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Classic Company, Competitions, Show Jumping

Jason Berry and Quantos Dominate Jumpers Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classics

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Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic drew to a close with Jason Berry continuing his winning ways in the jumper ring. Aboard Quantos, owned by Lee Cesery, Berry topped the field to win the $15,000 Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

It’s been a banner two weeks for Berry and Quantos in Conyers, Georgia. The duo won both weekly Welcome Jumpers, in addition to the Week II Grand Prix.

“Quantos is giving it his all,” Berry commented. “It certainly makes you excited to get up in the morning when you have a horse with a future like he’s going to have.”

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, was the first horse and rider team to attempt the first round of the grand prix track, set in the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park. Only three achieved the clear round required to proceed to the jump-off.

First to attempt the shortened, speedy course was Jorja Rose Jones of Byhalia, Mississippi. She piloted Diane Masters’ Light Show to a double clear performance, setting the pace to beat at a quick 42.721 seconds.

Next up was Canton, Georgia’s Chasen Boggio. In the irons of his own Co Pilot, Boggio navigated the shortened course, leaving all the jumps in their cups. Unfortunately, the duo reached the timers just outside of the 47-second time allowed — their time of 47.076 seconds landed them a single time fault.

Berry and Quantos were next up to catch the pace to beat. The pair laid down a flawless clear round, racing to the timers in 41.422 seconds, snatching top hours and the lion’s share of the prize money.

“I wasn’t sure I could catch her,” said Berry of the pace to beat set by Jones. “But Quantos is a good mix. He’s a long-strided horse, so we can leave the stride out, but he’s also got a turn on him. It was a good course, and you needed a horse who could accomplish both — leave out strides and turn quickly.

“There was a fast gallop to an oxer in the jump-off, followed by a sharp right turn,” Berry continued. “Quantos ran well to the oxer and took direction well on the backside, making a sharp right turn. I think that may be where I caught the time.”

Berry said his team couldn’t be happier with the seven-year-old Quantos and he’s pleased with the support from his team, from his owner Lee Cesery to his grooms, Javier Guerra and Luis Vega.

“Everyone has been at the top of their game,” Berry remarked.

Jones ended the class in second place, and Boggio ranked third.

Jones was back in the ring to pick up fourth prize for her ride aboard Chris Richards’ Uno Z. Fifth place was awarded to Aida Sanchez Long, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Darragh Kerins’ Rossco. Berry ranked sixth aboard Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke, while Lexington, Kentucky’s Sarah Meier placed seventh with Punchestown Stable’s F 16.

Boggio was back in the ribbons, ranking eighth with Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle. Heather Hooker, of Wellington, Florida, was ninth with Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton. Tenth place was awarded to Meier, this time with Madison Dehaven’s Chanel. Meredith Bryans, of Newborn, Georgia, with her own Guidam Sid, ranked eleventh, and Roger Seitzmeir, of Thompsons Station, Tennessee, wrapped up the top-twelve with the Jaeckle Centre’s TJC’s Kaizer-A.

Quantos and Jason Berry Reclaim Title in $5,000 Welcome Jumper

Jason Berry kicked off Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic in the same manner he wrapped up Week I — victorious. This time, it was top prize in the $5,000 Welcome Jumper with Quantos. With Duvelke, Berry took home the second place ribbon as well.

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, piloted Lee Cesery’s Quantos across the opening jumper class. The first contenders to tackle the first round, the duo made short work of the track, leaving all the jumps in their cups and reaching the timers well within the time allowed of 79 seconds. They were the first of four contenders to be invited back into the ring for the jump-off round.

Berry and Quantos set the pace to beat across the shortened course, finishing the competition with a double clear performance, a jump-off time of 40.114 seconds, and the winner’s check in his pocket.

“The jump-off round was great for my horse,” said Berry. “There was a lot of space to gallop and he covers the ground so easily.

“Quantos was imported last fall,” said Berry. Since then, he said they’ve been bringing the seven-year-old along slowly and are pleased with his progress.

“He’s been wonderful. He can be an amateur’s horse, but still has the scope for a grand prix. He’s young and green but you can always leave that stride out — he’s got tons of step and tons of scope.”

Berry and Quantos also claimed top prize in Week I’s Welcome Jumper, along with winning the $15,000 Grand Prix aboard Fazous. Berry said it’s his second time riding at the Atlanta Spring Classic, but said it’s been a good few weeks made better by show management.

“They are professionals,” Berry remarked of the show management. “The staff is doing a great job of making the most of the footing —they are putting the time and effort into maintaining it.”

Berry was runner-up with Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke. The duo achieved the only other double clear performance, but a relatively pokey jump-off time of 47.312 kept them in second position.

Sarah Meier of Lexington, Kentucky rounded off the top-three for her performance with Madison Dehaven’s Chanel. The pair blew the time to beat out of the water, reaching the timers in 38.315 seconds, but a falling rail midway through the jump-off landed the pair the third place ribbon. Meier also ranked fourth for her performance with Punchestown Stables’ F 16.

Thompson Station, Tennessee’s Roger Seitzmeir ranked fifth with the Jaeckle Centre’s TJC’s Kaizer-A, while Berry rounded out the top-six with Fazous.

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Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Jagger Topping and Union Jack Tops in Classic Hunter Derby

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Jagger Topping and Union Jack closed Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classics on a high note as victors in the Classic Hunter Derby.

Topping, of Sagaponack, New York, tackled the two-round derby aboard Alice Keller’s Union Jack. The pair finished the classic round with a score of 79 points, before weaving their way to the handy round’s top score of 84 points. The duo ended the class with a total score of 163.

