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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lili Hymowitz and Tiffani Named Grand Junior Hunter Champions at Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Lili Hymowitz and Tiffani. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Savanah Stuart and Andover Win Grand Children’s Hunter Championship

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 5, 2014 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family, concluded with another day of fantastic hunter competition. Junior and Children’s riders were featured in the Show Place Arena and the outdoor ring, and six championships were presented. Lili Hymowitz and Tiffani won the Grand Junior Hunter Championship, while Savanah Stuart and Andover were named Grand Children’s Hunter Champions. The Capital Challenge Horse Show hosts the premier hunter competition in the United States and welcomed more than 1,000 horses to Prince George’s Equestrian Center over the past nine days.

Hymowitz and Tiffani found success in the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter division, where they won all three over fences classes. Tiffani was also named the High Point Junior Hunter 15 & Under, sponsored by Geddaway Farm, and the Grand Junior Hunter Champion, sponsored by The Schaefer Family. They were presented with The Spontaneous Perpetual Trophy donated by the Listrani Family. Hymowitz won Best Junior Rider honors, an award sponsored by Karen Healey and Karen Healey Stables. The reserve champion in the division was Prologue, ridden by Emma Kurtz for Rendezvous Farm. They placed second, second, and fourth over fences.

Hymowitz (15) is from New York, NY, and has owned Tiffani for two years. Tiffani came from the jumper ring, so early on she had the learning curve of being calm and collected on course. Hymowitz remembered, “She was a challenge for me because she was young, and she was a jumper before I got her. Last year was her first time doing the hunters. She was always a little rushed in the turns. The handies were harder because she got jumpery, but with Scott (Stewart)’s help and with Jane’s help she’s learned to calm down and go slower. Her jumper parts that were good are so helpful in the hunters [now].”

Tiffani learned quickly; they were champions at the Washington International Horse Show last year. “She’s super easy now. She’s so adjustable because of doing the jumpers. She’ll go from wherever I tell her,” Hymowitz said. “She can collect and extend pretty much in a second and that makes it so much easier because going into the class I feel like I have so many options. I’m not worried about finding each jump, and I really trust her.”

Hymowitz felt like this was the perfect start to her indoor finals season. “I like riding her indoors because she likes going slow around the ring, and I think in indoors it looks more flow-y. In a big ring you need to have a gallop, and I’m still learning to do that part I think.”

This is Hymowitz’s fourth time competing at Capital Challenge, but her first championship. “It’s amazing, and it’s a great way to start indoors and go into Harrisburg and Washington. I was really excited about winning yesterday, and I didn’t expect much more. I just wanted to ride well,” she related.

The EMO Junior Trip of the Show went to Hymowitz and Tiffani, as well as Vivian Yowan on Alliy Moyer’s Libretto, who both scored an 89.

In the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, sponsored by Suave Pony LLC, the championship went to Chromeo, ridden by Samantha Wight (16) of Boca Raton, FL and owned by Melissa Wight. They were first and second over fences and second in the under saddle. The reserve champion was Oscany Inc.’s Clooney, ridden by Emma Kurtz. They were first, second, and fourth over fences.

Wight and Chromeo have been paired for a year and a half, and from the start, she appreciated her hunter’s better qualities. “He’s just a really sweet horse. You can tell he always wants to do his best. He always puts his best foot forward,” she described. “He really put himself out there when we started. He put so much effort out for me because we bonded right from the beginning.”

Wight has learned to ride forward and get an early pace from Chromeo. “He’s allowed me to learn that because he has such a great stride on his own. He taught me how to open up and leave him and let him do his job,” she pointed out.

This is Wight’s third time at Capital Challenge and her first championship at an indoor show. “It feels great. I’m really happy with my horse and my trainers and my whole support team has been great,” she said. “It’s a big help going on to the next indoor [show] and being able to look back on the prior indoor and say I did really well there and was champion, so I can do it.”

New to Capital Challenge this year was the Junior Hunter 3’3” division, and the first champion was Bella K, ridden and owned by Samantha Camp, 13 years old from Glenmoore, PA. They won two over fences and placed fifth in the remaining jumping class for the top tricolor. Askaro, ridden by Sarah Jane Haskins for Emily Hilton, was the reserve champion after placing first and second over fences. They also won the EMO 3’3” Junior Hunter Trip of the Show with an 88.5.

Camp has been riding the eight-year-old Bella K for two years and describes her as smooth, but also “sassy sometimes.” She continued, “She likes to be herself. She loves Twizzlers. It’s her favorite thing. When she hears the package open she starts pacing.”

This was only their fourth show, and their best finish, at the 3’3” height. They competed and were reserve champions in the Children’s Hunters at last year’s Capital Challenge, which is at a height of three-foot. “She likes the bigger jumps a lot better. She’s a lot happier,” she said. “She’s taught me pretty much everything I know. It means a lot to be champion here because I really wanted to do well at this show, especially since I did well here last year. This is my favorite show all year.”

The Leading Hunter Trainer Award, sponsored by Meridian Riding Club and Tracye Ferguson, went to Scott Stewart.

Claudia Freeman was awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for junior riders, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart & Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio. It is awarded to up-and-coming junior riders, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, exhibit the best hunter style and show potential as a young hunter rider.

A Perfect Ending for the Grand Children’s Hunter Championship

In her last junior year, Savanah Stuart made the trip to the East Coast from her home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA a worthwhile one. She and Andover won the Children’s Hunter 15-17 division, sponsored by The Rizvi Family, with two firsts and a second place. Those top ribbons gave them the Grand Children’s Hunter Championship, sponsored by Mary Jane King, and Stuart was presented with the Laura Pickett Memorial Trophy, donated by Julie Karpan. Stuart won the Best Children’s Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by Wild Sky Farm & The Nelson Family. The reserve champion was Kissme, ridden by Mary Margaret Dodd and owned by Anna Wells-Sharp. They placed first and sixth over fences and fourth under saddle.

Andover is just six years old and competes in the Pre-Green Hunters. Stuart has ridden him for a year, calling him her “project horse.” Andover competed at Capital Challenge last year in the Pre-Green Hunters as well. Although he is still young, Stuart said his good brain and level-headedness is what brings success.

Savanah Stuart and Andover. Photo © The Book LLC
Savanah Stuart and Andover. Photo © The Book LLC

“You never have to worry about him doing anything crazy. He does have a little ADD so when he has his baby moments, he will look outside the ring at something,” she pointed out. “We worked a lot on building his straightness and really keeping him connected. But for the most part, he has the mindset of a 12-year-old. He’ll jump anything.”

The change from last year’s competition was a positive one, Stuart said. “I brought him last year, but I was still figuring him out. Coming back this year I could really see the improvement, so that’s been great.”

Stuart is finishing the last few shows of her junior career, and Capital Challenge is the only indoor show in which she will ride Andover. “I didn’t have the best junior career. I had a lot of horses that would get hurt midway through the season. I was always challenged with that. I never had a steady, consistent ride, so having the year that I had being able to ride my horses has been a blessing. This was a great way to end my junior career. I think going out with a bang was kind of nice. I finally got there,” she expressed.

The championship in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Section B, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Duffy and Little Brook Farms, Inc., went to Central Park, ridden by Mimi Gochman for David Gochman. The 10-year-old rider from New York City rode Central Park to first over fences and first under saddle. The reserve champion was Monopoly, ridden by Aubrienne Krysiewicz-Bell for owner Margaret O’Meara. They jumped to first and fifth places and were fourth under saddle.

Gochman started with “Duke” this winter. “He’s slow, and he has a lopey canter. His jump isn’t too big. He’s a good mover, he’s pretty and he’s sweet. He has a good personality,” she said.

Transitioning to the horses from ponies has been easy for Gochman. “(Central Park) has a bigger stride so it’s almost easier. And the jumps seem so much bigger when you’re on a large (pony than) to him because he’s so big. You don’t need to go very fast, so it’s nice to keep a steady pace,” she said.

Central Park has taught Gochman “how to sit still” when riding. “In the first class, I moved up and I leaned, and he said, ‘No way, we’re not jumping that far!’ He’s taught me how to sit still and hold him because he can still jump very well while I’m sitting up. He’s good at fitting it in even though his stride is big,” she recalled.

It was a winning affair for the entire Gochman family at Capital Challenge, with her sister Sophie winning in the pony hunters yesterday. “It’s sweet because we’ve been practicing and trying really hard to do really well here, and we did it. And my mom was WCHR Challenge winner!” she added.

The champion in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Section A, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Duffy and Little Brook Farms, Inc., was Chelsea, ridden by Emma Weiss and owned by Baylor Wickes. The 15-year-old rider from New York, NY started riding Chelsea in February. They won an over fences and were second under saddle. Weiss was also awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for children’s riders. The reserve champion was Mimi Gochman on David Gochman’s Romance. They placed second and third over fences and third under saddle.

Weiss described Chelsea as “not easy, but not too hard. We have a bond where I let her do her thing, and she lets me do my thing. We have that relationship where it just works out that way,” she said.

Chelsea is only 15.1 hands high, “but she makes up for it with her stride,” Weiss said. Weiss also said that Chelsea loves treats. “She knows she’s the princess!” she said.

This is Weiss’ first time at Capital Challenge. “I came in on Friday because I had the presentations for WCHR,” she said. “I spent all yesterday just hanging out, watching the ring to see how it runs so that when I showed it would go easier. It’s incredible (to win). I was really happy because my lease ends with her soon, so it’s nice to end it on a high note.”

Capital Challenge gives thanks to their exhibitors, sponsors, staff, and spectators for another fantastic event. They look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2015.

For full results, more information, or to watch the archived individual rounds of video, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Championships, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Pony, Show Jumping

Emma Kurtz and Valor Win Grand Pony Hunter Championship at Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Emma Kurtz and Valor. Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Kelli Cruciotti Victorious in $10,000 Junior/A-O Jumper Challenge; Gochman, Passarelli, Yowan, Petersen, and Humphries Earn Tricolors

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 4, 2014 – Ponies ruled today at The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, concludes on Sunday, October 5. Emma Kurtz piloted David Gochman’s Valor to the Grand Pony Hunter Championship and Best Pony Rider honors. Six pony and junior hunter divisions awarded championships. In the evening session, Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante won the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup Final Round.

Kurtz (14) of Hudson, OH rode to the top of the Pony Hunters today on David Gochman’s Valor. They were the Large Pony Hunter champions, and with two firsts, two seconds, and a fourth under saddle, and received the Grand Pony Hunter Championship, sponsored by Ali Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm. They were awarded the VanderMoore Designs Trophy, donated by VanderMoore Designs. Kurtz was named the Best Pony Rider, an award sponsored by Archibald Cox and Brookway Stables. They were presented with the Kitty Borisoff Memorial Trophy donated by her many friends. The reserve champions were All My Love and Kirklen Petersen, who rode for Dr. Betsee Park. They placed first and second over fences and were first under saddle. Petersen won the EMO Trip of the Show with a score of 91.5 on All My Love.

This was only the second time that Kurtz has shown Valor after their initial outing this summer in Kentucky. Valor shows in the Green Pony Hunters as well. “He’s a little bit green, but he always jumps a good jump. He’s really smooth, and he has a huge stride. For the first class trotting in, he was a little nervous, but then he was fine after that. He’s green, but he’s not really green. I didn’t really have any expectations because he was kind of new to me,” Kurtz admitted. But after placed first and second in the opening day of competition, she added, “After the first day, I had expectations!”

This is the third time Kurtz has shown at CCHS, and she was champion in the same division two years ago with Aladdin. This is her first Grand Championship at CCHS. She said of showing at Capital Challenge, “I like how they have one day outdoors so if your pony doesn’t like it inside, you get another day.”

Kurtz acknowledged the great opportunity to ride Valor for the Gochman family. “I’m really grateful. They were so nice to let me ride him. He’s an amazing pony,” she expressed.

Kurtz trains with Amanda Lyerly and Mike Rheinheimer and often catch-rides. “It’s never boring. You’re always on your toes,” she said. Lyerly said that she tells Kurtz to trust her instincts. “She’s pretty good at what she does, if she believes in herself. She is a pleasure to teach. Every time she walks in the ring, she tries her hardest and she’s super focused. She can pretty much ride anything you put her on. She has a lot to ride, but whether it’s good or bad, she tries to get the best out of it.”

Winning stayed in the Gochman family in the Medium Pony Hunter division with the championship going to Sophie Gochman on Truly Noble. They won two classes and were second and sixth in the division over fences. The reserve championship went to Show Me Love, ridden by Natalie Jayne for Scott Stewart. They placed first over fences and first under saddle.

Gochman has ridden “Noble” for two years. “I know him pretty well,” she said. “He’s kind of a quirky pony. He talks a lot and flaps his lips. He loves giving kisses and love. You have to leg him a bit around the ring. He has a good canter to him; he feels a little bit like a small horse. He’s easy to see the distances on.”

