Madison Akins pilots her own Chasm Z to the win in Friday’s $5,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic in the Olympic Arena Week I at the Atlanta Fall Classic.
Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic offered the Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classics totaling $25,000 in prize money. These popular Children’s/Adult Jumpers Classics kicked off on Friday at a 1.10m, followed by the 1.10m Saturday and wrapped up Sunday with a 1.15m Classic.
Friday’s $5,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic welcomed 34 horse and rider teams to a course designed by former Assistant Olympic Course Designer, Manuel Esparza.
The first round was set at 74 seconds time allowed and fourteen went clear. The second rounds saw only eight go double clear and Natalie Geller of Canton, Georgia and her own Caletto V led the way with a time of 38.059 seconds, well within the 55 seconds time allowed. Madison Akins of Winder, Georgia in the irons of her own Chasm Z challenged Geller’s time and set the new time to beat at 35.030 seconds. Geller and Caletto V would finish in seventh place overall.
Fairfield Farm, LLC’s Whip Jet 41, piloted by Baily Martin of Birmingham, Alabama, followed Akins and Chasm Z, but their second round time of 37.902 would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Natalie Hughes of Spring Hill, Florida and her own Ramona Quimby were the next to turn in a second round, but four faults in a time of 34.855 would have them finish in ninth place. Mary Elise Nolan of Leeds, Alabama in the irons of her own Take a Chance looked to beat Geller, but their time of 36.724 seconds would find them finishing in fifth.
Hannah Fuller of Green Village, New Jersey and her own Sonrisa’s second round effort resulted in four jump faults and their time of 60.523 seconds earned six time faults; the pair would finish in thirteenth place.
Wimberly Debono of Birmingham, Alabama and her own Indecision turned in a second round effort in a time of 46.588 seconds, but with four jump faults, would finish in twelfth place overall. Cahal, owned and ridden by Mattie Worsham of Cumming, Georgia, turned in a second round effort in a time of 36.341 seconds with four jump faults placing them in tenth place.
Fit to Print Farm’s Camera Ready, ridden by Sydney Crenshaw of Canton, Georgia, turned in a fault-free second round in a time of 32.905 seconds, stealing the lead from Akins and Chasm Z.
Alexandra Lundin of Austin, Texas and her own Pantera returned for a second round effort, but after posting four faults in a time of 27.262 seconds, would finish in eleventh place overall. Bailey Martin of Birmingham, Alabama and her own Contador De Bornival tried to beat Akins’ time, but after posting a fault-free second round effort in 35.620 seconds, would find themselves in second place. Makoa, owned by Kaitlyn Timblin and ridden by Hannah Fuller, also turned in a second round fault-free performance. Their time of 38.759 seconds would not beat Akins and Chasm Z and the pair finished in eighth place overall. Captivate, owned by Charity Durgin and ridden by Isabel Harbour of Alpharetta, Georgia, also advanced to the second round; however, their fault-free time of 35.960 seconds would not catch Akins and they finished in fourth place overall, leaving Akins and Chasm Z the victors.
Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classics Part II The second installment of the Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic 1.10m took place Saturday and offered a purse of $10,000. Thirty eight horse and rider teams navigated the course, but only nine advanced to the jump off round.
Isabel Harbour, in the irons of Charity Durgin’s Captivate, was the first to tackle the course in a time of 75.422 seconds, within the 76 seconds time allowed. Their jump off round resulted in another fault-free effort in 46.129 seconds, within the 64 seconds time allowed and set the time to beat.
Hannah Fuller, in the irons of Kaitlyn Timblin’s Makoa, posted a first round effort in a time of 75.422 seconds and followed Harbour with a fault-free jump off round in 41.982 seconds, ousting Harbour and Captivate from the lead position.
Steven Turilli’s Raphael IV, ridden by Austin Cumming of Madison, Georgia, turned in a first round effort in a time of 75.925 seconds. They followed Fuller in the jump off order and turned in a four fault round in 44.264 seconds, which landed them in eighth place overall. Helen Julianov of Paris, Kentucky in the irons of Palmer Divide Ranch’s Castelli advanced to the jump off round after posting a first round effort in 75.481 seconds. A rail and a time of 50 seconds would see the pair finish in ninth place overall.
Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana riding her own Hawkeye turned in a first round effort in a time of 73.690 seconds and a clear jump off round in a time of 45.837 seconds, which set the new time to beat.
Isabel Harbour and Fit to Print Farm’s Camera Ready turned in a first round effort in a time of 74.025. Their jump-off round in time of 41.910 seconds took the lead from Zuber.
Mary Elise Nolan and her own Take a Chance posted a first round effort in a time of 76.384 seconds. Their jump off round time of 38.379 put them in the lead although two additional horse and rider teams had yet to go in the jump off round.
Meghan Flanagan and Fairfield Farm’s Fitz followed Nolan in the jump off order and posted a time of 41.548 seconds with four jump faults which would place them in seventh place overall. Akins and Chasm Z were in the last to go position and tried to beat the new time set by Nolan, but their time of 38.833 seconds and four jump faults saw the pair finish in sixth place overall, leaving Nolan and Take a Chance in the winner’s circle.
Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classics Part III Sunday the $10,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic was set at 1.15 m and saw twenty five horse and rider teams tackle the first round.
Eleven riders advanced to a second round opportunity and Samantha Johnson of Skillman, New Jersey and her own Airport Duchateau Hollogne led the pack. They followed their first round in a time of 72.009 seconds, within the 76 seconds time allowed, with a clear second round in a time of 33.031 seconds and set the time to beat.
Mattie Worsham of Cumming, Georgia and her own Cabal were the next to go clean in their first round with a time of 69.025 seconds. Their second round effort saw the pair drop a rail earning four jump faults in a time of 30.276 seconds which would place them in ninth place overall.
Christian Currey of Franklin, Tennessee and Page Tredennick’s Vigaro posted a first round effort in a time of 75.396 seconds and a fault-free, second round in a time of 30.751 seconds, setting the new time to beat.
Annie Miller of Salt Lake City, Utah and her own HJ Dudinka followed Currey with a first round effort in a time of 70.121 seconds and turned in a fault-free, second round in a time of 30.264 seconds, ousting Currey and Vigaro from the lead position.
Heather Zuber and her own Phoenix were the next pair to turn in a clean first-round effort in a time of 73.290 seconds. However, their second round in a time of 33.213 seconds wouldn’t beat the time to beat and the pair would finish in seventh place overall. Isabel Harbour and Charity Durgin’s Captivate turned in a clean first round with a time of 75.789 seconds. Their fault-free, second round in a time of 33.026 seconds placed them in fifth place overall.
Camera Ready, owned by Fit to Print Farm and ridden by Isabel Harbour, turned in a fault-free first round in a time of 73.048 seconds. Their second round effort resulted in a fault free time of 32.145 seconds, which would place them in third place overall.
Madison Akins and her own Chasm Z had a clear first round effort in a time of 73.209 seconds; however, a fall in the second round would find them finishing in eleventh place overall. Meghan Flanagan and Fairfield Farms LLC’s Whip Jet 41 turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 73.789 seconds; however, eight jump faults in a time of 33.951 seconds would see the pair finish in tenth place overall.
