Tag Archives: Sharn Wordley

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z Win $35k 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3* at Tryon

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z. Photos ©LizCrawleyPhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 29, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z, owned by the Sky Group & Sharn Wordley, kicked off the first day of competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) ringing in the start of the 2016 Tryon Summer Series with an impressive win in Wednesday’s $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Opener CSI 3*. The pair clinched the win with a hasty time of 69.14 seconds, besting a talented field of 33 competitors.

Finishing in a close second place position was David O’Brien (IRL) aboard his mount O’Splendido with a time of 71.40 seconds, while Cantara 59, piloted by Sarah Segal (USA), produced another fast time clear round, crossing the timers in 71.05 seconds for third place.

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (For Pleasure x Chin Chin), have been partners for little over a year now, and have exhibited their talents in multiple FEI classes so far this season across the United States, as well as at TIEC. Wordley mentioned that Famoso D Ive Z is a spooky horse, yet he continues to deliver winning rounds and improve his technique.

“Famoso D Ive Z has won several opening classes, which is a little humorous because he is such a spooky horse. You would think he would get better as the week continues on, but he seems to be superior on the first day,” said Wordley.

He went on to speak of the challenging speed track set by Oscar Soberon (MEX), saying, “In the beginning of the course, it suited me to go quite fast. In the later part though, I had to go slower than some of the other competitors, but he jumped fantastic.”

Famoso D Ive Z excels in any type of class, which Wordley elaborated is a major component of his versatility and athleticism. The duo had amassed a string of consistent performances throughout the spring circuit and Wordley has fine-tuned what makes the gelding truly competitive in the ring.

“He has a massive stride and you can go really fast into big jumps and combinations,” he detailed. “I made up a lot of time between fences two and three because I could keep galloping down the long approach to the combination.”

“He is just an extremely fast horse. When he is clean, he is hard to beat. He is great to have on my team,” he elaborated. “Looking forward for the rest of the week, Famoso D Ive Z will compete in tomorrow’s FEI ranking class, and then my main mount, Casper, will also contest the ranking class tomorrow and the Grand Prix on Saturday night.”

David O'Brien and O'Splendido
David O’Brien and O’Splendido

Wordley is no stranger to TIEC, having solidified an impressive record at the facility throughout the spring season. Wordley and his team will remain in Mill Spring, NC for all four weeks of the summer series, as well as for the full duration of the 2016 Tryon Fall Series beginning in September. Wordley noted that he’s eager to stay at venue, especially after the quality finishes his string has produced in the major classes hosted so far this year.

“We love it here. It is fantastic. We like to support TIEC because the money is great and the competition is very respectable. We’ve continued to place well,” he added. “It’s also a very convenient location to our home base in Lexington, KY. It’s just an incredible spot.”

Competition will continue to heat up this week at TIEC, as competition on Thursday will showcase the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 3*, while Friday will host a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $10,000 Pre Green Hunter Classic. The inaugural Great Charity Challenge of the Carolinas (GCCC) is set for Friday, July 1, with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. and competition beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The popular “Saturday Night Lights” series will return for four consecutive weeks of weekend fun, beginning Saturday, July 2. Entertainment will start at 6:00 p.m. and the class is set to commence at 8:00 p.m. Following competition on Saturday evening, TIEC will host a one-of-a-kind laser light show in the George H. Morris Arena in celebration for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. For more information and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Wordley Goes Two for Two with Win in $130k 1.50m Suncast Welcome CSI 5* aboard Casper

Sharn Wordley and Casper. Photos: ©FlyingHorsePhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 9, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) continued his dominance at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), earning his second consecutive win during the FEI CSI 5* week at the venue. Wordley piloted Casper to a commanding victory in the $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome CSI 5* finishing the track in 46.34 seconds. Andrew Bourns (IRL) collected second place aboard Hyakari with a time of 48.65 seconds, while Richie Moloney (IRL) and Carrabis Z crossed the timers in 52.15 seconds for third.

A series of special of events at TIEC will begin Friday, June 10, in celebratory anticipation of the first FEI CSI 5* Grand Prix in venue history. The $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green will begin at 7:00 p.m., while legendary show hunter Brunello will be honored between the first and second rounds of competition. During the ceremony Breyer will present owners Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd, as well as groom Alberto Ramirez, with the first manufactured model horse of Brunello. The highlight event of the week, the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* for the Governor’s Cup will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. Gates will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. General admission and parking are free for all events throughout the weekend.

Wordley and Casper took a bold approach to the Alan Wade (IRL) designed track, which rode appropriately for the class according to many of the participating competitors. The course was large and technical, but incredibly fair. Wordley reiterated his comments from Wednesday, giving another testament as to why Wade is one of the best course builders in the world.

