Wellington, FL – April 25, 2018 – The third installment of the ESP Spring Series concluded on Sunday, April 22, after a successful week of wins for Todd Minikus and Kevin Babington at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.
The week boasted yet another win for Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Amex Z, owned by Chris Brems, in the $25,000 Spring Welcome Grand Prix on Friday, April 22. This victory was Minikus’ fourth Grand Prix win of the series, and the second for this specific mount. The pair topped the class of 39 entries, blazing through fast track timers in 39.592 seconds. Second place was captured by Fabio Levias da Costa of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Tosca de L’esques after contesting the eleven-horse jump-off in 39.592 seconds. Third place was rounded out by Celso Ariani of Wellington, FL and Dali T, owned by Rodrigo Padilla and Ricardo Romero, who completed the jump-off in 41.893 seconds.
A total of 31 entries contested the $40,000 Triple Crown Nutrition Grand Prix on Sunday, April 23, but none could catch Kevin Babington of Gwynedd Valley, PA and Shorapur, owned by Shorapur LLC, who stopped the clock in a winning time of 39.258 seconds.
Second place went to Margie Engle of Wellington, FL and Gladewinds Farm Inc.’s Bockmanns Lazio, who rode through the Richard Jeffery designed jump-off course in 40.409 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL took third with his own Hardrock Z, jumping off in 40.867 seconds.
Jumper Highlights
Avery-Anna Hogan of Wellington, FL and her own Eurocommerce Tampa rode to victory in the $1,500 NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic after completing their jump-off trip in 38.268 seconds ahead of Emerson Lane of Miami, FL and Diddlina D’Ive Z, owned by Lane, who took second with a time of 39.756 seconds. Katie Sansone of Coconut Creek, FL and Tropobella 3K, owned by Sansone, earned third place after riding to a jump-off time of 39.925 seconds.
The $10,000 Triple Crown Nutrition Open Welcome Stake awarded the win to Pablo Barrios of Wellington, FL and Gut Einhaus, LLC’s Le Vio with a jump-off time of 29.246 seconds. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Jenni’s Chance were presented with second place after completing the track in 29.753 seconds. Joaquim Malta de Abreu of Wellington, FL placed third with Two Swans Farm’s Arino du Rouet with a jump-off time of 30.207 seconds.
The $5,000 Omega Alpha® 1.35m Stake saw Alexis Trosch of Wellington, FL and her own Cortex Z, owned by Trosch, take first place, stopping the jump-off timers in a quick 33.929 seconds. Fabio Leivas da Costa of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Luziada Jmen, owned by Bonne Chance Farm LLC, took home second place after finishing the track in 34.601 seconds. Leslie Howard of Darien, CT scooped up third place aboard Flo, owned by GJ Stable, finishing with a time of 35.412 seconds.
Hunter Highlights
The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby saw Kaitlin Porath of Charlotte, NC and her own Breaux take the championship title, after earning a total of 182 points after round two of competition. Lisa Rex of Westbury, NY and Over the Top Stables LLC’s Overjoyed secured reserve champion honors on 178.5 points. The yellow ribbon was snatched by Kelsey Duff of PBTD Ruffian, FL aboard Renee Eddy’s Playin’ for Keeps after riding to 175 points.
Nancy Hooker of Wellington, FL and Coolidge, owned by Richard Prant, took top honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter Older Division during ESP Spring. Marcie Marcus of Villanova, PA and Caliber Z, owned by Marcus Equestrian Enterprises, LLC, rode to reserve.
Katherine Newman of Wellington, FL aboard Dandelion, owned by Allwyn Court, secured champion honors in the Triple Crown Nutrition Green Hunter 3’6″ Division, ahead of Maria Rasmussen of Oak Creek, WI aboard Sidarta, owned by Over Fences Farm, LLC.
Alexa Elle Lignelli of New York, NY and Fox Creeks Curious George, owned by The Lignelli Family, finished atop the Score at the Top Medium Pony Hunter Division ahead of Georgia Schmidt of Lutherville, MD, who collected reserve champion with Cleverist, owned by Emily Aitken.
Maggie Gould of Wellington, FL was awarded champion of the USHJA 2′ & 2’3″ Hunter Division aboard winning mount Masterpiece, owned by Alexandra Raffy. Reserve champion was presented to Alliyah Antoniadis of Middletown, NY and True Colors, owned by Joe White.
Margaret O’Meara of Kirkland, WA captured a tricolor ribbon aboard Just Nick, owned by Woodland Way, Inc., in the USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Denise Monopoli of Loxahatchee, FL and Poetry in Motion, owned by McKenzie Wade, finished as reserve champions.
The Gold Coast Feed Performance Hunter 3’3″ & 3’6″ Division saw Havens Schatt of Georgetown, KY riding Aristocrat, owned by Tracy Scheriff-Muser, collect the division’s champion honors. Reserve champion also went to Schatt and Use the Ring LLC’s Noble Blue.
Amelia Ruth of New York, NY and Broadway, owned by Carol Ruth & Sumner Hill Farms LLC, finished atop the #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division. Reid Arani of Lexington, KY and Margot Bay Farm, LLC’s Soldier captured reserve placement.
Dagny Mactaggart of Millbrook, NY and Ziezo captured the Equiline High Junior Amateur Owner Division, earning champion, while reserve champion was awarded to Mireya Godoy of Wellington, FL and Paddy’s Dream Z, owned by Godoy.
Molly Sewell of Winter Park, FL and Inverness, owned by Leslie Campbell, took champion accolades in the Triple Crown Nutrition Green Hunter 3’3″ Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Havens Schatt and Totality, owned by Jennifer Speisman.
Competition will resume at PBIEC on Friday, May 4, with the fourth week of the ESP Spring Series continuing through Sunday, May 6. For more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Wellington, FL – April 18, 2018 – Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL welcomed another successful week of competition during the second installment of the ESP Spring Series at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL after taking a first-place finish in the $35,000 ProElite® Grand Prix last week. Minikus once again piloted the Quality Group owned Quality Girl to the blue ribbon in the $25,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix, after a speedy run around the fast track, designed by Anna Catalina Cruz of Mexico in 35.281 seconds, before taking the $35,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix aboard Amex Z.
Minikus brought his A-game once again, capturing his third Grand Prix win of the ESP Spring Series. The duo bested the class of 36 horse-and-rider combinations, finishing out ahead with a final jump-off time of 32.929 seconds.
