Tag Archives: Alex Granato

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Alex Granato Victorious with Zenith Dance in The Ridge at Wellington Week 11 Grand Prix

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Alex Granato and Zenith Dance.

Wellington, FL – March 21, 2015 – Alex Granato has proven again and again that he is a force to be reckoned with when he shows up at The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, and today was no exception as he topped a field of 23 in the 1.40 Grand Prix.

He brought with him the same two horses he was successful with on Wednesday to compete in the Grand Prix today, Page Tredennick’s Cesario 15 and Zenith Dance, also owned by Tredennick. Serving as a perfect preparation for next week’s finals, Granato posted two double clear rounds. Only 5 others would join him with fault free scores throughout the day, with not a single pair laying down a faster track.

Granato improved on his results from Wednesday with Cesario 15, where the combination had an unlucky four faults in each of the first rounds of the two 1.30-1.35m classes. Today, the duo was the first double clear of the day as the second team in the ring, with a time of 40.760. The time would not hold up for long, with Granato returning immediately to beat his own time with his second ride. Cesario 15’s time would prove challenging to beat for the other competitors, however, and would end the day in the third place spot.

Zenith Dance had a very impressive outing on Wednesday, claiming the victory in the 1.30-1.35m with a margin of nearly three seconds over second place. Granato also won the 1.30-1.35m with this horse during the first and fifth week of competition. Today the pair continued their winning ways, capturing the top spot with a time of 38.088. When asked about one special trait of the horse, Granato was quick to compliment his mount, known as Whitey in the barn.

“For a pony sized jumper, he’s got a tremendously large character. He’s a great personality in the barn, nice to be around, whether you’re working with him on the ground, or riding him. He has a little bit of an attitude just because he’s pony sized, I think.”

Josh Dolan was quick to agree. “You know the horse in Tangled? That’s Whitey.”

Granato concurred, “We do call him the Disney pony. He’s always in a good mood; he’s a happy character to be around. ”

Granato delayed his trip up to compete in Ocala as late as he dared to, in order to support the Turf Tour, and he made his time well worth it. Both horses put in fantastic efforts over the course designed by Nick Granat. This talented Grand Prix rider is clearly ambitious and has the work ethic to back it up. Granato and Josh Dolan immediately hit the road for Ocala after competing, where he has several other horses showing. The Colorado based rider has been keeping up a very busy schedule, with his top horses spread out and competing at the best venues in Florida for the winter circuits.

While many riders tried their hand at catching the speedy partnership of Granato and Zenith Dance, none were successful. The closest time was Christine McCrea, riding Candy Tribble’s Ronaldo De La Pomme. She stopped the clock at 39.650, less than two seconds off the leading time. Sarah Wayda rode Faroukh to a very tidy jump off time of 41.629, good enough for fourth. Debbie Stephens stopped the clock at 41.814 with Swagger to finish fifth. Nina Fagerstrom completed the course in a time of 42.502 with Cover Girl to end in sixth. Alise Okin and Hitchcock Vd Broekkant navigated the track in a conservative time of 44.670, claiming seventh. Penny Brennan wrapped up the top eight ribbons with the fastest four faults. Her time of 38.093 would have been good enough for second, but a heartbreaking rail in the jump off at the plank, fence 8, dropped her and Sun Tzu in the standings.

The second ring was a happening place to be today, seeing more than fifty trips in the various divisions. The most popular class of the day was the $3000 NAL Junior/Amateur Owner Classic. Kiva Iscol rode her own Alias to the win out of the field of 18.

Kiva Iscol and Alias
Kiva Iscol and Alias

“I got him three years ago. He’s just kind of a quirky horse that needs his program. When he’s in his program, he’s just a delight. He’s just there for me. Even though he’s spooky, I trust him because he’s always going to go over the jump. I love him to death – he’s my baby!”

