Tag Archives: Ky. Summer Classic

Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Young Jumpers Take Center Stage at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Chris Ewanouski and Cortina.

Lexington, KY – July 30, 2014 – All eyes were on the up-and-coming horses of the future in the Rolex Stadium today as they vied for winning honors in the 7 & 8-Year-Old Jumpers and the 6-Year-Old Jumpers. Chris Ewanouski captured the first blue ribbon with his 8-year-old mount Cortina, while amateur rider Joyce Green piloted Cassidy to the top prize in the 6-Year-Old Jumpers.

Great Britain’s Richard Jeffries designed the track for the 7 & 8-Year-Old Jumpers, which yielded nine clear rounds for the first round. Emanuel Andrade was the second rider to enter the ring with Boy IV. He was the pathfinder in the jump-off, stopping the clock at a speedy 38.804 seconds to set the time to beat. Luifer Larrazabal did not let his fellow Venezuelan hold on to the lead for long though, tackling the jump-off with G&C Close Up in a clear time of 36.524 seconds. When the jumps went up for the 8-year-old horses, Chris Ewanouski set out to show the other riders how it is done with Cortina. They easily cleared all of the obstacles in the tiebreaker, dashing across the finish line in 35.402 seconds to capture the win and relegate Larrazabal and Andrade to second and third, respectively.

“I didn’t get to watch very many in the jump-off, but I made an early inside turn. I think that’s where maybe I caught them a little bit,” explained Ewanouski. “I also felt like I took a little bit of a chance to the skinny. It came up a little bit long and on a little bit of an angle, but she was pretty fast there.”

Ewanouski continued, “We’ve had her for just a little over a year now. We showed her a little bit in the 7-year-olds. She is a little bit sensitive, really fast, but she’s easy at the same time. We’ve been taking it one step at a time and trying not to get too far ahead of ourselves. I think she’s really fast and careful, and I think she has all of the right parts, so I don’t want to rush her. I want to take it slow and see how far we can go with her.”

The young jumper classes offer Ewanouski a good opportunity to start testing how much Cortina has learned in the last year. “It’s a really good division for the horses,” he noted. “For her, where she was a little bit behind when we first got her, she wasn’t quite ready to go right into the 7 and 8 year old classes. We did a lot of schooling classes, a lot of small 1.30m and 1.20m and just got her relaxed in the ring and treated it more like a schooling class than an actual competition. I think that’s why she’s doing so well now, and we can start stepping her up.”

The 6-Year-Old Jumpers were up next to showcase their skills in a power and speed event. Unfortunately, the course proved to be too challenging for the young horses, and only the last to compete advanced to the speed phase. Ramiro Quintana was the first to show over the power phase without any jumping faults, but a conservative pace aboard Duplikaat would result in one time fault for second place. David Blake was next in the ring and had just a single rail during the power phase with Dinozo to capture the third place award. Besting the professionals was amateur rider Joyce Green with Cassidy, the last to show. She left each rail intact during the power phase to take home the blue ribbon prize.

Joyce Green and Cassidy
Joyce Green and Cassidy

“This was one of the biggest tracks that we’ve jumped so far,” smiled Green after her win. “We got Cassidy as an unbroken 4-year-old, and my trainer, Marcelo Barros, has been great with him. He’s an amazing horse. He’s so amateur friendly. He handled this big course perfectly today. I was really proud of him.”

As an amateur, Green enjoys working with young horses and helping to produce them. “I have two really nice 6-year-olds. I’m just excited about bringing them up from scratch and having them go really nicely for me as an amateur. I’m excited about what’s to come with them.”

Joyce also appreciates having the 6-Year-Old Jumpers to help prepare her mounts for the higher ranks. “I think they’re amazing classes. They’re perfect because they bring them along on a track to eventually, hopefully, the grand prix. Each year they ask a little bit more of them. I think for 6-year-olds this was a little bit tough today, but it was a good prep for Friday’s championship class.”

Joyce concluded, “Kentucky is my favorite show. The Kentucky Horse Park is beautiful; the courses are always really nice, and everyone is really nice to us. It’s one of our favorite shows for sure.”

The Kentucky Summer Classic will continue tomorrow with the fourth event in the Hagyard Challenge Series, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, getting underway at 6:30 p.m. The Series features seven grand-prix events that offer a $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, the highlight will be the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by GGT Footing.

For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National 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:

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event

KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, 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

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 140′x 280′, Murphy: 135′x 280′, Stonelea and Murphy Schooling: 110′x 400′
Walnut: 300′x 370′, Claiborne: 140′x 270′, Annex 130′x 250′, Covered Arena (old): 145′x 285′ Rolex Stadium: 360′ x 384′, Alltech Arena: 132′ x 265′

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

Cardozo Kicks Off Hunter Career with Evan Coluccio at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Evan Coluccio and Cardozo.

Lexington, KY – June 29, 2014 – Cardozo just became a hunter three days ago, but today at the Kentucky Summer Classic he showed signs of a promising future ahead in his new found division. Evan Coluccio guided the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood through his first hunter courses and to his first blue ribbon hunter win today in the High Performance Hunters at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“Today was his very first day ever doing hunters,” Coluccio said. “I was very proud of him. We did the Second Years as a bit of practice and to kind of work out kinks and get to know him a little. Literally, he just came to us [at Lane Change Farm] this weekend. He belongs to Ronnie Beard and Michael Dorman. He was a jumper. I think he was doing 1.30m classes.”

