Lexington, Ky. – August 2, 2016 – While Aaron Vale continues to hold the lead in the 2016 Hagyard Challenge Series, a second place finish by Pablo Barrios and ASD Farfala during Thursday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show has narrowed the gap, with only 10 point separating the two athletes. The Kentucky Summer Horse Show also featured the second event for the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series, where Geoffery Hesslink continues to hold the lead in the standings.
During the first event of the Hagyard Challenge Series earlier this year, Vale placed second and third to claim the early lead, and followed it up with a solid result during the second event. Pablo Barrios of Venezuela continues to hold the second place position in the standings after claiming the victory in the first leg of the Series aboard ASD Farfala, but has climbed closer to catching Vale with a second place finish on Thursday. Todd Minikus and Quality Girl won the class during the Kentucky Spring Classic, and are tied with Thursday’s winner Lauren Hester for the third place position in the standings.
The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2016 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 series concludes with the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic held during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus will be announced and presented with the cash prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. New this year is the $200 Best Turned Out award, sponsored by Bob Mickler’s, which will go to a well-deserving groom following each grand prix. In addition, a Hagyard’s Handsomest Hound contest will also be held at each grand prix, sponsored by MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets.
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.
The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 digital radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full medical and surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and hyperbaric medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 137 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of medicine, surgery and theriogenology. For more information on the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit www.hagyard.com.
Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include title sponsor MWI Animal Health and presenting sponsor Zoetis as well as Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, Pike & Preston, Sallee Horse Vans and Hagyard Pharmacy. Additional sponsors include Equine Therapy and FooteWorks.
The Kentucky Summer Horse Show also featured the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the third event in the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. Top results for Geoffrey Hesslink and Aaron Vale during the spring events continue to have them ranked first and second, respectively. The winner of Sunday’s event was Molly Sewell, who is now tied with the leading junior rider Hunter Holloway for third place.
The five-part series will feature a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby throughout the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Bonus will be presented. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus will award a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the five classes that make up the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. The series-leading amateur and junior riders 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 Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 21.
Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides ample opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advancements. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the formula for success.
Gogul, Goguen and Shulman Top Professional Hunters
Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 2, 2016 – Tori Colvin is back in Kentucky, and the young professional kicked off the Kentucky Summer Classic by winning the 1.40m Open Jumpers with her longtime partner, Chanel B.
Colvin originally took the lead on Take the High Road LLC’s Austria 2, going second in the class and setting the early time to beat at 65.749 seconds.
“Today I just wanted to go around and have a nice, smooth round with Austria,” Colvin said. “She’s 7, turning 8, so I just wanted to be efficient, but not crazy.”
Her lead seemed unbeatable until Sharn Wordley entered the ring on Kerry Anne LLC’s Glamour Van De Kakebeek. Wordley sped past Colvin’s time by more than a second, finishing on a time of 64.032 seconds to become the new leader.
Colvin then returned second to last with Take the High Road LLC’s Chanel B, determined to regain the lead. After laying down a clear round and executing a number of tight turns, the duo managed to reclaim the top spot, this time finishing the course in just 62.322 seconds.
“Sharn was beating me,” Colvin continued. “And Chanel B has more experience and is really good at this height. She’s not the quickest, but she has such a big stride. Her stride and her turns really help her in winning speed classes.”
Colvin explained she has been riding the mare for over four years, and Chanel B was her High Junior Jumper mount of choice as she moved up the ranks to becoming a professional. Now 12, Chanel B still enjoys competing with Colvin in the Open division.
“I’ve done a couple of grand prixs with her, but she’s a woman,” Colvin explained. “She likes to go low sometimes and then go bigger. She loves the speed classes, too. She just zooms around.”
Wordley was not ready to surrender yet, however, and returned as the class’s final entry with Caiman De Sequoias to challenge Colvin’s lead once again. Despite turning in a clear effort and besting his first time, Wordley’s time of 63.527 seconds would only be good enough for second.
His earlier mount, Glamour Van De Kakebeek, brought home the third-place ribbon, while Trapp O’Neal and Capitano brought home fourth. Colvin’s first ride, Austria 2, ended up in fifth, while another of Colvin’s rides, Neil Jones Equestrian Inc.’s Irca Van De Eilandhoeve, took the sixth-place spot.
Earlier in the day, the 7-Year-Old Jumpers had the stage in the Rolex Arena, and it was Robert Mendoza and Allyn McCracken’s Java Van De Kleinheide who earned the win. The duo was the only ones to go double clear, cinching the victory with a time of 36.455 seconds.
“I work for Bannockburn Farm, and we imported Java last year to essentially be a broodmare,” Mendoza explained. “She has eggs harvested twice a year, but the rest of the time I get to play with her. She just started doing the 7-Year-Olds in the spring, and she’s doing great. She hasn’t shown since June, so it was really nice to have her be that eager and clean.”
The 1.35m Open Jumper followed next, and it was Blythe Marano and Balade Du Ry Z who came out with the win. Marano said she has been riding the 8-year-old mare for a year and a half now.
“Balade is extremely careful,” Marano said. “I think she’s going to be one that’s going to come up for me to do the bigger classes on. This whole year she has grown up a lot, and I was very happy with her today. She was right there for me.”
Gogul, Goguen and Shulman Top Professional Hunters
Day One of the Kentucky Summer Classic Horse Show kicked off Tuesday with the professional hunter divisions in the Stonelea. To start off the day, Jeff Gogul and Stadium Horses LLC’s Cortes won both of the over fences in the Green Conformation Hunter division, while Jason Schnelle on Calena won the Green Conformation Hunter division under saddle class.
Jeff Gogul and Cortes
“I was very happy with how Cortes was today,” Gogul said. “The lines were more open than they were at our previous competition, so we made a bit of an adjustment between my rounds, and round two went even better! He is getting stronger and going better and better as the season progresses.
“Cortes is so brave and we have worked on getting him straighter and stronger because he is still pretty young,” Gogul continued.
Gogul of Cleveland, Ohio has been riding the 6-year-old Westphalian gelding for two seasons and he is thrilled with his progression. The pair will continue to show in Kentucky throughout August.
“I’ve been coming to the Kentucky Horse Park since I was 16 so it feels like a second home,” Gogul concluded.
Tim Goguen of Lexington, Kentucky won an over fences class and placed second in the under saddle and the other over fences class in the Second Year Green Hunter division on Garland Alban’s Capella.
“He is very scopey and jumps well,” Goguen said. “I’m so happy with today, the round was very fluid. He went beautifully.”
The pair competed together last year and they are no strangers to blue ribbons. He was reserve champion at Capital Challenge in the First Year Hunter Division. The 8-year-old gelding also competes with his owner in the amateur divisions and they were champions at Traverse City earlier in this year.
“I could not be happier with him,” Goguen continued. “I hope he performs tomorrow as great as he did today!”
The day wrapped up with the High Performance Working Hunters where Sydney Shulman and DK-USA Sporthorse’s Cosmeo won blue ribbons in both over fences classes and a second place ribbon in the under saddle class. Linda Radigan and Shangri-La Stables’ Geppetto won the under saddle class in the division. Shulman and Cosmeo won last week’s Visse Wedell Grand Hunter Championship in the professional division.
