Tag Archives: hunter/jumper

Kevin Babington and Mark Q Capture the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix at HITS Culpeper

© ESI Photography. Kevin Babington and Mark Q on course in the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix.

CULPEPER, VA (July 11, 2011) — With all new footing in the Grand Prix ring and beautiful weather, the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia, was well suited to highlight the Showday National. Kevin Babington of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, could not have asked for much more, as he captured the first place honors aboard his own Mark Q.

Sunday’s course was designed by Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida. Four riders went clean, including standout junior and Grand Prix newcomer Hasbrouck Donovan of Gainesville, Florida. Donovan went third in the order, posting her clear round early aboard her own Delilah. Babington showed sixth in the order and earned the second clear round of the class to secure a jump-off.

“I thought it was a great class,” said Babington. “I really enjoyed this show. Today’s class had a nice turnout, and the new footing was fantastic. We had some rain earlier in the week that gave it a good test and it passed with flying colors.”

Babington, like so many others, has circled the Pfizer Million on his calendar this year. “The Pfizer Million is one of my main goals this year since it’s such a great opportunity to jump for that much prize money. This is a new horse that I didn’t realize would be such a strong contender for the Million but I think we’ll be ready.”

Babington plans to return to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties to help cement his spot in the Pfizer Million lineup. “I will be in Saugerties for three weeks and will hopefully get six qualifiers in then,” he said. “This was my third one so I should be in good shape after Saugerties.”

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Artist Jane Gaston and Lumiere Draw Up a Victory in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix

©ESI Photography. Jane Gaston and Lumiere in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (July 11, 2011) — Two of the leaders in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final Rider Rankings dueled it out in Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix with amateur rider Jane Gaston and her own Lumiere coming out on top to highlight the Showday National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Gaston, a well known artist, especially in the equine world, entered Saturday’s class ranked third in the current Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Rider Rankings and continues to prove that she is one of the favorites to win it all in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

“This horse is just great,” said Gaston of The Plains, Virginia. “He got his start at HITS Culpeper five years ago as a baby and has won both Devoucoux classes so far here this year, so I feel like this is his home.

“But I am looking forward to going to Saugerties! The place is just beautiful. I have been there as a spectator, but I have never shown there,” said Gaston, looking forward to making her debut at HITS-on-the-Hudson this fall.

Gaston has made it clear that qualifying for the Diamond Mills Final is one of her goals this year. “I love the concept of this class. It really levels the playing field because it eliminates things like riders having multiple rides. And yes, I would say we are one of the favorites in the Final – as long as I stay out of his way!”

Continue reading Artist Jane Gaston and Lumiere Draw Up a Victory in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix

John Pearce Finishes First and Second in the $30,000 Colorado Circuit Opener Grand Prix

John Pearce and Son of a Gun bested a jump-off field of seven competitors to win the $30,000 Colorado Circuit Opener Grand Prix Presented by Nutrena. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Seven horses and riders returned for the second round over the Peter Holmes-designed course in the $30,000 Colorado Circuit Opener Grand Prix Presented by Nutrena. Twenty-five horses and riders started in the featured event on Saturday July 9, 2011 during week four of the Colorado Summer Circuit at The Colorado Horse Park. Canadian WEG riders John Pearce and Karen Cudmore each had multiple rides in the jump-off, with the two of them galloping off with the top four ribbons.

Course designer Peter Holmes, Cowichan Bay, B.C., planned to use the Park’s Derby Field to full advantage. “It’s a beautiful big arena on two levels, which is not that common. I wanted to use the slope as part of the course; it’s a balance test that we don’t often get to see.”

In his pre-ride course walk Olympian John Pearce speculated that four fences could be problematic for riders in the first round of the class: fence #3, a vertical off of an inside turn; the double combination, an oxer to a vertical; the triple combination of vertical, oxer vertical, that was set completely on its own and faced into the crowd, and the line from fence #9 to #10. And he was right. All four jumps presented problem spots for the class. The result — an excellent selection of horses that advanced to the second round. “I thought the course designer did a great job all week,” Pearce said. “He nailed it.”

