Tag Archives: Geoffrey Hesslink

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Geoffrey Hesslink Wins $100k USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

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Geoffrey Hesslink and Mon Tresor. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2022 – The pinnacle event of World Championship Hunter Rider week, sponsored by IDA Development, at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was on Saturday night, February 19. The country’s best hunter combinations battled to win the $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Young professional Geoffrey Hesslink of Shelburne, VT made his mark on the class’s history as he scored a career-high victory aboard Mon Tresor, owned by Little Brook LLC.

Andy Christiansen Jr. designed the flowing track that offered riders several areas to show off their mounts. The panel one judges consisted of Chris Wynne and Shane George, panel two was Mary Lisa Leffler and Tom Brennan, and panel three held Wendy Peralta and Mark Jungherr. Entries for the night class qualified by winning the champion title in their respective divisions at the 3’6” height or above.

Of the 35-horse field, 26 combinations qualified from various different divisions held at 3’6”, while the remaining nine pairs stepped in from the High Performance, High Performance Conformation, and Green Hunter 3’9” divisions.

Hesslink and Mon Tresor took the class’s early lead with a first-round score of 90.66. Amanda Steege and the legendary Lafitte De Muze earned the second-highest score of the round with a 90. Liza Towell Boyd and Cascartini rounded out the top three of 12 moving on to the handy round after producing a score of 89.91.

Michael Britt-Leon was the first to return and blazed the trail around Christiansen’s handy track to an average score of 88.66, but with plenty more challengers still to go. Christiansen gave competitors several options to highlight their horse’s best features and included a canter to walk transition to feature the rideability of the mount.

If the pressure of having the best first round score and being the last to return weighed on Hesslink, it didn’t show. The 25-year-old piloted the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Nekton confidently over each obstacle on the course and managed to nearly replicate his first round score as he finished with 90.5 points in the handy. The two-round total of 181.16 was just good enough to bump Mimi Gochman from the lead and secure the top honors.

Gochman and the Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Catch Me (Casiro I) totaled a score just two points below Hesslink’s to land in second place. The 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding is no stranger to the victory gallop of the class, having won the event in 2016 and 2017 with professional Scott Stewart.

Third place went to last year’s winners Amanda Steege and Lafitte De Muze who produced an overall score of 177.66. Steege and Cheryl Olsten’s 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Darco have traveled down from their home base of Ocala, FL for four consecutive years for the event, and the pair has placed in the top multiple times.

In another class full of talented combinations during WEF 6, it was Spencer Smith (USA) who rose to the top of the 82-horse field with Picobello Full House Ter Linden Z in the $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Course designer Ana Catalina Harris Cruz (MEX) winnowed down the original list to just seven to return for the jump-off on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Saturday.

Smith was the first to return for the jump-off, and he put everyone on notice when he galloped across the field, urging his horse for speed and crossing the timers in 37.95 seconds, which would end up a full 2.71 seconds faster than the next clear competitor.

It was a solid win for Smith and Picobello Full House Ter Linden Z, a horse he has only had the ride on since last month thanks to Belgian show jumper Gregory Wathelet, David Simpson, and the horse’s owners, Picobello Horses. Wathelet was the horse’s previous rider, and they competed in 10 five-star shows in 2021.

Second place went to Karl Cook (USA), this time riding Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet, owned by Helen Signe Ostby. They finished the jump-off clear in 40.66 seconds. Emily Moffitt (GBR) and Poden Farms’s Bacara d’Archonfosse were double clear with a time of 41.56 seconds for third place.

The winner of the $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome was Tanner Korotkin (USA) riding Ideal, owned by Castlewood Farm Inc. and Sandalwood Farm. They were also presented with the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award. Emilie Conter (BEL) and Legolas Ter Wilgen, owned by Stephex Stables, won the $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

McLain Ward and Noche De Ronda Claim $73,000 Holiday & Horses 1.50m Qualifier CSI4*

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McLain Ward and Noche De Ronda ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – November 27, 2020 – The ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4* returned to the main stage at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, November 27, with the $73,000 Holiday & Horses 1.50m Qualifier CSI4*, presented by Premier Equestrian. Claiming a familiar place at the top of the leaderboard, Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) piloted Noche De Ronda, the horse he co-owns with Marilla Van Beuren and Bob Russell, to the fastest double-clear time of the contest.