“I thought he was great,” Shulman said. “He jumped really well, but a bit more fresh than I would have liked for the first day. He was similar to our rounds last week because he came in today a little tense, but I thought he jumped better this round though. He gets better and better the more he goes. He is incredible!”
Shulman, 21, is based in Greenwich, Connecticut and she is appreciative of his owners for allowing her to ride the talented 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion who had experience competing in the 1.40m-1.45m jumper classes in Europe.
“They sent me a video of Cosmeo in November while they were looking to buy a horse in Europe and I thought ‘Oh he is an amazing jumper!'” Shulman explained. “When they imported him I was so excited they called me to be his rider.”
Though he has experience in the jumpers, Shulman believes he has found his calling in the High Performance Hunter division.
“I really like him as a hunter,” Shulman explained. “For me, he’d be a bit too slow in the air for a jumper; he gets too round and high to be very successful as a jumper, but he is great for the hunters. He likes his job and he keeps getting better and better. I am really looking forward to his future.”
In the Regular Conformation Hunter division, Molly Sewell and Jamie Stryker’s Upcountry Charmer won the first over fences round, while Tim Goguen and Belhaven Stables LLC’s Ransom won the second over fences round and the under saddle class.
Highlight events during the Kentucky Summer Classic include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix presented by GGT Footing and the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Molly Sewell and El Raymond Win $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA Hunter Derby
Lexington, KY – July 31, 2016 – On Sunday, Brett Burlington continued her success at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, winning the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix aboard Bluf.
Burlington was one of four riders to turn in a clear first-round effort over Alan Wade’s course and advance to the jump-off.
“The first round felt really good,” Burlington said. “I almost had a time fault, so I was just a little bit casual in the first part of the course, but then I realized I needed to pick up my pace. It was a really smooth round; he jumped great.”
Last in the order, Burlington returned for her jump-off ready to stick to her plan without seeing her fellow competitors’ rounds. Her plan paid off, as Burlington completed the course in 42.51 seconds, blazing past Spencer Brittan’s leading time.
“Bluf is really fast and really good at turning, so he’s great for the jump-offs,” Burlington said. “He’s really good at listening, so if you tell him to turn one way, he’s responsive and will just go. He doesn’t try to argue. I just went in and did my original plan and clearly it worked out today. When I go fast, all the distances show up, and if not, he’s easy to adjust so I don’t have to worry about if I’m going too fast.”
Burlington also won the U25 Grand Prix last year during the 2015 Kentucky Summer Horse Show, repeating history with Sunday’s win.
“It was the same grand prix,” Burlington added. “I went last in the jump-off in that one, too.”
Burlington said her family purchased Bluf after she clicked with the 10-year-old gelding after riding him last summer. Burlington and Bluf had success during the Winter Equestrian Festival in the High Junior Jumper division and the Under 25 division.
“I bought him a couple of weeks after the first time I showed him,” Burlington explained. “I originally started showing him so other people could see him and he could be sold, but we ended up being a really good match, so I ended up getting him.”
Earning second place was 18-year-old Brittan, who rode Paradise Farms’ Unico to the second clear round of the day, following up with a clear jump-off round and time of 43.702 seconds, ending on a good note for his first appearance in the U25 division.
“I’m feeling good, and Unico jumped really well,” Brittan said. “He’s 16, but he still has a lot of pace, and he’s also really adjustable. I think he has a couple of more good years in him. I thought I made it down the course quick enough, but Brett came in and just rode it so fast. She did really well.”
Keely McIntosh was the next to attempt the short course, again going clear aboard Jenny Booth’s So Live Helau. Her time of 44.511 seconds would be enough to secure the duo third place.
Mavis Spencer and Neil Jones Equestrian Inc.’s Disco Lady finished fourth after being the first to jump off and setting the pace to beat at 44.845 seconds. Spencer, coming off a win in the $5,000 Open Jumpers 1.40m with Disco Lady, said she loves the U25 division and is enjoying her last year showing in it.
The fifth place ribbon was awarded to Adrienne Sternlicht and Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s Helios, who turned in a clear round, but did not advance to the jump-off due to an unfortunate time fault. In addition to her fourth place ribbon, Spencer also took home sixth place with Neil Jones Equestrian Inc.’s Irea Van De Eilandhoeve, who had an unlucky rail at the last fence in round one.
To conclude, Brittan added, “The U25 division is so competitive, honestly. All the riders always lay it down, and there are really good horses in this class. I like it. It’s always a good jump-off. Plus, I love the Rolex Stadium. Kentucky is probably my favorite show, and my horse loves it here, too.”
The action on Sunday wrapped up week one of competition during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show series, but the top-quality horse show will resume on Tuesday to mark the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic.
Molly Sewell and El Raymond Conclude Kentucky Summer Horse Show with Win in $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA Hunter Derby
The Kentucky Summer Horse Show wrapped up with Molly Sewell clinching the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. Sewell was aboard Leslie and Stuart Campbell’s El Raymond and pair earned an impressive score of 186.00 to best a field of 36.
“I thought my rounds went really nicely today,” Sewell said. “The first round was quite smooth. Raymond was wonderful and the handy is usually his best round where he really shines. He always delivers in the handy.”
Molly Sewell and El Raymond
This year marks the third year that Sewell, who is a professional based in Orlando, Florida, has won the Kentucky Summer Derby on El Raymond. Last year Sewell captured the $10,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Professional Rider Award for the 2015 USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. She returned to the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to defend her derby domination on the 18-year-old Warmblood gelding.
“You would know never know he was 18! I swear he has found the fountain of youth and I want to drink whatever water he is drinking,” Sewell laughed. “He is the best horse and you can count on him for anything, especially when the pressure is on, he always rises to the occasion.”
“I really liked the course today; it flowed nicely and the handy had a lot of different options,” she explained. “Raymond is a seasoned, been there, done that horse and if there is an inside turn, he can do it.
The duo delivered a fluid first round and led the pack with a score of 90 from earning an 86 plus an additional 4 points for taking the high options. In the handy, they received a score of 96, which gave them a total score of 186.00.
“Raymond is amazing, but his real job is actually as an Adult Hunter for his owner, Leslie Campbell,” Sewell said. “He is very special and she has owned him around five years. Leslie is the most generous person. If it means sacrificing showing in her classes in order for me to compete, she would rather have me ride, and there are not many people who would do that. I feel so lucky to have her support me as a professional.”
Throughout August Sewell plans on competing El Raymond in the derbies of Kentucky Horse Show LLC. Sewell placed third in the derby on her other mount, Acado, with a total score of 179.00. Acado is owned by Sidney Porter.
“Kentucky Summer is 100% my favorite show of the entire year,” Sewell explained. “I love the facility, especially that you can ride out in the fields. It is so great for the horses, the footing is immaculate, and they do a great job running the show. I love it here!”
Taylor Kain came in second on Daryl Ziegler Henning’s Rio’s Figaro. Based in Wellington, Florida for the winter and Lexington, Kentucky for the summer, Kain has been riding the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding for nine months. Kain started off the first round with a score of 88 and returned in the handy to score a total of 94 with four high option points. The pair’s total score was 182.00.
