Tag Archives: ESP Spring Series

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Nassar Notches a Win with Oaks Redwood in $37k Perfect Products 1.45m Jumpers CSI3*

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Nayel Nassar (EGY) © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 22, 2021 – The third week of the 2021 ESP Spring Series opened with a brilliant victory for Nayel Nassar (EGY) and Oaks Redwood, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC, as they flew to the top of the podium with a speedy clear round in the $37,000 Perfect Products 1.45m Jumpers CSI3*.

Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set a challenging speed track for a field of 39 horse-and-rider combinations during the opening day of competition on the grass Derby Field. It was Nassar and the 16-year-old gelding by ASB Conquistador x Verdi to answer all the questions in the quickest time, stopping the clock in 60.52 seconds to claim the victory.

In the first class of the day, Peter Leone (USA) and Donner, owned by Lionshare Farm, captured the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Jumpers. Leone and the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Thunder VD Auuthoeve x Heartbreaker put forth a double-clear effort in the two-phase format, crossing the finish line in 29.44 seconds in the speed portion to take the win. Margie Engle (USA) and Cesna M, owned by Virginia Bartholomay, rode to second place in a fault-free time of 29.84 seconds, followed by Eduardo Menezes (BRA) on his own H Big Action in third place with a clear time of 31.88 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kraut Caps Off Stellar Week with Victory in $137k Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3*

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Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutinue © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 18, 2021 – On the final day of ESP Spring II, a new partnership continued to blossom as Laura Kraut (USA) and Baloutinue, owned by St. Bride’s Farm, took top prize in the Sunday afternoon feature class, winning the $137,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3* on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village.

A total of 44 horse-and-rider combinations set out over the opening-round track designed by Catsy Cruz (MEX) and Andy Christiansen (ECU) that featured 16 jumping efforts. The field was narrowed down to just 11 pairs qualifying to return for the jump-off over a shortened track. Sharn Wordley (NZL) was the trailblazer as the first to return aboard Verdini D’Houtveld Z, owned by Lauren Balcomb, posting a double-clear effort and the time to beat of 41.90 seconds. His time in the lead was short but sweet as the next entry moved up to the top of the leaderboard as Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) rode Chacna, the horse he co-owns with Alice Lawaetz, to a clear round in a quicker time of 40.05 seconds.

The lead changes continued from there as Paris Sellon (USA) produced a clear round aboard Anna Jo, owned by Willow Grace Farm, in 40.95 seconds, but it was Olympic champion Laura Kraut riding Baloutinue to answer all the questions asked in the quickest time of the day. The Olympic team gold-medalist guided her new mount, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Balou du Rouet x Landor S, across the finish line with a double-clear effort in an impressive 40 seconds flat.

Kenny Knocks Off the Competition, Capturing the $35,000 Resilient Fitness Spring II Grand Prix

In the final class of Spring II on Sunday afternoon, Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Idalville D’Esprit, owned by Heathman Farm, LLC, jumped into the winner’s circle in the $35,000 Resilient Fitness Spring II Grand Prix.

A field of 50 horse-and-rider combinations challenged the opening round with just four pairs qualifying to ride the final jump-off track of the week set by Catsy Cruz (MEX) and Andy Christiansen (ECU). A total of three entries elected to return, including Kenny with two different mounts. First to go, the ninth-ranked rider in the world guided Idalville D’Esprit, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Carabas van de Wateringhoeve x Nabab de Reve, to a clear effort in 42.68 seconds.

After a short break to warm up his next mount, Kenny came close to beating his own leading time with Scarlett Du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables, LLC. He and the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare by Stakkato de hann x First Bride left all the jumps up in 43.37 seconds to slide into second.

Last to challenge was Grace Debney (GBR) on Zarina De Vidau, owned by Temple Equestrian, LLC. The 16-year-old rider and the 10-year-old CDE mare by Diamant de Semilly x Carina XXXVii Ch flew into second place with the clock stopping at 43.22 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Show Jumping

Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili Win $37k HorseLinc 1.50m Classic CSI3*

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Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 17, 2021 – It was another beautiful day on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village as international show jumpers competed in the first of two three-star weeks as part of the 2021 ESP Spring Series. After notching a win in Thursday’s 1.45m Jumpers, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five, LLC, stole the show once again, claiming victory in the $37,000 HorseLinc 1.50m Classic CSI3*.

