Category Archives: Wellington Turf Tour

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Ilan Bluman and Firebridge Knock Out Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix

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Ilan Bluman and Firebridge. Photo courtesy of Equinium/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (March 6, 2018) – As the sun set on the final day of show jumping at Polo West, The Ridge wrapped up its final week of Friday Night Lights and Turf Tour shows before heading back to their spring, summer, and fall base in Asbury, New Jersey. The Turf Tour went out with a bang and a parade of top show jumpers vying for the finale’s top prize, the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix. A field of 24 were greeted by clear blue skies and springy green turf on the 1.40m course; the inviting conditions and welcoming design proved to favor Ilan Bluman and Kaprice as they swept across the grass to clinch victory. Later that evening, Friday Night Lights’ competition proved to be another milestone for its riders, as the high score High and Low Classic winners were presented with spectacular prizes from Prestige Italia, La Mundial Boots, and River Run Farm.

The Ridge Turf Tour seems to be a family affair for many of its riders, including the Bluman family. Daniel Bluman made quite an impression this year on the Turf Tour, winning multiple Grand Prix and 1.30m classes. Ilan stepped into the arena on the final Friday to prove he wasn’t going to let his brother steal all the limelight. Firebridge, an 8-year-old mare by Diablo, made the most of the exceptional footing, utilizing the traction and suppleness of the turf course to speed her gallops and tighten her turns. “The course today was perfect for a horse like mine,” said Bluman. “It had an excellent triple, steady lines coming from tight turns, and the jump off was ideally suited for a compact horse. Firebridge’s strength is her agility, and we were able to make the most of it today. We really enjoy this atmosphere; we are here every Friday for the Grand Prix, and also show quite frequently in the Rising Star on Wednesdays during season. We have always believed in the value of this show. It’s a great place to get to know a horse.” Bluman and Firebridge cruised to victory on a jump-off time of 39.998. Second went to Kim Farlinger aboard Alan Chester’s Concelo (40.255), and third went to Maarten Huygen’s Goldbreaker and Keven Mealiff (42.920).

As an Olympic and Southeast Asian Games veteran, Marie Antoinette (Toni) Leviste and her 9-year-old mare Loribrie have quite a few competitions under their belt. During Friday’s Finale Grand Prix, the pair made their debut performance at the 1.40m level, and in 2017 made their US show debut in The Ridge’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic. “I always make a point to have our debut shows be at The Ridge,” said Leviste, who hails originally from Manila. “The relaxed atmosphere and world class feel, along with the friendly staff, make it an ideal place to take your horse to the next level without undue stress. We’ve been all over the world, from the US to Poland to Slovakia to Malaysia for the Southeast Asian Games, and she has grown so much and we are really beginning to believe in each other. Loribrie’s strongest attribute is her fighting spirit; even when I’m ready to give in, she’s the one who wants to keep going.”

Leviste, who rides for the Philippines, also has ties to The Ridge going back to the 2000 Sydney Olympics: “I was with Nona [Garson] in Sydney and remember her amazing horse Rhythmical. That makes it all the more special to come here and show at The Ridge, and I want to say thank you to her and her team for being so welcoming and supportive from the very beginning.”

Kelly McInerney Rides Away with High Point Prestige Italia Saddle

The final Friday Night Lights proved to be a bustling evening for its .90m and 1.10m Child/Adult and Open riders, with a chilly Florida dusk descending into nightfall under the stadium lights at the Polo West arena. As a double points event, all of its competitors were in the running for a number of top prizes from the event’s sponsors, as well as the chance to take home ribbons in multiple classes including a speed round, jump-off, and Low and High Classics.

Hayley Chambers, a highly decorated Friday Night Lights competitor, once again took the blue ribbon in the .90m Low Child Adult Classic; the win cemented her supremacy in the division, and as the High Point Low Classic winner, Chambers was presented with a certificate for a custom fit pair of tall boots from LA Mundial.

