Tag Archives: Havens Schatt

Ashlee Bond Wins $401k Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5* at WEF

Ashlee Bond and Donatello 141. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 7, 2020 – Ashlee Bond (ISR) recorded her first career five-star grand prix victory with Donatello 141 in the $401,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5*, on Saturday, March 7, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

Forty riders went to post in the “Saturday Night Lights” feature, four of which found the path to a clear round to advance to the jump-off over a course designed by Alan Wade of Ireland. Riding out of the first spot in the jump-off, Bond and Donatello 141 rocketed through the course in 39.64 seconds to set the winning pace.

Following Bond, 23-year-old Lillie Keenan (USA) piloted Fasther through the short course, stopping the timers in 40.61 seconds. They would finish in third place. Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Darry Lou put on the speed from the start, but an unfortunate rail for four faults in a time of 39.97 seconds relegated them to fourth place.

Riding out of the final spot in the jump-off, fellow Israeli rider Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z finished just off the pace in 39.96 seconds to settle for second place.

For Bond, the ability to say she is now a five-star grand prix winner isn’t taken lightly. She said, “The feeling is surreal. It hasn’t really hit me, the emotions of tonight. Not only was it my first five-star grand prix win here, but it was my first five-star grand prix win ever. I’ve gone clear in a few, but winning it was not there yet.”

Havens Schatt and Anneliese Kolaska Ride to Top Honors in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Hunter competition continued at the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Saturday with the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Ninety-one professional, amateur, and junior riders took their turn on the grass field hoping to earn the blue ribbon. The class was split into two sections, one for 48 professionals and a second for the 43 junior/amateur riders. Havens Schatt rode Highlander to victory in the professional division, while Anneliese Kolaska rode Herr Drosselmeyer to the top of the junior/amateur section.

Schatt, of Georgetown, KY, returned to the handy with a first round score of 92.5, which put her in third place. After scoring a 93 in the handy, Schatt and Highlander rose to the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 185.5.

Kolaska returned to the handy round in third place with a first round score of 87. Kolaska and her horse Herr Drosselmeyer earned a high score of 90 in the second round for a total score of 177.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Spencer Smith Scores Win in $137,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup CSI5*

Spencer Smith and Theodore Manciais. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 5, 2020 – The USA’s Spencer Smith and Theodore Manciais topped a field of 53 entries to win the $137,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 CSI5* on Thursday, March 5, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

On the way to Thursday’s win, Smith, 23, was the first of 12 entries to return for the Alan Wade (IRL) designed short course, and he and Theodore Manciais crossed the finish in what would prove to be an unbeatable 39.79 seconds.

“I went first, so Eric [Lamaze] told me to just ride my plan and don’t count too much with the numbers, just to ride it off my eye and feel it,” said Smith, who trains with Canadian Olympic champion Lamaze. “So that’s what I did, and it worked out.

“Here you can never know [if your time is going to hold up],” continued Smith. “You could have been 10th with that time. You just don’t know. They go so fast here with so many good riders.”

Coming the closest to catching Smith’s time was U.S. Olympian Beezie Madden who finished in second with a time of 39.84 seconds riding Darry Lou, owned by Abigail Wexner.

Havens Schatt Rides Highlander to Equitan Performance Hunter 3’6” Championship

Havens Schatt and Highlander were crowned champions of the Performance Hunter 3’6” sponsored by Equitan on Thursday afternoon in the Grand Hunter Ring. The pair earned two second and three third place ribbons in the division.

Schatt has been partnered with Meredith Mateo’s Highlander for only one month, but the duo has already proven to be very successful.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Bertram Allen Continues Winning Ways during WEF Seven

Bertram Allen and Lafayette van Overis. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – February 21, 2020 – Ireland’s Bertram Allen continued a successful debut season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL with a victory in the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m CSI5* riding Lafayette van Overis on Friday, February 21.