For the 11-year-old from New York, NY, winning a championship at Capital Challenge is “a big deal.” “It really feels good because this is the first indoor show that I’ve been champion at. It’s a good accomplishment,” she said with a smile.

Thirteen-year-old Caroline Passarelli of High Falls, NY won the Small Pony Hunter championship, sponsored by Spring Mill Farm/Jenny Yandell, riding Dr. Betsee Parker’s Bit Of Love. The Harper Taskier Wright Memorial Trophy, given in memory of Harper by her loving parents Michael and Alexandra Borissoff Wright, friends, and family whose lives she touched, was given to Passarelli for winning the Small Pony Hunter championship. Passarelli and Bit of Love were first, first, and second over fences and fourth under saddle. The reserve champion was Rollingwood’s Knee Deep, ridden by Zayna Rizvi for Peacock Ridge LLC. They placed first and third over fences.

Passarelli has ridden Bit Of Love for a year. While she acknowledged that when she first started riding him, she was “a little inexperienced” for him and he was still a bit green, things got better with every show. “Soon it finally clicked. He really wanted to win and so did I, and it was a really good match,” she said. “He wants to win just as badly as you do. You can tell he’s sad when you let him down, which I’ve done before. He’s so amazing and so smooth. He’s not spooky. He’ll jump whatever from wherever; he doesn’t mind. The best thing is that he wants to win too.”

Moving into the indoor Show Place Arena today for the handy hunter class, Passarelli said she had to remember some adjustments with “Chester.” She explained, “With Chester, in the handies you try not to look where you are going so much and lay on the leads so much; he’ll get a little bit confused. You have to ride it almost more like it’s a regular hunter course and then work your turns in, yet you still have to be handy so that if you’re really going for it, you can win.”

She added, “I just can’t thank Betsee Parker enough for letting me show him and Elation and the other ponies I show for her, and Scott and Ken for training me.”

The Children’s/Pony Hunter championship went to Simply Magical, ridden by Hensley Humphries and owned by First Blue LLC. This was the first time that Humphries, an 11-year-old from New York, NY, has competed at Capital Challenge. Having started riding at camp from a pony ride, she has progressed through riding to her first indoor championship. “I’m really excited, and it’s amazing to be champion,” she said.

She has ridden Simply Magical for 10 months. “I tried him, and I really liked him. He’s really fun to jump, and he has a really comfortable canter,” Humphries described. “He can be sweet, and he really likes peppermints. We give him one every time we go to the ring.

Humphries and Simply Magical won an over fences class, as did reserve champions, Ellia Giuliani and Bill Schaub’s Tuxedo Park. It came down to a hack-off for the championship. Since Humphries had ridden her other pony in the under saddle, rider Arabella McFarland stayed on Simply Magical to ride him to the top tricolor in the hack-off. “I was really nervous because I’ve never seen a hack-off before,” Humphries said. “I didn’t really know what it was, but it was really exciting.”

Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA was awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for pony riders, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart & Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio. It is awarded to up-and-coming junior riders, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, exhibit the best hunter style and show potential as a young hunter rider.

First Junior Hunter Championships Awarded

The older age sections of the Small and Large Junior Hunters finished their divisions outside today, with the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter championship going to Taken, ridden by Kirklen Petersen for Jessica Stitt. They also won the High Point Junior Hunter 16-17, sponsored by The Clothes Horse, by winning two over fences and placing third in another jumping class. Vivian Yowan and Saddle Ridge LLC’s Ransom were the reserve champions with two seconds and a third over fences and a second under saddle.

Petersen is 17 years old and from Great Falls, VA, just 45 minutes away from CCHS. Riding since the age of six, Petersen has shown for six years at Capital Challenge, since she was on small ponies. Her ride on Taken has been “on and off” for three years; they have only shown together approximately six times. “I don’t really show him regularly. He just comes out for the big shows, and he never lets me down,” she explained. “He is definitely my favorite. It was a lot of pressure the first time, especially to not let him down because he’s such an amazing horse. There’s nothing that horse hasn’t won. He’s so much fun, and he makes it so easy. He’s always really fun to ride.”

Taken and Petersen are a good combination, as she lets him pick up the gallop and hunt around to the jumps, suiting his classic style. “There’s nothing he can’t do. You can be right next to it; you can leave from five feet away. He has a huge stride and jumps amazing,” she said.

Petersen acknowledged that Taken is a favorite in the barn too. “He’s probably one of our most personable horses in the barn. He loves his carrots. He definitely has an attitude; he knows he’s good, which is what makes him so special I think. Debbie Buchanan is his groom, but he’s such a special horse that everyone helps out. We have Julio, Marcos, Pancho, and Gus. He has a whole crew. They were all up here to watch him this morning.”

Yowan moved up to the championship presentation in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, sponsored by Beacon Hill Show Stables – her first championship at Capital Challenge. She accomplished this feat on Alliy Moyer’s Libretto in only their second show together. “I showed him last year here, and I was lucky enough for the Moyers to ask me to show him again this year. Last year was good. It was my first time riding him. This year I understood his ride a little more. He’s got a huge stride, and he’s really slow off the floor.”

Yowan and Libretto were first and fourth over fences – winning the handy hunter class – and placed second under saddle for the top tricolor ribbon. The reserve champion was Cayero, ridden by Martha Ingram for John and Stephanie Ingram LLC. They placed first, second, and sixth over fences.

“I’ve never been champion. It’s finally nice!” she remarked. “I’ve been so close so many times, so to finally get it is really exciting.”

The 16-year-old rider from Lexington, KY had the added bonus of watching Libretto compete in the handy round in last night’s WCHR Professional Finals with Hunt Tosh. “He got him all ready for me today!” Yowan laughed. “I’ve watched Libretto a lot because I’ve watched Alliy show him all the time. I’ve known the horse for a long time. Last night, he was really handy. Hunt did all the inside turns. I felt pretty comfortable today with a handy that wasn’t as intense!”

For her handy round, Yowan was happy that the class was outside. “There is a lot more space outdoors, so for him, he’s a big horse and he’s got a lot of stride, so it’s nice. In the bigger ring, you can show it off more. He’s really handy, so it was awesome.”

The winner of the Junior World Champion Hunter Under Saddle class, sponsored by Cynthia Williams and New England Farm, was Anna Claire Smith and Celebration.

Cruciotti Fast for Jumper Challenge Victory

In the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Challenge Cup Final Round, 23 entries competed in the final round, which was held in jump-off format. Four riders advanced to the jump-off, and while all of them had faults, it was a race to the finish to see who could be fastest.

As the last to go, Kelli Cruciotti (16) of Elizabeth, CO rode her own Zidante, a 10-year-old mare, as the last in the jump-off. She knew that the three before her had faults and a clear round would seal the win. But with an early rail, Cruciotti had to put the speed on for victory. Landing from the final jump and finishing in 33.314 seconds, that’s exactly what she did.

Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante
Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante

Cruciotti said of her jump-off plan, “I had in my head that I wanted to go fast and even if I had one down, I still wanted to be fast. I was lucky that it happened so early in the course so I could stick with my plan and go really neat everywhere. She really came through for me. I knew it would be fast. I didn’t know if it would between four faulters or clear, but I knew it would be fast.”

In second place was Kristen Blomstrom on Zeros, who had four faults in 33.539 seconds. Vivian Yowan and Vornado van den Hoendrik were third with four faults in 39.887 seconds.

Cruciotti trains with her mother Cindy and has worked with Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde for the past nine months as well. “It is a really great balance. My mom and I work at home and practice. We get to the shows and he has amazing tips about riding the course and the jump-off strategies. That experience really helps when you’re riding a course that I haven’t ridden that much and he obviously has.”

She has ridden Zidante for a year and a half, and Cruciotti was very happy with her mare’s performance over the past two days. “I was a little worried that she’d be too tired because I don’t usually do two days in a row with her. I thought yesterday she jumped really, really well and fast, and today she tried her heart out. She was a little tired, but she jumped great. Tonight she really proved herself that she can be reliable. I feel like the partnership is coming along very nicely,” she said.

Cruciotti has been coming to Capital Challenge since her mother started showing here 14 years ago. “Ever since I can remember I would come along. This is my favorite horse show,” she expressed. “They really make a big deal with the ribbons and sponsors and presentations. The course was great tonight, and it is such a pleasure to show here. It’s really special to win here.”

For their win in the final round, Patton was presented with the Remy Martin Perpetual Trophy, donated by Rolling Acres and Melanie Wright. Cruciotti was the overall winner of the North American Junior/Amateur Jumper Challenge and was awarded the Ariat Congressional Cup. The Best Junior Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Courtney Calcagnini/CSC/Fleur Di Lis Farm, was given to Cruciotti, while Darby Toben won the Best Amateur Jumper Rider Award sponsored by Lyman T. Whitehead and Eight Fences, LLC.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show concludes tomorrow with championships for the 15 & Under sections of the junior hunters, the new Junior Hunter 3’3” division, both sections of the Children’s Hunter Horses, WCHR Junior Challenge, and the WCHR Children’s Hunter Finals.

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

WCHR Professional Finals Victory Goes to Kelley Farmer at Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Kelley Farmer and Mindful. Photo © Tricia Booker/USHJA Archives.

Rachel Boggus Achieves Goal in Winning ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 3, 2014 – Two major finals were held today at The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family. In the WCHR Professional Finals, sponsored by the John R. Ingram Fund, the top six hunter riders in the country went head to head over three rounds, and Kelley Farmer took the top spot. Rachel Boggus achieved her goal of six years by winning the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals, sponsored by ARIAT International. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, runs through Sunday, October 5.

Watch an interview with WCHR Pro Finals winner Kelley Farmer.

The WCHR Pro Finals used the same three-round format as last year. Riders switched on two donated horses for the first two rounds, then brought a horse of their own for the third and final handy round. In the first round, the high score went to Sandy Ferrell on All The Right Moves, with an 88.16. In round two, Hunt Tosh and Askaro jumped to a high score of 91.33.

But it was still Ferrell in the lead after round two, with a total of 177.16 after a solid second round of 89 on Game On. Tosh sat in second place with 174.66, just in front of Kelley Farmer and Scott Stewart who had equal scores of 173.66. John French had 168.33, and Tara Metzner was on 148.33.

It all came down to the handy round to determine the night’s winner. While Kelley Farmer came into the round in fourth place, a spectacular round with her Regular Conformation horse Mindful sealed the win for her. The judges gave her scores of 92, 92, and 95 for an average of 93 and a three round total of 266.66.

“Fortunately, since my horse is an ex-grand prix horse and so light on his feet and light to ride, he’s an amazing handy horse,” Farmer explained. “He’s used to doing that at four-foot, so at 3’6” he thought it was really simple. Whatever I ask him, he’s willing and tries hard. When I walked the course I knew I could go inside smoothly to the hand gallop, and he’ll pretty much follow you wherever you want. There’s nothing you can’t ask him to do.”

Watch the winning handy ride from Kelley Farmer and Mindful!

Farmer, of Keswick, VA, also thanked the owners of her first two horses and the trainers that brought them to the Finals. “They were lovely, and thank you to Karen Healey and Jim Hagman. Those were really nice horses. I think they were all a really good group of horses. Thank you to everyone who loaned us horses,” she said.

Three more riders went after her, and while Ferrell had a solid lead, a mistake cross-cantering after the first jump landed her in fifth place with a total of 254.16.

Ferrell praised course designer Kenny Krome’s courses for the night. She talked about her strategy for the handy round, and what happened to take her from first to fifth. “I didn’t get to see the first few riders go, but you know we had a little different strategy. We tried the first jump off the left lead. My horse is much more of a left-leaded horse, so that was the approach I took,” she recalled. “I didn’t get in trouble with the jump, but upon landing, he landed hard and spooked from the flowers. What are you going to do? He’s been amazing this week, and I’m certainly not going to be upset with my horse. We had a little bit of bad luck, but that’s okay.”

Second place went to Hunt Tosh, who had a good handy round score of 88.33 on Libretto, and he finished with 262.99.

Tosh rode Libretto for the first time on Monday, and was offered the ride by trainer Tammy Provost two weeks ago in Kentucky. Tosh explained that his First Year horse wasn’t ready, and his other horse at Capital Challenge is “a little funny with crowds and at night.” He added, “When Tammy told me I could use him in Kentucky, I kind of just stuck with him. I’ve seen him a couple times, and I knew he would go in and be simple and do everything I asked him.”

Tosh enjoyed the ride on Libretto. “He was super and fun to ride,” he said. “That was the first time I jumped around a course, tonight. He went great. It was a fun class tonight. We all have a good time together; during the week, and on a night like tonight. We had a blast.”

