Category Archives: Wellington Turf Tour

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, USHJA, Wellington Turf Tour

Girls Rule at Hunter Derby Days USHJA National and International Derbies

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Maria Rasmusen and Avalon (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 23, 2016) – In the final Hunter Derby Days competition of 2016, two mares proved they possessed all of the elegance, grace, and athleticism to top the prestigious National and International Derby classes presented by The Ridge at Wellington. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center’s spectacular covered arena set the stage for the world-class hunter competition, with some of the sport’s top athletes vying for victory. Presented as a compliment to the 2016 Turf Tour series, the Hunter Derby Days continues the circuit’s reputation for an exceptional show environment, top-tier competition, and world-class amenities, footing, and course designs.

The day’s events kicked off with the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby, and saw Kristy Herrera clinch the title aboard Sweet Caroline, owned by Louisa Attenborough. The mare, who has been under Herrera’s guidance for over a year, made her Derby debut in winning form. “As this was her very first Derby, she was amazing and jumped beautifully,” said Herrera of Sweet Caroline and her winning ride. “She’s super brave, and I was unsure of how she’d do in the handy as she had never done one before, but she was right on it and listening.”

With the sun setting and the lights on in the expansive covered ring, horses and riders lined up to test their mettle over the International Derby course. Sponsored by Bright’s Creek Resort, the $15,000 USHJA International Derby saw 25 combinations in its first round, followed by the handy. Jennifer Bauersachs of Spring Hill Farm and For Love, an 8-year-old Oldenburg mare by Argentinus, epitomized the movement, jumping style, manners, and way of going demanded by elite hunter competition. “I’m so proud of her,” said Bauersachs of For Love. “I made a little mistake in the first round, but she covered it up for me so well. She really shines in the handy, so I could make some gutsy moves. Because she is so soft and attentive and wants to jump, I have a bit more leverage to make tight turns and make the ride more spectacular. The Ridge’s events are so well run and convenient, and the evening class today was fabulous as I could show and work with clients during the day and then be able to ride here at night.” Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Bright’s Creek, Bauersachs will also take home a 3-day, 2-night stay at the North Carolina resort for her exceptional performance, in addition to the international title.

Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Turf Tour’s Hunter Derby Days offers an exclusive way to gain national and international experience, as well as qualifying scores, in a utopian atmosphere. Newly introduced this year, the evening class was a huge hit for riders and spectators, and featured a wealth of amenities from complimentary refreshments all day, full lunch and dinner, a horse shuttle service provided by Meadowbrook Horse Transport, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Between the National and International classes, Wellington Equine Sports Medicine hosted an educational seminar highlighting their advanced diagnostic philosophy. While spectators enjoyed a complimentary multi-course dinner provided by The Ridge, Dr. Susan Oakley and Dr. Ann Moretta demonstrated their comprehensive evaluation procedure, as well as the advanced ultrasound and holistic performance acupuncture they employ to keep equine athletes in top form.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport offers a door-to-door horse shuttle to each of the Turf Tour venues, including Hunter Derby Days. To schedule pick up, contact them at 954 415 7217.

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

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Leopoldo Palacios Jugo Brings World-Class Course Designs to Turf Tour Week 11

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Photo courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Leopoldo Palacios Jugo, one of the most respected course designers in international show jumping, will be laying the courses for Week 11’s competition on the Turf Tour, held at the International Polo Club! Don’t miss your chance to ride over his spectacular designs, and enjoy the unique and competitive atmosphere of the Turf Tour. Palacios has served as course designer for some of the most prestigious competitions in the world, including the Olympics, Pan Am Games, World Equestrian Games, and is known for his ability to present optimum technical sport conditions in combination with artistic presentation.

Palacios will design for the Turf Tour’s 1.30-1.35m, Low, Medium, and High Schooling, and Young Horse divisions on Wednesday, and the $15,000 Grand Prix, Child/Adult Jumper Classic, and Junior Amateur Owner Classic.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ride over Olympic caliber designs at the spectacular International Polo Club!