“It’s taken me a little while to get her [Amex Z] going my way,” commented Minikus, “and now we’ve really got it. I decided to take the winter in slow motion with her because to come out and do those 1.40m classes during WEF with hundreds in it, it just didn’t make sense. We spent the winter training up and it’s really paying off. She’s a great mare and I expect some big things from her. We’re looking at potentially the WEG with her. I’m maybe a few weeks behind, but now we’ll come out and start jumping the bigger classes. She’s already gotten a few nice ribbons here and hopefully we’ll be seeing more Grand Prix wins together.”
Of the ESP Spring Series, Minikus concluded, “These shows are great. I love them. It’s fantastic to be able to come out and get some of the younger and up and coming horses mileage in the big ring, with the same course designers that we had during the main circuit. Quality Girl had most of the winter off and Amex Z too, so, to be able to come out and jump in the big ring again over nice courses is great.”
Margie Engle trailed just behind after crossing through the timers in 36.23 seconds on her seasoned mount Indigo, owned by Gladewinds Farm Inc., Griese, Garber, and Hidden Creek. Third place went to Celso Ariani of Wellington, FL and Ukulman de la Nutria, owned by Ricardo Romero, after stopping the jump-off clock in 37.619 seconds.
It was a “girls’ day” no doubt in the $25,000 ESP Spring II Grand Prix on Friday, April 13. After Minikus secured first aboard Quality Girl, Michelle Guardino’s Fancy Girl was ridden to the second-place position with Willie Tynan of Wellington, FL after finishing the jump-track in 38.86 seconds. Margie Engle of Wellington, FL rode Bockmanns Lazio, owned by Gladewinds Farm Inc., to third place in a swift 36.239 seconds, but ended the second round with four jump faults.
Jumper Highlights:
The $10,000 Open Welcome Stake was another successful ride for Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own Jenni’s Chance, who raced to the win in 33.219 seconds. Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Chris Brem’s Amex Z kicked off their week with the second-place finish, crossing through jump-off timers in 34.174 seconds. Alexis Trosch of Wellington, FL and her own Cantara Z rounded out the top three in 34.865 seconds.
The $5,000 Omega Alpha 1.35m Open Stake saw Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Lord Calador, owned by Melissa Bilodeau, take top honors after stopping the jump-off timers in 32.779 seconds. Abigail McArdle of Barrington, IL and Chuck Berry 8, owned by Plain Bay Sales, captured second place with a time of 33.483, ahead of Peter Lutz of Waccabuc, NY aboard Camillo VDL, owned by E2 Show Jumpers, with a time of 34.224 seconds.
The $1,500 NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic awarded the win to Jorge Gomez of Loxahatchee, FL and his own Dallas de la Bonnett, with a jump-off time of 26.586 seconds. Avery-Anna Hogan of Wellington, FL and Eurocommerce Tampa, owned by Hogan, were presented with second place after completing the track in 27.406 seconds. Hogan also placed third with her own Zenith Z collected third place in the class with a jump-off time of 28.91 seconds.
Stephanie Nell of New Fairfield, CT was the winner of the $1,5000 Low Adult Jumper Classic riding Cash Advance, owned by Julian Cournane, who completed their jump-off time in 42.446 seconds. The red ribbon was awarded to Lauren Bardy of West Bloomfield, MI and Epic, owned by Leslie Howard and Uri Burstein, after completing their round in 47.093 seconds. Cynthia Screnci of Boca Raton, FL and Vichy, owned by Volado Farms, rounded out the top three, achieving a jump-off time of 39.39 seconds but with four added faults.
Charlotte Matthews of Bayville, NY and Sagamore Farms-owned Tinto des Contes topped the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic after securing the win with a jump-off time of 40.824 seconds. Kayla Walker of Jamaica Plain, MA and River Run Farm LLC’s Middlemarch finished in second place with a jump-off time of 42.132 seconds, ahead of Stephanie Garrett of New York, NY and Westwind Equestrian’s Dusty S Z, who completed the track in 42.143 seconds.
Victory in the $1,500 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic was awarded to Allyson Blais of Boynton Beach, FL riding LandaniMA, owned by Blais, after completing the jump-off in 37.24 seconds. Second place was awarded to Stacey Mahoney of New York, NY and Charisma Blue, owned by Mahoney, riding to a time of 38.75 seconds. Third place honors were presented to Kyle Olson of Pawling, NY and Wilhelmina who passed through timers in 38.769 seconds.
Hunter Highlights:
Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Sarah Cressy’s Delft Blue championed Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, landing on a final score of 175. Samantha Senft of Wellington, FL and Carson Cavalline’s Blueberryhill’s Blue Dream rode to second place honors, while Sara Ballinger of Marion, OH and her own Wanderprinz rounded out third place with a 158.5.
Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY rode Mirror Image to champion honors in the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ division, while reserve honors were awarded to Laura Sexton of Greenwich, CT and Set To Music, owned by Sexton.
Debi Maloney of Honeoye Falls, NY aboard Fortitude, owned by Maloney and Sarah Cressy, secured champion honors in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division, ahead of Christina Plichta of Wellington, FL aboard her Rightfully So, owned by Purple Lane Farm, LLC.
Sam Walker of Nobleton, ON and Broadway, owned by Carol Ruth and Sumner Hill Farms LLC, took champion accolades in the #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’6″ Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Jordan Allen of West Bloomfield, MI and Eclypse, owned by Holly Orlando.
The Modified Hunter Division saw Anabella Cottone of Davie, FL and her own Aurora take champion honors for their performances throughout the week, while reserve champion was presented to Alliyah Antoniadis of Middletown, NY and True Colors, owned by Joe White.
The Walk/Trot Division saw Caitlin Sweeney of Oyster Bay, NY and Golden Ticket, owned by Cheryl Amaral-McKee, ride to the division’s top honors ahead of Madison Chouinard and Persnickety, owned by Hannah Randolph, who finished with reserve champion honors.
Lainie Wimberly of Ridgefield, CT captured a tricolor ribbon, aboard For Freedom, owned by Laurie Stevens, in the USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Wimberly and Santiago, owned by Stevens, finished as reserve champions.