Coluccio continued, “They thought he was a little quiet for the jumpers, and he’s so careful and tries so hard that they thought maybe he would be better in this ring. He still has some parts to learn, but I think he’s going to be a natural at it.”

Cardozo seemed to improve with every trip today in the Stonelea Ring, picking up both a third and first place finish in the High Performance Hunters. With his strong performances today, Coluccio is optimistic for what is to come for the gelding.

“He wants to be so easy. Once he understands the job, he’s going to be really great,” Coluccio said. “He never really made any major mistakes today. I think he’s going to be quite good at the derbies too. That’s our main goal for him: to let him do some of those.”

Besting Cardozo for the win in the second High Performance Hunter division was one of his new barn mates, Enticement. After several weeks off, the 6-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare came back to the show ring last week with Kelley Farmer in the First Year Green and Green Conformation Hunters, and this week the pair shot to the top of the leader board in the High Performance Hunters.

Kelley Farmer and Enticement
Kelley Farmer and Enticement

Following the mare’s success last week, Farmer is contemplating pointing her at the upcoming USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, to be held August 14-16, 2014.

“I’m going to hold out on her entry for as long as possible. I want to be fair to her, but right now it’s looking like it,” Farmer said of competing Enticement in the Derby Finals. “She can definitely jump it, but she’s only 6 years old. I don’t want to push her too hard, but we’ll see how she is doing.”

If today was any indication, she seems to be doing quite well. In addition to her win in the second over fences class, Enticement finished second behind Cardozo in the first class.

In the Second Year Green Hunters, Christopher Payne and Susan Moriconi’s Channing continue to be a dominating force. The duo has been extremely competitive in the division throughout both the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, and today they added another first and second place ribbon to their string of division accolades.

Besting Channing in the second over fences class of the division were Tim Goguen and Character, owned by Belhaven Stables, LLC. Both mounts will return tomorrow to via for the championship in the conclusion of the Second Year Green Hunter division at the Kentucky Summer Classic.

All professional hunter divisions conclude tomorrow with classes beginning at 8 a.m. In addition to offering a full range of competitive hunter divisions, the Kentucky Summer Classic features the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby on Saturday, August 2.

For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National 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:

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event

KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, 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

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 140′x 280′, Murphy: 135′x 280′, Stonelea and Murphy Schooling: 110′x 400′
Walnut: 300′x 370′, Claiborne: 140′x 270′, Annex 130′x 250′, Covered Arena (old): 145′x 285′ Rolex Stadium: 360′ x 384′, Alltech Arena: 132′ x 265′

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, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais Speed to Victory in 1.40m Open Jumpers

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Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais.

Lexington, KY – July 29, 2014 – Many top riders consider the Kentucky Horse Park horse heaven, and today, they took the opportunity to prepare their mounts for upcoming events during the Kentucky Summer Classic. With the fourth event in the Hagyard Challenge Series and the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by GGT Footings, coming up in a few days, riders geared up by showing the in the 1.40m and 1.35m Open Jumpers. Sharn Wordley and Kyle Timm each respectively picked up top honors aboard their speedy mounts during the competition.

The 1.40m Open Jumper class tested riders’ speed and accuracy as they showed over 11 obstacles, which included an open water option and a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination. Matt Cyphert was the first to test the speed over the track aboard Lochinvar, leaving all the rails in place and setting the pace to beat at 62.275 seconds. The score did not hold up for long though, as Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais easily made their way over each fence leaving out strides and shaving the turns to break the beam at 58.977 seconds. Only one other rider would come close to challenging Wordley’s time, and that was Will Simpson aboard Katie Riddle, who clocked in at a clear 61.699 seconds, taking over the second place position and relegating Cyphert to third place.

“I wanted to go medium quick because there weren’t that many going fast,” admitted Wordley. “Some that were jumping clear I knew were only schooling, so I didn’t go really, really fast. Just fast enough that I could leave them up and still get the check.”

Wordley won the same class last week with Popstar Lozonais, and he knows the horse can be tough to beat. “He’s very fast,” explained Wordley. “If he’s clean, he’s generally the winner because he can turn so fast, and he travels so fast. He won quite a lot of classes in Europe. I got him at the beginning of the year, but I am just getting to know him.”

“He’s French, and he’s a little all over the place, so you have to sit quiet and go for the ride,” added Wordley. “You can’t really over control him. You just need to finesse it and go for it.”

Based just down the road from the Kentucky Horse Park at Ashland Stables, Wordley loves being located in Lexington for the summer. “It’s great for the horses, and it’s especially good as far as vets and farriers. There are also good bars and restaurants downtown. It’s a laid back atmosphere, and it’s central to other shows during the year. I love it here.”

