Tag Archives: Ky. Spring Classic

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Emanuel Andrade and Wilkina Lithya Top High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Emanuel Andrade and Wilkina Lithya.

Lexington, KY – May 17, 2013 – The young talent was shining brightly today during the Kentucky Spring Classic as Emanuel Andrade led the team from Hollow Creek Farm to multiple victories in the jumper ring. His highlight of the day was during the High Junior/Amateur-Owner jumpers, where he piloted Wilkina Lithya to the win, followed by Tiny Tim in third, while Kate Morrison and Four Roses DL Vie Z placed second. Andrade also scored all three of the top ribbons in the Low Junior Jumpers. Earlier in the day, Katie Prudent and V took home honors in the 1.45m Open Jumpers with their quick and clean jump-off round.

All of today’s courses in the Rolex Stadium were designed by Conrad Homfeld, and were similar to last night’s grand prix with a triple combination and double combination. The jump-offs featured technical lines, as well as areas to showcase tight rollbacks and long gallops. The final class was the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers where ten returned for the short course.

Andrade was the pathfinder with his first mount, Tiny Tim, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC. They set the target in the jump-off by leaving all the fences intact and breaking the beam at 36.481 seconds, which would be good enough for third. He eventually bested his own time with his winning mount Wilkina Lithya, also owned by Hollow Creek Farm, later in the class. They shaved the turn in the first rollback and flew down to the final oxer to dash through the finish in 35.823 seconds. The clear effort would prove uncatchable and they would claim their winning stake.

“In the jump-off, I was super quick from the second fence to the third fence, and made a very tight turn,” stated Andrade. “I was also very fast to the last oxer. Wilkina Lithya is 10-year-old mare that we just bought in France. She was doing some 1.40m and 1.45m grand prixs there. I started riding her at WEF and she jumped between the Mediums and Highs, but now she is just doing the Highs.”

Andrade added, “She is very hot and, in the schooling area she can give me a hard time. I focus on keeping her calm, and by time we go in the ring she is fine. I’ve gotten to know her a lot better the last few months.”

The win came shortly after Andrade’s top three placings in the Low Junior Jumpers. The Kentucky Spring Shows have been very successful for the young rider, who jumped double clear rounds with all three mounts. Carboni, Casanova Junior, and Lucky Des Rocquelines finished first, second, and third respectively.

Andrade represents Venezuela internationally, but is currently riding for Hollow Creek Farm, and will be returning for the Kentucky Summer Series later this year. “I am super happy and grateful to have this opportunity with Hollow Creek,” he expressed. “I am trying to stay focused so I can continue winning. This is one of my favorite shows here in the United States. We were originally planning to go to New York this summer, but we have decided to stay here and show here over the summer because the whole team likes it here, and the horses love it.”

In the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, the only rider to best Andrade’s time with his first mount Tiny Tim was Kate Morrison with Four Roses DL Vie Z, owned by Craig Morrison of Dublin, OH. Their speedy jump-off effort claimed the second place award, and she also picked up fifth with her first mount, Windoctro. Leah DeMartini of Bronxville, NY slipped into the fourth place position with Elm Rock LLC’s True Love, while Daniela Stransky and Twister, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms of Miami, FL, rounded out the top six and the double clear rounds.

Earlier in the day riders had the opportunity to showcase their mounts during the 1.45m Open Jumpers. Four riders advanced to the tiebreaker and all four posted double clear rounds. The first came clear came from the first duo on course: Richie Moloney with Freestyle De Muze for Equinimity LLC of Wellington, FL. They set the standard at 40.367 seconds, which placed fourth.

Katie Prudent and V
Katie Prudent and V

Katie Prudent was the next to tackle the jump-off aboard V, owned by Michael Smith of Winchester, VA. They had the most successful round, clocking in at 36.091 seconds with all the fences in place to eventually claim the win.

