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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Alissa Kinsey Wins High Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Final Day of Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

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Alissa Kinsey and Grisset returned to the Fieldstone Show Park to defend their spring championship title in the High Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Photos by Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – June 23, 2013 – The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic came to a close today with its final jumper highlights of the week. Child and Adult Jumpers gathered at Jumper Ring 5 this morning to compete in their Jumper Classics. It was the returning champions, Alissa Kinsey and Grisset, who rode to the top of the High Child/Adult Jumper Classic with their speedy jump-off time of 32.323 seconds. Haley Cassidy and High Jynx led the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic from start to finish to lead the final day’s victory gallop.

Phil DeVita of Apopka, FL, designed a technical course today for the High Child/Adult jumpers. He used 13 efforts to test horse and rider alike, utilizing tight rollbacks, an oxer-vertical double combination, vertical-vertical combination and a vertical-oxer double combination. During the jump-off, riders began over the original three obstacles, an opening vertical and a right rollback to an oxer, as well as a bending line to an outside oxer. They then had to make up time during a left turn to the vertical-oxer double combination. Upon landing they had to make a hard right rollback to a new obstacle, a blue-and-white oxer and then turn right over the final yellow-and-blue oxer to cross the timers.

The High Child/Adult Jumper Classic saw 13 entrants contend for the top awards, but it came down to a six-horse jump-off. Although Alissa Kinsey and Grisset were the last to take on the track, they prevailed with a clean first round, as well as the quickest jump-off course. Kinsey has been riding Grisset for years, and their partnership was apparent in the ring. They took all inside turns, closed the time during the opening turn to the double combination, and completed the short course in 32.323 seconds.

“I haven’t done a whole lot since the show in May, but we did win a class in Saugerties. It was amazing she won even during the storm where all of the fences blew down. She felt good out there today. We could have gone even a little bit faster, but we will be back in August to defend our title,” Kinsey said. “She needs a very accurate stride with a strong leg and forward pace. She can go very fast, but she also has brakes that we can put on to collect.”

Hannah Janson and Quica, owned by Kimberley Janson of Berkley, MA, rode to the second fastest double-clear effort of the High Child/Adult Classic. They claimed the second place ribbon while Ava Stearns and Little Dancer, owned by Moda Equestre, taking the third place award.

Haley Cassidy and High Jynx led the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic
Haley Cassidy and High Jynx led the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic

Earlier in the morning, Haley Cassidy and High Jynx took control in the Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic. The pair only started working with one another a short while ago, but their accuracy was on point today as they posted two double-clear rounds, and they were the trailblazers with their jump-off time of 27.907 seconds.

“We imported him from Ireland, and I just got him earlier this year. This was our first year going for Pony Jumpers, and we actually qualified which was really exciting. We used today as a warm-up and practice for the approaching USEF Pony Finals in Kentucky,” Cassidy explained. “Today proved challenging, especially as a pony, and the first to go. We were going against horses, and although they have a bigger stride, he has a quicker turn. We really angled the turn to the second obstacle, and we locked on it and really shaved the seconds. It was a great course, and we had a great ride.”

Only eight riders were able to clear the first course of the Classic to take their try at the short course. Although many attempted to slice the turn from two to three, their times still proved too slow to undo Cassidy’s lead. It was Kinsey and Grisset who rode to the second place finish with a double-clear round in 27.948 seconds. Trading Spaces with Haley Anderson in the irons took the third place award with a final time of 29.541 seconds, also leaving all rails in place as they crossed the finish.

The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic came to a close today, but the August Summer Showcase is quickly approaching. The show will be held August 14-24 with two weeks of top tier competition at the Fieldstone Show Park. The competition is sure to be fierce as the spring and summer champions return to defend their titles, and newcomers rise to the challenge. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

What:
The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic includes five days of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic is host to the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:
PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER CLASSIC – June 19-23, 2013
$25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals:
No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:

Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200′x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Nicole Lyvere Off to Promising Start in 3’6″ Amateur Open Hunters at Summer in the Rockies III

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Nicole Lyvere and All In.

Parker, CO – June 22, 2013 – Nicole Lyvere and two of her talented hunters demonstrated that a new challenge can be just the ticket to inspire an outstanding performance. Lyvere rode Wink to two wins and All In to a third place finish in the 3’6″ Amateur Open Hunters not long after moving the two horses up from the 3’3″ division. Wink and All In also finished second and fourth, respectively, in the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic.

“They were both perfect today,” Lyvere said. “Both of them are finally growing up.” Wink, an 8-year-old warmblood, and All In, a 9-year-old Westphalian, looked like seasoned professionals as they tackled the courses.

Lyvere noted that Summer in the Rockies is Wink’s third show and All In’s second show since moving up in height. “They are both very scopey and very athletic, and they like to be challenged,” she said. “They get bored, so it’s been good for them to step up. They definitely jump better – they have to put more of an effort in. So it’s been good for them and good for me to have a bigger jump and a little bit more of a challenge.”

Lyvere thought the Scott Starnes-designed courses, particularly the handy, provided a good test for horse and rider. “I liked the handy,” she said. “It definitely wasn’t your normal handy. It definitely tested both the rider and the horse a little bit more with the bending lines.”

“The second bending line was pretty hard, especially for Wink,” she added. “He’s still a baby and he doesn’t like surprises at all, so the handy is usually our hardest round. You want to make it really tight and tidy and roll back. He’s getting better, but he still doesn’t like surprises right off the corner, so you can’t always take all the inside turns. You just have to make what you do tidier. But All In can go in there and he can do all the tight turns – he’ll just jump from anywhere.”

Nicole Lyvere and Wink
Nicole Lyvere and Wink

Lyvere trains with Cindy Cruciotti, who rode Wink and All In earlier in the week in the 3’6″ Performance Working Hunters. Cruciotti and Wink were champions of the division, and Cruciotti piloted another of Lyvere’s horses, Promo, to the reserve championship. Lyvere said she values Cruciotti’s emphasis on the fundamentals.

“She works a lot on flatwork and dressage, which helps,” Lyvere said. “All the trainers have always told me the jumps are only an interruption of your flatwork, which is true. A round is two minutes – you’re flatting for a minute and thirty seconds, and the jumps are only a fraction of it. Flatwork helps the horse jump better, get stronger, and get straighter. As long as you’re straight, the horse gets to the jump. She helps a lot with that.”

