Devin Ryan and Zosja sail over a jump in the Olympic Stadium during the Classic Company’s Spring Atlanta Classic. Flashpoint Photography.
Today is the last call for entries in order to eliminate a late entry fee and insure you a stall at the most popular Atlanta Summer Classics. Your options are to get started filling out entry forms, run to the post office and overnight them and pay for postage, the gas to get to the post office, and somehow fit this into your laundry list of “to-dos” today… or go to Equestrian Connect.
Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country. The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members. At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money. This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show! There is no easier way to get your entries in today and the Classic Company recommends that you give it a try.
The Georgia International Horse Park is where the action will be and if you want to catch the best of ringside action, make sure to reserve your VIP tables today. VIP tables are available for the event and cost $300.00 a week for a table of eight.
The Sixteenth Annual Outback Steak House Dinner to benefit the Hope Clinic will take place on Friday night, June 14 at 6 pm during the Freestyle Equitation Classic which will include a buffet dinner and silent auction. The Hope Clinic provides compassionate and practical help to those in need and offers medical care to the uninsured, plus a variety of social services to minister to the whole person. One hundred percent of the proceeds (after expenses) generated by the event will be used to support patient care at the Clinic. “We look forward to this event every year and it is such a huge help to care for the uninsured patients, those with heart conditions, diabetes and those number over 9,000 people now. This fundraising event helps us get through the summer. It is our favorite event – our staff, our supporters, all look forward to seeing everyone every year,” said Event Coordinator Jessica Geller. Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating to the Hope Clinic should contact Jessica Geller at 404-399-7735 or by email at jessicageller@hopeclinicgwinnett.info.
Ashley Foster and Indy make it look easy in the Olympic Stadium
The Atlanta Summer Classics will kick off with the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program and will produce the inaugural Children’s and Adult Jumper Regional Championships as well as the Freestyle Equitation Classic. Week II features the World Champion Hunter Rider and the $2,500 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division, the Emerson Burr Program for pony riders, the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic, the $5,000 Future Class, the Atlanta Cup Equitation Classic and the Grand Puba Junior Hunter Championships. Of course, Classic Company will also have back to back Grand Prix and Hunter Derbies.
June 17 and 18 the USHJA Zone 4 Committee will offer complimentary riding clinics to its members with noted judge and horseman Bob Crandall and legendary Steve Stephens. These complimentary Zone 4 clinics fill fast, so be sure to reserve your spot now by contacting Janet McCarroll at gcclassic@aol.com or call her at 228-669-2687. Auditors are welcome to attend.
So get your entries in today because you don’t want to miss the fun at the world class Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympics, for two weeks of non-stop show jumping action. The venue offers the one of a kind Olympic feel and offers excellent stabling, arenas, footing and of course, award winning service found only with the Classic Company.
Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best. Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.
So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer. The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com. All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.
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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Vivian Yowan finished first in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal aboard Sanderson, pictured, and first in the hunter phase of the WIHS Equitation Qualifier aboard Naf Naf. Photo by Emily Riden.
Lexington, KY – May 17, 2013 – From May 15-19, 16-year-old Vivian Yowan enjoys the best of the best in junior equitation competition right in her own backyard. The Kentucky Spring Classic attracts junior riders from across the country to the Kentucky Horse Park, just miles away from Boggs Hill Farm, where Yowan trains with Tim and Kelly Goguen. Today on her home turf, Yowan topped the field in both the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, sponsored by Randolph College, and the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase.
The ten obstacle course for the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, designed by Bobby Murphy, opened over a straightforward line heading away from the in-gate, and it went on to test riders back and forth through tight turns and rollbacks.
“It was a good course. It was very twisty and turny,” Yowan commented following the class. “You really had to focus on all of those turns.”
Yowan demonstrated her exceptional equitation over the course aboard Sanderson, to earn her a spot as one of four riders called back to test. Along with Yowan, Addison Piper, Spencer Smith and Lizzie Vanderwalde all returned to the ring to line up as the top four finishers following the first course.
Judges asked that each rider go directly from their place in line to jump what was formerly fence three, a vertical off of the left lead. From there, riders were instructed to ride a bending line to another vertical across the diagonal and then maintain a counter-canter around the end of the ring leading toward another vertical away from the in-gate. Riders then executed a rollback to the left to one final fence toward the gate before coming to a halt in front of the fence lining the Stonelea Ring. Adding to the difficulty of the test, all riders were asked to drop their stirrup irons.
“I’ve never had a test without my stirrups,” Yowan shared. “I really just wanted to stay on. It was tricky.”
Piper and Superfly, owned by Cavallo Farms, LLC of San Diego, CA, were the first to execute the four fence round. Piper rode Superfly through the shortened course without issue, providing an excellent example of how best to maneuver the test.
Yowan was the next to be asked to showcase her abilities, and she need not have worried about just staying on. Yowan rode the test seamlessly, cementing her spot as one of the top riders in the class. Smith tested next without issue aboard Icarus, owned by Ashland Farms of Wellington, FL, and Vanderwalde rounded out the top four aboard App For That, owned by Dasilva Investments of Ann Arbor, MI.
Following their tests it was Yowan who rode away with the blue ribbon, while Piper took the second place position, and Smith and Vanderwalde finished third and fourth respectively.
“This is only my second show on Sanderson,” Yowan mentioned. “I got him right after WEF was over, so last week we did the Pessoa Medal for the first time and finished second, and this week we won.”
While Sanderson is a new partner for Yowan, she’s seen similar success with her long-standing mount, Naf Naf, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC of Darien, CT.
“I’ve had him a long time so we have a great relationship built. He’s really lazy, but he has a big stride. Once you get him going he’s really fun to ride,” Yowan said of Naf Naf.
It was aboard Naf Naf that Yowan picked up her first win of the day, finishing with a score of 89 in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase. The WIHS Equitation Qualifier class will conclude on Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. with the Jumper Phase.
In addition to equitation classes, the Kentucky Spring Classic features a full array of hunter and jumper divisions. Hunter horses and riders take the spotlight tomorrow evening for the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second in the $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, a seven event series that culminates with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.
Coach Mary Drueding left, Coach Cindy Ford right. Photo by Tim Moore.
Fairfield, CT – May 14, 2013 – Only twice in the 40-year history of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Championships have two hunter seat teams tied for the Collegiate Cup overall high point title: 1980, when Southern Seminary College tied with SUNY Stony Brook, and 1989, when Colby-Sawyer College tied with Pennsylvania State University.
Add 2013 to that short list. St. Lawrence University coach Mary Drueding and her defending national champion Saints will share the IHSA hunter seat high point team Collegiate Cup with last year’s reserve champions, coach Cindy Ford and her ‘built Ford tough’ Skidmore College Thoroughbreds.
