The Carriage Pleasure Drive, or Carriage Marathon as many may call it, is one of the most anticipated events during the Devon Horse Show. The much anticipated event took place on Sunday, May 24 from 12-2 p.m. This year the carriages met on the Devon Grounds and proceeded on a route through residential neighborhoods in Devon. They were judged for the condition of the horses and ponies, the soundness of the wind and limb and complete turnout. The term ‘complete turnout’ is a special phrase used to evaluate the overall picture of the horses, carriage, harness and attendants. There are specific guidelines as to how the attendants must dress. They are also expected to sit erect, and the women should have a blanket over their legs. The route itself cannot take any longer than 40 minutes to finish.
Once they depart the Dixon Oval, the single, pair and four-in-hand carriages and coaches began their progress to Leopard Lakes, passing groups, small and large, who waved and cheered them on. Several neighborhoods made it quite an event with sumptuous spreads laid out under tents on the lawn. Upon their return to the Devon, they carriages again entered the Dixon Oval for a second round of judging where a large crowd had assembled and loudly cheered for their favorites. Finally, the ribbons were awarded for best turnout in each class.
Exhibitors for the Carriage Pleasure Drive come as far as California, the Midwest, Florida and New England to partake in this elaborate event. Jamie O’Rourke has had an entry in the marathon since 1968. “I grew up in Long Island, New York, and I moved down here about 25 years ago. My mother’s family has been showing at the Devon Horse Show since the 1940s. My aunt’s family was among the founders in 1896. I guess you could say we’ve had some involvement for a period of time.”
The carriages are prized possessions themselves and are built anywhere from 1890 to 1910. They are in spectacular condition and have been built by the best makers in the country – Brewster and also Studabaker, who also built cars for a time. “These carriages were properly equipped with large luncheon boxes so you could serve your champagne and eat lunch along your trip. The men wear top hats, and the women are dressed elegantly. It’s a throwback to a bygone era,” said O’Rourke.
Laurie Wightman for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Hannah Dodd will be going home from the Devon Horse Show with much more than prize from the country fair and the famous Devon fudge. Competing at the historic event for the first time at just 13 years old, Dodd piloted her talented mount Blink of an Eye to the Pony Jumper Championship after winning the $2,500 Pony Jumper Classic.
Sixteen ponies competed in the Dixon Oval during Sunday night’s highlight event, and five advanced to the jump-off with clear efforts over the first course. Maya Lovdal was the first to return with Miracles Happen, but a rail at one of the tall verticals incurred four faults in 35.389 seconds, which would only be good enough for fifth place.
Elizabeth McDougald was the pathfinder during the tiebreaker, clearing the short course in a time of 34.143 seconds with Knock My Sox Off. Emily Schnebel tried to catch McDougald with Suspicious Minds, but as she raced to the last fence it hit the ground for a four-fault effort in 33.673 seconds for fourth place.
Prima Rose Bonaventura also tried to beat McDougald aboard Just One Look, and while the pair had the time, a rail at the double combination cost them four faults. Their time of 33.122 seconds would be good enough for the third place award.
It was the last in the class that would prove to be the best of the night. Hannah Dodd picked up a quick gallop to the first fence with Blink of an Eye and never held back. Slicing the fences and sharply cutting the turns, the duo raced over the final obstacle in a time of 33.792 seconds to take home the victory over McDougald.
“I think a lot of my time gets shaved off because I land and I try to go out as fast as I possibly can,” said Dodd. “I try to keep my momentum through the turns too. I work a lot on trying to control him while still going quickly. I thought the courses were really nice here.”
With Sunday night’s victory and a sixth place ribbon earlier in the day, Dodd and Blink of an Eye captured the division’s championship award, while McDougald and Knock My Sox Off’s second place finish paired with a win on Saturday earned them the reserve championship.
Dodd’s skillful ride with Blink of an Eye not only helped them win the Pony Jumper Championship, but they were also presented with the Pony Jumper Style Award sponsored by Kathryn Lily Equestrian, given to the pony jumper rider who exhibits the best classic jumper style of riding.
“This is my first time at Devon,” expressed Dodd. “I thought the show is really nice. I love the footing. I love everything about it like the location and all of the people here. Everyone’s been very nice.”
Dodd has been riding Blink of an Eye for two years and hopes to compete with him at the U.S. Pony Finals later this year at the Kentucky Horse Park. “He’s very funny,” she laughed. “We call him a drama pony, because he likes to throw little dramas all the time. He likes to flick his head overdramatically a lot.”
