Tag Archives: Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Moran Family Award Recognizes Joey Darby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Joey Darby riding Balaliaka to the title of AHSA Working Horse of the Year in 1972.

Devon, PA – June 18, 2013 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series is delighted to honor Joey Darby with this year’s Moran Family Award for Excellence in the Industry. The Moran family will present the prestigious award, donated by Caroline Moran and her family, to Darby on Sunday, June 30, at the Devon Show Grounds. The award presentation falls prior to the start of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, a highlight of the two weeks of top hunter and jumper competition at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series running June 26-30 and July 3-7.

As a rider, trainer and respected judge, Darby’s career has spanned more than 40 years. His name is legendary, and he exemplifies the essence of true horsemanship and tradition in the hunter industry. In the late 1960s, Darby relocated to Any Day Farm in Southern Pines, the heartland of the show hunter. As a rider and trainer for loyal owners such as Junie Kulp and Sally Sexton, he garnered success with such memorable champions as Balalaika, Lyric, Sand Man, Loveable Truly, Rosie Report and Goodness. He’s also found success in the jumper ring with horses such as Arrive Alive and Brother Sam, who went on to compete at Aachen with Canadian, Ian Millar.

Darby has been a renaissance man in the equine industry, having mentored young equestrians in hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, three-day eventing and driving. Over the years, he has coached many three-day riders who wished to improve their stadium jumping skills, including Michael Plumb and Phillip Dutton. The Moran Family Award will be presented to Darby in recognition of his dedication and service to the equestrian sport.

In addition to this special award presentation, the Brandywine Valley Summer Series will feature a number notable classes and events, including two $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies and the $5,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.

Exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, guests and media can find out more information about the Brandywine Valley Summer Series by visiting http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY SUMMER SERIES FAST FACTS:

WHAT: An ‘AA’ hunter/jumper/equitation horse show presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services benefitting Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue.

WHEN: Week I: June 26-30, 2013 and Week II: July 3-7, 2013, with a local day of competition on Monday, July 8, 2013.

WHERE: The prestigious Devon Show Grounds in Devon, PA.

FEATURES:

  • Johnson Horse Transportation $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Week 1 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Outer Beaches Realty and the Risser Family
  • Week 2 $5,000 National Hunter Derby Sponsored by Concord Pet Food and Supplies
  • $5,000 M&T Bank High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • $3,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Hall of Fame Classic
  • Hunter and Jumper Grooms Classes
  • Leadline
  • Designated WCHR Member Event
  • PHSA Hunter Classic

BENEFICIARIES:

The mission of our show is to provide ‘AA’ quality competition that benefits other non-profit organizations. The opportunity to include Danny and Ron’s Rescue and Main Line Animal Rescue as beneficiaries ties directly to that goal.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Louise Serio – Executive Director – (610) 636-0678
Jennifer Burger – Sponsor Relations – (716)830-8544
Gillian Grant – Sponsors/Beneficiaries- (302) 427-9622
Blair Balmer – Vendors – blair.balmer@gmail.com
Emily Riden – Marketing & Press – (717) 368-8102 or emr@phelpsmediagroup.com
Mike Rheinheimer – Horse Show Manager – mwrheinheimer@msn.com
Website: http://brandywinevalleysummerseries.com

DIRECTIONS:
From Philadelphia International Airport:
Follow signs to I-95 South and follow I-95 South approximately 5 miles. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the Northeast:
Follow I-95 South. Look for I-476 approximately 5 miles South of the Philadelphia International Airport. Merge onto I-476 North via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the South:
Follow I-95 North toward Philadelphia. Once you’ve crossed into Delaware, keep right and take I-495 North via exit 5D toward Port of Wilmington / Philadelphia. Follow for I-495 North and remerge onto I-95 North (Crossing into Pennsylvania). Follow I-95 North to I-476 North. Take I-476 N via exit 7 toward Plymouth Meeting. Follow I-476 North for approximately 13 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the East:
Follow the Schuylkill Expressway / I-76 West to I-476 South. Merge onto I-476 South via exit 331A on the left toward Chester. Follow I-476 South for approximately 2 miles to exit 13, US-30. Turn left onto US-30 West. Follow US-30 West for approximately 3 miles and the Devon Horse Show will be on your left.