Zuber returned to the Olympic Arena, this time in the irons of her own Hawkeye and turned in a fault-free, first round effort in a time of 75.763 seconds. Their second round resulted in a time of 32.806 seconds, ensuring Miller and HJ Dudinka the win and placing Zuber and Hawkeye in fourth place overall. Currey and Vigaro finished in second place, followed by Harbour and Camera Ready.
These Children’s/Adult Jumper Classics memorialize Barry Lane, the well-respected Atlanta horse trainer who was a strong supporter of the Atlanta Classics. “These Classics are something that has grown in popularity over the years,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company. “We look forward to offering more of these jumper classics at our 2016 shows,” he added.
The 20th anniversary show of the Atlanta Fall Classic kicked off at the Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympic Games, on Wednesday. There are few stalls available, so if you haven’t sent your entries in yet, call the office at 843.768.5503 or email jonathan@classiccompany.com to reserve your stalls now. Then enter online at horseshowsonline.com and remove the hassle from filling out entries!
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 lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
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
Erynn Ballard and Valentino Now. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Toronto, Ontario – Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON riding Valentino Now won the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby on Monday night, November 9, at The Royal Horse Show®, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.
The top 17 horses in the Canadian Hunter Derby Series standings, held at various events across the country all season long, were invited to contest the National Final at the 2015 Royal Horse Show based on points accumulated in the Eastern (Quebec and Ontario) and Western (Alberta and British Columbia) qualifying divisions.
All horse and rider combinations jumped one round of competition, earning scores for their performances. Ballard was the sixth rider into the Ricoh Coliseum and laid down a trip that earned a score of 86 points from judges William Ellis of Ocala, FL and Mike Rosser of Southern Pines, NC. Ballard was also awarded ten bonus points for taking all of the high options, as well as seven bonus points for handiness, giving her an overall score of 103 points for the victory.
Already successful in the show jumping ring having won a 1.30m class at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB this year, Ballard decided to test Valentino Now, owned by MVB Group, in the hunter ring.
“He’s at an advantage because he’s seen more through his jumper experience than your average hunter,” explained Ballard, 35. “I think any experience is good experience, and Valentino’s days as a jumper paid off tonight. He made the transition to hunters easily; it’s a pleasure to have one that’s not complicated.
“He’s such a commercial, beautiful type so we thought his best option was to be a hunter,” she added. “We gave it a try to see what we have, and we have a superstar.”
Ballard will compete in both the hunter and international show jumping divisions as the Royal Horse Show continues through to November 15, and is proud to be one of the select few riders that have the opportunity to compete at The Royal.
“Anybody who is from Canada lives for The Royal,” said Ballard. “It’s important to be here, and it’s important to win here.”
Ryan Roy and Bayridge
Ryan Roy of King City, ON and Bayridge, owned by Doug Bannister, placed close behind Ballard in second with an overall score of 102, while Laurie Bucci of St. Jean, QC took third on a score of 101 aboard Quatro Z Fortuna for owner Monique Geseron.
Acclaimed equitation trainer Brent Balisky of Langley, BC has been coming to the Royal Horse Show for 30 years, but had never before competed himself. For the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby, Balisky traded his usual ringside view to take fourth in the irons of Vigolo Z, owned by Wendy Valdes, with a score of 98. Rounding out the top five was Ballard with a score of 96, this time aboard Contact, owned by Heather Delfino, Looking Back Farm and Redfield Farm.
Hunter Derby Course Designer Robert Carey of Caledon, ON utilized jump obstacles designed and constructed by Jeff Brandmaier of Guelph, ON and his wife Margaret ‘Muffie’ Guthrie, who are the founders and presenting sponsors of the Canadian Hunter Derby Series.
“To see everyone get excited and go after each other tooth and nail to get here put a lot of pressure on the riders,” Brandmaier said of the qualifying competition that took place throughout the 2015 season.
Giving a nod to fox hunting and traditional hunter courses, Brandmaier’s fences utilized rustic materials, but also introduced a new opportunity for sponsors within the hunter discipline.
“Sponsors have come through to present a unique set of jumps that have never been seen before tonight,” Brandmaier said. “They are on the edge of commercial, but still derby-oriented. The course encourages people to take risks, so it’s fun to watch. You saw people testing their limits with big gallops and inside turns.”
Hunter riders will return to the Ricoh Coliseum to kick off Tuesday night’s program with the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby. International jumper competitors also move into the spotlight on Tuesday with the Jolera International Jumper Welcome.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.
Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.
About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.
Run, Walk or Stroll through Annual Holiday Display in Heart of Horse Country
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2015) – To celebrate the return of the Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc., the Southern Lights Stroll will take place on Thursday, Nov. 19. On the only evening of Southern Lights when the public is allowed to experience a major portion of the lighted route on foot, visitors may choose to run, walk or stroll their way through thousands of dazzling holiday lights on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.
Now in its 14th season, the Southern Lights Stroll has proven popular, from casual walkers and families who bring children and dogs to get photos and see the lights outside of a car, to serious runners who compete in the 5k portion of the Southern Lights Stroll.
This year’s stroll will feature chip timing for the competitive 5k race, and awards will be given to winners in various age categories. Additional activities include complimentary Mini Train Express rides, refreshments, prize drawings and more. A food drive for God’s Pantry Food Bank and a local animal shelter will be held in conjunction with this event. All participants are asked to bring nonperishable items to help local families and animals in need.
Registration for the competitive 5k race is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 7-12. Registration for the stroll/walk is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 7-12. There is no charge for children 6 and under. Online registration, available through Nov. 17, is available at www.runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/SouthernLightsStroll5k.
The competitive 5k race begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the recreational stroll at 6:35 p.m. Check-in is at the park’s Visitor Center. The first 1,000 registered adults receive a free souvenir T-shirt, and the first 350 registered children receive a free holiday souvenir. To receive a t-shirt, children must register as an adult.
All proceeds from the Southern Lights Stroll support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The 2015 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc.; the Holly & Ivy Sponsor is Kerr Brothers Funeral Homes; the Ribbons & Bows Sponsors are Central Bank, Kentucky Utilities and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives; and, the Thirsty Thursday sponsor is Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. Additional sponsors for the stroll include Xerox, Chick-Fil-A, the Mini Train Express and SafetyTec.
The $35,000 Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO, took place Saturday night in the Olympic arena at the Atlanta Fall Classic. Former Olympic Assistant Course Designer, Manuel Esparza, set the first round time allowed at 82 seconds and only five horse and rider teams advanced to the jump off.
The field of Grand Prix riders competing in Saturday night’s $35,000 Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO, are all well known, but it was the youngest amateur rider, Haley Gassel of Lenoir City, Tennessee and her own Quite Dark 2, who won the class.
“I’m kind of the underdog here,” said Gassel. “This is just my second full year showing Grand Prix and I’ve had ‘QD’ [Quite Dark 2] for about two and a half years,” she said. “I worked my way up, starting with the Highs then the Grand Prix. After I won my first one [Grand Prix] last July, I always thought that if I could win one per year, that would be good,” she said. “I knew that this year was almost done and although I have had good placings, I was trying not to be too hard on myself if I didn’t make my goal,” she said.
Gassel and Quite Dark 2 were the last to go clean in the first round, posting a time of 78.098 seconds, earning the enviable last to go spot in the jump off round.
Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida, winner of Thursday’s $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome, and fresh back to the competition ring after recovering from a broken shin bone, was the first to take on the jump off round on her own Osiris. The pair had turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 77.767 seconds and followed it with a fault-free jump off round in a time of 49.612 seconds, well within the 66 seconds time allowed.
Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky, in the irons of Hester Equestrian LLC’s Clueless P, followed Paternoster and turned in a clear round with a time of 43.958 seconds and set the new time to beat.
One of most well-known, high speed Grand Prix riders, Laura Linback of Morriston, Florida, followed Hester in the irons of Rolling Acres Farm’s Whittaker MVNZ. The pair turned in a fault-free jump off round in a time of 42.613 seconds and took the lead.
Glenn Hartigan of Canton, Georgia, riding his own Z-Coco Cabana, followed Linback in the jump off round. A rail at the second fence with a time of 46.678 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall.
Hassel and Quite Dark 2 were up next. “I’ve gone up against Laura for the past couple of years and I know she is extremely fast,” commented Hassel. “When I ride against her, I have to find ways to beat her,” she said. “But I didn’t watch her go and I didn’t know her time. I only watched Gemma and part of Glen’s and it worked out,” she said. “Sometimes I imitate what they are doing and by not watching them, it allowed me to have my own ideas on what to do and that worked out for me,” she added. Gassel turned in a fault-free round in a time of 40.729 seconds, winning the $35,000 Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO.
“The jump off was really fun,” commented Gassel. “He [Esparza] made it so you couldn’t run around the whole course, which I prefer. There were a few tight roll backs and my horse is really good at turning tight. Even though he is huge and almost 18 hands, he can really turn that fast,” she added. “I thought he did a great job with the course and included lots of galloping and turns,” she said.
“I love Manuel Esparza courses,” she continued. “He is very fair and builds according to who is in the classes and he builds appropriately. The jumps were plenty big enough at m 1.40-m 1.50 and the technicality was right on,” said Gassel.
With Gassel and Quite Dark 2 stealing the lead, Linback and Rolling Acres Farm’s Whittaker MVNZ would finish in second place. The yellow ribbon was awarded to Hester and Hester Equestrian LLC’s Clueless P. Fourth place honors went to Paternoster and her own Osiris. This is the last horse show Osiris will compete in before being shipped back to England to enjoy retirement.
Hartigan and his own Z-Coco Cabana finished in fifth, followed by Daniel Geitner of Aiken , South Carolina and Lionshare Farm’s Creativo. Geitner and Creativo turned in a four-fault, first round effort in a time of 73.383 seconds.
Linback returned for the seventh place ribbon, this time in the irons of Woodrun Acres Farm’s HH Dauphin. The pair turned in a first round effort in a time of 73.514 seconds and four jump faults.
Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York and Honorway Farm LLC’s Leander finished in eighth place after a first round effort resulting in eight jump faults in a time of 80.034 seconds.
Richard Cheska of Waukesha, Wisconsin and his own Alonso du Monselet finished in ninth place, followed by Amy Yoder’s Stitch, ridden by Carlos Aramburo of Red Banks, Mississippi. Paternoster returned with her own Zonneglans to pick up the eleventh place ribbon.
“I’m really excited that I won,” said Gassel. “I have been coming here since I was a kid showing Short Stirrup. So just to be out there with them makes me happy,” she added.
Kastel Denmark Style of Riding Award
Annie Miller of Salt Lake City, Utah, winner of Sunday’s $10,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper 1.15 m Classic, was awarded the Kastel Denmark Style of Riding Award. This honor is awarded to the rider who exhibits the best American style of riding and possesses the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.
The 20th anniversary show of the Atlanta Fall Classic kicked off at the Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympic Games, on Wednesday. There are few stalls available, so if you haven’t sent your entries in yet, call the office at 843.768.5503 or email jonathan@classiccompany.com to reserve your stalls now. Then enter online at horseshowsonline.com and remove the hassle from filling out entries!
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 lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
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
Waylon Roberts. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Toronto, Ontario – Waylon Roberts of Port Perry, ON won his record eighth $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge on Saturday night, November 7, at the Royal Horse Show®, taking place as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.
Roberts, 27, rocked the full house in the Ricoh Coliseum, bringing home the win riding West River. Carefully navigating a mix of natural cross-country obstacles and delicate show jumping fences set by course designer Mark Phillips of Great Britain, Roberts cruised to victory, posting a winning time of 177.57 seconds over the two phases of competition. Held in a two-round format, riders carried forward their times and penalties from the opening phase of competition on Friday night. Roberts had been fast and faultless on Friday night, and repeated his foot-perfect performance on Saturday to take the title.
“I’ve been with a lot of different trainers, thanks to my parents Kelly Plitz and Ian Roberts; they thought it was really important that I get a rounded education in riding, and so I did a lot of show jumping as a youngster,” said Roberts of his secret to success. “That’s really carried through to help me for this class.”
Roberts, who was a member of Canada’s bronze medal team at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games, has won the title riding a total of six of horses including Slingshot, Myrddin’s Sebastian, Donaghan, Evil Munchkin, and his 2015 Pan Am Games mount, Bill Owen. However, West River has the distinction of being the first mare he has ever won with.
As for what makes an ideal horse for the $20,000 Horseware Indoor Eventing Challenge, Roberts said, “It takes a handy horse, one that’s going to be really obedient for the tight turns and the quick speed, and that’s exactly what West River is. She’s not too big, and she’s really handy.”
Bruce Davidson, Jr.
Roberts held off the challenge from two-time World Equestrian Games competitor, Bruce Davidson, Jr. of the United States, who was also penalty-free on both nights of competition riding Wundermaske. However, his combined time of 193.97 would leave him in the runner-up position in his Royal Horse Show® debut.
Holly Jacks-Smither of Orangeville, ON added ten penalty points to her score riding Dynamo, finishing with a combined time of 196.62 seconds to take third. Karl Slezak of Tottenham, ON slotted into fourth position with Fernhill Wishes. Selena O’Hanlon of Kingston, ON rounded out the top five riding Uptown Girl.
Kendal Lehari of Uxbridge, ON rode RF D’Orbalia into sixth position while crowd favourite Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON recovered from a fall in Friday night’s competition – incurring 100 penalty points – to post a clear round with Bentley’s Best on Saturday night. Phoenix was the individual gold medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games as well as the individual silver medalist at the 2015 TORONTO Pan American Games riding Pavarotti on both occasions.
Competition resumes at the Royal Horse Show on Monday, featuring the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.
Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.
About The Royal The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.
Jill Henselwood and Farfelu du Printemps. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.
Toronto, Ontario – Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON claimed the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday night, November 7, at the Royal Horse Show®, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.
Riding Farfelu du Printemps, Henselwood entered the second and final phase of competition in the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday evening with a perfect score of zero, having won Friday night’s opening round. The pair stayed consistent, jumping another clear round before facing off against the top six in a final jump-off. Despite having a rail down early on course, Henselwood held on the lead to win the 2015 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship title.
“As soon as we started to jump and he could sense from me that it was serious he gave good efforts,” said Henselwood of the ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Action Breaker x Volume vd Gasthoeve) owned by John Madigan. “For this horse to get this title really means something in his resume, and starts to identify him as a top horse for Canada.”
