Tag Archives: Hunt Tosh

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Capital Challenge Showcases Future and Professional Hunters on Fourth Day of Competition

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Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons. Photos: ©ShawnMcMillenPhotography.

Scott Stewart and Hunt Tosh Reign with Three Divisional Titles Each

Upper Marlboro, MD – Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), presented by Well Placed Smile, ushered in talented Future Hunters today alongside a large number of proven professional combinations as divisional champions were honored throughout the day. Competition at CCHS continues through Sunday, October 5, with several highly anticipated World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) classes still to come on the 2015 schedule.

Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL made a strong statement in the ring today, piloting several of his mounts to divisional championships throughout the day. From horses in the Future Hunter 5 & Under Division to mounts competing against the best in the High Performance Hunters, Stewart made the most of his day at CCHS, laying down consistent rounds well received by the judges.

A Million Reasons, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, captured top honors in the High Performance Hunter division presented by Sherre Sims and Rendezvous Farm, collecting scores of 89.25, 91.00, 85.00, and 83.25 in their respective four over fences classes in the division, as well as going on to earn the winning ribbon in the under saddle portion of the division. Stewart and A Million Reasons sealed the High Performance Hunter Championship honors in front of Kelley Farmer and Mindful, who followed with reserve honors.

“She’s really been great all year, and she honestly seems to do better in the indoor atmosphere,” said Stewart. “The first time I ever showed her was last year at Washington [International Horse Show] and she was very good.”

The 2005 Holsteiner mare (Coriano x Inema) has become a major presence in Stewart’s talented and ever-growing string of top hunter mounts since he took over the ride last fall and she continues to add winning trips in many of the largest hunter classes offered in the United States. The duo was rewarded for their nearly perfect round yesterday, receiving a 91.00, which was the division’s overall highest score.

“Yesterday she just went unbelievably. We tried to match that today and didn’t quite get there but it was still very good. She has a very big stride, and it’s easy to ride and stay smooth,” he explained. “When she broke into the 90s yesterday I thought it was just flawless on her part. She’s so pretty in between the jumps and is just the true definition of a hunter.”

A familiar face around the CCHS grounds for a number of years, Stewart returns to the show because of the quality of competition and the opportunity to compete a variety of horses. He will continue the week contesting the WCHR Pro Challenge and Pro Final classes hosted at CCHS on Wednesday, September 30, and Friday, October 2.

“I think everyone always brings their top horses here and always aims to do their best. It is really one of the most competitive shows of the year in my opinion,” he commented. “It’s just everyone’s A-game and the conditions are always great, the jumps are good, and I think the horses are always well-behaved. It’s the start of indoor season and that is always a very important time for everyone. I think this show is a special kick-off.”

Hunt Tosh and Pandora
Hunt Tosh and Pandora

Hunt Tosh of Alpharetta, GA also had a banner day, collecting divisional titles in the Second Year Green Working Hunters, Performance Hunters 3’6” presented by Nicole Kane and South Shore Farms, and the Future Hunter 3’3” division sponsored by Tosh and his wife Mandy. Tosh, who brought a number of talented horses to Capital Challenge this year, rode Pandora, owned by Teton Farms, LLC, to a tricolor in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division, after only taking the ride on the 2007 grey Warmblood mare last week in Lexington, KY.

“I just started riding about a week ago so she’s still pretty new to me. She held it together in the first class yesterday and she was definitely pretty fresh, but today she just went beautifully and I thought she was incredible in the first class today,” said Tosh. “She had a great round in the handy, and it was nice to pull that back together after a small miscommunication yesterday.”

“She just jumped beautifully in the schooling ring and the first trip of today was by far her nicest trip. She’s very scopey and rangey. Just very straightforward and a solid and easy ride,” he continued.

Tosh added to his early success with a solid performance from Cold Harbor, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, who took divisional honors in the Performance Hunter 3’6”. Tosh is eager to return to Capital Challenge each year and believes the show highlights the best of the hunters and the foundation of the sport. “It’s really special here and they do such a great job with presentations and make such a big deal out of the horses and riders, which is incredibly nice,” he noted. “Everyone is geared up here, and we all know that we’ll be seeing a lot of each other through the indoor season. It’s an important show for everyone heading in that direction.”

Future Hunters Take Spotlight at CCHS

The Future Hunter divisions at Capital Challenge have quickly become the most heavily entered classes throughout the competition week. With five separate divisions, professionals and amateurs alike are able to showcase their young hunter talent on a national stage.

Liza Boyd, who competed several horses throughout a number of Future Hunter classes, commented on the success of the program and how she hopes it will progress. “I think the Future Hunter division is amazing, and I’m truly impressed with how it has grown over the past few years. I think it is the best thing that has happened to our industry because it has made people want to go out and buy young horses. I’m incredibly excited to watch the finals tomorrow because horses from this class have always gone on to be famous horses and that is something really amazing for the sport.”