As the jumps were raised and darkness fell in its entirety, the 1.10m High Child/Adult Classic, speed round, and jump-off were underway with an eager audience of diners at the Polo Bar & Grill. The Finale week’s High Classic was taken by Whitney Lind of Bethseda, Maryland aboard Whish LLC’s Wanant. The pair, who are familiar with jumping under the lights from previous indoor shows, put in a brisk double clear effort to win the class. “He’s an adult jumper superstar,” said Lind, who rides out of ESP Farm and purchased Wanant from England as a 12-year-old. “I knew after the first jump that he was ready to rock and roll. He knows what he’s doing and I’m just along for the ride. It was a great experience in a unique atmosphere, and a great way to end my season in Florida. I love Nona and George and showing at their events!”

But it was the High Classic’s reserve champion rider and overall high point winner, Kelly McInerney, who stole the show under the lights. She and Dinletto RK placed so well during the Friday evening series at Polo West their combined points could not be beat. US Olympian and co-founder of The Ridge Nona Garson presented McInerney and her trainer Sarah Scheiring with a brand new saddle from Prestige Italia in recognition of her spectacular efforts in the High Child Adult Classics. McInerney, who is from Chester, New Jersey and rides out of Chester Riding Club, stated: “This is for sure the biggest thing I’ve ever won; I felt like my horse was with me every time I saw a distance, and showing under the lights was a great experience for both of us.” Both of the Friday Night Lights’ Finale High and Low Classic winners were also presented with saddlepads from Success Equestrian.

“Our goal with Friday Night Lights was to really make something special and unique for Child/Adult riders,” said Garson. “Riders at this level are the backbone of our sport and we need to support them. Prizes like this and opportunities to show, ride, and experience a new level of horsemanship help to provide a foundation of education and allow them to flourish.”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Jose Roberto Reynoso and Tanita de Saleste Win $15k 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Wellington, FL (February 26, 2018) – Polo West once again set the stage for two days of utopian show jumping of all levels on exceptional grass footing February 23-25, as well as an exciting night of child/adult and open rides under the lights in the Polo West arena. From Olympians to pony riders, the Wellington Turf Tour and Palm Beach Series has divisions for all levels including the weekly $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix, $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic, Friday Night Lights for Child/Adult and Open riders, monthly M&S/SEMF/Colonial Classic qualifier Schooling Shows, USEF Equitation Tuesdays, and all the amenities and relaxed atmosphere The Ridge’s events are known for.

Olympian Jose Roberto Reynoso of Sao Paulo, Brazil piloted Tanita de Saleste to a double clear effort and a jump-off time of 39.012 seconds. The athletic 10-year-old bay KWPN mare is a ride owned by Franck Henouda and she and Reynoso recently rode to a top 3 placing in the 1.45m division before coming to the Turf Tour for a breath of fresh air and to jump on the grass in the Florida sunshine. Their effort bested a field consisting of an interesting mix of fellow Olympians, ambitious adult amateurs, and new partnerships testing their skills at the 1.40m level. Reynoso and Tanita, in fact, have only been a pair for about a month. Olympian Ramiro Quintana of Argentina and Cody Quintana’s Ceitasi put in an early double clear effort to lead the class on a jump-off time of 42.025 seconds, while Hardin Towell of Wellington, Florida rode Concept to third, with a jump-off time less than half a second off Quintana’s time at 42.662.

“On the Turf Tour, and at all of our events and shows, we try to present a very dynamic environment for riders and trainers to achieve their goals,” said US Olympian and co-founder of The Ridge, Nona Garson. “Whether you have a horse coming back after a rest, a student moving up to the next height, a new horse that needs miles, or just want to enjoy a new venue or turf footing, the inspiration behind the Turf Tour & Palm Beach Series is to fill these needs and drive the development of show jumping as a sport.”

Friday Night Lights Illuminates Child/Adult and Open Talent

From the beauty of the Turf Tour to the excitement of an under the lights class with an avid audience, The Ridge’s Friday Night Lights wrapped up the week’s competition at Polo West. With a variety of classes at the .90m and 1.10m level, generous prizes and the thrill of evening competition with an audience have made Friday Night Lights a popular option for juniors, adult amateurs, and professionals.

The evening’s headline class, the $1,500 M&S/NAL/WIHS 1.10m Child/Adult Jumper Classic, was topped for the second time this season by Lisa Butzer and Evan Coluccio’s hunter derby mare turned jumper, Burlesque. “She absolutely lit up when we came to compete tonight, and I really liked the course,” said Butzer of Boca Raton, Florida. “The turns were the most challenging aspect, as you had to be fast but also careful not to put your horse off balance. We plan to come back every week to get qualifying points and because of the excellent prizes!”

And the prizes don’t just go to the highs: the leading Low .90m Child/Adult Jumper Classic rider at the end of the season will receive a pair of custom riding boots from LA Mundial. This week’s Low Classic winner, Betta Wittbeck and Serendipity, an 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare, are in their first season of showing together and have their sights on the High Children’s. “This was our first time showing under the lights and we both really enjoyed the experience,” said Wittbeck, of Pittsford, New York. “I haven’t been riding her long but she’s a darling and really took to the course tonight.”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

James Chawke and Flemis Bouncer Win Valentine’s Day $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic

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James Chawke and Flemis Bouncer. Erin Gilmore Photography.

Wellington, FL (February 15, 2018) – James Chawke was feeling the love during 2018’s Valentine’s Day Turf Tour, where he and the Irish bred Flemis Bouncer bounded over the 1.30m course to rule the week’s $5,000 Rising Star Classic. The spectacular day of show jumping was highlighted by Chawke’s win, along with bald eagle sightings, a busy 1.20m class on the grass in the morning, and .80m-1.10m jump-offs and power & speed rounds running all day in Ring 2. Hosted by The Ridge at Wellington and at their home farm during Valentine’s week, Friday’s continuation of the Turf Tour promises more splendid show jumping including the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix and wine tasting provided by The Vineyard House.

A relatively new mount for Chawke, of Leinster, Ireland, Flemis Bouncer recently topped an early February 1.20m class during this year’s Turf Tour and shows no signs of slowing the momentum. The game gray gelding galloped to a winning jump-off time of 33.155 seconds, and Chawke says the next steps are to continue to elevate both the jumps and their technique for the Grand Prix. The luck of the Irish held out for Chawke’s countryman Willie Tynan, whose 33.266 second jump-off with the elegant mare Dominique narrowly cut him out of first place in the class with just over a tenth of a second to spare. Samantha Bairs and Italian Gold van de Kruishoeve jumped to third on a time of 35.972 seconds.

“The Turf Tour’s Rising Star Classic is designed to serve as a foundation for advancing riders or new horse and rider pairings, giving them the atmosphere, jumps, and competition to seamlessly transition to the Grand Prix or achieve their own personal goals,” said US Olympian and co-founder of The Ridge and Turf Tour, Nona Garson. “The 1.30m level is such an important time for both horses and riders to develop the skills needed for a successful Grand Prix career. It is at this height that riders must evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of their mount, and learn to apply strategic riding and a focused, competitive mind. Providing a variety of venues, excellent natural footing, and surmountable challenges on course is our way of nurturing these horses and riders and ultimately was the inspiration for the Turf Tour.”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Jordan Coyle and Carlos Top $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix Week 2

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Photo: Jordan Coyle and Carlos.

Wellington, Florida (January 19, 2018) – The Irish came out in force for the second Turf Tour Grand Prix of 2018, taking the top two spots in a competitive class that only yielded 4 double clear efforts in the field of 27. Aboard Andy Kocher’s Carlos, Jordan Coyle of Derry, Northern Ireland leapt to victory over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouk on a jump-off time of 34.689 seconds. As the second last to go, Coyle bested his countryman James Chawke and GK Coco Chanel’s time (36.149) by nearly two seconds. The third place went to Portugal’s Sampaio Peix Rodrigo and Color Paint on a jump off time of 39.030 seconds.

