Tag Archives: Summer in the Rockies

Granato and Hope Go One-Two in the $15,000 Welcome Stake at Summer in the Rockies V

Alex Granato and Gangsta.

Parker, CO – July 12, 2013 – Summer in the Rockies V continued at Colorado Horse Park with the $15,000 Welcome Stake as the highlight event of the day in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena.

Brazilian course designer Anderson Lima built a challenging course requiring horse and rider to understand each other’s strengths. The course asked the riders to make the most productive choices and take advantage of time-saving options to come in under the tight time allowed. The course tested the best. An orange and yellow outside line triple combination going toward the in-gate (6A/B/C) tripped up many horse and rider teams, many at the “B” element.

Of the 31 horse and rider combinations, Hector Florentino and Liverpool, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, were the first to go clean and advance to the jump-off round. Nine rounds later, Alex Granato and his own Gangsta put in a fault-free round. Three rounds later, Maggie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm’s Manneken Du Cory joined the group headed to the jump-off.

Then, four horse and rider teams in a row left all the rails in their cups within the time allowed: Caitlin Hope and Kathleen Hope’s Total Touch, Hunter Holloway and Hays Investment’s Yolo, Matt Cyphert and his Lochivar, and Hector Florentino and his second ride of the class, Anemone’s Vicky, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms.

Mark Mead and Balthazar, owned by Marianne Marshall put in, what appeared to be a faultless round, but incurred a single time penalty for being .607 over the time allowed.

The final horse and rider combination to progress to the short track was John Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Johnny B Good.

Florentino and Liverpool returned for the jump-off round and had a rail. Next, Granato and Gangsta put in an incredible clear and very fast performance, breaking the timer beam at 33.206. This put them in the lead, where they would stay to eventually win the class. The next pair to go double clear was Hope and Total Touch with a time of 36.136 earning them second place. Florentino and Anemone’s Vicky were the only other horse and rider team to be fault-free in the jump-off with a time of 37.851.

Granato and Gangsta
Granato and Gangsta

“I’ve had him just a little over three years now,” said Granato about Gangsta. “He’s been a great one. I stepped in with him after Charlie Jayne and have had a lot of fun with him right from the very beginning. He’s 13; he has a lot of fire and he has a lot of desire to do the job. He has a great attitude about the job.”

“In the first round I was a little worried because he was a little strong and he hasn’t done anything since the Prix last week,” he shared. “I had to take a little extra time in the first round to get him settled back. In the jump-off I lucked out a little bit but it worked out to our favor I let him take over and take on a good gallop and let him take hold of my hand and it worked out for us.”

Granato shared his thoughts on the 6 A/B/C combination that cost many of the horse and rider pairs a rail or two.

“A couple horses over-jumped ‘A’ a little bit and didn’t back up in time,” he said. “I was fortunate that I rode another horse earlier for Sarah Tredennick, so I got a good feel how the course rode. Through the triple usually he’s a little too bold through the vertical/vertical but he backed up and jumped it really well today.”

“I really think that thinking about time allowed made the difference for me,” said second-place finisher, Hope. “It is always one of the things I have to think about. My horse and I are a really good team. He knows what I like and he tries really hard for me. I think it had a lot to do with knowing your horse and what works well for you.”

“For instance, the outside line: some people did seven to six. I did six to five,” she explained. That’s something that works out well for my horse. My horse is very careful and pretty much if I stay out of his way, he does whatever he can to get his legs out of the way and it usually works.”

Hope, who trains with Diane Carney at Telluride Farm, is a junior at Lafayette College and has had Total Touch for four years. She doesn’t ride when she is away at school. She meets Carney at shows and just gets right back in the ring. She stays fit by going to the gym and running. During the school year Carney rides him and Richard Rinehart helps out.

Caitlin Hope and Total Touch
Caitlin Hope and Total Touch

“Going into the first round Diane wanted me to focus on the first three jumps – the five to the four and also the oxer at the in-gate, to get him turned and focused on the jump,” said Hope. For the second round we just wanted to be double clean and let the chips fall where they may. We have the Grand Prix this week also the High Junior Amateur Classic to look forward to, so we wanted to have a good class early in the week to set us up for the rest of the week. I think my horse is ready.”

“The course was fantastic and the class was competent,” said Carney. “There were 31 that could hit the center of the target. We were grateful to be part of the jump-off. Caitie and her horse, Total Touch, do a super job. They’re a match. We know the drill – our warm-up is the same every time. I say when she goes in the ring, ‘Focus on your straightness, focus on the time allowed, and let him jump clean,’ something that George (Morris) tells us to do all the time. I am very proud of them to be second in today’s class.”

This is Hope’s first time showing at the Colorado Horse Park.

“I really like it,” Hope said. “We’re here this week and next week and most likely, back in the future. I think the footing is great – my horse… it’s like a bouncing board for him so he really likes it.”

“I think the Colorado Horse Park is a special place to horse show,” said Carney. “I grew up in Colorado and certainly there wasn’t a place like this in the ‘70s. It is really a pleasure to be here. I haven’t been back to Colorado to show for about 20 years. The footing is great the maintenance of everything is fantastic.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Karina Aziz and Top Gun Have Their First Grand Prix Victory at Summer in the Rockies IV

Karina Aziz and Top Gun won their first Grand Prix.

Parker, CO – July 11, 2013 – A large audience filled the VIP area and the grass bleachers with the spectacular view of the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park on Saturday, July 6, to watch the highlight of Summer in the Rockies IV, the $30,000 Griffis Residential Grand Prix.

In the first round of the completion, 34 horse and rider combinations battled it out over FEI course designer Marina Azevedo’s track, attempting to progress to the jump-off round. Eight would succeed for a try at the win.

Alex Grenato and Page Tredennick’s Mullaghdrin Rado were the first of the eight to go clear in the jump-off with a time of 39.778.

“I went late in the order and there was only one double clear,” said Karina Aziz, who rode Top Gun to edge out Grenato’s lead, breaking the beam at 39.685. “I thought about doing a safe double clear round and Blair and Karen (Cudmore) told me I better not do that. I went for it and it worked out.”

“Top Gun was amazing in the class,” said Aziz of the horse she has had since he was 5. “He tried so hard. I did a few slices and really galloped to the last jump. I can really count on him. We’ve had a lot of top professionals ride him. He’s a really seasoned horse. I am really lucky to have him.”

