Tag Archives: hunter/jumper

Kentucky Summer Horse Show Wrap-Up: July 27-31, 2011

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2011 – Sunny skies and warm temperatures returned to the Kentucky Horse Park for Sunday evening’s $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The nation’s top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to compete for the winning title. At the end of the night, it was Germany’s Christian Heineking and River of Dreams who led the victory gallop after an excellent double clear effort. Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride followed with the second place honors, while Rebecca Conway and Twister took home the third place award with the only other two fault-free jump-off rounds.

Karen Cudmore was the first to attempt Wednesday’s short course aboard Southern Pride, owned by Blair Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and they set the bar high. The duo clocked in at 40.203 seconds with all the rails in place, which would eventually earn the second place award.

Lauren Tisbo and Coco135, owned by Tequestrian Farms of Wellington, FL, raced to catch Cudmore’s time, and they were able to do so, but their speed proved costly when they lowered the height of the last vertical. Their four-fault effort in a time of 40.109 seconds would be good enough for the fourth place honors. Rebecca Conway was next in the ring and she claimed the third place award aboard Twister, owned by Blue Hill Farm of Salt Lake City, UT. The duo chose to keep a conservative pace and leave all the fences intact, breaking the beam at 47.733 seconds.

The final rider on course proved to be the best of day. Christian Heineking knew that he would have to be fast and accurate with River of Dreams, owned by Kai Handt of Wylie, TX, and the talented gelding executed the plan beautifully. They kept a fast gallop to every obstacle without even the slightest of rubs. The pair dashed through the timers in 39.530 seconds to jump to the top of the leaderboard and lead the evening’s victory gallop.

Continue reading Kentucky Summer Horse Show Wrap-Up: July 27-31, 2011

Atlanta Summerfest and Aiken Fall Festival Offer a Variety of Opportunities for Competitors

August, 1st 2011 – It is hard to believe but summer is already coming to a close and fall is just around the corner.  Show manager J. P. Godard’s Equus Events is gearing up to unveil its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Bouckaert Farms in Fairburn, GA.  These new shows taking place August 18th-21st and 25th-28th will be one of the most popular tickets in town as stalls and camper spots are limited at the renowned Bouckaert Farms home of the 2011 USAE American Eventing Championships.  Well known in the eventing world, Godard is excited to introduce Bouckaert Farms to the hunter/jumper contingent.  “We are really looking forward to getting this show series off the ground,” Godard said with a smile.  “It took a little bit of time to get everything together, but now we are just looking forward to a great first year and hope everyone has a fantastic time.”

The facility itself has no lack of bragging rights boasting an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands situated on the Chattahoochee River.  Stabling is all permanent and every stall features rubber mats.  The Atlanta Summerfest will offer something for everyone including walk/trot classes all the way up to the Open Jumpers.  Exhibitors and spectators can also look forward to Equus Events daily hospitality and weekly parties and events.  Some of the feature classes include:

-$5,000 Open Jumper Classic each week
-$2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (wk1)
-$1,500 Jr/AO Jumper Classic each week
-$2,500 NAL/WIHS Ch/Ad Jumper Classic each week
-$500 Pony Classic
-$500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic
-$500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic

Continue reading Atlanta Summerfest and Aiken Fall Festival Offer a Variety of Opportunities for Competitors

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

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

Bolero and Stacey Arani Steal the Show in the USHJA National Hunter Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Stacey Arani and Bolero won the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Lexington, KY – July 31, 2011 – The final day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show was filled with nothing but sunshine and a practically cloudless blue sky. The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic witnessed talented horse and rider combinations striving to showcase their skills and claim the winning title in the Stonelea Ring. Stacey Arani and Bolero led the class from start to finish and eventually led the victory gallop after earning a total score of 185. Olivia Herbert and Capistrano finished second falling five points behind Arani and Bolero, while Abbygale Funk directed Enough Said to the third place award.

