place honors and their $9,000 share of the prize money, besting twenty other horse and rider teams. “Bastogne is five years old and we only started him in the Green Hunter Division in the Spring. He hasn’t even been doing this a full year! He is one of our greener horses but he went really well today. We went early in the first round and we turned in a really nice first round and his second round was more of a handy course for the Green Hunters and he did well in that too, turning in two solid, nice rounds,” commented Tosh.

Bastogne and Tosh’ s total score of 176 led the pack followed by Walkabout Investments, LLC’s Godric Gryffindor, ridden by Erin Mccabe Clayton of Zionsville, Indiana, with their overall score of 171. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina in the irons of Liz Hudspeth’s Limelight, LTD earned an overall score of 169, awarding them a third place.

Tosh returned for a fourth place ribbon this time in the irons of Ceil Wheeler’s Lights Out with their overall score of 167. “He’s only six and we started him out in Florida last winter and he ended up winning the future hunter championships. He’s had a bit of a break but he went really nicely here. He had a little rub in the one round which kept him from placing higher, but we were happy with him,” commented Tosh. “This class was great for him and we’re excited about starting him the First Year Greens in 2018,” he added.

Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour, ridden by Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California, placed fifth with their overall score of 161.5, and Isabella Lafferty’s Argento, ridden by Carolyn Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed sixth with their overall score of 160.

Tosh picked up a seventh with Douglas Wheeler’s Uptown for their overall score of 159.5. “Uptown is a six-year-old and has been really doing well and although we had a little mistake in the first round, we did well in the second round and overall went nicely. He’s a blast to ride!”

David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee picked up eighth and ninth places with Belle Rolfe’s Boure [overall score 157.5] and Sabina Holtzman’s Jerez Mail [overall score 150].

Karen Lackinger’s Gratis, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, placed tenth with their overall score of 145, and Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey, ridden by Carolyn Bell, placed eleventh for their 126 overall score. Cypress, owned by Missy Nolen and ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, wrapped up the class with twelfth place and an overall score of 124.

“To get three nice checks was really great,” said Tosh. “Classes like this make you feel like you’re ready to move up to the 1st Year Greens. The Classic gives the owners, riders and trainers something to look forward to and to jump for $30,000 is really great.

“Our horses did well and everyone in the class did a great job,” Tosh continued. “I think it’s great that Bob offers the Green Hunters for $5 a division and gives everyone something to shoot for with this $30,000 Green Hunter Classic,” he added. “We have the Capital Challenge and then we’re finished. To have this class come later is perfect and Paul [Jewell] did a wonderful job with the course.

“Because of classes like these, we’re able to develop our horses and move them up next year. Now we have some new young ones to school and we’ll definitely be back to show in the Classic Company Green Hunters,” he added.  Tosh also received a pair of Fabbri Boots from Susan Benson and Somerset Sport Equestrian Trading.

Bob Bell commented, “We are so pleased with the success of our inaugural $30,000 Green Hunter Classic. We are committed to the development of our hunter horses and feel that by offering the Division for only $5 and then producing a $30,000 Finals Classic helps the horses, owners and riders continue to produce quality hunters,” he said. “To dedicate this Classic to our dear friend Ellen Veitch makes it that more special,” he added. “We are appreciative to everyone who supported our efforts this year and would like to especially thank Ariat for its sponsorship.”

True Enough and Michael Leon Win the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride

Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California and Kelly Sim’s True Enough bested a field of twenty-five horse and rider teams to take the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Leon had four horses in the class and guided three of them to finish in the top twelve. “It was fun,” said Leon. “The course was nice and open and he [True Enough] jumped really bright which let me show off how scopey he is with a couple of nice long gallops to a single. In the handy, he was really on it – very bright and strong,” he said. “He’s one of those horses that just wants to win,” he added.

“True Enough is seven coming eight and I’ve been riding him since last June in the Green Divisions. This is our third National Derby win,” he commented.

