Category Archives: Hunter/Equitation

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Greer Hindle and Freedom Victorious in USEF Hunter Seat Medal at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Greer Hindle and Freedom at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo Credit: Holly Whiteman

Lexington KY – May 20, 2011 – Today, the sun was shining for competitors at the Kentucky Spring Classic, held at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. In the Stonelea Arena, junior riders competed in the USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal and the WIHS Hunter Phase. The USEF/Pessoa Hunter Medal title went to Greer Hindle, while the WIHS Hunter Phase was won by Hayley Barnhill.

Twenty-five riders showed over a course consisting of nine jumps. Riders started out down the diagonal away from the gate with a seven stride vertical to an oxer. Then, riders came up the opposite diagonal over the wall and back down the opposite diagonal over a single vertical, and around to the outside two stride vertical to an oxer. From there, they continued down to the single vertical on the diagonal line and up the outside five stride vertical to an oxer.

Four riders were invited back in the ring for the final test. After they lined up, the judges instructed them to canter fences four and seven, counter canter fence eight, hand gallop fence two, halt, and return to the line at a sitting trot.

Continue reading Greer Hindle and Freedom Victorious in USEF Hunter Seat Medal at Kentucky Spring Classic →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Brunello and Liza Towell Boyd Rise to the Challenge in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show

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Brunello and Liza Boyd. Pictures by Shawn McMillen

May 21st, 2011 – It was a gorgeous night at the Georgia International Horse Park as the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby took place under the lights in the International Arena with a huge crowd in attendance.  Exhibitors and spectators were treated to a fabulous class featuring 31 of the top horses and riders in the country while enjoying a “Derby Reception” sponsored by Equus Events and the Godard Family.  The course designed by J. P. Godard of Aiken, SC received rave reviews and included inviting natural obstacles such as coups, split rail fencing, gates, wooden logs, and brush boxes.  It is a unique setting for this class being the site of the 1996 show jumping portion of the Olympic Games; it really is quite stunning at night under the lights.

At the end of the night it was no stranger in the winner’s circle as Brunello and Liza Towell Boyd of Camden, South Carolina stepped out to take the blue ribbon.  Boyd’s “Grand Prix” hunter as she has been known to call him jumped brilliantly and earned the highest scores of the night earning a 188 in round 1 and a 189 in the handy round giving them the over winning total of 377.  Brunello, a 13 year old Hanoverian gelding is owned by Boyd along with Mrs. Janet Peterson.  This marks the pair’s 2nd consecutive derby win at the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.  Boyd was joined by 17 month old daughter Elle, her father Jack Towell, and Mrs. Janet Peterson for the ribbon presentation.  Betsy Minton of Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance was also on hand.  Dietrich and Company is a Major sponsor of the 2010/2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby series as well as the “official” insurance provider for Equus Events, Inc. and the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.

Continue reading Brunello and Liza Towell Boyd Rise to the Challenge in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show →

Breeds, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Sponsorship Opportunities Available for 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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2010 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final winner Ali Judah. Photo by Howard Schatzberg.

Lexington, KY – Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final scheduled for July 15, 2011.

Initially developed to showcase a discipline rich in tradition, the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final will once again take place in conjunction with a true regional gem, the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show, hosted at the historic Red Mile Racetrack in downtown Lexington, KY. This will be the horse show’s 75th anniversary.

The Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show represents the world’s largest outdoor American Saddlebred horse show and attracts thousands of spectators each year to shop, participate in social activities and watch exhibitors compete for over $70,000 in prize money.

Your generous sponsorship dollars not only promote your name or business to the many competitors and fans – they also help ensure the continued success of the Final, helping to put Saddle Seat Equitation in the spotlight. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit our brochure at: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/SSE/AASponsorshipBrochure.pdf.

For additional information, please contact Jennifer Mellenkamp at (859) 225-6955 or via e-mail at jmellenkamp@usef.org.

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

Eastwood and Taylor Ann Adams Earn Championship at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Taylor Ann Adams and Eastwood at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo Credit: Holly Whiteman/PMG

Lexington KY – May 15, 2011 – The first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show wrapped up the first week of a two-week long horse show event.  On Wednesday, May 18, the series will pick up again with the Kentucky Spring Classic.  Riders and spectators experienced summer-like weather conditions throughout most of the show with a touch of rain putting only a slight damper on the last two days. The Junior Hunter Divisions concluded with championship honors being awarded in the Stonelea Arena. Despite the rainy forecast, riders turned out to the ring in mint condition, ready to compete.

Taking the show in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunter Division was Taylor Ann Adams and Eastwood. The pair won the championship prize with two blue ribbons.  Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue earned the reserve championship tricolor.