“Sharing is better than losing to her,” joked Drueding about her good friend and even better IHSA Zone 2 rival. Ford and Skidmore turned up the heat in the homestretch like true Thoroughbreds on the first Saturday in May and brought the race for high point team at the 40th IHSA Nationals, at the Farm Expo Equine Center in Harrisburg, PA, to a dead heat.
During a good-natured ‘wrestling match’ while accepting the silver trophy, it was clear each coach held the other in high regard. “I admire Cindy’s work ethic. It’s an honor to share this with her,” Drueding said.
“We’re friends and competitors. The respect is reciprocal,” said Ford. Each team finished with 22 points overall.
“At mid-year,” Drueding mused, “we were behind in the standings. As the defending team that made me wonder: were we one-hit wonders? Although we’ve always been a little bit better in the spring than fall.”
Indeed, St. Lawrence riders began blooming with the start of Collegiate team finals on Thursday, May 2, in front of special guest and 1986 creator of the Collegiate saddle, Weatherbeeta executive vice president, Jack Levy.
“We had a strong start,” Drueding said. Saints rider Katherine Figueroa posted a win in Novice Hunter Seat Equitation, with Skidmore’s Jessica Stoukides in reserve; and Alyssa Bokor won Intermediate Hunter Seat Equitation, again with Skidmore (Emory Wonham) second.
Friday team classes belonged to Stanford University and coach Vanessa Bartsch. In back-to-back rides that left Stanford not to be underestimated, Eliza Richartz won Walk/Trot and Victoria Greenen won Walk/Trot/Canter, contributing to the 20 points overall that would earn the West Coast team singular ownership of the 2013 Collegiate Cup reserve title.
Friday turned into Saturday and Skidmore’s Flavia D’Urso won Open Equitation Over Fences, delivering the seven points needed to bring Skidmore neck-and-neck with St. Lawrence. “We just worked hard,” said Ford, now a seven-time Collegiate Cup winner. “You never get tired of winning.”
“To have our riders come all this way and leave as reserve national champions is incredibly gratifying,” said coach Bartsch. “We had a young team of first-year riders and sophomores, except for senior, Alison Smith. Winning back-to-back championships in Walk/Trot and Walk/Trot/Canter speaks to the work ethic of our riders and quality of our coaching staff.
“Eliza was on varsity sailing before learning to ride less than a year ago. Team captain, Claire Margolis, a sophomore, was the only rider to qualify in five classes (Individual Open Flat and Fences, Team Open Flat and Fences, and Cacchione Cup). She kept her focus and led her team, despite drawing first to go in all three over fences classes.” After her rides, Margolis, a Mathematics major, drolly noted to coach Bartsch that such odds had been 1 in 9,000.
The Reich Stuff Wins USEF/Cacchione Cup
Centenary College’s Cori Reich wasn’t intimidated by odds. Not when her goal was nothing short of the USEF/Cacchione Cup. Reich, who qualified last year but did not finish in the ribbons, spent senior year redoubling her efforts under coaches Michael Dowling and Heather Clark, and drawing upon her experience growing up on the family’s Rolling Coach Stables in Ivyland, PA, building her seat on horses whose sale prices reflected their problems.
“We got ‘difficult’ horses because those were the ones we could afford,” said Lori and George Reich, who came to Harrisburg to support their daughter but never dared hope it would be while holding the Cacchione Cup. “Cori started riding at age six. Every horse she’s owned has been challenging. Now she’s off to bigger things.”
USEF/Cacchione Cup winner Cori Reich with her Centenary coaches Michael Dowling, Heather Clark, Olympian Peter Leone, IHSA Executive Director Bob Cacchione. Photo by Rich Ormonowski
In front of hunter seat judges Anne and Bobby Braswell, Reich earned 84.25 points on Kerry Kocher’s over fences course, drawing “experienced equitation horse” Parker, and scoring 90 on the flat with “fantastic draw,” King, for a final 174.25 points. The reserve champion, with 169, was Skidmore Collegiate Cup game-changer, Flavia D’Urso.
“This was the one show where I had no idea how things would go,” said the USEF/Cacchione Cup champion, who began weeping as D’Urso left the awards line-up to accept the reserve tricolor. “I happened to draw a good horse in the last phase. Parker is a Centenary horse I wanted if I was lucky, because I’m tall and he’s big, so we match well. For the flat, I drew Centenary’s King and he was fantastic.
“I was less worried about the draw than hearing there would be ten jumps in the ride-off. That was scary.” Reich, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with a concentration in training and teaching, added, “I came as an individual rider for the Cacchione Cup. After last year, I was determined to be better prepared. Heather and Michael have been great. I was too aggressive last time so we ‘smoothed out’ my riding.”
D’Urso came ready to ride: “I’ve been with coach Ford for a long time, so I felt consistent and prepared. I was lucky to get Centenary’s Sean, who was soft and forward, as first draw. I came ready to put my best foot forward. At the end of the day it’s up to the judges.” The Skidmore senior, from Chester, NJ, plans take her degree in psychology and art to New York City to “see what happens.”
1996 U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Silver medalist Peter Leone, on hand to award finalists with his latest book, Peter Leone’s Show Jumping Clinic, co-authored with Kimberly Jaussi, was impressed with the caliber of competition: “I see future assistants and employees. I’d like any of them working with me.” He’ll get his chance, having offered Reich a free week of one-on-one training at Leone’s Lionshare Farm in Greenwich, CT, after her finals.
“I remember being that age and how winning a championship like this puts you on cloud nine,” said Leone. Quoting George Morris, former US chef d’equipe and author of the forward in Leone’s book:
“Through riding, you learn a lot about life. An opportunity like this offers a boost of confidence and energy for equestrian dreams and life in general.”
Reich said, “I want to be a show jumper. I’ve always looked up to (prior Cacchione Cup winner) Beezie Madden. She’s a great role model for riders and girls. I want to ride professionally, as well as teach, train and own my own barn.”
“We’re excited for Cori,” said Centenary coaches Clark and Dowling. “She did tons of no-stirrup work. Her nemesis is that she rides a ‘forward’ horse really well into a jump. Parker was a ‘leg’ horse and not the easiest ride, but her goal was the Cacchione Cup.”
Reich also accepted the EquestrianCoach.com Achievement of Excellence Award for hunter seat riders. “She was a clear winner,” said founder, Bernie Traurig. “She epitomized style, effective riding, and the potential for excellence in equestrian sport. She fit the criteria to a ‘T’.” Her award included an Antares helmet and internship with hunter/equitation trainer, Missy Clark.
The top three USEF/Cacchione finalists received inaugural Anne and Mario Cacchione Memorial Scholarships: Reich, D’Urso, and Blake Roberts (Virginia Intermont College).
SmartPak Hunter Seat Horse of the Show was Centenary College’s King, a bay, 21-year-old Dutch Warmblood that has been with its riding program for seven years and described as a “fantastic draw” and “perfect IHSA pro.”