Scott Stewart and Fun
Scott Stewart and Fun

Scott Stewart piloted Fun, a striking 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Chello III VDL x Zusodea-S) owned by David Gochman, to a tricolor ribbon in the Future 5 & Under division presented by Randy Johnson and Greener Pastures Equine, while also riding 2009 Brandenburg gelding (Burberry x Elbana) Wonderly, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, to the divisional title in the Future Hunter Colts & Geldings, presented by Tim and Kelly Goguen and Boggs Hill.

“The Future Hunter division is just great. These are going to be the horses that are here next year doing the big classes and that is always a highlight to see how they progress throughout the year,” commented Stewart.

As for his string of world-class talent, Stewart commented that he feels privileged to compete such a gifted group of young horses. “They’re all just incredible horses and different in their own ways. They’re extremely nice rides and I am lucky to have them,” he said.

Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY was delighted when she and The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms Inc., topped the Future Hunter 6 & Over division presented by David Belford, Christopher Payne and Susan Moriconi, receiving consistent scores from the judges throughout the two-day division, which is part of The Exchange’s charm. According to Alfano, “He is absolutely the sweetest horse and I just love him. He felt great and is just so smooth and consistent to every jump. He jumps them all the same.”

Sourced by Sherre Sims of Houston, TX, The Exchange started his career with Sims before changing hands to Alfano this past May. Full of character and personality, The Exchange captured Alfano’s heart and she decided to purchase the gelding after Sims teetered with the idea of putting him up for sale.

“Sherre started him herself, and she did an absolutely incredible job. I happened to be in Houston this spring and she asked if I would take the ride on him and I was just honored and thrilled,” she explained. “I owe her a very special thank you for a) making a great horse, and b) giving me the opportunity to ride him.”

The Exchange will head to Harrisburg after Capital Challenge to test the Pre-Green Hunter division with Alfano in the irons but the Future Hunter division offered this week has given the duo the last bit of confidence they needed before taking on another big indoor stage. “I love this Future Hunter concept and all of the divisions included within it. It’s really nice place to offer it and having the big class inside tomorrow makes it a great place to have Pre-Green horses,” she pointed out.

After taking an unprecedented third USHJA Derby Finals Championship aboard longtime partner Brunello earlier this summer, Liza Boyd, of Camden, SC, continued to showcase a number of up-and-coming mounts this week at CCHS, who will hopefully, in the near future, aim to one day be as successful as their celebrated barn-mate.

Boyd was eager to take the ride Bridget Hallman and Merrylegs South’s newest addition, Gala, a 2008 Oldenburg mare, in the Future Hunter Mares division sponsored by Penelope Ayres. A striking dark bay mare with draw-dropping movement, Gala flashed her brilliance before the judges, ultimately winning top honors in the competitive division.

“She is just so beautiful in almost a handsome way. She’s just gorgeous and refined, but really sturdy which I think sets her apart,” said Boyd. “I’m just so happy to be on her and to have the Hallmans ask me to ride her for them. They have done all of the hard work, and I was just able to get on and have fun.”

Gala, brave by nature and stature, is uncharacteristically calm for a young mare and Boyd was impressed with her ability to handle the large atmosphere of The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s County Equestrian Center. She recalled, “She just marched into that ring and even though the jumps were bright and there was a lot to look at, she showed me that she has so much scope for the future and will definitely be a true 3’6” horse and shine.

“I remember watching her this summer, and I thought she has all of the scope in the world and is also just really quiet. She has the ability and the attitude and sometimes that’s really hard to find because normally you can find the quality, but you can’t always find the right attitude. But this mare has it all.”

Capturing another divisional title at CCHS this week, Hunt Tosh and Largesse, owned by Ceil Wheeler, were crowned in the Future Hunters 3’3” division. Largesse has steadily improved this season, and Tosh was pleased with his performances so far this week.

“He really only just started this past year in Florida, but he’s gotten so relaxed and easy. He has a beautiful canter and jump and he’s just super careful,” he explained. “He’s come into his own the past few months and just like he did here, continues to ride like a made horse. He’s very simple, and I think he just tries his hardest in every class.”

Capital Challenge continues tomorrow with more top hunters competing for division championships in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunters and First Year Green Working Hunters. The Future Hunters return for their North American Championship, while the Amateur-Owner Hunters begin their competition. Wednesday evening hosts the WCHR Pro Challenge and WCHR Developing Pro Challenge.

For more information on Capital Challenge Horse Show and to view a full show schedule, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org. The entire show will be live streamed via EquestrianCounsel.com CCHS Live Webcast, which can be found at www.capitalchallenge.org.

About Capital Challenge Horse Show
In its 22nd year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 26 – October 4. In addition to several prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

Contact: Carly Weilminster
Jump Media LLC
Cell: (410)-245-7441
carly@jumpmediallc.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Fagerstrom and Flower Win Again at Tryon Spring 5 to Take $15,000 Suncast 1.45m Welcome Stake

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Nina Fagerstrom and Flower. Photos ©Sportfot.

Hunt Tosh and Largesse Take Home Impressive Win in $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive

Mill Spring, NC – May 14, 2015 – Competition continued today at Tryon Spring 5 with additional hunter and jumper action across the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) venue. Nina Fagerstrom (FIN) and Flower raced to the top of the $15,000 Suncast® 1.45 Welcome Stake, taking home their second victory in two short days of competition. Competition at Tryon Spring 5 continues through Sunday, May 17 and the Tryon Spring Series will conclude on June 7.