“This was my first class ever with this horse, and only my second time riding him,” said Coyle, who rides out of Old Salem Farm and his own Jordan Coyle Show Jumping. “When I jumped him for the first time on Wednesday he felt like an absolute machine. Andy is in Europe at the moment, and I was able to convince him to give me the ride for today. The course was very good, and I think I took the turn to the double very tight, tighter than I had planned to, and I think that is what gave me the quicker time.”

Coyle’s brother, Daniel Coyle, has been a regular on the Turf Tour the last few years, winning a number of Grand Prix and other classes. After visiting and schooling at a Polo West Turf Tour in 2017, Jordan began riding for Old Salem and has already racked up a few top finishes since the beginning of season. “We jump a lot on the grass in Ireland, and both Daniel and I grew up riding and showing,” Coyle said. “After arriving at today’s event, I was proper impressed with the turnout and standard [of the Turf Tour]. I’m lucky to have the ride with Old Salem and grateful to Andy for giving me the chance to ride today.”

An early leader in the Grand Prix, Carly Anthony, fresh off a successful European tour, kicked off her winter season as the first double clear effort with Chacco. She ended fourth and fifth with Chacco and her other mount, Cookie 52, noting it as being a great start to her 2018 season. James Chawke, who also topped Wednesday’s 1.20-1.25m Jumper class with Flemins Bouncer, said he was using the show to bring along new horses and enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Sampaio Rodrigo and Colour Paint, in addition to finishing in the top three in the Grand Prix, topped the 1.20-1.25m division earlier in the day and is currently the champion in the Turf Tour’s 1.20m division standings.

Owen McWilliams and Secret Alloy Ace Friday Night Light’s Child Adult Classic; Joseph Aman and Echo Take the Speed Round

Polo West’s Polo Bar and Grill once again hosted a crowd of eager spectators as well as ambitious Child/Adult jumper riders as the second edition of The Ridge at Wellington’s Friday Night Lights wrapped up on January 19.

The 1.10m Child/Adult M&S Classic Qualifier was won by Austin, Texas’s own Owen McWilliams and Bickford Hill Show Stables’ Secret Alloy. “I come down every weekend for the winter shows with Don Stewart, and Friday Night Lights was a last-minute decision for us to practice for showing on Saturday,” said McWilliams. “I got on Secret Alloy for the first time last week and we clicked instantly. This was our first time riding under the lights, and he marched right out like he owned the place. It was a really fun round.”

The 1.10m Child/Adult Jumper Speed round went to Canada’s Joseph Aman and his own Echo, a ten-year-old Irish bred gelding. “Echo is such a fun horse,” said Aman. “I’ve had him for two years and he was my first horse. I loved the atmosphere, and it was very different having to show under the lights. Echo definitely was a bit excited with the spectators and the lights, and the lively atmosphere was really fun.” While originally being open to only Child/Adult competitors, The Ridge has recently added an Open Welcome Class so that riders and horses of all levels can experience the unique stadium atmosphere.

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Luis Larrazabal and G&C Close Up Light Up 1.30m Rising Star Classic

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Wellington, Florida (January 17, 2018) – Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal and G&C Close Up put hoof to turf in Wednesday’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic, leading the class for most of the day with a blistering jump-off time of 28.841 seconds. No one could best the brilliant effort, and their ride highlighted a utopian day of show jumping during the fifth week of Turf Tour competition. With two rings of grass courses at Carben Farm, which included Low, Medium, and High Jumpers as well as 1.20-1.25m and the 1.30m Rising Star Classic, Wednesday’s event welcomed a diverse selection of riders from juniors and adult amateurs to internationally competitive professionals, all seeking the exceptional footing and spectacular venues of the Turf Tour.

Larrazabal and the 11-year-old KWPN gelding were one of the early combinations to test their skills over the 1.30m Rising Star Classic course designed by Eric Hasbrouck. With Larrazabal having the ride on G&C Close Up since the horse was a 5-year-old, the performance was demonstrative of their rapport and partnership. “I know him very well, and we were able to jump very fast today,” said Larrazabal. “I decided to leave out a few strides, do a few inside turns, and just give him a real chance to be very quick. We did only 7 strides to the combination, and as soon as he landed we galloped to the final fence. My goal with him was to give him a very competitive round and eventually move him back into the 1.40-1.45m, where he is a very competitive horse.”