Leon also picked up the second place ribbon with his own Nil Du Buffant Rouge, also known as ‘Frenchy’. “He is a veteran,” commented Leon. “He’s 15 years old and I’ve won more than ten National Derbies and three International Derbies with him. I did it for fun and to be competitive. I try equally on all of the horses I ride, whether they are mine or my clients’,” he said. “Frenchy jumped beautifully, but he had a little swap at the last jump which moved him down in the placing.”

Third place was awarded to Tim Maddrix and Missy Nolen’s Special, and Cassico, owned by Rebekah warren and ridden by Julie Curtin, finished in fourth place.

Sue Gibbs’ Gioia, ridden by Vick Russell of Columbus, North Carolina, earned a fifth place finish, and Leon returned with Kelly Sims’ True Story for a sixth place ribbon.

Kat Fuqua of Atlanta, Georgia and her won RS Levitation placed seventh, and Matt Martin of Petersburgh, Tennessee rode Jessica Dicampli’s Berlinka to an eighth place finish. Shane Powell of Sterling, Massachusetts rode Sydney Mannon’s One Love to a ninth place finish, and Kat Fuqua took home the tenth place ribbon with her own High Noon 3E. Curtin and her own Honey Badger finished in eleventh place, and Russell returned for the twelfth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Skipping Foal Sport Horses’ Corton Charlemagne.

“This is my first year here,” said Leon. “I showed here in June and then relocated to the area from California so this is the first time for me making it to all of these shows,” he said. “Bob does a fantastic job. It’s been a breath of fresh air for me to experience Classic Company shows and their team. The show management and staff all the way to the folks who work the in gate – everyone is nice, the show runs on time, and you can just feel how much this horse show cares about the horses, competitors and owners. It really makes a difference how the Classic Company really cares about the professionals and stays on top of everything. Bob is out at the rings, the staff is always eager to help you out and everyone is so nice,” he said.  “We’ll be here next week too and I’m looking forward to riding four in the International.”

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Week I of Show-Cation at the Charleston Summer Classic a Win-Win

Chase Boggio and Co Pilot [Photo credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

It was a winning Week I at the Charleston Summer Classic for Chase Boggio of Canton, Georgia who rode off with the blue ribbon on Nancy Boggio’s Co Pilot in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and went on to win both first and second places with Nancy Boggio’s Conway and Co Pilot, respectively, in the Grand Prix.

“We bought both horses from Derek Peterson about seven months ago,” said Boggio. “My parents were nice enough to go in on them with me. We bought them so we could have some fun with them and they are great horses, but quite different from one another,” he said.

“Conway is ten years old and completely opposite from Co Pilot. He’s almost 18 hands and has a huge stride. He jumps like he could touch the moon! He’s a little slower but he’s a little greener. Derek [Peterson] discovered his jump and threw him right in the ring. I usually ride him in the Amateur classes, but this show was the perfect place to get him into a Grand Prix and I’m happy we did so well,” he said.

“Co Pilot is eleven and has lots of experience having been ridden by Derek [Peterson] and before that Aaron [Vale]. We recently started to click. He’s a little quirky but we’ve been really consistent. We’ve placed in the last three Grand Prix we’ve done. Considering Conway is a little greener, it’s great to have a horse with a bit more experience,” he said.

The jumper action continued in the $2,000 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner 1.25m Jumper Classic and awarded Christine Couper of Port Wentworth, South Carolina and her own Cora the blue ribbon after her double clear rounds.

Couper purchased the Hanoverian mare in June 2014 and brought her to compete at the Charleston Summer Classic as her first show three years ago and they were victorious. “She has gotten better,” said Couper. “I recently moved her up to the 1.25m and haven’t campaigned her as much as in the prior years. We’ve been working on the height and she just keeps getting better the more we show. Since Charleston is so close to us, we’ve been commuting back and forth to the show. To have a AA show here in Charleston is great. The footing felt really good and the weather was awesome,” she added.

