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.

Continue reading Hasbrouck Donovan Dominates the Small and Large Junior Hunters on the Final Day of Tampa Bay Classic →

Tampa, FL – Mach 31, 2012 – Week One of the Tampa Equestrian Series is in its last couple of days with the Tampa Bay Classic, but nothing can hinder the resilience of the hunter exhibitors as they strive for the remainder of championship titles. It was a bright and early Saturday morning as the Juniors and Amateur-Owners flocked to the Main Hunter Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center for their chance to compete. Hasbrouck Donovan and Fidelia jogged for two winning ribbons in the over fences, ultimately setting a high standard for Sunday’s remaining competitors. Robin Swinderman and Inxs came back from yesterday’s results in full swing, adding the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter Championship to their season.

The main ring opened with exceptional rides by the Large Junior Hunters, each with a flowing first round. The handy course was slightly more complex, involving a bending line, a rollback to a two-stride combination, and a trot fence. The course forced riders to make decisions and acquire a forward canter. While the majority of the division had clean and careful rounds, it was the dauntless riding of Donovan that impressed the judges. The accomplished junior showed Redfield Farm’s Fidelia, under the direction of Emil Spadone, and gained two well-deserved wins. The most impressive aspect of the win was that Donovan was riding the mare for the first time.

Continue reading Hasbrouck Donovan and Fidelia Soar to the Top of the Large Junior Hunters on Day Four of Tampa Bay Classic →