Tag Archives: Molly Sewell

Sweetnam Wins Second Saturday Grand Prix in the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix

Shane Sweetnam and Cobolt.

Molly Sewell Dominates $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA Hunter Derby

Lexington, KY – Aug. 6, 2016 – After winning the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix last Saturday, Shane Sweetnam and the Blue Buckle Group LLC’s Cobolt returned one week later to pick up another victory under the lights, this time in the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by GGT Footings.

Forty-seven horse-and-rider combinations attempted Marina Azevedo’s first-round track, with only four eventually advancing to the short course.

Mirroring Thursday’s grand prix, Sweetnam and Cobolt were again the first to go clear, and subsequently the first to return for the jump-off. Their jump-off time of 39.991 seconds would stand for the lead as the remaining three challengers fell short of taking over the top spot.

“Cobolt was brilliant,” Sweetnam said. “It was a difficult course; the designer did a really great job, as she did all week. For the jump-off I knew I had to go quick. The other day I went very quick, but I did get caught. I thought if I did a special turn from fence two to three that I could be the winner of the class. He did that no problem, but we landed and we slipped, which cost a few seconds to get organized. We still could have been beat, but the way it went, my lead stood.”

Sweetnam said he got the ride on Cobolt in January, and said he has been very happy with the horse’s progress. The pair has most recently finished in the top three during all four grand prixs during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show series.

“This summer Cobolt has been getting better and better,” Sweetnam said. “He is very competitive. He really loves his job, but he still has things to learn. We will see what he does when we go to the Hamptons and indoors, but he is really making a lot of progress.”

Finishing in both second and third place was Mavis Spencer on her own Cornetiero and Neil Jones Equestrian Inc.’s Disco Lady, respectively. Spencer returned with Disco Lady first, and an unfortunate refusal and rail down would leave the duo on an 8-fault finish in a time of 61.587 seconds.

“Disco Lady is only 8 years old,” Spencer said. “She jumped Thursday and that was her second night class, and this is her third one, so I’m really happy with her. On Thursday, we had a skinny down. There was a shadow that she looked down at, and I think she got a bit green, to be honest. She is so smart and she never makes the same mistake twice, so in the first round she just knew exactly where the poles were at and she jumped incredibly.”

With Cornetiero, Spencer outpaced Sweetnam with her time of 39.161 seconds, but an unlucky rail dropped at the penultimate fence to earn the duo the second-place spot.

“They are very different types of horses,” Spencer said. “Cornetiero has all the scope, and he’s super brave. He’s a little bit scrappy; he gets the job done. I only started riding Disco last week, and this was my fifth class with her. I rode Coronet last summer until the fall, and this was also my 5th class with him. He is my go-to horse at this level. But, overall, I was really happy with them both.”

Spencer said that just a few hours before the grand prix, a Facebook Timeline Memory reminded her that two years ago she was in Poland grooming for Neil Jones’ horses at a 3* event.

“To see the difference from two years ago to now is incredible,” Spencer said. “Just the fact that I rode three horses in this class is incredible for me. To be second and third, I would never have imagined that this afternoon. It’s an amazing feeling, and I really have a lot to thank Neil Jones for; it is a super support system to have for me.”

The final pair to compete in the jump-off, Juan Andres Rodriguez and his own Bugatti, collected a total of 4 faults and a time of 55.45 seconds to finish in fourth place.

Picking up only 1 time fault in the first round, Max Amaya and Meridian Partners LLC’s Bueno took home the fifth-place ribbon, while the fastest of the 4-fault rounds, Celso Ariani and Ricardo Romero’s Reus De La Nutria rounded out the top six.

Molly Sewell Dominates $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA Hunter Derby

Molly Sewell, a professional based in Orlando, Florida with Bill Schaub, was neck and neck with her two talented mounts, Acado and El Raymond, in the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Classic Horse Show. Less than two points separated the horses, but the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Acado came out on top with an overall score of 181.250.

Molly Sewell and Acado
Molly Sewell and Acado

His owner, Sydney Porter, is competing in her last junior year and earlier this week she was reserve champion in the Junior Hunter 3’3″ division with Acado at the Kentucky Summer Classic Horse Show. Sewell started riding the horse over a month ago, and is helping to prepare Acado to be Porter’s future amateur horse by giving him experience in the derbies.