Adams, who has only competed Eastwood once before, was all smiles after their performance.  The duo fought the cold and rain to come out of the ring victorious, “Eastwood was amazing. I hate competing in the rain and the cold.  I couldn’t really see the jumps so I really just had to trust that he was going to be there and he was.”

Continue reading Eastwood and Taylor Ann Adams Earn Championship at Kentucky Spring Horse Show →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Scott Stewart Commands the Green Conformation Hunters aboard Empire at the Kentucky Spring Classic

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Scott Stewart and Empire at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo Credit: Heather Bellock

Lexington, KY – May 18, 2011 – It was a dreary first day at the Kentucky Spring Classic, but that’s not keeping the competitors from boasting the beautiful courses here at the Kentucky Horse Park. Today the Kentucky Spring Classic kicked off with the second week of the Kentucky Spring Series. This week features World Champion Hunter Rider Week. Riders will have the opportunity to earn quality points in various hunter divisions, excellent prize money, and year end awards. In the Stonelea Ring today, Green Conformation Hunters, First Year Green Working Hunters, Second Year Green Working Hunters, and Regular Conformation Hunters completed their first two courses. Tomorrow the professional hunter divisions will award champion and reserve champion honors.

Scott Stewart swept the competition in the Green Conformation with Empire owned by Becky Gochman. Stewart had an impressive score of 89 in his second round to secure his place in first for both classes. “I thought he was great because I haven’t shown him myself since the Derby in Florida. The course was really nice today; I thought it was very real. The lines were set nice. I think it’s one of the best places of the year to show,” said Stewart. Jennifer Alfano and her horse, Michigan Avenue, placed second in the first class with a score of 84 and third in the second class with a score of 84. Louise Serio earned the red ribbon in the second round with a score of 83 aboard Black Tie, owned by Blair Balmer. Maria Rasmussen took home third with San Diego.

Continue reading Scott Stewart Commands the Green Conformation Hunters aboard Empire at the Kentucky Spring Classic →

Associations/Breeds, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, Show Jumping

North Florida Hunter Jumper Association May 28, 2011 Schooling Show

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North Florida Hunter Jumper Association is very excited about sharing another horse show weekend with our good friends at FCHJA. We truly hope everyone will be able to support both organizations and show both days. It is a great opportunity to get additional ring experience and extra practice!

North Florida Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that we have again been chosen by the National Horse Show to host their Maclay Regional Final Class this summer. This class will be held at the North Florida Fall Horse Show that runs from September 2-4. The North Florida Summer Show will precede this event and will be held on August 26-28. Both shows are USEF “A” rated shows and are scheduled to be held at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs, FL.

We are requesting support from our Membership, Trainers, Barns and Businesses to assist us in hosting this prestigious event. NFHJA has become known for our exhibitor hospitality and is dedicated to making this event special for all of our exhibitors, but would like to make this an especially memorable event for our Maclay Riders and their families.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Tunica, Mississippi Shows Stay High and Dry!

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Many of you know all too well about the flooding that has been taking place in the mid-south.  I for one as a Memphis girl at heart am saddened to see some parts of my hometown and the surrounding areas going through such a hard time.  With that said, I am excited to pass on the good news that the Tunica, MS Horse Shows~ Delta Blues June 15-19 and Tunica High Rollers June 22-26 will go on as scheduled.  Both shows offer “AA” rated hunter divisions and a $15,000 Jumper Prix each week.  In addition there will also be a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby week II.  The show series is held at the Paul Battle Jr. Arena and Exposition Center in Tunica, MS~ just a short drive away from Memphis, TN.  The facility boast a large climate controlled state of the art indoor arena that seats 4000 people and has an adjacent covered warm up ring.  The Covered annex arena is 600′ x 275′ and there is also an outdoor lunging and schooling area that is 150′ x 275′.  The facility contains 600 permanent stalls that are all indoor and 6 turnout pens.  There is an on site campground with full hookups. Next to the Arena, within walking distance is a Swim/Tennis/Fitness Center open to the Public.

There has been some flooding in the area but no water near the facility at all.  The fabulous Gold Strike Casino and Hotel is reopening today, Thursday May 19th, and other casinos plan to open in the next week. The Tunica casino scene with all of the gaming, restaurants, concerts, and more will be in full swing by June!  Please go to www.tunicatravel.com to see where all the “action” is in Tunica.  The area is also offering many discounts so it is a great time to book your accommodations. The Gold Strike Casino is offering $55 rate during the week and Microtel has a rate of $39.  HELP US HELP THIS COMMUNITY!

