Tag Archives: Turf Tour

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Turf Tour Crowns Kenny & Tynan in Final Show of 2019

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Darragh Kenny and Sweet Tricia (Photo courtesy of Equinium)

Wellington, FL (April 1, 2019) – Friday at Black Watch Farm wrapped up one of the most successful seasons of Turf Tour competition yet, with more than 50 horses competing in the $18,000 Turf Tour Finale Grand Prix and the Leading Open Rider driving away in a new custom golf cart courtesy of Iron Horse Transit. The day’s competition featured two arenas and full divisions, including .80m – 1.40m, Junior/Amateur Owner/Amateur, High Child/Adult, and Low Child Adult classes, in addition to the weekly Turf Tour Grand Prix and Rising Star Classic. Founded and designed by Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio, the Turf Tour’s vision to provide picturesque show jumping for all levels of riders was epitomized in the 2019 Finale. For those looking for one more event during the 2019 Florida season, The Ridge at Wellington will host a final Schooling Show at their home farm April 6-7.

The Finale Grand Prix was a fitting testament to the Turf Tour’s goals of preparing horses and riders for the next level of competition. Designed by Jamie Morillo of Ecuador, the 17-obstacle course featured a number of questions to test both horse and rider, including S bending lines, a triple combination, a triple bar to a skinny vertical, and tight turns to long gallops in the jump-off. The Finale’s roster included such international and Olympic stars as Martin Fuchs, Laura Kraut, Hardin Towell, Sam Walker, Molly Ashe-Cawley, Ilan Bluman, and Conor Swail, with 11 first round clears and three double clear efforts. International Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny and SHL Sweet Tricia were the ultimate victors, with an early in the class jump off time of 45.270 that couldn’t be touched. Hardin Towell and Dubai held second for the majority of the class on 46.574 seconds, but eventually relinquished the runner up spot to Jenn Serek and Wicked, whose quick jump-off resulted in a time of 45.965. Serek was also awarded the Leading Lady Rider, and was presented with a selection of equestrian skincare products from Equestria Pro Sportif.

With multiple 2019 Turf Tour victories to his name, including back to back wins in the Grand Prix and Rising Star, Willie Tynan was crowned the 2019 Turf Tour Leading Open Rider for his accumulated points. His prize: a custom golf cart outfitted with his new title and presented by Iron Horse Transit, the official horse carrier of the 2019 Turf Tour. Tynan, who had a fantastic year with his two main horses, KEC Kris Kringle and KEC City Limits, said the Iron Horse golf cart was just the icing on the cake: “It really has been a wonderful season, and this prize is just an added bonus. I couldn’t be more impressed with my horses and the effort they put in this year, and thankful to my team, Nona and George, and Iron Horse Transit for their tremendous support of our sport and offering to provide such wonderful options for riders and horses during our time in Florida.”

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Daniel Bluman and Cartouche Top 70+ Competitors in 1.30m Class at Turf Tour Finale

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Daniel Bluman and Cartouche (Photo courtesy of RG Photo)

Wellington, FL (March 28, 2019) – It was a record-breaking day on the Turf Tour. Against the beautiful backdrop of Black Watch Farm, the first day of Finale competition welcomed more than 70 horses for the $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic, the highest entries ever in a single class for the circuit.

Daniel Bluman, along with Stephen Bluman, Ilan Bluman, Marky Bluman, and their group of Bluman Equestrian riders, are familiar faces at the Turf Tour. Daniel was on top once again on Wednesday, winning the heavily attended Rising Star Classic with Cartouche, jumping off in 41.202 seconds. Second went to Adam Prudent and Vasco, racing through the timers less than a second behind Bluman’s time in 41.856. Bluman took third as well aboard Gemma W with a jump off time of 41.864.

