CULPEPER, VA (July 13, 2010) — HITS Grand Prix Veteran Aaron Vale and Paparazzi 10, owned by Thinkslikeahorse and Norman Peterson, won the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.
Vale, of Morriston, Florida, was one of 22 horse-and-rider teams to compete over a course designed by International Course Designer Olaf Petersen, Sr. of Paehl, Germany. Only three riders jumped clean in what turned out to be a very challenging first round which featured a double and a triple combination, as well as an open water obstacle.
“It was a tricky course,” said Vale. “You don’t come to Culpeper expecting to jump open water and Olaf [Petersen, Sr.] makes it challenging. You needed to do some real horseback riding on this course.”
The strong field of competitors will include rider Kelley Farmer.
Bristol, WI – July 9, 2010 – The first ever Tapestry Farm Derby Day promises a day of hospitality and exciting competition at Tapestry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. On July 11th, the 120 acre facility one hour north of Chicago will host a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a $5,000 USHJA 3′ Derby, and a $10,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Speed Derby. A strong field of competitors is expected including Pony Lane Farm’s Bella Blue, shown by Maggie Jayne, and Nancy Amling’s Taken, shown by Kelley Farmer. All classes will utilize the farm’s outside course on grass with its natural obstacles and featuring a beautiful, brand new bank. Spectators will have the opportunity to provide support for the worthy USHJAF’s Horseman’s Assistance Fund and at the same time enjoy the highest level of hospitality by buying a ringside table. Held in conduction with the Showplace Summertime Horse Show at Ledges, Derby Day will provide the finale to a great horse show, providing a field trip for participants and offering all a “day in the country”.
Derby Day was first envisioned by Tapestry Farm’s owner Donna Struve. Watching the growing popularity of the hunter derby format, she pictured her farm as the perfect venue to host a showcase event, giving Midwest riders the opportunity to compete close to home in an international caliber event while hosting a summer outing and raising money for charity.
Upper Marlboro, MD – July 7, 2010 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show, now in its 17th year of competition, strives every year to provide the best possible horse show for its exhibitors. This includes adding new classes that offer special opportunities for every level of rider. This year’s show will once again start with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com, on October 2-3, and the horse show will continue on October 4-10.
Highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the North American Equitation Championship (Oct. 3), the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals (Oct. 3), the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Emerging Pro Challenge (Oct. 6), the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 8-9), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 8), and the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 8).
Wayne, IL – July 6, 2010 – Following a very successful three weeks of competition at the 2010 Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show, many of the Midwest’s best riders are currently sitting at the top of the standings for the coveted $60,000 Showplace Leading Rider Series. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, the Leading Rider Series has made an exciting addition to its lineup this year, adding six divisions of leading hunter awards along with the previous jumper honors. The 2010 Leading Rider Series will offer $32,500 in jumper money and $27,500 in hunter money.
The Showplace Leading Rider Series tracks riders through a series of nine events throughout the season and awards prizes to the top three riders in each category. Riders in the series are ranked according to the prize money won by their top placed horse in the Classic or Grand Prix for their division. The finale for the Showplace Leading Rider Series is at the Showplace Fall Classic Championship Horse Show on September 14-19, 2010. There, the top three riders in each section will win bonus money (first place- 50%, second place- 30%, and third place- 20%), and the top ten will receive awards.
July 1, 2010 – The Charleston Summer Classic starts in two weeks from today and we still have about 50 stalls for week one and about 100 for week two still available. The temporary stalls will go up right after the July 4th weekend so if you need stalls, call our office so we put up the right number. We will only have 450 stalls this year.
Three other things.
1. If you are interested in renting a golf cart, please call the office. We do not have an onsite vendor and are trying to find carts in town. 843 768 5503 – speak to Tissy.
2. You are welcome to arrive on Saturday the 10th of July if you like. We will have a VERY limited staff but if you call about shavings early, you are welcome to come. Please do not arrive without calling us. 843 768 5503.
3. There was a misprint in the prize list for the $7,500 Jumper Classic. The specs implied that the class was only for Jr AO Jumpers. That is not true. It is an open jumper classic, open to all horses and riders.
The American Quarter Horse Journal, June 29, 2010 – Live video coverage will be available for spectators wanting to watch this year’s American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup July 3-11 in Oklahoma City.