With a string consisting of both young and seasoned jumpers, Larrazabal has used the Turf Tours as the stage for their development. “I love the Turf Tour’s atmosphere and especially the option to show at different venues,” he said. “It’s a super advantage for the riders to be able to get in experience at different venues and environments, especially for the young horses. Last week’s Turf Tour at Polo West was super cool; we had a fantastic time jumping on the giant grass fields there and getting a different feel at each location. Having a change to ride on the grass is also very important, and I plan to continue to take advantage of these events. They also treat you exceptionally well, with food and drinks as well as being very accommodating of riders’ schedules and training goals.”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Ramsay and Cocq a Doodle Take First $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix of 2018

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Andrew Ramsay and Cocq a Doodle (Photo courtesy of Erin Gilmore Photography)

Wellington, Florida (January 16, 2018) – The first of 13 $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix classes of the 2018 season was captured by Andrew Ramsay and the spectacular mare Cocq a Doodle, who put in a quick and efficient double clear effort to finish with a jump off time of 37.921 seconds over a course designed by Christopher Jones. Held on the springy, all-natural turf footing at Polo West, just off South Shore Boulevard, Friday’s Grand Prix and jumper classes of all levels wrapped up the fourth week of competition hosted by The Ridge at Wellington. Chasing Ramsay and Cocq a Doodle’s time was a field of 22 horse and rider combinations, with Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Jessica Mendoza’s Horst Van de Mispeleare securing second with a jump of time of 38.021. Wednesday’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic winners, Sam Walker and Acardi Du Houssoit Z, gave the leading pair a run for their money with a double clear and a jump off time of 37.150, but a rail at the final fence cost them a placing.

The ten-year-old KWPN bay mare Cocq a Doodle (Tolan R x Niagara) has been a successful Grand Prix horse for Ramsay, who rides and trains out of his own Shalanno Farms. Fresh off an October 2017 victory in the $130,000 Split Rock Farm CSI3* Grand Prix, Ramsay, Cocq a Doodle, and his other rides spent Wednesday and Friday of this past week sharpening up over the spacious warm-up and beautiful jumper rings of the Turf Tour. Ramsay called his rides at Polo West and his victory in the Grand Prix “a great start to 2018.”

Friday Night Lights Showcases Child Adult Jumpers at Polo West

With the brilliant stadium lights, beautiful jumps, and an eager audience of diners at the Polo Bar & Grill, Friday’s Child Adult Jumper class had the feel of a Grand Prix and proved to be an exciting event for both riders and spectators alike. Despite a torrential downpour just a few hours before the 6pm start, Polo West’s sand arena held its own, providing exceptional footing for the 1.10m course. Riders had the option of a M&S/NAL/WIHS Qualifying Classic, or a speed round over two separate courses. Kate Taylor and the 11-year-old Chacco Blue topped the Classic.

“The footing was fantastic despite the conditions and this was such a fun class,” said Taylor. “I loved showing under the lights, and the energy was incredibly fun. Everyone was having a great time and I’m already excited to come next week!”

George D’Ambrosio, who co-founded The Ridge and the Palm Beach Series with US Olympian Nona Garson, presented Taylor with her ribbon, and stated that the idea behind both the Turf Tour and all of their shows was to create an ideal atmosphere and experience for both horse and rider. “We want to give riders the option of showing on the grass or under the lights, in new venues and on very good footing,” said D’Ambrosio. “This class was just one way to give our child and adult amateur riders a way to experience what it’s like to ride at night in a stadium, and make them feel like they’re at the Olympics. We strive to create a learning experience for horses and riders in all of our events, from the Turf Tour, to our USEF Equitation Tuesdays, to our USHJA National, International, and Pony Hunter Derbies.”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Turf Tour Finale April 1: 1.40m Grand Prix, Jumping on the Grass at Polo West

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Don’t miss the final Turf Tour of the season, our April 1st $24,999 1.40m Finale at Polo West. In addition to the Grand Prix, the morning will host a 1.25m-1.30m division and Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers running all day on the grass. Complimentary refreshments and lunch are provided, as well as super spacious warm-ups and the relaxed atmosphere The Ridge is known for. Polo West is located just six minutes from WEF.