Kyle Timm and Platinum
Kyle Timm and Platinum

Kyle Timm is also a regular to the Kentucky Horse Park, but his mount Platinum is making her debut and they just scored a blue ribbon together. Fourteen horses advanced to the tiebreaker during the 1.35m Open Jumper class, but only six were able to produce a second faultless effort. Shane Sweetnam was the pathfinder with All Star De L’Aube, leaving all the rails intact in a time of 31.043 seconds, forcing other riders to chase him. Alexis Bowen came close with Oley, breaking the beam at 32.090 seconds to take home the third place award, but the next in the ring would take the lead. Timm and Platinum picked up a big gallop to the first fence. They never held back, leaving out a stride to the final oxer to take over Sweetnam’s lead with a time of 30.958 seconds.

“I saw Shane go, and he was quick. It was a good round,” said Timm. “I actually wasn’t focused on winning today; I was just focused on rideability. Platinum is a fantastic mare, but she’s a finesse ride. You have to ride her a certain way. Last week I didn’t do it properly, but today it was really good.”

Timm continued, “She was a very sensitive horse to start with. It took a lot of belief and a lot of hard work to get her going in the way we like. The last two years she’s gotten better and better, and as an eight-year-old she had unbelievable results.”

Timm has had the 9-year-old mare for three years and has worked hard to produce her and been very careful to not push her. “I always come to Kentucky, but this is her first time here,” he commented. “She usually has the summer off because she’s an Irish horse and sometimes she has trouble with heat, but she’s been going really well this season so I brought her here. The weather has been really nice for her.”

Timm and Wordley will be eyeing further success as the week goes on. The Kentucky Summer Classic will continue tomorrow with the Open Jumpers. The highlight events in the Rolex Stadium will include the fourth $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, and Saturday’s $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by GGT Footing.

For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National 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:

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event

KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, 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

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 140′x 280′, Murphy: 135′x 280′, Stonelea and Murphy Schooling: 110′x 400′
Walnut: 300′x 370′, Claiborne: 140′x 270′, Annex 130′x 250′, Covered Arena (old): 145′x 285′ Rolex Stadium: 360′ x 384′, Alltech Arena: 132′ x 265′

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

Kelly Maloney and Leroy Brown 17 Leap to Adult Jumper Classic Victory at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Kelly Maloney and Leroy Brown 17.

Lexington, KY – August 4, 2013 – The Kentucky Summer Classic concluded with another day of perfect weather as riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium for the NAL/WIHS Adult and Children’s Jumper Classic. With nine double clear rounds, it was Kelly Maloney’s speedy effort aboard Leroy Brown 17 that proved to be the key to winning the Adult Jumper Classic, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation. Brazil’s Julia Tedesco showed the way in the Children’s Jumper Classic, piloting Belle Nuit to the top of the leader board.

Thirty-eight riders showed over the first round track, designed by Brazil’s Marina Azevedo, during the Adult Jumper Classic, which included two bending lines, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination. Sixteen entries were able to traverse the track without error and advance to tiebreaker, which included a sharp rollback to a new vertical and the double combination.

Kelly Maloney of Rembert, SC, set the uncatchable time with Leroy Brown 17 about mid-way through the class after she completed very tight rollbacks and made a very sharp slice at the new vertical. They dashed through the timers in 35.445 seconds with all the rails intact, eventually returning to the winner’s circle.

Lindsey Tomeu came very close to catching Maloney while riding Sandro Star, owned by Ericka Koenigsberg of Pinecrest, FL, but the young rider was just a fraction off the pace with a clear time of 35.836 seconds for second place.

Joaquina Barrios of Wellington, FL, was the first to clear the original track, and opted to return at the end of the class with Simply The Best. She gave it a great try, but her turns were just a touch too wide. She broke the beam at 37.377 seconds for third place. Tiffany Field also returned at the end of the class to take a shot at the winning prize, but she was also too slow with Wiant P, completing a clear round in 38.575 seconds for fourth place, sealing Maloney’s victory.

“I think we made up time in the rollback turn to 14. We were almost parallel to the jump. I was worried he would go past it, but he’s a good horse,” smiled Maloney, discussing her jump-off. “Leroy Brown is 18 years old and I’ve had him for two years. He jumped in the Olympics in 2004 with a Russian rider. He is the greatest horse ever.”

Maloney continued, “Leroy Brown is very, very forward, but he always needs a little push to get the first jump. After that he takes you. He knows his job every well. He’s very fresh; he bucks a lot. He’s still got lots of energy for an 18-year-old horse.”

The Kentucky Horse Shows are one of Maloney’s favorite events. “I normally train with the Towell Family and Finally Farm, but when I come to Kentucky I train with Sayre Happy,” she explained. “I like the footing here, and I like coming to Kentucky. It’s a great horse show.”

Earlier this morning, the Children’s Jumper Classic took center stage. Only six entries made it to the tiebreaker, but four competitors were double clear over the short course.  Audrey Norrell had the slowest time of 40.485 seconds aboard Cindy VH Keizershof, owned by Tatiana Dzavik of Malibu, CA, for fourth place, while Tanimara Macari and P Welcome, owned by Lochmoor Stables of Lebanon, OH, just barely edged them out for third in a time of 39.443 seconds. Nanny McFadden of Germantown, TN, and Cooley kept a quicker pace while leaving all the rails intact, breaking the beam at 37.203 seconds.

Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit
Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit

Julia Tedesco and Belle Nuit, owned by Adolpho Franco of Wellington, FL, were the fastest of the fast though, speeding through each turn with a blazing fast gallop, never wasting a second in the air. They sped through the timers in 34.700 seconds, almost three seconds faster than McFadden to capture the winning prize.

