Category Archives: Show Jumping

Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed to Victory in $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed won $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Ron Schwane Photography

Devon, PA – July 7, 2011 – Bright, sunny skies kicked off the day at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, but as the jumpers took to the Dixon Oval at the Devon Show Grounds scattered thunderstorms moved into the area. The riders prevailed through the wet weather, with Patricia Griffith and Wieminka B taking the top spot in the 1.40m Open Jumpers, while Jennifer Brennan and Ducky scored the winning title in the $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

The $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic was the last class of the day in the Dixon Oval, where riders showed over a technical course by Kenny Krome. The first round featured a triple bar, three double combinations, and a liverpool. Eight from the original starting order advanced to the short course, where riders had to start over the triple bar and make a bending line to a single vertical. They then made a sharp right turn to a single oxer and turned to a single vertical, before making their way through a vertical-oxer double combination, a related vertical, and a final wide oxer.

Jennifer Brennan and Ducky, owned by Shannon Dell, were the fastest of the fast, completing a double clear effort in just 31.890 seconds to take home the winning ribbon. “Today I just wanted to be fast and clean,” she explained after the victory gallop. “There weren’t any sneaky inside turns, I just had to keep him straight and point him at the jumps. Ducky is awesome, very easy to ride. He knows his job and he’s as competitive as you are. If you want to win, he wants to win more!”

The second place prize went to Olivia Fry Weeks and H. J. El Divino, who stopped the clock just one second short of the leading time in 32.803 seconds. The first to tackle the track was Isabelle Caccamise and Qrocus Landais, who broke the beam at 35.135 seconds for third. Rounding out the top four was yesterday’s winner, Patrick McGinnia and JET Show Stables’ Conn, who tripped the timers in 35.387 seconds with all the rails intact.

Continue reading Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed to Victory in $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011

Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy. Photo by stock image services.com

Eventing
In preparation of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the CIC2* Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational was held as the London Test Event. Piggy French of Great Britain lead from start to finish with DHI Topper W, finishing on her dressage score of 34.70 in front of the stunning backdrop of Greenwich Park. Michael Jung of Germany and River of Joy came in second, while Pippa Funnell of Great Britain and Billy Shannon finished third. Will Faudree and DHI Colour Candy were the top placed American pair, finishing in 21st place.

For complete results and more information, please visit click here.

Jumping
Numerous U.S. riders were competing at Spruce Meadows over the holiday weekend. To start things off, U.S. riders interestingly took all of the odd places in the top ten in the 1.60m Great-West Life Cup. Leslie Howard finished on top with Utah while Mario Deslauriers and Diablo came in third. In the 1.45m Cargill Cup, Rich Fellers took top honors with McGuinness, while Richard Spooner and Quirino 3 came in a close second.  McLain Ward and Rothchild came in second in the 1.50m RSA Cup. Ward then won the next class – this time in the 1.45m WESTJET Cup with Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve. Deslauriers was second with Urico. Kristen Coe and Tristan jumped clean and fast to win the 1.50m Duncan Ross Cup.

The U.S. riders dominated the top ten of the 1.50m Talisman Energy Cup, and Ward took home another win, this time aboard Vocas. Deslauriers and Vicomte D were second while Spooner finished fourth.  In the 1.60m RBC Financial Group Cup, Katherine Dinan and Vancouver were the top American pair finishing in third place. Ward continued his winning streak with Oh D’Eole in the 1.45m West Canadian Cup.  In the 1.60m ESSO Challenge World Cup Qualifier, U.S. riders dominated the top three. Rich Fellers and Flexible scored a big win with clean, lightning-fast rounds. Deslauriers and Urico were second while Farrington and Uceko finished third.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines – July 7, 2011

Greenwich Test Event Hailed a Huge Success

The London skyline provided the perfect backdrop to this week's Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) - the equestrian test event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: FEI Photo Catalogue.

London Prepares Series (GBR), 7 July 2011 – Greenwich Park in London (GBR) is a much quieter place today as the runners and riders, supporters, officials and most of the staff who helped create a magical atmosphere during this week’s test event have departed from the site where the equestrian Olympic Games will take place in 2012.

The Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) has already been hailed a huge success, but after a week of hectic activity, and three days of intense competition, it is now time to reflect in the aftermath.

The lasting memory for those lucky enough to be there this week is the sound of the excited school-children screaming with delight as they witnessed top-class horse sport at close quarters for the very first time.  For the hardened professionals, both in the saddle and on foot performing their various essential tasks, it was a heart-warming experience.

A generation of young people, who would otherwise never be exposed to the sport, were curious, enthralled and intrigued by what they saw, and they’ve shaken the foundations of a sometimes conservative world.  They’ve reminded us all that horse sport isn’t just about equine talent and rider skills.  It’s also about fun and entertainment, about embracing the partnership between man and horse and presenting it in a whole new light to a world of people who, given the opportunity, will learn to love it.

There is a sense right now that the equestrian events at London 2012 could mark the beginning of a whole new era, and how timely that will be for equestrian sport which celebrates its centenary as part of the Olympic movement next year.

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Sun Shines on Opening Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

Erynn Ballard and Fun 2 Fly. Credit: Robyn Keyster/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 6, 2011 – A few lingering clouds gave way to brilliant sunshine this morning at the Horse Shows by the Bay equestrian festival in beautiful Traverse City, MI. Held each year in one of the country’s premier vacation destinations, Horse Shows by the Bay will welcome thousands of equestrians over the next four weeks. Hundreds of horse and rider combinations have arrived already, with many putting on powerful performances this afternoon in the Grand Prix ring. Erynn Ballard rode two talented horses to victory in today’s 1.3m and 1.35m jumper classes, setting an upbeat example for the many upcoming jumper events to follow.

Atop brand-new footing in the main jumper ring, Ballard stole the show with two double-clear turns in the Grand Prix ring. In the 1.3m class, generously sponsored by Blue Gate Farm, Ballard showed how it’s fun to fly with Fun 2 Fly, as the two conquered the jump-off in only 40.513 seconds. Also having fun was Kimberly Seay aboard Belvedere; the two came in second with a jump-off time of 41.695 seconds. Emily Short and Grande Finale 3e snagged a third place spot, taking only 42.704 seconds to clear a jumper course that included all the elements of a Traverse City summer: carefully-manicured flowers, nautical flourishes, and of course, cherries.

In the 1.35m jumper class, Ballard was the second to clear the course but the only rider to clear the jump-off as well. She and Buttercup quickly sailed to the top of the scoreboard with a second round time of 41.928 seconds. Calmly navigating Chris Brandt’s vividly colored course, the pair smoothly avoided any rail knockdowns or refusals. David Jennings also steered clear of difficulty, making the obstacles look easy aboard Maximus, Nandy Fontaine, and Cowgirl. With Maximus, Jennings earned a second place finish.

“So far we’ve been loving it here in Traverse City,” said multiple winner Ballard. “The show has been so accommodating, and the weather has been beautiful. Plus, it’s close to home, it suits everything I brought. The town is wonderful, too, and we want to come back for the whole month next year. There’s nowhere else in the summer that I can think of where it’s similar to the experience you get here in Traverse City. I’ve been to a lot of the summer shows, and this place is just made to be a horse show.”

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$500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic Victory Goes to Bridget Mahoney and Utopia at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Bridget Mahoney and Utopia won the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photos By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 6, 2011 – It was warm and sunny as exhibitors returned to the Devon Show Grounds for the second week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. The Adult Amateurs took center stage in the Dixon Oval as they competed in their respective divisions, as well as the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic and the Ariat Adult Medal. Bridget Mahoney claimed the top prize in the Classic, while Shane Mackey scored the winning title in the Medal. In the Gold Ring, the jumper riders showcased their skills during the 1.20m Open Jumper class and the Child/Adult Jumper class.

Washington College Senior Bridget Mahoney had an excellent day on her talented mount Utopia, owned by Rob Coluccio of Wellington, FL. The duo entered the second round of the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic in the second place position with a score of 81. They laid down a beautiful trip during the final round and the judges awarded them a score of 78, bringing their total to 159, which would be good enough for the first place prize.

