Category Archives: USHJA

Kelley Farmer Goes 1, 2, 3 in the $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Thermal

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Kelley Farmer and Baltimore.

Thermal, CA (March 22, 2016): As the sun set over the mountain ridge at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California, an eager crowd gathered to witness thirty-nine riders and their elegant mounts compete for one of the most prestigious hunter victories, the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Kelley Farmer returned to HITS Thermal with several horses to compete in the Derby in Week VIII of the Desert Circuit, one of three $100,000 International Derby classes being offered by HITS this year.  After garnering all top three spots in the Derby at the HITS Ocala Masters just a few short weeks ago, the Keswick, Virginia equestrian once again took claim to first, second and third in Thermal.

Farmer garnered the win with Baltimore, owned by Jane Gaston, who herself is an accomplished amateur hunter rider.  Baltimore was Farmer’s second place mount of the Derby at the HITS Ocala Masters.  At Thermal, Farmer also placed second with Publicized, owned by Amanda Hone, and third place with Kensel, LLC’s Mindful, the winner of the Derby at the HITS Ocala Masters.

Rian Beals of Saugerties, New York set a beautiful course in the HITS Grand Prix stadium with 13 all natural-type hunter jumps elegantly decorated.  An extra-long natural tree jump across the middle of the ring, which horses jumped beautifully, was an eye-catcher and spectator and rider favorite.  Larry Glefke, the trainer of all three winning mounts, said the course “was one of the best Derby courses we have seen” this year.

“When we came out for the Derby in Thermal in November, it was one of the nicest classes we’ve been to and the Ocala class was exceptional also,” said Glefke. “The footing is beautiful, the accommodations have been great, and we’re grateful to [HITS President and CEO] Tom Struzzieri for stepping up and doing these classes – it’s a wonderful thing for the industry.”

Farmer agreed saying she was “so proud of all of her horses; they all jumped great, and the course was lovely.”  She also commented that as a follow-up to the $100,000 USHJA Hunter Derby in November in Thermal, HITS “definitely repeated themselves.”

Unique to the derby format, in addition to the base score, three judging panels awarded an Option Bonus Score consisting of one additional point for every higher height option fence jumped. As 12 returned for the second round, judges awarded a base score, Option Bonus Score and a Handy Bonus Score, assessing the handiness of the round.

The top twelve returned for the second round of the two round derby.  First to return was Hugh Mutch of Redwood City, California riding Bunistar, owned by Naomi Rubin.  Mutch, a top West Coast Grand Prix and hunter rider, laid down a beautifully executed handy round, taking a short, flowing track and all high fence options for the top second round score of 299.  As one judge commented, “Bert gave riders and spectators a riding lesson tonight.”  Mutch topped all other eleven riders in the handy round bringing himself from twelfth place after round one to fifth in the final standings.

Nick Haness of San Clemente, California and Spot On, owned by West Coast Equine Partners, LLC, challenged the top contenders. Haness opted for three of the height options to capture a second round score of 290.  With a total score of 557.5 for both rounds, Haness took home fourth place for his efforts.

Farmer and Mindful followed Haness, opting for three height options and earning a second round overall score of 292, combined with a first round score of 268.5 for a total of 560.5, putting them in the temporary lead.

The last three rides belonged to Farmer, but which one of her mounts would be the victor was still in question. Farmer entered again with It’s Me, co-owned with Bibby Farmer-Hill and Susan Pinney. They earned a second round score of 258 and a first round score of 275 to total 533, ultimately earning seventh place.

Farmer followed her own round with Publicized, a new derby mount for the rider. They topped Farmer’s own score with Mindful to earn scores of 287 and 279, respectfully, for a total of 566, giving them the final second place prize.

Saving the best for last, Farmer stepped in the ring to compete aboard Baltimore. In true champion fashion, they stepped up to the plate to garner the gelding’s first ever Derby win. They earned the highest combined two round score of 578 for the night’s win.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.comHitsShows.com

Holly Shepherd and Re Chiste Win National Hunter Derby

Pre-Greens Continue to Show Strong Numbers

The last $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby of the 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classic took place yesterday and twenty horse and rider teams took to the hunt over a course designed by Allen Rheinheimer, Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Course Designer and Technical Coordinator.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, who Week II earned the top three ribbons in the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, proved herself again to be the ‘Derby Queen’ of the Gulf Coast after she led both the Classic and Handy Rounds in the irons of Sabina Holtzman’s Re Chiste. The pair earned a first round score of 88 and a Handy score of 89 for a total of 177 which awarded them a first place ribbon.