Dodd concluded, “I’ve always been really into my horses and try to give them lots of love and support for how much they’ve done for me.”
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will continue on Monday with the NAL Adult Jumper Classic taking center stage in the evening. For more information about the show and complete results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.org.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Todd Draheim and Misdee Wrigley Miller’s four-in-hand team.
Every Sunday before Memorial Day spectators line the streets surrounding the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for one of the great Devon traditions: the Carriage Pleasure Drive, also known as the Carriage Marathon. Started in 1966, the carriage marathon is an integral part of the Devon Horse Show’s long history, and on Sunday afternoon, Todd Draheim and Misdee Wrigley Miller and James Miller’s four-in-hand team of horses drove their way into the show’s history books.
The team of bay Dutch Harness horses, owned by Misdee and James Miller’s Hillcroft Farm and driven by horseman Todd Draheim, was named the top team in the Unicorns and Four-In-Hand class for horses before returning for the championship drive-off. From among all of the day’s class winners, the team then received the Robert & Virginia Weaver Challenge Trophy as the overall best turned out team.
“What is so neat about the driving sport is that there’s so much tradition, especially here at the Devon Horse Show,” Draheim said. “It’s the best of the best. Just as it says over the ring, it’s ‘where champions meet.'”
The four-in-hand team driven on Sunday by Draheim is driven by Wrigley Miller throughout the United States and Canada and regularly prepared for the ring by Draheim. As the team’s horseman, Draheim ensures that the horses, harness and carriage are all in pristine condition, as was evident on Sunday.
The Millers’ Hillcroft Farm team was selected as the best of the day by judges Steve Holm and Sir John Richards who each bring to the Devon Horse Show lengthy driving histories of their own.
Hailing from England, Richards has been driving for 45 years, competing for Great Britain at the FEI level and serving as the chairman of the British Driving Society. Richards is also a two-time winner at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the publisher of Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh’s, book on carriage driving.
Holm also has an impressive record in the sport: he has won championships at the Royal Winter Fair, the National Horse Show, Walnut Hill, the Kentucky State Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair. He is a master evaluator for the Carriage Association of America’s Driving Proficiency Program and a board member and past vice president of the Carriage Association of America.
For Holm, the Devon Horse Show has played a significant part in his life. Teams trained by Holm have won the coaching championship at Devon a record 11 times. Those teams have also retired every trophy in the Devon coaching division, several of them twice. Additionally, Holm has trained the Carriage Pleasure Drive marathon champions seven times.
“I have shown here and participated at the Devon Horse Show for the past 42 years,” Holm said. “I also met my wife here 30 years ago so there are a lot of things in my life that have happened at Devon.”
Like Holm, countless Devon Horse Show exhibitors have held the show near and dear as a part of their lives for decades. Among them are Lore Homer and Mary Stokes Waller.
Lore Homer
Homer was Sunday afternoon’s winner of the Single Harness Four-Wheeled Vehicles class for horses, and this year marks her 50th year competing at the Devon Horse Show.
“This is the greatest show there is as far as I’m concerned. I just adore this show,” said Homer, age 85, who drove the Brewster Lady’s Phaeten alongside her husband, Bernard Homer, age 86.
Waller first began competing at Devon in the junior hunters more than four decades ago and now returns each year to compete in carriage driving.
“There is no other place on earth like Devon. It has always been the most special of horse shows,” Waller said. “The fudge is still good. The teacakes or tea sandwiches are still good. The ice cream is great, and the line is always way too long, and Devon is Devon. I think you come here because it is Memorial Day and there is no other place you want to or should be.”
This year, Waller earned the victory in the Double Harness-Pairs-Tandem class for ponies and her husband, Harvey Waller, won that class in the horse division. Mary Stokes Waller was then presented with the Susie S. Buchanan Perpetual Trophy, the carriage marathon amateur whip award presented to the amateur whip who most exemplifies the traditions of carriage driving at the highest level.
In the Single Harness Two Wheeled Vehicles class for horses, the win went to Rachel Shoemaker, driving the Willisbrook Rally Cart.
“I have to say that this is one of the most exciting moments of my life. I bred this mare, and I raised her. I trained her. We’ve been doing this for a few years now. It is just the most exciting moment. I can’t even tell you,” said Shoemaker, whose family has been showing at Devon for five generations. “Ever since I was little we would come here and watch the marathon. I just always thought it was the coolest thing.”
