Category Archives: Southeast Medal Finals

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

2019 Southeast Medal Finals Adds NEW Poles Medal Final

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Tampa, Fla. – August 16, 2019 – Entries are filling fast for the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, held in just a few weeks from August 30 to September 1. This year’s exciting competition will return to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. Classes are available for all levels and ages, and entries can be mailed in or submitted online through HorseShowsOnline.

New to this year, competition will feature a Poles Medal Final, presented by MCF Equestrian, held Sunday, September 1. The Poles Medal Final is open to qualified beginner junior and non-professional adult riders who have not shown over anything higher than cross rails. Be sure to submit your entries for this exciting addition.

The Southeast Medal Finals will offer hunter, jumper, and equitation competition for all levels and ages. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience.

For questions regarding this year’s Southeast Medal Finals or to submit stall counts, call (352) 397-9315 or email semedalfinals@gmail.com.

For additional information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Camryn Halley Concludes Southeast Medal Finals with Junior Medal Finals Win

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Photo: Camryn Halley and I’ll Say JSF.

Tampa, Fla. – Sept. 2, 2018 – The 2018 Southeast Medal Finals concluded Sunday, September 2, with horses and riders returning to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center to vie for championship titles. Coming off of a win in the Equitation Team Challenge, Camryn Halley and I’ll Say JSF, owned by Laura Barrett-Gurtis, brought home another blue as they claimed first place in the Junior Medal Finals sponsored by One K. Later in the afternoon, Marcelo Barros and Falcon Eye WB rode to victory in the $2,500 1.15m Mini Prix sponsored by CWD.

The first class of the morning, the Junior Medal Finals, drew a competitive field of young riders to the Lykes Indoor Arena. The technical course offered riders the chance to showcase their handiness and adjustability through bending lines and opportunities to take an inside track. After the first round, Halley and I’ll Say JSF led the class with a score of 83. Madison Ryan and Caprio, owned by Jai Smith Rezac, followed close behind with their score of 81. Also in contention for the top spot was third place rider Makaylah Jones riding Zeeland, owned by Alexandra Daley, with their score of 80.

For the work-off round, the judges elected to challenge riders to compete over fences. The course remained the same as round one; however, the work-off asked riders to trot the second fence, halt after the end jump, and counter-canter to the final fence. The second round could earn any of the top three riders the leading title, but it was Halley’s impressive skill in the ring that put her on top. Halley executed a flawless round and caught the attention of the judges as she was the only rider to land in a counter-canter prior to heading to the final fence. She received the top second round score of 90 to secure the first place finish with a total score of 173.

Ryan and Caprio would hold their second place position after earning a score of 81 for a total score of 162. Rounding out the top three would be Jones and Zeeland after receiving their work-off score of 80 and a final total of 160.

One of the other highlight events of the day, the $2,500 1.15m Mini Prix sponsored by CWD, attracted plenty of hopeful competitors to the Grand Prix ring for their shot at the purse. It was Barros riding Falcon Eye WB, owned by WB Equestrian Enterprise, that came out on top to earn the lion’s share of the pot. Barros was the first rider on course, going clean and setting the standard for the jump-off time with a time of 38.260 seconds.

Riders that followed would attempt to catch his speedy time, but Barros was the only rider to carefully complete a double clear round. Juan Gamboa aboard Classic Z, owned by Jennifer Gamboa, rode a faster jump-off than Barros, finishing in 35.078 seconds, but had an unfortunate rail on course. Gamboa would ultimately receive second place for his efforts. Rounding out the top three was another quick, 4-fault jump-off contender, Amy Foster riding Persimmon, owned by Leeann Ablin. Foster and Persimmon dropped the last rail on course, finishing their jump-off in 36.204 seconds.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Halley, Dayner, Jones, and Buda Come Out on Top in SMF Equitation Team Challenge

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Photo: Camryn Halley and I’ll Say JSF.

Tampa, Fla. – Sept. 1, 2018 – Horses and riders returned to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida for the second day of the 2018 Southeast Medal Finals. Saturday marked the first rounds of finals getting underway in all three rings. Outside of finals competition, the day also featured the crowd-favorite Equitation Team Challenge, sponsored by SmartPak, as well as the Pony Handy Hunter Classic.

The highlight event of the evening, the Equitation Team Challenge, tasked three teams of young riders to form and execute a plan around an equitation course without any help from a trainer. The composite score from each of the team’s four members would total a final score, dropping the lowest score for each team. Each individual rider had the option to jump at either the 2’6” or 3′ height, with the majority electing to tackle the higher fences.

