Tag Archives: The Ridge at Wellington

Ben Maher and Diva Celebrate First Win Together at the Wellington Turf Tour’s $15,000 Friday Grand Prix

January 25, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Ben Maher and Diva.

Wellington, FL – January 24, 2014 – The sun was getting low in the sky at the Ridge at Wellington as Britain’s Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Maher entered the Grand Prix Field. Aboard his most recent mount Diva, Maher, the number two ranked rider in the Longines World Rankings, tackled the track and climbed to the top of the leader board for today’s 1.40m Wellington Turf Tour. It was a moment that marked a solid beginning for the pair, their first win as a team.

The Wellington Turf Tour came home to the Ridge at Wellington for the third week of competition, and with a meticulously designed course by Kenneth Krome, the scene was set for exciting jumper action.

Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman set an early lead this morning as the first rider of the day. He piloted Canora, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, to a clear first round and then blazed around the shortened track. An unfortunate rail at the opening fence of the jump off cost him the win today, but his time of 42.806 seconds set the pace for the remaining contenders.

It was Danielle Goldstein, riding for Israel, who had the first double-clear effort. Aboard Carisma, owned by Israeli Equestrian Partners, she took a conservative approach to the obstacles, finishing in 50.175 seconds. Her lead was short lived as Irishman David Blake entered the scene.

Riding Aischa, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, Blake cleared the first round with ease and moved into the jump off. They finessed the seven efforts with ease, tripping the timer in 41.410 seconds to take over the spot at the pinnacle of the rankings.

“We have had her for about a year, and she has had really good results so far this circuit,” Blake recounted. “It is nice to bring her here, someplace different. It is a little spooky for them, probably because it is so quiet and such a large grass field. I thought it was a nice course. There is a lot of color out there, and a lot of lines. It is the perfect way to educate the horses.”

Blake laughed, “She pulled a shoe there at some stage of it, so that didn’t make it easy for her. She is a jumper, so she kept going. She went really well, even with three shoes.”

He returned to tackle the course once more with his second mount, Doma Sue, owned by Pine Hollow Farm. She is a 9-year-old that is very new to Blake, just recently out of quarantine. They proved that although their partnership may be young, the potential for more is apparent. They posted the third double clear effort of the day in 42.806 seconds.

“She is still building up and getting fit, so we are just really getting to know her,” Blake stated. “She certainly jumped really well out there today. I think she is one that is going to jump some bigger classes in the future when she gets some more experience. Definitely bringing her out here with these horses and the grass field helps to put her along that path.”

Blake’s time stayed untouched as each consecutive contender attempted to beat his pace. United States based Australian show jumper Ben Meredith fell two seconds shy of Blake’s time with a final score of zero faults in 44.664 seconds. It seemed as though it would be a win for Ireland, but Ben Maher took the gamble and came out with his new mount Diva. The international leader board only continued to grow.

In November of 2013, Tatiana Kosakova purchased Diva from a prominent breeding farm in England. The mare had been bred and raised with the same family, and proved to be an excellent jumper, all she needed was a top rider to help her shine in the show ring. Maher took the reins, and traveled to Wellington for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), but not without including the Wellington Turf Tour on his calendar.

“Diva is a great jumper, she is just green, and needs time,” Maher explained. “She jumped well in the 1.45m this week at WEF, but I thought it would be a nice change to see what she was like over here on the grass.”

As the penultimate rider of the day, Maher entered the competition with a bit of strategy, utilizing Diva’s careful nature and speed to his advantage. They successfully cleared the first round, moving into the short track. Since the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour uses an open in-gate format, Maher did not have the advantage of seeing Blake traverse the course earlier in the day.

Maher said, “The format is different. Like any jump off, you try to do what you can do, not what you can’t.”

Diva proved that there isn’t much that she can’t do. Maher guided her through the turns with a steady stride, while using her naturally fast pace to shave the seconds. As he landed from the second to last fence, he legged her ahead to the final oxer. The seconds he cut proved crucial. As they landed from the oxer in 39.812 seconds, Maher took the lead and his first win with the new mare.

“I know she is still a green horse, so I took it a little steady through the turns. The ground was very good,” Maher described. “She is a naturally fast horse; she takes a lot of pressure because she is careful. I just rode her around and luckily today it was fast enough.”

He continued, “She can get too careful and jump too high sometimes, especially on the oxers. Every now and then, like that last fence, letting her run and stretch out and jump forward is actually, for her, not bad training at all. Maybe a few other horses, it would get them flat and careless, but it helps her. I am hoping that the circuit over the next couple of months will be the making of her, and she is going to be a good grand prix horse for us in the end.”

Jumpers should race to get their entries in for next week’s Wednesday and Friday events as The Ridge at Wellington’s $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix and 1.30-1.35m Classes head back to the International Polo Club Palm Beach for Week IV of the series.

“This series gives a lot of versatility for the three months that we are here and we will do our best to try to support these shows when we can. I am looking forward to showing at the International Polo Club, it is part of the reason why I came to show her today and see how she goes,” Maher concluded. “It seems like it will be a fun day. It is great experience for this horse because hopefully after this circuit she will do several of the Nations Cup shows behind Cella and Triple X, my other horses. It is nice to feel her in different environments.”

The stakes are increasing each week as top riders, amateur and professional, vie for their invitation to the $24,750 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix Series Finale on Saturday, March 22, 2014, as well as the coveted Leading Rider Bonus. The Wellington Turf Tour will return to the International Polo Club Palm Beach next week for its Wednesday and Friday events.

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 Wednesday and Friday events will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Riders are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible for the approaching classes. Turning in entries early will ensure that they get the time that they desire. Show Net will provide the live scoring for the Ridge Winter Tour II, as well as video all rounds. All recorded rounds and results are available at: www.shownet.biz.