Ramble On Farm’s Little Rock, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams of Wayne, Pennsylvania, finished in second place after earning a first round score of 87 and Handy score of 79 for a total of 166. Roland Park, owned by Mount Fair Equine, LLC and ridden by Dudley MacFarlane of Crozet, Virginia, followed in third with a first round score of 80.5 and second round score of 85 for an overall score of 165.5.

Kathleen Caya of Oconomowo, Wisconsin, in the irons of Andy Kocher’s Icali, earned a fourth place ribbon after earning a Classic round score of 83 and a Handy score of 81.5 for a total of 164.5.

Sarah Percy MacMillan’s Space Cadet, ridden by Callie Schott of Versailles, Kentucky, earned a first round score of 78 and a Handy score of 83 for a total of 161 and a fifth place ribbon.  Sixth was awarded to Megan Martin’s Signature, ridden by Caroline Wilson of Germantown, Tennessee, after earning a Classic round score of 79 and Handy score of 83 for a total of 161.

Honor, owned and ridden by Salter Hydinger of Birmingham, Alabama, earned a seventh place ribbon after earning a first round score of 76 and a second round score of 82 for a total of 158. Williams returned for the eighth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Ramble on Farm’s Shaq, after earning a first round score of 77.5 and a Handy score of 77 for a combined total of 154.5.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Mills, Maryland rode her own Good Times to a ninth place finish after earning a first round score of 80 and a second round score of 74 for a combined total of 154. Hydinger returned for a tenth place ribbon, this time in the irons of her own Motivation, and Shepherd returned for eleventh place in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s White Lightening. Williams and Ramble On Farm’s Casan wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

The two weekly $1,000.00 Pre-Green Hunter Divisions, offered for only $5.00 per horse, continued to see big numbers Week VI.  Twenty-one horse and rider teams competed for the championship in the 3′ Division which welcomed Miki Moto, owned and ridden by Jennifer Jones of Ocala, Florida, to the winner’s circle. Reserve Champion honors went to Mindy Wurzburg, LLC’s Shipshape, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama.

The $1,000 3’ Pre-Green Division awarded Rio Vista Farm’s Casswell, ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, the Championship, and Reserve Champion honors went to Zorro, owned and ridden by Kathleen Caya of Oconomowo, Wisconsin.  That was a $5.00 Division fee worth spending!

“We are very happy that riders and owners took advantage of this special $5 Division offering at our Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Pensacola and here in Gulfport,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. “In view of the popularity of this offering we are delighted to be offering the weekly $1,000 Pre-Green Divisions for only $5.00 per horse at the inaugural Jacksonville Spring Classics this April,” he said.

Next week the Atlanta Spring Classic gallops onto the historic Georgia International Horse Park for two weeks of AA competition and more than $200,000 up for grabs! It’s not too late to reserve a stall. Email Jonathan@classiccompany.com and then enter online for no additional fees at horseshowsonline.com.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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

Hunter Season Continues on the Gulf Coast

Isabella Baxter pilots her own Chief to the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Friday’s weather may not have been sunny, but it was raining hunters as Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic celebrated all levels of hunter horses.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Tucci awarded Isabella Baxter of Wright City, Missouri and her own Chief the blue ribbon after earning a combined first and second round score of 163. Sabina Holtzman’s Top Hat, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, won second place honors after earning a combined score of 157. The yellow ribbon was awarded to James Fisher’s Amara, ridden by Christina Fisher of Alpharetta, Georgia, for their combined score of 155.

Shepherd returned for a fourth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Amy Valiollahi’s Energia. The pair earned a combined score of 153. Fifth place went to Ntec Labros, owned and ridden by Hunter Shedd of Parker, Texas. Sixth was awarded to Eric Lamon of Argyl, Texas and his own Akadian for their combined first and second round score of 134. For complete results, click here.