“I think the course rode exactly how it walked. It was a tough course and I knew that there weren’t going to be too many clears. The time allowed was quite tight and I was clear on my first horse too, but finished with time faults,” he said. “You had to go fast but you had to have your horse short as well into the tight lines. He did a brilliant job building a course that was big enough, technical enough, and took skill to ride, but was still very safe.”

Comparing his win Wednesday aboard Barnetta with his win Thursday with Casper, Wordley explained the differences between the two rides, but also described his individual approach to each horse in order to generate the most success in the ring.

“Barnetta rides very long so I have an easy go at making up some of the time with him in open lines. With Casper, he’s so careful; I have to keep him a bit closer with me. I added a stride today in one of the lines in the jump-off, but still made a go at the course. I didn’t get to see Andrew [Bourns] ride. I only saw it for a bit on the monitor, but it was hard to tell how fast I needed to go,” he commented. “I didn’t plan on going two seconds faster, but Casper is just such a quick horse.”

The course proved to be a difficult test, as only five combinations of 41 entries finished clear and inside the time. Shane Sweetnam (IRL), Carlos Ramirez (COL), and David Raposa (USA) each finished the afternoon with a single time fault, while Wordley piloted his other two mounts, Auckland De L’Enclos and Barnetta, to tenth and eleventh place, respectively.

Casper is an incredibly talented mount for Wordley, and at only ten years old, there is a very bright future for the 2006 Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) owned by Sky Group. Wordley also noted that Casper will be his potential mount poised for a run to the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in 2018.

“He’s been a very special horse for us and I still think there is so much more that he’s capable of. I’m really pleased with the way we finished today,” he commented.

Andrew Bourns and Hyakari
Andrew Bourns and Hyakari

Andrew Bourns, who finished in second in the class, originally sourced Casper from Belgium and competed him up to the CSI 3* level before Wordley took over the ride with Sky Group as the new owners in late 2015.

“It’s great to watch Sky Group and Sharn have so much success with this horse and watch him start to reach his real potential. They’re so supportive of the sport and we all appreciate people like that coming in and helping it to grow,” said Bourns. “It’s a great feeling to see them do so well here and if there’s any pair that I am fine with taking the class ahead of me today, it’s Sharn and Casper.”

Wordley has worked with the gelding on developing a more open stride, but his innate quickness and agility always places them close to the top of the leaderboard. Wordley commented, “He’s a really smart horse. His weakness may be that it’s hard to leave out down a line where someone else may be able. His stride is a little bit short, but it helps him in the first round. When people do double leave outs, I can’t get to that on him, but he is so careful and is such fast horse anyway that I rarely find that to be a problem.”

Aside from this week’s competition, Wordley plans to contest some of North America’s biggest competitions this season with Casper in hopes of continuing their success at the CSI 5* level together. Less than a year into their partnership, it is obvious that there is tremendous success on the horizon for the duo.

“He’s only ten and this horse has done so much for me already. This is his second 5* show and he was second in Wellington, FL at WEF in the 5* night class. Just this year I’ve started to go quicker with him and ask for a bit more. We’ve worked on jumping bigger so that he could learn to believe in himself at the top levels. He feels so confident now and that’s why I’ve been able to go for it in these classes,” he added.

Competition will resume at TIEC Friday with the $35,000 1.45m Speed Stake beginning at 12:00 p.m., while the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green will begin at 7:00 p.m. Only a few table reservations in Legends Club remain available for Friday evening. Please contact legendsclub@tryon.com for more details or call (828) 863-1130. The $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* for the Governor’s Cup will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, with gates opening to the public at 6:00 p.m. General admission and parking are free for all events.

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

Wordley Pilots Barnetta to Win $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Open at TIEC

Sharn Wordley and Barnetta. Photos: ©FlyingHorsePhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 8, 2016 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) ushered in the first ever FEI CSI 5* week, as spectators watched Sharn Wordley (NZL) take the win in the $35,000 1.45m Horseware Ireland Open aboard Barnetta with a time of 41.985 seconds. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Cyklon 1083 collected second place, finishing in 43.219 seconds, while Karl Cook (USA) and Caillou 24 rounded out the top three, crossing the timers in 44.231 seconds. Competition at TIEC continues Thursday with the $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the George H. Morris Arena.

Wordley has secured a number of top finishes at TIEC throughout the Tryon Spring Series, rotating a strong string of four horses through the winner’s circle. The track, designed by Alan Wade (IRL), who will build the FEI courses for the remainder of the week, saw nine combinations of twenty original entries move forward to the jump-off round. David Raposa (USA) and Eric Navet (FRA) both voluntarily withdrew from the short course, which left seven pairs to vie for the win.

“The course was just fantastic. Alan always builds beautifully and he’s one of the best course builders around. Very rarely do you ever say anything negative about his courses,” said Wordley. “I didn’t feel a ton of pressure going into the jump-off. He’s jumping well and I was able to go last so I had the chance to see what everyone else did.”