“Alice, Union Jack’s owner, kindly offered to let me show the horse this week,” Topping remarked. “It was quite a treat for me. My wife and I teach the kids, and I go to shows often, but it’s nice to be a part of the game. It’s nice for the kids to watch me ride and see me struggle and work, because they have to struggle and work too.”

Topping said the rounds built for the derby suited Union Jack’s manner of going; he described the Dutch warm blood as quirky, but honest and a great friend to have in the ring. “Both rounds rode nicely — there were great options and the courses were twisty-turny,” he commented. “Union Jack is very good at the trot fence; he’s very good at landing on that correct lead. The single jumps on a diagonal asked some questions, but the horse held his leads beautifully.”

The Atlanta Spring Classic acts as a kick-off for spring horse shows for Topping, whose wife Amanda and daughter Phoebe were also contenders in this specific event.

“This is one of our favorite horse shows,” said Topping. “We’ve been here many, many years. This is the start of spring horse showing for us, plus we look forward to coming here and getting away from the northeast for a few weeks of outdoor riding.”

Gianna Cobb, of Marietta, Georgia, ranked second for her two-round performance astride her own Allure. The pair clinched the highest classic score of 85, but their score of 76 in the handy round kept them two points behind the winners. Cobb finished the event with an overall score of 161.

Cobb was also the recipient of the $250 1st place 3’3″ bonus for the Classic Derby.

The third-place ribbon was awarded to William Lyles for his performance with his own Jungle Book. Lyles, of Nashville, Tennessee, piloted Jungle Book to a classic round score of 82 points, before tackling the handy round. A handy score of 78 accrued the duo a total derby score of 160.

Amanda Topping, of Sagaponack, New York, ranked fourth. In the saddle of Yvette Rechler-Newman’s Celebration, Topping navigated the two rounds to a total overall score of 156 points. Covington, Georgia’s Cindy Ball placed fifth for her performance with Pansy Winters’ Wheels of Fortune. Ball rode the 13-year-old Hanoverian to a two-round score of 141 points. Ball also left the ring with the 1st place 3′ $250 Bonus for the Classic Derby.

Sagaponack, New York’s Phoebe Topping ranked sixth for her ride in the irons of Tracey Topping’s Perfektionist. The duo achieved an overall total of 122 points. Phoebe also received a $150 Bonus for the Classic Derby 3’3”.

Madison Winebrenner of Lexington, Kentucky ended the event in seventh place with her own App For That. Additionally, Winebrenner was awarded a $150 Bonus for the Classic Derby 3’0”.

Matthew Piccolo and Leland Win Sidelines Green Hunter Championship

The Sidelines Green Hunter 3’0”/3’3” ended its Atlanta circuit with Matthew Piccolo being awarded the championship title for Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic.

Piccolo, of Thompson Station, Tennessee, was in the irons of Leland, a nine-year-old prospect owned by the L & N Group, LLC. Piccolo piloted Leland to an overall division score of 33 points.

“I’m proud of him — he had a great two days,” said Piccolo of Leland. “He’s a fun horse with a great canter; he’s very straightforward. We’re very excited about his future.

“I have a bunch of customers who buy young hunters and these green hunter divisions are a great opportunity for me to progress the horses and prepare them for my clients to ride.”

Piccolo said he’s been bringing Leland along for just under a year. He said the venue and show management for the Atlanta Spring Classic makes it a regular stop on his yearly competition schedule.

“We love to come to Conyers and usually make it here a few times a year. The courses have been great this week and the weather has been even better. It’s always better when the sun comes out and the rain stays away… And the Classic Company always puts on a great horse show, whether that’s here in Conyers, or Gulfport.”

Milton, Georgia’s Kelli Gibson took home the reserve championship for her performances across the division with Kellington LLC’s Tycoon. The duo achieved an overall division score of 30 points.

These coveted points are helping to boost Piccolo and Gibson on their way up the qualifying charts for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, set to run during the Atlanta Fall Classics.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Business Is Booming for Jason Berry Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics

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Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia was on fire Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics. He ended the week with a win in the $15,000 Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

Thirteen horse and rider teams tackled the course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana in the Olympic Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park.

The first round was set with a time allowed of 81 seconds and 43 seconds for the second round. Seven advanced to a second round opportunity.

Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot were the first horse and rider team to turn in double clear rounds in times of 71.642 seconds and 32.241 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Heather Hook of Wellington, Florida and Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their time of 33.934 wouldn’t beat Boggio and Co Pilot.

Berry and Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke followed with the next set of double clears and their time of 30.362 seconds would temporarily take the lead. Duvelke and Berry have been partners for only a couple of weeks according to Berry.

Aida Sanchez Long of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Darragh Kerin’s Rossco followed with the next set of clear rounds but their time of 32.210 seconds couldn’t beat Berry and Duvelke’s time.

Boggio and Victoria Press’ Quesada D’elle followed with the next clear rounds and with a clear second round in a time of 29.567 seconds, temporarily took the lead.

“He [Rheinheimer] had set a vertical to six strides to a triple bar then five strides to an in and out and some folks had problems with that. He definitely didn’t hand us that line,” said Berry.

Berry followed with Fazous and challenged that time with their own double clear rounds and with a time of 29.055 seconds, took the lead and set the new time to beat. “I just had to go faster. I had the lead then Chase [Boggio] took it back so I just went a little faster with Fazous,” he said.

