Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 1, 2018 – A little rain on Wednesday morning couldn’t stop Hayley Waters from taking the win in the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers during the second day of the Kentucky Summer Classic. The pair completed two faultless rounds, finishing the jump-off in a time of 40.288 seconds. F. Peter Jordan put in a solid double-clear effort with one of the three mounts he competed in the class, Igor Van De Grauwe Berg, and finished the jump-off one second slower than Waters in a time of 41.217 seconds. Rounding out the top three places was Martien Van Der Hoeven and Bente, who had 4 faults over the short course in a time of 41.813 seconds.
The 1.40m Open Jumper class hosted 23 horse-and-athlete combinations over a 13- effort course built by Brazilian course designer Anderson Lima. Lima has had success designing courses all over the world, including at the Winter Equestrian Festival, where he designed the $205,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI4*.
Waters, who calls her family farm in Sparr, Florida home, brought eight horses to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Summer horse show series. The 21-year-old equestrian has undoubtedly proven herself as “one to watch” on the list of up-and-coming young American athletes. She is well known for winning her first grand prix at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back since.
Waters’ parents, Dana and Chuck, acquired Uppie De Lis from Andy Kocher in the early months of 2017. Kocher piloted the 17-year-old Warmblood gelding to top placings in FEI-level classes at many important events including the Washington International Horse Show and the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. Waters has also produced strong results with “Uppie” at the prestigious Devon Horse Show and Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Mill Spring, NC – July 25, 2017 – Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Uppie De Lis took top honors in the $65,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix, stopping the second round timers in 36.021 seconds. David Blake of Wellington, FL and Goldbreaker took second place with a jump-off time of 36.632 seconds, while Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL grabbed third place aboard Clouwni and a short course time of 37.755 seconds.
The $65,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix saw 24 entries, twelve of which returned for the jump-off track set by Dean Rhienheimer. Waters explained that when she walked the course with her trainer, Daniel Damen, they tried to focus on each of her three mounts as individuals. Waters placed in the money with two of her three mounts, earning 12th place honors aboard Qurint.
“Everything [about the course] rode how it walked,” she said. She elaborated that while some elements were challenging for her other mounts, “Uppie”, a 2001 NRPS gelding owned by Chuck Waters, is a veteran jumper and completed the course with ease.
“Uppie’s sixteen – he knows what’s going on. With one of my horses, I knocked a rail on the skinny down because we kind of got going around the turn to it. I was a little close on time with the other horse, but I thought it was a good course. I was surprised by how many went clear tonight,” she added.
Waters has been teamed up with Uppie De Lis since this past winter, which she spent in Ocala, FL. “I bought him from Andy Kocher, who has had a lot of success with him,” she explained. “It’s been really nice to have this horse to learn to jump bigger tracks.”
Although her long-term plans for Uppie De Lis are still unclear, Waters explained that they will travel to Saugerties, NY in the near future and she will continue to learn from him in each competition opportunity they get.
“He’s been a great mount for me. I’ve already l learned so much from him in just a short period of time. I’m really looking forward to where our partnership goes. We’ve had a great season so far and I’m proud of the way he’s gone,” she concluded.
Alexis Trosch of Wellington, FL took top honors in the $35,000 Sunday Jumper Classic, guiding his own Opaline Z around the short course in 40.727 seconds. Emanuel Andrade took both second and third place honors aboard his own U and Gran Mamut, owned by Alder International Management Company, with jump-off times of 39.052 and 39.226 seconds, respectively. Andrade and Trosch were the only riders to guide four entries to the short course out of sixteen trips.
Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL guided Luigi, owned by Caron Stucky, to a top place finish in the $35,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake with a blazing jump-off time of 34.584 seconds. Alexis Trosch of Wellington, FL took second place aboard his own Opaline Z with a short course time of 36.695 seconds, while Darragh Kerins of Wellington, FL and his own Penelope Cruz took third place, finishing the jump off in 37.908 seconds. The class saw twenty-three entries, four of which came back for the short course set by Dean Rheinheimer.
Hunter Highlights
Megan Wexler of Ocala, FL and Amara, owned by Catherine Merrill, rode to victory in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby after collecting a total two round score of 172. Erika Jakobson of Boca Raton, FL and Nobel Laureate, owned by Barn Rat, LLC, finished in second place with a total score of 167, while Robert Stucky of Waxhaw, NC guided The Girl from Ipanema, owned by Caron Stucky, to third place with a score of 164.
The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District Junior/Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Division saw Paige Wilson of Charlotte, NC take top honors aboard her own DiCaprio. Emmanuelle Greenberg of Boca Raton, FL took reserve with Pumpkin’s Patch Farm, LLC’s entry Czech Mate.
The Pre-Adult Hunter 2’6″ Division saw Madison McCreery of Madison, MS and her own Secret take championship honors in the division ahead of Catherine Merrill of Reddick, FL and her own Amara, who collected reserve champion.
Madison McCreery also took top honors in the USHJA Hunter 2’6″ Division aboard Secret, ahead of Steve Heinecke of Charlotte, NC and Hercules VD Vromboutshoeve, owned by the Freedom Group.
Morgan Michelle Sollenberger of Concord, NC and Tobasco, owned by Emory & Henry College, bested the Marshall & Sterling Adult-Amateur Hunter Division, while Carol Lynn Nelms of Liberty, NC and her own Socialight BR collected reserve champion honors.
