Category Archives: Jump Media

McLain Ward Claims Stunning Victory in Longines Grand Prix of New York

McLain Ward and Clinta. Photo by Sportfot.

McLain Ward (USA), hailing from Brewster, NY, thrilled a hometown crowd with a flawless triumph in the $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York during the final day of the highly-anticipated Longines Masters of New York on Sunday, April 29. Making its long-awaited debut in the heart of the Empire State as the American Grand Slam, the Masters celebrated its 25th competition with an event on American soil as part of Season III of the Longines Masters Series after events in Paris and Hong Kong earlier in the season.

In front of an exhilarated crowd at NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion and three-time U.S. Olympic medalist led a victory gallop that represented the world’s greatest show jumping talent. Ward and Clinta, an 11-year-old Oldenburg mare by Clinton x Lord Pezi, was the pair to beat in a star-studded jump-off over courses conceived by Dutch course designer Louis Konickx.

The Longines Masters of New York saw top sport throughout four days of competition and Konickx’s tracks rose to the occasion each day. Stopping the short-course clock in a blistering 34.92 seconds, Ward commented on the course designing team, saying, “[Course design] is a real art and I thought it was fantastic for the inaugural event. You have a big crowd, an exciting jump-off, and the course was challenging but it allowed for a few clear rounds and great sport in the jump-off, which is great for the fans.

“It’s always nice to win on your home soil in the U.S. and extra special in New York,” continued Ward. “I can remember years ago when I was a young kid, I won a grand prix at [Madison Square] Garden and that was very special because it was the home state and the home city. It was very special again today here.”

Erynn Ballard (CAN) was poised to become only the second woman to ever win a Masters Grand Prix along with Pénélope Leprévost of France, who earned a Paris title in 2011, when she went clear from the first position in the order. Setting the pace again in the jump-off, Ballard sat in the lead on a time of 35.89 seconds riding Fantast, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Toulon x Rubens du Ri d’Asse owned by Sagamore Farms.

“New York has always been good to me and I would say this is a career best for me from start to finish,” said Ballard after a banner week that also included a win in the $100,000 Longines Speed Challenge on Friday evening. “I had a big win in the Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden [in 1998] and everyone was saying New York was my place. I think that’s true for this week. I was hoping for two top 10 finishes and I got three podium finishes. There’s not much more you can do than that.”

Two-time Olympic silver medalist Peder Fredricson (SWE) was hungry for a win and gave a lesson in speed with Hansson WL, the 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Indra WL x Iowa owned by Måsel AB. He stopped the clock at 35.43 seconds to claim second and bump Ballard to third, but was no match for Ward.

“It’s always difficult to beat McLain,” said Fredricson, who is the reigning Longines FEI European Champion. “He is always quick, but I was really happy with my round. My horse jumped fantastic. If I could have done something, maybe I could have turned tighter to the second to last [jump].

“As a rider, it’s fantastic to ride here,” continued Fredricson on his time in New York. “You really feel the crowd and also in the prize giving, you get really good contact with the people in the audience. I really enjoyed my time here.”

Rounding out the top placings, Olympic team gold medalist Kevin Staut (FRA) took fourth in 36.26 seconds riding Vendom d’Anchat HDC, while Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) was fifth aboard Cristalline in 38.35 seconds.

Ward and his winning mount recently joined forces after he added the ride to his already stacked string, which is made up of five grey mares including Clinta along with his World Cup champion HH Azur.

“It’s great to see her showing all that I thought she could be,” said Ward of the mare he owns with Sagamore Farms. “I saw her in Aachen last summer and fell in love with her, but it took me seven months to get her. She made a great effort today and it was my day.”

A New York native, Ward was complimentary of the Longines Masters of New York and the efforts of its management to introduce unparalleled sport and entertainment to the American market, saying, “They’re really making this an entertainment spectacle, which is phenomenal. It’s something that’s been missing in promoting our sport; making it more exciting to a more diverse audience.”

McLain Ward is now the new contender for the Grand Slam Bonus of €1,000,000 for winning three Longines Grand Prix consecutively in New York (Season III), Paris (Season IV), and Hong Kong (Season IV).

Christophe Ameeuw, CEO and Founder of EEM, had dreamt of bringing the Longines Masters to New York since he conceived the idea of a high-performance show jumping series.

“On behalf of the entire team at EEM and the Longines Masters Series, we want to thank the riders, our partners, our exhibitors, and most importantly, our fans, for making Season III a successful and historic event,” said Ameeuw. “The past four days have exhibited the world’s top athletes and showcased some of the best performances in show jumping history. Bringing the Longines Masters Series to New York has always been a dream and we’re thrilled to have received such a warm welcome. We look forward to continuing this legacy for years to come.”

Madison Goetzmann Wins Prestigious Masters Two Sam Edelman Grand Prix

In a thrilling finale to the Masters Two division at the inaugural Longines Masters of New York, 17-year-old Madison Goetzmann (USA) displayed talent well beyond her years to win the $35,000 Sam Edelman Grand Prix following a seven-horse jump-off.  Riding Prestigious, her 11-year-old Westphalian gelding, Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY took every risk in the jump-off before galloping through the timers in 35.55 seconds.  With 1984 World Cup champion Mario Deslauriers (CAN) last to go in the jump-off, the crowd was on the edge of its seat as the two-time Canadian Olympian gave it his best effort aboard Bardolina 2, a nine-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Wishing Well Farm.  It was close, but not close enough, as the pair stopped the clock in 35.70 seconds to finish runner-up.  Megan McDermott (USA) rounded out the top three after incurring four faults in the jump-off in a time of 35.42 seconds.

“It’s amazing!” said Goetzmann of her Longines Masters debut.  “I wasn’t really sure what to expect but it’s managed so perfectly, it’s a beautiful atmosphere, and the crowds are amazing.  I’m really sad that it’s over!”

With top results throughout the Masters Two division, including a win in Saturday’s Mark Cross Trophy riding Curo, Deslauriers, who resides in New York City, was crowned the Stephex Leading Rider.  His reward was a one-year lease on a Stephex STX 2 horse van.

Serena Marron Saves the Best for Last!

The Masters Three Devialet Grand Prix 1.15m kicked off the final day of show jumping competition at the Longines Masters of New York with a nail-biting finish for Serena Marron (USA) riding Donar J.  Clear rounds were elusive in the opening round until the final two riders, Alexandra Cherubini (USA) riding her 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Lando, and Marron aboard her 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, both jumped clear to ensure a two-horse jump-off.

