Tag Archives: hunter/jumper

A Full Schedule for Peter Pletcher and All Hunter Riders on Day Two of Horse Shows by the Bay

Peter Pletcher and Copperfield. Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 7, 2011 – Sun and a light breeze set the stage for a wonderful day for the hunters at Horse Shows by the Bay today. It was very busy in the R. L. Polk Family Main Hunter Ring, with over ninety rounds to be seen. As the professional hunter divisions came to a close this afternoon, several championship ribbons were presented, with Peter Pletcher of Magnolia, TX, Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, and Erynn Ballard of Hornby, OT taking home these top honors.

Peter Pletcher took over the reins for Kelley Farmer this morning on both of her First Year Green Working Hunter horses, Coin Toss, owned by Am Free, Inc., and Straight Talk, owned by CH Farm LLC. Pletcher rode Coin Toss to the top of both over fences classes today and Straight Talk took home both of the red ribbons. Though Coin Toss was able to edge ahead of Straight Talk in the First Year Green Hunters, Straight Talk was still able to take home the Champion ribbon for the division, having won all three classes yesterday. Coin Toss’s wins today with Pletcher allowed him to take home the Reserve Champion honors for the division. After his many successful rides today, Peter commented, “I think doing the catch rides for Kelley Farmer’s horses was today’s highlight; that was pretty fun.”

In the Second Year Green Working Hunter division Cookie Beck and Erynn Ballard brought their “A” game, both riding two horses in the division. Ballard was able to secure the Championship title on Sigfried, owned by Susanne Stroh, with a blue ribbon in both the hunter and the handy hunter rounds today. Reserve Champion went to Cookie Beck aboard Last Call, owned by Lisa Cudahy.

“Sigfried is probably the best second-year horse that we have right now, and he’s won a lot for me – he won in Palm Beach, he won a class at Devon, and I have a really good relationship with him. I just meet him at the horse shows because he doesn’t live with me. We just love each other, and he always tries hard. Today he just went out and did the best that he could, the handy was great, and he just tries so hard every time.” says Ballard of her mount Sigfried.

Continue reading A Full Schedule for Peter Pletcher and All Hunter Riders on Day Two of Horse Shows by the Bay

Hunters Shine in the Sun on the First Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

Kelley Farmer and Straight Talk. Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 6, 2011 – Perfect summer weather greeted the first day of the first week of Horse Shows by the Bay in Traverse City, MI. The professional hunters took full advantage of the perfect weather and perfect footing in the R. L. Polk Family Main Hunter Ring. Kelley Farmer of Keswick, Va., and Straight Talk, owned by CH Farm, LLC, won big today in the $2,500 First Year Green Working Hunter, sponsored by Equisport Insurance Agency-Dan and Beth Graves. Cookie Beck and Erynn Ballard split the winnings in the Second Year Green Working Hunters.

Kelley Farmer had a fantastic day on all three of her rides in the First Year Green Hunter division today, topping each class on Straight Talk. She and Straight Talk had strong, smooth, confident rides in both classes and went straight to the top of the under saddle class. Coin Toss, owned by Am Free, Inc., jumped into second in both over fences classes and the under saddle with Farmer aboard.

“My horses were great! I’m so happy with all of them, actually. It’s a beautiful place and they try to do everything, you know, last year the footing needed a little fixing and they did it and it’s beautiful now. That’s why I come back, my horses love it here, and everything you ask Alex [Rheinheimer] to do it will be done. She goes out of her way to go above and beyond to make a beautiful horse show,” Farmer exclaimed.

Peter Pletcher of Magnolia, TX, also made quite an impression today in the Equisport Insurance Agency First Year Green Hunter division on both of his mounts. Peter and Valobra, owned by Eva Bisso, earned both a fourth and fifth place ribbon over fences and a third under saddle. Sue Copeland’s Isaiah and Pletcher won a fourth and a fifth over fences and a sixth in the under saddle class.