Farfelu’s rail fell at the third fence in the final round, leaving on room for further error.
“I thought we were going to jump it, but made a mistake,” Henselwood said of her downed rail. “After that, I think Farfelu jumped everything else with a margin of another foot. I could feel the effort that he made; he didn’t want to make another mistake. He’s that kind of horse.”
Henselwood’s victory marked her second Greenhawk Canadian Championship title at the Royal Horse Show®, having also won in 2005 aboard Black Ice.
Mac Cone aboard Gasper van den Doorn
British course designer Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, Dorset set difficult tracks in all three rounds comprising the Canadian Championships, which saw Canadian Equestrian Team veterans rise to the challenge. With two beautifully executed rounds on Saturday night, Canadian Olympian Mac Cone, 63, of King City, ON, moved into the Reserve Champion position with a final score of 4.79 riding Gasper van den Doorn for owner Chadburn Holdings, Inc.
Another Canadian Olympian, Lisa Carlsen, 50, of Okotoks, AB, produced strong performances to finish third with 5.66 penalties aboard Worlds Judgement for owners WJ Partners. Susan Horn of Bolton, ON and Kingsland Farm’s Lillyfee placed fourth on 6.15 penalties, while Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON and Bart C posted 6.93 penalties to placed fifth for owner Jaybird Farm. Keean White of Rockwood, ON rounded out the top six aboard For Freedom Z, owned by Angelstone Partners, with 14.11 penalties.
Based on their results in the Canadian Championships, Henselwood and Cone secured the final two positions available in The Royal’s international show jumping division, which begins on Tuesday, November 10. They will join pre-qualified riders Carlsen, Ballard, Ian Millar of Perth, ON, Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, and Chris Sorensen of Caledon East, ON, in representing the Canadian flag.
Also highlighting the action on Saturday, Isabelle Lapierre of Breakeyville, QC and Cescha M dominated the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships, presented by Uplands Charitable Foundation. Lapierre and the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Diamant de Semilly x Hera XXIV) owned by Ecuries de la Chaudiere, topped both phases of competition to top a starting field of 16 contenders.
“She will try every time,” said Lapierre, 36, who has been riding Cescha M for the past three years. “Even when I make a mistake, she’s there, and if she makes a mistake, she knows I’ll be there. We’re a good team.”
Lapierre set a goal to pilot Cescha M in the National Talent Squad Championships following a successful summer, explaining, “She’s a young horse, and they need mileage in the ring before doing the big classes. This is a good class for young riders, and also for riders like me trying to produce young horses.”
Lapierre also won the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships riding Diaka de Semilly, the half-sister of Cescha M’s sire, Diamant de Semilly.
“I won this 15 years ago with Diaka de Semilly and I knew talent ran in the family,” she said. “Both horses have what it takes to win, and that’s all because of their breeding.”
Another Quebec athlete, Billie Derouet of Bromont, took home the Reserve Championship in the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships aboard her own Bonaparte VP Wisebecq. Derouet placed second to Lapierre in Friday’s opening round of competition before taking third place in Round Two on Saturday.
For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.
Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.
About The Royal The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.
Harrie Smolders and Emerald won the highlight event of the week, the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup. Photo: Shawn McMillen Photography.
Washington, D.C. – November 7, 2015 – For one week each October, the Penn Quarter neighborhood around Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. transforms into a festival of horses. Streets close for stabling and community events, and pedestrians and vehicles make way for hundreds of horses to compete at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of the most prestigious and engaging equestrian events in the United States, and a D.C. tradition since 1958.
WIHS wrapped its 57th year with one of the most successful events in its history, welcoming business, military and diplomatic leaders, local and military charities, and community events, and more than 26,000 fans of all ages, making it the largest indoor equestrian event in the United States.
The excitement will continue and reach directly into living rooms across North America this Monday, November 9, at 9 PM EST when CBS Sports Network will air WIHS’s top event of the week, the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup. See the CBS Sports Network Channel Guide at http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/channel-finder for local listings.
“This year we welcomed new partners to the show and embarked on several exciting new opportunities that were very popular with our fans,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “Washington was selected as one of only 14 events comprising the all-new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, so international riders at Washington competed for valuable points to qualify for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden.”
Dressage returned to WIHS on Saturday night. Allison Brock and the beautiful Hanoverian stallion, Rosevelt, owned by Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, performed an elegant and crowd-pleasing dressage grand prix freestyle to Tanghetto Kur, presented by Deloitte. Photo: Alden Corrigan Media
Lowell continued, “We also opened the door to greater audience engagement through innovations in technology. Working with SAP, we developed an app allowing the audience to judge the WIHS Equitation Finals along with the official judges. This was a first for our sport and was very well received. Our new partnership with Deloitte brought a world-class dressage freestyle performance by Alison Brock to the capital city that captivated the crowd!”
“We’re thrilled the show continues to grow each year,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director since 2011. “The atmosphere all week was buzzing with fantastic competition, entertaining exhibitions and a huge array of other on-site activities. We’re proud of our growing list of sponsors from around the world and partnerships with local businesses and the community, which all promise an exciting future for the show. And we’re so appreciative of the city for its ongoing assistance in managing the complex logistics of our event with minimal disruption to residents.”
President’s Cup Night: Celebrating Equestrian Stars
Saturday night’s $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, brought out a star-studded lineup of top international show jumpers from five countries to jump for the famed President’s Cup trophy. Spectators filled the arena and the elegant ringside Lugano Club and Longines Club to watch riders and horses jump up to 1.60m in height. Six riders cleared the challenging first round set by course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio to advance to round two. Following a thrilling jump-off, Dutch rider Harrie Smolders and Emerald won by 0.11 seconds, just beating Callan Solem of the U.S. and VDL Wizard. Finishing third was Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium and H&M Forever D Arco Ter Linden.
Smolders was presented with the show’s most coveted prize, The President of the United States Perpetual Cup, for the second time, having won it previously in 2006. The trophy was commissioned for the show by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961.
The evening kicked off with Victoria Colvin, 18, of Loxahatchee, Fla., winning the final work-off of the three-phase WIHS Equitation Finals, presented by SAP. This prestigious year-end championship for junior riders is a touchstone for future international equestrian stars, as evidenced by many of today’s top American riders including two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward, who won the finals in 1993. On Wednesday, Colvin won the $35,000 International Jumper Welcome Stake, presented by Amalaya Investments, riding Cafino. Colvin also continued her tradition of success in the hunter ring by piloting Small Affair to the Grand Junior Hunter Championship and receiving the Best Child Rider on a Horse award, presented by Gotham North.
Looking ahead to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, WIHS invited all the riders competing at the show, who have represented the United States in official international competition to gather in the ring wearing their official pinque coats. The night’s President’s Cup Party, hosted by the Young Nelson Society, WIHS’s new young professionals philanthropic group, benefited the USET Foundation and the Ride to Rio initiative. A special video celebrated Team USA’s success this year.
In a moving moment, another former U.S. Team rider joined the group at center ring. No longer an active show competitor, he entered wearing a sport coat and a big smile. Into the ring walked Rodney Jenkins, the winningest rider in U.S. show jumping history, to be welcomed as the 12th inductee into the WIHS Hall of Fame. The special induction ceremony was presented by The Boeing Company.
