Tag Archives: Penny Brennan

Hells Angel Wins the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix

Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida in the irons of IDK Investment Group, LLC’s Hells Angel closed out the final installment of the No Entry Fee Grand Prix, winning the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

“I had so much fun!” said Brennan. “She [Hells Angel] really wanted to win today so badly,” she added.

Of those who completed the first round of the Grand Prix, seven qualified for the jump off round where the time allowed was set at 47 seconds.

Collin Reynolds of Oxford, Pennsylvania aboard his own Chicco W was the first to tackle the jump off round and turned in a clear round in a time of 34.854 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Brennan and Hells Angel followed in the jump off order and the pair went clear, posting a time of 28.810 seconds, taking the lead. “The first round was really smooth and inviting and it was long, if anything. He [Paul Jewell] used the whole arena and used it wisely and it was meant to be for the course.”

“Folks had a little difficult time with the combination. One was on an inside turn. He made them difficult but jumpable. The last jump was challenging and was set at a seven and a half and just past the in gate and as you know, the horses lose their gear when they get to the in gate and it’s going back up the hill, so that was a little challenging for some,” she said.

“The jump off was really slick with lots of turns and little runs and it was all about ride-ability. He [Paul Jewell] made the course so your horse had to be very rideable and smooth,” she added.

Matthias Hollberg of Reddick, Florida in the irons of Jacqueline Mars’ Get Gaudi followed Brennan and Hells Angel, but twelve jump faults in a time of 33.487 seconds would see them finish in seventh place.

Brian Murphy of Berryville, Virginia and Light Speed Equestrian, LLC’s Hyperios HS followed and while the pair went clear, their time of 35.814 seconds wouldn’t beat Brennan and Hells Angel.

Brennan returned to the Grand Prix field, this time in the irons of her own Vertigo Delorme. Four jump faults in a time of 29.196 seconds finished them in sixth place. “Vertigo was great. I saw the jump from the corner and we just sliced the jump and caught the rail,” she said. “It was my fault,” she added.

Hollberg returned to the Grand Prix field, this time in the irons of Jenny Vallner’s Kilmastulla Quality Touch turning in a clear round in a time of 33.331 seconds.

Gianna Aycock of Argyle, Texas and her own Flex A Tia sat in the enviable last to go spot. Although the pair posted a time of 27.361 seconds, four jump faults would see them finish in fifth place, leaving Brennan and Hells Angel the victors.

“She’s [Hells Angel] so cute. She’s such a lady kind of like in high heels in a bikini,” Brennan laughed. “She doesn’t like any fast moves when you’re tacking her up. She is very feminine and likes to be treated as such, but she’s really very kind,” Brennan said.

“I’ve had a hell of a year. I only started showing the first two weeks of Gulfport after a brain injury last year. Then there was Covid!” said Brennan. “I only came back the first two weeks of Gulfport and returned for the final week,” she added. “I want to dedicate this win to Hilary Dunaway. She is my best friend and my guardian angel for sure.”

For more information and results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan and Sun Tzu Win the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome at Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu [Photo Credit: Alison Hartwell Photography]

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu kicked off the opening week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic with a blue ribbon in the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome besting a field of fifteen horse and rider teams! “That was such a fun class!” exclaimed Brennan. “It was like a horse race! You had a bunch of double clears and they just kept getting faster and faster,” she said.

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Helen Gilbert’s C’Havinia were the first to go in the order and turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 71.808 seconds. Although their second round in a time of 33.234 seconds beat the time allowed of 40 seconds, their four jump faults would see them finish in seventh place overall.

Dennis Murphy, Jr. of Vandiver, Alabama and Lila Sessums’ Jet followed in the order with double clear rounds in times of 76.313 seconds and 37.938 seconds, setting the new time to beat.

Sydney Luzicka of Albuquerque, New Mexico and her own St. John 10:9 were the next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 68.312 seconds and 32.881 seconds, taking the lead.

Hicks returned to the Grand Prix field, this time in the irons of Helen Gilbert’s Emir D and turned in the next double clear round in times of 72.122 seconds and 33.127 seconds, respectively, and would finish the class in fourth place.