Wrapping up a busy Saturday afternoon, a pair of winners was crowned in Section A and Section B of the $5,000 1.35 Omega Alpha Jumper Stake. Darragh Kenny (IRL) picked up his second podium finish of the day with a first place finish in Section A aboard Carla, owned by Heathman Farm, LLC. Kenny and the nine-year-old German Sport Horse mare by Conthargos x Larino completed the jump-off course with a fault-free effort, stopping the clock in 37.253 seconds.

In Section B, it was the best for last as the final combination of Catherine Pasmore (NED) and Celesta Z, owned by Pasmore Show Stables BV, took top spot. Pasmore and the 11-year-old Zangersheide mare by Calvaro FC cruised over the first round and finished with a clear effort in the jump-off, posting the winning time of 37.653 seconds.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Menezes Masters $37,000 JTWG Qualifier CSI3* aboard H5 Elvaro

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Eduardo Menezes (BRA) and H5 Elvaro © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 16, 2021 – As the 2021 ESP Spring Series continues on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, it was a day for Brazil to shine as Eduardo Menezes guided H5 Elvaro, owned by H5 Sport Horses, LLC, to a spectacular winning finish in the $37,000 JTWG Qualifier CSI3*.

First to return, Menezes and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Calvaro F.C. x Heartbreaker produced a fault-free round in a time of 38.65 seconds. While the execution of the second-round course was quite technical, Menezes credits his success to having a very simple plan.

“Going first, you need to go as fast as you can and try to leave the jumps up,” he said. “We had a couple of lines where I could use his big stride and leave one [stride] out. I started with that in the first line and once it worked, I just stayed on that rhythm.”

Jennifer Bliss and Face the Music Are Unbeatable in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

A total of 49 horse-and-rider combinations contested the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Perfect Products held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday morning. Entering the ring as the 18th to go in the starting order, Jennifer Bliss and Face the Music, owned by Harris Hill Farm, LLC, galloped smoothly over fences one through 12, jumping all four of the high options, to finish on an impressive score of 96 and lead the classic round.

The top twelve pairs were invited back to contest a handy round with a cut-off score of 86.5 making for a very competitive finish. Last to go, Bliss of Loxahatchee, FL was smooth once again as she posted a score of 100, which included bonus points for handiness, making her two-round total 196 points to secure the win.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili Capture $37k CCTV Agent 1.45 Jumpers CSI3*

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Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 15, 2021 – The second week of the 2021 ESP Spring Series opened on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, kicking off the first of two consecutive weeks of three-star competition. In Thursday afternoon’s feature class, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five, LLC, jumped to the top of the podium, taking top honors in the $37,000 CCTV Agent 1.45m Jumpers CSI3*.

Conor Swail (IRL) and Gamble Top the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m jumpers CSI3*

Earlier in the day, Ireland’s Conor Swail piloted Gamble, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Asta Torokvei, to a victory in the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m jumpers CSI3*. A starting field of 65 entries challenged the two-phase format, with Swail posting a double-clear effort and stopping the clock in an impressive 30.80 seconds in the jump-off portion.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti Jump to Podium Finishes at ESP Spring Series

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Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – April 11, 2021 – The first week of the 2021 ESP Spring Series took place April 7-11 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), with Sunday’s action capping off the first week of National competition following the Winter Equestrian Festival. Concluding the first of five installments of the Spring Series as the week’s big winner, Germany’s Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti celebrated victory in the $35,000 ProElite Spring I Grand Prix after beating a small three-horse field in the jump-off.

Ellen Toon and Gabriel Are Angelic to Win $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The hunters stole the spotlight on Friday in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Equiline, that took place in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Eighteen horse-and-rider pairs tested the classic round course set by Danny Moore of Spring Hill, FL with 12 returning for the handy round. Eighth in the order, Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY and Gabriel set the bar high after receiving a score of 95 that put them in the lead going into the second round, and then received a handy-phase score of 88 to secure the victory with a total score of 183.

“I have had Gabriel for four years now and this has definitely been his best year. He is very scopey and fearless,” Toon commented on the gelding owned by JT Farm. “He’s shown in the professional divisions as well as the amateur divisions with me and we have had the absolute pleasure of Victoria Colvin taking over the professional ride on him. She has done a handful of International Derbies and has placed high in all of them. Everyone has done an amazing job with him. Today was only his fourth derby!”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Tanner Korotkin and Analyze This Take Champion Honors in $10k Open Stake at ESP Spring V

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Tanner Korotkin and Analyze This. Photo Credit ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Wellington, FL – May 16, 2018 – The ESP Spring Series concluded on Sunday, May 13, at Equestrian Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), with a victory for Tanner Korotkin of Wellington, FL and Kimberly Jakubowski’s Analyze This in the $10,000 Open Stake.