Friday’s field included 73 horse-and-rider pairs representing 13 countries, including the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Egypt, Chile, Japan, and Russia. Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) created a 16-effort track for competitors that produced 16 clear rounds from the starting order.

“The jump-off was fast, and it sometimes comes off the way you want,” reflected Ward of his jump-off ride. “I think after the double combination [we made up time]. Bliss’ horse is an incredible jumper and a very fast horse, but doesn’t have the stride that Ronda has, and I was able to do one stride less, maybe two less, across the diagonal after the double combination and for sure one less stride coming home. I think probably those two places most of all helped us. It was one of those jump-offs where the plan just worked.”

Trimmed down to eight fences, the jump-off pattern led to eight teams finishing on a second fault-free ride. Halfway through the class, Daniel Bluman (ISR) held the lead aboard Colestina H, owned by Blue Star Investments and Kim Douglas, with a foot-perfect time of 36.16 seconds. Bliss Heers (USA) inched faster riding Bridgeside Farms LLC’s Antidote De Mars in 35.10 seconds, but the fifth-to-last partnership, Ward and Noche De Ronda, sliced even more time off the clock. The quick pair broke the beam with no faults in 34.26 seconds, a time that proved unbeatable for the remaining contenders. Heers and Antidote De Mars maintained the runner-up spot, followed by Ben Maher (GBR) on Deborah Perkins’ Day Dream in 35.53 seconds.

“Ronda has jumped well this year since Florida in the spring but has had a little bit of an unlucky four-fault streak in a few big grand prix classes though she has been performing well. She has always been great in this ring, and she was really in great form today,” Ward noted of his partner for the class, a 2009 Oldenburg mare by Quintender x Loves Corinth.

Ward and Noche De Ronda’s victory Friday added to their list of successes in Wellington after two grand prix victories in the span of a week in February 2020. The pair topped the $401,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI5* during Week Five of the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival, then six days later earned the victory in the $213,300 Grand Prix CSIO5* during one of two Nations Cup weeks in Wellington.

“She’s going to jump this week and then in two weeks again. We will start back up a little later in the season this spring for some of the bigger classes,” Ward commented on his plans for Noche De Ronda through the remainder of the ESP Holiday Series and the upcoming 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival.

The International Arena’s classes concluded Friday with the $10,000 Bainbridge 1.40m Open Stake, which saw 53 entries in the first round of riding and 13 in the jump-off. As the fifth to go over the short course, Laura Kraut (USA) turned in a quick time of 34.76 seconds on Cherry Knoll Farm Inc’s Haley to take the lead, and their time would be unbeatable. McKayla Langmeier (USA) claimed the second spot riding Linda Langmeier’s Cadence De L’Escaut in a clear time of 34.98 seconds, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) captured third spot with Katherine Benard’s Delirius Del Sol in 35.06 seconds.

Geoffrey Hesslink and Small Occasion Are Big Winners in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Hunter riders took to the ring Friday during the ESP Holiday & Horses CSI4*, which is the first show out of six that make up the ESP Holiday Series. The highlight hunter class of the week, the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Bainbridge, featured 31 entries over courses designed by Jasen Shelley. With two scores nearing the 100-point mark, Geoffrey Hesslink of Shelbourne, VT and Small Occasion, owned by Shadowfax Equestrian LLC, claimed the victory ahead of a high-scoring field.

“She is a famous horse and has won all over the country at the main events,” Hesslink remarked on Small Occasion. “It just so happened that we were lucky enough to fall into place with her this summer for one of my clients, Raina Swani, as her first junior hunter. She is just so much fun. She is a blast and a winner and always puts in 110 percent.”

Following the first round of the class, the cut-off score for the top 12 sat at a lofty 86 points thanks to a series of top performances from exhibitors. Hesslink and Small Occasion, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare, led the way with 96 points, earned from a classic score of 92 plus four bonus points for taking the high option fences. Kristy Herrera of Wellington, FL rode Kate Ellis’ Valhalla to second position with 93 points, and last week’s National Derby winner Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Isalou Inc.’s Laskano were not far behind with a score of 92. All told, 10 points separated first position from twelfth place, keeping standings tight headed into the handy round.

“We continued to show through most of the year even with everything going on, so I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well to how things are going now,” Hesslink commented of competing under COVID protocol. “This is sort of our first week back into it, so it was a great start and the horses feel great. They do a nice job here, so we are very excited and happy. It’s nice to be able to show and feel safe. My clients and I have a really top string of hunters and horses for every ring, just like her, and I’m really excited to get the chance to show them and hopefully do well this season.”