First to go in the tie-breaker, Cherubini was going for broke when she ran into trouble at the double combination, forcing her to circle and costing her a total of 13 faults.  With some breathing room, Marron was able to incur four faults yet still take the win.  Joining Marron and Cherubini on the third step of the podium was fellow American Gabrielle Freund riding No Sunday Sales.

Following four days of intense competition in the Masters Three competition, Summer Paulos (USA) captured the Leading Riding Title with three podium finishes, including two victories.  In recognition of the honor, Paulos was presented with a custom Top Jock x Longines Masters Double Door Trunk, Blanket Box, and Saddle Rack.

For full information on the 2018 Longines Masters of New York, visit www.longinesmasters.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Riders Europe Claim Narrow Victory over Riders USA in Riders Masters Cup

Harrie Smolders and Cas 2. Photo by Jump Media.

Team competition was at its finest in a transatlantic showdown between Riders USA and Riders Europe in the innovative $200,000 Riders Masters Cup, presented and created by EEM in collaboration with the European Equestrian Federation.  Show jumping fans were on the edge of their seats as the two teams faced off in a rematch that began at the Longines Masters of Paris back on December 2.  Riders USA chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland (USA) spent the past five months formulating his strategy for a win on home soil and sent out the best of the best to duel against Riders Europe, led by chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat (SUI).

In the opening duel, Kevin Staut (FRA) took the win over two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) when the American left an uncharacteristic two rails on the floor riding HH Gigi’s Girl.  Georgina Bloomberg then looked like she would emerge victorious with a quick clear aboard Manodie II H but was nipped in the end by Harrie Smolders (NED) to make it two to nothing in favor of Riders Europe.

Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) scored another point for Riders Europe when Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) struggled with her mount, Pembroke, for 12 faults.  Beezie Madden (USA) gave hope to American fans with a clear round aboard Con Taggio to score the first point for Riders USA after Gregory Wathelet (BEL) left a rail on the floor riding MJT Nevados S.  When the final competitor for Riders Europe, 2016 Olympic individual silver medalist Peder Fredricson (SWE), put a clear round on the board with H&M Zaloubet, Laura Kraut was unable to match his faultless performance with Hello Guv’Nor, leaving the opening match score at four to one in favor of Riders Europe.

As the saying goes, especially in show jumping sport, it isn’t over until it’s over.  Facing off in the speed match where double points were on the line, Riders USA had a chance to bring it back for the home crowd.  Ridland adjusted his strategy and sent Kraut back as the lead-off rider.  Riders USA’s confidence swelled when she came out victorious over Philippaerts riding Goofy van T Laerhof with a time of 61.20 versus the Belgian’s time of 61.83 seconds.  That put the score at four to three, with Riders USA quickly gaining on its opponents.

Staut was next in, posting a fast time of 57.43 riding Ayade de Septon et HDC that was soon eclipsed by Madden.  The newly-crowned Longines FEI World Cup Final champion brought in a fresh mount, Jiva, and raced to victory in a time of 57.02 seconds as the crowd went wild.  Suddenly Riders USA had pulled into the lead five to four.

New York City’s sweetheart Bloomberg laid it all on the line in the speed duel, leaving Wathelet in the dust with a brilliant ride.  Riders USA was staging a comeback of epic proportions, surging ahead seven to four.

The excitement continued to mount as Riders USA’s hopes looked bright, but Riders Europe were still breathing down its neck.  Sternlicht gave it her best shot with Pembroke, but when a rail fell Fredricson claimed two valuable points for Riders Europe, tightening the gap and making it seven to six in favor of the Americans.

It all came down to the final duel, which saw two of the fastest riders in the world pitted against each other.  Ward took no prisoners, guiding HH Gigi’s Girl home in a blistering fast time of 54.82 seconds.  Smolders had the weight of a continent riding on his shoulders, but the Dutchman never faltered, taking every risk to cross the timers in an unbelievable 52.91 seconds – by far the fastest time of the night – with Cas 2.  His perfectly calculated and executed performance gave Riders Europe the edge, putting the defending champions from Paris ahead by a nose to win eight to seven over Riders USA.

“It went right down to the wire!” exclaimed Guerdat of his team’s victory.  “We knew USA would be strong tonight because, as Robert said, after Paris they wanted to win back at home.  I have a team who are all champions and the best in the world at the moment.  It would be difficult to get a better team than this!”

Ridland was quick to promise that Riders USA will put up a strong fight the next time the two teams meet.

“We’re not giving up,” the American chef d’Equipe pledged.  “We went down to the wire in Paris and we went down to the wire again tonight.  That final duel was really one for the ages.  We put up one hell of a fight and a great second-half comeback.  We clawed our way back, and that’s what sport is about.

“It’s really exciting to see the top riders in the world going for speed,” concluded Ridland.  “It’s a great format, and I think everybody got their money’s worth tonight.  We’ll be back again!”

While Riders Europe claimed the first edition of the Riders Masters Cup, Riders USA promise a strong comeback for bragging rights when the next edition of the Riders Masters Cup is staged at the Longines Masters in Paris from November 30 to December 2, 2018.

Next Generation of Show Jumping Superstars Showcased in U25 Grand Prix EEM

The show jumping stars of the future were put in the international spotlight Saturday night by EEM with the U25 Grand Prix, open to athletes aged 25 and under.  Founder and producer of the Longines Masters, EEM affirmed its commitment to propelling the next generation forward in their sporting careers.  It was an all-American podium finish, much to the delight of the home crowd, with Catherine Wachtell (USA) of Long Valley, NJ, snatching the win following a five-horse jump-off.  Coached by Todd Minikus (USA), who is competing in the Masters One division in New York, Wachtell, 23, earned the victory with a time of 34.96 seconds aboard Indy van de Roten, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Autumn View Farm.

Hot on her heels was 17-year-old Samantha Cohen (USA) and Carmen, her 11-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood mare.  With Olympic team gold Medalist Laura Kraut as her coach, Cohen gave it her best effort trying to catch Wachtell but fell short of the win when stopping the clock in 35.75 seconds to finish runner-up.  Taking third step on the podium was Samantha Wight, 20, who took a conservative approach, jumping clear in a time of 40.92 seconds aboard Edison.