For those interested in entering the Turf Tour competition or any of the events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, contact RidgeShows@aol.com, 908 500 0996, or view a full prize list online. Farms or individuals seeking information on sponsorship, packages for upcoming events, or with any other questions regarding the event, please call 908 500 0996.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport offers a door-to-door horse shuttle to each of the Turf Tour venues, the including the Hunter Derby. To schedule pick up, contact them at 954 415 7217.

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

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Beth Underhill Leaps to Victory in The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour $15,000 Grand Prix

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Beth Underhill and Count Me In (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 14, 2016) – Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill brought her in-saddle savvy to The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour Week 10 Grand Prix field, holding off ten other first round clears to top the $15,000 Grand Prix class. Held on the iconic polo fields of Palm Beach’s International Polo Club, this week’s Turf Tour Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m classes featured show jumping’s top names, as well as High, Medium, and Low Schooling Jumpers, Child/Adult, and Junior/Amateur Owner divisions. The Turf Tour’s unique combination of atmosphere, competition, amenities, stunning venues, and open in-gate policy creates a utopian show experience that is redefining the paradigms of Wellington’s horse sport industry.

Underhill, riding for owner Sandy Lupton, rode strategically and efficiently, putting in a double clear on Friday aboard Count Me In to finish on a super-fast jump off time of 34.888. Her planning and excellent execution paid off, as less than a second separated the pair’s ride from second place. Angel Karolyi and Hollow Creek Farm’s Indiana 27 finished their jump off (35.066) in an exceptional and exciting attempt to catch Underhill and Count Me In. New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and his own Zabel galloped through the timers to finish in third at 36.225, and Wordley and Hickstead Axel raced to fourth in 36.361, just a tenth of a second slower than Zabel. Wellington’s Tina Yates and Cicomein VDL rode to fifth with a double clear and final jump off time of 36.905, with Lauren Fischer aboard Tosca Du Feugre securing sixth with a time of 38.152.

A frequent face on the Turf Tour, Underhill cited the convenience for her and the experience for her young horses as the reason she repeatedly rides in the series. “I think what Nona and George are offering to the sport is fantastic,” she said, referring to the Tour’s organizers and founders, US Olympian Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio. “We have the ability to develop our young horses at a variety of fabulous venues, and it’s so convenient to walk the course when you want and have more latitude in your day to get things done. The jumps are lovely, the venues are fabulous, and it’s a change of pace for some of the more experienced horses.”

Wednesday’s $2,400 1.30-1.35m competition saw the fast and accurate combinations of Alexander Zetterman with Contessa V and Jack H. Towell with Flip topping the rosters, kicking off Week 10’s competition. Friday’s Junior Amateur Classic was skillfully won by Michelle Kamine with her own Loreana and the Child Adult Jumper Classic was dominated by Madeleine Mallon aboard Amanda Scaffer’s Antonio. Winners of both classes, in addition to their prize money, were awarded a three-day stay at the beautiful Bright’s Creek Resort in Tryon, North Carolina. Winners of the Junior/Amateur and Child/Adult Jumper classics in upcoming Turf Tour competitions will receive this exciting award from Bright’s Creek. For more information visit the Bright’s Creek website.

The beautiful and technical courses in both fields, designed by Nick Granat, focused on the application of strong basics and options to challenge both horses and riders, allowing for green competitors to build confidence and skills while seasoned competitors sharpened and fine-tuned their talent. “Our goal is giving competitors a chance to experience everything, from riding on the turf polo fields at the spectacular International Polo Club, to competing under the lights in a spectacular covered arena,” said George D’Ambrosio.

This dedication to variety continues next week, as The Ridge at Wellington welcomes riders to its second and final Hunter Derby Days event, held in the expansive covered arena at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, less than two miles from Wellington. The Turf Tour’s competition at IPC continues Wednesday and Saturday, March 16 and 19, with the Hunter Derby classes being held on Friday, March 18. Featuring a $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby at 1:30pm and a fabulous evening class, the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at 7pm, this celebration of the grace and elegance of performance hunters also serves as an exclusive way to qualify for international titles and the National Hunter Derby Championships.