Friday’s one-round, featured event built by course designer Santiago Varela (ESP) saw 67 riders compete for the win, but none could best Allen and the foot speed of his nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Tauber van het Kapelhof), owned by Ballywalter Stables.

Stopping the clock at 63.61 seconds, Allen and Lafayette van Overis, a horse he got the ride on in August of 2019, handily won with almost two seconds to spare.

“He’s incredibly straight forward,” said Allen, who took over the ride on Lafayette van Overis from Great Britain’s Joe Clee. “I feel like he truly understands what we are trying to do out there. Ever since I got him, he has been impressing me. He wasn’t bought to be the best horse in the world or to jump 5* grand prix, but every question he’s asked he does it with ease and is very competitive.”

Schatt and Iwasaki Are Victorious in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby took place on Friday morning during week seven of the Winter Equestrian Festival. The derby was held on “Pony Island,” where Rings 11 and 12 were combined to create a larger field. The class had a junior/amateur section, as well as a professional division, and offered $10,000 in prize money to both. There were 38 junior/amateur riders and 34 professionals to complete the first round with 12 riders coming back for the handy round in each section.

Havens Schatt aboard Highlander captured the victory in the professional division, and Augusta Iwasaki rode Sambuca to the top spot in the junior/amateur section.

“Going into the handy, since he is a very big horse, I was curious to see if I could really do the inside turns,” Schatt explained. “Actually, going to the first jump, I was like ‘Am I going to turn inside or am I not?’ But when I decided to try it; he did that one so well and the others amazing.”

Taking top honors in the junior/amateur section was Augusta Iwasaki riding Sambuca.

“I thought it was a super fun course. I had a great time on both of my horses,” Iwasaki commented.

Iwasaki catch rode the 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Lambada Van Berkenbrobeck x Viola) for her friend Ava Peck. The pair got the highest handy round score in the junior/amateur section of the class.

For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Siena Vasan Wins $10,000 Under 25 Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Siena Vasan and Tokyo D’Ellipse.

Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2019 – The Kentucky Summer Horse Show closed out in the Rolex Stadium with a variety of show jumping classes, including the $10,000 Under 25 Classic and the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers. The technical 15-effort course was designed by Marina Azevedo and athletes incurred both time and jumping faults during the day’s competition. Only one horse-and-rider combination, Siena Vasan and Tokyo D’Ellipse, successfully completed the course clear from any faults, which solidified her top placing. Riley Mackillop ended the class in second place, while Samantha Rice earned a third place ribbon.

Salt Creek and Havens Schatt Secure First $5,000 USHJA Hunter Derby Win

Sunday concluded with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by World Equestrian Center/Kentucky Horse Shows LLC. Havens Schatt held the lead from round one into the handy round to clinch the title aboard Salt Creek with 185 points. Jennifer Waxman and Codex 22 settled for second place with 183 points while Dominic Gibbs and Perseus YC claimed third place with 181 points.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Ryan Genn and Dieta Save the Best for Last to Win $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix

Photo: Ryan Genn and Dieta.

Lexington, Ky. – May 19, 2019 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic concluded jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium with the $35,000 Bluegrass Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. Thirty horse-and-rider combinations tested Kelvin Bywater’s (GBR) 16-effort first-round track where eight pairs returned to challenge the abridged jump-off phase. Athletes chased a double-clear finish, but Sunday’s finale saved the best for last as Ryan Genn (USA) and Dieta stopped the timers fault-free in 38.234 seconds to clinch the grand prix victory.

Genn’s grand prix lap of honor was followed by the presentation for the Leading Open Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Envisian Products, which he earned in part with Alex Granato (USA). Both athletes tied for points to share the award after Granato rode to first place in Saturday night’s $134,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* with Carlchen W.