Other class winners on Sunday afternoon in the pony division included Nicole Cable in the Single Harness Two-Wheeled Vehicles, Tara Miliziano-Crowley in the Single Harness Four-Wheeled Vehicles, Lisa Knox in the Unicorns and Four-In-Hand. Roberta Odell won the Light Commercial and Farmers class driving the Odell Popcorn Wagon.
Driving at the Devon Horse Show continues Monday evening with the Horse Pairs Pleasure Turnout beginning at 4:40 p.m.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Megan McCann and First Look Receive Champion Honors in Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Division
Mill Spring, NC — May 24, 2015 – Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and the feisty bay mare Qurint, owned by the Waters family, took home top honors in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on the last day of competition of Tryon Spring 6 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo bested the class of 15 entries to cap an impressive run at the 2015 Tryon Spring Series. Tryon Spring 7 begins on Wednesday, May 27, and the entire series will conclude on June 7.
Waters and Qurint dashed around the jump-off round, completing the track over three seconds faster than Bryn Sadler and Mullentine Imperial, who finished in second. Waters and Qurint also placed second in the $1,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner class earlier in the week.
“She’s an incredible mare. She’s just so easy. I know I don’t need to be worried when I’m out there with her because she stays with me throughout the entire course,” said Waters. “It feels really exciting to win this class. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m so thankful that they’re offering this class to us at this show.”
The duo has a great relationship and Waters says that Qurint is a barn favorite, mostly due to her sweet personality and laid back demeanor.
“She’s not mare-ish at all. She loves people and always wants to please. We get along really well, and we have a great sense of trust between us,” explained Waters. “She’s been a great ride for me this far, and she’s been so easy. I’m looking forward to our future together.”
Waters has had a busy few weeks at TIEC, riding several different horses to top place finishes. A top rider in the making, Waters continues to prove she has what it takes to excel in the major arenas of the sport.
“The courses this week were similar in a lot of ways, which made it easy to translate things from course to course. I was worried about the last line when I walked it before the class and knew that I needed to focus on it when I was riding,” she said. “I was able to ride a few of the lines in earlier classes, which was a big help but mostly I was just concerned with how they would ride with her.”
Aside from the duo’s great finish today, Waters also piloted two horses around last night’s course in the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix. The big classes provided Waters with valuable experience that she will continue to use throughout her career. Waters finished in 13th aboard Fine Fleur and 25th aboard Coralina.
“Last night was nerve-wracking for me. There were a lot of people here and under the lights can be really tough. It had very straight lines and was very cornered which is almost always a difficult ride,” she said. “I was really worried about the skinny when I walked it, but it ended up riding well. I was really happy to be a part of a class like that.”
Waters will take her talents to Devon Horse Show and Upperville next before a hopeful return to TIEC for the Summer Series this July. Attending North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY later in the summer has been a longtime goal for Waters and she will have a full show schedule in the coming weeks as she prepares for a competitive summer season.
“I really would like to make sure this is a show we add to our schedule every year. We’ve had a great time here, and I love it. My horses have performed great, and it’s been a highlight so far for us this season,” commented Waters. “I am aiming for Young Riders with Qurint in July and our fall schedule is somewhat up in the air so we’ll end up playing it by ear. I like this horse show a lot though, so it’s something I’m looking forward to coming back to.”
Megan McCann and First Look Top Competitive Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Division
Megan McCann of Wrightsville, PA and First Look, lovingly known as “Arthur” around the barn, collected championship honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division at Tryon Spring 6.
The duo had a spectacular week, placing no lower than fourth throughout their competition in the hunter ring. McCann has been riding Arthur, owned by her sister Laura Flanagan, for the past year, and has really hit her stride with the big bay gelding.
Megan McCann and First Look
“It was our first time showing so far this season at TIEC, and it was a really great show for us. The grounds were absolutely stunning, the footing was perfect and everything was immaculate. Arthur was just awesome too. He felt very relaxed all week and very much in his element,” said McCann. “I took over the ride on him a year and a half ago after my sister had her baby, and it’s been great for both of us. I train with Kitty and Johnny Barker, which is who we bought him from a few years ago when they imported him. He’s become a member of the family now.”
The duo collected several wins during their week, but will slow down their competition schedule this summer as McCann prepares to tie the knot in the beginning of August.
“I’m getting married in August, so we decided to aim for a little bit of a quieter summer show schedule this year,” she explained. “We’ve had a great year so far, and he has continued to step up to the plate. At our last show in Florida he was the circuit reserve champion, and I couldn’t be happier with how he went for me this week. It was a just overall a great show for us.”