As the last pair to enter the jump-off round, Wordley felt that Barnetta’s large stride would come into good use, which is how he felt they secured the win. He explained, “I think I made up the time in a few places here or there around the course because he covers a lot of ground. He stayed very smooth for me and it was a course that you had to ride that way. It suited him very well and I was happy with the way he performed, especially since it’s the first time I’ve really asked him to move in the jump-off.”

This was the first win for Wordley and Barnetta at TIEC this season, but the 2004 Westphalian gelding (Baloubet du Rouet x Polydora) owned by Sky Group, has always finished close to the top of the leaderboard. Barnetta handled the track and added pressure well, according to Wordley, which is what he has been working on since taking over the ride a year ago.

“He feels fantastic. That was the first time I’ve gone fast with the horse because last year I was really just trying to build his confidence in the grand prix classes,” he commented. “That was my main focus last season, but he’s had some great finishes too. He was second in Central Park and he was third in a big class at WEF, so he has the talent.”

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083
Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083

Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 led late in the jump-off order and looked to have a firm grasp on the win before Wordley maneuvered Barnetta to a quick right turn after the Adequan® one stride to secure the victory.

“We’ve found that he prefers jumping three classes when we bring him out. It’s better for him and he just keeps jumping better with each class. I’m really looking forward to this week with him. He has a big stride so I can kind of just float around the courses with him,” he added.

Wordley has three horses competing in FEI this week and is motivated to add top finishes to his overall record with Barnetta, Casper, and Auckland De L’Enclos, while improving his world ranking, in which he currently holds 79th place. The three horses competing under Wordley’s guidance this week each have a unique strength of their own, but Wordley’s top mount, Casper, will be one to watch during the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* for the Governor’s Cup on Saturday, June 11.

“Barnetta has been a really great horse for me. He’s going to jump the class tomorrow and then will have Friday off before we bring him back out on Sunday,” he noted. “Casper and Auckland will both go in the $130,000 class tomorrow, along with Barnetta, and then Casper will do Saturday night for certain. We’ll have to see how the rest of the week plays out.”

Competition at TIEC continues Thursday with the $130,000 1.50m Suncast® Open Welcome beginning at 12:30 p.m. For more information on TIEC and to see a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z Win $35k Horseware Ireland 1.45 Opener at Tryon Spring 7

Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z. Photo Credit: ©FlyingHorsePhotography.

Mill Spring, NC – June 1, 2016 – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z began Tryon Spring 7 with a strong finish in the $35,000 Horseware Ireland 1.45m Opener at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), taking the speed stake with a time of 64.33 seconds. Mark Bluman (COL) and Hold On Tight II captured second place, crossing through the timers in 66.59 seconds, while Christian Heineking (GER) and AJE Cluny earned third place with a time of 67.66 seconds. Tryon Spring 7 continues with FEI CSI 3* competition this week, highlighting the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, June 4, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. and competition beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (For Pleasure x Radetzky) owned by The Sky Group and Sharn Wordley, made quick work of the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) to secure the win. The class saw 29 entries test the course while ten combinations finished fault free. Wordley piloted Famoso D Ive Z to an efficient and quick round, which Wordley said will serve as good preparation for the rest of the week ahead.

“I went in with a plan to go as quickly as I could because I knew there were some really fast ones in the class behind me. I had to start fast to begin with because there’s always a lot of speed demons coming in behind you,” laughed Wordley. “I got lucky because there were a few that were pretty fast combinations in here today, but they ended up having rails.”

Impressed with the course design by Vaillancourt, Wordley spoke about the track and how he felt he sealed the win, stating, “Michel’s courses are always great. It was technical, but smooth. You can always ride it well. It was a great course and it had a lot of options, which is what allows you to find different ways to win.”

Mark Bluman and Hold On Tight II
Mark Bluman and Hold On Tight II

As for Famoso D Ive Z, Wordley has taken his time getting to know the gelding, as he was only purchased in late fall of 2015. According to Wordley, he can be a bit quirky, so establishing a routine and instilling a sense of confidence has been important over the course of their partnership.

“I got him at the end of the fall and he has been really good. He’s a really good horse and he’s only nine, but he can be a bit spooky at everything,” said Wordley. “It’s taken him a while to really concentrate, but he seems to now be feeling more comfortable and is starting to focus. He’s going to be a really good horse. He’s fast and he’s careful.”

“I think he has a lot of potential to be a real great horse at the top levels. He’s going to do the 1.50m class tomorrow and then on Sunday we have him aimed at the $25,000 Grand Prix too,” he continued.