“My horse is kept about thirty minutes from the show but I live in downtown Charleston,” she said. Originally from outside Boston, Massachusetts, Couper went to college in Charleston and then decided to stay. “For out of town folks, I recommend that they make the trip to downtown – it’s a blast! Go out for the night, check out the architecture and history, there are great restaurants and it’s really such a beautiful city,” she said.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby took place Week I and welcomed Liza Boyd and Finally Farm’s Clemens to the winner’s circle after the pair bested the field of fifteen horse and rider teams with an overall score of 180.

“These are so useful for the hunters in the pipeline,” said Boyd. “Clemens is a first year horse and 7, so this is great opportunity to have an atmosphere of an international derby with VIP tent, the party, the 5 pm start and the excitement of the environment. There were people from town lying on blankets, picnicking near the ring and lots of distractions-typical of what may be going on during an international derby,” she said.

“He’s [Clemens] scopey so I’m not concerned about his ability, but it’s more important at this stage to acclimate him to the environment. He’s actually won an international derby and can jump a mountain and he’s very handy. I don’t want to jump his legs off, but I’ve got to train him. Allen [Rheinheimer] designed the course with tons of bending lines and I really need to practice that. I even skipped the first years with him this week and did a jumper class which went in the same ring as the derby. The horse and I need to get to know each other in that way and answer those questions we’re going to come across in the international derbies. And, the derby really had some great competition. With Jason [Berry] and his wife riding against me, I thought,’Oh gosh, they are going to make me do those turns’,” she laughed.

“I really appreciated show management making the effort to switch up the Derby jumps. They added some with no ground lines, brought in some spookier jumps and really did a nice job,” she said.

“We did one week in Charleston and have returned home to take a week off before we head out onto the road again. We stayed in a condo on Kiawah and really had a great time. It’s a boutique horse show and it was fun to be somewhere different and go to the beach, go shopping, boating and tubing. My girls and husband had a great time and my clients really enjoyed themselves. I would recommend it for anyone!” she said.

Central Park, owned by Lee Cesery and ridden by Jason Berry, earned a second place with their overall score of 172, and Michael Cline’s Esprite De Corps, ridden by Alisa Berry, placed third.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hometown Win for Z Coco Cabana and Glenn Hartigan

Glenn Hartigan and Z Coco Cabana [Photos: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Glenn Hartigan of Alpharetta, Georgia and his own Z Coco Cabana brought home the blue ribbon in the $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by EMO, on Saturday night to the roar of the crowd. He and Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida were the only two riders to advance to the jump off round over the course designed by Olympic course designer Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida. Vale and Thinks Like a Horse Farm’s Bonzini S and Stakko rounded out the roster for the jump off.

“The course was really challenging but fair,” commented Hartigan. “Steve built a great course and it asked the riders good questions. There were some half steps in it so riders needed to decide if they were going to leave those strides out or add. In the last line, you couldn’t leave the stride out; you had to shorten,” he said. “The jump off course was really interesting and he really did a great job. Very well done. Steve used the field really well and having built the Olympics, he knows it really well,” Hartigan added.

Vale and Bonzini S were the first to tackle the jump off round with a time allowed of 51 seconds. Vale and Bonzini S flew through it fault free in a time of 38.894 seconds, setting the new time to beat. He and his second mount, Stakko, followed his first ride and their time of 39.276 seconds put him in the first and second places. Hartigan and Z Coco Cabana were up next.

“Aaron is tough to beat when he comes to town,” said Hartigan. “He won every other major money class. He’s such a professional and he had both horses in the jump off go clear and I thought, ‘With him going clear, I had to take every chance and go faster or I’m going to finish third,'” he said.

Z Coco Cabana and Hartigan, sitting in the last to go position, tackled the course and delivered a clear round in a time of 36.437 seconds and won the class.

“I know my horse and I trained her all the way up to this level. She’s 10 this year and has enough experience in grand prix competition that I knew if I asked her, she would do it. I left strides out where Aaron didn’t and I gunned it,” he said. “We went really fast and it was really fun,” Hartigan added.

“When I started her 2 years ago I probably wouldn’t have gone so fast. Training at that level, I want to protect her big heart. The more experience she gets the more I can ask of her. She is maturing as a grand prix horse and she won a grand prix in Tryon a few weeks ago and has been second several times, so I can take more chances,” he said.