“It’s a great division and I think it’s one of the most competitive because you have all the young talent and really amazing horses,” said Wachtell, a recent Georgetown University graduate who will be attending Fordham Law School in New York in the fall.  “It’s tough, but it’s really awesome to be a part of!”

Harrie Smolders Scorches to Victory in Masters One Kingsland 1.45m

The world’s best show jumping athletes were once again showcased at the Longines Masters of New York in the $60,000 Masters One Kingsland 1.45m on Saturday, April 28.  Dutchman Harrie Smolders (NED), who is poised to ascend to the number one position in the Longines World Rankings, topped a six-horse jump-off to take the win.  Riding the 13-year-old Holsteiner stallion Capital Colnardo for owner Copernicus Stables, Smolders took charge of the jump-off by blazing around the shortened jump-off track in a time of 33.12 seconds, overtaking the lead from Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA), who had stopped the clock in 34.05 seconds aboard the nine-year-old Oldenburg stallion, Chalou.  Edward Levy (FRA) took third position on the podium riding Rafale d’Hyverniere after posting a clear jump-off performance in a time of 34.84 seconds.

“It was quite a good class with only six clears,” said Smolders of the Masters One 1.45 competition presented by leading European apparel company, Kingsland.  “(Course designer) Louis Konickx did a good job; it was quite delicate.  It was not very big, but still tough in enough to jump.  The time was perfectly set.  In the jump-off, there were very fast ones straight away.  I saw Emanuele Guadiano and thought he had a good pace; into the double combination he could have gone maybe a little faster.  That is the only place he left a little gap, and that is where I tried to beat him.”

Of his appearance in the inaugural Longines Masters of New York, which joins Paris and Hong Kong in the series, Smolders noted, “It is always a high-standard event, very exclusive with high quality service.  We are always happy to come to the Longines Masters anywhere in the world!”

American Victory as Devin Ryan Tops the Lamborghini Masters Power Six Bar

Requiring horsepower in its own right, the $20,000 Lamborghini Masters Power Six Bar saw the fences grow higher and higher as competitors fell by the wayside.  The last man standing was Devin Ryan (USA) and his 12-year-old Hanoverian mare, Florida, the only pair to successfully clear the final height of 1.80m and claim victory.

Hot off his impressive second-place finish in the recent 2018 Longines FEI World Cup Final in Paris, the Longines Masters of New York was Ryan’s first appearance back on American soil.  Hailing from nearby New Jersey, Ryan did not disappoint the home crowd, who willed the pair over each of the six fences on their way to the win.

“I decided I was going to do it for the spectators,” said Ryan, 36, of his decision to enter the Lamborghini Masters Power Six Bar with Florida, a horse he started riding last fall that goes by the nickname ‘Bambi’.  “She’s a really careful mare and it’s always good for a horse to go in a ring and do something a little different.  It was just like doing a gymnastic at home.  I don’t normally jump this high at home but if the horse can do it, it can do it.  She’s super easy to deal with, but when she puts her eye on a jump she turns into a spitfire and she lights up.”

Three riders tied for the runner-up spot after having a fence down in the final test.  Longines Ambassador of Elegance Jane Richards Philips (SUI) partnered with Calinesse de Guldenboom and two up-and-coming American female show jumping stars, Mavis Spencer (USA) aboard Dubai and Kristen Vanderveen (USA) riding Bastian 86, all tried their best, but only Ryan successfully left all the rails in the cups in a true demonstration of horse power.

Canada atop Masters Two Mark Cross Podium

Kicking off Saturday competition at the Longines Masters of New York, two-time Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers climbed to the top of the podium after claiming the Masters Two Trophy Mark Cross 1.40m. Deslauriers and Curo, a nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding were fastest in the one-round speed event to cross the timers clear in 57.11 seconds for the win.

“Curo is a blast to ride,” said Deslauriers, who competes for his home country of Canada, but now calls New York City home. “It was a nice change to bring him inside and show him the new fences, the crowd, and all the activity. He really grew up a lot this week.”

Deslauriers is at the Longines Masters of New York with his 18-year-old daughter Lucy, who is competing in the Masters One CSI5* division, saying, “Overall, the event is great and a nice new flavor. To have an indoor event with all the background performances, the boutique area, and this level of sport is a fresh look and I think we need more of that.”

Fellow Canadian competitor Wesley Newlands took second and Samantha Wight (USA) finished third.

Jennifer Kocher Wins Masters Three Oscar de la Renta 1.25m in Fine Fashion

Saturday’s highlight competition in the Masters Three division, the Oscar de la Renta 1.25m, was won by Jennifer Kocher (USA).  The win did not come easily as eight riders passed the first round test to advance to the jump-off over the course set by Louis Konickx of the Netherlands.  Four riders again jumped clear in the tie-breaker with Kocher posting the winning time of 36.02 seconds riding Elion V, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by her husband, Andrew Kocher (USA), who is contesting the Masters One division at the Longines Masters of New York.

Tori Corts (USA) finished second with a time 36.90 seconds riding the 14-year-old Chico Bello while Sweden was represented on the podium by Sophie Mörner, the only rider to qualify two horses, both owned by Lövsta Stuteri, for the jump-off.  It was her younger mount, the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Elliot, who stopped the clock in 38.46 for third place.

For full information on the 2018 Longines Masters of New York, visit www.longinesmasters.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Fantastic Finish for Erynn Ballard in Longines Speed Challenge of New York 1.50m

Erynn Ballard and Fantast. Photo by World Red Eye for EEM.

Canada’s Erynn Ballard (CAN) emerged victorious riding Fantast in the $100,000 Longines Speed Challenge at the Longines Masters of New York.  It was an all-female podium finish as the women outran the men in one of the only Olympic sports where the sexes compete as equals.  Contesting the identical track that riders already faced in the Season III Longines Masters of Paris and Hong Kong, Ballard’s speed prowess allowed her to take a two-second penalty for a dropped rail yet still emerge victorious with a time of 60.62 seconds.  Considered the world’s speed championship, Ballard’s time in the Longines Speed Challenge was faster than the 60.99 achieved by Julien Epaillard on home ground in Paris and eclipsed the time of 63.47 that Philipp Weishaupt of Germany posted riding Chacon in Hong Kong.