Korotkin and his mount crossed through jump-off timers in 41.641 seconds, taking ownership of the Jamie Morillo (ECU) designed course ahead of 18 other horse-and-rider combinations. Reserve placing went to German Camargo of Loxahatchee, FL and his own Centurio, who passed over the fast track in 42.977 seconds. Third place was rounded out by Nataly Leibovitz of Wellington, FL and her own Freaky Friday, riding to a jump-off time of 44.658 seconds, with four added faults.

The $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic saw Elizabeth Ecclestone of Aspen, CO and Believe, owned by SF Equestrian Investments, ride to victory, as they finished the jump-off time in 35.674 seconds. Emilio Mantero of Miami, FL and Ideale By Marstyl, owned by Mantero, finished in second place with a time of 37.829 seconds and four faults, ahead of Sara Williamson of Wellington, FL and Den Dekker, owned by Ossian Ventures LLC, who finished third, and dropped a rail to add four faults to their time of 38.407 seconds.

The $2,500 NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Stake was championed by Dana Ventrice of Pompano Beach, FL and Dollard Jessy Stable, owned by Ventrice, who topped the class with a time of 33.895 seconds. Laurie Sharma of Wellington, FL and her own Equine Couture’s Jolie collected second place with a time of 34.722 seconds, while Tanner Korotkin of Wellington, FL and Fairtrade VD Hazelhof, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, took third place with a jump-off time of 36.391seconds.

Ideal One, owned by Linda Smith-Faver, and Annie Soper of West Palm Beach, FL took home championship honors in the Wanderers Club Children’s Pony Hunter Division, while Kara Jones of Wellington, FL and her own Happily Ever Laughter took home the division’s reserve champion awards.

Ella Bostwick of Wellington, FL and Fariella FLF, owned by Linda Sommers, topped the UHealth Children’s/Adult Hunter Division, after a weekend of strong performances. Reserve champion honors were awarded to Rather Clever, owned by Staci Rosner and shown by Aspen Gaffey of Boca Raton, FL.

Carlson 55, owned by Sarah Chatfield and ridden by Caitlin Houlihan of Scottsdale, AZ took home champion honors in the USHJA Hunter 2′ & 2’3″ Division, while Jane Herman of Stuart, FL and her own As You Wish were presented with reserve champion honors.

Anna Toha of Boca Raton, FL and Snowcap, owned by Megan Wessinger, captured top honors in the Walk/Trot Division, while Maxima Lanasa and Happy Daze, owned by Michelle Moen, were presented with the division’s reserve championship honors.

The Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ & 3’6″ Division saw Christina Plichta of Wellington, FL and Kingsford, owned by Purple Lane Farm, LLC, were victorious in the division, taking champion honors. Plichta also took reserve champion honors aboard Purple Lane Farm, LLC’s Rightfully So.

The Pilates Rocks Low Child/Adult Hunter Division saw Lyda Denney of Wellington, FL and her own Lubeck take the divisional championship ahead of Cornelia Rutledge of Bethesda, MD and Heathfield Hunters LLC’s The Golden Compass, who finished in reserve.

The 17 and Under Equitation Division saw Erin Ecclestone of North Palm Beach, FL guide Cento For Ever, owned by Castlewood Farm Inc, to top honors after their consistent performances throughout the week. Annie Soper of West Palm Beach, FL and Linda Smith-Faver’s Ideal One rode to reserve.

Please visit www.PBIEC.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Minikus Sees Second Consecutive Week of Grand Prix Success during ESP Spring II

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Todd Minikus and Amex Z. Photo Credit ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Wellington, FL – April 18, 2018 – Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL welcomed another successful week of competition during the second installment of the ESP Spring Series at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL after taking a first-place finish in the $35,000 ProElite® Grand Prix last week. Minikus once again piloted the Quality Group owned Quality Girl to the blue ribbon in the $25,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix, after a speedy run around the fast track, designed by Anna Catalina Cruz of Mexico in 35.281 seconds, before taking the $35,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix aboard Amex Z.

Minikus brought his A-game once again, capturing his third Grand Prix win of the ESP Spring Series. The duo bested the class of 36 horse-and-rider combinations, finishing out ahead with a final jump-off time of 32.929 seconds.