The Ridge still has available sponsorships for the Invitational Series. For more information, call (908) 500-0996 or download information at http://www.theridgefarm.com.

Sponsorships are available for the $25,000 Finale, $15,000 Weekly Grand Prix, $2,000 Weekly Hospitality Text, $3,500 Show Jump Sponsor for series, $750 Ring Banner for the series and $500 Weekly Class Presenter.

All checks should be made payable to the Ridge Farm LLC.
The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Series
C/O Eda Tordiff
110 Edwards Rd.
Parsippany, NJ, 07054

For more information about the Ridge at Wellington, please go to http://www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.

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 second 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 22, 2014.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January – March 2013. 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 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

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/Senior Classics, and two hunter derbies.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

From the Florida Turnpike: Take the exit for LakeWorth Road West. Continue on Lake Worth Road approximately 6 miles to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Continue to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.

From Route 95: Take the exit for Forest Hill Blvd West. Continue on Forest Hill Blvd to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Once on South Shore Blvd, continue straight at light at Pierson Road and again straight through the intersection at Lake Worth Road, to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

The Ridge at Wellington Announces Hunter Derby Days

January 24, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Louise Serio and Rock Star.

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2014 – Mark your calendars now for the Ridge at Wellington’s inaugural Hunter Derby Days! The Ridge at Wellington will give a new meaning to “TGIF” when their $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby take center stage at the Ridge at Wellington on Friday, February 7 and Friday, March 21, 2014. Entries will fill fast as the top hunter riders in the nation gather for a battle of the best on the turf. Part of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, the International and National Hunter Derbies are the perfect fit into the Wellington Winter Circuit as riders prepare for the steadily approaching hunter derbies at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

“I am very excited to have some new options for the hunter derbies during the circuit,” professional hunter rider Louise Serio said. “I think it is a great opportunity for the horses and the riders to show at a new location. It gives us more options. There is only one derby during WEF, and it is at the end of the season. It is also one of the hardest events we do all year. Hopefully this will offer some courses that the young horses can gain some experience over and the more seasoned horses can compete, too.”

On February 7 and March 21, 2014, the turf at the Ridge at Wellington will transform into a picturesque hunt field, reminiscent of the traditional hunt fields of the past. Shrubbery, flowers and natural obstacles will fill the open field as the inaugural $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will commence. Running concurrently in the sand arena will be the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Kenneth Krome will design the first derbies of 2014 at the Ridge of Wellington, testing both horse and rider alike as they take on the daunting obstacles. Robert Crandall, Nancy Hall, Leo Conroy and Holly Orlando will judge the first week of the Ridge at Wellington Hunter Derby Days. For the second event of the series Dee Thomas, Linda Andrisani, Gary Duffy and Daniel Robertshaw will scrutinize each round and name the winner.

The Ridge at Wellington Hunter Derbies are the epitome of what the show world strives to accomplish. With unparalleled hospitality, and the careful and knowledgeable minds of Olympian Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio, the Hunter Derby Days are a horse show run by horsemen for horsemen.

In the world of hunter derbies, The Ridge at Wellington provides an exhilarating opportunity for riders of all levels. As a stand-alone derby day, the national and international classes are fully dedicated to showcasing and perfecting the derby classes with ideal turf that rivals the traditional fox hunting fields, reveling in the sport and athleticism of the horse.

This premiere state-of-the-art facility offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Alex Zetterman and Canora Set Untouchable Time at Friday’s 1.40m Wellington Turf Tour Grand Prix at IPC

January 18, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Alex Zetterman and Canora posted a blazing time of 31.198 seconds to hold first place from start to finish at the Wellington Turf Tour. Photos by: Kendall Bierer.

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2014 – Alex Zetterman blazed the trail early Friday morning as the Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour’s 1.40m Grand Prix welcomed competitors to the polo fields at the International Polo Club (IPC) Palm Beach. Aboard his own Canora, Zetterman set an unbeatable time as the first rider of the morning, tripping the timers at 31.198 seconds.

“I have had her for a few years now, and she is mainly doing the 1.40m and 1.45m speed classes,” Zetterman explained. “It was a very nice course. It was great ground, and the course was good. Eric always builds a solid course. It is probably a little bit difficult to go out first in the morning here, and the field is very open. It is good to have an experienced horse; I think with an inexperienced horse it is very tricky.”

Zetterman’s time was untouchable as each consecutive rider attempted to best the pair as they balanced speed and accuracy. It was Zetterman’s fluid turns and open pace that won the race to the top.

“What you need to have in mind when you come here is that you don’t have the same idea of what other people are doing. You aren’t watching every round or hearing how someone went or their plan,” Zetterman continued. “When you come here, you have to imagine how quick everyone else is going to go so you have to put a bit of pressure on yourself. I have to say that I am very happy with the round. I didn’t feel like I left too much open for anyone else.”

And he didn’t, until Sarah Segal and Zelda gave him a run for his money.

As the 30th in the order to go, Segal laid down a fantastic first round, and she continued into the jump off with her eye set on the prize. Zelda turned easily over the fences, navigating the serpentine of the jump off course. They landed from the final oxer to break the beam in 31.533 seconds, only a little over three-tenths of a second off of Zetterman’s pace.

“I didn’t get to see him [Zetterman] go, but just from looking at the times on the board it was obvious his time was five or six seconds faster than anybody else. So it was pretty clear just looking at the times that he must have really gone fast,” Segal explained. “The jump off was really twisty, turny which is good for [Zelda]. You can turn her as short as you want. No matter how short you turn her or how close to the fence you are, she’s always going to try and jump. She’s really good at figuring that out. I have a lot of faith in her that you can just spin her back, which is what you have to do for this jump off.”