It was fitting Jenkins was inducted on President’s Cup Night, as his first major international success was at Washington in 1970 when he won the President’s Cup Grand Prix riding the incomparable Idle Dice, a prize he went on to win multiple times. He was equally prolific in the hunter ring with countless wins in all divisions. Jenkins joins George Morris, William Steinkraus, Betty Oare, and other WIHS Hall of Fame inductees who have made important contributions to equestrian sport. Since 1987, Jenkins has been a successful race horse trainer based at Laurel Park in Maryland. The presentation also featured a dynamic tribute video, which has since received more than 60,000 views on Facebook.
Fittingly, Jenkins stayed in the ring to drop the flag for the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship, presented by Charles Owen, and presented the awards to the young pony jockeys from U.S Pony Racing.
Military Night: Honor, Power, and Speed
Friday’s Military Night, presented by The Boeing Company, is all about power and speed. It’s an exciting evening of competition, military-themed exhibitions, a trophy in honor of the U.S. Armed Forces, recognition and support for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), WIHS’s longstanding Official Military Charity Partner, and the Armed Forces Reception benefiting local therapeutic riding centers serving the military community.
The Boeing Company $25,000 Puissance high jump competition is a WIHS fan favorite as horses and riders take on the great wall in an extraordinary display of power and courage. The current North American record of 7′ 7-1/2″ was set at WIHS in 1983 by Anthony D’Ambrosio aboard Sweet ‘N Low. D’Ambrosio, serving as course designer for this year’s show, set the wall at an initial height of 1.73m (5’8″) and continued up to 2.13m (6’11”) in four rounds of electrifying competition.
In his first trip to WIHS and competing in his first Puissance ever, Belgium’s Jos Verlooy, 19, cleared the wall up to 2.13m (6’11”) with his top mount, Sunshine, to win the class.
“He is a very talented horse,” said Verlooy of Sunshine, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. “I thought it could be good to jump a few nice rounds in the Puissance, and in the end I won, so it is even better. I really liked it. It is really fun if you have the right horse. Today, I had the right horse.”
He admitted it was scary after watching a few videos and seeing some falls. “I was a little bit stressed, but I should not have been because my horse is really relaxed. He jumped it very safely. He made the jump easy for me,” he said.
For the win, Verlooy’s mount, Sunshine, was awarded The Sweet ‘N Low Trophy, donated last year by Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Tober, owner of the record-holding horse, Sweet ‘N Low. Verlooy also accepted The Armed Forces Cup, presented by The Boeing Company, and The Congressman’s Challenge Trophy, donated by the Late Honorable Rogers C. B. Morton and the Late Honorable F. Robert Watkins, on behalf of Axel Verlooy and Euro Horse Bvba, owners of the winning horse.
In addition to his win in the Puissance, Verlooy had strong finishes all week including fourth in the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, earning him the International Jumper Championship, the $15,000 Leading International Rider Bonus, presented by Robin Parsky, the $10,000 International U25 Rider Bonus and Juliet Weber Reid Award, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, and the Leading Foreign Rider Award.
In his first trip to WIHS, Verlooy enjoyed the large evening crowds and great atmosphere at one of the top show jumping competitions on the calendar in North America.
“It’s a very good experience. It is a real American show, and I really like the American shows,” he said. “I come often to America to show, and I really like it over here.”
Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Harley vd Bisschop, winners of the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final on Military Night. Photo: Shawn McMillen Photography
During the speed portion of the evening, Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Harley van de Bisschop won the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final, presented by Rushy Marsh Farm and AAA Equestrian. Last year, his twin brother, Olivier, earned top honors in the same class.
Twenty-one riders took on the course, and Philippaerts, 22, earned top prize with a clear round in 53.48 seconds, with Colombia’s Daniel Bluman finishing a close second with a clear round in 53.86 seconds aboard Blue Star Investments’ Conconcreto Believe.
WIHS has been a great show for the Philippaerts family in recent years, and Nicola enjoys the competition and atmosphere each year.
“It is a fantastic show. I’m always happy to come back here every year,” he said. “It’s always nice when the crowd is cheering you on. It is very motivating.”
Friday night was dedicated to honoring the U.S. Armed Forces. For the special patriotic evening, WIHS joined forces with organizations that give back to our service men and women including Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and five local therapeutic riding centers providing equine-assisted therapy programs for wounded warriors and their families.
WIHS has enjoyed a close relationship with the U.S. military since its earliest days when former U.S. Army horses and riders represented the country in national and international competition. That connection continues today with Military Night, presented by The Boeing Company, and the popular WIHS Military Ticket Program, presented by Fidelity Investments®. Thanks to program supporters Fidelity Investments®, The Boeing Company, The Travelers Companies, Inc., Waldron Wealth Management, Glen Senk and Fashion Farm, Cherry Knoll Farm, and Rothwell Figg, Ernst and Manbeck, thousands of local military families received complimentary tickets to experience an exciting evening of international show jumping and equestrian entertainment at WIHS.
WIHS was pleased to welcome back the popular “Jump for TAPS” program. The TAPS-themed jump held center stage in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final. For each horse/rider combination to clear the star-spangled jump, $2,000 was donated to further TAPS’s mission to benefit families of America’s fallen heroes. Generous donors Alexandra Clancy, surviving spouse of Tom Clancy, WIHS Board Member Elizabeth Pickens Cordia and her husband, Lou Cordia, and Chris West donated $26,000, with additional donations from spectators and WIHS/TAPS supporters, bringing the evening’s total to $34,000.
A special video shared the story of TAPS through Salamander Resort & Spa’s unique equestrian program of self-awareness, communication, and the special healing power horses can provide to all of us, including those who are grieving the loss of a family member.
Proceeds from the WIHS Armed Forces Reception held in the Acela Club at Verizon Center benefited Loudoun Therapeutic Riding, Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center, and Therapeutic Recreational and Riding Center.
Back by popular demand, the Army vs. Navy Celebrity Barrel Racing exhibition, sponsored by Washington Area Chevy Dealers, revved up the crowd with a high-test race around a course of barrels. This year, Army edged out Navy for the win in an exciting display of determination and all-out speed urged on by cheering spectators. Teams were comprised of professional barrel racers affiliated with National Barrel Horse Association, Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, or American Professional Rodeo Association, top international show jumpers Olivier and Nicola Philippaerts, Alison Robitaille, and Aaron Vale, and members of the military, Frankie Gale, a midshipman from the U.S. Naval Academy, and Specialist Wilcox, U.S. Army Caisson Platoon at Fort Myer.
The third annual Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service was presented to Andy from Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center in Leesburg, Va. Andy, a 20-year-old Haflinger gelding, is the embodiment of service and honor when in the presence of adults and children with emotional, physical, or cognitive challenges. He does not put a hoof wrong in a lesson or healing session with a participant, especially veterans.
The Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service, presented by Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation, recognizes a horse, individual or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger, the beloved U.S. Army horse and TAPS Ambassador, who has touched the lives of many during his life of service with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon. Klinger was on hand for the ceremony.
A special presentation by the U.S. Naval Academy Silent Drill Team and a Mounted Color Guard, organized by the Maryland National Capital Park Police, rounded out the popular evening.
