Tag Archives: Liza Boyd

Brunello and Boyd Defend USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Title

Brunello and Boyd during their winning handy round.

Lexington, KY – August 16, 2014 – “I feel like it’s a bit of a dream, like pinch me. I’m still a little bit in shock.” That is what the winner of the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals had to say after her finish, and it is no wonder Liza Boyd thought winning derby finals twice in a row aboard Brunello was a long shot. She gave birth to her second child just two and a half months prior to the competition, giving her a very tight timeline to prepare herself and her horse Brunello, who is co-owned by Janet Peterson.

“I definitely had a plan, a little bit of a psychotic plan,” Boyd said with a laugh. “June 12, I rode for the first time, and I had the baby May 30. I really wanted that horse to jump for two months before the class so I started maybe a little early.”

My mom caught me and was not too excited, but I felt fine,” Boyd continued. “I really didn’t want anyone else to jump him. I wanted him to have a good solid two months of jumping fitness.”

Once her crazy plan was underway, Boyd said her expectations of herself and Brunello at Derby Finals changed the more she worked with the horse.

“Honestly, I thought in the beginning after I just started back riding I really just want to be top ten. That’s my goal. I just had a baby. Then a week after that I was like definitely top three,” Boyd said at the press conference, eliciting a good laugh from second place finisher Jennifer Alfano. “I’ve got to do top three. I’m feeling a little bit better, top three we’re going to up this goal a little. Then a little bit more recently I said, ‘I’d really like to win.'”

Boyd did just that, out-jumping the competition over a challenging track with very large fences. “I think all of us sitting here are lucky that we were all on a lot of scope. At the end of the day you need scope,” Boyd said of the top placing horses. “A lot of the derbies throughout the year you can get away without having a lot of scope, but I think tonight we were all really glad that we could ask on them. They could step up to the plate.”

Boyd certainly reached her goals set throughout the summer, and the competitor finishing second could not be happier for her. Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy performed brilliantly in the show ring to capture the reserve title, jumping up the ranks from seventh place, though Alfano assured that their warm up was anything but pretty.

“He didn’t school well, which is usually a good sign for him,” Alfano said of the notoriously quirky Jersey Boy. “Usually the worse school you have the better he is in the ring, which is a little hard mentally in the schooling area.”

Boyd backed up Alfano by recounting the story of a rare occasion when Boyd was not showing herself and got to watch Jersey Boy school.

“I’m always showing in the class with her so I never see her school, so when I was pregnant she had me come over to help her in a derby and I went: ‘Oh, Jen, does he always do this? This is terrible!’ He’s running sideways, and she said, ‘Well actually, that was pretty good!’”

Boyd is not the only one who finds the quirky chestnut gelding warm up antics a little intimidating. Emil [Spadone] was schooling me in Jacksonville one year, and I went in to jump one more jump. Once in a while he just makes a bid, and then he just crashes and rails go everywhere,” Alfano explained, “He lays down on the jump and standards were flying, and Emil was like: ‘Oh my God, what do we do?’ I said, ‘We should probably just go’,” Alfano laughed.

Sure enough, Jersey Boy was on his game the moment he stepped into the Rolex Stadium. “He was perfect. As soon as I picked up the canter and locked on the first jump I knew I was really home free,” Alfano said. “He just he gave it his all. He just he felt phenomenal. I was thrilled with him, and I was thrilled that Liza won. When she went and she was on top I thought: ‘It would be so great if we were first and second,’ and we were.”

Chairman Ron Danta said the competition has been getting better and better every year since the first finals six years ago, and Saturday night’s class was no exception. “You know the first year we started this, we didn’t have derby horses in the country. We had a mix of equitation horses, jumpers and hunters, and it’s been an amazing journey to watch the development of derby horses. It’s amazing in six years, it’s brought hunters to such higher level, so I’m very excited and proud of all you,” Danta said, motioning to Boyd and Alfano.

Tori Colvin earned the top honors during Friday’s Classic Round aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s Inclusive, but a small error in the handy round was costly and they finished with a total score of 574 to take home the third place award. There was a tie for the fourth place honors between Hope Glynn riding Woodstock, and Morgan Ward riding Comissario. Sandy Ferrell and Mayfair rounded out the top six.

Ward put in a high handy round score that, when combined with her classic round score, put her in the overall lead after 10 horses had gone, it also made her the Champion Junior Owner. Glynn’s handy round on Woodstock scored below Ward’s but when the overall scores were tallied Glynn and Ward were tied.

Hunter competition at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show continues tomorrow with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Hallway Feeds. To learn more about the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, 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

Colvin, Torano and Boyd Rise to Top of Round 1 at USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

Tori Colvin and Inclusive put in an outstanding round to win Round 1.

Lexington, KY – August 15, 2014 – After an injury months ago that sidelined the 11-year-old Warmblood gelding Inclusive, rider Tori Colvin has the successful mount back in winning shape. She showed him off today during the Classic Round of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, gaining a score of 95 from one judge panel, and two other scores in the 90s, as the two-day competition got underway at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Jimmy Torano, on his seventh mount of the day, produced results with Mindful procuring second place. Last year’s winner, Brunello, claimed third place with rider Liza Boyd just recently returned to riding after maternity leave.

