Tag Archives: Ky. Spring Horse Show

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

Ramiro Quintana and Whitney Claim $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix CSI2*

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Ramiro Quintana and Whitney.

Lexington, KY – May 7, 2015 – Seventy-four horse and rider combinations faced off Thursday evening in the first $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2* of the season, but it was Ramiro Quintana (ARG) who took the night’s victory with Whitney. The talented combination beat out a field of 24 during the nail-biting jump-off, tripping the timers in a speedy 41.27 seconds.

Quintana and Whitney, owned by St. Bride’s Farm of Upperville, VA, have proven their partnership over the last two years, claiming top honors at shows across the country. They are now amping up for the Pan American games in Toronto, Canada this summer. Their efforts kicked off the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series featuring the $50,000 Leading Rider Award.

“She’s a really seasoned horse,” Quintana said of his winning mount. “We’re campaigning her for the team to make the Pan Ams, so this is kind of like her preparation. It’s a bit of similar venue for what we’re going to see in Toronto in July, so this is why we’re here. The courses, the competition and the venue all put our training on the right path for Toronto.”

Richard Jeffery designed the long track, creating a course that would ask the right questions without over facing the horses. He utilized a water jump, liverpool oxer, three double combinations and long stretches of the Rolex Stadium to challenge the pairs.

Alise Oken and Kaid Du Ry, owned by High Hopes Farm LLC of Charlotte, NC, were the first to post a double clear effort over the shortened track. Their time of 46.56 seconds set the pace to beat; however, it would prove conservative with the South American riders hot on her heels. Three trips later, Daniel Zetterman (SWE) surpassed her time with Chellana B, owned by Gyllebo Farm of Wellington, FL, soaring over the final oxer in 43.34 seconds to take the lead.

Wilton Porter was in hot pursuit of Zetterman’s time, but he was a fraction off with Patriot, owned by Sleepy P Ranch of Bartonville, TX, finishing in 44.680 seconds without fault. It was not until Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez and Fifty Fifty 111, owned by Arao Enterprises, took their turn at the track that defeat seemed a possibility. They put in a blazing time of 41.64 seconds, surpassing Zetterman by nearly two seconds to take the lead.

Andres Rodriguez and Fifty Fifty 111
Andres Rodriguez and Fifty Fifty 111

“It was a great round,” Rodriguez said. “I knew there were two very fast guys, Roberto Teran and Ramiro [Quintana], at the end, and Kaitlin [Campbell] also; there were many fast horses after me. I was really pleased with her round; she jumped amazing. She’s been great this year; she won at WEF and she won a ranking class in Wellington. I’ve had her since she was 5 years old, and this year everything seems to be coming together, and she’s bringing home great results. We’re using her more and more, and we’re counting more on her as one of the main horses for the string. I think she’s going to keep getting better and better.”

Three-time Hagyard Challenge Series winner, Pablo Barrios, attempted to catch Rodriguez’s time, and he did. An unfortunate rail in the double combination, as well as a final nick on the final fence would cost Barrios and Antares the victory, even with their faster time of 40.68 seconds.

Quintana and Kaitlin Campbell were the final two of the class, and as the penultimate rider, Quintana knew he had to leave no stone unturned. He kept a consistent pace from beginning to end, however, and early distance to the second to last fence would shave off the crucial four-tenths of a second that would knock Rodriguez out of the lead and have Quintana’s name take the top spot on the leader board.

“It was really close; I honestly wasn’t sure how fast I was going,” Quintana laughed. “I think maybe I was a bit quicker than Andres [Rodriguez] to the last jumps. I was lucky I saw an early distance, and I took it, and it was quite a severe angle; it was risky, but it paid off. I think to win tonight you had to take a shot like that. This was our first class back from Wellington, so it is nice to be back in the winner’s circle.”

Campbell and the 17-year-old Rocky W were the last to go, but they were a nickel shy of the top two times, breaking the beam in 42.71 seconds for the third place.

This is the first time in two years that the Kentucky Horse Shows have reinstated the FEI competition, offering two weeks of CSI2* and CSI3* classes.

“This is the way the sport is going,” Quintana said of the FEI competition. “Congratulations to Hugh Kincannon for getting the FEI status here once again. It’s nice to see the managers catching up to which direction the sport is going. The Europeans show pretty much every week at the highest level under International rules, and I think that’s a good step for the shows here, especially in the summer. In the summer it’s a little bit hard to find shows, and I like that this venue is doing the FEI shows.”

