Lillie Keenan of New York, NY won the 2013 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. Photo Credit: Shawn McMillen.
Lexington, KY – March 31, 2014 – The National Horse Show is pleased to announce the dates and locations for this year’s ASPCA Maclay Regional competitions. The horse shows’ qualifying classes determine which riders will compete in the Alfred B, Maclay ASPCA National Championship, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2, 2014.
The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden in 1987, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2012 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Jacob Pope, and in 2013 Lillie Keenan was named the winner.
Separate entry blanks for the ASPCA Maclay Regionals must be mailed to the National Horse Show. All other classes and stall requests should go directly to the host horse show.
The following Regional competitions will be qualifiers for the National Championship. Please contact the appropriate regional horse show for a prize list.
2014 MACLAY REGIONAL CONTACTS:
Region 1, Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) – SEPTEMBER 21
Fairfield County Hunt Club, Fairfield, CT
Region 2, East (NJ, NY, PA) – SEPTEMBER 13
Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY – 914-669-5610
Region 3, Southeast (AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV) – SEPTEMBER 21
Southeast Medal Finals, Jacksonville, FL – 904-993-2053 alexisgnewman@gmail.com
Region 4, Midwest (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH) – SEPTEMBER 20
Kentucky National, Lexington, KY – 615-838-7560 wldwoo@aol.com
Region 5, Central (AZ, IA, KS, LA, MO, MN, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX, WI) – SEPTEMBER 13
St. Louis National Charity, Lake St. Louis, MO – 314-308-1162 stlnchorseshow@aol.com
Region 6, Mountain (AZ, CO, NM, UT) – SEPTEMBER 13
Colorado Springs Fall Classic, CO – 818-679-5776 ceskinner@earthlink.net
Region 7, Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY) – SEPTEMBER 13
NorthWest Autumn Classic, Monroe, WA – 360-805-6711 DIANJNSN@aol.com
Region 8, West (CA, HI, NV) – SEPTEMBER 13
Blenheim Fall Tournament, San Juan Capistrano, CA – 949-443-1841 showpark@aol.com
For more information on the ASPCA Maclay National Championships and its qualifiers as well as the National Horse Show, please visit http://www.nhs.org.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey competing in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen.
Parker, CO – November 5, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park extends its warm congratulations to Kelli Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, for her impressive second-place finish at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery and held at the Alltech National Horse Show. Cruciotti, who trains with her mother, Cindy Cruciotti, at the family’s Serenity Farm, has earned her place among the top junior riders in the nation.
As part of her preparation for the major equitation finals, Cruciotti competed at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies show series, where she consistently placed well in the equitation. She qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Region 6 Finals in September, where she took home the blue ribbon.
The 2013 ASPCA Maclay Finals got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Cruciotti was called back in eighth place after her first course and joined Group A for the flat.
Riders completed an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They demonstrated collection and extension, as well as the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter.
After the three sections of the flat phase were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test. Cruciotti’s strong performance on the flat placed her in third, behind eventual winner Lillie Keenan and Sophie Simpson. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be performed in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Next, competitors had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders were asked to counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.
Cruciotti continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They performed a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.
Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it that I had to execute to my horse’s strong suits and not strong suits,” said Cruciotti. “The course was very open, and the first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped, and I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”
“I just don’t think that there are any feelings to describe it,” she went on. “It’s amazing. I have to thank everyone who helped me get here: all my trainers, my mom, the great horse I am on and everyone who has put in the hard work to help me get to this point. I am overwhelmed, for sure.”
Cruciotti is in the 11th grade and attends the K12 Online International Academy.
“We could have never been here without everybody’s support: friends in Colorado, family, trainers – everyone,” said Cindy Cruciotti. “It is an overwhelming feeling to be here and be included in this amazing group of riders and trainers.”
Cindy Cruciotti also credited Kelli’s mount, Monterrey, whom they purchased from Andre Dignelli. She shared, “Kelli has been working and showing him and getting to know him. He’s just one in a million. He’s taught Kelli and me a tremendous amount about horsemanship.”