In the handy phase, competitors returned in the reverse order of the standings, giving Hesslink and Small Occasion the advantage of going last as the early frontrunners. Torano and Laskano had moved up one spot to hold the lead with only one pair left to go, earning 94 points over the handy course to push them to 186 total points. In the end, Hesslink and Small Occasion retained their status at the top of the scorecard with 93 points to finish on a cumulative two-round score of 189. Torano and Laskano claimed second place, and Herrera captured the final podium spot with Valhalla. Jennifer Bliss of Loxahatchee, FL also had a great day, finishing aboard three horses in the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping, USHJA

David O’Brien and La Belle SCF Capture Win in $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix

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David O’Brien and La Belle SCF.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 18, 2019 – The final day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park concluded with the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. Despite high temperatures, 28 horse-and-rider pairs contested Ken Krome’s course attempting to walk away with the lion’s share of the prize money. At the end of a competitive jump-off, it was David O’Brien and La Belle SCF who walked away with the day’s top honors, in addition to winning the Envisian Leading Rider of the Week award thanks to accumulating the most points in the jumper divisions throughout the week.

Luminosity Shines Bright with Geoffrey Hesslink to Win $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show was bookended by the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows, on Sunday to complete a week of exciting equestrian action. In their first ever class together, Geoffrey Hesslink and Luminosity topped the scorecard following two standout rides to top the field of 40 starters and earn the lead spot in the victory gallop.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Kristen Vanderveen and Faustino de Tili Win $36k Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3*

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Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili. ©TIEC.

Mill Spring, NC – May 23, 2019 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili returned to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) competition with a landmark win in Thursday’s $36,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3*, stopping the short-course timers in 38.71 seconds to claim their 30th FEI win together. Sarah Scheiring (USA) and S & L Cocodrille, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Emerald Van’t Ruytershof x Kashmir Van Schuttershof) owned by S & L Farms, stopped the clock in 39.735 seconds to claim second, while Hunter Holloway (USA) rounded out the all-female podium aboard Silver Creek’s Validation, a 2007 Zweibrücker stallion (Vallado x Lansing) owned by Silver Creek Farms, with a 40.373-second jump-off performance.

Twenty-four pairs tested the first round set by Catsy Cruz (MEX), with seven entries returning for the jump-off. Vanderveen was already winning aboard Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili when she closed out the class aboard Bull Run’s Prince of Peace and placed sixth on a time of 40.423 seconds and one rail down.

“I thought the course was great,” said Vanderveen. “It was very fair and open, but at the same time the course caught everybody a little bit, which is great. She did a great job.”

Vanderveen and “Frosty,” the 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Darco) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC, have seen great success at Tryon throughout their career together, and the venue suits her horse so well that she made a change in plans and saved him to compete this week, Vanderveen commented.

“It’s nice to be back with Frosty. I was actually in Kentucky last week with him and I could just tell – I thought, ‘Nope, we are going to save him for all three weeks in Tryon, because he loves it there.’ This is his thing,” Vanderveen continued. “He has had a little vacation for the last week or two, and has been saving his energy, so it’s nice that it paid off today.”

The result was another Tryon win and their 30th FEI win together, Vanderveen detailed. “It was kind of a special win because it was his 30th FEI win since I’ve had him. We’ve been keeping an eye on it and trying to get to 30. My first 5* Grand Prix win was here, too.”

Vanderveen will save Bull Run’s Prince of Peace for Sunday’s $36,000 1.45m Jumper Classic CSI 3*, and plans to compete Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili in Saturday’s $72,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Grand Prix CSI 3*. She revealed that she will be spending the next few weeks at TIEC to prepare for an upcoming trip to Europe:

“We will be here through the 4* competition and then we are doing something a little different this year. Showing here is also a lot of prep for that. What better can you do to prep than come here? I was originally going to leave Frosty stateside, and just recently decided to bring him along [to Europe]. He has proven today that he wants to come!”