Camryn Halley and I’ll Say JSF, members of Team 3, held the highest score for their team as well as the entire class with an 86. Also on Team 3 was Schuyler Dayner and Gambino riding to an 81, Makaylah Jones and Zeeland receiving a 73, and Emily Buda aboard By Design. After dropping the lowest score, Team 3 would ultimately come out on top with a composite score of 240 – a whopping 18 point lead over the second place team.

Team 2 would finish in second place for their total score of 222, with efforts from Hadley Wimsatt, Macie Sousa, Valerie Vogel, and Mckenzie Kreilich. Third place was awarded to Team 3, which included Caitlin Hooper, Sydney Bounds, Alexis Cruz, and Leah Harrison for their total score of 173.

Earlier in the day, pony riders took to the Stampede covered arena to compete in the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic, sponsored by KL Select. The class was judged over only one handy round of competition, and without a classic phase to rely on, each rider needed to put their best foot forward during their only turn on course. Small, medium and large ponies and their riders all competed in the class, jumping the series of fences set at 2′, 2’6″ and 2’9″ dependent upon size.

The class winner was 12-year-old Kendall Dean and Zoolander, a large pony owned by Madison Spangle, claiming the blue with a score of 82. Finishing second to Dean was Isabel Bertelsen riding her own mount Tazmanian Devil with a score of 70. Rounding out the top three in the class was Emma Arnhols riding Cecilia Perry’s Colorful Scenario to a score of 69.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Southeast Medal Finals Adds Breeding Classes to 2018 Horse Show

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Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 28, 2018 – The organizers behind the Southeast Medal Finals are excited to announce a new roster of classes for exhibitors to compete in at the upcoming horse show. Already offering hunter, jumper and equitation competition for all levels and ages, the event will now also feature a collection of breeding classes for yearlings, 2-year-olds, and 3-year-olds. Make sure to submit your entries for the classes as soon as possible, as there are only a few days remaining until the competition.

“We are so thrilled to add a series of breeding classes to the horse show, and can’t wait to see the exhibitors that participate,” said Jennifer Adams, manager of Southeast Medal Finals. “Though the horse show is known for its annual awards to hunter and jumpers, we thought adding breeding classes would be a wonderful way to get more people involved and allow for more to join in on the fun.”

The breeding additions to the show schedule include:

Hunter Breeding – Yearlings
Hunter Breeding – Two Year Olds
Hunter Breeding – Three Year Olds
Best Young Horse
Pony Hunter Breeding – Yearlings
Pony Hunter Breeding – Two Year Olds
Pony Hunter Breeding – Three Year Olds
Best Young Pony

The classes will begin, in that order, Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m. in the Stampede Covered Ring.

The 2018 Southeast Medal Finals will take place Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. Exhibitors are conveniently offered two entry methods, which consist of printable copies located on the Southeast Medal Finals website that can be mailed or electronic entry at HorseShowsOnline.com. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience. Join us!

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

2018 Southeast Medal Finals Prize List and Entry Forms Now Available

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Tampa, Fla. – July 31, 2018 – The highly anticipated prize list for the upcoming 2018 Southeast Medal Finals, to be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, 2018 is now available. Exhibitors are conveniently offered two entry methods: printable copies located on the Southeast Medal Finals website that can be mailed or electronic entry at HorseShowsOnline.com.

As an added benefit, competitors will receive a discounted weekend stall rate of $175 if they enter online or send in entry forms by August 26, so don’t delay!

The Southeast Medal Finals will offer hunter, jumper and equitation competition for all levels and ages. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Pony

Southeast Medal Finals Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Mix of Traditional and Unique Classes

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Photo: 3-year-old Kamilah, a client of Kids Cancer Foundation.

Every rider remembers his or her first pony, and every competitor can recall their first big win in the competition ring. For many young competitors throughout the southeast, that memory will be made at the Southeast Medal Finals Sept. 16-18 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Now in its fifth year, the Southeast Medal Finals provides up-and-coming riders with an exciting finals, offering classes for every level of hunters, jumpers and equitation. Many SEMF riders have gone on to big wins at the fall indoor shows! In addition, the SEMF has become known for unique classes to keep it fun and present unusual challenges.