“This was our first derby together,” Kain said. “Rio’s Figaro felt great! I wanted to practice galloping, setting the pace and not doubting myself in the turns. He jumped incredibly! He is brave and scopey. He is fun like a rocking horse and has a big stride.”
“I was not expecting the 90,” she continued. “That was shocking, but he was unbelievable and he is always really game.”
She plans on doing more derbies with him in the future, while his owner competes him in the Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over division.
“I’d like to thank his owner, Daryl,” Kain concluded. “She has been the most amazing person that has come into my life. She is fully supportive and I would not be here without her.”
The $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby is part of the $40,0000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series which is returning for the fifth year in a row at the Kentucky Horse Park. The five-part series a $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus presented at the conclusion of the series.
Emma Kurtz Dominates Junior Hunter Divisions at Kentucky Summer Horse Show
Lexington, KY – July 30, 2016 – The luck of the Irish certainly favored the winners of Saturday’s $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Irish riders Shane Sweetnam and Christina Kelly rode away with the top three ribbons, with first and third won by Sweetnam and Kelly earning second.
The first round saw 30 entries over fellow Irishman Alan Wade’s course, with 14 horse-and-rider combinations eventually advancing to the short course. The spectators cheered from the stands, enjoying the top-quality show jumping during the Kentucky Horse Park’s 14th annual Hats Off Day.
Kelly and Andrea O’Brien’s Kingdom were among the first to turn in a clear round, securing their place in the jump-off early on in the class.
“Kingdom has come such a long way,” Kelly said. “He jumped his first grand prix in April in Aiken, and he has moved up slowly. He has been unbelievable, and this is the biggest venue he has competed at, especially with the crowds and the night class. He showed so much potential, and he is getting better and better.”
Sweetnam and the Blue Buckle Group LLC’s Cobolt jumped their clear effort shortly after, and later Sweetnam followed up with another jump-off-qualifying round aboard Main Road, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Seabrook LLC.
“Cobolt is a lot of fun to ride,” Sweetnam said. “It’s taken me a little while to figure out the buttons, but we seem to have figured it out in the last couple months. He’s been very consistent, so I’m very happy with him. He’s a really quick horse, and he jumped really well here the other night.”
As the riders returned for the jump off, only five of the 14 qualified would repeat their clear efforts. Kelly returned with Kingdom to lay down a quick round, saving time by taking tight turns and opening up the 17.3-hand horse’s massive stride between the combinations. Kelly and Kingdom stopped the timers in 45.474 seconds, securing her hold on the lead.
“I was very happy with him,” Kelly said. “I was going into this hopeful that he was going to jump well. My strategy was just to go double clear, but he was jumping so well I figured I could push him a bit to go faster. The track rode fantastic; I love Alan Wade’s courses.”
Sweetnam entered the ring on Cobolt shortly after, taking his turns even tighter and using his smaller horse’s agility to its full potential to shave an impressive two seconds off of Kelly’s leading time, finishing the course in a mere 43.882 seconds to take over the top spot.
“Christina was really fast,” Sweetnam said. “I know she was really quick everywhere, but Christina’s horse is a big-strided horse, and I think my fellow may just be a bit niftier and quicker through the corners. He’s definitely more competitive that way; he’s bouncy, you can turn quicker, and he gets his eye on the jumps. I think he was excellent in the jump-off. He likes going fast; he’s a bit like his dad [Cyklon 1083], so it’s great that Cobolt is winning, too.”
During his career with Cyklon 1083, Sweetnam has experienced a lot of success. At 10 years old, Cobolt is one of Cyklon’s oldest sons and is following in his father’s footsteps. Sweetnam got the ride on the gelding in January, and has since won the $130,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI3* at Tryon, among other successes at the 1.50m level.
The final rider to return to the ring, it was clear that Sweetnam would be taking home the blue ribbon, but it was a question of whether he could beat his earlier time on his next mount, Main Road. Despite coming close with their clear effort, Sweetnam and Main Road’s time of 46.444 seconds would earn them the third-place ribbon.
“Main Road is only an 8-year-old,” Sweetnam explained. “He’s had a bit of success already this summer, and he’s coming along all the time. He was pretty quick tonight, and I think if I had to, I could have been quicker, but I would have taken more risks. I was already happy with his round, and he did exactly what I wanted to do. He can be very, very quick, and I think he’ll have other days where he’ll win, too.”
Sweetnam concluded, “I love Kentucky, and we always have success here. It’s our home for the summer, so that makes it nicer. I also want to thank my sponsors, between Lisa Lourie, the Buckle Up Group, the Gilbertsons and Paul Tracey; I’m just lucky to have such great owners. I’ve been very lucky this year to have these horses.”
Also going double clear, Adrienne Sternlicht and Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s Toulago tripped the timers in 49.442 seconds to take home fourth place. Trailing very closely behind, Juan Ortiz and the Synchronicity Group’s D’ulien Van De Smeets ended up in fifth place with their time of 49.842 seconds. Despite having the second-fastest time at 44.372 seconds, Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios and A S D Farfala rounded out the top six after catching an unfortunate four faults for having a rail down.
The final highlights during the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix. The action will resume next week during the Kentucky Summer Classic.
Emma Kurtz Dominates Junior Hunter Divisions
Emma Kurtz dominated the Stonelea Ring on Saturday at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show with wins on Dominik in the Small Junior Hunter division, as well as a clean sweep in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division on Frederick.
“My rounds on Frederick went really well today,” Kurtz said. “He was amazing considering it was so late in the day due to the weather delay. He is very flashy with his white socks and blaze, and he has a great rhythm to his canter.”
Emma Kurtz and Frederick
Kurtz has had the ride on David Gochman’s chestnut gelding for over a year, and the pair are no strangers to winning blue ribbons and championship titles. In Saturday’s Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, Kurtz and Frederick won both over fences classes and the under saddle class.
“Frederick is a quiet horse. He is so fun to ride and I love him,” she continued. “He may be a bit looky at times, but he is usually on it and he was great today.”
Kurtz of Hudson, Ohio also impressed the judges on David Gochman’s gelding Dominik. This was the third show the duo has competed together and though they are a relatively new pair they were Grand Champions at Brandywine. On Saturday, they earned the blue ribbon in both over fences classes during the Small Junior Hunter division.
“Dominik was feeling great today,” Kurtz explained. “He was a bit frisky which was kind of good because he is usually too quiet, so the rides today were nice. He is very simple and sweet.”
She plans on riding him in next week’s Kentucky Summer Classic and then Sophie and Mimi Gochman will pick up the ride.
“I love Kentucky,” Kurtz explained. “I love to be back here! The show is always run so nicely. The jumps are beautiful and it’s just a really nice show to come to.”
Brett Burlington of Miami, Florida leads the way in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 division on Popish Farms LLC’s Due West. The pair won an over fences class as well as placed second in the under saddle class.
“I thought my rounds went really well today,” Burlington said. “He is very easy and straightforward. I float the reins and everything usually works out well. Basically the less I involve myself the easier it is. If I ride everything smooth and not change much, the distances come up nicely. The more adjustments I try to make, the distances can get a bit iffy.”