Jorge Ludwig of Newbury Park, California and his own Cricket sat in the enviable last to go position. Although the pair advanced to a second round, four jump faults in a time of 29.701 seconds would see them finish in seventh place and leave the win to Berry and Fazous.

Second place honors went to Boggio and Quesada D’Elle and Berry picked up a third with Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke.

Sanchez Long and Rossco earned a fourth place and Boggio returned for a fifth place ribbon with Co Pilot. Hooker and Quester De Virton rode home with a sixth place. Ludwig and Cricket earned a seventh place and Ludwig also picked up the eighth place ribbon in the irons of his own The Graduate.  Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia and Maarten Huygens’ Justin earned ninth place honors for their four fault first round in a time of 69.406 seconds and tenth was awarded to Jorja Rose Jones of Byhalia, Mississippi and Diane Masters’ Light Show for their four fault first round in a time of 70.880 seconds. Eleventh was awarded to Charlotte De Smedt and her own Chido and Berry wrapped up the class with a twelfth place ribbon in the irons of Lee Cesery’s Quantos.

Berry Takes Top Three Ribbons in the $7,500 Welcome

Berry kicked off his winning week when he snatched up the top three placings of the Welcome Jumper Classic during Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics. There were eight entries in the competition, with five pairs returning to the ring for the jump-off.

Berry, of Verona, Virginia, claimed the championship with Lee Cesery’s Quantos. Together they bested the other contenders, flawlessly completing the first round well within the time allowed of 81 seconds. Their jump off round was equally as seamless, with the duo finishing the shortened course in a clean and quick 36.857 seconds — one of two double clear efforts in the event.

The other double clear performance was also care of Berry, this time in the irons of Oak Ledge Farm’s Fazous. The pair left all the jumps up, but finished in 37.672 seconds — just a fraction of a second behind the winners.

Berry rounded off the top three placings for his ride aboard Andrew Kocher’s Duvelke. A clean first round gave the pair a shot at the jump-off, but a fallen rail at the last fence and a time of 37.268 seconds landed them the yellow ribbon.

Jorge Ludwig, riding his own Athenea, finished the class in fourth place. Ludwig, of Newbury Park, California, guided Athenea to an eight-fault jump off round, reaching the finish line in a speedy 34.824 seconds. The fifth place ribbon was awarded to Canton, Georgia’s Heather Steinman, who was completing with Maarten Huygens’ Justin. The pairing completed the second round in 42.159 seconds, accruing 12 faults.

Ludwig was back in the ring to pick up sixth prize for his ride with his own Cricket. Seventh place was awarded to Aida Sanchez Long, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who was in the saddle of Darragh Kerins’ Rossco. Ludwig rounded out the placings, ranking eighth with his own The Graduate.

Berry commented, “The horses went really well and the horse show was really good. The show management did a lot with the footing from schooling day throughout the week and it’s just getting better every day. Next week will be even better. Any shows that Classic Company manages, they just do better every time. There is always a major improvement, every year. Like the permanent restrooms in Gulfport were awesome this year. Some of the improvements are simple, but for other show managers, it’s like you have to pull teeth to get them to make any improvements,” he added. “Next week will be my Week 10 on the road, but I’ll be showing here in Conyers,” he said.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunter News from Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics

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Christina Fox and End Game earn firsts in both the inaugural Classic Derby and 3′ rider bonus

With a name like End Game, you would expect a performance worthy of a mic drop.

And you would have seen impressive sport during Week I of the Atlanta Spring Classics, when Christina Fox made short work of the challenging courses laid in front of her during the Classic Derby. Fox was aboard the aptly named End Game.

Fox, of Aiken, South Carolina, piloted Southland Stables, LLC’s End Game for the challenging two-round class. The pair earned 75 points in the classic round, followed by 83 points in the handy round for an overall score of 158 points.

With a total score of 156 points, Marietta, Georgia’s Grace Ann Nolan was narrowly edged into second place. In the saddle of Donald Stewart’s Agiato, 16-year-old Nolan rode her way to the top classic round score of 80 points and a handy score of 76.

Lee Cesery, of St. Augustine, Florida, ranked third for her score of 151 aboard her own Candidate. Fourth place was awarded to Madison, Georgia’s Katie Kittrell, who piloted Autumn View Farm’s Golden Sun to a total score of 108 points.

Victory Tastes Sweet for Toblerone and Carolyn Bell in the Sidelines Green Hunter Division

The Sidelines Green Hunter division kicked off Week I of the 2018 Atlanta Spring Classics in Conyers, Georgia. And it started with the championship colors for Alpharetta, Georgia’s Carolyn Bell.

In the irons of Debra Rattary’s Toblerone, Bell secured the division title in the Sidelines Green 3’/3’3” Hunter. The duo chalked up a grand total of 36 points.

Kat Mulkey, of Madison, Georgia, was awarded the reserve championship for her performances with Grace Bridge’s Serenade. The pair accrued a total of 28 points.

“I am so pleased with Toblerone,” said Bell. “He is a kind, honest, quiet horse, but he’s also athletic and scopey. This was his third time in the green division, and his second time being champion.”

Toblerone was purchased three years ago by Rattary, with the intention of enjoying the horse at home at the barn, Bell remarked. Toblerone made his show debut this year when a student of Bell’s began leasing him, she said. The nine-year-old hunter prospect has been racking up ribbons ever since.

“I wasn’t surprised at all,” said Bell. “I expected the best from him. When we were in Germany looking at him, we were impressed with his brain — he’s calm, quiet and one of the smoothest horses I’ve ever ridden.”