The Jockey Club Incentive Program, encouraging retraining/rehoming OTTBs, recognized Skidmore College hunter seat draw, Noah, a “simple, not complicated, ride,” as outstanding Thoroughbred of the show. Reserve was St. Lawrence’s “good draw, plenty of hunter miles, and auto-swap” Louie.
Love’s Labor Found: West Texas A&M Champions
“We’re going to Disney World,” joked West Texas A&M University head coach, Amanda Love, amid cheers and tears as the final team scores confirmed what her Lady Buffs had aimed for all season: taking the 2013 AQHA Trophy High Point Western Team Championship back to Canyon.
At first it seemed the Nationals might have another team tie. Sunday’s last day of classes in front of western judges Joe Carter and Deborah Kail opened with WTAMU and St. Andrews University sharing the top slot, having parried points since Friday when Addie Davis scored WTAMU’s first team points while closing her own college riding career with a third in NRHA Open Reining Pattern, followed shortly by Samantha Cram’s reserve in Novice Western Horsemanship for SAU.
The team title came down to the final team class: Open Western Horsemanship. While the championship went to Austin Griffith for Ohio State (who saw no shortage of individual awards at Harrisburg) the reserve to Western Individual Open Horsemanship champion Julia Roberts (WTAMU) clinched an historic second AQHA Trophy for the Lady Buffs, exactly a decade after their last IHSA Western team title.
“Every year I feel like we have a team that could be successful, but this was different,” Love said. “I knew it was going to work out. We had a great showing by winning Western Semi-Finals and kept that momentum.
“This has been a great group of girls and an absolutely successful year of building relationships. That’s what we focus on, making sure we have a team atmosphere that encourages success for everyone. Every week, we are an athletic team that pushes to become the best team out there.”
Also meeting their academic best, WTAMU’s Mary Trimble was named recipient of the 2013 Joan Johnson Memorial Scholarship.
For newly-minted AQHA Trophy Reserve Champion coach Carla Wennbergy, “This is the best I’ve ever done. It’s been an amazing, long road and this team worked so hard. It’s like life. You work hard, you reap the benefits.” The St. Andrews University western coach’s closest prior brush with the trophy had been a tie for third with Middle Tennessee State. During a Saturday evening ceremony in the arena orchestrated by fellow coach, Peggy McElveen, five of the SAU team were presented with their graduation diplomas at Harrisburg.
Meanwhile, Austin Griffith of Ohio State University has figured out the perfect early Mother’s Day gift: Win a national title. Defend it. Win it again. Which is exactly what the 2013 AQHA High Point Western Rider did while rewriting IHSA history as its second-ever consecutive champion. Only Quincy Cahill (WTAMU) can claim the same, having won AQHA High Point Western Rider in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
“I’ll take the gift. He rode even better than last year,” said mom Debbie Griffith. She and husband Ollie have coached OSU since the inception of its western team more than 25 years ago.
Griffith’s win in team Open Horsemanship helped OSU finish its season tied third nationally with University of Findlay. He also slid into the individual Open Reining title and reserve in team reining, received the 2013 Jack Fritz Memorial Scholarship in honor of the late, great advocate of collegiate riding, and accepted an EquestrianCoach.com Achievement of Excellence Award that included a Pard’s gift certificate and internship with NRHA legend, Tim McQuay.
“It feels awesome,” Griffith said. Drawing Ohio State’s Wilson for the reining phase, and with NRHA president Beth Himes in the audience, his goal with the upper level horse described as a “show horse with a spur stop” was to “Send him up with my leg without risking breaking stride. I was most worried about lead changes, but didn’t have to be. Things turned out pretty good.
“After reining, I was at the end of the first split and had twelve riders to sit through. Ashley (Winters) was in the second split, so that was nerve-wracking.”
Giving Griffith those title race jitters was University of Findlay first-year rider, Ashley Winters: “I love my coaches. They told me to keep my head up and show them what a freshman can do.”
The Western Equine Studies and Environmental Safety major earned 78 points in Phase 1 and 91 in Phase Two, after a re-ride, to clinch the AQHA Trophy Reserve Championship with 169 points. Griffith, scoring 120 in Phase 1 and repeating that score in Phase 2, had 240 overall.
Kelsey Delaplaine, of West Virginia University, earned the IHSA Versatility Award, qualifying in both disciplines for AQHA Open Western Rider, Open Equitation on the Flat, and USEF/Cacchione Cup.
WVU and coach Bobby Dean also had SmartPak Western Horse of the Show: 1987 American Quarter Horse gelding, Joker By Story (Storys Early Morn x Tambo’s Star x Indiana Look), bred by Sharon Puccio of Farmington, WV.
“A former student donated Joker to the program where he has been happily training students in the art of horsemanship for ten years,” said coach Dean. “He’s won national championships four times – twice this year. He won team novice (with Emily Kopko of Middle Tennessee State University), and team advanced (with Kayla Wells of WTAMU). He’s a good boy.”
Also Honored
Dartmouth College made its mark in academic and lifetime achievement. The IHSA Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award Essay Winner was Natalie Colaneri: “Over time, the resilience I learned from competing at horse shows shaped my academic performance. I turned negative feelings experienced after doing poorly in a show or on an exam into motivation to do better next time. This confidence, stemming from my learned ability to convert failure into motivation, was essential to my academic success at college and I know will be incredibly beneficial in any career path I choose.”
The 21st IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sally Batton. Batton is in her 23rd season as director of riding and head coach of the Dartmouth College equestrian team, coming to the school in 1990 after two years coaching at Centenary. “I love how IHSA brings all experience levels together. I love seeing the highest-level riders gathered around the walk-trotter, to do hair and cheer them on. I love that IHSA allows every rider to compete,” said the IHSA National Steward since 2001, and 2008 American Riding Instructors Association ‘Instructor of the Year.’
With personal congratulations on Saturday by Harrisburg’s Mayor Linda J. Thompson, the Overall IHSA Community Service Award (and 31+ members division award) went to Pennsylvania State University.
“As part of the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON), the Penn State team raised $35,000 in 2012-2013 for pediatric cancer through fundraising,” said equestrian team coach Malinda Grice.
“By collecting spare change, ‘canning’ on street corners, selling saddle pads, and mail appeals, the team helped THON raise more than $12 million this year. Since their participation n fundraising for THON begain in 2007, Penn State IHSA riders have raised $129,000. Proceeds from THON go to the Four Diamonds Fund supporting pediatric cancer research and family funding/support at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA.”
IHSA Community Service (1-15 members division) Award winner was Gettysburg College, whose team volunteers at The Hoffman Home for Youth, a residential psychiatric treatment center in Littlestown, PA, and played an integral role in launching its new therapeutic riding program.