For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade Ride to Victory in Ariat Adult Medal
Mill Spring, NC – May 23, 2015 – Candice King of Wellington, FL and Valinski S brought home another victory at Tryon Spring 6 for Wyndmont, Inc. and trainer Ronnie Beard, this time topping the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix under the lights in George H. Morris Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). King and Angel Karolyi (VEN) were the only two riders to advance to the jump-off, going head to head for the victory. Tryon Spring 6 concludes tomorrow May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will continue through June 7.
King and Valinski S made headlines with their previous win this past week in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.45m Welcome Stake, only the third time King had sat on the 2002 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Nijinski x Rockina. The win today marks their fourth class together and the pair hasn’t placed outside of the top ten in their partnership thus far. The duo finished their first trip in 79.68 seconds and completed the jump-off in 50.705 to take the victory.
“I’m so thrilled with him. He’s been absolutely great. This is another great step in the partnership we’re creating with him,” said King. “We’ve got to discuss where we want to go but we do have plans for the next few weeks with him.”
The course designed by Florencio Hernandez (MEX) proved difficult for most riders as only two of 28 entries moved forward to the jump-off. The time allowed was adjusted to 82 seconds after the first three trips of the class, which challenged riders even more.
“Today’s course was very technical. It walked almost like it was a graph sheet, just very cornered and square. There wasn’t anything on a bending line so it was very straight and there were very few angles,” said King. “Today was definitely much more technical and the course wasn’t so big per say but there were some very scopey questions. Where and how Florencio set the distances made it ride so scopey which is why I think it was so difficult.”
Several fences proved tough for riders, most notably 10B, the second element in a tight one-strided line. The combination was the biggest test on course for riders and it drew significant attention during the course walk.
“There were a few combinations that I knew were going to be really tough. Fence 4, the plank fence, to the big oxer at Fence 5 caught a few and then also Fence 9 out of the corner because it was right towards the in gate and gave them a chance to bulge,” explained King. “I knew though that 10AB was the biggest question on the course and for me when I walked with some of my students and friends I said you have to line that up and get extremely straight and help your horses out because it was quite wide. It walked a little easy and then it was quite wide out.”
King was thrilled with her two rounds aboard Valinski S, as he was attentive and focused throughout the night in a large and intense atmosphere. The duo went first in the jump-off, putting the pressure on Karolyi and Raylyn Farm’s Venus, who ultimately dropped a rail to finish second. As for their future together, it is still undecided but the duo will contest the FEI CSI3* competition next week at Tryon Spring 7 and the CSI4* competition at Tryon Spring 8.
“You know I stepped in, as I said, for Michael to help them out and they’re great friends of mine and I have a lot of belief in them and their system. We’re planning on next week for the CSI3* and the CSI4* the week after,” commented King. “I’ll have Kismet 50 coming in on the CSI4* week and Bugatti VDL too, so we’re going to be very busy in the next few weeks. It’s really nice going into these next two FEI weeks with three horses and I have to see with Ronnie and Michael as a partnership where we’re going with everything, but he’s been fabulous.”
King had her hands full with second ride of the night, Bellissimo LLC’s Bugatti VDL, who was excited by the atmosphere entering the arena. The pair put in a strong round, only to drop the last fence on course. The environment provided by the night classes at TIEC serve as great experience for not only veteran riders and combinations but for greener horses too, according to King.
“The opportunities here are really incredible for riders and their horses. You have a chance to gain experience on any type of ride and like tonight, I learned from my ride on Bugatti, which will be so beneficial moving forward in the coming weeks,” said King, “A venue like this perfect and I’m so pleased with how everything rode this week. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade Ride to Victory in Ariat Adult Medal
Corey McLaughlin of Atlanta, GA and her longtime partner Bit of Masquerade topped the Ariat Adult Medal class at Tryon Spring 6, adding another strong performance in the series this year. The duo has made great strides in their relationship the past few years, which has greatly contributed to their growing success in the Ariat Adult Medal and the Amateur Hunter 18-36 Divisions.
“When I got back to showing him we clicked so much better than we had in the beginning when we first got him and we’ve been doing great,” said McLaughlin. “He’s such a lovable guy; he always wants to give kisses and he’s been so consistent, which is why I’m thrilled with our performance today.”
Corey McLaughlin and Bit of Masquerade
McLaughlin has spent her first two years at University of Tennessee, competing with Craig Allen of Wayside Farm, and the rising junior will be making the transition to Colorado State University this year, taking Bit of Masquerade with her to continue competing on the West Coast.