“The first round was good, I rode it well and I had a score of an 81, so I knew I had a good chance of coming back and being at the top,” commented Mahoney. “The second trip, I just wanted to go in and ride well and think about all my turns. I was most worried about the bending because people were doing a 9 or 10, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I jumped in well though and it came up nicely.”

Utopia is an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare that Mahoney is leasing from Coluccio for the summer. “I just got Utopia three weeks ago and did two weeks of Saratoga before coming here,” she explained. “She just needs a confident ride; she’s very fun and easy to get along with. After Brandywine we will go to Vermont before I return to school in August.”

Continue reading $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic Victory Goes to Bridget Mahoney and Utopia at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Charleston Summer Classic USHJA Classic

We have some exhibitors arriving early so they can enjoy the beach…. We are ready.  Just a few things:

1. Somehow the USHJA Hunter Classic was left off the prize list.  We offered it last year and this year it was somehow deleted.  We are offering the Hunter Classic the third day – last class of each show.  You can add this class when you arrive at the show.  Sorry for the problem.

2. Parties.  There are five parties over the two weeks.  The first week will have a party during the Hunter Classic and there is one at Red’s Ice House.  The second week will have one again during the Hunter Classic, one at Tissy’s House plus the party at the Club at Seabrook Island.

3. Fishing and boat rentals.  If anyone needs help booking fishing charters or boat rentals during the days off you can call Bohicket Marina for Charters, 843 768 1280, or speak to Robin Stoney when you get to the show and she will help guide you.

Call with questions or for stall reservations:  843 768 550.

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

Fabulous French Passes the Test with Flying Colours

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (front) presented the medals as the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) drew to a close in London (GBR) today. Pictured on the podium: (left) Great Britain's Pippa Funnell who finished third, (centre) winner Piggy French from Great Britain, and (right) second-placed Michael Jung from Germany. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI.

London Prepares Series (GBR), 6 July 2011 – Great Britain’s Piggy French held firm to scoop the honours in the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational (CIC**) today with a fabulous double-clear jumping performance from DHI Topper W. Germany’s Michael Jung (River of Joy) finished second ahead of Britain’s Pippa Funnell (Billy Shannon) in third, but all the athletes were in agreement that the real winner of the Olympic Test Event has been Greenwich Park, the fabulous London venue which will host next summer’s Olympic equestrian events.

“Of course it was special to win here – we are all competitive and it was great for a British rider to put a stamp on it – but this has really been about checking things out before next summer’s Games and from that point of view it’s been a huge success,” said French this afternoon. In the lead from the outset on Monday, she had a heart-stopping moment this morning when DHI Topper W was held over during the final horse inspection, but in the end nothing could prevent her from claiming the top step of the podium.

FIRST TIME OUT
A total of 35 riders lined out in the final jumping phase, but just 12 managed to stay clear first time out. Sweden’s Sara Algotsson Ostholt lost her grip on second spot with a single mistake from her talented young mare, the seven-year-old Mrs Medicott, and Clayton Fredericks, lying overnight fourth for Australia, slipped from contention when Bendigo did likewise. This allowed Michael Jung to move into runner-up spot, but French had a fence in hand as the closing stages were played out. Funnell, now in third with the handsome Kannan mare Billy Shannon, piled the pressure on the two ahead of her with a lovely tour of the second-round track. Jung didn’t flinch to stay clean and the pressure was all on French when last into the arena. Setting off in a quiet rhythm however the 30-year-old rider calmly held her nerve to take the win she well deserved.

“Topper has matured so well over the last few months – he could be a contender for next year,” French said afterwards. “That’s still a long way away and horses are great levellers so who knows what can happen between now and then, but I reckon he’s got what it takes. I just hope we haven’t peaked too early!”

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Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show

Louise Serio and Rock On (Pictured at Brandywine Valley Summer Series) Photo By: PMG.

Littlestown, PA – June 30, 2011 – It was an excellent week for the horses and riders of Derbydown during the Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show, held June 21-26 at Swan Lake Stables. The talented Louise Serio took home three tricolor ribbons throughout the competition. Serio also earned the win in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Jennifer Burger’s Rock On. The talented group of riders at Derbydown earned multiple winning results after successfully competing in the show’s challenging hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.

