Tag Archives: Kelli Cruciotti

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Victorious in $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Conor Swail and Martha Louise. Photos © Sportfot.

Kelli Cruciotti Wins $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix; Boneparte Z and Ellie Ferrigno Finish as Champions of the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded its second week of competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, on Sunday with a win for Ireland’s Conor Swail and Martha Louise in the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Earlier in the day, Kelli Cruciotti and Chamonix H were victorious in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider. Ellie Ferrigno and Boneparte Z won the championship in the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″ division.

Course designer Luc Musette finished the week with 34 rounds in the 1.50m competition with six to jump-off. Swail and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Martha Louise cleared the short course in 37.23 seconds for the win over Brianne Goutal (USA) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Wirma in 38.49 seconds. Kelsey Thatcher (USA) and Pony Lane Farm’s Everything finished third in 39.26 seconds. Eric Lamaze (CAN) was fourth in 39.47 seconds with Artisan Farms LLC’s Coco Bongo.

Following a successful year with several wins at Spruce Meadows, Martha Louise had a long break and came back fresh and in top form last week after not jumping since September. The 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang) is known for her speed and put it to the test with an excellent round on Sunday.

“We started her off last week, and she jumped very well,” Swail said after the class. “She probably should have been second in the grand prix last week, but I made a little mistake on her. Then she jumped a good first half of the WEF (Challenge Cup) on Thursday. It was a little bit disappointing in the second half of it, but then you go away and you think about what could be better. I think I rode her a little better and gave her a little more confidence and today she was totally amazing. I thought she was great.”

Commenting on his jump-of, Swail explained, “There were a few options and I had an early draw and there were a few quick ones behind me, so I think you had to just have a good, tight round. From jumps one to two, I got a good shot. I went wide in the seven-stride. Maybe six was an option there, but I decided to go seven. She was very good back to the liverpool and the vertical, left one out to the next one, and got a very good turn back to the double of verticals. Then I thought she was quite good coming home. I knew it was going to be close. Brianne jumped very well there. I would say if she had gotten a good shot to the last fence there she would have been close to beating me.”

Swail was especially happy to earn the win on Sunday to cap off an excellent week for owners Susan and Ariel Grange. Their horse, Dixson, was second in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday and stepped up to win Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* with Canada’s Ian Millar.

“This a great win. My owners, Sue and Ariel Grange, have had a great week,” Swail acknowledged. “They were second in the WEF, they won the grand prix, they have now won the 1.50m, so they could not really ask for much of a better week. We have great horses and we have a good team of people, so it is great that we have started off so well.”

Seventeen-Year-Old Kelli Cruciotti Wins $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, Presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider

Kelli Cruciotti hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but has already asserted herself as one of the most competitive young riders at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival and a contender in the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by the Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte. From an original order capped at 68, Cruciotti and Chamonix H, owned by Serenity Equestrian Ventures, joined an 18-horse jump-off before taking an early-season win in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider. The class is one phase of 2015 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, which kicked off with Saturday’s Welcome and will offer $170,000 in prize money in seven featured events throughout the circuit.

Cruciotti
Kelli Cruciotti and Chamonix H

Returning 13th in the jump-off, Cruciotti chose an inside turn option to the final two fences that shaved vital seconds off her time and stopped the clock at 38.47. The effort bumped Under 25 Grand Prix Series veteran Nicole Bellissimo and Bellissimo, LLC’s VDL Bellefleur to second with a time of 39 seconds flat. Just fractions slower, Sydney Shulman aboard Jill Shulman’s Venice crossed the timers in 39.70 seconds for third place.

“I wanted to have a nice, forward round and was originally going to do the inside turn,” said Cruciotti. “Then I went back and forth and finally thought I might as well try.” The gamble worked out perfectly for the young rider who is a senior at K12 International Academy and trains with her mother Cindy Cruciotti at Serenity Farm Show Stables in Elizabeth, Colorado.

