Tag Archives: hunter/jumper

Tryon Summer Classic Wrap Up

Karen Kelley and Uncle Luc. Photos by MVP Photos

June 4th, 2012 – Tryon, NC ~ Blue skies shone brightly on Sunday as a week filled with exciting competition, fabulous parties and perfect weather culminated at the 2012 Tryon Summer Classic Horse Show.  The event, held at FENCE (Foothills Equestrian Nature Center) in beautiful Tryon, NC, took place May 31 – June 3 and is managed by Aiken, SC based Equus Events.  The show again benefitted the Tryon Hounds www.tryonhounds.com and featured a $2,500 USHJA National Derby sponsored by Reflections Farm and Brick Church Farm on Friday evening and a $10,000 Jumper Classic sponsored by The EMO Insurance Agency and Martha Hall on Saturday evening.

Friday night belonged to Karen Kelley of Charleston, SC and Laura and Meredith Mateo’s Uncle Luc as they strode to an impressive win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by Reflections Farm and Brick Church Farm.  Kelley said of her win, “I loved the course, all unrelated and off your eye. It felt as if we were on an outside course and that ring is so fun as all the spectators really make it feel exciting and special… Luc and I had a grand time! Another A++ job by Equus Events!”  The pair brought in an 84 from round 1 as they came into the second handy hunter round in second place behind Don Sheehan and the Margaret Edge entry of chosen who scored an 87.  In the handy round Kelley’s bold ride and Luc’s handiness earned them the top score of 85 giving them the win with a two round total of 169.  Sheehan and Chosen were second with a 164 followed by Mador Du Chaufour and Glen Hartigan with a two round total of 158.

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Billie Steffee’s All the Gold Inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame

Photo By: Catherine Cammert

Novelty, OH – June 1, 2012 – Although Craighead Farm has been known for showing horses throughout the years, it is the renowned All the Gold who has been their shining light, putting Billie Steffee and Craighead Farm on the map. The elite Hanoverian stallion achieved remarkable accolades during his career as a champion hunter, and Tuesday night he was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. It was a remarkable night for Steffee as SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf inducted the stallion into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Steffee listened to his numerous accomplishments, heard testimonies from colleagues and friends, and the audience was nothing but smiles and applause as she accepted the honor.

On September 19, 2011, All the Gold passed away at 29 years of age. During his competitive years All the Gold was trained by Jessamy Rouson, Otis Brown, Jr. and Philip DeVita, Jr. With insightful trainers and two talented riders, Patty Stovel and Sarah Steffee, he won back-to-back Grand Circuit Champions at the Winter Equestrian Festival in the Regular Working Hunters in 1992 and 1993. He also earned the Reserve Champion in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters at the very same Winter Equestrian Festival. In 1990 and 1991, the chestnut stallion was awarded the Circuit Reserve Championship in the Regular Working Hunters for the Arizona Winter Circuit. Although he retired in 1994, to devote all of his time to breeding, he was the leading sire based on earning for seven consecutive years.

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McLain Ward Wins First Leg of $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge

Photo: ©Parker/Russell - The Book LLC. McLain Ward is joined in the winner's circle by THIS' Michael Taylor and William Weeks after he won the first leg of the $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge by taking the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon

Middleburg, VA – June 1, 2012 – In a three horse jump off last night, McLain Ward and Antares F proved to be perfect winning the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon and at the same time, the first leg of the brand new $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge, America’s richest rider bonus.

McLain is now the rider in the spotlight this year, for the first ever Triple Crown Challenge offered by Taylor Harris Insurance Services.

Following this win, McLain and Antares F must also win the Hampton Classic’s $250,000 FTI Grand Prix & FEI World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, September 2, 2012 and the third jewel of the Triple Crown Challenge, the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix at the Alltech National Horse Show on Saturday, November 3, 2012 to receive the $200,000 bonus.