Quintana continued, “Just look at the numbers. It’s been incredible, the effect; the show is sold out. It proves that people want the points, and they don’t want to get left behind in the FEI ranking list. I think a lot of the riders that stay home and they don’t go to Europe, they get left behind in the ranking, and it’s really hard to get to shows when you’re not in the top 50 in the world.”

Tonight’s victory will also earn Quintana valuable points towards the Hagyard Challenge Series, which seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2015 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $50,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series, as well as a $10,000 prize for the reserve champion.

The jumper action at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show will continue tomorrow with the 1.45m Open Jumpers and the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers in the Rolex Stadium. This week’s highlight events also include Saturday evening’s $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*, the $25,000 Bluegrass on Sunday and the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

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

Scott Stewart and Catch Me Capture Grand Hunter Championship at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Scott Stewart and Catch Me.

Lexington, KY – May 7, 2015 – After a stellar first day of almost continuous victories, Scott Stewart and his immaculate fleet of hunters showed up to Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show ready to sweep day two.

Stewart piloted David Gochman’s Catch Me to wins in both of today’s over fences classes in the First Year Hunters. The flashy gelding also rose to victory in the under-saddle class, and combined with day one’s victories, the pair collected a total of five blue ribbons to sweep the division and eventually capture the Grand Hunter Championship as well.

Stewart acquired Catch Me during week five at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, and the pair has experienced a lot of success in the First Year Hunters since then. “Catch Me is a beautiful horse, a beautiful mover, a beautiful jumper and big strided,” Stewart said. “He has it all. He’s a super nice horse to ride.”

The Green Conformation Hunters presented another victory for Stewart in the first class on First Light, owned by Stephanie Danhakl of Pacific Palisades, California. The handy round, however, went to Kelley Farmer, who gave a smooth performance atop Larry Glefke’s horse, In Private.

“In Private is new to us; he is unbelievable to ride,” Farmer said. “He has so much ability. For a big horse, he’s very light. I’m very excited about him.”

Stewart and First Light took the championship ribbon in the Green Conformation Hunters, and Stewart earned reserve champion atop another mount, Wisdom, owned by Rivers Edge in Wellington, Florida.

Scott Stewart and First Light
Scott Stewart and First Light

Just recently turning 6 years old, First Light is Stewart’s greenest mount, but that doesn’t slow the pair down. “He was circuit champion in Florida,” Stewart said. “He’s green, but he has a great brain.”

The Regular Conformation Hunters kicked off next, with Stewart continuing to deliver beautiful rounds atop Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador. The duo swept all five classes in the division, earning the division championship for the week, as well as reserve grand championship. “He has been champion every time we have shown him this year, and has pretty much always had a clean sweep.” Stewart said. “He’s really in the groove and easy.

“Scott Stewart is in a category by himself,” Dr. Betsee Parker commented. “It’s been an honor to be one of the owners of the horses that Scott rides.”

As the Second Year Hunters began, Tim Goguen stepped into the irons on Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC, and wowed in the under-saddle class, combining a strong over-fences effort with yesterday’s blue ribbons to earn division’s championship prize. “He’s a trier,” Goguen said. “He’s a real good horse; he went great.”

The action will continue in the Stonelea Ring with equitation taking place on Friday. The Claiborne will take center stage on Sunday for “Derby Day.” The highlight events will include $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

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

Scott Stewart Showcases Winning Ways in Professional Hunters at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Scott Stewart and Lucador.

Lexington, KY – May 6, 2015 – Scott Stewart is a regular in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and today the veteran hunter rider took home five blue ribbons on opening day to mark his domination of the professional divisions.

Stewart won early in the day with a victory in the First Year Green Hunters aboard David Gochman’s Catch Me. The stunning grey gelding showcased classic style over the Alan Lohman-designed courses. “He’s been so consistent and easy,” Stewart said. “He was Circuit Champion in Florida.”

The Green Conformation Hunter division was up next, and once again it was Stewart who took the blue ribbon. Stewart piloted Stephanie Danhakl’s First Light to the win in both of the division’s over-fences classes, making it clear that their winning streak from the Winter Equestrian Festival will continue this summer. “First Light was also Circuit Champion in Florida,” Stewart added. “We’re continuing on.”