Click here for full schedule, contact information, etc.

Awards, Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

2016 Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix Topped by Brianne Goutal and Onira

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Brianne Goutal and Onira (Photos courtesy of The Ridge at Wellington/Equinium)

Beth Underhill Named Leading Rider

Wellington, Florida (April 11, 2016) – As the final horse soared over the final oxer under the spectacular covered arena of Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, the 2016 turf Tour came to a close following 13 weeks of high caliber show jumping and hunter competition. Finale week at the Turf Tour included some of the most technical courses, exceptional amenities, and world-class competitors that have set the series apart on the Wellington show circuit.

The $24,995 Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix was topped by Brianne Goutal aboard Onira, one of a group of early double clears that bested the field of riders including Olympic champions and some of the top names in international show jumping. Hardin Towell and Flip clocked in at 35.286 in the jump off to place second, and Goutal and her other ride, Barlon van Groenhove, finished third with a double clear and 36.588. Subsequent double clear efforts were achieved by Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac, top ranked Asian show jumper Taizo Sugitani and Hyperion Stud’s Imhotep, New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley with Hickstead’s Axel and Zabel D, and Chilean Olympian Samuel Parot with Cortina 186 and Cous Cous Van Orti.

Because of the threat of inclement weather, Wednesday’s competition was rescheduled for Thursday at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The two 1.30-1.35m divisions were topped by New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Ireland’s Denis Coakley. Wordley, who finished second in the CSI 5* at WEF and only began showing on the Turf Tour later in the season, has been riding the 11-year-old gelding Hickstead’s Axel for 5 years and aimed to boost his position on the FEI rankings. “The horse is a solid competitor, and I’ve also brought some young horses to get the experience,” said Wordley. “The Turf Tour is a great opportunity for both the horses and riders and I’m a huge supporter of it. It’s also a great chance to win great prize money.”

Beth Underhill and Count Me In
Beth Underhill and Count Me In

Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill, a frequent face on the Turf Tour, was also frequently in the ribbons aboard her string of horses, so much so that she topped the overall standings. Her achievements earned her the Leading Rider and Leading Lady Rider awards, which were inaugurated on the Turf Tour this year in memory of Sophie Walker and Andres Rodriquez, to equestrians lost tragically just before the start of the 2016 season. Underhill, who recently rode Count Me In to victory in the Week 10 Grand Prix at the International Polo Club was thrilled with the honor and her horses’ performance over the past three months. “It was wonderful to have the horses be so consistent throughout the circuit,” said Underhill. “And it wasn’t just one horse that stood out, but all of my horses jumped great. Count Me In really found is stride and I’m so thrilled for him and his owner Sandy Lupton. I’m expecting him to develop into a national Grand Prix horse in Canada, and I’m looking forward to build on the experience he has gained here for the winter. It’s an honor to be awarded the leading rider awards, and am looking forward to 2017.”

With the goal of developing young horses and advancing riders, the Turf Tour 13-week is a unique addition to Wellington’s growing winter circuit, offering riders top-tier competition, over $400,000 in prize money, and an unparalleled atmosphere. The ‘show when you like,’ open-ended schedule offers convenience and a more distilled competitive environment, without sacrificing the challenge and competition found at nationally recognized shows. Organized by Olympic show jumper Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, the vision that inspired the tour’s conception was bringing back the old world flair to jumper classes by staging competitions on springy, natural turf surfaces away from the chaotic intensity of other show grounds.