The $5 Pre-Green Division continues its popularity and Week V saw twenty-six horse and rider teams compete in the 3′ Division. Cecilia Halsey’s Who Dat, ridden by Terry Brown of Canton, Georgia, won the Championship and Joan Alberti’s Hopper Hill, ridden by Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia, won the Reserve Champion honors. Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, was awarded Champion in the 3’3 Pre-Green Division, and Jason Berry rode away with the Reserve ribbon in the irons of Frances Porter’s Pappernich.

“We are thrilled that riders are taking advantage of our $5 Pre-Green Division and using these classes to gain valuable show mileage for their horses,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. “We’re delighted to continue this offering at our inaugural Jacksonville Spring Classic,” he added.

Next week is the final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic and the last opportunity until Jacksonville to compete in the Pre-Green Division for only $5 per horse. That’s right, five dollars! Don’t miss out on this epic offering. A few stalls remain so email jonathan@classiccompany.com and enter online for no additional fees.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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

Sarah Young Returns to the Winner’s Circle with Contemporary

The weather on the Gulf Coast couldn’t be more beautiful as the Gulf Coast Winter Classic headed into Week IV with increased entries in the hunter rings as momentum continues to build for the upcoming Week V $77,700 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge Horse Transportation.

Yesterday, thirty-six horse and rider teams took to the hunt in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci. Sarah Young of Spring Hill, Kansas, winner of last week’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby in the irons of Beyond Time, returned to the winner’s circle, this time in the irons of Amanda Shaw’s Contemporary, after earning a first round score of 88 and a Handy score of 92, for a total score of 180.

Micaela Kennedy’s Magnus Hermes, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, earned second place after posting a first round score of 87 and a Handy score of 90 for an overall score of 177.

Young returned to pick up the third place ribbon with Samantha Hall’s Beyond Time after earning a first round score of 86 and a Handy score of 88 for an overall score of 174.

Isabella Baxter of Wright City, Missouri and her own Chief picked up fourth place after being awarded a first round score of 83 and a second round score of 87 for a total of 170.

Fifth place was awarded to Seth Vallhonrat’s Nemesis 11, ridden by Dominque Damico of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, after earning a combined score of 168, and sixth place went to James Fisher’s Amara, ridden by Christina Fisher of Alpharetta, Georgia, with a combined score of 167. Seventh place was awarded to Courtney Calcagnini’s Casting Call, ridden by Catherine Castle of Folsom, Louisiana, after posting a combined score of 161, and eighth was awarded to Little Rock, owned by Ramble On Farm and ridden by Kaitlyn Williams of Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Thinks Like a Horse Farm’s Friend Request, ridden by Brooke Van Nortwick of Leesburg, Virginia, placed ninth; Sabina Holtzman’s Re Chiste, ridden by Shepherd, earned tenth. Maida Clifton’s More Optimistic, ridden by Ashley Hotz of Eads, Tennessee, placed eleventh, and Roland Park, owned and ridden by Dudley Macfarlane of Crozet, Virginia, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

“Our hunter numbers continue to grow each week and I am confident that offering the second largest hunter purse in the country is contributing to this weekly climb in numbers,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast Classic Company.

The epic $5 Pre-Green offering continued to see increased entries for a consecutive week in the 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions. Thirty-one horse and rider teams competed in the 3′ Division and twelve in the 3’3″ Division.

Cecelia Halsey’s Who Dat, ridden by Terry Brown of Canton, Georgia, earned the championship in the 3′ Pre-Green Division. Jennifer Jones’ MikiMoto, ridden by Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida, earned the reserve champion honors.

The 3’3″ Pre-Green Division Champion was Adagio, owned by Kirsten Dingus and ridden by Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia. Reserve Champion honors were awarded to Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce, ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama.

For more results on the Gulf Coast Winter Classic competitions, click here.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Kelley Farmer Claims Crown, Top Three Spots, Big Payday in $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Kelley Farmer and Mindful.

Ocala, FL (February 28, 2016): The second $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of the HITS Hunter Derby Tour paid a visit to HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida on Saturday during Week VI of the Ocala Winter Circuit. As the sun set, and the lights of Ocala Horse Properties Stadium flickered to life, the crowd watched in anticipation to witness who could master the course with finesse and the highest caliber of precision.