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Lillie Keenan piloted Clearway to the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals Championship. Shawn McMillen Photography.
Lexington, KY – November 3, 2013 – In many ways, it came as no surprise when the champion of the 2013 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals was announced as Lillie Keenan of New York, NY. The young phenom has been at the top of the sport since she was a pony rider, and this has been an exceptional year for her career. It began with the 2013 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships Show Jumping Gold Medal, followed by her first grand prix victory at HITS-on-the-Hudson and a win in the USEF Junior Jumper Individual Championship. Just a few short weeks ago, she won her second big equitation championship, the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal. Today, after three rounds of competition, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery, at the Alltech National Horse Show, she earned her third major title, all before turning 18 years old.
“For a really long time I wanted this, along with wins at other finals, more than anything,” expressed Keenan. “I am glad to say that I do know the history of this class, and every rider on the trophy is extremely well respected and extremely successful. Being on a trophy with them, I am over the moon, but also what that entails for my future is very exciting. I am at a loss for words.”
The competition got underway at 7 a.m. with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Sophie Simpson led the way, followed by Sydney Shulman and Keenan.
Riders had to complete an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They had to show collection and extension, as well as perform the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter throughout different patterns.
“I have to give my wife, Hillary, credit for shoving Debbie McDonald’s book in my face on the plane, which is how the half-pass ended up on the test,” explained Ridland. “When we boil things down to basics, controlling the horse, the forward movement, the extension, lengthening and shortening the strides – all the tests that we asked on the course were basically that. There were adjustments, extensions, collections on course, and of course directional accuracy was a test that we wanted to reward. The number one thing we were trying to test was that-basically being able to control your horse, forward and back, with lateral movements.”
After the three sections were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test with Keenan leading the way, followed by Simpson and Kelli Cruciotti, who jumped up from eighth in the rankings with a solid performance. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be done in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Riders then had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders had to get the counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.
The test was certainly a proving ground, as Simpson dropped down to eighth place with a few rubs and a round that lacked brilliance overall. Michael Hughes and Spencer Smith had been ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, but they dropped out of the standings entirely when Smith had two refusals and Hughes had an awkward trot fence and a rail at the final fence.
There were rounds that were excellent though, including those of Gabrielle Bausano and Shulman, who ended up fourth and fifth, respectively, after keeping a solid pace throughout their rounds and easily answering each question that was asked.
Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick. Photo By: Rebecca Walton
Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, had a standout round aboard Patrick, owned by Catherine Tyree. The pair had a direct approach through the first line and also excelled during the trot jump and the counter canter, jumping all the way up from eleventh in the standings to capture the third place award.
“I was in eleventh, so I kind of knew that I didn’t have anything to lose,” admitted Jacobs, a freshman at Southern Methodist University. “I did some inside turns and put it all out there, and it definitely helped me.”
Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They also had a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.
“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it,” said Cruciotti. “The first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped. I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”
The best test of the day came at the very end from Keenan and Clearway, owned by Heritage Farm. Keenan’s flawless style gave her the lead going into the test, and the talented young rider was not about to let it slide through her fingers. She landed the counter canter and made it smoothly through each of the combinations, demonstrating everything the judges were looking for: style, accuracy and effectiveness. After she left the ring, there was no question that she was the winner, adding another championship title to her resume to conclude a stellar year.
Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey. Shawn McMillen Photography
“I was nervous coming back last,” admitted Keenan. “I knew that the other riders in the top 20 were definitely very capable. I didn’t really decide what my complete plan was until I walked into the ring. The course rode differently than how it walked. I think that is the wonderful thing about a challenging course for a championship; it is very much about going in and starting your course and being able to negotiate as you go. It is not just about having a plan and thinking that you are going to execute the whole thing. I knew that my horse could do it, but I have to say that I was the most nervous because I didn’t want to get in his way.”