Segal continued, “The first round was pretty smooth. There were a lot of related lines. I think the line to the triple was maybe a little bit difficult just because it’s kind of a long, direct seven. That seemed a little bit tricky, but she jumped it well. In the jump off I think maybe I took a little extra time to the double. If I had to guess where I was maybe a little bit slower than him that’d be it. She’s not exactly green, but this is one of the bigger classes that she’s done. So we were hoping that these classes would be something that she would get to, and we got here pretty quickly! She’s just great.”

Candice King and Antigone Quality, owned by Quality Stud, took the third place spot with a speedy double-clear effort in 33.516 seconds. The gray mare is a 9-year-old who has been building for the season. King used the mare’s quick pace to lay down a solid and fast round.

“I was trying a new bridle out on her, and I wanted to make sure everything was working,” King said. “I thought it would be a good venue to bring her to, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. He [Eric Hasbrouck] built last week, and you always know that you will get a solid course from him that is good for young horses. I was pleased with today’s outcome.”

The course opened at 8 a.m. and remained open until 4:30 p.m., allowing competitors ample time to come at their convenience to ride and enjoy the environment of IPC. The $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix series will find its home at the Ridge at Wellington next week, along with Wednesday’s 1.30-1.35m Jumper Classes, and the first Young Jumper Class of the series. The 10-week Wellington Turf Tour series will culminate with the $24,750 Invitational Grand Prix Finale on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

“It is great for the horses to be able to show here,” Zetterman stated. “It is a super series. Being here in Wellington is very good, but you are in the same place all the time. Horses, like humans, need variation. This series has good prize money, fantastic locations; I like the fact that you can come down here whenever you want. It is nice for horses during circuit to get away from the pressure of the International Arena.”

Show Net captured all of Friday’s action at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, while also providing live scoring for the Ridge Winter Tour II. All recorded rounds and results are available at: www.shownet.biz.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Kevin Babington and Sarah Segal Soar to Wellington Turf Tour Success at International Polo Club

January 16, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Kevin Babington and Shorapur. Photos by: Kendall Bierer.

Wellington, FL – January 15, 2014 – Torrents of rain and claps of thunder welcomed riders to the fields of the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) early this morning. However menacing, the inclement weather did not deter the field of 30 riders from entering into a heated battle in today’s 1.30-1.35m Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour.

Kevin Babington and Shorapur returned to the second week of competition with their sights set on victory, tackling the track to set the pace as the day’s pathfinder and eventual frontrunners. Sarah Segal and Zelda were the winners of the second class, completing the course in a speedy 34.739 seconds, proving untouchable.

It seemed as though Babington would take the win during last week’s commencement of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour, but Kama Godek narrowly pushed them from the pinnacle of the ranks, leaving him with the second place. Today, he guided Shorapur, owned by Shorapur LLC, through the Eric Hasbrouck designed track, leaving all rails in place and moving into the jump off. They kept a smooth even rhythm throughout the course, covering the ground with ease. The timers stopped at 37.557 seconds, leaving the other contenders to chase their blazing time.

“I wanted to work on getting her to carry herself, and really work on carrying a good rhythm. I wasn’t trying to set an unbeatable pace, but the jumps kept coming up on every turn. It worked really well,” Babington said. “She was good last week, but she was even better this week. She needs to stay relaxed out there. She is very careful and brave. Sometimes she can get ahead of herself, but today she kept her balance, and I was quite happy with that. I can’t wait to see how she does this Friday.”

Although Schuyler Riley and Andretti, owned by South Beach Stables, gave a valiant effort, their time of 38.935 seconds wasn’t enough to catch the Irishman today, earning the pair a red ribbon. Riley also snatched up the third place award with Dobra De Porceyo for their double-clear effort completed in 41.925 seconds. Ansgar Holtgers and Cocomello rode to the fourth place, while Babington cleared the course aboard his second mount Baloucat for the fifth. Brian Walker and Chico’s Bandita rounded out the top six.

“I was pretty excited about the venue today; the footing was fantastic,” Babington expressed. “It was such a great setting there [IPC]. Considering all the rain we had last night, I thought the footing held up extremely well. I was very, very pleased with my horse.”

Young talent Sarah Segal dominated the second class of the day, and as no stranger to the Ridge at Wellington events, she rode to the top with effortlessness aboard Zelda, owned by Lowell and Robi Kabnick. Although Segal was one of the riders to take on the course later in the day, her strategy proved well worth the wait. Zelda’s large stride and accuracy over the fences took the duo into the lead with a double clear round in a mere 34.739 seconds. It proved to be a time no one could come within a second of.

“She is actually a more recent horse. We have had her for a little over six months, and she is 10 years old. She is in some ways very experienced, because she consistently showed in 1.10-1.15m classes. Until we got her she hadn’t jumped any bigger than that,” Segal explained. “We started playing with her, and the bigger the jumps get, the better she jumps. She just started doing the 1.35m and 1.40m, and she has been doing it very easily. She is really competitive, really careful and a really, really game horse in the ring. She is always looking for the next jump. She is a really exciting horse.”

Mattias Tromp, the last rider of the day, had onlookers on the edge of their seats as he prepared to challenge Segal’s time. Cassius Von Nymphenburg, owned by Bayaert Farm Inc., responded easily to Tromp’s commands as they sliced turns and shaved seconds. It was Segal who still arose as the victor, with Tromp’s time of 35.509 seconds unable to better the pair.

Segal continued, “She has a huge stride, and she is very scopey. She is just incredibly honest and tries really hard. You know that you can spin her back and turn her, and she is always going to be there for you. I thought the course was really, really nice over there, and I was amazed by the footing. It was perfectly dry. I showed in the classes last year, and it is so nice to be able to go to different venues.”