The USHJA Hunter 2′-2’3″ Division saw Maggie Gould of Wellington, FL riding Masterpiece, owned by Alexandra Raffy, collect the division’s champion honors. Reserve champion went to Stacey Shore Werner of Jupiter, FL and her own Sebastian.
Ella Bostwick of Wellington, FL and Soffia Cady’s Royal Classic finished atop the Score at the Top Large Pony Hunter Division, earning champion, while reserve champion was awarded to Kierstin Antoniadis of Middletown, NY and California Dreamin’, owned by Millennium Farm, INC.
Wellington, FL – December 19, 2017 – Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and his own U took top honors in the $25,000 Ultima Fitness Grand Prix at ESP Holiday I hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Thursday, December 14, after stopping the jump-off timers in 41.904 seconds.
Liza Finsness of Wellington, FL and Shiver captured second place with a jump-off time of 43.292 seconds, ahead of Michael Morrissey of Wellington, FL and QBS Equestrian LLC’s La Lopez 3, who narrowly missed first place and finished the course, designed by Mauricio Garcia, with a time of 38.617 seconds but with four added faults.
Later in the week, Todd Minikus of Lake Worth, FL and Carlo, owned by North Face Farm, captured a speedy win in the $25,000 ProElite Grand Prix at ESP Holiday II, besting a class of 44 entries on Sunday, December 17.
The pair finished a strong first round on the course, also designed by Garcia, and proceeded to stop the jump-off timers in 37.549 seconds, just tenths of a second faster than Alvaro Tejada of Guatemala and Voltaral Palo Blanco, owned by Agroprosa, who completed the round in 38.187 seconds. Liza Finsness of Wellington, FL once again rode Shiver to another top three finish, this time finishing the short course in 39.33 seconds.
Jumper Highlights:
Ian Millar of Perth, ON and Vittorio 8, owned by Future Adventures, championed the ESP Holiday I $10,000 Ultima Fitness Open Stake after completing their jump-off round in 34.838 seconds to best the class. Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Jenni’s Choice, owned by Andrade, collected second place with a time of 35.787 seconds, as well as third place aboard his own Gran Mamut, rounding out the top three with a time of 35.138 seconds and eight faults.
The ESP Holiday II $10,000 ProElite Welcome Stake was won by Alex Granato of Wellington, FL and Beorn, owned by Moyer Farm, LLC, after crossing through jump-off timers in 32.49 seconds. David Oberkircher of Collegeville, PA and Upper, owned by Southfields Farm LLC, earned second place with a time of 34.037 seconds. Alejandro Karolyi of Wellington, FL and Willow, owned by Amalaya Investments, finished in third place after finishing in 34.042 seconds.
The ESP Holiday I Child/Adult 1.10m Jumper Classic saw Julia Strawbridge of West Grove, PA and his own Ailee rise to the top of the class. The pair completed their round in 77.308 seconds with two time faults for the win ahead of Strawbridge and her second mount C’est La Vie, also owned by Strawbridge, who completed the track in 78.878 seconds and with three faults. Christina Castillo finished with a third-place ribbon aboard Eduardo and Isabel Castillo’s Waltaire Palo Blanco, who stopped the timers in 69.142 seconds and with four faults.
Sophia Thomson of Jupiter, FL and her own Bull Run’s Eternal rode to victory in the $1,500 Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic during ESP Holiday I, stopping the jump-off timers in 40.549 seconds. Joshua Baird of St. Charles, IL and Lollipop S secured second place with a time of 41.661 seconds, while Juliett Johansson of Fort Lauderdale, FL and her own Viva’s Roxanna W took third place after adding four faults to their jump-off time of 41.292 seconds.
Elizabeth Kirby of Wellington, FL and Cor de Pomme, owned by E. K. Equestrian LLC, finished in first place in the ESP Holiday I $2,500 M&S Child/Adult Classic after finishing their second round in a time of 43.542 seconds, during ESP Holiday I. Bevo Tarika of Fairfield, CT and Kanneau, owned by Tarika, took second place as the only other combination to advance to the jump-off round. The pair finished in 41.658 seconds with four faults. Lisbeth Hazoury of Wellington, FL and Los Establos Sporthorses Corp.’s Valmach des Abbayes finished in third with 4 faults in the first round.
Lauren McCaulley of Lake Charles, IL and Umano de la Ruche, owned by Ilan Ferder, rode to victory in the ESP Holiday II $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic with a jump-off time of 42.241 seconds. Alexandra Elkins of Dallas, TX and Shosy TSP, owned by Elkins, finished in second after stopping the jump-off timers in 43.747 seconds. Bruna Silva of Windermere, FL and Lorenza Jmen secured third place with a time of 47.401 seconds.
Anne Meyer of Plymoth, MN and Stella Luna, owned by Meyer, took home the blue ribbon in the ESP Holiday II $2,500 M&S Child/Adult Classic with a speedy jump-off time of 41.725 seconds. Phoebe Alwine of Delray Beach, FL and Zenith Dance, owned by In the Clover Equestrian, finished the class with a jump-off time of 42.328 seconds for second, while Kaila Robert of St. Bruno, QB captured third aboard Ninja, owned by Ecuries La Montee, after riding the fast track in 42.889 seconds.
The ESP Holiday II $1,500 Low Adult Jumper Classic was championed by Catherine Kenny of Wellesley, MA and Nubia 11, owned by Maggie Savoie, as the pair finished with a jump-off time of 36.248 seconds, ahead of Nicole Sarett of Vero Beach, FL and Vaya Con Dios, owned by Alexandra Vanderrest, who finished their jump-off round in 42.92 seconds. Jenny Swanson of Dover, MA and Patriot K, owned by Swanson, secured third place with a second-round time of 35.682 seconds and four faults.
Hunter Highlights:
Margaret O’Meara of Kirkland, WA and Woodland Way, Inc.’s Just Nick, championed the ESP Holiday I Child/Adult Amateur Hunter Division, while Sidney Jefferson of Toronto, ON and her own Socialite took home reserve champion honors.
The Green Hunter 3′ Division of ESP Holiday I saw Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL and Fortitude, owned by Debi Maloney and Sarah Cressy, capture the divisional championship. Hannah Isop of Pawling, NY and Calica, owned by Christine Watkins, rode to reserve.
