Tag Archives: Horse Shows by the Bay

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

$20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Win Highlight of Successful Week for Molly Ashe

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Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo topped the 39 horse field to win the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Horse Shows by the Bay. Photo courtesy of Tricia Booker.

Traverse City, MI – July 24, 2013 – Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo rode away with the victory in the $20,000 USJHA International Hunter Derby at Horse Shows by the Bay on July 19, marking just one highlight of an extremely successful week for Norfield Stables LLC.

Ashe and the talented 11-year-old Finnish Warmblood gelding finished the first round of the hunter derby securely in second place in the competitive 39 horse field, heading into the handy round just behind Kelley Farmer and Mythical.

Last year in the same class, Ashe also came back in second place for the handy round, but last year she was personally disappointed with how she rode it. This year, she came back ready to redeem herself.

“From the first round to the second round, [Molly] came in the ring and galloped the first jump and didn’t take a couple of cautious jumps and start to get comfortable with the course, which I think separated her in both rounds. She showed us right from the beginning that she was trying to win, which she ended up doing,” judge Chris Wynne commented.

“This year was a great handy round,” Ashe shared. “There were two options for inside turns – one that I didn’t even look at when we walked the course and the other that I saw but wasn’t really excited about. It was a bit of a nasty inside turn.”

Ashe continued: “Kelley [Farmer] went back in the handy round on her first horse, and she took the two inside turns like they were nobody’s business. So then I started thinking, ‘do I have to do that turn to win?’ but my other big consideration was that at the second inside turn you were also supposed to be hand galloping from one oxer to the next. If you were trying to slip inside that turn it really takes away from your hand gallop, so I decided to opt out of that one.”

Ashe’s smart riding and decision to avoid the inside turns helped Kennzo to deliver a stellar performance, earning them a combined two round total score of 370, moving them easily in to the lead but with Farmer and Mythical still to return. Farmer knew that she’d have to pull out all the stops in order to top Ashe’s score, but unfortunately the second sharp turn that Ashe had avoided proved to be the downfall for Mythical, guaranteeing the well-deserved victory for Ashe and Kennzo.

“I was really, really happy with Kennzo. I thought he was great; he was really on the money,” Ashe exclaimed. “He was just very spot on that day.”

With Ashe at the reins, Kennzo, owned by Kristen Abbatiello-Neff, has consistently proven to be a top derby mount with wins at numerous derbies including the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the 2012 Hampton Classic and the $20,000 Holiday & Horses USHJA International Hunter Derby in Wellington, FL. Most recently he and Ashe took the top call in the $5,000 New England Hunter Derby at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, just weeks after Ashe underwent back surgery.

Following her surgery, Ashe was quickly back in full-force, not only in her own riding but also in coaching other riders to the top of the leaderboard. Among the gifted pupils from Norfield Stables LLC, which Ashe runs alongside Chris Cawley and Timmy Kees, is Francesca Dildabanian. Under the Norfield Stables tutelage, 11-year-old Didlabanian and her pony Pride racked up the blue ribbons in Michigan, winning the $1,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Pony Hunter Classic, the Large Pony Hunter Championship and the Grand Pony Hunter Championship.

Ashe said of Pride, a 9-year-old, Welsh-Thoroughbred cross, “He’s really, really a great pony. I love him. He’s that classic, old-fashioned, Thoroughbred-y type. He has a beautiful jump, big stride – he’s just an all-around great pony. With Franki in the saddle, they’re just a great pair.”

Norfield Stables LLC’s success during week three of the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival was not limited to the hunter ring. In the jumpers, Ashe rode Lincourt Gino, owned by Monica Carrera, to a blue ribbon in the $1,500 1.35m Jumpers. Lincourt Gino then returned to the ring with Carrera to earn another blue ribbon, this time in the $750 Low Jr/A-O Jumpers. Also in the Low Jr/A-O Jumpers, Ashley Prusak and her mount Rabin rode to back-to-back second place finishes, earning them the division reserve championship. Keeping it in the family, Jamie Prusak placed well in every class of the Low Adult Jumper division aboard Waldo De Kalvarie, while Ashley Prusak’s sister Samantha Prusak made her High Jr/A-O Jumper debut on Goed Zo.

“The horse went beautifully, and it looks like they have a promising future in the High Jumpers,” Ashe said of Samantha Prusak and Goed Zo.