Fernando Cardenas and Quincy Car gave catching Prudent their best shot, but finished just 8/10ths a second behind the leading time for third. The last to show over the short course was Kent Farrington with Panama Tame, owned by Salamander Farms of The Plains, VA. They came even closer to Prudent’s time, but were still 7/10ths of a second shy to earn the second place award.

Although Prudent had been struggling with the strong mount last week, today played out perfectly. “V is very strong and I’ve been trying different bits,” she explained. “Each bit that I tried that was stronger just made him more mad, so today I just went back to my good old hackabit. He jumped beautifully and he likes when I let him go, so in the jump-off I just picked up a good gallop and let him do the whole course without interrupting him. He galloped around beautifully and everything came up nicely out of the turns. I felt like it was very smooth.”

Prudent continued, “He’s a strong horse and I’ve tried different bits on him, but like I said, if I try something strong on him he just gets mad. I just went back to the bit that he likes, the hackabit, and he’s still strong, but I can control him and he jumps really nicely in it. I think my experiments with different bits are over. I am just going to let him jump in the bit that he likes because he jumps well in it. I feel very good going into Spruce Meadows because he loves it there. The rings are big and I can let him gallop on, so he really likes that.”

Tomorrow, Andrade and Prudent will both be competing in the Kentucky Spring Classic’s highlight event. The $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington will get underway at 6:30p.m. at the Rolex Stadium in the Kentucky Horse Park. The show concludes with Sunday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic, where top riders will vie for the winning honors.

For more information about the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Vivian Yowan Equitates to Back-to-Back Blue Ribbons at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Vivian Yowan finished first in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal aboard Sanderson, pictured, and first in the hunter phase of the WIHS Equitation Qualifier aboard Naf Naf. Photo by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – May 17, 2013 – From May 15-19, 16-year-old Vivian Yowan enjoys the best of the best in junior equitation competition right in her own backyard. The Kentucky Spring Classic attracts junior riders from across the country to the Kentucky Horse Park, just miles away from Boggs Hill Farm, where Yowan trains with Tim and Kelly Goguen. Today on her home turf, Yowan topped the field in both the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, sponsored by Randolph College, and the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase.

The ten obstacle course for the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, designed by Bobby Murphy, opened over a straightforward line heading away from the in-gate, and it went on to test riders back and forth through tight turns and rollbacks.

“It was a good course. It was very twisty and turny,” Yowan commented following the class. “You really had to focus on all of those turns.”

Yowan demonstrated her exceptional equitation over the course aboard Sanderson, to earn her a spot as one of four riders called back to test. Along with Yowan, Addison Piper, Spencer Smith and Lizzie Vanderwalde all returned to the ring to line up as the top four finishers following the first course.

Judges asked that each rider go directly from their place in line to jump what was formerly fence three, a vertical off of the left lead. From there, riders were instructed to ride a bending line to another vertical across the diagonal and then maintain a counter-canter around the end of the ring leading toward another vertical away from the in-gate. Riders then executed a rollback to the left to one final fence toward the gate before coming to a halt in front of the fence lining the Stonelea Ring. Adding to the difficulty of the test, all riders were asked to drop their stirrup irons.

“I’ve never had a test without my stirrups,” Yowan shared. “I really just wanted to stay on. It was tricky.”

Piper and Superfly, owned by Cavallo Farms, LLC of San Diego, CA, were the first to execute the four fence round. Piper rode Superfly through the shortened course without issue, providing an excellent example of how best to maneuver the test.

Yowan was the next to be asked to showcase her abilities, and she need not have worried about just staying on. Yowan rode the test seamlessly, cementing her spot as one of the top riders in the class. Smith tested next without issue aboard Icarus, owned by Ashland Farms of Wellington, FL, and Vanderwalde rounded out the top four aboard App For That, owned by Dasilva Investments of Ann Arbor, MI.