Segal also picked up the third place award with veteran partner Tilghman, owned by Horatio St. Ventures, while Sarah Wayda and Spargel finished fourth. Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D, owned by Julia Harrison Lee, took the fifth place, and Schuyler Riley and Q-7, owned by Wolfstone Stables & Sales, rode to the sixth place.

The course opened at 8 a.m. and remained open until 4:30 p.m., allowing competitors ample time to come at their convenience to ride and enjoy the ambiance of IPC. The $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix event will return to IPC this Friday for the $15,000 1.40m Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix. The 10-week series will culminate with the $24,750 Wellington Turf Tour Invitational Grand Prix Finale on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

“It seemed like such a great idea to open our field to show jumping. I felt that we have the land; we have the access, and we want to do anything to help the equestrian industry. We are a polo club, but we want to be able to support all of the disciplines,” IPC President of Club Operations John Wash described. “After seeing this, I would like to expand this, and hopefully help to grow this in the future.”

Show Net captured all of today’s action at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, while also providing live scoring for the Ridge Winter Tour II. All recorded rounds and results are available at: www.shownet.biz.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER: The Ridge at Wellington $15,000 Invitational Grand Prix Resumes Next Week

January 10, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington Turf Tour Continues at International Polo Club

Wellington, FL – January 10, 2014 – Inclement weather has put a hold on the Wellington Turf Tour’s 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix. The class was scheduled to take place today Wolfstone Stables; however, the weather conditions have caused management to cancel this event for the week. The Wellington Turf Tour will take place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach next week.

In an effort to save the footing, and in the interest of the safety of the horses and the riders, the event has been canceled for today, Friday, January 10. The Ridge at Wellington would like to thank everyone for their weekly support and is proud to announce that the event will return next week at the prestigious International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) where the Wednesday 1.30-1.35m Jumpers and the Friday $15,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix will take place on the immaculate back fields. Management apologizes for the inconvenience, but have the horse and riders’ best interests at heart.

Remember to get in your entries for next week’s events at IPC. To avoid post-entry fees, please reserve your space ahead of time for a chance to compete on February 22.

The 10-week series culminates with the $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale on March 22, 2014 at Deeridge Farm in Wellington, FL. Entries are available for the Grand Prix by visiting the The Ridge at Wellington’s website. The event will return next Friday, January 17, at IPC.

The course opens at 8 a.m. and remains open until 4:30 p.m., allowing competitors ample time to come at their convenience to ride and enjoy the ambiance of estate showing. The $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix event will return to Wolfstone Stables for future events, and The Ridge at Wellington would like to thank Schuyler Riley and Wolfstone Stables for their hospitality.

Riders have the opportunity to ride over straight from the show grounds, or trailer their horses over while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and quality competition. The Ridge series is the perfect training opportunity to help riders and horses prepare for the classes held at the Winter Equestrian Festival, helping to end the daily grind and prevent complacency throughout the circuit.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kama Godek Blazes the Trail and Pilots Air Force One to the 1.30-1.35m Victory at Wolfstone Stables

January 9, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Kama Godek and Air Force One.

The 1.40m Grand Prix Will Take Place Tomorrow 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Wolfstone Stables

Wellington, FL – January 9, 2014 – Kama Godek and Air Force One soared through the jump off in the first event of the Wellington Turf Tour on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Their finesse through the short track allowed them to surpass 17 contenders in a solid 36 seconds. Their time proved untouchable as each consecutive rider attempted to catch their pace, but Godek’s strong turns and quick pace made it an impossible feat.

Godek is no stranger to The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour. Although this is only the second year that Godek has traveled to Wellington for the winter circuit, she has made the Ridge events a permanent fixture on her show schedule. Last year, Godek navigated Air Force One to several top placings in the event, and she returned to take charge for the 2014 series.

“Air Force One is my grand prix horse. I have done some World Cup Qualifiers with him, and he was the horse of the year in Virginia,” Godek said of her mount. “I gave him the last two months as holiday to go galloping down the canals and relax. I like to keep him interested and keep his job fun. Going every single week to the same ring can get really boring.”

Godek continued, “I wasn’t planning on doing a big class with him this week, so I decided to do him in the classes today and then bring him back on Friday to jump in the 1.40m class. Right now, I am playing around with him, having fun and enjoying the change of scenery. It keeps them more interested in their job when they can see different venues. I have a lot of horses for sale, and being able to put them on the trailer and bring them over to jump around without pouring a lot of money into them is ideal.”

Air Force One proved to be in peak condition as Godek navigated the grey gelding through Pierre Jolicouer’s course. Godek had seen Kevin Babington take the lead only minutes before aboard Shorapur, owned by Shorapur LLC, but Air Force One covered the ground with a quick pace and was right there for Godek as they sliced the turns and beat Babington’s time by a narrow margin of a little over a tenth of a second.

“I didn’t even realize how fast I was going,” Godek smiled. “He is always so fast across the ground that I don’t even have to think about it. As long as I make decent turns, he is always there.”

Babington secured the second place aboard Shorapur, while also snatching the third place with the 10-year-old mare Baloucat.

“It is really nice that they have added more venues. One of the downsides of jumping at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is that you are jumping in the same ring week in and week out. The horses get a little bored. I think this breaks it up for them,” Babington explained. “The two I brought today – one is an up and coming grand prix horse that I plan on jumping on Friday in the 1.40m Grand Prix, and the other is a sale horse I wanted to get to know.”

The Ridge events are nostalgic for Babington since he rode Shorapur for the first time during the first event of the Wellington Invitational Series in 2013.

“I have really high hopes for Shorapur,” Babington expressed. “I got her at this time last year and moved her up to the grand prix at the end of her 8-year-old year. She is just turning 9 years old now. This year it is time to see what she really is.”

Such positive reviews were heard from other top riders throughout the course of the day, including Chris Kappler, who brought two of his students to compete in the two classes.