Burlington competed the 12-year-old gelding during the winter season at WEF and they were champions in Traverse City earlier in the summer.
“He is owned by a client at Sweet Oaks Farm and she is very nice to let me show him,” she explained. “I have been riding him on and off for a couple of years now. For the rest of the season we will work on having more consistent rounds and try my best.”
All junior hunter divisions will wrap up on Sunday morning at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
On Saturday morning, championships were awarded in the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions. Jane Gaston won the Visse Wedell Grand Hunter Championship, as well as the Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship aboard Because. The KWPN gelding had also earned the Green Hunter Championship with Kelley Farmer earlier in the week.
Lisa Butzer earned the tricolored ribbon for the Amateur-Owner 3’3 18-35 division on Pure Imagination, while Didi Mackenzie and MTM Do Right was crowned champion in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3 Over 35 division.
On Sunday, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby will take place and it will be the third class in the $40,0000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby series. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus will award a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the five classes that make up the 2016 Hallway Feeds series. The series-leading amateur and junior riders 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 Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 21.
Madison Sellman Wins ASPCA Maclay aboard Alvarez L
Lexington, KY – July 29, 2016 – Despite being her first show with Disco Lady, Mavis Spencer made winning look easy as she piloted the 8-year-old mare to victory in the Open Jumpers 1.40m on Friday at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
“I think Disco Lady is a super mare,” Spencer said. “She’s so talented; she’s so scopey and so brave and careful. I think she’s everything you would want; she has all the good qualities you want to have in a top horse.”
Spencer and Disco Lady were clear over the first eight fences in the power and speed class to advance to the speed portion, which they completed in a quick 33.483 seconds.
“I ended up doing 7 strides after the double where a lot of people had done 8, just because I know she’s so careful,” Spencer said. “She’s got such a big step as well, so I can kind of gallop up and challenge her a little bit to the fences and she jumps better for it. It all worked out well today; it was a good course for her.”
Spencer said she got the ride on the Neil Jones Equestrian entry last fall after George Whitaker and Denise Wilson had been showing the mare.
“Tim Collins bred her, and she’s owned by team Collins Strijk and Alfons de Vrindt, so she’s been going through their program,” Spencer explained. “I think it’s very nice for them to have bred her themselves and brought her along and now for her to start the big classes and be successful.”
The early leaders in the class, Shane Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s Cantero Da Lagoa, clocked a time of 34.194 seconds. Their time held the lead for the majority of the class until Spencer overtook them, leaving Sweetnam to settle for second. Third place went to Spencer Smith, who tripped the timers in 35.133 seconds with Azibantos.
Earlier in the day, the High Amateur Owner/Junior Jumper division took the stage in the Rolex arena. Emma Wujek and her own Ugaf took home the win with their effective round, going double clear and stopping the clock in 59.377 seconds.
Just a second behind the leading time, Benjamin Simpkins and Grindstone Farm LLC’s Vivaro B finished in second place with their time of 60.94 seconds. Third place went to Adrienne Sternlicht and Starlight Farms 1 LLC’s Helios and their time of 63.031 seconds.
Following shortly after, the Open Jumpers 1.35m got underway, and it was Manuel Lecuona and Golden Point Partners LLC’s Figaro D who bested the field to earn the blue ribbon.
Lecuona and Figaro D completed Alan Wade’s jump-off track in just 29.37 seconds, securing their lead by more than two seconds. Second place went to Blythe Marano, who completed the course in 35.518 seconds with Riverview Farm LLC’s Balade Du Ry Z.
“Alan [Wade] knows what he’s doing, and he makes us ride better and get a little bit more sharp,” Lecuona said. “You have to be precise, and I think that’s good. The horses learn so much. Figaro D is a very competitive horse. He goes in the ring and he wants to jump for you. I’m really happy with him because he always tries his best.”
Lecuona, who is based on a farm in Lexington for the summer, said he loves being located so close to the Kentucky Horse Park.
“The facility is great, the horsemen are great,” Lecuona explained. “We rent a farm here, and we have the turnout that the horses love. In Kentucky they can be horses again and go out and be happy. You feel it, too, when they start feeling happy and jumping really well.”
Madison Sellman Wins ASPCA Maclay at Kentucky Summer aboard Alvarez L
Eighteen-year-old Madison Sellman of New York, rose to the top of 18 entries in Friday’s ASPCA Maclay horsemanship class in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show aboard her own Alvarez L.
“It was my first round here in Kentucky this year and I thought it went pretty well,” Sellman said. “I have not been showing consistently this summer and it was my first time in the show ring since WEF.”
Madison Sellman and Alvarez L
She has ridden Alvarez, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, for two years since purchasing him in Europe with her mom. After he was imported, Sellman moved to train with Stacia Madden at Beacon Hill Show Stables in New Jersey.
“Alvarez is my only horse and he is my partner for life,” she said. “He is typically lazy, but once I get him going he has great self-carriage and is a simple ride. I’ve done equitation with him since we bought him and he really excels at it.”
The equitation course consisted of a challenging eight stride bending line, but Sellman impressed the judges with her fluid jumping round and flawless flat phase.
“Lately I’ve been working on my release over the jumps,” Sellman explained. “I feel like I have been consistent in my riding and I’m continuing to work on being stronger in the basics.”
The pair plans to compete at regionals in Kentucky later in the summer, and Sellman has her eyes set on qualifying for the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search finals, the WIHS Equitation Finals, and the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Championships.
“We have been working on consistency with Alvarez because he can get stiff,” Sellman explained. “I work on loosening him up, making sure he is really with me and allowing him to push off the ground over the jumps.”
The Washington International Horse Show hunter phase also took place in the afternoon at the Stonelea Ring with 30 entries. T. J. O’Mara of Rumson, New Jersey, impressed the judges with his ride on Walstib Stables LLC’s Kaskade and earned a score of 93.
“She was a little fresh in my lesson yesterday, so I was a bit skeptical about how her rideability was going to be today, but she was great,” O’Mara explained. “She really had an open stride, she felt great and I was confident throughout the course.”
O’Mara has been riding the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare for three years, and the WIHS hunter phase was their first class together at the 2016 Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
“I thought the long approach oxer and the last vertical in the course really tested how straight your horse was, so I had to focus on having an opening rein at those jumps with an outside leg,” O’Mara explained. “The lines rode a little easy for me and overall it was a straight forward course.”
O’Mara said he has been working on getting his lower leg stronger this season and not leaning too far forward with his body, as well as his release.
“She can be a bit strong, but I really try to be as soft as possible with my hands and support her with my leg,” he continued.
The incoming freshman at the University of Kentucky plans on balancing his studies for the agriculture economics major as well as competing in the indoor circuit during the fall semester.
“I plan on leaving my equitation and jumper horse with my trainer so they can continue to work with them while I focus on school,” O’Mara said. “I will be in school for about three weeks before going to Maclay regionals, the USEF Finals, and the rest of the indoor circuit.”
Emma Kurtz placed second in the large equitation class with Dr. Betsee Parker’s Patrick, and McKayla Langmeier, the 2015 ASPCA Maclay Finals Champion, placed third on Frake Van Der Meer’s Carrilou. The WIHS jumper phase will take place on Saturday morning.