Despite an injury earlier in the season, Colvin said she was not worried about how Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, would perform today. “We showed him at Devon and at Junior Hunter Finals, but we wanted to keep him ready for this, and we thought he’d be perfect to go right into Derby Finals,” she explained.

Colvin thought the course was open and beautiful and not too spooky for a first round. Her favorite jump, a high-option oxer with wagon wheels, proved challenging to many other pairs, but Colvin knew Inclusive would love it because the jump was somewhat ramped, a specialty of Inclusive.

Tomorrow’s Handy Round will feature increased difficulty and new challenges but Colvin isn’t feeling the pressure.

“I’m feeling amazing going into tomorrow. I’ve never had a really good round going into the handy, so it’s very different being on top going into tomorrow,” said Colvin. “I’m just going to go in and see how he feels and how it all plays out.”

Jimmy Torano made his last ride count on Mindful
Jimmy Torano made his last ride count on Mindful

Jimmy Torano, who grabbed second place on Mindful, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Glefke & Kensel, took over all seven of Kelly Farmer’s mounts when she broke her collarbone several weeks ago.

“I’ve never ridden any of these horses; I barely know them. I watched some videos of them last week just to see how they go. Larry called me last week and asked me to do this and I thought he was out of his mind,” said Torano jokingly.

Torano’s other mounts had some bad luck, but everything came together on his last ride of the round and the third to last entry in the class.

“They say to save the best for last and going in I thought that Mindful was the horse that could do it and I thought he was my best mount of the day,” said Torano. “I think there was a lot of pressure riding on me, but because it was Mindful I was very relaxed. That horse could jump the course by itself; he’s that easy to ride. I’ve ridden thousands of horses but he’s the most straightforward, direct and easy horse I’ve ever sat on.”

With a solid mount taking him to the Handy Round, Torano is looking forward to what he thinks will be a more challenging ride tomorrow.

“Today the course wasn’t too imposing and nothing was crazy high, but I’m sure for tomorrow the screws will be turned. I think tomorrow will be more of a rider’s course and we’ll just have to try to ride to the top,” said Torano.

As last year’s Derby Finals winner Brunello, the 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding, went into the ring, anticipation was high. Not only was the mount carrying hopes for a repeat winner, but his rider and partial owner Liza Boyd was only just returning to riding after being on maternity leave. Despite the challenges, Boyd and Brunello displayed their athleticism and claimed third place, positioning themselves well for the rest of the Final.

Boyd and Brunello are in a good position to defend their title
Boyd and Brunello are in a good position to defend their title

Despite his age (“He has his driver’s license now,” quipped Boyd), Brunello is feeling great, she said.

“He had a nine-month maternity leave as well,” said Boyd. “But he actually feels fitter than ever, even better than last year.”

In order to keep up with Brunello, Boyd was incredibly eager to get back to riding after giving birth and even snuck in a few rides.

“I have tortured myself to get back into shape; I’m not kidding,” she said. “Two weeks after the baby I wasn’t really supposed to be riding, but I did sneak in a little ride while everyone was away at a show. I was cantering around and doing a couple jumps and my mom drove by and yelled at me. My daughter caught me putting on a riding pants one day and called my husband.”

Boyd said the hard work was all worth it because she really wanted to be fit for Brunello. “Who knows how many more years he has; he doesn’t owe me anything, but he feels great,” said Boyd.

Tomorrow the hunters will return to the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Handy Round and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, including this week’s Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, 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

Charleston Summer Classic Hunter Derby Fever

Eloise and Liza Boyd sail over a jump on their way to the win in last night’s $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Flashpoint Photography.

Forty-five horse and rider teams went on the hunt for the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on the lovely grass field at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center last night, but it was Eloise, owned by Stella Styslinger and ridden by Liza Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, who would take the win! And if that victory wasn’t sweet enough for Boyd, her second mount, Trinity, owned by Finally Farm, would come in second.

Julie Curtin of Roswell, Georgia and Sara Stephens’ Fabrege came in third place, and Mary Eastwood’s Lavasco, ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, finished in fourth. Fifth place was awarded to Unikat, owned and ridden by Amy Yoder of Seneca, South Carolina. Curtin returned to the winner’s circle to claim sixth place, this time aboard Patricia Husted’s Ramano. Taylor Chevalier of Alpharetta, Georgia received seventh place with her own Rocketeer, and eighth place was awarded to David Pelligrini’s Outspoken, ridden by Emily Hertz of Eads, Tennessee. Gilchrist returned to the winner’s circle, this time in the irons of Molly Ather’s Honor, to claim her ninth place ribbon, while Johns Island native Lynn Seithel and her own Versace received tenth. Eleventh place went to Grace Howard and her own Bethel’s Peri, and twelfth place went to Ronda Stavisky’s Cartier R.

“This was one of the biggest hunter classes the Charleston Summer Classic has experienced here,” commented Classic Company President, Bob Bell. “We are thrilled with the turn out and even happier that everyone is having such a great time!” he added.