“I won’t be riding for the school, but I plan on continuing to compete while I’m there. We’re hoping to find a barn close to campus so that we can pick up where we leave off here when I head to school,” explained McLaughlin. “Winning this class is such a highlight because we’ve worked so hard and been through so much, it makes everything worth it.”
Bit of Masquerade isn’t the only horse that McLaughlin has under her guidance, but he remains her most reliable mount and one of her favorites. The duo made easy work of the first round of the Ariat Adult Medal and rode a solid round in the test portion of the class to take the win. The duo received a 76 for their first trip around the course and sealed the deal with an almost perfect test round.
“It’s so nice to know that he’s always going to be so great for me. At the end of the day I know he always going to give me a good ride, just like he did today.” said McLaughlin.
For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Training a horse to compete at the highest levels of show jumping takes time, and Kelli Cruciotti’s patience with Zidante was rewarded in tonight’s highlight event. Taking three years to build up the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare’s confidence in the High Junior Jumpers paid off when they sped to victory in the Wigg’s Bar Challenge Trophy, sponsored by The Capital Grill King of Prussia, at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
Nine of the 25 entries cleared Paul Jewell’s first round track and returned for the tiebreaker, which included a sharp slice after the first fence, a double combination, and an inside turn to the final oxer.
Giavanna Rinaldi was the pathfinder with GPS Brilliant Disguise, breaking the beam in 30.548 seconds to set the pace, but her lead did not hold up for long when Daisy Farish pressed the gas aboard Triviant. The pair stopped the clock at 29.645 seconds. One round later, Madison Goetzmann slipped between them, showing Andretti to a clear effort in 30.395 seconds.
After seeing Rinaldi’s round, and knowing Farish beat it, Cruciotti knew that she had to go for it if she wanted to bring home the blue with Zidante. They sliced the second fence and did a quick turn back to the third obstacle before slipping inside after the combination to make their way to the final oxer. The duo galloped through the timers in 28.966 seconds to win the class, while Farish settled for second, followed by Goetzmann and Rinaldi, respectively.
“It was the fastest I have ever gone for sure,” expressed Cruciotti. “She’s a naturally really fast horse, so I was able to use her natural way of going to really benefit me around the whole course. I didn’t get to watch Daisy go, but I know she is crazy fast on that horse, so I just had to try and let Zidante figure it out, and she really came through for me.”
Zidante came through because Cruciotti took her time building the horse up to this level. After purchasing her three years ago, Cruciotti slowly started her in the Junior Jumpers.
“Zidante had not jumped at the High Junior level, so we were slow with her and we built her up,” she explained. “We have been going up and down. We would do it, but she’s really careful, so we would drop her back down, build her confidence, and then do it again. This year is the first year we have consistently been at this level.”
This was the perfect year for Zidante to come into her own, as 17-year-old Cruciotti is enjoying her last junior year. She does not plan to let her career in the sport slow down.
“I am hoping it’s a stepping-stone to the next level,” said Cruciotti. “I am really excited to see what the future holds and I can’t thank my team enough. It’s unbelievable to win a class at such a prestigious show like this – so many other people have won and started here.”
Tomorrow night, Cruciotti and Zidante will return for the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic, and she concluded, “Zidante is here to win!”
Earlier in the day, the Junior Jumpers had their first turn in the ring during The Flight Cup, sponsored by the Courtyard Marriott. Featuring two double combinations and a liverpool vertical, the inviting track saw 14 of the 26 entries finish without error.
Today’s winner of the R. W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship, Hunter Holloway, was the first to break the 53-second mark, clearing the course in 52.612 seconds with I Love Lucy to set the pace to beat. Five rounds later, Madison Goetzmann jumped to the top of the leader board with Andretti, finishing in 52.181.
McKayla Langmeier and Promised Land
Despite two riders finishing in less than 53 seconds, it was the veteran mount Promised Land that showed the competition how it’s done. At 21 years old, the Holsteiner gelding has made many trips to the Devon Horse Show, and today it was with McKayla Langmeier in the irons. The pair easily jumped over each fence, and without looking rushed, they broke the beam in 51.212 seconds to take a one-second lead in the event.
The only other rider to come close to catching the time of Langmeier and Promised Land was the last in the class. Katherine Strauss also broke the 52-second mark with All In, finishing the course in a clear 51.965 seconds, which would be good enough for second place. Langmeier led the victory gallop, while Goetzmann finished third and Holloway rounded out the top four.
Although Langmeier only began riding Promised Land at the beginning of the year, she was confident with her experienced mount.