Following their tests it was Yowan who rode away with the blue ribbon, while Piper took the second place position, and Smith and Vanderwalde finished third and fourth respectively.

“This is only my second show on Sanderson,” Yowan mentioned. “I got him right after WEF was over, so last week we did the Pessoa Medal for the first time and finished second, and this week we won.”

While Sanderson is a new partner for Yowan, she’s seen similar success with her long-standing mount, Naf Naf, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC of Darien, CT.

“I’ve had him a long time so we have a great relationship built. He’s really lazy, but he has a big stride. Once you get him going he’s really fun to ride,” Yowan said of Naf Naf.

It was aboard Naf Naf that Yowan picked up her first win of the day, finishing with a score of 89 in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase. The WIHS Equitation Qualifier class will conclude on Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m. with the Jumper Phase.

In addition to equitation classes, the Kentucky Spring Classic features a full array of hunter and jumper divisions. Hunter horses and riders take the spotlight tomorrow evening for the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second in the $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, a seven event series that culminates with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Venus Blaze to Victory in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic

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Kent Farrington and Venus.

Lexington, KY – May 16, 2013 – Although thunderstorms disrupted competition throughout the day at the Kentucky Horse Park, the clouds parted as the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic got underway during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Sixteen horse and rider combinations advanced to the tiebreaker, creating a speed duel for the winning prize. Kent Farrington proved to have all the answers with Venus, blazing an uncatchable clear track that was almost two seconds faster than second place finisher Andrew Bourns of Ireland. Reed Kessler and Mika were the pathfinders to take home the third place honors.

Fifty-four entries showed over Conrad Homfeld’s opening course, which featured multiple bending lines, a vertical-oxer double combination, and an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination. It yielded 16 clear rounds, all of whom returned for the short course, which began over a vertical-oxer bending line with a roll back to a single vertical followed by another oxer. Riders then galloped to the double combination before doubling back to finish over the final oxer away from the gate.

Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, was the second rider on the start list and first to complete the course without fault. She and her top mount, Mika, also proved to be pathfinders during the jump-off, completing a clear effort in a speed of 36.217 seconds that would eventually place third.

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby
Andrew Bourns and Gatsby

Seven rounds later, Kessler’s clear round was caught by Andrew Bourns aboard Gatsby. They were able to shave time through the rollback and took a long distance to the oxer before the double combination. Their risks paid off, and they broke the beam at 35.877 seconds with all the rails intact for the second place honors.

“Thankfully, I watched Reed, and I noticed she steadied up a lot for the double combination, and she was easy to the last, so I figured that’s where I could make up some time,” noted Bourns. “For sure from the first fence to second fence she was faster than me because she did one less stride, but I think I got a better turn after. This is the biggest class my horse has jumped so far. He’s been very successful, but now I am trying to up his level a little bit and have him jump a bigger track. I was very happy with him today.”

It was the next rider on course that would prove to have the winning round. Kent Farrington and Venus, owned by Raylyn Farms of Frederick, MD, were up to the speedy challenge. They quickly zipped from one to two and took a big risk to the combination. The mare easily cleared the obstacles and cut inside Bourn’s track to the final oxer with a clear round in 33.878 seconds for the win.

Five other riders had double clear rounds, with Ramiro Quintata coming the closest to Kessler’s time with Whitney, owned by St. Bride’s Farm of Upperville, VA, for the fourth place prize. Quentine Judge and HH Dark De La Hart, owned by Double H Farm of Wellington, FL, placed fourth, followed by Ian Millar and Team Works’ Star Power in sixth place for Canada.

Ireland’s Richie Moloney qualified three mounts for the jump-off for owner Equinimity LLC of Wellington, FL. Carrabis Z and Call Me Number One picked up seventh and eighth by producing matching clear rounds, while Slieveanorra proved to be the fastest four-faulter over the short course for ninth place.