Upcoming highlights during the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.
Sydney Shulman and Cosmeo Claim Grand Hunter Championship on Day Two of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show
Lexington, KY – July 28, 2016 – With only nine career grand prix wins under her belt, the pressure was on as Lauren Hester took the stage with Warinde B in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. The only American rider to advance to the jump-off, hometown favorite Hester gave it her all to earn the win, besting veteran five-star riders Pablo Barrios and Shane Sweetnam.
“I’m on cloud nine, and I’m really happy,” Hester said of her win. “It was so exciting to be the only American and Lexington rider in the jump-off because I really had the crowd behind me.”
Out of a field of 46 entries, Sweetnam and the Blue Buckle Group LLC’s Cobolt were the first to go clear in 79.718 seconds over the Alan Wade-designed track. The course featured a tricky oxer-to-skinny combination that dashed many competitor’s hopes at a clear round.
After several more riders attempted Wade’s course, with many falling victim to the time allowed of 82 seconds, Venezuelan Olympian Barrios and his own A S D Farfala delivered the second clear round of the night with a time of 80.751 seconds, adding their names to the short list.
“The course was pretty tough, and I knew when I walked it that it was a good course,” Barrios said. “It was very delicate and the time allowed was perfect. It really made you ride quicker, which makes you susceptible to mistakes.”
Among the last to go, Hester piloted Hester Equestrian LLC’s Warinde B to the night’s third and final clear round in 78.785 seconds, much to the crowd’s delight.
“I thought I had the third to last rail down, and I thought ‘darn it,'” Hester said. “But then the crowd cheered. When I made it to the jump-off I laughed and thought, ‘This is not fair competing against these top five-star riders. I felt like an underdog with my tiny mare, who is 15.3 hands.”
The three riders returned for the jump-off, with Sweetnam and Cobolt attempting the short course first. Despite laying down a fast round in 44.142 seconds, Sweetnam pulled a rail in the combination coming to the final fence to take home third place.
Barrios and A S D Farfala returned next, and delivered a careful effort to finish clear in 47.234 seconds, unfortunately picking up one time fault along the way to finish in second.
“There were only three of us, and I didn’t want to go too fast,” Barrios said. “After seeing Shane have one down, I knew that if I had a clear round at least I’d be second. Farfala is a super mare, but Lauren really deserved the win tonight and showed really great, quick riding.”
The final pair to return, Hester and Warinde B came ready to win, equipped with a plan that would shave seconds off the previous times. Hester cut strides out of every line, expertly navigating the turns as tightly as possible to blaze through the timers in 43.043 seconds – a full four seconds faster than the second-place time.
“She’s a really fast horse,” Hester said. “She’s sensitive and spooky and can be all over the place, but she is so nice and I love her.”
Hester said she purchased Warinde B 5 years ago, when the mare was only 8 years old. Hester said the two have built a strong partnership over the years, with Thursday marking the duo’s fifth grand prix win together and Hester’s tenth career grand prix win.
“She is my favorite,” Hester concluded. “It took me a long time to get to know her, but now we are finally on it! Last year she got hurt and had a little bone bruise, so she came back in May of this year. She was going well, but now she is really great. I am just on cloud nine.”
The grand prix’s title sponsor, 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.
The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 digital radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full medical and surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and hyperbaric medicine. The practice has performed veterinary medicine for more than 137 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of medicine, surgery and theriogenology. For more information on the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit www.hagyard.com.
Sydney Shulman and Cosmeo Claim Grand Hunter Championship on Day Two of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show
Sydney Shulman and Cosmeo, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by DK-USA Sporthorse, claimed the Visse Wedell Grand Hunter Championship at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show on Thursday. The duo dominated the High Performance Working Hunter division by earning blue ribbons in all the over fences rounds, the handy round and the under saddle class, which culminated in a perfect score of 50 points to win the High Performance Working Hunter Championship.
“It is great to win the Grand Hunter Championship at Kentucky,” Shulman said. “This is my first year having a really solid professional hunter horse to compete, so it’s awesome.
Sydney Shulman and Cosmeo
“Cosmeo was ten times better than yesterday, and I thought he was awesome yesterday, but he was in a different category today!” Shulman explained. “He is new at this job, so normally the more he goes the more relaxed he gets. The first day he seemed a bit tense to me, but today he was so soft, fluid and really calm. It made it so nice to ride!”
Shulman was delighted with her round on Cosmeo, who is out of the legendary sport horse stallion Contender. She noted that the handy is the pair’s favorite class because of his former experience has a jumper.
“To me, the handy is my time to really show his skill off because he is so scopey,” Shulman explained. “The height is smaller than what he was doing in Europe so it is easy for him. Today, I was bold with my turns and I was quite neat going into the double combinations.”
Shulman is based in Greenwich, Connecticut and she plans on competing Cosmeo in Week 2 of Kentucky Summer Horse Show and in Derby Finals in mid-August.
“I’d like to thank DK-USA Sporthorse for their continued support and allowing me to show him,” Shulman said. “Also, the offspring Cosmeo has produced as a stallion have been amazing and he has many on the ground here in the U.S and in Europe. He is one of the last Contender babies that is currently breeding!”
Visse Wedell, a real estate agent for Douglas Elliman in Wellington, Florida and Lexington, Kentucky, generously sponsored the grand championship prizes for the multiple hunter divisions for the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
“My sponsorship is a way to acknowledge the hard work that goes into being the best of your division and reward the top in our sport,” Wedell explained. “I love to promote the hunters, especially since there are not a lot of horse shows that still award grand championships.
“Sidney [Shulman] actually used to ride a horse for me when she was a junior, so I love when someone I know wins it,” Wedell continued. “She is a talented young professional so it is great to see her go from winning with my junior hunter a few years ago to now when she is winning in the big professional classes. It’s fun to watch the progression of riders!”
The Green Hunter Championship also took place in the Stonelea Ring with the tricolored ribbon being awarded to Kelley Farmer and Jane Gaston’s 8-year-old gelding Because. The duo lead their division after day one with two blue ribbons in the over fences classes, and they earned two more blues in the handy and over fences class.
“Because is such a good horse and always tries really hard,” Farmer said. “He is very consistent and smooth in his rounds. I usually compete him in the First Years and his owner will compete him this weekend in the amateur divisions.”
Tim Goguen earned the Conformation Hunter Championship in a competitive division on Belhaven Stables LLC’s Splendid. One Wednesday, they won an over fences round and the under saddle, and also placed third in their first over fences round. On Thursday, they placed second in the over fences round and third in the handy, which helped the pair clinch the division championship.
The highlights of the week include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.
Professional Hunters Kick Off Kentucky Summer Horse Show
Lexington, KY – July 27, 2016 – Before heading to the Olympics with the Venezuelan team in less than a week, veteran show jumper Pablo Barrios brought his string to the Kentucky Summer Horse Show Series to jump his final classes in preparation for Rio.
Despite entering the 8-year-old Stackfleth in the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m without expectations to win, Alan Wade’s course proved challenging, producing only three clear rounds.