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

Clementine Goutal and Caballito Repeat Winning Performance in $15,000 Grand Prix

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Clementine Goutal and Caballito (Photos courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington)

Wellington, Florida (March 7, 2016) – USA’s Clementine Goutal and the elegant dark bay gelding Caballito proved unstoppable during week 9’s Turf Tour, held at the magnificent grass field of the Wanderer’s Club on March 2nd and 4th, 2016. Following a win in one of the two 1.30-1.35m classes during Wednesday’s competition, Goutal and Caballito, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding, repeated that winning performance in Friday’s Grand Prix, topping a large class filled with some of the most recognizable names in show jumping.

Caballito’s double clear effort, and an exceptionally fast jump off time of 36.260 seconds, landed the pair in the lead about half way through the class. Goutal soon followed her winning round with an equally impressive double clear aboard the 9-year-old Selle Francais mare Tixie Des Hayettes, and a jump off time just hundredths of a second slower than Caballito’s for a second place finish on 36.626. Behind her top two Grand Prix placings were New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley aboard Zabel D, owned by Sky Group, finishing with a double clear in 37.381, and Olympian Beat Mandli with Celina, a mare owned by Grand Road Partners, LLC and the other returning champion from Wednesday’s 1.30-1.35m. Fifth went to Nina Fagerstorm of Canada aboard Quel Cadan S Z with a double clear in 38.110, and sixth was Ansgar Holtgers of Germany aboard Way of Life H, also double clear with a jump off time of 39.925. Other top names in the class included Todd Minikus, Katherine Dinan, Peter Wylde, Olympian McLain Ward, and Catherine Pasmore.

“I really enjoy the setting of the Turf Tour,” said Clementine Goutal following her rides on Friday. “It is always set on a beautiful field with a casual atmosphere, and riders can compete at a time that suits them without pressure. The footing stayed great throughout the day, and the course [designed by Nick Granat] left plenty of room to take risks.”

Clementine Goutal and Tixie de Hayettes
Clementine Goutal and Tixie de Hayettes

In addition to the Grand Prix, Friday’s competition in Ring 2 featured Low and Medium Schooling Jumpers, plus classes for Junior/Amateur-Owner and Child/Adult classes, including NAL Classics for both groups. Intended to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of horses and riders, the Turf Tour combines breathtaking venues with world-class amenities, consistently drawing top competitors. Week Ten of the Turf Tour will again take place on the beautiful grounds of the International Polo Club on Wednesday and Friday, March 9 and 11, 2016. Week Eleven’s jumper events will also be held at the International Polo Club, with the second day of competition being moved to Saturday to accommodate The Ridge at Wellington’s second Hunter Derby Days competition on March 18th. Starting with the USHJA $5,000 National Hunter Derby at 1:30, the event will continue with the exciting $15,000 USHJA International Derby, a nighttime class that will take place in the fantastic, oversized covered arena at Jim Brandon, setting the stage for a unique and welcoming ambiance to showcase the elegance and beauty of performance hunters. VIP tables will be available for this prestigious event, and can be reserved by contacting ridgeshows@aol.com.

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

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Beat Mandli and Clementine Goutal Top 1.30-1.35m during Turf Tour Week 9

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Beat Mandli on course at The Wanderer’s Club (Photo courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington)

Wellington, Florida (March 3, 2016) – With the elegant backdrop of The Wanderer’s Club setting the stage for the first day of Week 9’s competition, the two grass arenas of the Turf Tour hosted Wednesday’s divisions, two 1.30-1.35m classes and Low, Medium, and High Schooling jumpers. Adjacent to the rolling golf course and overlooked by the Wanderer’s clubhouse, the unique and beautiful venue is a spectacular addition to the Turf Tour’s already varied schedule, and hosted some of the biggest names in show jumping as they raced against the clock over the springy, natural footing.

Navigating the two courses of brilliant jumps laid out by designer Nick Granat, Swiss Olympian Beat Mandli took first and second place over the red course of the 1.30-1.35m with Celina and Uepind de Brekka, finishing on blisteringly fast jump off times of 38.874 and 40.512. Over the green course, Clementine Goutal and Caballito proved unbeatable in the jump off, with a final time of 32.874. She was tailed closely by Laruen Crooks and C’est Ci Bon 4, who rode to a jump off time of 33.421. Olympian Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac set an initial first round double clear in 44.126 seconds over the green course, which was favored heavily by Wednesday’s competitors. The jump offs over both courses were challenging but based in strong basics, a reflection of the Tour’s mission of cultivating young and developing athletes, both human and equine.