Wordley is coming off of a strong winter campaign at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and will look to continue that form through the summer season. With a growing string of top level mounts, he will look to continue securing top placings in the FEI ranking classes, while also giving his greener horses an opportunity to gain experience in the ring.

“Barnetta is feeling a bit fresh this week, but the plan is to jump all three ranking classes including Saturday night with him and then Auckland De L’Enclos will also do the 1.50m class tomorrow as well,” commented Wordley. “I have a great string and they’ve all been going very well to this point in the season. I’m looking forward to what we have in store.”

“This is an amazing facility and the prize money is just fantastic. It is a lot of weeks here and if you can manage to stay focused during each week, it becomes a very competitive facility for all of the riders,” he added.

Tryon Spring 7 continues at TIEC this week and will conclude on Sunday, June 5. Tryon Spring 7 is set to host the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, June 4, with gates opening to the public at 6:00 p.m. and competition beginning at 8:00 p.m. General admission and parking are free! For more information, please visit www.tryon.com.

Sharn Wordley and Casper Win Equis Best Presented Horse Award at Tryon

Sharn Wordley and Casper are presented with the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award by Alex West of Equis Boutique. Photo by Meg Banks/TIEC.

Mill Spring, NC – Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Casper were honored with the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award during CSI 3* week held May 4-8 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, NC. Equis Boutique is sponsoring the “Best Presented Horse” Award at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection during all weeks of FEI-sanctioned competition at TIEC throughout the 2016 season.

Wordley and Casper, a ten-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding (Contender x Baloubet du Rouet) owned by Sky Group, were selected as Best Presented by the ground jury at TIEC, led by President Michael DeTemple of Brazil. Prepared for the horse inspection by Wordley’s barn manager, Charlie Miller, Casper was impeccably turned out and went on to finish second in the $35,000 FEI 1.50m Suncast® Welcome before ribboning in the $130,000 Asheville Regional Airport Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday.

“I was really surprised to win the award, but it’s a great idea,” said Wordley in reaction to the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award. “I’ll be in Tryon for nine weeks this year, so all my horses will be braided, and I may even throw on a tuxedo if it means I can keep winning it.”

Wordley was presented with a commemorative plaque by Alex West of Equis Boutique, in recognition of the Best Presented Horse Award, as well as a set of boots from Equis Boutique partner brand Kentucky Horsewear. Already a fan Kentucky Horsewear products, Wordley was very pleased with the prize.

“I was planning to purchase a pair of [Kentucky] boots for this season anyway, so [Equis] saved me some money!” he said.

Casper has been the mount of Wordley for only one year, but he has big plans for the gelding that include the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018. The pair is well on their way after a banner winter that included many top ribbons, highlighted by second place in the $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5* during week nine of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

“I brought him along slowly, but he has jumped some very good classes,” said Wordley. “Now I will start to use him more. He’s smart, careful, and has figured out how to jump the big, wide, five-star oxers, so he really believes in himself. He’s the best horse I have ever sat on.”

Equis Boutique will offer the Best Presented Horse Award again at TIEC during Tryon Spring 7 and 8, taking place June 1-5 and 8-12.

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress the horse and rider. Featured brands include Parlanti, Manfredi Equestrian, KASK Helmets, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, and Dy’on, as well as a variety of imported specialty bits and Official FEI and Just World International merchandise.

For more information on Equis, LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com.  Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Kristen Vanderveen Collects First Career FEI Win at $127,000 Kingsland Grand Prix CSI 3*

Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili. Photos ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – May 30, 2015 – Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) hosted the first FEI Grand Prix of the season, showcasing the $127,000 Kingsland Grand Prix CSI 3* in the George H. Morris Stadium in front of the largest crowd to date. The class of 38 entries was led by Kristen Vanderveen (USA) aboard Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC’s Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, who bested the jump-off with a time of 43.926 seconds, just a tenth of a second faster than Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Sky Group’s Casper who finished in second. Wordley also took home third place honors aboard his own Corino. Tryon Spring 7 concludes tomorrow with the $25,000 Grand Prix beginning at 2:15pm. The Tryon Spring Series will conclude next Sunday, June 7.

With her first ever FEI win, Vanderveen was all smiles leaving the ring after it was announced that she had barely edged Wordley in the jump-off as the last ride of the night. Vanderveen was aware of the time she needed to beat and decided to ride a bold jump-off round to go for the win.

“I had a really good feeling this morning when I woke up. You know you sometimes just wake up with that feeling and it was specifically for this horse too,” she smiled. “When I walked the course I thought it was a good course and I liked it because it was bigger than anything else we’ve seen this week. It was really friendly for the first FEI week, which I think is really appropriate and worked out great for me. I know he can turn extremely fast to the left and I went for it when we turned to the Kingsland combination in the jump-off and I think that’s how we got the win.”