Todd Minikus and Amex Z Fly to Win $36,000 1.45m Power and Speed Stake CSI 3*

Todd Minikus (USA) and Amex Z Flew to Win Wednesday’s $36,000 Power and Speed Stake CSI 3*, clearing the short course in 28.43 seconds ahead of David Blake (IRL) aboard Emilia, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood mare (Ukato x Goodwill) owned by Pine Hollow Farm, who stopped the timers at 29.084 seconds for the red rosette. Santiago Lambre and Dingeman, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Nintender x Darnels) owned by Aurora Rangel de Alba, rounded out the podium after their 29.419-second jump-off effort.

Minikus and the 2009 Zangersheide mare (Andiamo Z x Landaris) owned by Bit By Bit Group “maybe did one or two less strides back to the combinations” to gain the advantage over the field, he explained. “The course rode nicely, and it was a nice opening class for all the horses, but it was very competitive by the time we got to the speed phase. The riders in the class are extremely competitive.”

Team Minikus has just arrived in at TIEC, and he noted that he’s encouraged to see such a positive start to his Tryon campaign after a less-successful tour than hoped in Kentucky this spring. “It’s nice to start off here with a little better success than what we were having in Kentucky earlier since I didn’t have that good of a tour. She will show this week, and I’m planning for her to be in the Grand Prix on Saturday as well,” Minikus concluded.

Geoffrey Hesslink Champions the Green Hunter 3’3″ Division aboard Coronation

Geoffrey Hesslink of Shelburne, VT rode Lindsay Maxwell’s mount Coronation to top honors in the Green Hunter 3’3″ Division, with reserve honors named to Sara Ketcham (Columbus, NC), riding Splendid Moon for Claire de Lune Farm.

Hesslink has been paired with the 2011 Warmblood gelding (Conthargos x Balouville) since late winter, but the combination has already proven successful, he relayed.

“We call him Conor, and he’s great. He’s done three shows, and has been champion at two, and reserve at the other. The lowest score he’s had is 85. He’s been amazing and has made very few mistakes,” Hesslink said. “He is such a dream to have!”

Hesslink and “Conor” will be competing again next week at TIEC, and will return to compete in the Summer Series at TIEC.

“I really like the Grand Hunter Ring [Ring 4] here. It’s really big, so it’s nice that you can get on a gallop and keep one pace. Today the lines rode really nicely,” Hesslink continued of the course set by Joe Carnicom (Toledo, OH).

Hesslink concluded, “It’s a top facility, and it’s nice that they can have classes on the grass or in the George Morris Arena, too. I think it’s a really great place to bring young horses along and get a lot of experience and exposure to environment.”

Click here for full results from the $36,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI 3*.

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

Equinium Sports Mktg., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hesslink Continues Winning Ways; Stovel Takes USHJA National Hunter Derby

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Photo: Geoffrey Hesslink and Cadoretto.

West Palm Beach, FL (January 30, 2018) – It was a day for the chromey chestnuts during the second week of Hunter Derbies on the Palm Beach Series, as Geoffrey Hesslink and Cadoretto once again topped The Ridge’s $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and Patricia Stovel and Pancaspe rode to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. With both classes held on Friday, January 26 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, a healthy group of spectators and trainers gathered to watch both the afternoon National class and evening International class, while full divisions of hunters, jumpers, and equitation classes ran from Wednesday – Sunday at Jim Brandon.

Hesslink continued to build on his already impressive hunter resume with a second win in The Ridge’s International Hunter Derby. Under the guidance of trainer Andre Dignelli of Heritage farm, he and Cadoretto, known around the barn as Cad, topped both rounds of the night class, successfully tackling all of the questions asked by course designer Archer Bailey. “He is just so honest,” said Hesslink. “Anything I ask of him, he does it; any mistake I make, he covers for me. Going into the handy I began to doubt my plan, which was to take an ambitious line to one of the larger options. But that is his better lead and as usual he did it without hesitation and was absolutely perfect. Surprisingly, I think he was even better this time than the last time [at The Ridge].”

As for the next steps, Hesslink says he has no intention of stopping now. “We will probably do the Derby next week in the International arena at WEF, and the one at Deerridge as well,” he stated. “I really love The Ridge and their shows because of the facility and the quality of the courses and atmosphere. It feels really special to show under the lights, and I think Cad definitely enjoys and jumps better in this atmosphere. Of course, we will plan to come back for the last of The Ridge’s Hunter Derbies in mid-March.”