“She loves the horses and always wants the best for the horses, but still pushes the rider without pushing the horse too far,” Lyvere continued. “She prepares you so well for the shows. You’ve done much harder stuff at home.”

Lyvere, who balances her academics alongside riding and showing her string of horses, appreciates Cruciotti’s support. “She’s very good at helping me juggle both of them,” she said. “If I can’t make it out to ride, she’s very understanding.”

Lyvere and her horses have successfully stepped up into a new division, and other promising pairs are coming up the ranks in their footsteps. Caitlin Burns and a horse she purchased this winter, On the Money, are getting better each day they compete at Summer in the Rockies. Saturday’s showing was their most consistent yet: they scored a win in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 18-35 Hunter over fences class, took second place in the handy, and won the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic over a competitive field that included Lyvere’s two horses.

“Every course is a good learning experience,” Burns said. “I’m figuring out how to ride her better and get those good scores. So that’s the goal – just keep on plugging.”

She was happy with On the Money’s positive effort. “She was just really agreeable and fun to ride,” she said. “When you put it all together, it’s a really good feeling.”

Caitlin Burns and On the Money
Caitlin Burns and On the Money

Burns, who trains with Mark Mead, focused on keeping the pace steady throughout her courses. “She’s just one who would like to get a little speedy,” Burns said. “So I always think about places where I can slow down and get my good canter back, and not get talked into always accelerating.”

Page Tredennick, who notched a win over fences in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 36 & Over Hunters with Apricot Lane, shared Burns’ goal of improving and learning with each course. “The goal is to get better,” she said. “It’s nice to win, but my goal is really to try to improve each time and hopefully do better tomorrow than I did today.”

“My horse just turned 6 years old, so he’s a baby,” she went on. “He’s come a long way. I just got him. So we’re kind of creaking our way along, trying to get better and better each time. He’s a really sweet horse. I think he’ll make a beautiful 3’6″ horse, probably a very good first-year horse. He’s a nice mover and a very good jumper.”

Another top finisher in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 36 & Over Hunters was Elizabeth Hund with her own Timbuktu. The pair won the handy and was second to Tredennick in the first round. All Amateur Owner divisions return Sunday with the final classes to determine the championships.

After strong performances on Friday from several riders in the Junior Hunters, Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son put in impressive efforts on Saturday to come away with the championship. Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay took the reserve. Hauser and Calido’s Son won both of their classes and also took home the win in the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic.

“He was a little more up today than he was yesterday, but he was pretty good other than that,” Hauser said after her ride. Hauser and Calido’s Son are entered in Sunday’s $5,000 USHJA National Derby and then will head home for a well-deserved break after their many victories at the first weeks of Summer in the Rockies. They plan to return to the Colorado Horse Park later in the summer to continue honing their skills in the Junior Hunters.

“We’re coming back here in July, so we’ll go home for a couple weeks, rest, do a couple lessons, and then come back,” Hauser said, noting a main focus in her preparation at home has been finding a good pace. “We work on getting our pace right, to find the jumps more easily. That’s one of my main goals.”

Summer in the Rockies III concludes Sunday with a trio of hunter derbies: the $15,000 USHJA International Derby, the $5,000 USHJA National Derby and the $2,500 CHP Pony Hunter Derby. Riders are looking forward to testing themselves and their horses in the special format.

“I’ve found a big interest in the derbies,” Lyvere said. “It’s just so much fun. It’s so different than the hunter courses and asks so much more of the rider, and you get to compete against the top riders in the country. They’re definitely more challenging courses – they’re bigger and they have the 4′ options. It’s something new and the jumps are fun. I wish I could do one every day!”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

John Pearce and Chianto Make It Look Easy to Clinch the $30,000 Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix

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John Pearce and Johnny B Good. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Parker, CO – June 22, 2013 – A crowd of spectators gathered to watch spectacular show jumping at the much-anticipated $30,000 Nutrena Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park on a perfect Colorado Saturday afternoon.

In the first round of the event, 19 horse and rider combinations battled it out over international course designer Alan Wade’s track, attempting to progress to the jump-off round. Ten would make the cut.

“It was a build-up over the week,” said Wade about his strategy in creating the course. “In the Welcome we went up for the second round. We were a little bit bigger again today. Then, they went up again in the jump-off. It was more about show jumping than pure speed.”

“I try to give a balance so that you don’t just suit one horse,” Wade continued. “You try to suit the best overall combination of horse, rider, scope and nimbleness – that they’re able to turn left and right and that they’re able to move up across the ground. You just try to test everything.”

The first to go clear within the 89-second time allowed was John Pearce from Bermuda Dunes, CA, and Johnny B Good, owned by Forest View Farm.

Three more clean rounds in a row followed from Bryn Sadler and Showcase 81 LLC’s 18.2 hand grey Holsteiner, Cincinnati. Then, Mark Mead of Longmont, CO, and Balthazar, a Belgian Warmblood owned by Marianne Marshall, had a speedy clean round and Kristen VanderVeen from St Charles, IL, and Bull Run’s Eternal went fault-free. Caroline Beecherl from Dallas, TX, followed suit riding her own S&L Zeppelin.

A few rounds later Pearce returned on Chianto, who also advanced to the jump-off. The Danish Warmblood superstar with his own Facebook page is owned by Forest View Farm and has a list of wins as long as your arm.

The next clear round came from Matt Cyphert from Lantana, TX, aboard Lochivar, winner of the 1.40m Open Jumpers on the opening day of Summer in the Rockies III.

Sadler returned on her second mount, Bon Giorno, and earned another chance at the short course, as did Armando Hassey and Taggert Enterprise’s Eminem and Bjorn Ikast and the fabulous Colorado, owned by Bovee Limited Liability.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Eternal
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal

VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal were the first of the second-rounders to leave all the rails in their cups, stopping the timer at 44.665. The performance from VanderVeen, who has been a consistent winner at the Summer in the Rockies series, and the huge-strided Belgian Warmblood seemed improbable to beat.

Then Pearce came back for the jump-off round with his long-time partner, the 16-year-old Chianto. The pair effortlessly flew around the course, laying down a blazingly fast, clean round that timed out at 42.066, over two seconds ahead of VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal.

Pearce and VanderVeen’s jump-off rounds would produce the only double clears of the group. Pearce had the fastest four-fault time with Johnny B Good to earn the third place prize, while Cyphert and Lochivar placed fourth.