Cruciotti has been partnered with 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood Chamonix H for two years and is eager to showcase the mare’s talent. “She had a lot of experience before I got her. She has done some 5* classes and I don’t have that much experience, so it’s a nice combination to know my horse has plenty of scope and I can trust her throughout the course,” she said. “I am really looking forward to seeing her do the different classes offered [in the series] from the speed to the team event. It’s a fantastic series, and I have to thank Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, (Dutta Corp.), and Artisan Farms. ”

Riders concurred that Musette’s course was a true test of horse and rider with lines built on the half stride and big, wide oxers. But 21-year-old Bellissimo maintains it was an even bigger test of familiarity. “He set a course where you had to know your horse and whether they could handle the options that were there,” she said. “Walking it I didn’t think 18 would go clear, but there were a lot of exceptionally nice horses and talented riders and you saw that come out over this course.”

Bellissimo also opted for an inside turn and gallop to the final fences of the course, but couldn’t make the win. “I was a little slow from one to two and I got stopped doing the inside turn,” she said. “I didn’t think I was going to do it when I went into the ring. My trainer Candice [King] said to see what happened when I landed. VDL Bellefleur is a really brave horse and I thought that I’d do it and luckily it ended up being okay.”

Bellissimo plans to compete in all classes offered in the Series while juggling a course load at Harvard University where she is currently a Sophomore.

While Cruciotti and Bellissimo have found a rhythm with their horses, it was Shulman’s maiden voyage in the irons of Venice. “I bought this horse a week ago and this is my first horse show on her, so this is very exciting for me. It’s a good start with her,” said 19-year-old Shulman about the nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare. “I knew her in Sweden as a seven-year-old, loved her and I got her. She just started at 1.60m this fall, so it’s all new for her.”

Sunday’s Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix sponsors and equestrian apparel brands Equine Couture and TuffRider were represented by the company’s founders who have returned to the horse show scene after previous involvement at WEF several years ago.

“We feel that being part of something at such a high level really catapults our brands into the limelight,” said Laurie Sharma. “We love and enjoy every second, especially being involved in a grand prix with young, talented riders and to be seen by so many people. This is the equestrian capital of the world, so for us it’s a pure honor.”

Besides sponsoring classes in the Series, Equine Couture/TuffRider truly appreciate the input of up-and-coming riders. “We are happy to continue the association with young rising stars,” said Varun “Timmy” Sharma. “We have an ambassador program starting, and we will be electing from winners of the Series. From the ambassadors, we look forward to getting product ideas and input as to how we can improve.”

While the horizon is bright for the top finishers in this week’s Grand Prix, the future is also promising for the series as a whole. “I’m so pleased about the success of the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions. “I want to thank the Ziegler family of Artisan Farms, as well as The Dutta Corp. with Guido Klatte and the other sponsors that have joined us for the Series this year. We created this program four years go to provide a path for talented young riders. With 70 horses jogging for the classes this week. With the level of participation increased this year, the enthusiasm for the Series is outstanding.”

The Series gives young riders a valuable stepping-stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level and culminates with the $50,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Final. The Final will take place Sunday, March 22 on the grass derby field at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during WEF 11.

Boneparte Z and Ellie Ferrigno Finish as Champions of the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″

Ellie Ferrigno guided Kristi C Siam’s horse, Boneparte Z, to three firsts and a second over fences to finish the final day of hunter competition as the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″ champion. Only working together for a month, Ferrigno and Boneparte Z looked like seasoned partners. “He’s [Boneparte Z] a really sweet horse. We match really well, and he’s really fun!” Ferrigno exclaimed.

The reserve champion was awarded to Molly Zisook and her horse C’est Si Bon. Over the two days of competition the pair finished first and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle.

Even though Ferrigno is new to Boneparte Z, she is used to being on a horse. Only 12 years old, Ferrigno has been riding almost her whole life and started taking the sport seriously about four years ago. With a home base in Newtown, CT, Ferrigno is able to travel to Florida during the winter to compete at WEF.

After the division champion was announced, Ferrigno was very happy about how Boneparte Z performed over the two days. “I couldn’t believe that I won both trips yesterday and that he [Boneparte Z] was first and second today,” Ferrigno smiled.

Trainer Val Renihan was also excited to see Boneparte Z and Ferrigno top a field of 25 competitors. Renihan commented, “I thought the horse went beautifully for her [Ferrigno], and she found all the jumps so smoothly.”

Along with competing in the Junior Hunters, Ferrigno also competes in the 3’6″ Equitation classes. Despite having five years left as a junior, Ferrigno looks forward to riding as an amateur in the future.