Whitney Boyce-Petrey of New Orleans, Louisiana and Lincoln Case’s Canebrake followed with the next clear round in a time of 77.106 seconds.  However, their second round in a time of 50.062 seconds with fifteen faults would find them finishing in eighth place overall.

Dees returned to the field with the next clear first round in the irons of her own Clearwater S and posted double clear rounds in times of 69.987 seconds and 33.828 seconds, respectively, which would earn them a fifth place ribbon.

Brennan and Sun Tzu were the next to turn in double clear rounds. The pair is a force to reckon with each year at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics and it looks as if 2017 will be no exception. Brennan piloted Sun Tzu through the first round fault free in a time of 72.054 seconds. Their lightning fast, clear second round in a time of 29.950 seconds set the new time to beat and would take the lead.

“It was a really fast class!” said Brennan. “There was jump one and then two, then a roll back over the vertical and then another roll back. After the roll back there was a hedge around the gazebo and I swear I cut it so tight I went right through it! There were leaves all around me – that’s how hard I hit it!” she laughed.

“The Horseflight oxer was narrow and square, set on an angle and set up to have the front rail down,” commented Brennan. “It felt like you were jumping into the VIP tent which took the horse’s focus,” she added.  “The way it was set, it was hard to slice it but Shannon sliced it and went through it,” she said. “The distance I saw was the angle and we took the tight distance which is not what I meant to do. But if I hadn’t, we wouldn’t have won the class and Sun Tzu is just that brilliant,” she added. “We did a flat out run to the last jump. I walked it in 10 and I think we did it in 8!” she said.

Hicks and Helen Gilbert’s Al Pachini challenged Brennan and Sun Tzu’s round, posting double clear trips in times of 71.383 seconds and 30.858 seconds, respectively, which would find them finishing in second place.

Sydney Luzicka and her own St. John: 10:9 finished with third place honors and Hicks returned for a fourth place ribbon with Emir D. Sara Dees and her own Clearwater S finished in fifth and Dennis Murphy, Jr. and Jet took sixth place. Hicks returned for seventh with C’Havinia and Whitney Boyce-Petrey and Lincoln Case’s Canebrake finished in eighth place.

Dees and Rico S placed ninth and Dominique Damico and her own Canoso earned a tenth place ribbon.

“My horses had a little time off and this was a first class for us for the season and I’m so happy how well we did!” commented Brennan. “And it was great winning one with my Dad here who flew in from Birmingham, England,” she added. Added her father, “It was worth every bit of the journey! Penny was absolutely brilliant!”

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

This Bud’s for Brennan and Sun Tzu, Winners of the $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix

Penny Brennan pilots Sun Tzu to the win.

The sunny, blue skies and warm temperatures returned to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, just in time for yesterday’s $35,000 Budweiser Grand Prix.

As the 2 pm start time neared, the crowds filed into the bleachers and around the world class grand prix field to catch a good seat to watch 29 horse and rider teams prepared to tackle the course designed by one of the most famous and well-respected course designers in the world, Leopoldo Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela.

“In the beginning I wanted ten to seven to jump off and as far as double cleans, maybe we’d have six or five,” commented Palacios. Palacios was right on the money and eight went clean in the first round.

The most challenging aspect of the first round, according to Palacios was the position of the triple combination. “I designed it so the VIP, sponsors and audience could see it close up. The position of the triple combination and the distance was a normal one to a little bit long and sometimes when you push too much, you get the front pole. Come in too fast and the middle is tight, you’ll drop a back rail. This was the toughest part of this course,” he commented.

Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas in the irons of DS Holdings, LLC’s Capricello 2 turned in the first clear round in a time of 79.254 seconds, well within the 83 seconds time allowed.

Second to go clear was crowd favorite Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas and his own Lochinvar. The pair turned in clear first round in a time of 76.931 seconds and insured there would be a jump off!

Scott Head’s Carjo Z, ridden by Christoph Schroeder of Wellington, Florida, joined the jump off roster after posting a clear first round in a time of 79.733 seconds.

Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified followed with a clear first round in a time 80.932 seconds and became the fourth to qualify for the jump off round.

Loretta Patterson’s Triompf, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, turned in a clear first round in a time of 78.966 seconds and joined the jump off roster.