In the Children’s Hunter Pony Division, Anna Marie Mayes of Memphis, TN and Half Moon Bay, owned by Heather Hornor, finished on top ahead of Pilar Ojeda of Waxhaw, NC and her own Tide Creek Allegra.
Heather Richardson McCloud of Bristol, TN and One Casual Dude, owned by Miller Henard, took top honors in the USHJA 2’3″ Hunter Division, while Ginny Herndon of Montgomery, AL and Skymiles, owned by Karen Przygocki, finished in reserve.
Steve Heineke of Charlotte, NC piloted Pamina, owned by Sarah Laffoday, to collect champion honors in the USHJA 3′ Division, while Sara White of Pinecrest, FL and Lexington, owned by Dragonfly Stables Inc., earned reserve champion.
For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.
Mill Spring, NC – May 30, 2017 – Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Uppie De Lis sped to the top of the class in the $50,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix on Saturday, May 27, after crossing through the timers in 36.594 seconds in the jump-off round. Manuel Torres of Leesburg, VA and Christofolini H rode to second place with a time of 38.508 seconds, while Nicole Shahinian-Simpson of Wellington, FL and Cassi earned third place after stopping the clock in 38.779 seconds.
Waters, one of the youngest riders competing in the class, made a quick and efficient effort around the track designed by Michele Ismalen, which featured 23 entries. Four combinations returned to test their efforts against the short course, which saw three of the combinations complete the evening with a double clear effort in both rounds of competition.
Uppie De Lis, a 2001 Dutch Riding Horse gelding, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters, has a breadth of experience at the international level with several top riders, but has found his stride with Waters piloting from the irons. The pair has already accomplished several career defining feats in 2017, and Waters is looking forward to the rest of their season together.
“I’m really excited. He’s such a good horse. I’ve only had him since the beginning of the Ocala circuit this past winter,” she explained. “I love how dependable he is. He’s a great partner and a great teammate. He fights for you at the jumps and he’s been such a good teacher for me.”
The pair will look to contest both national and international competition this season, and Waters feels that their relationship and partnership will only get stronger as they continue to solidifying their communication with each other. While winning the class came as an unexpected victory for Waters, she noted that she wanted to keep her plan simple by deconstructing each fence and riding the course jump by jump.
“I jumped my first big class on him this past winter and he’s given me a great feeling. I was just trying to go one jump at a time tonight. There were a few things that changed when we were in the ring from my original plan, but he took it all in stride. I just wanted to keep everything organized.”
The pair will head north to contest a few other major competitions before re-evaluating the rest of their summer and fall schedule. She explained, “He is so scopey and has such a good heart. I want to thank my team, my parents, my family, for their help and support. I feel like we’re at such a good point and I think that there are only good things to come from here.”
Waters also took top honors in the $25,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake aboard Quirnt, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Waters, who completed the jump-off track in 34.999 seconds. Andrea Torres Guerreiro of Waterford, VA and Emilia, owned by Santa Catalina Farm, rode to second place with a time of 35.228 seconds, ahead of Jorge Andres Barrera, who competes for the nation of Colombia, and his own Cartouche, who rounded out the top three with a time of 39.166 seconds.
Waters of Sparr, FL and her longtime mount Quirnt dashed through the jump-off track, finishing just a hair ahead of Guerreiro to take top honors. Eleven combinations moved forward to contest the jump-off track, while only the top four competitors finished with a double clear effort around both courses. Waters also finished in sixth place with Uppie De Lis, who would move on to win the $50,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix later in the week.
Tina Yates and Zelote VDL
Jumper Highlights
The $20,000 Hollow Creek U25 Grand Prix was topped by Tina Yates of Wellington, FL and Zelote VDL, owned by Highpoint Farm, LLC, with a jump-off time of 40.514 seconds. Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Bull Run’s Ultimate Fire, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Waters, earned second place, finishing in 40.731 seconds. Yates also secured third place aboard Campitello 5, also owned by Highpoint Farm, LLC, in 45.562 seconds.
The $8,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was championed by Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and Idalie Van Doperheide, owned Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Waters, with a jump-off time of 39.674 seconds. Second place honors were awarded to Thaisa Erwin of Middleburg, VA and Evita, owned by Hollberg Equestrian, with a jump-off time of 44.936 seconds. Andrea Torres Guerreiro of Waterford, VA and Evermine, owned by Santa Catalina Farm, finished in third place with eight faults and a time of 76.193 seconds.
The $5,000 Ariat® Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Classic was dominated by Hannah Newton of Houston, TX aboard her own Athena with a jump-off time of 37.301 seconds. Carly Dvorkin of Parkland, FL took home second place honors aboard Acetto Du Lys, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, in 39.484 seconds. Dvorkin also claimed the third place position, this time aboard Carlotta 168, also owned by Pine Hollow Farm, with a time of 41.855 seconds.
Ty Simpson of Royal Palm Beach, FL and Indiana 127, owned by Hollow Creek Farm, won the $3,000 Low Junior/Amateur Classic with a jump-off time of 36.703 seconds. Lauren Palko of Roswell, GA and her own Copy Cat collected second place with a time of 36.983 seconds, while Christi Israel of Ocala, FL and her own mount, Carry Me Over Z, took home third place honors with a time of 38.956 seconds.