While riders competed, VIP patrons were treated to a dinner sponsored by Charles Hairfield and the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center.

Show-cation Party Schedule Is Underway!

Did you order your VIP table? There are literally four left for this week. So reserve your VIP table and then start marking your calendar because you won’t want to miss a moment of the fun at the Charleston Summer Classic!

Tickets to the VIP are only $350 for a table of 8 each week and individual tickets are only $45 per person. Be sure to email info@classiccompany.com to reserve your VIP table now!

Week II kicks off on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 pm with the Annual Unbridled Affair at the Beach Club, sponsored in part by Seabrook Island Real Estate. Casual attire, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a live band will have you raving about this event for years to come.

The fun continues on Wednesday, July 16 with the 7th Annual BBQ at Tissy’s Oak River Farm, 3598 Wild Plum Road, Johns Island – just down the road from the horse show. All are welcome to attend so be sure to bring the entire family!

The USHJA Hunter Derby returns next Thursday, July 17 and the Derby Party takes place alongside it in the Grand Pavilion starting at 5 pm. An open bar and dinner are generously sponsored by Seithel Law Firm, LLC.

Friday, July 18 at 5 pm, the Grand Prix party, sponsored by the Atlanta Hunt Club, New Vintage Farm and Ridgewater Show Stables, takes place in the Grand Prix Pavilion during the $25,000 Grand Prix and will offer VIP patrons an open bar along with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The Dressage Collection sponsors the Farewell Brunch on Saturday, July 19 at 10 am in the Grand Pavilion. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary Bar, compliments of The Market Place.

Enjoy a drink with friends while watching ringside grand prix and hunter derby action. Reserve your table today!

For twenty-two years, the Charleston Summer Classic has been offering riders, their family and friends the opportunity to jump the waves and the jumps. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, located on Johns Island, South Carolina, is twenty minutes from downtown historic Charleston with its abundance of historic southern mansions, fabulous seafood, dining, art galleries, horse and buggy tours and world class shopping.

The show grounds are even closer to the beach! Yes, about 5 miles away from the show grounds, you can be on the Atlantic Ocean. The show’s close proximity to the ocean keeps the temperature just perfect in the grand prix arena and hunter rings. Miles of scenic, wooded trails meander through the show grounds and exhibitors love kicking back and trail riding if they are not enjoying the pristine beaches or competing in the arenas.

Does someone in your family enjoy fishing? Kayaking? Sailing? The Bohicket Marina is about a four minute drive from the show grounds and offers charters and rentals as well as dolphin watching tours. Golf anyone? Some of the best golf courses in the world are located no more than 10 minutes from the show grounds. There is a reason why the Charleston Summer Classic is the perfect show-cation with its packed social schedule, boutique feel and pristine show grounds. More than ever, riders are falling in love with the Charleston Summer Classic.

On Deck!

Everyone is enjoying the summer but fall will be here before you know it! And as the summer transitions to autumn, all eyes will be on the prestigious Atlanta Fall Classic set to kick off on November 5th through the 16th at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. The Classic Company calls the Olympic venue home for two weeks each year and welcomes new and familiar faces to the iconic show grounds.

Finals events, such as the Pre-Green Hunter Finals and the National Classic Equitation Finals, will highlight the two weeks of show jumping in addition to the crowning of the Classic Circuit Champions.

Riders are traveling from across the country to participate in these events. If you haven’t checked your status, now is the time to do so!

Week I opens up with the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class and the $65,000 EMO Grand Prix as well as the $15,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic and the $1,500 Take 2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division. The $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic, the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class, the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix and the International Hunter Derby take place Week II as well as the National Classic Equitation Finals, the Pre-Green Finals and the crowning of the Circuit Champions.

There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows and the Atlanta Fall Classic shows are no exception. So make sure to bring everyone to the Georgia International Horse Park in November and enjoy Classic Company’s world class customer service, beautifully decorated rings, big prize money, great events and fun for all! Email Jonathan at jonathan@classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503.

The prize list will be on-line by August 1 and starting that date, you can sign up for the Atlanta Fall Classic on-line and for free using HorseShowsOnline.com. The Classic Company just rolled out the new on-line entry system in time for Charleston and many exhibitors have already experienced the ease of entries on-line with no hustle and no rush to the post office and NO ADDED FEES – just entries made easy!

HorseShowsOnline.com allows you to not only sign up for the shows, but you can also see orders of go, how many, ring schedules and complete results. Credit card information is completely secure and encrypted. This may be the easiest way to sign up for a show. And for a limited time, the service is completely free. Yes, free.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Liza Boyd Wins Her First WCHR Professional Finals

Liza Boyd and Crack On. Photos copyright Shawn McMillen Photography.

Haleigh Landrigan Tops the ARIAT Adult Medal Finals

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 4, 2013 – Professional riders gain points all year in order to be the top six in the country and qualify for the WCHR Professional Finals, sponsored by the John R. Ingram Fund, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. This year, the top six were Liza Boyd, Kelley Farmer, John French, Peter Pletcher, Amanda Steege, and Scott Stewart, and it was Liza Boyd who finished the competition with top honors. In the afternoon session, Haleigh Landrigan was awarded as the winner of the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals sponsored by ARIAT International. The Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, will run through Sunday, October 6.

