Category Archives: Hunter/Equitation

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy have taken the USHJA International Hunter Derbies by storm this year, taking top ribbons in the prestigious events. Photo By: SportFot

Furnace, PA – July 3, 2012 – The 2012 State College Classic saw an overwhelming victory from SBS Farms, Inc. last week. Jennifer Alfano dominated the professional divisions with her top mounts, as well as securing the first place award in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with the talented Jersey Boy. Luke Olsen caught the judges’ eyes in the equitation classes, earning the first place prize with Serenade in the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal. Jessica Liffin took the Low Junior/Amateur Hunter Reserve Championship aboard Imparco.

In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Danny Robertshaw’s Lions Paw with Alfano in the irons stole the show. Lions Paw was awarded the blue ribbon for his beautiful conformation in the Model. Alfano then guided the thoroughbred to the first and second place ribbons over fences, as well as the first place award in the under saddle. They eventually secured the division’s reserve championship honors. Alfano also exhibited Dragon, owned by Redfield Farm, to two second place finishes in the over fences and the handy round.

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Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Classic Company Debuts $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby in Atlanta, Wraps Up Another Successful Two Weeks of Competition

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Keep Dreamin' and Ashton Alexander in the winner's circle with President of Classic Company, Bob Bell

The Classic Company’s Atlanta Summer II wrapped up on Sunday, June 24, 2012 and the hunters were out in full force! The Classic Company had an overwhelming popular response to its inaugural $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby which closed out the successful two weeks on Sunday. The course was set by noted course designer Alan Rheinheimer.

“It was really magnificent,” said Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company. “The trainers really liked it. It was a great opportunity to showcase their pony hunter talent.”

Of the thirty seven entries, it was Keep Dreamin’, owned by Katie Dinan, LLC and ridden by Ashton Alexander, who took the first place honors. Brad Spragg, Keep Dreamin’s trainer and owner of the Atlanta Hunt Club in Smyrna, Georgia, said, “She really did a great job. The pony is just wonderful. What a great class this is to showcase the up and coming talent in our industry.”

Atlanta II featured the always popular Outback Steakhouse Dinner to benefit Hope Clinic and everyone was treated to the Jump and Run Classic class and the $35,000 Outback Grand Prix saw 36 entries on Saturday night.

Besides two weeks of perfect weather at the international facility, riders were treated to weekly exhibitor parties.

VIP seating was available in the Grand Prix arena and was sold out as soon as it was announced. “We were really pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response and will definitely offer it again,” said Bell. “We will be offering dinners at the Fall shows, too,” he added. The night classes continued to see a packed ringside around the international stadium. “It’s so much fun watching the night classes,” said Dylan Thomas of Judy’s Tack Shop. “I get to see old friends and watch some great competition,” she added.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summerfest and Aiken Fall Festival Update

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The prize list for the 2012 Atlanta Summerfest August 16-19 and 23-26 and Aiken Fall Festival September 6-9 and 13-16 is now available on our web site and will be in the mail this week. Both show series include many exciting features including a $10,000 Open Jumper Classic each week at the Atlanta Summerfest as well as a USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Aiken Fall Festival will again feature a $5,000 Open Welcome Stake each week, a $15,000 Open Jumper Classic each week, a USHJA National Hunter Derby, and is proud to again be the host of the 2012 South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Medal Finals. Many social events are planned for each show as well as the hospitality and customer service you have come to expect from Equus Events. Stalls sell out quickly at both of these events so please make sure to get your entries in on time!

NEW SHOW – Equus Events is pleased to announce a new show, The Harvest Classic October 12-14 at Highfields in Aiken, SC. This show will be a USEF A rated event and include a $1,000 Pony Hunter Derby, a $1,000 Children’s/Adult Hunter Derby, and a $5,000 Open Jumper Classic.

Thank you for your continued support of Equus Events and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Saturday Night at Alltech National Horse Show to Benefit USET Foundation

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The USET Foundation jump, created by Brody Robertson, will be used at this year's Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY – June 26, 2012 – The 2012 Alltech National Horse Show announced today that for the second year in a row, the Saturday evening performance will once again benefit the United States Equestrian Team Foundation.

Following a successful debut last year, the second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is scheduled for October 30 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

During the Saturday evening performance, featuring the show’s main event, the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix, the horse show will share 50% of the night’s gate receipts with the USET Foundation.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international high performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. Its main tasks are to support athletes, promote international excellence and build for the future.

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Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classic 2012

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Today our $25,000 NickerDoodle Pony Hunter Derby Classic was a great success.  Allen Rheinheimer built a course that took up the entire Grand Prix ring at the Georgia International Horse Park, 400′ x 460′.  He built a course with some jumps that were more than 36 feet wide with all three heights included.  I will post a video soon of the class so that you can all see this amazing course.  The class was judged by Thom Brede and Frank Willard.