Bell also ranked fourth overall with her own Ambiance. She said the Green Hunter division provides her up-and-coming hunters with a good solid foundation for a long and successful jumping career.

“The green division is a great place to learn the basics, such as balance and straightness,” she commented. “It provides a solid base, rather than moving up a division because a horse is athletic enough to jump bigger fences.”

With this win, Bell and Toblerone are well on their way up the qualifying charts for the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, which is set to run at the Atlanta Fall Classics in Conyers, Georgia. There is still plenty of time to qualify for this finale event, held at the venue of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Points are still up for grabs during Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classics, as well as during the upcoming Jacksonville Spring Classic and the Charleston Summer Classic.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Announcing the 2018 Atlanta Spring Classics

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Photo credit Alison Hartwell Photography.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic six-week circuit kicks off on February 7th. The show moves directly from the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast to the home of the 1996 Olympics at the Georgia International Horse Park for the Atlanta Spring Classics which start on March 22nd and run through March 31st – no horse show on Easter Sunday.

Two weeks of exciting competition at the world-famous facility offer more than $200,000 in cash and awards. Special events include the Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions which will count as qualifiers for the second installment of the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic scheduled for the Atlanta Fall Classics. The top 20 qualifiers will receive an invitation to compete in this Finals competition for no entry fee.

Don’t miss the new $5,000 Classic Hunter Derby offered both Weeks I and II at the Atlanta Spring Classic. In addition to the $3,000 prize money, a $2,000 Rider Bonus will be awarded to a non-professional hunter rider each week.

For the jumpers, the $5,000 Open Welcome is offered both Weeks I and II as well as the $15,000 1.35m Jumper Classic. There’s plenty of prize money for the Jr/Amateurs at the 1.20m and the 1.30m/1.40m as well as the Open Jumpers, 1.20m, 1.30m and 1.40m. Check the prize list, now online, for details.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Show Jumping

Jumper News from Week II of the Atlanta Fall Classics

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Michael Tokaruk and Ilan [Alison Hartwell Photography]

The $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome kicked off the high stakes jumper action and awarded Michael Tokaruk of Germantown, Tennessee and Maarten Huygens’ Ilan the blue ribbon after turning in double clear rounds.

The first round time allowed was 84 seconds and saw twelve advance to a second round opportunity.  Tokaruk was the first to turn in a clear in the irons of Klee Hellerman’s Cupid Shuffle. Although their second round time of 40.255 was well within the time allowed of 62 seconds, four jump faults would have them finish in tenth place. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and Seth Vallhonrat’s Conbalou followed Tokaruk with a clear first round and also went clear in their second round in a time of 40.255 seconds and set the new time to beat. Pelham Bay, owned and ridden by Lee Hughes of Redwood City, Georgia, followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their second round time of 42.369 seconds would find them finishing in seventh place overall.

Tokaruk followed with the next clear first round on his second ride, Ilan, posting a clear second round in a time of 39.364 and took the lead.

Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina and Stela Styslinger’s Cassiana followed with double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 41.609 would find them finishing in sixth place overall. Thomas John Russell of Columbus, North Carolina and Vick Russell’s Ragnar followed with the next set of double clear rounds but their second round time in 42.396 seconds would find them finishing in seventh place overall.

Meredith Bryans of Newborn, Georgia and her own Guidam Sid followed in the order with double clear rounds, but their second round time of 51.616 seconds saw them finish in ninth place overall.

Taylor Land of Atlanta, Georgia and Pinetree Farms, Inc.’s Falco V turned in the next double clear rounds, but their second round time in 41.500 would see them finish in fifth place.

Tokaruk returned for his third ride, this time in the irons of Mattie Hatcher’s Cristiano with double clear rounds and a second round time of 40.889 which secured fourth place.

Last to go was Tokaruk with Cassie Kime’s Tenacious D, turning in double clear rounds with their second round time of 40.884 locking in third place.

Geitner and Kenwood Victorious in $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix

The $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by EMO, took place Saturday night and awarded Daniel Geitner and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood the blue ribbon.

The first round was set at 88 seconds time allowed and Taylor Land of Atlanta, Georgia and Pinetree Farms, Inc.’s Falco V were the first to go clear. David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee and Deerfield Farm, LLC’s Tyson Uno followed in the order and insured a jump off with their clear first round.

Eight more horse and rider teams would qualify for the jump off round including Geitner with Kenwood and Conbalou, Tokaruk with Cupid Shuffle and Ilan, Glenn Hartigan of Alpharetta, Georgia and his own Z Coco Cabana, Lee Hughes of Redwood City, Georgia and Pelham Bay, and Thomas John Russell and Vick Russell’s Shining de Reve.

Of the nineteen horse and rider teams entered, ten advanced to the jump off with a jump off round time allowed of sixty seconds.  Jennings and Tyson Uno were the first to turn in a clear round in a time of 44.528 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Geitner and Kenwood followed with their own clear jump off round in a time of 41.607 seconds, taking the lead. Hughes and Pelham Bay followed with the next clear round in the jump off, but their time of 46.006 would find them finishing in third place overall. Russell and Shining de Reve followed with the last clear jump off round with their own 47.639 seconds and finished in fourth place, leaving Geitner and Kenwood as victors and Jennings and Tyson Uno in second place.

Geitner also picked up a fifth place ribbon with Conbalou for their four fault jump off round in a time of 42.403 seconds and sixth was awarded to Taylor Land and Falco V for their four fault jump off round in a time of 42.754 seconds.