The $2,000 NAL/WIHS High Child/Adult Classic was topped by Maggie McCormack of Wellington, FL aboard Finale, owned by Marker’s Make LLC, with a jump-off time 36.175 seconds. Sarah Fisher of Ft. Wayne, IN and her own Casanova W secured second place position stopping the timers in 38.671 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Grace Krueger of Cumming, GA and her own mount Gladiator with a time of 40.882 seconds.
Hunter Results
The $2,500 USHJA National Pony Hunter Derby saw Morgan Ashby of Lincolnton, NC and her own Beatrix Potter take top honors in the class. Second place was awarded to Mary Hunter Millet of Hillsborough, NC aboard her own Just 4 Me, while by Alexandra Ryden of Cary, NC was presented with third place aboard her own Celtics Creek Friar Tuck.
The Adult Amateur Hunter Division was championed by Betty Oare of Warrenton, VA and Zazu, owned by EMO Stables, and the reserve championship was awarded to Tricia Barr of Wellington, FL and Big Girls Don’t Cry, owned by Rodney Bross.
Betty Oare of Warrenton, VA also took home top honors in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ Division aboard Belle Glos, owned by EMO Stables, while reserve honors were presented to Chrissie Catto of St. Augustine, FL and her own Intuition.
Missy Yoder of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and her own Too Much Fun took home the tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6″ Division, followed by Julia Curtis of Villa Rica, GA and her own Ezra.
Addison Benio of Marietta, GA and her own Umako De Virginia earned top honors for the week in the Animobile Mobile Vet Children’s Hunter Horse Division, and Wiley Johannesmeyer of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and her mount Quincy took home the reserve rosette.
The Children’s Hunter Pony Division was championed by Raine Whitman of Monroe, NY aboard her own Rollingwoods Give’ Em L and the reserve ribbon was presented to Frankie Nicklaus of Duluth, GA aboard Nicely Dun, owned by Patchwork Farm LLC.
Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL and Longstreet owned by Barbara Risius, took home top honors throughout a week of competition in the High Performance Conformation Hunter 3’9″ Division. Reserve honors were again awarded to Shepherd, this time aboard Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson.
The Platinum Performance 3’6″ & 3’3″ Performance Hunter Division saw Sophie Verges of San Francisco, CA and Kaspa, owned by Bernadette Mulliken, take home the championship, and Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX aboard Gabli, owned by Carlyn M. Elsey, were reserve champions.
For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.
(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Isabelle Lapierre and Cesha M.
Ocala, FL (February 14, 2017): Week IV at HITS Post Time Farm included plenty of excitement and riders and horses of all ages, levels and states gathered to compete. The week culminated with the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday.
$50,000 HITS Grand Prix
Canadian equestrian Isabelle Lapierre took home the blue-ribbon title in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix in Ocala riding her own mare, Cesha M. Interestingly, Lapierre and Cesha M took home the exact same title last year during Week IV of the Ocala Winter Circuit – first place in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.
Lapierre and Cesha M returned to stake claim to their title in a lightning-fast jump-off round, where they took the top spot on the leaderboard with a three-second lead. The pair was third in the order of the nine-horse jump-off, and their fault-free time of 40.763 held up through the rest of the field.
Many of the contenders in Sunday’s Grand Prix have been competing against each other for the entirety of the Ocala Winter Circuit, and the order of go was stacked with talent – it was a class of veteran Grand Prix riders no doubt, with some fresh faces in the top 12 as well.
Scott Keach was the seventh in the order to challenge the abbreviated course piloting Chicco W, owned by Edith Rameika. The Australian equestrian and his mount sped through the course, stopping the clock in 43.065 for the eventual second-place finish.
The last contestant in the jump-off was Kim Farlinger aboard Caprice Van De Brouwershoeve, owned by Kim Farlinger Stables, Ltd. They chased Lapierre’s leading time and zoomed through the course, taking each fence by storm and leaving the rails up. They finished in 43.074, only one-hundredth of a second behind Keach’s round, settling them into third place.
Devin Ryan took home the fourth place prize with Cooper as the quickest four-fault jump-off round in 39.122. Rounding out the top five was Mattias Tromp piloting Avon, owned by Swede Ventures, LLC. They too would be foiled by a single rail to finish the course with four faults in 40.497.
Hayley Waters Wins the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix
Local rider Hayley Waters took home both first and third place in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix during Week IV of the Ocala Winter Circuit, marking her second Grand Prix victory at HITS Ocala this season.
(C) ESI Photography. Hayley Waters and Dorella
The twenty-year-old equestrian took home the prestigious placings in contention for the win among a field of seasoned Grand Prix riders, including Aaron Vale, Tracy Fenney and many more. Not to squander Waters’ fire, the young talent has seen the victory circle in many Grand Prix at HITS Ocala and HITS Saugerties, including a blue-ribbon in the $250,000 Jr/A-O Jumper Classic at the HITS Championship in 2015.
Waters took home the first $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix win this year during Week I at HITS Ocala, and there seems to be no sign of slowing her down. Week IV’s victory came aboard Dorella, owned by Seth Vallhonrat. The third-place prize was with Qurint, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters.
In a four-horse jump-off, there were no clear rounds to be seen. Waters would have the only round with all of the rails intact with two time faults, clocking in with a time of 46.560.
Second-place Devin Ryan and Cooper were the quickest of the four-fault rides with a time of 37.718. Following Ryan in the placings was Waters’ and Qurint. They too would finish with only one rail in a time of 40.029.