Earlier in the day, a mare that could be Cadoretto’s stunt double worked the $5,000 USHJA National Derby, coming out on top with Patty Stovel in the irons. The 10-year-old American-bred Hanoverian is fresh off her first shows with Stovel in the 3’3″ Pre Green Hunters in November, where she also won a Derby in Ohio and was champion in Ocala. Owned by Virginia Bartholomew, Pancaspe’s somewhat green status didn’t slow her down a bit over the National course.

“She hasn’t done too many horse shows,” said Stovel of the chestnut mare, “but she has always been just so straightforward and easy, even as a pre green horse. After our good results in Ohio and Ocala, we decided to venture down to Wellington for a few shows and these are a perfect match, both for her and so her owner could be on hand to see her progress. I didn’t want to be super handy with her, as she is still pre green, but we just focused on turning and always looking towards the next jump.”

As a veteran of the hunter jumper ring, Stovel’s history with The Ridge stretches back to founder Nona Garson’s days with Olympic mount Rhythmical, and she also frequents their spring, summer, and fall shows in New Jersey. “I’ve been coming to The Ridge for years, and they’re always so friendly and great to work with,” Stovel said. “The course was beautiful, and the warm ups and covered were lovely to ride in. I couldn’t be happier with our choice to come or Pancaspe’s performance, and we are looking forward to attending more of The Ridge’s shows!”

For a full schedule of events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Hesslink Takes Home Series Win in Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Program

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Geoffrey Hesslink and Esco.

Lexington, KY – Sept. 1, 2016 – After five weeks of premier hunter derby competition in the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, it was young professional Goeffrey Hesslink who topped the leaderboard to take home the 2016 series win and the $10,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Professional Rider Award.

The Hallway Feeds Series consists of five national hunter derby events held throughout the 2016 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. After winning the final event at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, Hesslink earned enough points to claim the $10,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Professional Rider Award, which went to the professional rider who accumulated the most points in the series.

Aaron Vale finished the series in second place, while Molly Sewell ended up in third. The leading amateur rider, who took home the $2,500 Leading Amateur Rider Award, was Leyland Gleeson, who sat in sixth in the overall standings. Earning the $2,500 Leading Junior Rider Award was Hunter Holloway, who sat in seventh place at the series finale.

Hesslink said he enjoys participating in the Hallway Feeds National Derby Series so much that he has not missed a single one this year. “I love the derbies because I feel like it’s a great place to show off your horse and your handiness as well as how smooth and soft you can be,” Hesslink said. “Esco really excels at it because he doesn’t care about any of the jumps. He never spooks at anything.”

“I think the Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby Series is amazing,” Hesslink said. “I think that it really helps to advertise and get the name out there for the derbies, and I think it drives people to want to do them more and participate. I know Taylor [Kain], Aaron [Vale] and Sydney [Shulman] all came back and wanted to do them again and I did the same. I think it’s a great program and it’s a good thing for people who are here.”

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides ample opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advancements. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the formula for success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Tori Colvin and Cafino Capture $40k Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Tori Colvin and Cafino.

Hesslink Takes Blue in $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby to Earn Series Title

Lexington, KY – Aug. 21, 2016 – Before she heads to the Hampton Classic on Monday, Tori Colvin snuck in one more victory aboard Take The High Road LLC’s Cafino in the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, on the final day of Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

“This is my favorite week because the course designers bring the cool jumps out,” Colvin said. “It’s amazing to win on Cafino. I knew he was ready today, so I was really going for it out there. I’m really happy to have him going so well. Karen [Long Dwight] has been the one who helped us with him, and she’s the sponsor and the owner. She’s wonderful, and Cafino is just perfect.”

Bobby Murphy’s course still contained many elements from last night’s USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, including the obstacle that certainly stuck in most riders’ minds: the 1.57m wall, which was set at 1.54m for the grand prix.

“The only thing I thought was just stay on at the wall, and I’m good,” Colvin laughed. “That’s it; just hang on. I loved having the wall out there. I loved this course because it was like half hunter derby and half grand prix.”

Murphy’s hunter-esque course saw 37 entries in the first round, with six entries eventually advancing to compete over the short course.

Among the jump-off-qualified horse-and-rider combinations was Shane Sweetnam and Main Road, who is owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Seabrook LLC. After a second place finish in another grand prix during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show series, Sweetnam said he was looking for a win aboard the gelding.

The duo came close, turning in the first clear round of the afternoon and setting the early time to beat at 41.775 seconds in the jump-off.