Fagerstrom and Flower have had a strong start to their first week at TIEC, taking both the $1,000 Nutrena 1.40m Open Jumper class yesterday and the $15,000 Suncast® 1.45m Welcome Stake this afternoon in the George H. Morris Stadium. Fagerstrom, who was extremely pleased with her rounds aboard Flower the past two days, was delighted with Guilherme Jorge’s course design in this afternoon’s class. The pair finished their first trip clean in 73.281 seconds and finished four seconds faster than the closest competitor in the jump-off, in 34.901 seconds.

“I thought today’s course was a fun course to ride. There were enough things to think about with the lines and everything, especially with the triple combination, it was tricky to come back to elements B and C because they were so tight,” she explained. “She was really responsive to me today. When I asked her to wait she really listened and jumped up. It was easy for her today, which is good. It was a great feeling to ride.”

Flower has handled the atmosphere at TIEC very well, which Fagerstrom believes is a testament to the mare’s growing maturity and has made her very rideable so far this week in competition.

“She’s been so quiet since we got here which is really unusual for her. She really likes it here and clearly likes the big ring,” commented Fagerstrom. “It puts the pressure on for Saturday night. She’s been jumping just amazing. It tells me though that my horses are in great form and to perform like that two days on the road is pretty amazing.”

The class today prepped several combinations for the biggest test of the week, the $50,000 Tryon Grand Prix on Saturday evening and Fagerstrom commented that it helped her to mentally prepare for what the duo will see on Saturday night.

“I thought that was just a course to overall be awake around. The verticals were very tall and you knew you had to set them up to several of the jumps. It was very fair and I felt like the faults came throughout the course, not just in a single spot, which is a real testament to the course design,” she stated. “I knew this horse could handle it, so I wasn’t nervous, but it was good experience.”

Fagerstrom also had another ride in the class, Hot Topic, who is green to the level but is just as talented as her barn mate, Flower, and gained valuable experience at the 1.45m height today.

“There was a big difference between yesterday’s 1.30m and today, so she did have a couple of rails, but I thought those are faults that she will learn from,” said Fagerstrom. “She finished lovely though and I’m really happy with the way both of them jumped today.”

Kyle Timm and Georgie B finished in second with a time of 38.193 in the jump-off with Hunter Holloway and I Love Lucy in third, finishing the jump-off in 34.827 seconds with four faults.

Hunt Tosh and Largesse Win $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive

Hunt Tosh has staked his claim at TIEC this week, placing towards the top in majority of his classes, with a series of impressively scored rounds. Aboard Ken and Ceil Wheeler’s Largesse in today’s $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive, Tosh bested the class of fifteen entries to take home the first major class of WCHR Week.

Hunt Tosh and Largesse
Hunt Tosh and Largesse

“Largesse is great. He’s a new one that we got this winter and I think he’s won almost every class. We’re really excited about him,” commented Tosh. “He’s been spectacular. He’s a beautiful type and an incredible jumper. He just went beautiful today and really settled in.”

Largesse has the potential to be a top mount for Tosh in the coming years and today’s win in the Pre-Green Incentive with a score of 89 on their first trip, solidified Tosh’s feeling about the impressive gelding.

“He competed a couple of times in Florida and was champion there and this is only our second venue of the year and he was just great. We’re incredibly excited to have him as a First Year next year,” he said. “We needed to do some Pre-Green Incentives with him this year and we’re really looking forward to the finals with him. He got a 90 yesterday. He’s just throwing up really high scores right now, which is great. He’s special and just so much fun to ride.”

Tosh also finished in second and fourth places aboard The Wheeler Family’s Valhalla and Troubadour respectively. Daniel Geitner finished in second with Janet Peterson’s Raffle.

Competition continues at Tryon Spring 5 tomorrow with the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby beginning at 6pm in the George H. Morris Stadium alongside the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, which will also be held in the George H. Morris Stadium beginning at 12pm. For more information on TIEC and a full event schedule, 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.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Nina Fagerstrom and Flower Top $1,000 Nutrena Open Jumper 1.40m at Tryon Spring 5

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Nina Fagerstrom and Flower.

Hunt Tosh and Casanova Sweep First Day of Second Year Green Working Hunter Competition at WCHR Week

Mill Spring, NC – May 13, 2015 – Concluding the first day of competition at Tryon Spring 5 in the George H. Morris Stadium at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), Nina Fagerstrom (FIN) and Flower produced two fast and clean trips in $1,000 Nutrena Open Jumper 1.40m class to take home the win. Kyle Timm aboard Calida 55 finished in second with a time of 40.149 seconds followed by Daniel Geitner and Kenwood placing third, adding four faults to their time of 37.302. The Tryon Spring 5 competition continues through Sunday, May 17. The Tryon Spring Series will conclude Sunday, June 7.

Flower, Fagerstrom’s top mount, had a lengthy vacation after the season in Florida and Fagerstrom couldn’t help but be impressed with the way the mare performed in her first class back in a competition setting. The duo finished the first round clear in 73.15 seconds and raced around the jump-off to finish faultless in 39.365 seconds.