Scott Stewart rode Reality in the handy round and scored 88 for a total of 261.66, finishing in third place. Stewart has the most experience in the WCHR Pro Finals, and spoke about the three-round format saying, “I like the format for the most part. It’s good for the crowd. It’s a fun class and moves quickly because we did just three rounds.”

Fourth place went to John French, who finished on 255.33. French rode his handy hunter horse, Y Wonder Y, for the first time today. “I’ve seen him in California because Jenny Karazissis rides him. Gail, the owner, was nice enough to let me borrow him. It’s hard to find a horse that’s not already been showing in the professionals, juniors, amateurs, for this class. Like Hunt said, I didn’t have too many options,” he explained. “But he was really good tonight. I’m really happy that they loaned him to me.”

Tara Metzner, riding in her first ever WCHR Pro Finals, had a great handy round on Illusion with an 89.33 and a total of 237.66 for sixth place. “He’s a super horse,” she said of Illusion. “I’ve ridden him for about a year on and off, for Destry Spielberg. I can’t thank her enough for allowing me to ride him. He’s brave and handy, and he’ll do all the tricks, anything I ask. I had a great time.”

Talking about her first experience in the WCHR Pro Finals, she said, “I had a fantastic time tonight. For me, qualifying for this class was a complete shock and just an extra bonus. I had a super time. The horses I had were a little bit spooky, but you know what, I found the jumps, and I was excited that I did that. It was amazing, and these guys all gave me a riding lesson. I was honored to be in the bunch.”

Ferrell praised the USHJA and Capital Challenge teams for making this night special for the riders and fans of the hunter sport. “We as riders and trainers who participate need to remember that the people behind the scenes are working very, very hard to make this a nice night for all of us. I just wanted to say thank you to Geoff (Teall), Louise Serio, and everyone else on the team out there who does this for us and for making this happen.”

Farmer broke her collarbone in a fall on August 3 and had surgery on August 11, and she came back to the show ring two weeks ago in Kentucky. She wanted to make sure she had a show in hand before coming to Capital Challenge. “I was a little bit ahead of schedule coming back to riding,” she admitted. “I was going a little stir crazy being on the ground. But I’m happy to be back.”

Farmer called her win tonight “a relief,” since she made winning the class a goal for the past six times she has competed in the class. “My horse won tonight. He’s an amazing animal, and I could not have done it without that horse. (He) belongs to Ken and Selma Garber of Kensel LLC. We got him shortly before Devon at Kentucky Spring. He’s as amazing as you saw this evening. He has never let me down, (and) no matter what you ask him to do, he’s capable. I’m very fortunate to have him.”

For her win tonight in the WCHR Professional Finals, Farmer was presented with the “All the Way” Perpetual Trophy, donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan. The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy donated by the Karazissis Family was given to Askaro, owned by Emily Hilton, as the Best Horse.

Boggus Tops ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals

After working for six years to qualify for and achieve her ultimate goal of winning the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals, Rachel Boggus of Indianapolis, IN, succeeded today. She rode Papillon 136 through two rounds of equitation competition and came away with the win over 30 competitors.

Watch the winning round from Rachel Boggus and Papillon 136.

Since its inception in 1994, the ARIAT National Adult Medal has given adult riders the opportunity to compete in a competitive equitation class over fences 3′ in height. The classes are held at select shows across the country and riders collect points to qualify for the Finals.

Rachel Boggus and Papillon 136. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography
Rachel Boggus and Papillon 136. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography

The top 10 from the first round returned for the second round, and Boggus stood on top with an average score of 89. She and Papillon extended their 2.1 point lead after a stellar second round, where they received judges’ scores of 91, 89, 90, 90, and 90 for an average of 90 and a total of 179. They won by a margin of 10.05 points.

When she saw scores of 90s, Boggus was thrilled. “It was great, and gratifying that my hard work is paying off, and that I’m accomplishing my goals. I think maybe once in my life I’ve gotten a 90, when I was 14 in a hunter classic at a local show! Never at a big show, so to do it here in this class has been a goal and that horse, who I love so much, and my trainer, who tries so hard, and my groom, I didn’t want to disappoint my groom [Jose Castillo] — he’s so into it. When I came out of the first round, he was more happy than anyone, hugging me. He gets really excited and really tries hard and wants everybody to do well. And so I like to represent the team.”

Amy Cooper rode last year’s winner Acovibu to second place with scores of 85.90 and 83.05 for a total of 168.95. Third place went to Carly Corbacho and Blue Highway. They scored 82.55 and 85 for a total of 167.55.

Regarding achieving her goal, Boggus said, “It’s just never come together for me. I’ve always had to lease a horse, or my horse was hurt, or I’m using a horse that’s just coming back from an injury. So I was talking with (trainer) Abby (Blankenship) last year, and this was my main riding goal.”

To achieve that goal, Boggus needed a dedicated equitation horse. When Papillon 136, a 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Guidam de Dartay, stepped to the three-foot level, Boggus and Blankenship knew he would be perfect. “Pappy” had a stellar career in the big equitation finals with junior riders like Jessica Springsteen, Sloane Coles, Mahala Rummell, and Kristen Mohr. Boggus jumped at the chance to ride him, and has since purchased him. Following this win, he will do select classes next year and then live a life of leisure at Treesdale Farm in retirement.

With one piece of the puzzle solved in Papillon, Boggus turned to fine-tuning her riding. “This year has just been really about concentrating on tweaking things and perfecting things because it’s so hard to go in that ring on a horse you don’t know. I felt more prepared this year because I’ve been riding him all year, not just for a month, or only at finals,” she explained. “I’ve been watching a lot of videos of myself riding and videos of some of the top equitation riders. And I think, the best way Abby and I described it, is last year I was almost too workmanlike. You could see all my adjustments very obviously. So this year we tried to make everything very smooth. When I see the distance, don’t attack it, just let it happen. And then same thing when he’s settling: don’t sit straight up and pull and make him obvious, just kind of sink down and be more subtle about it. So this year we really tried to perfect the more subtle aspects of my riding. And Papillion is perfect.”

With more than 60-hour work weeks as an anesthesiologist, Boggus has to manage her time well in order to stay riding fit and ready to show. For the past five years, she has used her one week of vacation to come to Capital Challenge. With a win and her goal achieved, she laughed, “I might take maybe a real vacation now!”

Round 1 of the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup kicked off this afternoon with a $5,000 speed class. Kelli Cruciotti and Zidante sped to the win with a clear round in 55.767 seconds. Alliy Moyer and Etoile Van’t Lambroeck were second in 56.927 seconds. Samantha Kasowitz and The Man To See were third with a time of 58.125 seconds.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues tomorrow with championships for the 16-17 sections of the junior hunters, the pony hunters, the Children’s Pony Hunters, the WCHR Handy Hunter Challenge, and the final round for the junior/amateur-owner jumpers.

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Stephanie Danhakl Sweeps Grand Amateur-Owner Champion Awards at Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Stephanie Danhakl and Golden Rule. Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Howell and Swingtown Win Grand Adult Hunter Championship, Ingram and Moran Receive Top Tricolors, Batchelor Victorious in Children’s/Adult Jumper Challenge

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 1, 2014 – Adult and Amateur-Owner riders were center stage today at The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family. Four divisions of amateur-owner hunters and three of adult amateur hunters competed. Stephanie Danhakl swept the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championships with her horses Golden Rule and Enough Said. Rachel Howell and Swingtown won the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Championship. In the evening session, Hope Batchelor was fastest on Orlando to win the $10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Challenge. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, runs through Sunday, October 5.

Thursday was Stephanie Danhakl’s day at Capital Challenge. The rider from Pacific Palisades, CA, who is currently in graduate school in Philadelphia, piloted Golden Rule and Enough Said to top honors.

Golden Rule was the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6” champion, sponsored by The Hallman Family and MerryLegs South LLC, and with their top ribbons of two firsts and a sixth over fences and second under saddle, they also garnered the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’6” Championship and Best Amateur Rider title. Danhakl was presented with the Dr. Harold M.S. Smith Trophy, donated by Dr. Suzanne Smith and Dr. Peter Craig for the grand championship. For the Best Amateur-Owner Rider Award, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare, Danhakl was presented with The So Many Ways Challenge Trophy, donated by Karen Kramer.

Winnetoe, ridden and owned by Montana Coady, was the reserve champion. They placed first and fourth over fences and were sixth under saddle.

Danhakl and Golden Rule, an ex-grand prix horse from Europe, have been paired together for six months. The 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding has a large stride, and Danhakl adjusts her ride to take that into account. “I’m usually having to shorten around the ends of the ring because then I get down the lines too soon,” she acknowledged. “He likes to go really slow and jump slowly. He sort of knows that he has to collect his stride between jumps. He’s sort of an old pro.”

The pair “clicked right away”, and trainer Scott Stewart competes with him in the High Performance Hunter division. They were worried at first that the 3’6” height for the amateur division would not be enough to impress Golden Rule. “But he’s proven us wrong,” Danhakl pointed out. “He tries over every jump, no matter the size. He has a ton of scope. Sometimes Scott makes me jump really big oxers in the schooling ring and it scares me, but he always just flies over them with ease. It’s a great feeling.”

Danhakl rode Enough Said to the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunter championship, sponsored by Doug and Missy Smith. They won two over fences classes and were second in the under saddle. The reserve champions, Classified and Samantha Schaefer, placed third, third, and fourth over fences and fifth in the under saddle.

For their top ribbons, Danhakl and Enough Said, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding, were awarded the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter Championship, sponsored by The Oberkircher Family and Southfields Farm LLC, and Danhakl won the Best Amateur-Owner 3’3” Rider title.

Going from the diminutive Enough Said to the large Golden Rule takes some adjustment for Danhakl. “I sort of have to change my frame of mind. They’re very different to ride. They both suit my style of riding though, because neither requires a lot of hand or leg. They have their own motors, which is the type of horse I like to ride.”

Although Enough Said is a Pre-Green horse, Danhakl said that he has always been mature with a good brain. “He’s such a blast to ride, so he makes it very easy. He’s sort of just on auto-pilot all the time. He’s like a little wind-up toy,” she described. “You just get him going the right pace, and he does the rest. He has a big stride, he’s very careful, so he doesn’t usually hit the jumps. Even though he’s small, he has a lot of scope and stride.”

Danhakl last won at Capital Challenge as a junior rider in 2004. After a break from riding, she started competing again two years ago. “Over the last year, I’ve felt like I’ve gotten back to how I was riding as a junior. I took a seven year break in between,” she explained. “I have great trainers in Scott and Ken, and they’ve helped me get back on track with my riding and become more consistent. I have a lot more confidence going into the ring than a year or two ago.”

She said it’s “sort of a dream” to win again at Capital Challenge. “It’s been a great year for me. I have some amazing horses, so I’m very lucky,” she remarked. “I had a slight hope that I’d be champion in one division, but I didn’t think that I would be champion in both. I was just trying to be consistent and focus on each round as I went into the ring, and not focus on the points or being champion or not. It was more about trying to ride well. That’s the strategy; to focus on riding and put the rest to the back of my mind.”

Another rider to return to Capital Challenge and win after a hiatus from riding is Caroline Moran of Wellington, FL. She rode Bacardi, her eight-year-old KWPN gelding by Casco, to the championship in the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’3” Hunter division, sponsored by Woodland Way, Inc., Wood Run Farm, and The Tredennick Family. They were fourth yesterday but returned today with a bang, winning both classes. The reserve champion was Summer Catch ridden by Dawn Fogel, who was second, second, and fourth over fences.

Moran last competed at Capital Challenge seven years ago and had success with top horses such as St. Nick, Prince Charming, Glass Castle, and Just Jack. “This is very exciting,” she said. “Not only for being out of the ring for so long, but to do it on him because he loves this horse show. I was a little bit nervous yesterday. I was riding a little bit defensive. In the handy, he really relaxed and I was very happy to end on that note.”

She continued, “It’s nice to be back in the ring. I only do a couple horse shows a year. I’ve allowed myself to do other things outside of horse shows. It’s nice to do well here. There are great horses and riders here. When I saw there were 40 in my division, I thought, ‘Wow!’ They’re really good riders and horses, so I was extremely happy.”

Bacardi lives in Kentucky with trainer Havens Schatt, who competed him in the Performance 3’6” Hunters, so Moran only rides him at horse shows. This year, that has only been at three events: Blowing Rock, Middleburg Classic, and Capital Challenge. “I’m a little out of practice, so I’m thrilled with what he did here,” she said with a smile. “I haven’t been riding him in between, which is difficult. It’s hard to get your rhythm again. But he’s a great horse. Once you get the rhythm with him, there’s no other feeling like it.”