The ESP Holiday I USHJA Hunter 2′, 2’3 & 2’6″ Division was won by Kelly Mullen of Franklin, TN and Three Wishes, owned by Warioto Farms Inc. Wendy Picard of Boca Raton, FL and her own Extraordinary captured reserve champion honors.
Penny Lombardo of Loxahatchee, FL and Northampton, owned by Catherine Bray, finished atop the division in the ESP Holiday I USHJA Hunter 2’9″ Division. Lombardo also collected reserve champion with First Star, owned by Bray.
The Score at the Top Small Pony Hunter Division saw Cecilia Perry of North Venice, FL guide Sparkle, owned by Fielding Stichman, ride to the divisional title in ESP Holiday I, ahead of Sterling Malnik of Ocean Ridge, FL and Amber Asbell-Jackson’s May-B-Tango, who were awarded with reserve champion.
Adam Edgar of Leesburg, VA and Honor, owned by Salter Hydinger, took champion honors in the ESP Holiday II Adult Amateur Hunter Division. Catherine Kenny of Wellesley, MA and her own Bliss received reserve champion honors.
The ESP Holiday II Cross Rail Hunter Division was captured by Orly Antvey of Plantation, FL piloting Heaven Scent Raindrop, owned by Melanie Antevy. Reserve champion went to Matthew Scharbo of Winnetka, IL and Lanes End’s Shimmer.
Libbie Gordon of Statesville, NC and Unexpected, owned by Derby Lane, LLC, were champions of the ESP Holiday II Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division. Reserve champion was also awarded to Gordon, riding her own More Fun.
Alexa Elle Lignelli of New York, NY was awarded champion of the Score at the Top Small/Medium Green Pony Hunter Division during ESP Holiday II. Her winning ride was Just Right, owned by Agatha Lignelli. Reserve champion was also presented to Lignelli and Entourage, owned by the Lignelli Family.
Mill Spring, NC – October 12, 2017 – Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili topped 82 horse and rider pairs in the Tryon Fall IV $35,000 Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 3*, stopping the short course timers at a blazing 35.26 seconds. Kent Farrington (USA) and Dublin were just seven-hundredths of a second behind, claiming second place honors with a jump-off time of 35.33 seconds, while Beezie Madden (USA) and Coach finished third, posting a 37.59 second jump-off round.
The Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) designed track saw 82 entries, of which 20 pairs qualified for the jump-off and 13 went double clear. Vanderveen and “Frosty” were fresh and ready to make up for past losses, she explained. “Kent and I were just at Central Park together and he got me in both classes, so knowing that Kent was behind me and is incredibly fast, I wanted to lay it out and take all the risks I could and see what we could end up with.”
Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, a 2005 BWP stallion (Berlin x Bijou Van De Vijfheide), has not jumped in two weeks, said Vanderveen, so she was primarily focused on managing his energy. “He can be a little bit strong, so I didn’t know how strong he would be today,” she commented. “He’s had a bit of a vacation for the past two weeks and hasn’t jumped at all, so my biggest thought today was about how and where he could get strong towards the end of the course, or at a few verticals, but he loves this ring, loves Tryon, and was listening well today.”
The pair has been together for three years, but have really succeeded at high levels starting this year, explained Vanderveen. “The first year [I had him] it really took us a while to get to know one another. We still had a couple Grand Prix wins in there, but it was very up and down, and last year I did a lot of 1.45m Speed classes, and we were clicking there, and this year we’ve really clicked at a higher level and are starting to make classes,” she said.
Vanderveen, who won her first CSI 5* competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) and is known as the “Tryon Queen,” admitted that she’s excited for next week’s CSI 5* competition. “If everything keeps going well I’ll probably use him in the CSI 5* next week, and possibly at the CSI 4* in Kentucky, and we’ll keep going as long as he still feels fresh,” she concluded.
Todd Minikus Pilots Quality Girl to Quality Win in Tryon Fall IV $6,000 Nutrena® 1.40m Power & Speed CSI 3*
Todd Minikus (USA) and Quality Girl started their week off on a positive note, besting 60 horse and rider combinations in the $6,000 Nutrena® 1.40m Power & Speed, on Wednesday October 11, at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). Roberto Teran (COL) captured the second-place position aboard Brilliant Du Rouet, a 2005 Oldenburg gelding (Balou Du Rouet x Faretana) owned by Liubov Kochetova, after completing the jump-off track in 30.21 seconds. Third place was rounded out by Alberto Michan (MEX) and Ilan Ferder’s Glasgow De Muze, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Andiamo x Paris Vh Waterschoot Z), after stopping the timers in 30.67 seconds.
Minikus and the 2003 Oldenburg mare (Quidam’s Rubin x Dodirka) climbed to the top of the leaderboard after a speedy jump-off round, ending in 29.72 seconds. “This was just a schooling round for most horses,” commented Minikus. “With that being said, the way I school Quality Girl is to let her just go for it. She’s been out of the ring for a long time, and when she did come back in, she did several big classes. Because this is a smaller class, sometimes the horses have to practice being the winner, to be the winner.”
Minikus continued, “It looks like everybody is off to a good start this week. There are some nice horses here showing at Tryon; we have some of the big names out here for the CSI3* and it should be a good week.”
For more information on TIEC, please visit www.tryon.com.
Todd Minikus riding VDL Excel. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)
New York, NY – Central Park is a common meeting place in New York City for tennis, baseball, basketball, and ice skating – but this past Thursday night, sports in Central Park rose to new heights. The U.S. Open $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Puissance took center stage in the Wollman Rink, exposing city dwellers to a nail-biting equestrian show jumping competition.
The three winners – Todd Minikus, Kama Godek, and Emanuel Andrade – each could have jumped basketball player LeBron James with an inch to spare as they soared over the 6 foot, 9 inch wall.
The Puissance, a traditional crowd favorite, returned this week to the Rolex Central Park Horse Show for the second year in a row. Competition began with a brick wall obstacle set at 4 feet, 6 inches high. Horse and rider pairs took turns jumping the wall, which was raised after each round. The event was called to an end after the three longest-lasting pairs each cleared the 6 foot, 9 inch wall with apparent ease. Todd Minikus on VDL Excel, Kama Godek on De Grande, and Emanuel Andrade on Clouwni were all named victors.