Z Coco Cabana and Glenn Hartigan earned a seventh place finish and Quite Dark 2, ridden by Haley Gassel and owned by Westwind Equine Training Center placed eighth. Ninth and tenth places went to Tokaruk with Cupid Shuffle and Ilan, respectively, and Mattie Hatcher and her own Cristiano placed eleventh. Chasen Boggio and his own Co Pilot wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumper Classics

The $3,500 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumpers 1.30 m welcomed ten horse and rider teams to the arena and only three advanced to a second round opportunity.

First to go Chasen Boggio and his own Co Pilot turned in double clear rounds and their second round time of 41.029 seconds beat the time allowed of 57 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Erin McGuire of Cornelius, North Carolina and her own Kasarr followed in the order and also turned in double clear rounds. Their second round in a time of 38.610 seconds pushed Boggio out and she would eventually win the class with that time.

Haley Gassel and Westwind Equine Training Center’s Werner 61 were the last horse and rider team to turn in double clear rounds. Their second round time in 40.003 seconds would finish them in second place and move Boggio and Co Pilot to a third place ribbon.

Emma Willsky of Aspen, Colorado and her own Donegue placed fourth with their first round in a time of 87.786 seconds, which earned them two time faults. The fastest of the four faulters, Boggio and his own Conway, earned a fifth place ribbon for their first round in a time of 82.398 seconds and Bryan Dietz of Little Rock, Arkansas in the irons of his own Poppin Tags placed sixth for their four-fault first round in a time of 88.854 seconds.

Seventh was awarded to Shanna Beyer of Collierville, Tennessee and her own Invictus and eighth was awarded to Thomas Beazley and his own TKO Quincy for their eight-fault first round in a time of 84.194 seconds. Ninth was awarded to Nancy McFadden of Germantown, Tennessee and her own Catori.

The $2,500 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner Jumpers 1.20 m saw big numbers with seventeen horse and rider teams competing for the blue.

Only six riders advanced to a second round opportunity over a course with the time allowed of 57 seconds. Madison Akins of Bogart, Georgia and her own Chasm Z rode home with the blue ribbon with their clear second round in a time of 38.373 seconds. Second place was awarded to Christina Cooper and her own Cora for their clear second round in a time of 40.288 seconds. Lily Bennett of Atlanta, Georgia and her own Zimba placed third for their 40.559 clear second round. Fourth was awarded to Kathleen Feely and her own Albrecht and fifth went to Accomplice owned and ridden by Grace Asbury of Atlanta, Georgia.

Kiersten Sudlow of Germantown, Tennessee and her won Athena Du Rouet placed sixth and Kaitlyn Smith of Carmel, Indiana and her own S’Envoler earned a seventh place ribbon.  Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana and her own Firebird placed eighth, and ninth was awarded to Carson Ruff of Jackson, Missouri and Sabina Holtzman’s Magnus Quequen Mail. Julia Tait of Marietta, Georgia and Falcon Ridge Stables’ Limited Edition earned a tenth place finish.

$5,000 Elite Equine Sport Horse Medicine and Lameness Child Adult Jumper

The $5,000 Elite Equine Sport Horse Medicine and Lameness Child Adult Jumper 1.20 Classic saw seventeen horse and rider teams tackle the course in the Olympic arena and it was Cathy Reed of and her own Emporio who took home the blue ribbon. Audrey Muscari in the irons of her own Ricardo placed second and Grayson Fallon rode Hope Rousseau’s Bad & Boujee to a third place ribbon.

Fourth was awarded to Nelson Long and his own Merlerault and fifth went to My Wing Man, owned and ridden by Deborah Knowles. Sixth went to Kaitlyn Smith and her own VDL Casanova, and seventh was awarded to Alayna Myers of Maryville, Tennessee and Amanda Melton-Finger’s Reprieve. Smithwick, owned and ridden by Madison Massey of Pelham, Alabama, earned an eighth place finish, and Lynn Seithel of Johns Island, South Carolina and her own Jumping Jil Z placed ninth. Meredith Darst, LLC’s Quester De Virton ridden by Heather Hooker placed tenth, and EWSZ Quinetta, owned and ridden by Macie Atwood earned an eleventh place finish. Abigail Beaty of Indian Springs, Alabama and her own Via Dolorosa wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunter News from the Atlanta Fall Classics

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Holly Shepherd and Kodachrome [Alison Hartwell Photography]

Seasoned derby riders, Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, battled it out for the top placings in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby over a course designed by Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey.

Twenty-five horse and rider teams took to the oval arena and it was Derby Queen Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Nina Moore’s Kodachrome who took home the blue ribbon for their overall score of 375.

Special, owned by Missy Nolen and ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, earned a second place ribbon with their overall score of 363, and Shepherd returned for a third place ribbon in the irons of Belle Rolfe’s Cesar De Lison Z for their overall score of 362. Maddrix returned to the winner’s circle for the fourth place ribbon, this time aboard Margaret Camp’s Cascaron, for their overall score of 349.

Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California took the fifth, sixth, and seventh placings with Kelly Sims’ True Enough [348.50], his own Nil Du Buffan [347.50], and Sims’ True Story [347].

Sarah Milliren of Athens, Georgia and Liddy Strickland’s Valentine placed eighth, ninth was awarded to Allison Reichenbach’s High Life, ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Tennessee, and tenth went to Vick Russell of Columbus, North Carolina and his own Tall Paul. Eleventh and twelfth were awarded to West Meadow Farm, LLC’s Fergus, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, and Wimberly Debono’s Indecision, ridden by Maddrix.

“It was great to see so many compete in the International Hunter Derby,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “We’ve had a strong showing in the hunter divisions both weeks I and II.”