Ciana, owned by Eagle Valley Partners, LLC, and ridden by Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida, winners of last week’s $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix, added themselves to the jump off list after posting a clear first round time in 77.331 seconds.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu posted the next clear round. This was the second ride for Brennan and her first to go clear in a time of 79.411 seconds.

Helen Gilbert’s Emir D, ridden by Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, added themselves to the jump off roster and became eighth to go clear in the first round after posting a time of 80.264 seconds.

Palacios set the jump off round with a time allowed of 60 seconds. Owens and Capricello 2 were first to enter the jump off phase and earned a four fault round in a time of 45.963 seconds.

Cyphert and his own Lochinvar followed fellow Texan Owen and posted the first clear jump off round in a time of 42.450 seconds to the delight of the crowd.

Schroeder and Helianta followed Cyphert and posted a clear second round in a time of 41.697 seconds, setting the new time to beat and temporarily taking the lead.

Kemper and Classified were next to go in the order of go. Their jump off round in a time of 43.329 seconds with eight jump faults would have them finish in eighth place overall.

Shepherd and Triompf followed Kemper and posted a clear second round in a time of 41.762 seconds.

Ciana and Kocher followed Triompf and beat Schroeder’s time in a lightning fast clear second round in a time of 41.596 seconds taking the lead.

The lead wouldn’t last for long. Brennan and Sun Tzu came in for their turn at the jump off and posted the fastest clear round in a time of 39.160 seconds, bringing the cheering crowd to their feet!

Hicks and Emir D sat in the desirable last to go spot, but four faults in a time of 47.796 would see them finish in seventh place and leave Brennan and Sun Tzu in the winner’s circle.

“I didn’t know we had the class until I looked up and saw the scoreboard,” said Brennan. “I knew it was going to be close, but I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the 39,” she said. “Hearing the crowd cheer was just awesome,” she said happily.

“My plan for the jump off was don’t pull on the reins,” she laughed, “That’s all I had,” she said. “TJ has been helping me here and he told me when I walked the course, ‘Don’t walk it faster; walk it shorter,’ and that made a world of difference to me,” she said.

“I gave myself an extra stride back to two which was more than anyone else. But I approached it more straight and everyone else sliced it more,” Brennan commented. “When you slice it, it kind of swings the turn. When you jump it straight, you can just swing right back and that made a huge difference. Taking a stride to two saved me two strides on landing,” Brennan commented. “When I did the liverpool I was super deep and I was nearly at a standstill and he [Sun Tzu] just jumped like a cat. But that made the five stride easy because it rode a little tight and walked three feet short,” she added.

“What a great jump off,” she continued. “It was just a run. I ran flat straight out to that vertical 24′ and Sun Tzu knew exactly what I was doing. We’ve been together a long time,” she said. “He jumped in there and took a tiny little bunny hop and jumped right out. TJ told me to open my right rein on landing and give it all I had for the last jump and that made the difference,” she said. “I can’t thank him enough and I dedicate this win to him,” she added. “This course was a little bit technical and I think it had to be ridden more than people may have given it credit for,” she added. “I absolutely loved it and had a blast. Leopoldo really designed a beautiful course,” she said.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic continues for one more week and there is still time to join us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast at the best winter circuit show! Email jonathan@classiccompany.com and then go to horseshowsonline.com to enter for no additional fees.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan Continues Winning Streak with Japan in Hester Equestrian Lucky 7s Jumper Classic

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama continued her winning streak in the jumpers when she and her own Japan won the $7,770 Hester Equestrian, LLC Jumper Classic yesterday.

World renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela designed the course and set the first round time allowed at 75 seconds. Despite heavy rains on Friday, the KCR all weather footing in Jumper 1 provided a slip free surface and saw five return for the second round.

Trapp O’Neal of Magnolia, Texas, in the irons of Carolyn M. Elsey’s Quilona Z, was the first horse and rider team to turn in a clear first round in a time of 73.500 seconds. Their second round was also clear and beat the time allowed of 52 seconds with their own 39.239 seconds, and set the new time to beat.

Andy Kocher of Ocala, Florida and Jodie Cambergh’s Destiny Van De Noordheuvel advanced to a second round after posting a clear first round in a time of 69.709 seconds. Twelve jump faults in their second round in a time of 46.489 seconds would see the pair finish in fifth place overall.