“The Ridge’s Wellington Turf Tour has grown to encompass the type of variety riders want here – to be able to get to different venues with young horses, and even older horses. Most of these venues have beautiful grass footing, and you don’t really get that anymore,” Kappler stated. “We are so thankful to these owners for hosting these events. With the way it is being run it works with the horse show and, at the same time, gives you an outlet for doing some different things. I think it is great for the circuit; it helps to break things up and make it so things don’t get too monotonous for everybody, and provides an exceptional experience.”

It was Schuyler Riley, the host of this week’s event, who rode to the victory in the second class of the day. She entered into a three-horse jump off to ride away with the win aboard Navalo De Poheton, owned by Wolfstone Stables & Sales. She jumped to a double clear effort in 33.150 seconds. Godek secured the second place aboard Air Force One with another clean jump off in 33.274 seconds. Liz Mahoney and Carpe Diem rode to the third place with a four-fault jump off round in 48.975 seconds.

Not only was the competition fierce for the opening day of the Wellington Turf Tour, but the hospitality was unparalleled. The Ridge at Wellington hosted a beautiful spread for breakfast and lunch, allowing riders, owners and trainers to take a moment to relax in the tranquil atmosphere.

The course opened at 8 a.m. and remained open until 4:30 p.m., allowing competitors ample time to come at their convenience to ride and enjoy the ambiance of Wolfstone Stables. The $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix event will return to Wolfstone Stables tomorrow for the first week of competition, and will then make its way to the International Polo Club Palm Beach for Week Two of the Wellington Turf Tour. The 10-week series will culminate with the $24,750 Wellington Turf Tour Invitational Grand Prix Finale on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Wolfstone Stables Hosts First Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour Events This Wednesday and Friday

January 7, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Andres Rodriguez and Caballito.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2014 – The Wellington Turf Tour has found a home for its first event of the series at the immaculate Wolfstone Stables in Wellington, FL. Pristine new fences will sit atop the open grass field as riders, owners and onlookers enjoy a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of what can only be described as show scene tradition. This Wednesday and Friday, Schuyler Riley will welcome attendees to the first of an 11-week series filled with top-tier competitors, horses and nearly $200,000 in prize money. Get your entries in now by clicking here.

Last winter Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio responded to a call that long needed answering, introducing the Wellington community to a new way of competition – one that involved rolling grass fields, top tier hospitality and unparalleled competition. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour has returned to the Wellington show scene with resurgence, beginning the first week of the Winter Equestrian Festival and running for 11 consecutive weeks.

“Last year I didn’t have a chance to compete in the series, but it definitely wasn’t because I didn’t want to,” Riley explained. “The only thing stopping me was not having the right horses for it, but this year I do. I’m really looking forward to competing at my place, as well as at some of the other Ridge at Wellington competitions.”

The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour was designed to develop young riders, as well as young horses, and the inaugural event became the talk of the 2013 Wellington circuit with an unprecedented amount of earnings at stake for Level II Jumpers. The event was hailed as the highlight of the season with top riders, amateurs and juniors alike choosing to ride in the invitational series, challenging their young horses to a new experience during the Winter Equestrian Festival. This year the series is back, bigger and better than could have been anticipated, kicking off at Schuyler Riley’s Wolfstone Stables in Southfields.

“I think a series like this is really helpful and is something special that will help us create our young horses and allow some of the young riders to get exposed to different venues, different courses and different jumps,” Riley stated. “WEF has its own attributes, but The Ridge really brings something new to the industry that we’ve been missing.”

Riley continued, “I think it’s a fabulous opportunity for horses and riders to go to different venues, and also to not have all of the costs that are associated with bringing a stable full of horses and staying at WEF for the three months.”

This Wednesday, January 8, 2014, competitors can take their turn at the 1.30m-1.35m courses, designed by Pierre Jolicoeur. The 1.30m-1.35m jumper classes will take place side-by-side on their stunning grass field, offering the popular open in gate format. The long anticipated 1.40m Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix will also find its first home of the series at Wolfstone Stables Friday, January 10, 2014. Both events will run all day beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. To avoid post entry fees, please send in your entries by tomorrow, January 7, for the 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, and by Thursday, January 9, for the $15,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix.

Riders will have the opportunity to ride over straight from the show grounds, or trailer their horses over while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and quality competition. The Ridge series is the perfect training opportunity to help riders and horses prepare for the classes held at the Winter Equestrian Festival, helping to end the daily grind and prevent complacency throughout the circuit.

“You can trail ride over; you can trailer over and compete on great footing at great venues, and I think it’s something that’s been missing in our country,” Riley concluded. “We tend to gravitate toward more of these series like WEF or Saugerties where you get sort of in the same sandbox showing again and again, and that definitely does have benefits in making some green horses that need repetition, but then when you want to try and develop horses for the next level it’s really important to get them to different places. I think it’s really special that George and Nona have gone out and sought out private properties that have fantastic fields to be able to put on these events at.”

The Wellington Turf Tour’s Grand Prix Finale will once again find its home at the illustrious Deeridge Farms on March 22, 2014. With just under $25,000 in prize money at stake, the competition will be fierce as qualifying invitees return to the outstanding grass field. For those riders who compete in nine Grand Prix events leading up to the finale, the entry fee will be waived. The Leading Rider Award will once again be offered at the culmination of the series to the rider who racks up the most points throughout at least six of the Grand Prix classes.

The Ridge has available sponsorships for their Wellington Turf Tour. For more information, call (908) 500-0996 or download information at http://www.theridgefarm.com.

All checks should be made payable to the Ridge Farm LLC.
The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Series
C/O Eda Tordiff
110 Edwards Rd.
Parsippany, NJ, 07054

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am – 5pm daily

Directions:

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: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

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

Awards, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Andres Rodriguez Captures The Ridge at Wellington Leading Rider Award

May 19, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Andres Rodriguez and Caballito.

