Tag Archives: Colorado Summer Circuit

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jessie Lang and C. Quito Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

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C. Quito claimed the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Summer in the Rockies III. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

 

Bjorn Ikast Makes It Three in a Row in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix

Parker, CO — The third week of the Colorado Summer Circuit ended with big money classes! Jessie Lang riding Margot Snowdon’s C. Quito brought home the blue ribbon and the winning check to Wyoming in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Amateur rider Rachel Boggus bested the pros in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. And in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix, Bjorn Ikast made it three in a row by leading the victory gallop in the Prix for the third consecutive week.

$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Hunter riders got the opportunity to ride their Derbies over the big, permanent Linda Allen designed Derby field at The Colorado Horse Park. With banks and hilly terrain, riders were able to show off their horse’s brilliance in an inviting setting over the Skip Bailey-designed courses.

“The course was so beautifully put together,” said Jessie Lang, rider of C. Quito, a nine-year-old approved BWP (Belgian) stallion. The son of Parco (by Darco) won both rounds by a nice margin. After a successful indoor season last fall, including the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship at Harrisburg, C. Quito has had a light show season in 2011 to accommodate his busy breeding schedule this spring. The stallion was obviously in top form, earning a 90 from one judging panel in the handy round and bonus points in both rounds, to finish with a 382 overall.

In between his first and second rounds, C. Quito went over to the Adult Amateur ring with his owner Margot Snowdon, laying down trips that earned him first and fourth place ribbons in that division.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Great Cash, Prizes and Fun during Summer in the Rockies II

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Bjorn Ikast Wins Second Consecutive Grand Prix

Bjorn Ikast & Omar Shariff. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — The second week of the Colorado Summer Circuit finished Sunday with great style. Summer in the Rockies II awarded cash and prizes to riders in all divisions, from the Adult Amateur Hunters to the Open Jumpers. Competitors and sponsors were treated to a range of hospitality. Among the social highlights — Friday Afternoon Club at A Bit of Tack with margaritas and munchies, a fabulous tented party complete with a band in Central Park, and a wonderful VIP party during the $25,000 Grand Prix Presented by Littleton Equine Medical Center and Platinum Performance. Sunday brunch on Father’s Day rounded out the fun.

“Our goal with the expanded circuit was to create a destination,” said CHP Vice President Brian Curry. “We have people that are staying in Colorado for the summer, so we wanted them to feel at home and help them have wonderful memories from their trip.”

Many riders that have attended shows at the Park for almost 20 years are saying that the facility never looked better. Not only are there many beautiful new flower beds, rings full of new jumps, including elegant water features in the hunter rings, there’s also the new permanent coffee shop, Stable Grounds, offering lattes, cappuccinos and pastries.

Of course, all of the new amenities are a wonderful backdrop to the real draw — the horse show. While this week’s $25,000 Grand Prix Presented by Littleton Equine Medical Center and Platinum Performance found the same three riders claiming the top three spots, they had to run for their placings in the jump-off, a real thrill for the spectators.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Brave Heart Claims 24th Grand Prix with Win in the $25,000 Holiday Inn Grand Prix

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Lindsay Gersoff Has Children’s Hunter Classic Hat Trick

Bjorn Ikast and Brave Heart win the $25,000 Holiday Inn Grand Prix. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Bjorn Ikast and Brave Heart, frequent Grand Prix winners, led the victory gallop during the first week of the expanded Colorado Summer Circuit in the $25,000 Holiday Inn Grand Prix. This win brought Brave Heart’s career victories to 24. Riders universally praised Hector Loyola’s technical course, saying that he asked all the right questions at the right times.

“I thought this was a fantastic Grand Prix course,” Ikast said. “It has a lovely international flavor; you really had to ride this course.” Ikast was pleased with his elastic, seasoned horse over Loyola’s track that included two combinations away from the in-gate and two back-to-back liverpools. Ikast credited the course and the footing for providing spectators with quality riding throughout the class. He explained, “We saw only good show jumping. This is the best we’ve ever felt this footing. With the rain we got a good spring [from the ground].”

To keep Brave Heart fresh, this was his first and only class during the show. The strategy clearly worked; the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding bucked and played around the course. Ikast said it may have been one of Brave Heart’s best Grand Prix. “He didn’t even touch one rail; he felt really good,” he said.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Nearly $1,000,000 in Cash and Prizes Up for Grabs at the Expanded Colorado Summer Circuit

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Colleen Acosta on Posse, winner of last year's USHJA Hunter Derby during the Colorado Summer Circuit. Photo credit: Horse and Ryder

Parker, CO — A thrilling summer at The Colorado Horse Park will be highlighted with nearly $1,000,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs during the inaugural edition of the expanded Colorado Summer Circuit, June 8-July 24, 2011. For 20 years this circuit has attracted some of the continent’s best hunter and jumper competitors, and this year it expands to six weeks.

Riders will find more than just bigger paychecks. Pat Boyle and Showplace Productions will offer exhibitors their trademarked five-star hospitality, while CHP is busy creating an exciting slate of new amenities. The Grand Prix ring is currently under construction and brand new footing is being installed. New jumps, new gardens, a competitor’s lounge and other facility improvements are just a few of the items receiving a makeover.

“This year riders will see a whole new Colorado Horse Park,” explains Brian Curry, General Manager of CHP. “We are working closely with Pat and his team to deliver a summer that every rider will remember.”

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