Minikus, an internationally successful show jumper with a U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medal and over 150 Grand Prix wins to his name, was left wishing they’d had a chance to jump even higher. “VDL Excel jumped the 6 foot, 9 inches very easily,” he said. “Six feet and 9 inches is a big enough jump, but I think if they had raised it again, he would have been able to do that easily enough. He seemed really brave and comfortable.”
Minikus and the eight-year-old horse, owned by Autumn View Farm, have had an impressive summer even before the Puissance. Last month, the pair claimed the reserve title in the $20,000 Jumper Derby at Equifest II in Wayne, Illinois. “He’s is a very scopey jumper. I just knew he would do well in the Puissance,” said Minikus. “He’s young, and just breaking into the upper level classes. He’s got a lot of talent.”
With Minikus in the saddle, there’s no doubt that VDL Excel is not finished with his time in the limelight. Minikus’s own highest jump cleared to date is 7 feet and 4 inches, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The Wellington, Florida based rider is next taking his talented team to compete at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina, where they will jump through the month of October.
To learn more about Todd Minikus and his winning record as he jumps around the world, follow him Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.
New York, NY – September 21, 2017 – The second day of the 2017 Rolex Central Park Horse Show (RCPHS) featured international and national show jumping competition, showcasing top equestrians from around the world on Thursday, September 21, in the heart of New York City’s Wollman Rink.
The evening was presented by CSX, highlighting the $40,000 U.S. Open CSX FEI Speed Class, which saw a win for Hardin Towell (USA) and Lucifer V, as they opened elite show jumping competition for the week. The evening’s competition also featured the U.S. Open $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Puissance, which saw Emanuel Andrade (VEN), Kama Godek (USA), and Todd Minikus (USA) split the victory three ways after each cleared the traditional brick wall at a height of 6’9″ inches. The $5,000 1.20m Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Class was topped by Mimi Gochman of New York, NY aboard Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s entry, Avoloma BH.
Guilherme Jorge (BRA), course designer of the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show and 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, returns to Wollman Rink as the show jumping course designer for this week’s national and international competition. The U.S. Open $40,000 CSX FEI Speed Class saw 30 horse and rider combinations take to Wollman Rink for their first night of competition, including some of the world’s very best, highlighting rounds by Kent Farrington (USA), and McLain Ward (USA), alongside rising talent Lucy Deslauriers (USA), who finished in a competitive fifth place.
The winner of the U.S. Open $40,000 CSX FEI Speed Class, Hardin Towell (USA), guided Evergate Stables’ Lucifer V, a 2006 Westphalian gelding (Lord Pezi x Grandina), improving upon the pair’s third place finish last year and crossing through the timers in 53.53 seconds. Towell was the last entry on course and ultimately overtook Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard Bacara D’Archonfosse, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Asca Z x Queen D’Archonfosse) owned by Kim Douglas and Alexa Schwitzer, who stopped the clocks in 55.75 seconds. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, a 2005 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Berlin x Bijous Van De Vijfheide) owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five LLC, rounded out the competition in third place, finishing in 55.98, adding four faults to their converted time.
“I felt the course was nice. It had a twisty turning start, but it wasn’t so big and my horse has been jumping big classes all year,” he said. “Tonight was a very competitive class, but I had a lot of confidence in my horse, so I took some shots and it was fantastic. I felt he was pretty quick to the second to last jump, and I thought my turns were nice. Last week at Gold Cup I only got third, but I didn’t trust my horse or myself through the first line and in the second line I had the third jump down. I would’ve ended up third even if I’d gone clean, so today I decided to believe in my horse. I felt fast today and I knew it was quite good.”
Towell and Lucifer V have been partnered together for several year and amassed top finishes around the globe in international competition. The pair has excelled during the summer season and Towell felt that the size and structure of the ring helped the duo secure the win and spoke to the versatility of Lucifer V.
“He’s a very diverse horse. In big fields like Spruce Meadows, he’s also great. He doesn’t have the biggest stride, so in an arena like this it’s even better because he’s quicker in the turns, but this is quite a good ring. I’d also like to add that Daniel is one of my very close friends and we’re very competitive, so it’s always fun to win, but to beat one of your friends is even better,” laughed Towell. “I’m not going to lie, the reason I really tried was because Daniel was winning, and he’s won enough the past couple of weeks.”
Bluman is also coming off of a very successful European tour, like his friend Hardin Towell, and was pleased with Bacara D’Archonfosse and her performance, as they look towards the $216,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* presented by Rolex.
“The mare jumped really well again tonight. We’ve been jumping great the past few shows and winning some classes. I walked the course and like Hardin said it wasn’t too big,” he explained. “I got to see Kristen [Vanderveen] go after me and she had a beautiful round and was super-fast. At that point I figured Hardin would get me at the end. He’s a competitive guy. We work together and grew up together, and I knew he was going to try and he got me, so I’m happy for the second place, happy for him, and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Bluman explained that though the mare is a serious competitor in the competition arena, she’s extremely relaxed outside of the ring. He commented, “Hardin and I were joking in the warm-up that if she were a horse used for transportation two hundred years ago, it wouldn’t do. She doesn’t want to work because she’s so relaxed. It took her twice the amount of time to get from stabling to the ring than any other horse, but she goes in the ring and she knows what she has to do. She’s a competitor and she likes to win. She allows me to do my job. She’s really fantastic horse who always wants to jump clear.”
Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili were incredibly close to stealing the win in Wollman Rink and used the tight course to their advantage, posting the third fastest time despite knocking the first rail at the one-stride combination.
“He is super-fast and the small ring here actually plays to his advantage because he’s really quick on the turns. I felt that we were very tight everywhere and he ended up catching me off guard by the end of the course. He was so ready for the turns that I cut him a little too aggressively at the combination and it caught up with me,” she explained. “But I was very pleased with him tonight. He’s so rideable for me. He’s listening all the time and asks where I want to go, and that really helps in a ring of this size, and with his size as well. He’s right where I want him.”
Emanuel Andrade, Kama Godek, and Todd Minikus Split Top Honors in U.S. Open $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Puissance
The evening’s competition concluded with the U.S. Open $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Puissance, which saw a three-way tie between Emanuel Andrade (VEN) aboard Clouwni, a 2003 Holsteiner gelding (Colman x Odessa XVII) owned by Andrade, Kama Godek (USA) and her own De Grande, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Verdi x Concorde), and Todd Minikus (USA) piloting VDL Excel, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Douglas and owned by Autumn View Farm.