Barn Night: Costumes, Contests and Camaraderie
Held on Thursday, WIHS Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery and the Peterson Family Foundation, is a favorite with young riders and horse lovers of all ages who attend in groups and have a chance to enter contests, win big prizes, and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening. Almost 2,500 children representing 56 regional barns and groups were among the thousands watching the $20,000 Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, presented by the Winter Equestrian Festival, with riders and horses decked out in Halloween attire, and the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen. Additional activities included Stablemate horse painting, courtesy of Breyer Animal Creations, autograph signings with top riders, a scavenger hunt, a tee-shirt toss, plus a visit from Major, the WIHS mascot.
Top contest prize winners included NFF Stables, of Poolesville, Md., winner of the Best Spirit prize, a riding clinic with top international show jumper Brianne Goutal; Summerfield Farm of Lothian, Md., winner of a custom barn jump, courtesy of Swan Lake Horse Shows, for creating the Best Banner; Clover Grove Farm, of Staunton, Va., won a refurbished custom golf cart, courtesy of United Metro Golf Cart, for the Best Video; and Meadowbrook Stables of Chevy Chase, Md. won a custom drape set, courtesy of Dover Saddlery, for the Largest Group. Prizes were also awarded for second place and honorable mention.
Bringing down the house once again was the wildly popular WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, which debuted at Washington in 2013. This year, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase had stops at the historic Devon Horse Show (Devon, Pa.) in May, the WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals in Upper Marlboro, Md., in October, and culminated at Washington with races on Barn Night and President’s Cup Night.
The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series has all the trappings of professional races with riders in colorful silks, a bugler, race caller and even a photo finish, but in miniature. The jockeys are youngsters from seven to 14 mounted on traditional fluffy Shetland Ponies racing over a course of tiny hurdles. Well-established in England, pony racing is growing in popularity in the U.S. thanks in part to Maryland-based U.S. Pony Racing, organizer of the WIHS series.
In the final event of the evening, Aaron Vale and Quidams Good Luck won the $20,000 International Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, presented by the Winter Equestrian Festival, with a score of 1110 points. Vale was dressed as Quidams Good Luck’s owner, former Major League Baseball player Troy Glaus. Vale carried a baseball bat as he cantered into the ring and threw baseballs personally autographed by Glaus to the enthusiastic Barn Night crowd.
“I went to the top of the stairs to watch the first couple go to see how everything flowed together and what turns looked smooth from above – you can get a better viewpoint from up there,” explained Vale. “I thought it was a smooth course. It was simple for my brain and it was something that fit in my horse’s comfort zone, something that he could do pretty easily, and it worked. He ended up jumping really well. I felt like it was a solid trip, and it would be pretty hard to beat, and luckily it actually ended up that way. It was good fun.”
Also on Thursday, the fourth annual Laura Pickett Trophy for Excellence in Horsemanship was presented to Bailey Austin Doloff by Vicki Lowell, WIHS President and sponsor of the award. The trophy honors the memory of a respected local trainer, her contributions to the sport she loved and the legacy she left behind. She inspired enthusiasm for life in addition to good horsemanship, and the award is presented to an up-and-coming rider and trainer from the WIHS Regional Horse Show who best exhibit the same qualities. The winner also received a pair of riding boots, courtesy of Italian boot maker Fabbri Boots. Doloff is trained by Dorna Tainter.
Hints of pink colored Thursday night’s festivities as WIHS joined forces with Capital Breast Care Center (CBCC) for the fourth year. Funds for CBCC were raised through the “Buck Breast Cancer Benefit,” a reception honoring the lives of women who have lost their fight against breast cancer and those who continue to fight. WIHS was also pleased to welcome a very caring sponsor, Tryon International Equestrian Center, to support the second annual “Clear for the Cure” program where a donation of $250 was made every time the pink Breast Cancer Awareness jump was cleared during the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class. More than $6,000 was raised for CBCC’s mission to provide culturally sensitive breast cancer screening services and health and wellness education to women in the Washington, D.C. area, regardless of their ability to pay.
Barn Night is a longstanding WIHS tradition made possible through the generous support of The Peterson Family Foundation, Dover Saddlery, Charles Owen, The Equiery, Breyer Animal Creations, Swan Lake Horse Shows, and United Metro Golf Cart.
The WIHS Experience
The WIHS experience starts outside the arena. Approach Verizon Center in any way, exiting the Metro, walking, or driving in Penn Quarter, and it’s all about horses. Oversized jumping horses leap across Verizon Center’s outdoor video boards. Grooms brush, wrap and bathe their charges in stabling tents on nearby city streets. Riders dressed in boots and breeches wait in line at local eateries. Horses and pedestrians share the sidewalk. And, equine handlers pause on their way to compete so passers-by can pat their horse and take a selfie.
Onlookers also watch with interest as horses step down the ramp of huge shipping trucks manned by Johnson Horse Transportation, Official Carrier of WIHS, and are guided to their temporary homes, including the FEI Stabling Area, sponsored by The Dutta Corporation.
Inside, the main attraction was the jumping competition, but the thousands of attendees also enjoyed a wide array of specialty boutique shopping. More than 50 pop-up shops lined the concourse during show week with equine-related items, jewelry, fashion, and the show’s famous home-made fudge. Among the favorites were the Jack Wills, Etc., Callidae, Phoebe Darlington Portraits in Pencil, Slater Zorn, Kaiser Construction, Camp Friendship, plus top line boot makers Der Dau and Fabbri Boots.
The WIHS Silent Auction, presented by Valencia Saddlery, was open for bidding all week online and onsite with more than 130 items on display. Unique items included an heirloom mahogany rocking horse, tickets to Elton John’s Oscar party, Lugano Diamonds jewelry, Equitrekking Travel’s Ireland Riding Experience, plus exciting experiences, great getaways, high-end fashion items, tack, concert tickets, fine wine, and riding clinics from top pros.
Sponsors entertained clients and friends and enjoyed elegant food and drinks in the beautifully appointed Longines Club and Lugano Club, featuring décor provided by Syzygy Events International and Bash DC. Table guests on Saturday received a lovely tote courtesy of Maria Mendelsohn. One level above, Acela Club guests arrived on the new CityCenterDC red carpet and enjoyed socializing with sponsors and others while watching the action in the ring. Breckenridge Brewery added a new craft beer touch to the VIP hospitality offerings.
WIHS exhibitors enjoyed hospitality of all kinds, including The Sterling Club Exhibitors Lounge, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling, which provided riders and trainers a place to enjoy a meal, relax and follow the show on video monitors. Breakfasts and lunches were sponsored by Charles Cohn Foundation, Ravens Wood Farm, Karen Long Dwight, Montana Coady, and the Hilton family. The annual Parents’ Breakfast in the Lugano Club was sponsored by the Gochman family, the Welcome Breakfast was sponsored by ALTEC/Styslinger Foundation, and the Pony Party was presented by the Acox family. Riders, trainers, and owners enjoyed the local neighborhood exhibitor parties hosted by the Irish Channel Pub and ThinkFood Group’s celebrated restaurants, Zaytinya and Oyamel.
In-arena entertainment was expanded this year to include Lucky Program Prizes sponsored by Fleeceworks, Buckeye Nutrition, and Fuel Pizza, Parachute Drops sponsored by Travelers, Salutes to Parents sponsored by Upper Echelon Academy, and T-shirt Tosses courtesy of C&A Sportswear.