“I thought it was big, actually, but it rode nice,” said VanderVeen. “There wasn’t anything that trapped anyone. It was definitely a lot bigger than we’ve been jumping. My horse just did the Grand Prix last week and he didn’t do the Welcome again this week. So this was his first class out – so I thought, ‘I hope he’s on his A-game.’ He was. I’ll take second any day. We were double clean and that was what we’re shooting for.”

“I don’t want to run him too much over little jumps,” said Pearce about Chianto. “He doesn’t need to do that at this stage in his career. He’s pretty much a Sunday horse now. I did him in the Welcomes the first couple of weeks because he hadn’t jumped since Thermal – not a jump. I used those classes as a warm up. I don’t jump the horse at home anymore. I just keep him really fit and happy.”

John Pearce and Chianto
John Pearce and Chianto

“He’s a great horse,” Pearce shared. “Like I’ve said, he’s my Pegasus. I can’t count how many grand prix events he’s won for me. One of the reasons he’s so sound and so fresh is because I don’t go to the well with him. I don’t jump a 1.60m with him every weekend. At that age they can’t do that anymore. I would still take that horse right now and drop him at any competition in the world and feel very comfortable. That’s how much I think of this horse. He feels great and I feel blessed. This was a walk in the park for him. He was smooth as glass and flawless. He was beautiful to ride today.”

“We ran fast in the jump-off and the footing held up,” VanderVeen said. “The course designer this week has been really good about galloping and turning, not just one or the other. It has tested the footing. It’s held up fantastic.”

“I thought it was a good course,” Pearce said. “It was a little bigger. He built a very nice encouraging course the opening day for the Welcome – which I am a strong believer in – and built a lot of confidence in the horses and riders. He didn’t do anything too trappy – he had some subtle difficulties, no doubt. It kept it really fair for everyone.”

“I was very happy how it turned out,” said Wade. “It was fair to the less-experienced ones, those who were just having their first starts in grand prix. The better horse and rider combinations came to the top.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Michael Janson Wins the $10,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix at the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

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Michael Janson and Sangre Azul rode to the top of the $10,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix rankings. Photos by Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – June 22, 2013 – The Grand Prix field at the Fieldstone Show Park was immaculate as riders gathered this afternoon for the highly anticipated $10,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix. The arena was hot with competition for the fourth day of the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic. It came down to eight horses in the jump-off, all vying for the lion’s share of the prize money, as well as the deserved bragging rights. The talented 17-year-old Michael Janson rode to the top of the leader board with his blazing time and double-clear effort aboard Sangre Azul, becoming the pathfinder with his time of 36.847 seconds.

Phil DeVita of Apopka, FL designed an extensive course to challenge the exhibitors during the $10,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix today. He used 15 efforts in the first round including a vertical-vertical double combination, oxer-vertical double combination, vertical-oxer double combination, a liverpool and standalone obstacles. The course was difficult, although not overly technical as the riders had to complete the course in the time allowed of 88 seconds.

“I think with the group we had, I didn’t want to do anything very technical, so I built a serpentine course with only one related line that had a nice approach. I was able to put the fences a little bigger, but for me, I would rather build a less technical course a little bigger and let them jump a little more,” DeVita explained. “I was happy with how it went today; I don’t usually do anything too trappy or tricky, and I generally do three doubles, so the course was very much my style.”

It was the first horse to enter the ring, Japan, with Penny Brennan in the irons who set the pace and rode to the first clear effort of the day. A total of eight horses qualified for the jump-off course where they were asked to complete a serpentine of obstacles. Each consecutive rider took the seven obstacles with accuracy and time on their minds. They were allowed 50 seconds throughout the short track, where they began over the first three original obstacles: an opening oxer, multicolored vertical, and the Antares oxer. Upon landing from the third fence, they moved over obstacles 14a and b for a tight two-stride vertical-vertical combination. A right hand turn then brought the horse and rider combinations to the daunting penultimate oxer, where they landed and then raced to the finish where they would seal their position in the standings.

Brennan was the first to take on the jump-off course, and it seemed as though she had it with her speedy turns and quick-footed Japan; however, the back rail fell on the second to last oxer, opening the flood gates for the seven remaining competitors.

Michael Janson was the next to take on the track, and although his time of 36.847 seconds fell shy of Brennan’s time, he was able to leave all rails in place to become the leading rider. He sliced the turns and rounded the course with an effortless finesse as Sangre Azul took each fence. The crowd was aghast as he cleared the final oxer in 36.837 seconds. He and Sangre Azul, owned by Gladewinds Farm, Inc. of Wellington, FL, wore a target on their backs as each consecutive rider attempted to best their ride.

“He went fantastic out there, and now we are looking at Lake Placid. I couldn’t have asked Sangre to do more out there for me,” Janson explained. “The field was tough; Penny Brennan rides great and really put the pressure on me, but we all have our days.”

Janson continued, “He just needs a smooth ride; he is really geared for this field. I just need to let him gallop and stay out of his way. It took a few months for us to make this partnership really work, but now we understand one another really well.”

Gwen Goodwin and Fedel placed second
Gwen Goodwin and Fedel placed second

Gwen Goodwin and Fedel were the only other pair to post a double-clear effort. Goodwin took a more conservative approach to the jump-off, aiming for accuracy over speed. This was only the second time that Goodwin and Fedel have competed in a Grand Prix, but the pair wore their eventual second place ribbon proudly.

“This was a new experience for both of us; we are learning to close our hand and kick a little harder to get that higher jump; honestly, I thought I was going to get jumped off during the in-and-out,” Goodwin laughed. “He was super out there, and we are really working on consistency. Double-clean is a big deal for him – me too, but especially for him.”

The 16-year-old Swedish Warmblood, Fedel, did not have the easiest of beginnings. It was about three years ago that Goodwin visited Florida and saw the 13-year-old horse in the pasture after a rough colic surgery. Goodwin described the moment she saw him in rehab in the field as the moment she fell in love. Time brought the two of them back together only a year ago, and today they showed how far their partnership has taken them.

“I honestly feel like our partnership is an entirely God-given thing. There was something about him from the beginning; I always knew I wanted to try with him. He has been a blessing,” Goodwin explained.

Brennan returned to the jump-off course with Sun Tzu, the winner of May’s $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix. The chestnut’s open stride covered the ground easily, and it was apparent that the duo had all the skill to take the win again. It was the third obstacle of the course this time that fell to the ground with a heartbreaking thud. It was their time of 35.264 seconds that won them the third place award.