Barrios and Stackfleth were the first combination to go clear, tripping the timers with a blazing time of 62.319 seconds in the speed class. Their lead would hold out for the win, but not before Juan Ortiz and Mavis Spencer would attempt to challenge the quick time.
“Stackfleth is still green, but I think he has a lot of quality,” Barrios said. “There were a lot of rollbacks on the course, which could cause you to lose a little rideability if you didn’t pick the right pace in the first few jumps. He doesn’t like to have a rail down, and when he has a little rub, he really tries hard at the next one. He still is a horse that you need to take to the jump because he doesn’t go by himself yet, but he’s getting there.”
Barrios said he acquired full ownership of the horse two years ago after owning half of him because he liked him so much.
“I have big hopes for this horse for the future,” Barrios explained. “He already won a national grand prix, and when they’re 8 and they’re capable of doing that, it’s amazing. I think he will be a very nice horse. He has a beautiful back end, and I like him a lot.”
Ortiz and the Synchronicity Group’s D’ulien Van De Smeets delivered the second clear round, but were unable to catch the lead. The duo finished in second place after clocking a time of 70.312 seconds.
Spencer and Dubai, a Neil Jones Equestrian Inc. entry, were the third combination to go clear, ending on a time of 71.968 seconds to secure the third place ribbon.
After finishing two weeks at Kentucky Summer, Barrios will head to the Rio Olympics, where he will represent the Venezuelan team with his horse, Antares, and teammate Emanuel Andrade.
“It’s very nice to be back in Kentucky,” Barrios said. “I love it here, and I think the horses love this place. I have the great opportunity to keep my horses in the Kessler’s facility, so they love it there. This will be my last schooling opportunity before the Olympics, so I’m just going to do tomorrow’s grand prix with Antares, and he will leave [for Rio] on Tuesday.”
Earlier in the day, fellow Venezuelan rider Alejandro Karolyi piloted Vinitienne to a first-place finish in the 7-Year-Old Jumpers. Karolyi’s faultless jump-off round tripped the timers in just 34.646 seconds to overtake Manuel Lecuona’s early lead of 35.817 seconds.
“I think this course had plenty of questions, and to win you had to go fast,” Karolyi said. “Manuel is a very slick and fast rider. I was there when he went, so I counted all the strides he did, and I took two or three strides out from his track, and that’s how I ended up taking the lead.”
Venitienne is a fairly new ride for Karolyi, as he acquired the mare at the Winter Equestrian Festival in March. Karolyi cited the mare’s talent and breeding as two of her best qualities.
“She has an amazing way of jumping,” Karolyi explained. “She has talent. I think she’s for sure one of the most talented young horses I’ve ever owned, so that’s very exciting. Not only does she ride like tiny horse, but she also has the scope and carefulness of a big horse. She’s a very modern type.”
In addition to his victory in the 7-Year-Olds, Karolyi also placed third in the 1.35m Open Jumper division with Isibelle, another talented, up-and-coming mare. The duo was just .2 seconds off the leading time in the tight race for the blue.
“She’s a chestnut mare, so she goes a bit her own way,” Karolyi explained, laughing. “You always have to make them think it’s their idea. She’s evolved amazingly, and she is a gun. She really puts her heart into it, and I think in the end that’s what’s going to make her such a successful horse.”
The victory in the 1.35m Open Jumpers went to Grace Long and Badger Hill Farm LLC’s Gelati, whose time of 37.35 proved unbeatable, despite the top four finishers coming within hundredths of a second of the lead. Second place went to Blythe Marano and Urban, who finished just one-tenth of a second behind Long and Gelati.
The jumper action will continue on Thursday with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, while other highlights of the week include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, and $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.
Professional Hunters Kick Off Kentucky Summer Horse Show
The professional hunter riders enjoyed a beautiful opening day in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park. To kick off the day, veteran hunter rider Kelley Farmer took home blue ribbons in both over fences rounds of the Green Working Hunter Division.
Farmer was aboard Jane Gaston’s KWPN gelding, Because. Though their partnership is relatively new, the duo had a successful winter season in Wellington and have been racking up wins ever since.
Kelley Farmer and Because
“I thought he went around lovely today,” Farmer explained. “He always tries hard and goes so smooth. He is such a good horse, and if I stay out of his way, I think tomorrow will be great! As usual, this horse show is run well with beautiful jumps and perfect footing.”
As the day continued, Tim Goguen topped the leaderboard in the Conformation Hunter Division on Belhaven Stables LLC’s Splendid. The pair won an over fences round and the under saddle, and also placed third in their first over fences round. Goguen, who is based in Lexington, Kentucky for the summer, also placed second in an over fences round with Garland Alban’s Category.
“Splendid has had a good summer,” Goguen said. “She did well in Florida and has been having nice results coming out of the winter season. She is easy every day and such a nice mare. There are no tricks with her, and she is very steady.”
The day wrapped up with the High Performance Working Hunters where Sydney Shulman dominated the division by earning blue ribbons in both over fences classes and the under saddle class. Shulman, who is based in Greenwich, Connecticut, rode Cosmeo, who is owned by DK-USA Sporthorse.
“I thought my rounds were consistent and he was jumping amazing,” Shulman said. “We have been working on making him more hunter-y as he was previously a jumper in Europe. Every time he goes in the ring he gets better and better.”
Cosmeo left quarantine in March, and this is both Shulman and Cosmeo’s third time competing in a high performance division.
“He is so powerful and scopey when he jumps. It’s really the coolest feeling ever!” she continued. “I cannot imagine not doing this division with him because he is such an amazing athlete.”
This is Shulman’s eleventh year competing at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show and she enjoys showing all her horses at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“I love this show,” Shulman explained. “It is a very well run show with great management, footing and jumps. I bring all of my horses and clients here.”
The professional hunter divisions will wrap up Thursday in the Stonelea Ring, with equitation taking place on Friday.
The highlights of the week include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.
Lexington, KY – August 2, 2015 – This summer marks Hailey Berger’s first time competing at the Kentucky Horse Park, but after the two weeks that she had, she cannot wait to come back.
On Sunday, the 15-year-old from Parkland, Florida closed out her enjoyable and extremely successful time at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows by earning the win in the $1,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic.
“This is my new favorite show, definitely. I love it here,” Berger said. “I just love the scenery. Going out to the field was definitely the best thing. It was amazing. The rings are great; the people are great. This is a true show, and that’s what I love about it. Everyone’s so supportive.”
While the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows quickly won Berger over, besting a field of 55 entries to win the Children’s Jumper Classic could not have hurt her experience either. She and her own Shannondale Gino were one of 29 combinations to go clear over the Florencio Hernandez-designed course in the Rolex Stadium.
After completing the course without fault, riders had the option to return immediately for the short course or save their jump-off effort for after the conclusion of all riders’ first rounds. Berger, and the vast majority of the clear riders, elected to return immediately, and she and Shannondale Gino delivered once again. This time they finished clear on a time of 32.032 seconds, which would hold through to the end as the fastest double clear.
With many in hot pursuit of tripping the jump-off timers in the fastest time, only eight of the 29 first round clear riders were able to also go clear in the second round. Of them, Avery Hinson and Vaillant came the closest to besting Berger’s time, finishing on 32.939 seconds. Rounding out the top three was young rider Taje Warrick with her mount Drommels; the pair finished on 33.573 seconds.