With 22 horses jumping off and a range of riders from students to Olympians enjoying the spectacular field at Black Watch, the class epitomized the vision behind The Ridge’s Rising Star Classic series: “We wanted a class where horses and riders aspiring to the Grand Prix can really get a good idea of what to expect,” said George D’Ambrosio, co-founder of The Ridge at Wellington. “Obviously riders like Daniel Bluman, Laura Kraut, etc. already know, but maybe they have horses they’d like to develop toward goals like Spruce Meadows or Aachen. Similarly, maybe an amateur rider with a seasoned Grand Prix mount can learn the ropes without breaking the bank or over-facing themselves, or show on grass for the first time. That was the inspiration behind the Rising Star Classic, and the Turf Tour as a whole. Frequent entries from international and adult amateur riders at the Turf Tour over the years speak towards the need for stepping stone horse shows like the Turf Tour. And it doesn’t hurt when we have a stunning venue like Black Watch.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Tynan Continues Domination in Sidelines Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Willie Tynan and Dominique. RG Photography.

James Chawke Flies to Victory in Pegasus Laser Therapy Rising Star Classic

Wellington, FL (March 25, 2019) – The 2019 Turf Tour has been dominated by one rider this year: Ireland’s Willie Tynan. For the second week in a row, Tynan jumped to victory this time aboard Shannon Hughes’ speedy mare Dominique in Friday’s $15,000 Sidelines 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix, held on the gorgeous grass fields of Black Watch Farm. With his most recent Grand Prix win, Tynan snatches the cumulative points lead in the Turf Tour’s Grand Prix, 1.30m Rising Star, and 1.20-1.25m divisions and is poised to win the prize of a custom golf cart presented by Iron Horse Transit, the official horse carrier of the 2019 Turf Tour.

Due to a rainy forecast for Wednesday, the Turf Tour’s $5,000 Pegasus Laser Therapy 1.30m Rising Star Classic and the day’s full divisions of show jumping were shifted to Wednesday, where James Chawke and Chalan flew to victory over the course designed by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios. Second went to Ilan Bluman and F. Brightwood Lynz, while Katherine Benard and Cap Diamond D’hof Ten Bos rounded out the top three. Designed to be a platform for young horses to build their skills towards the Grand Prix, the Rising Star was sponsored this week by Pegasus Laser Therapy, which provides pain reduction, encourages healing, and helps maintain peak condition in equine athletes.

Tynan and Dominique are known for their blazingly fast jump-offs, and Friday’s Sidelines Turf Tour Grand Prix proved no variation from their modus operandi. The second to last Turf Tour Grand Prix of the year featured 33 riders, which included iconic show jumping names as Ben Maher and Tic Tac. With a final time of 36.657, Tynan and Dominique edged out this week’s Rising Star champion, Ilan Bluman and F. Brightwood Lynz, by exactly one second; the pair finished on 37.657. Third went to Tynan again, this time aboard Fancy Girl, double clear in 37.703. Tynan now stands as the cumulative points leader in the Rising Star, Grand Prix, and 1.20-1.25m divisions going into the Turf Tour Finale March 27-29 at Black Watch, where all classes are worth double points towards the Iron Horse Transit custom golf cart.

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Tynan and KEC City Limits Top Out Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Willie Tynan and KEC City Limits (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete)

Wellington, FL (March 17, 2019) – Turf Tour Week 10 goes to Ireland’s Willie Tynan: after winning Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic with KEC Kris Kringle, he went on to win Friday’s $15,000 1.40 Turf Tour Grand with KEC City Limits. Tynan certainly seemed to be channeling the luck of the Irish leading into St. Patrick’s Day. With only two weeks to go, the Turf Tour is closing out strong in 2019 with back to back weeks at Black Watch Farm, which will include double points towards season prizes (which include a custom golf cart from Iron Horse Transit) and bumped up money in the Grand Prix during Finale week.