In the jump-off Pearce was first to go with his eventual winner, Son of a Gun, delivering a clear round with a 36.148. This put the pressure on the rest of the class, who each faulted, until Pearce returned with Chianto. This was his partner in last year’s World Equestrian Games, where they finished in eighth place overall. The duo was clear, but finished with 36.474, leaving Son of a Gun in the lead. Cudmore was last to go with her mare Shea; the perennial favorite in Colorado didn’t disappoint her loyal fans. Cudmore put in a great run, but pulled the last rail to finish in third.

Continue reading John Pearce Finishes First and Second in the $30,000 Colorado Circuit Opener Grand Prix

$30,000 Grand Prix Is Grand Finale to Bustling First Week at Horse Shows by the Bay

Brian Shook and Courage 68. Photo Credit: Robyn Keyster/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 10, 2011 – Overcast skies couldn’t dull the excitement at Horse Shows by the Bay this afternoon, as the $30,000 Open Jumper Grand Prix of Traverse City ignited the Grand Prix ring. Brian Shook and Courage 68 took home the top prize, while Erynn Ballard and Robin Walker came in second and third, respectively. A suspenseful jump-off kept fans on the edge of their seats, as Shook, who rode last in the second round, was the only competitor to clear the course twice. This event was the first of four $30,000 Open Jumper Grand Prix that will take place at Flintfields Horse Park this summer.

Horse Shows by the Bay’s first 2011 Grand Prix got off to a dramatic start, as the first horse and rider both fell at a particularly challenging oxer. It wasn’t until the seventh rider, Robin Walker aboard Ilian-de-Taute, took the course that a clear round was achieved. Despite the much-appreciated lack of rain today, the rails seemed especially slippery on designer Chris Brandt’s intimidating course. Nearly all of the riders who entered today’s competition accidentally introduced a few rails to the Grand Prix ring’s new footing. Nevertheless, the challenge was met with delight by fans, whose “oohs” and “aahs” could be heard as each horse and rider bravely confronted the course.

Erynn Ballard and the appropriately-named Fun 2 Fly sure had fun this afternoon, as they were the second to go clear in the first round. They also had the fastest first round time, breezing through in under 70 seconds, the only pair to do so without incurring faults. Foreshadowing his jump-off success, Brian Shook was the third and final rider to clear the course in the initial round. He and Courage 68 teamed up to avoid the knockdowns and refusals that thwarted other participants. Of those whose rounds had only one fault, David Jennings and Nandy Fontaine turned in a great first round time of 69.534 seconds, finishing fourth overall. Denise Wilson also did well aboard Casey Jones, finishing with just four faults and a fifth place standing.

Continue reading $30,000 Grand Prix Is Grand Finale to Bustling First Week at Horse Shows by the Bay

A Blue Ribbon Day for Junior Hunters at Horse Shows by the Bay

Jessica Blum and The Real McCoy. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 10, 2011 – An overcast morning gave way to a rather blustery but pleasant day on the final day of week one of Horse Shows by the Bay in Traverse City, MI. The R. L. Polk Family Main Hunter ring bustled with many junior riders vying for the Grand Junior Hunter Champion title. There was no stopping Jessica Blum and The Real McCoy, who topped them all when they earned first place in every Large Junior 15 and Under class this weekend. Also highlighting the day was the $2,000 Junior Hunter Classic and the $30,000 Grand Prix of Traverse City, both drawing quite impressive crowds.

The Large 16-17 Junior Hunters kicked off the Junior Hunter division today. Madison Hayes and Santiago, owned by Ilan Ferder, won the hunter round with a smooth and consistent showing of her handsome horse. Sydney Glazer and Emily Arneson’s Amika jumped with beautiful form into the second place position in the hunter round, followed by Mary Abbot aboard Devotion, who is owned by Jessica Warren. Laura Baginski and Jordan Weaver’s Devout showed off their skills in the handy hunter round, easily making the turns right into first place in the class. Hayes and Santiago grabbed the red ribbon and Sydney Glazer and Amika snagged its yellow counterpart in the handy round. After all the points were tallied-up, Hayes and Santiago accumulated the most points over the weekend – 38 total – and took home the champion prize. Laura Baginski and Devout took home reserve champion honors with 28 points.