WIHS in the Neighborhood
As a non-profit charitable organization, WIHS believes in mirroring the support it receives from the community and its dedicated supporters by giving back in meaningful ways. Each year WIHS partners with several worthy charities and stages a number of popular community-focused events.
The WIHS Charity Alliance Program champions the community by helping our sponsors provide promotion, branding exposure, and premium hospitality to designated charities. This year WIHS welcomed Teach for America, Washington Humane Society, and Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program as Charity Alliance partners, thanks to generous donations from supporters including Greg Gingery and Rita Norton.
Wednesday morning began bright and early with a visit to WIHS from representatives of the local Mounted Police Units for the annual Breakfast with the Mounted Police, hosted in partnership with Hotel Monaco. Commuters on foot stop on their way to work surprised to see so many of these gentle giants close up. WIHS is proud to recognize these first responders and their equine partners. The festivities usually gain local media attention and everyone enjoys delicious breakfast treats, both human and equine.
On Saturday, almost 800 children and their families came out for WIHS Kids’ Day, which was created in 2010 to share the joy of horses with the local community. Sponsored in part by Animal Planet and EQUUS Foundation, the free festival is held both inside Verizon Center and on F Street in front of Hotel Monaco. Organized with the help of WIHS’s Junior Committee, Kids’ Day offered more than a dozen hands-on activities, including Animal Planet’s Horseless Horse Show, pony rides, horseshoe crafts, face painting, pony brushing lessons courtesy of Meadowbrook Stables, build your own mini-jump with Model Horse Jumps, plus giveaways from Paisley Pony magazine and Georgetown Cupcake. Klinger, the famous U. S. Army Caisson Platoon horse, was a special guest, and the adorable mini-pony, Leo the Magnificent, was receiving kisses in the Pony Kissing Booth. The EQUUS Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame featured new, interactive “Learn More about Horses” activities.
Hunter Competition
John French, originally from Maryland and now based in San Jose, Calif., had unprecedented success in this year’s hunter competition. He capped off his time in the nation’s capital with three championships, three reserve championships, two grand hunter championships, the $5,000 2015 WIHS Leading Hunter Rider Bonus and The Robert Coluccio Leading Hunter Rider Perpetual Trophy, presented by Dr. Betsee Parker.
French guided Laura Wasserman’s Boss to the overall WIHS Grand Hunter Championship, and also won the WIHS Grand Green Working Hunter Championship riding Lee Kellogg Sadrian’s Sochi. Laura Wasserman earned the Leading Hunter Owner Award.
On the way to his leading rider title, French began the day with a championship win in the High Performance Working Hunter division, presented by Jacqueline B. Mars, with Hiller Farms LLC’s Center Court, with Kelley Farmer and Kensel LLC’s Mindful finishing in reserve. Mindful and Farmer were also presented with the Protocol Trophy, sponsored by Platinum Performance, for the second year in a row. The prestigious trophy is awarded to the overall High Point High Performance Working Hunter from the Devon Horse Show, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Washington International Horse Show.
In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Scott Stewart and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador earned championship honors with French and Laura Wasserman’s Fine Design taking the reserve.
Always a popular division at WIHS, the Pony Hunters helped wrap up the weekend with great competition, including a challenging test over fences in this year’s WIHS Pony Equitation Finals. Mimi Gochman and Storyteller came out on top.
WIHS Children’s and Adult Championships
Riders earning the most points in WIHS Championship classes held throughout the country earned a place in the WIHS Finals at Verizon Center where the ultimate champions were determined. The winner of the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship, presented by the Heisley Family Foundation, was Zentina B, owned and ridden by Samantha Karp. The $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship, presented by The Linden Group at Morgan Stanley, was won by Jessica Lohman riding Dani Di Pietro’s Davenport. Top honors in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship, presented by Shamrock Ventures, was Katy Hamilton riding Old Barrington LLC’s Sacha 12. Tegan Elizabeth Treacy riding Starlight Farm LLC’s Catalyst won the blue ribbon in the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship. Top qualifiers for each WIHS Championship were awarded gifts courtesy of EquiFit and champions received custom chaps from Journeymen Saddlers.
The Winner’s Circle
When all the numbers were tallied, WIHS presented 20 division championships, 70 trophies, 1,200 ribbons, 53 embroidered championship coolers from The Clothes Horse sponsored by The Wasserman Foundation, and more than half a million dollars in prize money and rider bonuses. Winners enjoyed Georgetown Cupcakes, presented by Peacock Ridge, and champion grooms received custom vests presented by WALSTIB Stables. In the spotlight for award presentations was Washington Area Chevrolet Dealers, title sponsor of the WIHS Winner’s Circle.
As we turn the page and bid farewell to WIHS 2015, we thank our dedicated sponsors, supporters, and fans for making our 57th year come to life in the heart of the nation’s capital.
“There are many opportunities and challenges unique to hosting an international equestrian event in a major city like Washington, D.C., and the growing support and enthusiasm we receive from equestrians and enthusiasts alike continue to inspire us as we turn our energy toward making WIHS 2016 another one-of-a-kind horse show in the city,” said Meehan.
Erik A. Moses, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Sports and Entertainment at Events DC, said it best: “This is our seventh year supporting this fantastic sports and cultural institution in Washington D.C., and we are excited to continue this partnership so people can come downtown, be close to horses, and see a different kind of sporting event, one that most of us are not so accustomed to in the city. There’s a lot of history and culture here, and we want people to come out and experience WIHS for themselves.”
Join us next year for the 58th Annual Washington International Horse Show on October 25-30, 2016, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.!
About Washington International Horse Show, www.wihs.org Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.
Sydney Crenshaw pilots Camera Ready to the win in the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic.
Atlanta Fall Classic Crowns NCE Champions, $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic Results, and Curtain Wins $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
The Atlanta Fall Classic was hopping yesterday with nonstop activity in the jumper, hunter, equitation and breeding divisions at the Georgia International Horse Park!
The Week I featured favorite, the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic, saw 34 horse and rider teams take to the 1.10 m course with a first round time allowed of 74 seconds. Fit to Print Farm is regular in the winner’s circle in this event and 2015 proved to be no different. Of the eight who turned in double clear efforts, Fit to Print Farm’s Camera Ready, piloted by Sydney Crenshaw of Canton, Georgia, turned in double clear efforts in times of 64.491 seconds and 32.095 seconds, respectively. Chasm Z, owned and ridden by Madison Akins of Winder, Georgia, turned in the second fastest double clean effort in times of 69.978 and 35.030 seconds, respectively, securing second place honors. Bailey Martin’s Contador De Bornival came in third with times of 67.915 and 35.620 seconds, respectively, while fourth place honors went to Charity Durgin’s Captivate, ridden by Isabel Harbour, in times of 71.133 and 35.960 seconds, respectively. For complete details on this class, click here.
Tonight the prize money increases to $10,000 in the second installment of the Barry Lane Jumper Classics and it is shaping up to be an exciting competition!
The National Classic Equitation Finals
Last night under the covered arena, the riders competed for the National Classic Equitation Championship honors. Riders competed throughout the year in Classic Company NCE Classes in order to earn an invitation to compete in the Finals. “These Finals are so important to the growth of our industry and sport and provide recognition for the riders and their horses who have worked hard for a chance to compete,” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.