In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Stewart stepped into the irons aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador to take home the top prize in the division.

“The course rode great; we had a great day,” Stewart said. “The jumps are really pretty; they’re a little different from the Florida circuit, so the horses are really jumping.”

As the day continued, a new name topped the leader board as Tim Goguen and Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC, took charge in the Second Year Green Hunters with a score of 90, matching Stewart and Catch Me for the two highest-scoring rounds of the day. Goguen was thrilled with Ransom’s performance.

“He’s a lot of fun,” Goguen said. “Hopefully he stays a lot of fun tomorrow. I just stay out of his way, let him do it.”

Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons
Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons

The day wrapped up with the High Performance Hunters, with Kelley Farmer capturing the first class with Dalliance, owned by Avatar Real Estate LLC. The winning ways of Stewart continued as he took home his fifth and final blue ribbon of the day during the second over-fences class with A Million Reasons, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show provided Stewart with the perfect venue to prepare his mounts before traveling to the Devon Horse Show.

“It’s nice to come here for a change of pace,” Stewart said. “The horses are always really happy here.”

The professional hunter divisions will wrap up Thursday in the Stonelea Ring, with equitation taking place on Friday. The Claiborne will take center stage on Sunday for “Derby Day.” The highlight events will include $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus and Con Capilot Capture Kentucky Spring Horse Show 1.45m Open Jumper Victory

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Todd Minikus and Con Capilot.

Lexington, KY – May 6, 2015 – American Grand Prix rider Todd Minikus has been showing in Kentucky for over three decades, racking up wins throughout the years. On the opening day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, he proved that this year would be no different as he raced to the speedy $5,000 1.45m Open Jumper victory with new mount, Con Capilot.

The Rolex Stadium hosted nearly 250 rounds throughout the opening day of the spring series kick-off. Riders from around the world brought their top mounts to the Bluegrass State, vying for the opportunity to earn the important qualifying points for the Longines Rider Ranking List and the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List with the highlight events of the week. Although Wednesday was a warm up for many of the riders, they did not show hesitation as they tackled Richard Jeffery’s first week of courses.

“The courses all day were typical of Richard Jeffery – if you rode well and your horse was schooled well you had nice rounds,” Minikus said. “If there was a little stone unturned here or there, then it showed up. Quite a few horses made the jump-off in the 1.45m class and it ended up being quite a fast jump-off.”

As the second to go in the order, Minikus knew he would have to set a pace that was hard to beat. He was able to cover the ground and traverse the track in 42.680 seconds with Con Capilot, nearly a half of a second ahead of Aaron Vale and Bonzini S.

“I don’t know exactly how I shaved off the seconds,” Minikus explained. “Con Capilot is a new horse for me, and I don’t know him that well. I am still experimenting with him, and I am very proud and happy to have him.”

Plum Creek Hollow Farm out of Larkspur, Colorado owns the 12-year-old stallion. Although he is a new mount for Minikus, the veteran rider is hoping to continue building his relationship with the Westphalian and showing him to the top of the leader board.

“It is good that Kentucky reinstated the FEI competition; I think it brings a strong caliber of riders to this venue. I was coming here before it was the Kentucky Horse Park, and when I first came here, it was just grass rings up where the hunter rings are, and they used gas station flags to separate them. There were only a two barns up there; it is great to see how much it has grown.

Minikus beat out Aaron Vale and Bonzini S who ranked just behind with a faultless effort in 43.253 seconds. Benjamin Meredith and Rivierra took the third place in 44.006 seconds.

During the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers, 70 horse and rider combinations competed for the top prize, but New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais showcased their speed to take the win. Nearing the end of the class, Wordley knew he would have to make a move, although he did not entirely release the clutch, Popstar Lozonais blazed the way, completing the speed track in 66.478 seconds, more than three seconds quicker than fellow contenders, even with an added stride to the water and last fence.

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais
Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais

“He’s a really cool horse,” Wordley smiled. “He wasn’t even going full throttle out there. He’s really good turning, and it was a long class, so I didn’t get to see how fast the winners went. I just kind of had to gauge it. It’s hard to gauge it because he turns so quick – sometimes it’s hard to really gauge how fast you’re going with him. For these types of classes, when he’s clean he’s hard to beat; he’s really fast.”