Phoenix, owned and ridden by Heather Zuber of Zionsville, Indiana, followed Kocher with a clear first round in a time of 73.884 seconds. Their second round had four jump faults in a time of 41.292 seconds and would see the pair finish in fourth place overall.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Hills, Maryland and her own Forever Blue had the next clear first round in a time of 68.705 seconds. Four faults in their second round in a time of 39.299 seconds would have them finish in third place overall.

Brennan and Japan sat in the desirable last to go spot for their second round after posting a clear first round in a time of 68.647 seconds. All eyes were on the pair as they went in for the final second round and flew around the course turning in a super-fast clear jump off round in a time of 35.922 seconds, taking the win.

“I love Japan!” said a beaming Penny Brennan. “I am so happy and can’t tell you enough how great this footing is,” she said. “The weather was horrible yesterday and it is still so safe to ride on it,” she said. “My horses love it and they are still flying around these courses,” she added.

Final results in the class had Brennan and Japan with the win, followed by O’Neal and Quilona Z. Driscoll and Forever Blue earned a third place ribbon and Zuber and Phoenix received fourth place honors. Kocher and Destiny Van De Noordheuvel earned fifth, and Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania earned sixth with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder as the fastest four-faulter in a first round time of 73.534 seconds. Kocher and Showcase 81, LLC’s Mullentine Imperial received seventh place after posting a four fault first round in a time of 73.606 seconds. Kocher returned for eighth place with his own Bennenton Van De Bluekhove. Ninth was awarded to Lisa Hankin’s Garbanzo R, ridden by Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York, and tenth went to Zeldenrust Z, owned and ridden by Natalie Hansen of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Eleventh and twelfth went to Amicelli, owned and ridden by Mattie Hatcher of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and Christina Van Patten’s Riptide, respectively.

The usefnetwork will be live streaming top events through March 20 including next week’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, the $10,777 Legend Jumper Derby, and the $50,777 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage. Don’t miss the excitement – go to usefnetwork.com and watch it live.

Microchipping is now a requirement!

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) now requires horses to be microchipped by December 1, 2017 in order to be eligible for Horse of the Year awards. Get ahead of this requirement at a very reasonable price while showing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Dr. Patrick Cleveland, the Official Veterinarian of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, is offering those showing in Gulfport a discounted rate of only $28 to microchip your horse. Dr. Cleveland is available to discuss any questions you have about microchipping and Mary Babick, United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Hunter Vice President, is also available for questions about the rule change.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan and Cord 11 Clinch the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

It may be a celebration of the Hunters Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, but the jumper action continues to be hot!

International Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela was on hand to design the course and set a first round time allowed of 83 seconds. Despite Friday’s rainy skies, sixteen competed in the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and saw five return for the jump off round.

Amanda Comley of Waller, Texas and Joshua Tabor’s Cancum 2 were the first to go clear in the first round in a time of 79.931 seconds. Their second round was also clear and set the time to beat at 38.962 seconds, well within the time allowed of 54 seconds. Andrew Kocher of Ocala, Florida in the irons of Postage Stamp Farm’s Prof De La Roque followed with a clear first round in a time of 80.084 seconds and a clear second round in a time of 38.070 seconds, taking the lead.

Comley returned to the ring, this time riding her own Can Do It 16 and posted double clear rounds in times of 76.464 seconds and 36.690 seconds, respectively, which temporarily took the lead from Kocher and set the new time to beat.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and Meco Equestrian LLC’s Cord 11 followed with the next clear round in a time of 79.753 seconds and a super-fast clear second round in a time of 33.552 seconds, setting the new time to beat. Kocher, winner of last week’s $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $35,000 Apollo Jets Grand Prix, followed with Eagle Valley Partners’ Coconut. They turned in a clear first round in a time of 81.813 seconds but their second round had two rails for a total of eight jump faults in a time of 36.047 seconds.

Brennan and her own Japan were last to go in the class, but two time faults in their first round in a time of 84.252 seconds, would see them finish in eighth place overall and leave her in the winner’s circle with Cord 11.