Tynan and KEC City Limits, who are known for their quick jump-offs, certainly proved their reputation against the class of 36 Friday afternoon at Carben Farms. Whisking into the lead on 34. 732, they overtook previous leader Alison Robitalle and Ginger Pop, who finished in second. Third went to Molly Ashe-Cawley and Adamo against a roster of jumpers such as Samuel Perot, Darragh Kenny, Ilan Bluman, and Hardin Towell. “Another great day for me and my horses on the Turf Tour,” said Tynan. “Happy to have such a placement in such a big class; my horses have been jumping exceptionally this year on the Turf Tour.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Tynan Triumphs in Third Rising Star Classic

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Willie Tynan and KEC Kris Kringle (photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete)

Wellington, FL (March 14, 2019) – For the third time this year, Ireland’s Willie Tynan topped the Turf Tour’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. Kicking off the third to last week of the thirteen-week series, Wednesday’s competition at the beautiful Carben Farms saw an amazing 47 horses try their hand over the Rising Star course designed by Leopoldo Palacios.

Tynan’s third to last trip with KEC Kris Kringle proved to be unbeatable, finishing on 36.843 seconds in the jump-off. Second went to March 22’s Turf Tour Grand Prix winner Taylor St. Jaques and Qantar Des Etisses with a 38.294 and third to Illan Ferder and Fascination with 41.987 seconds. “Kris Kringle and City Limits both have been jumping fantastic this year,” said Willie Tynan of the two horses he has been campaigning on the 2019 Turf Tour. “Jumping on the grass in always a nice change and gives the horses a break from one sand arena after another. Both are very fast, and Kris Kringle proved his skill over this course.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Bluman, Schatt, and Foster Rule Turf Tour Week 9

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Daniel Bluman and Colestina H (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete Photography)

Wellington, FL (March 11, 2019) – Friday and Saturday at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center showcased two of jumping sport’s most prestigious classes: the Grand Prix and the Hunter Derby. As the ninth weekly Turf Tour Grand Prix of 2019 and the final Hunter Derby Day of the year, the past week’s Turf Tour at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center marked the beginning of the end of The Ridge’s 2019 Florida season, with just three weeks left to go.

Bluman Takes the Blue: A frequent victor and competitor on the Turf Tour, Daniel Bluman and Blue Star Investment’s Colestina H put in an athletic performance in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix to win the class on a jump-off time of 24.312. Picking up where his student, Samantha Wight left off as the winner of Wednesday’s 1.30m Rising Star Classic, Bluman and Colestina bested a field of more than 20 Grand Prix competitors who ranged from young riders to veteran international show jumpers. Sarah Scheiring finished second and third aboard Dontez and S&L Cocodrille. With just three weeks to go, the cumulative points leader in the 1.40m Grand Prix, 1.30m Rising Star, and 1.20-1.25m Turf Tour divisions will win a new custom golf cart presented by Iron Horse Transit, the official horse carrier.

Spectacular, Enchanted, Unbelievable: The final Hunter Derby Days of 2019 proved to be a battle of titans. Peter Pletcher, Kelley Farmer, and Havens Schatt, along with their talented mounts, demonstrated the talent, athletic ability, and grace that has made them some of the hunter ring’s most decorated names.

Havens Schatt and the bay stallion Spectacular ultimately clinched the top prize. Edging out Kelley Farmer and Enchanted by just a half a point, both riders’ flawless rounds were a testament to the beauty and power of the sport. Not to be discounted, Peter Pletcher and Unbelievable’s elegant rounds earned him 3rd behind the two ladies. Earlier in the day, Amy Foster and Jasper secured the final $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, with Quintus P. J. and Miranda Scott finishing second and Legolas and Stephanie Clark in third. A special treat for all of the riders, owners, grooms, staff, and spectators, The RV Advisor hosted a gourmet lunch between the National and International Derbies. Their roadside assistance, which provides towing as well as transport for horses and humans, is the ultimate peace of mind for equestrians on the road.

