Category Archives: Kentucky Horse Shows

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 Capture 1.45m Open Jumper Victory at Kentucky Spring Classic

Leave a comment

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20.

Lexington, KY – May 15, 2013 – The heat was on as the Kentucky Spring Classic got underway today at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  Five riders produced double clear rounds during the 1.45m Open Jumpers, but it was the last do so that proved to be the fastest. Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 broke the beam at 30.378 seconds for the win by 3/10ths of a second over Reed Kessler and Soraya De L’Obstination. Earlier in the day, Pablo Barrios took home his second blue ribbon in a row during the 1.40m Open Jumpers speed class with Colgate.

Today’s 1.45m Open Jumper track was created by Conrad Homfeld and featured a long bending line to begin, as well as a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination and an oxer-vertical double combination. Nine competitors advanced to the jump-off, where they began with a bending line to the double combination, before rolling back to two oxers and finishing over vertical near the gate.

The first to show without fault over the short course was Abigail McArdle’s trainer, Katie Prudent. She and V, owned by Michael Smith of Winchester, VA, were able to break the beam in 32.945 seconds, which was good enough for fourth place. The next to complete the jump-off with all the rails intact was Ramiro Quintana and Ollywood Des Horts, owned by Remarkable Farms LP of New York, NY. They increased the speed by almost two seconds, stopping the clock at 31.263 seconds and claiming the eventual third place honors. Margie Engle chose to be more conservative with Cabras, owned by Elm Rock LLC of Bronxville, NY, leaving all the fences in place, but crossing the finish line in 34.614 seconds for fifth place.

Olympian Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, was one of the last riders to show, and she had her eye on the prize with Soraya De L’Onstination. She was able to top her trainer Katie Prudent as well as Quintana, speeding through the timers in 30.655 seconds. Unfortunately, her time would only hold up for second place, as Abigail McArdle was next to advance to the tiebreaker with Cosma 20. The reigning North American Junior Jumper individual gold medalists are well known for their speed, and today was no exception. McArdle laid on the gas, leaving out a stride through the first bending line and speeding to the final obstacles without even a rub. The duo clocked in at 30.378 seconds to take home the winning prize.

“During the first round, I wanted to see how the first bending line in the jump-off rode, and I was able to shape it and leave a stride out there,” explained McArdle. “Then we still added to the double combination but made up time after the combination and then over to the last line.”

McArdle added, “I was really happy with the way she went; she was super. This was a nice 1.45m win and then we will do the Hagyard Classic tomorrow night. This was a nice way to boost our confidence before that.”

Cosma 20, a nine-year-old chestnut mare, has been partnered with McArdle for a little over a year. “I feel like I really know her well,” she commented. “I know we having been moving up slowly, but she’s green at this level and it’s still new for me, so it’s important to build up slowly. I’m lucky to have such a wonderful horse.  After Kentucky, we will go to Spruce Meadows and then Europe to show in Chantilly, Dinard and Valkenswaard.”

Based out of Barrington, IL, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are always on McArdle’s schedule.  “I love these shows and the facility is great,” she noted. “Management is great and they have nice prize money. For us, it’s basically our backyard, and we love showing in Kentucky.”

Pablo Barrios and Colgate
Pablo Barrios and Colgate

Earlier in the day, Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios matched his effort in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class with Colgate for the second week in a row. Nine riders were able to complete the course without fault, but it was Barrios and Colgate that set the time to beat, finishing in 62.397 seconds. Emanuel Andrade stopped the clock at 66.933 with Crossfire 10, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC. They were almost five seconds slower for second place. Alison Robitaille was one of the first to show with Candle Light, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone of Upperville, VA, and finished the course in 67.418 seconds to round out the top three.

“I really tried to go as fast as possible,” said Barrios. “I really liked the course for her because there were a lot of lines and I could leave strides out. She has a very, very big stride. The course was the perfect for her. She’s starting to like to jump at that pace, and she’s being careful. I think she could be a speed horse.

Barrios added, “I’m going to do the Hagyard with her again tomorrow night.  I think she’s schooled enough to keep her brain quiet enough to jump tomorrow, but I’ll have to see.”

The jumper action will continue in the Rolex Stadium tomorrow afternoon with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. It will mark the second event in the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series featuring the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. Riders will also have the opportunity to showcase their mounts during Saturday’s evening’s $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, and Sunday morning’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Kelley Farmer Kicks Off Kentucky Spring Classic with Clean Sweep of Conformation Hunters

Leave a comment

Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper.