Continue reading Hunters Shine in the Sun on the First Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

Sun Shines on Opening Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

Erynn Ballard and Fun 2 Fly. Credit: Robyn Keyster/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 6, 2011 – A few lingering clouds gave way to brilliant sunshine this morning at the Horse Shows by the Bay equestrian festival in beautiful Traverse City, MI. Held each year in one of the country’s premier vacation destinations, Horse Shows by the Bay will welcome thousands of equestrians over the next four weeks. Hundreds of horse and rider combinations have arrived already, with many putting on powerful performances this afternoon in the Grand Prix ring. Erynn Ballard rode two talented horses to victory in today’s 1.3m and 1.35m jumper classes, setting an upbeat example for the many upcoming jumper events to follow.

Atop brand-new footing in the main jumper ring, Ballard stole the show with two double-clear turns in the Grand Prix ring. In the 1.3m class, generously sponsored by Blue Gate Farm, Ballard showed how it’s fun to fly with Fun 2 Fly, as the two conquered the jump-off in only 40.513 seconds. Also having fun was Kimberly Seay aboard Belvedere; the two came in second with a jump-off time of 41.695 seconds. Emily Short and Grande Finale 3e snagged a third place spot, taking only 42.704 seconds to clear a jumper course that included all the elements of a Traverse City summer: carefully-manicured flowers, nautical flourishes, and of course, cherries.

In the 1.35m jumper class, Ballard was the second to clear the course but the only rider to clear the jump-off as well. She and Buttercup quickly sailed to the top of the scoreboard with a second round time of 41.928 seconds. Calmly navigating Chris Brandt’s vividly colored course, the pair smoothly avoided any rail knockdowns or refusals. David Jennings also steered clear of difficulty, making the obstacles look easy aboard Maximus, Nandy Fontaine, and Cowgirl. With Maximus, Jennings earned a second place finish.

“So far we’ve been loving it here in Traverse City,” said multiple winner Ballard. “The show has been so accommodating, and the weather has been beautiful. Plus, it’s close to home, it suits everything I brought. The town is wonderful, too, and we want to come back for the whole month next year. There’s nowhere else in the summer that I can think of where it’s similar to the experience you get here in Traverse City. I’ve been to a lot of the summer shows, and this place is just made to be a horse show.”

Continue reading Sun Shines on Opening Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

$500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic Victory Goes to Bridget Mahoney and Utopia at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Bridget Mahoney and Utopia won the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photos By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 6, 2011 – It was warm and sunny as exhibitors returned to the Devon Show Grounds for the second week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. The Adult Amateurs took center stage in the Dixon Oval as they competed in their respective divisions, as well as the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic and the Ariat Adult Medal. Bridget Mahoney claimed the top prize in the Classic, while Shane Mackey scored the winning title in the Medal. In the Gold Ring, the jumper riders showcased their skills during the 1.20m Open Jumper class and the Child/Adult Jumper class.

Washington College Senior Bridget Mahoney had an excellent day on her talented mount Utopia, owned by Rob Coluccio of Wellington, FL. The duo entered the second round of the $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic in the second place position with a score of 81. They laid down a beautiful trip during the final round and the judges awarded them a score of 78, bringing their total to 159, which would be good enough for the first place prize.

“The first round was good, I rode it well and I had a score of an 81, so I knew I had a good chance of coming back and being at the top,” commented Mahoney. “The second trip, I just wanted to go in and ride well and think about all my turns. I was most worried about the bending because people were doing a 9 or 10, so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I jumped in well though and it came up nicely.”

Utopia is an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare that Mahoney is leasing from Coluccio for the summer. “I just got Utopia three weeks ago and did two weeks of Saratoga before coming here,” she explained. “She just needs a confident ride; she’s very fun and easy to get along with. After Brandywine we will go to Vermont before I return to school in August.”

Continue reading $500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic Victory Goes to Bridget Mahoney and Utopia at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Charleston Summer Classic USHJA Classic

We have some exhibitors arriving early so they can enjoy the beach…. We are ready.  Just a few things:

1. Somehow the USHJA Hunter Classic was left off the prize list.  We offered it last year and this year it was somehow deleted.  We are offering the Hunter Classic the third day – last class of each show.  You can add this class when you arrive at the show.  Sorry for the problem.

2. Parties.  There are five parties over the two weeks.  The first week will have a party during the Hunter Classic and there is one at Red’s Ice House.  The second week will have one again during the Hunter Classic, one at Tissy’s House plus the party at the Club at Seabrook Island.