Terming Bacardi as “super comfortable,” Moran said, “When you canter around, it’s like cantering around on a sofa. It’s the most incredible feeling over the jump because he’s so high and lofty, but he doesn’t jump you loose. When he’s relaxed and you can go forward, it’s such an easy ride.”

John Ingram of Nashville, TN, and Airport 48, owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, LLC, received two firsts and a second over fences to claim the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’6” Hunter championship, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare. Katie Robinson rode Tradewind for Deeridge Farms to the reserve championship after placing first, second, and third over fences.

The Ingram family originally purchased Airport 48, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to be an equitation horse for their daughter Martha. When she wasn’t ready to ride him, rider Hayley Barnhill tried him in hunter derby classes, where they had great success. Ingram took over the ride recently, and they were champions at Hampton Classic Horse Show.

“He was an ex-grand prix horse. He’s pretty, and he jumped pretty good. Almost on a lark, we decided to let Hayley have a go with him in the derbies and he was fantastic. I just started riding him because he looked like a lot of fun, and he is. I would say he’s the best damn equitation horse I ever bought!” Ingram laughed.

“Airport gives you a very confident ride,” Ingram said. “He’s a little bit uphill. He’s brave. It’s pretty joyful. I think the fact that he could be a really great equitation horse makes him very versatile and able to do lots of things. He can answer anything in the hunter or equitation divisions.”

Ingram thanked trainer Tom Wright as well as Barnhill, Tori Hardison, Mitchell Robinson, and those that help get him and Airport to the ring. “It takes a village, and we have one,” he noted.

Ingram has won a reserve championship at Capital Challenge before with Hush, but this is his first top tricolor ribbon. “I’ve never gotten over the final hurdle to champion, and Katie (Robinson) sure made it difficult. She’s an excellent rider and has great horses. It’s particularly gratifying when you can eke out over good people, and there are a lot of them here. It’s incredibly gratifying to win here.”

The Amateur-Owner 3’3” EMO Trip of the Show was a 91 from Stallone and Samantha Schaefer. Katie Robinson and Tradewind had the 3’6” EMO Trip of the Show with an 89. Becky Gochman’s Sambalino was posthumously honored with the Grey Slipper Award.

From Trail Rides to Grand Championship in the Adult Hunters

Rachel Howell rode Swingtown, a seven-year-old Westphalian gelding by Avec Cover, for Quiet Haven Farm LLC to the Adult Amateur 36-50 Hunter championship. They won an over fences class and the under saddle. The reserve champion with a second over fences and second under saddle was Undergrad, ridden by Alexandra Beaumont for Brook Farm LLC.

Howell’s two blues led to the Grand Adult Hunter Championship, sponsored by Steve Martines, and she and Swingtown were presented with The Equus Entries Challenge Trophy, donated by Equus Entries and Sue and Ralph Caggiano. The Best Adult Amateur Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by Phoebe Weseley and River Run Farm LLC, went to Howell. Ginny Edwards won The Gail Knieriem Memorial Trophy, donated by Lynley Reilly and Randy Johnson, as the trainer of the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion.

Rachel Howell and Swingtown. Photo © The Book LLC
Rachel Howell and Swingtown. Photo © The Book LLC

Howell received Swingtown as a present two years ago, and she keeps him at her mother’s house, where they both take care of him. They trail ride, ford rivers, and he lives outside most of the day. This was Swingtown’s seventh show of the year. Swingtown made the transition from the jumper ring, and Howell said, “I couldn’t ask for a sweeter, more wonderful horse.”

Howell said that she has to work on containing Swingtown’s big stride while jumping. “That’s the effort, sitting down, calming him, and being peaceful,” she explained. “He’s always very eager to jump. It’s a tremendous confidence builder for me because you know when you point him at a jump, you’re getting to the other side. You can get him six inches under the base or pull a Superman. It gives you a lot of breathing room and comfort as somebody who works, has a kid, and does this in stolen hours.”

This is Howell’s fifth time competing at Capital Challenge, but her two blues were her first ribbons here. “It was really nice to pull it together today,” she expressed.

The Adult Amateur 51 & Over Hunter championship went to Pure Giving, ridden and owned by Julie Holzberger of Cincinnati, OH. Holzberger and the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding were second in both over fences classes and sixth under saddle. The reserve championship went to Saratoga, ridden by Lindsey Evans-Thomas and owned by Patricia Raynes. They were first and fifth over fences and fifth under saddle.

Holzberger has had “Q” for three years and said his best traits are that he’s consistent, sweet, and loves what he does. “At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing. He loves to walk in the ring and do what he does. I just always feel good when I’m on him. He’s a steady Eddie for me,” she said.

Holzberger has won at Harrisburg, and shown at Capital Challenge for six years, but says today’s championship is the pinnacle of her riding career. Having started at the age of five and progressed through the pony and junior hunters, she took a 25-year break from riding before returning to the sport 12 years ago. “I had so much fun today. It’s one of my all-time favorite horse shows,” she said.

Since her return, she has trained with David Belford and Chris Payne of New Hope LLC. “I have to thank David and Chris. I’ve been riding with them for 12 years. They’re incredible, and I wouldn’t be where I am without their support and great direction,” she expressed, also giving thanks to her husband and her groom, Fred Marin.

The Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter champion, sponsored by Bridgadoon Show Stables Inc. and Lainie Wimberly, was Maximus, ridden by Meredith Mateo of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, and owned by Reflections Farm. They were first over fences and second under saddle. Alex Paradysz and Paradysz Farm’s Late Entry were reserve champions with first and sixth places over fences.

Maximus is a seven-year-old Warmblood stallion by Mynos who was bred in the United States. Mateo has not been riding him long, and this was only their third show together. “I can’t take the credit because Archie really helped me out with him,” she said. “He stays with Archie; I’ve only ridden him a few times not at shows. He is actually really easy. You need to add leg, and when you turn the corner and see the distance, you just let go and let him pick the distance. He doesn’t act like a stallion. He acts like a gelding and is well-behaved.”

This is Mateo’s second time competing at Capital Challenge and said her win today was very meaningful. “A lot of really good riders, the best riders of every region, come here and compete. It means the world to me.” Goals for the pair include qualifying for the full indoor season in 2015. She added, “I look forward to getting to know him better.”

Caroline Clark Stoney and Smiles won the EMO Adult Hunter Trip of the Show with an 88.5. The winner of the Amateur World Champion Hunter Under Saddle was Fitzhugh, ridden and owned by Grace Stuntz.

Hope Batchelor Makes the Most of Jumper Challenge

Dr. Hope Batchelor DVM, of Chester Springs, PA, piloted Orlando to victory in the $10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Challenge. In a jump-off full of fast competitors, it was Batchelor and Orlando who set the winning time with a clear round in 30.998 seconds. Michelle Stacy and Enrique VHV were close behind in second place with a time of 31.367 seconds. Vicki Lowell and Tippitoo placed third when they stopped the timers in 31.521 seconds.

For her win, Batchelor was given the Best Adult Amateur Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Meadow Grove Farm and presented with The Belfield Trophy, donated by Julie Karpan.

Batchelor works for Dr. John Steele and also runs a rehab facility for horses, so she has limited time in the saddle. Orlando, who she purchased three years ago, was her first jumper. “I wasn’t sure if I could even ride the jumpers. Before I wouldn’t go real fast or take chances because I was used to going slow in the hunters. You just have to change your mindset,” she explained.

She found Orlando through trainer Joanne Copeland, who has worked with the horse for eight years. Her groom, Kelsey Ostberg, keeps Orlando fit when Batchelor can’t make it to the barn. “He’s the perfect horse. Normally he’s really quiet at home. When I tell people he can get wild, they don’t believe me,” she said.

After learning the ropes in the jumper ring, Batchelor and Orlando went on to place second at CCHS and Washington International last year before this victory. “It’s amazing, it’s so exciting,” she said.

For tonight’s class, Batchelor said of her plan, “There weren’t a lot of options for inside turns, so it had to be very neat and efficient. He’s totally game and very fast through the turns. He’s very careful, but he doesn’t spend a lot of time in the air, so I can make up time that way too.”

Carolina West and Boulogna, who placed fifth, were the highest Children’s Jumper pair in the class, and West was awarded with the Best Children’s Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Memorial Park Hunters.

The grooms of the winning horses were honored today as well. They include:

Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6” Hunter: Golden Rule/Antonio Aguilar
Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’6” Hunter: Airport 48/Aurelio Pacheco
Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3”: Enough Said/Antonio Aguilar
Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’3”: Bacardi/Daniel Gomez
Adult Amateur 51 & Over Hunter: Pure Giving/Fred Marin
Adult Amateur 36-50 Hunter: Swingtown/Juan Morales
Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter: Maximus/Alex Garcia
Children’s/Adult Jumper Challenge: Orlando/Kelsey Ostberg

The Capital Challenge continues tomorrow with the start of the junior and pony hunters and will host the WCHR Adult Amateur Finals, the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals, and the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup Round 1. The evening session includes one of the highlight classes of the week, the WCHR Professional Finals.

Additional highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 3-4), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 3), and the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 3).

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Tara Metzner and Come Monday Conquer WCHR Pro Challenge at Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Tara Metzner and Come Monday. Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Gotham Wins $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championship; Scripted and Farmer Take Grand Hunter Championship; Feigus Wins WCHR Developing Pro Challenge

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 1, 2014 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family, had a full day of hunter competition on Wednesday. The evening session had two major Challenge classes; Tara Metzner and Davlyn Farms’ Come Monday won the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, while Brian Feigus rode Cailin McNamara’s Quinn to victory in the $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge. During the day session, the professional hunters completed their championships. Kelley Farmer and Scripted took the Grand Hunter Championship title, while Hunt Tosh entered the winner’s circle again with Gotham in the $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championship. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, runs through Sunday, October 5.

Watch the winning round for Tara Metzner and Come Monday!

Watch an interview with Tara Metzner!

The $25,000 WCHR Pro Challenge had 26 entries, and 12 were called back for the second round. Tara Metzner of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, and Come Monday, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare by Cassini I, had a great first round with an average score of 89.33, which put them in second place. Metzner stepped it up in the second round, garnering judges’ scores of 91, 88, and 93 for an average of 90.66 and a total of 179.99 for the win. Metzner was presented with the Little Brook Farm Perpetual Trophy, donated by Gary Duffy.

Sandy Ferrell and Fifty Shades, owned by Meredith Lipke, finished second in the Pro Challenge. They had great scores of 88.66 and 89.41 for a total of 178.07. Third place went to Scott Stewart and Rose Hill Farm’s Garfield. In the first round, they scored an 87.50. They returned in the second round for a 90.16 and a total of 177.66.

Metzner won the WCHR Developing Pro Challenge in 2011, and she started working for Davlyn Farms in August of 2013. She was elated to have graduated to the Pro Challenge win. “It’s incredible. This year I made it a goal of mine just to qualify and make the top 12,” she said.

She described Come Monday as a horse that knows when it is a big class. “She knew coming back out when it was dark that there was something important going on. When I went to pick up the canter in the opening circle, she all of a sudden shook her head. That was her saying, ‘I’m ready guys!’ It made me a little nervous for a second, but it was just her getting into gear,” she said with a smile.

Metzner wanted to prove how talented Come Monday is on a big stage once again. She explained, “She’s an exceptional horse. I knew if I put in a good round, she’s magical. As long as I get her to the right spot, she’ll always jump the best she can. She sort of excels in classes like this because it’s something new and different. I trusted her that she would jump to the best of her ability. Any time I go in the ring and don’t win on this horse, I feel like I’ve let her down. She’s such a special horse, and I just want to make sure people know that. I was really happy for her that she won it.”

With her victory in the Pro Challenge, Metzner is now the sixth rider qualified to compete in the WCHR Professional Finals on Friday night, along with Scott Stewart, Kelley Farmer, Hunt Tosh, John French, and Sandy Ferrell.

Developing Pro Honors Go to Feigus

Twenty-four-year-old Brian Feigus of Colts Neck, NJ had his biggest victory to date in the $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge. He piloted Quinn, a seven-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Cailin McNamara, and made a big jump up the standings in the second round.

Watch Brian Feigus and Quinn in their winning round!

Feigus and Quinn scored 85.25 and sat in eighth place after the first round of 32 entries. When the top 12 were called back, Feigus decided to go for broke, and it paid off. The judges rewarded them with scores of 87.50, 90, and 90 for an average of 89.16 and a total of 174.41. But Feigus had to wait another seven trips to see if his lead would hold.

“It’s crazy,” he laughed, “especially coming back from eighth to first. Normally, I’m used to being second. We always joke around that I’m always a bridesmaid. I knew it was going to be close. I wasn’t sure I was going to hold on to it (because) the scores were all so close in the first round. I thought it definitely could, but I wasn’t guaranteed anything. It was teeth-chattering toward the end. I’m shocked.”