Leading into the competition, Longines Ambassador of Elegance and Co-founder of The Golden Hat Foundation Kate Winslet met local New York children with Autism and accepted a check on behalf of The Golden Hat Foundation, the Longines Masters of New York official nonprofit partner. The Longines Masters of New York also honored Long Island military with a procession by the Marine Corps color guard and mounted police, and EEM received an official citation issued by Nassau County officials, welcoming the Longines Masters Series to New York.

“The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the way people on the autism spectrum are perceived, by shining a light on their abilities and emphasizing their potential. With proper education and career training, these individuals can truly realize their dreams. Tonight is a shining example of how organizations, like Longines and the Longines Masters of New York, can make an impact to further Autism Awareness in their community,” said Winslet.

New York’s Brianne Goutal-Marteau (USA) kept all the rails in place aboard Fineman, owned by Rose Hill Farm, but finished more than a full second behind Ballard’s time, stopping the clock in 61.86 seconds.  As the first rider on course, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) set the early pace with a time of 62.04 seconds that kept her on the podium in third place with Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili.

“I don’t think there’s anything better!” said Ballard of her Longines Masters debut.  “I was excited to ride here tonight in front of a big crowd; they were cheering for you and cheering for Canada.  As soon as you walk in the ring, you are excited to be here.  It’s really an honor.”

Speaking of the key to her victory with the13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion owned by Sagamore Farms, Ballard said, “I think the biggest difference is that my horse has so much natural speed.  His legs are fast, he has a big-stride, and he can turn fast.  I think we won from start to finish.  He’s that fast!”

Created in 2010 by EEM, Founder and Producer of the Longines Masters Series Paris Hong Kong New York, the Longines Speed Challenge is the fastest show jumping competition in the world and always a crowd favorite.  The Longines Speed Challenge is presented by Longines, Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Series.

Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet Tops International Jump-Off in Masters One Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.50m

Gregory Wathelet stood atop an international podium following his sensational win in the $35,000 Masters One Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.50m on Friday evening, April 27, at the Longines Masters of New York. As the first of six riders to contest the shortened jump-off track set by Dutch course designer Louis Konickx, Wathelet laid down the gauntlet by steering Iphigeneia de Muze to a clear round in a time of 31.74 seconds. None who followed was fast enough to catch the Belgian Olympian, with French speed master and 2014 World Championship double silver medalist Patrice Delaveau posing the biggest threat with a time of 32.13 seconds aboard Aquila HDC, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Haras des Coudrettes. Canada’s Erynn Ballard ensured podium representation from north of the U.S. border by taking third with Catoki’s Son Z for owners Ilan Ferder and Tal Milstein.

“She is ten, but she hasn’t done so much at this level,” said Wathelet of his winning mount, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Dawa Invest – JL Horses. “I have had her for three years, but I took my time. In the last few shows she got better and better. This was the first time she has been on the plane and I was a bit worried, but she did fine.

“We are all familiar with the Longines Masters in Paris and Hong Kong and this is the same concept with a big show that has a great atmosphere,” continued Wathelet. “This is new and the place is good. I hope the weekend brings the same kind of atmosphere as Paris because that is what makes a show!”

Mavis Spencer Reigns over Masters Two 1.45m

Los Angeles, CA native Mavis Spencer dominated the jump-off of the Masters Two Eastern Hay 1.45m competition to earn her first win at the Longines Masters of New York. Riding Sweet Tricia, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare that she characterizes as having everything one looks for in a top horse, Spencer bested a three-horse jump-off with a double-clear performance in 39.10 seconds.

“I did the Longines Masters of Los Angeles two years ago and I think it is incredible to have the European environment and horse show that they are able to create here,” said Spencer, whose family spends a lot of time in New York, making it her second home. “This is a super venue and the Longines Masters has done a really nice job. I was really excited to be able to come and show here in New York.”

Joining Spencer on the podium, New York, NY resident and trainer at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, Lucy Davis (USA) rode Cassis 54 to second. They were also clear over the short course in 44.27 seconds. Canada’s Bretton Chad rounded out the top three with The Pugilist on five faults.

Ireland Victorious in Masters Two 1.35m

Jonathan Corrigan won for his home country of Ireland in the first class of Day 2 at the Longines Masters of New York on Friday, April 27. Fifth in the ring from a field of 21, he claimed the Masters Two Écuries d’Ecaussinnes 1.35m accumulator competition with a clear round for 65 points – the class sponsor is the breeding and sport stable founded in 1997 by Christophe Ameeuw, CEO of EEM. A time of 44.14 seconds riding Javas Keltic Mist, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, gave the Irish duo the win. Also jumping clear for podium appearances, Tori Corts (USA) took second on Chellini and Cara Raether Carey (USA) finished third riding Cocarie.

Summer Paulos Can’t Be Beat

For the second day in a row, Summer Paulos stood atop the Longines Masters of New York podium after winning the Masters Three The Fuel Stop 1.25m speed competition. Hailing from Newtown, CT, Paulos and Balans RV, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, topped the field by recording a clear round in 49.53 seconds. The time was just over a second ahead of runner up and New York native Charles Stevens. He and Balando finished second, while Lilli Hymowitz took third riding Cylana.

Alexandra Cherubini Has the Speed

Speed was key in the Masters Three Old Salem Farm 1.15m competition. Alexandra Cherubini of Boston, MA had just that to top the field riding her own Lando, a 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding. They broke the timers clear in 49.03 seconds for the victory. Gabrielle Freund set an early lead as the first to go, but settled for second riding No Sunday Sales. Rounding out the podium positions was Grace Busch, who took third for the second day in a row aboard Royal Landor.

For full information on the 2018 Longines Masters of New York, visit www.longinesmasters.com.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jennifer@jumpmediallc.com

Ridland Reveals Long List for Team USA in Second Duel of the Riders Masters Cup

The global rivalry is heating up again as the Chefs d’Equipe from Team USA and Team Europe officially submitted their long lists this week. Team Europe, triumphant in Paris in December, will look to sweep as Philippe Guerdat, the gold medal coach from the 2016 Rio Olympics, plans to bring over a roster of top talent to defend the title. Ridland, the American legend whose underdog team nearly shocked the European squad in front of a packed French crowd, is hoping that on home soil, with some lineup changes and strategic learnings, his roster of stars will reign victorious when the Riders Masters Cup, created by EEM and presented by EEF and Founding Partner Longines, comes to New York April 28, 2018.