Following the Furusiyya FEI Nation’s Cup week at HITS Ocala, was the biggest hunter week of winter and the stage was set – Tim Hott of Cumming, Iowa designed a beautiful course of 13 fences for the forty-one who gathered from the East Coast and beyond to contest the two-round derby. It would be Keswick, Virginia equestrian Kelley Farmer who would walk away from the ring with the top three titles and four additional ribbons in the top 12.

“All of the horses were great through the course, and the course was beautiful too; [the event] was just all around quality in addition to having the opportunity to compete for this kind of money here,” said Farmer.

Farmer claimed first place with seasoned derby winner, Mindful, owned by Kensel, LLC, as well as second with Baltimore, owned by Jane Gaston, and third with It’s Me, co-owned with Bibby Hill and Sue Pinney.

“It’s just incredible, but I could not have done it without everyone you see out here, the owners and all who support us. It takes a village. I also owe it to all of these talented, four-legged animals – they’re amazing,” Farmer said, nearly speechless at the plethora of victories. “I was lucky enough to have plenty of shots [at the win].”

Two panels of judges including Scott Williamson, Kim Dorfman, Mike Rosser and Steve Wall, critiqued each rider’s craft.

“The course was beautiful and very well done,” said “R” Judge for the United States Equestrian Federation of 25 years, Mike Rosser. “The fences were unique, and it was a different track than you normally see. The riders had not just one or two options, but three or four options – it was one of the better quality courses that I have seen.”

Unique to the derby format, in addition to the base score, each judging panel awarded an Option Bonus Score consisting of one additional point for every higher height option fence jumped. As 12 returned for the second round, judges awarded a base score, Option Bonus Score and a Handy Bonus Score, assessing the handiness of the round.

Farmer finished the first round with the highest score aboard Point Being, owned by David Glefke. Six of the 12 returning rounds were piloted by Farmer, but a talented list of contenders ready to rally for blue still filled the second-round Order.

After four trips, two including Farmer and her eventual seventh place mount Need I Say and eighth place Courville Paola, owned by Melissa Rudershausen, no score had come close to Farmer until Cassandra Kahle of Langley, British Columbia stepped in.

Kahle and Cornetto Royal, owned by Yvetta Rechler-Newman, meticulous in their pursuit of a win, opted for all four height options and received a combined total of 15 Handy Bonus Points. It was quite the comeback, but not enough to garner the lead. A first-round score of 172.5 combined with a second-round score of 196 totaled 368.5 for fourth place, just half of a point away from what would be Farmer’s third place score of 369.

Eighth in the order was Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina and Brunello. The graceful chestnut Hanoverian and Boyd, a three-time winner of the USJHA International Derby Championships, opted for all four height options and received a combined total of 15 Handy Bonus Points from the two judging panels. They earned a second-round score of 188, which combined with their first-round score of 176, gave them a total of 364 for the eventual fifth place.

The last four trips of the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby belonged to Farmer. The victory was hers to win, with the horse she would share the winner’s circle yet to be determined.

Farmer returned with Baltimore. Opting for all four height options, and earning a combined total of 14 Handy Bonus Points from the two judging panels, they received a total second-round score of 197.5. Combined with their first-round score of 177, that gave them a total of 374.5 for second place – not a bad turn-out for the Oldenburg’s first-ever derby.

“Baltimore is a first-time derby horse, and to be second with him is just wonderful. It’s an awesome result,” said Farmer.

Farmer followed her own round with It’s Me. The judging panels awarded a combined 14 Handy Bonus Points and a total second-round score of 192. Combined with their first-round score of 177, they came out just ahead of Cassandra Kahle with an overall total of 369 for third place.

Mindful and Farmer entered to put in the winning round, and the stunning black Hanoverian gelding silenced the crowd as they gracefully conquered the course, earning a total second-round score of 211. Combined with their first-round score 185, their overall score of 396 sky-rocketed above the rest to top the leaderboard.

“Mindful is a seasoned derby horse,” said Farmer. “He makes it easy, he knows what he is doing and is just a true winner.”

The $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will make two more visits to HITS this year, stopping at HITS Desert Circuit VIII in Thermal, California, March 15-20 and again at HITS-on-the-Hudson VI in Saugerties, New York, August 3-6.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.comHitsShows.com

Shepherd Pulls Hat Trick in $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Holly Shepherd and Triompf.