Rounding out Norfield’s success in the jumper ring was Olivia Jack on both of her mounts, Valdez and Executive Privilege 3e. She and Executive Privilege 3e rode away with a blue ribbon in the $1,250 1.30m Jumpers, while just one light brush of rail kept her and Valdez from the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Low Junior/A-O Jumper Classic.

“She had the best time by about six seconds, but then just had the very last rail down in the jump-off,” said Ashe. “Otherwise they had a great ride.”

Finally, in addition to Ashe’s win in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, she finished ninth in the class with newly turned hunter, Original Du Rietz, or “Ritz,” owned by Elisee Browchuk.

“Ritz had been competing as a jumper with Elisee, and he just became a hunter last week. This was his derby debut, and he was really, really great,” Ashe enthused. “He just did a flying change going to the last single oxer in the handy round. If we hadn’t lost that lead I think we would have ended up third or fourth. He was just super. He’s really a cute horse.”

Ashe concluded, “Everybody had a great week, and we’re looking forward to showing in week four. It’s a fun show so everyone’s really enjoying being here for a few weeks.”

Norfield Stables LLC returns today for the fourth and final week of competition at Horse Shows by the Bay. To learn more about Norfield Stables LLC, find them on Facebook here.

About Norfield Stables LLC

Norfield Stables LLC is a full service hunter/jumper facility run by Molly Ashe Cawley, Chris Cawley and Timmy Kees. Ashe is an accomplished show hunter rider who joined the grand prix tour in the late ’90s. In 1999, Ashe captured her first major grand prix victory during the $50,000 Grand Prix of Lake Placid aboard Rosewood Glen Ltd. Resolute. Since then, Ashe has won awards throughout Europe and the United States. With over 25 years’ experience on the “A” horse show circuit, Kees is one of the country’s most prominent hunter/equitation trainers. His riders have won the ASPCA Maclay, AHSA Medal and USET Equitation Finals a total of seven times. Kees has also trained hunters such as Holy Smoke, Watership Down, So No Wonder, Castaway and Double Cinco to championships at Devon, Harrisburg, Washington and New York. He is an USEF “R” judge and conducts clinics throughout the country. For more information, please email fjbmcb@gmail.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Greg Crolick and Grey Street Win $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Horse Shows by the Bay

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Greg Crolick and Adrienne Marciano’s Grey Street. Photo by Diana Hadsall.

Williamsburg, MI – July 10, 2013 – Greg Crolick and Top Call Farm returned to Michigan to make their home state proud this past weekend. After an extremely successful spring season on the road, Crolick kicked off the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival by winning the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Sunday, July 7 with Grey Street, owned by Adrienne Marciano.

Crolick and the 10-year-old Brandenburg gelding delivered a seamless trip over the classic first round course, designed by Evie Frisque (Ontario, Canada), earning them an initial score of 90. That score put them in the second place position to come back for the handy round just behind Kelley Farmer and Praise who had earned a score of 91.

“The courses were great. I liked both rounds, and they weren’t too difficult. I had a few options for the second round,” Crolick explained. “There were three different tracks that you could take so that you were either really tight and really handy, a happy medium track or one that had you moving out a little wider and around.”

Out of a field of 31 horses, Crolick also made the top 12 cut off to return for the second handy round with his other two mounts, Beyond Belief, owned by Cloverlane Farm LLC, and Borencio, owned by Orchard Lake Farms LLC.

“Having the other horses go before Grey Street in the second round gave me a chance to change the ride with each horse,” shared Crolick.

Once he returned with Grey Street, Crolick seemed to have the course perfected, earning the highest score of the class, a 94, and successfully clinching the blue ribbon honors. Earlier in the week, Crolick also consistently rode Grey Street to high placings in the First Year Green Hunters.

“Grey Street was wonderful for the derby. We left him a little bit fresh since it’s week one, and now he’ll be even more prepared for this week and next week’s derby,” said Crolick.

Grey Street’s win was not the first derby success for Crolick and Top Call Farm this summer. Prior to returning to Michigan for the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival, Crolick earned a sensational second place with Carson, owned by Orchard Lakes Farm LLC, in the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir II Horse Show in Lexington, KY. While in Lexington, Crolick and Carson were also named champions in the High Performance Hunter division.