This year’s WCHR Professional Finals had a change in format. It was shortened to three rounds, with riders switching on two donated horses for the first two rounds, then bringing a horse of their own for the third and final handy round.

In the first round, Boyd rode Crack On to a score of 88.33 and was sitting in third place. She had the high score in round two of 91.33 on Corduroy, but still sat in third place behind Scott Stewart and John French.

The third handy round, which included a trot jump, bounce, and hand gallop, was what made such a huge difference for her. Riding Quatrain, a horse her family’s Finally Farm owns with Janet Peterson, she laid down a fantastic round. She was rewarded by the judges with equal scores of 95 across the board from the three judges’ positions, giving her a total of 274.66. However, she would have to wait and see what French and Stewart would do.

As it turned out, both French and Stewart had bobbles that landed them into the bottom two positions at the end of the class.

Stewart explained, “I chose Declaration (for the handy), who I’ve had for a really long time. He’s usually really, really good in the handies… until tonight. I don’t know what set him off. He’s usually perfect. He’s done really well in a lot of derbies so far. I’ll have to try again.”

French wasn’t worried about the handy part of the course with Sander, who has had experience at major equitation finals as well as in the hunter ring. “I brought him knowing that if there were any tricky things, bounces or whatever, in Missy Clark’s barn he’s seen all that before,” he said with a smile. But a slip off of his lead brought the scores down.

Amanda Steege and Crack On
Amanda Steege and Crack On

Moving up in the final round as well from fourth to second place was WCHR Pro Finals rookie Amanda Steege of Far Hills, NJ. Steege rode Susan Darragh’s Zidane in the final round and scored 88.33 for a total of 265.49.

Third place went to Peter Pletcher of Magnolia, TX. He finished with a total of 262.49, while Kelley Farmer of Wellington, FL, was fourth with 261.16. John French of Woodside, CA, was fifth with 257.83. Stewart, of Wellington, NJ, placed sixth with a total of 257.66.

Boyd, who is from Camden, SC, spoke about the format and how it helped her. “I obviously am a really big fan of the new format. I was from the very beginning,” she said. “I think that bringing your own horse in the end was very much in my benefit. If you picked a horse you knew really well you could really shine, and it definitely was in my favor.”

Boyd said that it was a “no brainer” for her to bring Quatrain to this class after his handy hunter victory this week in the High Performance Hunters. “He goes smooth through the turns and is easy to stay with like an equitation horse. But he jumped in beautiful hunter style. He was definitely the right pick for sure,” she confirmed.

While the riders enjoyed riding a familiar horse, they also remarked about the true hunters that were donated. “I loved my donated horses. They were perfect and perfectly prepared and fun to ride,” said Steege. Boyd added, “It’s great for sales horses; it’s great for promoting horses. Hopefully in the future there will be more and more of those.”

Pletcher had to make a last minute change to his horse for tonight’s class. “I chose a different horse, but he wasn’t right today so I had to quickly grab the sane, safe adult hunter from Eva Bisso, which was very nice of her to let me all of a sudden at the last minute use that horse. She marched right in there and couldn’t have given a better try. I was really happy with her.”

Farmer said that a decision to make a tricky inside turn in the handy course was a make-it-or-break-it moment. “I was in a position where if I tried it and it worked, great. I was low enough that in order to move up, I was going to have to do something. We have to try something,” she pointed out.

Farmer was also very appreciative of those owners that brought horses to the class. “That’s very generous of all of them,” she remarked.

This was the fourth time that Boyd has competed in the WCHR Pro Finals and, she said, the first time she was relaxed going into it with a “good mindset.” Steege, in her first year, was “shockingly relaxed.” She continued, “The thing I didn’t expect about this class was how much camaraderie there is between the riders and show management. So many people have pulled me aside to say ‘Make sure you have plenty of help. If you need help, we can help you,’ and all of these guys really helped show me the way. I had a great time.”

Geoff Teall, WCHR Task Force Chairman, noted that the new format “kept everyone in the playing field.” He continued, “The new format really allows for top hunters and allows for strategy.”

For her win tonight in the WCHR Professional Finals, Boyd was presented with the “All the Way” trophy. The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy donated by the Karazissis Family was given to Contelido as the Best Horse.

ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals

The ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals welcomed 29 competitors in today’s competition. Since its inception in 1994, the ARIAT National Adult Medal has given adult riders the opportunity to compete in a competitive equitation class over fences 3′ in height. The classes are held at select shows across the country and riders collect points to qualify for the Finals.

Haleigh Landrigan and Acovibu
Haleigh Landrigan and Acovibu

The top 10 from the first round returned for the second round. From there, the top four tested since all were within two points of the lead. With a .15 point margin of victory, Haleigh Landrigan of Marshfield, MA, rode Acobibu, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Acorado I—Siena) owned by Nancy Vinal.

