Category Archives: Hunter/Equitation

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

Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships

Leave a comment
Michael Hughes won the 2011 ASPCA Maclay Region 1 "Northeast" Championship. Photo © 2011 Anne Gittins.

Wellington, FL – September 28, 2011 – This weekend concluded the 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships with the final competitions held for Regions 1, 2, and 4. Championship honors were awarded to Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree for their incredible rides in each of their respective regions. The talented riders also earned an invitation to the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY, to compete for the top spot among the nation’s best junior riders with the 2011 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery.

The Region 1 “Northeast” Championships were judged by Jimmy Torano and Jimmy Lee at the Grand Fall Classic in Westbrook, CT. Michael Hughes of Morriston, FL, caught their attention with his smooth and precise ride aboard Co Co Pop, winning top honors without entering the ring for additional testing. Hughes showed against 60 of the top juniors in the Northeast states of CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT. Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, finished in reserve for the second consecutive year.

“This weekend really went amazing,” said Hughes. “The first round went really well, the course was straightforward, and when it came to the flat phase, I know that Co Co Pop would really excel, so we were able to stay strong.”

Region 2 “East” Championship was held on Saturday, September 24 for the states of NJ, NY, and PA at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Judged by Rita Timpanaro and Chrystine Tauber, top honors were awarded to Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, aboard Catherine Cowie’s Vidarco. Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD rode to the reserve honors.

Continue reading Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships →

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Products/Services, Show Jumping

Capital Challenge Horse Show Creates an Innovative New Social Media Experience with Virtual Celebration

2 Comments

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 23, 2011 – Capital Challenge Horse Show is proud to announce the launch of its first annual Virtual Horse Show and Fair.  In partnership with Virtual Celebration and sponsored by Hoof Beat Media, the virtual experience will begin on September 23, 2011, and all horse lovers are invited to participate.

“As part of our overall mission to engage our loyal exhibitors and followers, we are extremely excited to extend the Capital Challenge experience in a highly innovative way to those who can attend the show in person and to those who follow us from a distance,” explained Oliver Kennedy (Co-Manager).  “Virtual Celebration has brought together their incredible knowledge of social media with their experience in the horse market to create a really fun and unique experience.”

From the early development of their website and the creation of the Daily Update, to their Facebook page and the popular EquestrianSport.TV, show management has always strived to be the best at bringing the experience of Capital Challenge to everyone. It is only natural the Capital Challenge extends its reach into the virtual world.

Register online (it’s free!) at www.virtualcelebration.com/capitalchallenge and enter the virtual show rings to be a part of the action.  In the Jumper Ring, try to guess what pony went to the Olympics; enter the “caption this photo” contest in the Equitation Ring; and in the Hunter Derby Ring watch a video of the world’s largest horse.  And there’s so much more – Share-A-Pony with other virtual exhibitors, create your own Exhibitor page by adding games, photos, videos, and other widgets, all for free.  Share your favorite memories; predict who will win classes at the “live” horse show; vote on your favorite funniest photo and give your opinions on everything from twitter to riding in the rain.  There will even be a virtual trail ride that meanders through Facebook, Twitter, MustPhoto, Virtual Celebration and more, all while on a Capital Challenge Scavenger Hunt.

Continue reading Capital Challenge Horse Show Creates an Innovative New Social Media Experience with Virtual Celebration →

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

Milliren, Pettet, Cameron, and Geller Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships

Leave a comment
Sarah Milliren and Terrapin win the ASPCA Maclay "Central" Regional Finals. Photo © 2011 CJM Photography

Wellington, FL – September 22, 2011 – The 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships continued this past weekend with competitors for Regions 5, 6, 7 and 8 vying for the top honors in their respective regional competitions. On September 18, 2011, talented horse and rider combinations began competing to place in the top 60% of their classes, earning the top combinations an invitation to the prestigious finals held in Lexington, KY for the Alltech National Horse Show. Taking home the blue ribbon prize and winning title for their regions were Sarah Milliren, Brooke Pettet, Madison Cameron and Morgan Geller.

Competing at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show in Lake St. Louis, MO, the Region 5 “Central” Championships were judged by Linda Andrisani and Alex Jayne. The “Central” Championships were one of the few finals that did not ask for additional testing from the judges. The riders were only judged on the course and the flat phase. The Central Region includes top competitors from AR, IA, KS, LA, MO, MN, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX, and WI. It was Sarah Milliren who rode Terrapin, owned by Walstib Stables LLC of Rumson, NJ, to the top honors, claiming the championship award. Megan Bifano and Urco, owned by Gabby Slome of Riverdale, NY, claimed the reserve championship honors.

Milliren was extremely pleased with the results, especially since this was her first time showing Terrapin. “Going to Regionals, I had no idea what horse I was going to compete with,” Milliren explained. “I had a couple to choose from, but I really liked Terrapin and his ride. He’s an awesome horse, pretty straightforward, although he does get a little crabby.”