Today’s courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and simulated riding over a hunt country with all of the fences set to 3′ with four 3’5” high options and four handy options. Stacey Arani of Dover, MA, and Bolero took an early lead as the first rider of the Classic, scoring a 90 during the first round with three bonus options for a 93 total. Although they were the last to return during the handy round, the duo did not hold back. After executing a slice during an inside turn to an optional fence, they stayed consistent and smooth, receiving scores of 88 with four bonus points for a score of 92. Their two-round total of 185 points landed the pair the blue ribbon prize.

“I had so much fun out there with him,” Arani exclaimed as she patted Bolero’s neck. “He was great in both rounds and I feel as though everything went really smooth and flowed really nicely. The handy was slightly more difficult, but Bolero was so good, he turned back for me, I did a slice I wasn’t intending, but when I was out there and turned, the option presented itself and we took it.”

Since the introduction of the National Derby in 2010, the program has continued to grow and experience success. “The National Derby is a great option for people that don’t want to do the big derby classes,” Arani explained. “I haven’t been able to compete in a classic since I was a kid.” For Arani the USHJA National Hunter Classic provided a fun class with a course that has 3′ jumps with higher options,which make it so she can relax and enjoy the ride. According to the USHJA, the popularity of the International Hunter Derby Program prompted them to develop a separate series of competitions modeled after the Derby but geared toward the up and coming horses and riders. The National Hunter Classic Program was launched in 2010 to provide both horses and riders a place to gain experience in Derby competition at a lower height and difficulty level.

Continue reading Bolero and Stacey Arani Steal the Show in the USHJA National Hunter Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

HJAM Equitation Finals Take Over Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay

Courtney Trott and Carlotta with trainer Greg Crolick. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 30, 2011 – Traverse City granted exhibitors and spectators another beautiful, sunny summer day at Horse Shows by the Bay today. The Hunter Jumper Association of Michigan Equitation Finals illuminated the Grand Prix Ring with skills and style. The Hunter/Jumper Association of Michigan (HJAM) Finals drew quite a crowd, eager to watch and enjoy the festivities of all three sections of the finals. Courtney Trott, Gabrielle Thornton, and Katie Nowak all earning the top call in the three prestigious medal classes offered today. In addition, the Adult Amateur Hunters and Amateur-Owner Hunters had their first day of competition in the R. L. Polk Main Hunter Ring.

The HJAM Equitation Medal Finals each consisted of at least two rounds. The riders had to complete an equitation-style course of no less than 8 fences, either 3′ or 3’3″ in height. The riders who were able to complete the first over fences phase without any major faults were invited back for a second round to be done on the flat. During the flat phase, riders were asked to show at the walk, trot, and canter going both directions, and were also asked to perform a sitting trot, lengthening of the stride, and other tests of their equestrian skills. After the flat round, the top 8 riders were required to perform a specific test given by the judges. Ribbons were awarded through eighth place, with trophies going to the winners and awards given to the winners’ trainers and grooms. “If you have a facility like this,” noted Karin Flint, owner of Flintfields Horse Park, “we’d love to have more events for our local kids. In the future we would like to be able to open it up, and to do some more things for Michigan. International, national, and Michigan, bringing it all together.”

Continue reading HJAM Equitation Finals Take Over Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay

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

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

Classic Company Winter Shows 2012

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is very happy to announce that a new winter series of horse shows in Pensacola, Florida and will be held at the Escambia Country Equestrian Center during the month of January.  Three new USEF AA Rated Shows: Jan. 11-29, 2012.

Also, to put rumors to rest:  The Classic Company will continue in its management capacity, as it has for 16 years, at the Jacksonville Winter Series.  Jan. 11-29, 2012: three weeks of USEF AA Rated Hunters. Each week there will be a $25,000 Grand Prix, and on week three, NFHJA will host a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The FEI Class will not be held this year.

More details will follow in the next few weeks about class offerings. Mark your calendar.