The duo has only been partnered for a few months, as “Frosty” is a relatively new ride for Vanderveen, purchased from Europe during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, only a short time ago. Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili came with an already impressive record, which Vanderveen felt pressure to uphold after she took over the ride.

“We’re relatively new together and he’s taken me a little bit of time to figure out because he’s really sensitive. The idea of coming to TIEC was to get all of my horses in a place where we could stay for the entire season so that I can work on my riding,” explained Vanderveen. “I have some new horses here and I wanted to make sure that we were in a place where we weren’t over stimulating them with travel and a ton of venues. I wanted a base where we could just get to know each other better.”

Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili is a powerful and stunning stallion with a very soft side according to Vanderveen, who says he’s a total ham in the barn. Not typically drawn to riding stallions, “Frosty” has been a pleasant surprise for her and she hopes that their partnership will continue to build in the coming weeks at TIEC with additional FEI classes on the horizon.

“He’s great and very experienced. We bought him knowing that he already had an accomplished record and I’ve just been waiting for us to click and start to understand each other and that definitely happened tonight,” she said. “In the warm-up on Thursday was when I really felt us starting to understand what the other was asking for. I felt a little bit different about how he wanted me to ride him and ever since that he’s been fantastic.”

The duo has started to string together very consistent performances and their potential continues to grow. Collecting their first major win together has been a highlight of Vanderveen’s time at TIEC and she is looking forward to continuing to strengthen their partnership in the coming months.

“He’s still relatively young; he just turned ten this year and there is definitely an adjustment period when you switch riders, which I think he’s still getting used to,” she commented. “Our partnership is starting to build and we’re beginning to trust each other more. I was transitioning him to a much lighter ride, which I don’t think he was used to and now he’s starting to trust that and we’re compromising so that I can get to where he’s comfortable too.”

Vanderveen also had another ride in the class, Bull Run’s Testify, her more seasoned partner, who finished in 13th with just a single time fault. The pair has consistently performed well this year and Vanderveen was thrilled with the results on both of her horses tonight.

“Testify is very natural for me. I absolutely love him. I’ve been having some issues with time faults, which is completely on me and he’s just been a superstar. His way of going is a little bit slower, so I have to figure out how to get to the next round,” she laughed. “Clean rounds are clean rounds. I couldn’t be asking for anything more from my horses. I’m so proud of the way they’ve been going.”

Sharn Wordley and Casper
Sharn Wordley and Casper

Vanderveen and Bull Run Jumpers will continue to base themselves at TIEC for the remainder of the summer season, with plans to contest the rest of the FEI classes being offered at the venue throughout the Summer Series to start in July. Finding a venue that allowed her business to stay in a central location for a significant period of time is what drew her to choosing TIEC as their summer destination hub.

“We’ll be here throughout the remainder of the summer, which has worked great in terms of us being able to give all of our horses, no matter the level, consistent and solid experience,” said Vanderveen. “This place is going to be amazing and everything has been spectacular. The footing has been great and we’re really excited for some of the amenities to come like the on-site trails and the derby field. It’s a really exciting place to be.”

Tryon Spring 7 concludes tomorrow with the highlight $25,000 Grand Prix in the George H. Morris Stadium, as well as several hunter classes crowning divisional champions throughout the day. For more information on TIEC and a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.

Todd Minikus and Con Capilot Capture Kentucky Spring Horse Show 1.45m Open Jumper Victory

Todd Minikus and Con Capilot.

Lexington, KY – May 6, 2015 – American Grand Prix rider Todd Minikus has been showing in Kentucky for over three decades, racking up wins throughout the years. On the opening day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, he proved that this year would be no different as he raced to the speedy $5,000 1.45m Open Jumper victory with new mount, Con Capilot.

The Rolex Stadium hosted nearly 250 rounds throughout the opening day of the spring series kick-off. Riders from around the world brought their top mounts to the Bluegrass State, vying for the opportunity to earn the important qualifying points for the Longines Rider Ranking List and the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List with the highlight events of the week. Although Wednesday was a warm up for many of the riders, they did not show hesitation as they tackled Richard Jeffery’s first week of courses.

“The courses all day were typical of Richard Jeffery – if you rode well and your horse was schooled well you had nice rounds,” Minikus said. “If there was a little stone unturned here or there, then it showed up. Quite a few horses made the jump-off in the 1.45m class and it ended up being quite a fast jump-off.”

As the second to go in the order, Minikus knew he would have to set a pace that was hard to beat. He was able to cover the ground and traverse the track in 42.680 seconds with Con Capilot, nearly a half of a second ahead of Aaron Vale and Bonzini S.

“I don’t know exactly how I shaved off the seconds,” Minikus explained. “Con Capilot is a new horse for me, and I don’t know him that well. I am still experimenting with him, and I am very proud and happy to have him.”