Just for Now Wins $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby; the Gulf Sees Record Pre-Green Entries

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama established herself as the Derby Queen when she pulled a hat trick Friday morning, taking the top three placings in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on a course designed by Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey.

Shepherd held the top two highest scores after the first round with Loretta Patterson’s Triompf with a score of 183 and Helen Gilbert’s White Lightning with a score of 163. Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Alina Dumitrescu’s Shutterbug sat in third position after earning a first round score of 162. Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania sat in fourth with Rebecca Patterson’s Vecchia Murano with a score of 161, and Shepherd and Barbara Risius’ Longstreet were on their heels with a score of 161.50.

Shepherd held the lead with Triompf in the Handy round after posting a score of 203 for a combined total of 386 which would win the class. White Lightning earned a second round score of 190 and a combined 353 which would award them the second place ribbon. Longstreet earned a second round score of 192 and combined with their first round score of 161.50, moved them into third place. Dergin Park, owned by Henrietta Hall and ridden by Sarah Invicta Williams of Santa Fe, New Mexico, finished in ninth place in the first round with a score of 154.4, but after earning a Handy round score of 192, moved up to an overall fourth place finish with a combined score of 346.5.

Isabelle Potts’ Fusagers Carma, ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, had an eighth place finish in the first round with a score of 156 but their Handy round’s score of 187 and combined 343 moved the pair up to a fifth place finish overall.

Maddrix and Specialty sat in the third place position after the first round, but after posting a second round score of 174.5, would find themselves moving into sixth place overall.

Forte and Vecchia Murano moved from third position to seventh place overall, after earning a second round score of 175 for a combined total of 336. Shepherd and Margaret Camp’s Cascaron finished twelfth in the first round with a score of 149, but after earning a second round score of 183 and a combined total of 332, moved into eighth place overall.

Courtney Calcagnini and Just for Now
Courtney Calcagnini and Just for Now

Just for Now wins the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The hunter excitement continued as the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, saw nineteen horse and rider teams compete for the win. Just for Now, owned by Lori Matthews and ridden by Courtney Calcagnini of Argyle, Texas, was awarded with the first place honors, followed by Protocol, owned and ridden by Lilah Babineaux of Lafayette, Louisiana. Third place honors went to Redfield Farm’s Quidam, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams, while fourth place was awarded to Carita Palmer’s Grey Goose, ridden by Jason Schnelle of Collierville, Tennessee. Fifth place went to Sabina Holtzman’s Magnus Hermes, ridden by D. Samuel Pegg of Sutton West, Ontario, Canada. Sixth went to Stonebridge Farm’s A Timely Affair, ridden by Sue Takata of Athens, Texas.

Big Numbers in the $5 Pre-Green Division

The Pre-Green Division led off the big hunter numbers for the week in the 3′ section and 3’3″ division. Jacqueline Roberts-McQueen and Holly Calantoni Houser’s Quadrolino led the 3′ Pre-Greens, while Leopold, owned by Grace Gambel and ridden by Livia Steffee, and Amy Ilson Ochoa and Angela Brown’s Turbo alternated first and second place positions in the 3’3″ Pre-Green Division. “We are really excited that riders and owners are earning valuable mileage for their young horses in the $5 Pre-Green Division,” commented Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Classic Show Coordinator. “People couldn’t believe that we were offering this division for only $5.00, but by the looks of the entries, I think word has now spread,” she added. “We couldn’t be happier that horsemen are taking advantage of this special offering,” she said.

For full results, click here.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Game On for End Game, Winner of the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Christina Jason pilots End Game to the win in yesterday’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Christina Jason of Aiken, South Carolina and Southland Stables’ End Game were definitely ‘game on’ yesterday at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola Circuit when the pair won the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Legend, out of a field of twelve horse and rider teams.

End Game was first to go in the class and earned a first round score of 89 which included four bonus points. They held the high score for the first round which put the pair in the leading advantage as they entered the Handy round.

“The class was a lot of fun! My horse rode well and jumped great over a very nice, but challenging, course,” commented Christina Jason.

Gray Street, owned and ridden by Alexandra Panetta of Brookeville, Maryland, received a first round score of 86. However, End Game’s Handy score of 91 and combined score of 180 beat Gray Street’s second round score of 88 and combined score of 174.