From the West:
Follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-76 E toward Philadelphia. Take exit 326 toward Valley Forge. Stay in right lane after the tolls. Merge onto US-202 South via exit 328A toward West Chester. Follow US-202 South for approximately 2 miles. Take the PA-252 North exit toward Devon. Make a left onto Valley Forge Road / PA-252. Continue to follow Valley Forge Road for approximately .5 miles and make a slight right turn onto Devon State Road. Follow Devon State road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a dead end. Make a left onto Old Lancaster Road and then an immediate right onto Waterloo Road. Turn left on to Lancaster Avenue / US-30 East and the Devon Horse Show will be on your right within .2 miles.

HOTELS:

OFFICIAL TRAVEL COORDINATIOR: Connections at EquestrianTravel.com
Equestrian Travel
800-262-9974
404-842-0000
www.equestriantravel.com
Please call or click today for special room rates!

Courtyard Marriott – Devon
762 West Lancaster Pike (Rt. 30)
Wayne, PA 19087
610-687-6633

Best Western The Inn at King of Prussia
127 South Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Clarion Park Ridge Hotel
480 North Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Comfort Inn Valley Forge
550 West DeKalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Courtyard Marriott – Malvern
280 Old Morehall Road
Malvern, PA 19355

Courtyard Marriott – Valley Forge King of Prussia
1100 Drummers Lane
610-687-6700

Crowne Plaza – Valley Forge
260 Mall Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Derbydown and Louise Serio Dominate Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Louise Serio and Rock On won the Green Hunter Circuit Championship at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 15, 2011 – Louise Serio and the riders at Derbydown had great success over the past two weeks during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Showcasing their mounts in the prestigious Dixon Oval at the Devon Show Grounds, riders consistently earned top placings and tricolor awards for their efforts.  Derbydown owner and founder Louise Serio led the way, claiming the Green Hunter Circuit Championship with Rock On after earning each week’s Overall Grand Champion Professional Hunter and Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

Rock On, owned by Jennifer Burger, and Louise Serio won the First Year Green Working Hunter Championship during both weeks of competition. During the second week, the impressive duo won four of the division’s classes. “Rock On was great; he’s so consistent,” said Serio. “He’s such a mellow horse, and I think these two weeks he’s been very consistent and he’s ridden very well. He’s a little lazy, but sometimes he can take over a little bit. I am very pleased with how he went this week.”

Serio also had great success with Burger’s second mount, Phillipa. The duo earned the reserve championship in the Second Year/High Performance Hunter division during the first week and received excellent ribbons in the First Year/High Performance Hunter division during the second week. For their efforts in the ring they were presented with the High Performance Hunter Circuit Championship. In the First Year Green Working Hunter division, Serio also received the reserve championship prize aboard Lisa Scott’s Head Over Heels during the first week.

Continue reading Derbydown and Louise Serio Dominate Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan Win $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan won the $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 9, 2011 – The top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Devon Show Ground’s Dixon Oval this afternoon to compete for the winning title during the $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix. This afternoon’s competition was the highlight event for the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, which will be continuing through July 10, 2011. At the end of the day, Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan owned by Chansonette Farm LLC of New York, NY led the victory gallop after advancing to the short course and completing a clear effort in a time of 38.082 seconds.

“I got Vanhattan in March from one of Kent Farrington’s clients,” explained Keenan. “Kent was showing him in the grand prix classes, but I started out doing the Lows a few times and then the Highs; from the beginning he was unreal. I love him, he is such a character and a lot of fun.”

Christina Gellos and Man In Black owned by Gellos of Greenwich, CT were right behind them to take second with a time of 39.446, while Clementine Goutal and Ollywood Des Horts owned by Cloverleaf Farm of New York, NY broke the beam in a clean 39.865 to score the third place prize.

“Man In Black a little bit fired up, you just sit there and steer him around,” said Gellos. “He’s an incredible jumper, so you don’t really have to worry about the fences, which is awesome.”

Continue reading Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan Win $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lexi Graham and Landmark Victorious in $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lexi Graham and Landmark won the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Ron Schwane Photography.