Karina Aziz and Top Gun
Karina Aziz and Top Gun

“The courses were really good all week,” she added. “The horses have been jumping very well off the footing. It’s nice; you go out there with confidence. This is my first time at Colorado Horse Park. It is so great to come here and have my first Grand Prix win.”

Aziz hails from Toronto and has been doing the jumpers since she was 18. “It is so exciting that we’ve had this success so soon,” she said. “I just started working with Karen (Cudmore) in May. She’s very supportive as a coach. I am just really grateful.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Jennifer Hulkko and Kim Barone Notch Wins in 3’6″ Performance Hunters at Summer in the Rockies V

Jennifer Hulkko and Brego.

Parker, CO – July 10, 2013 – Jennifer Hulkko on Lisa Martinez-Bates’ Brego and Kim Barone on Hannah Pattermann’s Dolce Vita turned in stellar rounds to score wins in the 3’6″ Performance Hunters and kick off Summer in the Rockies V at the Colorado Horse Park. Hunter divisions drew many entries and competition was fierce, promising an exciting day on Thursday as riders return to settle the divisional championships.

Hulkko and Brego got the 3’6″ Performance division off to a strong start with a smooth, expressive round that earned them the win in the first over fences class. “I thought the course was great, a little different,” Hulkko said. “They had a bending line in there today. I thought the jumps were super inviting and the lines were flowing. It rode really nicely.”

Brego’s steadiness and consistency over fences make him a straightforward ride, according to Hulkko. “He’s really solid,” she noted. “He doesn’t look at the jumps. He’s got a big step through the lines, so it’s always nice and easy – if something is set long, you never have to worry about it.”

Hulkko rides for Randy Henry and Micca Henry-Sowder, and she began riding Brego two months ago to bring him back into the show ring. “I just started riding for them a few months ago, and they gave him to me to ride and get going,” she explained. “It’s been mostly just getting him fit, getting him in a program and getting in the show ring. He definitely knows his job, so I don’t have to work on details too much with him.”

Hulkko opted out of the handy round with Brego, who is for sale and had a prospective buyer coming to try him. The pair returned later to collect another blue ribbon in the under saddle class. Their absence in the handy round opened the door for another horse and rider to step up for the win, and Kim Barone and Dolce Vita laid down an impressive trip to claim the top spot.

Kim Barone and Dolce Vita
Kim Barone and Dolce Vita

When Dolce Vita came out with a lot of energy in the first class, Barone chose to use that trip as a learning experience for the mare. “My horse was really fresh and kind of naughty in the first round, so I circled and schooled her to get her focused,” Barone explained. “In the handy, she settled in and was more focused.”

Hannah Pattermann, Dolce Vita’s owner, competes in the Junior Hunters. “She’s getting ready to go to Junior Hunter Finals next month, so showing here at the Colorado Horse Park is really good preparation,” Barone said. “Her owner will show her in the Junior Hunters this week and also in the International Hunter Derby.”

“She’s a lovely mare,” Barone added. “She jumps great. She really wants to give a beautiful jump all the time.”

The 3’3″ Performance Hunters were similarly competitive, with many top combinations coming out to vie for a chance at the divisional championship. Sarah Young and Kara Kahn’s Maverick won in the first round over fences, Sally Parks and Rachel Wood’s Caillou scored in the handy, and Audrey Buck rode Patricia Murphy’s Edwina to first place in the hack.

Parks’ plan of attack for the handy course worked to perfection. Riders began over a fence that proved spooky for some horses, then tackled challenging turns and a trot fence with different options. A five-section fence gave riders three options for fence 2 and two options for fence 4, a trot jump.

“I thought the courses were really fun and forward,” Parks said. “In the handy, I thought I needed a lot to fence 1, because I saw a lot of horses peeking at it. So I got a really good canter to fence 1, and then just looked early and saw the straw (the five-section jump) – I thought that was awesome, with the options.”

“The left turn to the birch was great, and very tricky,” she continued. “You had to go straight into the trot, and then get a big powerful canter to the oxer, go inside to the two-stride, and bend to the last fence. It was really fun.”

Parks trains Caillou for owner Wood. Wood rides Caillou in the Adult Amateur Hunters, 18-35, and will be showing him later in the week.

“We’ve worked hard on this horse,” Parks said. “He’s really funny. His name is Caillou, like the cartoon. Sometimes he can be tricky – sometimes he gets on his own agenda. But he’s really sweet and he wants to do a good job.”

She said his expression is one of his strengths. “He always has great ears,” she smiled. “He’s happy to do his job. He loves his job.”

In the Second Year Green/High Performance Hunters, Maggie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm’s Fredrick put in the most consistent performances. Jayne and Fredrick were first over fences, second in the handy and first in the hack. Their eye-catching first round was one of the highlights of the day’s action in the Olson Family Hunter Arena.

“It went beautifully!” Jayne said. “I thought the courses were great and the jumps were very appealing and pretty. We had a good time.”

She said her goal was to showcase the horse and his movement. “He has such a pretty gait and I always try to keep it smooth and relaxed and just have the jumps come and go,” she said. “He’s a good mover and a good jumper, and has a great attitude – calm and relaxed. So I’ve got the total package. I’m very lucky.”

Jayne’s younger sister, Haylie Jayne, also had a successful day, sweeping all three classes in the First Year Green Hunters aboard Starina B.

Laurie Jueneman and Rio's Firefly
Laurie Jueneman and Rio’s Firefly

Laurie Jueneman and Rio’s Firefly edged out Maggie Jayne and Fredrick in the Second Year Green/High Performance handy class. Jueneman said she was pleased with the horse’s rapid improvement and felt the courses suited him well.

“I love the courses this week,” she said. “Everything’s flowing and really open, and that’s fun for us. This horse is super brave and a good turner.”

“I was particularly proud of the way he jumped the in-and-out today in both trips, particularly in the handy,” Jueneman added. “He hadn’t shown since last September – June was his first show – so this is only his third time doing the Second Years. I felt like he totally stepped up to the plate today. Every day he’s better and better and it’s just really fun.”

The Second Year Green/High Performance Hunter championship, along with the 3’6″ and 3’3″ Performance Hunter championships, will be determined Thursday as riders return to the Olson Family Hunter Arena for another full day of hunter competition.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Nicole Lyvere Off to Promising Start in 3’6″ Amateur Open Hunters at Summer in the Rockies III

Nicole Lyvere and All In.