“She’s [Coco] so comfortable in the Arena here in Conyers. I bred her mother and Coco was born in Germany. I brought her over here as a 5 year old and her first show was here in Conyers,” he said. “The Atlanta Classics are always ones we come to,” said Hartigan. “It was fun to win in front of this home town crowd who has watched her over the years. A lot of people know her and know how much my wife and I put into it and to have her win was beyond our wildest expectations,” he added.

“I’m a very proud breeder,” said Hartigan. “Coco just got a new sister and she’s in Kentucky. So we’re going to head there after this show to meet the newest member of the family, but we’ll be back for the Atlanta Fall Classics,” he said. “Classic Company does a great job here managing the footing and running a great show. We always come to all of Classic shows in Conyers,” he added.

Vale returned for the fourth and fifth places with Troy Glaus’ Darling GR and Thinks Like a Horse Farm’s Exclusive, respectively, after posting four fault first rounds in times of 81.143 and 84.047 seconds, respectively. Sixth place was awarded to Maryann Charles of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Fox View Farm’s FBF Sailor Man for their four fault first round in a time of 84.212 seconds. Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot placed seventh, and Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Lamarique earned an eighth place finish. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina piloted The Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood to a ninth place finish, and Michael Kirby of Madison, Connecticut and his own KTS OK finished in tenth. Coolman 78, owned and ridden by Tricia O’Connor of Williston, Florida, took eleventh, and Penny Brennan of Montmorenci, South Carolina and her own Sun Tzu wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

$5,000 Horseflight Welcome

The jumper action kicked off Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics with the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome on Thursday. Aaron Vale took the win with Troy Glaus’ Darling GR, besting a field of twenty-four horse and rider teams. Only five advanced to a second round opportunity.

Chasen Boggio and his own Co Pilot was the first to turn in double clear rounds in times of 74.590 and 47.680 seconds, respectively, beating the times allowed of 77 and 49 seconds, and set the new time to beat.

Michael Kirby and his own KTS OK followed after a clear first round in a time of 73.860 seconds, but eight faults in the second round in a time of 46.137 seconds would see him finish in fifth place overall.

Maryann Charles of Southern Pines, North Carolina and Lalainy were the next to advance to a second round opportunity and posted a clear second round in a time of 42.049 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Aaron Vale and Darling GR

Vale and Darling GR were the next to advance to the second round and flew through it with no faults in a time of 40.135 seconds, taking the lead. The last horse and rider team in the order and the last to advance to the second round was Daniel Geitner and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood. The pair had two rails for eight jump faults and their time of 43.985 seconds would see them finish in fourth place overall.

Final placings had Vale and Darling GR as the winners and Maryann Charles and Lalainy in second place. Third place went to Boggio and Co Pilot.

Arenus Jr/Amateur Jumper Classic

The Vale family continued their wins in the jumper arena and Mallory Vale of Williston, Florida, wife of grand prix rider Aaron Vale, won the $5,000 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner 1.30 Jumper Classic in the irons of Thinks Like a Horse Farm’s Elusive, besting a field of thirteen horse and rider teams. Meghan Hurst of Baton Rouge, Louisiana earned a second place finish with her own Lagoona Paradise, and Jodie Camberg of Calabasas, California piloted her own Veneto DH Z to a third place finish.

Lalainy, owned by Fox View Farm and ridden by Christina Webb of Bahama, North Carolina, was awarded the blue ribbon in the $2,500 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner 1.20m Jumper Classic, besting a field of twenty-one horse and rider teams. Second was awarded to Aberdeen Ventures, LLC’s Jorno, ridden by Madeline Derose of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and third went to Livhaven Stables’ Hot Spot, ridden by Olivia Epple of Palmetto, Georgia.