“Main Road is a very good horse,” Sweetnam said. “He’s only 8; he’s had a good summer. It was a difficult course, but I think he jumped really good in both rounds.”

It was not long until Colvin and Cafino overtook their lead, however, turning in a fast round and tripping the timers in 41.23 seconds. Colvin’s lead would hold out for the win, while Sweetnam settled for second.

“I could’ve been maybe a bit quicker turning after the double,” Sweetnam said. “I think it would’ve been harder for them to beat me if I had turned quicker. I think that’s what cost me the win. He’s still learning.”

Colvin said she began riding Cafino about a year ago, and she loves the soft, easy ride the gelding gives her.

“Cafino is the easiest thing to ride,” Colvin explained. “You literally just loop the reins. When he lands, it’s like you’re on a cloud. He’s perfect. He doesn’t land hard, he’s just soft. He has a little quirk, because he will buck when he gets a little excited, but I just have to hold on.”

A final challenger, Sloane Coles, piloted the Spring Ledge Group’s Esprit to the third place spot with a clear round completed in 43.573 seconds. Clocking a faster time, but unfortunately picking up 4 faults in the jump-off, was Sweetnam and another entry, Spy Coast Farm LLC’s Chaqui Z. Fifth place went home with Blythe Marano and Virginia Ingram’s Figeac De Reve with 4 faults and a time of 44.007 seconds. Aaron Vale and Sarah Turner’s Acolina R turned in another very fast round in 43.267 seconds, but unfortunately lowered two heights to finish on 8 faults and in sixth place.

Hesslink Takes Blue in $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby to Earn Series Title

It was the 20-year-old, newly-turned professional rider, Geoffrey Hesslink, who took home not only the blue ribbon and championship cooler for Sunday afternoon’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, but also for the entire Hallway Feeds Hunter Derby Series. Saturday’s derby marked the last leg of the popular series, held during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Geoffrey Hesslink and Esco
Geoffrey Hesslink and Esco

Hesslink piloted Garland Alban’s Esco to victory, after receiving an 89 in the classic round and an 83 in the handy, collecting a lead score of 172 points to seal the win. He successfully tackled three high-option fences. While Hesslink has competed in the Alltech Arena more times than he can count due to his illustrious equitation career as a junior, it was Esco’s first time in the intimidating indoor arena.

Hesslink, of Shelburne, Vermont, said, “I started riding Esco post-circuit at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year. He’s been great. He does the Performance Hunters and the derbies. He’s been perfect.”

Hesslink enjoys participating in the Hallway Feeds National Derby Series so much that he has not missed one this year. “I love the derbies because I feel like it’s a great place to show off your horse and your handiness as well as how smooth and soft you can be,” Hesslink said. “Esco really excels at it because he doesn’t care about any of the jumps. He never spooks at anything.”

Although it was Esco’s first time in the large indoor venue, and their partnership is fairly new, Hesslink was not concerned about the 8-year-old Rhinelander.

“I know he’s always a steady eddie and he doesn’t care about those things. For sure, it’s more spooky. There’s more pressure on the horses with this atmosphere,” Hesslink acknowledged.

Hesslink has made a smooth transition into his budding career as a young professional under the guidance of Tim and Kelly Goguen of Boggs Hill Farm, as well as the generosity on behalf of Dina Testa and Garland Alban.

As the winner of the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, Hesslink took home the $10,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus. “I think it’s amazing,” said Hesslink. “I think that it really helps to advertise and get the name out there for the derbies and I think it drives people to want to do them more and participate. I know Taylor [Kain], Aaron [Vale] and Sydney [Shulman] all came back and wanted to do them again and I did the same. I think it’s a great program and it’s a good thing for people who are here.”

Earning second place honors in this weekend’s derby was Courtney Baggett’s Highmark, ridden by Amanda Dougherty. She took on three high options and judges awarded the pair with an 82 in the classic and 85 in the handy. Tori Colvin rode Rivercross Onyx, owned by Rivercross Farm, to third-place honors with a total score of 167.5 points.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides ample opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advancements. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the formula for success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Fenwick Equestrian Products, EquiVision, Inc., Caddel Equine Therapy Center, Bauer Hay & Straw, Alfagreen Supreme, Trouw Nutrition, The Andersons, Mark Fischer Inc., Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc., Agri-Business Insurance Services and Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher.