With three equitation titles to her name, Keenan will begin focusing her efforts on the jumper ring next year. “Throughout this year, I have been trying to make the step up to some of the bigger classes. I am going to plan on going to the Talent Search Finals next year. Andre will obviously be the person helping me move up, but I don’t think I am done with equitation yet. Equitation finals are important to me; they always have been. I think I am going to keep moving up, competing in the open divisions, working with a younger horse that I have. I am slowly trying to work my way up.”
Keenan added, “I am not unrealistic though. I am aware that after this year it is not like I have accomplished everything. I think having this as one of the titles I have been able to accomplish is exciting, thrilling and is going to help me move forward, but it is not the end, it’s just the beginning.”
Ten years ago, Keenan began riding with Andre Dignelli and the team at Heritage Farm, and it is a partnership that has flourished over time. “Conrad Homfeld started this relationship, and this show is a full circle moment for us,” said Dignelli. “He was designing the courses, and Lillie was showing here in the open jumpers, so it was a magical moment. We would be remiss in not thanking Lillie’s mother. Nobody has been more supportive of this whole experience than Pam Keenan. She rode; she understood what this was all about. They gave up every vacation; they were at every show. They just spend more hours at Heritage than anyone ever has in 25 years of my training.”
Dignelli concluded, “Today, I thought we won in a magical way. I thought the round was stunning. It was polished; it was relaxed; it was everything that we have worked for since she was 7, so it has been a long road.”
The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden (1987) and Nicole Shahinian Simpson (1992). The 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Sarah Milliren of Sapulpa, OK, and in 2012 Jacob Pope of Columbia, MA, won the title.
Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.
Charlotte Jacobs and Patrick win ASPCA Maclay Regional Championship for Region 1. Photo By: Reflections Photography.
East Aurora, NY and Wellington, FL – October 1, 2013 – Charlotte Jacobs has kicked off the fall show season with a major victory, winning the ASPCA Maclay Regional Championship for Region 1 at the Fairfield Hunt Club in Fairfield, CT. After an over fences phase, a flat phase, and a final test, Jacobs received the top call from the judge for her efforts aboard Patrick.
Following the first phase over fences, Jacobs was ranked fourth, and during the under saddle she climbed into the third place position for the final test. For the test, riders had to canter a fence, halt, canter a five-stride line, trot a fence, and counter canter the final oxer.
“I put in a really solid test,” explained Jacobs. “The test is always a strong point for Patrick. He is really good about halting after fences, and we did the trot and counter canter perfectly, because he does his lead changes perfectly. He made it really easy for me.”
This marks Jacobs’ final year as a junior, but she is not letting the pressure get to her. “This was definitely a good way to start Indoors,” she smiled. “I feel confident going into the Finals. I have pressure on me since it is my last junior year, but I definitely feel good.”
Jacobs added, “Before I showed, my trainers John and Missy said, ‘Don’t get nervous; it’s just another Regionals. Just because it is your last junior year, it doesn’t change anything.'”
Jacobs contributes much of her success to a strong base of support from both her family and her trainers. “I would like to thank both my parents, Missy and John, and everyone at North Run for all of their hard work,” she commented. “Without all of their help none of this would be possible.
Now, Jacobs will travel to the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search East at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Jacobs’ victory at the Region 1 ASPCA Maclay Championship has qualified her for the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals during the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Ashley Foster and Leena L. Photos by Randi Muster.
Jacksonville, FL – September 22, 2013 – The highly-anticipated ASPCA Maclay Regionals were held on the final day of the 2013 Southeast Medal Finals at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Ashley Foster of Brookeville, MD executed Allen Rheinheimer’s course flawlessly aboard Leena L, owned by KMW Ponies LLC, to take home the coveted prize out of a total of 39 riders. Her life-long friend, Haley Waters, earned the second place prize with an impressive performance with Quito, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters. Barbara Ann Merryman, who won the Phelps Media Group Junior Medal on Saturday, came in third aboard Don Stewart’s Fernway Park.