Parker, CO – June 22, 2013 – Nicole Lyvere and two of her talented hunters demonstrated that a new challenge can be just the ticket to inspire an outstanding performance. Lyvere rode Wink to two wins and All In to a third place finish in the 3’6″ Amateur Open Hunters not long after moving the two horses up from the 3’3″ division. Wink and All In also finished second and fourth, respectively, in the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic.

“They were both perfect today,” Lyvere said. “Both of them are finally growing up.” Wink, an 8-year-old warmblood, and All In, a 9-year-old Westphalian, looked like seasoned professionals as they tackled the courses.

Lyvere noted that Summer in the Rockies is Wink’s third show and All In’s second show since moving up in height. “They are both very scopey and very athletic, and they like to be challenged,” she said. “They get bored, so it’s been good for them to step up. They definitely jump better – they have to put more of an effort in. So it’s been good for them and good for me to have a bigger jump and a little bit more of a challenge.”

Lyvere thought the Scott Starnes-designed courses, particularly the handy, provided a good test for horse and rider. “I liked the handy,” she said. “It definitely wasn’t your normal handy. It definitely tested both the rider and the horse a little bit more with the bending lines.”

“The second bending line was pretty hard, especially for Wink,” she added. “He’s still a baby and he doesn’t like surprises at all, so the handy is usually our hardest round. You want to make it really tight and tidy and roll back. He’s getting better, but he still doesn’t like surprises right off the corner, so you can’t always take all the inside turns. You just have to make what you do tidier. But All In can go in there and he can do all the tight turns – he’ll just jump from anywhere.”

Nicole Lyvere and Wink
Nicole Lyvere and Wink

Lyvere trains with Cindy Cruciotti, who rode Wink and All In earlier in the week in the 3’6″ Performance Working Hunters. Cruciotti and Wink were champions of the division, and Cruciotti piloted another of Lyvere’s horses, Promo, to the reserve championship. Lyvere said she values Cruciotti’s emphasis on the fundamentals.

“She works a lot on flatwork and dressage, which helps,” Lyvere said. “All the trainers have always told me the jumps are only an interruption of your flatwork, which is true. A round is two minutes – you’re flatting for a minute and thirty seconds, and the jumps are only a fraction of it. Flatwork helps the horse jump better, get stronger, and get straighter. As long as you’re straight, the horse gets to the jump. She helps a lot with that.”

“She loves the horses and always wants the best for the horses, but still pushes the rider without pushing the horse too far,” Lyvere continued. “She prepares you so well for the shows. You’ve done much harder stuff at home.”

Lyvere, who balances her academics alongside riding and showing her string of horses, appreciates Cruciotti’s support. “She’s very good at helping me juggle both of them,” she said. “If I can’t make it out to ride, she’s very understanding.”

Lyvere and her horses have successfully stepped up into a new division, and other promising pairs are coming up the ranks in their footsteps. Caitlin Burns and a horse she purchased this winter, On the Money, are getting better each day they compete at Summer in the Rockies. Saturday’s showing was their most consistent yet: they scored a win in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 18-35 Hunter over fences class, took second place in the handy, and won the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic over a competitive field that included Lyvere’s two horses.

“Every course is a good learning experience,” Burns said. “I’m figuring out how to ride her better and get those good scores. So that’s the goal – just keep on plugging.”

She was happy with On the Money’s positive effort. “She was just really agreeable and fun to ride,” she said. “When you put it all together, it’s a really good feeling.”

Caitlin Burns and On the Money
Caitlin Burns and On the Money

Burns, who trains with Mark Mead, focused on keeping the pace steady throughout her courses. “She’s just one who would like to get a little speedy,” Burns said. “So I always think about places where I can slow down and get my good canter back, and not get talked into always accelerating.”

Page Tredennick, who notched a win over fences in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 36 & Over Hunters with Apricot Lane, shared Burns’ goal of improving and learning with each course. “The goal is to get better,” she said. “It’s nice to win, but my goal is really to try to improve each time and hopefully do better tomorrow than I did today.”

“My horse just turned 6 years old, so he’s a baby,” she went on. “He’s come a long way. I just got him. So we’re kind of creaking our way along, trying to get better and better each time. He’s a really sweet horse. I think he’ll make a beautiful 3’6″ horse, probably a very good first-year horse. He’s a nice mover and a very good jumper.”

Another top finisher in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner 36 & Over Hunters was Elizabeth Hund with her own Timbuktu. The pair won the handy and was second to Tredennick in the first round. All Amateur Owner divisions return Sunday with the final classes to determine the championships.

After strong performances on Friday from several riders in the Junior Hunters, Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son put in impressive efforts on Saturday to come away with the championship. Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay took the reserve. Hauser and Calido’s Son won both of their classes and also took home the win in the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic.

“He was a little more up today than he was yesterday, but he was pretty good other than that,” Hauser said after her ride. Hauser and Calido’s Son are entered in Sunday’s $5,000 USHJA National Derby and then will head home for a well-deserved break after their many victories at the first weeks of Summer in the Rockies. They plan to return to the Colorado Horse Park later in the summer to continue honing their skills in the Junior Hunters.

“We’re coming back here in July, so we’ll go home for a couple weeks, rest, do a couple lessons, and then come back,” Hauser said, noting a main focus in her preparation at home has been finding a good pace. “We work on getting our pace right, to find the jumps more easily. That’s one of my main goals.”

Summer in the Rockies III concludes Sunday with a trio of hunter derbies: the $15,000 USHJA International Derby, the $5,000 USHJA National Derby and the $2,500 CHP Pony Hunter Derby. Riders are looking forward to testing themselves and their horses in the special format.

“I’ve found a big interest in the derbies,” Lyvere said. “It’s just so much fun. It’s so different than the hunter courses and asks so much more of the rider, and you get to compete against the top riders in the country. They’re definitely more challenging courses – they’re bigger and they have the 4′ options. It’s something new and the jumps are fun. I wish I could do one every day!”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

John Pearce and Chianto Make It Look Easy to Clinch the $30,000 Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix

John Pearce and Johnny B Good. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Parker, CO – June 22, 2013 – A crowd of spectators gathered to watch spectacular show jumping at the much-anticipated $30,000 Nutrena Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park on a perfect Colorado Saturday afternoon.

In the first round of the event, 19 horse and rider combinations battled it out over international course designer Alan Wade’s track, attempting to progress to the jump-off round. Ten would make the cut.

“It was a build-up over the week,” said Wade about his strategy in creating the course. “In the Welcome we went up for the second round. We were a little bit bigger again today. Then, they went up again in the jump-off. It was more about show jumping than pure speed.”

“I try to give a balance so that you don’t just suit one horse,” Wade continued. “You try to suit the best overall combination of horse, rider, scope and nimbleness – that they’re able to turn left and right and that they’re able to move up across the ground. You just try to test everything.”

The first to go clear within the 89-second time allowed was John Pearce from Bermuda Dunes, CA, and Johnny B Good, owned by Forest View Farm.

Three more clean rounds in a row followed from Bryn Sadler and Showcase 81 LLC’s 18.2 hand grey Holsteiner, Cincinnati. Then, Mark Mead of Longmont, CO, and Balthazar, a Belgian Warmblood owned by Marianne Marshall, had a speedy clean round and Kristen VanderVeen from St Charles, IL, and Bull Run’s Eternal went fault-free. Caroline Beecherl from Dallas, TX, followed suit riding her own S&L Zeppelin.

A few rounds later Pearce returned on Chianto, who also advanced to the jump-off. The Danish Warmblood superstar with his own Facebook page is owned by Forest View Farm and has a list of wins as long as your arm.

The next clear round came from Matt Cyphert from Lantana, TX, aboard Lochivar, winner of the 1.40m Open Jumpers on the opening day of Summer in the Rockies III.

Sadler returned on her second mount, Bon Giorno, and earned another chance at the short course, as did Armando Hassey and Taggert Enterprise’s Eminem and Bjorn Ikast and the fabulous Colorado, owned by Bovee Limited Liability.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Eternal
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal

VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal were the first of the second-rounders to leave all the rails in their cups, stopping the timer at 44.665. The performance from VanderVeen, who has been a consistent winner at the Summer in the Rockies series, and the huge-strided Belgian Warmblood seemed improbable to beat.

Then Pearce came back for the jump-off round with his long-time partner, the 16-year-old Chianto. The pair effortlessly flew around the course, laying down a blazingly fast, clean round that timed out at 42.066, over two seconds ahead of VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal.

Pearce and VanderVeen’s jump-off rounds would produce the only double clears of the group. Pearce had the fastest four-fault time with Johnny B Good to earn the third place prize, while Cyphert and Lochivar placed fourth.

“I thought it was big, actually, but it rode nice,” said VanderVeen. “There wasn’t anything that trapped anyone. It was definitely a lot bigger than we’ve been jumping. My horse just did the Grand Prix last week and he didn’t do the Welcome again this week. So this was his first class out – so I thought, ‘I hope he’s on his A-game.’ He was. I’ll take second any day. We were double clean and that was what we’re shooting for.”

“I don’t want to run him too much over little jumps,” said Pearce about Chianto. “He doesn’t need to do that at this stage in his career. He’s pretty much a Sunday horse now. I did him in the Welcomes the first couple of weeks because he hadn’t jumped since Thermal – not a jump. I used those classes as a warm up. I don’t jump the horse at home anymore. I just keep him really fit and happy.”

John Pearce and Chianto
John Pearce and Chianto

“He’s a great horse,” Pearce shared. “Like I’ve said, he’s my Pegasus. I can’t count how many grand prix events he’s won for me. One of the reasons he’s so sound and so fresh is because I don’t go to the well with him. I don’t jump a 1.60m with him every weekend. At that age they can’t do that anymore. I would still take that horse right now and drop him at any competition in the world and feel very comfortable. That’s how much I think of this horse. He feels great and I feel blessed. This was a walk in the park for him. He was smooth as glass and flawless. He was beautiful to ride today.”

“We ran fast in the jump-off and the footing held up,” VanderVeen said. “The course designer this week has been really good about galloping and turning, not just one or the other. It has tested the footing. It’s held up fantastic.”

“I thought it was a good course,” Pearce said. “It was a little bigger. He built a very nice encouraging course the opening day for the Welcome – which I am a strong believer in – and built a lot of confidence in the horses and riders. He didn’t do anything too trappy – he had some subtle difficulties, no doubt. It kept it really fair for everyone.”

“I was very happy how it turned out,” said Wade. “It was fair to the less-experienced ones, those who were just having their first starts in grand prix. The better horse and rider combinations came to the top.”

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Summer in the Rockies III Junior Hunter Championship Up for Grabs

Marnina Seller and Levitation.

Parker, CO – June 21, 2013 – The first day of Junior Hunter competition at Summer in the Rockies III set up perfectly for an exciting showdown on Saturday, as three different competitors each won a class to put themselves within reach of the championship. Marnina Seller and Levitation won over fences, Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay scored in the handy, and Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son took first place under saddle after finishing second to Seller and Ryan in the earlier classes.

Seller and Levitation led off the division with a blue ribbon over fences. “He felt really good,” Seller said. “I did a warm-up before, which made him not spooky at the other jumps. He was really good at the first jump. The second jump he backed off a little bit. The five-stride was good, the seven was really good and I felt the two was one of my best twos I’ve ever done on him. And he ended up first!”

Seller said Levitation’s background as an equitation horse – the pair also competed in the ASPCA Maclay qualifier – helps with his rideability. “He stays consistent and makes riding to jumps easy,” she explained. “He’s not bouncy, so you can tell the distance really well.”

Seller, who trains with Laurie Jueneman, said she enjoys coming to the Colorado Horse Park for a change of scene and a chance to socialize. “I like being able to see my friends from down here and to have kind of a second life, since I live in Vail,” she said. She competes primarily around Colorado at the Horse Park, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park.

Going into Saturday’s final Junior Hunter classes, she hopes to build off Friday’s good performance. “I want to stay consistent,” she said. She plans to school over higher fences before the class to encourage Levitation to levitate just a bit more and pick up his feet. In the longer term, Seller has her sights set on Maclay Finals. She just moved up to 3’6″ this year and wants to do her best with the new challenge.

Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay
Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay

Emily Ryan and Parrot Bay took third place behind Seller and Hauser in the first class and then improved in the handy to notch the win. “I thought the courses were good, especially in the handy,” Ryan said. “The handy was stronger than the first round, that’s for sure. My horse kind of covered up my mistake in the first round. He was good.”

Parrot Bay changed disciplines after Ryan bought him and is thriving in his new home in the hunter ring. “I bought him as a jumper/equitation horse, but he’s just so slow and pretty that we put him in the hunter ring, and he loves it,” Ryan said. “So he’s super, super handy, he’s really easy to turn, and he has a really nice pace to him.”

He made a smooth transition to the hunters and seems to enjoy the more relaxed pace. “I need to kick that horse to go forward!” Ryan laughed. “He’s very lazy. So now he’s a nice little hunter horse who does some equitation classes.”

“He has a really good presence to him,” she added. “He’s always happy – I’ve never seen his ears back. He’s extremely happy. He’s really soft and he’s really fluid. He can cover mistakes really well.”

Ryan is aiming for Sunday’s $15,000 USHJA International Derby. While nervous to be stepping up to that level for the first time, Ryan is confident in her horse. “I’m excited because it’s my first big derby and also his,” she said. “He’s obviously jumped bigger, but I haven’t. I’m a little nervous about the 4′ options, but I know he’ll be fine. He’s a good boy.”

Sitting just behind Seller and Ryan in the first two classes was Amanda Hauser, whose consistent rounds over fences and subsequent win in the under saddle class suggest she will be a top contender on Saturday. She noted a couple of areas from each round that she hopes to improve upon with Calido’s Son.

“At the beginning of the first round, I didn’t get his canter quite up, but after that he helped me out and moved up with me for the rest of the round better at the canter,” she said. “And then he used to do jumpers a while back, so when I did a couple of those shorter turns in the second round, he went into jumper mode a bit.”

“But he’s usually pretty good about coming back to you – he’s kind of lazy,” she added. “So one second he’s like, ‘Oh, yay, turns!’ and the next second he’s like, ‘I’m good.'”

Hauser, who trains with Heidi Hildebrand, also competes in the Modified Junior Jumpers. She and Hildebrand shared the ride on Calido’s Son to claim a recent championship in the Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ division at Summer in the Rockies II. Hauser is now on the hunt for her own championship when the Junior Hunters continue Saturday.

Isabel Johnson and Seraldo
Isabel Johnson and Seraldo

In the ASPCA Maclay qualifier, Isabel Johnson’s practice paid off to land her the win on All Seasons Farm’s Seraldo. “The course was a lot of bending and turning and he’s a really stiff horse,” she said. “We actually spent a lot of time practicing our shape. I was glad it all came together. It turned out to be a really good course for me, so it was fun.”

Johnson and Seraldo navigated the twists and turns of the Scott Starnes-designed course with ease, putting together a smooth round. Johnson identified a tight rollback after the second jump leading into a five-stride line as the biggest challenge going into the course, but she put together a plan and made it work for her. “I went inside and it worked out really well,” she said.

Johnson, who trains with Paul Rohrbach and Corky Shaha at Wells Bridge Farm in Parker, is making a successful debut in the equitation ring this year. “This is my last year as a junior, but it’s my first year doing the equitation,” she said. “I’ve never had an eq horse. So our goal was just to qualify for the finals, and we are. It’s good to do that this early in the season. I hope to just keep getting better and have a good last year and do well at finals.”

Seraldo has proven to be a valuable equitation partner for Johnson. “He’s great,” she said. “He’s so rideable and adjustable. He’s really good at leaving right from the base and jumping well from there, so I can get him up the lines. He’s great in technical courses because he’s so easy to get forward and back.”

Junior riders also competed in a two-part qualifier for the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals. Riders began with the Washington Jumper Phase and then moved on to the Washington Hunter Phase. Elizabeth Adelson rode Bull Run’s Rubicon, owned by Four Fillies LLC, to the Jumper Phase win, while the Hunter Phase went to Alessandra Sozzi and Zygo. Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey proved most consistent throughout both classes, picking up second in the Jumper Phase and third in the Hunter Phase en route to the overall victory.

Along with the conclusion of the Junior Hunters, Saturday at Summer in the Rockies III will feature the 3’6″ and 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters. Show jumping will be in the spotlight on Saturday with the afternoon’s $30,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix, while the hunters take center stage on Sunday for the $15,000 USHJA International Derby, $5,000 USHJA National Derby and $2,500 CHP Pony Hunter Derby.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Self-Made Rider Bryn Sadler Cleaning Up at Summer in the Rockies III

Bryn Sadler and Cancun Z won the Low Amateur Owner Jumpers Class. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

Parker, CO – June 21, 2013 – The Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at Colorado Horse Park was abuzz with show jumping action on Friday at Summer in the Rockies III. Professionals and rising stars in the junior and amateur ranks tested their horses and their skills over international course designer Alan Wade’s tracks.

Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, NM, has had a stellar week. She won the Low Amateur Owner Jumper classes aboard Cancun Z, was fourth in the $15,000 Welcome Stake with Bon Giorno and tied for first in the $2,500 Four Bar with Cincinnati.

Last week at Summer in the Rockies II, Sadler was first with Picobello and second with Cancun Z in the Low Amateur Owner Jumpers, she was third in the $15,000 Welcome Stake and fourth in the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/AO Classic. She also had good prizes in the $30,000 Grand Prix with both Bon Giorno and Cincinnati and in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior A/O Jumper Classic with Wacoucha.

The talented young rider was named Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider of the Month for June of 2012. She pointed to her little video camera and said that this was her trainer.

“I don’t have a trainer and I haven’t had a trainer for the past two years,” said Sadler. “It is just my mom, dad and me. My dad sets my jumps and my mom watches the other people go and tells me, ‘Everyone is doing that inside turn, so I guess you should probably do that.’ It’s just us, but it works out really well.”

The Sadler family has a farm in Ocala, FL, where they base their operation. They brought five horses to Summer in the Rockies at the Colorado Horse Park: two grand prix horses, Cincinnati and Bon Giorno, two low amateurs, Cancun Z and Picobello, and one high amateur jumper, Wacoucha.

Friday in the $2,500 Four Bar class, Sadler and Cincinnati hung in there with one clean round after another as the crew raised the jumps to 1.70m. She tied for first place with Armando Hassey riding Camillo and Carli Kirsch aboard Casco.

Bryn Sadler and Cincinnati won a three-way tie for first in the Summer in the Rockies III Four Bar class. Photo by Flying Horse Photography
Bryn Sadler and Cincinnati won a three-way tie for first in the Summer in the Rockies III Four Bar class. Photo by Flying Horse Photography

“He is the scopiest horse ever,” said Sadler of Cincinnati, a gigantic 18.2 hand, Holsteiner by Cassini I. “He’s really cool and he’s really game for anything. Once he gets older, he is going to be a phenomenal equitation horse because he is so easy. I have had him for six years but I’ve only been riding him for about a year.  We got him for my brother who is six foot something. So my brother stopped riding and I got him. Super scopey awesome horse – okay, I’ll take him, if you insist!”

The Four Bar class was a challenge that the pair took head on. Sadler was determined and Cincinnati was game.

“It was kind of hard for him to get through the combination because they set it as if you were jumping 3’6″ but then they raised the jumps up to 1.70m. So when you’ve got that height, you’re thinking whoa, whoa! All his life he has been collected because he is so big. So he knows how to collect really well. Lengthening – not so much.”

“We had some professionals ride him because he was so awesome that it was kind of worthless to do him in the Low Juniors,” she continued. “We had Sharn Wordley, Vicky Miller, Kyle King and Aaron Vale – anyone who wanted to try him. I’ve just started to get into the prixes. He’s awesome. So hopefully he’ll do well tomorrow.”

Kelsey Van Ackeren was in the ribbons again with her incredible Vernon G, winning the High Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers.  The pair hails from Austin, TX, and participated in the 2012 North American Young Rider Championships. In Austin, Van Ackeren trains with Nicki Mathen. At the shows, she trains with Matt Cyphert.

“Fortunately they show a lot so that is the only way it can work,” said Cyphert.  “They have a beautiful place in Austin and a trainer there, Nicki Mathen, who does a great job preparing Kelsey and Vernon G and all of Kelsey’s horses for the ring. They come to the horse show pretty much ready to go. It is a pretty easy gig. They are super horses. Kelsey has had a lot of experience. She’s done Young Riders; she’s done grand prixes with Vernon. We’re just bringing him back from a mild injury this spring so that’s why she’s doing the highs. She’s ridden beautifully and the horse is going so well. It is just a lot of fun to watch.”

In the Low Junior Jumpers, 15-year-old Kelli Cruciotti and new partner Zidante edged out Chelsea Babcock and her two phenomenal mounts, Bull Run’s Alli Lu Ya and Bull Run’s Guardian, in an exciting power and speed format. Babcock has been consistently winning in the Lows and won the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Classic in Summer in the Rockies I and II.

“This is a new ride for Kelli,” said Cindy Cruciotti of Serenity Farm, Kelli’s trainer and mother. “This is only her second class with her. We imported this mare about 30 days ago and this is her first show. She is fast – she loves to turn and loves to jump.”

“I can’t say enough about what a great show Pat (Boyle) puts on,” continued Cruciotti. “The Horse Park has created such a wonderful venue for us to come and show – with the footing and the staff.  It is a great place to come for the summer and we really enjoy having it in our own back yard. We are very lucky.”

Show jumping returns to the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena on Saturday with classes kicking off at 8 a.m. The much-anticipated $30,000 Summer in the Rockies III Grand Prix begins at 4 p.m.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

It’s Victory Again for VanderVeen in the $15,000 Open Welcome Stake at Summer in the Rockies III

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Le Conte.

Parker, CO – June 20, 2013 – The $15,000 Open Welcome Stake was the highlight of the day in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III. Kristen VanderVeen used Bull Run’s Le Conte’s huge stride to her advantage and eventually earned the victory gallop.

Irish course designer Alan Wade built an intuitive, flowing course that tested the more experienced horse and rider, while allowing the less experienced horses and riders to move up with confidence.

“I thought that the Welcome should be just that – a welcome,” said Wade. “There was some real variation in the field. There were some really nice horses and there were some inexperienced horses and riders. They got around. Some had a little difficulty. It was a nice flowing course. This is my first time in Colorado and I didn’t want anything tricky – I just wanted a nice course. I put up most of the fences in the second round. Some of them coped with it and some of them didn’t. Overall, I am quite happy with it.”

Twenty-two horse and rider combinations tried their hand at Wade’s track, and 12 earned the opportunity to compete in the jump-off round.

The first horse and rider team to return for the short track was VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Le Conte. The round was smooth and effortless over the raised obstacles. The pair laid down a time of 34.623, which would stand as the fastest of the field and eventually earn them the win.

Amanda McConnell and Leon D'Or
Amanda McConnell and Leon D’Or

Bjorn Ikast and Royal Flush had the next fault-free round with a time of 41.142. Then Amanda McConnell and Leon D’Or sped around the short course cleanly in 36.113, putting them in second place. Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno and Matt Cyphert and Lochivar both went double clear with times of 38.376 and 38.670 respectively. Then, Ikast returned on the Summer in the Rockies II $15,000 Open Welcome Stake winner, Colorado, owned by Bovee Limited Liability Partnership. The pair left all the rails in their cups in a time of 38.051, landing them in third place.

“It has been a huge blessing for us,” VanderVeen said. “I thought the course was great. For this horse, it rode really nice. The lines were, for the most part, set up so you could stay on a bend and come a little forward into the combinations. He’s so lofty in the air – that’s great for me and it really helped me in the jump off. I could leave off into a combination, just because he’s so careful and still make it out clean. For him we made up a lot of time.”

“The skinny by the in-gate was a little tricky with the slow six going to an oxer to a one-stride,” she continued. “My other horse, the mare (Bull Run’s Holy Smoke) who was 10th, is very new to me, but she is also incredibly strong. So it was a bit of a workout. She tries her heart out but, man, is she bold. She wants to go, which is great. I prefer that any day over the opposite. So it was a little difficult to add a stride to a skinny and still jump it clean. It worked.”

Earlier in the day, Kelsey Van Ackeren won the $500 High Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers aboard Vernon G, repeating the win form last week. Jennifer Hodgson and Waterloo II were second and Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry were third.

“The course was great. It was really inviting, it rode well – a really nice speed course. I really liked the way the lines were set up,” said Ackeren. “The inside turn to the sailboat oxer would set you up for that seven but it ended up being a little short – you had options whether you could leave it out or add it in. It gave you options for what was best for your horse.”

Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G
Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G

“Vernon G is a competitor,” she continued. “He walks in the ring and he has this focus, more focus than I have. He comes around the turn and he measures where he is. When he’s not in the ring, he’s wild all the time. He gets ridden a lot and he never runs out of energy. He’s kind of hard to handle but he is the sweetest horse ever. He loves people.”

Ackeren’s goal for the week is to be consistent in the High Amateur Jumpers. “It’s great that they have the $10,000 classics, because it’s big,” she said.

In the $500 Low Junior Jumpers, Chelsea Babcock and Bull Run’s Guardian, owned by Empire State Equine Sales LLC, proved their consistency and staying power. The pair won the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers during Summer in the Rockies II. Rising stars Isabel Johnson and Thinks Like a Horse’s Quito were second and Hannah Holik and Czech Mate, LLC’s Santiago were third.

“She’s jumping great and we’ve been getting along really well,” said Babcock. “She has a really big step and that takes care of a lot of the speed, but she goes fast too. I just try to turn tight and keep her moving in the turns. Guardian is probably one of the easiest horses I’ve ever ridden because she carries herself so well and she is such a kind soul that I really just have to ride and she will go for anything.”

On Friday, Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III continues with $1,000 Young Jumpers 7/8 Year Olds, 1.30m and 1.40 Open Jumpers, High and Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers and much more in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Matt Cyphert Wins the 1.40m Open Jumpers by Solid Margin on Day One of Summer in the Rockies III

Matt Cyphert and Lochivar.

Parker, CO – June 19, 2013 – Summer in the Rockies III kicked off Wednesday with exciting show jumping action in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena. Highlights of the day included the 1.30m and 1.40m Open Jumpers and the Young Jumper Divisions.

McLain Ward has called Alan Wade his favorite course designer in the whole world. And here at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies III, the jumper competitors got their first taste of the Irish course designer’s work.

In the 1.40m Open Jumper class, Bjorn Ikast and his own enormous splashy chestnut Dutch Warmblood mare, Iz’s Viva La Vida, were the first to go and the first to lay down a clean round. The pair proceeded to a faultless jump-off round with a time of 32.267.

Next, Matt Cyphert from Northlake, TX, piloted Lochivar skillfully and cleanly around Alan Wade’s course. In their jump-off round, Lochivar and Cyphert edged out Ikast, completing the short course with a time of 31.991 without a fault to claim the top spot.

Guy McElvain and his own Coco Colette were third to deliver double clear rounds with a short track time of 34.862, placing them third. Tony Font and Colotta also had a clear first round but retired during the jump-off. Cyphert maintained his position to win the class.

“He’s 9 years old this year; we’ve had him since he was 5,” said Cyphert of Lochivar. “We brought him up through the ranks. He had never really jumped with anybody when we bought him. He has a lot of talent and we’ve taken our time. We started doing the grand prixes with him last year. He was better and better each week. I ended up getting a nice prize in the last one here in June.”

“Then we had to take a chip out of his ankle in September, so he’s had a significant amount of time off,” he said. “We started him back up in March and showed him a little bit in April and May and hoped to get him back into the grand prixes. I think today is a great start.”

“It is really neat to ride on courses built by people of his caliber,” Cyphert said of Alan Wade’s course. “I have actually been coming here for 20 plus years, since the very first one. We haven’t missed a year. We are thrilled about the footing. It has enabled us to come for more weeks than we’ve ever come before and coming from Texas and getting out of the heat; we love being here and hope to be here all summer over the next few years.”

Bjorn Ikast and Iz's Viva La Vida
Bjorn Ikast and Iz’s Viva La Vida

“She’s a little bit feisty; she’s a real chestnut lady,” said Ikast of Iz’s Viva La Vida. “She’s a great horse, just a different ride. I have a philosophy that you have to ride each horse the way they like to be ridden. That’s the way she likes to be – why not follow her? She can really jump.”

“It was a great course today,” continued Ikast. “We have a new course builder. It’s nice to see someone from Europe – I’m from Europe also. I feel at home here! He built a nice attractive course for the first day. It gave us the most important thing in show jumping: confidence. I think he will build them up nicely for Saturday. I think we will see a very good grand prix on Saturday night.”

Seven entries had clear first rounds in the 1.30m Open Jumpers. The first was Tony Font and Sheishof’s Gloria, owned by Ashton Galo Paley. The pair finished the short course with a time of 36.711, setting the time to beat. Next, Amanda McConnell and James McConnell’s Leon D’Or had four faults in the jump-off round. Courtney Frederick and Equestrian Investments LLC’s Soulshine were next to try their skills around the short track, stopping the clock at 36.961, which placed them momentarily in second place.

Next to go were Armando Hassey and Lambert Louis, owned by Cora Leeuwemburg, who performed brilliantly and took over the lead with their clear round of 36.323. Then Chenoa McElvain and Wild Thing 2, owned by Guy McElvain, produced a double clear round with a jump-off timed at 36.600, fast enough to take over second place. Guy McElvain and Carino G, owned by Rancho Corazon LLC, followed but had a rail in the second round.

Last to go, Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Believer had a blazing fast and fault-free jump-off with an incredible time of 33.127, earning them the win.

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Believer
Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Believer

“He’s actually Chelsea (Babcock)’s horse and I get the privilege of riding for her sometimes,” said VanderVeen about Believer. “We found him in Europe. He was an approved stallion and he has a lot of 1.50m experience. It’s her move-up horse. When she’s ready she will step into the grand prix. She did her first grand prix on him a few weeks ago.”

“When he goes in that ring he knows it’s show time,” VanderVeen said. “To ride him, he’s lazy, but you get him in that ring and he is fired up. He knows right when that buzzer goes off. Today, he felt great. He’s been jumping really carefully off this footing, even more so than normal, so we could go fast in the jump-off.”

“I quite liked the course,” continued VanderVeen. “It rode really well. The jump-off was fun – you were able to go fast and use turns at the same time. It wasn’t just an all-out gallop or a turn. It was a good mix.”

“We got him for one of my good clients,” said Hassey about Lambert Lewis, who came in second. “He is a great horse. I haven’t ridden him much and we decided to do him in the 1.30m.”

“This is my home town, so I love it here,” he added. “We have great people and a great horse show with intense competition and good footing.”

In the Young Jumpers 6-Year-Old, Tony Font and the beautiful grey Holsteiner, Von Casius, owned by Deana Blackburn, ended up on top.

“He’s coming into his own,” said Font about Von Casius. “Because he’s big and long, he’s kind of hard to get him into shape and get him to do the right things. He’s brave but he’s immature for being 6 years old. He didn’t do so many shows last year. I think he’s going to be a nice horse in another year or so. Jumping is never an issue for him. He can jump big jumps but you have to let them mature at their own rate.”

“I just hope the horses learn and progress,” he continued. “We’re here for four shows. I’d like to come out with a bang on the end, so I don’t want to try to dry up the well too quick.”

“I thought he courses were really fair,” he said. “What you walked is what you got. I thought for the first day, without him knowing the field of horses and riders, he (Alan Wade) did a good job. They rode nice, they were friendly enough and the questions were still hard enough.”

Summer in the Rockies III continues on Thursday, June 20, and runs through June 23. Highlights include a $15,000 Welcome Stake, a $30,000 Grand Prix, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a full array of hunter/jumper competition.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Hannah Holik Wins the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic

Liz Schmid and Air Apparent.

Parker, CO – June 16, 2013 – On Sunday, the Juniors and Amateurs competed in two prestigious classes in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park, the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Classic and the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Classic.

Riders donned their white breeches and traditional attire to compete on the last day of week two of Summer in the Rockies II over Danny Foster’s challenging courses.

Twenty-five entries battled it out in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior Amateur Classic. Of the 25 in the first round, 15 progressed to the jump-off round.

Liz Schmid was the first to go double clear aboard Air Apparent, laying down a time of 50.68. The next clear round came from Isabel Ikast. In her jump-off round, Ikast added another clear round. Next, Chelsea Babcock and Bull Run’s Guardian delivered a flawless and faultless performance that put them in first place with a time of 46.344. Babcock trains with Kristen VanderVeen, of Bull Run in St Charles, IL. The Bull Run team also celebrated VanderVeen’s win of the $30,000 Summer in the Rockies II Grand Prix on Saturday.

“I was very proud of her,” VanderVeen said. “I thought she rode really well. Her first round was great. She has a very nice horse. She really smoothed it out for the jump-off and laid down a great round. I think it is actually the first classic she has won on this horse.”

Babcock was pleased with her rides. “The first round was great,” she said. “Zinnia (Bull Run’s Guardian) was great, she really helped me out on a couple of jumps and then the jump-off, there weren’t so many clean rounds so I was just going for a clean round so I just rode it nice and smooth and Zinnia’s step is so big, she takes care of the speed. Zinnia is just 9 years old. We just imported her during the middle of the WEF season and we’re just starting to click and get in sync now.”

Babcock commented on the encouragement that VanderVeen gives her and that since she’s been in training with her, she’s helped to build her confidence.

“I love the program,” she said.

As the entries for the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers were schooling, the wind began to pick up at the Colorado Horse Park. The skies became a bit darker and rain threatened. Due to the weather, the riders were asked to complete their jump-off rounds immediately following their first rounds.

The first clear round belonged to Hannah Holik riding Cupido de Laubry.  She proceeded to her jump-off round, completing it without faults in 50.720 seconds.

The next rider on course, Clare Leach on Pallas Athena, also put in a clear round and went on to the jump-off. The pair had a rail and left with four faults.

Two rounds later, Jackie Smith and Diego went clean in the first round. In the jump-off round they became the fastest four-faulter with a time of 50.729.

Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G
Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G

Another two rounds later, Kelsey Van Ackeren and Vernon G also went fault-free on their first round.

With a blustery wind picking up and spectators running for cover, Van Ackeren and Vernon G stayed focused and achieved a clear but slower round, breaking the beam at 57.630. Holik maintained her lead and earned the win.

Holik who trains with Randy Henry, has had an especially fruitful second week of Summer in the Rockies II. She earned the championship of the Junior Hunters and won the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic, all aboard Tache Rouge. She won both of her over fences classes in the Equitation 15-17 and won the ASPCA Maclay class with Dahlila. She also won the $500 Low Junior Amateur Owner Jumpers with Santiago in addition to the $10,000 High Junior Amateur Jumper Classic with Cupido de Laubry.

“He’s a new addition to our barn,” said Holik about Cupie. “I’m excited that everything has been going smoothly. I’m really proud of Cupie. We’ve only had him a couple of months. I am excited to move up with him and maybe do a couple of grand prixs.

“He’s quite big at 17.2,” she said. “For how big he is, he is unbelievably sweet and soft. You can cuddle with him and kiss him.”

Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry
Hannah Holik and Cupido de Laubry

Summer in the Rockies III will begin on Wednesday June 19 and runs through June 23. Highlights include a $15,000 Welcome Stake, a $30,000 Grand Prix, a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and a full array of hunter/jumper competition.

The Colorado Horse Park Summer in the Rockies Fast Facts

What: Summer in the Rockies AA-Rated Hunter Jumper Show Series

Event Dates:

Summer in the Rockies I June 5-9, 2013
Summer in the Rockies II June 12-16, 2013
Summer in the Rockies III June 19-23, 2013
Summer in the Rockies IV July 3-7, 2013
Summer in the Rockies V July 10-14, 2013
Summer in the Rockies VI July 17-21, 2013

Prize List:

Click here for an online version of the prize list. For a hard copy of the prize list, please e-mail prizelist@cohorsepark.com with your name, address and phone number and specify which prize list you would like (spring/fall or summer).

Entries:

Mail to The Colorado Horse Park, 7522 South Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134 or fax to (303) 841-7879. Opening date for Stall Reservations: April 1, 2013. Closing date May 20, 2013.

Contact Information:

Pat Boyle, Show Manager                          (847) 274-6834
Brian Curry, Show Manager                        (303) 918-2908
Show Office                                                 (303) 841-7461
Show Office Fax                                          (303) 841-1419
Colorado Horse Park Main Office                (303) 841-5550
Colorado Horse Park Main Office Fax         (303) 841-7879

Tentative Schedule:
Wed – Sun: Show starts daily at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Directions:

Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://www.phelpsmediagroup.com/viewarticle.php?id=7969.

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