This year is no different. Creator James Lala has reintroduced the World Cup format in the Jumper Finals with a first round speed class. New for the 2016 SEMF are the Children’s Hunter Pony Finals and Children’s Pony Medal Finals. And riders will find a unique new challenge in the Equitation Team Challenge of the States, combining junior and/or adult riders from their respective states in a team competition.

While the SEMF gives riders an opportunity for challenging competitions, it is known for making it fun. The show features several fun events such as a doggie costume class, doggie high jump, horse-less horse show and the always popular Parent Lead Line class. All proceeds from the fun shows directly benefit the 2016 SEMF charity, Kids Cancer Foundation.

Hundreds of riders from throughout the Southeast United States already have qualified, but others have the opportunity to qualify at wild card classes at the show. Make plans now to attend the 5th annual Southeast Medal Finals. Discounted stall rates available through Aug. 31.

Download the entire prize list by visiting www.southeastmedalfinals.com/#!prize-list-time-schedule/c72d.

Register at www.horseshowsonline.com or www.equestconnect.com.

Southeast Medal Finals Fact Sheet

WHAT: A finals show offering a special end of season culmination and finals that is more attainable for everyone.

WEBSITE:        www,southeastmedalfinals.com

PRIZE LIST:     www.southeastmedalfinals.com/#!prize-list-time-schedule/c72d

WHEN:             Sept. 16-18, 2016

WHERE:           Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, FL, featuring a large indoor coliseum with 3000 seats, two outdoor rings, and 500 permanent stalls.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Finals classes in hunters, jumpers, and equitation
  • Equitation Team Challenge of the States
  • Hunter Finals Under Saddle Challenge
  • Tally Ho Farm Pony & Developing Rider Jumper Classic

CONTACT:

James Lala 561-906-6668, jdlala@aol.com
Alexis Newman 904-993-2053, SEmedalFinals@gmail.com

BENEFICIARY:

Kids Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2001 whose mission is to provide resources and emotional support to children battling cancer and their families. Kids Cancer Foundation provides numerous programs, including a pediatric oncology patient care navigator, arts and health programs, tutoring and homework club for patients and siblings, and family socials. For more information, visit www.kidscancersf.org.

Media Inquiries: Angie Francalancia
The Connection Public Relations
561-837-3251 office
561-324-2412 cell
angie@theconnectionpr.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Southeast Medal Finals Welcomes Horse Shows in the Park as Sanctioned Shows

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Pony Medal winners strike a pose at the 2015 Southeast Medal Finals.

Horse Shows in the Park and Hunt Country Horse Shows are the newest sanctioned shows of the Southeast Medal Finals. The Melbourne-based organization hosts hunter and jumper shows throughout central and north Florida, enabling participants a direct route to qualifying for the Southeast Medal Finals.

The new sanctioned shows raises the total to more than 100 member events!

The following horse shows and organizations are all sanctions of the 2016 SEMF:

  • Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association, Tampa, Florida
  • Run for the Ribbons Horse Shows, Morriston, Florida
  • West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association Harvest Time, Germantown, TN
  • Fox Lea Farm, Venice, Florida
  • Silver Sands Bridle Club Hunter Jumper Schooling Show, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
  • The Ridge at Wellington, Florida
  • Horses in the Park/Heritage Horse Show, Plantation, Florida
  • Palm Beach County Mounted Posse Horse Show, West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Cheryl & Company, Alpharetta, GA
  • RMI Tri-State Cleveland, TN
  • Spring Time in Dixie/Spring Time Encore, Germantown, TN
  • Jacksonville Spring Classics, Jacksonville, FL
  • Brownland Farm Franklin, TN
  • Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Upperville, VA
  • Pensacola Summer Classics, Pensacola, FL
  • BMR Benefit Horse Show, Alpharetta, GA
  • Atlanta in the Fall, Fairburn, GA
  • Chatt Hills Winter Fest, Fairburn, GA

Didn’t qualify for a finals yet? Don’t county yourself out. There are a few ways you still can qualify.  Riders may still qualify through Sept. 11th for the SEMF. Or qualify at the show in a wild card class.

Entries close Friday, Aug. 12, 2016.

All riders who qualify for the finals after the closing date WILL NOT be shut out and will not be charged late fee to enter the finals!

http://www.southeastmedalfinals.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Manager:
James Lala
(561) 906-6668
jdlala@aol.com

Sponsorship and Advertising
Paula Taylor (561) 629-2977
ptaylor.quarantine@aol.com

General Information, Membership & Sanctioning:
Alexis Newman (904) 993-2053
semedalfinals@gmail.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

What’s New, What’s Different at the 2016 Southeast Medal Finals

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The 2016 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) is shaping up to be another spectacular event with great new additions to the class list and entertaining formats and classes, creating a one-of-a kind finals enjoyed by riders, trainers, and families alike.