Wellington, FL – May 18, 2013 – The morning fog cleared from an open grass field on that beautiful March morning to reveal one of the most breathtaking show jumping competitions to grace the Wellington equestrian scene – $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale. Although the Wellington equestrian community has a plethora of breathtaking grass fields, March 23, 2013 was a day that earmarked a page of history, as riders were welcomed to the field of the prestigious Deeridge Farm facility for the concluding event of the $175,000 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Series.

For 10 weeks, the $175,000 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix series found a home at differing venues throughout Wellington. The brainchild of Olympic veteran Nona Garson and her business partner George D’Ambrosio, the Friday Grand Prix Invitational Series filled a niche in the equestrian populated community, welcoming riders to compete in an out-of-the-box manner, literally. With the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival running nearby, The Ridge Grand Prix allowed horses to experience new venues, and not grow complacent in the same setting as they competed week after week.

For years, Garson, who operates The Ridge at Wellington, located in Palm Beach Pointe, has put on lower level schooling shows, locally deemed “Nona Shows,” to help young horses and riders grow. This year, the shows took a step in a new direction, offering a weekly 1.40m Grand Prix series to be held over the time period of 10 weeks, concluding with a $24,750 finale. It was met with a positive response as riders made the mile hack to the property to tackle the course.

“Really what we are doing is a need. Our focus is to develop our riders and develop our horses. It’s an investment on our end to do that, and that’s something we’re willing to do,” D’Ambrosio explained. “Our goal is to have better riders, better horses, better conditions, better everything. We’re just trying to set some nice standards – a European standard of what show jumping really is.”

The opportunity to compete under conditions similar to top national and international events has attracted riders who have their sights set on those shows. The series drew out such top names as McLain Ward, Peter Wylde, Laura Kraut, and Candice King. Andres Rodriguez emerged as the circuit high score winner, with Sarah Segal earning the runner up position. Rodriguez not only earned the bragging rights as the leading rider, but Morristown Mini Cooper, a division of the Open Road, owned by the Ryan family of Edison, NJ, presented the Leading Rider with a 2014 Mini Cooper. Segal was awarded for her efforts with a beautiful watch, presented by Van Dell Jewelers of Wellington, FL. It was Jose Rios who captured the coveted Groom’s Award sponsored by GGT Footing. Rios has been taking care of Sill, ridden by Geoff Case, owned by Group C LLC, for over seven years.

Riders were able to enjoy the exceptional course design, first-rate footing and generous prizes that have become the hallmarks of The Ridge’s Grand Prix series. Top course designers such as David Ballard, Conrad Homsfeld, Pierre Jolicoeur and Eric Hasbrouck created fair courses that provided a good challenge. The pilot series hosted large numbers of entries each week, boasted low entry fees, high prize money and top-of-the-line courses for participating riders. After 10 weeks of competition, the series has found its niche in Wellington, accompanying the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the show managers guarantee its return for the 2014 season.

“We’re really excited and proud of how the series went,” Garson explained. “The riders have all seemed to really enjoy it, as well as warm up to the system. Everyone liked our idea of an open in gate, so they could show and do everything they had to. We thought it was a nice civilized way to horseshow. We wanted everyone to come and relax and take an hour out of his or her day and get away from the grind. It is great for the horses to be ridden on some different footing, and this series was about having fun, as well as developing young riders and horses.”

Garson concluded, “Everyone seemed to love it, and it seemed to be great as the top riders went very fast and tested the footing nicely. I’ve had people calling to congratulate us; the whole buzz has been really great and upbeat. We’re going to try to hone our ideas and bring in some more venues and keep it fun, civilized horse showing. I think it’s a series for horse people; it’s not about how many times you can go around the ring, or how fast. It gets you to take a little breath and concentrate on what you’re doing and getting back to a little more natural horse training.”

A Letter from The Ridge at Wellington:

Dear exhibitors, owners and supporters of the 2013 Inaugural Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Series,

George and I, including our management team at The Ridge Farm, would like to say “Thank you, thank you, and thank you again, for participating in our inaugural Grand Prix Series in Wellington, FL.”

We would like to thank you for your efforts to attend and compete on our estate turf venues, while fulfilling our goals of initiating a series that offered variety and excitement for many professionals and their owners. We believe that our series complements not competes against our WEF circuit and makes Wellington, FL, the premiere show experience in the world.

George and I have been involved in show jumping for over 40 years, and have watched horse shows evolve from mere concepts, and develop into what they are today. We have seen them become commercialized and many of them cater to the majority of competitors competing at levels of one meter and plus heights. We see that professionals are pressured to teach, and their own needs are sacrificed in the professional rings. After all, horse shows have to make money.

Our thought was to create a series where the importance of the horse and its development come first – not putting it on the back burner, so to speak, as we see so often done today. We believe these should be the priority of all good professional horsemen and show management teams everywhere.

Our solution to this was to create a couple of days a week – the opportunity for our friends, world-class horseman from around the globe, and a day to enjoy designed around their needs and desires. We offered the finest grass fields in Wellington, an inexpensive entry fee, estate settings, state-of-the-art show jumps, and world-class course designers. Our series offered food and drinks served on linen tables and were offered free throughout the day. As many said, our show provided hospitality at its finest. The efforts to do this were put forth to fulfill all the requests for our peers and their sponsors, along with their newly developed organizations. We, here at the Ridge, want you to know good horsemen are listening and above all, are doing something about it.

We are looking forward to next year’s series and have some exciting ideas and events to add to our schedule for 2014. We hope to see even more of our friends next season.

We would also like to say thank you specifically to Victoria McCullough for her use of Topps Field at her amazing facility, Mida Farm. We would also like to personally thank the Jacobs family for their generosity in supporting the $24,750 Ridge at Riverview Grand Prix Series Finale, which they hosted at their very own Deeridge Farm in Wellington, FL. None of this would have been possible without their support, and those who will provide their support in the future for the love of the horses and this amazing sport.

Our Summer and Fall Horse Shows in Asbury, New Jersey, offer Olympic quality facility with numerous turf and sand arenas. Check out our web site www.theridgefarm.com and follow your adventure in our sport with us. Here we know what you need; we know what you want – our goal is to continue to provide you with all that and more.

Sincerely,
Nona Garson

For more information on the Ridge at Wellington, please visit www.theridgefarm.com.

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

$175,000 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Series Concludes with Marie Hecart and Lalique Sealing Finale Victory

March 24, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Marie Hecart and Lalique took the first place finish during the $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale at Deeridge Farm. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – March 23, 2013 – The morning fog cleared from the grass field at Deeridge Farm, welcoming Level 2 Jumpers to the $24,750 Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix Finale. After 10 weeks of heated competition, the $175,000 series came to a conclusion today, seeing 54 entrants tackle the 1.40m course. It was Marie Hecart who wore a target on her back throughout the competition, securing the win with a double-clear effort in a mere 37.206 seconds with Lalique.

It was a battle of the best today in the series finale as top riders, amateurs and juniors contended for the $24,750 purse, and it was not going to be an easy feat. Eric Hasbrouck designed today’s track, using 13 obstacles to test horse and rider alike. The course included a triple-bar, bending lines and both a double and triple combination. For those who were able to keep all rails intact, they were rewarded with the even more challenging jump-off. Only 14 of the 54 entries were able to pilot their mounts to double-clear efforts.

They first tackled the opening single vertical, moving over the triple bar set on the outside, and then made a sharp right turn to a skinny vertical that could make or break the time accrued. Riders then had to move forward over an orange and yellow vertical down the diagonal and make a hard right rollback to the oxer-vertical double combination. The penultimate obstacle was a yellow oxer that saw many rails fall, and then riders took a red-and-white vertical to trip the timers and seal their fate.

Hillary Simpson was only the second rider of the day, utilizing the open in gate policy to her advantage with an early morning start time. Her early start set the pace for all of the other riders, with Simpson leaving the farm as the morning’s trailblazer with a double-clear effort aboard Nopus du gue Joubert, owned by Quiet Hill Farm. Although Alexandra Thorton posted the second double-clear effort of the day only two rounds later with Quiletto du Domane, it was Sarah Segal who would pave the way.

Segal laid down a seemingly effortless first round aboard Ladonna, owned by Kathleen Kamine, and moved into the jump-off without fear. She piloted the 8-year-old mount to a blazing double-clear effort, breaking the beam in 37.235 seconds.

Segal laughed, “Ladonna is homebred by Languster, Nona’s stallion, and she’s out of Wildonna, who Nona also rode. She’s an amazing horse – fast and careful. She is just a quick horse; she likes a little support, and is a little more of a shorter strided horse. It’s beautiful, and pretty amazing to be here. We’ve had the jumps at the Winter Equestrian Festival for all these weeks, so it’s nice to jump different fences and compete at different venues; it keeps the riders and horses fresh.”

It seemed as though her lead of nearly four seconds was insurmountable, until Marie Hecart came into the picture. Aboard Lalique, owned by the Normandie Collection, Hecart soared over the first round in an outstanding time of only 82 seconds, clearly well ahead of the time allowed of 91 seconds. It was the jump-off that had the other riders on the edge of their seats. Hecart managed to stop the clock 2/100ths of a second ahead of Segal.

“I just started riding Lalique last week on the grass, and I jumped at the opportunity to come to Deeridge and ride at another grass venue,” eventual winner Hecart explained. “I think the course was really good, and the footing was great. It made my horse really jump.”

Hecart continued, “My plan was to stay in the top three, and honestly, I probably could have gone faster. Lalique is really confident and is scopey enough for this kind of class. It is a really nice class for these horses, I love having the opportunity to go to these classes.”

Segal attempted to best Hecart aboard her second mount of the class, Tilghman, owned by Horatio St. Ventures, but an unfortunate rail in the jump off sealed her second place finish. She did, however, post the fastest jump-off time of the day, finishing in only 36.601 seconds with heartbreak over the final vertical as the rail dropped.

“Tilghman won last week, so I really thought we had it again when I realized how fast our pace was out there,” Segal stated. “I am happy with being in the top three though, and I really enjoyed it this year and enjoyed the format; it made it possible to do no matter what your schedule was. Everyone seems to be enjoying it. It seems like the class has gotten bigger and bigger every week. It definitely fits a niche.”

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby secured the third place finish with a double-clear effort in 37.622 seconds, while Lorenzo de Luca and Zoe II rode to the fourth place ribbon. Lauren Crooks eventually took the fifth place award with Navare D’Oriolles, and Kalvin Dobbs and Winde rounded out the top six.

“This is the third time I have shown at the Ridge events now, and we just keep getting better and better. I was happy with my round today. It was really hot, both for rider and horse, I was just trying to ride as fast as I could, and I think we did really well,” Bourns explained. “This is the last event for this horse, he goes back to Sweden next week, so it is a nice finish for him. I am very happy that there is this kind of option, with there being so many weeks, at WEF, it is nice for horse and rider to have a different kind of environment and place to show.”

The 2013 Winter Circuit has been riveting with exciting new jumper action lying outside of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The Ridge at Wellington’s $175,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix Series has complemented the Winter Equestrian Festival for 10 weeks, offering a variety of venues for Level 2 Jumpers as they hone their skills as riders, and those of their young horses. This season has also hosted a number of historical landmarks for Wellington, not only opening the gates to the illustrious Mida Farms and newly renovated “Tops Field,” but also hosting competition at the beautiful Deeridge Farm.