Crolick will return for week two of Horse Shows by the Bay today, this week joined by several other members of the Top Call Farm.

About Top Call Farm:

Located at the beautiful Bloomfield Open Hunt Club, Top Call Farm is a full service riding and training program for horse and rider, owned by Greg and Jessica Crolick. Top Call Farm offers training of the show horse and rider as well as riding instruction for those just starting out. Top Call can also aid in the purchase or sales of your show horse. For more information, please visit Top Call Farm on Facebook.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Community/Charity, Competitions, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Horse Shows by the Bay Raises Awareness for Several Charities

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Traverse City, MI – August 15, 2011 – Besides competing for prize money, awards, and points, or enjoying the surrounding Grand Traverse region, Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival exhibitors also found time to participate in several charity fundraisers held this season.

Held at the majestic Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, the five-week-long summer destination circuit provided not only a first-class venue for equestrian competition, it also served as a backdrop for philanthropy and raising awareness.

Support from Hampton Green Farm, the Jacobs Family/Deeridge Farm and MEIJER enabled three charities to receive monies raised throughout the series.

With two locations in Fruitport, MI and Wellington, FL, Hampton Green Farm was the sponsor of a special participant fundraising party held during the Dressage by the Bay FEI Freestyle event on July 1. Party proceeds plus the gate admission sales during the following Molon Excavating Kids’ Day served as a weekend of awareness for Leelanau and Grand Traverse County 4H. Children of all ages enjoyed K9 agility demos, pony rides, face painting, horseless blue ribbon jumping and activities hosted by 4H and Sunny Country 101.9 FM Radio.

Hampton Green Farm specializes in the breeding and development of the PRE horse here in America and in Spain, and also hosts various educational events for young equestrians nationwide.

Continue reading Horse Shows by the Bay Raises Awareness for Several Charities →

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

OVATION Leading Rider Awards Announced for 2011 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival

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Erin Haas and Kimberly Seay. Photo: Randi Muster

Traverse City, MI – August 12, 2011 – Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. is pleased to announce that the following riders achieved OVATION Leading Rider Status during the 2011 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival this summer at Flintfields Horse Park in scenic Traverse City, MI.

Courtesy of Gold Sponsor English Riding Supply, recipients received a $500 gift certificate, allowing them free rein with the 2011 English Riding Supply equestrian apparel and equipment catalog. Riders who earned this coveted award scored the highest total number of points in their respective section from all four weeks of recent competition.

English Riding Supply, located in Scranton, PA, represents the world’s greatest brands including OVATION, Veredus, Pessoa, and Mountain Horse, all of which are endorsed by the country’s most elite equestrian athletes.

The 2011 winners are:

Kelley Farmer, Professional Hunter Rider
Wilhelm Genn, Professional Jumper Rider
Carson Gibson, Junior Hunter Rider
Weatherly Stroh, Amateur-Owner Hunter Rider
Maddie Darst, Pony Hunter Rider
Paige Matthies, Children’s Hunter Rider
Sue Hehl, Adult Hunter Rider
Erin Haas, High JR/AO Jumper Rider (pictured)
Kimberly Seay, Low JR/AO Jumper Rider (pictured)
Lauren Keck, Adult Jumper Rider
Kady Abrahamson, Children’s Jumper Rider
Meehan Shirey, Equitation Rider

For complete results of the 2011 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival at Flintfields Horse Park, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or www.horseshowing.com.

For more information on English Riding Supply please visit www.englishridingsupply.com.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Sue Hehl Dominates Adult Amateur Hunters on Last Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

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Sue Hehl and Something's Cookin'. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 31, 2011 – It was yet another gorgeous, sunny day for the final day of hunter competition at Horse Shows by the Bay. Over the past four weeks of the show series, scenic Traverse City has offered exhibitors almost nothing but quintessential summer days. The R. L. Polk Main Hunter Ring was no different today with the Amateur-Owner Hunter and Adult Amateur Hunter divisions wrapping up their competitions. Weatherly Stroh and Sigfried, owned by Susanne Stroh, continued their winning streak, as did Lindsay Lyden and Copperfield, owned by Fox Meadow Farms. The Hunter Classics in both divisions were the day’s highlights, offering spectators one final chance to appreciate the elegance and style that the hunters have put on display throughout the series.