“We almost lost it with a chip at one of the fences, but she’s my big mama and she saved me,” expressed Tedesco. “She’s very hot, and I have not been riding her very long. I only got her two months ago, so we are starting to understand each other now.”

Thirteen-year-old Tedesco just moved to the United States from Brazil in January, and began training with Paulo Santana, also from Brazil. “Belle Nuit was leased for the winter season, but then Paulo had me try her and I fell in love with her the first time I rode her,” she explained. “I have been riding with Paulo for six months. He helped me a lot today. He told me every single step I need to take to win this class.”

This is Tedesco’s first opportunity competing at the Kentucky Horse Shows. “The level is totally different here. They have very good shows in Brazil, but for the Children’s Jumpers the United States is the best place. It’s my first time here in Kentucky. The arena is huge and they had the World Equestrian Games here, so it’s amazing.”

Today marks the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Classic, but competition will resume on Tuesday, August 6 with the start of the 2013 USEF Pony Finals. The following week, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Bluegrass Classic Horse Show and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Pony Riders Prepare for USEF Pony Finals at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Carter Anderson and The Blu Mountie. Photos By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 4, 2013 – The 2013 USEF Pony Finals kick off on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, and as the Kentucky Summer Classic came to a conclusion today, young riders took advantage of the perfect weather and the opportunity to prepare in the rings at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Summer Classic, which ran July 30 to August 4, offered a wide array of pony divisions and classes, including the WIHS Small Pony Equitation and the WIHS Large Pony Equitation classes. The first place blue ribbons in the WIHS Equitation classes held today were awarded to Carter Anderson and Camryn Halley.

Anderson earned the top call in WIHS Large Pony Equitation class aboard The Blu Mountie, owned by Susan Kuliasha of Knoxville, TN. Anderson and the talented pony received a score of 79 over the Joseph Carnicorn designed course in the Annex Ring of the Kentucky Horse Park. The second place award in the class went to Olivia Cahill, of Austin, TX, and her own Daddy Pulled the Trigger, and Hayley Iannotti and Highlands Percival held the third place position.

For 14-year-old Anderson, the win today at the Kentucky Summer Classic comes as she prepares to compete at the USEF Pony Finals for the fourth year in a row and her first year at the Finals with The Blu Mountie, or simply “Monte.”

“He’s wonderful. He goes around, and he knows what he’s doing. Even though he’s 21, he definitely still has energy in him,” mentioned Anderson. “I usually just have to point him in the right and direction and tell him the distances and everything. He’s great.”

Anderson always looks forward to Pony Finals, and she will compete this year in the Large Pony Hunter division and the USEF Pony Medal Finals.

“I like everything about Pony Finals – the riding, the shopping and my friends,” concluded Anderson.

Camryn Halley and Bieber
Camryn Halley and Bieber

Pony Finals is also a much-anticipated event for WIHS Small Pony Equitation winner Camryn Halley. Halley, of Orlando, FL, and Bieber earned a winning score of 77, while the second place award went to Katie Gilcrest and Stonewall Sparkler.

“He jumps so great. He’s so much fun, and I love him,” gushed Halley. “He’s the sweetest pony on the planet, and he has just the right motor.”

This is Halley’s third year competing at Pony Finals, and in addition to Bieber, she will also be aboard the medium pony Goodnight Moon and small green pony Long Story Short.

The third place award in the WIHS Small Equitation went to Atlanta, GA native, Hannah Dubose and her new pony Bluetiful. The Kentucky Summer Classic was the showing debut for the pair, and after their success this week, Dubose is really looking forward to Pony Finals.

“I’ve only been riding her for about a week, and she’s really good. I’m still getting used to her, and the leads have been the hardest, especially the right lead,” explained Dubose. “I’m excited for Pony Finals and the golf cart parade and all of the activities.”

While the Kentucky Summer Classic has come to a close, competition will resume on Tuesday, August 6 with the start of the 2013 USEF Pony Finals. The following week, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Bluegrass Classic Horse Show and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, 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)
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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, USHJA

Back-to-Back $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Wins for Colin Syquia at Kentucky Summer Series

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Colin Syquia and Apropos. Photos By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 3, 2013 – The first and second place line-up of this week’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Classic bore a striking resemblance to that of last week’s class. Colin Syquia and Apropos took the first place position in the derby just six days ago, and they returned to do so again today. Last week’s second place finisher, Meredith Darst, was once again number two, this time aboard Capstone.

Today’s hunter derby was the fourth event in the seven-part Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, which features the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards. This week’s class saw 52 entries competing over the first round course designed by Bobby Murphy. Following the completion of the first course, the top 12 riders returned for the handy round. Both courses presented riders with options to take four higher fences, and riders added one point to their score for each successfully cleared high option. For the handy round, Murphy also presented riders with a trot jump and tested them with a hand gallop to the opening oxer.

Molly Sewell and Zin Zin, owned by Travis Lingenfelter of Saginaw, MI, were early to go in the opening order, and they maneuvered the course beautifully, electing to take all four high options for a total first round score of 91. Sewell’s score would remain well out of reach for much of the class, until finally being bested by Shawn Casady and Sedona, owned by Susan Stanley of Delray Beach, FL. Casady and Sedona also opted to take each of the higher options, earning a score of 92.