It was the Large 15 and Under Junior Hunters who stole the show today, with Blum and McCoy earning first place honors in every class of their division, including the under saddle class. Blum and her own “Mac” closed out the weekend with a total of 50 points in the section, as well as the sought-after champion ribbon. These incredible 50 points allowed the judge to announce early, before the Small Junior Hunters, that the pair could not be topped by any other pair in the Junior Hunter division, making them the Grand Junior Hunter Champions. Lauren Westerhouse and her horse, Debonaire, took home the reserve champion ribbon, with a total of 26 points. Westerhouse and Debonaire earned second place in both classes today.

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Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan Win $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan won the $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 9, 2011 – The top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Devon Show Ground’s Dixon Oval this afternoon to compete for the winning title during the $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix. This afternoon’s competition was the highlight event for the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, which will be continuing through July 10, 2011. At the end of the day, Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan owned by Chansonette Farm LLC of New York, NY led the victory gallop after advancing to the short course and completing a clear effort in a time of 38.082 seconds.

“I got Vanhattan in March from one of Kent Farrington’s clients,” explained Keenan. “Kent was showing him in the grand prix classes, but I started out doing the Lows a few times and then the Highs; from the beginning he was unreal. I love him, he is such a character and a lot of fun.”

Christina Gellos and Man In Black owned by Gellos of Greenwich, CT were right behind them to take second with a time of 39.446, while Clementine Goutal and Ollywood Des Horts owned by Cloverleaf Farm of New York, NY broke the beam in a clean 39.865 to score the third place prize.

“Man In Black a little bit fired up, you just sit there and steer him around,” said Gellos. “He’s an incredible jumper, so you don’t really have to worry about the fences, which is awesome.”

Continue reading Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan Win $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lexi Graham and Landmark Victorious in $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Lexi Graham and Landmark won the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Ron Schwane Photography.

Devon, PA – July 9, 2011 – Following today’s exciting $10,000 Canine Partners for Life Mini Prix, riders returned to the Dixon Oval in the evening for the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby. The event was one of the highlights for the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, at the Devon Show Grounds. The winning combination was Lexi Graham and Landmark owned by Julie Graham of Kintnersville, PA.

Graham and Landmark had scores of 89 and 90 after the first round. They came into the second round in third place, but with a picture-perfect round including, a spectacular brush box jump, the duo scored an 89 and an 89.5, which gave them a grand total of 357.5. They jumped to the top of the leaderboard and led tonight’s victory gallop around the Dixon Oval.

“He’s great for the derbies, he really takes care of me so it makes it a lot of fun,” noted Graham. “The first round was pretty nice, it was a little rough, but the second round is usually where we have a lot of fun and are able to take some chances.”

Graham added, “The ring looks great, I’ll definitely be back next year!”

Close behind in second was Kim Zindel-Buzby and Black Jax owned by Ann Nelligan of Newtown Square, PA, with a total score of 357. After scores of 92 and 90.5, the pair came into the handy round on top. A flawless second round course earned them scores of 83.5 and 91.

Continue reading Lexi Graham and Landmark Victorious in $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

$10,000 Welcome Prix Is Fast and Furious at Horse Shows by the Bay

Greer Hindle and Viper P. Photo Credit: Robyn Keyster/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 8, 2011 – Warm weather and warm hospitality surrounded the $10,000 Welcome Prix at Horse Shows by the Bay today, as over two dozen eager competitors convened at the Grand Prix ring to compete this afternoon. Greer Hindle jumped Viper P to the blue ribbon in this ambitious class, wherein riders and their mounts had to quickly clear the 1.40m – 1.45m obstacles adorning designer Chris Brandt’s challenging course. Sponsored by Positive Step Farm and Patrice Schreiber, the event was the first of four $10,000 Welcome Prixs that will beckon the brave this July at Horse Shows by the Bay equestrian festival in scenic Traverse City, MI.