He continued, “I just decided I had nothing to lose at that point. What’s the lowest you can be, 12th? So I just went in there and rode like I normally do, and it started to just work itself out. As the course went on, it just got smoother and smoother.”

Finishing in second place was Kristy Herrera on Antwerp, owned by Alexis Meadows. They had scores of 85.25 and 87.16 for a total of 173.16. Jennifer Bliss and Harris Hill Farm LLC’s Sugarman were third with scores of 84.25 and 85.08 for a total of 172.28.

Feigus believes that the Developing Pro Challenge is a special opportunity for riders like him. “It just allows you to come to a class like this and experience it and have a chance at winning. Nothing against the big-name riders, but it’s hard to compete against them,” he said.

Quinn was purchased a year ago from Emil Spadone, who trained Feigus before he returned to work with his parents, Barbara and Brad Feigus, at their Nevergreen Farm in New Jersey along with his junior career trainer, Nancy Urban. “I couldn’t have done it without her or Emil or my parents,” he noted.

This was Quinn’s first class in an indoor arena. “He’s a Pre-Green horse, and his demeanor is awesome. He’s mellow and such a sweet horse and very reliable,” Feigus said. “I’m by myself and do my own grooming here. He’s that easy of a horse to manage. He always goes in the ring and wants to do a good job. I couldn’t ask for a better horse.”

Championships for the Top Hunters

The Green Conformation Hunter championship, sponsored by Lisa A. H. Cudahy, went to Scripted, ridden by Kelley Farmer and owned by Glefke & Kensel LLC. Scripted, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding by Sandro Hit, won the model class as well as all four over fences classes. They placed second in the under saddle. Lucador, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker and ridden by Scott Stewart, was reserve champion. They were second in the model, two seconds, and third over fences, and they won the under saddle.

Watch Kelley Farmer and Scripted’s winning round!

Scripted was also presented with the Grand Hunter Championship, which is sponsored by RSB Farms, Inc., Rob Bielefeld, and Chrystal Knight. He was awarded the Janet Read and Margaret Hough Sabbatini Memorial Trophy, donated by the Goguen Family. As well, he received the Grand Conformation Hunter Championship, sponsored by Sherri Crawford, and awarded the Kenneth M. Wheeler Perpetual Trophy, donated by BJ Meeks and Pablo Perez.

Farmer won the Leading Hunter Rider honor, which was sponsored by the Gibson Family and Shadyside Farm and Hobby Family Foundation. She was presented with the BJ’s Hunt Room Trophy, donated by BJ Meeks and Pablo Perez.

Although Farmer, trainer Larry Glefke, and Farmer’s mother, Bibby Hill (a part owner of Scripted) brought him over from Europe at the end of 2012, he did not enter the show ring much in 2013. Kate Conover and Robert Baader found Scripted in Europe, where he was an approved stallion for dressage, but it was pretty clear that piaffe and passage wouldn’t be in his future.

“I think he’s a bit quiet-minded, almost too quiet, for a dressage horse,” Farmer agreed. “He wants you to not pick up the reins. I don’t think he’d really enjoy a full bridle and big spurs. Kate called and said, ‘We found a very special horse.’ They have found a lot of horses for us. We trusted that they were right, and they were.”

Scripted did three shows in the Green Conformation Hunter division in 2013 before they reinstated his Pre-Green status. He did well and qualified for the USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive Championship, where he was third. “I brought him out, and he has so much ability. I took him a lot of places and a lot of shows and let him adapt,” Farmer recalled. “(After the Championship), I put him away for the year. He didn’t need to do three-foot or 3’3” all year. He just needed to learn how to be a hunter when we bought him.”

Coming out in 2014, Scripted stepped easily to the Green Conformation division and captured the Grand Hunter Championship at the Devon Horse Show. “He’s been unbelievable. He’s a smart, smart horse, and he’s not scared of anything. He’s scopey, he’s big-strided, he’s brave. For a big horse, he’s light. His biggest strength is that he tries to win. He does not let you down ever. I’m so glad that he’s won what he’s won because he’s deserved to win. He’s that great of a horse. I’m a little choked up about it because he’s leaving.”

Scripted was just recently purchased by Pony Lane Farm and will be an amateur hunter with Madeline Thatcher. “It’s been special (to have him) because my mom owns part of him,” Farmer expressed. “The Thatchers have bought horses from us before, and he’s going to go on and have a great career and have a great home. I couldn’t ask for a better place for him.”

This is Farmer’s third Leading Hunter Rider award at Capital Challenge. “I’m lucky enough to have had, and continue to have, an amazing group of horses,” she said. “Without them, we’re just riders. It’s the animals. No matter how hard you work and how well you do, unless you have the horses it doesn’t make a difference. I’ve been very, very fortunate. I hope it continues!”

Chris Payne piloted Truman, a seven-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Maypine Farm, to the championship in the First Year Green Working Hunters Section A, sponsored by Peter Pletcher/PJP Farm. They were first, first, and fifth over fences and won the under saddle class. The reserve champion, Point Being, ridden by Kelley Farmer and owned by Glefke & Kensel LLC, was first, first, second, and third over fences.

Payne has had the ride on Truman for two years, and they were reserve champion in the Future Hunters last year at Capital Challenge. Payne said it “definitely helped” to have last year’s experience in the indoor arena as a Pre-Green horse. “It helped him take a deep breath,” Payne said.

Payne was effusive in his praise for the talented horse. “He’s absolutely the most wonderful horse I’ve ever ridden. He’s so attentive, and he tries so hard to do the right thing,” he described. “He’s a very careful, very smart, but peaceful horse. He’s absolutely delightful to ride. He’s the consummate hunter.”

While Payne has had championships at Capital Challenge in other divisions before, this is his inaugural win in the First Year division. “It’s an amazing show with the top horses and riders in the country, so it means a lot to be competitive with that group of people. I’m lucky that Debbie Bass and Maypine Farm support his showing and allow me the opportunity to ride him and enjoy him to the fullest.”

The champion in the First Year Green Working Hunters Section B, sponsored by Lee Kellogg Sadrian and The Sadrian Family, was Casanova, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Carolus II. Owned by Dr. Betsee Parker and ridden by Hunt Tosh, Casanova won both opening over fences classes and won the under saddle. They returned to place first and third over fences over the next two days. Set to Music, ridden by Havens Schatt for Deborah Perkins, was the reserve champion with a first, second, and second over fences.

Casanova took a lions’ share of prizes today. He was named the Grand First Year Green Working Hunter Champion, sponsored by Summer Hill Farms, Jordan Gilchrist, and Laura Hightower. They received the Magda & George Z. Lefton Memorial Trophy, donated by Stacey Lefton Glick. He also took the Grand Green Hunter Championship, sponsored by Balmoral Farm Inc. and Traci & Carleton Brooks

Tosh started with Casanova last year, where they tied for the win in the USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive Championship. This year they have consistently been champions, but this is Casanova’s first time at Capital Challenge. “He came and won his first two classes and was fabulous. It’s really exciting. Betsee owns him, so it’s great he can come here and win,” Tosh said.

He described Casanova as “a quiet horse and super brave.” He continued, “He gets a little nervous around the in-gate with all of the commotion. I was a little worried with him inside for the first time, but he was good. He’s really a sweet horse. I think all good horses have a little quirk about them.”

With Casanova’s giant stride and abundant scope, the First Year division poses no challenges. “It’s very easy for him,” Tosh confirmed. “You pretty much go around, give him time. You don’t want to hurry him because he’s so long-strided, but he’s a blast to ride.”

The Regular Conformation Hunter division was sponsored by Hidden Hollow LLC, Ginny Edwards, and Revolution Farm and the champion was Showman, ridden by Scott Stewart for Krista and Alexa Weisman. They were second in the model, first, second, and second over fences and won the under saddle. The reserve champion was Mindful, ridden by Kelley Farmer for Kensel LLC. They were first, first, second, and second over fences and fourth under saddle. Mindful was awarded The Tribute Perpetual Trophy, donated by Scott Stewart, which is given for the highest cumulative point total in a single professional division.

Stewart appreciates Showman’s consistency and stability, especially since he only shows him about five times a year. “He doesn’t have to work too hard. He doesn’t take much preparation, so he’s really easy on himself,” Stewart explained. “He’s always the same. He’s consistent. He’s certainly one of the easiest horses to ride. It’s so nice after riding so many green ones, to get on one that you know so well and is the same. That doesn’t happen often, so he’s special that way. He’s the sweetest horse in the world, and he’s so smart. He’s one of a kind.”

The EMO Professional Trip of the Show, sponsored by the EMO Agency, Inc., went to Hunt Tosh riding Douglas Wheeler’s Queen Lattifa, who scored 90.5.

Riding to the Top of the Future Hunter Championship

Douglas Wheeler’s Gotham continued his winning ways, capturing the top spot in the $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championship with Hunt Tosh. In a strong field of the best young horses in the country, Gotham jumped to two top scores of 89.90 and 88.65 for a total of 178.55 for the win.

Watch the winning round from Gotham and Hunt Tosh!

For their win today, Gotham, Tosh, and Wheeler were awarded the Beverly Brooks Solter Memorial Trophy, donated by Hilary Scheer Gerhardt and Zan Martin Dillon. Gotham also picked up the EMO Future Hunter Trip of the Show, sponsored by the EMO Agency, Inc., with a 91.5.

Tosh said of his trips, “Round one I thought he was spectacular. (Round two), maybe a little out of gas compared to the first round. Everyone jumps three-foot (in the championship), and he usually jumps 3’3”. They were a little smaller than he normally jumps. For him, he maybe needed a little more jump in the second round, but he was still really good.”

Havens Schatt and The Closer, owned by Jane Pittman, finished second after a strong second round score of 90.60. Added to their first round score of 86.35, they finished on a total of 176.95.

Holly Orlando and Cathy Zicherman’s Dominik improved in the second round as well. They had an 86.70 in the first round and an 89.60 in the second round for a total of 176.30 and third place.

2014 marks the first time Tosh has won the Future Hunter North American Championship, and it capped an extremely successful week for Tosh. “This is such a prestigious class for a Pre-Green horse. For (show managers) Billy (Glass) and Oliver (Kennedy) to make it happen at this horse show is awesome. I don’t know that there has been a horse that has won this class and hasn’t gone on to have a great career afterwards. It really is special to win it. He went great the last two days, and then come back a third day, is a lot for the young horses, to come back and win again. We love that horse and are fortunate to have him.”

Owner Douglas Wheeler gave credit to Will Roberts, who they bought Gotham from in early August. “Will did a beautiful job of bringing the horse along,” he said. “Hunt was absolutely fantastic with all of the horses, but especially the young ones. He’s a very patient, talented horseman. We cannot thank him enough for the job he does for all of us.”

Wheeler and his brother, Kenneth Wheeler Jr., have a dedicated plan to buy young horses, guide them through their Pre-Green years, and develop them for further careers. He said that the Future Hunter North American Championship is one that his family has wanted to win for a long time. “To come and compete on this stage with that company of horses is just such a special thrill. It’s special because of how special this horse show is to us. To have our name on the trophy with horses like Showman and Bacardi, to win at this show, is just huge to us,” he expressed.

Tosh termed this year’s Capital Challenge as “a fairy tale week,” with five championships and today’s victory. “We’ve had good weeks, but to have every horse do this well and win the (Future Hunter) Championship? This is probably the best week we’ve ever had,” he said.

Wheeler added, “Because this show focuses so much on the hunter discipline and made the hunters so special, and is such an integral part of our industry now, personally for us as a family, it’s absolutely important to support this show. The hunters are all we’ve ever done and that’s what we’ll continue to do, to focus on hunters. The entire management staff does such a great job to focus this horse show on the hunters. You can see how successful it’s become and what a bright future it has moving forward.”

Dr. Betsee Parker’s Celebration and Scott Stewart won the Grand Future Hunter Championship sponsored by David Belford and Christopher Payne/New Hope LLC & Susan Moriconi. They were presented with “A Rare Diamond” Perpetual Trophy donated by “The Friends of Mickey.”

The $1,000 Senior WCHR Under Saddle victory, sponsored by Arcadia Farm, went to Andover, ridden by Ashley Cedillos for Savanah Stuart. They were presented with the Hollywood Challenge Trophy donated by Paula Polk Lillard.

Special thanks go to the grooms of the winning horses today. They include:

Green Conformation Hunters: Scripted/Pancho Gomez
First Year Green Hunter Sec. A: Truman/Francisco Marin
First Year Green Hunter Sec. B: Casanova/Jose Guitierrez
Regular Conformation Hunters: Showman/Juan Bernardo
Future Hunter Championship: Gotham/Gelacio Buenaventura
WCHR Pro Challenge: Come Monday/Hector Garcia

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues tomorrow with championships for the Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” Hunters and three sections of Adult Amateur Hunters. The WCHR Amateur-Owner Challenge 3’3” and 3’6” will be held in the afternoon, and the $10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Challenge will wrap up the evening festivities.