Landrigan sat in seventh place after round one and moved up to third place for the test, eventually putting in a solid test with a bold hand gallop to move up to the win. “I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be for the first round. Once I got past the first round, it was a huge relief and really, my goal was to make the second round. I went in there knowing I had a ribbon regardless. I knew if I moved up, great. It was the same with the test. I just wanted to give it my all; surprisingly didn’t have that much stress!”

Landrigan got the ride on “Abu” through her friend Vinal. She started riding him in Florida this winter, and while Vinal rode him in the summer while out of college, Landrigan got back the ride when school went back into session a month ago. During the summer, Landrigan qualified on the generosity of borrowed horses from Annie Dotoli. She trains with Greg Prince and Cookie DeSimone and had help preparing for the Finals with Alex Schwartz.

This was Landrigan’s third time competing in the ARIAT Finals. “I did the equitation as a junior, and it never went that well, so that’s why I love being an adult. I feel like I can go around and be happy,” she related.

Round 1 of the North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup sponsored by Kate Considine/Willow Brook Stables kicked off this afternoon with a speed class. For the second year in a row, Victoria Colvin and Monsieur du Reverdy were the fastest to win. There were 29 entries in the class and 12 were clear, but Colvin’s time of 48.952 seconds took the top spot. One second behind was Cloe Hymowitz on VDL Wardorette in 49.970 seconds. Third place went to Colvin on Don Juan in a time of 50.476 seconds, while Kelsey Thatcher recorded a time of 50.828 seconds for fourth place on Everything. Kalvin Dobbs and Winde’s time of 51.139 seconds slotted them in fifth place. The jumpers will return tomorrow night for their final round, the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge Cup.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues tomorrow with championships for the 16-17 sections of the junior hunters, the pony hunters, the Children’s Pony Hunters, the WCHR Handy Hunter Challenge, and the final round for the junior/amateur-owner jumpers.

For full results, more information, or to watch the SmartPak live webcast, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org.

About Capital Challenge
In its 20th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 28 – October 6.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Liza Boyd Named 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

Liza Boyd and Brunello. Photos by Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – August 17, 2013 – Liza Boyd and Brunello have consistently been top contenders at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, but they have always come just short of the victory. Tonight at the Kentucky Horse Park Boyd and Brunello made the shot when it really counted, finally securing the win and earning the title of 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tier I Champions. With a huge smile on her face, Boyd led the victory gallop in the Rolex Stadium with reserve champion Kelley Farmer following aboard Mythical.

“I don’t know where to start,” Boyd said following her win. “I’m really happy with the horse. He was third one year and second last year. He really deserves it; he’s amazing.”

Rounding out the top four in this year’s prestigious USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show were Kelsie Brittan on Argentum and Shawn Casady aboard Ascot. Their finishes also earned them the top two spots in the overall Tier II standings.

The tier system was newly introduced this year with the hope of creating opportunities for riders to vie for more prize money and for different riders to see a share of that prize money. The 20 highest money earning riders from throughout the year were placed into Tier I, while other contenders qualified as Tier II riders for the shot at additional prize money.

Following yesterday’s Classic Hunter Round, the 30 highest scoring riders, no matter what their tier designation, returned to compete in tonight’s Tier I Handy Hunter Round and vie for the overall honors.

Riders returned in reverse order of their rankings from yesterday to compete over tonight’s Steve Stephens designed course, which included four higher option fences. Prior to the start of the class, Stephens took the crowd and exhibitors alike through a narrated course walk, which eventual winner Boyd took to heart.

“I tried to listen when Steve talked about how he wanted the course to ride,” Boyd said. “He said, ‘This is a jumping contest. I don’t want the course to win. I want the riders and the horses to win.’ There were no traps. It was really, really well done. I kind of took that to heart, what Steve said. He designed it so he knew what he wanted and had in mind, and that helped me. You needed scope, and you needed to be careful, which is what these derbies are supposed to be.”

Of the eventual top four finishers, Casady and Ascot, owned by HJ Group LLC of Sewickley, PA, were the first to return. Casady picked up a strong canter out of the in-gate and headed straight to the first fence, positioned down the centerline of the ring. The pair continued seamlessly from there. They came into the day in seventh place, but their Handy Hunter Round scores of 84, 85, and 85.75 plus handy bonus scores of 4, 8 and 5 earned them a round total of 283.75, including all four high option fences. That score, coupled with their score of 266.10 from Friday’s Classic Hunter Round, shot them to the top of the leaderboard with an overall score of 549.85.

Kelley Farmer and Mythical
Kelley Farmer and Mythical

Farmer and Mythical, owned by Larry Glefke and Kenneth Garber of Keswick, VA, finished Friday’s round in sixth place, positioning them to return immediately following Casady.

Farmer is well known for her handiness and daring inside turns in the handy round, and earlier in the night she tried an extremely tight inside turn aboard her first mount, On Q. When that resulted in a rail down, she, and the other riders knew that option was better left alone.

“Liza and I were talking about that turn earlier,” Farmer said. “I said, I’m going to try it with On Q, and we’re all going to know a) whether it’s possible b) whether it’s going to work or c) whether we even need it.”