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with week three CSI 3* competition, sponsored by Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), on January 21-25, 2015. The week will feature the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, January 24. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

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Abigail Albrecht and Kelli Cruciotti Score Equitation Victories at Summer in the Rockies

Abigail Albrecht and MTM Flashdance.

Parker, CO – June 13, 2014 – The ASPCA Maclay course set by Scott Starnes in the Olson Family Main Hunter Ring tested riders with various bending lines, a long approach to a substantial oxer, and a tight rollback to an in-and-out. Most challenging for this group of riders were the rollback and the spooky single oxer. Some of the horse and rider combinations struggled with keeping pace through the tight turn. The group was also tested on the flat.

The Washington Hunter and Jumper Phases that ran today also drew quality riders. The Jumper Phase, which ran in the Derby Field, was a test of efficiency while maintaining level-headedness. The bank was incorporated into the course, which was a challenge for some equitation horses. The Hunter Phase then brought the horses back to the perfection of the steady hunter-type ride.

Abigail Albrecht and MTM Flashdance came out on top in the ASPCA Maclay after their jumping round and flat testing. They also earned fifth place overall in the Washington. MTM Flashdance was imported just weeks ago and is already starting off his North American career with style. The gelding, who is owned by MTM Farm, is already proving to be one to watch.

“He is very smart,” said Albrecht. “He thinks so fast and is always on top of his game. He has a great stride and personality, and he is so loving. He doesn’t quite know what he is doing out there yet, so it is a lot of hard work to show him.”

Albrecht has high hopes that her partnership with MTM Flashdance can grow into something great. She has never had a horse that she could take to equitation finals, and she might finally have her ticket to get there.

“It’s just his inexperience we have to work on,” explained Albrecht. “I went to USEF Pony Finals when I was younger, but haven’t gone to an equitation final yet. He probably won’t be ready this year, but I’m hoping for next year. One of my other horses is for sale, and I’m hoping once he sells I can buy MTM Flashdance. I’m hoping to keep this one for a long time.”

MTM Flashdance and Albrecht will continue to show at Sumer in the Rockies to build on the horse’s greenness in the show ring. Trainer Kelly Lorek is helping the pair through the process.

Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey
Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey

At the top of the Washington overall standings for today was Kelli Cruciotti. Cruciotti rode Monterrey, her partner at the 2013 ASPCA Maclay Finals where she placed second. Today they received a score of 88 in the Jumper Phase and 77 in the Hunter Phase. These two outstanding scores put 8 points between her and the second place finisher Abigail Weiland.

Monterrey is a favorite for Cruciotti because of heart, opinion, attitude, and presence in the show ring. According to Cruciotti, when she first bought him, he could be difficult at times to get in the ring. But he has now come full circle with his progress.

“He is an awesome horse to be around and work with,” said Cruciotti. “I’m really blessed to be able to ride him. He is a competitor: he expects you to do your job as much as he is going to do it. I’ve had times where I’ve made a mistake and he gets mad. Sometimes it seems like he wants to win more than I do. He has a huge opinion, which I love. His personality in the barn is also hilarious.”

Both phases of the Washington require responsiveness from the horse and effectiveness from the rider. Cruciotti and Monterrey aced this test.

“The different phases are a great test of versatility for the horse,” said Cruciotti. “In the Jumper Phase they have to be neat and tidy and within the time, and the Hunter Phase is more consistency and pace and stride. I like having both, and I love going from ring to ring. It’s a great challenge of versatility. You go up (to the Derby Field) and your adrenaline is running, and then you have to come down (to the Olson Family Main Hunter Ring) and be so calm. The Jumper Phase really suited him – we had to go up and down the banks and hills and he is phenomenal at all that.”

Placing second in the ASPCA Maclay and third overall in the Washington was Jamie Morris with Samsonite. This 15-year-old junior rider has just stepped up to the 3’6″ this year, and she is starting off strong with the help of her trainer Rebecca Johnson. Samsonite is a “been there done that” type of horse with abundant equitation experience. He is leased from Katya Schwab.