“It’s taken me a little while to get her [Amex Z] going my way,” commented Minikus, “and now we’ve really got it. I decided to take the winter in slow motion with her because to come out and do those 1.40m classes during WEF with hundreds in it, it just didn’t make sense. We spent the winter training up and it’s really paying off. She’s a great mare and I expect some big things from her. We’re looking at potentially the WEG with her. I’m maybe a few weeks behind, but now we’ll come out and start jumping the bigger classes. She’s already gotten a few nice ribbons here and hopefully we’ll be seeing more Grand Prix wins together.”

Of the ESP Spring Series, Minikus concluded, “These shows are great. I love them. It’s fantastic to be able to come out and get some of the younger and up and coming horses mileage in the big ring, with the same course designers that we had during the main circuit. Quality Girl had most of the winter off and Amex Z too, so, to be able to come out and jump in the big ring again over nice courses is great.”

Margie Engle trailed just behind after crossing through the timers in 36.23 seconds on her seasoned mount Indigo, owned by Gladewinds Farm Inc., Griese, Garber, and Hidden Creek. Third place went to Celso Ariani of Wellington, FL and Ukulman de la Nutria, owned by Ricardo Romero, after stopping the jump-off clock in 37.619 seconds.

It was a “girls’ day” no doubt in the $25,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix on Friday, April 13. After Minikus secured first aboard Quality Girl, Michelle Guardino’s Fancy Girl was ridden to the second-place position with Willie Tynan of Wellington, FL after finishing the jump-track in 38.86 seconds. Margie Engle of Wellington, FL rode Bockmanns Lazio, owned by Gladewinds Farm Inc., to third place in a swift 36.239 seconds, but ended the second round with four jump faults.

Jumper Highlights:

The $10,000 Open Welcome Stake was another successful ride for Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Jenni’s Chance, who raced to the win in 33.219 seconds. Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Chris Brem’s Amex Z kicked off their week with the second-place finish, crossing through jump-off timers in 34.174 seconds. Alexis Trosch of Wellington, FL and her own Cantara Z rounded out the top three in 34.865 seconds.

The $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Open Stake saw Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Lord Calador, owned by Melissa Bilodeau, take top honors after stopping the jump-off timers in 32.779 seconds. Abigail McArdle of Barrington, IL and Chuck Berry 8, owned by Plain Bay Sales, captured second place with a time of 33.483, ahead of Peter Lutz of Waccabuc, NY aboard Camillo VDL, owned by E2 Show Jumpers, with a time of 34.224 seconds.

The $1,500 NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic awarded the win to Jorge Gomez of Loxahatchee, FL and his own Dallas de la Bonnett, with a jump-off time of 26.586 seconds. Avery-Anna Hogan of Wellington, FL and Eurocommerce Tampa, owned by Hogan, were presented with second place after completing the track in 27.406 seconds. Hogan also placed third with her own Zenith Z collected third place in the class with a jump-off time of 28.91 seconds.

Stephanie Nell of New Fairfield, CT was the winner of the $1,5000 Low Adult Jumper Classic riding Cash Advance, owned by Julian Cournane, who completed their jump-off time in 42.446 seconds. The red ribbon was awarded to Lauren Bardy of West Bloomfield, MI and Epic, owned by Leslie Howard and Uri Burstein, after completing their round in 47.093 seconds. Cynthia Screnci of Boca Raton, FL and Vichy, owned by Volado Farms, rounded out the top three, achieving a jump-off time of 39.39 seconds but with four added faults.

Charlotte Matthews of Bayville, NY and Sagamore Farms-owned Tinto des Contes topped the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic after securing the win with a jump-off time of 40.824 seconds. Kayla Walker of Jamaica Plain, MA and River Run Farm LLC’s Middlemarch finished in second place with a jump-off time of 42.132 seconds, ahead of Stephanie Garrett of New York, NY and Westwind Equestrian’s Dusty S Z, who completed the track in 42.143 seconds.

Victory in the $1,500 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic was awarded to Allyson Blais of Boynton Beach, FL riding LandaniMA, owned by Blais, after completing the jump-off in 37.24 seconds. Second place was awarded to Stacey Mahoney of New York, NY and Charisma Blue, owned by Mahoney, riding to a time of 38.75 seconds. Third place honors were presented to Kyle Olson of Pawling, NY and Wilhelmina who passed through timers in 38.769 seconds.