Scott Keach was the final rider to place of the jump-off rounds, in fourth, with Chicco W, owned by Edith Rameika. Rounding out the top five was Lisa Goldman riding Sovereign, owned by Barbara Disko. They were the quickest of the four-faulters in the first round to secure fifth place.
$1,500 Platinum Performance
Junior and Amateur riders were able to show in the big Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at HITS Post Time Farm for the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix during Week IV of the Ocala Winter Circuit.
Holly French would be the rider to beat aboard Chestnut Hill, owned by Marissa Dolan. The two captured the highest scores in both rounds, a consistent 82 for a grand total of 164 and the winning title.
Second in the ribbons went to Leigh Gallagher riding Eternity, owned by Tibri, LLC. They were awarded a first-round score of 81, followed by an 80 in the second round to total 161.
MacKensie Bowles and Bittersweet Symphony were third among their peers, garnering an 80.5 in the first round, combined with their second-round score of 77 for a total of 157.5.
Fourth place went home with Annie Walsh and Erosmith. Walsh and Erosmith moved up the ranking from a fifth-place finish last week. They earned scores of 77 and 79, respectively, for a total of 156.
Rounding out the top five was Rachel Griffin and Jasmin De Bornival 2, owned by Nelson Pessoa. The pair was awarded a score of 77 in the first round and a score of 79 in the second round.
Ocala, FL (March 1, 2016): A big day for jumper exhibitors commenced on Sunday as Week VI of the Ocala Winter Circuit came to a close. Horses and riders battled it out for winning titles and a piece of the prize purses at HITS Post Time Farm.
$50,000 HITS Grand Prix
A plethora of talented starters filled the Order of Go as the crowd descended upon Ocala Horse Properties Stadium to witness who would conquer the course set by Danny Foster of Ontario, Canada and take home the crown in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix.
The day would belong to Sparr, Florida equestrian, Hayley Waters and Qurint, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters. The 19-year-old dominated the field in all three classes held in Ocala Horse Properties Stadium on Sunday, also winning the $7,500 U-Dump Jr/A-O Jumper Classic and the $5,000 NAL Jr/A-O Jumper Classic.
“Tom has been the best in supporting the Junior/Amateur divisions throughout the year and definitely with the $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix [at the HITS Championship] that she won last year,” said Dana Waters in regard to HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “The prize money that is offered in the jumper divisions is the reason we moved to Ocala, and we’ve lived here for 20 years. We might even qualify her for the Great American Million this year; you never know what will happen.”
Ten would go clear in the first round to return for the jump-off and six would put in double clear rounds. The first to contend the shortened course was Isabelle LaPierre of Quebec and her own Cesha M. They crossed the timers in a fault-free 44.672 to set the tone for the jump-off.
New Jersey equestrian Amanda Flint, hot off a win in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, and her own VDL Wittinger entered next to challenge the shortened course. They put down a speedy round, taking the tight rollback turn from the mid-course combination to a vertical leading to a gallop across the arena to the last set of fences. They set the Great American Time to Beat as they crossed the markers fault-free in 44.240.
Flint’s lead would be short-lived, however, as Germany’s Andre Thieme, previous winner of two HITS $1 Million Grand Prix, followed with his own Cellisto. They turned tightly through the rollback, and upon landing Theime and the big strided bay kicked it into high gear as they galloped towards the last two fences. They clocked in at 42.046 to take the lead by more than two seconds
Three more trips would go before Thieme’s time would be tested. Waters and Qurint came in next, with their sights set on a trifecta of wins in the Stadium. As cheers poured out from the stands, urging the young, talented rider to the finish, Qurint and Waters blazed through the course. The mare’s ground-covering stride proved helpful as they galloped to the last set of fences, crossing the timers in a fault-free 41.915 and setting the new Great American Time to Beat.
“My plan was to go as fast as I could in the open areas. I got pretty lucky to A of the combination, I was going a little fast, but we made it through,” said Waters. “After the rollback turn, the goal was to go quick in that area to shave off time.”
Ocala’s own Ian Silitch followed Waters with Cordovo. The round would not be enough to take the lead from Waters, as they clocked in clear in 44.647, which would eventually earn them fifth place. Zilano M and Michelle Stopford and Amanda Flint on her second ride, Superbad, also returned to contest the course, but none could beat Waters’ time.
Waters has grown up on the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, participating in lead-line at the very same venue, making the victory all the more sweet. The up-and-coming equestrian certainly wowed the crowd on Sunday after an impressive three-peat win in Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.
$7,500 U-Dump Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic
Hayley Waters, riding Galous, a new entry for Chuck and Dana Waters, sped to the win in the $7,500 U-Dump 1.45m Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic on Sunday in HITS Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. Dana Waters was thrilled with the 14-year-old chestnut who was just purchased on Tuesday and is already claiming blue ribbons.
(C) ESI Photography. Hayley Waters and Galous
Horses and riders competed over a 15-effort course set at 1.45 meters by Canadian course designer Danny Foster. Eight horses jumped clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off and it was a race to the finish. The course featured a Liverpool, two combinations, tight inside turns and a challenging left turn to a combination previously jumped from the right in round one.
First to go in the jump-off was Niels Kirsten riding Chateaugravin. They finished in a fault-free 51.155 to set the tone for the class. Stepping into the ring next was Caprisio and Caroline McLeese of Omaha, Nebraska. McLeese and the speedy grey took all the inside turns, including a slice inside the Liverpool to fence 13. They crossed the timers in 49.103 to take over the lead.