Michael Janson rode proudly to the center of the arena to pose for the presentation photo, and the 17-year-old was nothing but smiles as he prepared to lead the victory gallop. Janson has been riding with trainer David Oliynk for nearly 10 years, and today Oliynk stood ringside as he cheered his student on.

“I think you always get a bit nervous when your students and horses are out there. Sangre is a very trustworthy horse, and luckily we kept all of the rails up today,” Oliynk described.

Sangre is no newcomer to the winner’s circle at the Fieldstone Show Park. Oliynk discovered Sangre Azul through Margie Engle about two years ago when Elizabeth Kenny came in second at a Grand Prix. Janson began working with the horse in January, building their relationship through the winter circuit. “Everything has come together well, and we are excited to for the upcoming shows in our schedule. We will definitely be back in August for the Summer Showcase.”

Oliynk continued, “Michael and his whole family are so dedicated to the sport and training, and they are such a pleasure to work with. I think Michael has a great determination to win, has great support from his parents, and luckily throughout the years he has gotten the horses he needed to support his determination.”

Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu took third place with the fastest of the four-fault efforts
Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu took third place with the fastest of the four-fault efforts

Goodwin and Fedel followed behind in the second place position, while Brennan picked up the third with Sun Tzu. She also rode to the fourth and fifth place finishes with Japan and Greater Good, respectively. Although Japan is her veteran mount, Greater Good is a new ride for Brennan, and she admitted to having aspirations for his future. Emily Bickford and Rio were awarded the sixth place, while Brennan also nabbed the seventh place finish with her final mount of the class, Daredevil. D.J. Volandre and Tequila were presented with the eighth place ribbon.

“The field was fantastic today,” DeVita said after the conclusion of the event. “They flew in the jump-off! Scott did a fantastic job last night getting it ready, and I don’t think the field could have been in better shape. I am thinking that the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix in August is going to have some great numbers, as well as a great field of riders. Today was a good taste for the spectators; I think we will have some people coming out here in August to enjoy the sport.”

The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic will conclude tomorrow with the highlight hunter event, the $10,000 Fieldstone 3’3″ Hunter Derby, in addition to the $1,500 Adult Amateur Hunter Classic and the $1,500 Children’s Hunter Classic, all to be seen on the derby field. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the approaching Fieldstone Summer Showcase, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

What:
The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic includes five days of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic is host to the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:
PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER CLASSIC – June 19-23, 2013
$25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals:
No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:

Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200′x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Nicholas Horgan Kicks Off First Day of Junior Hunter Competition at Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

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Nicholas Horgan and Captain 33 led the way in the Junior Hunter division. Photo by AnLi Kelly-Durham/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – June 22, 2013 – The hunter horses and riders were out in force today on the fourth day of the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic, held at the Fieldstone Show Park. Featured in the Main Hunter Ring was the Junior Hunter division, where Nicholas Horgan and Captain 33 shined. Earlier in the day, the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions came to a close, with Rebecca Clawson and Freeport rode away with the championship in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters, while Robin Harkins and Swiss Miss earned the championship in the Adult Amateur 35 and Over Hunter section.

The Junior Hunter division saw a strong field of competitors from all over New England. Nicholas Horgan of Charlotte, VT and his own Captain 33 had a great start on the first day of Junior Hunter competition, picking up a blue in the handy and a second over fences. Horgan also won the WIHS Hunter Phase earlier in the day. Not far behind him was Katie Eppinger of Grafton, MA, who is the rider and owner of KEC Felix. They claimed a first over fences and a second in the handy. Picking up a third in the over fences was La Vita and rider Fiona Steinmetz, while Alexis Anderson and Gotta Dance received a third for their efforts in the handy class.

“You had to have a lot of pace; the lines are set kind of long today, so you had to keep a good pace through the whole thing,” explained Horgan of the course. “For the handy, my plan was to stay collected through the turns, but then get the pace back on the straightaway in order to make it down the lines. My plan for tomorrow is to do as well as I did today.”

Horgan continued, “My horse is a 7-year-old Holsteiner gelding that I got two years ago in Florida. He takes a soft ride, but if you ask him, he’s there. In the WIHS, I think there were a lot of good riders, but I rode strong and stayed light, letting him do his thing so he could move nicely throughout the course. I think that’s what helped me win. Next, we are off to the Northeast Benefit Horse Show, then I go to the Emerging Athletes Program Clinic, and I will be back at Fieldstone in August. I hope to qualify for and compete at the National Medal Finals this fall.”

The Junior Hunter division will finish tomorrow with two classes over fences and the under saddle, and the championship titles will be awarded.

Earlier this morning, the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions finished up, with many talented horses and riders returning for their second day of competition. Walking away with the champion honors after the second day of Adult Amateur Hunter competition was Rebecca Clawson of Halifax, MA and Freeport in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter division, and Robin Harkins with Swiss Miss, an entry owned by Jay Sargent of Portsmouth, RI, in the Adult Amateur 35 and Over Hunter division. Clawson and Freeport won three of the over fences class and received the highest score in the first round of the Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. Harkins and Swiss Miss also won three over fences class in addition to the under saddle, and received a second in the other over fences class.

“Freeport is only a 5-year-old and he is really good; we always have to plan that he may not be good because he is only 5, and this is only his third show doing the three-foot divisions,” smiled Clawson. “He was such a good boy and he gave great efforts. I was really happy with my score of 82 in the first round of the classic, he was really good and I think we were really smooth and consistent and he was jumping really well. I just planned to be smooth and consistent and to help him the best I could. He did a really good job; he was quiet, calm, and really relaxed. He likes a really soft ride. He wants his rider to let him go and do his own thing, but he does need help because he is only five and is new to this.”

“We are just planning to see how he goes, but eventually I would like to move up to the Amateur-Owners with him, and we are hoping to qualify him for the Marshall & Sterling Adult Finals this year,” commented Clawson on her future plans with her mount. “I am really excited to do the second round of the classic out on the field tomorrow; we did the derby yesterday, and he was ninth in it. He loves the field; he just likes getting that big gallop, so I am hoping he will be the same tomorrow in the class out on the big field.”

The Children’s Hunter Horse divisions also came to a close this morning. In the Children’s Hunter Horses, it was Sinatra, a Monica Rauschenbach entry of Newburgh, NY, and Kianna Taylor walked away with the championship, while Remington and Anna Phillips of New Canaan, CT finished in reserve.