Wordley continued, “I think that having the FEI competition back in Kentucky gives this horse show a different feeling, something that was missing from the ambiance over the last couple of years. I am definitely aiming towards the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday and the $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix on Saturday. I am really excited to show Casper, a new horse I bought from Andrew Bourns, during tomorrow night’s class; it’s my first big class on him.”

Roberto Teran and Farina strode in during the final moments of the class to sneak into the second place behind Wordley with a faultless time of 69.699 seconds. Ramiro Quintana finished third aboard Bialda.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will run from May 6-10, 2015, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The week features an FEI CSI2* rating, with the highlights being the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, kicking off the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series, and the $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix on Saturday evening. Both of these FEI classes will count for the Longines Rider Ranking List and the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List. The $25,000 Bluegrass Classic, held on Sunday, May 10, will also count for the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List. New this year is a $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

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

Prize Money Increases for Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Margie Engle and Royce, Winners of the 2014 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix.

Lexington, KY – April 24, 2015 – Kentucky Horse Shows LLC is pleased to announce that the prize money awarded in the Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2* on Saturday, May 9, 2015 has been increased from $75,000 to $85,000. This increase will make it possible for competitors to earn more Longines Rider Ranking points from the class. The starting fee will not increase for this highlight event.

Sponsored by Audi of Lexington, the $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2* will be held under the lights Saturday night in the Rolex Stadium during the first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The event will feature some of the country’s leading horse and rider combinations as they compete for the winning title. For the past two years, the victory has gone to Olympian Margie Engle with Elm Rock Partner LLC’s Royce.

The first major event during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show will be the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2* on Thursday night. Highlights during the first week also include the $25,000 Bluegrass Classic and the $25,000 U25 Classic, as well as the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby.

The Kentucky Spring Classic will kick off the following week, on May 13, 2015, with the $34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*. The Rolex Stadium will also host the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*, $127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*, $50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, and $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com. To request a prize list, please email prizelist@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows

Guarantee and Claire Azar Claim NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic Win at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Claire Azar and Guarantee.

Lexington, KY – May 11, 2014 – Claire Azar earned the highest score in the first round of today’s NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, and when she cleared the final fence of the second round she guaranteed her victory with the aptly named Guarantee.

The NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic is a highlight event for riders, running as two rounds; the final over fences class of the Children’s Hunter divisions counts as round one, and the top 12 highest scoring horses then return to jump the second round.

Azar, an Indianapolis, IN resident finished the first round in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park with a score of 82, putting her a solid nine points ahead of Vyla Carter and her own Dallas, who would enter the second round in second place with a score of 73.

Carter and Dallas slightly bettered their first round ride over the second course, earning a score of 74 for a cumulative total score of 147, which would be enough to clinch the eventual second place honor.

Azar and Guarantee where the penultimate pair to return for the second round, and when their score was announced as a 78 for a 160 total it quickly became apparent that the victory was theirs.

“He’s great; he helps you a lot. I’ve been riding him for about a year and a half. He can be a little lazy, but he has days where he’s fast,” Azar said of Guarantee, who is fondly known as ‘Joey.’ “He’s like a giant teddy bear. He loves treats.”

Azar first started learning to ride with Abigail Blankenship at Treesdale Farms in Carmel, IN over five years ago, and she’s been there ever since.  She has also been coming to Kentucky to horse show for much of that time.

“I love showing here because we’ve been coming for three or four years, and it just feels like home,” Azar said. “I’ve been here so much that I’m really comfortable here.”

Prior to the start of the Children’s Hunter Classic, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show awarded its final hunter championship tricolors, one of which also went to Azar and Guarantee.

The pair earned the Children’s 14 and Under Hunter division championship after claiming a blue ribbon over fences today and top placings in all five of the division’s classes.

Jane Brooks and Lifeline
Jane Brooks and Lifeline

In the Children’s 15-17 Hunters, the championship went to another Kentucky Horse Shows regular, Jane Brooks, aboard her own Lifeline.

The Cincinnati, OH native and her German Warmblood gelding dominated the division, sweeping all three of the wins in today’s classes.

“He’s a little cranky sometimes, but once you go around in the ring his personality really lights up. He’s the kind of horse that if you just point him at the fence, he’ll get you there,” Brooks said of Lifeline or “Regis,” nicknamed for the connection of both names to the formerly popular TV show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Brooks has had Lifeline for five years, and in that time the pair have made frequent trips to the Kentucky Horse Park alongside Brooks’ trainers David Belford and Christopher Payne of New Hope LLC.