Who better to lead Team USA into battle at the Riders Masters Cup in New York than hometown heroes and Olympic gold medalists McLain Ward and Beezie Madden?

Ward, who sits at No. 3 in the FEI Longines Show Jumping Standings, is most likely to lead the riders into battle with Madden (currently ranked #23) for Team USA as they take on some of Team Europe’s best show jumpers in an epic battle for the Riders Masters Cup.

With only 5 spots on each Team, which must include one under 25 rider, joining Ward and Madden as they battle for American glory will be two selections from veteran superstars Laura Kraut and Lauren Hough, or potential young guns Kristen Vanderveen, Andrew Ramsay, Jessica Springsteen, and Quentin Judge, who would bring lots of energy to the team competition.

Local standouts Adrienne Sternlicht and Lucy Deslauriers join west coast rising star Jennifer Gates competing for the single Under-25 spot on Team USA.

Ridland and this more experienced squad, whatever the final makeup, are poised for vindication and ready to fly the flag high in what promises to be epic competition, action packed sport, and intense team rivalry keeping fans on the edge of their seats! This is an event not to be missed when the transatlantic battle continues and pins these two international showjumping super powers against one another in an epic battle of strategy and sport.

The final teams and the official draw for the order-of-go will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018, during the press preview on opening day of the Longines Masters of New York!

Make sure to follow www.RidersMastersCup.com for updates and for the reveal of Team Europe in the days to come! Don’t forget to share the love for Riders Masters Cup and the team you support on social media with the hashtags #WaveYourFlag and #RidersMastersCup.

Beat Mändli Claims Top Prize in $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington

Beat Mändli and Dsarie. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

October 28, 2017 – Beat Mändli of Switzerland made his first visit to the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) a successful one, claiming the victory in the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, on Saturday night.

Competing for the coveted President of the United States Perpetual Cup, donated by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, as well as valuable Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifying points, the grand prix was the highlight event of the week-long show, continuing through Sunday, at the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

Mändli was one of 26 international jumper competitors to contest the first round track set by course designer Alan Wade (IRL), and he and his mount Dsarie, owned by Grant Road Partners GmbH, were one of 11 combinations to advance to the jump-off. As the sixth to return, Mändli and the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare set what proved to be an untouchable time of 32.07 seconds.

U.S. Olympian and reigning Longines FEI World Cup™ champion McLain Ward came the closest to besting Mändli, finishing in second aboard HH Callas, owned by Double H Farm, with a time of 32.30 seconds. Young U.S. rider Catherine Tyree, 23, rounded out the top three in a time of 33.83 seconds aboard Enjoy Louis, owned by Mary and Joseph Tyree.

“I feel great. Everything worked out better than I was thinking at the start of the week,” said Mändli. “I’m just super happy for the horse and for the whole team. It was a great night for me.”

It was a good night for Ward as well, who only partnered with HH Callas, a ten-year-old warmblood mare, at the beginning of the 2017 show season.

“I was pleased. We didn’t have a brilliant grand prix last week in Tryon. It was nice to rebound and have a good finish today,” said Ward. “Beat had a spectacular jump-off tonight. You were going to have to be pretty perfect to be able to catch him.”

With 11 horses in the jump-off, the first-round course proved slightly easier than Alan Wade anticipated, but the course designer was still happy with the outcome.

“I thought they’d have had to ride harder to jump clear, but horses seemed to be jumping very well,” said Wade. “Still at the end of the jump-off, the cream rose to the top, and the best competitors are here on the podium.”

Part of the reason for the horses jumping well could be attributed to new footing installed in the Capital One Arena for the 2017 horse show, something that WIHS President Victoria Lowell spoke to following the class.

“There was no question that we had to invest in the best possible footing for the horses,” Lowell said. “I was so happy to hear the positive feedback that we had this year because [the footing] was the most important thing to our board this year. The World Cup designation is very, very important to us. We need to make sure that this event continues. It’s a very historic event; it’s a very special event because it’s downtown in the city much like Madison Square Garden was. We work very, very hard to make it the best show possible.”

Following the conclusion of Saturday night’s class, several special awards were presented along with the top grand prix prizes. Mändli was presented with the $10,000 Leading International Rider Award, sponsored by Robin Parsky; the Leading Foreign Rider Award, and the International Jumper Championship. Tyree was awarded the $10,000 Leading 25 Years of Age & Under Award, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, and the Leading Lady Rider Award, sponsored by Longines. The Leading Jumper Owner Award went to Grant Road Partners.

The George Morris Style of Riding Award was also presented earlier in the day to Mändli, as the International Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation and jumping and the respectful, dignified, and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

Newly introduced this year in honor of the late Dr. John Steele, the “Doc Steele” Spirit Award, presented by M. Michael Meller, went to Cristalline, ridden by Adrienne Sternlicht and owned by Gabrielle Kuna, recognized as the horse that best exemplifies the heart and athleticism necessary to be competitive at the highest levels of show jumping.

www.wihs.org

HH Carlos Z Leaves Equestrian Sport with a Win at WIHS CSI4*-W

McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2017 — It was a bittersweet night for show jumping fans as they saw one of the sport’s best in his final competition. HH Carlos Z went out on top with victory in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final, presented by the Man O’ War Project in partnership with Columbia University Medical Center. As HH Carlos Z and McLain Ward (USA) entered the arena for their victory gallop, it was announced that “Carlos” would retire.

Riding out of the 11th spot in the order in the faults converted (Table C) format class, Ward and HH Carlos Z, a 15-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Chellano Z owned by Double H Farm, finished in 57.77 seconds.

“I love the format of this class,” Ward said. “It’s a 1.50m, but a Table C, so people can have a fence down and still be in the mix. I think it makes it a much more exciting class for the spectators.”

Devin Ryan (USA) and Eddie Blue, owned by LL Show Jumpers LLC, were second in 58.50 seconds, while Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Lady Maria BH placed third with a time of 59.05 seconds.

Following the class, Ward stated, “That’s it. He’s done. He’s given more than he had to give. He’s been an incredible horse, an incredible winner. He’s won everything from five-star grand prixs and jumped Nations’ Cups to being a day in and day out winner.

“I wanted the horse to win a good class to finish on,” he continued. “I didn’t want him to end poorly. This is a nice moment, and I’m very, very grateful to Mr. Harrison and Double H Farm to have the opportunity to ride this horse and also for the opportunity to care for him and retire him in the way he deserves.”