Continue reading Milliren, Pettet, Cameron, and Geller Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships →

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

Qualifying Lists for the Alltech National Horse Show Now Available Online

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – September 21, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, is pleased to announce that the Qualifying Lists for this year’s event are now available online. Please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com to view the lists of horses in the Amateur-Owner Hunter, Junior Hunter, Professional Hunter, Junior Jumper, and Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions that have qualified. Exhibitors may also download the prize list and entry blank for this year’s show online.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2-6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

This year’s show, designated CSI4*-W, will feature a complete schedule of ‘AA’-rated hunter divisions, including the Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter section. Also on the agenda, a big money Open Jumper division highlighted by the Sasco Creek Farm $50,000 Welcome Speed Class, the $75,000 Double H Farms Thursday’s Jump-Off class, the $60,000 Spy Coast Farm Faults Converted Speed class on Friday and of course, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifying event. $100,000 will be up for grabs for the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, including the $50,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Championships, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Chansonette and Deeridge Farm. The final Sunday is highlighted by the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

Continue reading Qualifying Lists for the Alltech National Horse Show Now Available Online →

Art/Photography, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show Reveals Annual Program Artwork by Michael Tang

Leave a comment
Cover artwork by Michael Tang courtesy of the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 19, 2011 – The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will run from October 1-9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Every year, the show’s program and official poster feature new artwork by Michael Tang.

Creating the original watercolor for the annual Capital Challenge is always a challenge for Father Michael Tang.  One might think that creating a photo-realist image of a horse and rider is as simple as copying a photo, but in reality, the photo is only the beginning.

This year’s poster of Scott Stewart and Declaration gave Tang many things to consider. It is natural to assume that a stunning photo of a fabulous hunter could easily be recreated as a painting, but the fact is that in addition to assessing the horse and rider, Tang becomes instantly aware of everything else that goes into creating a spectacular piece of art: lighting, background, and the simple details that render emotion.

When Tang begins his work he studies the photo for what he will need to alter in order to create the painting.  First, changes often need to be made to finesse a horse’s jumping style; knees might need to be made tighter or squared up. Next, the rider’s equitation might need to be tweaked or garb replaced.  Tang explains, “As someone who is a traditionalist (I still wear my Charles Owen when hacking at the barn), I always replace the helmet with a classically styled hunt cap.”

In addition to the rider’s gear, the horse’s tack might need some work as well; for example, an elastic girth with fleece might need to be changed to one of proper leather.

Continue reading 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show Reveals Annual Program Artwork by Michael Tang →

Competitions, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Farnam Adult Medal and Best Adult Rider Winners Crowned at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

Leave a comment
© ESI Photography. Elysse Ruschmeyer of South Glastonbury, Connecticut rode her own Arktis to the blue in Saturday's Farnam Adult Medal

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 20, 2011) – Just as Marshall & Sterling League action reached its peak at the National Finals, riders entered the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium on Saturday to compete for the popular Farnam Adult Medal.

Elysse Ruschmeyer of South Glastonbury, Connecticut aboard her own Arktis was crowned the winner of the Farnam Adult Medal. She topped a field of 41 riders who competed all year in hopes of qualifying for the finals. Ruschmeyer also rode to a top-five finish in the Hudson Adult Equitation Classic.

Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida designed the course for the class and after showing over his first round track, 12 riders returned for a second round.

Ruschmeyer, trained by Armand Chenelle, earned a high-score of 82 in the first round and came back in the second round to impress the judges again, earning a score of 86 to propel her to the victory.

Chenelle had great success at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals as he scored back-to-back wins on Saturday. He also coached daughter Rebekah Chenelle and Rosario to a victory in the National PHA Medal Final.

Following Ruschmeyer was Kiva Iscol of Pound Ridge, New York aboard Halifax Farm’s Tristan Van’t Hof, who earned second place honors under the direction of Mechael Henaghan. Miranda Scarpone of Kinnelon, New Jersey, trained by Robert Beck, finished in third aboard Beck’s Temptation.

Continue reading Farnam Adult Medal and Best Adult Rider Winners Crowned at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Harold Chopping and Patent Pending Top the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic

Leave a comment
Harold Chopping and Patent Pending. Shawn McMillen Photography

August 19, 2011 – Sunday marked the final day of the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival II.  It was an exciting action packed weekend filled with many special classes and events at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC.  Saturday evening featured the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian along with Mexican Fiesta and Margaritas For Mutts in the VIP tent to benefit Danny and Ron’s Rescue.  Patrons also had the chance to bid on several silent auction items donated by Hot To Trot Boutique, Oak Manor Saddlery, Equine Divine, and The Gamboa Family.  Raffle tickets had also been sold throughout the week for several beautiful gift baskets with all proceeds going directly this wonderful charity.  Wendy Arndt and Team IEC sponsored the dinner and the sounds of New Holland Rd. entertained the crowd following the class.