Lexington, KY – May 15, 2013 – Clear, sunny skies and lush Kentucky bluegrass welcomed riders back to the Kentucky Horse Park for week two of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The Kentucky Spring Classic runs today through May 19 and attracts the best of the best for five days of ‘AA’ rated hunter competition. Among those leading riders are Kelley Farmer and Shawn Casady, both of whom topped the leaderboard today.

After a successful first week in Kentucky, Farmer returned to the Stonelea Ring to kick things off by sweeping all four of the day’s Conformation Hunter classes with Skorekeeper, owned by Larry Glefke and Quail Run Partnership of Keswick, VA.

The seven-year-old gelding is a relatively new mount for Farmer, having just been purchased following the winter circuit in Florida. The pair made their debut in Lexington, VA before traveling to Lexington, KY to finish in the ribbons in last week’s Kentucky Spring Horse Show. After traveling to Tennessee this past weekend to finish sixth in the Memphis in May USHJA International Hunter Derby, Skorekeeper came back to Kentucky ready to win.

“That was his first derby ever, and then he came back here today like he was an old, made horse,” Farmer shared. “When I showed him at Lexington, VA, he was still making very green mistakes. It’s funny what a couple weeks of showing and a derby will do. He came back today like he really knew what he was doing. I couldn’t be happier with him. I was thrilled.”

And with good reason. Skorekeeper started the morning with a blue ribbon in the Conformation Hunter model class and then delivered two back-to-back polished rounds over the Bobby Murphy designed Conformation Hunter courses to take first place in both classes.

“Bobby does a great job,” Farmer commented. “He builds so that the horse jumps really well. He builds them fences out, and he builds them beautifully. Today rode really smoothly and really comfortably, and the horses all jumped well.”

Farmer and Skorekeeper finished the day with another blue ribbon, this time in the Conformation Hunter under saddle class, leaving the pair well ahead of the pack going into the awarding of the division championship tomorrow.

Farmer also saw success in the same division aboard her second mount Dancing Solo, owned by Larry Glefke and Dr. Kenneth Garber of Keswick, VA. The duo finished second over the first course as well as second in the under saddle.

“We’re just doing Dancing Solo once before we go to Devon. With Skorekeeper, he needs to get a little more showing under his belt because he doesn’t have as much. She just needed to get out and do a horse show before Devon,” Farmer explained. “I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in right now with so many great horses.”

In the combined Second Year and High Performance Hunters, it was Shawn Casady who led the jog following the second course. Casady finished high in the ribbons in both of the over fences classes and the hack aboard Ascot, owned by the HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA.

Today marked only the second time Casady has shown Ascot, with the first time being last week in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby where they finished sixth.

“He’s awesome. He’s slow and big strided, and he spends his time in the air over the fence,” Casady stated. “I liked the courses today. It wasn’t just your average diagonal seven or five stride; there was a four stride that was kind of sharp out of the corner. They were nice courses and decorated beautifully too.”

Winning the first class of the Second Year and High Performance Hunter division were Caroline Weeden and Lucky Times, owned by Old Willow Farms LLC of Northfield, IL.

Weeden, Casady and Farmer will be among those returning tomorrow to vie for the hunter division championships as competition continues at the Kentucky Horse Park. Among the highlight events of the week is the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second in the $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, a seven event series that culminates with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Shawn Casady Leads Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby Series

Leave a comment

Shawn Casady leads the 2013 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. Photo By: Emily Riden/PMG.

Lexington, KY – May 14, 2013 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows began on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, and one of the highlight events was the kick-off of the 2013 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. The Hallway Feeds Series consists of seven national hunter derby events to be held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the series’ leading riders.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show featured the lead off event on Saturday evening with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course and vie for the winning title and valuable points towards the $15,000 Leading Rider Awards. At the end of the night it was Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue who took led the victory gallop, giving Casady the lead in the standings. Jennifer Hannan who placed second with As Always, and Havens Schatt, who picked up the third place award with Kindle, follows Casady closely in the rankings. The Kentucky Spring Classic, May 15-19, 2013, will host the second event in the series on Saturday, May 18, in the Stonelea Arena.

The USHJA National Hunter Derby program will be in its fourth year in 2013 and is growing in prestige and popularity. Amateurs, Juniors and Professional riders are eligible to compete, giving it a broad base of support and interest. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Emanuel Andrade Shines at Kentucky Spring Show

Leave a comment

Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela guided Walter 61 to a top three finish in the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic. Photo by Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.

Lexington, Kentucky – Sixteen-year-old show jumping sensation Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela earned impressive results competing against some of the top riders in the world at the 2013 Kentucky Spring Show held May 8 to 12 in Lexington, KY.

Andrade was crowned the Low Junior Jumper Champion with Quebec Star, an eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding.  The pair won two out of the three classes comprising the Low Junior Jumper division, including the $2,500 Low Junior Jumper Classic, to take the Championship title, as well as the accompanying cooler and impressive trophy.  He won the third class with Carboni, and also posted top three finishes in the division with Luky des Rocquelines and Casanova Junior.

Proving his talent extends far beyond the junior ranks, Andrade scored an exciting third-place finish in the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic on Saturday, May 11.  In a competitive field of 42 entries which included numerous Olympians, Andrade and Walter 61, a 12-year-old Sachsen-Anhaltiner gelding owned by Hollow Creek Farm, put in a double-clear performance.  Their jump-off time of 39.01 seconds was just over the winning time of 38.87 seconds set by United States Equestrian Team veteran Kent Farrington riding Zidane.  Argentina’s Ramiro Quintana finished second riding Largo with a time of 38.88 seconds.

Andrade also earned a number of impressive results in the Open Jumpers, winning two 1.30m classes aboard Boccaccio and Wilkina Lithya, respectively.  With Wilkina Lithya, Andrade also finished fifth in the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday, May 12.  He also placed second in a $5,000 1.40m competition with Costa and ninth in a $5,000 1.45m with Crossfire 10.

Proving that no challenge is too great, Andrade also demonstrated that he has what it takes to develop up-and-coming horses.  Riding Reve du Paradis, an eight-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Andrade placed second in two of the 7 and 8-Year-Old Jumper classes offered.

Andrade was not the only Venezuelan achieving success at the Kentucky Spring Show.  His coach, Angel Karolyi, guided Indiana 127, owned by Hollow Creek Farm, to a fourth place finish in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, May 9.  From the starting field of 43 horses, Karolyi and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding were one of six horse/rider combinations to jump double-clear, stopping the clock in 42.78 seconds.  The class was won by another Venezuelan Team veteran, Pablo Barrios.  The three-time World Equestrian Games competitor guided the nine-year-old Zara Leandra, who he has been riding for exactly one year, to the winning time of 38.25 seconds.

A competitive show jumper in his native Venezuela, Andrade has made a name for himself since bursting onto the North American jumper scene a little over a year ago.  In 2012, he was named the Future Champions Leading Junior Jumper Rider during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, and, in 2013, earned the prestigious title of Leading Jumper Rider at the same competition.  Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC, where Andrade trains with Karolyi and renowned horsewoman Andrea King, was named WEF’s Leading Jumper Owner for 2013, and King was named WEF’s Leading Jumper Trainer.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, a large training business focusing on both horses and riders, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Meagan Nusz and Dynamo Master $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Leave a comment

Meagan Nusz and Dynamo.

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – It took precise riding and a talented mount to be at the top of the standings during today’s $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Richard Jeffery’s challenging track yielded only two clear rounds, but set the stage for a speedy jump-off between Meagan Nusz and Reed Kessler. Nusz had all the answers aboard Dynamo to capture the top honors. The duo clocked in just fractions ahead of Kessler, who was also double clear over the short course with Mika to place second.

The first round course for this week’s highlight event bested all but two of the 40 competitors that gathered at the Rolex Stadium. Two of the most challenging areas proved to be a vertical-oxer double combination bending line to an open water, that was followed by another oxer, as well as a triple bar-vertical-oxer triple combination to a steady vertical. Meagan Nusz was the second rider on course and the first to advance to the jump-off with Dynamo, owned by Amalaya Investments of Houston, TX.

“The course was just really technical,” stated Nusz. “The triple combination got a lot of people. I think that was more of mental game than anything else because you had to come in steady, when normally you want to ride at the triple bar, which was A, but you had to come in a little bit slow because the two was really short. Then you also had to ride out because the one stride was normal, but you had to ride the back rail. In your mind, you just had to stay calm and ride each fence individually.”

The only other clear effort came from Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, riding her own gelding Mika. “I thought it was a great course,” she expressed. “It’s a $75,000 grand prix, so it should be difficult enough. It was the course designer’s job to set an appropriate course, and the fact that only two of us rode well enough to clear it is our fault, not his. I was a fan of today’s course; I did not think it was too hard.”

Both Kessler and Nusz managed to produce a second clear effort during the tiebreaker, separated by only fractions of a second. Nusz was the first to return to the ring and she pulled out all the stops with Dynamo. After finding the perfect distance to the first fence they tried to leave a stride out in the rollback to the next oxer, but when Dynamo backed off they chipped at the large fence. Dynamo still managed to clear the back rail, and Nusz sped to the remaining obstacles, leaving a stride out at the last oxer and breaking the beam at 35.97 seconds.

“Kent Farrington and I walked the rollback to have a reference number so I didn’t turn in too tight or too wide,” explained Nusz. “When we walked it, we did an eight, and that’s probably what we should have done, but I thought if I caught a good vertical I could get a seven. When I caught the vertical my eye picked up on the seven, but he kind of backed off the brush, and then I was just wrong. I thought he was going to leave long and he ended up adding. But he left it up and jumped it without a problem. After that jump, I really made sure I was on it. I tried to be smooth in the middle because that was the tricky part, but I trusted him and let him go a little bit at the last couple fences. In the jump-off you have to do whatever you can to get the win.”

Reed Kessler and Mika
Reed Kessler and Mika

Kessler was prepared to answer the challenge Nusz presented when she returned riding Mika. They were right on the pace, but added a stride before the skinny vertical. The pair did leave all the rails intact though, and crossed the finish line at 36.30 seconds, just fractions off of Nusz time to settle for second place.

“I saw the seven in the first roll back, and I could have done it, but I ended up doing the eight after watching Meagan,” noted Kessler. ” Then Mika kicked up a little bit in my leg as I was turning to the skinny oxer, and I ended up doing one more, but for him that was a very fast round. For him to really put the speed on like that and still keep his form was fantastic for him. I’m really happy with him.”

Blythe Marano and Urban, owned by Riverview Farm of Franklin, TN, were the only other horse and rider combination that were able to leave all the fences in place, but they were unable to do so in the time allowed, finishing with one time fault for third. The fastest of the four faulters was Ramiro Quintana of Argentina on St. Bride’s Farm’s Whitney, stopping the clock at 74.46 seconds after lowering the height of the vertical in the middle of the triple combination.

Quitana was followed closely by Canada’s Ian Millar riding Star Power, owned by Team Works of Perth, Ontario. The pair also had an error in the triple combination. Nusz’ trainer Kent Farrington rounded out the top six aboard Zafira, owned by Haity McNerney of Lake Forest, IL, having a rail after the triple combination line before heading home to the gate.

Tonight’s victory marks the biggest win in Nusz’ young career. “I am super excited,” she smiled.  “To only have two clean and go against Reed who is one of the top riders in the world, it was great to go clean and then pull off the win.”

Meagan Nusz and Dynamo
Meagan Nusz and Dynamo

Dynamo and Nusz have been together for three years, and she began riding him in the young jumper classes, before eventually showing in the Amateur-Owner divisions and now the Open Jumpers. “We’ve done everything,” she said. “He’s taught me a lot and I’ve taught him a lot and we have a really good bond. I am an amateur moving up, and it’s nice to have a horse that gives you confidence. He is a jumper and can get you out of sticky situations, but I never go in the ring feeling overwhelmed or over faced because I know that I have him.”

Now, Nusz and her trainer Kent Farrington will aim for Spruce Meadows before traveling to Europe for the summer. “Right now I am focusing 100% on riding. We’re going to Spruce and Europe this summer. It will be my first time in Europe and we will be going to Spain and The Netherlands. I am really looking forward to it. I try to set goals that are achievable, so the World Cup Qualifiers and maybe a Nations Cup in the next two years would be great. This year I want to just start jumping some bigger classes and get the feel for it.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows were the perfect stop for Nusz before heading north. “I love it here; it’s so peaceful and open,” she expressed. “They have classes for everyone from the young jumpers to grand prixs. You can’t pick a better venue. It’s a fun horse show to come to and the management puts a lot of effort into it.”

The jumper action at the Kentucky Horse Park will continue next week with the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 15-19, 2013. Highlight events include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington on Saturday, and Sunday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Breeds, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Thoroughbred Competitions Highlight Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – Based at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are pleased to highlight the efforts of Thoroughbred horses competing in the show ring. This year, the show features the Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program for retired racehorses. The 2013 Hagyard Challenge Series will also once again feature a high point Thoroughbred Award with a $10,000 prize.

The Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program for retired racehorses offers awards and prize money in hunter and jumper classes restricted to Thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows feature the $1,500 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter division and the $1,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Jumper division. It is open to Thoroughbreds only that have either their Jockey Club certificate of registration, a lip tattoo, or a letter from the Jockey Club verifying the horse’s identity. For more information and the complete 2013 schedule, please visit www.take2tbreds.com.

The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a $10,000 prize will be presented to the high point Thoroughbred participating in the Series. To be eligible for the Thoroughbred award, horses must be registered with the Jockey Club or have a verifiable lip tattoo.

Dr. Stuart Brown, President of Hagyard, commented, “This award is in keeping with Hagyard’s commitment to Thoroughbreds. Since we were founded in 1876, we have had a vested interest in the Thoroughbred industry through the relationships with our traditional clients in the Bluegrass. We want to encourage and reward those who seek opportunities for second careers for these horses in athletic endeavors beyond flat racing.”

The kick-off event, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, was held on Thursday during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Pablo Barrios currently leads the standings for the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus, after winning the first competition with Zara Leandra. Next week during the Kentucky Spring Classic, riders will return to the Rolex Stadium for the second $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse for more than 135 years.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 135 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra HA, Johnson Horse Transport, Hallway Feeds, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.

For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit http://hagyard.com.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to
www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue Score $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Victory

Leave a comment

Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue – Photo By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – May 11, 2013 – Saturday evening at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show kicked off with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Rolex Stadium. It marked the first event in the seven-part series presented by Hallway Feeds during the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Awards for the Series will be presented. Last year’s winner of the Junior Rider Award Shawn Casady has taken the early lead in the series after winning this evening’s class aboard Stars Go Blue, owned by Marigot Bay Farm of Dover, MA. The duo earned scores of 87 and 90 during the two round class to lead the victory gallop.

Bobby Murphy built an 11 obstacle course for the first round of tonight’s event set at 3′ with four 3’6″ option fences. There was a two stride line as well as a bending line and multiple rollbacks. One of the options included a large brush and many of the fences were decorated to imitate natural obstacles a rider would experience when hunting. The top 12 scoring horse and rider combinations were invited to return for the handy round, which also had four options as well as a trot fence and multiple inside turns to showcase handiness.

Kelley Farmer claimed an early lead with Grayon, owned by Jay Golding of Gordonsville, VA, after scoring an 89 during the first round. They were the last to return in the handy round, delivering a flawless trip until the very last fence which they met a bit deep, resulting in a score of 78. Their total was good enough for the fourth place award.

Havens Schatt jumped up in the standings aboard Kindle, owned by R. Bruce Duchossois of Aiken, SC. The duo had a smooth first round that received an 80 and was ranked 11th. They really showcased their brilliance during the handy round, taking all the inside options for a score of 88 that eventually picked up the third place award.

Jennifer Hannan and veteran mount As Always, owned by Jennifer Smith of Wellington, FL, were in top form for tonight’s event. They also had a solid first round effort, receiving a score of 83 from the judges that had them ranked eighth. With smooth inside turns and very nice trot jump the duo’s efforts was honored with a score of 86 to capture the second place prize.

The best of the best proved to be young rider Shawn Casady with Stars Go Blue. During the first round, Casady piloted the talented gelding to a score of 87 that was ranked third. They returned for the handy round ready to perform and were smooth through all of the turns and jumped crisply over each fence. The judges announced a score of 90 for the excellent performance, vaulting them to the top of the leader board to claim the winning honors.

“I’ve been riding Stars Go Blue for almost two years,” noted Casady. “He’s always been a trusty mount and I’ve always been able to rely on him during these kinds of events. He’s very straight forward and he’s very experienced so he just wants you to trust him and let him do his job.”

Casady continued, “During the handy I just wanted to make sure to find all of the jumps and make sure he had his eye on the tall brush, that was really the only big question, everything else was pretty straight forward. The course was really nice, and I think everyone had a good time.”

The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

Last year, Casady was the recipient of the Junior Rider Award for his excellent results throughout the series. “I really like the series,” he expressed. “Hopefully things will keep going well, because that’s a great way to end the summer.”

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

Tomorrow’s hunter events will include championship and reserve championship awards in the Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter divisions. Next week, riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, with the second $5,000 Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby scheduled for Saturday evening.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Unstoppable Victoria Colvin Claims Top Two Spots in $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Leave a comment

Victoria Colvin and Inclusive. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – Fifteen-year-old phenom Victoria Colvin has a lengthy winning resume that rivals that of riders two to three times her age. Last night, under the lights at the Kentucky Horse Park, Colvin added both the first and second place finishes in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Dietrich Insurance, to her ever growing list of impressive accomplishments.

Colvin took the early first round lead aboard Listen, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, with scores of 87 and 86 from the two judging panels combined with high option points for a total of 181. Kelley Farmer and Taken, owned by Jessica Stitt of Elburn, IL, came close to surpassing Colvin in the first round with scores of 84.5 and 88 for a grand total of 180.5 with high option points included, but the top spot would remain entirely untouched until Colvin returned to better her top score herself, this time on the back of Inclusive, also owned by Parker.

The Bobby Murphy designed first round course included 11 obstacles, most of which were meant to imitate the types of fences horses and riders would encounter on the hunt field. The course also presented four fences with higher jump options. If cleared successfully, the higher options were each worth an additional point added to each of the judges’ scores. Electing to take all four of the high options, it was over this first round course that Colvin and Inclusive turned in a total score of 188, with scores of 90 from both sets of judges, to take over the lead.