Brian Moggre and MTM Los Angeles Claim $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix

Earlier in the day, the sport’s up-and-coming athletes took to the ring in the $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix in the Rolex Stadium. Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations tackled Bywater’s course, which asked pairs to complete 14 efforts under the time allowed of 71 seconds. With five pairs advancing to the jump-off, it was ultimately Brian Moggre and MTM Los Angeles who tackled the course expertly to walk away with the blue ribbon.

Havens Schatt and Happy Thoughts Ride to First Place in $5,000 USHJA National Derby

Hunter competition in the Stonelea Ring began with the highlight of the day, the $5,000 USHJA National Derby, sponsored by the World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows. After taking the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in the previous week at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Havens Schatt returned to take another impressive win in the hunter ring, this time with Caroline Moran’s Happy Thoughts. The pair claimed their victory after scoring a total of 185 points.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Darragh Kenny Continues Streak to Win $35k Commonwealth Grand Prix with Scarlett Du Sart Z

Photo: Darragh Kenny and Scarlett Du Sart Z.

Lexington, Ky. – May 12, 2019 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Show closed out in the Rolex Stadium on Sunday with the $35,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. With 44 starters challenging each other, it was Darragh Kenny that once again could not be beat in the jump-off, this time winning with Vlock Show Stables’ Scarlett Du Sart Z. Kenny also walked away with the Leading Open Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Envisian Products, after accumulating the most points through his top placings in the Welcome Speed, Hagyard Lexington Classic, Kentucky Spring Grand Prix, and Sunday’s grand prix.

Abigail McArdle and Cade Capture $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix

Earlier in the day, the $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix took place in the Rolex Stadium, giving up-and-coming athletes the opportunity to try their hand at the 1.40m and 1.50m height. Twenty-five athletes entered the class hoping to walk away with the winning title, but it was Abigail McArdle and her longtime partner Cade who took the top prize. The 16 effort track proved tricky for some competitors with both time and jumping faults playing a role in the day’s challenges. Only three competitors returned for the jump-off, Delaney Flynn, Tanimara Macari, and McArdle.

Havens Schatt Is Spectacular to Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Sunday competition highlighted top hunter horses in the Stonelea Ring with the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Dietrich Equine Insurance where Havens Schatt and Spectacular claimed the win.

Jeff Gogul Maintains $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Title

Preceding Sunday’s international derby, the Stonelea Ring saw 25 horse-and-rider combinations contest the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows, the first of 15 World Equestrian Center/Kentucky Horse Shows USHJA National Hunter Derby Series events, where Jeff Gogul defended his title to once again claimed the victory, this time aboard Counselor.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Bluman, Schatt, and Foster Rule Turf Tour Week 9

Daniel Bluman and Colestina H (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete Photography)

Wellington, FL (March 11, 2019) – Friday and Saturday at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center showcased two of jumping sport’s most prestigious classes: the Grand Prix and the Hunter Derby. As the ninth weekly Turf Tour Grand Prix of 2019 and the final Hunter Derby Day of the year, the past week’s Turf Tour at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center marked the beginning of the end of The Ridge’s 2019 Florida season, with just three weeks left to go.

Bluman Takes the Blue: A frequent victor and competitor on the Turf Tour, Daniel Bluman and Blue Star Investment’s Colestina H put in an athletic performance in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix to win the class on a jump-off time of 24.312. Picking up where his student, Samantha Wight left off as the winner of Wednesday’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic, Bluman and Colestina bested a field of more than 20 Grand Prix competitors who ranged from young riders to veteran international show jumpers. Sarah Scheiring finished second and third aboard Dontez and S&L Cocodrille. With just three weeks to go, the cumulative points leader in the 1.40m Grand Prix, 1.30m Rising Star, and 1.20-1.25m Turf Tour divisions will win a new custom golf cart presented by Iron Horse Transit, the official horse carrier.

Spectacular, Enchanted, Unbelievable: The final Hunter Derby Days of 2019 proved to be a battle of titans. Peter Pletcher, Kelley Farmer, and Havens Schatt, along with their talented mounts, demonstrated the talent, athletic ability, and grace that has made them some of the hunter ring’s most decorated names.