Waters followed McLeese, to take her turn at the shortened course. Opting for the same route as McLeese, Waters and Galous moved faster across the ground, shaving more than 3 seconds off the leading round to top the leaderboard with a clear, 45.842-second round.
“This is only the third time I’ve jumped him, and I think he was really looking for where he had to go, which kept him sharp even though I got deep to the in and out,” said Waters. “I just stayed on one pace throughout and [Galous] did the rest.”
The next four riders had four faults on the course, including Melissa Rudershausen of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and her own Ugolin Du Mont. Their time of 46.933 proved to be the fastest of the four faulters and eventually earned them fourth. Fifth place winner Lina Rojas-Restrepo aboard Mauricio Restrepo’s Ramdam De Dry clocked in with four faults in 47.965.
The final horse to jump off was Cafino Z owned by Mauricio Restrepo of Wilmette, Illinois, ridden by Lina Rojas-Restrepo for her second shot at the blue. Cheers rang out from the in-gate as Restrepo galloped the grey to a finish in 48.043 to take second place, securing her two spots in the top five.
$1000 S.A. Comunale Low Adult Jumper Classic
The Grand Prix ring at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida was the place to be for Sunday’s Adult Amateur riders and their mounts. Canadian course designer Danny Foster designed an intricate course that featured a serpentine pattern and 270 degree turns that tested the skill of each horse and rider.
Ten returned to the jump-off, with four going double clear. A Lotta Moxie, a 19-year-old pony, with former event rider Alli Ellis from Dade City, Florida, topped the class by turning tightly and hugging the corners, clocking in at 46.530 for the blue.
First to return to the ring for the jump-off was Phoebe Beachner of Olathe, Kansas on her own Koraal. Beachner piloted her mount through the shortened course, smoothly executing each rollback turn. They turned in a neat, fault-free round in 50.976 to take the lead.
Next up was Grant Anderson of New Canaan, Connecticut on Skelton W, owned by Silvermine Farm Inc. They galloped through the timers to stop the clock at 52.34, fitting in to xx place by 2 seconds behind Beachner.
Ellis and the seasoned chestnut Pony Jumper “Moxie” jumped next, with their sights set on the victory. They turned like a sports car, shaving four seconds off the leading time as they crossed the timers in 46.530, which would prove to be the time to beat.
Only one additional trip would be double clear. Consistent winner this circuit, Grant Anderson returned on his second jump-off mount, Iczing. They left out a stride in the combination, going wide to recover, and finishing in 47.468 just behind Ellis for second place. Boechner finished third with Koraal and Anderson and Skelton W were fourth.
“I’m so lucky to have this pony and my trainer, Grant Pennington, who has been working with me for the last six weeks,” said a thankful Ellis. “Winning the Classic means the world to me, and it’s a great start to my jumping career. Thanks HITS for putting on such a great show!”
SAUGERTIES, NY (September 10, 2015): Hayley Waters, of Ocala, Florida, with Qurint, owned by Chuck and Dana Waters, wowed the show jumping world earlier this year winning the $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic at HITS Ocala V, and the unstoppable duo was back at it in Saugerties for the HITS Championship. They did it again, taking home another big check, this time in the Vetera® XP Vaccines $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix.
On day one, forty-three riders took a turn over the first round course designed by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida. The track challenged the junior and amateur riders, testing their skills with a potentially big payoff insight.
“I was more worried about the first day. Last year I had one down on the first day, and it’s kind of over if you have one down the first day,” said Waters.
Day two began with the first few competitors struggling to go clear, but the day took a turn for the better when Emanuel Andrade and his own Clouwni, carrying only one fault from the previous day, sailed to a clean round. They stayed on top until Kelli Cruciotti, eighteenth in the order, rode Chamonix H, owned by Serenity Equestrian Ventures. Her clear round from day one put her in great shape going into the second round, and with just 1 time fault over the course, but with the faster time day one, she took the lead from Andrade.
Next up, Cormac Hanley and Stephex Stables and Missy Clark’s Twan took center stage. The first competitors to go clear in both rounds, they found themselves at the top of the leaderboard. Just two riders later, Waters and her trusty mount followed in Hanley’s footsteps and navigated through the course cleanly, ensuring a jump-off.
“I was nervous going in; it was a big track,” said Waters. “The triple away from the in gate was intimidating, but Qurint really covered it nicely.”
Catherine Tyree and Enjoy Louis, owned by Joseph and May Tyree, were twenty-third to reenter the ring. Ready to test Waters for the win, they had a great trip and a clear round, meaning three would return for the eight-effort jump-off.
First in the jump-off order was Hanley, but a refusal and a rail meant eight faults, plus one time fault, for a total of nine faults in a time of 47.745.
Next, Waters sailed through the course clearing everything in her sight and clocking in with a time of 44.217 for the lead. Tyree was the final trip of the day and she delivered a clean round in a fast 44.350, just a blink of an eye behind Waters for second place.
“I was really thinking about that triple combination going in. I was fortunate enough to be able to watch a lot of the people going before me,” added Waters after she received her blue ribbon. “I saw the trouble people were having with the triple and the six to the one, down the hill. So I tried to keep in mind how it was going for them, but keeping in mind how it would ride for my horse.”