The class boasted five entries that began the competition at a wall height of 5’3″. All five entries contested a height of 6’9″, before Andrew Kocher (USA), and Paul O’Shea (IRL) were eliminated in the fourth and final round of competition.
“I started to train last year and I had an equitation horse,” smiled Godek. “I got an email asking if anyone wanted to do the Puissance at Central Park and I mean say no more! I had another client riding this horse in the 3’6″ Equitation and I knew he jumped big. I practiced a couple of times last year and we came back to win this year!”
Emanuel Andrade and Clouwni
Emanuel Andrade, a notable name on both the national and international show jumping circuits, contested his first Puissance class under the lights aboard his own Clouwni, ultimately clearing the massive wall set at 6’9″.
“This was my first Puissance and it was very exciting. It was impressive the first time I jumped that wall, but after that I started getting confident and it got much better. It was huge! I’m very happy about it,” he said. “I’m very happy about the group of horses that went this year. They were all so good.”
Veteran of the group, Todd Minikus, guided a young talent in his string in the class, also clearing the impressive wall at its top height. At only eight-years-old, VDL Excel looks to be a strong contender for the future and Minikus commented on the experience for both horse and rider under the lights in Central Park, while thanking class sponsor Spy Coast Farm for the opportunity.
“I’d like to thank Spy Coast Farm for sponsoring this. We all really appreciate it and the crowd seems to really appreciate it,” said Minikus. “I rode a young horse tonight. We just started doing some smaller grand prix and this is great for giving the horses experience under the lights.”
The revival of the Puissance in New York City was sparked by the once popular National Horse Show hosted at Madison Square Garden for many years. Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group (IEG), felt it was necessary to keep the tradition alive in Central Park, once again bringing the entertaining brick wall back to the iconic city.
“The National Horse Show used to be here and no one can replace that show, but we are hoping in time we can bring that type of energy with us to the Rolex Central Park Horse Show,” he commented. “This is the opportunity to do that, so last year we decided to add the Puissance class. It’s a great thing to have in this sport. It engages the crowd and gives people something to root for that they understand. It’s simple, if you leave the wall up, you move on to the next round.”
Spy Coast Farm, a sport horse breeding and training operation based in both Lexington, KY, and Wellington, FL, was a first year sponsor of the U.S. Open $50,000 Puissance class and Lisa Lourie of Spy Coast Farm was on hand to discuss their participation in the event this year and discuss her love for Puissance, which was sparked by watching the entertaining class at the Dublin Horse Show each summer.
“I was so happy that we got this group of riders this year and we were so thrilled that they all came out. That’s what the Puissance is all about. If you don’t have good riders and good horses, then the class falls flat. We had the right group tonight, and that’s what it comes down too,” she said. “I called Mark after watching the Puissance at the Dublin Horse Show and told him that I was in for Central Park because it’s such a fantastic class.”
Mimi Gochman and Avoloma BH Ride to Win in $5,000 1.20m Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Class
The night commenced with the $5,000 1.20m Junior/Amateur Speed Class, which awarded a victory for New York City’s own Mimi Gochman, piloting her new mount, Avoloma BH, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood mare (Quasimodo Z x Voloma) owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC.
“I used to have parties in Wollman Rink for my birthday,” commented Gochman. “It’s amazing to see the transformation from an ice skating arena to an amazing show with a beautiful backdrop. It’s such a privilege to be able to show in the middle of New York City. Central Park has always been a fun place to hang out, but I never imagined I’d be riding in a horse show here.”
Of her round, Gochman said, “It was a nice course. It was a little complicated with the angles but our trainer really helped. She told us where to go and set us up for the best possible route, so that was very helpful. She’s a new mare for me, and we’ve had a lot of success so far. I’m really starting to figure out what she likes and doesn’t like. She’s game for anything and she always tries to jump her best. She’s just a really good mare.”
Gochman completed the track in 52.97 seconds, almost three full seconds ahead of the second position finisher, Alexandra Crown, also of New York, NY, who rode her own Quentucky Jolly, a 2004 Selle Francais gelding (Nirvan V x Fabiola Depinette), to second place on 55.82 seconds.
“I got this horse in the middle of July,” said Crown, “We’ve only gone to about five shows together or so. He’s incredibly competitive and he’s very good at venues like this. He’s comfortable with the tight rings. This worked out in his favor, but we still couldn’t beat Mimi. That was fast! We gave it a go and he was fantastic, so I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
The class continued with an impressive New York native streak as Sophie Gochman took the third place slot aboard Wirina, a 2003 Dutch Warmblood mare (Harlem x Sarina) also owned by Gochman Sport Horse LLC, after finishing the course in 55.87 seconds.
“I’ve been competing against Mimi for basically my entire life,” commented the eldest Gochman sister. “This doesn’t really change anything. I’m always rooting for her and she’s always routing for me. Tonight I was just taking one for the team. Whoever wins, it’s still good because go team Baxter Hill!”
Mill Spring, NC – July 7, 2017 – Hunt Tosh of Milton, GA and Flamingo-K, owned by Ceil Wheeler, finished as the winning pair in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The duo were tied for second place after the first round with a combined score of 177 and turned in another strong performance in the handy round, earning a score of 200, for a total score of 377. Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, NC and Celtic Gold, owned by Meg Valnoski, secured the second place honors with a two round total of 368, while Jennifer Hannan of Wakefield, RI and Olympic Fire, owned by Roger Smith, rounded out the top three with a score of 363.
Tosh and family made a special trip to TIEC for the weekend, bringing only Flamingo-K to contest the duo’s abilities in this very class. Navigating the handy round with precision and beauty, the duo ended the day with a blue ribbon, proving the journey to be well worth their travels. Tosh and Flamingo-K have only been partnered for a short time and this was Tosh’s second class with the 12-year-old chestnut gelding.
“He is very new to us,” Tosh explained. “The Wheelers bought him for me at Devon this year because they have been looking for that special derby horse. I showed him in one other derby before this, so I am really just getting to know him.”
Flamingo-K only started competing in the hunter discipline this year, originally coming from the jumpers, and his transition to the hunter derby ring has been flawless. Tosh detailed how Flamingo-K is very well suited for derbies, saying, “He finds the jumps really well. I hate trot jumps. I think I’ve lost more classes because of trot jumps, but he is a good trot jumper and that helps out! With his scope, you just have so much range. You can be where it’s not optimal and he makes up for it. He has a great rhythm and is just really fun to ride.”