Rockaway, owned and ridden by Lee Cesery of Jacksonville, Florida, received a first round score of 85. They pair earned a Handy round score of 88.5 and combined score of 173.5 which would see the pair finish in third place overall.

Third Day, owned by Abigail Beaty and ridden by Christina Jason of Aiken, South Carolina, received a first round score of 84 and second round score of 89. Their combined score of 173 would see the pair finishing in fourth.

Scutosa, owned by North Ridge Equine, Inc. and ridden by Casey Johns of Palatka, Florida, finished in fifth place overall after receiving scores of 81 and 84, respectively, with a combined score of 165.

Christina Jason returned for sixth place honors this time in the irons of Cynthia Hallman’s Fig Street’s Duchess. The pair earned scores of 80 and 81, respectively, and a combined score of 161.

Ricardo, owned and ridden by Audrey Muscari of Germantown, Tennessee, finished in seventh overall with a combined score of 159. Can’t Buy Me Love, owned and ridden by Mathieu Rein of Milton, Georgia, finished in eighth place with an overall score of 157, and ninth place was awarded to Perfect Gentleman, owned and ridden by Brittany Wyatt of Fayetteville, Georgia. Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia rode Harbor Hill, LLC’s Hitchcock to tenth place and Charlotte Warren’s Entitlement to eleventh place. Signature, owned by Megan Martin and ridden by Caroline Wilson of Germantown, Tennessee, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

Pensacola is underway! The fifth anniversary of the Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola Circuit started Wednesday and will run through January 31st before the circuit heads to Gulfport, Mississippi for six weeks of AA world-class show jumping.

The talk of the horse show world is the $5.00 Pre-Green Division offered only at the 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classics. This special offering is a testament to the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Company’s commitment to the development of the young horses in the United States. For only $5.00, owners and trainers can earn valuable competition mileage for their young horses. The specially priced division will be extended to all Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport following the Pensacola Circuit.

For those looking to get from barn to ring to camper to office a bit faster, rent a golf cart! The Golf Cart Guy is onsite and has several golf carts available to rent while showing at the Gulf Coast Pensacola Circuit. You don’t need to hoof it! Call 919.337.7456 to reserve your cart now.

Still on the fence? Come discover why the grass is greener on the Gulf and join us on the Emerald Coast in Pensacola, Florida. Call the office at 228.832.2745 to reserve your stalls today and you can enter online at horseshowsonline.com.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Winn Alden and Attila Top $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Lexington National Horse Show

Winn Alden and Attila.

Lexington, VA – August 8, 2015 – Betty and Ernie Oare just purchased Attila a month ago, and Winn Alden only sat on the gelding for the first time on Friday, but following the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Lexington National Horse Show, the owners, rider and talented gelding seemed every bit the veteran winning team.

In their first time in the show ring together, Alden and Attilla bested a field of 37 other horses to win Friday evening’s national derby, held at the Virginia Horse Center and generously sponsored by Chatham Hall.

“Winn hadn’t shown him at all, and she jumped up and did phenomenally here,” Betty said. “She gave him a beautiful ride. She had two other really nice horses in there tonight, very competent horses that can win in any company, so we were proud of the win tonight. She did a fabulous job.”

The derby win at the Virginia Horse Center was particularly special for the Oares, as Ernie serves as the Virginia Horse Center Foundation Board President, and the couple has been extremely instrumental in the ongoing positive changes at the Horse Center.

“I was really nervous riding for the Oares here!” Alden laughed. “I was nervous because I know [Attila]’s a good horse. They didn’t put pressure on me. I put pressure on myself. My other two in the class had little mishaps in the handy round, so he was my last chance, and he really came through.”

Alden and Attilla picked up an early lead in the class, earning the first round high score of 89 over the Glenn Moody designed course, but their lead would not go uncontested in the second round. Amy Nunnally and Cailler, owned by Carilynn Peyton, had finished the first round on a score of 84.25, but in the second round, they earned the highest score of the class: a 93 including the four high option points.