Serio piloted Jennifer Burger’s Rock On to the top of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The pair took home the winning title after beating out 25 competitors. Serio also garnered championship honors with Rock On in the First Year Green Working Hunter Division. The dynamic duo swept the division earning the blue ribbon in all of the division classes topping out at 50 points.

Jennifer Burger also achieved her own success aboard her second mount, Rock Star, earning a first and third place ribbon in the 3’3 Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter Division.

Serio picked up another championship, this time in the High Performance Hunter Division aboard Phillipa owned by Jennifer Burger. Serio and Phillipa earned four blue ribbons and a yellow ribbon throughout the division. They racked up an impressive 44 points to secure the championship title.

Continue reading Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show

Junior Rider Samantha Schaefer Dominates at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Samantha Schaefer won the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, the Style Award for Equitation, and the Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize with Sienna at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 3, 2011 – Cloudy skies and warm temperatures greeted exhibitors during the final day of competition for the first week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. Junior rider Samantha Schaefer was today’s big winner, claiming the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, the Style Award for Equitation, and the Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize for her ride aboard Sienna. All of today’s Junior Hunter events took place in the Dixon Oval at the historic Devon Show Grounds, where Schaefer piloted her mounts to two of the three championship tricolors.

During the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division, Schaefer was aboard Sienna and Platinum for owner Lexi Maounis of Jupiter, FL. She scored two first place ribbons and three second place ribbons with Sienna to claim the division’s championship prize, and at the end of the day the impressive duo was awarded the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title. The Large Junior 16-17 Hunter Reserve Championship went to Margaret Oberkircher and Tres Bien, owned by Southfield Farm of Fort Washington, PA, after they earned two first place ribbons, two third place ribbons, and a fourth place ribbon.

“Sienna is a chestnut mare and I am not a mare person at all, so it takes a lot of calmness for me to ride her,” admitted Schaefer. “She’s pretty easy though; she’s a little downhill so you have to keep her balance up, but she really tries to win. She’s smart and brave; she just wants to win every time.”

Earlier in the day, Schaefer also claimed the Small Junior Hunter Championship, this time aboard Photo Shoot, owned by Peake Wood Pharm of Marshall, VA. Throughout the division they earned three first place ribbons, a third place ribbon, and a fourth place ribbon to garner the top honors. Porter Allen of Boerne, TX, piloted Gisele to the reserve championship after earning a first place ribbon, three second place ribbons, and a first place ribbon.

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Jumper Classics Cap Off Colorful First Week of Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Julia Fowler aboard Presco. Fowler was High Junior Amateur-Owner Jumper Division Champion at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Robyn Keyster/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 3, 2011 – It’s not the Fourth of July yet, but fireworks were already on display this afternoon in the jumper ring at Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. Countering the overcast skies, two rousing Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics lit up the Dixon Oval of the Devon Show Grounds. Julia Fowler and Alex Matz both earned championship honors in the the Junior Amateur-Owner Jumper Division, while Fowler and Saly Glassman garnered blue ribbons in today’s highlight events.

The $3,500 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic was the first jumper event of the day, with Julia Fowler and her own horse, Presco, getting off to a promising start. The duo soared to a clear round, despite the many brightly colored jumps that stopped several horses in their tracks this afternoon. Fowler and Presco sailed smoothly to – and through – the jump-off, finishing in a brisk 33.03 seconds. “I’m definitely not the fastest rider generally,” commented Fowler after her win, “so it was a good week for me. My horse was awesome, he jumped fantastically, and he just genuinely tries really hard out there.”

After picking up her blue ribbon for her win in the Classic, Fowler returned to the ring to receive the championship tricolor for topping the division. “It feels really good to be champion,” laughed Fowler. “This is a cool horse show, and given that it’s everyone’s first time at Brandywine, it’s just been really great to be here and participate.” Fowler hails from West Hartford, CT, and trains with Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm, located in Katonah, NY.

Continue reading Jumper Classics Cap Off Colorful First Week of Brandywine Valley Summer Series