The brainchild of George D’Ambrosio and Nona Garson, the $175,000 Ridge at Wellington 1.40m Invitational Series has welcomed top professionals, amateurs and juniors alike to take their turn at the chance to win the weekly $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix. The pilot series has hosted large numbers of entries each week, boasting low entry fees, high prize money and top-of-the-line courses for participating riders. After 10 weeks of competition, the series has found its niche in Wellington, complementing the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the show managers guarantee its return for the 2014 season. The Ridge at Wellington would like to thank all of its fantastic sponsors and hosts for their 1.40 Invitational Grand Prix Series.

“We’re really excited and proud of how the series went,” Garson explained. “The riders have all seemed to really enjoy it, as well as warm up to the system. Everyone liked our idea of an open in gate, so they could show and do everything they had to. We thought it was a nice civilized way to horseshow. We wanted everyone to come and relax and take an hour out of their day and get away from the grind. It is great for the horses to be ridden on some different footing, and this series was about having fun, as well as developing young riders and horses.”

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday Leave Competition Behind at The Ridge 1.40m Grand Prix Invitational

March 9, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Darragh Kenny and Any Given Sunday.

Wellington, FL – March 8, 2013 – The grass was freshly cut, the vibrant and colorful jumps were set and music was playing in the background for the ninth week of The Ridge’s 1.40m Grand Prix Invitational Series. Eleven went clear over Pierre Jolicouer’s course, but no one could catch up to Darragh Kenny in the jump off. Aboard Any Given Sunday, the two were on a mission to claim first place and were not about to let anyone stop them.

After completing the first round with a time of 75.127, Kenny was racing to beat McLain Ward and Cruz Z. Aboard Any Given Sunday, the pair jumped the first four fences of the second round effortlessly, then blazed over the final oxer to vertical combination in a time of 33.638 seconds. They went as fast as they could to finish in first. Earlier in the day, Kenny piloted S & L Slingback to a third place finish with a time of 36.146.

“Any Given Sunday is a ten-year-old stallion I’ve had since the start of the winter season. I just brought him here to give him a change of venue. It’s a great show, a fantastic venue; they do a great job and it’s really enjoyable,” acknowledged Kenny. “We’re always at WEF all the time and so busy, but then you come here and it’s so peaceful; it’s a nice break.”

Jeffery Welles was the closest rider to being able to catch Kenny, with a double clear effort. Aboard 11-year-old Merlin, the two finished the jump off in 35.923 seconds. The veteran used the field to his advantage, utilizing quick turns and a fast pace.

“He’s quite a hot horse, strong, but he’s careful and brave. This is the best setting for him. A new field that looks different. We’re so used to jumping in sand fields and all-weather footing that it’s nice to jump on the grass,” explained Welles.

With only one week remaining in the 10-week series, many were taking advantage of the grass field at Mida Farm and the relaxing atmosphere that is offered to competitors. Many familiar faces were seen entering the in-gate, such as Ward, who has competed in five of the nine weeks.

Ward and Cruz Z went on to finish the class in fourth place with a time of 36.932. After only working together for about three weeks, the pair certainly showed that they are ones to watch out for in the future. McLain was holding the top spot with his other mount, Cocoa 135, until he turned too quickly in the during the second round, knocking a rail down over the last vertical.

“I think it’s giving some options and showing that people enjoy having a change of venue,” stated Ward. “To continue on one venue is difficult on the trainers, staff, and horses. The theory that you can choose what weeks you want to show at WEF doesn’t work well, for the trainers and staff you are there all the time. This is a breath of fresh air to have a change of venue and I think the horses enjoy it.”

The change of venue and relaxing atmosphere has been catching on more and more. The series, which started out small has grown immensely and is widely popular among the top professionals and amateurs alike.

“I’m very happy that farms like G & C are here and Luis, and to have Jeffery back, Amy Miller. It proves that it’s a need and that people are loving it,” remarked George D’Ambrosio. “There are a lot of happier people and smiles, a feeling of accomplishment for introducing something new and inventive.”

Mida Farm, owned by Victoria McCullough, has become the popular spot and has been key for keeping riders coming back. This week, Jan Tops, the field’s namesake, was in town and came out to show his support for the series and the sport.

The immense grass field has become a cornerstone of the series and McCullough and Top’s generous support is has taken the sport to a higher level. By allowing riders on the property, McCullough has opened the sport to a more traditional and European way of riding, and has brought the relaxed and majestic atmosphere to show jumping.

“This wasn’t made to be a competition,” said D’Ambrosio. “We wanted to add to the magnificence that is in Florida, wondering what better place there was to develop this stage and level of competition. We wanted to be able to provide a different venue offering the traditional grass ring, hospitality, using beautiful, colorful jumps to enhance the development of young horses and riders. We wanted to create something that wasn’t commercialized and create education for the future generations of our sport. The main purpose was to develop young riders and send them to European tours with some experience and a strong backbone. We were fortunate enough to meet generous people such as Victoria who believe in the future of the sport and the riders as well as want to provide an old world charm with a European type flair. What we created was so positive and was such a need and filled a niche in Wellington.”

D’Ambrosio continued, “We wanted to compliment the Winter Equestrian Festival by helping riders prepare to face challenges and learn to ride outside of the box. We didn’t create this to make money; it was designed to give back to a sport that has given us everything we have. We are trying to give back in every way we know how. We welcome everybody to the final event and we would like to thank all of the riders, friends and supporters who believe in the series and show the importance of it for the future.

Next week will be the final week of the series and the Invitational finale will be held on March 23, where the Leading Rider will be announced.

Arianna Delin for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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