Ward concluded, “He’s always been a winner when it counted. He did it again. It’s a little bittersweet, but he doesn’t owe us anything.”

The Jump for TAPS Challenge raised $16,000 on Friday night, with every clear over the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) fence raising money for the WIHS Official Military Charity.

Aaron Vale Clears 6’7” to Win $25,000 International Jumper Puissance

Aaron Vale (USA) and Finou earned their second consecutive WIHS Puissance victory on Friday night, this year clearing 6’7” to take the win in the $25,000 International Jumper Puissance, presented by The Boeing Company.

“It’s the horse,” said Vale on the secret to tying with McLain Ward in 2016 and winning outright in 2017. “This horse actually has quite a bit of talent for this. It feels like he could actually jump a very big wall if the class played out that way. He’s very comfortable at it, and it’d be exciting to try something pretty high with him if it ever happened. My personal best is 7’2 ¼”. If I made higher it than that – that’s pretty high to me.”

The Puissance wall began set at a height of 1.80m (5’11”) and gradually progressed to the 6’7” height through four rounds of competition. Four horse and rider combinations all successfully contested the first round, with Paulo Santana (ESA) being the first eliminated after failing to clear the wall in the second round with his mount Una du Keske Z, owned by Santana Stables LLC.

Finishing in third were Kama Godek (USA) and her own De Grande. Following Godek and De Grande’s elimination in the third round, only Vale and Hunter Holloway (USA) aboard Cassevel, owned by Hays Investment Corp., remained, and Holloway elected to save the gelding jumps for another day, opting out of the fourth round. Vale could have chosen to also call it a night and accept a tie, but much to the enjoyment of the crowd, he chose to return for a fourth and final round.

“We’ve got a big crowd here today, number one,” Vale said on his reasoning for choosing to return. “Number two, my horse actually is a very fresh horse, so he needs work. He’ll be jumping the grand prix tomorrow night. Last year he jumped five rounds, and then he jumped clean in the grand prix, so four rounds might not have been enough work for him! Maybe I should have come back one more time!”

Emma Kurtz Rides Dedication to Grand Junior Hunter Championship

The 2017 WIHS Grand Junior Hunter Championship and the Ides of March Perpetual Trophy, donated by Linda Lee and Lee Reynolds and given to the grand championship winner, were presented to Emma Kurtz of Hudson, OH and Dedication, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

On their way to winning the grand championship, Kurtz and Dedication, a 12-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding (by Casado), earned two firsts and a third over fences to take the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship and the Chance Step Perpetual Trophy, presented by Chansonette Farms and donated by Brooke Carmichael-McMurray-Fowler and Pam Carmichael Keenan. The division reserve championship went to MTM Hands Down, ridden by Annabel Revers of Weston, MA and owned by Beechwood Stables LLC.

At the 2016 WIHS, Kurtz rode Wisdom, owned by Rivers Edge, to the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter championship, but this year marked her first time claiming the WIHS Grand Junior Hunter Championship.

“It’s amazing [to win here],” said Kurtz of Hudson, OH. “For [Dedication] to come in here and be bombproof is awesome.”

Kurtz, 16, acquired the ride on Dedication in mid-2016 and has made winning on the gelding look easy ever since, but the 17-hand gelding has his quirks.

“He’s a little funny about his leads. We never practice lead changes at home, so that he doesn’t get nervous for them,” Kurtz explained “He’s also particular about the way you hold your body over the jump. You have to give him enough time off the ground, but bend over enough the he doesn’t hit it behind. It’s a formula for sure.

“But he jumps amazing. He’s beautiful, he’s a good mover – he’s the whole package,” said Kurtz. “We love him.”

In the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters, sponsored by the Wasserman Foundation, the championship went to Annabel Revers and Kingpin, owned by Beechwood Stables. The reserve championship was awarded to Haley Redifer of Barboursville, VA and her own Linus.

The Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter division championship, also sponsored by the Wasserman Foundation, went to Stella Wasserman of Beverly Hills, CA riding Boss, owned by Laura Wasserman. Finishing in reserve were Sophie Gochman and Dominik, owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC.

In the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter division, it was Augusta Iwasaki of Calabasas, CA who claimed the championship aboard Small Affair, owned by Lyn Pedersen. For her performances and display of horsemanship and sportsmanship, Iwasaki was selected as the Best Child Rider on a Horse, sponsored by Gotham North, and she was presented with the DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Mark DiVecchia, for the win.

“It’s really exciting,” said Iwasaki, 13, of her win. “It’s very exciting to come into the city. I think it’s just so different and so cool because when do you get to drive into a city and just show on the streets?”

Taking the reserve championship in the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters were Brooke Morin of Calabasas, CA and Seaside, owned by Strasburg Morin Inc.

The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals also kicked off on Friday, and Ava Stearns currently sits at the top of the leaderboard with a score of 89 in the hunter phase. Sam Walker, Alexandra Worthington, Annabel Revers, Haley Redifer, and McKayla Langmeier round out the top six riders, consecutively, heading into the jumper phase. The hunter and jumper scores will then be averaged to determine the top ten riders who will then participate in the final work-off phase.

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Paige Kouimanis and Carly Hoft Claim $10k WIHS Adult and Children’s Jumper Championships

Carly Hoft and Available Ohio. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

WASHINGTON – October 25, 2017 – The 59th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) continued on Wednesday, October 25, with the second day of competition featuring the $10,000 WIHS Children’s and $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championships, the awarding of the professional and amateur-owner hunter championships, and the $10,000 International Jumper speed class.

The first jumper victory of the 2017 WIHS went to 18-year-old Carly Hoft of Raleigh, NC who rode Available Ohio to the win in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship. From a starting field of 25 entries, six advanced to the jump-off, and only Hoft and Available Ohio produced a double clear round, taking the win in a time of 32.158 seconds. Jumpers this week are competing over courses designed by Alan Wade of Ireland, who designed the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

Finishing in second were Isabel Harbour of Alpharetta, GA and her mount Camera Ready, owned by Fit to Print Farm. Hoft was presented with the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy for her win.

“It’s really awesome [to win here],” said Hoft, who trains with Don Stewart. “I’ve always wanted the red cooler and especially the cupcakes! I just think it’s so cool to be here. The horses walking in the street and riding in this ring – it’s just really cool and special.”