The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic will conclude tomorrow with the highlight hunter event, the $10,000 Fieldstone 3’3″ Hunter Derby, in addition to the $1,500 Adult Amateur Hunter Classic and the $1,500 Children’s Hunter Classic, all to be seen on the derby field. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

What:
The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic includes five days of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic is host to the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:
PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER CLASSIC – June 19-23, 2013
$25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals:
No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:

Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200′x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

AnLi Kelly-Duram for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Dyanna Rucco Wins $2,500 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby at Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

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Dyanna Rucco and Watch Hill proved victorious in the $2,500 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby. Photos by Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – June 21, 2013 – Today the attention at the Fieldstone Show Park turned to the Grand Prix Arena as the hunter competitors took center stage for Derby Day at the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic. Posting two fantastic rounds for the winning score of 179 points in the $2,500 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby was Dyanna Rucco and Watch Hill. It was a day of firsts for the pair as they both tackled their first derby course with nothing short of true dexterity and finesse. Earlier in the day Ava Stearns and Dreamland took the win in the $2,500 Fieldstone Pony Classic.

Phil DeVita of Apopka, FL, designed today’s intricate derby courses, which included four high options, many inside turn options, a jump on a table, and a daunting vertical in the grob. Riders were also faced with a tight two-stride combination, as well as unrelated distances, bending lines and natural obstacles reminiscent of a traditional hunt field. The top 12 in each derby returned to showcase their talent over a handy course.

Sara Kelly and her own Cherish were the first to be seen out of the top 12 to return. They laid down a consistent round, and paved the way for other riders to take their turn at the derby course. Rebecca Clawson of Halifax, MA, and Freeport set the bar high as they earned an 81 upon their return. Each consecutive rider seemed to only best the next as they posted rounds earning scores well into the high 80s. The $2,500 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby was filled with anticipation as it came down to the final riders.

Jennifer Tate navigated Floresten, owned by Barbara Kravetz of Sharon, MA, to the third best score from the first round results. She returned to the arena with her eye on the prize, and although she chose to take all four options, Dyanna Rucco pulled ahead as the penultimate rider, pushing Tate into the second place position.

“My plan for the second round was to have more of hand gallop, and to do much neater, tighter turns,” Tate said. “Floresten jumped fence two great, and he was very good up on the table. He takes a lot of leg, and a really soft hand. I definitely feel that our success in the Pre-Green Hunter division earlier this week gave us an edge in the derby today. It really got him focused.”

It was the first time Rucco had ever ridden in a hunter derby, and she was joined by Watch Hill, owned by Susan Amelotte of Providence, RI. The scores reflected the truth-they were ready to face the new challenge. Rucco came back as the last but one rider, ready to enter the field for the handy course. Her first round score of 88 points proved solid, and she duplicated the effort with the highest second round score of 91 points.

“This is his first derby; his owner, Sue, has done him in the Adult Equitation and has just done a really good job with him, really taken the right steps. He’s always had a great brain – he’s brave, he just never lets you down and he didn’t today either; he was awesome,” Rucco stated. “He’s a quiet horse so he is definitely a bit of a push ride. He’s even quieter at a horse show, but it was nice because I have never done a derby either and it was just a nice feeling to keep galloping. It was really fun, and one of my students did her first derby today on her new horse.”

Rucco continued, “Since I’ve never done a derby before, I don’t know really how to compare it, but it was fun and I thought it gave us some options for interesting turns and galloping and using the natural obstacles; it was great. I have all the faith in the world in that horse; he never lets me down. I felt like I could be brave because he was just right there.”

Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn, owned by Susan Huyett of Concord, MA, tackled all of the high options, but her final score of 168 points earned the pair the third place prize today. Tricia O’Connor and Carla, owned by Cloverlea Farm, Inc. of Wellington, FL, were presented with the fourth place award, while Kirsten Malacarne and Shocolata, owned by Beth A. Ford of New Milford, CT, earned the fifth place. Luella Lopresti returned to the ring aboard Centesimo D’Ive Z, bringing back a first round score of 85 points. She completed the second round with true hunter style, taking home the sixth place finish with a final score of 169 points. Rucco trains Lopresti, and she followed in her trainer’s footsteps, ribboning for her efforts in her first hunter derby.

Rucco concluded, “I love Fieldstone. I’ve been showing here since I was 6 years old. It was always a nice facility, but the improvements they’ve made are amazing and it is a really fun place to horse show because it is close for us. We will be returning in August and I wouldn’t be surprised if his owner Sue does the derby on him then. I hope she will do it on him, and I would love to have a horse to do it on as well. I want to thank his owner Sue and everyone from the barn who stuck around to help out and watch.”

Earlier in the day, ponies and their riders were given the opportunity to compete on the prestigious derby field in the $2,500 Fieldstone Pony Hunter Classic. The class was an enormous hit, drawing in a large field of entrants, and showing fierce competition as riders contended for the coveted blue ribbon.

Ava Stearns and Dreamland win the $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic
Ava Stearns and Dreamland win the $2,500 Pony Hunter Classic

Phil DeVita’s course asked many questions of both pony and rider, and the two rounds of competition proved challenging for many, but Ava Stearns and Dreamland, owned by Linda Evans of S. Hadley, MA, stole the show. Stearns held the lead aboard Dreamland from start to finish. They led the first round with the high score of 85, and returned during the handy round to dominate with the high scoring 87-point score. Stearns was nothing but smiles as she led the victory gallop with the blue ribbon flying alongside her pony’s bridle.

Ellie Ferrigno and Clovermeade Bunny Side rode to the second place finish with an overall score of 156 points. The young Sophia Lathrop rode Bonner Farms’ Maverick to the third place finish, racking in a second round score of 74.5 for a total score of 155.5. Cameron Glassmen and Hidden Galaxy were presented with the fourth place ribbon, while Ava Stearns also collected the fifth place award with Loafer’s Lodge Darling Edwin, owned by Kimi Hochstein. Skyler Fields and Silly Putty rounded out the top six, coming from behind with a strong second round score to take control and stand for the presentation shot.

The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic will continue tomorrow, where riders will go neck and neck for the lion’s share of the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix earnings. The Grand Prix will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm. Juniors and Amateur-Owner riders are also looking forward to the High and Low Jumper Classics to take place on the all-grass field this approaching Sunday morning. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the approaching Fieldstone Summer Showcase, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

What:
The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic includes five days of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic is host to the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:
PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER CLASSIC – June 19-23, 2013
$25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals:
No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:

Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200′x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Michaela Duffy Rides to First Place Finish in the ASPCA Maclay at Plymouth Rock Classic

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Michaela Duffy claimed the ASPCA Maclay win. Photos by AnLi Kelly-Durham/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – June 21, 2013 – The third day of the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic welcomed back the equitation riders, as they competed for points towards the national Medal Finals. Anne Dotoli’s Tibri Farm riders proved to be a force to be reckoned with, taking wins in both of the medal classes. Winning the ASPCA Maclay was Sunny Drescher, while Michaela Duffy earned the blue in the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal.