Recognized for service in the 16-30 members division was the Hofstra University team. After Hurricane Sandy, its team helped devastated families in Long Beach, Island Park and Breezy Point by gutting homes and helping retrieve personal items. Donating their time each weekend, the riders worked through the holidays giving out toys and food for Long Island’s ‘new homeless,’ and in April, raised over $1,000 with a dinner/dance benefit for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund.
Two of three IHSA Nationals Sportsmanship Awards went to Lafayette College equestrians. The Coach’s Sportsmanship Award went to Lafayette coach Erin Githens, for her additional contributions as a volunteer coordinator, overseeing a team of hundreds without losing, as nominations praised, her “stress-free attitude, positive vibes, and always great sense of humor.”
Githen’s positive example apparently rubbed off: the Rider’s Sportsmanship Award went to Lafayette AQHA High Point Western rider, Rebecca Folk. Folk helped with ‘mock horse show’ draws and was on the Smartpak Award Presentations Team, fitting her own riding in between obligations. “She spent time helping others by giving advice on horses, as well as sharing her notes on the Western horses with other riders who were competing against her in her class,” her nominations cited.
Amy Gregoris received the Volunteer’s Sportsmanship Award for her role as stable coordinator: “She met the needs of each school and more than a hundred horses. She was approachable, helpful, and accommodating!”
Also paying tribute to the 40th edition of America’s oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian national championships were Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Michael L. Pechart, and Deputy Secretary for Animal Agriculture, Mathew Meals, while IHSA founder and executive director, Robert Cacchione, announced that a renewal contract had been signed to return to Harrisburg in May 2014.
“IHSA is founded on team spirit, sportsmanship and fun, and these have remained the objectives since inception. We look forward to creating yet another very special event next year,” said Cacchione.
“Thank you for choosing Harrisburg. We look forward to working with you,” confirmed George Greig, Office of the Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
About IHSA
The IHSA mission is to promote competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional and national levels. IHSA is based on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of financial status or riding level. More than 400 educational institutions in the U.S. and parts of Canada have teams belonging to IHSA, including student academic clubs, JV, and/or varsity programs. Learn more at www.ihsainc.com and connect with more than 6,800 student riders and coaches on Facebook and Twitter @IHSAinc.
North Salem, NY – May 11, 2013 – Capturing her third major equitation win of the year, 15-year-old Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, and Heritage Farm’s Clearway stood in the winner’s circle for the $5,000 Equitation Classic presented by AIG/Kaplow Insurance Agency with Heritage Farm. The event was the highlight of the Saturday schedule during the first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show. The first week of competition concludes tomorrow with the biggest event of the week, the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix presented by Suncast, at 3 pm. The second week of the Spring Shows continues on May 14-19.
Keenan, who is no stranger to winning big equitation classes, moved up in the second round of competition for victory. She and Clearway, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding by Cheenook, had a first round score of 92, and with a forward and precise ride in the second round, the judges awarded them with a score of 96. Her total of 188 was more than enough for first place.
The top 12 from the first round were asked back for a second round of competition over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge. A tight time allowed asked more from competitors, as did the higher than usual equitation jumps. Michael Hughes and Zagreb set the winning score in the first round of 94, and their score of 90 in the second round gave them a total of 184 for second place.
Mattias Tromp and Vosquinus had an 83 in the first round and improved to an 86 in the second for a third place total of 169. Allison Toffolon rode Class Action to scores of 86 and 82 for a total of 168 and fourth place. The top four riders in the class were awarded jackets from Beval Ltd.
After winning two big equitation classes during the winter, Keenan has added yet another accomplishment to her impressive career. This is the second year in a row that Keenan has won this class. However, this year she had to make an adjustment when the class was moved to the sand Annex Ring due to inclement weather.
She explained, “I changed horses. I was going to ride Levistano, but I used Clearway instead. I rode him in the Medal and Maclay today in the other ring and he won both of those, so he was ready. He probably would have been fine out on the grass, but I’m used to riding him in a sand ring. There wasn’t an open water and it was similar to a Washington jumper phase, so he is the type of horse I would choose for these types of classes. I felt very comfortable. I love being out on the field and unfortunately it was raining, but they still made it a great class and I had a lot of fun.”
Keenan was one of few who were able to make it under the time allowed for the class, and it was something that gave her pause when studying the course. “The time was very tight,” she conceded. “I don’t ride Clearway in many timed events. I wasn’t totally sure if I was going to be able to easily make it under. I knew I was going to have to work for it. His stride is gimongous – it needs its own word! He can really hit a gallop and go. There’s nothing to worry about with him. I knew I could trust him and ask him to extend, even in the turns, because he’s so well trained. With the time, I thought just hit a gallop and keep it.”
Clearway showed beautiful form and soared over the higher than usual equitation jumps. Keenan said that he was impressed by the jumps, but his scope and ability made it easy for him. “The first few big oxers in the schooling area I had to readjust because I wasn’t used to being pitched that much,” she smiled. “They built this course bigger than most of the courses I do on him. It doesn’t matter for him, but it does wake him up a little bit. It’s not in a bad way; he just really uses himself.”
After another win, Keenan said it gives her “a lot of confidence” going into the prestigious Devon Horse Show. “Last year I won this class (and) I had a great Devon in the equitation. Luckily I’ll be able to continue to use Clearway. I know him very well now. Hopefully we continue on this streak,” she said.
Jumper Classics Award Winners
Jennifer Rowland of Hoboken, NJ, found the winning path in the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Classic sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate with Lux Lovely. In their first Adult Jumper Classic together, the pair beat 36 other entries with a speedy time of 32.945 seconds for victory. Lexi Maounis and Whisper placed second in 33.145 seconds, while Laura Sexton and Jessy du Brea had a time of 33.676 seconds for third place.
Jennifer Rowland and Lux Lovely
Rowland, who works full-time in New York City, was able to take time off work yesterday to prepare for today’s classic. She has only ridden Lux Lovely for a month and this was their second show together. “I ride with Chris Kappler and he finds the best horses and has a really great training program. It just all comes together. She’s super honest and she’s a game horse. She is forgiving, which is good for an amateur horse, but at the same time she makes me ride her and doesn’t let me get away with everything,” she described.
She said of her round, “This is the biggest we’ve jumped together. We had our game plan and went in and executed it well. It’s my first adult classic to win, so it’s just gratifying. I took my first vacation day off work this year yesterday to be here, so it was great to have that pay off.”
The $5,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic was an exciting class. Out of 37 entries, it was 14-year-old Brianne Link of East Islip, NY, on Zycarla Z who galloped to victory. They won with a clear round in 37.683 seconds. Kira Kerkorian rode Rashmo Z to second place, double clear in 39.090 seconds. With a time of 40.710 seconds, Lilly Ulrich and Up Stream placed third.