She raved about the course, also designed by Nick Granat. “It was great – it was a lot of fun. There were some nice options out there, like the first line you could do in 5 or 6, or I even saw some 7s. The bending lines were the same thing; I’ve seen a lot of different variety in the rides, which made it great for the jump off. With him, I knew that I could open him up for the five down the first line and still turn back, so it was a lot of fun.”

Iscol was very happy with her decision to come to the Turf Tour today. “Oh, IPC? What’s better than showing on a polo field? I mean I know it catches some riders off guard because there are no boundaries, but it’s just such a nice change of scenery. And to be out of a ring is fantastic. I think the horses enjoy it as much as the riders do. It’s such a friendly environment – everybody’s cheering for everybody else. What’s better than that?”

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Alex Granato and Zenith Dance Waltz Away with Win in 1.30-1.35m Class

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Alex Granato and Zenith Dance.

Wellington, FL – March 18, 2015 – Today was a stunning day at The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour, where competition heated up in the 1.30-1.35m classes on the field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC). Claiming the top prize was Alex Granato, riding Zenith Dance for Page Tredennick.

Granato has been consistently successful at The Ridge, winning the same class during the first and fifth weeks of the tour on Zenith Dance and racking up the ribbons as the circuit has progressed on several mounts. While Granato has been busy competing with his other rides at different venues, he came back with a vengeance this week to clinch the top spot.

“[Zenith Dance] is pretty fresh today. We haven’t shown him in a few weeks; I’ve been back and forth between here and Ocala, splitting time with the Grand Prix horses. I wanted to show this week with Cesario 15 and Zenith Dance here, before the Finals next week. They both felt good. Zenith Dance jumped really well, so he just did the one course – he was super and didn’t need to do more.”

He continued, “I’m a little tired because we’ve been hitting the road a lot! It’s been nice to travel though; it’s broken the winter up and we have a couple horses that are doing each different venue. So it’s been a nice break for the horses, to split their time and not do a lot, but compete at several good venues. It’s been wonderful for us to jump fresh courses in new places; it keeps it more fun and entertaining, rather than the same mundane ring day after day.”

There was a bit of a distraction at the horse show today, which stole a bit of the spotlight from Granato and Zenith Dance. Peeps, the dwarf miniature mare, accompanied Granato and Josh Dolan to the show in order to raise awareness about animals in need of rescue. The two rescued the mare, along with about 34 others, from a farm in Kentucky that had once been a breeding farm for some of the top miniatures in the country. The farm had fallen on hard times, and the pair knew they had to do something to help the horses.

The day after first contacting the owner, they were able to remove 19 from the property and get most of them placed in great homes, with keeping five for their own farm. In total, they’ve saved 35 miniatures from starvation and neglect. This incredible rescue effort has led to Granato and Dolan investigating the possibility of creating a nonprofit in order to help out other minis like Peeps.

Peeps was certainly a hit at the show, nimbly hopping over the polo field perimeter, imitating her fellow barn-mates. “She’s kind of become a local celebrity. The girls in the barn made her an Instagram page and she has almost 5,500 followers. People come up to us. We took her over for the Nations Cup night, and now people are emailing us and coming up to us at shows. We went up to Ocala and people we didn’t even know came up to us to ask if we brought Peeps.”

Debbie Stephens was the first rider this morning to test out the course designed by Nick Granat. Riding Centennial Farm’s Swagger, she blazed a fast pace around the track, leaving all of the rails up to finish on a time of 33.407. Stephens has been a huge supporter of the Turf Tour throughout the circuit and is consistently in the ribbons aboard her unmistakable white steed. Stephens enjoys challenging herself and her mounts by varying the location where she competes.

“I love WEF, but I also think it’s nice to change things once in a while and I would consider this a great change. Coming over here offers different jumps, different course designers and a different atmosphere. I think that it keeps the horses very well rounded. I think that also as a rider, it keeps me well rounded. I enjoy both venues; I think top competition is in Wellington and I think these places really bring the best out in the horse and the rider. I think it gives you a really good perspective of where you are.”