Additional highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 3-4), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 3), and the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 3).

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood

Victoria Colvin Repeats Equitation Victory at 2014 Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Victoria Colvin and Clearway. Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Hayley Iannotti Captures THIS National Children’s Medal Finals; Eleanor Hellman Wins NA Adult Equitation Championships

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 28, 2014 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show held three major equitation finals on Sunday of Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, riding Clearway, repeated victory in the Private Tutoring Services North American Junior Equitation Championships. In the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals, Hayley Iannotti riding Quasa Granda was victorious. Eleanor Hellman and Nigel took the win in the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships. Hunter competition begins on Monday, September 29, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show and continues through Sunday, October 5.

There were 79 entries in the Private Tutoring Services North American Junior Equitation Championships, and riders contested a course set by Kenneth Krome. There were five judges for the class: Jeff Ayers, Linda Andrisani, Scott Fitton, Mark Jungherr, and Scott Williamson. In the first round, Colvin and Clearway, a nine-year-old Warmblood gelding by Cheenook owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, went straight to the top with a score of 90.20.

Watch Victoria Colvin’s winning ride!

Colvin said of the courses, “He has a really big stride, and all of the lines were pretty much (riding) easy today. I think the first course was a little more challenging than the second one, but he handled it great.”

The top 20 returned for a second round, and as the last to go, Colvin put down yet another solid trip and improved her score to 90.80 for a total of 181 and victory. With a greater than two point difference between Colvin and second place, no additional testing was done. “It was much easier doing two rounds, then being done!” Colvin said.

Second place went to Megan MacPherson of Boulder, CO, who rode Great Expectations to a first round score of 86.60. They improved in the second round for an 87.70 and a total of 174.30. With a high score yesterday of 92, MacPherson won the EMO Equitation Trip of the Show sponsored by EMO Insurance Services.

Meredith Darst of Lebanon, OH and Soldier scored a 90.05 in the first round. They returned in the second round and scored an 84 to finish on 174.05 for third place.

Colvin and Clearway haven’t been paired together long, but both come from a career full of victories. Trainer Andre Dignelli found Clearway three years ago through Brian Walker, who imported him as a jumper. It was love at first sight for Dignelli, but he did think to himself, “’What am I going to do with a 17.2 hand horse that’s a stallion? He’s broken-winded; he makes a loud noise.’ But I have to say, I was in love with the horse from the first day and I could not get him out of my head.”

He described, “I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and he’s the only horse that I know that can leave out two strides and add three strides as easily. He’s very, very special. He has a great temperament and is a quiet horse. He’s a special animal, and we treat him like he’s special.”

Dignelli believes that Colvin’s strength in situations like these is “that she can produce a top round over and over and over again in the most difficult of circumstances.” He continued, “I think the equitation division has been one she has to work at, in terms of making sure the position is top-notch and not losing classes for the wrong reason. I think we’ve been getting to know each other a bit and develop a team, not only her and I, but also with that horse. It’s difficult to catch ride these events, so we’ll see what our strategy is moving forward. I think today was a good sign that we’re on the right track.”

For Colvin, winning the equitation finals at Capital Challenge twice is a unique experience. “Clearway went amazing, and it was great to come back and win. He’s just a phenomenal horse. I wouldn’t dream of winning once, so coming back and winning again is special. I love Capital Challenge. It was great to end this year that way, because I’m not going to do any of my hunters or jumpers.”

Colvin will compete for the first time in the USEF Talent Search Finals East Coast next weekend.

For her big win, Colvin was awarded the George H. Morris Equitation Championship Trophy, donated by Frank and Stacia Madden and Beacon Hill Show Stables. Clearway’s groom, Benji Hernandez, won the North American Equitation Champion Groom’s Award sponsored by Holly Hill Farm. Colvin won the Best Equitation Rider Award sponsored by Karen Healey and Karen Healey Stables. Colvin’s trainers, Andre Dignelli and Laena Romond, won the Leading Equitation Trainer Award, sponsored by Leslie Steele and Acres West.

Iannotti Rises to the Top of THIS National Children’s Medal Finals

Sixteen-year-old Hayley Iannotti of Wellington, FL got her first big equitation win in the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals aboard Quasa Granda, a seven-year-old KWPN gelding owned by her trainer, Jane Fennessy. Iannotti was cool under pressure, moving up from third place to second place, to the win over 39 other competitors.

Hayley Iannotti and Quasa Granda
Hayley Iannotti and Quasa Granda

Iannotti scored an 87.40 in the first round and went for it in the second round, where the top 10 were called back, scoring 88.70. Iannotti was called back for a test with 12-year-old Maria Moore of Powell, OH, on Prosecco 24, who had an 88 in the first round and an 88.30 in the second round. The two riders were only .20 of a point apart, so they had to test.

Watch Hayley Iannotti’s winning test ride!

Watch an interview with Hayley Iannotti!

The test called for a trot jump and a counter canter around a rollback, both of which were well executed by Iannotti and Moore. But it was Iannotti who led the victory gallop after the judges gave her an average score of 91.40 in the test for a total of 267.50. Moore received an 87.60 for a total of 263.90.

Iannotti recalled, “My first round, I went in and tried to do as little as possible and make it as smooth as possible. I was really happy with my first round. Going back into the second round, I was only behind by .2 points for second place and .5 points for first place, so I wanted to go in there and give it everything I had to try and move up to the top. I was really happy with my round, but when Maria went and I were only .2 points apart and they asked us to test, it was really stressful. But he listened to everything I asked him to do, and he was amazing. I can’t thank him enough.”

Third place went to Olivia Woodson of Wellington, FL on Victor VD Sent. They scored an 86.70 and an 85.70 for a total of 172.40.

Iannotti is a working student at Carriage Hill Farm for Fennessy and Vinissa Blann. She has been riding “Q” for two years and has helped bring him along as an equitation horse. They competed in last year’s THIS finals, but did not make the second round.

“I didn’t get to come back for the second round so we thought we’d come back and give it another shot. And it worked!” she said with a smile. “He’s improved a lot since last year. He’s my best friend.”

Of her victory, she remarked, “I can’t even believe this happened. All I’ve dreamed of is winning an equitation final and to get (judges’) scores of 92, 93, and 95, is really surreal.”

Quasa Granda’s groom, Mario Alvarez, also won a special groom’s award.

Hellman Victorious in Adult Equitation Championships

Eleanor Hellman and Nigel
Eleanor Hellman and Nigel

In the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships, it was Eleanor Hellman of Kentfield, CA, who was victorious riding Nigel in a class of 25 riders. Hellman won in two rounds with scores of 83.40 and 87.35 for a total of 170.75. She led through both rounds, returning last to go in round two, where the top 10 were called back.

Hellman thought the courses on both days of competition at Equitation Weekend were excellent, and noted that while yesterday’s rounds “gave you a little more room to take a breath,” today’s championships courses “pushed a lot of riders to be on point.”

Close behind, but not within the two point margin for a test, was second place finisher Rachel Boggus of Indianapolis, IN, on Papillon 136. They scored 83.60 and 84.10 for a total of 167.70. Rebecca Clawson of Plympton, MA, rode Kennebec to third place on scores of 76.70 and 85.50 for a total of 162.20.

This is Hellman’s first time competing at Capital Challenge; the 23-year-old has focused on school until recently and attended the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA. She has ridden Nigel, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Coriano, for two years. Originally purchased to be a hunter derby horse, Hellman and trainers Hope and Ned Glynn have found he also excels at equitation. Hellman shares the horse with her mother, who also competes him in the 2’6” divisions.

Hellman was excited to get her first finals win at Capital Challenge. “It isn’t about winning; it is about having fun (for me),” she noted.

The Adult Amateur Equitation Groom’s Award sponsored by Holly Hill Farm went to Nigel’s groom, Moises Hernandez.

Tomorrow’s schedule will see the start of professional hunter competition at Capital Challenge with the rated divisions along with five sections of the Future Hunters.

Highlights of the Capital Challenge Horse Show will include the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Developing Pro Challenge (Oct. 1), Future Hunter North American Championship (Oct. 1), the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup (two rounds held on Oct. 3-4), the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals (Oct. 3), and the WCHR Professional Finals (Oct. 3).

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood

Equitation Weekend Opens 2014 Capital Challenge Horse Show Competition

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Spencer Smith and Beau van het Keyershof. Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 27, 2014 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show started with junior riders competing on Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. Championships for age divisions in equitation were presented today, leading up to tomorrow’s finals competition. The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues through Sunday, October 5.

The equitation age divisions had over fences classes in the outdoor and indoor rings, joined by a flat class indoors. There were five junior equitation age division champions awarded, along with classes for the Adult Amateur Equitation and THIS Children’s Medal Equitation Warm Up.

The 17 Year Old Equitation division championship, sponsored by Frank Madden Show Stables, went to Spencer Smith of Wellington, FL riding Beau van het Keyershof. The pair was second in all three classes. The reserve champion was Halie Robinson riding Barolo W, who placed first and third over fences.

Spencer has been riding Ashland Farms’ Beau van het Keyershof, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding, for one year after the horse came from Canada, where he competed in the jumpers and equitation. “He’s turned out to be a really great eq horse, and he’s my main horse,” Smith said. This is their first time together indoors, but Smith believes that with his career in Canada, he has experience in indoor arenas. “He handled it really well; he’s a smart horse,” he said of today’s classes.

In his last junior year, Smith is aiming to win a major equitation final, and he enjoys competing at Capital Challenge to start the fall season. “It’s tricky (to win), but I think I have a good horse. (Capital Challenge) is nice to bring you into the indoors, and it’s nice to have the outdoor ring too. It merges instead of going right into a big medal final.”

Victoria Colvin and Clearway
Victoria Colvin and Clearway

Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and her mount Clearway made a statement in the 16 Year Old division, sponsored by Frank Madden Show Stables, by sweeping blue ribbons in all three classes. Meredith Darst was reserve champion with a second place over fences on Soldier and a second on the flat with Great Expectations. Darst and Great Expectations were also victorious in the North American Junior Flat Equitation Championships.

Colvin first showed Clearway, a nine-year-old Warmblood gelding by Cheenook owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, at the Lake Placid Horse Show in late June when she started training with Andre Dignelli and Heritage Farm. This is only their third equitation show together.

She described of Clearway, “He’s very elegant. He’s so big, but he just canters across and is so smooth. He has a humongous stride. He’s a little bouncy at the sitting trot! But we make it work.”

She added with a smile, “He’s very sweet, and he loves bananas, peel and all.”

Melanie Selleck of Westlake, Village, CA, rode Zenden to the 15 Year Old championship. They placed first over fences and first on the flat. Katherine Strauss, riding Donald Stewart’s El Paso, was the reserve champion after they picked up first, third, and sixth place ribbons.

Selleck has ridden Zenden for just over a year; he changed jobs to the equitation ring after competing in Europe as a jumper. “I needed to have a consistent 3’6” horse,” Selleck explained. “He has his little quirks, but I figured that out in the first few months. There’s nothing too crazy hard about him.”

This is Selleck’s third year showing at Capital Challenge, and she names it as one of her favorite horse shows. Selleck travels from California, taking off two days of school to prepare to compete. To win a championship here means a lot to her. “It’s very prestigious, and it shows that I’ve worked hard all year. It’s one of the shows where you want to do as well as you can. This gives me a nice boost of confidence going into the (equitation) finals,” she noted.

Fourteen-year-old Coco Fath of Fairfield, CT piloted Chemie Ancar to the 13 & 14 Year Old Equitation Championship, sponsored by Suave Pony LLC. They won both over fences and placed fourth on the flat. Emma Kurtz and VIP Z won the reserve championship with second, second, and fifth placings.

Coco Fath and Chemie Ancar
Coco Fath and Chemie Ancar

Fath got the ride on Chemie Ancar, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding, in March after the former jumper moved into the equitation ranks with Caitlyn Boyle. Fath trains at Heritage Farm, and while they showed regularly this summer, success came at last week’s ASPCA Maclay Regional, where they placed eighth.

“We’ve really clicked since then,” Fath said. Although she has won hunter championships before at Capital Challenge, this win was special for her. “It’s a big accomplishment, considering how many people are in it. It’s a lot different than the hunters. It means a lot to me. It’s the first time I’ve accomplished something big at an equitation show on this horse,” she said.