Now in its fifth year, the Southeast Medal Finals offers up-and-coming riders the opportunity to compete in a true Finals experience through qualifying shows and competition inside a major coliseum at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. This year we are able to take advantage of the beautiful colosseum and offer more opportunities for horses and riders to get indoor experience.

We are so excited to announce that our 2016 charity partner is going to be Kids Cancer Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit charity that provides hope and support to children and their families that are battling childhood cancer and/or blood disorders.

We encourage all to take the time to learn about this small but amazing organization.

Many of the fun events that will take place this year will directly benefit Kids Cancer Foundation. www.kidscancersf.org.

New Footing and Drainage

The first and most important item is the footing and drainage in the outdoor show and schooling rings. Jacksonville Equestrian Center has improved the drainage and grading in all the outdoor and schooling rings for 2016.

New Classes:

Additions to the schedule of classes and Finals include:

  • The Children’s Hunter, Pony Hunter, and Medal Finals
  • The Challenge of the States Team Equitation Competition for Juniors AND Adults
  • The Hunter Finals Under Saddle Challenge
  • The Tally Ho Farms Pony and Developing Jumper Rider Classic
  • Age Group Equitation divisions at multiple heights offering Championship and Reserve Champion for each section

What’s Different:

  • All Hunter Finals will include an under saddle phase.
  • All Jumper Finals return to the highly requested “modified” World Cup Format with three rounds of jumping, including an initial speed class.

What’s the same:

  • You must be a member of the Southeast Riders League to compete in any of the finals. You can join at any time before the show and your qualifications from earlier in the year will be retroactive.
  • Live Streaming of all the finals in the coliseum
  • Great prizes and awards

FAQs:

Q: Do I have to be qualified to show at the Southeast Medal Finals?
A: No, we offer many classes that require no qualification.   SEMF offers classes from cross rails to 4ft jumpers.

Q: Can I qualify for a finals at the 2016 SEMF?
A: Yes.  We offer many wild card classes that can qualify you for your respective finals for 2016!

Q: Can I bring additional horses that aren’t going to do a finals?
A.  Yes!  We encourage everyone to bring any horses and riders who want to get indoor experience, show mileage, qualify for 2017 equitation finals, or horses and ponies that are for sale.

Visit www.SoutheastMedalFinals.com for more information and submit your email to receive updates.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Manager:
James Lala
(561) 906-6668
jdlala@aol.com

Sponsorship and Advertising
Paula Taylor (561) 629-2977
ptaylor.quarantine@aol.com

General Information, Membership & Sanctioning:
Alexis Newman (904) 993-2053
semedalfinals@gmail.com

Community/Charity

Southeast Medal Finals Southeast Medal Finals Shines Light on Kids Cancer Foundation

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2-year-old Kinleigh, a Kids Cancer Foundation patient.

Imagine a day filled with hospitals instead of horses, fear instead of frolicking, and exhaustion instead of exhilaration. For children battling cancer and their families, those images are reality. The Kids Cancer Foundation is the charity of the Southeast Medal Finals, and several special events will be held for the charity that helps children battling cancer and their families.

“My goal is to create awareness of this great organization while raising funds so they can continue to do what they do,” said Southeast Medal Finals founder James Lala. “What I find amazing is how Kids Cancer Foundation supports these families in so many ways from emotional support to tutoring and medical help. The most impressive thing to me is how they help families navigate through the medical care industry that the children need.”

Kids Cancer Foundation provides numerous programs, including a pediatric oncology patient care navigator, arts and health programs, tutoring and homework club for patients and siblings, family socials, and more. Created in 2001 by a group of doctors, nurses, parents and community leaders, its mission is to provide hope and support to children and families battling cancer.

Under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle, Kids Cancer Foundation has provided more than $400,000 in financial assistance to families, given away more than $200,000 worth of gifts and toys, and most importantly, celebrated more than 50 “end of treatment” parties. Learn more about KCF at www.kidscancersf.org.

“We’re very excited about the event, and many of us are planning to attend,” O’Boyle said.  “We look forward to meeting everyone involved.”

At the 2016 Southeast Medal Finals, proceeds from a silent auction will benefit KCF. Generous supporters already have donated equestrian boots and clothing, accessories, fine art, and jewelry. Auction items are still being accepted. If you have something to donate, please call 561-906-6668.