Although the mount is rather new, he spoke very highly of the horse’s ability to perform in the big George H. Morris Arena.
“He is a blast to ride. He is super scopey, brave, very careful, and really just a sweet horse. I think he is going to be an amazing derby horse.”
Tosh’s daughter, Maddie Tosh, competed multiple mounts in last weekend’s $10,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby. Tosh had never showed in this arena and therefore relied on his daughter’s insight for the class.
“The best part about Maddie is that she is so hands on in the barn and she knows all of the horses just as well as I do and everything about them. I told her tonight she would have to give me pointers on how to show in this ring because I have never shown in it before! So I asked her how it rode and for her advice,” laughed Tosh.
Tosh and his team have loved their experience at TIEC, especially after his impressive win. Tosh commented on the layout details of the TIEC, saying, “We love it here. The footing and the facility overall is just so nice. You are standing under shaded covers with fans in-between rounds. I mean you can’t ask for more accommodations at a horse show. What they have done here is phenomenal.”
Tosh was very appreciative of the opportunity to compete in such a large ring, while also expressing his gratitude to the Wheeler family, saying, “I can’t thank them enough for buying him for me to ride. They have been after me for a derby horse for quite some time, and we finally got one!”
Todd Minikus and Exceptional Take $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL and Exceptional were just that in the $15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at TIEC. Minikus and Exceptional bested twenty-six other pairings with phenomenal scores of 92 and 96, capturing the win by more than ten points with a final score of 188. Taylor Ann Adams of Ocala, FL and Lucretia finished in second place with a two round score of 177.5, while Kianna Luscher of Hawthorne, NJ and Carissima W took third place with 175 points after two rounds.
Todd Minikus and Exceptional
Minikus explained that he wasn’t sure how to approach the inside turns for the handy round in particular with this horse, and needed to improvise a bit on course, which Exceptional, owned by Todd Minikus LTD, handled with ease.
He commented, “I thought it was a very nice course. The inside turns in the handy were really inside, which I do have some practice with, but he’s a very green horse and I didn’t know how he would take it. He handled it exceptionally well and evidently the judges thought he did it as well as I did!”
The pair has been together since midway through the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit in Wellington, FL when a friend of Minikus found Exceptional in Belgium and connected the two. A six-year-old bay gelding, Exceptional has only done six or seven shows in his career.
“He was champion both this week and last week, so he’s turned himself into a real winner,” said Minikus. “We make our living selling horses, so hopefully somebody wants to have a winner and buys him from me, but until that time, I’ll continue to show him in his prospective division and these derbies. Hopefully we’ll keep winning,” he added with a smile.
Sharn Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z Take $6,000 Nutrena® 1.40m Classic CSI 3*
Sharn Wordley (NZL) and Famoso D Ive Z topped the $6,000 Nutrena® 1.40m Classic CSI 3* on the Grass Complex at TIEC, stopping the jump-off timers at 37.09 seconds. Kyle Timm (CAN) and Georgie B sped to second with a 38.179 second dash, while Erynn Ballard (CAN) took third place aboard Thalys Z, stopping the timers in 39.845 seconds.
Famoso D Ive Z, a 2007 Zangersheide gelding (For Pleasure x Chin Chin) owned by Sky Group & Sharn Wordley, has been with Wordley for two years now and the pair have amassed an impressive record together.
“The horse came from Europe, so he jumped on grass quite a bit, but I’ve had him for two years and this was my fifth class on grass,” he explained. “We don’t have much grass around. He loved it today and he was fantastic.”
In the last year, Wordley and Famoso D Ive Z have won seven ranking classes together at TIEC alone and Wordley emphasized that he is an important horse in his successful string.
“He wins a lot of classes. He’s fast. He does the ranking classes to save the grand prix horses or if there’s a grand prix that’s appropriate to him. He’s a good horse and very fast.
“I love TIEC. It’s one of my favorite horse shows. I think now, too, they’ve got the grass fantastic to ride on and it’s really good,” he said. “Oscar [Soberon] did a great job and always builds good courses. He’s a great course designer.”
For more information on Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), please visit www.tryon.com.
Todd Minikus at award ceremony for finish on Incitatus in the $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix FEI CSI2* (Photo courtesy of Todd Minikus)
Tryon, NC (July 6, 2017) – Todd Minikus and Incitatus opened up the Week V competition at Tryon CSI 2* in a big way, handily winning the $6000 1.40m Nutrena Power CSI 2* and Speed Open, by besting a field of 56 entries. After going clean in the first round, the duo prevailed in the jump off, finishing out the round with a sizzling 31.45. Lawaetz’s flashy Oldenberg gelding Incitatus then forged onward with Minikus at the helm, seizing an impressive 3rd place amongst 45 entries in the $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI2*.
Minikus noted, “This was a nice win for Incitatus. His owner, Alice Lawaetz, and I are so pleased with his progress. He continues to show his great potential and I am excited to see how he develops. I think he is going to be a top-notch jumper.”
As usual Minikus’ feet barely hit the ground between rounds – jumping from one mount to another to notch additional wins and top placings on a bevy of mounts throughout the competition. VDL Excel continued to shine in the 1.40m Open Jumper division, seizing another first place win and several additional top placings. Minikus and Chablis S owned by Los Establos SportHorses, dominated 55 other horse and rider teams to win first place and bragging rights in the Adequan 1.30m Open Jumper class. Chablis S and Minikus then stayed the course, picking up another reserve ribbon in the same division to boot.
Minikus continued on with this winning ways with his own horses — Exceptional outperformed in the Green Hunter 3’ 3” classes again, winning a championship ribbon and taking three reserves. Minikus’ mare Spring Girl took a second place in the 1.10m Open Jumper class with Minikus at the reins.
“Most of these horses are young and gaining experience. This summer at Tryon is all about bringing them up the levels. It is so rewarding to see them come into their own and fulfill their potential,” explained Minikus.
Minikus is scheduled to compete at Tryon throughout July 17th. To keep up with FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Minikus and his crew, follow on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.