Devon, PA – July 9, 2011 – Following today’s exciting $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix, riders returned to the Dixon Oval in the evening for the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby. The event was one of the highlights for the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, at the Devon Show Grounds. The winning combination was Lexi Graham and Landmark owned by Julie Graham of Kintnersville, PA.

Graham and Landmark had scores of 89 and 90 after the first round. They came into the second round in third place, but with a picture-perfect round including, a spectacular brush box jump, the duo scored an 89 and an 89.5, which gave them a grand total of 357.5. They jumped to the top of the leaderboard and led tonight’s victory gallop around the Dixon Oval.

“He’s great for the derbies, he really takes care of me so it makes it a lot of fun,” noted Graham. “The first round was pretty nice, it was a little rough, but the second round is usually where we have a lot of fun and are able to take some chances.”

Graham added, “The ring looks great, I’ll definitely be back next year!”

Close behind in second was Kim Zindel-Buzby and Black Jax owned by Ann Nelligan of Newtown Square, PA, with a total score of 357. After scores of 92 and 90.5, the pair came into the handy round on top. A flawless second round course earned them scores of 83.5 and 91.

Continue reading Lexi Graham and Landmark Victorious in $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

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

$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

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.

Continue reading Junior Rider Samantha Schaefer Dominates at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

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

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist won the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 2, 2011 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services featured an exciting evening of competition in the Dixon Oval this Saturday. The top horse and rider combinations gathered to showcase their skills during the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby. Meredith Lipke and The Specialist led the class from start to finish and eventually garnered the winning honors after earning a total score of 357. Lexi Graham and Landmark jumped up from the 11th place position to finish second, while Devon Yacka piloted Furst Laugh to the third place award.

Tonight’s courses were designed by Michael Rheinheimer and simulated riding over a hunt country with all of the fences set to 3′ with four 3’5” options and three handy options. Meredith Lipke of Buffalo, NY, took an early lead with The Specialist, scoring an 86 and an 87 during the first round with four bonus options for a 181 total. They were the last to return during the handy round, but the duo did not hold back. After executing a beautiful inside turn to the first fence they held a big gallop throughout the course, receiving scores of 85 and 83 with four bonus points. Their two-round total of 357 points would net the winning title.

“This is my first derby, so I am very excited,” beamed Lipke after her victory gallop. “The Specialist has done quite a few of them, so he knew exactly what he was doing, which really helped me out. He had a great turn to the first fence in the handy and was really on it for every jump. He was just happy to be out there after having a month off!”

Lipke continued, “I need to have a definite plan and I wanted to make sure The Specialist knew exactly where he was going. My trainer Kristy McCormack had me do a different turn to the first fence, which allowed us to keep flowing.”

Continue reading Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Allison Toffolon Excels in Junior Jumpers at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Allison Toffolon and Furalissa, Junior Jumpers at Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Robyn Keyster/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 2, 2011 – Timing was everything this afternoon at Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, with a speedy Low Junior Amateur-Owner Jumper class taking place today in the Dixon Oval of the scenic Devon Show Grounds. A slew of swift riders took on Jose Gamarra’s latest jumper course, giving onlookers an exciting display of genuine horsepower.

Taking first in the speed class was Allison Toffolon on her own gray mare, Furalissa. She cleared today’s colorful course in just 57.001 seconds, after quickly correcting an imprecise distance to the first jump. She and the enthusiastic Furalissa quickly recouped their time, finishing with the fastest fault-free round of the afternoon.

“All in all it was a good round,” commented Toffolon. “We went a little too deep to the first jump, which kind of slowed us down. After that we had to regroup and make some tighter turns. If we would have had a better distance to that first jump, we probably would have been able to go even faster.”

Toffolon added, “Furalissa is a really fast horse who loves to gallop around. She really wants to win, so it’s easy to have a good round with her. On Furalissa, I like the speed class better because there are more opportunities to go faster than someone else, or turn tighter than someone else. We are a good match because she has the heart to win and so do I. She will take risks that I will take, too. That’s why we got her, she really wants to win.”

Continue reading Allison Toffolon Excels in Junior Jumpers at Brandywine Valley Summer Series