In addition to the silent auction, competitors and their families won’t want to miss out on the fun classes, including a dog costume contest, parent lead-line, horseless puissance and others. Entry fees from all the fun classes benefit Kids Cancer Foundation.

During the 2016 SEMF, one lucky ticketholder will win a custom jump created by Frankie and Alex Alameda of Wood Craft Solutions. The jump features the Kids Cancer Foundation heart logo, and the word “love” in purple stylized letters. For a suggested donation of $25 to Kids Cancer Foundation, you can earn a chance to win the jump, or 5 chances for $100. Tickets will be available online soon. Meantime, call James Lala at 561-906-6668 to get one today.

To get all the latest information on the Southeast Medal Finals, visit www.SoutheasMedalFinals.com and join our mailing list.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association 2016 Shows Named as SEMF Sanctioned Events

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Amber Hopper and Alias Z in the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association July 2015 show.

The Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association will launch its 2016 season with all shows as sanctioned events for the Southeast Medal Finals, enabling participants for the first time to qualify for the finals competition that takes place September 16-18.

Created in 1968, the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and rewarding quality horsemanship, sportsmanship and fair competition. It holds eight two-day shows with classes in hunters and equitation at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach. The first show takes place April 29-30.

“We created the Southeast Medal Finals as a horse show accessible to all riders,” said SEMF creator James Lala of Wellington. “Some of these riders might never have participated in a horse show beyond the local level, so we’re pleased to offer members of the Palm Beach Horseman’s Association a chance to participate in a real finals event.”

Each month, the Palm Beach Horseman’s Association 2-day show attract between 80 and 100 participants in classes from lead-line up through open hunters, said Association President Tanja Koschnick.

“Our schooling shows are the stepping stone to that next level of going to the rated shows,” Koschnick said. “This affiliation would give participants a prestigious finals to work toward without having to travel too far.”

For more information about the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association and its show schedule, visit www.pbcha.org or call Koschnick at 561-308-2510.

The Southeast Medal Finals offers a special end-of-season culmination and finals show that is attainable for everyone. The SEMF offers finals competitions in hunters, jumpers, and equitation Sanctioned events offer riders a more direct path to the finals. Riders also may qualify through wins at non-sanctioned events. Full details on qualifying can be found at www.SoutheastMedalFinals.com.

The 2016 Southeast Medal Finals benefits Kids Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides resources and emotional support for kids with cancer and for their families. The finals will include live and silent auctions to benefit Kids Cancer Foundation. Sponsorships as well as in-kind donation opportunities are available. For more information, please visit www.SoutheastMedalFinals.com.

Southeast Medal Finals Fact Sheet

WHAT:

Southeast Medal Finals is a finals show scheduled for September 16-18, 2016, offering a special end of season culmination and finals show that is attainable for everyone.

Southeast Fall Festival is a National rated show scheduled for September 23-25, 2016, that maximizes use of a Coliseum for a fantastic prep for those headed to indoors and for those desiring to get a jump on the upcoming season.

WHERE: Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, Florida.

Equitation Finals:

  • Junior 3′ Medal Finals
  • The Riding Habit Adult Medal Finals
  • The GGT Footing 2’6″ Children’s Medal Finals
  • The Ovation 2’6″ Adult Medal Finals
  • Pony Medal Finals
  • Children’s Pony Medal Finals

Hunter Finals:

  • The Tenney’s Custom Saddlery Children’s Hunter Finals
  • Adult Hunter Finals
  • 2’6″ Adult Hunter Finals
  • 2’6″ Children’s Hunter Finals
  • Junior Hunter Finals
  • Amateur Owner Hunter Finals
  • Pony Hunter Finals
  • Children’s Pony Hunter Finals

Jumper Finals:

  • The Boy-O-Boy Bridleworks Low Children’s Jumper Finals
  • High Children’s Jumper Finals
  • Low Adult Jumper Finals
  • High Adult Jumper Finals
  • Low Junior Jumper Finals
  • Low Amateur Owner Jumper Finals

http://www.southeastmedalfinals.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Manager:
James Lala
(561) 906-6668
jdlala@aol.com

Sponsorship and Advertising
Paula Taylor (561) 629-2977
ptaylor.quarantine@aol.com

General Information, Membership & Sanctioning:
Alexis Newman (904) 993-2053
semedalfinals@gmail.com