“He’s probably been here the most out of any horse, so he probably knew the course and the turns where you could make up the time,” she laughed. “He’s just so awesome. He knew that it was an important event and he went for it! This is the first big event I have done with him, and he was wild.”
Langmeier and Promised Land will also be back in the Dixon Oval tomorrow night to compete in the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic. At the end of the night, the Junior Jumper Champion and Leading Junior Jumper Rider will be named, and the Shalanno Style of Riding Award will also be presented.
For more information about the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, please visit www.devonhorseshow.net.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
The R. W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Challenge Trophy is presented each year to the junior rider who shows the most consistency throughout the two days and four equitation classes of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The 2015 winner, Hunter Holloway, and her mount Any Given Sunday have proven that consistency time and again across the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions.
On Friday morning at the Devon Horse Show, Holloway, from Topeka, Kansas, rode to victory in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Section C. That win, coupled with first place finishes in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase Section A and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section C and a third place finish in the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent on Thursday, culminated with the Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship title.
“It’s very exciting,” said Holloway. “It’s such an honor to win at such a prestigious show as this horse show is. To have such an amazing horse and team behind me is just unbelievable.”
For Holloway, this marks her third year at the Devon Horse Show, the same horse show where she last year rode to both the Small and Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championships and the Overall Small Junior Hunter Championship, again spotlighting her consistency and ability across disciplines.
Similarly, her mount Any Given Sunday has proven successful in the hunter ring, in the grand prix jumper arena, and, most recently, in the highest levels of equitation competition. Having competed “Sunny” in all three areas, Holloway knows the horse’s ins and outs, and the pair makes the perfect team.
“It’s nice because I’m so confident on him,” Holloway said. “We know each other so well. We’re used to jumping a lot bigger tracks together, so I think for both of us when we walk into this – and he’s such a confident horse on his own – it’s a confidence boost for me to know that he can definitely do this. There’s no reason that I can’t do this too. He’s such an amazing horse all-around, and to be able to ride such a horse is an honor.”
Being successful at the Devon Horse Show requires more than just a talented horse and rider – it takes a village. Holloway counts herself as lucky to have the support of her parents, Brandi Holloway and Larry Ellerman, and trainer Don Stewart.
“It’s nice for me to take the credit because I really don’t have to do anything,” joked Stewart, who trains Hunter Holloway alongside Brandi Holloway. “Having my own daughter, I know what it’s like working with your own child. You have to get somebody else in there.”
At home, Hunter Holloway trains with her mom at their Equi-Venture Farm, meeting up with Stewart prior to horse shows.
“At home, Hunter loves flatwork, and she’ll flat all the time. The week before a show, I’ll remind her, ‘Okay, Hunter. We have to jump and get those jumping muscles going on the horse,'” Brandi Holloway said. “I think it’s a little bit unique for a young kid because I know that every time I rode a horse I had to jump something when I was little. Whatever it was, I had to go jump. We just try to keep it very disciplined but as relaxed as I can be. I’m wired, so Don calms that down.”
“[Hunter and Brandi] are very disciplined,” Ellerman said. “We have a bit of everything at the house. We breed. We have young ones. We buy investment horses. There are 50 at home, and there are three or four riding all of them. So Hunter, she’ll get on the 3- and 4-year-olds at home, and they can’t jump. They have to do the discipline work. They have to learn to do everything on the flat.”
All of her hard work and dedication at home shines through in the show ring and helps contribute to her calm and confident demeanor at horse shows.
“It’s hard to get a junior with that much depth,” Stewart said. “She’s got so much depth in her riding. She’s got the feel, and she has the timing. The rest of it is easy for her. She really looks to do just what you tell her. She’s a top, top student as far as that goes.”
Ellerman added, “I don’t know many kids that can walk in [like Hunter does]. We’re getting ready to do the [HITS Great American $1 Million Grand Prix] and she’s maybe 8 or 9 people out. She’s playing Candy Crush at the in-gate. It doesn’t affect her. There’s not pressure. It’s just all she knows.”
Hunter Holloway finished the two days of equitation competition with 25 total points. Not far behind her, in a three-way tie at 19 points, were Virginia Ingram, McKayla Langmeier, and Ali Tritschler.
Ali Tritschler and Helio Rouge
Tritschler, who trains with Norfield Stables LLC, topped the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Section A on Friday morning after having also earned an impressive victory in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase Section B and a second place finish in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section A.