The Amateur-Owner Hunters got their morning off to a jump start. Kelsey Wickham and Wait and See Farms’ Just Because earned the blue ribbon in both the hunter and the handy rounds today. Moira Corcoran and her Pacifico took home second in the hunter round, just ahead of Jovanna Haddad and Veron in third place. This duo won both over fences classes yesterday. Following Wickham in the handy class was Sara Gentry aboard Olivaire with second place. Shawna Yeihey and her Benchmark took home the yellow ribbon in the handy course. After all the points were tallied for the two days of competition, Just Because and Kelsey Wickham earned the champion honors with 34 points. Reserve champion went to Jovanna Haddad and Veron with 27 points on the board.

Sigfried and Weatherly Stroh earned the top call in both the handy and the hunter rounds today in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″, which meant that she won all but one of the over fences classes. Abigail Wijek was on top of her game once again today with Magic Man and took home second place in both classes. In the hunter round, Sherri Werner and Unlimited earned third place, while Amy Stanley and her Saneffo Z received third place in the handy round. It was a close call for the champion title, a matter of just 6 points. Stroh and Sigfried earned the prestigious honors with an impressive 38 points, just ahead of Abigail Wujek and Magic Man with their 32 points. That was the third time champion honors have been granted to Sigried and Stroh in this division at Horse Shows by the Bay. The pair also took home the prize during Series I and III. The duo was also honored with the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion title, and Stroh earned the OVATION Leading Amateur Owner Hunter Rider Award for accumulating the most points throughout all of the Horse Shows by the Bay series.

Continue reading Sue Hehl Dominates Adult Amateur Hunters on Last Day of Horse Shows by the Bay →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Meehan Shirey Wins OVATION Leading Equitation Rider Award at Horse Shows by the Bay

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Meehan Shirey with trainer Polly Howard and Comanche. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 29, 2011 – After an overcast start to Series IV, horses and riders were again soaking up rays today during the last weekend of the Horse Shows by the Bay Series. It was a day full of equitation in the R. L. Polk Main Hunter Ring, with the Junior Hunters having wrapped up yesterday and Amateur-Owner and Adult Hunter riders not starting until tomorrow. Greer Hindle, Virginia Ingram, and Meehan Shirey all took home top honors in the junior equitation classes, including the ASPCA Maclay and the Pessoa/USEF Medal. Juniors were not the only ones showing their best form and horsemanship, though. The adult riders were also eager to demonstrate good horsemanship, with Jovanna Haddad and Elizabeth Perry starring in the adult equitation classes.

The day began with the 15 to 17 Equitation on the flat, with a skilled win by Katie Nowak. Greer Hindle and her horse, Freedom, found themselves with the blue ribbon in both over fences classes. Second place in the first over fences went to Katie Nowak, followed by Abigail Kuohn in third place. In the second class, Madison Qual took home the red ribbon and Jennifer Farless the yellow. Hindle’s wins over fences earned her the 15 to 17 Equitation champion title, adding to her impressive collection of wins over the past four weeks at Horse Shows by the Bay, including a win in the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome Prix during Series I. After all points were tallied, Katie Nowak earned reserve champion in the division.

With 18 entries in the ASPCA Maclay, riders certainly had their work cut out for them. After all rounds and the flat phase were completed, Virginia Ingram earned first place in the class, with a smooth and connected ride aboard Comanche, owned by Hillary Sapanski. Savannah Mannes followed Ingram in the results taking home second place. Third place went to Samantha Pyle, while Courtney Harker earned fourth place on her Merlin.

Continue reading Meehan Shirey Wins OVATION Leading Equitation Rider Award at Horse Shows by the Bay →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Horse Shows by the Bay Series III a Hunter/Jumper Spectacular

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Wilhelm Genn and Copyright 3 jump the Mackinac Bridge at Horse Shows by the Bay. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 25, 2011 – The third week of Horse Shows by the Bay proved to be an excellent series for both hunters and jumpers. A hunter derby and an open jumper grand prix demonstrated the best of the best in both disciplines, while numerous other events made for another action-packed show in scenic Traverse City, MI. Several jumper classics, as well as a welcome prix, added to the week’s bustling schedule, as did an adult hunter classic and a children’s hunter classic. Equitation riders also continued to fine-tune their skills, resulting in medal classes that were overflowing with up-and-coming equestrian talent. Finally, multiple division championship and grand championship honors were awarded, adding to the winning atmosphere that enveloped week III at Flintfields Horse Park.