After her victory gallop, Hayley Waters looked at the $75,000 check in her hands and was overcome by emotion. Dana Waters stood beside her 19-year-old daughter smiling ear to ear, adding, “To have this kind of class for the juniors and amateurs is amazing. They work so hard and give up a lot of things in their young lives to do this so to have a class like this and get some recognition and a nice pay check is really nice.”
Tracy Fenney and MTM Fashion Win Inaugural Stal Hendrix Pre-Green Futurity at HITS Championship
Pre-green horses had their time to shine during the 2015 HITS Championship in the debut of the Stal Hendrix Pre-Green Futurity. The class, which offered young hunters the spotlight during the richest weekend in show jumping, guaranteed a $25,000 purse plus all add-backs from nominated horses, for a total of $50,200. Having shown at HITS Ocala, HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties throughout the year, it was only fitting that Tracy Fenney, of Flower Mound, Texas, and MTM Fashion, owned by MTM Farm, left the ring with the winning check in tow.
(C) ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Fashion
The three-day, four-round competition tested the young horses over fences and with handy-type elements. The top 25 riders moved on to round three, and it was no surprise Fenney was a standout. Taking home the highest round three score of 88, Fenney guaranteed herself a spot in the final round alongside the other top three riders.
First to reenter the ring in the final round was Cassandra Kahle and Corinna RS, owned by Redfield Farm. Keeping cool under pressure they cruised to a score of 85, which added to their round three score of 86 resulted in a total of 171. Patricia Griffith, who scored an 87 in round three, was next in the order and piloted Lexi Maounis’ Fetching to a score of 80, for a total of 167 to finish just behind Kahle.
Saugerties’ sweetheart Heather Caristo-Williams was third to test the field of play and aiming for a win, she rode Sunset Hill, owned by Jacqueline Thorne, to an impressive score of 89, which added to her previous round score of 87.5, gave her a total of 176.5 for the lead.
Fenney was the final ride of the afternoon and she was in it to win it. Navigating her young mount, who has only been showing since May, she rode to a round high score of 90, for a total of 178 and the blue ribbon.
“Throughout the rounds, we went from the Outside Course to the Main Hunter Ring, so it was quite nice,” said Fenney. “The class was later in the evening which was a little tough for the pre-green horses. With the young ones, you never know what they are going to do but you try to give as solid of a performance as you can.”
Fenney, who noted the significance of the Pre-Green class, continued, “To be able to have a pre-green horse these days and keep him, whereas before you had to sell them because there was no way to have them pay for themselves, makes this a great class for us. Now we have the opportunity to make some prize money with them.”
Megan McCann and First Look Receive Champion Honors in Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Division
Mill Spring, NC — May 24, 2015 – Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL and the feisty bay mare Qurint, owned by the Waters family, took home top honors in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix on the last day of competition of Tryon Spring 6 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo bested the class of 15 entries to cap an impressive run at the 2015 Tryon Spring Series. Tryon Spring 7 begins on Wednesday, May 27, and the entire series will conclude on June 7.
Waters and Qurint dashed around the jump-off round, completing the track over three seconds faster than Bryn Sadler and Mullentine Imperial, who finished in second. Waters and Qurint also placed second in the $1,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner class earlier in the week.
“She’s an incredible mare. She’s just so easy. I know I don’t need to be worried when I’m out there with her because she stays with me throughout the entire course,” said Waters. “It feels really exciting to win this class. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m so thankful that they’re offering this class to us at this show.”
The duo has a great relationship and Waters says that Qurint is a barn favorite, mostly due to her sweet personality and laid back demeanor.
“She’s not mare-ish at all. She loves people and always wants to please. We get along really well, and we have a great sense of trust between us,” explained Waters. “She’s been a great ride for me this far, and she’s been so easy. I’m looking forward to our future together.”
Waters has had a busy few weeks at TIEC, riding several different horses to top place finishes. A top rider in the making, Waters continues to prove she has what it takes to excel in the major arenas of the sport.
“The courses this week were similar in a lot of ways, which made it easy to translate things from course to course. I was worried about the last line when I walked it before the class and knew that I needed to focus on it when I was riding,” she said. “I was able to ride a few of the lines in earlier classes, which was a big help but mostly I was just concerned with how they would ride with her.”
Aside from the duo’s great finish today, Waters also piloted two horses around last night’s course in the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix. The big classes provided Waters with valuable experience that she will continue to use throughout her career. Waters finished in 13th aboard Fine Fleur and 25th aboard Coralina.
“Last night was nerve-wracking for me. There were a lot of people here and under the lights can be really tough. It had very straight lines and was very cornered which is almost always a difficult ride,” she said. “I was really worried about the skinny when I walked it, but it ended up riding well. I was really happy to be a part of a class like that.”
Waters will take her talents to Devon Horse Show and Upperville next before a hopeful return to TIEC for the Summer Series this July. Attending North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY later in the summer has been a longtime goal for Waters and she will have a full show schedule in the coming weeks as she prepares for a competitive summer season.
“I really would like to make sure this is a show we add to our schedule every year. We’ve had a great time here, and I love it. My horses have performed great, and it’s been a highlight so far for us this season,” commented Waters. “I am aiming for Young Riders with Qurint in July and our fall schedule is somewhat up in the air so we’ll end up playing it by ear. I like this horse show a lot though, so it’s something I’m looking forward to coming back to.”