“I’m really happy with her. They haven’t done anything for nearly five or six weeks competing wise. My mom and my groom have been riding them and I think they’ve done a great job because this was the first day showing and they all went clear,” she commented. “They all felt amazing and they’re super fit. Flower is my top Grand Prix horse and I’m really pleased with her today.”

The course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil gave riders the opportunity to choose bold tight lines or stay conservative for experience and familiarity in the stadium early in the week. Fagerstrom was pleased with the course and felt it suited her mare well as they prepare for the $50,000 Tryon Grand Prix on Saturday night.

“I’m really looking forward to the Grand Prix on Saturday night with her. She experienced jumping under the lights at [WEF] this year and in the beginning it was a difficult atmosphere for her and I really think she learned a lot there and it will be great to test it here,” said Fagerstrom.

Fagerstrom has been thoroughly impressed with the facility. “I can’t believe how nice the facility is. It’s so big and everything is so well made. It’s a lot of space and I think the horses really love it here,” she stated. “We’ll stay for two weeks before we head to Canada but I’m really looking forward to spending time here.”

The duo has been partnered for three years and a half years and Fagerstrom feels she has created a very special relationship with the feisty mare and that bond has helped to better their performances in the ring.

“She’s a very special horse for me. She’s come a long way and we are really close to each other. I love riding her because she is a true fighter in the ring and always wants to go clear,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s hard because she has so much power and to handle her can be a handful but she’s learning all the time and she’s a great horse for me.”

Hunt Tosh and Casanova Sweep First Day of Second Year Green Working Hunter Competition at WCHR Week

Beginning WCHR week in great form, Hunt Tosh and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Casanova showcased their talent in the Reynolds Family Ring today, taking all three classes in the combined division of Second Year Green Hunters and High Performance Hunters at Tryon Spring 5. Tosh and Casanova proved unbeatable in the first day of World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week competition at TIEC. The division will conclude tomorrow with Champion and Reserve Champion honors being awarded to competitors.

Hunt Tosh and Casanova
Hunt Tosh and Casanova

“This is our first time here in Tryon; it’s a beautiful facility and we absolutely love it so far,” commented Tosh. “WCHR Week is always an important week throughout the year and this will help us prepare for Devon in a few weeks, so it’s nice to come to a new place and see how they go.”

Tosh, aboard the beautiful liver chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Carolus II x Sally), captured high scores in both over fences classes, with an 86 and 88 respectively. The pair also won the under saddle portion of the division.

“It was a good ride. The course was nice and he jumped really well considering he’s been on a break since Florida,” explained Hunt. “This is his first week getting going again but he went really well and jumped nice and the footing is perfect. We love Tryon so far.”

As WCHR Week continues to draw competitive entries at Tryon Spring 5, Tosh noted that the venue serves as a great place to give a number of different horses experience before tackling the larger classes offered at the end of the week.

“We have a bunch of Pre-Green horses here and a number that will show in the High Performance classes, so we really are getting geared up for this week,” continued Tosh. “We haven’t made a plan for the weekend yet, we’re going to see what happens tomorrow and then we’ll decide who’s going to do what in the bigger classes.”

Competition continues at Tryon Spring 5 with additional WCHR classes including the $1,000 Pre-Green Incentive, $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and the $50,000 Tryon Open Hunter Classic. The first of the “Saturday Night Lights” Grand Prix series will be held Saturday, May 16, with gates opening at 5pm and competition beginning at 6:30pm.

For more information and full results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Banner Day for Betsee Parker, Scott Stewart and Hunt Tosh at National Horse Show

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Scott Stewart and Lucador.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2014 – As the National Horse Show awarded its professional hunter championships Wednesday, there was one name repeated with almost every presentation: Dr. Betsee Parker.

Parker, of Middleburg, Virginia, is the owner of Casanova, Cold Harbor, Lucador and the lessee of A Million Reasons. The four horses constituted four of the five championship winning mounts Wednesday at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Hunt Tosh kicked off the Parker-owned hot streak aboard Casanova, claiming the division championship in the First Year Green Hunters, sponsored by Goshen Hill. Finishing in reserve behind Tosh were Sloane Coles and Autumn Rhythm, owned by Nilani Trent.

Tosh’s success continued in the Regular Conformation Hunters with 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cold Harbor.

“[Cold Harbor] was great here,” Tosh said. “Harrisburg was a little rusty; he didn’t do Capital Challenge. He hadn’t shown in a while, so he was a little rusty [at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show]. He went beautifully today. It’s a good week for him.”

Tosh and Cold Harbor earned the championship trophy, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wheeler, while the reserve championship went to Kelley Farmer and Mindful.

In the Green Conformation Hunters, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Selma Garber, it was Scott Stewart and Lucador who claimed the championship, with a perfect, clean sweep of the division, winning all five classes.

“[Lucador]’s been great. He’s actually gotten better at every show,” Stewart said. “I was really happy with him. This is actually the most consistent that he’s been. We usually have one class where one of us messes up. He’s only 6 years old, so he’s sort of green.”