In Friday night’s $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Kelley Farmer made a clean sweep of the top four spots aboard Clearly, Praise, Red Sky, and Bases Loaded. A three-way tie between Clearly, Praise, and Red Sky, all with phenomenal overall scores of 387, amazed the large crowd who turned out for the evening event. Farmer also had a fabulous score with Bases Loaded, earning a 364 for their polished turn in the ring. Clearly is owned by Jane Gaston, Praise belongs to Selma Garber, Red Sky is owned by Larry Glefke, and Bases Loaded is owned by Am Free, Inc. Farmer’s slew of smooth rides saw her win this event for the second year in a row. Peter Pletcher also had great success on multiple mounts in the derby, finishing fifth, sixth, and seventh in the highly-anticipated contest. Pletcher rode Copperfield, owned by Jennifer Noski, to a fifth place finish. Primero, owned by Sleepy P Ranch LLC, came in sixth with Pletcher, while Susan Baker’s Tell All came in seventh. Finishing eighth was Carson Gibson on Shadyside Farm’s Caden, coming in ninth was Melissa Donnelly on Elizabeth Stroh’s Chin Chin, and placing tenth was David Beisel on Ammeretto, owned by Equine Holdings. Eleventh place went to Micah Gentry on Robin Swinderman’s INXS, and the twelfth position was earned by Rachel Geiger on her own Midnight Date.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Hunter Classics Cap Off Radiant Week at Horse Shows by the Bay Series III

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Sue Hehl and Something's Cookin'. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 24, 2011 – Clouds and humidity could not dampen the spirits of the hunter riders at Horse Shows by the Bay today, as they smoothly traversed the courses on this final day of Series III. Champion and Grand Champion honors were granted this morning and afternoon, with the adult hunters beaming despite the lack of sun. The Adult Amateur division in particular drew quite the crowd for the $1,000 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic, in which the top 12 horse and rider pairs returned for a competitive second round. Sue Hehl and her own Something’s Cookin’ cooked up a win in the classic, with Jodi Waller on Sokko, owned by Lindsey Waller, coming in second. Gabrielle Thornton and Az Is, owned by Terri Dandino, completed the top three, making for a talented trio of horse and rider combinations taking home hunter ribbons today.

The younger section of the Adult Amateur division turned out better than Lindsay Lyden and Fox Meadow Farm’s Copperfield could have imagined, with the pair winning all four over fences classes. The pair were also a solid second in the under saddle class. Terri Irrer rode Rhythmicon, owned by Debra Gross, to the Middle Adult Amateur Hunter champion title, which they accepted with a smile. Stephen Martines and one of his three mounts, Westcliffe, earned the champion ribbon and cooler in the older section of the division. The Grand Adult Hunter Champion title went to Lindsay Lyden and Copperfield, who accumulated the most points in the division. There was nothing but positivity in the Adult Amateur ring today, enough to make anyone’s day a little brighter.

The $1,000 North American League (NAL)/Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Classic began after all sections of the Adult Amateur Hunters finished up over fences, with the second round score determining the top 12 riders to return for the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic. The competition grew, as did the crowd, when the class started with the nine fence course. A few horses seemed a bit tired after having already completed two courses, but second winds prevailed and many polished rides emerged. Sue Hehl and her own Something’s Cookin’ had the third-highest score going into the second round with 83 points. After a beautiful second round and a score of 85, the highest in round two, the duo won the class with an overall score of 168. Earning 78 points in the first round and a smooth 82.5 points in the second round, Jodi Waller and Sokko, owned by Lindsey Waller, took home second place in the classic. Rolling into third place in the classic was Born to Roll and owner/rider Alana Andrews with a final score of 155.5, just five points behind Berger and Sokko. Today’s Adult Classic was sponsored by Camping World – Ila Lemonis.