“I love Kentucky Horse Shows,” Brooks said. “It’s so pretty here, and the atmosphere is great. Everybody’s so nice and helpful.”

While today marks the end of this week’s show, it does not mark the end of top hunter competition at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Following two days off, the horse shows will resume on Wednesday, May 14 with the Kentucky Spring Classic. The five day horse show, running May 14-18, is a World Championship Hunter Rider Event and features a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby on Saturday, May 17.

For more information on the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit 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

*Featured/Spotlights, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Margie Engle and Indigo Triumph in $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Margie Engle and Indigo.

Lexington, KY – May 11, 2014 – Reigning USEF National Show Jumping Co-Champions Margie Engle and Indigo may not have been making headlines this winter, but today they proved they are still a force to be reckoned with when they outpaced a 16-horse jump-off to win the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. Although Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra consistently top the leader board at the Kentucky Horse Shows, their two second lead over the other competitors was not enough to take home the win when Engle and Indigo produced a faultless effort, just fractions of a second faster.

“Indigo really felt back to his old self today,” smiled Engle after the victory gallop. “In Florida this year, he was clean in one of the classes earlier in the year, but he bruised his foot a little bit. He was a little uncomfortable, so I didn’t get to do very much with him there. He just wasn’t on his game. We gave him some time off, and since then he’s felt right back to himself.”

Thirty-nine riders showed over Richard Jeffery’s opening course, which ended up yielding 16 clears for the tiebreaker. With multiple top combinations to return, the short course became a horse race, which included a vertical-oxer double combination, a large brush vertical by the open water, and multiple bending lines, as well as opportunities to pick up a big gallop. Seven of the return combinations produced a faultless second round, but it was Engle who produced the fastest time.

Paige Johnson set the pace to beat as the first to return with Cambito, owned by Salamander Farm. The pair easily cleared all the fences and broke the beam at 41.540 seconds, which would hold up for the third place award.  Young rider Ali Wolff was the first to come close to catching Johnson’s time with John Wolff’s Casall IV, but their clear round would be just shy in 41.723 seconds for the fourth place award.

When Pablo Barrios entered the arena with the ZL Group’s Zara Leandra, the crowd expected Thursday’s victor to be quick, and when he galloped through the timers 38.697 seconds, almost three seconds ahead of Johnson, it looked like he was the clear winner.

Margie Engle can never be counted out though, and as the last to return she had luck on her side. Engle and Indigo, owned by Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek and Gladewinds, easily made it over the first obstacles. They picked up a quick gallop to the combination, taking a huge risk and Indigo gave it his all over the large fences. As they galloped towards the final line the time was tight, but they edged out Barrios by stopping the clock at 38.113 seconds with all the fences intact.

“I knew that Margie would try to beat mine time, and I knew that if she could leave all of the rails up like she did she could definitely have the victory,” admitted Barrios. “I’m very happy. The other day I was after Margie in the jump-off, and I beat her time. Today, I was before her and she beat me. That’s the sport. The draw now has a lot to do with the winners. The horses are fast. The riders are fast. Whoever has a better draw has a better opportunity to win, and that’s what happened.”

Although Engle did not get to watch Barrios’ round, Donald Cheska gave her the winning tip. “Donald Cheska was very nice and had watched some of the rounds,” she explained. “He told me to take my time at the brush vertical by the water because a lot of horses were getting confused there, and he said everyone was slowing down and to take a shot at the in-and-out, so I followed what he said. He gave me a really good hint and it worked out. I took a very big shot going into the in-and-out and Indigo helped me out a lot there.”

Engle continued, “Indigo is a funny horse. I don’t go fast with him that often because he wants to go fast all the time. I felt like there were so many clean today I had to take a little bit of a shot, but he’s very good with turning. He’ll turn back to something and keep his impulsion really easily. I wasn’t in love with the long gallop to the in-and-out, but I came in at enough of an angle that it helped set him up a little bit. He tends to get a little flat if I leave out too many, but he jumped really well today.”

Over the years, Engle has won many major events at the Kentucky Horse Shows, and she loves returning to the Kentucky Horse Park. “It’s such a beautiful facility, and no matter what the weather does, the footing stays fantastic,” she commented. “The horses seem to really like the footing here. The footing couldn’t be better. It’s probably some of the best footing I show on anywhere in the world. It’s also nice to have open space to ride in. We’re able to ride the horses in the field, and it’s good for their brains and good for their muscles.”