While Lucador seemed not to take a step wrong in the show ring, his performance in the schooling area can be a bit of a different story.

“He’s a little bit girthy, and if you don’t give enough time he’ll buck and rear and try to throw me against the wall,” Stewart said. “He’s a little bit cold that way. Once he’s in the ring, he’s easier. ”

Stewart continued, “Julie Connors usually rides him for me and is always on him first and warms him up. Then I get on him, and he’s okay. I think he likes her better than me. He’s fine as long as she’s on him.”

In truth, Lucador seems more than fine with Stewart on him as well, and their winning rounds today helped Stewart clinch his eighth National Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider Challenge Trophy. Stewart previously won the award in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012 and now 2014.

Helping add to Stewart’s point tally toward the honor were A Million Reasons and Golden Rule.

A Million Reasons, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, claimed the blue ribbon in this morning’s $7,500 Second Year Green Hunter Stake before going on to also clinch the division championship, sponsored by Ernie and Betty Oare and Patricia Adikes-Hill.

“She’s the easiest horse I’ve ridden so far, and probably the nicest,” Stewart said of A Million Reasons, whom he just started riding following the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. “I like mares, but I haven’t had that much luck bringing them along. She’s super. There’s so much quality and scope.”

Stewart and Stephanie Danahkl’s Golden Rule finished out the day with the High Performance Hunter reserve championship, while the championship went to Kensel LLC’s Mindful.

The opportunity to compete Parker’s horses is one that neither Stewart nor Tosh take for granted.

“As a rider I think it’s great,” Tosh said. “Between the Wheelers and Betsee, to have owners that support us and just give us horses to ride that don’t do another division and are basically just for us to do is incredible. There aren’t a lot of owners out there that do that nowadays. She’s wonderful to both of us.”

Tosh continued, “For what she does, and as much as she puts into it, she wants to do it at the top level, so when you have a day like today it all pays off. Her plan and our plan and everything really worked out.”

While Wednesday marked the conclusion of the professional hunter divisions, the hunter competition continues on Thursday with the Amateur-Owner Hunters beginning at 7 a.m.

Watch live streaming of the National Horse Show all week on USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, and find out more about the show at www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

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

Tosh and Gotham Take Top Spot in Opening Round of USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship

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Gotham and Hunt Tosh during their winning trip in Round 1 of the Pre-Green Incentive.

Lexington, KY – August 12, 2014 – The second annual 2014 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship kicked off with an opening round Tuesday at the Kentucky Horse Park. While there were many new riders and horses competing in the round, it was the championship’s 2013 winner, Hunt Tosh, who took top honors in the opening class, showing the field of 130 how it is done aboard the Douglas Wheeler entry Gotham.

The 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding is a new mount for Tosh, but the two have clearly already found their rhythm; the pair recently captured the tricolor in the 3’3″ Pre-Green Incentive class at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show (N.C.) before coming to Kentucky.

Gotham is quickly becoming a favorite for Tosh.

“He’s a very straightforward horse, very brave with so much scope and plenty of range,” Tosh said. “Today, going so late in the order, I wasn’t sure what Gotham was going to do because I don’t know him that well yet, but he jumped phenomenally. It was just a really fun ride on a great horse.”

Tosh, who last year won the inaugural Pre-Green Incentive class in a tie with two of his mounts, Crisp and Casanova, has already placed himself in a good spot for tomorrow’s second round. He is a big fan of the Pre-Green Incentive program, and predicts this year it will be an even bigger hit than last year.

“It’s a great event because the whole horse show really comes out to see all these fabulous young horses. Obviously the money gives it a bigger feel too, but anything that showcases the young hunters and gets people involved and interested is an awesome thing,” Tosh said.

He hopes to continue his success tomorrow, planning to do the exact same thing in the ring to keep the tough competition at bay, applauding Scott Stewart, who led before Gotham went in, for putting in a great ride.

“I saw trip after trip completed by very nice horses that went well. It was tough today and overall very awesome to compete in this atmosphere and on this horse,” Tosh said.

Tosh may have taken top honors in Tuesday’s opening round, but right on his heels was a whole herd of mounts piloted by Scott Stewart. Stewart placed four of the seven horses he rode in the class in the top twelve, picking up second, third, fourth and seventh place.

As evident by the results, Stewart certainly has an eye for picking young horses.

“For me they have to be a nice mover and just sort of an attractive looking horse,” said Stewart, explaining his methodology for selecting young talent. “Then overall obviously is their jumping style and their mind, just to make sure they’re relaxed and quiet.”

Stewart’s top placed horse in the class, Celebration, shares more than a barn with one of the other top hunter’s in Stewart’s care.

“My second place horse is actually by Dedication, that’s his baby,” Stewart explained.

Dedication was another young horse Stewart brought up the ranks through the green divisions.

Celebration looks just like his sire (who has since been gelded), but is still working on logging as much ring time.

“This is only his third show, he did [Fairfield County Hunt Club] and one week of Michigan [Horse Shows by the Bay],” Stewart explained. “He’s only 5 years old.”