“Devon is such a special place and a special town, and it’s just a new set of pressures. The pressure does not get in the way of her performance,” trainer Timmy Kees said of Tritschler. “In my opinion, the special kids do that well. They don’t fold under pressure; they rise up to another level. It’s fun to watch and great to be a part of it.”
Tritschler concluded, “I feel really good. I was second in the Medal last year and the year before, but I’ve never been this consistent at Devon before. It was just really nice to be that consistent and have the judges show that consistency in my results.”
Competition for the junior riders continues at the Devon Horse Show on Saturday morning with the Junior Hunters beginning at 8 a.m. For the full schedule and horse show results, visit www.devonhorseshow.net.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Maryann Charles and FVF Sailorman Are Champions in $3,000 Animo 1.20m Open Jumper Division
Mill Spring, NC – May 22, 2015 – Donald Sheehan of Maryville, TN rode two spectacular rounds aboard EHM Equestrian LLC’s Kenan to take the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on the third day of competition at Tryon Spring 6. The duo received a total score of 170, which earned them the win in the class of 19. Daniel Geitner of Aiken, SC and Select finished in second with a total score of 169, and Elizabeth McKim of Knoxville, TN rounded out the top three aboard Quintessential with a score of 162. Tryon Spring 6 continues with competition through Sunday, May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will conclude on June 7.
Sheehan and the 2008 Holsteiner gelding have been partnered for less than a year and the gelding continues to show Sheehan he has all of the capability in the world to be competitive at the highest levels in the hunter and equitation arenas.
“We imported him last July and played with him a little bit in the hunters and did some 3’3 classes last fall with him, then gave him a vacation over the winter before legging him back up in Florida,” said Sheehan. “We did the 3’3 Pre-Greens down there to finish off the season and we’re looking forward to doing the Pre-Green Incentive program with him, so he’s entered in that as well.”
The flashy bay gelding draws attention as soon as he enters the ring and his workman-like attitude has made him a favorite in the barn.
“He also does the Taylor Harris Medal classes with his owner and the 3′ equitation classes. He really is a jack-of-all-trades, which is so valuable,” continued Sheehan. “This was only his second derby. We did the one in Aiken, SC, another national class, and he’s been really fun. He’s a great horse. He tries hard, and he seems to really enjoy what he’s doing.”
There’s a lot to love about the chrome-heavy Kenan, but what drew them to him in Europe was his elasticity. The purchase came with hopes of continuing his career as an equitation horse for the future and when he landed in the States, it was decided that competing in the hunter ring would be beneficial for him.
“We originally had planned to do the hunters to help him grow up a little bit, but when he got here we realized that he was much more mature than we had expected. I think we’re still going in that equitation direction, but he will definitely continue to do the derby classes,” he said. “I would love to do the International Derbies with him, and he’ll stay in the hunters and do both for the time being.”
Sheehan will continue competing Kenan through the Tryon Spring 7 series and plans to come back to TIEC for the competitive fall season. TIEC is in relatively short distance to their home base in Knoxville, TN.
“We’re here for another week and then we’ll come back sometime later in the year, most likely the fall. We like coming here. It’s close, beautiful, and just so nice,” he commented. “The horses love it here, and they enjoy it. It was a really nice class, and it’s a great ring because it’s big enough to do different tracks. It’s a very pleasant atmosphere for everyone.”
Maryann Charles and FVF Sailorman Are Champions in $3,000 Animo® 1.20m Open Jumper Division
Maryann Charles of Southern Pines, NC and Fox View Farm’s FVF Sailorman performed consistently throughout the week at Tryon Spring 6 to take home championship honors in the $3,000 Animo® 1.20m Open Jumper Division. The duo placed fourth, second, and first, respectively, to take the division.
In the final class of the $3,000 Animo® 1.20 Open Jumper Division, which concluded today, Charles and FVF Sailorman put in a solid clear effort to take the speed class finishing nearly six seconds faster than the second place finishers Matt Martin and Proverbs 15. Charles and FVF Sailorman carefully dissected the course and managed to save every second possible, which ultimately would lead them to victory.
Maryann Charles and FVF Sailorman
The pair had an extremely successful 2014 season, winning the $25,000 Lexington Spring Premier Grand Prix and earning top finishes in the $25,000 Lexington Spring Encore Grand Prix, $50,000 Grand Prix of Roanoke, and the $40,000 Grand Prix in Culpeper, VA. The pair finished their round in 71.265 seconds for the win.
Matt Martin of Petersburg, TN and DC Sales & Entertainments, LLC’s Proverbs 15 finished in second completing the track in 77.34 with no faults. Juliana Thorbecke of Boyds, MD and Robyn Miles’ Ve Y Ve Notable took home third place going clear around the course in 85.607 seconds.