Rheinheimer built a challenging course that asked many questions of the junior riders. The first line was an oxer to an oxer going away from the in gate. A tricky forward triple bar to a natural vertical then a quieter five to a natural oxer challenged some, while fence 8, a natural vertical then an immediate rollback to fence 9 had a number of riders cutting it too close.
“I think it was an excellent course,” said show organizer James Lala. “I think it is about precision and pace. The two things we talk about the most in riding and teaching are pace and line. I think it was the foundation of negotiating this course correctly. Having the knowledge and the experience, to know what to do and how to fix it when plan A doesn’t work, is what separates the exceptional riders from the good riders.
“The errors occurred at different places in the course, not all in one spot,” continued Lala. “To me, that is the sign of a great course designer. I think he asked many important questions in this course. HIs use of oxers, natural hunter-type jumps, jumper-style jumps, the fill, the flowers, the turns and the use of the islands is brilliant. Allen is a master course designer. He asks the right questions, at the right level.”
“It was difficult,” said Foster about the course. “My horse rides more like a jumper and this was more like a jumper course, which played to my advantage. I know her and I knew she would jump the triple bar really big so I stayed out and I did the six to the five and it made the five easier.” From fence 8 to fence 9 Foster also stayed out and did it in seven instead of six.
Foster’s mother Patty Foster is a trainer and runs Rolling Acres Farm in Brookeville, MD with her sister, Mary Lisa Leffler, who also rides and trains. She rides with Bobby Braswell and Courtney de Hechavarria for equitation.
“I had a pretty good week. We came here last year and we came back. I’m glad it went well. I’m glad I made it to Kentucky.”
Haley Waters and Quito
“I had a different plan going in than what happened,” said Waters, the daughter of Dana and Chuck Waters of Waterworks Farm in Ocala, FL. “I had to make some adjustments. But he (Quito) went great. There was the forward five and I ended up staying out and doing six and he was really good. It rode a lot smoother in six. I’m excited. I did better than last year. I’m happy. I like to thank my parents and my trainer, Daniel Damen.”
Foster and Waters have known each other all their lives. “They have been together since they were a year old at the horse shows,” said Dana Waters, about the top two finishers. “Same babysitters, same birthday parties – to see them together now is really fun.”
Earlier in the day, Gallant, owned and ridden by Millie Russell, won the SEMF Adult Hunter Classic with smooth and rhythmical performance over the beautiful hunter course in the indoor arena. The pair also won the Adult Amateur 36+ Hunter Stake. Don Perignon, owned by Castlewood Farm and ridden by Barri Plant, earned the second place prize. The pair had a great show, also winning the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Stake.
The win of the SEMF Children’s Hunter Classic went to Carriage Hill Farm’s Lavish, ridden by Jia Meininger. The pair also won the Taylor Harris Medal and the Children’s Hunter Stake 14 and under. Bismark, owned by Harriet Schiele and ridden by Marissa Damone, earned the red ribbon. The pair also won the Children’s Hunter 15-17 Handy and the Under Saddle.
Lavish and Jia Meininger
The Southeast Medal Finals was a huge success with increased entries and interesting new classes and divisions.
“We plan on tweaking a few things,” said organizer Bob Bell. “But the core of the show is really going in the right direction. We want to thank all our competitors, parents, trainers and sponsors for another great Southeast Medal Finals. We look forward to next year!” Lala and Bell and his Classic Company created the show in 2012 and experienced 100 percent growth in its second year.
“I have been asked why we don’t make it a 3′ medal and not allow the 3’6″ kids to go in Phelps Media Group Junior Medal,” said Lala. “A novice rider that rides the same course as, perhaps, the winner of the Maclay Regionals is not only watching the more experienced rider, but they are executing the same course, the same track, at the same height. They get to see the difference in the smoothness and the intricacies in the same course they ride. This format is a much more profound learning experience.
“We would love to see the Adult divisions grow,” continued Lala. “I have some ideas, such as higher jumps, so when you’re done with your junior equitation horse you don’t necessarily have to get rid of him. The last junior year is not the end of riding. There is so much more to learn.”