The second arena at The Wanderer’s Club featured High, Medium, and Low Schooling Jumpers over two courses that ran concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m. The laid back, ‘show when you like’ atmosphere was especially apparent at The Wanderer’s, as horses and riders arrived, warmed up, and showed at their leisure, enjoying the Meadowbrook Horse Transport shuttle to take them door-to-door, as well as complimentary lunch and snacks provided for all riders, grooms, owners, and spectators. “It’s a really unique way to do things,” said Olympian Nona Garson, who organizes and runs the Turf Tour with Craig Bergman and George D’Ambrosio. “Riders can sharpen their skills riding against Olympians on exceptional footing and over expertly designed courses, but all at their own pace and in a beautiful setting. Our headline class, the $15,000 Grand Prix, kicks off Friday, March 4 at 8am, and post entries are always welcome for both arenas.”

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, Hunter/Equitation, Wellington Turf Tour

Hunters under the Lights: The Ridge Introduces Elegant Evening for Hunter Derby Days

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Peter Wylde (Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (March 2, 2016) – Riders across Florida are invited to join The Ridge at Wellington for an elegant evening of dining, socializing, and world class hunter derby competition on March 18th at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. As the second Hunter Derby Day event during the Turf Tour show series, March 18th’s nighttime class will take place in the fantastic, oversized covered arena at Jim Brandon, setting the stage for a unique and welcoming ambiance to showcase the elegance and beauty of performance hunters.

Consistently attracting top names in the sport, including Olympians, medal finalists, and international champions, the Turf Tour’s Hunter Derby Days has crowed numerous household names in the hunter world, including Kelly Farmer and Peter Wylde, and offers an exclusive way to qualify for other International titles and the National Hunter Derby Championships in a utopian atmosphere. Newly introduced this year, the evening class will include even more amenities for riders and spectators, including VIP table packages, a rider’s lounge, and a competitor party, in addition to the exceptional services offered at every Turf Tour show.

The evening’s classes will include a $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, both with courses designed by Kevin Giblin. Judges Mindy Minetto, Christina Schlusemeyer, Sue Ashe, and Linda Andrisani will evaluate each pair on their form and the horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles, while spectators look on from the comfort of elegantly appointed tables.

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me rode a fantastic set of rounds to win the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on February 5th, setting the standard for world class hunt seat in the first Hunter Derby Days.

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me
Kelly Farmer and It’s Me

Molly Sewell proved her mettle in the morning, taking both first and second in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E. L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson.

For those interested in entering the second Hunter Derby Days competition, contact The Ridge at Wellington at RidgeShows@aol.com, 908 500 0996, or view a full prize list. Farms or individuals seeking information on purchasing VIP table packages, or with any other questions regarding the event, please call 908 500 0996.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. 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

Sara Wayda and Faroukh Top $15,000 Grand Prix during Turf Tour Week 7

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Sara Wayda and Faroukh. Photos courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, Florida (February 23, 2016) – A quick and careful ride from Sarah Wayda aboard her own Faroukh put her at the head of the class following a day of competition for Turf Tour Week 7 at the International Polo Club. With only 11 horses putting in clear rounds to advance to the jump off, Wayda set the jump off time at 40.078 seconds, just beating out big names like Katherine Dinan, Olympian Beat Mandli, Darragh Kenny, and Conor Swail in the Turf Tour’s seventh week of Grand Prix competition.

Faroukh, an 18-year-old Rheinlander gelding by Rembrandt, is owned and trained by Wayda and Andrew Philbrick of Hunter Farms in Princeton, New Jersey, and their plan for this week included using the Turf Tour’s Grand Prix to prepare Faroukh for Sunday’s Grand Prix at the PBIEC Stadium. “The Turf Tour is a fantastic option to compliment the winter equestrian season,” said Philbrick. “We planned far in advance to have Faroukh come to the Turf Tour on Friday and then the Stadium on Sunday. Sara always rides very clean rounds, and we have been working on her getting faster in the jump offs. Today she really stepped on it and it went fantastic; this horse tries very hard and is very special to us.” Sara and Faroukh were trailed by only seven other double clear efforts, all within a few tenths of a second of her time.