Following the completion of the first round, Casady and Sewell were the clear front runners, while Bruce Christison and Apalachicola, owned by Heather Conder of Lugoff, SC, sat in third with a total score of 87. Syquia and Apropos, owned by Chiddingstone Farms LCC of New York, NY, were close behind in fourth place with a score of 86.5, and Darst and Capstone, owned by Norgan, Inc. of Wellington, FL, went into the second round in fifth place with a score of 86.25.

Unfortunately for all three of the first round leading riders, their handy rounds would go as smoothly. Riders returned in reverse order of their first round standings, working backward from the twelfth place rider until finishing with Casady and Sedona in the first place position. Christison and Apalachicola therefore were the first of the top three to return, but a disappointing handy round saw him drop quickly down the leader board to the eventual eleventh place position.

To the disappointment of Sewell, that trend continued as she returned with Zin Zin. Sewell and Zin Zin’s second round total score of 64 moved them down the list from second to tenth with a grand total score of 155. The current Hallway Feed Series Leading Rider, Casady, was the last to return on Sedona, and as they seamlessly made tight turns and maneuvered the handy round it appeared as though they had the win all sewn up. The crowd gathered at the Stonelea Ring had already begun to applaud his gorgeous course and almost surefire win, but a devastating light bump over the final fence knocked the rail out of the cup and moved Casady and Sedona to the twelfth place spot.

The disappointing handy rounds for Christison, Sewell and Casady, combined with beautiful second rounds for Syquia and Darst shot them to the top. Syquia and Apropos handled the hand gallop, tight turns and trot fence of the handy round flawlessly, and with four points added for the high options, they earned a second round score of 92 and a winning grand total of 178.50.

“He went really nicely in the first round, but he just wasn’t as inspired as he was last week,” Syquia explained. “He hasn’t shown as much recently, so he wasn’t quite as fit, and it was hard going back-to-back weeks. So when it came down to the handy, I figured I’d just turn tighter and steer him a little bit more, and he really responded. He jumped beautifully in the second round.”

Syquia continued: “It’s amazing. You don’t want to think that you could possibly win it two weeks in a row, but I was hoping to. He’s such a good boy; I thought I’d have a chance. Hopefully we’ll be back in September to try it again.”

Meredith Darst and Capstone
Meredith Darst and Capstone

Darst and Capstone earned a second round score of 90 after jumping each fence brilliantly and flowing through the handy course. With a grand total of 176.25 they captured the second place honors.

While Casady did not see a top finish with Sedona, the talented young rider did nab both the third and fourth place positions aboard Stars Go Blue, owned by Marigot Bay Farm LLC of Dover, MA, and Vogue, owned by Georgia Saad of Lexington, KY, respectively. Casady has been extremely successful throughout the series, winning the first event aboard Stars Go Blue and placing third and fourth during each of the following events, securing his position as the current Hallway Feeds Leading Rider.

The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

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, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, 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)
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*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Shane Sweetnam Storms to Victory with Solerina in $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix

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Shane Sweetnam and Solerina.

Lexington, KY – August 3, 2013 – For the second week in a row, the Irish had all the luck, specifically Shane Sweetnam during the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, at the Kentucky Summer Classic. This time he was aboard Solerina for the win, shaving valuable seconds off his jump-off time to beat fellow countryman Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, who placed second. Sweetnam’s winning mount from last Saturday’s grand prix, Fineman, also cleared the short course, capturing the third place honors.

Forty of the country’s top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Rolex Stadium under perfect skies to show over the first round track designed by Marina Azevedo of Brazil, which included an open water, a skinny jump to a triple bar, a vertical-vertical double combination and an oxer-vertical-oxer triple combination. Twelve entries completed the course without fault and 11 returned for the jump-off. The short track began over a single vertical to a new oxer and a sharp roll back over a new vertical before they had to gallop across the ring and angle another vertical. Then the competitors jumped the first two fences in the triple combination before galloping home over the last oxer.

The first double clear was posted by Venezuela’s Juan Ortiz riding Accordance, but in attempt to leave all of the airy verticals in place they had a conservative pace and stopped the clock at 38.077 seconds for fourth place.

Richie Moloney attempted to catch Ortiz’s time with his first mount, Call Me Number One, owned by Equinimity LLC of Stonybrook, NY, and although the duo was faultless, they were a fraction to slow, finishing in 38.373 seconds for fifth place.

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman
Shane Sweetnam and Fineman

The winners of last week’s $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix, Shane Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s Fineman, were ready to lay on the gas when they took their turn over the track. As they wound their way through the course, they left each rail in place, breaking the beam at 36.211 seconds, which would hold up for third place.

“Fineman is very careful and very competitive, as he showed last week, but I didn’t go all out because I knew that the winning round wasn’t that fast at the time, and I wanted to be sure that I was clear,” said Sweetnam. “I think if he had been last he could have also been as quick as Solerina.”

Fellow countryman Richie Moloney was willing to fight for one of the top spots with his second mount, Equinimity LLC’s Carrabis Z. They were right on Sweetnam’s heels as they carefully cleared the track, dashing through the timers in 36.149 seconds, which would claim second place.