Engle will be heading to Europe to compete at Aachen and Hickstead this year as one of the short listed riders for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and while she is away, Indigo will take some time to rest, focusing on the Lake Placid and HITS Saugerties Horse Shows for his next events.

Ali Wolff and Brianda
Ali Wolff and Brianda

Earlier today, the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Amateur-Owner and Junior Jumper Classics sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch and Audi of Lexington were held in the Rolex Stadium. The Amateur-Owner competitors showed first, and while seven advanced to the jump-off, only Ali Wolff was able to clear the short course aboard Brianda for the winning honors. Christina Firestone and Arewen were the fastest four-faulters to take home the second place honors, while Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2 picked up the third place prize.

The High Junior Jumper Classic was next where it was Eugenio Garza claiming the top honors with Huapango, as well as the division’s championship title. The duo was almost four seconds faster than second place finishers Emanuel Andrade and AD Vangelys in the jump-off, and as Garza crossed the finish line he yelled “Happy Mother’s Day” to his mother, who was watching from the stands. Kelli Cruciotti was very close to catching Andrade’s time with Chamonix H and earned the third place award.

The jumper action at the Kentucky Horse Park will continue next week with the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 14-18, 2014. Highlight events include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington on Saturday, and Sunday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

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)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

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

Kelley Farmer and Mindful Victorious in $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Kelley Farmer and Mindful.

Christopher Payne and Churchill Capture $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Lexington, KY – May 10, 2014 – When Larry Glefke and Kensel LLC purchased Mindful just a few weeks ago they did so with one intention – providing a top hunter derby contender for Kelley Farmer. Mindful proved tonight that he definitely fits that bill, as he and Farmer earned the victory in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Finishing in second place in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park were Hayley Barnhill and John and Stephanie Ingram’s Airport 48; third place went to So To Speak, another talented Larry Glefke and Kensel LLC owned entry ridden by Farmer.

Six-year-old So To Speak also proved to be a strong contender, leading at the end of the first round with scores from the two judging panels of 84 and 90. Those scores coupled with the bonus points awarded for Farmer’s decision to take all four high option fences gave the pair a combined first round total of 182.

Mindful advanced to the second handy round just behind So To Speak with a combined score of 180. Rounding out the top three after the opening round over the Bobby Murphy designed course were Barnhill and Airport 48.

Entries returned in reverse order of their standings for the handy round, but, as Farmer was juggling three entries in the second round, she and Mindful moved up in the order and were the first of the top three to return.

From the opening vertical to the final high option fence, Farmer and Mindful laid down a seamless trip, and the judges agreed.  The two judging panels awarded them base scores of 89 and 88; with handy bonus and high option points added they would finish on a second round total of 199 and a 379 grand total, shooting them straight to the lead.

Barnhill and Airport 48 looked like they were going to give Farmer and Mindful a real run for their money, but judges’ scores of 88.5 and 80 left them short of the lead with a second round total of 189.5 and a final score of 363.5. While it would not give them the win, it would hold up for second place.

Hayley Barnhill and Airport 48
Hayley Barnhill and Airport 48

“I don’t know the horse that well yet; he’s very new to us,” Barnhill said of Airport 48, who was a grand prix horse with Courtney Boyd prior to being purchased by the Ingrams. “We got him at the end of Florida, and we showed him one week after circuit in the 3’3″ Performance Hunters. This is our first real week showing him. He’s never done a derby or anything. I was really happy with the results.”

Barnhill continued, “He’s so fun to ride. He’s easy; he’s pretty much point and shoot to the jumps.  He’s so scopey and careful. I just had to steer and find the jumps.”

Before Barnhill and Airport 48 took officially claim the second place honor, Farmer had to turn in her final ride of the night aboard So To Speak. The second place award or even the victory seemed to be very much in reach for the pair, but an unfortunate lead swap before the final fence would relegate them to the third place position.

“He’s only 6 years old. He’s got a big future,” owner and trainer Glefke said of So To Speak.

“That baby is so brave. He is not scared of anything,” added Farmer. “I am so excited for him.”

Farmer is equally excited about Mindful, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding purchased from Callie Schott less than three weeks ago. She has her sights set on this year’s USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals with the new gelding, but until tonight, she had no idea how he would even perform in a hunter derby format.