With Mythical, Farmer proved that the tight inside turn was not needed to still be extremely handy, as they earned handy bonus scores of 10, 8 and 8. Those were added to scores of 89, 88.5 and 89 plus all four high options for a Handy Hunter Round score of 304.50. Casady’s lead was short-lived as Farmer jumped straight to the top of the list with an overall score of 571.75.

“He’s an amazing animal,” Farmer said of Mythical, who is currently competing as a First Year Green Hunter. “He tries to step up on the biggest stages. Every time it gets hard or it gets big, you call on him, and he gives you his all. I can’t ask any more of him. He’s an amazing horse. He does not let you down.”

Returning in the fourth place position were 17-year-old Kelsie Brittan and her mount Argentum. The talented young rider soared over all four of the high options, earning handy bonus points of 6, 7 and 5 and scores of 85, 85.25 and 84.75 for a Handy Hunter Round total of 285. Their grand total of 553.50 earned them the third place finish.

“I’ve just been doing the Juniors Hunters on him this year,” Brittan said of Argentum.  “Every now and then there would be a derby in Texas or in Michigan, and I’d say, ‘Okay, well, I’ll do it.’ I’ve been a little chicken. I’ve been just doing the small options, playing it safe. I’m here, so of course I’m going to try and be like all of the top riders and do all of the big jumps. I just had to really trust him tonight, and yesterday too. I just had to let him show off, and not ride it like a Junior Hunter anymore. I had to ride him more like a derby horse. It’s a big adjustment for me.”

Her trust in Argentum and his trust in her were apparent throughout the class and did not go unnoticed by the judges.

“I saw them in the pouring rain in Florida last winter,” judge Danny Robertshaw said. “I was talking to her mother. I said it then, and I said it yesterday and today – it is so much fun when you see a horse that loves his rider as much as he loves her.”

Following Brittan and Argentum, last year’s defending champions Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy entered the ring. They looked like they could win it again until an unfortunate rail hit the ground midway through the course.

While luck sadly was not with Alfano, she did share some luck with the next to enter the ring, Boyd and Brunello, co-owned by Boyd and Janet Peterson.

“Jennifer Alfano called me this morning and said, ‘I have a gift for you,'” Boyd shared.  “She had found a ton of four leaf clovers, and she gave me one. That was so nice. It’s so much fun that the sportsmanship is that good. She was really genuine, and it was special to have.”

Boyd had another special token of good luck for her round: a necklace her mother purchased for her at last year’s USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. The necklace reads, “Make the shot when it counts,” and that’s exactly what she did. She and Brunello earned scores of 84.25, 93 and 88.5 plus handy bonuses of 8, 9 and 7 for a round total of 301.75 and an overall total of 577.75.

Yesterday’s front runners, Scott Stewart and Garfield, had yet to return, but when their final overall score came in as a 535.50, it was apparent that Boyd and Brunello had earned the victory gallop.

Robertshaw had high praise for Boyd and Brunello’s round following her win. “I liked the gallop right from the beginning,” Robertshaw said. “The horse’s ears pricked looking for the jumps. There wasn’t a jump where his hind end wasn’t a foot and a half higher, finishing the arc and landing with his neck out and galloping away. She never pulled the reins and just went right to the next one. It was all forward movement like it’s supposed to be. She knows him, and she puts her heart right into it. He takes it and believes it, and it worked. It’s just exciting to watch that.”

Earlier in the day, those who did not make the top 30 cut for the Tier I Handy Round had the opportunity to compete in the $10,000 Consolation Round, sponsored by Moyer Farm LLC. Winning the consolation class was Scott Stewart aboard Declaration, owned by Fashion Farm LLC, while Victoria Colvin and Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, finished in second.

The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show concludes tomorrow with highlight events for both hunters and jumpers. In the hunter ring, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds UHSJA National Hunter Derby will wrap up this week’s prestigious hunter competition. At 2 p.m., jumper riders will gather at the Rolex Stadium for the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, bringing the week to an exciting finish.

For more information on the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and all of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

To learn more about the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Finals, visit www.ushja.org.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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First Dance and Liza Boyd Win the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Liza Boyd gracefully pilots Sarah Orberson’s First Dance over a fence on their way to the win in the National Hunter Derby last night. Flashpoint Photography.

Liza Boyd of Camden, South Carolina and First Dance, owned by Sarah Orberson, took first place last night in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by FarmVet, outscoring 42 other horse and rider teams.  The competition was steep, but Boyd and First Dance rose to the occasion earning them a first round score of 89, and a handy score of 91, totaling 180 points, securing the win.

In second place, Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama rode Belvedere, owned by Ellen Herrington, to a first round score of 88.5, a handy score of 89, and a combined total of 177.5.  Caracas, owned by Mary Claire Ray and also ridden by Shepherd, secured the third position with a first round score of 86, a handy score of 90 and combined total of 176.  Shepherd also locked in fourth place, this time in the irons aboard Kleiner Ralli, owned by Suzan Larson.  The pair earned a first round score of 87.75, a handy score of 87 and combined total of 174.75.