The champion in the 12 & Under Equitation was Maria Moore of Johnstown, OH, riding Prosseco 24, owned by Cavallo Farms, LLC. Moore won both over fences classes and was second on the flat. The reserve champions, Sophia Pilla and Pop Rocks, were second, second, and fourth.

Moore trains with her mother Angela as well as Ken and Emily Smith at Ashland Farms. “I could not be here without them,” she said. Moore originally started riding “Peter” in January on a weekend lease. When the pair won the USEF Medal class at the Winter Equestrian Festival in their first outing, everyone knew they were a pair that needed to stay together. “It was my first time ever winning a big eq class. They said it’s a match, so I got him and we’re still plugging along!” she remarked.

Moore describes Peter as “different all the time,” but that he “knows how to do it all. If I do my part, he’ll do his,” she pointed out. Moore had a triumphant return to Capital Challenge after falling off and breaking her arm here last year. “It was much better this year, and hopefully will be even better tomorrow!” she said. Moore will compete in the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, one of three major finals on Sunday of Equitation Weekend at Capital Challenge.

Special Groom’s Awards were also presented to the grooms of the winning horses today, with prizes sponsored by Tammy Provost and Erin Duffy. The winners include:

Beau van het Keyershof – Madeline Kemp
Clearway – Benji Hernandez
Zenden – Alex Garcia
Chemie Ancar – Rene Ochoa
Prosseco 24 – Moises Yool

In the Adult Amateur Equitation division, Haleigh Landrigan took the championship ribbon riding Dragonfly. They won both over fences classes and were third on the flat. Laura Owens and L.Alta Vida were reserve champions after finishing third over fences and first on the flat.

The THIS National Children’s Medal Warm Up division hosted three classes as well, with wins for Jordan Allen with Show Boat (and a high score of 90) and Elizabeth Ekberg on Finnegan over fences and victory on the flat for Sophie Lenihan on Wayfarer. Allen finished as champion in the division, while Carly Hoft on Don La Rouge was reserve champion.

Tomorrow’s schedule concludes the Capital Challenge Equitation Championship weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. The day starts with the North American Equitation Championships of two rounds. Following that is the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals and the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Finals.

For full results, more information, or to watch the live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. Like the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter @capchallenge and Instagram @capitalchallengehorseshow.

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood

2014 Capital Challenge Horse Show Announces Revisions to Future Hunter Qualifications

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Hunt Tosh and Crisp competing in the 2013 Future Hunter Six-Year-Old division. Photos by The Book LLC.

Upper Marlboro, MD – July 10, 2014 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS) is pleased to announce revisions to this year’s Future Hunter qualifications in an effort to align with current USEF regulations. The nation’s premier horse show for developing young hunters, CCHS returns for its 21st competition running September 27 – October 5, 2014, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Per revised rules for qualification under the USEF’s Pre-Green Incentive Program, CCHS Future Hunter (Pre-Green) divisions will only be open to horses that are eligible to compete as a pre-green hunter. See below for complete specs.

Most of the Future Hunter sections that have been run in previous years will again be featured, including sections for horses five years of age and under, horses six years of age and over, colts and geldings and mares, and the 3’3” division.

All horses competing in the Future Hunter divisions will have the opportunity to qualify for the coveted North American Future Hunter Championship. The championship class is open to the top six in each of the Future Hunter sections and will offer an increased purse of $25,000 this year. Many consider this class one of the most exciting events of the season as it showcases some of the most promising young horses in the country.

Horse show manager Oliver Kennedy loves the tradition of the class, which has produced many of the nation’s top hunters over the years. Last year, 192 young horses vied for a spot to compete at CCHS, and 150 were accepted to show in the competitive divisions. The competition gets even tougher as the best horses attempt to earn a spot in the championship class.

“Traditionally, the horses that do well in the Future Hunters are always the next successful first year horses or green conformation horses the following year,” Kennedy noted. “It has been a proving ground for young talent for 20 years now, since we started our horse show. The best young horses in the country are there, and when they go inside the arena and compete in the championship, it is probably one of the best classes of the entire horse show. To watch these young horses make the transition from the outdoor ring to the coliseum for the first time in their championship class, it is amazing how well they go when they walk in. The talent and the quality of the horses is outrageous.”

“A lot of people bring their best young horses there and a lot of them get sold,” Kennedy added. “Horses like Gray Slipper, Dream Date and Sambalino were Future Hunter winners that went on to win grand hunter championships at the biggest horse shows in the country. If you have a really good horse and you want to show it off, you bring it to Capital Challenge.”

Phillip Cillis and Willow competing in the Future Hunter Mares in 2013
Phillip Cillis and Willow competing in the Future Hunter Mares in 2013

In addition to Future Hunter changes, the Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to announce the addition of a Junior Hunter 3’3” division, providing even more opportunities for the up-and-coming young riders in the country to showcase their top horses. The division will run on the final weekend of competition, Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show looks forward to welcoming horses and riders for its 21st year of exceptional competition this fall. For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook and on Twitter at @capchallenge!

In its 21st year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 27 – October 5.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

CCHS Future Hunter Specs for 2014

A Future Hunter (Pre-Green Hunter) is a horse of any age in his first or second year of showing over 3’ 0” (0.925m) or 3’3” (1.00m) fences that has never competed over fences of 3’6” (1.07m) or higher.

Pre-Green status begins when a horse competes in any hunter, jumper, hunter seat equitation or jumping seat equitation classes held at Federation Licensed competitions, Equine Canada competitions and/or FEI competitions with fence heights set at 3’0” (0.925m) or higher.

A horse may not have competed in any hunter, jumper, hunter seat equitation or jumping seat equitation classes held at Federation Licensed competitions, Equine Canada competitions and/or FEI competitions with fences set at 3’6” (1.075m) or higher prior to or during their Pre-Green years. Exception: Horses six years of age and under competing over fences of 3’6” (1.075m) or higher in jumper classes at FEI competitions will retain eligibility as Pre-Green Hunters.

A horse’s Pre-Green status that is reinstated in accordance with Federation rule HU105 is eligible to compete in the Future Hunters provided all other requirements have been met, and the USEF Reinstatement letter is presented to the CCHS Secretary. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to verify eligibility of the horse.

Horses may only enter ONE SECTION. When making entries please rank your TOP THREE choices. Horses will be placed in sections on a first come, first served basis.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Colvin, Foster, and Free Win Grand Hunter Championships on Final Day of Capital Challenge Horse Show

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Ovation and Victoria Colvin. Shawn McMillen Photography.

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 6, 2013 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show concluded today with Grand Championships for junior and children’s hunters. The show welcomed more than 1,000 horses to Prince George’s Equestrian Center over the past nine days and hosted the best hunter competition in the country. The Grand Junior Hunter Championship was tie between Victoria Colvin on Dr. Betsee Parker’s Ovation and Ashley Foster with Sin City. The Grand Children’s Hunter Championship went to Bases Loaded and Ava Free.

Winning is nothing new for Victoria Colvin at Capital Challenge. This is the third year in a row that she has taken home Grand Junior Hunter Champion and Best Junior Rider honors, and she swept the tricolors in the 15 & Under divisions.

“We always aspire to do great at all of the shows, but we don’t really have any set goals. Just to go around nicely and not fall off!” she said with a smile. “I think the fall shows, everyone wants them to go well since they’re the biggest shows of the year for the hunters.”

In the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, sponsored by New England Farm, the championship went to Ovation, ridden by Colvin for Dr. Betsee Parker. They placed first, first, and second over fences and won the under saddle. The reserve championship went to Dr. Parker’s Canadian Blue, who was first and second over fences and fourth under saddle.

Ovation, a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding, was named the High Point Junior Hunter 15 & Under, sponsored by Geddaway Farm. He tied for the Grand Junior Hunter Championship sponsored by Lochmoor Stables/Mindy and Greg Darst, with Annie Friedman’s Sin City and Ashley Foster, who were yesterday’s Small Junior 16-17 Hunter champions. They were presented with The Spontaneous Perpetual Trophy donated by the Listrani Family. Colvin and Foster shared Best Junior Rider honors, an award sponsored by Karen Healey and Karen Healey Stables.

Colvin and Canadian Blue won the $2,500 WCHR Junior Challenge, sponsored by Elena and David Graves. Canadian Blue, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding by Converter, is a new ride for Colvin, who is from Loxahatchee, FL. Colvin enjoys riding him and figuring out how to get the best from a younger, greener horse.

“He’s never been indoors,” she said. “He’s funny. He sort of just lopes around all wobbly and wiggling. He jumps amazing, and I think he just needs to keep going and getting experience. It’s fun to have a horse that is automatic, but it keeps it interesting if you have a horse who you really have to ride. It’s fun to see him getting better and better.”

The Large Junior 15 & Under championship went to Way Cool, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Embassy, and Colvin, riding again for Dr. Betsee Parker. They won two over fences classes. Inclusive, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Dr. Parker, was the reserve champion with a first and fourth over fences and fifth under saddle. The EMO Junior Trip of the Show and Overall Trip of the Show went to Colvin on Inclusive, who scored a 93.

Although she has had plenty of experience jumping from one horse to another, Colvin still has to think about her adjustments in riding their different styles. She said that it usually just means singing a song in her head. “With Way Cool, I need to be softer and nicer, and Ovation I have to go forward. With Inclusive, you have to slow down. They’re all so different, but when I get in the ring I just sing the last thing I’ve heard and make the song go to their rhythm. I don’t really like counting (strides),” she explained.

With such incredible success so far and two years left as a junior rider, Colvin recognized the contributions that Dr. Parker and her trainers, Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley, have made to her career. Of riding Dr. Parker’s great hunters, she expressed, “It’s unbelievable. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have all these horses to ride. And she loves her horses and is the nicest owner. She’s perfect.”

She continued, “Since I was really little, like six (years old), Scott Stewart was always my idol. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to ride with him and to still be riding with him. He’s supplied jumpers and horses like VIP to ride. If they weren’t there (for me), I’d still be showing my small pony Balou!”

Colvin said she emulates the way that Stewart rides in the hunters. “I think he’s really soft with his horses and really nice to them. He never touches the reins,” she pointed out. Her future goals include doing well at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and bigger dreams down the road. “At some point I want to go to the Olympics, but that’s a little far away,” she said.

The Leading Hunter Trainer Award, sponsored by Meridian Riding Club and Tracye Ferguson, went to Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley.

Ashley Foster was awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for junior riders, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart & Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio. It is awarded to up-and-coming junior riders, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, exhibit the best hunter style and show potential as a young hunter rider. Foster and Sin City won the $1,000 Junior World Champion Hunter Under Saddle sponsored by Limelight Farm and Suave Pony LLC.

Children’s Hunter Champions Wrap Up the Week

The championship in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Section B, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Duffy and Little Brook Farms, Inc., as well as the Grand Children’s Hunter Championship, sponsored by Mary Jane King, went to Bases Loaded, ridden by Ava Free of St. Petersburg, FL, for AM Free, Inc. They were presented with the Laura Pickett Memorial Trophy, donated by Julie Karpan. Free won the Best Children’s Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by Wild Sky Farm and The Nelson Family. In their division, they won both over fences classes and were third under saddle. The reserve champion was Lifeline, ridden and owned by Jane Brooks. They were second over fences and fifth under saddle.

Free, 14, and Bases Loaded competed at Capital Challenge last year in much different weather – pouring rain – but she said she still had to concentrate on pace in today’s unseasonably warm weather. “I usually don’t get him going enough,” she explained, “but he was really good and listened really well. He didn’t go too slow and I kept him going to the first line. It felt awesome going around. The courses were really fun.”

Free took over the ride on Bases Loaded, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, from her sister Madison, who was also champion at Capital Challenge in 2011. “I thought it would be awesome to win it after my sister did it two years ago,” she said. “We still have her champion ribbon hanging up. We’ve had a really good year, but this is definitely my biggest win this year.”

Crystal Clear and Coco Fath. Parker/The Book LLC.
Crystal Clear and Coco Fath. Parker/The Book LLC.

The champion in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under Section A, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Duffy and Little Brook Farms, Inc., was Crystal Clear, a 10-year-old Polish Warmblood mare ridden and owned by Coco Fath of Fairfield, CT. Fath, who is 13 years old, rode Crystal Clear to wins in both over fences classes and sixth in the under saddle. The reserve champion was Bella K, ridden and owned by Samantha Camp. They were second over fences and third under saddle.

Fath and Crystal Clear just started in the hunters since the mare was imported. She was a jumper in France, but Fath said she has quickly made the adjustment to her new job. “She’s come a long way,” she remarked. “She’s really stepped up her game.”

Fath said that her “big stride” helps in the hunters, as does her attitude. “She (isn’t spooky) about the jumps. She jumps very high over them,” she said.