Julie Curtin and Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce Victorious in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia took the top two placings in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride, besting a field of 23 horse and rider teams over a course designed by Paul Jewell. Curtin and Cheryl Rubinstein’s Capisce took the class with their combined score of 179.5, but beating Curtin’s second ride, Rebekah Warren’s Cassico, by only half a point.

“In the Handy round, Capisce and I had a couple of options. We took the inside turns and he was really smooth and extremely handy which made for a good trip. He just edged out my other horse, so it was really close,” she said.

Final results had Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama taking the third and fourth placings with Belle Rolfe’s Boure and Micaela Kennedy’s Magnus Hermes, respectively, with overall scores of 175 and 174.

Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour, ridden by Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California, placed fifth with their overall score of 171.5, and Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey, ridden by Carolyn Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed sixth with their overall 171.

Sabina Holtzman of Clayton, Missouri and her own Jerez Mail earned a seventh place ribbon and Cassino Royale, owned by Anna Huggins and ridden by Clay Alder of Germantown, Tennessee, placed eighth. Shanna Beyer’s Lacoste, ridden by Mary Mielenz of Collierville, Tennessee, earned a ninth place finish, and Curtin returned for a tenth with Select Sport Horses’ Hudson for a tenth place ribbon. SLF Bellarena, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and owned by Helen Byrd, placed eleventh, and Hannahlea, owned by Kelly Sims and ridden by Maggie Diehl of Alpharetta, Georgia, wrapped up the class with a twelfth place.

“I’ve ridden Cheryl’s horse before, but I rode him as a Pre Green. I was excited when Phoebe and Cheryl asked me about a week ago to ride him,” said Curtin. “He’s [Capisce] has really matured and grown up a lot and we just clicked right away. He’s a wonderful horse and I felt so comfortable on him.

“Paul used the same course for us as the International Hunter Derby and it rode really well for both heights,” she added. “It was open, flowing and there were lots of single jumps. Because the arena is very long, but not as wide, he did a great job on making it flow. He put a couple of jumps at the end of the ring because it was so long he had to use some of the width. The very first jump was on the end of the ring and the horses had to pay attention at Jump 1,” she commented. “But Paul let us finish with a nice long run to an oxer for our last jump which was really nice.

“It was so nice to see both the International and National Hunter Derbies with big numbers, especially now at the end of the year,” she added. “I’m looking forward to Gulfport this winter and plan on doing four weeks there.”

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Show Jumping

Julia Curtis and Isarus Win the $25,000 Voltaire Design Grand Prix

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Julia Curtis and Isarus [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

It was a happy anniversary for Julie Curtis of Villa Rica, Georgia and her own Isarus when they won the $25,000 Voltaire Design Grand Prix, presented by EMO, under the lights in the Olympic Arena.

“He’s nine coming ten years old and I got him one year ago here at the Atlanta Fall Classics,” said Curtis. “Kyle Timm called my trainer Harrison [Ford] and told him that he thought he had a perfect horse for me,” she said. “I really wasn’t even looking,” she added. “I was a junior then and only rode him in the 1.20 Low Juniors last year. Then we came here in the spring and got a third in our first Grand Prix but this is our first win together!” exclaimed Curtis.

Curtis and Isarus were the only horse and rider team to turn in a clear round in this Grand Prix. “When my trainer Harrison and I walked the course, we thought it was going to be simple and not so technical,” she said. “But once we got in the arena, there were no places to take a rest and you had to keep moving throughout the whole course,” commented Curtis.

“After the triple there was a bending seven to a wide oxer and my trainer said that once you got through the triple, the seven would come up tight,” she said. “Lots of horses had the back rail because they got there so tight,” she added.

“But my horse has a really hard left drift and since that part of the course was the hardest for me, when I jumped out of the triple, I used his drift to my advantage in order to get down the seven without coming in too tight to the oxer,” she said.

That strategy worked well for Curtis and she and Isarus were the only horse and rider team to go clear in a time of 74.535 seconds, beating the first round time allowed of 77 seconds. Glenn Hartigan of Canton, Georgia and his own Z Coco Cabana kept the rails up in the first round, but their time of 77.281 earned them one time fault and a second place ribbon.

The fastest of the four fault rounds, Danielle Grice of Northfield, Tennessee and Highridge Farm, LLC’s Kaprio placed third with their time of 71.488, and Summer Hill of Lexington, Kentucky, in the irons of Andrea Simpson’s Vendome DH Z, earned a fourth place ribbon with their four fault round in a time of 71.859 seconds.

Fifth was awarded to Seth Valhonrat’s Conbalou, ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, for their four fault first round in a time of 71.875 seconds. Guidam Sid, owned and ridden by Meredith Bryans of Newborn, Georgia, placed sixth with their four fault first round in a time of 74.303 seconds, and seventh was awarded to Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot for their eight fault round in a time of 71.799 seconds.

Haley Gassel of Lenoir City, Tennessee and Werner 61, owned by Westwind Equine Training, placed eighth and she also earned a ninth place ribbon with Westwind’s Quite Dark 2. Vick Russell’s Shining De Reve, ridden by Thomas John Russell of Columbus, North Carolina, placed tenth, and Madison Dehaven’s Chanel, ridden by Sarah Meier of Lexington, Kentucky, wrapped up the class with an eleventh place finish.

