Barri Platt and Don Perignon. Photo by Sportfot.
Wellington, FL – February 29, 2014 – Be it in the jumpers, the hunters or the equitation divisions, riders from Castlewood Farm have been seeing non-stop success at this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival. Barri Platt kept the Wellington, FL based farm’s winning streak alive this week in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters.
Platt rode Alan Korotkin and Castlewood Farm’s Don Perignon to two first place blue ribbons over fences and the win in the under saddle class before claiming the Week VIII championship honor.
“He was absolutely amazing. The lines were really easy on my horse,” Platt said. “He’s got a really big stride so it is easy to get down the lines.”
Platt began leasing ‘Don’ last August, but she recently fractured her foot, leaving her grounded for nine weeks. Watching them today though, one would never guess they had had any time apart, and Platt says that Castlewood Farm trainer Steven Gregorio is largely to thank for that.
Throughout Platt’s recovery, Gregorio has been keeping Don in shape and show-ready.
“I missed the first six weeks of WEF, so Steven was keeping Don ready and in work,” Platt said. “I didn’t ride for nine weeks, and he throws me in during World Championship Hunter Rider week. Steven had Don completely ready.”
Korotkin found Don for Platt when she came to Castlewood after a three-year hiatus from riding.
“He’s a great horse, naturally quiet and takes a lot of leg. However, he wakes up when he enters the show ring,” said Gregorio. “He is a great mover, which is what won him the hack today. He is really just such a solid adult hunter horse.”
When she went off to college, Platt took a break from the horse world, but after transferring to Florida Atlantic University last year, she got back in the saddle. Watching her impressive riding this week one would also never guess she had a full three years off – or that she is extremely busy balancing college with riding and competing on the weekends.
“It takes a lot of energy to do both and keep straight A’s. I want to go to law school after undergrad, but I love it so it’s worth it,” stated Platt. “I am so thankful to Alan who has found me two perfect horses. I trust his judgement completely and am learning so much.”
Now that she is back in action, Platt and her two new mounts are ready to show the world what they can do. Look for Platt throughout the remainder of the season with in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters with Don Perignon and in the Adult Jumpers with her mount, Vicky.
About Castlewood Farm, Inc.
Castlewood Farm, Inc. is a full service riding, training and sales facility located on ten acres in the heart of Wellington, FL. Alan Korotkin and his team, including exceptional trainers Susan Tuccinardi, Steven Gregorio and Samantha Senft cater to the serious equestrian, offering instruction for the beginner, the medal finals veteran, the grand prix specialist and everything in between.
Castlewood Farm, Inc. presents a vast selection of horses for sale or lease, suitable for all divisions and in every price range. The farm also offers leasing packages, including a WEF lease specifically catered to the winter circuit competitor.
For more information, visit www.castlewoodfarmsales.com. Find Castlewood on Facebook here!
Arianna Delin for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
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