Brennan commented, “Cord 11 was so fast that I couldn’t beat that time with any of my other horses,” she said. “I love Leopoldo’s courses,” Brennan continued. “Given the weather, it was a really fair course,” she said. “This KCR footing is really amazing,” she added. “We didn’t slip at all, my horses went great and Cord 11 must really like it, because he just flew through this course,” she said.

Final placings in the class had Brennan and Cord 11 with the win followed by Comely and Can Do It 16. Andy Kocher won third place with Prof De La Roque and Comley returned for a fourth place ribbon with Cancum 2. Kocher and Coconut earned fifth place, and Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified finished in sixth place with one time fault in their first round in a time of 83.167 seconds. Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables’ HHS Louis took seventh with one time fault in the first round in 83.983 seconds. Brennan returned for an eighth place ribbon in the irons of her own Sun Tzu after earning two time faults in their first round with a time of 84.252 seconds, and she also collected ninth with her own Japan. Tenth and eleventh was awarded to Eagle Valley Partners’ Ciana, ridden by Andy Kocher, and Kocher’s own Red Lady, respectively. Niki Wilcox of Parker, Colorado and her own J.E.S. Quito wrapped up the class with twelfth place.

All press and sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel at lisa@classiccompany.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Brennan Victorious with Japan in the $7,770 Hester Equestrian Jumper Classic

Penny Brennan and Japan.

The $7,770 Hester Equestrian Jumper Classic was held Saturday and welcomed twenty nine horse and rider teams to a course designed by Allen Rheinheimer, Gulf Coast Classic Course Designer and Technical Coordinator and Technical Coordinator for the 2015 World Cup Finals. The class is geared toward horses not competing in the grand prix.

Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama won the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Friday afternoon with Sun Tzu and continued her Week III winning streak in the irons of her own Japan.

The first round time allowed was set at 89 seconds. Thomas Welsh of New York, New York and his own Prosper were the first to go clean in a time of 82.583 seconds. Although the pair turned in a second round in a time of 33.713 seconds, four faults would see them finish in tenth place.

Margaret Camp’s Charmeur, ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, was the next to turn in a clean first round in a time of 88.704 seconds, but their second round in a time of 34.125 seconds and four faults would have them finishing behind Welsh in eleventh place.

The next clean first round was Honorway Farm, LLC’s Undercover, ridden by Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York, posting a time of 82.928 seconds. Their clear second round in a time of 34.810 seconds took the lead and set the new time to beat.

Abby Maxwell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and her own Kidogo followed Kelly with double clear rounds in times of 85.884 and 35.875 seconds, respectively, temporarily landing in second place.

Francois Lamontagne of Saint Eustache, Quebec, Canada and his own Vigo Massuere were the next pair to turn in double clear rounds and stole the lead from Kelly and Undercover after posting times of 87.092 and 31.136 seconds.

Quincy Z, owned by Molly Gist and ridden by Sarah Invicta Williams, turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 81.643 seconds, but four faults and a time of 32.681 seconds in their second round would see them finish in ninth place overall.

Riptide, owned by Christina Van Patten and ridden by Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia, went clear in their first round in a time of 79.606 seconds and followed with a clear second round in a time of 30.817 seconds, grabbing the lead from Lamontagne.

Kemper’s lead held until Brennan and Japan challenged it. Their clear first round in a time of 78.458 seconds and clear second round in a time of 29.936 seconds set the new time to beat and took the lead.

Shepherd and Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS gave Brennan and Japan a run for the money and posted double clear rounds in times of 89.756 and 30.363 seconds which moved them into second place behind Brennan.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Mills, Maryland and her own Forever Blue turned in the next clean first round in a time of 82.360 seconds, but twelve jump faults in a time of 31.739 second would find them finishing in twelfth place overall.

Hester Equestrian, LLC’s Katie Riddle, ridden by Lauren Hester of Lexington, Kentucky, turned in the next clear round in a time of 83.376 seconds. However, four faults in their second round in a time of 31.462 seconds, would see them finish in eighth place overall.

Kelly returned to the grand prix field, this time in the irons of Sarah Hunter’s Graf Joe, as the last to go and turned in double clear efforts in times of 84.960 seconds and 32.443 seconds, which would earn them the fifth place ribbon overall.