“Before the jump-off started, I planned not to go too quick and just have a nice round, but you didn’t have to gallop too much to win so it suited him,” said Moloney. “I could have done one less stride down the first line and been a little quicker to the middle vertical. I am very happy with second place though and happy the horse jumped well.  I think there are big things to come for him.”

Sweetnam and Solerina, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Spy Coast Farm, were the last to show during the first round, the last to qualify for the jump-off and the last to have a chance at the win. They left nothing to chance, picking up a quick gallop and never slowing down as they sliced over each vertical and made quick turn-backs. The veteran mare never wasted a second in the air as she left each rail in its cups and blazed across the finish line in 34.056 seconds, two seconds ahead of Moloney to lead the victory gallop.

“Solerina is a very quick horse, so when Richie was clear and quicker I went for it,” explained Sweetnam. “I was very fast at the turn backs to the two verticals. I had a really good angle to the second vertical, and you can really trust her with a bit of a gallop to a vertical. She’s naturally very quick.”

Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z
Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z

Moloney and Sweetnam have represented Ireland together on many occasions, and Sweetnam was pleased to see his friend do so well tonight. “Richie is a good friend of mine. I was hoping he would do well, but obviously I wanted to better,” he laughed.

Solerina is a 14-year-old Irish Sporthorse mare by Cruising, the father of the legendary Flexible. Sweetnam purchased her from Irish rider Conor O’Regan last year, and during the Winter Equestrian Festival they won the $101,000 Pennfield Feeds CSI 4* Grand Prix.

“It took a bit of time for me to get her going and get used to her,” admitted Sweetnam. “She is very good at moving up and down in the height, and she is very fast. She is very versatile. She likes to pick up a rhythm and stay with it. If you get too much in her face she gets really annoyed and shows a bit of character. She jumps her best when you let her go in a rhythm.”

Sweetnam is the professional rider for Spy Coast Farm, located next door to the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Kentucky Horse Shows are always on their schedule. “We love the shows here,” he commented. “We’ve had a great two weeks here. The clients have done well, and the young horses get great experience. Hugh and the management do a great job.”

The Kentucky Summer Classic will conclude tomorrow with the NAL/WIHS Child and Adult Jumper Classics in the Rolex Stadium. Next week, Kentucky Horse Park will host the 2013 USEF Pony Finals, followed by the Bluegrass Classic Horse Show and the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Series, 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

Tracey Mack-Gorin and Icarus Top Ariat Adult Medal at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Tracey Mack-Gorin and Icarus.

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2013 – The equitation took center stage under perfect skies in the Stonelea Arena today at the Kentucky Summer Classic, running through Sunday, August 4, 2013. Topping the opening round and the test in the Ariat Adult Medal was Tracey Mack-Gorin aboard Icarus. Earlier in the day, Lillian Kirbo’s talent shone through during the T.H.I.S. Children’s Medal with Easy Living to capture the winning honors.

Bobby Murphy designed flowing course for today’s classes, which included inside options and a vertical-oxer two stride. The top four combinations from the first round of the Ariat Adult Medal were asked to return for the final test. The judges asked the riders to walk in the ring, pick up the canter and demonstrate a simple change through the walk before cantering a single vertical on the centerline. Then they had to trot a vertical, canter a slow five strides through a bending line, halt on the straight line, and exit the ring at a walk.

The riders returned in reverse order, and Sherri Geddes of Jacksonville, FL, was the first to complete the test with Radius H after receiving an initial score of 77. A smooth lead change and trot jump helped them quickly climb the rankings, and they eventually placed second.

Susannah Rose of Coral Gables, FL, was next with an original score of 79 riding Calero. They successfully demonstrated the change of lead and trotted the vertical, but a slightly tight distance in the five strides had them maintain their third place position.

Anna Moerdsorf of Dublin, OH, earned a first round score of 80 aboard Seuss, but their test was not quite as smooth as their first. They were a bit rushed after the first canter jump, causing them to chip at the second canter jump and dropping them to the fourth place award.

Tracey Mack-Gorin of Noack, CT, and Icarus, owned by Ashland Farms, had a solid lead after earning an 83 during the first round. They were able to execute each piece of the test flawlessly, collecting beautifully to fit the five strides in the bending line. Their efforts were rewarded with the top call and blue ribbon.

“Icarus was really good,” smiled Mack-Gorin. “My plan was just to ride well. He’s been everywhere and done everything, and I was lucky to ride him. He’s super straightforward, and he’s a really good boy.”

Although Mack-Gorin was called back on top, she did not allow the pressure to rattle her. “I get a little nervous when I am on top, so it was nice to be on him because he’s so good,” she admitted. “My plan was just to make sure I got everything done. I wanted to make sure the five worked out because it was a little short for everybody else. I was lucky that I got to see everybody else do it because Icarus has such a big stride, but it was nice and easy for us.”

One of Mack-Gorin’s goals for the year is to qualify for the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, but she has been focusing on the bar exam for the past few months, taking the exam on Wednesday in Tampa before arriving in Lexington. “I finished a semester early this year, so I was lucky and I got to ride all winter,” noted the 25-year-old. “I really haven’t ridden since May because I was studying, so hopefully I’ll get to ride some more now that exam is over, and hopefully I’ll be a lawyer in a couple months!”