Due to popular demand, The Ridge also hosted a final schooling show, an addition to the schedule, on April 2-3, 2016 at The Ridge at Wellington. Featuring the same prizelist and schedule as previous shows, the series featured hunters and equitation on Saturday and Jumpers on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Daniel Coyle and Ridley Prove Exceptional in the $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Daniel Coyle and Ridley (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 30, 2016) – With the stunning equestrian estate of Tonkawa Farm as the stage, Week 12 of the Turf Tour welcomed some of Wellington’s top show jumping combinations as they battled it out on the turf in a number of divisions, from Young Horse classes and Schooling Jumpers to 1.30-1.35m classes and a challenging Grand Prix. Two days of nationally ranked show jumping were held March 23 and 25, 2016, as the second to last week of the 13-week circuit. With exceptional footing, gorgeous venues, a welcoming atmosphere, convenient scheduling, world-class amenities, and a range of competitors from amateurs to Olympians, the 2016 Turf Tour is setting new standards in show jumping competition.

Daniel Coyle, assistant to decorated Irish show jumper and Turf Tour regular Conor Swail, added a Grand Prix win to his 2016 resume aboard Ridley. One of only four other double clear rounds on the technical and competitive course, Coyle and the gelding owned by Susan & Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm blazed past the timers with all the rails in place in a jump off time of 40.963, almost three full seconds faster than the second place ride, Marie Hecart with Starlight. Leslie Howard and Up & Blue Chapelle finished third with a time of 43.666, while Brianne Goutal and Rebeca Ls rounded out the double clear rounds with a time of 45.827. The course, which featured a number of tricky distances, spectacular jumps, and near perfect grass footing, was host to quite a few top names over the course of the day including Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher, Candice King, Lauren Hough, and Paul O’Shea.

Swail, who has had a number of wins on the Turf Tour as well as major Grand Prix victories during this season’s Winter Equestrian Festival, also rode Friday’s course at Tonkawa for Lothlorien. “It’s a welcome change for the horses to get to jump on the good grass footing, and the field here at Tonkawa was the best yet,” said Swail. “They can struggle a bit always jumping on the hard footing all season, and our horses enjoy being on the Turf Tour. The atmosphere is very relaxed and they can get exceptional training without the added stress. It’s particularly great to bring along horses that are just getting back into work or younger horses that need the experience.”

Prior to Friday’s Grand Prix, Wednesday saw the 1.30-1.35m begin the week’s competition, with over 60 rounds over the two courses. Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Wylde and Royal Flush shut out nearly 40 other horse and rider combinations to reign supreme in the first and largest division of the show. Maria Gabriela Brugal and Vasco topped the second division, and both classes again played host to some of the sport’s most recognizable names, most notably veteran Olympian Joe Fargis. Ring 2, which also featured the same exceptional footing of Tonkawa Farms’ springy polo fields, accommodated Young Horse divisions, Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers, Child/Adult divisions, and a Junior/Amateur Owner Classic over the two days of competition. Citing convenience as key, organizers Nona Garson, George d’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman structured both arenas so that riders may show when they please, anytime between 8am and 4:30pm. In addition, complimentary refreshments are served throughout the day and the Meadowbrook horse shuttle makes door-to-door trips around Wellington and back to the Turf Tour’s venues. Thanks to a generous sponsorship by Bright’s Creek, Coyle and the winner of the Junior/Amateur Owner Classic, Ahmed Alali aboard Fenway, will receive a 3-day, 2-night stay at the luxury resort near Tryon, North Carolina.

As the grand finale and wrap-up of the 2016 Turf Tour, Week 13 will feature the $24,995 Finale Grand Prix, a special class highlighted by the increased prize money and an open entry, meaning any competitor is welcome without the need to qualify. Wednesday will host two 1.30-135M divisions as well as Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers and 5-, 6-, and 7-Year-Old Young Horse divisions. The $24,995 Grand Prix Finale will begin on Friday, while the Schooling Jumpers, Child/Adult and Junior/Amateur Owner Classic will run concurrently. The Child/Adult and Junior/Amateur Owner Classic will be run as a sweepstakes during week 13, and The Turf Tour’s finale week will also include expanded complimentary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments, as well as its varied divisions and regular amenities. Set once again on the iconic fields of the International Polo Club, Week 13 promises to be a fitting finale to an exceptional season of show jumping on the Turf Tour.