“He is a lovely horse,” Sewell said. “He’s a pre-green horse, so it’s even better that he can go into the derby and be that amazing. I would not have changed a thing about the first round with Acado; there was there was nothing that needed to be different.

“Acado is really a lovely ride,” she continued. “He is very comfortable, soft in his mouth, has beautiful lead changes, and he is scopey.”

Sewell and Acado placed third in their first derby together in last week’s Kentucky Summer Horse Show, so she was thrilled that he stepped up to win the large class on Saturday. The pair earned a 93.000 in the first round and an 88.250 in the second round after jumping all three high options in each round.

“I think Acado was more confident this week,” Sewell explained. “He walked into the ring and rose to the occasion. He jumped the high options outstandingly. He just had a bit more mileage and confidence this week.”

Though Acado lead the way after the first round, Sewell’s other mount, El Raymond, had the experience to edge him out in the second round score by only 0.250 points. Owned by Leslie and Stuart Campbell, El Raymond is an 18-year-old Warmblood gelding who has quite an impressive derby record. Sewell and the chestnut gelding have won the Kentucky Summer Horse Show derby three years in a row, and they took the blue ribbon in last week’s derby.

“He was amazing as always,” she said. “I feel like my first round on Raymond today was by far one of the best first rounds I’ve ever had on him. Sometimes he can be too casual on the first round and he gears up for the second round and that’s when he shines.”

Though El Raymond came back to score higher in the second round with an 88.500, it was not enough to win the overall total score. Acado won Friday’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby with a total score of 181.50 while El Raymond placed second with a 179.500.

“I felt a little bit bad because I had to send Raymond back to the barn before the awards presentation…he really is not used to that treatment,” Sewell laughed.

Sewell praised the derby course and she felt the solid high options gave her the opportunity to show off her horses’ jumping talents.

“Raymond has a lot more shows under his belt with a lot more experience and wins,” she explained. “They are very different rides. Acado has a bigger stride, and he has a higher and slower jump compared to Raymond. Raymond is so tidy with his knees, so it depends on what you like.”

Sewell rides with Bill Schaub, and they discussed their strategy of the handy round, which helped solidify her win on Saturday. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a smooth round with quality jumping style.

“People can get carried away in the handy and they forget it is still the hunters,” Schaub explained. “It needs to be smooth and the horse must jump in good style. When you get too carried away you lose that.”

“In the handy a lot of people can get a bit too crazy and it can get messy,” Sewell explained. “I chose to ride more conservative and only do a couple of the inside turns in order to be smooth. It worked out for me today.”

Sewell came to Schaub her first year out of the junior division, and they have been working together for sixteen years.

“I always want Molly to be neat, tight, carry a gallop while having a smooth round,” Schaub continued. “Originally we had some ideas of how to ride the handy but after watching some rides we realized those options made it messy. We did not want to be too risky and lose the style.”

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.

The Kentucky Summer Classic will wrap up on Sunday to make way for the 2016 United States Pony Finals. The Kentucky Summer Horse Show Series will resume on August 16 with the start of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, which will feature both the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship. Other highlight events include the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic and the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington.

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

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Brett Burlington Bests the Field in $10,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Brett Burlington and Bluf.

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
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.

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

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Kelly Farmer and Molly Sewell Top the Turf Tour’s First Hunter Derby Days

Kelly Farmer and It’s Me (Photo courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography)

Wellington, Florida (February 6, 2016) – The fantastic covered arena of the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center set the stage for the first of this year’s Hunter Derby Days, presented by The Ridge at Wellington. As a branch of the 2016 Turf Tour, the Hunter Derby Days showcased some of the top hunters in the world being judged on their form and their horse’s movement over elegant natural obstacles.

2014 Hunter Derby Days Champion Kelly Farmer returned to defend her title, and for the second year in a row she clinched the international class. Farmer and her own It’s Me put in a fantastic performance in both rounds of the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby to the standard for world class hunt seat at The Ridge. She was followed closely by Louise Serio aboard Jessica Burger’s Rock Harbor who rode to the Reserve Champion title. Round one of the International Derby was won by Farmer on Kent Farrington’s Like I Said, while Serio and Like I Said secured the win in the Handy. Farmer and It’s Me placed second in both rounds, ultimately earning them the overall win in the International Derby.