With teams made up of American Quarter Horse Youth Association members from 16 countries, spectators from all over the world can enjoy the exciting leadership and educational clinics, and Olympic-style competition thanks to America’s Horse TV.
To watch the Youth World Cup, visit www.americashorse.tv/youthworldcup.html for free live-streaming videos starting Saturday, July 3, through Sunday, July 11. To view the schedule of events, including clinics and competition times, visit www.aqha.com/youth/activities/ywc/2010/YWC_schedule.pdf. Please note trail will be judged “at-will” on Thursday, July 8, and Saturday, July 10. Video coverage of all trail competitors will be replayed 30 minutes following the last class each day.
Saugerties, New York – June 21, 2010 – The Marshall & Sterling League is pleased to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. School is out for summer, and there has never been a better time to qualify for what will undoubtedly be the most exciting Marshall & Sterling National Finals competitors have ever seen.
Founded 20 years ago, the Marshall & Sterling League has continuously offered our nation’s diverse population of horses and riders at all levels an opportunity to qualify for and compete at the prestigious Marshall & Sterling National Finals, to be held this year September 15-19, 2010 at the exquisite HITS-on-the-Hudson facility in Saugerties, NY.
Marshall & Sterling League Coordinator Patti Guerriero has been with HITS since 2003 and during that time has been the League’s administrator managing membership for both equestrians and horse shows. “When the League started 20 years ago, we had 10 member horse shows. In 2003 when I started there were three hundred, today we have 1,300 member shows. We have incredible members and many wonderful show partners around the country. I think the success and longevity of this type of grassroots organization is directly tied to our commitment to this audience of riders and our continued desire to bring new and exciting divisions and offerings into the mix over the years.”
We had a great week in Conyers for the Atlanta Summer Classic I. We had lots of exciting classes so I have lots to share.
To start, this week was a WCHR event and we hosted the USHJA Hunter Classic and USHJA International Hunter Derby.
The winner of the Hunter Classic was Snowday owned by Triple Creek Farm and ridden by Lindsey Chestnut. The class was showcased and started at 10 am with lots of spectators watching. The Classic Company plans many USHJA Hunter Classics in the future.
The winner of the International Hunter Derby was Brunello, owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Peterson and shown by Elizabeth Boyd. The class was held in the 400 x 450 Grand Prix ring under lights and was well attended with “tailgaters”. It was an exciting class and Allen Rheinheimer and Joe Carnicom made a challenging course. There were also many comments among the spectators that they missed the “opening of the gate” and they hoped that the committee will see fit to allow it next year…. it was not a gimmick jump.
Wayne, IL – June 18, 2010 – Today’s hunter competition at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II at the Lamplight Equestrian Center began at 8:00 a.m. in the Main Hunter Ring. Juniors brought out their top equitation horses for the morning’s competitions in the ASPCA Maclay and the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal. Winning the ASPCA Maclay was Caitlin Creel aboard Calvin 46. Shortly after a ring drag the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal commenced. Coming from fourth place before the test and then taking home the blue was Nicki LaChapelle and Perfect Landing.
The ASPCA Maclay course and the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal were both designed by Skip Bailey of Wellington, Florida. Both courses featured a diagonal two-stride, two option verticals coming home, and a figure eight to two split rail fences.
June 17, 2010 – Just a few updates and reminders….
The Atlanta Summer Classic I, II are both sold out for both weeks. We sold out so late we could not put up a tent and I am very sorry for those 70 horses that could not get in. Please call us early this fall for the show in November.
The Charleston Summer Classic I, II (July 14-24) – The office phone has been ringing and the mail has been heavy for the shows on Johns Island. We can only have 450 stalls this year so if you are planning to attend, please call our office. Both stalls and campers are limited and we want all of you that are planning to come to get in so let us know. This year we added more jumper classes and have classes that do not require membership to USEF or USHJA.
The Tryon Fall Classic (September 24-26) will celebrate 20 years this fall. Carol Kent and I are looking forward to our show this year. This year we will offer the Tri State Age Group Equitation Finals. The top 15 riders in the 11 and Under, 12-14 and 15-17 from SCHJA, NCHJA, and GHJA will be invited for a special class with great awards. Mark your calendar.