That lead would go utterly untouched the rest of the night, as the top 12 scoring horse and riders returned in reverse order of their position for the handy round. The handy round featured a slightly shortened track of nine obstacles, again including the four higher options as well as a brush fence, a trot fence, a hand gallop to an oxer and numerous opportunities to showcase inside turns that could aid riders in earning points for handiness.

Shawn Casady and Ascot, owned by the HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA, returned to the handy round in the eighth place position with scores of 68 and 76 following the first round. Taking all of the high options and exhibiting the horse’s handiness, Casady maneuvered Ascot to second round base scores of 82 and 81 and the eventual sixth place ribbon.

Jennifer Alfano finished the first round in fifth place and maintained that spot through the handy round aboard Rose Hill, owned by Sharon O’Neill of Snyder, NY. Finishing in fourth were Farmer and Taken. After claiming the third place position in the first round, the pair slipped one position with second round scores of 73 and 70, plus a total of 12 points for handiness and 8 points for selecting all four of the higher fence choices.

It was junior rider Meredith Darst who came through in the handy round to edge into the third place position with Tilou, owned by Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH. Darst and Tilou came into the second phase with a scores of 84 and 86, behind Farmer, but with a great display of handiness and the utilization of two of the higher fence options Darst and Tilou earned a second round score of 179 – broken down to two scores of 80, plus a total of 15 handiness points and four points for the two higher fence approaches. The duo’s total two-round score of 355 would guarantee their top three finish.

Victoria Colvin and Listen
Victoria Colvin and Listen

Listen was the first mount Colvin returned to the handy round, and while she already held the first round lead by seven points with Inclusive, Colvin knew she needed to be extra handy to ensure that Listen remained in the top ribbons.

“With Listen I knew I had to go all out,” Colvin explained. “The handy course was good for that. There were lots of places to gallop and places to turn inside and show off your horse. It rode really nicely.”

Those inside turns, gallops and high fence options earned Colvin and Listen second phase scores of 84 and 78 added to 16 handy points and eight high option points, giving the horse and rider combination an overall score of 367.

When it came time for Colvin to return with Inclusive, she knew she only needed a second round combined score of 180 to surpass her overall score on Listen and hold the lead on Inclusive. With that score and the lead easily in her grasp, Colvin took a slightly different and less daring approach with Inclusive.

“With Inclusive, I went around smoothly, and I was a little bit more careful since he was already winning,” Colvin shared.

That strategy paid off. Second round scores of 83 and 94 plus 17 handy points and eight high option points added to their leading first round score for a grand total of 390, guaranteeing the victory gallop for the talented pair.

Following her one-two finish under the lights of the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, Colvin, Listen and Inclusive will head to the Devon Horse Show in Devon, PA. From there, Colvin plans to return with both mounts for the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals held at the Kentucky Horse Park in August. The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby offers riders a prime opportunity to prepare for the derby final, and the class would not be possible without presenting sponsor Dietrich Insurance.

Dietrich Insurance offers the sport horse community numerous comprehensive equine related insurance products. By staying abreast to the latest market trends, Dietrich Insurance is able to provide programs accommodating individual requirements, through qualified companies at competitive premium prices. For more information on Dietrich Insurance visit http://dietrich-insurance.com/.

Hunter competition continues today as the first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows comes to a close with the naming of champions in the Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter divisions. Next week, riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, with the highlight $5,000 Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby scheduled for Saturday evening.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Kalvin Dobbs Dominates High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers with Winde at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Leave a comment

Aaron Vale and Palm Sunday – Photo By: Rebecca Walton.

Lexington, KY – May 10, 2013 – Rain and wind proved to be the lucky charm for Kalvin Dobbs’ Winde in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers. The talented young rider took home top honors in the competitive class at the Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Earlier in the day, Aaron Vale also claimed a blue ribbon, piloting Palm Sunday to the fastest double clear effort in the 1.45m Open Jumpers.

A steady rain and chilly wind made for a challenging day at the Kentucky Horse Park. For the 1.45m Open Jumpers and the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Richard Jefferys produced a technical track that included an open water, a triple bar, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination. The riders that were able to advance to the tiebreaker had to show over four new fences, as well as the open water option, making sharp turns and using long gallops to beat the clock.

During the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, ten riders managed to advance to the short course. Emanuel Andrade set the time to beat at a clear 33.036 seconds with La Fe Forli, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC, which would eventually place fourth. Frances Land of Alpharetta, GA slipped in behind him early in the class riding Vieanne to a time of 34.565 seconds that would earn sixth at the end of the day.