This is Fath’s second time at Capital Challenge, and she has made the step up from the pony hunters. “I like it much better than the ponies. It’s much different,” she compared. “It depends upon the horse show if it’s more competitive, but it’s definitely a step up. I like Capital Challenge a lot. It means a lot to me being champion. I’m really excited.”

Local rider Alexandra McReady of Annapolis, MD, was thrilled to take home the Children’s Hunter 15-17, sponsored by The Rizvi Family, championship today with her horse Czech, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. They placed first and second over fences. The reserve champions, Redeemed and Katherine Mistick, won the other jumping class.

McReady and Czech won the EMO Children’s Trip of the Show with an 85.5.

“This is my home show,” the 16-year-old rider said. “This is my last year with Czech, so it was nice really nice to be champion. It’s so cool to be here. It’s such an amazing place to show.”

She said of Czech, “He just takes you to the jumps. He’s the best. He has a giant stride, so you have to think about walking the lines and letting it be there and letting him do his pace. He’s so sweet but he likes to have his own time. You know when to leave him alone and when to give him some love. He has totally built up my confidence. He’s the first one to really take me through this experience.”

The winner of the $1,500 WCHR Children’s Challenge, sponsored by Stephanie Riggio and MeadowView, was Verona, ridden by Louisa Soohoo for Red Oak Farm LLC. The winner of the $2,500 WCHR Pony Challenge, sponsored by The Wujek Family, was Further Lane Farm’s Rolling Stone and Madeline Schaefer. Taylor St. Jacques was awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for children’s riders, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart & Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio. It is awarded to up-and-coming junior riders, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, exhibit the best hunter style and show potential as a young hunter rider.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show would like to thank all of its exhibitors, sponsors, and staff for a wonderful and successful show, and they look forward to another in 2014. For full results and more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org.

About Capital Challenge
In its 20th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 28 – October 6.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Madeline Schaefer and Armani Awarded Grand Pony Hunter Championship at Capital Challenge

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Armani and Madeline Schaefer. Photos copyright Shawn McMillen Photography.

Patton and Twisther Clear for Victory in North American Junior/Amateur Jumper Challenge; Foster, Sommers, Farish, and Pilla Win Tricolors

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 5, 2013 – Saturday of Capital Challenge Horse Show highlights the country’s young rider talent with championships for pony, junior and children’s pony hunters. The Grand Pony Hunter Championship was awarded to Madeline Schaefer on Armani. Ashley Foster on Sin City and Samantha Sommers riding Small Affair picked up the top tricolors in the Small and Large 16-17 Hunters, respectively, while Sienna Pilla was the Children’s Hunter Pony division champion. In the evening session, Reid Patton took the top prize in the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur Jumper Challenge Final Round sponsored by ARIAT on Twisther. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, concludes on Sunday, October 6.

“I’ve always had terrible luck at this show. I couldn’t get myself together here,” said Madeline Schaefer of Westminster, MD. At the young age of 12 she has been able to change her bad luck at Capital Challenge in a big way. The talented rider rode Armani to the lion’s share of awards today on two ponies.

Piloting Armani, her nine-year-old Welsh Pony gelding by Bronheulog Roya, she won the Small Pony Hunter Championship, sponsored by Spring Mill Farm/Jenny Yandell. They placed first, first, and second over fences and were sixth under saddle. The reserve champion was Love Me Tender, ridden by Mimi Gochman for David Gochman. They won an over fences class and were second under saddle.

The Harper Taskier Wright Memorial Trophy, given in memory of Harper by her loving parents Michael and Alexandra Borissoff Wright, friends, and family whose lives she touched, was given to Schaefer for winning the Small Pony Hunter championship.

Armani and Schaefer won the Grand Pony Hunter Championship, sponsored by Lochmoor Stables/Mindy and Greg Darst, and were awarded the VanderMoore Designs Trophy, donated by VanderMoore Designs. Schaefer was named the Best Pony Rider, an award sponsored by Archibald Cox and Brookway Stables. They were presented with the Kitty Borisoff Memorial Trophy donated by her many friends.

The EMO Trip of the Show for Pony Hunters went to Mimi Gochman on Love Me Tender for their score of 90.

Schaefer believes that her luck changed this year due to the hard work she has put in here. “I had a lot of rides this year – four rides – so I got a lot of practice. I got the miles in the saddle in the ring,” she remarked.

Her partner Armani, she said, has “an amazing rhythm.” She added, “He likes to play a little, but we’ll put up with it if he goes like that every day. I showed him here last year when he was a green, and he’s improved a lot. The way you ride him now is a lot easier. He’s a lot more adjustable.”

In addition to the Small championship, Schaefer won the Medium Pony Hunter championship, sponsored by Flagship & Jeff & Kelley Gogul, with Sports Cast, an eight-year-old German Riding Pony gelding by Munser II owned by Gary Schaefer. They won two over fences classes. Mimi Gochman picked up her second reserve championship with True Love. They were first and second over fences.

Schaefer started riding Sports Cast just over a year ago and said that his ride was more like a bigger horse than a pony. “He has a big stride and his canter is similar to some of my sister’s horses,” she explained.

The Large Pony Hunter championship went to 12-year-old Daisy Farish of Versailles, KY, on Beau Rivage, a 17-year-old Holsteiner/Welsh gelding by Magical. They won two over fences classes and placed second and third in the remaining jumping classes. Barbara Ann Merryman rode Storyteller for Samantha Kasowitz to the reserve championship after they placed first, first, and second over fences.

Farish has been paired with Beau Rivage for two years, and they competed at Capital Challenge last year. “He’s really fun because he has a great rhythm and when you get to the jump in the right spot, he just fires over it,” she said.

Farish is a Capital Challenge veteran already. “I was either six or seven when I showed in the children’s ponies. It is one of my favorite shows because it isn’t all spread out. You can see everyone go and everyone comes here. It’s really competitive because at indoors there are only a certain amount who can be there. Here there are a lot more, so there is a lot more competition.”

Farish was awarded the Stewart Warner Cup for pony riders, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart & Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio. It is awarded to up-and-coming junior riders, who, in the opinion of the panel of judges, exhibit the best hunter style and show potential as a young hunter rider.

The Children’s Hunter Pony championship went to Beaucatcher, ridden by eight-year-old Sienna Pilla of Ridgefield, CT. Pilla and Beaucatcher, a 17-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding owned by Abigail Blankenship, won an over fences class and the under saddle. Alyx Goldstein and Summerland were the reserve champions after they placed first and fourth over fences and were fifth under saddle.

Pilla has ridden Beaucatcher since January and started out in the Short Stirrup division, but when a show they attended didn’t have the division, they moved up to the Children’s Hunter Pony classes. With a Grand Champion Hunter title secured there, they never looked back. Advice from her trainer, Lainie Wimberly, has helped get her to this point. She recalled, “I try to keep my hands up and go forward. It helps me get a good distance at the jump – not too tight and not too big.”

Pilla said that she has attended Capital Challenge before to watch her older sister Sophia compete, but this was her first time showing. When she returns to school on Monday, she said, “I’ll tell everyone that I got champion, and I’m really excited about it.”

Wimberly noted, “I think she’s really talented and once she got past the fear of going forward her natural talent and abilities have come out. She has a natural eye and good feel. I was really impressed with the way she rode. I have high hopes for her. She comes from a really great riding family. She’s following in her sister’s footsteps.”

Twisther and Reid Patton
Twisther and Reid Patton

Patton’s Only Clear Round Wins

The course itself was the biggest obstacle in the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Challenge Cup Final Round. There were 30 entries in tonight’s final round, which was held in jump-off format. There was only one clear round over the course designed by Steve Stephens. It featured wide oxers and challenging distances; 18-year-old Reid Patton was the only rider to find the key to a clear on Twisther, a 13-year-old KWPN stallion by Farmer. Vivian Yowan and Stone Hill Farm’s Vornado van den Hoendrik were just over the time allowed to finish with one time fault for second place. Madeline Thatcher’s fast four-fault round on Pony Lane Farm’s Licapo put her in third place.

Patton, of Nashville, TN, started riding Twisther this summer, but she had never ridden him indoors before yesterday. “I was a little nervous because he’s so big and has a giant stride. I was a little nervous for this course, but sometimes I rise to the occasion. I knew I had to be aggressive.”

Thinking the course was “set for a very scopey horse,” Patton felt that it suited Twisther, who previously jumped at the grand prix level with Jonathan McCrea. “He’s a little over-qualified. He’s just really good at scoping over oxers, so I can really leg him over and he won’t run into the front rail. I think that’s what set him apart – his ability to cross these oxers.”

Despite being a stallion, Patton said that Twisther is very calm. “I’ve never ridden a horse like him. When you’re riding him, it feels like he thinks he’s on a trail ride. He just lopes around. He has a really good eye himself, so I never really get nervous if I’m a little off. I try and do my part, but I can’t be perfect all the time.”

About her win, she said, “I’m still kind of shocked. It hasn’t really sunk in. It feels amazing. I’m so thankful to Cara and Donald (Cheska). (They) couldn’t be here since Cara’s grandmother died right before the show. Tom Wright and Hayley Barnhill kind of came in (they are my hunter and equitation trainers) and trained me. I have a great team.”

For their win in the final round, Patton was presented with the Remy Martin Perpetual Trophy, donated by Rolling Acres and Melanie Wright. With her win in yesterday’s first round and seventh place finish in today’s round, Victoria Colvin was the overall winner of the North American Junior/Amateur Jumper Challenge on Monsieur du Reverdy and was awarded the Ariat Congressional Cup. The Best Junior Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Back Country Farm, was given to Victoria Colvin, while Kelsey Thatcher won the Best Amateur Jumper Rider Award sponsored by Lyman T. Whitehead and Eight Fences, LLC.

Older Junior Hunters Awarded

Small Affair and Samantha Sommers
Small Affair and Samantha Sommers

Traveling from California is never an easy proposition with horses, but Samantha Sommers of Malibu made the trip worth it when she won the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter championship, sponsored by Beacon Hill Show Stables, with Iwasaki & Reilly’s Small Affair. The 18-year-old rode the 10-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Elf d’Or to two firsts and a second over fences. Erin McGuire and Casallo were reserve champions after they won and placed third in two classes and were sixth under saddle.

Sommers started riding Small Affair in January and felt “a lot of pressure” initially due to her horse’s great success with previous rider Olivia Esse and with professional John French. She needn’t have worried since she was the Overall Champion at the U.S. Junior Hunter National Championships – West among other success. “I ended on the West Coast with a bang, and now I got to do it here too. It’s so hard to compete against the East Coast people with jet lag and the horses have to ship out here across the country. It’s nice when you can represent the West Coast well!” she mentioned.

Sommers said that it take some getting used to Small Affair’s great style. “He has a spectacular jump and an amazing canter. Finding the jumps is nice and easy,” she said. “If you just take your time it’ll just work out.”

In her last junior year, winning at Capital Challenge was a goal. “I’ve never been champion at Capital Challenge before so I was so excited. It’s a really good feeling. It’s fun to be champion anywhere, but to do it at one of the top shows in the country is great. I’d like to thank Elizabeth Reilly, Chris Iwasaki, John French and my parents for all they’ve done for me,” she said.

Ashley Foster of Brookeville, MD, won a junior hunter championship last year, and this year she repeated that feat. This time it was in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters, sponsored by Heritage Farm, on Sin City, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Annie Friedman. The pair won two over fences class, were second in the remaining jumping class, and won the under saddle. The reserve champion was Illusion, ridden by Destry Spielberg and owned by Oscany, Inc. They placed first, second and fifth over fences and were second in the under saddle. In addition to Foster’s division championship, Sin City was named the High Point Junior Hunter 16-17, sponsored by The Clothes Horse.

Foster, who is in her final junior year, started riding Sin City this past winter and picked up the ride again at the Maryland Horse and Pony Show. She described, “He’s a blast to ride. He’s so smooth you don’t even know you’re cantering. He’s got the biggest stride possible. You can definitely feel his jump. He’s really fun,” she said.

Capital Challenge is like a hometown show for Foster, and winning here is “so exciting.” She said, “I just love riding and winning is great but riding other people’s horses is really great.”

The winner of the $5,000 WCHR Handy Hunter Challenge, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation Inc., was Nick Haness on Winfield, owned by Lexie Looker. In yesterday’s $2,500 WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge, Polly Sweeney rode to victory on Karen Long Dwight’s Pimm’s Cup.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show concludes tomorrow with championships for the 15 & Under sections of the junior hunters, both sections of the Children’s Hunter Horses, the WCHR Pony Challenge, WCHR Junior Challenge, WCHR Children’s Hunter Finals, and the World Champion Hunter Under Saddle Junior class.

For full results, more information, or to watch the SmartPak live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org.

About Capital Challenge
In its 20th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 28 – October 6.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com