Hunter Highlights:

Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Sarah Cressy’s Delft Blue championed Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, landing on a final score of 175. Samantha Senft of Wellington, FL and Carson Cavalline’s Blueberryhill’s Blue Dream rode to second place honors, while Sara Ballinger of Marion, OH and her own Wanderprinz rounded out third place with a 158.5.

Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY rode Mirror Image to champion honors in the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ division, while reserve honors were awarded to Laura Sexton of Greenwich, CT and Set To Music, owned by Sexton.

Debi Maloney of Honeoye Falls, NY aboard Fortitude, owned by Maloney and Sarah Cressy, secured champion honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, ahead of Christina Plichta of Wellington, FL aboard her Rightfully So, owned by Purple Lane Farm, LLC.

Sam Walker of Nobleton, ON and Broadway, owned by Carol Ruth and Sumner Hill Farms LLC, took champion accolades in the #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Jordan Allen of West Bloomfield, MI and Eclypse, owned by Holly Orlando.

The Modified Hunter Division saw Anabella Cottone of Davie, FL and her own Aurora take champion honors for their performances throughout the week, while reserve champion was presented to Alliyah Antoniadis of Middletown, NY and True Colors, owned by Joe White.

The Walk/Trot Division saw Caitlin Sweeney of Oyster Bay, NY and Golden Ticket, owned by Cheryl Amaral-McKee, ride to the division’s top honors ahead of Madison Chouinard and Persnickety, owned by Hannah Randolph, who finished with reserve champion honors.

Lainie Wimberly of Ridgefield, CT captured a tricolor ribbon, aboard For Freedom, owned by Laurie Stevens, in the USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Wimberly and Santiago, owned by Stevens, finished as reserve champions.

The USHJA Hunter 2′-2’3″ Division saw Maggie Gould of Wellington, FL riding Masterpiece, owned by Alexandra Raffy, collect the division’s champion honors. Reserve champion went to Stacey Shore Werner of Jupiter, FL and her own Sebastian.

Ella Bostwick of Wellington, FL and Soffia Cady’s Royal Classic finished atop the Score at the Top Large Pony Hunter Division, earning champion, while reserve champion was awarded to Kierstin Antoniadis of Middletown, NY and California Dreamin’, owned by Millennium Farm, INC.

For more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Roberto Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri Win $25k Accuhorsemat Grand Prix at ESP Spring III

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Roberto Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri. Photo ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Samuel Parot and Taalex Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stake

Wellington, FL – April 26, 2017 – Roberto Teran, Jr. of Wellington, FL and Il Rubacouri earned top honors in the $25,000 Accuhorsemat Grand Prix at ESP Spring III hosted at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The pair dashed through the jump-off timers in 34.56 seconds to take the lead ahead of Emanuel Andrade and Boy IV, who took second place with a time of 34.788 seconds. Andrade also guided Bon Jovi to a top three finish, stopping the timers in 35.962 seconds for third.

Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri, who is owned by Teran, Jr., bested a massive class of 52 entries, who tested the track designed by Richard Jeffery. Thirteen pairs moved forward to contest the short course, while six combinations earned a double clear effort on the afternoon.

“Obviously my plan was to try and have clean round. The time allowed wasn’t too tight, so there wasn’t much pressure there, but it was technical enough and had some good questions. My horse jumped great and was lucky enough to go clear,” he commented, when discussing his plan heading in to the first round track.

Il Rubacouri is a talented mount who was jumping in CSI 2* and CSI 3* in Europe before Teran, Jr. purchased him with Juan Carlos Garcia, another Colombian rider based in Italy. Experienced for his age, at only nine, Teran made the most of his time in the ring after observing a few rounds complete the track ahead of him.

“He’s a horse that was born in Italy. I own him with Juan Carlos Garcia who is a top international rider from Colombia based in Italy. He’s a very careful, fast horse. We’re trying to move him up into the bigger grand prix classes. He was jumping CSI 2* and 3* classes in Europe before coming here,” he explained. “He’s been fantastic. He did a few big classes during the WEF circuit, including few Saturday nights. He’s a nine-year-old that is going to be very promising for the future,” commented Teran, Jr.

“There were twelve in the jump-off and there were a few very fast horse and rider combinations. There was a very tight turn to an inside oxer that I knew if I planned it correctly, it was going to be faster than the others,” elaborated Teran, Jr. “That turn, ended up being very smooth and very fast. At the point if I left up the last the three up, I knew I would be good for the win.”