Megan McCann and First Look Top Competitive Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Division
Megan McCann of Wrightsville, PA and First Look, lovingly known as “Arthur” around the barn, collected championship honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division at Tryon Spring 6.
The duo had a spectacular week, placing no lower than fourth throughout their competition in the hunter ring. McCann has been riding Arthur, owned by her sister Laura Flanagan, for the past year, and has really hit her stride with the big bay gelding.
Megan McCann and First Look
“It was our first time showing so far this season at TIEC, and it was a really great show for us. The grounds were absolutely stunning, the footing was perfect and everything was immaculate. Arthur was just awesome too. He felt very relaxed all week and very much in his element,” said McCann. “I took over the ride on him a year and a half ago after my sister had her baby, and it’s been great for both of us. I train with Kitty and Johnny Barker, which is who we bought him from a few years ago when they imported him. He’s become a member of the family now.”
The duo collected several wins during their week, but will slow down their competition schedule this summer as McCann prepares to tie the knot in the beginning of August.
“I’m getting married in August, so we decided to aim for a little bit of a quieter summer show schedule this year,” she explained. “We’ve had a great year so far, and he has continued to step up to the plate. At our last show in Florida he was the circuit reserve champion, and I couldn’t be happier with how he went for me this week. It was a just overall a great show for us.”
For more information on TIEC and for a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Hayley Waters Bests $3,500 NAL Low Jr./AO Jumper Classic on Final Day of Tryon Spring 5
Mill Spring, NC – May 17, 2015 – Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA continued her incredibly successful week at Tryon International Equestrian Center’s (TIEC) World Championship Hunter Rider Week (WCHR), taking top honors aboard Point Being in the final $50,000 WCHR Open Hunter Classic. The class marked the conclusion of WCHR Week at the Tryon Spring 5 competition. The Tryon Spring Series will continue on Wednesday, May 20, with the start of Tryon Spring 6 and the Tryon Spring Series will continue through June 7.
Farmer, who took home the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby this past Friday aboard longtime mount, Mindful, finished her week at TIEC with a win on another rising talent in her ever-growing string, Point Being. The duo bested the class of 16 to take top honors, scoring an 87.5 in the first round and a 91 in the second. An ecstatic Farmer feels more prepared than ever heading to The Devon Horse Show next week, the next stop on their 2015 show schedule.
“This was a great week! I had him as a First Year horse last year and then he spent the winter in California so we just got him back shortly before the Lexington Spring Shows started. We went to Texas, where he ribboned, and then came here where he was third in the Derby,” said Farmer. “When we came back for the Handy round on Friday, I messed up. We’re still getting familiar with each other again.”
Point Being is a true star according to Farmer and just needs a little bit of refinement before truly coming into his own in the hunter ring. She continues to have high hopes for the gelding heading into the competitive part of the summer season.
“He’s always tries his hardest. It’s a benefit, but it can also be a detriment sometimes too because he tries so hard and sometimes it’s almost too hard,” she explained. “That is nothing you would ever want to fault him for though, because that’s what we love about him so much.”
Farmer’s trainer Larry Glefke agreed. “He can be a little bit difficult because of the fact that when he goes in the ring he doesn’t ever try and not jump over the top of the standards.” The beautiful bay gelding has the talent to excel in a both the hunters and the jumpers, but Glefke believes the experience in the hunter ring will do nothing but benefit the gelding moving forward in his career, whether that be in the hunter ring or possibly jumping around a Grand Prix.
“We’ve had some big time jumper riders and trainers tell us that we really need to take him over to the jumper ring. He’s only seven years of age, but we’ve always said, even if he makes it over in the other ring, this is incredible experience for him too,” said Glefke and Farmer agreed.
Competing the gelding has been a highlight for Farmer, who has always thought he would be excel under her tutelage. The duo has already been extremely successful upon his return and ultimately, Farmer will look towards USHJA Derby Finals with Point Being later in the summer in Lexington, KY.
“I’m so excited to have him back. I’ve always absolutely loved him, and I have a special place in my heart for horses that give you that much try and he brings that much intensity every time,” commented Farmer. “He’s always been one of my favorites.”
Farmer had four other rides in the class, finishing in second aboard Avatar Real Estate, LLC’s Dalliance, fourth on Jessica Stitt’s Taken, sixth piloting Kensel, LLC’s Mindful, and twelfth aboard Glefke & Kensel, LLC’s So to Speak, all of whom have the talent to win on any given day.
“Today’s class was lovely and the ring was beautiful. They built a great course, and the horses jumped really well. It’s so nice for this venue to give that kind of money for a hunter classic and the footing is beautiful and the facility is just tremendous,” said Farmer. “This was such a pleasant experience for us and the horses and J. P. Godard put on just a lovely show. We really couldn’t be happier with how this week went for us.”
Glefke agreed and continued with the sentiment. “This facility is just top-notch and with the grass rings they’re going to build, I truly love this place. We normally don’t come to shows that we haven’t been to before because we don’t know about the footing, but the footing here is absolutely sensational and the stabling is just world-class, plus I love the Roger’s Diner and the chocolate milkshakes,” he laughed.
Hayley Waters and Carthesino Z Win $3,500 NAL Low Jr./AO Jumper Classic
Hayley Waters of Sparr, FL took the top prize in the $3,500 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic besting the class of 23 entries. Waters and Carthesino Z finished the first track in 78.314 seconds and completed the jump-off nearly three seconds faster than the second place finishers, Madeline Thatcher aboard Skilliane De Varnel, crossing the timers in 30.628 seconds.