Hoft has had Available Ohio for a year and a half and has come to count on him as her trusted partner.

“He is just so much fun,” said Hoft, who has previously competed at WIHS in both the pony divisions and the WIHS Equitation Finals. “Every time in the ring I just go in and have fun and smile. I know he’s always there for me. In the jump-off, he was really good. He was fast and careful, and he did everything I wanted him to do.”

Hoft will also compete in Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals on Saturday, October 28, before heading back to Auburn University where she is a freshman on the school’s National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) team.

Paige Kouimanis (20) of Clarence, NY and Lexus were victorious in the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championships. Out of a starting field of 26, they were the only clear round out of ten in the jump-off to win with a time of 35.876 seconds.

“He’s been nothing but phenomenal,” said Kouimanis of the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding. “I’m in college, so it’s hard for me to ride him as often as I would like to, but I’ve made it work with indoors.”

Kouimanis is currently attending Hobart & William Smith College, and this is her first time competing at WIHS. “I was second last weekend at Harrisburg, which motivated me to push Lex a little harder. I could feel going right into the in-gate that he felt really on his game. I missed almost a week of school to be here, and it feels so good to be able to come out with the win. It was well worth the week missed!”

Along with her inaugural WIHS experience, this is Kouimanis’s first time in Washington, D.C. She noted, “I love all the historical sites, the White House, the museums. I think it’s amazing how they put the horse show on right in the city.”

Scott Stewart Sweeps Top Professional Hunter Honors at WIHS

For the tenth time in his career, Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL was named the WIHS Leading Hunter Rider after winning both the Grand Green Hunter Championship with Wonderly and the Grand Hunter Championship with Private Life.

Stewart and Private Life, a six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (by Verdi) owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, swept all three of the Green Conformation Hunter over fences classes to take the division championship and ultimately the Grand Hunter Championship. Stewart and Private Life were presented with the Rave Review Challenge Trophy, donated by Stoney Hill, for the championship victory.

“He’s just amazing,” said Stewart of Private Life. “He jumps unbelievably. He’s not spooky. He’s so easy, (that) it’s almost hard. He doesn’t pull on you; he doesn’t do anything.”

Stewart acquired Private Life from Morgan Ward two years ago after seeing great potential in the horse and being struck by both his personality and his jump.

“He may not look it, but he’s really scopey,” said Stewart. “When we tried him, we jumped him over four feet, and it was easy for him. We brought him to a very strange ring outside, and he jumped everything, so his mind was great. I thought he was going to be an attractive horse and a conformation horse, but he was very immature at the time. All of a sudden last year he started to blossom and look like a beautiful conformation horse.”

Stewart’s second grand championship of the day came aboard Wonderly, an eight-year-old Brandenburger gelding (by Burberry) also owned by Parker. Stewart and Wonderly earned the Grand Green Hunter Championship after finishing first, second, and third in the Green Hunter 3’6” over fences classes and earning the Green Hunter 3’6” championship. For the Grand Green Hunter Championship, Stewart and Wonderly were presented with the Claire Lang Miller Challenge Trophy as the high point combination from all of the Green Hunter divisions.

“[Wonderly] went great. He’s laid back, which is nice. It used to be that he was a little bit too casual, but I think he’s getting fitter,” said Stewart. “All of my hunters look like they’re fat, but they’re actually pretty fit and muscled up. They go in the ‘gym’ every day, and they get ridden almost every day. He’s pretty strong.”

Finishing as the reserve champions behind Stewart in both the Green Conformation Hunters and the Green Hunter 3’6” were Leslie Steele of Calabasas, CA and Top Shelf, owned by Milissa Summer.

Before concluding his time at WIHS, Stewart also earned two reserve championships, first in the High Performance Hunter division with Cameo, owned by Parker, and next in the High Performance Conformation Hunters with Lucador, also owned by Parker.

“I love being in the city here,” said Stewart. “It’s great to be here, and it’s probably the closest to the [former National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden] because of the city atmosphere.”

Earning the championship in the High Performance Hunters was In the Know, ridden by Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD and owned by Madeline Schaefer. In the High Performance Conformation Hunters, Boss, ridden by John French of Paso Robles, CA and owned by Laura Wasserman, took the top honors.

Lindsay Maxwell Named Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Rider

The Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Rider award and the Frank Counselman Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Championship were presented to Lindsay Maxwell of Beverly Hills, CA and her own Technicolor.

The pair came into the day without a ribbon in the first over fences class, but they rose to the occasion to win both of Wednesday’s Amateur-Owner 35 & Under Hunter classes before also being named the division champions.

“He always lives up to it when it really counts,” said Maxwell of Technicolor, a seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding she purchased two years ago. “He’s a performer through and through. He loves to horse show; he doesn’t love to practice. He’s an incredible horse because he knows when it’s a big stage and a big deal. When I was hacking my horses in here on Monday, I could tell right away when ‘Nico’ walked in that he was ready for this.”

This year marks Maxwell’s second time competing at WIHS, and this year, she’s also joined in support of the horse show as the sponsor of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals.

“This show is incredible. This was definitely one of my big goals this year because I think this is a really difficult show, so being champion and doing well here was a goal that I’m just thrilled that we were able to obtain,” said Maxwell, whose non-profit organization launched the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Grant this year, allowing one rider to compete in the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund WIHS Equitation Finals with all expenses paid. “We’re really excited to be able to support the Finals. I think that equitation, and especially the equitation finals, are so crucial to juniors’ careers and being able to give someone the opportunity to come here and do that is really special.”

Finishing as the reserve champions of the Amateur-Owner 35 & Under Hunters were Nikki Diamantis of Tallahassee, FL and her own Cascina.

The Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter Championship went to Emily Morin of McLean, VA and her own Ace of Spades, while the reserve championship was presented to Kirsten Pollin of Washington, D.C. riding her own Incognito.

Virginia Fout and Carma Claim Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Grand Championship

In the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” divisions, the grand championship was awarded to Virginia Fout and her own Carma for the second consecutive year. Fout topped two over fences class and the under saddle to win the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter 3’3” division championship and to take the grand championship.

“He’s just amazing. I’m so lucky,” said Fout of Carma. “I think he really loves this venue, obviously. I’m just so fortunate to have him and have a partnership with him.”

For her grand championship win, Fout was presented with the inaugural Bucky Reynolds Memorial Award, sponsored by Ernie Oare and Reynolds’s sister, Betty Oare.