Stewart’s third placed horse, Remarkable, is really just that; the 7-year-old gelding has a very unique marking on his left front leg and chest. When paired with his picturesque form over fences, the horse makes for quite an eye catching sight.

“I think most people passed on him because of that,” Stewart said of the marking. Stewart recounted that a lot of people saw the horse on video last year and may have been put off by his unusual coloring. “On the video you couldn’t really tell how pretty he was,” Stewart said. “I think if we didn’t go to Europe to see him, we probably wouldn’t have bought him. We saw him in person, and we bought him right away.”

Stewart is not entirely sure where the coloring comes from, but he suspects it has to do with the gelding’s sire, Lordanos.

“A lot of Lordanos’ [offspring] have a lot of white, like Golden Rule, my working horse, has a lot of high white legs,” Stewart explained. “Some of them have a lot of white, so it’s somewhere in there!”

This is Stewart’s first year competing in the Pre-Green Incentive program, and so far he is enjoying the experience.

“I thinks it’s great for everyone to bring out there nice young horses, and the prize money is super,” Stewart said. The opening round alone offered $43,852.50 in cash prizes and paid out to 27th place.

The 2014 USHJA Pre Green Incentive championship will continue on Wednesday with a second round, where all 130 horses will carry their scores from Tuesday forward and go again over fences to determine the top thirty to compete in the final round on Thursday. The final round will be a blank slate format, putting all horses back onto an even playing field.

Jumper classes at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show also kick off tomorrow at the Kentucky Horse Park with the 5-year-old Jumpers beginning at 8 a.m. in Rolex Stadium. To learn more about the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event

KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, and the Official Hotel The Clarion

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709

Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 140′x 280′, Murphy: 135′x 280′, Stonelea and Murphy Schooling: 110′x 400′
Walnut: 300′x 370′, Claiborne: 140′x 270′, Annex 130′x 250′, Covered Arena (old): 145′x 285′ Rolex Stadium: 360′ x 384′, Alltech Arena: 132′ x 265′

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Queen Lattifa Reigns in Professional Hunters at Alltech National Horse Show

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Hunt Tosh and Queen Lattifa.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2013 – The Alltech National Horse Show is a horse show steeped in tradition and responsible for countless treasured memories. That holds particularly true for the Wheeler family, and today everything came full circle as Douglas and Kenneth Wheeler’s horse, Queen Lattifa, ridden by Hunt Tosh, was named the Grand Hunter Champion.

After earning 36 points in the Second Year Green Hunter division, Queen Lattifa was presented with the Isgilde Challenge Trophy, donated by Ken Wheeler Sr. and the late Sally Wheeler in memory of their esteemed hunter, Isgilde. With both Ken Wheeler Sr. and Sally Wheeler, Isgilde earned countless accolades in the hunter ring, but more than that she was a beloved part of the Wheeler family.

“She was a big winner for our parents when they first started out together,” Ken Wheeler Jr. said. He fought back the tears as he continued. “Not only was she a big winner, she was like the family pet. When she was old and blind, mom could walk out in the field and say ‘precious,’ and she’d shake hands. So she was the family pet. She wasn’t just a show horse; she was more than that.”

In addition to the connection with the Isgilde Challenge Trophy at the Alltech National Horse Show, Sally Wheeler was responsible for bringing the National Horse Show back to Madison Square Gardens in the 1990s. She served as the horse show chairman during much of that time.

“This horse show is super special to us because of our family history with the National Horse Show,” Douglas Wheeler said. “To do this together, the next generation with Hunt and Kenny, is just so special. For me, it really has not sunk in yet. I can’t wait to get back to the barn and give these guys a big hug and a big thank you and share some laughs and some stories. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.”

Douglas Wheeler continued, “The mare (Queen Lattifa) herself – all the credit in the world goes to Hunt. Kenny found her at Devon, and Hunt has done an amazing job just like he always does. She has exceeded every expectation that we could have ever had for her.”

Coming off the Second Year Green Hunter championship title at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Tosh and Queen Lattifa again earned the championship tricolor in the division after sweeping the victories in all three of the over fences classes.

“All through Indoors she was great, but to come here and be able to be Grand and finish like that – to be able to put us all together and pull that off is fabulous,” Tosh concluded.

Things also came full circle today for Elisabeth McFadden. McFadden’s Serafino earned the First Year Green Hunter division championship with Melissa Feller at the reins, and for McFadden, the Alltech National Horse Show also holds a special place in her heart.

“The last time I rode in the National Horse Show it was at Madison Square Garden, and I now work for Madison Square Garden,” McFadden said. “It’s come full circle to come out here for my first time back at the National Horse Show and to have this happen. It is really pretty cool.”

Ridden by Melissa Feller and trained by Robert Beck, Serafino, out of dressage stallion Sir Donnerhall, was originally purchased by Emil Spadone from a dressage farm in Europe.

“I looked him up on the dressage website that Emil bought him from, and I translated it from German. The description of him was ‘a horse of good character,'” McFadden said. “That’s really held true. He’s just never had a bad day.”

Going forward, the well-mannered 7-year-old will be aimed toward hunter derbies with Feller and may eventually become a junior hunter for Feller’s daughter.