Stephens’ time would have her finish the day in the third spot, behind Granato and second placed Aaron Dixon, riding Peninsula Vertigo for Marilyn Dawson-Dixon. Christine McCrea would finish in fourth on Candy Tribble’s Ronaldo De La Pomme. Veteran of the Turf Tour Conor Swail would pick up the fifth place ribbon on Blue Hill Farm’s Tahiti Island, and Mario Deslauriers rounded out the top six with Henrik.

Matthew Metell and Cyon Z
Matthew Metell and Cyon Z

In the second class, Matthew Metell walked away with the victory. He sped around the course to finish in a time of 31.785, riding Cyon Z for Wolver Hollow. In doing so, he flew past the last team to go double clear, Laura Kraut riding Nick Skelton’s Cash. She had finished in a time of 35.30 seconds and would finish the day in second place.

Metell and Cyon Z have been successful during the Turf Tour, claiming the top prize in the same class last week. Metell is pleased with the progress his mount has made over the winter circuit.

“He’s a young 8-year-old and he’s been coming along really nicely. He’s growing into himself well. We’ve had a lot of fun showing here the last few weeks with him. He’s been a good boy. He jumped some high schooling rounds over at WEF earlier in the circuit, and then we’ve been bringing a group of horses here, so it’s easier for us to show them all in one place and he likes the grass, he’s been good here.”

Mario Deslauriers claimed third and fourth aboard Peyton and Rosalind Schaefer’s Cherrypop, respectively. Conor Swail picked up a fifth place ribbon on Susan Grange’s Fortis Fortuna, and Nina Fagerstrom rode Cover Girl to round out the ribbons in a field of 28.

The second ring saw plenty of action today with both the young jumper and schooling jumper classes. Marshall Field VI claimed the top spot in the 6-year-old Young Jumper Championship (YJC) Qualifying class with Click for Quality. Paul O’Shea finished in second on Virtuoso de Talma, and Jennifer Ramsey rode Diabolo D’esquelmes for Ronda Stavisky to the third place finish.

Paul O’Shea garnered the top ribbons in the 7/8-year-old YJC Qualifying class, with Gatsby 165 bringing home the blue and Skara Glen’s Presence the red. Mario Deslauriers finished in third on his own Can Cun 2.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Alex Granato Leads Day One of Competition at HITS Ocala CSIO4*

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(C) ESI Photography. Alex Granato and Gansta on their way to a $5,000 FEI Welcome Stake win.

Ocala, Florida (February 11, 2015): A week of international competition at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida kicked off Wednesday at the Ocala Winter Festival with Alex Granato of Wellington, Florida taking home first place honors in the $5,000 FEI Welcome Stake with his own Gangsta. Seven nations were represented in the class, including Canada, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela.

A field of 59 took their turn at the Welcome Stake course designed by Martin Otto of Muenster, Germany. Boasting 12 efforts set at 1.45m, the course proved to be preparation for many Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ riders introducing their mounts to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. An impressive 32 entries went clear including 2014 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix winner Andre Theime of Plau Am See, Germany on Conthendrix, Kevin Babington of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania with Shorapur, and Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, New York riding Simon.

Early on, Mexico native Nicolas Pizzaro and Armando Torrado’s Temascaltepec went clear setting 57.02 as the time to beat. Starting 22nd in the order, Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida and Troy Glaus’ Quidams Good Luck chased Pizzaro’s time and with a clean go in 55.32, Vale rose to the top of the leaderboard. Michael Hughes of Allendale, New Jersey aboard Luxina, owned by Christina Fried, was next to challenge Vale and the clock, entering the ring 30th and leaving clear with a time of 55.30 to move into the lead.

Thirty fifth in the order and having won the $1,000 Level 6 Jumper earlier in the day, Granato saw the speed class as an opportunity for him and his 15-year-old grey to shine. The pair secured their place at the top in a swift, clean 54.63.