Havens Schatt and the bay stallion Spectacular ultimately clinched the top prize. Edging out Kelley Farmer and Enchanted by just a half a point, both riders’ flawless rounds were a testament to the beauty and power of the sport. Not to be discounted, Peter Pletcher and Unbelievable’s elegant rounds earned him 3rd behind the two ladies. Earlier in the day, Amy Foster and Jasper secured the final $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, with Quintus P. J. and Miranda Scott finishing second and Legolas and Stephanie Clark in third. A special treat for all of the riders, owners, grooms, staff, and spectators, The RV Advisor hosted a gourmet lunch between the National and International Derbies. Their roadside assistance, which provides towing as well as transport for horses and humans, is the ultimate peace of mind for equestrians on the road.

As part of the Turf Tour, Hunter Derby Days is a reflection of its mission and goals to provide a wonderful atmosphere, exceptional footing, and unique destinations to the hunter fanbase. “The hunters are such a unique and important aspect of our sport,” said The Ridge founder and US Olympic show jumper Nona Garson. “We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to develop their riding at various venues, compete for generous prizes and prize money, and jump on all natural surfaces. The Hunter Derbies are a perfect curtail to the Turf Tour, and it was thrilling to watch such highly decorated and influential riders jump our courses at our venues.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

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

Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z Win $391k Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI 5*

Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 9, 2019 – The highlight event of week 9 at the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival, the $391,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI 5*, hosted the highest level of competition at the circuit, and it was Daniel Bluman (ISR) who rode to the win on Ladriano Z, owned by Over the Top Stables LLC.

Out of 39 entries in the opening round competing over a course designed by Alan Wade of Ireland, five found the key to a clear round and advanced to the jump-off.

Havens Schatt and Sofia Roberts Dominate the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic

The Derby Field at Equestrian Village once again hosted a variety of hunter fences on the morning of Saturday, March 9, during the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival. Seventy top hunter horse-and-rider combinations contested Andy Christiansen Jr.’s first course for the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic. Riders were split into the professional category, where Havens Schatt took the lead, and the junior/amateur category, won by Sofia Roberts.

Hunter veterans Sissy Wickes and Tucker Ericson made up the judges’ panel to determine which riders would have scores high enough to return for the handy portion. When all trips were completed, a total of 24 entries made up of 12 junior/amateur combinations and 12 professional combinations were asked to return for the second round.

For full results, please visit pbiec.coth.com.

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti Seal the Win in the $40,000 George Hennessy Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti. Photo by Anne Gittins Photography.

Havens Schatt and Mostly Sunny Top the $30,000 USHJA Hunter Derby

Lexington, Ky. – June 11, 2018 – The first week of the Country Heir I & II Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park showcased of some of the finest hunters and jumpers in North America.

$40,000 George Hennessy Grand Prix
An audience gathered to watch exciting show-jumping action in the Rolex Stadium Sunday. International course designer Steve Stephens and his team set the track for a lively afternoon of sport. Of the 30 entries, eight left all the rails in the cups and progressed to the jump-off round. Wilhelm Genn (GER) and Bugatti, owned by Eduardo Leon, were nearly two second faster than the second-place finishers, Liza Finsness and her own Shiver. Hector Florentino (DOM) and Heliante Ter Wilgen, owned by Marion S. Head, were just two-tenths of a second behind Finsness.

“There was only one big question for me on the course and that was the line to the triple combination,” Genn said. “When I walked it, I thought I would do six strides — it was a long five. I took a shorter approach to the oxer and it set me up to do the six to the triple and he listened beautifully. In the jump-off he was his usual self. He was really super.”