Winning the trophy in honor of Reynolds, who passed away earlier this year, made the grand championship honor extra special for Fout.

Betty and Ernie Oare were really good friends of my parents, who have since passed away, so I’ve known them my entire life,” said Fout. “We’ve all known each other forever, and it was pretty neat to win that the first year that they [presented] it for Bucky. It meant something other than just a name. He was just really nice and always kind and lovely.”

While Fout originally hails from nearby Middleburg, VA, she now resides in Los Angeles, CA, where she owns and operates the event management compaNY V Productions.

“I have a huge meeting tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. so I have to make it home tonight, otherwise that’s going to be a problem,” said Fout, who also has a six-year-old daughter, Logan, with husband Michael Whetstone. “I juggle between the two for sure. You just figure out how to make it work. You do conference calls from inside a quiet room and then you go back out and you get on your horse!”

The reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter 3’3” division was awarded to Lynn Seithel of Charleston, SC and Walk The Moon.

The Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter 3’3” championship went to Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC and her own Breaux, and the reserve championship went home to Tallahassee, FL with Lindsey Phipps and her own Reign.

www.wihs.org

Request Your 2017 Capital Challenge Horse Show Prize List Today

Hunt Tosh and Chicago at the 2016 Capital Challenge Horse Show. Photo by Jump Media.

Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The prize list for the newly-expanded Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by the World Equestrian Center, will be available online this August and mailed to all competitors who have participated in the show in the last three years and to those requesting a hard copy.

Requests for physical copies of the prize list for the 2017 Capital Challenge Horse Show, to be held over 10 days on September 29 through October 8 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, can be made by emailing Michele at mmarkward@capitalchallenge.org.

Following its official release, the prize list can be found online at www.capitalchallenge.org, along with entry information and links to this year’s all-new online entry system. The Capital Challenge Horse Show will be utilizing the Show Management System Electronic Entries Platform to process entries and to communicate with hopeful competitors about their acceptance status. All competitors and trainers are encouraged to submit their entries through this service, with entries accepted strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Entries for the 2017 show will open at 12 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 2, and will close on September 1. To submit entries or to learn more about the electronic entry process, please visit https://entries.showmanagementsystem.com.

Hunter and equitation judges for the 24th edition of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include Linda Andrisani, Chance Arakelian, Kim Dorfman, Scott Fitton, Brian Lenehan, Bobbie Reber, Danny Robertshaw, and Steve Wall.

To learn more about this year’s competition highlights, including the BigEq.com Equitation Weekend; the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Finals; the $25,000 3’ and 3’3” Green Hunter North American Championship, sponsored by the Wheeler family; and much more, visit www.capitalchallenge.org.

Emily Riden
Jump Media
emily@jumpmediallc.com

Andrew Ramsay Claims $130k Empire State Grand Prix CSI3* at Old Salem Farm

Andrew Ramsay. Photo by The Book.

Andrew Ramsay (USA) led the victory gallop in the $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix CSI3*, presented by The Kincade Group, riding Cocq a Doodle to conclude the 2017 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows on Sunday, May 21, at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.

“It has been awhile, probably two or three years, since I’ve won a grand prix. It is a great feeling to do it again. It has been fantastic to have Doodle here on the field and be good enough today to get it done. It’s been a very good weekend.” ~Andrew Ramsay

After a second-place finish in the feature grand prix during the first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Ramsay and Cocq a Doodle, owned by The Doodle Group, moved up for a victory in the $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, in a three-horse jump-off. The only double-clear effort of the day belonged to Ramsay, who stopped the clock at 45.50 seconds over a jump-off track built by 2017 Longines FEI World Cup Final course designer Alan Wade (IRL).

Madison Goetzmann Wins $15,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic

Earlier in the day on the Grand Prix Field, Madison Goetzmann, 17, of Skeanatles, NY, won the $15,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Beval Saddlery, riding her own Prestigious. They bested the eight horses that advanced to the jump-off with a clear round over the short course in 31.172 seconds.

“He’s an incredible horse. He has amazing scope, but we have been taking our time. Each week, things just keep getting better and better, and we’ve developed a better partnership.” ~ Madison Goetzmann

Charlise Casas and Rembrandt Blue, owned by Always Faithful Equine, LLC, were second with a time of 31.537 seconds, and Katie Tyler took third riding her won Shet du Thot in 32.842 seconds.

For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.

By Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Beezie Madden and Breitling LS Capture $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix CSI2*

Beezie Madden and Breitling LS. Photo by The Book.

Four-time U.S. Olympic medalist Beezie Madden claimed victory in the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix CSI2*, presented by The Kincade Group, riding Breitling LS on Sunday, May 14, at the 2017 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running through May 21 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Also on Sunday, Early Winter, owned and ridden by Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell, of New York, NY, was named Grand Junior Hunter Champion to highlight hunter competition.

“Anytime you win it is special because this is quite a humbling sport; you can win one day and be on the ground the next. Last year, I concentrated a lot on the Olympics and didn’t try to win many grand prix events, but this horse has picked up two wins already this year and it feels great.” — Beezie Madden

Madden, who hails from Cazenovia, NY, bested a field of 48 horses for the win over a course designed by Ken Krome of Westminster, MD. Riding Breitling LS, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Quintero x Accord II) owned by Abigail Wexner, Madden was third to return in a ten-horse jump-off and crossed the timers clear in 37.34 seconds, which eventually stood for the win.

Early Winter Named Grand Junior Hunter Champion

Highlighting awards in the hunter rings at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, Early Winter, owned and ridden by Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell, was named Grand Junior Hunter Champion. Krysiewicz-Bell and Early Winter, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding, won all three classes over fences, were first in the handy, and second under saddle to earn champion honors in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Division, and their first Grand Junior Hunter Championship together.

“He can do anything. We won the handy at Junior Hunter Finals together two years ago, went to Pessoa Medal Finals last year, and I have done schooling jumper classes with him. He is probably the horse that has improved my riding the most. He is so versatile, and I can get so much experience on him.” — Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell

Krysiewicz-Bell, 16, is a sophomore at Marymount School of New York at when she isn’t training with Andre Dignelli and Patricia Griffith at Heritage Farm in Katonah, NY. She added Early Winter to her string as an equitation mount, but competes him in hunter and jumper classes as well.

www.oldsalemfarm.net
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