The next fault-free round came from Sophie Simpson, but she would be slowest of the double clears in 37.199 seconds aboard Chico’s Girl, owned by Katherine Gallagher of Medfield, MA. Andrade managed to best his own time aboard his second mount for Hollow Creek Farm, Tiny Tim, clocking in at 32.332 seconds for a speedy second place finish. Chloe Reid of Washington, DC, and Damascus claimed the fourth place honors in 34.246, while her second mount Victor E, owned by Candy Tribble of East Windsor, CT, place third in 33.036 seconds. Leah DeMartini and True Love, owned by Elm Rock LLC of Bronxville, NY, went just before Reid and were also double clear for seventh place in 36.268 seconds.

Kalvin Dobbs and Winde - Photo By: Rebecca Walton
Kalvin Dobbs and Winde – Photo By: Rebecca Walton

The fastest of the double clear rounds went to Kalvin Dobbs and Winde, owned by Treesdale Farm of Carmel, IN. The pair picked up a quick gallop and never held back, making sharp turns and easily soaring over all the fences. They dashed through the timers in 31.516 seconds, almost a full second faster than Andrade and Tiny Tim, to earn the winning prize.

“It was a really good jump-off,” smiled Dobbs. “I was able to gallop the turns and think about numbers a little bit. It was a really smooth trip and I was able to find all the fences. Winde is a very high-strung horse and my trainer [Abigail Blankenship] and I work together with her. The hardest thing to do is the flatting. I have to be very calm around her. Over the past year and a half we have really been able to figure each other out. When we go in the ring we are able to make something good out of it. I hope we continue to grow together, and she has been a blast to work with.”

The high school junior just arrived last night after finishing his ACT exams, but is thrilled to be back in Kentucky. “I love Kentucky; it is so pretty here,” expressed Dobbs. “It is very competitive; you see a lot of great riders and horses. It’s just a great place to show and it’s close to home, so it’s great to come here and show each year.”

The 1.45m Open Jumpers competed earlier in the day, with four double clear efforts posted. Schuyler Riley was the trailblazer aboard Andretti, owned by Southbeach Stables of Wellington, FL, but in an effort to leave all the rails in place she posted a conservative time of 38.112 seconds that would place fourth. Ian Millar and Baranns, owned by The Baranns Group of Perth, Ontario, were the next to leave all the fences intact, and they took home the third place honors for a time of 36.735.

Aaron Vale and Palm Sunday, owned by Amen Corner Farm of Folsom, LA, were the next to show over the short course and they blew by Millar’s time. They easily maneuvered all the turns and had a nice, open gallop to dash across the finish line in a quick 33.611 seconds. Ireland’s Andrew Bourns and Carmina attempted to best Vale’s time. They were just a touch short of the winning time in 34.478 seconds to claim second place and seal Vale’s victory.

“Palm Sunday felt super,” noted Vale. “I didn’t show last night; I wanted to space his classes out a little bit to aim for Sunday’s grand prix. I was just trying to get home to go smooth and canter around nicely. He rode really well for me, stayed relax, and he’s a pretty quick horse, so it wasn’t a lot of work to get around in the pace. Hopefully I’ve got him set up well for Sunday.”

Vale added, “I just let him gallop a little and the turns were pretty good. I didn’t do anything crazy. If I have to I can whip and drive a little harder on him, so that wasn’t crazy for him, but I was really happy with the way he rode around the first round.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows have been on Vale’s schedule for many years and he is happy to be back at the prestigious event. “The footing is great no matter the condition, wet or dry,” he commented. “They put a great course of jumps out there; we have super footing and a good course designer. It’s great showing and good mileage for the young horses.”

Leah DeMartini and Eurocommerce Tampa - Photo By: Shawn McMillen Photography
Leah DeMartini and Eurocommerce Tampa – Photo By: Shawn McMillen Photography

The final event of the day was the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, where Leah DeMartini was the dominating rider for Elm Rock Partners LLC of Bronxville, NY. DeMartini showed Eurocommerce Tampa to the win with a blazing time of 29.687 seconds in the jump-off. She also picked up the third place award with Zubantos, and the fifth place honors with Pauly Du Breuil. Gabrielle Stern of Chicago, IL, piloted Anjelica to the second place honors in a double clear time of 29.963 seconds, while Sarah Bagworth of King City, Ontario, and Untouchable slipped into the fourth place position.

The weekend concludes with the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix on Sunday at 4p.m., but the riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 15-19, 2013.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Fast Kent Farrington Wins $20,000 Bluegrass Classic with Zidane at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Leave a comment

Kent Farrington and Zidane.