The dates for next year’s show are: Sept. 18-21, 2014.
Southeast Medal Finals Fast Facts:
WHAT: The Southeast Medal Finals is a USEF A-Rated indoor hunter, jumper and equitation horse show. USEF Rated Jumper Level 3
WHERE: The Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, FL, featuring a large indoor coliseum with 3,000 seats, two outdoor rings and 500 permanent stalls.
13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221
FEATURES:
Phelps Media Group Southeast Junior Medal Finals
Southeast Adult Medal Finals
ASPCA Maclay Regionals
$25,000 Land Rover Grand Prix of Jacksonville
$5,000 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Child/Adult Jumper Finals
New European Style Developing Sport Horse Division
New Southeast Children’s Hunter Final
New Southeast Adult Hunter Final
EMO Cup Championship
Click here for the prize list, entry forms, schedules and more.
HUNTER & EQUITATION JUDGES: Linda Andrisani & Molly Flaherty (Hunter, Maclay & SEMF), Tony Sgarlatta (Hunter, Equitation & SEMF), Jennifer Drahan (SEMF)
Lexington, KY – September 20, 2013 – It was an exciting weekend for the top equitation riders as they competed in numerous ASPCA Maclay Regionals to vie for a spot in the coveted Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. The competition was stiff as the top junior riders went head-to-head in a battle of the best and the chance to take it all. In Region 2 the winning honors went to Michael Hughes, while Hunter Holloway took the Region 5 title. Kelli Cruciotti was presented with the Region 6 Championship, while Haley Stradling piloted her mount to the Region 7 top honors. Olivia Champ rode to the top of the ranks for Region 8.
The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in the equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2011 ASPCA winner was Sarah Milliren and Jacob Pope took the title during last year’s 2012 Alltech National Horse Show.
The top 61 competitors from Region 2 gathered at Old Salem Farm during the at 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W to showcase their skills and qualify for the ASPCA Maclay Championships at the Alltech National Horse Show. After an over fences phase, a flat phase, and a test of the top four, it was Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ, earning the win. Lillie Keenan was awarded the second place honors, while Victoria Colvin captured the third place position.
Region 5 Winner Hunter Holloway
The Region 5 Maclay Regionals were held last weekend during the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show in Lake Saint Louis, MO. It was Hunter Holloway who rode to the top of the class, earning the top score, and catching the judges’ scrutinizing eye for the second year in a row. Caroline Mcleese took the second place honors, while Taylor Sutton rode to the third place award.
The Colorado Spring Fall Classic welcomed competitors to Colorado Springs, CO, with a challenging equitation course and a contest that proved fierce for Region 6. Kelli Cruciotti came out on top, rising to the challenge and leaving nothing to chance. Ruth Foley was awarded the red ribbon, while Alessandra Sozzi finished in third.
Haley Stradling piloted her mount to the Region 7 Championship during the Northwest Autumn Classic in Monroe, WA. She posted a fantastic round, securing the top spot. Kendall Pedigo was presented with the second place ribbon for her efforts, while last year’s victor Sara Nordstrom took the third place honors.
The West Coast 2013 ASPCA Maclay Regionals for Region 8 took center stage in the Blenheim Indoor at the Oaks Fall Classic held in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Thirty-four riders qualified for the event, but it was Olivia Champ who rode to the top of the ranks. Morgan Dickerson took the reserve championship, while third place was awarded to Shelby Drazan for her beautiful efforts throughout the class.
Region 8 Winner Olivia Champ
It was a fantastic start to the ASPCA Maclay Regionals. This upcoming weekend will see Regions 1, 3 and 4 getting underway. Region 1 will compete on Sunday, September 22, at the Fairfield Hunt Club and the Southeast Medal Finals will host Region 3. On Saturday, September 21, the Kentucky National tests the nation’s best from Region 4. The top qualified riders from each region will travel to the 130th Alltech National Horse Show held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, for the ASPCA Maclay National Championships in November. The anticipation is high as the riders and their talented mounts compete for the coveted title.