Fifth place was awarded to Sarona, LLC’s Fabrege, ridden by Julie Curtin of Roswell, Georgia.  The pair earned a first round score of 88.25, a handy score of 86 and combined total of 174.25.  Sixth place was awarded to Madison Maners of Matthews, North Carolina and her own Blue Steel.  The pair earned a first round score of 83, a second round score of 89.5 and combined total of 172.50.  Kissme, owned and ridden by Anna Well-Sharp of Bluffton, South Carolina, received seventh place honors after turning in a first round effort of 87 and a handy score of 85 for a combined total of 172.  Eighth place was awarded to Elevenstar Farm’s MacDaddy, ridden by Lucie Johnston of Nashville, Tennessee.  The pair earned 83.5 in the first round, followed by a score of 87 in the handy round for a combined total of 170.5.  Ninth place was awarded to Versace, owned and ridden by Lynn Seithel of Johns Island, South Carolina.  The pair earned a first round score of 88, a handy score of 80 and combined score of 167.

Taboo, owned by Churchill McMurrain and ridden by Rebekah Livingston of Peachtree City, Georgia, earned a tenth place after receiving a score of 90 in the first round, followed by a 76 in the handy round for a combined total of 166.  Eleventh place went to Be My Date, owned and ridden by Kate Duke of Collierville, Tennessee. The pair earned a first round score of 82.5, a handy score of 79 for a combined total of 161.50.  Wrapping up the class, Mackenzie McGehee of Jacksonville, Florida rode her own And Then Some to a first round score of 88.75, a handy score of 49 for a combined total of 137.75, locking in her twelfth place finish.

On Deck!

The $25,000 Adequan Grand Prix is scheduled for 5 pm tonight. The VIP tent will be serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during the class, so make sure to reserve your table in the show office.  This is the first of two grand prix that will be offered this year.  If you are still considering Week II, make sure to contact the office immediately to reserve your stall.  This is the vacation and horse show destination — and the only venue where you can jump the fences and the waves!

Charleston Classic sponsor, Cenegenics of the Carolinas, will be on hand this evening to meet with those interested in living well longer and maximizing their potential.

In other news:

Social Calendar!

The fun continues!  Tonight VIP patrons will enjoy cocktails and appetizers during the $25,000 Adequan Grand Prix.  Tomorrow, don’t miss the ringside Mimosas served up by Classic Company President Bob Bell himself.

There’s a party most every day next week too, so don’t miss any of them!

Something for Everyone!

Due to popular demand, Classic Company has added a 1.20m Training Jumper to the schedule for both weeks along with a Walk-Trot Division.

Don’t Hoof It!

With all the action at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, you may consider renting a golf cart from the Official Golf Cart Company, Garrett Golf Carts, or call them at 843-881-8894. Weekly rentals for two-seaters are only $225 and only $275 for the four-seaters. Make sure to contact them and reserve your cart now – your barn and trainer will thank you!

Got Rooms?

Get a jump on it and book today!  This location is beautiful and a vacation destination.  So make sure to book your rooms and condos now! Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partner is the pet-friendly Land’s Inn at 2545 Savannah Highway in Charleston.  The Land’s Inn is approximately 18 miles from the show grounds and looks forward to welcoming you, your families and your four legged friends.  You can call them at 843-763-8885 or visit them on the web at creeksidelandsinn.com.  Make sure to mention you will be attending the Charleston Summer Classic shows.

If condo is the way you like to go and the phrase “seven miles from the show grounds” sounds good to you, the Classic Company recommends several and they are listed in the prize list. Most are located on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island and all offer close proximity to the show and the beach. Classic’s newest lodging partner is Coastal Getaways of South Carolina and can be reached via web or at 843-789-4438. Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget!

Make sure to book now for the show and vacation experience you will never forget.

If you haven’t reserved your stalls or sent in your entries yet, please contact Classic Company immediately at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

For those looking save the cost of postage, paper and personal time, make sure to go to Equestrian Connect, Classic Company’s Official Service Provider, to submit your entries today!

Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best.  Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office fee added for credit card payments.

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them in Atlanta this summer.  The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

McLain Ward and Zander Triumph in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

Liza Boyd Clinches Champion and Reserve Titles with Fieona and Quatrain in Gold Coast High Performance Working Hunters

McLain Ward and Zander. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2013 – Week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with a victory for McLain Ward (USA) and Zander in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. The duo won over Great Britain’s Ben Maher riding Quiet Easy 4 and Peter Wylde (USA) aboard Lewin 5.

Week five of the FTI WEF circuit, sponsored by Adequan, runs February 6-10. The week will feature the the $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9 – March 31, 2013, and awards almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Olympic course designer Bob Ellis is in charge of the jumper tracks in the International Arena for week five. For Thursday’s WEF Challenge Cup class, Ellis saw 64 competitors in round one and had twelve entries jump clear to earn a return for the short course. Six of those jumped clear in round two to take the top prizes.