Mill Spring, NC – June 29, 2017 – Santiago Lambre (MEX) and Ibabco rose to the top of a massive class to take top honors in the $35,000 1.45m Suncast® Commercial Welcome Stake CSI 2* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). The pair finished the jump-off track in 37.194 seconds ahead of Abigail McArdle (USA) and Chuck Berry 8, who finished just behind the winning duo with a time of 37.223 seconds. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle rounded out the top three, stopping the timers in 37.753 seconds.
The class saw 82 entries contest the first round track set by Ken Krome (USA), with 29 pairs advancing to the jump-off round. Only 12 combinations secured a double clear effort on the afternoon. Lambre and Ibabco went 22nd in the original order and held their lead through the remainder of the jump-off round.
“I thought it was a difficult course. There were a lot of clears for the first day of the week, but that’s okay,” said Lambre. “From the second vertical to fence fourteen in the jump-off was where I felt like I made up the time. Also, to the last fence I left out a stride. We were at a full gallop and he was great.”
Ibabco, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Nabab de Reve x Darco) owned by Lambre, has started to shine in international competition with Lambre over the past year. The duo connected last spring after Lambre purchased the gelding and the duo have finished with top placings since their partnership began.
I bought him at the end of last year and when I was in Wellington this season, I was jumping a few classes with him at the 1.45m and 1.50m height. The idea is that this is a horse for the future and to maybe jump the FEI World Equestrian Games™ here next year,” explained Lambre. “I also think maybe at the end of the second part of this year, I’d like to jump some of the CSI 5* shows with him to see where he is before heading into the winter season.”
The duo will forgo the $86,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday night, instead to contest the $35,000 1.45m Tryon Challenge CSI 2* class on Sunday. Lambre explained, “He’ll jump again on Sunday. The other horse that I rode in the class today, I didn’t want to go to the jump-off today, but he’ll try to go into the big class on Saturday.”
Speaking of the talents of Ibabco, Lambre touched on the athleticism and carefulness of the gelding, which are qualities he believes will make him a star in the coming months.
He added, “He’s a very brave horse and he has super technique with his front end. He’s very fast in front and quite athletic. He’s just careful and very nice all around.”
Todd Minikus and Incitatus Victorious in $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed Opener CSI 2*
Todd Minikus (USA) and Incitatus, a 2009 Oldenburg Springpferd gelding (Stakkatol x Con Air) owned by Alice Lawaetz, captured the win in the $6,000 1.40m Nutrena® Power & Speed Opener to kick off FEI competition at Tryon Summer V. The pair took the class with a jump-off time of 31.45 seconds, ahead of Abigail McArdle (USA) and Chuck Berry 8, who stopped the timers in 31.964 seconds. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Cocq A Doodle collected third place with a jump-off time of 32.13 seconds.
“It seemed like a nice opening class for the FEI horses. It left some room to make horses confident and get them going on the course. This is one horse I haven’t shown much before. He was the first horse in the class and did very nicely. Most of these horses are either young or inexperienced, so it was a good way to start the week for them,” commented Minikus.
Incitatus is a young horse who Minikus is priming for a move up the levels and noted his excitement with the pair’s performance to start the week. He explained, “He’s eight and has just started to move up in the ranks here this summer. That’s my first win with him, so I’m excited that he’s starting to catch onto my system.”
As for the pair’s goals, Minikus is planning on taking it slow through the summer months to help Incitatus find confidence in the larger FEI classes before a jump to some of the more competitive classes later on in the year and looking toward the beginning of 2018.
“I think he’s going to have a big future. We’ll just see how much he can learn this summer and hopefully do the bigger classes this winter,” he concluded.
To learn more about Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), please visit www.tryon.com.
Tori Welch (right) and Sniper pictured with Trainer Todd Minikus (far left) and his son Colt Minikus (middle) after winning two Low Jumper 1.2 classes and reserve in the $3000 Low Junior Jumper Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Tryon, NC (June 15, 2017) – Once again, Team Minikus has showed what it’s made of with wins and top finishes at the Tryon Summer II CSI4* at the Tyron International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina. Minikus and two of his students, Victoria (Tori) Zelch and Catherine Wachtell, all pocketed blue ribbons along with top placings on several mounts.
Minikus’ promising eight-year-old bay mare, Juju VDM, showed her mettle once again, winning the Nutrena 1.4 Open Jumper class. Juju VDM is coming into her own after having two foals. Even though she has only shown half a dozen times, her natural talent in the ring indicates a bright future ahead of her. Her illustrious bloodlines include her dam Derly Chin De Muze, who was the Bronze Medalist at the 2009 FEI World Championship at Lanaken and also Eric Lamaze’s mount at the 2012 London Olympics.
Along with his win on Juju VDM, Minikus finished second in a field of 19 horses on VDL Excel in Wednesday’s Nutrena 1.40m Open Jumper class. The following day, Minikus and Los Establos SportHorses’ Chablis S picked up a reserve in the Adequan 1.3m Open Jumper class.
Minikus also made it to the jump off with Alice Lawaetz’s gelding Incitatus, and finished a respectable seventh out of a roster of 40 entries in the Suncast Commercial FEI $35,000 Welcome Stake. “This horse just continues to improve and show his unlimited potential,” said Todd Minikus about Incitatus.
Team Minikus’ youngest competitor, 16-year-old Tori Zelch from Ohio, tallied two first place finishes in the Low Jumper 1.2m on her handsome liver chestnut gelding, Sniper, who she purchased from Todd and Amanda Minikus. She and Sniper also claimed the reserve placing in the $3,000 Low Junior Jumper Classic. Additionally, Zelch won second and third place aboard Musical Wood’s talented mare, Mary Jane, in the Low Jumper Junior Division.
“Tori joined us during the winter season at WEF competing in the Children’s Division, and wanted to move up to the Juniors. Now, not only has she moved up to the Junior Division, but she is winning in the Juniors,” said Minikus proudly.
Not to be outdone, 21-year-old Adult Amateur Catherine Wachtell and her mount Elarina won The Equis Boutique Low Amateur Owner Jumper 1.2m, toping a class of 20 horses as well as scoring two third place finishes in the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper 1.2m and the Low Amateur Owner-Jumper Classic 1.2m.
“I am proud of these young up-and-coming horses and riders. It’s so rewarding to see their progress,” added Minikus, who celebrated his own birthday during the successful show.
In between traveling and competing, FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Todd Minikus is based in Wellington, Florida, where he offers sales and training services. Keep up with Team Minikus by following Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.