Final placings had Brennan and Japan the blue ribbon winners while Shepherd and Belle Clara DKS took second. Third went to Kemper and Riptide and fourth went to Lamontagne and Vigo Massuere. Kelly picked up fifth and sixth place ribbons with Graf Joe and Undercover while Maxwell grabbed seventh place with Kidogo.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Sun Tzu and Brennan Win the $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

Penny Brennan and Sun Tzu.

The $10,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took place yesterday afternoon on the world class grass grand prix field and crowned Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama and her own Sun Tzu the winner in the class. Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana, Technical Coordinator for the 2015 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada, designed the course.

Sun Tzu was the first horse to turn in a clean first round with a time of 92.864 seconds, just under the time allowed of 93 seconds. With two more to ride, Brennan opted to return later for her second round. Leann Kelly of Valatie, New York and Honorway Farm, LLC’s Leander followed Brennan with a clean first round in a time of 89.725 seconds. Although their second round time of 41.031 seconds beat the time allowed of 48 seconds, they incurred eight jump faults.

Chanel Du Calvaire, owned and ridden by Francois Lamontagne of Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, followed with the next clean round in a time of 88.177 seconds and a second round in 46.387 seconds. With four jump faults, the pair would temporarily take the lead.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Loretta Patterson’s Silverstone followed Lamontagne with a clear first round in a time of 92.487 seconds. The pair posted a clean second round in a time of 46.131 seconds, setting the new time to beat and temporarily taking the lead.

Brennan returned to the field, this time with her own Japan. The pair posted a clean first round in a time of 82.180 seconds. But four jump faults and fourteen time faults in their second round in a time of 61.621 seconds would inevitably place them in seventh place overall.

Lochinvar, owned and ridden by Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas, posted a clear first round in a time of 84.919 and advanced to the second round, going clear in a time of 41.797 seconds, taking the lead from Shepherd.

Shepherd returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Triompf, and went clear in a time of 90.281 seconds. They followed with a clear second round in a time of 44.219 seconds, which would not be fast enough to take the lead from Cyphert.

Brennan returned to the ring as the final ride in the irons of Sun Tzu. The pair went clean in a time of 41.031, taking the win and moving Cyphert and Lochinvar into second place.

Final results saw Shepherd taking the third and fourth place ribbons with Loretta Patterson’s Triompf and Silverstone, Lamontagne and Chanel Du Calvaire in fifth, Kelly and Leander in sixth and Brennan and Japan in seventh. The fastest of the four faulters, Scott Lenkart of Bartonville, Texas riding Allison Freeman’s Baloubrie, in a time of 87.196 seconds, placed eighth, followed by Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables’ HHS Louis in ninth place for their four fault first ride in a time of 89.572 seconds. Tenth place went to Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified, eleventh place awarded to Brennan and Cord II, owned by Meco Equestrian, LLC, and Happy Boy Van De Doornakkers, owned and ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

“It was a beautiful course,” commented Brennan. “It wasn’t enormous, but it was big and square and you needed to have respect for it,” she said. “The square options off of a 6.5 stride toward the in gate were difficult,” she added. “Everyone rode it in seven because the oxer was too big going out,” she continued. “You needed to put your air brakes on over the oxer in order to not grab that back rail,” she said.

“Sun Tzu was so fast today,” said Brennan. “That was a little bit of a tough jump off,” she said. “You had to stay with your horse and needed to have that little respect on the run to the in and out and not cowboy it,” she added.

“The Welcome really got all of us wondering what this Sunday’s CWD Grand Prix will be like,” she said.

Penny Brennan is originally from Nottingham, England and her father made his annual trek just last week to watch her ride in Gulfport. “He just left the other day and I really wanted to win one while he was here,” she said. “So I am dedicating this win to my Dad!” Brennan added. “I also want to thank my sponsors CWD and Finish Line Horse Products,” she said. “Finish Line products have done a lot for my horses and I’m very appreciative of their support,” she commented.

Micro-Chip Your Horse for $28 at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Micro-chipping is now a requirement! The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) now requires horses to be micro-chipped by December 1, 2017 in order to be eligible for Horse of the Year awards. Pricing for this can range into the hundreds of dollars at the other winter circuits. Not at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! For only $28, all those showing in Gulfport can have their horse micro-chipped by Dr. Patrick Cleveland, the Official Veterinarian of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Dr. Cleveland is available to discuss any questions you have about micro-chipping and Mary Babick, United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Hunter Vice President, is also available for questions about the rule change.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Brennan and Japan Win the Week VI $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome

Penny Brennan and Japan.

Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan won Week II’s $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and were back again to win the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit’s final week’s $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome in the recently Kruse Cushion Ride resurfaced Jumper I arena.

Thirty horse and rider teams took to the course designed by Allen Rheinheimer of Zionsville, Indiana. Rheinheimer is the Technical Coordinator for the World Cup scheduled for Las Vegas, Nevada next month.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama and Audrey Muscari’s Cartograna were first to go in the class and turned in a clean first round in a time of 68.088 seconds, well within the 77 seconds time allowed. Their second round was also clear and their time of 38.298 seconds set the new time to beat but 29 horse and rider had yet to tackle the course.

The unstoppable Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri followed Shepherd in the irons of Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s C’Havinia. The pair turned in double clear rounds in times of 69.241 and 37.517 seconds, respectively, which took the lead.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas followed Kocher with Anna Beth Athey’s Serena and turned in clear back to back rounds in times of 68.669 and 32.527 seconds, respectively. The class was shaping up with Kocher in the lead, Gilchrist in second and Shepherd in third place.

Then Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania and Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder entered the ring and took the lead after posting double clear rounds in times of 67.472 and 36.327 seconds, respectively.

Colleen Acosta of Roanoke, Texas and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond were the next to post double clear rounds with times of 68.039 and 37.364 seconds, and looked to finish in the ribbons.

Brennan and her own Japan were next to go and blazed through the course fault free in times of 64.285 and 31.917 seconds, taking the lead and setting the new time to beat.

Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia and Amanda Hood’s Vavoom posted double clear rounds in times of 66.825 and 36.743 seconds, respectively, and would finish in the ribbons.

Forte was back, this time with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Hhs Louis, and posted clear rounds in times of 71.726 and 37.255 seconds, respectively.

Acosta returned, this time in the irons of Arion Legends, LLC’s Cantu 5, and turned in double clear rounds of 67.208 and 40.455 seconds, respectively. With only nine remaining, it looked unlikely that anyone would beat Brennan and Japan’s second round time.

Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadel were the next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 69.564 and 38.265 seconds, respectively, which would see them in the ribbons, but not in the winner’s circle.

Kocher and his own Alter Ego were next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 71.010 and 35.466 seconds, which would not be fast enough to beat Brennan and Japan.

Brennan and her own Sun Tzu were the next to turn in a clean first round in a time of 67.882 seconds. However, four faults in their second round in a time of 37.519 seconds would see her second ride out of the ribbons.

Final results shaped up with Brennan winning the class with her own Japan, followed by Andy Kocher and his own Alter Ego. Amanda Forte and Cerulean Stables LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder finished in third followed by Tiffany Cambria and Amanda Hood’s Vavoom. Forte returned for fifth place with Cerulean Stables’ HHs Louis. Jordan Gilchrist and Anna Beth Athey’s Balizo Z finished in sixth place and Colleen Acosta and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond received seventh place honors. Kocher picked up eighth with Eagle Valley Partner’s C’Havinia and ninth went to Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadal. Tenth place went to Holly Shepherd and Audrew Muscari’s Cartograna. Eleventh and twelfth places were awarded to Acosta and Arion Legends LLC’s Cantu 5 and Taylor Flury of Minooka, Illinois and Celine Gorcean Clancy’s Sovereign.

The Gulf Coast 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 Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

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

Brennan and Japan Continue Winning Streak at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic

Penny Brennan and her own Japan win the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome Week II.

Friday the 13th was anything but unlucky for Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan and Sun Tzu.

World-renown course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Caracas, Venezuela designed a challenging course on the best turf field in the country and set a time allowed of 86 seconds. Palacios is one of the most highly respected course designers in the world of showjumping. Palacios is a course director of FEI; he is a co-founder of the Aachen School of Equestrian Arts and produces master plans for equestrian venues. He has been involved with show jumping and the equestrian sport as a whole to the Olympic level and has held the position of Second Vice President of the FEI.