Bugatti, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Heartbreaker x Pilot), has been a successful partner for Genn for seven years. They have at least 10 grand prix wins to their credit and recently won two FEI grand prix events, one in Mexico City during the Longines Global Champions Tour and another at San Miguel de Allende, also in Mexico.

“He’s a big goofball,” said Genn about Bugatti’s personality. “He’s like a little kid. He’s basically lazy but he’s a curious horse. He’s sweet, but he can be a little bit of a bully.”

Genn was quick to compliment the show. “I’ve known Frankie (Stark) for years and I love Julie (Agar) in the office,” he said.  “It is a very nice show — very well-run.”

$30,000 International Hunter Derby
Havens Schatt piloted Mostly Sunny, owned by CH Farms LLC of Delano, Minnesota, over the Steve Stephens-designed course to the win of the $30,000 Hunter Derby. In an exciting match-up of 40 top-notch horses and riders, Emma Kurtz and Dedication, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, led after the first round with a huge score of 186 points but were left out of contention in the second round.

Second-place finisher Kelley Farmer and Todd Minikus’ Exceptional were in fourth place after the initial round, with 178.5 points and added 185 points to their second round. Schatt and Mostly Sunny, a striking 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, earned 364 evenly-split points to win the event just .5 points ahead of Farmer. Caitlyn Shiels and Cassius, owned by Durpetti Equestrian LLC, were in the eleventh spot after the first round. The pair stepped up with an outstanding second round to take the third-place prize.

Schatt imported Mostly Sunny from Europe when he was 5. A football fan, Schatt gave him his barn name, Larry, in honor of the legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. As a 7-year-old, he was already competing in the High Performance Hunters and some derbies.

“He’s a very scopey and quiet horse,” Schatt said. “He was always a little inconsistent because he was still green. He had a couple of little injuries and he had to take time off. Now, he’s becoming the horse I always knew he could be.”

His owner, David Lubben (CH Farms), now rides with top hunter trainer Scott Stewart and offered Schatt the opportunity to continue to campaign him as a derby horse. She was thrilled to have him back. “He’s my favorite horse ever,” she said.

Schatt said that the first round rode very nicely but, for whatever reason, the handy round under the lights turned out to be challenging. After watching the first horse on the course, Schatt adjusted her plan. It worked out in their favor and earned them the victory gallop.

“Flowers for the champions, trees and shrubs everywhere, the VIP tent between the hunter rings — for a venue where show at a lot, they know how to make it a special horse show,” she said about the Country Heir I & II management.

Click here for complete results of Country Heir Week I.

James Chawke and GK Coco Chanel Lead Wire to Wire in 1.40m Grand Prix

James Chawke and GK Coco Chanel. Photos courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC.

March 10 Hunter Derby Day Crowns Schatt and Buttenweiser

Wellington, Florida (March 15, 2017) – Wrapping up its tenth week of competition, the 2017 Palm Beach Series has become a haven for developing horses and riders to hone their skills and synergy in the competition arena. In the third and final Hunter Derby Day of the 2017 winter season, an exceptional course welcomed riders for a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, where gorgeous jumps in shade of the covered arena set the stage for a utopian derby showcase on Friday, March 10th. Full jumper divisions hosted riders Wednesday and Thursday, with Saturday’s competition including the week’s headline class, a $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix designed to offer a technical but obtainable challenge for emerging Grand Prix mounts and riders.

James Chawke and GK Coco Chanel Lead from Wire to Wire in Palm Beach Series X 1.40m Grand Prix

World class jumps, course designs, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere drew riders to the in-gate of Jumper Rings 1 & 2 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center during Week 10’s competition, and Saturday’s 1.40m Grand Prix presented an interesting combination of challenges for the field of competitors. The headline class, which featured a course by FEI designer Mark McGowan, granted a number of double clears but no one could best James Chawke and GK Coco Chanel’s effort, which secured them victory.