With just a short amount of time under their belt, Link and her 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Zandor Z made the best of it with their first classic victory together. Link trains with Jeffrey Welles and noted, “I’ve been riding Zycarla for a month. Jeffrey gives me the best lessons. Everything that you would use in the ring, we practice at home. It all worked out perfectly here in the ring today. The first round, she was amazing. She jumped so high that I got loose over a few jumps. In the jump-off, we just really ate them up. We made some great turns back and she got down the lines perfectly.”
Of her victory, she said, “It means the world. I was in the Children’s Jumpers for three years and I was so scared to move up. She helps me with my confidence a lot. She has done the grand prix with Jeffrey and knowing that she’s capable of doing it and taking care of me makes me feel better. She is like a mommy; she takes care of me!”
The $5,000 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic had 31 entries. Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL, rode Wetter to the win in a time of 38.79 seconds. Kenzie Snyder and Arturo held the early lead in the class and finished second in 39.13 seconds. For Beauty, ridden by Hayley Carlson, was third in 40.11 seconds.
Tyree started riding Wetter, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Stetter, just over a year ago. They normally show in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, but after a break following the winter circuit, she wanted to get Wetter show-ready again. “He felt amazing. He’s ready; he could have jumped the Highs this week,” Tyree said.
She said of Wetter and their jump-off round, “He’s a pretty versatile horse; I can do a lot of different courses on him. He’s very rangy. I can leave out, I can add, he’s scopey, he’s careful. I felt very comfortable going into the ring with him today. He’s quick across the ground naturally, but doing the inside turn from the first to second jump and then back to the third, I think I caught a little time off and let him go. I did four down the last line, which some people were doing. I trusted him there and he was great.”
In the $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Children’s Jumper Classic, Daisy Farish and Ornella R raced through the jump-off with no faults to win the class out of 30 entries with a time of 33.510 seconds. Second place went to Tye Donaldson on Dunja in 34.700 seconds. Alexandra Murphy and Sante were third in 34.809 seconds.
Twelve-year-old Daisy Farish, of Versailles, KY, is known as a top pony rider. She started riding in the Low Children’s Jumpers at the beginning of the year and moved up to the Children’s Jumpers with Ornella R, a 14-year-old Holsteiner mare by Lorentin I. This is their first big classic win together.
“I like doing the jumpers. She is really nice to have in the barn and is actually really friendly. (In the ring), she’s really fast, but she comes back to you. She’s really fun,” Farish said. “She did the Low Amateurs for a while before I got her. It feels good to win. I think I’ll do the Children’s for a while and keep learning. I do a lot of ponies, so it’s a lot different and really exciting. The jumpers are always different.”
Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Is Crowned
Lauren Cechini and Graffiti
Lauren Cechini of Flemington, NJ, and her horse Graffiti, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, swept awards in the Amateur-Owner Hunters. Their championship in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunters led to the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship. In their division, they won a class and received three second places over fences, and they were fourth under saddle. The reserve champion was Bozeman, ridden by Kathleen Oberkircher, who placed first, third, and fourth over fences and second under saddle.
Cechini described Graffiti as “kind of like a little scooter.” She continued, “You can maneuver and put him wherever you want him. His jump is incredible. He really cracks his back over the jumps and he gives it his all every single time he goes in the show ring.”
She added with a laugh, “He kind of has a funny personality. He likes to rest his head on my shoulder when we wait for the jog. He gets anxious for treats after he works. He will eat anything; he tries to grab all the bushes at the horse show!”
Cechini and Graffiti paired together in September where they won in their first time out at the Maryland Horse and Pony Show. They continued through December, but a slight injury and recovery time for Graffiti set them back this winter. This week was their first time back in the show ring this year.
“He’s been great at home,” Cechini said. “I set goals for myself and try to hit those goals, like keeping my eyes up and my hands in front of me, and to be consistent. We did that and I was very pleased with that. I didn’t go in expecting (a Grand Championship) to happen, but it was a great thing to happen. I was very happy. Graffiti got an extra carrot, so he liked that!”
She added, “It was really exciting to win here. He’s such an amazing horse, and (my trainers) Jen and Rolf (Bauersachs) are wonderful. I’ve been with them for seven years. I just graduated college and Graffiti (below right) was my first horse since the juniors. I’ve never been grand champion before, so it was really special. I have to thank our vet Haynes Stevens and farrier Chuck Simons, and Jen and Rolf. That’s why we were able to be so good when we came back.”
In the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’3” Hunter division, Sandra Epstein and Catamount finished as champions. They received three second places, a third, and a fourth. Bombay and Lyn Pedersen, who placed first, second, third, and fourth in the division, were reserve champions.
The Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’6” Hunter division saw Becky Gochman sweep the championship awards. She and Whatever finished as champions after they captured two firsts and two thirds. Gochman rode Empire to the reserve championship. They won two classes, got two fourths, and a sixth in the division. For her win this week, Gochman received a $500 gift certificate from Hunt Ltd.
Moshi continued his winning ways from earlier this week as he captured the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6” Hunter championship with owner/rider Stephanie Riggio. They placed first and picked up three second places in the division. Sienna and Lexi Maounis were reserve champions and placed first, first, third, and fifth.
The first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show concludes tomorrow with many different awards for hunters and jumpers, including the Grand Pony, Grand Junior, and Grand Children’s Hunter Champion awards, the $7,500 Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic (Annex Ring), $10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic (Grand Prix Field), and the highlight event of the week, the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix presented by Suncast at 3 pm in the Grand Prix Field. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/mayhome and for full results, please visit www.horseshowsonline.com.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows celebrate its 31st year in 2013 and offer two weeks of exceptional equestrian sport on May 7-12 and May 14-19 at one of the nation’s premier and newly renovated equestrian facilities, Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, New York. Old Salem’s beautifully manicured grounds, list of elite horses and riders, and fantastic social gatherings draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond to watch horses and ponies of every size compete for almost $500,000 in prize money. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/mayhome.
Cleveland Heights, Ohio – April 12, 2013 – More than 350 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrians will converge on The Coliseum at New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21 to compete for top honors in Hunt Seat Classes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals (IEA). The student-riders will travel from across the United States to participate in the completion. Dover Saddlery and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) co-sponsor the championship event.
The competitors represent 184 teams from eight zones throughout the United States that competed in numerous shows during the 2012-2013 school year. The teams and individuals that accumulated the highest number of points within each zone qualified for the IEA National Finals from a total membership of more than 8,000 riders.
Riders will compete in Hunt Seat Equitation classes, over fences and on the flat, throughout the weekend. The format requires that riders compete in unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts; therefore, they draw their horses the day of competition and enter the arena after a brief, if any, warm-up.
