Category Archives: Hunter/Equitation

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation

John Pearce Victorious in the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix

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Small Affair Dominates the Hunters in Week Five at the Colorado Summer Circuit

Small Affair, shown here with John French, dominated week five of the Colorado Summer Circuit with two championships and two classic wins. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Have you jumped at a mile high? If not, you are missing one of the most talked about horse shows of the year. With its expanded six-week schedule, The Colorado Horse Park has been the summer vacation spot with big money for both hunters and jumpers. Of course, this show is also about the parties, including the Friday Afternoon Club at A Bit of Tack, sponsored this week by Arenus, and an exhibitor party that rocked for hours after the Grand Prix.

Week five of the Colorado Summer Circuit was highlighted by the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix. Twenty-nine entries contested the course designed by Dave Ballard. Among the trouble spots was the triple combination into the crowd, with a related distance to the Griffis Group jump, the final obstacle on the course. Maggie Jayne, Elgin, IL, who had four rides in the class, reflected, “I thought it was a nice, challenging course.”

John Pearce had no difficulty with the first round, qualifying both of his rides, Son of a Gun and Chianto, for the jump-off. Karen Cudmore also qualified two horses and Jayne, rode Thomas Edison to a perfect first round to join the World Equestrian Games veterans in the second round.

Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride were first to return. As always, the perennial winner gave the audience a thrill. The 1998 Holsteiner stallion cut an impressive figure, but he lowered the last fence in a time of 33.892.  Pearce and Son of a Gun were next. Although they had won last week’s $30,000 Grand Prix Presented by Nutrena, this week they too were foiled by the last jump. Although the pair’s time of 31.973 gave the rest of the class something to aim for.

Continue reading John Pearce Victorious in the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix →

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

Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper Week III aboard Kenya

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©ESI Photography. Patty Stovel and Kenya in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (July 18, 2011) – Accomplished professional Patty Stovel and Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya won Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight a week of tough competition in the hunter rings of the Cavalier Classic at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania and Kenya were the top horse-and-rider team out of the 34 that showed over Saugerties, New York course designer Rian Beals’ first-round track. They also sat atop the 12 pairs that advanced to the second round as they scored a first-place check. More importantly, the talented duo added their names to the list of top contenders for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which is scheduled to roll into HITS Saugerties in September.

“There were some great horses and riders in this class, and for us to come out on top – proves that we belong,” said Stovel. “I am heading up to Saugerties for the next three weeks, where I plan to show in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix, which will be a huge advantage since the big class will take place right in Saugerties.”

Stovel finished on Sunday with a total score of 175 and led the charge at HITS Culpeper, boasting the top score in both rounds and winning the class by 10 points. Jonelle Mullen Stern, of Warrenton, Virginia, rode Carolyn Williams’ Delorian to a second-place effort and junior rider, Emma Kennedy of Ocala, Florida, took third aboard Donald Stewart’s Van Guard.

Continue reading Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper Week III aboard Kenya →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood

$25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby Announces Exciting News for 2011

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Antioch, IL – July 18, 2011 – Chicago Equestrians for a Cause is pleased to announce that they will host the third annual $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby in 2011 to benefit The Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago as well as the USHJA Foundation. The Chicago Hunter Derby will return to the beautiful Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, on September 11, 2011. This is a 2011-12 Member Event of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series.

Following in the footsteps of its first two events, the Chicago Hunter Derby hopes to raise even more money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, a philanthropic group that donates money to significant charities, including the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the USHJA Foundation. The USHJA Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance and promote the hunter and jumper disciplines by supporting the programs of the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. The Foundation offers numerous new initiatives, including the Horsemen’s Assistance Fund which benefits horses, individuals and organization in need of emergency relief.

The group looks forward to another fantastic turnout in 2011 as the unique one-day hunter derby event gets closer. The Chicago Hunter Derby is a very distinctive event that draws the very best hunters from all over the country to compete. The class is held on the beautiful grass in-field of an old steeplechase track with a stunning pond in the background, adding to the unique history and atmosphere of the setting.

A new addition to the weekend this year will be a three-foot national hunter derby class on Saturday.

Continue reading $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby Announces Exciting News for 2011 →

Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Charleston Summer Classics – A Vacation for Horses and Riders

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Elizabeth Boyd and Marksmann Win $2500 USHJA National Hunter Classic

Liza Boyd & Marksmann ©Flashpoint Photography

Johns Island, SC — July 17, 2011 — How often during the heat of summer can an exhibitor in the Southern portions of the US say they enjoyed horse showing? While much of the equine community is experiencing uncomfortable temperatures, participants at the Charleston Summer Classics are being treated to a resort like atmosphere.