Continue reading McLain Ward and Zander Triumph in $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

Liza Boyd Tops the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Spring Challenge

Quatrain and Liza Boyd. Photo by Shawn McMillen

May 19th, 2012 ~ Conyers, GA – It was a bustling evening at the acclaimed Georgia International Horse Park as the crowd watched 25 of the country’s top hunter riders compete under the lights in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance.  No stranger to the winner’s circle, Liza Boyd took home the blue ribbon last evening aboard Mrs. Janet Peterson and Finally Farm’s Quatrain while capturing the second place on her and Mrs. Janet Peterson’s Brunello.  The team from Finally Farm in Camden, SC just came off a one-two win at the Aiken Spring Classic Derby and the Camden Spring Classic Derby back in April with Brunello taking the top spot over Quatrain in both of those classes.

It was finally Quatrain’s time to shine as the 8-year-old’s boldness and consistency garnered him and Boyd the top scores of the night.  In round 1 they received an 87 and 88 plus 8 high option bonus points from the judges and in the second handy round received an 84 and 88 plus 8 bonus points and 13 bonus handy points, giving them the winning total of 376 over Brunello’s 370.  Towell was pleased at how far Quatrain has come along this spring.  Just this past February he was competing in the jumper ring in Palm Beach.  The pair also captured the High Performance Hunter Championship earlier in the week that division sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian.  Julie Curtain and Morgan Connely’s Hanover On The Rocks took home the third place ribbon in the Derby and Alamo and Mariah Friedland rounded out the top 4.

Continue reading Liza Boyd Tops the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Spring Challenge

Aiken Fall Festival Kicks Off to Gorgeous Weather and a Week Packed with Special Events

Marksman and Liza Boyd. All pictures by Shawn McMillen

September 12th, 2011 ~ The first week of competition for the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival came to a close yesterday.  The two week hunter jumper show series is managed by J. P. Godard and his Equus Events and took place September 8-11 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC.  This week’s sold out show was jam packed with many special classes and events and the horse-centric town of Aiken makes it a prime stop on everyone’s calendar.  Exhibitors were delighted with the gorgeous weather and the Aiken Fall Festival really stepped it up to make all of its guests feel welcome with good southern hospitality and most importantly a well-organized event.  All attending were treated to nightly parties and daily hospitality including breakfast, daily snacks, and an ice cream party on Saturday all courtesy of the show’s hospitality sponsors; Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Christison Stables, Willoughby Stables, DFG Stables, Debi Friedman, Gagne International, Gamboa Veterinary Services, John and Leslie Kasper, Liz Tarumianz, Summit Springs Farm, LLC, The Farm House, The Stables Restaurant, The Wilcox, Travinia Italian Kitchen, and Wendy Arndt and Team IEC.  While the VIP tent events are free to exhibitors, donations were taken for this week’s beneficiary Children’s Place of Aiken, SC (www.childrensplaceinc.org). “We are extremely excited with our turnout this year,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.  “We are completely sold out this week and even with putting up more stalls next week, we still have a waiting list. In these tough economic times I feel people are picking and choosing what shows to attend and Equus Events is really striving to put on events that are the benchmark in our area.”

The week kicked off on Thursday with the featured class being the $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Stake.  Josh Dolan of Hilton Head, SC guided his Skylands Con Chino Z to the blue taking top honors over Christina Jason and her Tamino who finished second with Claire Lee White and High Roller finishing in third.  After the class everyone was invited to an Exhibitor Welcome Party at The Stables Restaurant and Beer Garden at the Rose Hill Estate in downtown Aiken.  The party featured food, libations, and the sounds of local Aiken band Preston and Weston with a few Aiken Fall Festival exhibitors even taking to the mic a time or two!  A great time was had by all and many thanks to The Stables Restaurant for the wonderful party.

Continue reading Aiken Fall Festival Kicks Off to Gorgeous Weather and a Week Packed with Special Events

Atlanta Summer Classics Awards over $160,000 in First Week

Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello Win $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby; Chasen Boggio and Hennessey Victorious in $35,000 EMO Grand Prix

Liza Boyd & Brunello © Flashpoint Photography

Conyers, GA — June 19, 2011 — There’s more than one reason exhibitors use the phrase “I’m showing in Hotlanta”; just ask Elizabeth Boyd who picked up some “hot” cash in Friday evening’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby or Chasen Boggio who’ll be depositing a big check from Sunday’s $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix.

Kicking off a huge week at the Georgia International Horse Park, the Hunter riders took center stage on Friday evening as 30 determined horses vied for the spotlight in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by the Classic Company. It had the feel of a red carpet extravaganza with competitors donning Shadbelly jackets, shiny boots, braided manes and tails – all those special touches to further impress the panel of four judges: Mike Rosser, Betsy Perry, Leo Conroy, and Mike Lowrey. Beauty aside, what the judges really wanted to see was the talent used to negotiate the 12 obstacles brought to reality from the imagination of designer Allen Rheinheimer.  Making use of the expansive Olympic arena, Rheinheimer created a track that traversed its entirety including the sizable bank along the back wall. Additionally riders encountered 4 options with height choices of 3’6 or 4’ as well as bending and broken lines throughout. Only the top 12 scores would be invited back for the handy round two. Continue reading Atlanta Summer Classics Awards over $160,000 in First Week