Molly Sewell proved her mettle that morning, taking both Champion and Reserve in the $5,000 Dietrich Equine Insurance USHJA National Derby. She topped the field with lovely rides Leslie C. Campbell’s E. L. Raymond, and took the Reserve Championship title with Mtm Caruso S, owned by Brynn Hanson. Generously sponsored by Dietrich Equine Insurance, the National Derby served as a way for riders to qualify and earn points for the National Hunter Derby Championship across the various divisions including Performance Working Hunter, Pre-Greens, Amateur Owner, and Junior Hunter. The Turf Tour’s trademark hospitality and relaxed atmosphere carried over to both the National and International Derbies, with complimentary lunch, an organized horse shuttle, and permanent stabling offered to all competitors.

Judges George Wallace, Diana Carney, Spencer Chatham, and Carol Hoffman were tasked with evaluating and awarding the best rides in each of the USHJA events, and Kevin Giblin’s course designs set the stage for a true test of the agility and elegance of performance hunters. Organized by Olympian Nona Garson, George D’Ambrosio, and Craig Bergman, The Turf Tour’s competitive, utopian show atmosphere is matched only by its hospitality. For only $75, riders can schedule pick up and drop off at the Turf Tour’s weekly venue, including both of the Hunter Derby Days competitions, as well as a trip back to their farm anywhere in Wellington after their rides. With the inclusion the pageantry and athletic prowess of performance hunters through the Hunter Derby Days, 2016’s Turf Tour is setting a new standard for national and international competition.

The Turf Tour continues Saturday, February 6th at Carben Farm (formerly Ashland Farm) with the headline Grand Prix on the turf field. The second of the Hunter Derby Days will take place on Friday, March 18 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The evening class will take place under the lights, and will offer a unique atmosphere for riders and spectators to experience world class hunter competition.

The Ridge will also host a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, including a full prize list, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Molly Sewell & EL Raymond Win $5k USHJA Nat’l Hunter Derby at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Molly Sewell and EL Raymond.

Lexington, KY – July 26, 2015 – When it comes to winning the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, Molly Sewell and EL Raymond are two-for-two. The pair won the class last year at the Kentucky Horse Park, and they returned on Sunday to do it again this year.

“He never lets me down. I think we’ve been in the top four of every derby that we’ve ever done – usually winning because that’s what Raymond does,” Sewell laughed following her victory.

At 17 years old, the Warmblood gelding is owned and regularly competed in the Adult Amateurs by Leslie Campbell and can still out jump and outshine horses half his age, as he did on Sunday.

Sewell and EL Raymond went early in the order over the Joseph Carnicom-designed course to earn a score of 90 plus four high option points for a 94. That score would hold up through the entire first round as the best in the class. Sitting in second going into the handy round were Emma Kurtz and VIP Z on a score of 92, while Lilly French and Candor rounded out the top three on a score of 91.

As the top 12 returned for the handy round in reverse order of their standings, it was Addison Piper and Billy the Kid, owned by Cory Olson, who made the biggest jump up the ranks. The pair came in to round two in seventh place on a score of 84.5, but seamless round utilizing great handiness and all four of the high options would earn them a score 88 and shoot them to an overall total of 172.5. That total would end up being good enough to capture the third place award.

Heading into the top three contenders, French and Candor, owned by Redfield Farm, were the first to return. They gave a second solid performance, earning a score of 89 for a two round total of 180, which would put them ahead of Piper and Billy the Kid by 7.5 points.

“This is only my second hunter derby on this horse,” 15-year-old French said. “He’s only 7, and he just started doing the 3’6, so now we’re doing the 3’6 juniors. He’s the scopiest horse out there. He’s never bucked. He’s never done anything wrong, and he has the sweetest personality. You can just stand in his stall, and he’ll just play with you for forever.”

Following French’s impressive performance, it all came down to Kurtz and VIP Z and Sewell and EL Raymond. Kurtz returned next, but a disappointing refusal at the trot fence dropped them from second to 12th with an overall total score of 136.

Sewell and EL Raymond returned next, picked up an immediate and direct canter to the first jump and went straight to another score from the judges of 94. Together the pair’s dual scores of 94 would give them a 188 total and clinch their victory.

“He was really, really good,” Sewell said. “He was kind of dull in the schooling area so I thought ‘oh come on, Raymond. Wake up.’ I don’t know why I ever doubt that he’s going to wake up and jump flawlessly and beautifully. He was so high over everything and so smooth. He didn’t touch one jump; he was just right on it.”

EL Raymond, whose name stands for Everybody Loves Raymond, is extremely well loved in the barn and around the horse show, where Sewell says he has quite the fan club.