Week one at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center welcomed riders with a vacation sensory overload – from pleasant ocean breezes billowing across the beautiful grounds – to put them in a beachy frame of mind to tropical drinks under the ringside tent each afternoon. “Exhibitors are enjoying a resort escape that just happens to include a horse show! Everyone is having a ball,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.  The Charleston Summer Classic is one of Bell’s Boutique Shows, which he defines as: “Boutique (boo teek)-noun- A horse show that is fashionable and unique. Always held at wonderful venues with excellent accommodations for special horses, owners, and riders. Always includes parties, trendy classes, and fun events. Always has stylish trophies and rewards for Grand Champions. Always has Mimosas on Sunday mornings.”  Bell even designed class schedules to allow exhibitors and their horses more time for fun on the multitude of white sandy beaches, a mere 10 minutes away.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunters Come to Strong Close at Horse Shows by the Bay Week II

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Lynn Walsh and Ocean Park. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 16, 2011 – As the weather warmed up at Horse Shows by the Bay today, so did the competition. The R. L. Polk Family Hunter Ring wrapped up the Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunter Divisions, in preparation for tomorrow’s $10,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic and $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic. The Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic is a two round classic, with only the top 12 riders returning for the second round. This classic is open to all riders, with 3’6″, 3’9″, and 4′ sections, including professionals, amateurs and juniors. The horse and rider must have completed at least two over fences classes in the height section in which they wish to compete. First place in this classic will receive $3,000 in prize money.

The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic is a member event for the 2011 USHJA National Hunter Classic Program, and horses will receive Zone Horse of the Year points for the class. The fences will be set at 3 feet, with 3’3″ to 3’5″ option fences. This classic is also open to all horses and riders and will consist of two rounds, with the first place winner receiving $1,250 in prize money. The $1,000 Adult Hunter Classic took place today, with an impressive top 11 riders returning for round two.

It was a spectacular day for Lynn Walsh today in the Older Amateur-Owner Hunter division, as she took home the champion honors in the class aboard her Ocean Park. On top of her champion title, Walsh earned the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion title, as well as the high score honors in a three way tie. “It’s great being a part of a competition like this,” noted Walsh. “Everyone is doing so well, and I’m glad to be a part of the hunter tradition.” Also tying for the high score prize was Kenzie Donovan on Flower and Caroline Gibson on Primetime, both competing in the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner division. Caroline Gibson also took home the young Amateur-Owner champion ribbon, riding Silvano. In the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters, Kenzie Donovan and Flower rode smoothly to the tricolor. Lynn Walsh, Caroline Gibson, and Kenzie Donovan dominated the Amateur-Owner Hunter division with confident, put-together rounds this week at Flintfields Horse Park in scenic Traverse City, MI. “I’m really proud of Silvano,” remarked Gibson. “This horse did really well out there and I appreciate the hard work so much.”

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Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Dr. John Stutts Prevails at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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Dr. John Stutts on CF Cool Night Out. Courtesy of Howard Schatzberg Photography.

Lexington, KY – As a 6-year-old, Dr. John Stutts peeked through the fence at a Louisville, KY, riding club to watch the horses warm up. That little boy fell in love with American Saddlebreds, and today, as a grown man, he turned a childhood Saddlebred dream into reality.

Stutts and a dozen other qualified riders displayed their competitive ability within the adult amateur equitation division, trotting and cantering Friday on the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, KY. The 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final was particularly exceptional because it was the 75th anniversary of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Stutts, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Louisville, KY, rode CF Cool Night Out to the title of Champion.  Reserve champion honors went to Joel Dorignac of New Orleans, LA. The bronze medal winner, Casey Morgan Tibolet of Charleston, WV, rounded out the top three.

“I am very excited,” Stutts said of his first-place win. “It sounds corny, but people talk about dreams coming true. A dream came true for me today.”

That early childhood aspiration began at Rock Creek Riding Club, where Stutts had a real seat to a show at age 7. The following year, he pleaded for riding lessons. They never came, but he did get a riding magazine, and continue to watch in amazement the Saddlebred show world.

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

Laura Baginski Has Blue Ribbon Day at Horse Shows by the Bay Series II

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Carson Gibson on Caden. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 15, 2011 – Clouds and a light breeze kept the temperatures cool as the Amateur Owners and Juniors took over in the R. L. Polk Family Main Hunter ring at Horse Shows by the Bay Series II. As the week continues, all points earned by riders will count toward World Champion Hunter Rider points. The points earned will give the top ten riders, those with the most points nationally at the end of the year, as well as the top six riders from each region, the chance to compete in the finals held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. There is also the chance to win some spectacular year-end awards for professionals, emerging professionals, amateur owners, amateur adults, juniors, children and pony riders. Points can only be earned at Member Events and Horse Shows by the Bay Series II has been granted the honor of being one the only seven Member Events held in the region. The cooler weather made the Junior Hunters a bit more challenging today, with frisky horses eager to take on the challenge.