The $2,500 Elite Equine Sport Horse Medicine and Lameness Child Adult Jumper Classic awarded Phyllis Hines’ Ace of Spies, ridden by Heather Hooker of Wellington, Florida, first place honors in the Adult section, and second place went to Glitter Glider, owned and ridden by Sarah Turner of Charlottesville, Virginia. The Child Adult Jumper section win went to Carly Hoft and Available Jumpers.com’s Available Ohio. The pair bested a field of sixteen horse and rider teams. Second place went to Egono Van Kadal, owned by Oak Ledge Farm and ridden by Hazel Taylor.

$1,500 USHJA Pony Derby

The $1,500 USHJA Pony Derby took place on Saturday and welcomed a dozen junior riders to the hunter arena. Kat Fuqua of Atlanta, Georgia dominated the competition with her own Captain America and Goldhill’s Arresting Charm, taking the first and second places. She also placed fourth and tenth with her own Finesse RF and Chic in Time, respectively.

Third place was awarded to Prima Ballerina, owned and ridden by Sophia Ayers of Reddick, Florida, and fifth went to Elle Moren’s Ledoux, ridden by Skylar Curtis of Oviedo, Florida. Footsteps, owned and ridden by Hagen Blackwell of Birmingham, Alabama, earned a sixth place finish, and Charmer, owned by Danielle Torano and ridden by Lauren Gregson of Largo, Florida, placed seventh. Bestseller, owned by Tara Dow-Rein and ridden by Cassidy Rein of Raleigh, North Carolina, earned eighth place. Avery Zwirn of rode her own Rapunzel to a ninth place finish.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Hunter News from Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic

Daniel Geitner pilots Raffle to the win [Alison Hartwell Photography]

The Hunters invaded the Georgia International Horse Park Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics and saw big numbers in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and the Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions, both qualifiers for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic slated for Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic.

Raffle, owned by Janet Peterson and ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, took the blue in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby after besting a field of 20 with leading scores in both the Classic and Handy Rounds. Shutterbug, owned by Alina Dumitrescu and ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, earned a third place finish in the Classic Round with their score of 93, but their Handy round score of 102 pushed them to a second place finish. Hunt Tosh of Milton, Georgia and Ceil and Kenny Wheeler’s Flamingo-K took third place honors.

Geitner returned to the winner’s circle to collect the fourth place ribbon in the irons of Kelly Sims’ True Story. Fairy Tale Farms’ Little Manhattan, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd, placed fifth, and Maddrix returned to pick up the sixth place ribbon in the irons of Wimberly Debono’s Indecision. Sophia Zuckerman’s Rutherford, ridden by Ashley Hotz of Eads, Tennessee, took home the eighth place ribbon, and Nil Du Buffant Rouge, owned and ridden by Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California, placed ninth. Valentine, owned by Liddy Strickland and ridden by Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia, earned a tenth place ribbon. Leon and Kathleen Feeley’s Capstone placed eleventh, and Carsten S, owned by Barbara Kravetz and ridden by Jennifer Tate of Bourne, Massachusetts, wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, welcomed twenty-seven horse and rider teams to the course, which was the same track used in the International Hunter Derby.

Sky Pilot, owned by Alex Stevens and ridden by Caroline Willard of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, took the win with their leading combined score of 180.

Second place went to Pacino, owned by Kathyrn Morris and ridden by Mary Eufemia of Palm Harbor, Florida, for a combined score of 176. Valducchy, owned by Sorensen Stables and ridden by Grace Bridges of Eatonton, Georgia, took third place, and Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia rode her own Honey Badger to a fourth place ribbon. Fifth was awarded to Amara, owned by Catherine Merrill and ridden by Megan Wexler of Reddick, Florida. Davinci, owned by Carita Palmer and ridden by Allan Palmer of Eads, Tennessee, placed sixth.

The Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions, qualifiers for the upcoming $30,000 Green Hunter Classic slated for Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classics, crowned Cavalier, ridden by Hunt Tosh, the Champion in the 3’3″ Division and Reserve honors to Frederica, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd. Tosh returned for the Championship in the 3′ Division, this time in the irons of Bastogne, and Momento, ridden by Carolyn Bell, was Reserve Champion.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457