Plum Creek Hollow Farm out of Larkspur, Colorado owns the 12-year-old stallion. Although he is a new mount for Minikus, the veteran rider is hoping to continue building his relationship with the Westphalian and showing him to the top of the leader board.

“It is good that Kentucky reinstated the FEI competition; I think it brings a strong caliber of riders to this venue. I was coming here before it was the Kentucky Horse Park, and when I first came here, it was just grass rings up where the hunter rings are, and they used gas station flags to separate them. There were only a two barns up there; it is great to see how much it has grown.

Minikus beat out Aaron Vale and Bonzini S who ranked just behind with a faultless effort in 43.253 seconds. Benjamin Meredith and Rivierra took the third place in 44.006 seconds.

During the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers, 70 horse and rider combinations competed for the top prize, but New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais showcased their speed to take the win. Nearing the end of the class, Wordley knew he would have to make a move, although he did not entirely release the clutch, Popstar Lozonais blazed the way, completing the speed track in 66.478 seconds, more than three seconds quicker than fellow contenders, even with an added stride to the water and last fence.

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais
Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais

“He’s a really cool horse,” Wordley smiled. “He wasn’t even going full throttle out there. He’s really good turning, and it was a long class, so I didn’t get to see how fast the winners went. I just kind of had to gauge it. It’s hard to gauge it because he turns so quick – sometimes it’s hard to really gauge how fast you’re going with him. For these types of classes, when he’s clean he’s hard to beat; he’s really fast.”

Wordley continued, “I think that having the FEI competition back in Kentucky gives this horse show a different feeling, something that was missing from the ambiance over the last couple of years. I am definitely aiming towards the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday and the $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix on Saturday. I am really excited to show Casper, a new horse I bought from Andrew Bourns, during tomorrow night’s class; it’s my first big class on him.”

Roberto Teran and Farina strode in during the final moments of the class to sneak into the second place behind Wordley with a faultless time of 69.699 seconds. Ramiro Quintana finished third aboard Bialda.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will run from May 6-10, 2015, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The week features an FEI CSI2* rating, with the highlights being the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, kicking off the seven-part Hagyard Challenge Series, and the $85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix on Saturday evening. Both of these FEI classes will count for the Longines Rider Ranking List and the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List. The $25,000 Bluegrass Classic, held on Sunday, May 10, will also count for the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List. New this year is a $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix.

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

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

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

Hotels:

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

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

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

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

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais Win Week 7 Wellington Turf Tour Grand Prix

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais.

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2015 – The seventh week of the Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour kicked off in its usual fashion – with blazing speeds and top tier competition. Conor Swail and Sharn Wordley faced off on the open turf field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, each fighting a battle against the clock in an attempt to rise to the top of the ranks.

Conor Swail (IRL) was the first rider of the day to post a clear round, riding Dillinger, owned by Susan Grange, to the top of the ranks. The trailblazing team has been the talk of the 2015 Turf Tour, winning numerous classes throughout the series. The grey gelding has both scope and speed, and today he proved it once again throughout Nick Granat’s 1.40m Grand Prix track. The duo sped to the time of 31.00 seconds flat to pave the way for an exciting day at IPC.

Today, it would come down to a battle of the best with Swail and Sharn Wordley facing off. Wordley came to IPC with his mind set on beating Swail. “A few weeks ago, he [Popstar Lozonais] was the fastest but we had the last fence down. Conor Swail is always the one to try to beat. I don’t care if I win, as long as today I beat him.”

Wordley did just that, riding Popstar Lozonais to the outstanding time of 30.533 seconds. ‘Poppy’ was able to clear the course, turning quickly and covering the ground with ease as Wordley sliced the turns and even added strides from the first and second obstacles.

Wordley said, “He is really fast. He is just naturally extremely fast because he can turn. It wasn’t even as fast as he could go. I had to add a stride to the combination and I actually added a stride down the second line, and if I had left those out I would have gone faster. He is so quick at turning, so quick in the air, and so quick at moving, that if he is clean, he is generally at the top. He just lands and turns so quickly.”

“I thought the course was good,” Wordley continued. “There was a little more jump out there. It wasn’t tough; it just rode nicely. It was tough enough. It is always hard in this expansive arena; you really need a horse that concentrates a lot. It is a great education.”

Swail continued to hold the second place position throughout the rest of the day, also riding Simba de la Roque to a speedy time of 31.226 seconds to fall just shy of his earlier time and earn the third position behind his second place mount, Dillinger.

Peter Lutz and Carneyhaugh Manx finished in fourth for their time of 32.164 seconds, while Alexander Zetterman snuck into the fifth place with his quick jump off of 32.320 aboard Zidane. Beth Underhill and Viggo followed hot on his heels with a time of 32.792 seconds to round out the top six finishers of the day.