See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Kristen Vanderveen Wraps Up the Colorado Summer Circuit with a Big Win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix

Kristen Vanderveen earned the top prize money in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix during week six of the Colorado Summer Circuit. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Kristen Vanderveen made her trip from Wellington, FL worthwhile when she capped three weeks in Colorado with a win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. The six-week Colorado Summer Circuit ended with a bang, complete with Military Appreciation Day, a visit from Congressman Mike Coffman and the final distribution of nearly $1,000,000 in cash and prizes.

“When we expanded the Colorado Summer Circuit from four to six weeks, we had high expectations,” said vice president and general manager Brian Curry. “We were excited when we sold out more than 1,000 stalls, plus the 100 horses that call CHP their permanent home.”

Added show manager Pat Boyle, “Our goal is to build fun, exciting shows so that competitors will enjoy spending their summer in Colorado. The feedback for the new classes, additional prize money and more parties was really extraordinary.”

The six-week extravaganza was highlighted by the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. Featuring Olympians and World Equestrian Games-competitors, the class was part of an afternoon of entertainment that included Military Appreciation Day. “We wanted to support and recognize military families. They deserve our gratitude and thanks for their service. We are very happy to do our part by offering them the chance to relax and enjoy a pleasant afternoon with their families,” said Helen Krieble, The Colorado Horse Park’s founder and president. Veterans and their families were able to enjoy the horse show, along with activities for the kids that included bouncy houses and pony rides. Congressman Mike Coffman, a Major in the Marines, Retired, also attended.

Continue reading Kristen Vanderveen Wraps Up the Colorado Summer Circuit with a Big Win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix

McLain Ward Places First and Second in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

McLain Ward and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve won the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – July 28, 2011 – It was a late night at the Kentucky Horse Park as riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium to compete in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. McLain Ward proved to be the best of the best, dominating the jump-off with the only two double clear efforts aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to place first and second, respectively. Ashlee Bond and Shane Sweetnam also tackled the short course, but with four faults each they placed third and fourth, respectively.

Tonight’s class was the third of seven grand prix events that make up the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by Hagyard Medical Institute and presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Following the final event in the series, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series for the Leading Rider Bonus.

Twenty-seven riders competed over tonight’s first round designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, which featured an open water with a scored lath and pole, a oxer-vertical double combination, and an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination. Only three riders were able complete the technical track without fault and advance to the jump-off. The short course began over a single oxer to two single verticals, a second oxer, the first two obstacles in the triple combination, and finished with a gallop over a large oxer near the gate.

“It was a good course,” noted eventual winner McLain Ward. “Obviously it is very hot, so I am sure that was a factor. It is a great venue with great footing and good lighting. I thought it was a difficult course, but very appropriate.”

Continue reading McLain Ward Places First and Second in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Regional Maclay Finals, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and $25,000 Grand Prix Headline St. Louis National Charity Horse Show

Last year's Region 5 and Maclay National Championship winner Hayley Barnhill

St. Louis, MO – July 27, 2011 – The 2011 St. Louis National Horse Show will be packed with classes guaranteed to please just about every exhibitor. Taking place from Sept. 14-18 at the National Equestrian Center in Lake Saint Louis, MO, the Show is honored to once again host the Regional Maclay Finals, Region 5, on Saturday, September 17, at 7 p.m. The Maclay Regionals will take center stage in the spacious indoor ring on Saturday evening under the watchful eyes of judges Alex Jayne and Linda Andrisani.

This year, the Show is thrilled to also feature a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which will debut in the outdoor Grand Prix ring at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 18.  “I think this will be a great Derby for both exhibitors and spectators,” said Show Manager Tom Blankenship.  “The large amount of space we have in the outdoor ring will allow our course designer, Richard Jeffery, to create something really special to ride and to watch.”

And jumper riders will take to the outdoor Grand Prix ring on Saturday, September 17 at 2 p.m. to tackle Jeffery’s course for the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show $25,000 Grand Prix.  Adding excitement to the events, both the Derby and the Grand Prix offer ringside tailgate parking.

Continue reading Regional Maclay Finals, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and $25,000 Grand Prix Headline St. Louis National Charity Horse Show