About Alltech: Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.
Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.
2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts
What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles
Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356 eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964
Lexington, Kentucky – February 6, 2013 – The Alltech National Horse Show, scheduled for the Alltech Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 29 through November 3, 2013, today announced the line-up of judges for the Hunter divisions and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. The Course Designer for this year’s event was also revealed.
Invited to judge the highly competitive hunter divisions for the 2013 edition of the Alltech National Horse Show are Linda Hough, of Wellington, Florida, and Joe Darby of Southern Pines, North Carolina. Both Hough and Darby are inductees in the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and are two of the most popular and highly-rated hunter judges in the United States.
For more than two decades Hough ran Sutton Place, a highly successful hunter/jumper barn in her native Northern California foothills. Her top hunter Bavaria was named the 1990 Chronicle Horse of the Year and later that same year she was awarded the California Horsewoman of the Year. In 2004 Hough was recognized with the WCHR Lifetime Achievement award, the Daniel P. Lenehan Perpetual Trophy and in 2005 was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame.
Jacob Pope won the 2012 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. Photo: Rebecca Walton/PMG
Lexington, KY – November 4, 2012 – It was another fairytale day for Jacob Pope of Columbia, MD, during the 2012 Maclay National Championship for the ASCPA Alfred B. Maclay Horsemanship Classes. The Alltech National Horse Show, 129th Edition, welcomed 152 riders for the prestigious event. At the end of the day, it was 18-year-old Pope whose horsemanship outshined the rest to capture the coveted winning title after four challenging rounds of competition.
“I am still in shock that I won,” smiled Pope after the victory gallop. “It is unreal, and being on the trophy with such legends such as George Morris, and everyone else that is on the trophy. I just can’t believe it.”
For the first round, riders had to compete over a technical course designed by judges George H. Morris and Hap Hansen. They began with an “S” shaped bending line with the iconic ASPCA jump to a triple bar, followed by a blind turn to a steady gymnastic line. Then riders made another “S” line with two Swedish oxers and a natural skinny jump with no wings in the middle. Finally they galloped home to a wall fence towards the in gate. While some riders had difficulties during the first round, the course was very inviting overall and gave each rider many opportunities to show off their equitation.
Luke Olsen piloted Sports Talk to the Regional 2 ASPCA Maclay Regionals 22nd place. Anne Gittins Photography
Buffalo, NY – September 26, 2012 – The ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Regionals are one of the most highly anticipated events of the Fall Circuit. After months of preparation and qualification, the top junior riders gather at the prominent Regionals for the chance to succeed and qualify for the notorious Finals. SBS Farms working student Luke R. Olsen is one of the few who has paved the way to his chance to battle the best at the Alltech National Horse Show in only one short month, riding to the 22nd position during the Region 1 ASPCA Maclay Regionals.
It has been a winding road to success for Olsen. His grandmother, Mary Walsh, was the only hunt seat rider to ever make the Good Hands Finals when it was open to both Saddle Seat and Hunt Seat riders in the 1940s. Her talent and passion for horses has been a source of roots in Olsen’s life, fostering the same love of the equestrian sport.
Meg O'Mara wins Region 3 ASPCA Maclay Regionals. ESI Photography/The Digital Place
September 25, 2012 – It was a full weekend for junior riders as the final four regions concluded their ASPCA Maclay Regionals. The anticipation was tangible as the nation’s top riders competed for the chance to attend the prestigious ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals during the Alltech National Horse Show this fall at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Michael Hughes captured the first place honors for Region 1, with Lillie Keenan riding to the top of the ranks for Region 2. Meg O’Mara took the championship in the ASPCA Maclay Regionals for Region 3, while Taylor Schmidt rode to the top of the standings for Region 4.
The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in the equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2010 ASPCA winner was Hayley Barnhill, and Sarah Milliren took the title during the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show.