“He just brings us a lot of joy – the whole barn,” said owner Leslie Campbell. “He’s got a huge personality and all this talent. He’s just a treat. He’s really a gift.”

Campbell forewent showing EL Raymond in the Adult Amateurs this week in order to save the horse for the derby with Sewell, and Sewell will return to the derby ring on him again during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

Riders competing in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies held throughout the Kentucky Horse Show series are eligible for leading rider bonuses awarded to the leading professional, junior and amateur riders and generously sponsored by Hallway Feeds.

While Sewell is not necessarily contending the bonus this year, French says she may give it a go now that she continues to do well in the derbies.

“Originally I was just trying to enjoy it, but then I came down here, and I was like, ‘oh, I actually can do well, so I’ll just keep doing it,'” French said. “Whatever happens happens; it wasn’t like a ‘at-the-end-of-the-year-you’re-going-to-be-top-5’ thing. That wasn’t a goal for me; the goal for the year was just to get to know him and make the best out of whatever happens. Now I’m going to keep doing the derbies as much as I can.”

While Sunday marked the conclusion of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, hunter/jumper competition at the Kentucky Horse Park continues on Tuesday with the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic.

Blue for Brett Burlington in $25,000 U25 Grand Prix at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Fresh off a successful week at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC), rising star Brett Burlington returned to the Rolex Stadium ready to give it her all during Sunday’s $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.

Brett Burlington and Anders Wictor L
Brett Burlington and Anders Wictor L

Out of 24 horse-and-rider combinations that attempted the Alan Wade-designed course, Burlington and Anders Wictor L were one of only three entries to advance to the jump off. Burlington was the final rider to go clear, joining previous qualifiers David Blake and Lorcan Gallagher.

Blake and Pine Hollow Farm’s Baron were the first to attempt the short course, clocking a time of 39.932 seconds and lowering two heights to earn the third-place spot.

Gallagher and Esquina Van Klapscheut stepped up to the plate next, delivering the fastest round with a time of 39.093 seconds, but clipping an unfortunate rail on the final fence to finish with four faults and the second-place ribbon.

“[Esquina Van Klapscheut] gets in the ring, and she fights hard to leave the jumps up,” Gallagher said. “She’s a trier; she’s really good at her job.”

Gallagher took over the ride for one of Sweet Oak Farm’s riders, Alexander Devries, just before the Country Heir Horse Show at the Horse Park, and he has seen great success with the mare since – including winning the $50,000 George Hennessy Grand Prix during Country Heir.

“Alex had been showing it all winter in Florida in the High Amateur classes and mediums. He’s been off doing something with school for the summer,” Gallagher explained. “It’s nice to be able to take over when he’s not here and be able to get some nice results.”

Burlington and Anders Wictor L were the final competitors to jump off, completing the short course in a conservative 44.714 seconds, simultaneously turning in the only double-clear effort of the day to secure the top spot.

“Since David had two down, and Lorcan had the last fence down, it kind of took the pressure off of me to go fast,” Burlington explained. “I knew that all I had to do was jump clear to win. Since Andrew’s stride is so big, you can’t really have a big jump into lines, because then you have to slow down a lot, so it’s important for time allowed to try to take room off the corners wherever you can and give him room at the oxers.”

Burlington and Anders Wictor L partnered up just before this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival, and the pair has experienced success ever since, most recently riding to team bronze during the NAJYRC.

Both Burlington and Gallagher train with Shane and Ali Sweetnam’s Sweet Oak Farm, based out of Spy Coast Farm, conveniently located adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park.

“Michael DelFiandra trains Brett, and they do a great job together,” Gallagher said. “For her to be able to step up and be jumping against David and I in the jump-off is great. We’re a little bit older and more experienced, but she’s come out on top. That’s a great win for her.”

Gallagher continued, “We’re incredibly lucky to have the farm next door. We’re lucky that Sweet Oak Farm bases out of there, and I have to say thank you to Spy Coast and Lisa Lourie.”

Sunday marked the conclusion of jumper action during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, but classes will resume Tuesday as the Kentucky Summer Classic gets underway at the Kentucky Horse Park. Jumper highlights include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday and the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix on Saturday.

To learn more about the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, 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

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

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.

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

Lucy Davis and Barron Top $127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7

Lucy Davis and Barron. Photos © Sportfot.