The $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, marked the conclusion of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. The action will continue at the Kentucky Horse Park during the KHJA Horse Show, which begins on Wednesday.

To learn more about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Vale Widens Hagyard Challenge Series Leads, Hesslink Tops Hallway Feeds Standings

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Aaron Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck.

Lexington, Ky. – May 23, 2016 – Aaron Vale has widened his early lead in the 2016 Hagyard Challenge Series by claiming the second place prize for the second week in a row during Thursday’s $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*. Vale, who has been competing at the Kentucky Horse Shows for 28 years, piloted Quidam’s Good Luck to a double-clear round, finishing just shy of the winner, Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. The Kentucky Spring Classic also featured the second event for the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series, where Geoffrey Hesslink earned the second place prize to further his lead in the standings.

During the first event of the Hagyard Challenge Series Vale placed second and third to claim the early lead. Pablo Barrios of Venezuela continues to hold the second place position in the standings after claiming the victory in the first leg of the Series aboard ASD Farfala. Todd Minikus and Quality Girl are just 30 points behind Barrios after winning Thursday’s highlight event.

The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2016 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series as well as a $10,000 prize for the reserve champion.

The series concludes with the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic held during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus will be announced and presented with the cash prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. New this year is the $200 Best Turned Out award, sponsored by Bob Mickler’s, which will go to a well-deserving groom following each grand prix. In addition, a Hagyard’s Handsomest Hound contest will also be held at each grand prix, sponsored by MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 digital radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full medical and surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and hyperbaric medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 137 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of medicine, surgery and theriogenology.

For more information on the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit www.hagyard.com.

Several generous sponsors have helped m

Geoffrey Hesslink and Esco
Geoffrey Hesslink and Esco

ake this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include title sponsor MWI Animal Health and presenting sponsor Zoetis as well as Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, Pike & Preston, Sallee Horse Vans and Hagyard Pharmacy. Additional sponsors include Equine Therapy and FooteWorks.

The Kentucky Spring Classic also featured the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second event in the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. Hesslink took home the second place honors with Esco, which was combined with his first and third place ribbons during the first week to take over the lead in the standings. Aaron Vale earned the victory during the Kentucky Spring Classic with Madewell to move into the second place position, while Hunter Holloway rounds out the top three and is the leading junior competitor.

The five-part series will feature a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby throughout the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Bonus will be presented.  The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus will award a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the five classes that make up the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. The series-leading amateur and junior riders accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 21.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides ample opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advancements. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the formula for success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Fenwick Equestrian Products, EquiVision, Inc., Caddel Equine Therapy Center, Bauer Hay & Straw, Alfagreen Supreme, Trouw Nutrition, The Andersons, Mark Fischer Inc., Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc., Agri-Business Insurance Services and Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Vale Leads Hagyard Challenge Series, Hesslink Tops Hallway Feeds Standings

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Aaron Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck.

Lexington, Ky. – May 16, 2016 – Aaron Vale has taken the early lead in the 2016 Hagyard Challenge Series by claiming the second and third place positions during Thursday’s $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*. Vale, who has been competing at the Kentucky Horse Shows for 28 years, rode Quidam’s Good Luck and Finou 4 to double-clear rounds, finishing just shy of the winner, Pablo Barrios on ASD Farfala. The Kentucky Spring Horse Show also featured the lead-off event for the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series, where Geoffrey Hesslink and Rookie led the victory gallop, giving him the lead in the standings.

In the Hagyard Challenge Series, Pablo Barrios of Venezuela is holding the second place position in the standings after claiming the victory on Thursday aboard ASD Farfala, and is just 10 points behind Vale. Victoria Colvin is currently ranked third in the standings after she went double-clear with Austria 2 to earn fourth place honors.

The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2016 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series as well as a $10,000 prize for the reserve champion.

The series concludes with the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic held during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus will be announced and presented with the cash prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. New this year is the $200 Best Turned Out award, sponsored by Bob Mickler’s, which will go to a well-deserving groom following each grand prix. In addition, a Hagyard’s Handsomest Hound contest will also be held at each grand prix, sponsored by MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 digital radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full medical and surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and hyperbaric medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 137 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of medicine, surgery and theriogenology.