Due to popular demand, The Ridge has added an additional schooling show to the season’s offerings, to be held April 2-3, 2016 at The Ridge at Wellington. Featuring the same prizelist and schedule as previous shows, the series will hosts hunters and equitation on Saturday and Jumpers on Sunday.

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Samuel Parot and Cortina 186 Win Week 11’s Turf Tour $15,000 Grand Prix

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Samuel Parot and Cortina 186 (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 24, 2016) – Samuel Parot brought determination, edge, and excitement to his narrow victory during Week 11 of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour. Securing a late won double clear in a time just a few hundredths of a second faster than the leader, Parot’s successful round closed out the two days of world class show jumping competition held March 16 and 19, 2016 on the Turf Tour. The weekly circuit hosts a variety of divisions from its headline $15,000 Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m divisions to Young Horse classes and Junior/Amateur Owner classics, all set in gorgeous venues and with an unparalleled utopian atmosphere.

With all of its courses for Week 11 set by renowned Pan Am, Olympic, and international course designer Leopoldo Palacios, Week 11 proved to be a hotbed of competition. Wednesday’s events kicked off with two 1.30-1.35m classes, Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers, and Young Horse divisions on the sweeping and elegant grounds of the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The 1.30-1.35m classes saw more than 40 horse and rider efforts, with Lauren Crooks with Dora the Explorer and Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman with Contessa V topping the divisions.

Due to concern over a strong weather system in the area, day 2’s classes were relocated to Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, where the spectacular covered arena hosted The Ridge’s second and final Hunter Derby Days the evening before. With the brilliant Grand Prix fences set, a slew of top international show jumping combinations tested their mettle over Palacio’s course. Parot proved exceptional with his first ride, putting in a double clear with his own Great Ben and taking the lead with a jump off time of 25.832. However, Beth Underhill and Count Me In, the defending champions of Week 10’s $15,000 Grand Prix, were yet to go and sure to make a bid for the top spot. Underhill and the powerful bay gelding owned by Sandy Lupton edged out Great Ben with a final jump off time of 25.817. With a blazing fast time and a history of victory on the Turf Tour, any gambler would put odds on Underhill for the win. However, Parot returned as one of the last rides of the day with Cortina 186, and epitomized the determination and skill of the top Grand Prix riders in Wellington. With a spectacular effort he and Cortina 186 swept past the timers with no rails and a time of 25.392 to win the class.

Building on Wednesday’s 1.30-1.35, Leopoldo Palacios designed the Grand Prix in progression, with the larger course becoming more technical. In his first stint designing for the Turf Tour, Palacios stated his passion for building on the grass, a medium he believes benefits the horses. “On the grass horses are more comfortable and safe, and it is a more natural surface for them to work on,” said Palacios. “They jump better and more efficiently, but not necessarily higher, and on the polo fields here at IPC the excellent drainage and slight slope of the field adds an extra dimension. It is more interesting for the riders, as they must ride very accurately, and more engaging for the horses. I have always wanted to design for the Turf Tour, and I think the concept behind it is a great thing for both horses and riders. Nona and George do a fantastic job, and they are improving the sport which I think is very important.”

Week 12 continues with two more exciting days of show jumping at The Ridge at Wellington, and the venue is the gorgeous Tonkawa Farm, just a few minutes hack from WEF. The action will commence Wednesday and Friday, March 23 and 25, and will feature Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers, Young Horse divisions, Child/Adult and Junior Amateur Owner Classics, 1.30-1.35m classes, and a 1.40 Grand Prix. All of the Turf Tour’s classes run concurrently over two arenas, combining convenience with the beautiful backdrop of Tonkawa and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Turf Tour also features complimentary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments for all spectators, owners, riders, grooms, and their staff throughout the day, and also offer a door-to-door horse shuttle provided by Meadowbrook Transport.

Directions to Tonkawa Farm:
Tonkawa Farm
4150 South Road
Wellington, FL 33414
From Pierson Rd. or Lake Worth Rd, head South on South Shore Blvd. Make a right on 50th Street, and then a right on South Road. The entrance to the farm is on the right.

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992