“I did get a chance to watch a lot of people – maybe some had trouble or some were using it as a school for the Nations Cup,” said Granato. “I focused on the horse that I knew and used that to my advantage.”

Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, Ontario, riding Baranus Group’s Baranus, gave Granato a run for his money when he took the ring near the end of the order. The pair breezed through the course in 54.79 for a second place finish, bumping Hughes to third, Vale to fourth, and Pizzaro rounded out the top five.

“Everyone I’ve talked to, including myself and my team, give great compliments to Tom and the HITS team. This is a first rate job from beginning to end,” raved Millar.

“The course was just right for the first time the group was in the ring this week. It was a nice preview of the competition we can expect for Friday’s FEI Nations Cup class,” added HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.

FEI competition at HITS Ocala continues throughout the week with the $34,000 FEI Jumper Prix Thursday, the $200,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Friday, the $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic Saturday, and the $150,000 FEI Grand Prix Sunday.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Alex Granato and Sharn Wordley Triumph at Third Week of Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour

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Alex Granato and Gangsta.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2015 – The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour returned home to The Ridge at Wellington for its third week of competition. Michel Ismalun, a member of the course design team from World Equestrian Games 2014 and a world-renowned course designer, built the young jumper course on the grand prix field. The course proved to be very inviting and educational for each of the divisions, allowing the younger horses to go forward and gallop while on the turf. The two 1.30-1.35m classes saw the largest entries, with close to 20 trips taking place in each.

Alex Granato posted a very fast time of 30.504 seconds aboard his own Gangsta to win the first $2400 1.30-1.35m class. The gelding has certainly lived up to his name, proving to have a bit of a spark when under saddle. “I got him from a friend of mine, Charlie Jayne. He’s very aptly named! He loves carrying on bucking; I think he’s bucked me off twice in the four years I’ve had him. He’s a sweet personality on the ground, but he’s a character when you ride him.”

Quick Latinus was speedy around the course, piloted by his owner Miranda Scott, but was not quite quick enough to catch the first place time. Although Sharn Wordley tried to catch Granato, he fell shy of the top prize in the first class, but had the win in sight for the first 1.30m-1.35m class. Wordley rode Popstar Lozonais, owned by Ashland Stables, to a time of 29.371 seconds opting to take all inside turns to claim the victory.

“He’s a 12-year-old stallion by Quickstar and he’s a real winner at 1.40m and 1.45m classes,” Wordley explained. “He wins a class at most shows he goes to because he’s a real speed demon. I’ve had the ride on him for a year. He’s a fun horse, because you can pull him out for any class, any ring, and just go.”

Themes from yesterday’s Young Jumper Symposium continued today on a track designed by Michel Ismalun. “Well it was just like how I explained during the symposium. Young horses need special courses. What I put here had a lot of air, time to breathe between the jumps, progressive and never a place where they had to put forth too much effort. Today we started a system, and the footing was fantastic; I am very happy with the results. I think people are really enjoying it; it is something new out here.”

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais
Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais

Cynthia Hampton, founder of Classic Champions, Inc., spoke of her passion to develop a system for the young jumpers that would give them the best chance for success. “I approached Nona [Garson] and George [D’Ambrosio], and we feel as though 5 and 6 year olds should show on grass first so that they move forward and have room to breathe. They were very open to the idea, so we are very fortunate to be able to begin with The Ridge.”

Ismalun will be setting the courses for all of the Young Jumper series. There are six separate weeks, and the final week will have a two-day championship format. The purpose of the series is to educate young horses and create long-lasting athletes.

The course presented to the young horses presented very fair questions and provided an optional last obstacle, the choice between a liverpool or a small open water option. Josh Dolan rode Genevieve Edwards’ Baloumerang Sv to a successful first place in the 5-year-old jumpers. Diamiro, ridden by Denise Wilson for Blue Gate Farm LLC, claimed the top prize in the first class of the 6-year-old jumpers. Kaitlyn Campbell aboard Geoffrey Sutton’s Summer Time won the Young Jumper Championship 6-year-old Qualifier class.