“He is really brave about all the jumps, which is very nice,” said Morris. “I feel really confident and safe on him. He is always there for me and is really honest if I make a mistake. I know that he will help save me or get me out of trouble if I need him to, but he’s not just the easy push button horse that does everything you tell him. I’m not just handed the win every time I’ve worked really hard with him. It’s been really fun.”

According to Morris, this is only her third Maclay class ever, and it had the stiffest competition yet. She was very pleased with Samsonite’s performance in both classes today, and is looking forward to seeing where their season leads them.

Leading today in the Junior 3’6″ Hunters are Sophia Depumpo and her horse Limbo. They earned the blue over fences and in the handy, and received second in the hack. This pair is coached by Colleen Acosta, who showed Limbo in the Second Year Green Hunters earlier this week.

Leading in the Junior 3’3″ Hunters are Peroni and Kendall Whitt Peroni is owned by KNW Farms LLC. He was champion of the Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunters this week with Courtney Calcagnini.

The Junior Hunters will finish tomorrow with two over fences classes and a $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic.

Click here for full results from Friday. Visit the Colorado Horse Park’s website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout Summer in the Rockies.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

June 4-8 Summer in the Rockies I
June 11-15 Summer in the Rockies II
June 18-22 Summer in the Rockies III*
July 2-6 Summer in the Rockies IV
July 9-13 Summer in the Rockies V*
July 16-20 Summer in the Rockies VI

*WCHR Member Events

Hunter Highlights:

$5,000 National Hunter Derby – Week III
$15,000 International Hunter Derby sponsored by Winsome Farm – Week III
$10,000 National Hunter Derby – Week V
$40,000 International Hunter Derby sponsored by Serenity Farm – Week V

Jumper Highlights:

$25,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix – Week I
$25,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Littleton Equine Medical and Platinum Performance – Week II
$30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by McElvain Energy – Week III
$30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix sponsored by Griffis Residential – Week IV
$50,000 Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix – Week V
$50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix – Week VI
$10,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family
$20,000 High Junior/Amateur Owner Classic sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family

Plus:
$10,000 July Grand Prix Rider Bonus for the Leading Grand Prix Rider sponsored by The Kathy and Brad Coors Family – Weeks IV-VI

Prize List:
For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:
Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Entries close 30 days before each show.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                         (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                         (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office               (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx. 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx. 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx. 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Lauren Buettner for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Kelli Cruciotti Places Second in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show

Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey competing in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen.

Parker, CO – November 5, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park extends its warm congratulations to Kelli Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, for her impressive second-place finish at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery and held at the Alltech National Horse Show. Cruciotti, who trains with her mother, Cindy Cruciotti, at the family’s Serenity Farm, has earned her place among the top junior riders in the nation.

As part of her preparation for the major equitation finals, Cruciotti competed at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies show series, where she consistently placed well in the equitation. She qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Region 6 Finals in September, where she took home the blue ribbon.

The 2013 ASPCA Maclay Finals got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Cruciotti was called back in eighth place after her first course and joined Group A for the flat.

Riders completed an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They demonstrated collection and extension, as well as the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter.

After the three sections of the flat phase were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test. Cruciotti’s strong performance on the flat placed her in third, behind eventual winner Lillie Keenan and Sophie Simpson. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be performed in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Next, competitors had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders were asked to counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.

Cruciotti continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They performed a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.

Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge

“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it that I had to execute to my horse’s strong suits and not strong suits,” said Cruciotti. “The course was very open, and the first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped, and I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”

“I just don’t think that there are any feelings to describe it,” she went on. “It’s amazing. I have to thank everyone who helped me get here: all my trainers, my mom, the great horse I am on and everyone who has put in the hard work to help me get to this point. I am overwhelmed, for sure.”

Cruciotti is in the 11th grade and attends the K12 Online International Academy.

“We could have never been here without everybody’s support: friends in Colorado, family, trainers – everyone,” said Cindy Cruciotti. “It is an overwhelming feeling to be here and be included in this amazing group of riders and trainers.”

Cindy Cruciotti also credited Kelli’s mount, Monterrey, whom they purchased from Andre Dignelli. She shared, “Kelli has been working and showing him and getting to know him. He’s just one in a million. He’s taught Kelli and me a tremendous amount about horsemanship.”

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.com/.

Wirth, Brakenridge and Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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561-753-3389 (phone)
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