The courses proved challenging for many horses and riders. Course designer Thomas Hern asked many questions of the riders today with his brightly colored array of fences, which included no ground lines, two bending lines with unrelated distances, a two-stride combination, a short turn out of the corner to a jump in the center, and a six-stride to a one-stride. Riders needed to know their horse well in order to master the subtleties hidden within the design.

Claiming the win in the ASPCA Maclay was Michaela Duffy of Milton, VT. Her confidence was evident as she tackled the lengthy equitation course with poise and decisiveness, and her graceful position on the flat secured her blue ribbon finish. Alexandra Indeglia out of North Kingstown, RI, came out in second, and rounding out the top four were Sadie Smith and Francesca Stufano in third and fourth, respectively.

“He was really fresh this morning, so I had to ride him twice,” Duffy explained. “After that he quieted down and was nice and quiet and listening to me. I thought the course was pretty simple; I did not think it was that hard. The only difficult thing about it was that it was a very long course, and you really needed to be looking and turning.”

“My horse is 10, but he doesn’t quite act his age,” laughed Duffy. “He’s a good boy; he just takes a lot of riding. I got him from Anne and Astor Dotoli. When he’s fresh, he’s perfect, but if he is tired he takes a good amount of leg and hand. We are off to the Vermont Summer Festival next, and I plan on showing at all of the Medal Finals in the fall.”

In the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal, it was Sunny Drescher of Hinesburg, VT who ultimately ended up on top. After a challenging first round, she sat in second going into the test. Her trust in her mount going into the second round was evident, resulting in a bold ride, good enough to move her into first. Right behind Drescher was barnmate Michaela Duffy, who moved up from fifth before the test to second place overall in addition to her win in the ASPCA Maclay. Hannah Janson of Berkley, MA took third after testing in fifth, and Katherine Johnson received the fourth award.

USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal winner Sunny Drescher
USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal winner Sunny Drescher

“I went in knowing I would have to do well in order to qualify for the Final in Harrisburg this fall,” commented Drescher. “My horse has been so good this entire week so I was just hoping that I wouldn’t mess up. Luckily, it went really well and I found most of my jumps. He was a really good boy. I thought it was a little bit challenging to go from the combination 4(a)(b) to the fifth jump because it is hard to keep a right bend on my horse, but he was really good, and made it easier for me.”

Drescher continued, “My plan for the test was to just ride forward to the jumps and let my horse use his extended stride to our advantage so we could show off a bit. He likes a forward ride and he likes to be ridden a little bit deep and soft to the base of the jump. If you do that, he will jump up, and he jumps really high, but he does it well. We are going to Manchester, Vermont, in two weeks for the Vermont Summer Festival.”

Other medal class winners today included Tegan Tracey in the THIS Children’s Medal with a score of 83, Alexandra 465 in the Marshall and Sterling Junior Medal, and Rhian Murphy in the New England Horseman’s Council Junior Medal.

Earlier this morning, the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions concluded in the Main Hunter Ring. Earning the championship honor for the second time this year in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters at the Fieldstone Show Park was Lisa Foster and Castleguard, of Born Free Farm in Dover, MA. The duo won three of the over fences classes, including the handy, in addition to a win in the under saddle and a second over fences. Taking reserve championship honors with a win over fences and three seconds was Melissa Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, and So You Say. In the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunters, it was Elysium with Danielle Franchi in the irons out of Islip, NY, who took home the tricolor. They placed second in three of the over fences classes and won the under saddle. Anna Rea of Ponte Verda, FL and her own Pacino received the reserve championship with two thirds, as well as two fourths over fences.

Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the jumpers as the Grand Prix horses and riders take to the field to compete in the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix. The week will conclude on Sunday with the highlight hunter event, the $10,000 Fieldstone 3’3″ Hunter Derby, in addition to the $1,500 Adult Hunter Classic and the $1,500 Children’s Hunter Classic, all to be seen on the derby field. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic

What:
The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic includes five days of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic is host to the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:
PLYMOUTH ROCK HUNTER/JUMPER CLASSIC – June 19-23, 2013
$25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals:
No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:

Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200’x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

AnLi Kelly-Duram for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Summer in the Rockies III Junior Hunter Championship Up for Grabs

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Marnina Seller and Levitation.

Parker, CO – June 21, 2013 – The first day of Junior Hunter competition at Summer in the Rockies III set up perfectly for an exciting showdown on Saturday, as three different competitors each won a class to put themselves within reach of the championship. Marnina Seller and Levitation won over fences, Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay scored in the handy, and Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son took first place under saddle after finishing second to Seller and Ryan in the earlier classes.

Seller and Levitation led off the division with a blue ribbon over fences. “He felt really good,” Seller said. “I did a warm-up before, which made him not spooky at the other jumps. He was really good at the first jump. The second jump he backed off a little bit. The five-stride was good, the seven was really good and I felt the two was one of my best twos I’ve ever done on him. And he ended up first!”

Seller said Levitation’s background as an equitation horse – the pair also competed in the ASPCA Maclay qualifier – helps with his rideability. “He stays consistent and makes riding to jumps easy,” she explained. “He’s not bouncy, so you can tell the distance really well.”

Seller, who trains with Laurie Jueneman, said she enjoys coming to the Colorado Horse Park for a change of scene and a chance to socialize. “I like being able to see my friends from down here and to have kind of a second life, since I live in Vail,” she said. She competes primarily around Colorado at the Horse Park, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park.

Going into Saturday’s final Junior Hunter classes, she hopes to build off Friday’s good performance. “I want to stay consistent,” she said. She plans to school over higher fences before the class to encourage Levitation to levitate just a bit more and pick up his feet. In the longer term, Seller has her sights set on Maclay Finals. She just moved up to 3’6″ this year and wants to do her best with the new challenge.

Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay
Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay

Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay took third place behind Seller and Hauser in the first class and then improved in the handy to notch the win. “I thought the courses were good, especially in the handy,” Ryan said. “The handy was stronger than the first round, that’s for sure. My horse kind of covered up my mistake in the first round. He was good.”