The pair will now head to Kentucky to contest the spring competition before making their way up the East Coast, and ultimately secure plans to travel to Europe at the end of the summer, as Teran, Jr. is planning on meeting up with his Colombian teammates, as they look towards the FEI World Cup Finals in Barcelona, Spain, in September.

“I have a couple of grand prix horses right now and I think we’re going to Kentucky in May and then my plan is to go up to Upperville and Devon. I’m planning to finish in Europe and possibly contest the FEI Nations Cup Finals in September. We have a good team based in Europe and I’d like to go join them for preparations ahead of the competition.”

Samuel Parot and Taalex Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stake

Samuel Parot of Wellington, FL and his own Taalex rode to victory in the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake during ESP Spring III, taking the class with a jump-off time of 35.876 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Cortina 186 followed in second place, finishing just a second behind Parot, crossing through the timers in 36.434 seconds. Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Beorn, owned by Alliy Moyer, collected third place with a time of 36.843 seconds.

The class featured 42 entries, while 13 pairs advanced to contest the short course. Parot also guided VDL Aberlino to a fourth place finish, as he piloted both of his mounts to a strong top ten finish.

Jumper Highlights

Shane Sweetnam of Wellington, FL and Samoa, owned by Anna Beth Athey, captured top honors in the $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Stake, besting a class of 43 entries. The pair stopped the jump-off timers in 29.417 seconds to take the win ahead of Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Diamant des Biez, owned by E2 Stabes, who finished with a time of 29.675 seconds. Sweetnam also guided Le Vio, owned by Gut Einhaus, LLC, to third place with a time of 29.903 seconds.

Ty Simpson of Wellington, FL and Why Not, owned by Simpson Show Jumping, Inc., rode to victory in the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic, besting Michelle Carnes and Ushuaia, owned by Howard Lemus, as the only two pairs to advance to the jump-off round. Marlee Malamut of Vallaway, NJ and Cody, took third place after accumulating three time faults on the first round track.

Lydia Ulrich of Rochester, NY and Up Stream, owned by Beth Congel-Ulrich, topped the $2,500 Gold Coast Feed Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic with a jump-off time of 29.173 seconds. Ashley Vogel of Mequon, WI and Twist des Forets, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian Inc., earned second place with a jump-off time of 31.156 seconds. Sophia Studd of Wellington, FL and her own Angelica Bird rounded out the top three with a time of 32. 635 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, NY and Montenegro, owned by Lilly Ulrich, rode to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, amassing a two round score of 176. Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Verdana, owned by Laura Wasserman, earned second place with a score of 171, while Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Easton’s Rocket, owned Pamela Landis, took third place with a score of 170.

Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC guided her own Breaux to top honors in the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-35 Division, while Brittan Bailey of West Palm Beach, FL and Jackman, owned by Bailey Mews, LLC, who were awarded with reserve champion.

The #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division was championed by Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA and Carasco, owned by Bill Schaub, while Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Verdana, owned by Laura Wasserman, were presented with reserve champion.

Molly Sewell of Winter Park, FL and Quillaja, owned by Robert Scott, collection the division championship in the Neue Schule Bits USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Mavis Spencer of Santa Monica, CA and Prophet, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian Inc., earned reserve in the division.

Alex Elle Lignelli of New York, NY and her own Iparty finished atop the division in the Small Pony Hunter after several strong performances. Lauren Gee of Valdosta, GA and Grand Slam, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, collected reserve champion.

The Low Children’s Hunter Division saw Reese Madden of Southwest Ranches, FL and Diamond in the Sky ride to earn champion honors ahead of Isabel Beltran and her own Alleala, who finished in reserve.

Michael Desiderio of Wellington, FL and Zero Tolerance, owned by Dru Cederberg, finished as champions in the Neue Schule Bits ESP Open Hunter 3’3″ Division. Mavis Spencer of Santa Monica, CA and Sidarta, owned by Two Swans Farm, finished with the reserve champion title.

The ESP management team would like to thank all of the competitors who participated in the ESP Spring III competition and their understanding and patience with the cancellation due to inclement weather on Sunday, April 23.