Wordley complimented The Ridge at Wellington for their Wellington Turf Tour series. “I think this is fantastic. I haven’t been to come to it the last couple of years because I didn’t have the horses, and I was aiming for the grand prix at WEF. Now, I have a few more horses that I can spare, and I love it. I will be coming back next year and the year after. It is a great show.”

Week 8 of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will also take place at The International Polo Club, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, FL 33414. The show entrance will be off 120th Street between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road. The Ridge would like to thank Dover Saddlery for their support of the 12-week series as the cooler and banner sponsor, and they would also like to announce their most recent jump sponsor, Panthera, the leaders in wild cat conservation. Panthera joins Hollow Brook Wealth Management and PJ Saddles as the series’ jump sponsors.

Show Net will be onsite for both Wednesday and Friday events posting live results, as well as videoing rounds in both rings. For results and videos, please visit www.shownet.biz.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Sharn Wordley Shines at Wellington Turf Tour Winning Both 1.30-1.35m Jumper Classes

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais.

Wellington, FL – January 28, 2015 – Sharn Wordley continued his winning streak this week at The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, claiming victory in both of the $2,400 1.30-1.35m jumper classes aboard Popstar Lozonais, owned by Ashland Stables. It was no small feat to come to the International Polo Club (IPC) at the end of the day and top fields of 44 and 30, respectively, but Wordley made both courses look effortless.

Equestrians of Wellington are flocking to the Turf Tour to see what all of the buzz is about. When riders and horses get to compete on the turf once, they’re hooked — many of the teams are traveling to each of the tour stops to enjoy a much different atmosphere from the bustle of season. It’s clear to see that the show is bringing back a much beloved tradition of competing on turf. The two rings saw close to 150 trips today, with each week of the competition growing exponentially. The vast polo fields created an excellent backdrop for some of Wellington’s most competitive jumpers.

Brisk weather brought out the spunk in some of the horses in the morning, but it didn’t stop the eager riders who were keen to be the first on the lovely grass at IPC. A bright, sunny day with a bit of a breeze made for the perfect show day.

Competition in both rings remained strong throughout the day. The Grand Prix field saw riders from 8 in the morning until the sun began to fade around 5 p.m. The second grass ring stayed busy with a horse constantly in the ring, all the way until the medium jumpers finished up in the mid afternoon.

In the first class, Wordley flew around the course, clocking a time of 32.414 seconds. Alex Granato was a strong contender in the class, claiming the second, third and sixth places. His rides, Cesario 15 owned by Page Tredennick, came within a second of the winners’ time with a 33.140 seconds, Allana Featherstone’s Basho finished on 35.846, and Josh Dolan’s SLF Annie Lennox was close behind with 36.762. Fourth went to Paul Yanke on his own Chill Haze in the horse’s debut to the Turf Tour this season. Darrin Dliin picked up the fifth place ribbon on Susan Grange’s Tennyson.

Wordley was enthusiastic in his support for the Turf Tour. “I like the fact that we can get the horses out. You know, we’re in Florida and at the Winter Equestrian Festival for months on end; it’s good to get the horses away and to a different location. It’s good money, too! I mean $15,000 for a 1.40m class! You have to jump with 100 in it for $6,000 at other shows; you get to jump here for $15,000 with 35 in it so the odds are a lot better. And also, if someone’s putting on an event, I like to support it if I can. The courses were nice and pretty straightforward today.”

The second 1.30m class saw some stiff competition as well. Wordley finished at the top of the leaderboard. Coming in a close second was Ki-Juan Minors aboard Mavis Spencer’s Matana. Andrew Welles claimed the third place ribbon on his own Quickley 3. Juan Ortiz riding Synchronocity Group’s Charley finished fourth. Chapel Z, owned by Flintwoode Farms LLC, was piloted by Lisa Jacquin to the fifth place finish and Ansgar Holtgers rode his own Best Wishes to round out the top six ribbons.

The Ridge at Wellington was proud to feature their newest jump sponsor, Hollow Brook Wealth Management, with the fence set up as an oxer in the first line of the course for the 1.30m class. The jump was a beautiful addition to the already impressive set of fences that course designer Nick Granat had available. Jump sponsorships are still available.

The second ring saw plenty of action throughout the morning and early afternoon. The first class of the day was the Low Jumpers, won by Alan Griffin on Margaret Bopp LLC’s Cequila. Kristen Lando picked up the win in the second class aboard her own Wirco Polo.

The second division was the Medium Jumpers at the 1.20-1.25m height. Jean Van Gysel won the first class on her own Lucille 72. Estar, ridden by Chloe Field for Hidden Brook Farm, won the second class of the division.