Farrington and Venus were partnered together during last year’s Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and he was ready to pull out all the stops for a win today. “The plan for the jump-off was to try to win,” he smiled. “Venus is a fast horse. She is my type of horse, a really thoroughbredy type of horse with a lot of blood. She’s naturally fast across the ground, and I think I just picked up a very fast gallop. I turned very quickly to the vertical at the end of the ring, and I just let her run to the last jump.”

Although champion eventer and show jumper Marilyn Little normally rides the horse, Farrington took over the ride for the last two weeks.  “It was sort of a last minute thing,” explained Farrington. “Lynn [Little] called me up and asked me if I wanted to show the horse and if I did they were dropping it off in an hour at my farm, so that was that. I rode him last year and then Marilyn rode it this winter, but they asked if I would ride Venus for these shows.”

Tonight’s class was the second event in the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series, which features a $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus to the top rider at the end of the season. Farrington has won the award twice already, and is a strong supporter of the series. “I think any kind of rider incentive is great for the sport, especially at the professional level,” he commented. “There is so much money in the junior and amateur divisions at the shows. We have to keep the true professional sport and people have to be able to win money. I think having rider incentives for the people that are consistently successful is a great thing. I am huge supporter of any kind of incentive or bonus like that for riders that are consistently successful.”

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse for more than 130 years.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra HA, Johnson Horse Transport, Hallway Feeds, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.

The next event for Farrington and Venus will be Saturday night’s $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The jumper action at the Kentucky Spring Classic concludes on Sunday with the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Cookie Beck and Last Call Earn Top Calls at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Cookie Beck and Last Call.

Lexington, KY – May 16, 2013 – The Kentucky Spring Classic features five consecutive days of top of the line hunter competition, running May 15-19. Day two of the popular spring series concluded today with the awarding of the professional hunter division championships, and it was Cookie Beck who rode away with the tricolor in the combined Second Year Green and High Performance Hunter division.

Beck finished first over both of today’s Bobby Murphy designed hunter courses in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park to secure title of division champion aboard Last Call, owned by Lisa Cudahy of Mequon, WI.

Beck and Last Call came into the afternoon with a second place over fences and a first place under saddle earned yesterday, and they only improved upon their performances from there.

“He tries harder and harder every day. Other horses get tired the second day, but not him. He tries harder every single class,” Beck explained.

Persistent afternoon thunderstorms put the horse show on hold temporarily, but that did not deter Last Call as he returned to the ring amidst the showers.

“Since it was raining today, he just jumped higher and higher. He’s perfect; he’s very scopey,” Beck continued. “Last Call is a winner. He wants to go in and do the very best for you every single time.”

This is only Last Call’s second time competing in the High Performance division, but he’s shot to the top of the leader board to win division championship both times. While he’s new to the division, the 12-year-old gelding is no stranger to Beck. Since being purchased four years ago by Cudahy, Beck has brought him up through the Pre-Green hunters to where he is today, and she looks forward to what the future holds for the talented horse.

Finishing in reserve in the Second Year Green/High Performance Hunter division were Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy, owned by Helen Lenahan of Buffalo, NY.

In the First Year Green Hunters it was another talented horse, Balin, who earned the division’s highest honors with Havens Schatt in the saddle.

The seven-year-old, owned by Ainsley Sadlo of Atlanta, GA finished second in the first class of the morning behind one of Schatt’s other mounts, Sans Souci, owned by CH Farm LLC of Delano, MN. That second place finish coupled with two blue ribbons yesterday cemented Balin’s position as the division leader.

“He was a little more tired today,” Schatt commented. “He was awesome yesterday. He won both classes and really jumped super. Today, I thought he was a little bit more tired, but the courses still rode great. They’ve been really nice this week.”

Schatt continued, “He’s awesome to ride. He’s my most fun one. You just pick up a good gallop, and you can do pretty much anything you want out of that gallop. He’s kind of a laid back dude, but when you’re not riding him, it’s a little different. When he came from Europe, he tried jumping out of the stall. He doesn’t like being in the stall. He’s always moving around, and you’re worried about getting on. Then you get on him, and he’s perfect. You can bring him anywhere, anytime for anybody.”