Their handy round efforts shot Nunnally and Cailler to the top of the leader board with a score of 177.25 and put the pressure on for Alden as the final rider to return. With a second seamless round utilizing all four high option fences, Alden and Attila clinched the victory with a handy round score of 92 and an overall total of 181, while Nunnally and Cailler finished in second.

“It was fun to watch Amy [Nunnally],” Alden said. “She’s my good friend, and she’s been a good friend for a long time. We’ve been in this situation before where she’s put in a really good handy round, so I had to step it up to stay ahead of her. At Deep Run she got me and I ended up behind her, so here I got to stay up front. It’s fun when someone puts the pressure on you like that.”

The win in the derby marks part of a “dream week” for Alden at the Lexington National Horse Show. Earlier in the week she rode to the Conformation Hunter championship, the First Year Green Hunter championship, the High Performance Hunter championship and the ultimately the overall grand hunter championship title on Celtic Gold, owned by Meg Valnoski.

“I really enjoy coming here; I’ve been coming here for a long time,” Alden said of the Virginia Horse Center. “Leslie Brown is such a great person and a great manager; Andrew [Ellis] is always great to work with, and Sarah [Jackson] is one of the best in-gate people around.”

Classes like the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Lexington National Horse Show would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors including Chatham Hall. The all-girls college preparatory boarding school’s riding program offers forward seat fundamentals woven with modern hunter and equitation styles in accordance with horsemanship. Chatham Hall Riding strives to create the multitasking rider of today, making the school one of the top equestrian boarding schools in the country. Learn more about the Chatham Hall riding program online at www.chathamhall.org.

Sarah Boston Is Best in VHSA Children’s Hunter Seat Medal Final

Sarah Boston, 15, worked hard throughout the year to qualify for the Virginia Horse Show Association (VHSA) Children’s Hunter Seat Medal Final, so when she broke her foot a few weeks out from the final, she was not going to let that stop her.

On Friday night at the Lexington National Horse Show, Boston, with broken foot and all, topped the field of 36 other qualified entries to win the 2015 VHSA Children’s Hunter Seat Medal title.

“I didn’t get cleared until Tuesday to ride,” Boston, of Owings Mills, Maryland, said. “It feels really good [to win], especially because I just started riding my horse again [after the injury], and he really just took care of me. He’s perfect.”

Boston, who trains with Amy and Streett Moore at the McDonogh School, and her mount, Royal Ace, were one of six pairs from the initial starting field called back to execute additional testing over fences. With a well-executed test, Boston moved ahead from the third place position to take the win. Finishing in second was Lekha Ramachandran of Greensboro, North Carolina, and taking the third place award was Madison Busey of Ashburn, Virginia.

While the VHSA Children’s Hunter Seat Medal Final is complete for Boston that does not mean that the young rider is going to take more time off from her injury. Next weekend, she will head to Culpeper, Virginia for the Tad Coffin Junior Equitation Finals.

At the Lexington National Horse Show, the VHSA Medal Finals continue with the VHSA Championship on the Flat, the VHSA/EMO Hunter Seat Medal Final and the VHSA Horsemanship Championship all on Saturday evening. Competition continues on Sunday with the VHSA/EMO Adult Medal Finals beginning at 8 a.m. in the Anderson Coliseum.

To learn more about the Virginia Horse Center and the Lexington National Horse Show, visit www.horsecenter.org.

The Virginia Horse Center is situated on a 573-acre site with eight barns to accommodate 750 horses in permanent stabling. Indoor stabling can be increased to 1,200 horses with the use of temporary stalls. The Virginia Horse Center hosts 19 show rings, including two large arenas and a five-mile Olympic cross-country course. Four of the Virginia Horse Center barns are winterized with close access to the 4,000 seat indoor coliseum. The Virginia Horse Center is recognized for the excellent footing of its show rings and the durable construction of the concrete stalls. The Virginia Horse Center also offers camping facilities and on-site food and beverage services. Find the Horse Center online at www.horsecenter.org.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Julie Curtin Pilots Samaritan to the Win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Julie Curtin and Samaritan.

Week II of the Charleston Summer Classic has been non-stop fun for everyone at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby was the featured class last night and twenty-seven horse and rider teams competed for the blue.

A first round score of 74.5 was the cutoff point in order to move onto the handy phase. Grace Gumbel of Wilson, Louisiana rode her own Leopold to a second round score of 80 and combined 154.5, which would place the pair in eighth place overall.