Friday’s events promise to be exciting, with the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Beginning at 8 a.m., there will be both the Children/Adult and Masters Jumper classes, along with a classic round for both divisions, running concurrently with open cards until noon. In addition, there will be a Low Schooling Jumper division with two classes running concurrently offered at this height. The $2,000 Child/Adult Classic is pointed from Marshall & Sterling, NAL & WIHS. The $2,000 Master’s Jumper Classic, open to riders 50 and over, is also pointed from Marshall & Sterling, NAL & WIHS. The Junior/Amateur-Owner competitors will start at 12:30 and run until 4:30 p.m., with both the regular class and classic card open concurrently. The $3,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic is NAL pointed. High schooling jumpers will also be offered with cards running concurrently.

Week four of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour is taking place at The International Polo Club, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, FL 33414. The show entrance is off 120th Street between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Alex Granato and Sharn Wordley Triumph at Third Week of Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour

Alex Granato and Gangsta.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2015 – The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour returned home to The Ridge at Wellington for its third week of competition. Michel Ismalun, a member of the course design team from World Equestrian Games 2014 and a world-renowned course designer, built the young jumper course on the grand prix field. The course proved to be very inviting and educational for each of the divisions, allowing the younger horses to go forward and gallop while on the turf. The two 1.30-1.35m classes saw the largest entries, with close to 20 trips taking place in each.

Alex Granato posted a very fast time of 30.504 seconds aboard his own Gangsta to win the first $2400 1.30-1.35m class. The gelding has certainly lived up to his name, proving to have a bit of a spark when under saddle. “I got him from a friend of mine, Charlie Jayne. He’s very aptly named! He loves carrying on bucking; I think he’s bucked me off twice in the four years I’ve had him. He’s a sweet personality on the ground, but he’s a character when you ride him.”

Quick Latinus was speedy around the course, piloted by his owner Miranda Scott, but was not quite quick enough to catch the first place time. Although Sharn Wordley tried to catch Granato, he fell shy of the top prize in the first class, but had the win in sight for the first 1.30m-1.35m class. Wordley rode Popstar Lozonais, owned by Ashland Stables, to a time of 29.371 seconds opting to take all inside turns to claim the victory.

“He’s a 12-year-old stallion by Quickstar and he’s a real winner at 1.40m and 1.45m classes,” Wordley explained. “He wins a class at most shows he goes to because he’s a real speed demon. I’ve had the ride on him for a year. He’s a fun horse, because you can pull him out for any class, any ring, and just go.”

Themes from yesterday’s Young Jumper Symposium continued today on a track designed by Michel Ismalun. “Well it was just like how I explained during the symposium. Young horses need special courses. What I put here had a lot of air, time to breathe between the jumps, progressive and never a place where they had to put forth too much effort. Today we started a system, and the footing was fantastic; I am very happy with the results. I think people are really enjoying it; it is something new out here.”

Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais
Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais

Cynthia Hampton, founder of Classic Champions, Inc., spoke of her passion to develop a system for the young jumpers that would give them the best chance for success. “I approached Nona [Garson] and George [D’Ambrosio], and we feel as though 5 and 6 year olds should show on grass first so that they move forward and have room to breathe. They were very open to the idea, so we are very fortunate to be able to begin with The Ridge.”

Ismalun will be setting the courses for all of the Young Jumper series. There are six separate weeks, and the final week will have a two-day championship format. The purpose of the series is to educate young horses and create long-lasting athletes.

The course presented to the young horses presented very fair questions and provided an optional last obstacle, the choice between a liverpool or a small open water option. Josh Dolan rode Genevieve Edwards’ Baloumerang Sv to a successful first place in the 5-year-old jumpers. Diamiro, ridden by Denise Wilson for Blue Gate Farm LLC, claimed the top prize in the first class of the 6-year-old jumpers. Kaitlyn Campbell aboard Geoffrey Sutton’s Summer Time won the Young Jumper Championship 6-year-old Qualifier class.

Tina Di Landri dominated the 7 & 8-year-old jumper division. She rode Highpoint Farm LLC’s Diorado VDL to a first place ribbon in the first class and finished third in the $2000 class. She also rode Dakar VDL for Eva Castegren to a third and second place finish. Darragh Kerins rode Holsteins Eastwood, owned by M & M Show Stables, to a second place ribbon in the first class and a fifth place finish in the second class.

Friday’s events promise to be exciting, with the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running in the arena from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The turf will see low and medium schooling jumpers with two classes running concurrently offered at each height. The schooling jumper classes will continue to be offered on Friday throughout the remainder of the Turf Tour.

The event is approaching quickly, so riders should get their entries in to avoid post-entry fees. Week three of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will take place at The Ridge. The physical address is 14415 Palm Beach Pt. Blvd Wellington.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

For more information on the Classic Championship, Inc., please visit: http://equinemedi3.wix.com/classicchampionsinc.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com