Tag Archives: Samuel Parot

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Tryon

Tryon Fall Series Concludes with Final Win for Samuel Parot and Couscous Van Orti

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Samuel Parot and Couscous Van Orti. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – October 29, 2017 – Competition concluded at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) with a win for Samuel Parot (CHI) and Couscous Van Orti in the $25,000 Tryon Sunday Classic during the final week of the Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Second place was captured by Margie Engle (USA) piloting Bockmanns Lazio, a 2000 Westphalian stallion (Lancer II x Cesseria) owned by Gladewinds Partners, LLC, stopping jump-off timers in 36.612 seconds. Third place was awarded to Emanuel Andrade (VEN) and his own Ricore Courcelle, a 2005 Selle Francais stallion (Quaprice Bois Margot x Dancing Bride), after completing their fast track round in 36.672 seconds.

The 2017 Tryon Fall Series presented by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) served as one of the most highly anticipated circuit opportunities in North America during the fall season. The season featured four weeks of internationally-sanctioned FEI competition and distributed more than $1.9 million in prize money across the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines throughout the total six weeks at TIEC.

Parot and the 2002 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nabab De Reve x Vroni Van Orti), who he has guided in the ring for several years, have competed successfully around the world, including an appearance at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

The duo raced around the day’s course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) and completed the jump-off in 36.023 seconds. Nine of the original 36 entries moved forward to contest the short course. Parot commented on his go around the track, saying, “I didn’t have that great of a week because with all of my horses I kept having one down. Today, I stayed very concentrated and I had two horses clear for the jump-off. My first horse, VDL Aberlino, had two down in the jump-off. But this horse, Couscous Van Orti, is very fast.”

Parot watched intently as Andrade and Engle navigated their way through the short course, tailoring his plan for the jump-off. “I saw Emanuel and Margie go very quick, so I tried to make my turns much tighter than theirs. I wasn’t so worried about the time because this horse is so fast. Obviously, I had a good final result with him today.”

As the season ends, Parot’s horses will go on vacation and head to Wellington, FL to prepare for their winter circuit. “It’s vacation now for the horses. The three horses I have here will go and I have horses arriving from Europe that I will begin showing in national shows to prepare for the start of the Winter Equestrian Festival.”

Hunter Highlights

The $1,000 Green Hunter 3’/3’3″ Classic saw Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and Callahan, owned by Rolling Hills Show Stables, finish atop the class on a score of 168. Jason Berry of Verona, VA and Credence, owned by Lee Cesery, collected second place after amassing a score of score of 167.5. Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL and Exceptional finished in third place after achieving a score of 165.

The $500 Medium/Large Pony Hunter was topped by Jessie Marie Spade of Terrell, NC and her own Eddie Bauer after receiving a score of 163. Morgan Ashby of Lincolnton, NC captured the second-place spot aboard Beatrix Potter, owned by Ashby, after scoring a 162.5. Third place was awarded to Linen Owens of Marion, NC and Cloud Nine, ending the day with a 150.

The $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Classic saw a victory for Annie Diehl of Bristow, VA and her own Cosil, after completing the day with a score of 167.5. Second place saw a win for Lee Cesery of St Augustine, FL and Central Park, after a score of 166. Third place went to Alisa Berry of Verona, VA and Michael Cline’s Phantom, after a final score of 144.

Elly Ficca of Charlotte, NC and Quatrain took top honors in the $1,000 Junior Hunter 3’3″/3’6″ Classic after completing their course with a score of 139. Kara Jones of Cornelius, NC and Chello, owned by Jones, took second place honors with a score of 138, while Robert Milligan of Boca Raton, FL and his own Fresco rounded out the top three with a 136.

The Absorbine Green Hunter 3′ Division was topped by Liza Boyd of Camden, SC and Rolling Hills Show Stables’ Callahan as the pair took divisional honors, while Nikko Ritter of Geneva, FL and Kathryn Haefner LLC’s Marshall finished with reserve champion honors.

The Children’s Hunter Pony Division saw Elodie Watrous of Evanston, IL and her own Crystal Acres Chocolatier, finish as division champions, while Elizabeth Smith of Spartanburg, SC took reserve aboard Double Gold, owned by Smith.

The USHJA Hunter 3′ Division saw Thomas Serio of Arberdeen, SC and Winston, owned by Nokomis Farm, take top divisional honors, while Jennifer Smith of Wellington, FL and her own Quincento took reserve champion, alongside Suzanne Russell of Tryon, NC who also captured reserve aboard Shadowman, owned by Megan Hill.

The USHJA Hunter 2’9″ Division saw Steve Heinecke of Charlotte, NC take top honors aboard his own Pink, ahead of Dana Senn of Chicago, IL and her own Baricello, who captured reserve champion.

For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center, please visit www.tryon.com.

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

Samuel Parot and Quick Du Pottier Win 1.45m CSI-3* Welcome Speed at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Samuel Parot on Quick Du Pottier.

Lexington, KY – May 10, 2017 – Chilean athlete Samuel Parot rode Quick De Pottier to a blue-ribbon finish in the $35,000 FEI Welcome Speed 1.45m to kick off the first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows at the Kentucky Horse Park. Parot blazed through the timers in a time of 58.590 to beat 38 other competitors who joined him in the Rolex Arena. Bull Run’s Faustino, ridden by Kristen Vanderveen, was a close second to Parot, finishing the course in a speedy 59.180.

Parot, who is known internationally as a fast and fearless rider, proved yet again that he is a force to be reckoned with and has a string of very competitive horses. The Kentucky Spring Horse Show is the first show back for Parot, who had a successful winter season at the Winter Equestrian Festival which included winning the $86,000 Suncast 1.50m Grand Prix with Quick Du Pottier. The 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Hurlevent De Breka x Cuba) was the second mount for Parot in the opening speed class and they were in perfect sync over the 14-obstacle course, designed by Marina Azevedo.

The top five spots were rounded out by Aaron Vale on his horses, Quidam’s Good Luck and Carlo, followed by Andrew Welles on Boo Van Het Kastanjehof.

Samuel Parot, on the difference between his two rounds: “This horse is very fast. The other horse I went fast too but made a mistake in the last line. I tried to go in 6 but I decided to do 7 at the last minute. The second time I decided to do the 7 early and it worked out perfectly.”

On showing in Lexington: “I love showing in Kentucky. It is a nice city, nice place, with nice people – just that easy.”

Goguen and Stewart Come Out on Top in the High Performance Working Hunter

As the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows begins at the Kentucky Horse Park, Hunter competitors are eager to secure a division championship. Tim Goguen aboard Clever, a 7-year-old Warmblood gelding, claimed the blue ribbon during the first round of the High Performance Working Hunter class with a score of 84. The country’s top hunters took their turn in the beautiful Stonelea Ring over courses designed by Bobby Murphy. Kelley Farmer finished just two points behind Goguen to secure second place aboard True Enough, owned by Kent Farrington & Derby Lane, LLC. Meagan Murray-Tenuta and Becky Price’s Editorial picked up third place with a score of 81.

Scott Stewart and Catch Me

Scott Stewart and Catch Me, winners of the 2017 World Champion Hunter Spectacular at the Winter Equestrian Festival, dominated round two with a score of 87. Stewart has shown the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding since he debuted in the First Year Green Hunters. Farmer and True Enough were again not far behind and scored 84 to secure second place. Meagan Murray-Tenuta and Editorial received an 81 to round out the top three once again.

Tim Goguen, on the round: “My strategy with Clever was to keep it smooth throughout the entire round. He was a little bit nervous, but he just needed to take a breath and jump around a couple times and then he was good. I was happy with him; he tried and it went well.”

On Lexington: “The restaurants in downtown Lexington are great. It’s a great town to hang out in for the summer and Kentucky Horse Park is a great facility; it’s fantastic.”

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Show Jumping, Tryon

Samuel Parot and Atlantis Capture $86,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2*

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Samuel Parot and Atlantis. Photo Credit ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 6, 2017 – Samuel Parot (CHI) and Atlantis jumped to the top of the leaderboard in the $86,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), marking the first “Saturday Night Lights” victory of the 2017 show season. The duo finished the two-horse jump-off with a time of 47.851 seconds for the win, ahead of Leslie Howard (USA) and Gentille van Spieveld, who were the only other combination to advance to the jump-off. Howard and Gentille van Spieveld finished the short track in 50.042 seconds, while Ignacio Maurin (ARG) and Thriller P collected third place, as the fastest combination in the class with a time fault and completing the first round track in 90.79 seconds.

Parot and his talented mount Atlantis secured an early spot in the jump-off round and were only matched by veteran U.S. rider Leslie Howard and Gentille van Spieveld. Thirty-four combinations contested the course designed by Richard Jeffery (GBR). Three pairs collected a single time fault as they navigated the track, while majority of the class finished with four faults or more spread throughout the technical course.

“This track was tough. It was very technical,” said Parot. “My horse has a lot of experience, but it made you work for a clear round. I thought you had to shorten and lengthen your horse a lot and those adjustments caused many people to have rails.”

The established pair of Parot and Atlantis, a 2003 Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo x Royal Bravour L) owned by Parot, have competed around the globe and are mainstays at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) during the winter circuit, as well as at TIEC during FEI weeks in the summer and fall over the past few years. The duo has picked up a number of quality wins together and Parot proved once again why he and Atlantis remain one of the toughest combinations to beat.

“He’s just a fast horse, so fast,” he commented. “We know each other well and it makes it better to have a good round. I know when to ask for more and when to ask to slow down. Today was difficult, but he handled it well. I’m very happy with the win and we love to show here. We have good results and the horses really enjoy it.”

The pair earned several top place finishes in international competition at the venue in 2016 and Parot is looking forward to continuing his success with Atlantis, as well as developing a relationship with his newer mount, Dazzle White, who also competed in the class.

“Atlantis is very good. He knows his job. Dazzle White is a newer and younger horse for me, but is also very talented. We’re working on rideability. He is very careful and has a lot of scope. I think he is the horse that I would like to try and take to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ here next year.”

Parot and team will now head further west to continue on with their season before contesting elite competition at Spruce Meadows ahead of their return to TIEC later this season.

“This is a good win for us,” continued Parot. “It is good for us to do well here so that we are set up well for the rest of our season. Atlantis and I have a good friendship with each other so winning these classes always feels good. He is a great horse and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Brianne Goutal (USA) was honored with the FEI Leading Lady Rider Awarded presented by real estate agent and broker Meg Atkinson for amassing the most points of any female rider in FEI competition this week. The Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award was presented to Russell Rodriguez, who is the full-time groom of Atlantis. The Absorbine FEI Groom’s Award recognizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment of FEI grooms to their horses, who perform at the highest levels of the show jumping discipline.

To learn more about TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Roberto Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri Win $25k Accuhorsemat Grand Prix at ESP Spring III

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Roberto Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri. Photo ©AnneGittinsPhotography.

Samuel Parot and Taalex Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stake

Wellington, FL – April 26, 2017 – Roberto Teran, Jr. of Wellington, FL and Il Rubacouri earned top honors in the $25,000 Accuhorsemat Grand Prix at ESP Spring III hosted at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The pair dashed through the jump-off timers in 34.56 seconds to take the lead ahead of Emanuel Andrade and Boy IV, who took second place with a time of 34.788 seconds. Andrade also guided Bon Jovi to a top three finish, stopping the timers in 35.962 seconds for third.

Teran, Jr. and Il Rubacouri, who is owned by Teran, Jr., bested a massive class of 52 entries, who tested the track designed by Richard Jeffery. Thirteen pairs moved forward to contest the short course, while six combinations earned a double clear effort on the afternoon.

“Obviously my plan was to try and have clean round. The time allowed wasn’t too tight, so there wasn’t much pressure there, but it was technical enough and had some good questions. My horse jumped great and was lucky enough to go clear,” he commented, when discussing his plan heading in to the first round track.

Il Rubacouri is a talented mount who was jumping in CSI 2* and CSI 3* in Europe before Teran, Jr. purchased him with Juan Carlos Garcia, another Colombian rider based in Italy. Experienced for his age, at only nine, Teran made the most of his time in the ring after observing a few rounds complete the track ahead of him.

“He’s a horse that was born in Italy. I own him with Juan Carlos Garcia who is a top international rider from Colombia based in Italy. He’s a very careful, fast horse. We’re trying to move him up into the bigger grand prix classes. He was jumping CSI 2* and 3* classes in Europe before coming here,” he explained. “He’s been fantastic. He did a few big classes during the WEF circuit, including few Saturday nights. He’s a nine-year-old that is going to be very promising for the future,” commented Teran, Jr.

“There were twelve in the jump-off and there were a few very fast horse and rider combinations. There was a very tight turn to an inside oxer that I knew if I planned it correctly, it was going to be faster than the others,” elaborated Teran, Jr. “That turn, ended up being very smooth and very fast. At the point if I left up the last the three up, I knew I would be good for the win.”

The pair will now head to Kentucky to contest the spring competition before making their way up the East Coast, and ultimately secure plans to travel to Europe at the end of the summer, as Teran, Jr. is planning on meeting up with his Colombian teammates, as they look towards the FEI World Cup Finals in Barcelona, Spain, in September.

“I have a couple of grand prix horses right now and I think we’re going to Kentucky in May and then my plan is to go up to Upperville and Devon. I’m planning to finish in Europe and possibly contest the FEI Nations Cup Finals in September. We have a good team based in Europe and I’d like to go join them for preparations ahead of the competition.”

Samuel Parot and Taalex Take $10,000 Equiline Open Stake

Samuel Parot of Wellington, FL and his own Taalex rode to victory in the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake during ESP Spring III, taking the class with a jump-off time of 35.876 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Cortina 186 followed in second place, finishing just a second behind Parot, crossing through the timers in 36.434 seconds. Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Beorn, owned by Alliy Moyer, collected third place with a time of 36.843 seconds.

The class featured 42 entries, while 13 pairs advanced to contest the short course. Parot also guided VDL Aberlino to a fourth place finish, as he piloted both of his mounts to a strong top ten finish.

Jumper Highlights

Shane Sweetnam of Wellington, FL and Samoa, owned by Anna Beth Athey, captured top honors in the $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Stake, besting a class of 43 entries. The pair stopped the jump-off timers in 29.417 seconds to take the win ahead of Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Diamant des Biez, owned by E2 Stabes, who finished with a time of 29.675 seconds. Sweetnam also guided Le Vio, owned by Gut Einhaus, LLC, to third place with a time of 29.903 seconds.

Ty Simpson of Wellington, FL and Why Not, owned by Simpson Show Jumping, Inc., rode to victory in the $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic, besting Michelle Carnes and Ushuaia, owned by Howard Lemus, as the only two pairs to advance to the jump-off round. Marlee Malamut of Vallaway, NJ and Cody, took third place after accumulating three time faults on the first round track.

Lydia Ulrich of Rochester, NY and Up Stream, owned by Beth Congel-Ulrich, topped the $2,500 Gold Coast Feed Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic with a jump-off time of 29.173 seconds. Ashley Vogel of Mequon, WI and Twist des Forets, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian Inc., earned second place with a jump-off time of 31.156 seconds. Sophia Studd of Wellington, FL and her own Angelica Bird rounded out the top three with a time of 32. 635 seconds.

Hunter Highlights

Meghan Kaupp of Pittsford, NY and Montenegro, owned by Lilly Ulrich, rode to victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, amassing a two round score of 176. Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Verdana, owned by Laura Wasserman, earned second place with a score of 171, while Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Easton’s Rocket, owned Pamela Landis, took third place with a score of 170.

Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC guided her own Breaux to top honors in the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-35 Division, while Brittan Bailey of West Palm Beach, FL and Jackman, owned by Bailey Mews, LLC, who were awarded with reserve champion.

The #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division was championed by Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA and Carasco, owned by Bill Schaub, while Zayna Rizvi of Greenwich, CT and Verdana, owned by Laura Wasserman, were presented with reserve champion.

Molly Sewell of Winter Park, FL and Quillaja, owned by Robert Scott, collection the division championship in the Neue Schule Bits USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Mavis Spencer of Santa Monica, CA and Prophet, owned by Neil Jones Equestrian Inc., earned reserve in the division.

Alex Elle Lignelli of New York, NY and her own Iparty finished atop the division in the Small Pony Hunter after several strong performances. Lauren Gee of Valdosta, GA and Grand Slam, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, collected reserve champion.

The Low Children’s Hunter Division saw Reese Madden of Southwest Ranches, FL and Diamond in the Sky ride to earn champion honors ahead of Isabel Beltran and her own Alleala, who finished in reserve.

Michael Desiderio of Wellington, FL and Zero Tolerance, owned by Dru Cederberg, finished as champions in the Neue Schule Bits ESP Open Hunter 3’3″ Division. Mavis Spencer of Santa Monica, CA and Sidarta, owned by Two Swans Farm, finished with the reserve champion title.

The ESP management team would like to thank all of the competitors who participated in the ESP Spring III competition and their understanding and patience with the cancellation due to inclement weather on Sunday, April 23.

For more information on PBIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Samuel Parot and Atlantis Win $216,000 The Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI 4* at WEF

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Samuel Parot and Atlantis. Photos © Sportfot.

Emma Wujek and Puppet Top Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under

Wellington, FL – April 1, 2017 – Chile’s Samuel Parot closed out a fantastic winter circuit with a win in Saturday night’s $216,000 The Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI 4* competing in the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Daniel Coyle (IRL) and Cita finished second, and Margie Engle (USA) aboard Royce placed third.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER) set the course for 45 competitors in the final “Saturday Night Lights” event of the season and saw five clear rounds. Parot and Coyle jumped the only double clear rounds.

Lillie Keenan (USA) was first to jump-off, but knocked a rail at the first fence and finished fourth with her time of 43.46 seconds riding Chansonette Farms’ Super Sox. Parot was next to go aboard his own Atlantis, stopping the clock in 42.52 seconds. Engle and Gladewinds Farm’s Royce followed, but also had a rail at the first fence, placing third on their time of 43.31 seconds. Coyle and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Cita then jumped the second place round, clear in 43.85 seconds. Last to go, Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Breitling LS had one fence down in 44.40 seconds to finish fifth.

“It is super. I really have had a very good season,” Parot stated. “Every Saturday night grand prix I have had good results, but I really wanted to win one. Today I am really happy. The horse was very good. He is a very fast horse.”

Parot said at the start of the week that it was his goal to win Saturday’s grand prix. He also jumped Atlantis, a 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo Z x Royal Bravour L), to a win earlier this circuit in the $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6.

Making an unbelievable winter season even better, Parot also earned wins aboard three other horses. He topped week four’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Dazzle White, week seven’s $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic aboard Quick du Pottier, week eleven’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Couscous van Orti, and week twelve’s $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m speed class riding Quick du Pottier.

“The competition here is very strong. You have to be very, very good,” Parot stated. “These are many of the top riders and top horses in the world. Everyone here is very good, and to win anything here is always a great feeling. Every class here is tough.”

The key to Parot’s winning program is quite simple. “Good horses,” he stated. “When you have good horses, everything is easier. I like horses that are careful, scopey, and fast. All of my horses are a little difficult, but each horse has the carefulness, the scope, and the speed.”

Coyle began the WEF circuit riding Cita for the first time and won the $75,000 Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC Grand Prix in week one. The pair then spent the rest of the winter getting to know each other and developing their partnership.

“Since the first grand prix here, I changed my ride a little bit on Cita,” Coyle said of the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x Pik Ramiro). “I suppose I was over-riding her. I was always asking her to be better and better, and that kind of got in the way of her being better. I just tried to make the ride a little more relaxed, and I found out that she has more jump than I ever believed she had.

“This is probably the biggest grand prix she has had a very good result in,” he continued. “Maybe I underestimated her a little bit in the beginning. I always knew she was going to be a great 1.50m horse, but I think she is going to be more now. I think the future will be bright for her. I am very happy. I am disappointed that I did not beat Samuel, but still that is a great result.”

Commenting on the jump-off, Coyle added, “Tonight I was riding for second place. I was not going to be crazy. For one, it is her first time at that level. Sam’s quick even in the first round, so I knew I would really have to be fast to beat him. If I beat him, I beat him. If I didn’t, I didn’t. I was still really happy.”

Engle also watched Parot’s speedy jump-off and got off to a fast start with her mount Royce, but had an unfortunate rail at fence one with the 13-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Café au Lait x Grandilot).

“Watching Sam go, I got a little excited,” Engle detailed. “I went right after him in the jump-off. I figured I was going to take a shot at the last grand prix of the season. I went really forward to the first jump. I just wanted to land kind of going, and I think I got too geared up after watching him because he was very fast.”

With the help of U.S. Olympic dressage rider Lisa Wilcox, Engle has improved Royce’s rideability and flatwork. Wilcox rides Royce and has helped the talented stallion become “really comfortable with himself,” said Engle.