3. Fishing and boat rentals.  If anyone needs help booking fishing charters or boat rentals during the days off you can call Bohicket Marina for Charters, 843 768 1280, or speak to Robin Stoney when you get to the show and she will help guide you.

Call with questions or for stall reservations:  843 768 550.

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

Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show

Louise Serio and Rock On (Pictured at Brandywine Valley Summer Series) Photo By: PMG.

Littlestown, PA – June 30, 2011 – It was an excellent week for the horses and riders of Derbydown during the Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show, held June 21-26 at Swan Lake Stables. The talented Louise Serio took home three tricolor ribbons throughout the competition. Serio also earned the win in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Jennifer Burger’s Rock On. The talented group of riders at Derbydown earned multiple winning results after successfully competing in the show’s challenging hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions.

Serio piloted Jennifer Burger’s Rock On to the top of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The pair took home the winning title after beating out 25 competitors. Serio also garnered championship honors with Rock On in the First Year Green Working Hunter Division. The dynamic duo swept the division earning the blue ribbon in all of the division classes topping out at 50 points.

Jennifer Burger also achieved her own success aboard her second mount, Rock Star, earning a first and third place ribbon in the 3’3 Amateur-Owner 35 & Over Hunter Division.

Serio picked up another championship, this time in the High Performance Hunter Division aboard Phillipa owned by Jennifer Burger. Serio and Phillipa earned four blue ribbons and a yellow ribbon throughout the division. They racked up an impressive 44 points to secure the championship title.

Continue reading Louise Serio and Rock On Win $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Swan Lake Stables Kickoff “AA” Show

Junior Rider Samantha Schaefer Dominates at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Samantha Schaefer won the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, the Style Award for Equitation, and the Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize with Sienna at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 3, 2011 – Cloudy skies and warm temperatures greeted exhibitors during the final day of competition for the first week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. Junior rider Samantha Schaefer was today’s big winner, claiming the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, the Style Award for Equitation, and the Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize for her ride aboard Sienna. All of today’s Junior Hunter events took place in the Dixon Oval at the historic Devon Show Grounds, where Schaefer piloted her mounts to two of the three championship tricolors.

During the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division, Schaefer was aboard Sienna and Platinum for owner Lexi Maounis of Jupiter, FL. She scored two first place ribbons and three second place ribbons with Sienna to claim the division’s championship prize, and at the end of the day the impressive duo was awarded the Grand Champion Junior Hunter title. The Large Junior 16-17 Hunter Reserve Championship went to Margaret Oberkircher and Tres Bien, owned by Southfield Farm of Fort Washington, PA, after they earned two first place ribbons, two third place ribbons, and a fourth place ribbon.

“Sienna is a chestnut mare and I am not a mare person at all, so it takes a lot of calmness for me to ride her,” admitted Schaefer. “She’s pretty easy though; she’s a little downhill so you have to keep her balance up, but she really tries to win. She’s smart and brave; she just wants to win every time.”

Earlier in the day, Schaefer also claimed the Small Junior Hunter Championship, this time aboard Photo Shoot, owned by Peake Wood Pharm of Marshall, VA. Throughout the division they earned three first place ribbons, a third place ribbon, and a fourth place ribbon to garner the top honors. Porter Allen of Boerne, TX, piloted Gisele to the reserve championship after earning a first place ribbon, three second place ribbons, and a first place ribbon.

Continue reading Junior Rider Samantha Schaefer Dominates at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist won the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 2, 2011 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services featured an exciting evening of competition in the Dixon Oval this Saturday. The top horse and rider combinations gathered to showcase their skills during the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby. Meredith Lipke and The Specialist led the class from start to finish and eventually garnered the winning honors after earning a total score of 357. Lexi Graham and Landmark jumped up from the 11th place position to finish second, while Devon Yacka piloted Furst Laugh to the third place award.