Tina Di Landri dominated the 7 & 8-year-old jumper division. She rode Highpoint Farm LLC’s Diorado VDL to a first place ribbon in the first class and finished third in the $2000 class. She also rode Dakar VDL for Eva Castegren to a third and second place finish. Darragh Kerins rode Holsteins Eastwood, owned by M & M Show Stables, to a second place ribbon in the first class and a fifth place finish in the second class.

Friday’s events promise to be exciting, with the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running in the arena from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The turf will see low and medium schooling jumpers with two classes running concurrently offered at each height. The schooling jumper classes will continue to be offered on Friday throughout the remainder of the Turf Tour.

The event is approaching quickly, so riders should get their entries in to avoid post-entry fees. Week three of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will take place at The Ridge. The physical address is 14415 Palm Beach Pt. Blvd Wellington.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

For more information on the Classic Championship, Inc., please visit: http://equinemedi3.wix.com/classicchampionsinc.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Granato and Hope Go One-Two in the $15,000 Welcome Stake at Summer in the Rockies V

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Alex Granato and Gangsta.

Parker, CO – July 12, 2013 – Summer in the Rockies V continued at Colorado Horse Park with the $15,000 Welcome Stake as the highlight event of the day in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena.

Brazilian course designer Anderson Lima built a challenging course requiring horse and rider to understand each other’s strengths. The course asked the riders to make the most productive choices and take advantage of time-saving options to come in under the tight time allowed. The course tested the best. An orange and yellow outside line triple combination going toward the in-gate (6A/B/C) tripped up many horse and rider teams, many at the “B” element.

Of the 31 horse and rider combinations, Hector Florentino and Liverpool, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, were the first to go clean and advance to the jump-off round. Nine rounds later, Alex Granato and his own Gangsta put in a fault-free round. Three rounds later, Maggie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm’s Manneken Du Cory joined the group headed to the jump-off.

Then, four horse and rider teams in a row left all the rails in their cups within the time allowed: Caitlin Hope and Kathleen Hope’s Total Touch, Hunter Holloway and Hays Investment’s Yolo, Matt Cyphert and his Lochivar, and Hector Florentino and his second ride of the class, Anemone’s Vicky, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms.

Mark Mead and Balthazar, owned by Marianne Marshall put in, what appeared to be a faultless round, but incurred a single time penalty for being .607 over the time allowed.

The final horse and rider combination to progress to the short track was John Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Johnny B Good.

Florentino and Liverpool returned for the jump-off round and had a rail. Next, Granato and Gangsta put in an incredible clear and very fast performance, breaking the timer beam at 33.206. This put them in the lead, where they would stay to eventually win the class. The next pair to go double clear was Hope and Total Touch with a time of 36.136 earning them second place. Florentino and Anemone’s Vicky were the only other horse and rider team to be fault-free in the jump-off with a time of 37.851.

Granato and Gangsta
Granato and Gangsta

“I’ve had him just a little over three years now,” said Granato about Gangsta. “He’s been a great one. I stepped in with him after Charlie Jayne and have had a lot of fun with him right from the very beginning. He’s 13; he has a lot of fire and he has a lot of desire to do the job. He has a great attitude about the job.”

“In the first round I was a little worried because he was a little strong and he hasn’t done anything since the Prix last week,” he shared. “I had to take a little extra time in the first round to get him settled back. In the jump-off I lucked out a little bit but it worked out to our favor I let him take over and take on a good gallop and let him take hold of my hand and it worked out for us.”

Granato shared his thoughts on the 6 A/B/C combination that cost many of the horse and rider pairs a rail or two.