Caracas, owned by Mary Claire Ray and ridden by Carlos Aramburo of Red Banks, Mississippi, earned a first round score of 75 and followed Leopold in the handy round. Their second round score of 77 for a combined total of 152 put the pair in ninth place overall.

Lynn Seithel of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina and her own Versace earned a first round score of 76. Their handy round earned them an 81 for a combined score of 157. They would finish in sixth place overall.

DS Holdings, LLC’s Dsh Anka, ridden by Whitney Owens of Windcrest, Texas, earned a first round score of 84, but with a handy round score of 43, would finish with a total of 127 and in the twelfth place position.

Kendall Woodleif of Apex, North Carolina and her own Authentic Gold earned a first round score of 77. Their handy score of 68 and overall score of 145 would see them finish in eleventh place overall.

Aramburo returned for his second handy round, this time in the irons of Amy Yoder’s Unikat. The pair earned a first round score of 78 and a handy score of 78. Their total score of 156 earned them seventh place overall.

Antwerp, owned and ridden by Isabel Coleman of New Orleans, Louisiana, finished their first round with a score of 79. Their handy round earned them 81 points for a total of 160 and placed them in fifth place overall.

L’Esperado, owned by Amber Hill Farm and ridden by Emma Mandarino of Bedminster, New Jersey, placed fourth overall after turning in a first round score of 85 and a handy round of 76 for a total of 161 points.

Owens returned for her second handy round, this time in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s MTM Ex Go. Her second round score of 59 combined with her first round score of 86 put them in tenth place overall with a score of 146.

Life Is Good, owned and ridden by Missy Nolen of Leeds, Alabama, earned a first round score of 87. Their handy round score of 79 for a total of 166 points had the pair finish third overall.

Addison Bihm’s Forever, ridden by Emily Hertz of Cordova, Tennessee, earned an 88 in their first round. Their second round score of 84 for a total of 172 points would see the pair finish in second place.

Samaritan, owned by Jennifer Munday and ridden by Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia, had the leading first round score of 90. Their handy round also led the pack with a score of 92 for a total of 182 points and they secured the win.

Jennifer Munday was also awarded the Kastel Denmark Hunter Style of Riding Award.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

HITS to Offer Four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies

(c) ESI Photography. Amanda Steege and Zidane jumping at HITS Ocala in February 2015.

SAUGERTIES, New York (July 3, 2015): Beginning this fall, HITS will host four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies at its circuits throughout the country as part of the 2015-2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby series.

“HITS is fully committed to the USHJA and especially this program,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “We have decided that in order to do our part to help grow the sport, we should get behind all USHJA programs. This one was particularly easy because it reinforces our previous support for the high performance hunter riders.”

USHJA International Hunter Derbies highlight the tradition of the longstanding hunter discipline. HITS will host four of these derbies – with total prize purses of $100,000 each – in affirmation of its commitment to hunters, much like its offering of four FEI CSI-5* events for jumpers.

“We believe that, as the leaders of the sport, it is our responsibility to offer prize money that raises the bar,” continued Struzzieri. “These Hunter Derbies will offer the highest prize money awarded at any qualifier for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final in the country.”

Hunter rider and trainer Amanda Steege, owner of Ashmeadow Farm in Bedminster, New Jersey, was thrilled to hear of HITS’ plan to offer these classes. Steege said, “The USHJA Derby Final is something that we gear our whole year towards – we try to go to as many derbies as we can.”

Steege, who campaigns three mounts that are exclusively derby horses, continued, “All of us at Ashmeadow Farm are thrilled that HITS is not only offering four USHJA International Hunter Derbies, but that they’re offering four classes with prize money of $100,000 each. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m so appreciative to Tom and his staff for putting this together. To have the chance to participate in derbies that are offering that much prize money is amazing. It’s great that HITS is doing them.”

HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour:

  • National Sunshine II – November 4-8, 2015
  • Ocala VI – February 23-28, 2016
  • Desert Circuit VIII – March 15-20, 2016
  • Saugerties VI – August 3-7, 2016

For more information on the HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour, click here. For more on USHJA International Hunter Derbies, click here. To request a Prize List for any HITS Series of shows, please visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
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