Following their time in Kentucky, Schatt and Balin will travel to the Devon Horse Show where Balin will compete again with Schatt in the Green Conformation Hunters, as well as in the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters with his owner, Ainsley Sadlo.

The reserve championship tri-color in the First Year Green Hunter division went to Christopher Payne and Say When, owned by Danielle Baran of London, Ontario. Payne, of New Hope Farm LLC in Cincinnati, OH, navigated Say When to a third place finish over the first course before returning to the ring to display Say When’s handiness and finish first in the handy class.

Hunter competition continues tomorrow as the Amateur-Owners take to the Stonelea Ring. Among the highlight events of the week is the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second in the $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, a seven event series that culminates with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 Capture 1.45m Open Jumper Victory at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20.

Lexington, KY – May 15, 2013 – The heat was on as the Kentucky Spring Classic got underway today at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.  Five riders produced double clear rounds during the 1.45m Open Jumpers, but it was the last do so that proved to be the fastest. Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 broke the beam at 30.378 seconds for the win by 3/10ths of a second over Reed Kessler and Soraya De L’Obstination. Earlier in the day, Pablo Barrios took home his second blue ribbon in a row during the 1.40m Open Jumpers speed class with Colgate.

Today’s 1.45m Open Jumper track was created by Conrad Homfeld and featured a long bending line to begin, as well as a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination and an oxer-vertical double combination. Nine competitors advanced to the jump-off, where they began with a bending line to the double combination, before rolling back to two oxers and finishing over vertical near the gate.

The first to show without fault over the short course was Abigail McArdle’s trainer, Katie Prudent. She and V, owned by Michael Smith of Winchester, VA, were able to break the beam in 32.945 seconds, which was good enough for fourth place. The next to complete the jump-off with all the rails intact was Ramiro Quintana and Ollywood Des Horts, owned by Remarkable Farms LP of New York, NY. They increased the speed by almost two seconds, stopping the clock at 31.263 seconds and claiming the eventual third place honors. Margie Engle chose to be more conservative with Cabras, owned by Elm Rock LLC of Bronxville, NY, leaving all the fences in place, but crossing the finish line in 34.614 seconds for fifth place.

Olympian Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, was one of the last riders to show, and she had her eye on the prize with Soraya De L’Onstination. She was able to top her trainer Katie Prudent as well as Quintana, speeding through the timers in 30.655 seconds. Unfortunately, her time would only hold up for second place, as Abigail McArdle was next to advance to the tiebreaker with Cosma 20. The reigning North American Junior Jumper individual gold medalists are well known for their speed, and today was no exception. McArdle laid on the gas, leaving out a stride through the first bending line and speeding to the final obstacles without even a rub. The duo clocked in at 30.378 seconds to take home the winning prize.

“During the first round, I wanted to see how the first bending line in the jump-off rode, and I was able to shape it and leave a stride out there,” explained McArdle. “Then we still added to the double combination but made up time after the combination and then over to the last line.”

McArdle added, “I was really happy with the way she went; she was super. This was a nice 1.45m win and then we will do the Hagyard Classic tomorrow night. This was a nice way to boost our confidence before that.”

Cosma 20, a nine-year-old chestnut mare, has been partnered with McArdle for a little over a year. “I feel like I really know her well,” she commented. “I know we having been moving up slowly, but she’s green at this level and it’s still new for me, so it’s important to build up slowly. I’m lucky to have such a wonderful horse.  After Kentucky, we will go to Spruce Meadows and then Europe to show in Chantilly, Dinard and Valkenswaard.”

Based out of Barrington, IL, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are always on McArdle’s schedule.  “I love these shows and the facility is great,” she noted. “Management is great and they have nice prize money. For us, it’s basically our backyard, and we love showing in Kentucky.”