Casparo and Molly Sewell Win Top Tricolor in Pre Green Hunter Level 1

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Thursday with a win for 22-year-old Lucy Davis (USA) and Old Oak Farm’s Barron in the $127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7. Davis and Barron topped two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward (USA) and his ultra-fast mount, Rothchild, in an exciting jump-off round to earn top prize. Wilton Porter (USA) and Diamonte Darco finished third.

Suncast® is the title sponsor of week seven at WEF. Competition runs February 18-22 featuring the $372,000 Suncast® CSI 5* Grand Prix on Saturday, February 21, which will be live streamed at http://bit.ly/1vLyjbV. The $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic will be the highlight on Sunday morning and livestreamed at http://bit.ly/181N0m0. The 12-week WEF circuit continues through March 29, 2015, awarding over $8.2 million in prize money.

Steve Stephens (USA) set the track for 69 entries in Thursday’s WEF Challenge Cup, with 13 to advance to the jump-off and five double clear rounds. Davis and Barron raced through the course in 38.06 seconds for the win. They beat the leading time of Ward and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild in 39.29 seconds. Porter and Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Diamonte Darco stopped the clock in 40.48 seconds for third. Alise Oken (USA) and Hi Hopes Farm LLC’s Teirra finished fourth in 40.92 seconds, and Lauren Tisbo (USA) clocked in at 41.56 seconds to take the fifth place prize aboard Tequestrian Farms LLC’s Entre Nous.

“Anytime you beat McLain, you can be proud of yourself, no matter Rothchild or any horse,” Davis declared following her victory. “The wind is high and Barron is totally wild, but as he showed, he jumps amazing when he is fresh so I can’t really complain.”

The 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (For Pleasure x Nabab de Reve) arrived in Wellington one week ago, flying in from California where he and Davis jumped to victory in the World Cup qualifier in Thermal less than two weeks ago.

“We did Thermal and then before that he had about a month and a half off, so he was fresh from the wind and he is also fresh from a break. I think it is really showing because he was flying today. He was unbelievable,” Davis smiled.

“I was sort of on McLain’s time throughout, but I think in the end, my horse has a huge stride,” Davis said of her winning round in the jump-off. “As McLain has said, it is like a Sapphire stride, which is a huge compliment. I did one less stride to the last jump. The last two I did the leave outs and even an extra leave out almost to the last. I think that is probably where I made the most time because everybody in the beginning was pretty consistent.”

A student at Stanford University in California, Davis travels back and forth to show in Florida throughout the winter. She flew in this morning for the week’s CSI 5* competition and will return to school on Monday, coming back again during weeks 9, 11 and 12. While her horses stay in Florida with trainers Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Markus Beerbaum, Davis has a horse at school to keep in the saddle between shows. She is already qualified for the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas this spring and will continue to gear Barron toward that goal.

“He is fresh; he is feeling good and I hope it keeps going,” she acknowledged. “My goal for this year is World Cup Finals. We are qualified, so this may be one of our last big weekends because that has really been my focus. Since he is feeling so good I don’t want to take too much out of him before that.”

An added bonus to her win on Thursday was having Barron’s previous rider, Francois Lamontagne, in the stands cheering them on.

“When I got him, he was with a young Canadian rider named Francois Lamontagne, who is actually here at the circuit and he is super excited. He always comes to watch,” Davis detailed. “Our vet, Geoff Vernon, is also Canadian and saw Barron on the Canadian team and knew that I was looking for a really good horse. When he was coming nine we bought him. Now we really know each other, and we have been through a lot. He’s young. He is only 11, so he is only going to get better I hope.”

Also showing in the International Arena on Thursday, Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Brighton won the $8,000 1.45m jump-off class.

Casparo and Molly Sewell Win Final Two Over Fences Classes in Pre-Green Hunter Level 1

Molly Sewell piloted David Matisz LLC’s horse, Casparo, to championship honors in the Pre-Green Hunter Level 1. Casparo earned two firsts and two thirds over fences, along with a second place finish in the under saddle.

Remaining consistent over the two days of competition, Marksman and Christopher Payne finished the day as reserve champions. The pair earned a first and two seconds over fences.

Molly Sewell and Casparo
Molly Sewell and Casparo

Although this week was only Casparo’s fourth horse show, the six-year-old Warmblood looked like a veteran in the ring. “He [Casparo] has been champion or first and second every time we have shown him. He always rises to the occasion,” Sewell noted.