First to go was Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia on Varios, owned by Allie Rahman. The pair turned in a clean first round in a time of 80.809 seconds. They followed with a clear second round and set the time to beat at 47.987 seconds, well within the sixty seconds time allowed.

Brennan and Japan were the next pair to turn in a clean first round effort in a time of 75.159 seconds and finished their second round clean in a lightning fast time of 41.036 seconds.

Amanda Forte of Glenmoor, Pennsylvania followed Brennan with Cerulean Stables, LLC’s Rincoola Black Adder and turned in a clean first round effort in a time of 75.159 seconds. Forte had a heartbreak rail at the final fence and finished in a time of 47.814 seconds and four jump faults, which would see them finish in fifth overall.

Jason Berry of Verona, Virginia and Oak Ledge Farm’s Egano Van Kadal were next to challenge Brennan and finished their first round clean in a time of 84.982 seconds. However, eight jump faults in their second round with a time of 47.453 seconds would see the pair finish in sixth place.

Six trips later, Brooke Kemper of Culpeper, Virginia and her own Classified turned in the next clean first round effort in a time of 80.189 seconds. Four faults at the final fence in their second round in a time of 45.885 seconds would leave them with the fourth place ribbon.

Brennan returned with her second ride, her own Sun Tzu, and turned in double clean rounds in times of 74.965 seconds and 43.294 seconds, respectively.

Kyle Timm of Apex, North Carolina was the last to go with Apex Equestrian Center’s Calida 55. However, four faults and a time of 80.296 seconds in their first round would see the pair finish in tenth place overall.

Final results saw Brennan take the first two ribbons with her own Japan and Sun Tzu, respectively, followed by Cambria and Vios, Kemper and Classified, Forte and Rincoola Black Adder and Berry and Egano Van Kadal.

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, 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

Penny Brennan and Japan Win the Opening $25,000 Foley RV Center Grand Prix

Penny Brennan and Japan fly over an oxer in today’s $25,000 Foley RV Center Grand Prix.

It was ladies’ day at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! A field of world class, high performance grand prix riders, all of whom are women, competed for the cash in the $25,000 Foley RV Center Grand Prix, presented by EMO.

Eight advanced to the jump-off, but it was Penny Brennan of Ocala, Florida and her own Japan who took home the championship honors.

The grand prix course was very welcoming and the crowds gathered around the world class grand prix arena under beautiful sunny skies.

The jump off time was set at 45 seconds. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama was first to go in the jump off in the irons of Dejan Krunic’s Belle Clara DKS. The pair finished clean and set the new time to beat at 33.177 seconds.

Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania followed Shepherd in the irons of HHS Louis, owned by Cerulean Stables, LLC. While the pair turned in a clean round, their time of 37.028 seconds would see them finish in fifth place overall.

Brennan and her own Sun Tzu entered the ring and turned in the fastest four fault round in a time of 31.352 seconds which would see them finish in sixth place overall.

Tiffany Cambria of Middleburg, Virginia followed aboard Vavoom, owned by Amanda Hood. Their fault free jump off round in a time of 34.781 would see them finish in third place.

Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas followed Cambria with Anna Beth Athey’s Balizo. A rail at the second to last fence in the jump off round in a time of 34.433 seconds led them to the eighth place finish.

Forte returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Rincola Black Adder, owned by Cerulean Stables, LLC. Their fault free round in a time of 35.947 seconds saw them finish in fourth place.

Brennan was back, this time in the irons of her own Japan. Brennan put the gas on and finished clean in a time of 32.760 seconds, taking the lead.

Shepherd had one more ride to go and entered the ring in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Triompf. Triompf and Shepherd are regulars in the Winner’s Circle so all eyes were on the pair as they took to the field. A rail at the second to last fence gave them four faults in a time of 32.842 seconds, which would see them finish in seventh place overall.

“The crowd was thrilled with the lady jockeys today,” commented Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Classic Show Coordinator. “Everyone was tail gating, petting the miniature ponies out there and just having a great time,” she added. “We hope everyone comes back every weekend and joins us here for more show jumping action!”

The Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies are USHJA’s Members Choice Award winners, 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