Lexington, KY – May 11, 2013 – Capturing a ribbon was no easy task during today’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Forty-two entries gathered at the Rolex Stadium to compete in the 1.45m Open Jumper event, but when 23 qualified for the tiebreaker the results came down to a foot race. Besting the clock and the course was Kent Farrington aboard Zidane, breaking the beam at 38.879 to take home the winning prize. Ramiro Quintana, riding Largo to second place, followed him, and Emanuel Andrade placed third with Walter 61.

Richard Jefferys set a very inviting course for today’s event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The first round included an open water option, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination. Twenty-three were able to master the track and advance to the jump-off, where speed and accuracy were the keys to winning. “That was probably more than Richard expected, but he’s not building it to be the grand prix,” stated Farrington after his win. “I think he just maybe under built for the class today, but that just meant the jump-off turned into a speed class.”

The short course began with two oxers to a vertical-oxer line before winding back to just the oxer at the open water option. Then riders galloped to the double combination because finishing over a single oxer. Competitors could opt to jump-off directly after their first round or return at the end of the class. Schuyler Riley was one of the riders opting to stay in the ring with Andretti, owned by Southbeach Stables of Wellington, FL. She set the clear pace to beat at 41.468 seconds, but that would only be good enough for eighth place when 17 riders produced double clears.

On the return list, young rider Victoria Colvin and Waminka, owned by Rivers Edge of Wellington, FL, were able to best Riley’s time by breaking the beam in a clear 40.877. Their early lead was short lived though, when Kent Farrington entered the arena with Zidane, owned by Windward Farm of Milford, NJ. They spun through the turns and with a huge open gallop managed to leave out strides and zip through the timers in 38.879 seconds, proving to be the best and claim the victory.

Ramiro Quintana and Largo
Ramiro Quintana and Largo

Ramiro Quintana was right on Farrington’s heels with Largo, owned by Maverick ventures LLC of Fox Point, WI, as the next in the ring. The pair stayed right on track and just missed the winning target, clocking in at 38.882 seconds, just 1/100th second short of Farrington for second place. Emanuel Andrade is well known for his quick mounts, including Walker 61 owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC. He was next to challenge and came very close in 39.019 seconds for third.

Young rider Wilton Porter had a great showing with Patriot, owned by Sleepy P Ranch of Bartonville, TX, pressing the gas to finish in 40.296 seconds. The only other rider to complete a clear round in less than 40 seconds was Ireland’s Andrew Bourns riding Gatsby. They were very quick and stopped the clock at 39.043 seconds for fourth place. The last rider to show was Andrew Welles, who rounded out the top six with XM, owned by Peter Welles of Boulder, CO. Their clear time of 40.737 seconds sealed Farrington’s victory.

“Zidane is a pretty fast horse,” explained Farrington. “This is only the second time I’ve shown him. Peter Wylde showed him in Florida with a lot of success in speed classes. He’s pretty experienced at that. He’s a big striding horse and covers a lot of ground. He’s brave, and I took a real shot at the second fence, leaving really far away, but he stretched and tried hard. The rest was just him; he’s a quick horse and he’s very careful so you can run him at the jumps.”

Although Zidane is a new mount for Farrington, he knew that he could take a risk in the jump-off to win with the experienced mount. “I felt confident that the horse is perfectly capable of winning the class, but I don’t really know him so I am still figuring him out as I go,” he noted. “Obviously it’s a very nice horse and good horses always make the job easier.”

When Wylde changed his plans for the year, he recommended Farrington take over the ride, and now the new pair is aiming for the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic next week during the Kentucky Spring Classic. “Usually when the horses are going and winning like that you don’t have them too long, so I am just going make the most of it while I have the ride,” he expressed.

Tomorrow, Farrington will return to the Rolex Stadium to try and pick up another win during the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix aboard his top mounts Zafira and Venus. The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are always a stop for the top rider, who is happy to be back at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“It’s a great venue and I think they really make the most of that during these shows,” noted Farrington. “There are a lot of different classes in the Rolex Stadium. I bring a lot of young horses here and students here; it’s a great place for horses and riders to move up. There are some classes that feel like a mini grand prix like this, and there is a good water jump in the ring. It’s impressive, and it’s good for the horses to get that experience. The footing is great, so even if it rains you always know the ground is going to hold well.”

Later tonight, the hunter riders will take over the Rolex Stadium during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, which gets underway at 5 p.m., immediately followed by the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The weekend concludes tomorrow with the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at 4p.m. in the Rolex Stadium, but the riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 15-19, 2013.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com