As one of the first riders to go, Chawke’s early jump-off time of 40.612 couldn’t be touched throughout the class. As all of the Palm Beach Series’ jumper classes feature an open in-gate policy, allowing riders to arrive, school, and show at their own pace and as per their own schedule, the majority of the field was still chomping at the bit following Chawke’s early double clear, but in the end none would best the elegant bay mare’s athletic display of speed and power.

Giving chase to Chawke and Coco, Stephen Moore piloted to Istafan Issi to reserve honors with a jump off time of 44.553. Peter Jordan and P&F Cordillo Z rounded out the top three efforts in the Grand Prix, less than a second behind Moore with a 45.148.

The spectacular Grand Prix course, which asked a number of questions of its horses and riders, offered the option of a straightforward ride with a few bending lines and combinations to keep things interesting, as well as the choice to test agility, scope, and stamina. Acting as a catalyst for the development of young or green horses as well as developing riders, the Palm Beach Series weekly Grand Prix classes, Hunter Derby Day events, and other jumper divisions serve as a stepping stone to the larger jumper classes without the pressure and stress of intense competitions and atmospheres.

Schatt & Buttenweiser Crowned in March 10 Hunter Derby Day

March 10 was an incredible season finale for The Ridge Palm Beach Series’ hunter derby competitions, and a celebration of the grace, athleticism, and pageantry that have come to embody the performance hunter and highlight The Ridge Palm Beach Series’ Hunter Derby Days. The spectacular jumps gave character and substance to the Derby courses, which were designed by Skip Bailey to test and reward some of the best hunter horse and rider combinations in the world. Including stacked hay bales, brick and picket verticals and oxers, stone walls, and lushly decorated fences, the final Hunter Derby Day of the 2017 winter season began with the $5,000 USHJA National Derby in the morning and the $15,000 USHJA International Derby in the afternoon.

Hallie Buttenweiser and Wanderlust jumped with the presence and precision that are the hallmarks of an exceptional derby ride, earning them the championship title in the $5,000 USHJA International Derby. Wanderlust, who is known around the barn as Turkey, made a particularly strong statement in the handy round to earn himself and Buttenweiser the win in the horse’s first outing of the show season.

“He is so handy, and so very brave,” said Buttenweiser. “This was his first show this season, and he proves himself to be so adaptable and it was nice to get him out and showing without pressure. I could tell he really enjoyed jumping this course; it was beautiful and impressive enough without being spooky. These classes are a great step up for horses just starting to do the derbies and I felt confident going to all of the higher options. Turkey is great at turning, and he corrected for a mistake I made at the trot fence.”

Buttenweiser, who has also shown this year on The Palm Beach Series Turf Tour and jumper circuit, also stated her appreciation for the series’ relaxed atmosphere and nurturing environment for developing horses: “I love showing here and have really enjoyed the laid-back environment on the Turf Tour. It’s a great option to bring horses who are kind of in the middle and need to build confidence, plus the amenities and spacious warm-ups are a major plus.”

Havens Schatt and Continental

With the arena freshly drug and the course reset for the $15,000 USHJA International Derby, it was decorated hunter rider Havens Schatt and Continental’s turn to shine. The athletic bay, under the guidance of Schatt, epitomized the talent and poise required to top one of the discipline’s most prestigious classes. After beginning his career as a 1.35m jumper, Continental has grown under Schatt’s guidance into a successful Derby horse as well as an exceptional amateur hunter.

“Skip built a great course today for this class,” said Schatt. “His handies really make you think, and give you some options for what best suits your horse and yet still keep the ride very handy, as well as some options for young or greener horses. I thought it rode very well and the course itself was beautiful. For us its really nice to show here and it’s a great thing they [The Ridge] offer. I brought another horse who I knew may make some mistakes but its great experience for him and I’ve even brought some young horses just to school and get them off the farm.”

For more information on the 2017 Palm Beach Series, including full schedules, prizelists, and entry blanks, visit www.TheRidgeFarm.com.