Hayley Waters and Carthesino Z
“He’s a really quick horse, and he turns really well in the ring. I know I can ask him for the tight turns, and he’s super careful all the way around,” commented Waters. “I trust him at the jumps, and he’s confident in the ring, so I felt like he did a really great job for me today.”
The course had several tight inside turns that made riders work hard to finish clear and within the time allowed. Waters looked to take the risky turns, but knew that Carthesino Z would stay with her throughout the course.
“I definitely thought the inside turn to the last fence was going to be hard. I didn’t know if it was going to be faster to go inside or right around, but when I was riding and saw it, it was right there so I just took a chance and went for it and he handled it brilliantly,” she said.
Carthesino Z packs a lot of punch for his smaller and more compact frame. He can turn on a dime and made the 1.20m course look easy. Waters, who has been riding the gelding for a little bit over a year, has been impressed with his ability to step up to the plate and is looking to move him towards the High Amateur classes over the summer.
“He’s just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. We started him mostly in the Lows and then we moved him to the Mediums when we were in Ocala this winter, so this is his first week back from his vacation after the winter season,” commented Waters. “I’m hoping to move him up to the Highs pretty soon at some point this summer.”
Waters competed two horses in the $50,000 Tryon Grand Prix held last night, May 16, under the lights in the George H. Morris Stadium. She piloted both mounts around the large Guilherme Jorge (BRA) with no jumping faults, adding only time penalties to both rounds. The numerous opportunities TIEC offers have made it a successful stop in her seasonal schedule this year.
“We came to TIEC last fall, and we decided that it was a place we wanted to continue competing at. The atmosphere is perfect and everything is so beautiful. The footing is also just top notch. Overall it’s a great show,” she said. “I’ve been able to gain valuable experience here, and we’re hoping to come back in July after we do Devon and Upperville later in the month.”
Madeline Thatcher of West Bluffdale, UT finished the class in second and third place. She rode to second aboard Skilliane De Varnel in 33.352 seconds and Dolce Vita to third in 33.943 seconds.
For more information on TIEC and a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Hayley Waters and Rapsodi CR jump to the win in the $25,000 Jacksonville Grand Prix. Photo by Randi Muster.
Jacksonville, FL – September 20, 2014 – The second day of the 2014 Southeast Medal Finals featured the $25,000 Jacksonville Grand Prix. The impressive course, designed by Philip J. DeVita, posed no problems for Haley Waters as she sailed to nab the first place ribbon.
The first round included 12 obstacles with three double combinations over which riders had to maneuver. The flowing and straightforward course was set to be ridden comfortably, without a great deal of adjustment.
“I like a lot of bending lines, always keeping the next jump in front of you and creating a really nice flow,” said DeVita. “The reason for three doubles and no use of a triple comes from my horse training days. I feel I can train a horse to do more with three doubles than I can with a triple. I give the horse three different looks to three different combinations and build confidence. Triple combinations often become such a factor in a course design that often times the horse leaves the ring discouraged rather than encouraged. I feel the job of a course designer is to be a teacher and to help bring horses along while building confidence.”
Only three riders had clear rounds and progressed to the jump-off round including Kaley Tomeu of Wellington, Florida, who won the Southeast Medal Finals Welcome Stake on Thursday. Aboard Fidalgo Van Het Leliehof, Tomeu was the first rider to try the shortened jump-off course. Tomeu and her horse tripped after the double at 11A/B combination and incurred 4 faults, finishing with a time of 37.350 seconds. Next in the ring, Diego Vivero on Bandurria Hulmen finished with four faults and a time of 35.887.
Last to return was Hayley Waters with Rapsodi CR. The pair finished in 41.080, the slowest time, yet a clear round, capturing first place.
“He [Rapsodi CR] was great. I just got him a couple months ago from Europe and we got along right away,” explained Waters. “He’s experienced so it’s nice to have one to do the bigger classes who already knows what’s going on and is super careful which was nice for tonight. Going into the jump off, I knew I wanted to go slow enough to go clear. He was so good; I’m so excited.”
After her victory in the $25,000 Grand Prix, Waters hopes to continue her winning streak as she competes with her equitation horse in the ASPCA/NHSAA Alfred B. Maclay Region 3 Championships on Sunday. Look for Waters and Rapsodi CR in the Junior Jumpers in the upcoming season.
The Southeast Medal Finals will continue at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on Saturday with the new Southeast Children’s/Adult Medal 2’6″ Finals kicking off in the morning, then the featured class of the day is the Phelps Media Group Junior Medal.
On Sunday the 2014 Southeast Medal Finals will live stream the ASPCA/NHSAA Alfred B. Maclay Region 3 Championships on the web. Join us live from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on September 21, 2014 beginning at 8 a.m. Go to www.southeastmedalfinals.com for more information.
Southeast Medal Finals Fast Facts:
WHAT: The Southeast Medal Finals is an indoor and outdoor hunter, jumper and equitation horse show attracting the top riders.
WHERE:
The Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, FL, featuring a large indoor coliseum with 3,000 seats, two outdoor rings and 500 permanent stalls.
13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221
FEATURES
4-Day “A”/Jumper Level 3 USEF-Rated Horse Show
The Phelps Media Group Southeast Junior Medal Finals