Following the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters was the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Equitation Classic Hunter Phase, with many impressive rides over a classic hunter course. It looked to be a tough call when it came to judging the class, as there were so many riders with talent to spare. Top honors went to Hallie Miller aboard Discovery with a very smooth and composed round; it was clear that she has a great connection with this horse. Second place went to Virginia Ingram, who seems to have been picking up equitation ribbons left and right the past two weeks. Laura Baginski, on Devout has also been riding to the top of the equitation classes, as well as in the Junior Hunters, taking home third place in the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic.

Kicking off the Junior Hunters were the older Large Junior Hunters, which had a total of 15 competitors today. Each horse and rider completed two hunter rounds and an under saddle class this afternoon, their first day of classes. The brisk breezes seemed to be part of the challenge in the hunter ring today, but these young riders proved they could handle it and continued to create some beautiful trips. The first place prize in the first hunter class went to Madison Hayes and Santiago, who also took home second place in the second course. Carson Gibson guided Caden to second place in the first class and swapped positions with Hayes in the second class, eventually taking home the blue ribbon. Devout and Laura Baginski earned third place in the first class, while Lacey Gilbertson and Condanas received the yellow ribbon in the second class.

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

Derbydown and Louise Serio Dominate Brandywine Valley Summer Series

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Louise Serio and Rock On won the Green Hunter Circuit Championship at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 15, 2011 – Louise Serio and the riders at Derbydown had great success over the past two weeks during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Showcasing their mounts in the prestigious Dixon Oval at the Devon Show Grounds, riders consistently earned top placings and tricolor awards for their efforts.  Derbydown owner and founder Louise Serio led the way, claiming the Green Hunter Circuit Championship with Rock On after earning each week’s Overall Grand Champion Professional Hunter and Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

Rock On, owned by Jennifer Burger, and Louise Serio won the First Year Green Working Hunter Championship during both weeks of competition. During the second week, the impressive duo won four of the division’s classes. “Rock On was great; he’s so consistent,” said Serio. “He’s such a mellow horse, and I think these two weeks he’s been very consistent and he’s ridden very well. He’s a little lazy, but sometimes he can take over a little bit. I am very pleased with how he went this week.”

Serio also had great success with Burger’s second mount, Phillipa. The duo earned the reserve championship in the Second Year/High Performance Hunter division during the first week and received excellent ribbons in the First Year/High Performance Hunter division during the second week. For their efforts in the ring they were presented with the High Performance Hunter Circuit Championship. In the First Year Green Working Hunter division, Serio also received the reserve championship prize aboard Lisa Scott’s Head Over Heels during the first week.

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Awards, Community/Charity, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

USHJA Sportsmanship Award

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Dear NFJHA Members:
We are still taking nominations for the Youth Sportsman’s Award. The primary goals of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award are to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and to recognize youth for their achievements.

Nominees must be age 17 or under as of December 1 of the current competition year, and active members in good standing with NFHJA, USEF, and USHJA. They are to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and USHJA, by promoting the equestrian sport, exhibiting characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles and to serve as a role model for his or her peers. Nominees may participate at any level of competition, including local, state or national levels.

Please submit your nomination to info@nfhja.com and include a brief explanation of why you have chosen to nominate him or her.

You may visit http://www.ushja.org/content/awards/youth/youth-sportsman.aspx to learn more.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NFHJA
PO Box 24031
Jacksonville, FL 32241-4031
904-866-496-1626 (fax)
info@nfhja.com

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation

John French Leads an Impressive Group of Hunters at the Colorado Summer Circuit

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John French and Crown Affair won the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic Sponsored by Horse Connection. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — While the Grand Prix horses are always a big draw at any hunter/jumper show, the hunters are getting a lot of attention during the Colorado Summer Circuit. Show manager Pat Boyle not only has great prize money in every division, but he’s created a wonderful, lush platform for the course designers to develop classes that show off the athletic ability and beauty of some of the nation’s finest hunters.

Last week John French and Yellow Dog Farm’s Crown Affair won three of four over fences classes in the High Performance Hunter division and also took home the blue ribbon in the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic sponsored by Horse Connection. Crown Affair, a Holsteiner stallion by Cor de la Bryere out of a Capitol I mare, is always a favorite in the Derby classes. “We’re preparing for the Derby Finals in Kentucky,” French explained. “He’s on his farewell tour and will retire at the Hampton Classic.” Although his show schedule is winding down, the handsome bay stallion will continue his already successful breeding career. With Crown Affair’s incredible performances, French said, “It’s hard when he goes so well. Does he really want to retire? I was so proud of how he went this week.”

French also praised the courses. He said, “The jumps were amazing with so much greenery and brush, plus a few natural jumps. It makes the horses jump their best. I was really happy that we came.”

Continue reading John French Leads an Impressive Group of Hunters at the Colorado Summer Circuit →