“I’m a freshman at the University of Kentucky and studying psychology, but have been horse showing the last two weeks,” commented Curtis. “I rode in the National Horse Show last week with a hunter I own and we got eighth in one of the rounds and jogged in two of them. Then I left Kentucky on Thursday and drove here to show this weekend,” she said. “Tomorrow I have another horse here to do the Barry Lane and then I need to head back to Lexington and be a student again,” she said.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunter News from Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic

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Hunt Tosh and Bastogne [photo by Alison Hartwell Photography]

The highly anticipated $30,000 Green Hunter Classic, sponsored by Ariat and Friends of Ellen Veitch, took to the Olympic Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park and welcomed twenty-one finalists to the inaugural Classic championship.

Riders showed their horses in the Sidelines Green Hunter 3′ and 3’3″ Divisions all year hopeful to qualify for this inaugural Classic. The first round of the 3′ class had fourteen horse and rider teams and the 3’3″ saw seven horse and rider teams.

Bastogne, owned by Doug Wheeler and ridden by Hunt Tosh of Milton, Georgia, galloped away with the first place honors and their $9,000 share of the prize money, besting twenty other horse and rider teams. “Bastogne is five years old and we only started him in the Green Hunter Division in the Spring. He hasn’t even been doing this a full year! He is one of our greener horses but he went really well today. We went early in the first round and we turned in a really nice first round and his second round was more of a handy course for the Green Hunters and he did well in that too, turning in two solid, nice rounds,” commented Tosh.

Bastogne and Tosh’ s total score of 176 led the pack followed by Walkabout Investments, LLC’s Godric Gryffindor, ridden by Erin Mccabe Clayton of Zionsville, Indiana, with their overall score of 171. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina in the irons of Liz Hudspeth’s Limelight, LTD earned an overall score of 169, awarding them a third place.

Tosh returned for a fourth place ribbon this time in the irons of Ceil Wheeler’s Lights Out with their overall score of 167. “He’s only six and we started him out in Florida last winter and he ended up winning the future hunter championships. He’s had a bit of a break but he went really nicely here. He had a little rub in the one round which kept him from placing higher, but we were happy with him,” commented Tosh. “This class was great for him and we’re excited about starting him the First Year Greens in 2018,” he added.

Kelly Sims’ Eleventh Hour, ridden by Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California, placed fifth with their overall score of 161.5, and Isabella Lafferty’s Argento, ridden by Carolyn Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia, placed sixth with their overall score of 160.

Tosh picked up a seventh with Douglas Wheeler’s Uptown for their overall score of 159.5. “Uptown is a six-year-old and has been really doing well and although we had a little mistake in the first round, we did well in the second round and overall went nicely. He’s a blast to ride!”

David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee picked up eighth and ninth places with Belle Rolfe’s Boure [overall score 157.5] and Sabina Holtzman’s Jerez Mail [overall score 150].

Karen Lackinger’s Gratis, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, placed tenth with their overall score of 145, and Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey, ridden by Carolyn Bell, placed eleventh for their 126 overall score. Cypress, owned by Missy Nolen and ridden by Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama, wrapped up the class with twelfth place and an overall score of 124.

“To get three nice checks was really great,” said Tosh. “Classes like this make you feel like you’re ready to move up to the 1st Year Greens. The Classic gives the owners, riders and trainers something to look forward to and to jump for $30,000 is really great.

“Our horses did well and everyone in the class did a great job,” Tosh continued. “I think it’s great that Bob offers the Green Hunters for $5 a division and gives everyone something to shoot for with this $30,000 Green Hunter Classic,” he added. “We have the Capital Challenge and then we’re finished. To have this class come later is perfect and Paul [Jewell] did a wonderful job with the course.

“Because of classes like these, we’re able to develop our horses and move them up next year. Now we have some new young ones to school and we’ll definitely be back to show in the Classic Company Green Hunters,” he added.  Tosh also received a pair of Fabbri Boots from Susan Benson and Somerset Sport Equestrian Trading.

Bob Bell commented, “We are so pleased with the success of our inaugural $30,000 Green Hunter Classic. We are committed to the development of our hunter horses and feel that by offering the Division for only $5 and then producing a $30,000 Finals Classic helps the horses, owners and riders continue to produce quality hunters,” he said. “To dedicate this Classic to our dear friend Ellen Veitch makes it that more special,” he added. “We are appreciative to everyone who supported our efforts this year and would like to especially thank Ariat for its sponsorship.”

True Enough and Michael Leon Win the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Kruse Cushion Ride

Michael Leon of West Hollywood, California and Kelly Sim’s True Enough bested a field of twenty-five horse and rider teams to take the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Leon had four horses in the class and guided three of them to finish in the top twelve. “It was fun,” said Leon. “The course was nice and open and he [True Enough] jumped really bright which let me show off how scopey he is with a couple of nice long gallops to a single. In the handy, he was really on it – very bright and strong,” he said. “He’s one of those horses that just wants to win,” he added.

“True Enough is seven coming eight and I’ve been riding him since last June in the Green Divisions. This is our third National Derby win,” he commented.

Leon also picked up the second place ribbon with his own Nil Du Buffant Rouge, also known as ‘Frenchy’. “He is a veteran,” commented Leon. “He’s 15 years old and I’ve won more than ten National Derbies and three International Derbies with him. I did it for fun and to be competitive. I try equally on all of the horses I ride, whether they are mine or my clients’,” he said. “Frenchy jumped beautifully, but he had a little swap at the last jump which moved him down in the placing.”

Third place was awarded to Tim Maddrix and Missy Nolen’s Special, and Cassico, owned by Rebekah warren and ridden by Julie Curtin, finished in fourth place.