If you need a prize list or need help with hotels, stalls, or entries please do not hesitate to contact us or go to www.tunicahunterjumpershows.com.

Thanks for your support of these wonderful shows and the Tunica, MS community!

Suzanne Mayo tunicashows@aol.com
Carol Vos unovos@aol.com
Patrick Rodes pdrntx@aol.com

Megan Godard
Equus Events, Inc.
Meybohm Realtors
803-295-2094
www.equusevents.com
Meganvgodard@gmail.com

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

Historic ASPCA Maclay National Championship Finds a Home in Kentucky

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PHOTO: ©2010 Rebecca Walton - 2010 ASPCA Maclay National Champion Hayley Barnhill winners circle presentation

Lexington, Kentucky – May 17, 2011 – The 2011 Alltech National Horse Show has made the move to Lexington, Kentucky, and along with the glitz, the glamour, the prestige and the big money classes at this classic American tradition, the show will also feature one of the nation’s longest running and most coveted national championships, the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Maclay National Championship.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, will be staged at the Alltech Arena at the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The show runs from November 2-6, 2011, with the Maclay Finals taking center stage on the final Sunday.

Over the years the ASPCA Maclay Finals have been termed the “proving ground of champions” and the ultimate test for America’s young riders. And in the case of this classic test of horsemanship skills, that’s certainly more fact than hype.

“It’s the culmination of a long year of competition, it’s the final national championship, and with all of the history behind it, it’s just a great event to be a part of,” said top trainer Missy Clark, who, during the course of her stellar career as one of the nation’s very best teachers, has sent nine different ASPCA Maclay National Champions to the ring. “If you look back at the names on the Maclay trophy, you see so many names of riders that have gone on to do great things in their careers. If you can get through the Maclay Finals, you can go on and do anything. If you win that class, you’ve got the goods; you’ve got the ingredients to do great things.”

Continue reading Historic ASPCA Maclay National Championship Finds a Home in Kentucky →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Busy Weekend for the Atlanta Spring Premiere Horse Show

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Jordan Coyne and Lazaro. Pictures by Shawn McMillen Photography

May 16th, 2011 – It was a busy weekend for the 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere Horse Show.  The first show of a two week series wrapped up yesterday at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia.  “We had a great horse show and unbelievable weather,” said show manager J. P. Godard of Equus Events.  Indeed, the week started off quite warm and sunny, but the weekend led way to lovely cooler temperatures and with the rain holding off it made for an absolutely wonderful finale to the week’s events.

The featured class of the weekend was the $25,000 Atlanta Spring Premiere Grand Prix which was held Saturday evening under beautiful skies in the International Arena.  An exhibitor and sponsor reception sponsored by Equus Events and the show’s “hospitality” sponsors was also held in conjunction with the class featuring southern delights such as barbeque pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and an assortment of desserts.  It was an exciting night as some of the best horses and riders in the southeast contended against a challenging course designed by Pierre Jolicoeur.  After the first round, just 6 competitors moved on to the jump off including Daniel Geitner aboard Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bostwick’s Sympa, Jordan Coyne and her Lazaro, Kristin Vanderveen aboard her Bull Run’s La Bamba, Chase Boggio and Aslan 193, and Taylor Land with two mounts Merlin and Nepal.  With a fast time of 36.369 and no jumping faults it was all about Lazaro and owner rider Jordan Coyne!  They took home the blue ribbon and a custom cooler donated by Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens just edging out professional rider Daniel Geitner and Sympa finishing second with a time of 37.023.  St. Charles, Illinois resident Kristen Vanderveen and her Bull Run’s La Bamba took home the third place ribbon with a time of 37.135.  Complete Results are as followed:

Continue reading Busy Weekend for the Atlanta Spring Premiere Horse Show →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Sydney Masters-Durieux

Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

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Trainer & Teens Champion Children’s Charity & Take Lead in $30k Challenge & Junior Competitions

Hector Florentino piloting Ultimo to victory in the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Photo by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media

Lexington KY – May 15, 2011 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held May 11-15, featured the exciting debut of the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series, consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2011 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course during the lead off event on Thursday night’s $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*. At the end of the two round competition, it was Hector Florentino aboard Stransky Mission Farm’s Ultimo in the winner’s circle.

Florentino, the head trainer and rider at Stransky Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, now leads in the standings. The talented rider from the Dominican Republic is not only riding for owner Liliane Stransky but is a member of “Team Step by Step,” a group of riders of different levels, ages, and countries, who compete on the Hunter & Jumper A-Circuit to help raise awareness and funds for her international children’s charity, Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com).

Continue reading Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows →