Tampa, FL – Sunday, April 1, 2012 – The final day of the Tampa Bay Classic has arrived, and riders worked diligently today to put in their concluding efforts for division championships. The week has seen substantial talent, and the success of the show and its exhibitors is drawing an increasingly large crowd of spectators to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Hasbrouck Donovan was the talk of the show, securing two championships on this concluding day. Donovan and Lyle took the Small Junior Hunter Championship, while Caroline Kellogg and Felicci followed closely behind, taking the reserve honors. Donovan continued her winning streak aboard Fidelia, gliding to the top of the Large Junior Hunters; while Amber Henter rode Kudos! to a well-deserved reserve championship win.
The Small Junior Hunters started off the day for the main arena, bringing forth a group of talented athletes. Donovan has been the junior to keep an eye on, as she dominated the Large and Small Junior Hunters, in both Saturday’s preliminary classes and Sunday’s championship wrap-up. Guiding Stephanie Keen’s Lyle to the Small Junior win, Donovan was thrilled to end her week on a positive note.
“I enjoy showing multiple horses, because it gives me more practice, and allows me to form to each horse,” remarked Donovan. “Lyle is really sweet and has great movement over fences and on the flat, so showing him is honestly such a pleasure. I think that this show allows exhibitors to have more fun, and actually enjoy the day, rather than focusing on the work aspect of it.”
She continued, “Week one has been a great experience, and riding multiple horses can be tiring, but I was especially eager to compete in the Small and Large Hunters, because I really like both the horses I am riding, and it is time that I can spend with friends. I am definitely looking forward to next week, and my summer season.”
Caroline Kellogg piloted her own horse, Felicci, to a close reserve champion title, just points away from championship spot. She was consistent throughout the division, earning the second and fourth place ribbons in the concluding day of competition, securing her position at the top.
“My rounds were very good,” smiled Kellogg. “He takes care of me if I make a mistake, and it gives me the confidence I need. He is consistent and fun to ride. This is my fifth year in Tampa, and I always look forward to showing here. Besides the warmth, I love the people and the management, and I think that everything is put together really well.”
The balance of the ribbons was awarded to a competitive group of Junior riders, including Morgan Ward and Zed, Hidden Creek Bono and Megan Edrick, Just Vince and Meg Mitchell, and Landrie Folsom aboard Upgrade.
The morning proceeded with a group of Large Junior Hunters, generating similar results than the previous group. Once again, it was Donovan who would take the division, this time aboard Emil Spadone’s Fidelia. This was hardly a surprise after her double win in Saturday’s handy and hunter rounds; however, the anticipation kicked in when Amber Henter and Kudos put in a winning round, and received the blue for a graceful under saddle.
“He is a great horse, and I am really glad that we were able to pull it together and have a great ride,” commented Henter.
The remaining ribbons went to Mackenzie McGehee aboard And Then Some, Colleen McKenzie and Castello, Hannah Marco and Coldplay, Hannah Marco and CR Moet, and Caitlin Wojciki and Carzo Z.
During the Tampa Equestrian Series, riders will have the opportunity for championship and reserve championship honors in the Professional Hunter divisions, Junior Hunter divisions, and Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions. The event also features the Tampa Series Hunter High Score Circuit Awards in several hunter divisions, which will be awarded during the 40th Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G & C Farm, at Raymond James Stadium.
For more information on Stadium Jumping, Inc. and the 2012 Tampa Equestrian Series please call (941) 744-5465. To download a copy of the prize list, please visit www.stadiumjumping.com.
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