“We are thrilled with McLain’s win last night,” said Michael Taylor of Taylor Harris Insurance Services. “He and Antares F were exceptional, and I believe they are more than capable of winning the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge and we are look forward to the second leg of competition at The Hampton Classic.”

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National Show Hunter Hall of Fame Names Jennifer Alfano Rider of the Year

Jennifer Alfano was presented with Rider of the Year and her top mount Jersey Boy was presented with the High Performance Hunter Horse of the Year and Overall Horse of the Year during the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Photo Credit: SportFot

Buffalo, NY – May 31, 2012 – The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame awarded numerous honors last night at their annual dinner held at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, PA, but it was SBS Farms, Inc. who truly shined. Jennifer Alfano was named Hunter Rider of the Year, and her top mount Jersey Boy was named High Performance Horse of the Year and Hunter Horse of the Year.

The NSHHF continues to foster the appreciation of the sport through the establishment and maintenance of esteemed awards. The winners of the yearly and overall awards are carefully selected by the vote of trainers who have had champions in the divisions at the shows that have been nominated for the Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year award. The committee was pleased to honor Alfano with the overall Rider of the Year award, as well as the Horse of the Year Award for three-time winner, Jersey Boy.

“We knew he was getting the High Performance Horse of the Year, but to hear them announce him as the Overall Horse of the Year was amazing. This is something that Jersey Boy definitely deserved for all of his hard work,” Alfano explained. “There are so many wonderful horses out there, and so many strong competitors in each of the divisions, for him to have won this award is fantastic.”

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Tryon Summer Classic Just Under a Week Away

Lucky One and Vick Russell. Photos by Mark Lenher and Hoofclix Photography

May 25th, 2012 – Aiken, SC – After a full week of competition and record attendance at the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show there is no down time for the staff at Aiken, SC based Equus Events. The 2012 Tryon Summer Classic to benefit the Tryon Hounds is just under a week away and preparations are already underway for the event which takes place May 31 – June 3 at beautiful FENCE (Foothills Equestrian Nature Center). FENCE is an over 380 acre nature, education, and recreation facility nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many activities in the area including numerous shops and antique stores as well as adventures whitewater rafting on the Green River. This year’s show will again benefit the Tryon Hounds. This event encompasses the days of old with a rich tradition but also attracts some of the top riders and trainers in the southeast. Many will be competing for some of the numerous Grand Champion and perpetual trophies.

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Classic Company Announces NickerDoodles as 2012 Hunter Pony Derby Classics Sponsor

May 26, 2012 – ST JOHNS ISLAND, SC – Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, is happy to welcome NickerDoodles as the official sponsor of the inaugural $25,000 Hunter Pony Derby Classics that will premiere this summer. The first classic will be held during the Atlanta Summer Classic Week II (June 20-24) at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA and the second at the Charleston Summer Classic Week II (July 17-21).

“Classic Company is thrilled to have NickerDoodles sponsoring these special and historic pony events! No doubt the ponies too will be happy to have these great treats available,” Bell said.

NickerDoodles is a handcrafted easily digestible treat made from oats, wheat bran, barley, corn and molasses that ponies and horses alike can’t get enough of. Virginia Milam, who owns Khaki Run Horse Farm in Summerfield, NC, had been looking for a new venture that would still allow her to remain faithful to her passion, horses, when she discovered NickerDoodles. She was so impressed with the product she sought out the owner and bought the company.

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Peter Leone Blazes to Second in the $20,000 Speed Derby at Old Salem Spring Week Two

Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino. Photo by The Book LLC.

Wellington, FL – May 24, 2012 – The second week at Old Salem Spring Horse Shows brought more good prizes for the Lionshare Farm Team. Peter Leone and Monica Carrera’s Lincourt Gino are consistently placing in the top of their classes. The plan-oriented Leone showcased Gino’s blazing fast speed to earn the second place prize in the $20,000 Speed Derby. The pair was fourth in the 1.40m Open Jumpers and 11th in the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix.