Earlier in the day, the younger riders had the opportunity to compete in the T.H.I.S. Children’s Medal where the top five riders entered the ring to complete the test. The judges asked the riders to canter from the lineup directly to single vertical, trot a vertical on the quarter line, canter a single vertical, make a right turn through the center of the ring, walk, pick up the left lead, and canter just the out jump of the two-stride before returning to the lineup.

Once again the riders completed the test in reverse order, the first being Avery Hinson of New Albany, OH, and Elaine, owned by SCNC Investments, who earned an original score of 79.5. Unfortunately, they stopped at the trot jump and placed fifth. Addison Piper of Wellington, FL, and Bravour VDL were up next with a score of 80. The pair had a good transition and trot jump to move up to third place.

After earning a first round score of 81, Gina Kumar of Bellevue, WA, and Gavi Di Gavi were ranked third, but they had a swap in front of the first fences, and eventually took home the fourth place ribbon.

Lillian Kirbo and Easy Living
Lillian Kirbo and Easy Living

Lillian Kirbo of Tallahassee, FL, had an original score of 82 with Kelsey Hileman’s Easy Living, just one point behind the leader Helen Voss of Versailles, KY. Kirbo kept an even pace throughout the test and executed each piece flawlessly. Voss and Adonis, owned by Redfield Farm, were next, but they almost canter the trot jump, a slight error that dropped them to second place and gave Kirbo the victory.

“Easy Living was really good and he was really soft during the first round,” said Kirbo. “He was going slow but he still had the pace to get the strides. He was listening to me; you could tell he wanted to do it.”

Kirbo continued, “The test was really good. I wasn’t sure about the trot jump, I was worried he wasn’t going to do it, but he was really good and just softened right up and started trotting. He’s a really good boy!”

Competing in the equitation at the Kentucky Summer Series is always a highlight for Kirbo. “I like just going out there and showing my stuff,” she smiled. “All the turns and everything, it’s really fun. The Kentucky Horse Shows are really pretty and there’s tons of good competition.”

Tomorrow in the Stonelea Arena, the country’s best horse and rider combinations will vie for the top honors during the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Hallway Feeds Hunter Derby Series consists of seven national derbies held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the Series’ final event, three cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the leading riders.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Series, 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

Taylor Land and Merlin Make Magic in High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Taylor Land and Merlin. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2013 – Taylor Land is only in Kentucky for a few short days, but while here, she is enjoying the beautiful weather and making magic aboard Merlin. Land and Merlin were one of only two duos to go double clear in the Junior/Amateur-Owner High Jumpers before they earned the win today at the Kentucky Summer Classic. In the Junior/Amateur-Owner Medium Jumpers, Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall were fast and faultless to win the class in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Course designer Marina Azevedo of Brazil set a course that presented riders with an oxer-vertical double combination, a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination and an open water option.

Land and Merlin were the first pair to go clear over the first round track, and they would prove to be one of only two pairs to do so. Following their initial ride, Land and Merlin immediately advanced to the jump-off and made it through the seven obstacle short course in a clear time of 32.137 seconds.

“Merlin is so fast. You just think about where you want to make turns, and he’s already going. He’s super quick. His turning ability is unbelievable,” mentioned Land.

Land and Merlin’s time would remain untouched, only coming into contest when Chelsea Moss and her own Lorena 90 successfully negotiated the first course. Moss and Lorena 90 began the jump-off round quick and clean, but a slightly slower pace and a rub over a skinny vertical would leave them with four faults and a jump-off time of 35.198 seconds. Their efforts would be good enough for the second place finish, while Eugenio Garza and Providence, owned by El Milagro of Dallas, TX, claimed the third spot with four faults and a time of 77.751 seconds in the opening round. Garza also finished fourth with four faults and a time of 79.294 seconds aboard his second mount, Milagrett, also owned by El Milagro.

Taylor Land’s sister, Frances Land, has seen great success aboard her mount Merlin, but today she turned over the reins to her sister. “Merlin is my sister’s horse, and she’s been riding him for several years. I’m in school at NYU, so I don’t get to ride very often right now. She’s nice enough to let me hop on him once in a while and get my riding fix in,” explained Land. “Merlin is a like an amazing wind-up toy. He’s so wonderful and fun to ride. I literally just got to the show this morning. Usually it would be hard for me to get on another horse and jump around like that, but he is just wonderful and easy.”

Land continued, “I love the atmosphere here. Being in that ring is amazing. I love Lexington, and everyone at this horse show is always so friendly. It’s such a wonderful horse show environment. It’s like a mini-vacation to come and show here,” concluded Land.

Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall
Jennifer Santana and Horseflight.com Kendall

In the Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, the first place award went to Jennifer Santana aboard her new mount, Horseflight.com Kendall, or simply “Kendall.” Santana was one of six riders to advance to the jump-off after going clear in the time allowed over the opening 14-obstacle course that again utilized the same oxer-vertical double combination and vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination.

Reid Patton and her own Tissem were the first to go clear and advance to the jump-off. They successfully produced a double clear round, but Sarah Bagworth and her Mount Untouchable quickly surpassed their time of 32.032 seconds. Bagworth, of King City, Ontario, Canada, and Untouchable turned in a double a clear effort in a time of 31.273 seconds, earning them the eventual third place award.