Won by Keep Dreamin, owned by Katie Dinan, ridden by Ashton Alexander

2. Spellbound, Kelsey Landrum, Aleece Jarman

3. Harley Davey, Laura Barrett-Gurtis, Devin Seek

4. Kiss Me, Carter Anderson owner/rider

5. Steal the Crowd, Alanna Fischer, Bernadette Chungunco

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Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classic 2012

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Welcome Class was won by Nolde, owned by Jack Towell and show to the win by Hardin Towell.

2. Lazaro, Jordan Oyene, owner/rider
3. Tao Tao 3 M/M Chuck Waters, Hayley Waters
4. Fieona, Maloney/Towell, Hardin Towell
5. Cadence, Procedures, Megan Edrick
6. Rocketman, Megan Edrick
7. Appollo Van Evendael
8. Winchester Bridelbourne Stables, Theo Genn

USHJA National Hunter Derby was won again this week by Marksmann, owned by Marilla Van Beuren and ridden by Elizabeth Boyd.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Abigail McArdle Takes Two Blues at Spruce Meadows

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Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 won the $3,500 Trimac Junior/Amateur Jumpers and the $5,000 AECOM Junior/Amateur Cup at Spruce Meadows. Photo By: Parker/Russel - The Book, LLC

Calgary, Alberta – June 18, 2012 – Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 continued to take the 1.40m Junior/Amateur Jumpers by storm during the second week of the Spruce Meadows Tournament. The pair claimed two victories, winning the $3,500 Trimac Junior/Amateur Jumper event on Friday and the $5,000 AECOM Junior/Amateur Cup on Sunday. They produced double-clear efforts in each class to lead the victory gallop at the prestigious horse show. McArdle also competed in the Rocky Mountain Show Jumping, winning the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search for the second week in a row with Apartico.

McArdle and Cosma 20 were in top form this weekend, ready to face the challenging courses created by Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge in the All Canada ring. On Friday, seven horse and rider combinations advanced to the jump-off during the 3,500 Trimac Junior/Amateur Jumper class. As the last to go, McArdle knew she needed quick and tidy round to top the four double-clears, and that is exactly what she did. They crossed the finish line in 44.53 seconds with all the rails in place to take home the winning prize.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm Win $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Country Heir Horse Show

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Peter Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare's Rhythm won the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show. Photo By: Anne Gittins

Lexington, KY – June 20, 2012 – Professional rider Peter Pletcher once again captured the winning honors with NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm in a derby event. The pair earned the top call during the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show for Nordic Lights Farm and the Bruheim Family. A flawless handy round helped them receive high scores and eventually head the event’s victory gallop.

Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm’s smooth trip during the first round landed them in the second place position going into the handy round during the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Using an inside track to slice one of the oxers and jump brilliantly through the challenging two-stride, the duo quickly jumped to the top of the leaderboard with their high scores and added bonus points. Pletcher and NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm’s earned the winning title and led the evening’s lap of victory in the Walnut Ring of the Kentucky Horse Park.

“NLF Shakespeare’s Rhythm was really good and super smooth,” commented Pletcher. “He was amazing during the handy round, really the best he has been all year. He has worked his way up and did the High Performance division. After Devon I decided that he’s good to just be a derby horse now and focus on that instead of the High Performance. He’s come along beautifully. He’s so brave and honest; he’s right on track. We’re hoping he stays like this through the Finals.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Jennifer Alfano Takes First Place in $15,000 International Hunter Derby at Saratoga Classic

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the 2012 $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic. Photo Credit: Shawn McMillen

Saratoga Springs, NY – June 20, 2012 – SBS Farms emerged victorious at the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic. Jennifer Alfano dominated the professional divisions, as well as securing the top honors in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with both Jersey Boy and Miss Lucy, eventually leading the victory gallop. Katherine Karrer also took excellent ribbons in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters with Contifax.

The anticipation was high as the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby got underway at the Skidmore College Saratoga Classic. Alfano held the lead from the beginning with Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan, but took the lead during the second round with Jersey Boy. The duo once again left nothing to chance in the handy round, as Jersey Boy executed tight turns, beautiful distances and a strong hand gallop.

“Jersey Boy had a beautiful handy round; he was so smooth and consistent,” Alfano said. “We didn’t show Jersey Boy or Miss Lucy during the week, so they hadn’t shown since Devon. They were both fresh and happy; I think it really showed.”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

$50,000 Puissance Added to 2012 Alltech National Horse Show Agenda

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U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward and Optimum Pozitano clearing the big 7' Puissance wall at Washington. Photo © Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com

Lexington, KY – June 18, 2012 – The Alltech National Horse Show announced today that this year’s already exciting Open Jumper schedule has been enhanced even further with the addition of the $50,000 Alltech Puissance class to be held on Friday evening.

Following a successful debut last year, the second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is set for October 30 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Puissance class is a high-jump competition with the big wall often reaching over 7′ in height. Always an audience favorite, this class is added to an Open Jumper division that this year will feature well over $400,000 in prize money.

“Puissance is an exhilarating display of power and performance in jumping,” said Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “It is a tremendously exciting spectator event; a ‘wow’ event that brings equestrians and the general public alike to the edge of their seats. It is a great way to add an extra spark to an already thrilling horse show.”

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