“Royce has always had all the jump in the world,” Engle added. “He kind of did everything backward. He went in the big classes pretty much un-broke as a six-year-old. I got him when he was seven, and he was already doing the big classes. Then he had to learn how to do the flatwork.

“He has really come around,” Engle noted. “I have been able to drop down bits. I never thought I could flat him in a snaffle, and now he flats in snaffle. I am just thrilled with his consistency this year.”

In addition to the grand prix, several other awards were presented Saturday evening for the final week of competition at WEF. Karen Polle was presented with the Simba Run Perpetual Trophy as the owner of the open jumper who has earned the most prize money in classes held at 1.45m or more during the 2017 WEF. Fine Lady 5’s groom, Bo Vaanholt, was presented with the Oliver O’Toole Perpetual Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the groom of the horse who has earned the most money in the grand prix jumper classes. Martha W. Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman presented the Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur Overall Circuit Leading Lady Rider Award to Laura Chapot in memory of Dale Lawler.

Also competing in the International Arena on Saturday, Katherine Strauss and Capacity won the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Engel & Völkers. Claudia Villamil and Quite Close VD Smis were victorious in the $1,500 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper speed class, and Kamille Marcussen and Bull Run’s Holy Smokes topped the $1,500 Equiline Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class.

Emma Wujek and Puppet Top Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under

Emma Wujek of Grosse Point Farms, MI and Puppet, an entry owned by John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC, were named champions of the Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division on Friday. The pair won two over fences classes with high scores of 88 and 89, placed second under saddle and in the stake round, and finished fourth in the handy trip.

Emma Wujek and Puppet

“He is such a good horse, and he jumps amazing!” said Wujek. “Every week he has come out and jumped so nicely. He has such a good personality and is a just a good horse. He actually acts like a dog; he will just stand there and lick you. My favorite thing about him is his trot and jump. He is just so smooth.”

Wujek and the striking chestnut gelding have been partnered together for a year and have found much success during the winter circuit, earning the championship ribbon of the division during weeks five and ten at WEF.

Speaking of her rounds, Wujek continued, “I focus on being slow, rhythmical, and nice. When I meet the jump really well, he just jumps perfectly. I really just float around on him. I love riding him!”

Mimi Gochman of Palm Beach, FL captured the reserve title, continuing her recent success aboard Scott Stewart’s Caldwell. Gochman guided the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding to win the under saddle, place second in the handy and an over fences round, and place third in the stake and another over fences trip. The duo earned the championship in the division during week 11.

Commenting on her recent success with Caldwell, Gochman said, “I have been really consistent with him, which is unusual for me. I used to not do so well on him, but I think since I have gotten bigger and stronger, he has noticed me more and listened a lot better. He jumped great and was perfect this week. I’m really happy!”

Also on Friday, hunter competitors completed the first round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village. Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL and Like I Said, owned by Pony Lane Farm, topped the first round with an impressive combined score of 186. Going into the second round, Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL is sitting in second place, just behind Jayne. Colvin rode Onyx RCF, owned by Rivercross Farm, to an overall score of 184. Amy Momrow of Wellington, FL and Melissa Wight’s Aeroplane finished the first round in third place with a combined score of 181.5. The top 25 combinations will return for a second handy round on Sunday.

The 12th and final week of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival concludes on Sunday with the $50,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Final and the $50,000 Suncast® 1.50m National Grand Prix in the International Arena. The second round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will take place at 1 p.m. on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds). For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Billy Onslow Win $86k Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 12

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Darragh Kenny and Billy Onslow. Photos © Sportfot.

Parot Wins Douglas Elliman 1.45m; Jimmy Torano and Pure Imagination Triumph in Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″

Wellington, FL – March 30, 2017 – Ireland’s Darragh Kenny triumphed in the $86,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 on Thursday, March 30, riding brand new mount Billy Onslow at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER) set the course for 70 entries in Thursday’s Challenge Cup and yielded 21 clear rounds. With two entries opting out of the jump-off, 19 continued on, and nine were able to clear the short course without fault. Second to go in the jump-off, Darragh Kenny went full speed with Billy Onslow to put the pressure on the remaining competitors. His time of 33.33 seconds held up for the win.

Margie Engle (USA) and Gladewinds Farm’s Royce finished second in 34.22 seconds. Nicole Walker (CAN) and Falco van Spieveld placed third in 36.23 seconds.

“He is such a cool horse,” Kenny said of the 11-year-old Anglo European gelding (Billy Congo x Iroko) that he purchased from Great Britain’s William Funnell. I just got him three weeks ago when I was in Europe. He did a 1.40m class yesterday, and then this today. Obviously, I do not really know him so well, but he tries so hard and he is super easy to ride.”

Remarking on his jump-off, Kenny stated, “I know he is really brave, really careful, and really scopey, so I just went as fast as I could go. There were 17 people after me, so I knew that if I left the door open at all I would have no chance. He has a massive stride. I did eight strides to the second to last fence and I did eight strides to the last, which nobody else did. I also did an inside turn to the double, which in hindsight probably was not the smartest thing.

“I did the first line, and I knew he had a big stride, but I did not realize just how big,” Kenny detailed. “I did the seven strides really slow and I thought I must have miscounted and done eight, so then I panicked and I thought I had to do something really special to try to win. He was just amazing. He was brilliant. He should not have jumped the double from where I turned back at all. He is so brave and careful. You turn back and you don’t even have to worry. You know he is going to do his best to leave the jumps up.”

Parot Notches Another WEF Win

Beginning competition in the International Arena at PBIEC on Thursday, Chile’s Samuel Parot jumped to victory in the $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m speed class riding his 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Quick du Pottier (Hurlevent De Breka x Cuba).

Fifty-two entries started over Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s first-round course and 15 cleared the track without fault. Parot and Quick du Pottier went fifth in the order, setting an uncatchable time of 59.14 seconds for the win.

Lisa Goldman (USA) and Barbara Disko’s Sovereign finished second in 62.60 seconds. Conor Swail (IRL) crossed the timers in 62.82 seconds to place third riding Vanessa Mannix’s Rubens LS La Silla. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Everlong LLC’s Diamond D took fourth place in 63.64 seconds.

Samuel Parot and Quick du Pottier

Speaking of his winning round, Parot stated, “Yesterday I went really fast and I had one down, so today I did not want to go as fast because the course was very careful. I went in the first five, and I thought I went fast, but not that fast. I thought somebody would catch me, but the course was very careful and it caught people.

“This horse is very fast,” Parot continued. “I thought I would maybe be in the top three with this time, but I was lucky that I ended up winning it.”

Parot has had great success throughout the 2017 circuit, winning week four’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Dazzle White, topping the $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup in week six with Atlantis, winning week seven’s $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic aboard Quick du Pottier, and also taking week eleven’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m riding Couscous van Orti.

Remarking on his winter, Parot smiled, “It has been a really fantastic season. I think this is the best circuit I have had here. I had a really good summer and then the horses came in to the winter really good. They have stayed really sound and they are all in great shape. This horse is done for the circuit. He was really good all winter and it is nice for him to go out with a win. He and the others will all have a nice vacation until we go to Tryon in May.”

Also competing in the International Arena on Thursday, the Spy Coast Farm Six-Year-Old Developing Jumpers completed their Power and Speed class with a win for Andres Soto (COL) and Julia Tedesco’s X-Lady.

Jimmy Torano and Pure Imagination Triumph in Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″

Jimmy Torano of Wellington, FL and Pure Imagination, owned by Ponies & Palms Show Stables, LLC, topped a competitive field of 37 horse and rider combinations in the Marshall & Sterling Insurance Performance Hunter 3’3″ division on Thursday. The pair only showed in two classes, but after winning an over fences round and placing third in the stake, they earned the championship ribbon.

Torano, who had never ridden the coming nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Ars Vivendi before, showed him as a favor to friend Joey Currais, trainer of Hunters Landing.

“We just got Pure Imagination to do the Junior Hunters with one of my clients, Isha Swani,” explained Currais. “Honestly, I have had him for four days. I wanted to put Jimmy on him to get a feel of the horse because the horse is going to do the 3’6″ this weekend. I’m beyond words, the trips were beautiful and having somebody of that caliber like Jimmy Torano, it was just a beautiful picture.”

While Currais has only had Pure Imagination in his barn for a short time, he speaks highly of the gifted gelding.

“This is a horse I picked for my client because of his personality, he is kind and forgiving, he has a great record, and a beautiful and quality jump,” continued Currais. “Working with a talented animal like Pure Imagination is a pure privilege.”

Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, SC and Hide Away, an entry owned by Looking Back Farm, captured the reserve honors, only two points overall behind Torano. Boyd and Hide Away won the handy trip and placed fourth in the stake round.

Competition continues on Friday featuring the $10,000 Gut Einhaus Five-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic, the $15,000 Spy Coast Farm Six-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic, and the $20,000 Spy Coast Farm Seven-Year-Old Developing Jumper Classic in the International Arena. The $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby will determine a winner in the Derby Field at the Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds). For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

McKayla Langmeier Moves Up to Win George Morris Excellence in Equitation

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McKayla Langmeier and Calberon B. Photos © Sportfot.

Samuel Parot and Couscous van Orti Top $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m CSI 5*

Wellington, FL – March 24, 2017 – After two rounds and a test, McKayla Langmeier of East Granby, CT emerged victorious riding Calberon B in the tenth annual George Morris Excellence in Equitation class, the highlight competition on March 24 at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

Thirty-nine horse and rider combinations tackled the first round course designed by Andy Christiansen Jr. and Frank Madden in the Van Kampen Covered Arena at Equestrian Village at PBIEC. Following the initial round, the top 15 riders returned for a second round, and ultimately the top four riders came back for a final test. Without the help of their trainers, the junior riders were responsible for walking the course, warming up their horses, and time management as no outside contact was allowed during the event and riders were required to turn in their cell phones at the start of the class. One groom was permitted to tend to the horse and set jumps during the warm-up.

The competitors received scores from two panels of judges and a schooling judge, who graded riders in the warm-up area and gave a score that ranged from minus two to two. Panel one consisted of Anne Kursinski and Ralph Caristo, panel two was made up of Frank Madden and Bobby Braswell, and Eric Straus acted as schooling judge.

Langmeier, who finished second in the class last year, was sitting in second place going into the final test, but after flawlessly asking all of the test’s questions, she moved up to win the blue ribbon. Ava Stearns of Chilmark, MA captured the reserve honors, while Taylor St. Jacques of Glen Allen, VA earned the third place ribbon, and Coco Fath of Fairfield, CT settled for a fourth place finish.

Madden of Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY is a well-established figure in the equitation world and was greatly impressed with the talent demonstrated in the class.

“It was a real privilege to judge the class and be involved in building the courses,” said Madden. “I thought the test was great. I loved McKayla’s [Langmeier’s] horse landing on the right lead and making the flying change. Overall it was a great class, and I hoped the riders enjoyed the courses and the test.”

Langmeier piloted Calberon B, a nine-year-old gelding owned by Linda Langmeier, to a first round score of 179 and a second round score of 182 for an overall winning score of 361. The pair have not been partnered together long as Langmeier started showing the gelding, who previously competed in the jumpers, in equitation classes at the start of this winter circuit.

Speaking of her test, Langmeier explained, “Part of the test was to hold the counter lead, and I have had issues in tests not being able to hold it. I was going to try to go inside the hay bales, but I ended up going around. I saw in the previous tests that people held the counter lead after the second fence, but I decided do the flying change.”

Although Stearns entered the test in fourth place, her impeccable performance aboard Eclipse, an entry owned by Missy Clark & North Run, earned her the reserve honors. Stearns received first and second round scores of 174.5 and 179, respectively, for a combined score of 353.

“I had a lot of fun tonight!” Stearns exclaimed. “I have an incredible mount, Eclipse. I was really excited to get to compete in the class on him because he is so special, and he handles everything so well. He is so handy, and everything you ask of him he does perfectly, so that made it really fun.”

St. Jacques was sitting on top when the final four entered the test; however, Madden explained that her hand gallop in the test dropped her down to finish in third place. The talented junior guided Charisma, owned by Heritage Farm, Inc., to a first round score of 182, and the highest second round score, 187.5, for an overall total of 369.5. Charisma, a ten-year-old Warmblood gelding by Stakkato, won the honor of Best Equitation Horse after the first two rounds.

“Charisma was incredible today,” St. Jacques praised. “Everything I asked him to do he did perfectly, and he could not have gone any better. It was a really good class overall! The class is a different atmosphere than we are used to, and I think it is a lot of fun under the lights.”

Fath rode veteran equitation mount, Class Action, owned by Hillside Farm, LLC, to a fourth place finish. The pair earned first and second round scores of 177 and 178, respectively, for a combined total of 355.

Speaking of her first time showing in the class, Fath said, “It was such a fun experience! Not having trainers was something new and different that I have not experienced before. I rode Class Action, who has done this many times. I could not imagine doing this on any other horse. He is so special and perfect; he could basically do it by himself.”

Samuel Parot and Couscous van Orti Top $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m CSI 5*

It was an emotional win for Chile’s Samuel Parot in Friday’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m CSI 5* at the Winter Equestrian Festival, as the rider was competing his mount Couscous van Orti for the final time.

Samuel Parot and Couscous van Orti

Parot found Couscous van Orti from Belgium’s Pieter Devos in 2015 and rode the gelding at the Pan American Games in Toronto that year. The pair has since earned numerous victories and had a very successful partnership. The horse will now compete under the flag of El Salvador with rider Juan Manuel Bolanos.

Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set the speed track for 35 starters in Friday’s five-star 1.45m competition, yielding ten clear rounds. Last to go, Parot and the 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nabab de Reve x Cash) raced to victory in 60.48 seconds.

Darragh Kenny (IRL) finished second in 62.24 seconds riding Kerry Anne LLC’s Chanel. Eric Lamaze (CAN) guided Torrey Pines Stable’s Thalis de la Roque to third place in 63.25 seconds, and Richie Moloney (IRL) placed fourth aboard Equinimity LLC’s Slieveanorra in 64.19 seconds.

“Today is the last show and the last class we will jump together because he is sold, so it is a nice goodbye,” Parot said of his mount. “I am very happy to win with him one final time.

“I was lucky to go last, so I watched a lot of riders,” Parot continued. “The course was fast and very careful. In the beginning, I went a little bit slower, but on the last part of the course I went very fast. I think where I won it was the last line. I galloped down and left out a stride to the last jump, and he did it easily.”

Also competing in the International Arena on Friday, Amy Millar (CAN) and AMMO Investments’ Heros won the $35,000 1.45m CSI 2* jump-off.

Week eleven of the Winter Equestrian Festival continues in the International Arena on Saturday featuring the $130,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Final at 6:30 p.m. and the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. The Engel & Völkers Large Junior Hunters 15 & Under will determine championship and reserve honors in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena. For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Peter Leone and Wayfarer Top $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2* at WEF

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Peter Leone and Wayfarer. Photos © Sportfot.

Samuel Parot Wins $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic; Erika Luter Victorious in THIS Children’s Medal 15-17

Wellington, FL – February 26, 2017 – Peter Leone (USA) and Wayfarer concluded week seven of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with a win in the $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2* on Sunday, February 26, in Wellington, FL. Also competing on Sunday, Samuel Parot (CHI) and Quick du Pottier topped the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) concluded week seven with 44 entries in the $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2* in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Eleven entries qualified for the jump-off, where Olympic silver medalist Peter Leone completed the fastest of seven double clear rounds in 35.49 seconds aboard Lionshare Farm’s Wayfarer.

Jonathon Millar (CAN) and Millar Brooke Farm’s Daveau finished second in 35.63 seconds. Abigail McArdle (USA) placed third riding David McArdle’s Cade in a time of 35.96 seconds.

Wayfarer, an 11-year-old gelding (Languster x Lancer II), was born and raised at Leone’s Lionshare Farm in Greenwich, CT. In 2012, the gelding won the Six-Year-Old Young Jumper Final at WEF and has since developed into a top horse for the rider.

“He is a big-strided horse,” Leone described. “In the jump-off, I tried to take advantage of my horse’s big stride. I kept him a little fresh coming into today. That is when he jumps his best. He really felt in good form.”

Leone continued, “The first round, I only got to watch a little bit because one of the wonderful things, but also challenging things about being at the Winter Equestrian Festival, is that many of us have students that are jumping in other rings. Right after the course walk, I went and put a wonderful rider in the Low Junior Jumpers. Then I came back and watched a couple and did my first round. Then I ran back to go do another great student of mine that went into the lead in the High Children’s Jumpers. Then I came back just in time to jump on and give it a go in the jump-off.”

Commenting on the course, Leone added, “I was glad that Anthony set (the course). It is hard to set a challenging two-star track for 45 horses because you are limited to how big the jumps can be. It is hard to get the right number clear, but I think he set a really good course today and had a good number for the jump-off. I love that that they are having these two-star classes, because I would not have been jumping this week if there was not a two-star along with the five-star. I think it is one of the best things that this show management has done.”

Second place finisher Jonathon Millar was also pleased with the opportunity to jump in the two-star division this week with his young mount Daveau, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zento x Glennridge).

“We bought him as a seven-year-old,” Millar detailed. “He is a quick horse. For being a big horse, he is pretty handy. He is very smooth, and I think that is what makes him quite quick. Plus, he is smart. If I ask him to turn, or I ask him to go on an angle, he knows where we are going.

“I am taking advantage of the two-star classes with him this year just to develop him and give him this experience and every week try to be a little faster,” Millar added. “He was fifth two weeks ago in the two-star grand prix as well. He has had a great winter here. He is just a fun horse to ride, and he is a real competitor. I am looking forward to a bright future with him.”

McArdle was aboard a veteran mount in her horse Cade, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Darco) that she has owned for five years.

“We retired him last year, and then we brought him back this year,” McArdle noted. “He had a little over a year off. Our philosophy is if they are sound, they keep going. There is nothing like nature and time that gives a horse its way back into the ring.

“This format has been great,” she said of the two-star division. “I have been kind of easing him in to see what he is ready to go back and do again. It is special because this is the only horse I have that is not a sales horse; it is mine. I finally have one of my own back to do the big classes, and he is incredible.”

Samuel Parot Wins Suncast® 1.50m

Sunday’s $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic featured 50 starters over another Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) designed course, with a ten-horse jump-off. Chile’s Samuel Parot raced through the short course in 38 seconds flat for the win aboard his own Quick du Pottier.

Canada’s Tiffany Foster jumped into second place riding Artisan Farms’ Brighton in 38.96 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) rode his own and Susan Heller’s Tina la Boheme to the third place time of 39.02 seconds. New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley took both fourth and fifth place honors, crossing the timers in 40.12 seconds riding the Sky Group’s Casper, and 40.50 seconds with the Sky Group’s Barnetta.

Samuel Parot and Quick du Pottier

Parot and his 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Hurlevent De Breka x Cuba) have been partnered since 2014 and share a mutual appreciation for speed.

“This horse is really fast. He jumped a very good first round, and in the jump-off I tried to win,” Parot stated. “I went very fast, and I took a lot of risk at the last jump. He is very careful. He jumps a lot of clear rounds, and he did not touch anything today.”

Parot continued, “He won a few classes last season, and it feels very good to be having such a great circuit. For him to make the jump-off is not difficult. He is always very fast.”

While Quick du Pottier’s ability and enthusiasm make him a winning horse in the show ring, the gelding needs to be well-managed at home and in the warm-up ring.

“He is very hot,” Parot explained. “I do not jump him much at home, and it is not possible to jump him here in the warm-up. I do one jump and then go. He is a really special horse.”

Also competing in the International Arena on Sunday, Emma Kurtz and Chagrin Saddlery’s Carisma topped the $10,000 Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumper Classic.

Erika Luter Victorious in THIS Children’s Medal 15-17

A field of 31 riders competed for the top honors in the THIS Children’s Medal 15-17 on Sunday morning, but it was Erika Luter of Palm Beach, FL who rode her own Cris Van De Helle to the win. The medal consisted of a first round and a final test that brought back the top four riders in reverse order. The test consisted of a hand gallop, which proved to be the most difficult portion of the test, a halt, a counter canter, and a rollback to an in-and-out.

Speaking of her test and first round, Luter said, “I haven’t really practiced that many hand gallop jumps, so that part was a little risky. I was nervous about it, but he took care of me there and the rest went really well! The first round course was nice. The bending line was a long seven strides, which was challenging, but once I got my pace going it ended up really nicely.”

Luter purchased the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Cristo two months ago and recently started showing him in the 3’6″ equitation classes.

“He’s one of the best horses I’ve ever had,” Luter explained. “He makes my job very easy and is so loveable and kind. I just started competing in the big equitation classes, so my main goal for the winter circuit is to be successful and consistent in those rounds.”

Melanie Dunton of Warrington, PA and her own Antero moved up from the fourth place position after the test to finish in second place. Antero is a 2005 Oldenburg gelding by Abke. The third place ribbon went to Samantha Weinerman of Chester, NJ and her own Encantada. Weinerman also shows her eight-year-old mare in the Children’s Hunter 15-17 division. Hailey Link, of Irvine, CA and her Barolo W placed fourth.

The Winter Equestrian Festival continues in its eighth week of competition on March 1-5, 2017. For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunters Reign for World Championship Hunter Rider Week at WEF

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Catch Me and Scott Stewart. Photos © Sportfot.

Samuel Parot and Atlantis Win $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6

Wellington, FL – February 16, 2017 -The highly anticipated World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) kicked off on Wednesday, February 15, highlighting the traditional grace and beauty of the hunter discipline at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

Scott Stewart rode Catch Me to the championship title and Cameo to reserve honors in the Antares High Performance Hunter division for WCHR week. Stewart piloted Catch Me, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC, to win the handy with an impressive score of 95, an over fences class, and the under saddle. The coming ten-year-old gelding by Casiro has a long list of accolades to his name, including a win in last year’s Hunter Spectacular. Stewart guided Dr. Betsee Parker’s Cameo to a first place finish in the stake class and second place under saddle.

“Catch Me is a horse of a lifetime,” Becky Gochman praised. “He has surpassed any preconceived notion of what we had thought he might become. Everything is icing on the cake at this point. We’ve figured him out, and I think he’s figured out that we want to do what is best for him. It’s been a complete joy.”

Lucador, another entry of Dr. Betsee Parker, and Stewart were named champions of the Shapley’s Grooming Products High Performance Conformation division. Although WCHR week is the nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding’s first outing of 2017, Lucador proved to be in top form. The pair won the handy round, and an over fences class, and placed second in the stake, model, and under saddle. Stewart also secured the reserve title aboard Fun, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC, earning first place in the stake, model, and under saddle, and second and third place in the other two over fences classes.

“He was good today,” Stewart said of Lucador. “He has so much experience – this is our fourth year together – that I don’t worry about him. He’s like a big pony; you have to do it his way a little bit, but he’s great.”

Havens Schatt of Georgetown, KY and Aristocrat, owned by Tracy Scheriff-Muser, were crowned champions of the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Green Hunters 3’9″ with three wins. The pair topped two over fences rounds, scoring a 90 in each, and the under saddle. Schatt started riding the 2008 gelding by Balou du Rouet five years ago, right after he was first started under saddle. Scott Stewart and Fashion Farm’s Captivate settled for the reserve title with a win the handy class, second place under saddle, and fourth and fifth place finishes over fences.

“He has so much ability,” Schatt detailed. “This year, he’s really coming into his own, consistency-wise. His father is Balou du Rouet, whose offspring have the reputation that they need to trust you before they perform for you. He’s a fun horse to have and a bit of a challenge in that he’s slightly different every time you get on him.”

Scott Stewart claimed champion and reserve honors in the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Green Hunter 3’6″ division. Riding Rivers Edge’s Luster, Stewart won the under saddle, the handy round, and placed second in an over fences class to earn the championship ribbon. The reserve ribbon went to Wonderly, a 2009 Brandenburger gelding by Burberry owned by Dr. Betsee Parker. Stewart piloted Wonderly to a win in the stake class and third place finishes in the handy and under saddle.

“Luster is really fun to ride,” Stewart explained of the 2010 Westphalian gelding by Coranado LL. “He’s such a good jumper. This [WCHR week] is his fourth horse show of the year, and he’s been champion and reserve leading up to this.”

Private Life, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, swept the Shapley’s Equine Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunter division, winning all five classes with Scott Stewart in the irons. Stewart had nothing but compliments for the KWPN gelding by Verdi.

“He’s awesome!” Stewart exclaimed. “He’s actually the youngest, just turning six this year, and rides like a made horse even though he’s green.”

Jannifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Best Regards secured reserve honors in the Shapley’s Equine Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunter division. Hannan piloted Patricia Fulchino’s 2008 Holsteiner stallion to second place ribbons in the model, an over fences class, and under saddle, and a third place ribbon in the stake round.

The CWD Saddlery Performance Hunter 3’6″ division yielded a remarkable 101 competitors on Thursday afternoon. Due to the number of entries, two championships were awarded. Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, SC and Stella Styslinger’s Cassanto captured the first championship ribbon. The pair earned the high score of the division with a 92 in the stake round. Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL guided Koala, owned by John & Stephanie Ingram, LLC, to win the other championship ribbon.

Samuel Parot and Atlantis Win $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Round 6

Competing in the Global Arena at Equestrian Village at PBIEC, Chile’s Samuel Parot and Atlantis were victorious in Thursday’s $35,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 at the 2017 WEF.

Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the course for 61 entries in the WEF Challenge Cup, qualifying 22 for the jump-off, with four opting not to return. Completing the short course without fault, Parot and Atlantis clocked the fastest round in 31.94 seconds for the win.

Brazil’s Pedro Muylaert finished second in 33.68 seconds riding Stenio de Silva’s Prince Royal Z MFS. Laura Chapot (USA) and Mary Chapot’s ISHD Dual Star placed third in 33.79 seconds, and Daniel Coyle (IRL) riding Ariel and Susan Grange’s Cita finished fourth in 33.92 seconds.

Samuel Parot and Atlantis

“When you walked the course, you thought it was more difficult, but there were a lot clear today,” Parot noted. “The horse felt very comfortable. In the jump-off, it was difficult. You had a turn to the combination that made a lot of problems.”

Parot purchased Atlantis, a top ranked 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo Z x Royal Bravour L), just before the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Together the pair has been incredibly successful at the international grand prix level.

“He is a very good horse. He won a lot of grand prixs last year,” Parot stated. “He is very fast. He is always pulling, so I ride him in a hackamore at home because he is very sensitive. I work him on the flat a lot and do not jump too much at home, but he knows when he is at the show. He is brave and has a very good head. He is fast and careful. He is a really top horse.”

The change in venue this week suited Parot and Atlantis, jumping in the smaller Global Arena instead of the expansive International Arena on the main WEF showgrounds.

“I like competing in this arena. It is the same as indoors,” Parot acknowledged. “This horse is very fast, but he is a little strong in the mouth, so for him it is very good. He turns very quickly, and he feels super in the space. I like jumping in the smaller rings too. You need a horse that is careful and has the scope and speed. This horse has everything.”

Jumper competition continues at Equestrian Village on Friday featuring the $130,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* in the evening, while the third day of WCHR competition will host more championship presentations on the main show grounds. For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Burlington et al. Triumph in $25k Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series Team Event

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Brett Burlington and Bluf. Photos © Sportfot.

Samuel Parot Wins $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m Speed; Kelli Cruciotti Tops Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search

Wellington, FL – February 3, 2017 – Young U.S. riders Brett Burlington, Lacey Gilbertson, Kaely Tomeu, and Teddy Vlock emerged victorious in the $25,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series Team Event, presented by Equiline, on Friday night during week four of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

Also competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, Chile’s Samuel Parot won the $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m speed class riding Dazzle White.

Friday’s team competition was the third event of the Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series for the 2017 WEF circuit. The class was held in the Global Arena at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds at PBIEC, with 14 teams showing over the Richard Jeffery (GBR) designed course in round one. The best seven teams returned to jump a second round, but only six teams completed round two. When two teams finished with four faults overall, a tie-breaking jump-off was held, where one rider was chosen to represent each team.

Team Sweet Oak/Vlock came out victorious, as Brett Burlington jumped a clear round over the short course, representing her team aboard Alden Burlington’s Bluf. Team USA/Ireland finished second after Lucas Porter and Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Diamonte Darco knocked a rail at the second fence in the jump-off and elected to retire.

Also riding for the winning team, Kaely Tomeu and Siboney Ranch’s Contenance 15 jumped double clear. Lacey Gilbertson and Seabrook LLC’s Baloppi jumped clear in round one and earned the drop score of four in round two. Teddy Vlock and Vlock Show Stables’ Cristobar incurred four faults in round one and jumped clear in round two, while Burlington and Bluf scored four and zero, followed by their clear jump-off round to secure team victory.

Making up the second place team for USA/Ireland in addition to jump-off contenders Lucas Porter and Diamonte Darco, were Oliver McCarthy and Kevin Babington’s Double Deuce Retto, Ailish Cunniffe and Whipstick Farm’s Casper, and Wilton Porter aboard Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Patriot.

Burlington (17, Miami, FL) has ridden Bluf, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ukato x Placido), for almost two years and was selected as the jump-off participant due to her experience with her horse.

“Coming into tonight, I was definitely pretty confident because I have done this with him before,” Burlington stated. “I have jumped him under the lights a bunch, and he has always been really good. I was definitely happy with the way he went. The first round was a bummer at the last jump, but he still jumped really well. Then obviously in the second round and the jump-off he was really good.”

Tomeu (21, Wellington, FL) was aboard a new mount since December in Contenance 15, an 11-year-old Westphalian mare (Cornet Obolensky x Darco).

“I am still figuring her out, but I think tonight proved that we are a pretty good match,” Tomeu noted. “I was pretty excited for tonight. We won this event two years ago, and last year we ended up third. Lacey, Brett, and I are normally on the same team with one extra person, which Teddy was lucky enough to be this year. We are always really excited for this. It is just neat that it is a team, and we are all in the same barn. We are all friends, which makes it fun.”

Gilbertson (23, Lake Forest, IL) was riding an even newer horse in the 10-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, Baloppi, which she just purchased two weeks ago.

“I wanted to go in tonight and have some pretty confident rounds; I’m still figuring her out,” Gilbertson stated. “She was amazing. She saved me in places where she needed to, so I am very grateful to her, and I am very excited for what is to come with her.”

Vlock (19, Branford, CT) was aboard Cristobar for Friday’s competition, an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding (Cristallo x Lancer III) that he has ridden for almost two years. While Burlington, Tomeu, and Gilbertson have experience competing in the U25 team event, Vlock was showing in the class for the first time, and only his second U25 competition.

“This week was my first time showing him at WEF, so I was really happy with it,” Vlock detailed. “He jumped super. He is good at everything he does. He is kind of everything you could want in a horse, which I love.”

Vlock added, “Most of the time I don’t get very nervous, but I wanted to do well for my team tonight. This was the first time I ever had other people counting on me to do well, so I was really happy that I could contribute and jump a clear round.”

The Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, has been expanded to ten events offering a total of $215,000 in prize money for the 2017 season. Developed as a bridge to the international level of grand prix competition, the Series gives athletes, both human and equine, an opportunity to compete under a myriad of conditions, including jumping on grass, under the lights at night, and in team competition; all important elements that competitors will face as their international careers progress. The series concludes with a $50,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Final, which the top 30 riders in the point standings will be invited to contest on Sunday, April 2.

Samuel Parot Shows His Speed in 1.45m

Week four course designer Steve Stephens (USA) set the speed track for 34 entries in Friday’s $35,000 Illustrated Properties 1.45m competition, with 15 clear rounds and a win for Chile’s Samuel Parot aboard Dazzle White.

Samuel Parot and Dazzle White

Parot and the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Calvino Z x Narcos II) edged out Kent Farrington (USA) and Sherkan d’Amaury to take the win in 53.65 seconds. Farrington and his mount, owned by the Olympic team silver medalist in partnership with Haity McNerney and Daniel Crown, stopped the clock in 56.28 seconds. Wednesday’s $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m winners, Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili, finished third in a time of 56.49 seconds.

Parot purchased Dazzle White in early 2016 and quickly earned two grand prix victories, topping May’s $130,000 Split Rock Grand Prix CSI 3* in Lexington, KY, as well as July’s $130,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 3* in Tryon, NC. The gelding then injured his knee in September and was out of work for four months. He jumped again for the first time in December and showed in week two at WEF.

“This is his second show back, and he is perfect now,” Parot stated. “I think he is a top horse. He has a lot of scope, and for these speed courses where you need to turn very short, for him it is no problem.

“I think I won the class in the turn from one to two, and also from the skinny to the oxer,” Parot added. “I made those turns very close. He can make very short turns easily.”

Also competing in the International Arena on Friday, Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC’s Chesney won the $6,000 Illustrated Properties FEI 1.40m. Hilary McNerney and Contact won the $2,500 High Amateur-Owner Jumper Power and Speed, sponsored by Engel & Völkers. Sophia Studd and M&M Show Stables’ Corlanda topped the $1,500 High Junior Jumper Power and Speed, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch. The $6,000 Illustrated Properties 1.40m Speed Challenge concluded the day with a win for David Blake (IRL) riding Pine Hollow Farm’s Bella Donna.

Kelli Cruciotti Tops Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search

Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO won the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search riding Monterrey on Friday morning. Cruciotti trains with her mother, Cindy Cruciotti, and purchased Monterrey, a 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Calvados, from Lillie Keenan five years ago. Together, Cruciotti and Monterrey won the 2015 Pessoa/USEF Medal Finals.

“I was lucky enough to be able to keep him after I was no longer a junior,” Kelli Cruciotti said. “He just comes out sporadically, but he really likes to horse show and loves every minute of it. I did a 1.10m schooling class yesterday and then went in and did this. We’ll play it week by week going forward, but he’ll probably have a couple weeks off. He loves to do the [hunter] derbies too so we mix it up. He does it all and is fantastic.”

“He’s a creature of habit,” Cindy Cruciotti added. “He likes his morning rides and gallops. He comes out, knows the job and the routine, and is happy.”

After an over fences phase and a flat phase, Yasmin Rizi earned second place with Canny Windsor Z, while Maya Nayyar earned the third-place ribbon.

“I thought the course was very nice,” said Kelli Cruciotti of Anderson Lima’s design. “It was very even on both leads and challenging. The related distance from the oxer to the water to the vertical was the most challenging test. You had to ride the water a little bit and then come back for the vertical. The rest was just making it smooth and even off the left and right. I thought the course was really well designed.”

The fourth week of WEF continues on Saturday with the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic featured in the International Arena during the day. The fourth “Saturday Night Lights” event of the season, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, will be the highlight in the evening with competition starting at 6:30 p.m. The Beval Palm Beach Adult Medal will decide a winner in Ring 6. For full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.