Bagworth and Untouchable rode quickly through the course, taking advantage of some tight turns and making it appear as though their time would be tough to beat. Four trips later however, Spencer Smith and Skara Glen’s Intense, owned by Skara Glen Stables of Pittsburgh, PA, made it to the jump-off and demonstrated that the time was in fact easily attainable. They shaved nearly a second off the time to finish double clear in a time of 30.327 seconds.

Santana immediately followed Smith, turning in a meticulous first round ride and going directly into the jump-off course. She and Kendall blazed through the jump-off timers in 28.732 seconds, a time that would prove untouchable, earning them the first place position and leaving Smith in second.

“Kendall’s a new horse for me,” stated Santana. “She is 7 years old, and she is a dream. This is my second horse show with her. The first one we did was in Venice, and she just arrived in the U.S. My husband [Pablo Santana] picked her out, and she’s just been a dream from the get go. I loved the course today. I thought it was going to be tricky for me just because she has a tremendous stride, even though she’s little, but it really rode well. She waited for me everywhere, and she just gave me the best jumps that I’ve felt with her so far.”

“In the jump-off, I kind of just let her set the pace. I let her tell me how she wanted to go,” explained Santana. “I asked Pablo when I finished, ‘Is my time catchable?’ He said, ‘Always; you never know who is coming behind you,’ but I don’t think I left the door wide open. I felt like she really landed and knew where we needed to be so I didn’t have to create too much. She naturally set my track. Maybe I get in trouble from my coach saying that, but it just seemed organic. It seemed natural.”

The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers return to Rolex Stadium tomorrow for each of the Low Junior and Amateur-Owner Low Classics, as well as each of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics. The $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, takes center stage later in the evening, getting underway at 7:30pm. The week will conclude with the WIHS/NAL Children and Adult Jumper Classics on Sunday.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Christopher Payne and Take Time Take Lead at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Christopher Payne and Take Time. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – July 30, 2013 – Christopher Payne always enjoys competing at the Kentucky Summer Classic, so not much will keep him away from the show ring – not even two broken ribs. Despite a recent injury, Payne ushered in the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic, running today through Sunday, August 4, in flawless, winning style. He and Take Time, owned by Sydney Reed of Leawood, KS, finished first and second in the day’s opening classes of the Performance 3’6″ Hunters. Molly Sewell also had an successful day at the Kentucky Horse Park, leading the field in both the Green Conformation Hunters and the High Performance Hunters with Satisfaction and Zin Zin, respectively.

“It definitely still hurts,” Payne said of his broken ribs, “but Take Time gave me great rides so that makes it easier. I imported him as a 4-year-old, and he’s about 11 now, so I’ve had him for some time. He did the Pre-Greens, the First Years, the Adult Amateurs and now the Juniors. He’s just the most steady, most fun horse to ride. He has a very light mouth so you just close your leg, and the distance really shows itself.”

Payne and Take Time, or “Brady”, navigated the day’s Bobby Murphy designed courses with ease to take the blue ribbon in the first class and the red second place behind Wish List, owned by Lori Snetsinger and ridden by Cody Lewis-Shultz, in the second class.

Based out of New Hope Farm LLC in nearby Cincinnati, OH, Payne is a Kentucky Summer Horse Shows regular, electing to spend much of the summer here.

“Out of all of the venues in the country that I’ve seen, this is the most horse friendly environment,” Payne commented. “With the fields to ride in you can really let your horse decompress by taking him out on a trail ride. The horses absolutely love it. It just keeps them so fresh-minded.”

Payne and Take Time will return tomorrow to vie for the Performance 3’6″ Hunter division championship, and Take Time’s owner, Sydney Reed will take over the ride in the Junior Hunters later in the week.

Molly Sewell and Zin Zin
Molly Sewell and Zin Zin

In the High Performance Hunters, Sewell and Zin Zin, owned by Travis Lingenfelter of Saginaw, MI, dominated the competitive field finishing first and second over fences and third in the under saddle.

Sewell first got the ride on the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Zin Zin, in May, and the pair meshed quickly.

“He’s my ride to the ‘T.’ He’s not lazy. He carries you, but yet he doesn’t pull. He’s really, really scopey. The 3’6″ feels like the 4. He’s just absolutely lovely,” praised Sewell. “This is probably about the fourth horse show I’ve done with him. He’s a beautiful jumper, and he’s really moving well too, so we’re really excited about him.”

Earlier in the morning Sewell rode to similar top honors aboard Satisfaction, owned by Peakewood Pharm, Inc. of Sanford, FL. The 7-year-old Hanoverian started the day with a blue ribbon in the Green Conformation Model, and he returned later to earn two additional blue ribbons, one under saddle and one over fences.

“The courses were great today. Satisfaction has such a big stride. It’s nice to just kind of lope around the course. He really, really went beautifully today. He’s really grown up,” shared Sewell.

Taking the win in the first Green Conformation Hunter over fences class were Sandy Ferrell and Mariano, owned by Stephanie Riggio of New York, NY, while Sewell and Satisfaction finished in a close second.

Competition resumes tomorrow at 8 a.m. with the First Year Green Hunters kicking things off in the Stonelea Ring. For more information on the Kentucky Summer 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