“A couple horses over-jumped ‘A’ a little bit and didn’t back up in time,” he said. “I was fortunate that I rode another horse earlier for Sarah Tredennick, so I got a good feel how the course rode. Through the triple usually he’s a little too bold through the vertical/vertical but he backed up and jumped it really well today.”

“I really think that thinking about time allowed made the difference for me,” said second-place finisher, Hope. “It is always one of the things I have to think about. My horse and I are a really good team. He knows what I like and he tries really hard for me. I think it had a lot to do with knowing your horse and what works well for you.”

“For instance, the outside line: some people did seven to six. I did six to five,” she explained. That’s something that works out well for my horse. My horse is very careful and pretty much if I stay out of his way, he does whatever he can to get his legs out of the way and it usually works.”

Hope, who trains with Diane Carney at Telluride Farm, is a junior at Lafayette College and has had Total Touch for four years. She doesn’t ride when she is away at school. She meets Carney at shows and just gets right back in the ring. She stays fit by going to the gym and running. During the school year Carney rides him and Richard Rinehart helps out.

Caitlin Hope and Total Touch
Caitlin Hope and Total Touch

“Going into the first round Diane wanted me to focus on the first three jumps – the five to the four and also the oxer at the in-gate, to get him turned and focused on the jump,” said Hope. For the second round we just wanted to be double clean and let the chips fall where they may. We have the Grand Prix this week also the High Junior Amateur Classic to look forward to, so we wanted to have a good class early in the week to set us up for the rest of the week. I think my horse is ready.”

“The course was fantastic and the class was competent,” said Carney. “There were 31 that could hit the center of the target. We were grateful to be part of the jump-off. Caitie and her horse, Total Touch, do a super job. They’re a match. We know the drill – our warm-up is the same every time. I say when she goes in the ring, ‘Focus on your straightness, focus on the time allowed, and let him jump clean,’ something that George (Morris) tells us to do all the time. I am very proud of them to be second in today’s class.”

This is Hope’s first time showing at the Colorado Horse Park.

“I really like it,” Hope said. “We’re here this week and next week and most likely, back in the future. I think the footing is great – my horse… it’s like a bouncing board for him so he really likes it.”

“I think the Colorado Horse Park is a special place to horse show,” said Carney. “I grew up in Colorado and certainly there wasn’t a place like this in the ‘70s. It is really a pleasure to be here. I haven’t been back to Colorado to show for about 20 years. The footing is great the maintenance of everything is fantastic.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

$35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix Serves Up the Win to Granata and Gangsta

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Alex Granato and Gangsta sail over the oxer in the Olympic Stadium en route to the win in the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix. Flashpoint Photography.

It was not an easy walkabout as the top twenty-seven jumper riders tackled the course designed by Manuel Esparanza of Mexico at the Georgia International Horse Park during the $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix during the Atlanta Summer Classics.  Only six were invited back for the jump-off and it was Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado and his own Gangsta who took the win with a double-clear effort in a time of 34.605 seconds.

Christi Israel of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons aboard her own Bull’s Run Zino Platinum turned in the first clear round of the class with a double-clean time of 72.440 which was under the 75 seconds allowed.  The time allowed would definitely weed riders out of the class and 10 would accrue time penalties in the first round.  As the first to go in the jump off, their time of 36.935 seconds was well in line with the time allowed of 56 seconds, but their rail down at fence 9A would cost them four faults and eventually land them in fifth place overall.

Derek Peterson of Archer, Florida and his own Via Dolorosa followed Israel in the class and were next to go double-clear with a time of 71.292 seconds in the first round.  In the jump off, the team had a rail down at fence 8, resulting in four faults in a time of 36.181 seconds which would place the duo in fourth position overall.

Hennessey, owned and ridden by Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia, went clean in the first round and turned in a time of 74.145 seconds, just below the time allowed.  But their faults in the jump off at fence 9A in a time of 38.873 seconds would finish them in sixth place overall.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida and 2VR Showjumpers’ Zippo II were next to go and looked to go clean, but their time of 75.033 seconds would earn them a time fault and the pair would finish in seventh overall.

Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina rode Patty Ann Burns’ Calando Z to a clean round, but also earned one time fault with their time of 75.934 seconds which would find the pair finishing in eighth place overall.

Alex Granato of Elizabeth, Colorado and his own Gangsta were the next to turn in a clear first round effort in a time of 73.866 and carried that momentum to the jump-off round where they turned in the first clear round and set the time to beat at 34.605 seconds.  There were two to go and the competition was stiff with seasoned veterans Vale and Francis Land waiting in the wings.

Vale was next to tackle the course with Spirit of Alena owned by Campos and Miranda Investments and turned in a clear 71.208 first round effort.  Although he looked to take the lead from Granato in the jump off, Vale’s time of 35.180 seconds, despite the clean effort, would leave the duo in second place.

Francis Land of Alpharetta, Georgia in the irons aboard his own Vieanne was next to go and turned in a clear first round effort of 74.255.  Despite their clean jump-off round, their time of 35.570 seconds would not be fast enough to catch Granato or Vale and would land them in third place overall.

Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics kicks off tomorrow when the complimentary Zone 4 Clinics get underway at the Georgia International Horse Park.  Tomorrow features accomplished judge and horseman Bob Crandall who will lead a general horsemanship riding clinic in the covered arena.

On Tuesday, June 18, the Zone 4 Complimentary Clinics continue and will feature legendary Steve Stephens, Olympic course designer, who will conduct a water jump clinic.  Stephens will teach you and your horse how to jump an open water element. This clinic will be filled on a first come, first-served basis for 15 riding participants.  Auditors are welcome to attend.

Then, the inaugural USHJA Children’s/Adult Jumper Zone 3/Zone 4 Championship takes place where riders compete in a Nations Cup format.  The first round is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th and the final round takes place Sunday June 23rd.  The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Classic presented by FarmVet takes place Week II as well as the Emerson Burr Program for Pony Riders.  The $15,000 Welcome Class, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic, the $5,000 Future Class and the $35,000 Grand Prix all provide ample opportunity to cash in on the competition.  The $2,500 TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division, the Atlanta Cup Equitation Classic, the World Hunter Champion Hunter Rider, the Grand Puba Junior Hunter Championships and the Freestyle Equitation Classic will all be featured next week in addition to the traditional Classic Company classes.  No wonder these are the two most popular weeks of show jumping!

If you don’t have stalls, be sure to call the show office ASAP.  With a handful of stalls left and a fistful of events and prize money up for grabs, the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Summer Classics are the place to be!  But if you can’t get in this week-no worries!  Charleston Summer Classics are right around the corner and Classic Company has combined the beach and the show ring to make for the best horse show experience ever!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Largest Grand Prix Ever at HITS Ocala Won by Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui

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© ESI Photography. Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui on course in Thursday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

OCALA, FL (February 18, 2011) — Yesterday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, was the largest Grand Prix starting field ever at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. One of today’s brightest stars in show jumping, Kent Farrington riding Up Chiqui, owned by Alex Boone, William Dobbs and Farrington, beat out 48 starters to take the top prize in the class.

Thursday’s course was designed by Jack Robson of Coronado, California and saw only five teams return for the jump-off. “It was an intelligent course,” said Farrington. “Since the class was so big, it really sorted us out and we didn’t have too many in the jump-off. The bending line to the triple combination posed somewhat of a challenge since it was going away from the gate.”

In the jump-off, Farrington overcame the Great American Time to Beat, held by second-place finishers Andres Rodriguez and Larkanaro, owned by Rodriguez and Andreas Olivares, by less than a second. “He’s a speed specialist,” said Farrington, of his horse. “Going fast in the jump-off is one of our strongest points and today it really mattered with everyone having such fast times.”

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