For more information on PBIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gustavo Prato and Carna Z Win $35k Neue Schule Bits Grand Prix at ESP Spring II

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Gustavo Prato and Carna Z with ringmaster Steve Rector. Photo Credit ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Santiago Lambre and D’Artagnan Take $10,000 Neue Schule Bits Open Stake; Alex Granato Pilots Carlchen W to Win in $25,000 TackNRider Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – April 16, 2017 – Gustavo Prato of Wellington, FL and Carna Z took top honors in the $35,000 Neue Schule Bits Grand Prix at ESP Spring II hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), after tripping the jump-off timers in 33.596 seconds. Ailish Cunniffe of South Salem, NY and Baloucento 2 captured second place with a jump-off time of 34.44 seconds ahead of Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and U, who narrowly missed second place and finished with a time of 34.769 seconds.

Prato and Carna Z, a 2005 Zangersheide mare (Crown Z x Gannus) owned by Equus Forte LLC, bested the class, which saw 19 combinations test the track designed by Ana Catalina Harris Cruz (MEX). Eight pairs advanced to the short course, while five finished with a double clear effort on the day. Prato and Carna Z went second in the jump-off and set a quick pace that was unbeatable.

“On the first course, I thought it was not huge, but technical, so we needed to first go clear,” he explained. “In the jump-off I had a few riders behind me that I knew were going to be really fast so I tried to go in and go as fast as I could and I got lucky.”

The duo has been working their way up through the levels over the course of the past year and 2017 was a break out season, as they continued to solidify their partnership.

“She’s been with me for a little bit over a year. She’s going to have a great year ahead of her. We’re heading to Kentucky and Tryon after the spring circuit here,” said Prato. “She has experienced a lot over the winter and I think in the spring and summer it’s going to be great and will only get better. I have high hopes for her.”

While going into the short course with a forward-thinking plan, Prato was aware that he would need to complete a round that would be difficult to beat for the combinations coming behind them. The mare, who has exceled at the larger heights this season with Prato guiding from the irons, is naturally fast, which Prato believes played a significant role in their win.

“I think she is just really fast all over the place. You can turn, you can leave the strides out. When it comes to speed it’s very easy for her. As long as you leave the jumps up, you know you’re going to be there time-wise,” he commented.

Prato and Carna Z earned a lot of “firsts” this season during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) including their first FEI Nations’ Cup appearance and several successful outings during the popular “Saturday Night Lights” classes hosted each Saturday during the circuit.

“I thought that this winter season was great because when I got her a little bit over a year ago, she was only doing 1.30 and 1.35m. We started to improve together and even did the Nations’ Cup together. We also did a few Saturday Night classes together and I thought she did great,” he concluded.

Alex Granato Pilots Carlchen W to Win in $25,000 TackNRider Grand Prix

Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Carlchen W, a 2008 Mecklenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Continue) owned by Page Tredennick, captured a well-deserved win in the $25,000 TackNRider Grand Prix at ESP Spring II, besting a class of 41 entries. The pair finished a strong first round and proceeded to stop the jump-off timers in 37.211 seconds, six-tenths of a second faster than Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Dipssy. Kyle Dewar of Oconomowoc, WI and his own Clever van de Helle finished in third place.

Granato and Carlchen W have steadily gained experience at the national levels before contesting their first FEI competition this past season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

“Carl has been a very fun horse to bring along. I’ve had the opportunity to develop him since he was five and now he’s nine,” said Granato. “He’s really started to come into his own this circuit.”

The pair dashed to a fast finish in a competitive class where Granato knew several quick pairs were to follow them in the eight-horse jump-off. Granato continued, “I’m trying to plan his year and pace myself but I’m very excited for his future. I think he has the talent to go far at the top levels of the sport.”

Santiago Lambre and D’Artagnan Take $10,000 Neue Schule Bits Open Stake

The $10,000 Neue Schule Bits Open Stake was championed by Santiago Lambre of Wellington, FL and D’Artagnan, owned by Integrated Services Florida, LLC, after completing their jump-off round in 33.79 seconds at ESP Spring II to best the class. Benjamin Meredith of Wellington, FL and Rivierra, owned by The Rivierra Group, collected second place with a time of 34.888 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Dipssy rounded out the top three with a time of 36.336 seconds.

The class featured 40 entries to start off the week of competition at ESP Spring II and hosted a large jump-off with 17 combinations contesting the short course. Nine of the seventeen pairs finished with a double clear effort on the day, while Lambre secured his win over Meredith with just over a second separating the two.

