Traverse City, MI – July 10, 2011 – Overcast skies couldn’t dull the excitement at Horse Shows by the Bay this afternoon, as the $30,000 Open Jumper Grand Prix of Traverse City ignited the Grand Prix ring. Brian Shook and Courage 68 took home the top prize, while Erynn Ballard and Robin Walker came in second and third, respectively. A suspenseful jump-off kept fans on the edge of their seats, as Shook, who rode last in the second round, was the only competitor to clear the course twice. This event was the first of four $30,000 Open Jumper Grand Prix that will take place at Flintfields Horse Park this summer.

Horse Shows by the Bay’s first 2011 Grand Prix got off to a dramatic start, as the first horse and rider both fell at a particularly challenging oxer. It wasn’t until the seventh rider, Robin Walker aboard Ilian-de-Taute, took the course that a clear round was achieved. Despite the much-appreciated lack of rain today, the rails seemed especially slippery on designer Chris Brandt’s intimidating course. Nearly all of the riders who entered today’s competition accidentally introduced a few rails to the Grand Prix ring’s new footing. Nevertheless, the challenge was met with delight by fans, whose “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard as each horse and rider bravely confronted the course.

Erynn Ballard and the appropriately-named Fun 2 Fly sure had fun this afternoon, as they were the second to go clear in the first round. They also had the fastest first round time, breezing through in under 70 seconds, the only pair to do so without incurring faults. Foreshadowing his jump-off success, Brian Shook was the third and final rider to clear the course in the initial round. He and Courage 68 teamed up to avoid the knockdowns and refusals that thwarted other participants. Of those whose rounds had only one fault, David Jennings and Nandy Fontaine turned in a great first round time of 69.534 seconds, finishing fourth overall. Denise Wilson also did well aboard Casey Jones, finishing with just four faults and a fifth place standing.

Continue reading $30,000 Grand Prix Is Grand Finale to Bustling First Week at Horse Shows by the Bay →