“Everything went pretty smoothly today, except coming at the last, I came at it a little crooked,” Berger said. “I said ‘oh Gino, come on. We can do this. We’re at the last jump!’ He jumped it fantastic! We landed, and I looked up and saw that we had a great time. It was a great ride. He was fantastic.”
Berger, who trains with David Blake and Declan McGarry at Pine Hollow Farm, acquired Shannondale Gino at the beginning of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival season, and, while she says that they did not necessarily mesh instantly, they are now a strong combination.
“We’re really clicking now to the point where if I mess up he’ll save me. He’s fantastic,” Berger said. “He’s a jokester for sure. He’s the sweetest horse ever though. He’ll be on the crossties, and you can just cuddle on him, and he’ll love on you. He’s definitely spoiled too. My mom and I will walk up to him, and he’ll nicker and run at us for treats.”
Following the $1,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic on Sunday morning, it was the Adult Jumpers turn in the Rolex Stadium for the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic.
From a field of 36 entries, it came down to Sweet Oak Farm barn mates Logan Marksbury and Lindsey Tomeu for the top two spots.
“Normally if she goes clear, she wins,” Marksbury joked of Tomeu.
The two went back-to-back, and while Tomeu and her mount, Bonapart, did go clear, it was Marksbury’s turn for the victory. She and her own Evano S took a slick inside turn to edge out Tomeu’s time of 33.406 seconds, finishing on 32.972 seconds. Both girls’ times would hold through to the end of the class to give Sweet Oak Farm the one-two finish.
“My horse was really good to me today. It wasn’t the smoothest course for me. It was kind of a hard course with a lot of tight lines, which are hard for me because I have such a big-strided horse, but he was great,” Marksbury said.
After showing exclusively hunters, Marksbury just started doing the jumpers a year ago, but she is enjoying every minute of it with Evano S.
“I had done hunters before that. I love it. I have one hunter, and after him I’m probably just going to do the jumpers,” Marksbury concluded.
Sunday marked the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Classic, but summer horse shows at the Kentucky Horse Park resume on Tuesday with the 2015 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals.
Emma Kurtz Takes Championship in Large Pony Hunters Section A
With the 2015 USEF Pony Finals just days out, many of the nation’s top pony competitors have already made their way to the Kentucky Horse Park to prepare during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Such is the case for young rider Emma Kurtz, who piloted Cherrybrook Skye Blue to the Large Pony Hunter Section A division championship on Sunday.
Emma Kurtz and Cherrybrook Skye Blue
Although Kurtz only acquired the ride on Cherrybrook Skye Blue three weeks ago, the duo was nearly unstoppable against the field of 35 top-class ponies. During Saturday’s competition, Kurtz and Cherrybrook Skye Blue, owned by Christine Carlsen, navigated the Bobby Murphy-designed course to back-to-back second place ribbons.
“He was really good Saturday,” Kurtz said. “He’s a great pony. He’s really lazy, like really lazy, but he is basically the perfect pony. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
On Sunday, Emma and the eye catching white gelding returned ready to win, claiming blue ribbons in both the conformation and handy over-fences rounds.
“He felt amazing today,” Kurtz said. “He always does. He’s just such a great pony.”
The division’s reserve championship went to Claudia Freeman and Spellbound, owned by Ponies and Palms Show Stables, whose first and two thirds yesterday left them in a strong position for Sunday, where the duo placed second twice to secure the reserve honors.
“He’s awesome,” Freeman said. “He just goes around so easily and is such a nice ride. I started riding him at [the Saratoga Springs Horse Show in May]. He’s awesome. He loves attention.”
Returning for her third USEF Pony Finals, Freeman is looking forward to competing Spellbound in the Large Pony Hunter division at the Kentucky Horse Park next week.
“The Kentucky Horse Park is a great venue,” Freeman said. “I love Kentucky, and even the shows before Pony Finals. There’s so much to do; you really can’t get bored.”
Kurtz will also be competing in Pony Finals on a large pony, a large green pony and a medium green pony.
“I really love how exciting they make it with so much stuff to do,” Kurtz said of the annual competition. “They make it a really big deal, which is really fun.”
In the Large Pony Hunters Section B, the championship was awarded to Grace Everett and Dianne Randolph’s Hidden Springs Linus, with the reserve going to Maddie Weber’s Kingston and Augusta Iwasaki.
To learn more about the 2015 USEF Pony Finals, click here.
For more information about the Kentucky Summer Horse Show series, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and the Pre Green Incentive Championship.
What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2015 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 14-19, 2015
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 22-26, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 28 – August 2, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
2015 USEF PONY FINALS – August 4-9, 2015
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 11-16, 2015
USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event
KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 19-23, 2015
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Series: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, GGT Footing, Rood and Riddle, 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) 281-7979, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Pat Duncan (503) 510-8797
Stable office – Before Show: (503) 510-8797, 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
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry, and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (http://www.clarionhotellex.com) (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 Ryan McGaughey at Ryan.mcgaughey@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 checkout 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.
Lexington, KY – July 28, 2015 – This spring, Andres Rodriguez took over the lead in the 2015 Hagyard Challenge Series with combined second and fourth place finishes in May, but three riders sit tied for second and are hot on his heels in a close second. In the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series, junior rider Kelli Cruciotti continues to top of the standings after earning two second place ribbons during the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows.
In the Hagyard Challenge Series, Bedoya picked up the most recent victory during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show on Quattro, and is tied for second with the winners from the Kentucky Spring Series, Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela and Argentina’s Ramiro Quintana. Rodriguez is in the lead by just 20 points. The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of 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 Series concludes with the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner of the $50,000 Leading Rider will be announced and presented with the prize by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. New this year, Brook Ledge Horse Transport will be awarding a $1,000 shipping voucher to the Leading Rider and a $500 shipping voucher to the Reserve Champion Leading Rider.
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.
The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour emergency services and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine since 1876 and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 13 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology. For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit hagyard.com.
Kelli Cruciotti and Totem Pole
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 Pharmacy, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, Hallway Feeds, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.
The Kentucky Summer Horse Show also hosted the second event in the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. After earning second place during both of the spring horse shows with Totem Pole, Kelli Cruicotti holds the lead. There are four junior riders at the top of the standings, with Lily French ranked second over Helen Voss in third and Emma Kurtz in fourth. Professional riders Molly Sewell, David Beisel, Steve Heinecke and Sarah Sturges are tied with Amateur-Owner rider Missy Luczak-Smith for fifth place.
The five-part series will feature a $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby throughout the spring and summer, and at the conclusion of the series the Leading Rider Awards for the Series will be presented. 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 five 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 Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on August 16, 2015. Returning for the second year, the winning professional rider will win a free flight for a horse in the continental U.S., thanks to Tex Sutton.
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.
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, Fenwick Equestrian Products , Tack Shop of Lexington, Tex Sutton, Turf Town Properties and PNC Bank.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and the Pre Green Incentive Championship.