Sewell started riding Casparo in September and has enjoyed getting to know him. Talking about Casparo, Sewell commented, “My favorite part about him [Casparo] is how light he is. One barely has to touch the reins.”

While Casparo started off the division with two thirds over fences, he stepped up his game the second day when both over fences classes went in the Rost Arena. “He [Casparo] really liked the bigger ring. He jumped everything great, and it was so much fun to go in a big ring with a brave horse,” Sewell explained.

After a strong start, Sewell is looking forward to having Casparo compete in the ECHO Junior Hunter 3’3″ division with a junior rider, along with continuing to shine in the Pre-Green Hunter Level 1.

Competition continues on Friday with a $34,000 1.45m speed class in the International Arena. Pony equitation takes center stage with coverage of the Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Medal in Ring 11. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Judges Love Raymond and Molly Sewell in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Molly Sewell and EL Raymond. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, KY – June 27, 2014 – As EL Raymond finished his first round course in today’s $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, Leslie Campbell could be spotted ringside doing a happy dance and cheering enthusiastically. With Molly Sewell in the irons, her horse had just turned in a beautiful round that would shoot him to the top of the leader board, where he would remain untouched through both rounds of the derby.

EL Raymond’s first round score of 92 was closely contended by another mount ridden by Sewell, Joe Cool, owned by Emery Hanson. Sewell and Joe Cool earned a first round score of 91, putting Sewell in both the first and second place position to return for the handy round.

Following Sewell’s pattern of coming back for the handy round on two consecutively ranked horses was Steve Heinecke. He returned in the third place spot aboard Jane Olsen Fisher’s Swag and in the fourth place position aboard Fisher’s So Lucky. Rounding out the top five returners were Christopher Payne and previous Hallway Feeds Derby winner, Harlan, owned by Susan Moriconi.

With Payne returning multiple mounts, Heinecke and So Lucky stepped up in the order as the first of the top five ranking riders to come back to compete over the Joseph Carnicom designed handy course. Their trip quickly bumped them to the lead with a score from the judges of 86 plus four high option bonus points for a second round total of 90 and a grand total of 179.

Christopher Payne and Harlan
Christopher Payne and Harlan

That score would end up holding up for the second place position, only being overtaken by Payne and Harlan and Sewell and EL Raymond. Payne and Harlan turned in the best performance of the second round with a judges’ score of 88.50, coupled with four high option bonus points for a 92.50 total. Combined with their first round score of 87 they would finish on 179.50, just edging out Heinecke for the second place honor.

Sewell and EL Raymond were the last to return and they duplicated their first round performance with a second 92 score, giving them a 184 score overall and clinching the victory.

“He’s pretty much perfect. I will tell you what though – he knows when it means something,” Sewell said of ‘Raymond.’ “He really rises to the occasion. I’ve done him in a couple derbies, and he loves the handy rounds. It gets his attention, and he tries five times harder than he normally does, which is already giving 100 percent.”

The 17-year-old Warmblood, whose name, EL Raymond, actually stands for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ has lived up to that name ten-fold throughout his longstanding career.

“He’s just kind of a go-to guy. You always can count on him, and it’s a pleasure to ride him,” Sewell said. “I ride a lot of young horses, and they aren’t always consistent. It’s kind of a joke in the barn; I always ask Leslie every time that she comes back from riding him how he was. She’s always like, ‘Really, you have to ask me? He was perfect.’ He always is perfect. Everybody loves Raymond. I think that he has the biggest fan club at every horse show.”

A large part of that fan club base can be attributed to the fact that Raymond was leased out to a number of riders before finding his forever home with Leslie Campbell and Over the Hill Farm three years ago.

“He’s been in a lot of different barns. He was a lease horse for a long time,” Sewell said. “Any time we go to a horse show, people come up to him and hug him and kiss him and say ‘We love this horse!”

In addition to loving Raymond, Campbell and Sewell also love being in Kentucky at competing at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following his success today, EL Raymond will most likely return for more of the Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. The seven-part series, presented by Hallway Feeds, offers series end cash prizes totaling $15,000 to the leading riders throughout the year.

Today marks the final day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, but the series continues next week with the Kentucky Summer Classic, which kicks off on Tuesday, July 29 and runs through Sunday, August 3.

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

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

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

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

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

When:

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

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

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

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

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

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

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

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

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

Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

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

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

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

Hotels:

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

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

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

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