For more information on the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit www.hagyard.com.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include title sponsor MWI Animal Health and presenting sponsor Zoetis as well as Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, Pike & Preston, Sallee Horse Vans and Hagyard Pharmacy. Additional sponsors include Equine Therapy and FooteWorks.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show concluded on Sunday, May 15, and one of the highlight events was the kick-off of the 2016 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series. Hesslink currently holds the lead in the standings with his winning effort aboard Rookie as well as the third place spot on Esco. Douglas Boyd, who placed second with Calido’s Son, and Aaron Vale, who picked up the third place award with Madewell, follow Hesslink closely in the rankings.

The five-part series will feature a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby throughout the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Bonus will be presented.  The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus will award a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the five classes that make up the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. The series-leading amateur and junior riders accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 21.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides ample opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advancements. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the formula for success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Fenwick Equestrian Products, EquiVision, Inc., Caddel Equine Therapy Center, Bauer Hay & Straw, Alfagreen Supreme, Trouw Nutrition, The Andersons, Mark Fischer Inc., Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc., Agri-Business Insurance Services and Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher.

The Kentucky Spring Classic held May 18-22 will also feature a FEI CSI3* rating. The $35,000 Welcome Speed will be held on Wednesday, followed by the $35,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, as riders try to accumulate valuable points for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, May 21, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix. Once again all three FEI classes will count for the Longines Ranking List and the Thursday and Saturday classes will also count for the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List. In addition, the featured national classes will be the $50,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, which counts towards the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List, and the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix to be held on Sunday, May 22, in the Rolex Stadium. The $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby will be held in the Stonelea Ring on Saturday, May 21.

EQSportsNet will be streaming live webcasts of the $130,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* during the Kentucky Spring Classic on Saturday, May 21. EQSportsNet Full Access subscribers can also watch all rounds of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows series on demand at www.eqsports.net.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping, USEF

Hesslink Claims 2014 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East Title

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Geoffrey Hesslink and Canny Windsor Z (The Book LLC)

Gladstone, N.J. – The 2014 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East came to an exciting conclusion Sunday at the USET Foundation Headquarters as Geoffrey Hesslink was crowned champion. Following the completion of Phase III, Andre Dignelli-trainees, Hesslink with Peacock Ridge LLC’s Canny Windsor Z, Lillie Keenan with Isabelle Caccamise’s Catwalk 19, and Caitlin Boyle with Chansonette Farm LLC’s Zentina B, joined Stacia Madden-trained Megan MacPhearson with Meridian Partners LLC’s Class Action atop the leaderboard. The four were called back for the final Phase where each rider completed an eight-obstacle course on their own horse, and then the three other riders’ horses.

Hesslink (Shelburne, Vt.) turned heads throughout the weekend with stylish performances in all phases to capture the attention of the judges and spectators. He earned the coveted Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals title after finishing Phase IV on a total of 371, posting the highest totals of the afternoon on Catwalk 19 and Canny Windsor Z, 95 and 94, respectively, as well as earning a 92 on Class Action and 90 on Zentina B.

“He looked totally at ease; every round he just kept doing it and then with the change of horses he just kept nailing it,” said Jimmy Torano, who judged alongside Laura Kraut.

At 19 years old Hesslink has aged out of the junior division and came to Gladstone feeling he was ready to win his first national title.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” said Hesslink. “I didn’t expect it, and I am very excited and grateful. I was nervous because this is my only final, but I was confident because we were over prepared for this event. I felt like I had a chance.”

Keenan (New York, N.Y.) earned the Reserve Champion title, finishing Phase IV on a score of 366, earning an 87 on Catwalk 19, a 95 on Class Action, a 92 on Canny Windsor Z, and 92 on Zentina B.

Boyle (Hampshire, Ill.), who had the highest score of Phase III a 96, collected third place on a Phase IV score of 364, riding to scores of 86, 97,90, and 91 on Catwalk 19, Class Action, Canny Windsor Z, and Zentina B, respectively. MacPherson (Boulder, Co.) finished fourth on 337 after riding the four horses to scores of 75, 80, 88, and 94.

Daisy Farish (Versailles, Ky.), who led competition after two phases, finished in fifth place. After scoring an 86 in Phase III she stood tied with Keenan on an overall score of 357. However, the tie was broken and the eventual Reserve Champion advanced to Phase IV as she had the higher score in Phase III, an 88.

The Grappa Trophy was awarded to Zentina B as the best horse of the competition.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sjTalentSearch.aspx.