Pablo Barrios and Colgate
Pablo Barrios and Colgate

Earlier in the day, Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios matched his effort in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class with Colgate for the second week in a row. Nine riders were able to complete the course without fault, but it was Barrios and Colgate that set the time to beat, finishing in 62.397 seconds. Emanuel Andrade stopped the clock at 66.933 with Crossfire 10, owned by Hollow Creek Farm of Aiken, SC. They were almost five seconds slower for second place. Alison Robitaille was one of the first to show with Candle Light, owned by Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone of Upperville, VA, and finished the course in 67.418 seconds to round out the top three.

“I really tried to go as fast as possible,” said Barrios. “I really liked the course for her because there were a lot of lines and I could leave strides out. She has a very, very big stride. The course was the perfect for her. She’s starting to like to jump at that pace, and she’s being careful. I think she could be a speed horse.

Barrios added, “I’m going to do the Hagyard with her again tomorrow night.  I think she’s schooled enough to keep her brain quiet enough to jump tomorrow, but I’ll have to see.”

The jumper action will continue in the Rolex Stadium tomorrow afternoon with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. It will mark the second event in the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series featuring the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. Riders will also have the opportunity to showcase their mounts during Saturday’s evening’s $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, and Sunday morning’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Kelley Farmer Kicks Off Kentucky Spring Classic with Clean Sweep of Conformation Hunters

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Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper.

Lexington, KY – May 15, 2013 – Clear, sunny skies and lush Kentucky bluegrass welcomed riders back to the Kentucky Horse Park for week two of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The Kentucky Spring Classic runs today through May 19 and attracts the best of the best for five days of ‘AA’ rated hunter competition. Among those leading riders are Kelley Farmer and Shawn Casady, both of whom topped the leaderboard today.

After a successful first week in Kentucky, Farmer returned to the Stonelea Ring to kick things off by sweeping all four of the day’s Conformation Hunter classes with Skorekeeper, owned by Larry Glefke and Quail Run Partnership of Keswick, VA.

The seven-year-old gelding is a relatively new mount for Farmer, having just been purchased following the winter circuit in Florida. The pair made their debut in Lexington, VA before traveling to Lexington, KY to finish in the ribbons in last week’s Kentucky Spring Horse Show. After traveling to Tennessee this past weekend to finish sixth in the Memphis in May USHJA International Hunter Derby, Skorekeeper came back to Kentucky ready to win.

“That was his first derby ever, and then he came back here today like he was an old, made horse,” Farmer shared. “When I showed him at Lexington, VA, he was still making very green mistakes. It’s funny what a couple weeks of showing and a derby will do. He came back today like he really knew what he was doing. I couldn’t be happier with him. I was thrilled.”

And with good reason. Skorekeeper started the morning with a blue ribbon in the Conformation Hunter model class and then delivered two back-to-back polished rounds over the Bobby Murphy designed Conformation Hunter courses to take first place in both classes.

“Bobby does a great job,” Farmer commented. “He builds so that the horse jumps really well. He builds them fences out, and he builds them beautifully. Today rode really smoothly and really comfortably, and the horses all jumped well.”

Farmer and Skorekeeper finished the day with another blue ribbon, this time in the Conformation Hunter under saddle class, leaving the pair well ahead of the pack going into the awarding of the division championship tomorrow.

Farmer also saw success in the same division aboard her second mount Dancing Solo, owned by Larry Glefke and Dr. Kenneth Garber of Keswick, VA. The duo finished second over the first course as well as second in the under saddle.

“We’re just doing Dancing Solo once before we go to Devon. With Skorekeeper, he needs to get a little more showing under his belt because he doesn’t have as much. She just needed to get out and do a horse show before Devon,” Farmer explained. “I’m lucky to be in the position I’m in right now with so many great horses.”