The competition kicked off with an early clear turn by eventual second place finisher Denise Wilson aboard Delphine Van Het Orshof, who is owned by Blue Gate Farm of Dousman, WI. Aside from Wim Janssen on V.P.N., though, no other riders were able to clear the course in the first half of the first round. Hooves were flying but rails kept falling, with many an entrant getting edged out by just a single knockdown. After a short break, the second set of riders took their turn on top of the Grand Prix ring’s new footing. This section saw a just few more promising rides, with five horse and rider combinations attaining a clear status on this clear, sunny day.

Timing is everything, though, and an efficient jump-off whittled-down the competition to just six remaining riders. More than half found success in clearing each hurdle. Hindle and Viper P proved the fastest, however, as they boomeranged around the turns in just 38.299 seconds. In their wake was Denise Wilson and Delphine Van Het Orshof, the first of two horses that Wilson would steer clearly in today’s jump-off. Wilson and Delphine Van Het Orshof, though, came in right behind winner Hindle in 38.423 seconds. Victor Segovia and Romeo earned themselves a third place finish after the jump-off, as the duo cantered cleanly in under 40 seconds. Following this very fast round was the first ribbon ceremony to take place in the Grand Prix ring this year, where winner Hindle received both a blue ribbon and a pair of valuable Devoucoux riding boots. Devoucoux, Inc. is a Bronze Sponsor for Horse Shows by the Bay’s 2011 festival.

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International Bromont: Clinic for Jumper Course Designer

Leopoldo Palacios - International Bromont 2010. Credit: Proaction Photo.

Bromont, July 7th – This year, International Bromont will offer a clinic presented by world-renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios while he is attending the International Bromont. The clinic is recognized by Equine Canada and can be used in maintaining or upgrading the jumper course design status.

Mr. Palacios will design the courses for FEI classes the first week of competition and stay in Bromont to run the clinic on July 27, 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Places are limited and registration will end on July 15th.

Details and inscription at: http://www.internationalbromont.org/formulaires-e.shtml.

International Bromont is a leader in Hunter/Jumper events, offering two weeks of competition from July 20th to 24th and July 27th to 31st, 2011. As for the last 36 years, this event will take place in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, a short distance from the Vermont border. It is the biggest horse show in Eastern Canada with a total prize money over $400,000 and one of five major Canadian events on the World Cup circuit.

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Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed to Victory in $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed won $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Ron Schwane Photography

Devon, PA – July 7, 2011 – Bright, sunny skies kicked off the day at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, but as the jumpers took to the Dixon Oval at the Devon Show Grounds scattered thunderstorms moved into the area. The riders prevailed through the wet weather, with Patricia Griffith and Wieminka B taking the top spot in the 1.40m Open Jumpers, while Jennifer Brennan and Ducky scored the winning title in the $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

The $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic was the last class of the day in the Dixon Oval, where riders showed over a technical course by Kenny Krome. The first round featured a triple bar, three double combinations, and a liverpool. Eight from the original starting order advanced to the short course, where riders had to start over the triple bar and make a bending line to a single vertical. They then made a sharp right turn to a single oxer and turned to a single vertical, before making their way through a vertical-oxer double combination, a related vertical, and a final wide oxer.

Jennifer Brennan and Ducky, owned by Shannon Dell, were the fastest of the fast, completing a double clear effort in just 31.890 seconds to take home the winning ribbon. “Today I just wanted to be fast and clean,” she explained after the victory gallop. “There weren’t any sneaky inside turns, I just had to keep him straight and point him at the jumps. Ducky is awesome, very easy to ride. He knows his job and he’s as competitive as you are. If you want to win, he wants to win more!”

The second place prize went to Olivia Fry Weeks and H. J. El Divino, who stopped the clock just one second short of the leading time in 32.803 seconds. The first to tackle the track was Isabelle Caccamise and Qrocus Landais, who broke the beam at 35.135 seconds for third. Rounding out the top four was yesterday’s winner, Patrick McGinnia and JET Show Stables’ Conn, who tripped the timers in 35.387 seconds with all the rails intact.

Continue reading Jennifer Brennan and Ducky Speed to Victory in $1,500 NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic at Brandywine Valley Summer Series