Parrot Bay changed disciplines after Ryan bought him and is thriving in his new home in the hunter ring. “I bought him as a jumper/equitation horse, but he’s just so slow and pretty that we put him in the hunter ring, and he loves it,” Ryan said. “So he’s super, super handy, he’s really easy to turn, and he has a really nice pace to him.”

He made a smooth transition to the hunters and seems to enjoy the more relaxed pace. “I need to kick that horse to go forward!” Ryan laughed. “He’s very lazy. So now he’s a nice little hunter horse who does some equitation classes.”

“He has a really good presence to him,” she added. “He’s always happy – I’ve never seen his ears back. He’s extremely happy. He’s really soft and he’s really fluid. He can cover mistakes really well.”

Ryan is aiming for Sunday’s $15,000 USHJA International Derby. While nervous to be stepping up to that level for the first time, Ryan is confident in her horse. “I’m excited because it’s my first big derby and also his,” she said. “He’s obviously jumped bigger, but I haven’t. I’m a little nervous about the 4′ options, but I know he’ll be fine. He’s a good boy.”

Sitting just behind Seller and Ryan in the first two classes was Amanda Hauser, whose consistent rounds over fences and subsequent win in the under saddle class suggest she will be a top contender on Saturday. She noted a couple of areas from each round that she hopes to improve upon with Calido’s Son.

“At the beginning of the first round, I didn’t get his canter quite up, but after that he helped me out and moved up with me for the rest of the round better at the canter,” she said. “And then he used to do jumpers a while back, so when I did a couple of those shorter turns in the second round, he went into jumper mode a bit.”

“But he’s usually pretty good about coming back to you – he’s kind of lazy,” she added. “So one second he’s like, ‘Oh, yay, turns!’ and the next second he’s like, ‘I’m good.'”

Hauser, who trains with Heidi Hildebrand, also competes in the Modified Junior Jumpers. She and Hildebrand shared the ride on Calido’s Son to claim a recent championship in the Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ division at Summer in the Rockies II. Hauser is now on the hunt for her own championship when the Junior Hunters continue Saturday.

Isabel Johnson and Seraldo
Isabel Johnson and Seraldo

In the ASPCA Maclay qualifier, Isabel Johnson’s practice paid off to land her the win on All Seasons Farm’s Seraldo. “The course was a lot of bending and turning and he’s a really stiff horse,” she said. “We actually spent a lot of time practicing our shape. I was glad it all came together. It turned out to be a really good course for me, so it was fun.”

Johnson and Seraldo navigated the twists and turns of the Scott Starnes-designed course with ease, putting together a smooth round. Johnson identified a tight rollback after the second jump leading into a five-stride line as the biggest challenge going into the course, but she put together a plan and made it work for her. “I went inside and it worked out really well,” she said.

Johnson, who trains with Paul Rohrbach and Corky Shaha at Wells Bridge Farm in Parker, is making a successful debut in the equitation ring this year. “This is my last year as a junior, but it’s my first year doing the equitation,” she said. “I’ve never had an eq horse. So our goal was just to qualify for the finals, and we are. It’s good to do that this early in the season. I hope to just keep getting better and have a good last year and do well at finals.”

Seraldo has proven to be a valuable equitation partner for Johnson. “He’s great,” she said. “He’s so rideable and adjustable. He’s really good at leaving right from the base and jumping well from there, so I can get him up the lines. He’s great in technical courses because he’s so easy to get forward and back.”

Junior riders also competed in a two-part qualifier for the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals. Riders began with the Washington Jumper Phase and then moved on to the Washington Hunter Phase. Elizabeth Adelson rode Bull Run’s Rubicon, owned by Four Fillies LLC, to the Jumper Phase win, while the Hunter Phase went to Alessandra Sozzi and Zygo. Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey proved most consistent throughout both classes, picking up second in the Jumper Phase and third in the Hunter Phase en route to the overall victory.

Along with the conclusion of the Junior Hunters, Saturday at Summer in the Rockies III will feature the 3’6″ and 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters. Show jumping will be in the spotlight on Saturday with the afternoon’s $30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix, while the hunters take center stage on Sunday for the $15,000 USHJA International Derby, $5,000 USHJA National Derby and $2,500 CHP Pony Hunter Derby.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Self-Made Rider Bryn Sadler Cleaning Up at Summer in the Rockies III

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Bryn Sadler and Cancun Z won the Low Amateur Owner Jumpers Class. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

Parker, CO – June 21, 2013 – The Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at Colorado Horse Park was abuzz with show jumping action on Friday at Summer in the Rockies III. Professionals and rising stars in the junior and amateur ranks tested their horses and their skills over international course designer Alan Wade’s tracks.

Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, NM, has had a stellar week. She won the Low Amateur Owner Jumper classes aboard Cancun Z, was fourth in the $15,000 Welcome Stake with Bon Giorno and tied for first in the $2,500 Four Bar with Cincinnati.

Last week at Summer in the Rockies II, Sadler was first with Picobello and second with Cancun Z in the Low Amateur Owner Jumpers, she was third in the $15,000 Welcome Stake and fourth in the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/AO Classic. She also had good prizes in the $30,000 Grand Prix with both Bon Giorno and Cincinnati and in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior A/O Jumper Classic with Wacoucha.

The talented young rider was named Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider of the Month for June of 2012. She pointed to her little video camera and said that this was her trainer.

“I don’t have a trainer and I haven’t had a trainer for the past two years,” said Sadler. “It is just my mom, dad and me. My dad sets my jumps and my mom watches the other people go and tells me, ‘Everyone is doing that inside turn, so I guess you should probably do that.’ It’s just us, but it works out really well.”

The Sadler family has a farm in Ocala, FL, where they base their operation. They brought five horses to Summer in the Rockies at the Colorado Horse Park: two grand prix horses, Cincinnati and Bon Giorno, two low amateurs, Cancun Z and Picobello, and one high amateur jumper, Wacoucha.

Friday in the $2,500 Four Bar class, Sadler and Cincinnati hung in there with one clean round after another as the crew raised the jumps to 1.70m. She tied for first place with Armando Hassey riding Camillo and Carli Kirsch aboard Casco.