In the combined Second Year and High Performance Hunters, it was Shawn Casady who led the jog following the second course. Casady finished high in the ribbons in both of the over fences classes and the hack aboard Ascot, owned by the HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA.

Today marked only the second time Casady has shown Ascot, with the first time being last week in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby where they finished sixth.

“He’s awesome. He’s slow and big strided, and he spends his time in the air over the fence,” Casady stated. “I liked the courses today. It wasn’t just your average diagonal seven or five stride; there was a four stride that was kind of sharp out of the corner. They were nice courses and decorated beautifully too.”

Winning the first class of the Second Year and High Performance Hunter division were Caroline Weeden and Lucky Times, owned by Old Willow Farms LLC of Northfield, IL.

Weeden, Casady and Farmer will be among those returning tomorrow to vie for the hunter division championships as competition continues at the Kentucky Horse Park. Among the highlight events of the week is the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the second in the $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, a seven event series that culminates with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

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

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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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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Richie Moloney Masters $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra won the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo Credit: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 19, 2012 – It was a very exciting night for Ireland’s Richie Moloney as he captured his first international grand prix victory, riding Slieveanorra during the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. The talented duo have been runner up on numerous occasions, even placing third during Thursday’s $32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, but tonight the luck was on their side. Six horses advanced to the jump-off, but only three were double clear, with Moloney landing at the top of the leader board, while Margie Engle took second aboard Royce, and Egypt’s Nayel Nassar rode Raging Bull Vangelis S to third.

Germany’s Olaf Petersen Jr. created a very technical course for tonight’s main event in the Rolex Stadium. With a tight time allowed, riders had to show over a triple bar, an open water obstacle, a vertical-oxer double combination, and finally an oxer-vertical-oxer triple combination, which caused errors for many of the competitors. Only six of the 31 entries were able to master the initial track and advance to jump-off, where they had to jump the double combination again while also making tight rollbacks and then galloping across the ring to reach the final oxer.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Kiersten Litzinger and Baroness Blixen Win Adult Amateur Hunters at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Kiersten Litzinger and Baroness Blixen posted the high score of the day during the Adult Amateur 36-49 Hunters at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 18, 2012 – The Murphy Ring was alive with hunter action throughout the third day of the Kentucky Spring Classic, with horse and rider combinations vying for the top ribbons in the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions. Kiersten Litzinger navigated Baroness Blixen to the top of the leader board, posting the high score of the day and taking the opening day lead in the Adult Amateur 36-49 Hunters. Sarah Sturges aboard Second Shot swept the over fences in the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters, while later in the day, junior rider Victoria Colvin and VIP Z won the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal.

Out of a field of 15 competitors, Kiersten Litzinger and Baroness Blixen posted an imposing lead. Although Missy Luczak-Smith and Surf’s Up took the first place during the first round over fences, Litzinger guided Baroness Blixen to the first place ribbon during their second round over fences. The pair rose to the top, and posting a score of 90, which was the highest scoring trip of the day. They also earned the blue ribbon for their efforts in the under saddle.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Paige Johnson and Monopoly Roll to Victory in Amateur-Owner Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Paige Johnson and Monopoly won the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 18, 2012 – Today, the amateur and junior jumper riders had the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Topping the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Paige Johnson piloted Monopoly to a double-clear victory, and also claimed third with her second mount Amagedon 3. Meagan Nusz slid into third aboard Banana D’Ive Z, also completing a fault-free short course. In the High Junior Jumpers, Abigail McArdle claimed the blue ribbon with her quick and clear round aboard Cosma 20, while Emanuel Andrade placed second and third with Costa and Tiny Tim, respectively.

There was not a cloud in the sky as riders prepared for the High Jumper events. Today, Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s first round track included a vertical-oxer double combination and an oxer-vertical double combination, each causing errors for some of the entries. For the jump-off riders had to use an open gallop across large parts of the ring to shave seconds off their time, while also leaving the delicate fences in place.

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