Week 7’s Turf Tour lineup included some of the best in the business, including Beat Mandli, Katherine Dinan, Debbie Stephens, Beth Underhill, Darragh Kenny, and Conor Swail. Second place went to Sandra Dalman of Southview, Inc. riding A-Frieda-O, with a double clear round and final time of 40.627. Maria Schaub riding Hilfinger van de Celemnhoe was third, also with a double clear and a time of 40.687, and fourth was Katherine Dinan took fifth and sixth aboard Zander and Simba, with final times of 40.825 and 40.850 seconds. She was followed by Darragh Kenny in sixth, seventh, and eighth with Caliber (double clear, 42.43.080), Utopia Di San Patrigi (double clear, 44.116 seconds), and Glamour Van De Kakebee (four faults in the jump off, 42.960). Ninth and tenth place were awarded to Tina Yates riding Valencia and Chelsea Ross riding Calida.

Beat Mandli aboard Stakorado
Beat Mandli aboard Stakorado

“This week’s Grand Prix is a bit more technical, building on the basics as we progress more into season,” said course designer Nick Granat. The spacious polo fields of the International Polo Club require riders to ride accurately and find their distances correctly, or sacrifice time and rails. Friday’s competition also included Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumper and Young Horse classes in addition to the Grand Prix, and on Wednesday Beth Underhill aboard Count Me In and Brianne Goutal with Zemike K were victorious in the $2,400 1.30-1.35m classes. Hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, the 2016 Turf Tour is the brainchild of Olympian Nona Garson, George d’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergmann, who intended for the series to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of horses and riders. The Turf Tour combines breathtaking venues with amenities as world class as its competitors. Week Eight of the Turf Tour will again take place on the beautiful grounds of the International Polo Club on Wednesday and Friday, February 24 and 26, 2016.

On March 18, The Ridge at Wellington will also host the second of its Hunter Derby Days competitions, featuring a $5,000 Dietrich Insurance USHJA National Hunter Derby and $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Set in the evening under the lights of the spectacular covered arena at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and attended by some of the top names in hunter competition, the second and final Hunter Derby Days competition this season is not to be missed!

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

Luck of the Irish Rules during Turf Tour Week 6

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Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna (Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 14, 2016) – In one of its busiest shows yet this season, week 5 of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour series combined world-class competition and ideal weather as Olympians, amateurs, juniors, and young horses vied for top honors on Wednesday and Friday, February 10 and 12, 2016. Irish riders rode to top finishes across the major divisions, including the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m divisions, as Darragh Kenny, Cian O’Connor, and Conor Swail dominated the standings to make it a true Irish sweep.

With a backdrop of the verdant polo fields of the International Polo Club, the fast and accurate pair of Conor Swail and Fortus Fortuna, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, delivered the winning ride in the $15,000 Grand Prix on Friday, over a course designed by Nick Granat. His double clear effort was contested by only a handful others, while his jump off time of 36.078 proved unbeatable in the course of the day. Another Irish native and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Cian O’Connor, took reserve honors with a final jump off time of 38.161 aboard his own Enriques of the Lowlands. O’Connor also took fourth place with Duke of Carnival behind two-time US Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward and HH Ashley. 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist Beat Mandli of Switzerland settled into fifth with Grant Road Partners’ Celina, followed by 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher and Jane Forbes Clark’s Aristo Z in 6th, Stephen Moore and Teddy Vlock’s Team de Couquerie in 7th, and Cathrine Dinan aboard Grant Road Partner’s Galan S in 8th. Maher, who has competed on the Turf Tour for the past three weeks, has made use of the venues and divisions to prepare the experienced Aristo Z for bigger classes later in the season. “We had a holiday towards the end of last year, and have been using a few classes here to build him up for the bigger Grand Prix next week,” stated Maher. “[The Turf Tour] is great, a nice change from what is on offer, with a relaxed environment and excellent venues. It’s been great for me so far this year.”