Congratulations to all National Classic Equitation Finalists and the Champions!
Curtin is victorious in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Julie Curtin of Woodstock, Georgia, in the irons of Charlotte Warren’s Enticement, was on the hunt for the blue in yesterday’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby! Their combined first and second round scores of 180 points bested fourteen horse and rider teams and secured the win!
Julie Curtin and Enticement
Second place was awarded to Lord Nelson, owned by Renee Gruenthal and ridden by Leah Rodman of Miami, Florida, who earned a combined first and second round score of 168.5 points. With a combined score of 168 points, third place honors were awarded to Braemer Road’s Midnight Hour, ridden by Emma Wilson of Savannah, Georgia. Fourth place was awarded to Ruth Bley’s Casanova M, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, after earning a combined score of 160 points. Valentine, owned by Wendy Arndt and ridden by Liddy Strickland of McDonough, Georgia, received a combined score of 159.5 points and was awarded fifth place overall. For complete results, click here.
Next week Friday’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby will be followed by the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, scheduled to take place in the Olympic arena under the lights. Make sure to reserve your VIP table now since it is always in high demand! For those who fly charter, you are invited to sit at the Apollo Jets table, compliments of Brian Hillen. Simply contact Brian at bhillen@apollojets.com or call him at 908.307.1822 in order to reserve your seat! Otherwise, be sure to reach out to jonathan@classiccompany.com to order your table. Prices are only $300 for a table of eight and include two bottles of wine.
The 20th anniversary show of the Atlanta Fall Classic kicked off at the Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympic Games, on Wednesday. There are few stalls available, so if you haven’t sent your entries in yet, call the office at 843.768.5503 or email jonathan@classiccompany.com to reserve your stalls now. Then enter online at horseshowsonline.com and remove the hassle from filling out entries!
The Remaining Schedule:
Saturday: $10,000 Barry Lane Classic
Saturday: $35,000 Atlanta Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
Sunday: $10,000 Barry Lane Classic
Week II:
Zone 4 Finals All Week!
Thursday: $7,500 Nalley Toyota Stonecrest Open Welcome
Friday: EMO Equitation Classic Finals
Friday: $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Friday: Hunter Breeding Classes – double judged
Friday evening: $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Saturday: $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic
Saturday: $35,000 Atlanta Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
Sunday: Circuit Awards, presented by Practical Horseman
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 lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
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
Paternoster and Zonneglans had their winning comeback ride yesterday in the $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome.
Gemma Paternoster, formerly of the United Kingdom and now from Wellington, Florida, had an amazing comeback ride in yesterday’s $7,500 Horseflight Open Welcome. The Atlanta Fall Classics is her first show back after having broken her shin bone in a kite boarding accident last August, which resulted in a ten week break from competing and titanium in her leg. “Today was great! Even though we had a few funny things going on with the sponge padding on my knee and it’s still a little painful,” she said.
Twenty-one horses took to the course designed by International Course Designer, Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico, former Assistant Designer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing in 2008. The first round time allowed was set at 90 seconds and only 8 advanced to the second round.
Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky and Hester Equestrian’s Wender turned in the first clear round in a time of 79.781 seconds and a clean second round effort in 44.574 seconds, well within the 57 seconds time allowed.
Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and Lionshare Farm’s Creative was the next pair to turn in a clear first round in a time of 84.842 seconds. Their second round effort in a time of 45.935 seconds would see the pair finish in seventh overall.
Next to go was Gemma Paternoster in the irons of her own Osiris. “I was planning on sending him [Osiris] back to England last August to retire, but after I broke my shin bone, I knew I would need him to get my confidence back. He was integral to my rehabilitation in the saddle,” she said. “He is usually a feisty horse but he has been very soft and gentle with me,” she added. “I rode him first so I could get my confidence and ride Zonneglans faster,” she added. “This will be Osiris’ last horse show and he is heading back to England later this month,” she said. The pair turned in a clean first round in a time of 87.707 seconds and second round in a time of 47.205 seconds, finishing in eighth place overall.
Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Missy Nolan’s Specialized followed Paternoster and turned in a clean first round in 86.214 seconds. Their second round effort in a time of 44.361 seconds put them in the lead ahead of Hester.
Leander, owned by Honorway Farm, LLC and piloted by Leana Kelly of Valatie, New York, was the next clean first round in a time 85.005 seconds and the fastest second round effort at this point in the class in 43.776 seconds.
Laura Linback of Morriston, Florida aboard Woodrun Farm, LLC’s HH Dauphin was the next to go clear in a first round effort of 85.111 seconds. Linback gave Kelly and Leander a run for the lead, but their second round effort in a time of 43.588 seconds was not fast enough to edge ahead and would finish in second place overall.
Paternoster was next to go in the irons of her own Zonneglans. “The course was fast and Laura, Leana and Tim had their feet to the floor. Dolly [Zonneglans] is so incredibly well balanced and I just left her alone and let her gallop,” said Paternoster. The pair turned in a clean first round effort in 84.658 seconds and a second round in a time of 42.441 seconds taking the lead. “The jump off round really played to her hand,” she added.
KM Corfina, owned by KM Farms and ridden by David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee, was the next pair to turn in a clear first round effort in a time of 81.370 seconds. A rail in their second round in a time of 44.051 seconds would see the pair finish in ninth overall.
Hester returned with Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Clueless P for the final clear round in the class in a time of 80.633 seconds. However, their second round in 44.155 seconds was not fast enough to beat Paternoster and Zonneglans’ time and would find themselves in the fourth place position overall.
“Zara Kelly and the International Riding Academy did a great job caring for Osiris and Zonneglans while I was recovering from my accident. And Philip Hodgson was with me the entire time from surgery to learning to walk again in October. It was a hell of a six weeks and I can’t thank these people enough,” said Paternoster.
Horseflight is the Official Equine Air Transportation Company of the Classic Company. As a leader in international horse transport with locations in Greifswald, Germany, Califon, New Jersey, Ocala, Florida and Houston, Texas, with branches in Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California, Horseflight coordinates imports or exports anywhere in the world! With weekly flights to and from Europe, as well as the continental United States, Horseflight prides itself on transporting the competitive horse world, one flight at a time!
The Classic Company’s 20th Anniversary at the Georgia International Horse Park kicked off Wednesday and the action has been nonstop!
The upcoming schedule includes today’s $5,000 Barry Lane Classic, Hunter Breeding classes, the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and the National Classic Equitation Finals. Tomorrow the $10,000 Barry Lane Classic and the $35,000 Classic Company Grand Prix, presented by EMO, take the center stage and Sunday’s $10,000 Barry Lane Classic wraps up the highlights for Week I.
Week II features Zone 4 Finals all week! And…
Thursday: $7,500 Nalley Stonecrest Toyota Open Welcome
Friday: EMO Equitation Classic Finals
Friday: $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Friday: Hunter Breeding Classes – double judged
Friday evening: $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Saturday $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic
Saturday $35,000 Atlanta Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
Sunday: Circuit Awards, presented by Practical Horseman
Some stalls are still available so call the office at 843.768.5503 or email jonathan@classiccompany.com to reserve your stalls now. Then enter online at horseshowsonline.com and remove the hassle from filling out entries!
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 lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
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