“I was thrilled with him. I know a lot more about him now,” Farmer said. “It’s so easy for him. In both rounds, after a jump or two he settled in. Or rather, I settled, so he settled. It was our first derby. He was great at the show this week, but until you do it, you don’t know what you are going to get.”

Doing well with Mindful at this year’s Derby Finals is a big target on Farmer’s radar this year, so Farmer was appreciative of the opportunity to not only see how Mindful would perform in a hunter derby, but in a hunter derby in the same venue and setting as the Derby Finals.

“It’s the only time we get to get in the ring before Derby Finals, and it’s the same time of night when you have all of the shadows, and it’s really dark,” Farmer said.

“I thought Bobby Murphy built a nice course tonight. You had to ride a little at the wall, but at some point you are going to have to ride them at the first jump. It wasn’t too trappy. You had room to canter. Riding to the oxers you had to have ability and a little scope, but there was nothing to scare them. The ones that made a mistake, I think it was more from shadows than the course.”

With a win in the Rolex Stadium under her belt, Farmer can continue to look toward the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in August during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

Christopher Payne and Churchill
Christopher Payne and Churchill

Chris Payne and Churchill Capture $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

The night kicked off with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the first of seven events culminating with the $15,000 Leading Rider Bonuses. Chris Payne earned the early lead in the year-end standings by leading the first event from start to finish aboard Susan Moriconi’s Churchill. A smooth opening round resulted in a score of 89, and as the last to return for the handy round the pair expertly handled the inside turns and high options to earn a 94 for a 183 total.

Although Churchill is only 7 years old and eligible for the Pre-Green Hunter division, he has proven that he is ready for anything. “We decided do him in the First Years and see how it goes because he’s so brave and has a great mind,” explained Payne. “He got some ribbons so we thought, let’s see if maybe he’s a derby horse because he’s so brave and so easy. This is his first time doing anything like this at all. We just wanted to see how it would go.”

Bobby Murphy built a 10 obstacle course for the first round of tonight’s event set at 3′ with four 3’6″ option fences. There was a two-stride line as well as bending lines and multiple rollbacks. The fences were decorated to imitate natural obstacles a rider would experience when hunting. The top 12 scoring horse and rider combinations were invited to return for the handy round, which also had four options as well as a trot fence and multiple inside turns to showcase handiness.

Hayley Barnhill was ranked fifth going into the handy round after earning a score of 84 aboard Walker, owned by Danielle Leach. They picked up a smooth canter and were able to execute an excellent trot fence, as well as taking the inside and high options. The judges awarded their efforts with a score of 87 for a 171 total.

“We were in fifth place before the handy round, so we thought we might as well try and move up,” explained Barnhill of Walker, who she rode for the first time today. “He is a Pre-Green horse, so he’s still new to this kind of thing, but he’s big strided, scopey and easy. He was right there for everything I wanted to do.”

Adrienne Iverson returned next riding Cenerife for Eight Oaks, having received a score of 85 in the first round. The pair also had an excellent round, galloping easily to the final oxer and jumping easily over the high options. The judges announced a score 86, creating a tie of 171 with Barnhill. In the end, Barnhill’s handy round score would earn her the second place honors, while Iverson settled for third place.

With two good scores already on the leader board, the pressure was on Payne to produce another flawless round with Churchill. The handy was a breeze for the brave horse though; who navigated the inside turns smoothly and accurately. The judges turned in score of 94, for a 183, total making Payne and Churchill the clear winners.

“Churchill is so peaceful and so solid minded that he doesn’t get flustered about anything,” smiled Payne. “He tries to do whatever he asks you to do, and he has this beautiful big, rangy, lopey step. It’s just really enjoyable to ride.

Payne added, “We thought maybe showing tonight would help in the First Years because he takes everything so easily. We thought the bigger jump would help him in the First Years. He was good in the First Years so thought maybe he could be a Derby contender.

Next week, Payne will continue competing during the Kentucky Spring Classic with Churchill.  He commented, “We’ll probably do the same Hallway Feeds National Derby next week and then see where he is and aim for the international derbies. That will be our goal.”

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, Trouw Nutrition, EquiVision, Sallee Horse Transport, Tack Shop of Lexington, Tex Sutton, Turf Town Properties and PNC Bank.

Tomorrow’s hunter events will include championship and reserve championship awards in the Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter divisions. Next week, riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, with the second $5,000 Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby scheduled for Saturday evening.