The First Year Green Hunter division reserve championship came down to a tie between Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper and Scott Stewart and Starmont. The reserve championship title will be determined in a ride-off to be held tomorrow.

Kelley Farmer and Quotable
Kelley Farmer and Quotable

In addition to her successful showing in the First Year Green Hunters with Skorekeeper, Farmer has seen remarkable success with Quotable, owned by Dr. Kenneth and Selma Garber. Quotable was named Grand Hunter Champion at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and again at the Washington International Horse Show, and today he claimed the grand championship title in both the Green Conformation Hunters and the Regular Conformation Hunters.

“I would not have ever anticipated or expected or even asked a horse to do this type of winning four weeks in a row. I was nervous about even showing four weeks in row. It’s asking so much,” Selma Garber said. “To be this consistent and to bring home so many championships is just flat out amazing.”

Garber continued, “Now he gets lots of oatmeal cookies and naps. Yesterday he got grated carrots. He had his own equine Waldorf salad. I think he deserves it.”

The reserve championships in the Green Conformation Hunters was awarded to Peter Lombardo and Academy Award, while the reserve championship in the Regular Conformation Hunters was presented to Scott Stewart and Everly, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

Stewart and Parker initially saw Everly go in the jumper ring, and they immediately knew she would make a good fit as a hunter. The mare has very quickly proven them correct.

“It’s tremendously exciting,” Parker said. “For this mare to do well so quickly after switching between the jumper division and the hunter division is really pleasing to me. This is her fifth show as a hunter, and she has had a tricolor at all five shows now.”

Stewart and Everly were also successful in the High Performance Hunter division, where Stewart earned the eventual reserve championship aboard Dedication, also owned by Parker. Peter Lombardo returned to the winners’ circle during the High Performance Hunters, this time to claim the championship with Ante Up.

In the Performance 3’3″ Hunters, the championship went to Typecast and Sybil Rose, while the reserve championship went to Liza Boyd and Fenway. In the Performance 3’6″ Hunters John French and Small Affair rode away with the championship tricolor and Scott Stewart and Dedication claimed the reserve. French also had a successful day, earning the Second Year Green Hunter division reserve championship with Small Celebration.

The professional hunter divisions have come to a close, but hunter competition continues tomorrow with the Amateur-Owner hunters, starting with the Amateur-Owner 35 and Over Hunters at 8 a.m.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
NationalHS@aol.com

Website:
www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Karen Lucca at kll@phelpsmediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com or (561) 313-0384
Sponsorship:
Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389
Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Christian Palmer at Christian@phelpsmediagroup.com or (612) 618-8216

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:

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

Re: Media Credentialing:

Classic Communications
38 Mechanic Street – Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-698-6810 (phone)
508-698-6811 (fax)
info@classic-communications.com
www.classic-communications.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Hunt Tosh Tops USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship Opening Rounds at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Hunt Tosh and Casanova.

Lexington, KY – August 14, 2013 – The USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program is in its inaugural year, and based on the huge horse and rider turnout, large spectator draw and beautiful hunter rounds today at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, it is already an overwhelming success. Thus far, it has also proved to be particularly successful for Hunt Tosh. The USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championship opened with two rounds of competition today at the Kentucky Horse Park, and it was Tosh who earned the top call in both of the rounds.

To earn the first place award in the first round, Tosh bested an impressive field of 107 horses aboard Casanova, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA. With two panels of judges scoring each trip, Tosh and Casanova earned scores of 88 and 86.25 for a combined 174.25. Tosh also rode to the second place position in the first round with scores of 87 and 86.5 for a 173.5 total aboard Crisp, owned by Douglas and Kenneth Wheeler of Keswick, VA. It was Crisp who then returned to top the leaderboard in the second round with scores of 88.5 and 87 for a combined score of 175.5.

“Crisp is a new horse for us,” Tosh said of the 6-year-old. “We’re quite excited about him, and I think he’s going to be a lot of fun. He’s very careful, and he’s beautiful going across the ground. I didn’t know if coming into this atmosphere would make him a little nervous, but he was great. He went beautifully today so we’re very happy with him.”

Hunt Tosh and Crisp
Hunt Tosh and Crisp

Tosh and Crisp’s two top two finishes also put them at the top of the day’s overall leaderboard with a combined two-round score of 349. Throughout today’s preliminary rounds of competition, riders were vying for a spot within the top 30, which would then allow them to move on to tomorrow evening’s final championship round.

While Tosh took the top two spots in round one and the first place honor in round two, the second place award in round two went to Peter Pletcher and Lucador. Pletcher and Lucador also finished in fifth in the first round class, putting them in the second place position overall with a two-round score of 343.05. Lucador is 5-year-old Oldenburg out of Lord Pezi and owned by Sagamore Farm Inc.

“He’s an amazing horse,” Pletcher said. “Brian and Sophie Walker asked me to show him for them when we were in Florida, and we had a great, great circuit there. I told them, ‘We really need to put him in the incentive program because he’s an amazing horse.’ So they did it, and he’s been great. He’s such a beautiful jumper and a beautiful mover.”