For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Lexington, VA – May 21, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced the U. S. eventing team for the 2015 Pan American Games on Wednesday, and this Friday through Sunday, three of those top eventing riders will head to the Virginia Horse Center for the Virginia Horse Trials. With free admission, local spectators have the rare opportunity to watch these Olympic-level riders right in their own backyard at no cost.
Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer and Marilyn Little have all been named to the team and all are scheduled to compete at the Virginia Horse Trials, to be held at the Horse Center on Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24. Also competing at the Virginia Horse Trials are team alternates Will Faudree and Michael Pollard.
The Virginia Horse Trials continually attract top riders from throughout North America for the CIC1* and CIC2* level competition, in addition to welcoming riders competing at all levels starting at Beginner Novice.
Dutton, a frequent attendee to the Virginia Horse Trials, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former winner of the renowned Rolex Kentucky CCI****. Faudree, Kieffer, Little and Pollard all share impressive accolades, having each secured victories at top events around the world.
Spectators wishing to watch the highest levels of competition this weekend can plan to attend from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday for the cross-country phase and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the show jumping phase.
To find out more about the Virginia Horse Trials, view a full list of entries for the weekend and see the complete schedule, please visit www.vahorsetrials.com.
The Virginia Horse Center is situated on a 573-acre site with eight barns to accommodate 750 horses in permanent stabling. Indoor stabling can be increased to 1,200 horses with the use of temporary stalls. The Virginia Horse Center hosts 19 show rings, including two large arenas and a five-mile Olympic cross-country course. Four of the Virginia Horse Center barns are winterized with close access to the 4,000 seat indoor coliseum. The Virginia Horse Center is recognized for the excellent footing of its show rings and the durable construction of the concrete stalls. The Virginia Horse Center also offers camping facilities and on-site food and beverage services. Find the Horse Center online at www.horsecenter.org.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Mill Spring, NC – May 21, 2016 – Candice King of Wellington, FL and Wyndmont Inc.’s Valinski S took home top honors in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.45m Welcome Stake today at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). This was the largest purse offered in the Suncast® Welcome Stake series so far this season and the class of 29 entries was one of the biggest classes the division has seen in the Tryon Spring Series. Tryon Spring 6 will continue with competition through Sunday, May 24, and the Tryon Spring Series will conclude on Sunday, June 7. The highlight class of the week, the second “Saturday Night Lights” event will take place Saturday, May 23, and will showcase the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix beginning at 6:30pm.
King and Valinski S rode a methodical and clean round in 68.828 seconds to move them forward to the 13-horse jump-off round. The jump-off did not see a double clear trip till nearly halfway through the order of go. The pressure was on, as King and her first mount, Zephyr, ran into trouble at the end of their ride, which led to elimination. King and Valinski S are beginning a very new partnership, as this is only the duo’s third class together.
“That class was a lot of fun. It’s only our third class together and honestly my third time ever sitting on him. Michael Dorman and Ronnie Beard asked me last week to help them out with him and Michael has been riding him in the days in between classes and in the morning. He has been doing an excellent job with him and it shows,” said King.
King and Valinski S bested a class of competitive riders preparing for the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix on Saturday. King and Valinski S will contest their second “Saturday Night Lights” competition of the season, looking to improve upon their fourth place finish last weekend.
“It’s my third course on him and I couldn’t be happier. I was double clean and we were fourth on Saturday night in the Grand Prix, so I was just thrilled,” she continued. “To go double clear again today is great and the horse is so talented. I’m looking forward to this weekend on him.”
The course, designed by Florencio Hernandez (MEX), proved difficult as rails were pulled throughout the course. King piloted both of her mounts through the first round of competition to the jump-off.
“I think Florencio did a beautiful job. I’ve jumped many courses of his and I think he’s very good at building a good course for what the competition is and it’s always strong enough but safe,” she said. “I walked it and there were some good questions and it was definitely strong enough for what the competitors were and you definitely had to ride.”
King will base herself at TIEC for the remainder of the summer and is looking forward to the many opportunities the facility has to offer riders and competitors of all levels.
“I lived in the Carolinas for a long time and loved it and we’ve always enjoyed being here. The people are great and it is just horse country. They’ve done a phenomenal job with this facility, you can’t knock anything,” commented King. “From the stabling to accessibility for the riders and the footing for the horses, all of the details are here so it’s been really exciting to be able to call this facility home.”
For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