A strong field of 22 competitors was on hand to try their luck at the challenging course designed by J. P. Godard. 6 entries out of the original field graduated to the jump off and with the double 5 AB giving the majority of the class trouble it came down to just two clear rounds.  Second to go in the jump off Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC and Kendra Bullington’s 8 year old mare Patent Pending turned in a fast and precise trip with a time of 33.129 establishing the time to beat.  Last week’s Open Welcome Stake winner Josh Dolan and his Skylands Con Chino Z were the last pair to enter the ring and gave Chopping a run for his money finishing with the only other clear round and a time of 33.939 just .810 seconds behind Chopping and Patent Pending who would end up the victors.  Karen Kerby’s T/Salemon and Daniel Geitner finished third, Tokade De Kalvarie and Natalie Johnson fourth, Marie Le Menestrel’s Aero and Dustin Ball were fifth, and rounding out the top 6 was George and owner rider Kitt Ritter.  The winners Chopping and Patent Pending received a trophy and Fenwick Equestrian High Performance Body Guard Cooler provided by Fenwick Equestrian.

Continue reading Harold Chopping and Patent Pending Top the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic →

Championships, Competitions, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Youngsters Capture Championships in the Children’s Hunter Divisions at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

Leave a comment
Joe Norick of Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. presents the Champion award to Jennifer Staniloff in the Children's Hunter Pony Small Division. Photos © ESI Photography.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 18, 2011) – Jennifer Staniloff will always remember her first trip to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. On Saturday afternoon, the fourth grader was named Champion in the Children’s Hunter Pony Small Division at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals aboard Nancy Buzzeta’s Shimmer.

Staniloff of Setauket, New York and Shimmer led the way as they captured the blue ribbon in the first over fences class and then finished second in the under saddle, which helped to fuel their drive to the Children’s Hunter Pony Small Division Champion. Reserve Champion went to One Way or Another, owned and shown by McKinley DeAngelo of Allentown, New Jersey.

“My favorite part about being here was getting in the big ring and making it work together with my pony,” said Staniloff. “I gave him a big bath and helped my mom pack the tack trunk before we left and when we were doing all of this I had a feeling that we would do great! My pony did everything that I asked him to do.”

“Jennifer has been riding with me for about 10 months,” said trainer Rita Timpanaro. “She really devotes a lot of her time to riding and I am very proud of her. This is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Children’s Hunter Pony Medium Division

To say that Anna Platek’s first year competing at big horse shows was a success would be an understatement!

The 12-year-old soccer and skiing star scored Championship honors in the Marshall & Sterling League’s Children’s Hunter Pony Medium Division aboard Yasmin Rizvi’s Forever After, making her first season of showing a major hit!

Continue reading Youngsters Capture Championships in the Children’s Hunter Divisions at the 2011 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals →

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

Tryon Fall Classic 2011

Leave a comment

It is with great regret I send this message. After 25 years of management of the Tryon Fall Classic we have been forced to cancel this year’s event.  Single “A” shows across the country are failing to get enough entries.  Almost 25 percent of the all the USEF “A” shows have cancelled so far this year and the Tryon Fall Classic is now a statistic for 2011.

Carol Kent and I plan to get together soon and discuss plans for 2012 which could include a new venue and a different set of class offerings.  We did not work this hard and long to give up now.

Have a great fall and see you in Atlanta in November.  The prize list is in the mail and online.

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

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Grace Weidner Wins USEF Talent Search at Buffalo International Horse Show with Serato

Leave a comment
Grace Weidner dominated the jumpers divisions at the Buffalo International Horse Show, posting all double-clear efforts and practically untouchable target times. Photo © 2011 Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Buffalo, NY – September 16, 2011 – Competitors of the 65th Buffalo International Horse Show were greeted by a brisk morning as the hunter classes began. Today commenced the third day of the prestigious horse show, full of horse and rider combinations competing to win top honors and prize money in their respective divisions. The morning divisions featured the $1,000 “Full Monty” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, where Penelope Ayers aboard Cezanne took the top honors. The $500 “Shogun” Adult Hunter Classic also featured gifted pairs, but it was Kelly Campbell aboard MI Shebeirach, who finished with a score of 147, winning the champion tricolor and cash prize. Grace Weidner dominated the jumpers classes during the afternoon, posting all double-clear efforts and practically untouchable target times.

The morning commenced with the 3’6″ Amateur-Owner Hunter division. Kelly Jones and her mount, O So Soxy, impressed the judges, claiming the first place ribbon during the first round and the second place ribbon during the classic round. The talented duo not only won the championship award for the division, but they were also announced as the overall Amateur-Owner Grand Champion. Penelope Ayers and her mount Cezanne were named the reserve champion for the division, finishing their second course with the class high total of 85 points.

Jennifer Gurney rode The Other Brother to the top honors during the Low Amateur-Owner 3’3″ class, and combined with yesterday’s consistent rounds, the pair also earned the championship award. Lauren Engle aboard Shannon Pride claimed the reserve tricolor.

Continue reading Grace Weidner Wins USEF Talent Search at Buffalo International Horse Show with Serato →