What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2015 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 14-19, 2015
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 22-26, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 28 – August 2, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
2015 USEF PONY FINALS – August 4-9, 2015
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 11-16, 2015
USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event
KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 19-23, 2015
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Series: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, GGT Footing, Rood and Riddle, 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) 281-7979, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Pat Duncan (503) 510-8797
Stable office – Before Show: (503) 510-8797, 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
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry, and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (http://www.clarionhotellex.com) (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 Ryan McGaughey at Ryan.mcgaughey@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 checkout 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.
Lexington, KY – July 25, 2015 – Saturday night at the Kentucky Horse Park ushered in hundreds of spectators for Hats Off Day and one of Sydney Shulman’s biggest career grand prix wins. The 20-year-old and her mount Venice bested a field of 36 horse-and-rider combinations to win the $50,000 Rood and Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
“I’ve had a really good couple of weeks,” Shulman said. “I won the Ox Ridge [Hunt Club] and Fairfield [County Hunt Club] grand prix two weeks ago and the week before on two of my other horses, so it’s pretty cool to come here and do it on my favorite one!”
From the original starting field, only three riders successfully maneuvered the first round, Alan Wade-designed course without penalty to advance to the jump-off. The others all fell victim to faults both over the fences and on the clock – including 15 combinations who finished with at least one time fault. Three riders, including Alison Robitaille, Conor O’Regan and Ansgar Holtgers, all finished clear over the fences but faced heartbreaking time faults as they tripped the timers, keeping them from the second round.
It was only Shane Sweetnam and Easy Contact Humlan, Shulman and Venice, and Sharn Wordley and Corino who would successfully advance to the jump-off and vie for the lion shares of the prize money in front of the packed stands in Rolex Stadium.
As the early pathfinders, Sweetnam and Easy Contact Humlan, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, were the first to contest the short course, and they turned in an impressive double clear effort to finish on a time of 47.238 seconds.
“I knew he has a big stride, but he’s not the quickest horse; he spends a lot of time in the air,” Sweetnam said in regard to Easy Contact Humlan’s jump-off round. “He’s going to jump big tracks; he’s a great horse. I knew that I had to try to be quick, but I knew if they executed their plan, they would be faster, so I think I definitely did a lot less strides than Syd did everywhere; my horse just is a slower horse.”
Shulman and Venice, owned by Jill Shulman, returned next, and from halfway through the course it was apparent that they were gunning for it. As they crossed the finish, their time flashed 44.823 seconds, nearly three full seconds ahead of Sweetnam’s time to move them into the lead.
“I didn’t have a very good jump-off in the welcome class on [Venice], so I was a little skeptical going back in today,” Shulman said. “She’s super quick across the ground; she doesn’t spend much time in the air. Her strides not big so I know I can make up time in the turns because she’s careful.
“I said to everyone before I went in, ‘I’m going to play it safe to the double,’ because that’s where I messed up on Thursday, but then I saw it. She felt really good, and I think I made it up there and at the liverpool. Then I took a shot to the last,” Shulman said.
From there it all came down to Wordley and his own Corino. But as a rail fell out of the cups, Wordley elected to retire, knowing that he would still finish in third, and the victory was Shulman’s.
“Venice is just the best. She’s so quick off the ground. She’s so careful,” Shulman said. “We try to do the opposite of any other horse. We jump really small in the schooling ring. We jump small classes to gear her up for a big one. She knows her job.”
Shulman continued, “She jumped the $100,000 at Old Salem unbelievably. That was kind of the telling point that she can be my top horse. We just really get along well ever since the day I first got on her. She just tries so hard every single time.”
Shulman looks forward to coming to the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows every year, and she and Venice will return to competition next week during the Kentucky Summer Classic.
“It’s my favorite horse show. It’s my 12th year coming here every year for three or four weeks,” Shulman said. “The facility is unbelievable. The show is run so well. You have permanent stabling which is nice. You have more than six rings to ride in everyday with great footing, and I think all of my horses jump great here. I love it. There’s always atmosphere.”
The Kentucky Summer Horse Show concludes on Sunday with jumper competition resuming at 8 a.m. in the Rolex Stadium.
Vivian Yowan, Tyler Petrie Top Junior 16-17 Hunter Divisions at Kentucky Summer Horse Show
Young rider Vivian Yowan proves time after time that she can do it all, whether she’s riding her way to individual gold at the North American and Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), winning in the jumper ring or claiming top honors in the hunters at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
As the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters began, Yowan and her own Ransom came ready to win, delivering two smooth rounds to boost them to the top of the pack. Scores of 89 and 88 earned the duo both blue ribbons over fences, with a fifth place finish in the under saddle rounding out their scorecard.
Vivian Yowan and Ransom
“I’ve had Ransom for two years now,” Yowan said. “I love him. I always feel like I can count on him.”
Yowan’s second mount in the division, Anytime, is a new ride for her. Despite being new partners, Yowan and Anytime impressed the judges, finishing second and fourth with scores of 85 and 81.
“Anytime felt really good today, and I think he’s on his way to being great,” Yowan said. “He’s just starting to figure it out, and today I really felt like he understood what his job is. He’s a little bit of a different ride than my other one [Ransom], but he’s very sweet. I think he seems very willing to do what you want him to do. I think today especially he was trying to please.”
Earlier in the day, the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters were underway in the Stonelea Ring, with rider Tyler Petrie outshining the field of top hunters on her two entries, Curious George and Quite Ruffy 840.
Petrie and Quite Ruffy 840, owned by Pamela Kahn, scored an 86 to collect the blue ribbon in the first over-fences class, with second place going to Yowan and Belhaven Stables LLC’s Character. Petrie and Quite Ruffy 840 followed up with another 86 to finish second in the next round. A third place finish on the flat marked a successful day for the duo.
“Ruffy was doing the grand prix with Wilhelm [Genn],” Petrie explained. “Then the jumps just got a little bit higher and a little bit wider so that was just his max. So Pamela bought him, and we were just trying to make him a hunter. If that didn’t work we were going to keep him a jumper, but obviously it worked out. He’s awesome. I can barely stay on sometimes because he jumps so hard, but he’s awesome.”
The second class went to Petrie and Curious George, who Petrie is riding in place of his owner, Lucy Loper, who is recovering from a broken back. The duo’s score of 87 gave them a slight edge over Quite Ruffy 840 to take the top spot.
“I was fortunate enough that Lucy was very generous and is letting me ride him while she’s recovering,” Petrie said. “This is about my third horse show on him. He’s awesome. He’s so much fun, but he can be really challenging sometimes because he’s only a baby. For the most part, he’s just so nice. He’s so comfortable.”
In addition to a full range of hunter divisions, hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic culminates in Sunday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and the Pre Green Incentive Championship.
What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2015 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 14-19, 2015
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 22-26, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 28 – August 2, 2015
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
2015 USEF PONY FINALS – August 4-9, 2015
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 11-16, 2015
USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event
KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 19-23, 2015
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Series: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, GGT Footing, Rood and Riddle, 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) 281-7979, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Pat Duncan (503) 510-8797
Stable office – Before Show: (503) 510-8797, 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
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry, and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (http://www.clarionhotellex.com) (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 Ryan McGaughey at Ryan.mcgaughey@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 checkout 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.