To learn more about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden and 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

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

Mark Bluman and LaGran Dash for the Cash in the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Mark Bluman and LaGran win $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

Lexington, KY – May 10, 2014 – When speed is key to winning an event, it helps to be riding one of the fastest horses in the world. LaGran was the fastest horse at the 2010 World Equestrian Games with Pablo Barrios, and today he was the fastest horse in the $20,000 Bluegrass Classic with Mark Bluman of Colombia. The pair outraced a starting field of 38 competitors during the speed event with a blazing clear round three seconds ahead of the closest finisher.

“LaGran is a very fast horse,” smiled Bluman after his victory. “He’s been fast all his life. He was the fastest horse in the WEG in 2010 with my mate Pablo. He’s just fast. I went for it the whole way around, and it worked out well.”

Twelve competitors bested Richard Jeffery’s track, but it was Bluman who was the quickest over the course, breaking the beam at 69.989 seconds under rainy skies. Emanuel Andrade tried to catch him aboard Hollow Creek Farm’s Fananka A, but their time of 72.704 seconds would only hold up for second. Pablo Barrios set the time to beat early in the class with Romeo, finishing in 73.979 seconds, which would eventually claim fourth, while Barrios’ second mount Crossfire 10 slipped into third with a time of 73.775 seconds.

Andrade was pleased with his mount’s efforts, saying, “I think she’s amazing. I got her two months ago, and I’ve only shown her three times. She’s really a winner, and I think she’s going to be a good one. She’s a big, old fashioned horse with a big stride, and I thought the course was really good for her today.”

Emanuel Andrade and Fananka A
Emanuel Andrade and Fananka A

The course proved to be the best for Bluman though. “LaGran is actually better on the left lead, so every left turn that we made I would go a little inside,” he explained. “I have to be careful on the right because he twists a little, but to the left I really went inside.”

The pair is just getting back in a rhythm after some issues toward the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival. “I had a few problems with him in Florida after the Nations Cup,” admitted Bluman. “I was riding him in a way that he doesn’t like. I was trying to collect him and make him round, and he doesn’t like that. He just wants to go fast. He wants you to leave him alone and let him go.”

Bluman took over the ride of the 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding two years ago after Pablo Barrios and G & C Farm parted ways. “I started working for Gustavo [Mirabal] and got the ride on LaGran,” he noted. “When Gustavo and I parted ways, he gave me the horse as a gift, and it was a very nice gift. It’s a great horse with lots of experience.”

The 23-year-old is continuing to further his career, aiming LaGran for the Central American Games in November. “I think WEG would be too much for him,” admitted Bluman. “He was good in this class, so next week I am going to aim him toward it again. We’ll stay in the 1.45m classes, and then maybe this summer move him up to the grand prix.”

Bluman will be based in Kentucky throughout the summer and is excited to have the opportunity to continue to show at the Kentucky Horse Park. “The venue is amazing,” he said. “It pours rain, and the footing is great. The horses love it here. This is the place to come in the summer if you are staying the States.”

Later tonight, the hunter riders will take over the Rolex Stadium during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, which gets underway at 5 p.m., immediately followed by the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The weekend concludes tomorrow with the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at 4p.m. in the Rolex Stadium, but the riders will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 14-18, 2014.

To learn more about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, 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)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

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

Pablo Barrios Claims Another Early Lead in Hagyard Challenge Series Standings

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Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra.

Lexington, KY – May 9, 2014 – Pablo Barrios has taken the early lead in the 2014 Hagyard Challenge Series by claiming the top spot during Thursday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic for the second year in a row. The Venezuelan native rode Zara Leandra to a dominating first place finish with a double clear effort in 40.29 seconds. Hector Florentino of the Dominican Republic is holding the second place position in the standings after claiming the second place award on Thursday aboard Anemone’s Vicky. Olympian Margie Engle is currently ranked third in the standings after she went double clear with her veteran mount Indigo to earn the third place honors.

The Hagyard Challenge Series is a summer-long series of seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $50,000 Leading Rider Award, presented during the Kentucky National Horse Show in September. The second event in the series will be next Thursday during the Kentucky Spring Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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 wellbeing of the horse for more than 130 years.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 133 years and is currently composed of over 60 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.

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.

To learn more about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please go to www.hagyard.com.

To learn more about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, 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)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com