Pletcher, Tosh and the other top 30 riders returning tomorrow for the championship will have their score slate wiped clean, as day one scores do not carry over. However, the first day scores did have high value and payback today. 25 percent of the total prize money awarded throughout the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championships went to the top finishers in the first round, and 25 percent went to the top finishers in the second round, with over $9,000 presented to the winner of each round. The remaining 50 percent of the lucrative prize money will be presented to the overall top finishers following the championship round, which kicks off tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“This program is absolutely great for the sport,” Tosh said. “Anything we can do to get involved and help support the hunters coming along is great. This gives an added reason to have Pre-Green horses, and it gives you added incentive to bring them to the horse shows and try and earn their entry fees back and maybe even make a little money.”

Peter Pletcher and Lucador
Peter Pletcher and Lucador

Pletcher also commented: “I think this program is such a great thing; it’s great for the owners, the business and the buying and selling of the Pre-Green horses.”

The USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championships conclude tomorrow, and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships officially get underway on Friday, August 16 at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

Another hunter highlight at this week’s Bluegrass Festival Horse Show will be the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby on Sunday, August 18. In addition to being the week’s premier hunter competition, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show offers top jumper competition throughout the week, attracting top riders from across the country. This week jumper highlights include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Friday, August 16 and the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix on Sunday, August 18.

For more information on the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and all of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

To learn more about the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Finals visit www.ushja.org.

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

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

Hunt Tosh and Rosalynn Repeat Excellence for Double Blue Ribbons at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Hunt Tosh and Rosalynn were awarded two blue ribbons in the High Performance Hunter division at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG

Lexington, KY – August 15, 2012 – It was a welcoming day for the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park show grounds where five divisions were set to display the top hunter horse and rider combinations. The morning started off with a variation of winners while the two divisions to emerge with double blue ribbons were Scott Stewart and Dedication for the Second Year Working Green Hunters and Hunt Tosh and Rosalynn in the High Performance Hunters.

The course, designed by Patrick Rodes, was made up of nine fences signature of a traditional hunt field. Made of natural woods, the obstacles assorted of vertical oxer combinations, decorative stand-alones and a grassy rolltop, all strategically arranged on a bed of freshly churned footing. The course lines ran smooth, with pleasant stride counts and thoughtful approaches, suggesting fine ingenuity.

The first division featured in the Stonelea Arena was the Green Conformation Hunters. Christopher Payne on his mount Lugano, owned by Susan Moriconi of St. Louis, MO, took home the first and sixth place ribbons after a show of beautiful horsemanship on the course. Kelley Farmer aboard Lightning Z, owned by Lochmoore Stables of Lebanon, OH, took two third place ribbons in the over fences classes in the division.

Continue reading Hunt Tosh and Rosalynn Repeat Excellence for Double Blue Ribbons at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

Hunt Tosh Pilots Top Mounts to Sweeping Victories in Professional Divisions at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Hunt Tosh and Lone Star sweep the first day of the Performance 3'6"Hunters at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG

Lexington, Kentucky – July 31, 2012 – Looking forward to a warm, dry day after the first week of unpredictable weather, the Stonelea Arena saw a lineup of divisions from the morning’s First Year Green Working Hunters to the Performance 3’6″ Hunter divisions. The footing and course made for a congenial ride for all participants for the first day of the professional divisions. Onlookers ultimately beheld two strong contenders and their steeds overwhelming the competition with enough talent to sweep today’s divisions.

Christopher Payne delivered exceptional performances aboard his mounts today, picking up top honors in the First Year Green Working Hunters, Green Conformation Hunters and the Second Year Green Working Hunters. It was Hunt Tosh who stole the show with a clean sweep of two divisions on two very memorable mounts. Tosh guided Cold Harbor to a dominating performance in the Regular Conformation Division, as well as capturing two blues with veteran Lone Star in the Performance 3’6″ Hunter division.

Continue reading Hunt Tosh Pilots Top Mounts to Sweeping Victories in Professional Divisions at Kentucky Summer Classic →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

Lone Star Emerges Champion with Hunt Tosh in Performance Hunters at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Hunt Tosh navigated Lone Star to his comeback, earning the Performance 3'6" Hunters Championship at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 17, 2012 – The day was filled with intense competition as top riders vied for the championship awards in their divisions today at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Louise Serio led the way with Casino, dominating the First Year Greens, while Scott Stewart earned the championships in his respective divisions aboard Beholden and Dedication. Hunt Tosh guided Cold Harbor to the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship and Rosalynn to the High Performance Hunters highest honors. The distinguished Lone Star returned to the ring for the second day of competition, earning a second day of straight 88s with Tosh in the irons, eventually taking the Performance 3’6″ Hunters Championship.

Hunt Tosh and Lone Star, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, were victors at the end of the day in the Performance 3’6″ Hunters, as the veteran pair began their return to the show rung. The duo earned both blue ribbons in yesterday, and picked up the second place ribbon during their first round over fences today and the third place in the under saddle. Hayley Barnhill and Lennon, owned by Reid Patton of Nashville, TN, took the reserve award.

Continue reading Lone Star Emerges Champion with Hunt Tosh in Performance Hunters at Kentucky Spring Classic →