Schedule:
Friday – 6-7:30 AM – Schooling of horses; 7:30 AM Varsity Open Draw and Course Walk; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (approximate) Competition
Saturday – 6:30-8 AM – Schooling of horses; 8 AM Varsity Open Draw and Course Walk; 9 AM – 2 PM (approximate) Competition; 2 PM Varsity Open Championship Class followed by Award of IEA Leading Hunt Seat Rider; 3 PM Parade of Teams (All IEA teams, coaches and riders scheduled to appear in arena); 3:20 PM Presentation of National Sportsmanship Award (Student-rider) and the IEA Lifetime Achievement Award (Adult); 4 PM – 6 PM (approximate) Competition
Sunday – 6:30-8 AM – Schooling of horses; 7:30 AM Holy Innocents Horsemanship Finals; 8 AM Open and Intermediate Draw; 9 AM – 12 PM (approximate) Hunt Seat Team Semi-Finals; 12 PM – 3 PM (approximate) Hunt Seat Team Finals Competition; 3:00 PM Awards Ceremony
In addition to the IEA competition, informational sessions and demonstrations will be offered throughout the weekend from several IEA sponsors including: AQHyA (American Quarter Horse Youth Association), NRHA (National Reining Horse Association), USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and USPC (United States Pony Club). Several colleges that specialize in equine studies will be in attendance, as well.
Founded in 2002, The IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.
The IEA is a non-profit organization founded by:
Roxane Lawrence – Willoughby, Ohio
Wayne Ackerer – Delaware, Ohio
Myron Leff – Columbus, Ohio
Timothy Boone, Esq. – Columbus, Ohio
Ollie Griffith – Plain City, Ohio
Current IEA president is: Emily Zientek – Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Caitlin Boyle and Loredo competing the equitation at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Photos: SportFot.
Wellington, FL – March 19, 2013 – Any rider competing in equitation for his or her first time at the Winter Equestrian Festival would likely be happy to get one win or a few good ribbons, but in her first WEF appearance, sixteen-year-old Caitlin has been unstoppable. In the past three weeks alone, Caitlin’s remarkably consistent accomplishments have included:
Back-to-back overall wins in the WIHS Equitation classes, with scores in the 90s in both the hunter and jumper phases of the class.
A first place finish in the extremely competitive ASPCA Maclay class during week seven and an impressive second place in the same class the very next week.
Breaking the top five in the WIHS national standings.
And those top finishes just scratch the surface of Caitlin’s achievements this circuit. She’s continually been in the highest ribbons nearly every time out in nearly every equitation class she enters. Be it the Maclay, WIHS Equitation or the Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal classes, Caitlin has risen to the top.
“The first couple of weeks she got her feet wet, and then she just kind of lit it on fire,” father and trainer Patrick Boyle shared excitedly. “She’s just been so consistent and riding so solidly; it’s been really fun. There have been little mistakes here and there, but it’s just been like every class, every day – solid.”
Success like Caitlin’s does not just happen overnight. It takes the right horse, the right trainer, a little bit of luck and an overwhelming amount of hard work, patience and dedication.
“Caitlin received a solid foundation in the principles of good riding from her Chicago based trainer, Kim Gardiner,” relates Katie Kappler, a trainer at Messenger Hill Farm who is assisting father Patrick with Caitlin’s WEF coaching.
“She started knocking at the door with a ribbon at regionals and a callback at the Maclay Finals.” Kappler continued, “All the building blocks were there. She had the instincts, she had the training, and she was willing to put the work in. She just needed for everything to fall into place and it would be a perfect storm and she would be unstoppable. Chance favors a prepared mind.”
The right horse came in the form of Loredo, a 17.2 hand warmblood, with whom Caitlin shares a special bond, and competed with the 2012 Pessoa USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals and the 2012 ASPCA Maclay Finals. “She’s the kind of kid that every animal loves. No matter what she rides they just seem to bond with her, but this horse and her – they are the perfect match,” Patrick explained. “He will do anything for her, and she trusts him with everything.”
In the ring, Loredo makes Caitlin work hard to deliver their winning rounds. Outside of the ring, the horse could be mistaken as an oversize family pet. “He makes her ride. He’s not push button, and you’ve got to do your homework on him,” Patrick explained. “She gets him prepared well, and he just loves her. You should see these two. She’ll sit in the stall and do her homework, and he’s sitting there with his head up on her lap. It’s goofy and hysterical.”
Caitlin doesn’t have to go far to find the other part of her winning team. As owner of Showplace Productions and with an extensive equestrian background, her father Patrick has trained her extensively and helped her to move up the ranks to where she is today. Like Caitlin and Loredo’s, the bond she shares with her dad is a special one.
“We’ve got the best relationship,” Patrick said. “This is something that I know how to do, but with your daughter it’s different. It just seems like it’s never been an issue though. It’s perfect. We thrive off of each other and just have fun.”
Patrick admits to being intense and competitive, but that’s also what makes the relationship dynamic work so well and what keeps Caitlin striving to do even better. She loves the challenge, and there’s no bar or hurdle that her dad puts down that Caitlin hasn’t soared over.
“In the jumpers, I’ll say things like ‘well, you’re not going to go as fast as that one. I’ll be happy for third.’ She’ll say ‘what are you talking about? We can beat that!'” Patrick joked. “I think from day one when she was like eight, that she’s just thrived on that challenge. It’s a cool thing to watch. She’s just really taken it to a whole other level confidence wise.”
Caitlin’s confidence is the kind that comes after hours and hours of hard work put in to her riding and knowing that with dedication she can be a force to be reckoned with. Caitlin balances school and riding, and every day she can be found in their barn in Illinois, riding as many horses as she can, striving to be better.
“The hard work is finally paying off. She’s been working her butt off for years to get to this level. It’s one of those things where it just kind of turns a corner and it all comes together,” Patrick concluded.
Caitlin’s equitation placings have earned her a slot in the George Morris Excellence of Equitation class during WEF 11. Caitlin’s goal is to win the class before returning home to Chicago to prepare for the summer show season.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
OCALA, FL (March 16, 2013) – The final $1,500 HITS Hunter Prix took the stage on Saturday at HITS Ocala with blue skies and sunshine. Amy Zettler of Aldie, Virginia and her own Glad Rags picked up their third HITS Hunter Prix victory this season as they set their sights on the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final.
“I’ve had an amazing circuit,” said Zettler, who finished in second place last year in the inaugural HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final in Saugerties, New York. “Primo [Glad Rags] is a great horse and we’ve had a wonderful time here this winter. HITS does a great job making the hunter prix classes very special, and I feel like everything was spectacular this whole circuit.”
Twenty-six horse-and-rider combinations competed over a course designed by Tim Hott, as twelve returned for the second round. Zettler posted a pair of 83s in the two-round classic for the win.
Second place belonged to Kevin Foster of Brookeville, Maryland and Ufonia P, owned by Paulexi, LLC. Foster had a first round score of 79 and the top second round score of 86 to claim the red ribbon.
“This has been one of the most successful seasons our barn has ever had,” said wife Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm. The Rolling Acres family is sharing a lot this season, as they present, for the first time ever, the Rolling Acres Farm Laura Pickett Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the top scoring Junior Hunter rider of the entire circuit. The award will be presented during the Antares Parade of Champions on Sunday. “It’s great when you’re successful at a show, but it’s even more special when it’s something you can share with your entire family.”