Bryn Sadler and Cincinnati won a three-way tie for first in the Summer in the Rockies III Four Bar class. Photo by Flying Horse Photography
Bryn Sadler and Cincinnati won a three-way tie for first in the Summer in the Rockies III Four Bar class. Photo by Flying Horse Photography

“He is the scopiest horse ever,” said Sadler of Cincinnati, a gigantic 18.2 hand, Holsteiner by Cassini I. “He’s really cool and he’s really game for anything. Once he gets older, he is going to be a phenomenal equitation horse because he is so easy. I have had him for six years but I’ve only been riding him for about a year.  We got him for my brother who is six foot something. So my brother stopped riding and I got him. Super scopey awesome horse – okay, I’ll take him, if you insist!”

The Four Bar class was a challenge that the pair took head on. Sadler was determined and Cincinnati was game.

“It was kind of hard for him to get through the combination because they set it as if you were jumping 3’6″ but then they raised the jumps up to 1.70m. So when you’ve got that height, you’re thinking whoa, whoa! All his life he has been collected because he is so big. So he knows how to collect really well. Lengthening – not so much.”

“We had some professionals ride him because he was so awesome that it was kind of worthless to do him in the Low Juniors,” she continued. “We had Sharn Wordley, Vicky Miller, Kyle King and Aaron Vale – anyone who wanted to try him. I’ve just started to get into the prixes. He’s awesome. So hopefully he’ll do well tomorrow.”

Kelsey Van Ackeren was in the ribbons again with her incredible Vernon G, winning the High Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers.  The pair hails from Austin, TX, and participated in the 2012 North American Young Rider Championships. In Austin, Van Ackeren trains with Nicki Mathen. At the shows, she trains with Matt Cyphert.

“Fortunately they show a lot so that is the only way it can work,” said Cyphert.  “They have a beautiful place in Austin and a trainer there, Nicki Mathen, who does a great job preparing Kelsey and Vernon G and all of Kelsey’s horses for the ring. They come to the horse show pretty much ready to go. It is a pretty easy gig. They are super horses. Kelsey has had a lot of experience. She’s done Young Riders; she’s done grand prixes with Vernon. We’re just bringing him back from a mild injury this spring so that’s why she’s doing the highs. She’s ridden beautifully and the horse is going so well. It is just a lot of fun to watch.”

In the Low Junior Jumpers, 15-year-old Kelli Cruciotti and new partner Zidante edged out Chelsea Babcock and her two phenomenal mounts, Bull Run’s Alli Lu Ya and Bull Run’s Guardian, in an exciting power and speed format. Babcock has been consistently winning in the Lows and won the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic in Summer in the Rockies I and II.

“This is a new ride for Kelli,” said Cindy Cruciotti of Serenity Farm, Kelli’s trainer and mother. “This is only her second class with her. We imported this mare about 30 days ago and this is her first show. She is fast – she loves to turn and loves to jump.”

“I can’t say enough about what a great show Pat (Boyle) puts on,” continued Cruciotti. “The Horse Park has created such a wonderful venue for us to come and show – with the footing and the staff.  It is a great place to come for the summer and we really enjoy having it in our own back yard. We are very lucky.”

Show jumping returns to the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena on Saturday with classes kicking off at 8 a.m. The much-anticipated $30,000 Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix begins at 4 p.m.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Awards, FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

US Team Finishes Second at FEI Nations Cup in Rotterdam; Davis Wins Leading Rider Award

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Lucy Davis and Barron jumped two clear rounds and earned the Furusiyya Leading Rider of the Day Award (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, KY – The U.S string of top Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup performances continued Friday in an exciting showdown at CHIO Rotterdam. Eight teams took on the 12 obstacle challenge of Dutch course designer Louis Konickx and the formidable all female team of Americans Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, and Lucy Davis finished second. With a total score of five faults they were in contention for the win till the very end, and proved to be among the very best competitors in the world.

Making the finish even more exciting for the U.S. team was the performance of its youngest rider, Lucy Davis. Davis, who only last year won the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy*, was the stand-out rider Friday on a team of very accomplished veterans. Her double clear effort was the U.S. team’s only one and one of only three in the entire competition. For that she was awarded the Furusiyya Leading Rider of the Day Award.

“Rotterdam has always been kind to the U.S. and today was no exception,” said Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland. “Bert de Nemethy won his final European Nations Cup here in 1978, and most recently George Morris brought a team here that won in 2010. What was most satisfying about this year’s Team was that it was the first ‘3/2’ of the year – matching 3 veterans from the 2010 all girls Team, Beezie, Laura, and Lauren with two of our most promising newcomers: Lucy and Saer. The result speaks volumes of where we stand in the sport today and where we will be in the future.”

Saer Coulter (San Fransisco, CA) and Copernicus Stables, LLC’s Springtime were the U.S. team alternates on Friday.

Round One

The U.S. Team led off the competition in round one, and nearly finished clear on the scoreboard. Fault free efforts by youngster Davis (Los, Angeles, CA), who on this team anchored by veterans would prove to be the MVP, riding Old Oak Farm’s Barron and Madden (Cazenovia, NY) on Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ were nearly matched by Laura Kraut, but Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric took off and almost ran right by the water obstacle (the penultimate on the course). A skillful correction from the Longines Global Champions Tour points leader kept Cedric on-track though, and they put only a foot in the water on the way to a four fault finish.

Round Two

The Americans carried those four faults into the second round. They started out in a tight spot, two points behind Germany and one point ahead of Spain, Switzerland, and France. But the competition quickly thinned. As the round progressed downed rails and time faults were prevalent as the Germans, Americans, and French were the only three teams able to put together more than one clear round.

Lauren Hough (Wellington, FL) and Quick Study recovered from eight faults in the first round to start Team USA’s round two with a single time fault. A clear round from Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) & Cedric, and another beautiful clear from Davis & Barron guaranteed the team a score of five or lower. The first three German riders, Christian Ahlmann, Hans-Dieter Dreher, and Philipp Weishaupt finished clear, with nine, and clear respectively.

The French team also had two clears, but with a nine fault total score they were out of contention for the win before the final horses on the U.S. and German teams entered the arena.

Madden and Cortes ‘C’ would end up taking eight faults, so German anchor Ludger Beerbaum was left needing to finish the course with all rails in place. He did, but took his time and created some suspense by earning two time faults, and narrowly avoiding a jump-off.

Complete results are available here.

The U.S. Nations Cup season has been very successful thus far. After winning the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm at CSIO Wellington, and taking second and fourth at the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament, the U.S. won the North American, Central America and Caribbean League and qualified for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in Barcelona, Spain September 26-29.

For more about CHIO Rotterdam, go to www.chio.nl.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Jumping Team here.

By Andrew Minnick

*The Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy is presented to a Young Rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship.