Sharn Wordley Claims Win in 1.40m Open Jumpers at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show
Lexington, Ky. – August 17, 2016 – Scott Stewart guided Rivers Edge’s Storm Watch into the new leading position on the second day of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship with a total of 520.5 points. Storm Watch is a 6-year-old Oldenburg by Chacco Blue, and even as a relatively new addition to the River’s Edge team, he has made his mark at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.
“We bought him at the end of last year, when he was still a stallion,” Stewart explained. “He got castrated, and then he was shown a couple times in Florida in the Pre-Green Hunters. Then, he did Kentucky Spring Horse Show and I haven’t really shown my horses since then, so he’s just been at home getting trained.”
The gray gelding placed fifth over the Patrick Rodes-designed course, after being tied for second place Tuesday.
“He was awesome. He was great both rounds. He’s very laid back. He likes to go like a hunter with his head and neck low,” Stewart said. “He’s probably one of the best jumpers I’ve ever had. He really tries hard every time over these jumps that are kind of small for him.”
Stewart’s plan for Thursday’s third and final round of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship will be simple and straightforward.
“He’s pretty laid-back, so I only jump a few verticals before I go in. He’s brave, so I’m not going to do too much. He’s pretty quiet as well,” Stewart said.
He continued, “Today, I only jumped three jumps and went in. They’re all getting a little tired.”
When asked about the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship, Scott said, “I think it’s great. It’s nice prize money for these young horses and we get to showcase them a little bit. It’s a very good thing for the hunters.”
While Storm Watch is currently in the lead overall, it was Tim Goguen and Davidson that captured the blue ribbon during the second over-fences round of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship.
Goguen was quick to mention that Davidson really tries to give it his all in the show ring, and that is what helped him both days.
“He went really well today and yesterday,” Goguen stated. “He’s just a trier; he’s been really good. He’s been going well for the past two days. He got a low score the first day from one of the judges. I think he was like 25th overall going in, but I think today moved him up a little bit.”
Davidson, a homebred warmblood, has only been showing under the expertise of Goguen since the end of June. Despite their short time together, Davidson has made it to the winner’s circle every time out.
“I started riding him at the Country Heir Horse Show, which was in June or July, and I’ve shown him maybe three times,” Goguen shared. “He’s been champion all three times. He’s just been a great horse.”
Davidson enters Thursday’s phase in the ninth place position, with a total of 513.5 points.
Dr. Betsee Parker’s Liberty Road is now in second place overall with 519 points. Chicago, owned by Douglas Wheeler, narrowly missed the second place spot with 518 points. Both horses were ridden by esteemed hunter rider, Hunt Tosh.
On Wednesday afternoon, a new winner for 2016 will be crowned as the championship will culminate after the top 30 horses battle it out for the coveted title. The course walk for the third and final round is set to begin at 3:15 p.m. and officials can begin walking the course at 4:15 p.m. The opening ceremonies will take place at 4:30 p.m., and the championship round is planned for a 5 p.m. start.
Sharn Wordley Claims Win in 1.40m Open Jumpers
As the jumper action began on Wednesday in the Rolex Arena, it was Sharn Wordley and Glamour Van De Kakebeek who brought home the blue ribbon in the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper division at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.
The Rolex Arena was filled with intricate sand sculptures, fully decorated and ready for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, which begin on Friday. Despite the decorations and the light rainfall, Wordley and Glamour Van De Kakebeek navigated the course successfully, going clear in a time of 66.018 seconds.
Sharn Wordley and Glamour Van De Kakebeek
“My plan was to just go fast,” Wordley said. “There were a lot of fast people in this class, including Aaron Vale and Tori Colvin. I had to go reasonably quick if I wanted to beat those guys. With the course, I know Glamour Van De Kakebeek doesn’t spook at anything, so the sand sculptures didn’t bother him at all. I could have jumped over the sand pile, and it wouldn’t have mattered to him. He felt great today.”
Wordley said that he got the ride on the Kerry Anne LLC entry two months ago, and has been showing the 10-year-old gelding to successful finishes in the 1.40m division. His goal is to eventually show the gelding in FEI ranked classes.
“It’s been really easy getting to know him,” Wordley said. “The first show I went to with him, we won a class. The second and third shows, he was champion in the 1.40m. I’d say I’ve done about seven classes with him, and he’s won five of them.”
The gelding was previously owned by Darragh Kenny, who alerted Wordley when he realized the two would be a great match.
“I had a horse that I bought from Darragh,” Wordley explained. “But he called me saying he had another horse that would be more suited to me. So, he sent me Glamour Van De Kakebeek, and he was right – this one is a great little horse. He’s a real winner, and he just wants to get out there and go as fast as he can.”
Finishing second to Wordley was another rider known for his speedy rounds – Aaron Vale. Vale turned in a clear round aboard Acolina R, tripping the timers just behind Wordley in 66.871 seconds. With a time of 67.328 seconds, Wordley also came in third with Caiman De Sequoias, who is owned by Sharn Wordley and The Sky Group.
Earlier in the day, the 1.35m Open Jumpers had the stage in the Rolex Arena, and it was Richard Rinehart and Virginia Bartholomay’s Donnalaris who swept the field of 32 entries to earn the win.
“I took it as a good sign that it stopped raining before my round,” Rinehart said. “Donnalaris was just awesome. My plan was to try not to take any chances, but to save time where I could. I’m really lucky to have Donnalaris to ride.”
Rinehart, who is based in Indianapolis, said he began riding the 8-year-old mare during July of last year.
“She’s got girl-power,” Rinehart laughed. “She’s very brave, and she gets it done. She’s so nice to ride, and she’s really obedient. I feel like she’s always trying to please. And she likes this ring, even with the sand. I just really wanted her to jump the Diane Carney jump clean, because she’s my trainer, so I’m happy that she did.”
The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show will resume on Thursday with the finale of the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship. Other highlight events include the 2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, which will take place over the course of two days, and the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. Jumper highlights include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
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McLain Ward and Tina La Boheme. Photo By: The Book, LLC.
Devon, Pa. – June 1, 2016 – Some might call it luck, some might call it hard work, most would call it both. Whatever it is, McLain Ward has it. Notching his eighth international victory in a row, Ward rose to the top of the field once again, claiming the $40,000 Devon International Speed Stake CSI4* sponsored by Green Drop. Piloting Tina La Boheme to the fastest clear round, Ward once again led the lap of honor in the Dixon Oval at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
“The speed here at Devon has probably gotten more difficult,” said Ward after his win. “Being FEI, you need a little more of a jumper. I thought it was a very good course. Took a little jumping and enough speed. It wasn’t like you could go belly to the ground. You needed to pick a few places to take a moment.”
An international field of entries took their turn over Kelvin Bywater’s track to kick off the evening of competition at the Devon Horse Show, but with a quick pace as the main goal, only 10 riders left all the rails intact in their effort to secure a top ribbon.
As the fourth athlete to tackle the course, Amanda Derbyshire of Great Britain set the pace to beat at 60.29 seconds with a clear round aboard Goldbreaker. With a quick time that left many trying to catch her unsuccessfully, she took home the second place prize.
When discussing how she might have won, Derbyshire admitted, “I chipped really bad at the fifth jump. I did not see that distance. Goldbreaker jumps back feet first, but he’s brave and he’s a good boy. It felt like a win anyway if McLain won! I knew he was going to beat me. I was on the fence waiting for him to beat me.”
Ireland’s Kevin Babington was one of the select few to come close to the 60-second mark, stopping the clock at 60.30 seconds with his veteran partner Mark Q for third place. Sydney Shulman riding Toscane De L’Isle and Laura Chapot on Quointreau Un Prince finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with clear times of 61.31 seconds and 61.92 seconds.
The last in the class would prove to be the best of day. Ward and Tina La Boheme executed a flawless performance as they took the inside options to beat Derbyshire by almost two seconds as they dashed across the finish line in 58.49 seconds for his second victory at the Devon Horse Show.
“I did the plan,” explained Ward after seeing the others show over the course. “I didn’t do anything really different than the plan. Everything showed up nice. She’s a careful mare, so it worked out.”
With victories at Old Salem, Rome and Devon, Ward has racked up an impressive number of wins in the last three weeks. “I always imagine that, but it doesn’t always go that way,” laughed Ward. “I never try to limit what is possible. Every competition I go in I have a plan and I do the best I can to execute that plan. Sometimes it’s not the win, you know, sometimes it’s to train a horse or learn something or to gain some experience, but if it’s to ride a certain round, you try to execute it and sometimes you get in a nice streak. Like I said last night, I have a lot of really nice horses. The horses make you look good.”
Ward will return to the ring Thursday evening for the $225,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4*. This time he will be aboard his veteran mount Rothchild, the reigning individual Pan American gold medalist.
“I’m going to go with my best chance,” explained Ward. “Tina is 9, so she’s not experienced. She’s a green horse, and she’s never jumped higher than 1.50m. I think this being a 4* grand prix, it’s a real enough test. Tina will have a nice, easy couple of days, and I’ll show her Saturday night.”
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.
Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons Claim Devon Grand Hunter Championship
As the professional hunter divisions came to a close at the Devon Horse Show, Scott Stewart ended up on top to claim the Devon Grand Hunter Championship aboard A Million Reasons.
Stewart and Dr. Betsee Parker’s A Million Reasons earned the championship in the High Performance Working Hunter division, racking up a total of four blue ribbons and one red ribbon to secure the Devon Grand Hunter Championship. The High Performance reserve championship went to El Primero and Louise Serio, who was also crowned Leading Lady Rider.
Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons
“I had hopes for A Million Reasons, to be honest,” Stewart said. “She’s been pretty consistent. This is only her third horse show of the year. She was champion in WCHR week in Florida, then we did Kentucky, and she was champion, then we came here.”
Despite the light show schedule, A Million Reasons came ready to win. At home, Stewart prepared the mare by jumping her around a four-foot course a few times in the weeks before Devon.
“She likes a light schedule,” Stewart said. “She’s a mare, but she doesn’t really act mare-ish. She’s almost more like a stallion. She’s a little lazy off your leg. The hardest part is having her focused on what she’s doing because it’s easy for her. She rides like she’s 18h, and she’s only 15.3h. Her style is just to go with her head and neck out.”
In addition to the championships, Stewart accumulated enough points to earn the Leading Hunter Rider award for the eleventh time, while A Million Reasons also took home the Leading Mare Award,
“It always feels great to win,” Stewart said. “Devon is a special show for me. It’s huge with tradition. It’s always a great thing to win here. I try to think less and less about getting the Leading Hunter Rider award because it makes you crazy, but it’s always a thrill to get it.”
Dr. Parker, proud owner of A Million Reasons, said the little mare keeps everyone laughing with her charming personality.
“Scott and I collaborated on her, and we really thought that he was the kind of ride for that mare,” Dr. Parker commented. “We felt that she required a certain sensitive temperament of a rider in order to get the best out of her. She’s emotionally complicated. We laugh about her a lot because she has a lot of opinions.”
Another one of Dr. Parker’s talented hunters, Cold Harbor, took home the championship in the Regular Conformation Hunter division with rider Hunt Tosh in the irons.
Tosh said Cold Harbor, who goes by Larson at the barn, is his horse of a lifetime. The talented gelding also earned the championship in the Regular Conformation Hunters at Devon last year.
“He has just been incredible,” Tosh said. “He’s such a classic hunter. Betsee has been so gracious, and she’s such a wonderful owner for us. He was great all week. He’s one of the best feelings to ride, and just to have a horse like that… so beautiful, a wonderful mover and can jump and all that… he’s truly what you look for in a hunter. He’s proven to us that when it counts, he tries to win.”
Dr. Parker added, “Cold Harbor has broken all the records for Regular Conformation Hunters in this country that can be broken. No horse in history has won it more times than he has. He’s a very mannerly, good-tempered, kind, generous horse in every way. He’s a real, true dream horse.”
Even Tosh’s 9-year-old daughter, Maddie, loves Cold Harbor. Dr. Parker and Tosh plan for Cold Harbor to be Maddie’s Junior Hunter when she is ready to compete in the division.
“Maddie rides him at home,” Tosh added. “He is sweet enough to let her get on him and hack around. He’s her favorite horse in the barn, but it’s hard not to let him be your favorite horse in the barn. He’s just one of those horses that is that special.”
The division’s reserve championship went to Kelley Farmer and Baltimore.
Continuing the hunter action at Devon, the feature $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will take place on Thursday. The final highlight event during the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will be the $225,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4*, which takes place on Thursday evening.
Susan Sisco Secures the Ladies Side Saddle Championship and True Blue Challenge Trophy Once Again
For Susan Sisco, being in the winner’s circle is not unfamiliar territory. The skilled rider and trainer has won the Ladies Side Saddle championship tricolor many times at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. This year, the victory was aboard an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse that goes by the name of Ringfort Tinkaturk and is new to the side saddle division.
“He does a little bit of everything,” owner Barbara Wanamaker said. “I’ve only had him since April. He was an event horse. It’s only his third horse show and second sidesaddle show. Susan trains him.”
Wanamaker competed in the side saddle division, as well. While Sisco took control of the reins on Ringfort Tinkaturk, Wanamaker rode her other horse, Between the Lines. The two have been friends and sharing a passion for horses and side saddle for over two decades.
“Susan and I have known each other for over 20 years,” Wanamaker added. “After that long you become family.”
Family means a lot to Wanamaker, whose father and aunt were first in her heritage to compete at Devon. “This is an incredible place to ride and show,” Wanamaker continued. “It’s very exciting to be at a place with so much tradition. My father and aunt showed here. It means a lot to me to ride here and do well.”
Side saddle competitors showed off their skills in a hack and in an over fences class during the day on Wednesday, then returned under the lights Wednesday evening for an under saddle class to complete the division. Sisco locked in a six-point advantage in the division after securing two blue ribbons and a fourth-place finish to ride away with the True Blue Championship Trophy.
Amanda Ramey captured the reserve championship honors aboard Bold Liberty. Together, the pair earned 16 points after collecting a first, second and seventh place finish.
Side saddle has been a part of the Devon Horse Show tradition for as long as anyone can recall. The style of riding was first introduced in Great Britain by Anne of Bohemia in 1382, at the time of her marriage to King Richard II. It introduced a more independent way of travel, since travel was primarily through cart or carriage then.
Breed specialty classes began competing in the Dixon Oval on Wednesday and will continue throughout the week. Thursday evening’s highlight event will be the highly anticipated $225,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon beginning at 8:00 p.m. featuring some of the sport’s top athletes.
Catch Me and Scott Stewart. Photos copyright Sportfot.
Junior and Amateur-Owner Hunters Round Out WCHR Competition; Ignacio Maurin and Lucy Deslauriers Earn Jumper Wins at The Stadium
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2016 – In the 20-year history of the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, one well-known name never made it on to the roster of winners until now. Scott Stewart, of Wellington, FL, showed in almost every year of the competition in his long running and decorated career as a top hunter rider, but the winning prize had eluded him. On Saturday night at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Stewart finally got his victory with a nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding named Catch Me, owned by David Gochman.
The United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition welcomed hunter riders to center stage Saturday evening under the lights of the International Ring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The country’s best professional, amateur, and junior hunters vied for honors in the $100,000 feature event. Stewart and Catch Me took top honors, while Kelley Farmer and Like I Said finished second, and Chris Payne and Truman placed third.
Two jumper classes were also featured on Saturday on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC. The $10,000 Artisan Farms U25 Welcome, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, was held in the morning with a win for Lucy Deslauriers and Hester. The $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic was featured in the afternoon with victory for Ignacio Maurin (ARG) and Unico. The 12-week WEF circuit runs through April 3 offering more than $9 million in prize money.
Twenty-nine qualified entries jumped the first round course in Saturday night’s Hunter Spectacular with the top 12 returning over a handy test in round two. Scores were tallied from three panels, including judges James Clapperton and Tammy Provost on panel one, Scott Williamson and Rachel Kennedy on panel two, and Karen Healey and Mary Lisa Leffler on panel three. First round scores were combined with handy scores for a two-round total and overall placing.
Scott Stewart and Catch Me first approached the course from the 24th position in the order of go and jumped to second place in round one with a score of 91.33. The pair then returned in round two to earn the highest handy score of 93.83. Their two round total of 185.16 earned Stewart a memorable win.
For his victory, Stewart was presented the Dark Continent Perpetual Trophy, donated by Jim Green, as well as the Let’s Dance Perpetual Trophy, donated by Gene Mische. Catch Me was recently named the USHJA WCHR Hunter of the Year for 2015 and also received the WCHR Peter Wetherill Cup on Saturday night.
Looking back, Stewart recalled, “I have shown in this class a lot and I have been second a lot, and lower, so I am thrilled. He is an amazing horse. After what he went through last year, it is just amazing that he is back and doing it. If you had asked me last week who I would ride in this (class) this week, it would not have been this horse. He is a great horse, but he is really careful and I thought he would be too spooky. Terence (Prunty), who takes care of him, got him ready. He really deserves most of the credit. I just got on.”
Speaking of the aforementioned situation, Stewart stated, “He was great in Florida last year. He went to Kentucky Spring and won every jumping class. Then the week before Devon, he apparently came down with botulism, and Terence caught it right away. He went to Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center immediately, which is pretty much what saved his life. He was in there for two months. He was in bad shape, but he made a comeback. He kept going from there.”
Catch Me, who normally competes in the Second Year Green Working Hunters and was champion of that division earlier in the week, came out like a pro for his classic round and returned with a brilliant handy round, finishing with a bold gallop down to the final oxer that sealed the deal.
“He is really a fun horse to ride, and he is probably the most careful horse I have ever ridden,” Stewart said of his winning mount. “He was actually better under the lights than during the day. I thought he felt awesome. Round one, he was great. He was maybe this much long to jump one because he was so relaxed and quiet. He could not have been any better in the handy. I was a little nervous going to the last jump because it was almost too much, but he came up with it.”
Kelley Farmer, of Keswick, VA, guided her mount Like I Said to a second place finish with an overall score of 181.46. The eight-year-old Mecklenburg mare (whose sire is fifth place finisher Carrico) scored an 89.30 in round one and earned the second highest handy score of 92.16 to move up in the standings.
The mare was owned by Glefke & Farrington LLC up until this week, but was purchased by Maura Thatcher’s Pony Lane Farm. To qualify for the night’s class, Like I Said won the Equine Tack & Nutritionals First Year Green Working Hunter championship this week.
Speaking of her mount, Farmer stated, “We have not had her very long. This is the third week we have shown her. She has just been great every time she walks in the ring. She gives 110%. She is really brave. We just sold her to the Thatchers, so I got to briefly ride her, and she will be moving on. She is an unbelievable mare.”
Top grand prix show jumper Kent Farrington purchased Like I Said and imported her from Europe. She did some jumpers, but at the end of the second week of WEF competition, Farrington called Farmer and said that he had a hunter.
“He was right,” Farmer agreed. “She is quiet. She can jump enough and she is careful, but I think he thought she was a hair too quiet. Kent likes them a little bold. I think that was his intent (for her to be a jumper), but when she got here he decided she would probably make a better hunter. She is careful, and scopey, and light. She is just a blast to ride.”
Chris Payne, of Cincinnati, OH, was aboard Debbie Bass and Maypine Farm’s Truman for his third place finish and also accepted the Charlie Weaver Perpetual Award for the highest scoring horse in the first round with a mark of 92.16. The pair then earned an 88.50 for their handy round to total the third place score of 180.66.
Truman, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, was champion of the Shapley’s Grooming Products Regular Conformation Hunters to earn his qualification for Saturday night. Payne imported Truman as an inexperienced five-year-old from Europe and was pleased with his mount’s performance in his first night class. The horse had a light schedule last year as Payne went through chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The rider has been back in the saddle for about four months now after completing his treatment.
“I was quite happy with him. He did not do much last year because of me,” Payne stated. “He just came into this showing a couple times this year. I was not sure if he would get nervous under the lights. He really rose to the occasion and rode beautifully. I thought he jumped wonderfully and was a delight.”
“I went in for the Best Turned Out Award and the Charlie Weaver Award (in between the first and second rounds), and something caught his eye on the side and he got a little bit buzzed by that,” Payne noted. “I think he was just a little more suspect of the crowd after that, but I am thrilled with how he went and could not be happier.”
To come back so strong after a difficult year was exciting for Payne and he thanked Truman’s owner and praised his mount.
“It absolutely is amazing. After everything I went through, I went into this thinking I am the luckiest person and I am just going to go out and have fun,” Payne smiled. “Debbie Bass has been an amazing owner and allowed me to take my time with him, to piece my way through it and come back. I just wanted to say thank you to be able to be here with this wonderful horse and have the support.”
Brady Mitchell earned both the fourth and fifth place prizes with two talented mounts. Mitchell rode Cassanto to the fourth place finish for owner Emily Perez with scores of 89.66 and 88.16 for a 177.82 total. His mount Carrico, owned by Callie Seaman, placed fifth with scores of 88 and 89.66, totaling 177.66. Farmer jumped her second mount, It’s Me, owned by Farmer, Phinney and Hill, to sixth place with a score of 177.49 (88.16, 89.33). Stewart and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador finished seventh with a score of 175 (87, 88).
Junior and Amateur-Owner Hunters Round Out Competition Headed into Hunter Spectacular
In the Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6″ Hunters, Stephanie Danhakl and her own Golden Rule, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, took the championship after they placed first and second over fences and were third under saddle.
The reserve champion was Chablis, ridden by Kelly Tropin for Libertas Farm LLC. They were second in the under saddle and won an over fences class.
Golden Rule and Stephanie Danhakl
For Danhakl, it was feeling of shock and excitement when she picked up the championship ribbon. “After yesterday, I was not expecting to be champion,” she admitted. “I don’t think I’ve fallen off in the show ring in 15 years. He was jumping beautifully. He never spooks at the jumps, but occasionally he’ll look at the backside of another jump as we’re turning. We were turning to the trot jump, which was the second to last jump. I was trying to be soft, and he caught his eye and I fell off in the turn. It was a fluke, weird thing. It was my fault for not steering properly. Coming into today, I knew I had to win. I knew that if I put in a good trip, he was going to jump well enough for the win. I’m so lucky to have him.”
This is the pair’s second year competing at WCHR week at WEF and their second championship. It also marks their second time competing in the night class, which they placed ninth in last year. “It’s an honor to be in the company of Scott Stewart and Kelley Farmer and all the other great riders that are in that class,” she said.
Danhakl is currently a research assistant at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, in the American Art Department and is waiting to hear about Ph.D. programs.
John Ingram qualified for his second consecutive appearance in the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular with 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Airport 48 by jumping to champion in the Hunt, Ltd. Amateur-Owner Over 35 division.
Airport 48, owned by John and Stephanie Ingram, LLC, won the handy and stake over fences rounds.
“This is always a tough division with a lot of really great horses and really good riders,” said Ingram. “If you’re still riding at this stage then you really like and are dedicated to [the sport].”
“It’s incredibly gratifying to qualify again to compete (at night),” he continued. “It’s an honor to be there, show against the professionals, and have a horse like Airport that will go in and be brave, go around, and give you a good effort.”
Saturday night marks Ingram’s fourth time competing in the Hunter Spectacular, and he is proud to do it with Airport 48.
“I bought him as a potential equitation horse for my daughter Martha and that didn’t really work so he came to me,” said Ingram. “Tom Wright and Hayley Barnhill helped to turn him into a lovely hunter. He’s brave, got a good stride, and a beautiful jump. He’s anything and everything you would want in a hunter.”
Reserve champion honors in the Amateur-Owner Over 35 division were presented to Jessica Cherry and Blue Note after they took first over fences and fourth in the handy.
Fifteen-year-old Emma Kurtz of Hudson, OH continued her dominance in the junior hunters this week with two horses that are a bit more familiar to her than her usual catch rides. Both Prologue and Wisdom spent the summer with her, where she got to ride them every day and get to know them. Kurtz trains with Amanda Lyerly.
Kurtz and Prologue, an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding by Padinus owned by Rendezvous Farm, were champions in the CWD Saddlery Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters. They won all three over fences classes and were sixth in the under saddle. Prologue is trained by Cookie Beck with Chrystal Knight.
While Prologue and Kurtz spent last summer together, WCHR week is their first time competing together this winter. “He loved it in (the International ring). He’s perfect in situations like that. He’s really fun,” she described.
The reserve championship in the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters went to Cuba, owned by Missy Clark & North Run and ridden by McKayla Langmeier. They placed second, third, and fifth over fences and were fourth in the under saddle.
Kurtz also garnered the Equestrian Sotheby’s Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under championship riding Rivers Edge’s Wisdom, an eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Casall. They placed first, second, and fifth over fences and won the under saddle.
Daisy Farish rode Casares for James Lala and Virginia Confer to the reserve championship after they were first, second, and second over fences and sixth in the under saddle.
Kurtz termed Wisdom as “perfect.” She added, “He’s not spooky, and he’s never going to do anything wrong. It’s fun to go out there and have fun. He needs a little bit of room at the verticals, (but) he’s really quite easy. He’s really, really sweet.”
Kurtz competed with both horses in the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, the first time for both horses in the class and her second time.
Giavanna Rinaldi dominated the EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunter 16-17 Division this week, jumping Natalie Jayne’s Outlook to Champion and Bugsy Malone to Reserve Champion for owner Alex Jayne. Rinaldi, 16, was first over fences, won the stake, and scored second in the handy to secure high-point honors with Outlook.
Rinaldi says Saturday’s stake class was the highlight of her week. Saving her best trip for last, she pocketed a 90 in the stake aboard Outlook.
“He’s a lot of fun,” said Rinaldi of the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “He goes around really nicely, is super supple in the mouth and gives such a nice effort.”
Collecting two second-place ribbons – one over fences and one in the stake – in the irons of Bugsy Malone, Rinaldi swept the division titles. But according to her, they were anyone’s for the taking.
“Coming into today I was a little bit nervous because the placings where spread out,” said Rinaldi. “I wanted to have two solid trips, and it went really well. I was happy with them. This is the only time we get to show in [the International Arena] and they handled it great.”
Rounding out the Bruno Delgrange Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Division, Lilli Hymowitz and Garfield, owned by Rose Hill Farm, topped all contenders over fences and collected third in the handy for the championship.
“My horse deserves most of the credit,” said Hymowitz. “He is the most special animal ever.”
Garfield, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, has been the ride of Hymowitz since last year after her sister Cloe campaigned him in the hunter divisions during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
“I had to figure him out because he’s so big, but it all came together,” said 17-year-old Lilli Hymowitz. “My favorite thing about him is his confidence. He’s older and knows exactly where he’s going. I always say to my friends that he finds the jumps himself. My problem used to be that I would try and help him, so as long as you let him do his thing he’s going to try his hardest.”
Splitting her time between hunter and jumper competition, Hymowitz has spent time in the International Arena on her jumper horses, but always looks forward to competing her hunters in the bigger ring. “I think the division was super competitive this weekend and being able to show off in the big ring was super special,” she said.
Teddy Vlock and his own Grey Street were named reserve champions after winning the handy and taking fifth in the stake, as well as under saddle.
Ignacio Maurin Wins Big with Unico
Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the courses on the derby field at The Stadium on Saturday. For the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, Jeffery saw 34 starters with five clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.
Emanuel Andrade (VEN) was first to jump-off with his horse U and dropped one rail in 45.22 seconds to eventually finish fourth. Laura Kraut (USA) was next to go with Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Constable, clocking the first clear round in 46.08 seconds for second place honors. Chris Surbey (CAN) and Linda Southern Heathcott’s Quetchup de la Roque returned next with four faults in 45.19 seconds to place third. Josephina Nor Lantzman also finished with four faults in 48.91 seconds to take fifth place honors aboard Unlimited. Last to go, Ignacio Maurin had nothing to lose with Stransky’s Mission Farms’ Unico. The Argentine rider cleared the course in the winning time of 45.51 seconds aboard the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Odermus R x Wuzo).
Maurin first moved to the United States two years ago, working for a family in Seattle before coming to Wellington to work for Lillian Stransky eight months ago. Maurin got the ride on Unico in November and has been getting to know his mount throughout the start of WEF.
“I did this class because in WEF 4 the horse started jumping better and proving himself,” Maurin stated. “He went clean in a 1.45m and he did the Suncast class that week and had two down, so I wanted to try it again this week. I was lucky today. The horse was feeling good. He is a little older, but he is doing his job well and he was fantastic today.”
“When I got the horse at the beginning he was a little hot and nervous,” Maurin noted. “He can be strong, but as time passed by I started learning how to ride him and how to keep him relaxed. I learned to work a lot before the class to calm him down, and get him relaxed so that he does his best in the ring.”
Maurin also learned that Unico likes jumping on the grass better than sand, and used that to his advantage on Saturday. He also had the advantage of his position in the jump-off order.
“I was lucky, because I was last to go, and there were only five in the jump-off,” he detailed. “At the beginning of the jump-off, when I saw that three of them had one down, I thought that I would go for a safe clear. But then I jumped fences one, two, and three in a good pace and knew that my horse was jumping well, so I thought I would give it a try. There was only one clear, and I did not have too much to lose if I had one down. I had my plan to go clear first, but then I felt good and decided to go for it.”
Maurin’s next goal is to compete well for Argentina in week eight’s $150,000 Nations’ Cup CSIO 4*.
“Next week the horse will just rest and flat a little bit,” Maurin said. “He might do one small class before the Nations’ Cup so he gets some confidence and feels good. We would like to help Argentina do something. We have a lot of pressure after the team did so well at the Pan American Games, so we will see what happens. After that we might aim for the Suncast® Final during week 12. The horse is 16 years old, so I am trying to save him a little bit for the good stuff.”
Lucy Deslauriers and Hester Top Under 25 Welcome
Competition on the derby field at The Stadium at The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) kicked off on Saturday morning with the $10,000 Artisan Farms U25 Welcome, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, during week six of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The speed track set by Richard Jeffery (GBR) saw 71 starters with a win for 16-year-old Lucy Deslauriers and Hester. The pair completed the fastest of 17 clear rounds in 60.73 seconds.
Madison Goetzmann and her own Wrigley took second place honors in a time of 62.37 seconds. Allison Toffolon and Toffolon Partners’ Gatsby finished third in 62.68 seconds. Emily Moffitt and Poden Farms’ For Sale 6 clocked in fourth in 62.86 seconds. Emma Heise and Old Willow Farms’ Viper Vrombautshoeve Z placed fifth in 63.91 seconds, and Eve Jobs and her own Sandor de la Pomme rounded out the top six with a clear round in 63.98 seconds.
Owned by Lucy Deslauriers’ mother, Lisa Deslauriers, Hester is an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Wandor van de Mispelaere x Palestro. The pair has been partnered since 2014 and has earned many top accolades together.
Speaking of her winning round on the beautiful grass derby field, Deslauriers stated, “It was tons of fun. I love when they bring us over to the field. It is definitely a different experience. We do not get to do it every week. I was fortunate enough that I did the same class with Hester last year, so I felt really confident coming in. I thought the course was a good test. Definitely the turn to the third jump tripped a lot of people up, but overall I thought it was a great course. It was a lot of fun with a lot of good galloping.”
Deslauriers drew an early spot, seventh to go in the order for the morning, and knew she had to set a big challenge with so many riders to come.
“Initially when I heard that I went so early I thought I was a little bit unlucky, just because there were so many great riders. There were 70-something (entries in the class), so I knew there were a lot of very fast riders coming behind me, like Maddy (Goetzman). I felt very confident in my horse. I knew that if I set the pace and tried to put the pressure on, his big gallop would help me out there, so I tried to use that to my advantage.”
Deslauriers has a great relationship with Hester, but there are always things to work on in every partnership, and Saturday’s class on the field gave her a chance to get some different experience with her mount.
“Definitely rideability is something I always keep in mind. He can get a little bit rowdy sometimes,” Deslauriers noted. “Even on course today, there were a few spots that I could have gotten him back sooner or been a little bit smoother, but overall he is very nice to ride and I am incredibly lucky to have him.”
Speaking of the Artisan Farms Under 25 Series, the rider added, “I think it is a great series. It really bridges the gap between the junior jumpers and the grand prix division. It is a great in between and I think that all of the venues give you different experience – doing some night classes, and jumping in The Stadium arena, and the field, and the big ring. It is good for the horses, and it is good for us as riders to do something different. Twelve weeks is a long time, so it is nice to change it up every now and then. The field has some natural jumps and it is a little bit spookier, so it is a good change.”
Presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series will feature three more events showcasing top young talent in show jumping sport this winter. For the final event of the Series, the top 30 riders in the point standings will be invited to contest the $50,000 CSI-U25 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Final held on the derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC on Saturday, March 26.
The $25,000 Artisan Farms U25 Grand Prix, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, as well as the $50,000 WEF 6 National Grand Prix, will both be held on the derby field at The Stadium on Sunday. Hunter competition concludes in the International Ring for the week featuring the $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial Adult Hunter Classic, the $5,000 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Classic, and the $5,000 WCHR Junior 3’3″ Hunter Classic. For more information and full results, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Allison Joyce Earns First Major Finals Win in ARIAT Adult Medal; Maloomian and Invincible Collect $2,500 WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge; Cloe Hymowitz Takes First Round of $10,000 North American Jr./AO Challenge Cup
Upper Marlboro, MD – As a highlight of the Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS) each year, the WCHR Professional Finals crowned a veteran champion in 2015, as Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL took the top prize in the $5,000 WCHR Pro Finals presented by the show’s title sponsor, Well Placed Smile, for the sixth time in his career. Stewart earned the prestigious top prize in the final round aboard Reality, owned by Alexa Weisman, with a final score of 271.99. The Capital Challenge Horse Show will continue with hunter and jumper competition through Sunday, October 4, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center.
Allison Joyce and Herrold were victorious in the ARIAT Adult Medal Finals presented by Ariat International, the most prestigious Adult Medal finals offered in the United States. Kimberly Maloomian and Invincible, owned by Ellen Toon, captured the $2,500 WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge presented by Kate Considine and Willowbrook Farm with a final score of 88.00. Cloe Hymowitz and Fidalgo van het Leliehof, owned by Rose Hill Farm, won the first round of the $10,000 North American Jr./AO Challenge Cup presented by Johnson Horse Transportation.
As a fun and entertaining twist to the WCHR Professional Finals, the top six professionals who qualify for the class must ride two new mounts for the first two rounds of the division and then may choose a horse from their own string for the final handy round. Stewart was rewarded for his trips aboard his two borrowed partners, earning a 90.33 and 92.00 respectively. Hunt Tosh and Amanda Steege both jumped to a tied high score in the first round with a 93.00, while Havens Schatt took the high score in the second round with a 94.00.
Scott Stewart is no stranger to the WCHR Professional Finals having won the class an incredible six times so far in his career. Riding the 2004 Mecklenburger stallion (D’Olympic x Smilla II) Reality in the final handy round of competition, Stewart collected top honors after receiving a 90.33 in the first round, a 92.00 in the second, and finishing with an 89.66 in the handy.
“For me, a highlight tonight was the handy with Reality because we didn’t chip the trot jump, which I had been doing all week at the same jump,” said Stewart. “I’ve had the ride on him for six or seven years and he’s a stallion. He does the younger amateur classes and he’s just a really steady nice hunter and a blast to ride.”
As to why Stewart chose the seasoned stallion, “He just did the amateur classes yesterday so he was still here on the grounds. I used him last year and he was really good so I wanted to stick with him for this class.”
Havens Schatt, of Georgetown, KY, finished in reserve just behind Stewart piloting three different horses to three lovely rounds. Schatt chose to ride Mostly Sunny, a 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by CH Farm, LLC in the handy round to help the young horse gain more experience under the lights in a big atmosphere, in which he excelled, receiving an 89.00, 88.00, and 90.00 for a total score of 89.00.
“I hope that next year this horse will be able to do more derby classes and possibly Derby Finals. I’m pretty protective of my horses and I felt like this was a good class to get him out schooling underneath of the lights and change his routine a little bit,” she explained. “It’s luck of the draw when you do this class and you never know what’s going to happen and I hoped that it wouldn’t come down to him winning the class and that we would be in it. It was a great learning experience for him.”
Jenny Karazissis of Calabasas, CA, aboard 2004 Hanoverian gelding Tuscany, owned by Emily Sukert of Newport Coast, CA, also laid down an impressive handy round. The duo made up the gap in Karazissis’ previous two rounds, to earn scores of 93.00, 94.00, and 93.00, leaving them with an average score of 93.33 in the final round. Karazissis finished with a total score of 266.99, good enough for a third place finish.
“He was really on this week when I rode him and I knew that I could rely on him in this class to do well,” said Karazissis. “It was really fun and I had a great time with him this year in this class.”
According to Stewart, who has commented on the competitiveness of the show throughout the week, reiterated the notion tonight that each of the country’s top professional riders bring their best horses to this show and competing together in a fun environment brings a new depth to the sport.
“This horse show I think is the most competitive show of the year. With all of these great riders it is always an honor to be in this group and try to maintain that. I think it is also just a fun class as well. We all are rooting for each other and it’s a fun night.”
The horses used for this year’s $5,000 WCHR Professional Finals class were generously donated by Ally Marrinan (Forester); Emily Cherney (Kinder Scout); Elvenstar Farm (Caracas 89); Gretchen Draper (Czechers); Radi Salim (Jos); and Georgia Saad (Vogue).
Allison Joyce Prevails in Three Rounds of 2015 ARIAT Adult Medal Finals
Allison Joyce of Medway, MA piloted Herrold, owned by Mindy Whitman of Marston Mills, MA, to their first major equitation final championship in the ARIAT Adult Medal Finals at CCHS, as the duo collected a total three round score of 254.30 to narrowly edge Kendall Casaccio of Mamora, NJ and Fortissimo, owned by Pembrook Farm, who finished with a total score of 247.55. Casaccio entered the head-to-head test portion of the class with a score of 171.15 narrowly ahead of Joyce who returned with a 171.10.
Allison Joyce and Herrold
“This is pretty surreal. I’ve never won a major final before as a junior or an adult so this is really exciting for me. I had an awesome horse beneath me, Herrold, owned by Mindy Whitman; he’s just amazing,” said Joyce. “He’s a go-getter. He knows his job and he’s there for you every stride and you wouldn’t be able to ask for anything more than that.”
Joyce rode first in the test portion, putting in a bold but elegant round, with a only a small rub at fence two, ultimately receiving an 83.20 from the panel, which would carry her on to victory. Casaccio collected second place honors earning a 76.40 in the test.
“I’ve only ridden him a handful of times and jumped once before getting here, but for me, this class was about staying relaxed and not overthinking it, just having a plan and riding the plan,” noted Joyce.
Going into the first round, which boasted 30 entries this year, Joyce planned to make the most of her trip in front of the judges, prepared a bold and forward plan. Herrold settled nicely for Joyce and she knew that if she rode an accurate round, she would find herself placing nicely before the second round of competition.
“I knew I wanted to go get the first jump as soon as I picked up the canter and then the second I landed I knew where I was and he was really just game for anything. It really fell into place for us,” she continued.
A recent graduate of Oklahoma State University and an alumna of their NCAA Division I program, Joyce will ride through the winter circuit in Florida before making any decisions about her future. “My plan right now, is to go to Florida to ride a bit this winter and take some time off before deciding what to do with my life as an adult,” Joyce smiled.
Kimberly Maloomian Victorious in $2,500 WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge
CCHS continues to serve as an impressive destination for the country’s best amateur hunter riders each year and today served as the final day of amateur competition in the hunter ring with the $2,500 WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge presented by Kate Considine and Willow Brook Farm. Kimberly Maloomian of Needham, MA aboard Invincible, the famous mount of Ellen Toon, challenged a class of 32 entries, scoring a class best 88.00 to take the win.
Maloomian, who rode the 2000 Bayerisches Warmblood to reserve champion honors at HITS Saugerties in the Adult Amateur finals division earlier in September, was thrilled to finally capture a victory with one of the country’s most storied hunter mounts, endearingly known as Shaq.
“I’m not very good with pressure situations and I wanted to come in and make it fun, but I also knew that after yesterday it was going to be really close since there were a lot of really good riders within ten points of each other,” she remarked. “The course was a great course for Shaq though because it was landing on the right lead, which made the bending line perfect, but he’s done so many of these high pressure classes that he doesn’t care. It was more on me.”
Maloomian tried to relieve the pressure by reminding herself that her main and only goal was to do the best that she could do and let the rest just happen. Working all year long to qualify for the class, Maloomian made the most of her moment in The Show Place Arena and left the ring with a smile.
“Being able to ride Shaq worked out fabulously for me. I’ve only been riding him for about a month and we went to the Hamptons then Saugerties and we got a lot of red ribbons. It felt great today to finally earn the blue,” she said.
Winning the class meant a lot for Maloomian, who is very involved with the WCHR program and even coordinates awards for the northeast region. “I’m very into this program and it’s something nice to work towards. It definitely means a lot, especially when you’re invested in the program.”
Lisa Cox and Castleton, owned by The Barracks, who captured divisional reserve champion honors yesterday, continued with their success today earning a second place finish with a final score of 85.66. Ingrid Avera and her own Cadbury rounded out the top three of the class with a final score of 84.50.
Cloe Hymowitz Takes First Round of $10,000 North American Jr./AO Challenge Cup
Cloe Hymowitz of Bridgehampton, NY and Fidalgo van het Leliehof, owned by Rose Hill Farm, raced to the win in the first round of the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur Owner Challenge Cup, which served as a speed class before the final round of competition tomorrow night, stopping the timers in 57.143 seconds to collect the win.
Hymowitz only began riding Fidalgo van het Leliehof a week ago, as the experienced gelding recently just switched hands to Rose Hill Farm as a High Junior Amateur mount for Hymowitz to compete during the winter season. Also finishing in fifth place aboard Romance de Kerliven, Hymowitz is looking forward to having four mounts in tomorrow night’s final class. “I’m really happy with how today went. I’ve only had him for a week and was just trying to get to know him a bit better, but when I looked at the clock we had actually gone pretty fast. I’m excited for our partnership and will try to get to know him better over the next couple of months before the winter circuit.”
Morgan Ward of Milford, NJ and Conquillas finished in second with a time of 59.132 seconds while Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO followed in third aboard Wallenburg with a time of 59.146 seconds.
Competition at CCHS continues tomorrow with a day of Junior and Pony hunter classes, including the WCHR Pony Challenge, as well as the final round of the $10,000 North American Junior/Amateur Owner Challenge Cup.
About Capital Challenge Horse Show In its 22nd year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 26 – October 4. In addition to several prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.
Hunt Tosh and Largesse Conquer $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championship, Stewart and Catch Me Take Grand Hunter Championship, Alexis Taylor Silvernale Captures WCHR Developing Pro Challenge in Class Fashion
Upper Marlboro, MD – With a full day of outstanding amateur and professional hunter competition, the 2015 Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), presented by Well Placed Smile, recognized the first Grand Champion combinations, alongside the preliminary World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Challenge classes. A highlight of the afternoon was the captivating Future Hunter North American Championship presented by the Wheeler Family and Cismont Manor Farm, which crowned the most gifted young hunter combinations in the country. Capital Challenge Horse Show continues with WCHR Challenge classes including the WCHR Pro Finals at 7pm on Friday, October 2, and will conclude on Sunday, October 4.
The $25,000 WCHR Pro Challenge presented by the Gochman Family, was won by Scott Stewart, of Wellington, FL, piloting the Gochman’s own Catch Me, a dashing 2007 dapple grey Holsteiner gelding, to the top prize. Stewart and Catch Me put together an exceptional week at Capital Challenge, making their mark across the board in a number of competitive hunter divisions. The duo ultimately captured the prestigious 2015 Capital Challenge Horse Show Grand Hunter Champion presented by Rob Bielefeld, RSB Farms, and Chrystal Knight, alongside Grand Champion First Year Green Hunter presented by Summer Hill Farms alongside Jordan Gilchrist and Laura Hightower, as well as the Grand Green Hunter Champion presented by Carleton and Traci Brooks. The duo also collected the Tribute Award presented by Stewart and Ken Berkley. Adding to his ever-growing list of championship awards, he also earned the Leading Hunter Rider award presented by Tracye Ferguson and Meridian Riding Club.
Catch Me, one of the most consistent and attractive young horses in a field of talented and established competitors, continued to wow the judges with Stewart piloting knowledgably from the irons.
The duo scored a 92.66 in the first round, the highest professional score of the evening, combined with an 88.00 in the second over fences round for a final score of 180.66. Leslie Steele and Triumph were incredibly consistent with scores of 87.66 and 89.66 to find themselves just behind Stewart with a 177.32. Nick Haness and Countdown rounded out the top three finishers, receiving an 88.50 in the first class and an 87.91 in the final class of the evening at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center for a final score of 176.41.
The class attracted 28 entries found Stewart and Catch Me as the leaders throughout, but saw dramatic changes in the leaderboard as the top twelve were called back for the final round of competition prior to the $2,500 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge.
“The horses are going just great this week, but Catch Me was exceptional. He won every jump class he was entered in this week. Each round was just as good as the one before on him,” said Stewart. “He’s just been amazing. He was great in Florida and we always expected big things from him.”
The road to victory hasn’t been an easy one for Catch Me though. After a phenomenal winter season in Florida the gelding was admitted to a clinic, battling through a two-month stay due to an illness that halted his career and nearly ended his life. In a slow but sure recovery process, Catch Me began competing again under the watchful eye of Stewart who premiered the gelding in a magnificent return at Blue Grass Festival in Lexington, KY, where he proved his fight, earning top finishes in the First Year Green Hunter division, collecting Reserve Champion.
“We’re very lucky that he came back in the fashion that he did and his first show back was this past August in Kentucky and then he went to the Hampton Classic and did very well there also,” Stewart explained. “This is his third show back and he performed beautifully.”
Considering most professionals look to take an experienced horse into the ring for the WCHR Pro Challenge, Stewart did the opposite and brought a relatively green horse in for one of the highlight classes of the competition. When asked how he made his decision, he stated that it was actually a quite simple decision as the horse continued to prove himself throughout the week, showing that he was capable of handling the class and the atmosphere.
“He’s just been great all week and I figured that he was ready to go,” he said. “He’s perfect in the ring. He can be a bit spooky at home, but he’s fine in the ring. I think if you rode him like he was going to spook he would, but if you just ignore it; he’s absolutely fine.”
Stewart commented on the resurgence of Catch Me to the competition ring and it quickly became clear that the gelding’s natural talent will only grow as he becomes more accustomed to competing on a regular basis. “To be honest, he’s never done a class like this and probably has never seen a one-stride. It was the first time that we’ve jumped him indoors at a show and I don’t think he has that much experience inside, but he was incredible this week and it was an easy choice to use him for this class.”
In terms of Stewart’s stellar performance on a number of mounts this week, including seven entries in the $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championships, it seems that the veteran competitor continues to make his mark at the top levels of the sport, no matter the season.
“I always look forward to this horse show and this class. It’s a great class and there were a lot of really great rounds from everyone this year which is exciting for the sport,” Stewart noted. “This is one of my favorite shows and I certainly feel like I’ve had one of my better weeks here this week. Everyone performed to their best and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Stewart’s groom Omar Galban received a portion of the prize money for his dedication and hard work behind the scenes preparing Catch Me throughout the week. The Groom’s Award, presented by Goshen Hill, Gary Duffy, and Little Brook Farm, was given to Galban during the presentation ceremony following the conclusion of the class.
West Coast Talent Alexis Taylor Silvernale Tops $2,500 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge with Citation
After a more than 2,500-mile trip from the Pacific Northwest to the Mid-Atlantic, Alexis Taylor Silvernale of Bellevue, Washington made her journey worthwhile as she and Citation, a 2006 Wurttemberger gelding (Cornet Obolensky x Little Lou) owned by student Camille LeBlond, were crowned champions of the $2,500 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge presented by Stephanie Ingram and Well Placed Smile. Silvernale and Citation received an 84.50 from the panel for their first over fences round and retuned to score an 87.50 in the second over fences class to seal their win with a final score of 172.00.
Alexis Taylor Silvernale and Citation
Entering the division as the leading rider for the WCHR Developing Pro series, Silvernale was ecstatic with the duo’s performance throughout the competitive division and embraced her return to the East Coast with happiness and determination. Riding for a number of talented and prominent names in the industry including Leslie Howard and Timmy Kees during her junior years, Silvernale took a hiatus from the sport for nearly a decade, earning a bachelor’s degree from New York University and continuing on to a successful career on Wall Street before realizing where her true passion was calling her.
“My husband Joe and I met training for an Ironman competition and he really inspired me to get back into the sport which has been the biggest blessing in my life,” continued Silvernale. “I found myself riding again and trained through much of my amateur owner career with Hunt and Mandy Tosh but really felt a pull to move back closer to family and took a professional job in the area and decided to open up our own program in Washington State and something I was a little bit more accustomed to.”
Citation plays dual roles at her own Aleron Farm, serving as a junior hunter mount for owner LeBlond, while testing the bigger tracks with Silvernale. The team will head to Harrisburg next where Silvernale will compete in the High Performance division and LeBlanc will test the prestigious equitation classes on a separate mount. A solid citizen and a true talent, Citation proved his worth with a flawless second round, which ultimately secured the win for the duo, who were in fifth place going into the final round.
“We actually imported him to be an equitation horse but my client decided that she wanted more experience in the hunter ring, so we decided to mold him into a hunter,” she explained. “He’s exceeded all of our expectations and he has an incredible jump. He has an amazing personality in the barn but he’s incredibly athletic and just safe and kind. He will continue to do the Junior Hunters with his owner and I am hoping that I will be lucky enough to keep campaigning him through the High Performance divisions next year and the international derbies.”
Quick to thank her husband, team, and owners, Silvernale also made mention of her longtime groom Luis Jiminez and his wife Maria Jiminez who have been with the Aleron team since its inception.
“I want to thank Luis and Maria for all of their hard work and the dedication they put forth every day to ensure the best care of our horses. They helped to found our business and are exceptional. They truly are family and they’re known around the barn as Papa Luis and Mama Maria.”
Sara Green and Batman followed with reserve honors in the division, narrowly trailing Silvernale and Citation, receiving an 83.00 in the first round and lifting their average with an impressive 88.33 in the second over fences class for a total score of 171.33 and broke a tie with Alexandra Wedemeyer and Wish List who collected third place with the same score.
Hunt Tosh Captures $25,000 Future Hunter North American Championships aboard Largesse presented by The Wheeler Family
Hunt Tosh and Largesse
After a strong showing, piloting young hunters through the divisions over the past two days, Hunt Tosh of Alpharetta, GA earned champion honors for the second year in a row in the Future Hunter North American Championships presented by the Wheeler Family, this time aboard 2007 Warmblood gelding Largesse owned by Ceil and Kenny Wheeler. Tosh and Largesse captured divisional championship honors yesterday in the Future Hunter 3’3” division and continued to build, receiving the highest scored round of Future Hunter North American Championships and the entire Future Hunter division, with a 92. The duo finished with a score of 177.30.
Jennifer Alfano and The Exchange, who were divisional winners in the Future Hunter 6 & Over, collected Reserve Champion honors with a total score of 175.15 while Liza Boyd and Gala placed third, after two lovely over fences classes, which received an 86.47 and 86.18 for a total score of 172.65 respectively. Tosh and Largesse also received the Grand Champion Future Working Hunter honors awarded by David Belford, Christopher Payne, Sue Moriconi and New Hope LLC.
“He is just an incredible horse. He’s just fabulous and he was everything that we had talked about yesterday but just even better today. He went beautifully the first round and the second round being 3’ it was a little bit smaller for him, but he held it together and went nice and he’s a really great horse to have the ride on,” Tosh explained.
With their score of 92 and a first round average of 88.90, Tosh and Largesse also received the EMO Future Hunter Trip of the Show presented by Sue Bopp and EMO Agency. “I thought he really tried hard the entire round and its fun when you can go into a class like that and start to pull off scores like a 92 and get good scores. He’s a great horse and I’m really excited about him next year as a First Year horse.”
As for their back-to-back consistent trips seen throughout the week, they followed their 88.90 in the first round with an 88.40 from the panel after their second trip in The Show Place Arena. Tosh commented that he felt the gelding begin to understand and respond to small changes and adjustments throughout the course, but his willingness to try throughout the round is what truly impressed Tosh.
“In the first round he was jumping beautiful and I turned a little wide to stay out for the six and I had to take him a little bit right over the vertical and he really tried. He was with me and put in that extra little bit of effort that made the difference and helped me out the most there in the first round. He was trying as hard as I was,” Tosh remembered.
Three days of consecutive competition for young horses can be draining but Tosh couldn’t have been happier with the performance of Largesse throughout the course of the week. “This ring sometimes lights ‘them up a little bit and I think it’s great to give them a new atmosphere on day three when they can start to get a bit tired. The lines rode very well in the ring and you needed to carry a bit of pace but all of the courses were perfect for this class.”
Scott Stewart and Lucador, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, received Grand Champion Conformation Hunter honors awarded by Kitty Barker and Eight Oaks, as well as the Kenneth Wheeler Perpetual Trophy presented by B. J. Meeks, Pablo Perez and Kenneth Wheeler. Stewart also earned the Best Professional Trip of the Show presented by Sue Bopp and EMO Agency for his round in the Performance Hunter aboard A Million Reasons, also owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.
Hayley Barnhill and Ice Time earned distinguished honors in the Professional World Champion Hunter Under Saddle presented by Molly Flaherty and Patty Peckham of Arcadia Farm.
Capital Challenge continues tomorrow with amateur hunter divisions including the WCHR Amateur Owner Challenge and the continuation of the $10,000 Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Challenge presented by Equis Boutique.
About Capital Challenge Horse Show
In its 22nd year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 26 – October 4. In addition to several prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.
Scott Stewart and Hunt Tosh Reign with Three Divisional Titles Each
Upper Marlboro, MD – Capital Challenge Horse Show (CCHS), presented by Well Placed Smile, ushered in talented Future Hunters today alongside a large number of proven professional combinations as divisional champions were honored throughout the day. Competition at CCHS continues through Sunday, October 5, with several highly anticipated World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) classes still to come on the 2015 schedule.
Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL made a strong statement in the ring today, piloting several of his mounts to divisional championships throughout the day. From horses in the Future Hunter 5 & Under Division to mounts competing against the best in the High Performance Hunters, Stewart made the most of his day at CCHS, laying down consistent rounds well received by the judges.
A Million Reasons, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, captured top honors in the High Performance Hunter division presented by Sherre Sims and Rendezvous Farm, collecting scores of 89.25, 91.00, 85.00, and 83.25 in their respective four over fences classes in the division, as well as going on to earn the winning ribbon in the under saddle portion of the division. Stewart and A Million Reasons sealed the High Performance Hunter Championship honors in front of Kelley Farmer and Mindful, who followed with reserve honors.
“She’s really been great all year, and she honestly seems to do better in the indoor atmosphere,” said Stewart. “The first time I ever showed her was last year at Washington [International Horse Show] and she was very good.”
The 2005 Holsteiner mare (Coriano x Inema) has become a major presence in Stewart’s talented and ever-growing string of top hunter mounts since he took over the ride last fall and she continues to add winning trips in many of the largest hunter classes offered in the United States. The duo was rewarded for their nearly perfect round yesterday, receiving a 91.00, which was the division’s overall highest score.
“Yesterday she just went unbelievably. We tried to match that today and didn’t quite get there but it was still very good. She has a very big stride, and it’s easy to ride and stay smooth,” he explained. “When she broke into the 90s yesterday I thought it was just flawless on her part. She’s so pretty in between the jumps and is just the true definition of a hunter.”
A familiar face around the CCHS grounds for a number of years, Stewart returns to the show because of the quality of competition and the opportunity to compete a variety of horses. He will continue the week contesting the WCHR Pro Challenge and Pro Final classes hosted at CCHS on Wednesday, September 30, and Friday, October 2.
“I think everyone always brings their top horses here and always aims to do their best. It is really one of the most competitive shows of the year in my opinion,” he commented. “It’s just everyone’s A-game and the conditions are always great, the jumps are good, and I think the horses are always well-behaved. It’s the start of indoor season and that is always a very important time for everyone. I think this show is a special kick-off.”
Hunt Tosh and Pandora
Hunt Tosh of Alpharetta, GA also had a banner day, collecting divisional titles in the Second Year Green Working Hunters, Performance Hunters 3’6” presented by Nicole Kane and South Shore Farms, and the Future Hunter 3’3” division sponsored by Tosh and his wife Mandy. Tosh, who brought a number of talented horses to Capital Challenge this year, rode Pandora, owned by Teton Farms, LLC, to a tricolor in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division, after only taking the ride on the 2007 grey Warmblood mare last week in Lexington, KY.
“I just started riding about a week ago so she’s still pretty new to me. She held it together in the first class yesterday and she was definitely pretty fresh, but today she just went beautifully and I thought she was incredible in the first class today,” said Tosh. “She had a great round in the handy, and it was nice to pull that back together after a small miscommunication yesterday.”
“She just jumped beautifully in the schooling ring and the first trip of today was by far her nicest trip. She’s very scopey and rangey. Just very straightforward and a solid and easy ride,” he continued.
Tosh added to his early success with a solid performance from Cold Harbor, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, who took divisional honors in the Performance Hunter 3’6”. Tosh is eager to return to Capital Challenge each year and believes the show highlights the best of the hunters and the foundation of the sport. “It’s really special here and they do such a great job with presentations and make such a big deal out of the horses and riders, which is incredibly nice,” he noted. “Everyone is geared up here, and we all know that we’ll be seeing a lot of each other through the indoor season. It’s an important show for everyone heading in that direction.”
Future Hunters Take Spotlight at CCHS
The Future Hunter divisions at Capital Challenge have quickly become the most heavily entered classes throughout the competition week. With five separate divisions, professionals and amateurs alike are able to showcase their young hunter talent on a national stage.
Liza Boyd, who competed several horses throughout a number of Future Hunter classes, commented on the success of the program and how she hopes it will progress. “I think the Future Hunter division is amazing, and I’m truly impressed with how it has grown over the past few years. I think it is the best thing that has happened to our industry because it has made people want to go out and buy young horses. I’m incredibly excited to watch the finals tomorrow because horses from this class have always gone on to be famous horses and that is something really amazing for the sport.”
Scott Stewart and Fun
Scott Stewart piloted Fun, a striking 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Chello III VDL x Zusodea-S) owned by David Gochman, to a tricolor ribbon in the Future 5 & Under division presented by Randy Johnson and Greener Pastures Equine, while also riding 2009 Brandenburg gelding (Burberry x Elbana) Wonderly, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, to the divisional title in the Future Hunter Colts & Geldings, presented by Tim and Kelly Goguen and Boggs Hill.
“The Future Hunter division is just great. These are going to be the horses that are here next year doing the big classes and that is always a highlight to see how they progress throughout the year,” commented Stewart.
As for his string of world-class talent, Stewart commented that he feels privileged to compete such a gifted group of young horses. “They’re all just incredible horses and different in their own ways. They’re extremely nice rides and I am lucky to have them,” he said.
Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY was delighted when she and The Exchange, owned by SBS Farms Inc., topped the Future Hunter 6 & Over division presented by David Belford, Christopher Payne and Susan Moriconi, receiving consistent scores from the judges throughout the two-day division, which is part of The Exchange’s charm. According to Alfano, “He is absolutely the sweetest horse and I just love him. He felt great and is just so smooth and consistent to every jump. He jumps them all the same.”
Sourced by Sherre Sims of Houston, TX, The Exchange started his career with Sims before changing hands to Alfano this past May. Full of character and personality, The Exchange captured Alfano’s heart and she decided to purchase the gelding after Sims teetered with the idea of putting him up for sale.
“Sherre started him herself, and she did an absolutely incredible job. I happened to be in Houston this spring and she asked if I would take the ride on him and I was just honored and thrilled,” she explained. “I owe her a very special thank you for a) making a great horse, and b) giving me the opportunity to ride him.”
The Exchange will head to Harrisburg after Capital Challenge to test the Pre-Green Hunter division with Alfano in the irons but the Future Hunter division offered this week has given the duo the last bit of confidence they needed before taking on another big indoor stage. “I love this Future Hunter concept and all of the divisions included within it. It’s really nice place to offer it and having the big class inside tomorrow makes it a great place to have Pre-Green horses,” she pointed out.
After taking an unprecedented third USHJA Derby Finals Championship aboard longtime partner Brunello earlier this summer, Liza Boyd, of Camden, SC, continued to showcase a number of up-and-coming mounts this week at CCHS, who will hopefully, in the near future, aim to one day be as successful as their celebrated barn-mate.
Boyd was eager to take the ride Bridget Hallman and Merrylegs South’s newest addition, Gala, a 2008 Oldenburg mare, in the Future Hunter Mares division sponsored by Penelope Ayres. A striking dark bay mare with draw-dropping movement, Gala flashed her brilliance before the judges, ultimately winning top honors in the competitive division.
“She is just so beautiful in almost a handsome way. She’s just gorgeous and refined, but really sturdy which I think sets her apart,” said Boyd. “I’m just so happy to be on her and to have the Hallmans ask me to ride her for them. They have done all of the hard work, and I was just able to get on and have fun.”
Gala, brave by nature and stature, is uncharacteristically calm for a young mare and Boyd was impressed with her ability to handle the large atmosphere of The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s County Equestrian Center. She recalled, “She just marched into that ring and even though the jumps were bright and there was a lot to look at, she showed me that she has so much scope for the future and will definitely be a true 3’6” horse and shine.
“I remember watching her this summer, and I thought she has all of the scope in the world and is also just really quiet. She has the ability and the attitude and sometimes that’s really hard to find because normally you can find the quality, but you can’t always find the right attitude. But this mare has it all.”
Capturing another divisional title at CCHS this week, Hunt Tosh and Largesse, owned by Ceil Wheeler, were crowned in the Future Hunters 3’3” division. Largesse has steadily improved this season, and Tosh was pleased with his performances so far this week.
“He really only just started this past year in Florida, but he’s gotten so relaxed and easy. He has a beautiful canter and jump and he’s just super careful,” he explained. “He’s come into his own the past few months and just like he did here, continues to ride like a made horse. He’s very simple, and I think he just tries his hardest in every class.”
Capital Challenge continues tomorrow with more top hunters competing for division championships in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunters and First Year Green Working Hunters. The Future Hunters return for their North American Championship, while the Amateur-Owner Hunters begin their competition. Wednesday evening hosts the WCHR Pro Challenge and WCHR Developing Pro Challenge.
About Capital Challenge Horse Show In its 22nd year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 26 – October 4. In addition to several prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.
Before competing in the First Year Green Hunters, Ellen Toon and Amanda Steege joked that Steege, Havens Schatt and Liza Boyd should all take a turn in the Devon Horse Show’s Dixon Oval aboard Mirror Image.
It was in fact only Steege who rode Mirror Image, or “Mimi,” to Devon’s First Year Green Hunter Championship on Tuesday morning, but had the three professionals made the unusual decision to each ride, it would not have been the first time they had all competed aboard the 8-year-old Oldenburg mare. Steege, Schatt and Boyd took turns competing Mirror Image throughout the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
“I started showing Mimi for [the Toons] last spring and showed her all last year in the 3’3″ Pre-Greens,” Steege explained. “Then we had sort of a weird situation with Florida because Mimi goes to Wellington, and I go to Ocala.”
Steege showed Mirror Image at the beginning of the winter season, and she then turned to good friends Schatt and Boyd for assistance in bringing the mare along throughout the circuit.
“Havens [Schatt] and Liza [Boyd] both rode her for us during the circuit, which was amazing. I kept saying all winter that I hope Mimi’s champion at Devon so we can do an interview about what an awesome experience it was to have those two girls step in and help me!” Steege said. “Everybody was just so nice through that whole process.”
Steege continued, “Each girl, when they would show her in Wellington, they would text me at the end of every class and let me know how it went. They were super supportive. When we started Wellington, she was a little nervous the first couple weeks. Then those girls did her for a few weeks. I came back and did her in WEF 12. Ellen had also been showing her really successfully in the 3’6″ Amateurs. She was like a different horse when I came back WEF 12, so I couldn’t wait to text those girls and tell them how much it helped me and her. That was just the most awesome experience ever. I can’t imagine doing that with two other riders and having it go as smoothly.”
Jimmy and Ellen Toon initially found Mirror Image in Europe and were struck by her striking resemblance to Ellen Toon’s extremely successful amateur-owner hunter mount, Invincible or “Shaq,” and hence the name, Mirror Image was born.
“When we were in Europe and we were looking for a horse, we both kept saying ‘she looks so much like Shaq,'” Ellen said. “She’s so Shaq-ish we would say. If they’re right next to each other they don’t, but we do confuse them a lot.”
Jimmy and Ellen Toon imported Mirror Image to their JT Farm, where Jimmy Toon handles her training, meeting Steege on the road at horse shows.
“Jimmy’s amazing. He can just take a horse that’s a good horse and make it a great horse,” Ellen Toon said.
Steege added, “I think it really says a lot about Mimi that all of us got tricolors on her in Wellington: Ellen, Havens, Liza and me. I just don’t think that there are that many First Year horses that can do that. I think it also shows what a good job Jimmy does to make her so trained and nice to ride that four different girls could ride her in a 12 week period and all end up with tricolors.”
Taking the reserve championship in the First Year Green Hunters were John French and Sochi, owned by Lee Kellogg Sadrian.
Scott Stewart and Ashcroft
The rest of the day’s hunter divisions belonged to Scott Stewart. Stewart claimed the championship in the Green Conformation Hunters with Stephanie Danhakl’s First Light, and he followed it up with the Second Year Green Hunter championship aboard Ashcroft, owned by Gina Day.