The third place ribbon was awarded to Margot Peroni and Susan Cowie’s Magnolia. Peroni, of Califon, New Jersey, rides with Redfield Farm under the tutelage of Emil Spadone. The duo posted a first-round score of 84.5 and a second round score of 79.
As HITS Ocala comes to an end, Zettler and Woodhall Farm prepare for another exciting show season that will include HITS Culpeper. She and Glad Rags will head north with the Antares Grand Circuit Championship in the Adult Hunter 36-45 division.
“I’m so proud of my horse and I have to thank my trainers Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger,” she said. “I have really made a lot of new friends and that has been the best part of it all. I’m really lucky to spend good times with great people at a great horse show.”
HITS Equitation Championship The HITS Equitation Championship took place on Saturday in the Grand Prix Ring as the top junior riders of the circuit showed of their equitation one final time. A two-round class, the top twelve returned for the second round with an additional test of the top four to determine the winner. Rising star Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas captured the victory with Blige, owned by Hays Investment Corp.
Holloway has had a fantastic circuit as one of the premier junior riders in the country. The daughter of grand prix veteran Brandie Holloway, she has made a name for herself this season with several strong finishes in grand prix, as well as in the junior hunters. She also earned the 13th overall ribbon in Saturday’s $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge just a few hours after her equitation win.
Second place was awarded to Geoffrey Hesslink and Don Stewart’s Bruno Mars. Third place was awarded to Rolling Acres’ Ashley Foster and Maureen Corcoran’s Leena L. Michael Hughes and Zagreb, owed by Drumnacross Farm LTD., finished fourth.
Lillie Keenan Tops Sam Edelman Equitation Championship Riding Levistano 2; Lauren Henry Triumphs in Equitation 15-17 Division aboard Esteban La Paz
Wellington, FL, March 9, 2013 – Saturday night’s $300,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by The Bainbridge Companies, was an incredible display of world-class talent as Germany’s Daniel Deusser, Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda, and Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Nick Skelton topped an all-star cast during the highlight event for week nine of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).
Forty-five entries showed in the prestigious World Cup qualifier jumping a course set by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. Representatives from 14 different countries competed, including an impressive 20 riders that have appeared in Olympic Games for their home nations. In a thrilling race against the clock, eight of the world’s best made it to the jump-off and four jumped double clear.
Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Cella were the first pair to clear the jump-off course and set the leading time at a lightning fast 40.12 seconds. Nick Skelton was up next with his great mount Big Star, owned by Beverly Widdowson. They cleared the course in 41.01 seconds. Alvaro de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno, owned by Miranda and Victory Equestrian BV, went next and stopped the clock in 40.46 seconds. Their round was followed by a stellar performance from Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour, owned by Stephex Stables and Pedro Veniss. They flew through the course in 38.94 seconds to earn top prize. Maher and Cella finished second, de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno were third, and Skelton and Big Star placed fourth.
Watch an interview with winning rider, Daniel Deusser
Daniel Deusser has ridden Cornet d’Amour, a ten-year-old Westphalian gelding by Cornet Obolensky x Damiani, for ten months since he began riding for Stephex Stables in Belgium last May. After a couple of months off and a 1.40m class at a national show in Germany, the pair traveled to Wellington this winter and jumped right in with week eight’s Nations Cup.
“I was doubting that it was maybe a little too quick to start with the Nations Cup last week, but he came in that ring and he felt fantastic,” Deusser stated. “He jumped double clear in the Nations Cup and was third in the class Thursday and he wins now, so I think he did a really good job.”
Commenting on the class, Deusser noted, “The beginning of the class we didn’t have too many clear rounds, but at the end we had very good riders and very good horses. The quality of the horses and riders in the jump-off was really good and they started very fast. For me there was no choice; I had to try it and we were a little bit lucky and it worked out today.”
“I saw that the jump-off was really fast,” Deusser detailed. “I saw Nick just before I went in and he did eight strides to the last fence. I thought that it was really long, but at the beginning I already had a really good turn from one to two and really kept the triple bar on the inside. Then also to the double vertical I had a really good turn. I had already a really long distance to the second to last fence and I thought ‘Okay, I’m going to do the eight.’ It was risky and my horse helped me a lot; I think that was the reason I was actually faster.”
The packed house of over 6,000 spectators at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) went wild when Deusser galloped through the timers, but he was very focused.
“When I went to the last fence I was actually a little bit scared that I couldn’t make it, so I didn’t actually listen to the crowd, but it was a nice feeling afterwards,” Deusser laughed. “It’s one of the best competitions I’ve won so far. It was very good money and in the moment; it is one of my best results.”
Along with prize money, Deusser was also awarded the Herman ‘Kappy’ Kaplan Perpetual Memorial Trophy, established for Kappy with fondness by the Farriers of the 1995 WEF.
Finishing second, Ben Maher did everything he could in his round and was pleased with the results. He spoke about the quality of the class and the excitement of the competition.
“Every week the jump-offs get faster and faster,” Maher noted. “It looked for a long time like there wouldn’t be many clear rounds tonight and then there were a lot at the end of the class. I think probably some of the fastest horses there are anywhere right now are all here in the same jump-off. For me, I was third in the jump-off, so I had to do everything possible to make the others chase us, which is what we did. We held on for as long as we could and in the end one managed to catch us. All the horses jumped great and it was an exciting round.”
“The jump-off was not too many options, again. It always tends to be a little like that in Florida,” Maher remarked. “There’s a lot of galloping. I don’t know where I could have gone any faster unless I left a jump out. Daniel was amazing. He was in a great position and he had nothing to lose. There were three or four of us all within the same second, so if he didn’t do what he did, he was only going to be fifth anyway. Congratulations to him; he pulled off an amazing jump-off tonight.”
Alvaro de Miranda had his best result of the circuit this evening and was happy with his horse as well.
“I was very happy to be in the jump-off,” he acknowledged. “We have been trying every week and I’ve had one down and down and down and finally today I was really happy because I think I had a good round and my horse was jumping super. We had the fastest horses in the jump-off and when I came out and I saw that I was quicker than Big Star but slower than Ben, I was happy.”
Lillie Keenan Tops Sam Edelman Equitation Championship Riding Levistano 2
The Sam Edelman Equitation Championship was held over two rounds on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC earlier on Saturday. Twenty-eight entries showed over the first round course set by Skip Bailey of Wellington, FL. The top 15 then returned for a second round. Performances were judged by Tucker Ericson and Ken Smith.
Top young rider Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, rode Heritage Farm Inc.’s Levistano 2, an eleven-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Levisto x Lord, to the Sam Edelman victory. The pair topped both rounds of competition with back to back scores of 89 for an unbeatable 178 point total.