Tonight’s courses were designed by Michael Rheinheimer and simulated riding over a hunt country with all of the fences set to 3′ with four 3’5” options and three handy options. Meredith Lipke of Buffalo, NY, took an early lead with The Specialist, scoring an 86 and an 87 during the first round with four bonus options for a 181 total. They were the last to return during the handy round, but the duo did not hold back. After executing a beautiful inside turn to the first fence they held a big gallop throughout the course, receiving scores of 85 and 83 with four bonus points. Their two-round total of 357 points would net the winning title.

“This is my first derby, so I am very excited,” beamed Lipke after her victory gallop. “The Specialist has done quite a few of them, so he knew exactly what he was doing, which really helped me out. He had a great turn to the first fence in the handy and was really on it for every jump. He was just happy to be out there after having a month off!”

Lipke continued, “I need to have a definite plan and I wanted to make sure The Specialist knew exactly where he was going. My trainer Kristy McCormack had me do a different turn to the first fence, which allowed us to keep flowing.”

Continue reading Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

$10,000 Chester County Food Bank Mini Prix Victory Goes to Samantha Schaefer and Trezebees at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Samantha Schaefer and Trezebees won the $10,000 Chester County Food Bank Mini Prix at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 1, 2011 – It was a beautiful night at the historic Devon Show Grounds as riders gathered at the Dixon Oval for the $10,000 Chester County Food Bank Mini Prix. A competitive group of horse and rider combinations tackled the challenging course for the highlight event at the first annual Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. The top prize went to Samantha Schaefer and Trezebees after they completed a double clear effort in 25.279 seconds over Tracey Weinberg and Larone, who scored the second place honors.

Jose Gamarra set a challenging first round track for the competitors, which featured a triple bar, a liverpool, a vertical-oxer double combination, and a oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination. Seven of the horse and rider combinations were able to master the first round without fault and advance to the short course. They began over an oxer-vertical bending line before making a sharp turn to the double combination. They then turned to a single vertical before galloping towards the finish line over the final oxer.

Samantha Schaefer was fifth in the return order aboard Trezebees, owned by Addison Phillips of New York, NY, and the duo was ready to win it. They picked up a quick gallop to the first fence and never held back. Schaefer was able to nimbly guide Trezebees through each of the difficult turns and they jumped straight to the top of the leaderboard with a blazing double clear effort in 25.279 seconds.

“Tracey [Weinberg] had set a very quick time so I knew I had to go for it,” explained Schaefer. “Trezebees has a lot of scope so I knew I had to be very quick across the ground. She turned really nicely after the second jump and after the combination.”

Continue reading $10,000 Chester County Food Bank Mini Prix Victory Goes to Samantha Schaefer and Trezebees at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Kaitlyn Skog and Wilco Earn Grand Champion Performance Hunter Prize at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Kaitlyn Skog and Wilco Earn Grand Championship Honors at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Robyn Keyster/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 1, 2011 – The performance hunters excelled this afternoon at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. In the Dixon Oval of the famous Devon Show Grounds in Devon, PA, the highlight divisions included the Performance 3’3″ Hunters and a Performance 3’6″ – 3’9″ Hunters. Both included a handy round over fences, giving riders and their horses ample opportunity to show off their skills.

Kaitlyn Skog and Wilco, owned by Caren Seidle of Wayne, PA, were today’s big winners in the Performance 3’6″ – 3’9″ Hunters. The duo took home a first place ribbon, a second place ribbon, and a third place ribbon to finish the day as both the division champion and win the Grand Champion Performance Hunter title.

“The toughest part about being out there this afternoon was that my horse was a little quiet today,” said Skog. “I guess he was a little tired from yesterday, so I had to put on my extra big spurs. I’ve had Wilco since the beginning of May, and he’s so much fun; I’ve learned so much from him already. I just leased him for the summer, so he’s been awesome so far. We’ve been having a good time here at Brandywine and it’s been great to have something so close.”

Skog continued, “I want to move up and do the High Performance Hunters soon. Wilco can do it, it’s just me that needs to learn a bit. We just moved up to the 3’6″ height, and it’s important to get him out in front of me, he still sometimes goes behind my legs.” In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Skog is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University and studies biosystems engineering.

Continue reading Kaitlyn Skog and Wilco Earn Grand Champion Performance Hunter Prize at Brandywine Valley Summer Series