Darragh Kenny and Gatsby
Darragh Kenny and Gatsby

To round out the Irish dominance during week 6, Darragh Kenny and Gatsby, owned by Toffolon Partners, LLC, won both of the 1.30-1.35m classes, with Beth Underhill aboard Cadermie and Edward Levy aboard Starlette de la Roque taking the reserve in each class. Granat’s designs in the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m made excellent use of the expansive turf course, and was intended to present a challenge that relied upon the use of strong basics and tactful riding to adjust between the first round and jump off. Thanks to the generosity of the Turf Tour’s newest sponsor, Bright’s Creek, the winner of Friday’s Junior/Amateur Owner Classic and Grand Prix will receive a 3-day, 2-night trip to their beautiful destination in the mountains of North Carolina. From equestrian activities and fine dining to luxury accommodations and an exclusive BMW Off Road Excursion through 7.2 miles of wilderness trails, hardwood forests, and ancient rock formations, the Turf Tour’s competition now have even more reason to put their best foot forward as Bright Creek will be sponsoring the Grand Prix and Junior/Amateur Owner Classic through the rest of the season. For more information visit the Bright’s Creek website.

In addition to the Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m divisions, the second arena featured Low, Medium, and High Schooling Jumpers, 5-, 6-, and 7-Year-Old Jumper classes and qualifiers, a Junior/Adult Amateur Classic, and Speed/Jump Off classes. Intended to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of horses and riders, the Turf Tour combines breathtaking venues with amenities as world class as the riders to consistently draw some of the top competitors in Wellington. Week Seven of the Turf Tour will again take place on the beautiful grounds of the International Polo Club on Wednesday and Friday, February 17 and 19, 2016.

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

McLain Ward Takes Top Three Spots in Turf Tour Week 5’s $15,000 Grand Prix

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McLain Ward and HH Ashley in Turf Tour Week 5’s Grand Prix (Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 7, 2016) – Two-time US Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward brought three horses to compete in Friday’s $15,000 Grand Prix at Carben Farm on the 2016 Turf Tour, and proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with. He took the top three spots in the class with double clears aboard Tine Le Boheme, HH Best Buy, and HH Ashley over the turf course designed by Pierre Jolicoeur.

An early double clear from Jonathan Corrigan and Aries (Argentius x Grannus) set the pace at 33.079 in the jump off. McLain’s first ride with HH Best Buy finished at 31.467 seconds, topping Corrigan and Aries. In his second effort with Tine Le Boheme, the pair put in a double clear and beat out their own jump off time with a 30.590. The Olympian’s final ride aboard HH Ashley differed from Tine Le Boheme’s by a hairsbreadth, finishing the jump off with 30.269. A late double clear by last week’s Turf Tour Grand Prix champion, Gianni Gabrielli and HH Rombaucheau finished with 32.170, slipping into the fourth between McLain and Corrigan.

“We brought two young horses, HH Best Buy and Tine Le Boheme, who are both nine years old, to the Turf Tour as it was a great chance for them to get in a good class and build toward bigger things,” said Ward. “Ashley knows this game and today’s class was preparation the bigger Grand Prixes in the middle of circuit. I’m excited the young horses handled the turf field so well, and am a big fan [of the Turf Tour]; it’s a great place to develop the young horses in a relaxed atmosphere and its always well produced and a nice opportunity for the horses to come out and get the experience.”

Corrigan echoed similar sentiments about his ride and the Turf Tour, saying, “This was the first time I’ve jumped Aries on the grass, and I thought he handled it very well. It’s a beautiful course and the last line to the last fence was a bit of a challenge. You jump the oxer and go left to the double, and then again left straight to the last vertical, but it worked out well and is a very nice course. This is my second time showing on the Turf Tour, with the first time being last week, and I love it. It’s a great environment for my horses and opportunity to be competitive in the 1.40 classes.”

Ward and Tine Le Boheme
Ward and Tine Le Boheme

The adjacent sand arena hosted Low and Medium Schooling Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Jumpers and Child/Adult Jumper Classic divisions. The Lows were won by Karyn Foley aboard Evanieke and Jennifer Barnhard with Winsome Maverick. Mediums saw Sarah E. Wayda with Contentus and Jenny Rankin with CHS Inception victorious, while the Children’s/Adult Jumper 1.15m and the Child/Adult Jumper Classic were ruled by Devon A. Degen and Zippo. The Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper 1.20-1.25m and Junior/Amateur Owner Classic saw Lynsey K. Whiteacre and Zorzuela Leuze Z at the top of the field.