Keenan has been showing ‘Levi’ since the beginning of the FTI WEF circuit and has had several wins with him in the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, ASPCA Maclay and Pessoa USEF Hunt Seat Medal classes. Keenan explained that they have meshed well from the beginning and that although she had never ridden him on the grass until Saturday’s class, she was never worried.
“He had been schooled on the grass before with one of the trainers at Heritage, so I knew that he had already done it,” Keenan noted. “He doesn’t care about natural obstacles and really is brave so that is very helpful going into that ring, knowing your horse wants to go around.”
“I really like those classes,” Keenan added. “I like the galloping and I think that is a really fun type of class for the equitation because it still is testing your ability with the adjustments and it is kind of a stepping stone towards the jumpers, but it is in a really big ring, galloping around a field.”
Keenan and Levi won well over second place finishers Allison Toffolon and Class Action’s total of 170 from an 84 in round one and an 86 in round two. Third place went to Sydney Shulman and Back Country Farm’s Eli, who scored 85 and 83 for a 168 point total. Anna Cardelfe and Ulrich, owned by Gray Horse Farm Hamptons LLC, finished fourth on 167.5 with scores of 83 and 84.5.
Heritage Farm’s head trainer Andre Dignelli coached the top two finishers, Keenan and Toffolon. For the win, he was presented with a special $10,000 Trainer’s Award. Keenan credited Dignelli and the rest of the team at Heritage for the parts they played in her victory.
“Andre rode my horse this morning, so he gets all the credit for the preparation,” she smiled. “I could not ask for a better team. There is Andre and it is also everyone else at Heritage. Without them I would not have won. Going in there and knowing that everything has been done to make sure that you have the opportunity to win and now it is just your job to pull it through, it puts on the pressure, but also it is a really good feeling. I give all the credit to Andre and everyone at Heritage – and the horse.”
Lauren Henry Triumphs in Equitation 15-17 Division aboard Esteban La Paz
Lauren Henry, of North Kingstown, RI, rode her own Esteban La Paz to championship honors in the Equitation 15-17 during week nine of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Henry and Esteban La Paz, a fourteen-year-old Hanoverian gelding, were third under saddle and jumped to first and fourth place over fences. Reserve honors went to Maggie Savoie and her own Ksenyio. The pair won the under saddle class before placing third and seventh over fences.
Esteban La Paz stepped up to the plate for Henry last year when she was in search of a horse she could compete in 3’6″ equitation classes. The gelding was already Henry’s trusted mount for hunters and happily adjusted to the equitation ring.
“The first time we rode him, we just clicked,” Henry described. “Last year, I was doing hunters with him but when we changed him to equitation, he just loved it.”
“He can still do the hunters, too, but he’s too slow for the jumper ring,” Henry smiled. “He’s better at equitation because he likes to get in a frame more and he’s easier to ride that way as well.”
Henry credits her equitation success to Esteban La Paz’s striking markings and exceptional show ring attitude. “He’s got a big spot on his belly, which helps us stand out!” Henry smiled. “He jumps really well and when he’s on, he’s on! He and I just get along so well and he’s so much fun to ride.”
Henry was more than pleased with her gelding’s performance on Saturday and enjoyed the challenge of the courses laid out before her. “I thought both courses rode very well. Our first round went perfectly. The second round, he took a peek at the scoreboard which hurt our score, but he was still great. The bending line at the end of round two was a little challenging. We probably could have gotten five instead of six,” Henry commented.
2013 will mark Henry’s fifth year making the journey south for the FTI WEF, which she eagerly attends in search of high-caliber competition and, like many other competitors from the North, the Florida sunshine.
Hunter competition during week nine of the FTI WEF, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, will conclude Sunday with the Pine Hollow Low Children’s Hunter 2’6″ division hosted in Ring 8 of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The $82,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will be featured in the International Arena. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.
Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.
About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
Avery Kelley and Farnley Romeo. Photo By: Parker/Russell – The Book LLC.
Wellington, FL – March 7, 2013 – Mark Leone trotted his way to impressive placings in the Short Stirrup division during week six of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Now just three short weeks later, under the tutelage of Linda Smith-Faver at Happy Endings Farm, Leone has quickly jumped his way up the divisions to be a top contender in the Medium Children’s Hunters and the Equitation 11 & Under.
During week eight, Leone and his mount Care Bear, owned by Hannah Patten, finished in the ribbons in the Medium Children’s Hunters besting many of the 16 talented young riders competing in the division. Leone’s successes come after a few months away from riding; now back in the saddle and under Smith-Faver’s careful instruction, the sky is the limit for the gifted up-and-comer.
Parker Wright is another rising star taking the reins for Happy Endings Farm as a catch rider. This past week, Wright rode Barbara Milanese’s Miss Ticket to Ride to ribbons in each one of the over fences class in the Children’s 14 & Under Hunter division. Wright trains with Elizabeth Pandich out of Lionshare Farm. Miss Ticket to Ride was bred and raised at Happy Endings, only make her debut at the Winter Equestrian Festival this 2013 season.
Parker Wright and Miss Ticket to Ride
Not to be outdone by the boys, Avery Kelley and Farnley Romeo, owned by Jimmy Torano, gave it their all in the Cross Rail Hunter division, earning them a blue ribbon and the reserve championship in the division. Kelley is proving to be a small, but mighty force to be reckoned with over the cross rails. With multiple championships and reserve championships under her tiny belt, Kelley is leading the division circuit standings by more than 60 points.
Happy Endings Farm will show at the Winter Equestrian Festival throughout the 12-week series, and then will travel north for the summer shows. To stay up-to-date with Linda Smith-Faver and Happy Endings Farm, follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HappyEndingsFarm?ref=ts&fref=ts. You can also visit their Web site at http://www.happyendingsfarm.com/.
Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Margaret Collins won the first Southeast Medal Finals in 2012. Hannah Huntington was second and Jordyn Katz was third.
Jacksonville, FL – Feb 13, 2013 – The Second Annual Southeast Medal Finals will be held September 19-23, 2013 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, FL. Following the overwhelming success of the first show in 2012, this year the show is A-rated, will be expanded and will offer a $25,000 Grand Prix Sponsored by Land Rover Jacksonville.
Southeast Medal Finals is hosted by one of the premier equestrian facilities on the east coast, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. It is centrally located for USHJA Zone 4 and Region 3 competitors. The complex includes a network of adjacent trails, available to explore and enjoy for a casual hack during horse show down times. Highlights include the Southeast Junior 3′ Medal Finals, Southeast Adult 3′ Medal Finals, the Region Three ASPCA Maclay Regionals and new this year the $25,000 Land Rover Jacksonville Grand Prix.
Southeast Medal Finals Fast Facts:
WHAT: The Southeast Medal Finals is an A-Rated indoor hunter, jumper and equitation horse show attracting the top riders from USHJA Zone 4 and beyond.