Jumper Highlights

The $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Stake saw Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Tupac van de Rombautshoeve Z rise to the top of the competitive class, which saw 54 entries. The pair completed an efficient jump-off round in 34.202 seconds for the win ahead of Sharn Wordley of Citra, FL and Famoso D Ive Z, owned by Sky Group and Wordley, who completed their jump-off track in 34.601 seconds. Andrade followed his first place finish with a third place finish aboard his own Black Pearl, who stopped the jump-off timers in 35.019 seconds.

Joseph Aman of Wellington, FL and Gentle Tina, owned by Diamante Altelier, rode to victory in the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic, stopping the jump-off timers in 40.113 seconds. Julia Strawbridge of West Grove, PA and her own C’est La Vie secured second place with a time of 40.892 seconds, while Elizabeth Lang of Lake Forest, IL and her own Aramon took third place after adding four faults to their jump-off time of 43.443 seconds.

Megan Davis of Cockeysville, MD and Deen, owned by Davis, rode to victory in the $2,500 Gold Coast Feed Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic with a jump-off time of 38.478 seconds. Amanda Dollinger of Chicago, IL and Cupina Colada, owned by Dollinger, finished in second after stopping the jump-off timers in 40.407 seconds. Brooke Gunther of Chester Springs, PA and her own Wilford 2 secured third place with a time of 42.512 seconds.

Sarah Kerins of Wellington, FL and Penelope Cruz, owned by Darragh Kerins, finished in first place in the $2,500 Equiline High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic after finishing their second round in a time of 41.143 seconds. Brian Sweeney of Oyster Bay, NY and Calvados, owned by Sagamore Farms, took second place as the only other combination to advance to the jump-off round. The pair finished in 44.283 seconds. Dagny Mactaggart of Millbrook, NY and her own Ziezo finished in third with 11 faults in the first round.

The $1,500 Equine Couture & Tuff Rider Low Children’s/Adult Classic was championed by Heather Kuhl of Miami, FL and her own Wasserman, as the pair finished just a tenth of a second ahead of Ava Humphries and VDL Gottie W. Humphries of Highland Beach, FL and her own VDL Gottie W finished their jump-off round in 47.718 seconds. Sara Williamson of Wellington, FL and Pepie Lu, owned by Ossian Ventures LLC, secured third place with a second round time of 50.686 seconds.

Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Valdez, owned by Rachael Barnes, took home the blue ribbon in the $1,500 M&S Children’s/Adult Classic with a speedy jump-off time of 49.419 seconds. Julia Strawbridge of West Grove, PA and her own Charina, finished the class with six faults in the jump-off and a time of 53.478 seconds for second, while Rizvi also captured third aboard Forget Me Knot, owned by Peacock Ridge, LLC.

Hunter Highlights

The $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby saw Alexandra Lynn Willner of Boca Raton, FL and Blackout, owned by Cyrus Taraporevala, take first place with a two round score of 158. Lauren Gee of Valdosta, GA and Grand Slam, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, secured second place with a score of 156, while Sienna Pilla of Ridgefield, CT and Robin Hill’s Snapshot, owned by Piccolino Farm, LLC, received a 155 from the judging panel for third place.

Tina Allen of New Canaan, CT and her own Galaxy championed the Adult Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ & 3’3″ Division, while Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY and her own Mirror Image took home reserve champion honors.

The Green Hunter 3’6″ Division saw Katherine Newman of Wellington, FL and Dandelion, owned by Allwyn Court Inc., capture the divisional championship. Maria Rasmussen of Oak Creek, WI and With Honors, owned by Corporate Way LLC, rode to reserve.

The Neue Schule Bits USHJA Hunter 2’3 & 2’6″ Division was won by Molly Sewell of Winter Park, FL and Big Light, owned by Carolyn Brown Capps. Samantha Shinn of Sarasota, FL and her own Quintos Z captured reserve champion honors for the efforts throughout the week.

Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA and Q-Pid, owned by Henk Punt, finished atop the division in the #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division, while Madison Arani of Lexington, KY and Humor Me, owned by Ceil & Kenneth Wheeler, were presented with reserve honors.

The Pilates Rocks Low Child/Adult Hunter Division saw Ashley Netzky of Chicago, IL guide Corporate, owned by Corporate Way, LLC, to the divisional title ahead of Christine Watkins of Rowaton, CT and her own Revelstoke, who were awarded with reserve champion.

The ESP Spring Series continues with competition on Wednesday, April 19 with ESP Spring III. To see a full list of results and to learn more about PBIEC, please visit www.pbiec.com.