“Gino is careful and game and has a huge stride. He can also be short catty,” shared Leone. “He likes to take advantage of the big gallops.”

Leone was also in the money with his young horses, Graffiti and Wayfarer, placing third in the Six Year Olds with Graffiti, and had two top-ten placings in the 1.30m classes with both horses.

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Louise Serio Continues to Lead 2012 Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby Series

Louise Serio and Corvine continue to lead the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus standings. Photo By: Shawn McMillen Photography/PMG

Lexington KY – May 23, 2012 – Professional rider Louise Serio continues to hold the lead after the second part of the 2012 $45,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby came to a conclusion on Saturday, May 19, 2012 during the Kentucky Spring Classic. The Hallway Feeds Series consists of six national hunter derby events held during the 2012 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the series’ leading riders.

The Kentucky Spring Series was held May 9-20, 2012, and featured two of the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derbies. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over the challenging courses and vie for the winning title and valuable points towards the $15,000 Leading Rider Awards. Louise Serio and Corvine led the victory gallop for the leadoff event during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, but it was professional Lourdes de Guardiola and Autumn Rhythm who took the top honors for the second derby event.

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Eirin Bruheim and Tackeray Jump to Top Honors at Show Jumping Classic

Eirin Bruheim and Tackeray won in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Show Jumper Classic. Photo By: Morgan German

Tomball, TX – May 22, 2012 – Eirin Bruheim of Nordic Lights Farm was very successful during her first competition aboard her newest mount, Tackeray. Purchased from Great Britain’s Ben Maher just a short time ago, Bruheim and Tackeray are already proving to be a great match, showing in their first competition during the Show Jumper Classic in Tyler, TX. The pair took winning honors in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and later went on to place second during the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic.

Bruheim and Tackeray began the week in the 1.25m Open Jumpers, where they placed third with a double clear effort. Proving that they were ready for a challenged they moved up to the High Junior/Amateur-Owner division, where a fault free round earned them a blue ribbon prize, as well as the third place honors. They concluded on a high note in the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic, where they finished in the second place position.

“This was my first show on Tackeray and he was amazing,” smiled Bruheim. “He was fast and double clean in our first class, so we decided to the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers together I could not be happier! He amazed me again on the last day with his excellent finish in the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic.”

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Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover Take Home Win in $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix

Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover. Photo by Shawn McMillen

May 21st ~ 2012, Conyers, GA – Yesterday marked the conclusion of the 9th annual Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.  The event took place at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA and saw a record number of participants this year.  “We are beyond thrilled with the turnout,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.  Godard, based out of his hometown of Aiken, SC, and his Equus Events have produced the show for the past nine years.  “I have to thank all of our exhibitors, staff, and sponsors for their continued support of Equus Events and the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show; it is a team effort and without that support it is tough to grow in this economy. We have managed to build this event up the past 9 years and I am really looking forward to going all out for our 10th anniversary next year!”

The much anticipated $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix took place Saturday evening under the lights in the International Arena with 38 horse rider teams competing and a huge crowd set to cheer them on.  Olympic silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt designed a course that was challenging giving many riders some tricky spots to contest with.  The final jump, the Fenwick oxer #13, proved to be one of the more problematic spots as 9 riders had that final rail down in the first round.  After the initial round, 11 horses and riders graduated to the jump off including 2 entries for Ocala, FL based riders Aaron Vale and Sharn Wordley.  With only 4 clean, Aaron Vale and Carmen Rojas Admiral Clover soared to the win with a time of 40.648 just edging out Vale’s second jump off qualifier Tibor owned by Bonnie Smith.  Megan Edrick, also hailing from Ocala, FL, took home the third place ribbon with the Procedures, Inc. owned entry of Cadence while Sharn Wordley and his Cederick rounded out the top 4 spots.

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