Sue Gibbs’ Gioia, ridden by Vick Russell of Columbus, North Carolina, earned a fifth place finish, and Leon returned with Kelly Sims’ True Story for a sixth place ribbon.

Kat Fuqua of Atlanta, Georgia and her won RS Levitation placed seventh, and Matt Martin of Petersburgh, Tennessee rode Jessica Dicampli’s Berlinka to an eighth place finish. Shane Powell of Sterling, Massachusetts rode Sydney Mannon’s One Love to a ninth place finish, and Kat Fuqua took home the tenth place ribbon with her own High Noon 3E. Curtin and her own Honey Badger finished in eleventh place, and Russell returned for the twelfth place ribbon, this time in the irons of Skipping Foal Sport Horses’ Corton Charlemagne.

“This is my first year here,” said Leon. “I showed here in June and then relocated to the area from California so this is the first time for me making it to all of these shows,” he said. “Bob does a fantastic job. It’s been a breath of fresh air for me to experience Classic Company shows and their team. The show management and staff all the way to the folks who work the in gate – everyone is nice, the show runs on time, and you can just feel how much this horse show cares about the horses, competitors and owners. It really makes a difference how the Classic Company really cares about the professionals and stays on top of everything. Bob is out at the rings, the staff is always eager to help you out and everyone is so nice,” he said.  “We’ll be here next week too and I’m looking forward to riding four in the International.”

ClassicCompany.com
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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Week I of Show-Cation at the Charleston Summer Classic a Win-Win

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Chase Boggio and Co Pilot [Photo credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

It was a winning Week I at the Charleston Summer Classic for Chase Boggio of Canton, Georgia who rode off with the blue ribbon on Nancy Boggio’s Co Pilot in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and went on to win both first and second places with Nancy Boggio’s Conway and Co Pilot, respectively, in the Grand Prix.

“We bought both horses from Derek Peterson about seven months ago,” said Boggio. “My parents were nice enough to go in on them with me. We bought them so we could have some fun with them and they are great horses, but quite different from one another,” he said.

“Conway is ten years old and completely opposite from Co Pilot. He’s almost 18 hands and has a huge stride. He jumps like he could touch the moon! He’s a little slower but he’s a little greener. Derek [Peterson] discovered his jump and threw him right in the ring. I usually ride him in the Amateur classes, but this show was the perfect place to get him into a Grand Prix and I’m happy we did so well,” he said.

“Co Pilot is eleven and has lots of experience having been ridden by Derek [Peterson] and before that Aaron [Vale]. We recently started to click. He’s a little quirky but we’ve been really consistent. We’ve placed in the last three Grand Prix we’ve done. Considering Conway is a little greener, it’s great to have a horse with a bit more experience,” he said.

The jumper action continued in the $2,000 Arenus Jr/Amateur Owner 1.25m Jumper Classic and awarded Christine Couper of Port Wentworth, South Carolina and her own Cora the blue ribbon after her double clear rounds.

Couper purchased the Hanoverian mare in June 2014 and brought her to compete at the Charleston Summer Classic as her first show three years ago and they were victorious. “She has gotten better,” said Couper. “I recently moved her up to the 1.25m and haven’t campaigned her as much as in the prior years. We’ve been working on the height and she just keeps getting better the more we show. Since Charleston is so close to us, we’ve been commuting back and forth to the show. To have a AA show here in Charleston is great. The footing felt really good and the weather was awesome,” she added.

“My horse is kept about thirty minutes from the show but I live in downtown Charleston,” she said. Originally from outside Boston, Massachusetts, Couper went to college in Charleston and then decided to stay. “For out of town folks, I recommend that they make the trip to downtown – it’s a blast! Go out for the night, check out the architecture and history, there are great restaurants and it’s really such a beautiful city,” she said.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby took place Week I and welcomed Liza Boyd and Finally Farm’s Clemens to the winner’s circle after the pair bested the field of fifteen horse and rider teams with an overall score of 180.

“These are so useful for the hunters in the pipeline,” said Boyd. “Clemens is a first year horse and 7, so this is great opportunity to have an atmosphere of an international derby with VIP tent, the party, the 5 pm start and the excitement of the environment. There were people from town lying on blankets, picnicking near the ring and lots of distractions-typical of what may be going on during an international derby,” she said.

“He’s [Clemens] scopey so I’m not concerned about his ability, but it’s more important at this stage to acclimate him to the environment. He’s actually won an international derby and can jump a mountain and he’s very handy. I don’t want to jump his legs off, but I’ve got to train him. Allen [Rheinheimer] designed the course with tons of bending lines and I really need to practice that. I even skipped the first years with him this week and did a jumper class which went in the same ring as the derby. The horse and I need to get to know each other in that way and answer those questions we’re going to come across in the international derbies. And, the derby really had some great competition. With Jason [Berry] and his wife riding against me, I thought,’Oh gosh, they are going to make me do those turns’,” she laughed.

“I really appreciated show management making the effort to switch up the Derby jumps. They added some with no ground lines, brought in some spookier jumps and really did a nice job,” she said.

“We did one week in Charleston and have returned home to take a week off before we head out onto the road again. We stayed in a condo on Kiawah and really had a great time. It’s a boutique horse show and it was fun to be somewhere different and go to the beach, go shopping, boating and tubing. My girls and husband had a great time and my clients really enjoyed themselves. I would recommend it for anyone!” she said.

Central Park, owned by Lee Cesery and ridden by Jason Berry, earned a second place with their overall score of 172, and Michael Cline’s Esprite De Corps, ridden by Alisa Berry, placed third.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457