Continue reading Hunter Classics Cap Off Radiant Week at Horse Shows by the Bay Series III →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Wilhelm Genn Heats Up $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes in Traverse City

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Wilhelm Genn, Alex Rheinheimer, and Marlo. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 24, 2011 – Even mother nature took a break to catch this afternoon’s exciting Grand Prix at Horse Shows by the Bay, holding off on a rain shower until just after winner Wilhelm Genn’s victory gallop. The $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes was held today in beautiful Traverse City, MI, the third Open Jumper Grand Prix to take place at Flintfields Horse Park this month. Genn and his own gray mare, Marlo, triumphed in an extremely competitive class filled with crystal-clear rounds and lightning-fast times. Also making their mark were Charles Jacobs upon Leap of Joy, who came in second, and last week’s winner Blythe Marano on Urban, who came in third this time. Thanks to a VIP sponsor luncheon generously provided by Craig Rosenberg of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, the many fans at today’s event were able to relax and refresh while watching the amazing horsemanship on display in the ring below.

Prior to the first horse on today’s course, Betsy VanDyke Foster of Maple City, MI returned with another engaging dressage demonstration. The mounted sheriffs of Leelanau County were also in the Grand Prix ring this afternoon, graciously serving as the event’s color guard. After the sizable crowd stood for the national anthem, the class kicked off with an early clear round by David Beisel on Always Cullohill, owned by Harlow Invesment Enterprises LLC. The duo earned enthusiastic applause as they finished their turn in the ring, as today’s course featured several intimidating elements. A jump resembling the Mackinac Bridge was tricky for several horses, while a combination starting with a triple bar also proved insurmountable for some.

These obstacles failed to thwart last week’s winner Blythe Marano, though, who repeated her success with two clear rounds on Urban and Askaban, both owned by Riverview Farm LLC. Charles Jacobs also avoided faults on two different horses in the first round. Leap of Joy, owned by Deeridge Farms, and Flaming Star, owned by CMJ Sporthorse LLC, both blazed into the jump-off with Jacobs at the helm. The suspenseful second round saw 10 out of 31 riders return for a shot at the top prize, with Genn, like Marano and Jacobs, also making it to the jump-off on two different horses. Incurring just a few faults on his own Happy Z, Genn ultimately triumphed on Marlo. The pair fired up the crowd with an excellent time of 36.9 seconds, never missing a beat but always missing the rails. The first rider in the jump-off, Beisel on Always Cullohill, also elicited applause with a clear round and a time of 39.433 seconds. Following Beisel was a cool and steady Marano, who flew past the timers on Urban in just 38.163 seconds. Charles Jacobs and Flaming Star were the last to tackle the second round, and produced an astounding time of 34.244 seconds with just one fault.

Continue reading Wilhelm Genn Heats Up $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes in Traverse City →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

$20,000 USHJA Hunter Derby Brings Tradition, Excitement to Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay

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Kelley Farmer and Clearly. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 22, 2011 – With few clouds in the sky and a light breeze, it was a lovely afternoon for the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Horse Shows by the Bay Series III. The Flintfields Horse Park grounds were buzzing all day with excitement for the evening’s event, which challenged 21 entries with a traditional course in the Grand Prix ring. Kelley Farmer made a clean sweep of the top four spots on Clearly, Praise, Red Sky, and Bases Loaded. Amazingly, Farmer and her first three rides produced a three-way tie involving an overall high score of 387. Peter Pletcher smoothly jumped into the next three places on Copperfield, Primero, and Tell All, accumulating several highly impressive scores of his own. An enthusiastic crowd turned out for tonight’s derby, making the class a definite favorite among spectators and riders alike.

The event kicked off with an exhibitor party, generously sponsored by Outback Steakhouse of Traverse City, which featured great food, drinks, and conversation. The first horse took the course at 5:30pm, with high scores dominating the scene from the very start. Kelley Farmer and Bases Loaded hit a home run with a combined score of 180 in their first round. Bases Loaded is owned by Am Free, Inc. Peter Pletcher and Copperfield, who is owned by Jennifer Noski, also turned in a great early combined score of 171 in the first round. Carson Gibson and Caden, owned by Shadyside Farm, had a flowing first round that resulted in a solid 163 combined score. Farmer returned on Clearly, owned by Jane Gaston, to add a 185 combined score to her growing list of first round feats. Farmer’s highest first round score came on Red Sky, owned by Larry Glefke. A whopping 196 put Farmer in contention for a second derby win, but Pletcher was also a competitive presence in the Grand Prix ring tonight. On Tell All, owned by Susan Baker, Pletcher earned a 173.5, adding to the slew of stunning scores in the much-anticipated derby. Near the end of round one Farmer returned on Praise, owned by Selma Garber, and received plenty of praise for another high score of 191.

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