Before jumping to two Devon blue ribbons and earning scores of 90, 89, 89 and 86 in the Dixon Oval with Stewart, Ashcroft was competing in the 5-Year-Old Jumpers with Canadian rider Ben Asselin.
Stewart and Ken Berkley tried him, and, with their positive endorsement, Day bought him sight unseen.
“I trusted their judgment. I’ve been riding with these guys for a long time; they know my ride,” Day said. “[Ashcroft’s] mind is amazing. He’s 6 years old. He’s a baby, and he doesn’t get frazzled. He’s great. His head is really good. You can’t buy a mind. That’s hard to find.”
Ashcroft is not the first Devon winner Day has had with Stewart and Berkley at Rivers Edge Farm. She also owned the 2010 Devon Grand Hunter Champion, Premier, ridden to the win by Berkley.
“Premier is totally perfect for me, and I think Ashcroft is the same,” Day said. “You wouldn’t know he’s a stallion; he’s so mellow.”
Like Ashcroft, Danhakl’s First Light is just a 6-year-old stallion that is already coming well into his own in the show ring. He came into the day on Tuesday with three wins already in the Green Conformation Hunters, and he added another over fences victory to his win list before riding away with the division championship.
The reserve championship in the Green Conformation Hunters was awarded to Havens Schatt and Custom Made, owned by Shaw Johnson Price. Schatt also earned the reserve championship in the Second Year Green Hunters aboard Deborah Perkins’ Set to Music.
The professional hunters return to the Dixon Oval on Wednesday for the conclusion of the professional hunter divisions and the naming of the 2015 Devon Leading Hunter Rider and Devon Grand Champion Hunter honors. Competition resumes at 8 a.m. beginning with the Regular Conformation Hunters. For the full schedule and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.org.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Come Memorial Day each year, Scott Stewart can generally be found at the Devon Horse Show, and he can often be found doing one thing: winning. This year Stewart kicked off the professional hunter divisions with four blue ribbon wins across the Green Conformation Hunter and Second Year Green Hunter divisions.
Stewart started the day on Monday with the win in the Green Conformation Hunter Model with Stephanie Danhakl’s First Light. The pair followed that win with back-to-back victories in both of the Green Conformation Hunter over fences classes.
“When I got [First Light], it took me until week four or five [of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF)] to show him. Every time I brought him up for warm-up day on Tuesday he would be a little wild and stallion-y so I never got to show,” Stewart said of the 6-year-old. “As soon as I got to show he was just so easy.”
Since then, First Light has been extremely consistent, finishing as the Green Conformation Hunter Circuit Champion at WEF and claiming championship honors at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show right before coming to Devon. First Light showed that consistency again in Devon’s Dixon Oval where he earned scores of 88 in both rounds.
“I wasn’t really sure how he’d be out here, but he was just perfect,” Stewart said. “Every time you get on him, even when he’s quiet, he pumps up, and you feel like he’s going to do something. So not knowing him early on in Florida, I didn’t know what that was going to be so I got off a couple times. He does that even when he’s quiet. I think he’s just in the groove now. He’s very brave about the jumps, so it’s never an issue about that. He’s so fun, and he’s so comfortable to ride.”
As eye catching as First Light’s impressive jump is, his coat, conditioning and turn out are just as striking.
“He’s a stallion so he has a stallion coat,” Stewart explained. “He looked good in Kentucky, but he was a little bit hairy. The last time we clipped him he didn’t clip out that great, so we were a little bit hesitant to do it, but we did it [in Kentucky] the day he was done showing. He clipped out so pretty, and now he looks great.”
Following Stewart’s success in the Green Conformation Hunters with First Light, he returned for the Second Year Green Hunters with Gina Day’s Ashcroft.
Scott Stewart and Ashcroft
Just last year the 6-year-old stallion was competing in the jumpers with Canadian show jumper Ben Asselin, but he has made the transition to the hunter ring quickly and successfully, as he displayed on Monday with Stewart. The pair earned the win in the first Second Year Green Hunter over fences class with a score of 90, and they finished second in the second class with a score of 89.
“He’s really fun to ride. He’s a little bit not used to what the hunter thing is, but he was actually super here the first time. The big ring suited him,” Stewart said. “He sometimes looks around a little bit like a stallion. He’s not spooky; he’s just noticing the surroundings like a stallion might.”
The first place in the second over fences class and the second behind Ashcroft in the first class went to Certainty, ridden by Peter Wylde and owned by Nicole Lyvere.
In the First Year Green Hunters the blue ribbons over fences went to Boss, ridden by John French and owned by Laura Wasserman, and Mirror Image, ridden by Amanda Steege and owned by Ellen Toon.
Victories in the day’s under saddle classes went to Steege and Mirror Image in the First Year Green Hunters, Havens Schatt and Custom Made in the Green Conformation Hunters and Schatt and Set to Music in the Second Year Green Hunters.
Hunter competition continues Tuesday at the Devon Horse Show with the First Year Green Hunters beginning in the Dixon Oval at 8 a.m.
Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Lexington, KY – May 7, 2015 – After a stellar first day of almost continuous victories, Scott Stewart and his immaculate fleet of hunters showed up to Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show ready to sweep day two.
Stewart piloted David Gochman’s Catch Me to wins in both of today’s over fences classes in the First Year Hunters. The flashy gelding also rose to victory in the under-saddle class, and combined with day one’s victories, the pair collected a total of five blue ribbons to sweep the division and eventually capture the Grand Hunter Championship as well.
Stewart acquired Catch Me during week five at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, and the pair has experienced a lot of success in the First Year Hunters since then. “Catch Me is a beautiful horse, a beautiful mover, a beautiful jumper and big strided,” Stewart said. “He has it all. He’s a super nice horse to ride.”
The Green Conformation Hunters presented another victory for Stewart in the first class on First Light, owned by Stephanie Danhakl of Pacific Palisades, California. The handy round, however, went to Kelley Farmer, who gave a smooth performance atop Larry Glefke’s horse, In Private.
“In Private is new to us; he is unbelievable to ride,” Farmer said. “He has so much ability. For a big horse, he’s very light. I’m very excited about him.”
Stewart and First Light took the championship ribbon in the Green Conformation Hunters, and Stewart earned reserve champion atop another mount, Wisdom, owned by Rivers Edge in Wellington, Florida.
Scott Stewart and First Light
Just recently turning 6 years old, First Light is Stewart’s greenest mount, but that doesn’t slow the pair down. “He was circuit champion in Florida,” Stewart said. “He’s green, but he has a great brain.”
The Regular Conformation Hunters kicked off next, with Stewart continuing to deliver beautiful rounds atop Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador. The duo swept all five classes in the division, earning the division championship for the week, as well as reserve grand championship. “He has been champion every time we have shown him this year, and has pretty much always had a clean sweep.” Stewart said. “He’s really in the groove and easy.
“Scott Stewart is in a category by himself,” Dr. Betsee Parker commented. “It’s been an honor to be one of the owners of the horses that Scott rides.”
As the Second Year Hunters began, Tim Goguen stepped into the irons on Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC, and wowed in the under-saddle class, combining a strong over-fences effort with yesterday’s blue ribbons to earn division’s championship prize. “He’s a trier,” Goguen said. “He’s a real good horse; he went great.”
The action will continue in the Stonelea Ring with equitation taking place on Friday. The Claiborne will take center stage on Sunday for “Derby Day.” The highlight events will include $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows
What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.
Lexington, KY – May 6, 2015 – Scott Stewart is a regular in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and today the veteran hunter rider took home five blue ribbons on opening day to mark his domination of the professional divisions.
Stewart won early in the day with a victory in the First Year Green Hunters aboard David Gochman’s Catch Me. The stunning grey gelding showcased classic style over the Alan Lohman-designed courses. “He’s been so consistent and easy,” Stewart said. “He was Circuit Champion in Florida.”
The Green Conformation Hunter division was up next, and once again it was Stewart who took the blue ribbon. Stewart piloted Stephanie Danhakl’s First Light to the win in both of the division’s over-fences classes, making it clear that their winning streak from the Winter Equestrian Festival will continue this summer. “First Light was also Circuit Champion in Florida,” Stewart added. “We’re continuing on.”
In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Stewart stepped into the irons aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s Lucador to take home the top prize in the division.
“The course rode great; we had a great day,” Stewart said. “The jumps are really pretty; they’re a little different from the Florida circuit, so the horses are really jumping.”
As the day continued, a new name topped the leader board as Tim Goguen and Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC, took charge in the Second Year Green Hunters with a score of 90, matching Stewart and Catch Me for the two highest-scoring rounds of the day. Goguen was thrilled with Ransom’s performance.
“He’s a lot of fun,” Goguen said. “Hopefully he stays a lot of fun tomorrow. I just stay out of his way, let him do it.”
Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons
The day wrapped up with the High Performance Hunters, with Kelley Farmer capturing the first class with Dalliance, owned by Avatar Real Estate LLC. The winning ways of Stewart continued as he took home his fifth and final blue ribbon of the day during the second over-fences class with A Million Reasons, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.
The Kentucky Spring Horse Show provided Stewart with the perfect venue to prepare his mounts before traveling to the Devon Horse Show.
“It’s nice to come here for a change of pace,” Stewart said. “The horses are always really happy here.”
The professional hunter divisions will wrap up Thursday in the Stonelea Ring, with equitation taking place on Friday. The Claiborne will take center stage on Sunday for “Derby Day.” The highlight events will include $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows
What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.