Wednesday’s 1.30-1.35m Jumper classes were won by 2012 Olympic Medalist Ben Maher aboard Jane Forbes Clark’s Aristo Z and Agatha Van Gysel Langlois and her mount Terra Calamaco. The Low Schooling Jumpers were won by Jayme Taylor with Chester T and Nicholas dello Joio with Corlida. Mediums went to Amanda R. Cole with Quick Latinus and Jonathan Corrigan with Merlin. High Schooling Jumper winners were Alexander Zetterman with Contessa and Amanda R. Cole with Quick Latinus. The 6-Year-Old Division was won by Senan Hayes with Konquer BC and the 7-Year-Old 1.30m went to Amanda R. Cole and Jericho.

The Turf Tour’s Grand Prix, 1.30-1.35m, and other jumper divisions are intended to act as a catalyst for the growth and development of horses and riders. “Our goal is giving competitors the chance to experience everything, from riding on the turf polo fields at the International Polo Club to showing under the lights in an indoor arena,” said George D’Ambrosio, co-organizer of the Turf Tour with US Olympian Nona Garson and Craig Bergman. Week Six of the Turf Tour will take place on the beautiful grounds of the International Polo Club on Wednesday and Friday, February 10 and 12, 2016.

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, Hunter/Equitation, Wellington Turf Tour

Kelly Farmer and Molly Sewell Top the Turf Tour’s First Hunter Derby Days

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Kelly Farmer and It’s Me (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 6, 2016) – The fantastic covered arena of the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center set the stage for the first of this year’s Hunter Derby Days, presented by The Ridge at Wellington. As a branch of the 2016 Turf Tour, the Hunter Derby Days showcased some of the top hunters in the world being judged on their form and their horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles.

2014 Hunter Derby Days Champion Kelly Farmer returned to defend her title, and for the second year in a row she clinched the international class. Farmer and her own It’s Me put in a fantastic performance in both rounds of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby to the standard for world class hunt seat at The Ridge. She was followed closely by Louise Serio aboard Jessica Burger’s Rock Harbor who rode to the Reserve Champion title. Round one of the International Derby was won by Farmer on Kent Farrington’s Like I Said, while Serio and Like I Said secured the win in the Handy. Farmer and It’s Me placed second in both rounds, ultimately earning them the overall win in the International Derby.

Molly Sewell proved her mettle that morning, taking both Champion and Reserve in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E. L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson. Generously sponsored by Dietrich Equine Insurance, the National Derby served as a way for riders to qualify and earn points for the National Hunter Derby Championship across the various divisions including Performance Working Hunter, Pre-Greens, Amateur Owner, and Junior Hunter. The Turf Tour’s trademark hospitality and relaxed atmosphere carried over to both the National and International Derbies, with complimentary lunch, an organized horse shuttle, and permanent stabling offered to all competitors.

Judges George Wallace, Diana Carney, Spencer Chatham, and Carol Hoffman were tasked with evaluating and awarding the best rides in each of the USHJA events, and Kevin Giblin’s course designs set the stage for a true test of the agility and elegance of performance hunters. Organized by Olympian Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, The Turf Tour’s competitive, utopian show atmosphere is matched only by its hospitality. For only $75, riders can schedule pick up and drop off at the Turf Tour’s weekly venue, including both of the Hunter Derby Days competitions, as well as a trip back to their farm anywhere in Wellington after their rides. With the inclusion the pageantry and athletic prowess of performance hunters through the Hunter Derby Days, 2016’s Turf Tour is setting a new standard for national and international competition.

The Turf Tour continues Saturday, February 6th at Carben Farm (formerly Ashland Farm) with the headline Grand Prix on the turf field. The second of the Hunter Derby Days will take place on Friday, March 18 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The evening class will take place under the lights, and will offer a unique atmosphere for riders and spectators to experience world class hunter competition.

The Ridge will also host a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, including a full prize list, 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