As part of the Turf Tour, Hunter Derby Days is a reflection of its mission and goals to provide a wonderful atmosphere, exceptional footing, and unique destinations to the hunter fanbase. “The hunters are such a unique and important aspect of our sport,” said The Ridge founder and US Olympic show jumper Nona Garson. “We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to develop their riding at various venues, compete for generous prizes and prize money, and jump on all natural surfaces. The Hunter Derbies are a perfect curtail to the Turf Tour, and it was thrilling to watch such highly decorated and influential riders jump our courses at our venues.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Jordan Out Jumps the Field in $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Peter Jordan and Eurhythmic Cr (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete)

Tynan Takes $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic

Wellington, FL (March 2, 2019) – The final day of February and first day of March welcomed competitors to The Ridge at Wellington’s home farm, where two days of show jumping featuring both grass and sand footing, .80m Grand Prix, and complimentary hospitality marked the eighth week of the 2019 Turf Tour. Ireland’s Willie Tynan and USA’s Peter Jordan ruled the week in the show’s two highlight classes: the $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic and $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix.

Thursday Willie Tynan and KEC City Limits claimed their second victory of the year on the Turf Tour, jumping clear and fast to win the $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. Tynan also placed second in the class aboard KEC Kris Kringle, and Peter Jordan rounded out the top three with Ciemusic Z. Jordan continued his streak of top placings in Friday’s Grand Prix, winning the class with Eurhythmic Cr. Cloe Reid and Sally 643 jumped to second, and Rowan Willis aboard Zipiro came in third.

“I had to ride every stride,” said Jordan about the grass field course designed by Mauricio Ballesteros. “We brought five horses to show this week in preparation for the Live Oak International in March, which is also on grass. We’ve been showing regularly at The Ridge and it’s been a great experience, especially for the horses.”

Week 8’s Rising Star victor, Willie Tynan, had a similar review of The Ridge: “The Turf Tour has been a great show to build up the horses and prepare for even bigger classes. It’s a great stepping stone, and both Kris Kringle and City Limits are great horses, and enjoyed working and jumping in a new environment and on grass footing.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Taylor St. Jaques and Qantar Des Etisses Untouchable in $15k 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Taylor St. Jaques and Qantar Des Etisses. Photo property of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (February 27, 2019) – Equitation champion and show jumping rising star Taylor St. Jaques and Qantar Des Etisses were untouchable during the February 22 Turf Tour competition, where their double clear and jump-off time of 36.436 couldn’t be matched, despite multiple efforts by exceptionally speedy horses and riders. The Turf Tour, which features weekly venues and show jumping of all levels on all-natural surfaces, returns to the grass Grand Prix field of its hosts’ home farm, The Ridge at Wellington, Thursday February 28 and Friday March 1.

St. Jaques, who splits her time between college and the Florida show season, was fourth to go with her own Qantar Des Etisses in a class of 24 for the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix on Friday. Attempts to beat her time were marked by unfortunate rails, resulting in a second-place finish for the Wednesday’s Rising Star Classic winners Mark Bluman and Cupfer Cr on a jump-off time of 38.206 seconds. Third went to Steven Bluman and D’Alba R 15 with 38.403.

“Friday was my first time doing the jumpers at The Ridge Turf Tour and it might have been the utmost horse show experience of my entire life,” said St. Jaques, who has titles such as 2017 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final Champion and 2017 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals runner up to her name. “It was super easy to ship in, show, and get back home. There was very little sitting around waiting, which we really appreciated as I only arrived in Wellington at midnight the evening before. Balancing school and showing can be a bit frustrating as I don’t get to be around the horses as much as I’m used to, but this season has been really fun. I hadn’t jumped my horse since late January so I wasn’t quite sure if we were ready, but I think it worked to our advantage. I’ve had Qantar since the summer of 2016 and he is my whole world. He was meant to teach me the ropes of the junior jumpers and together we’ve won more than I thought was imaginable. My goal at The Ridge was to go for a clean round, not necessarily a win, and showing at The Ridge was a fantastic experience.”

To enter online and for full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Schroeder and Goutal-Marteau Conquer Valentine’s Day Turf Tour

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Christoph Schroeder and Diamant de Revel. Photo property of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (February 17, 2019) – A love for horse sport was in the air during Valentine’s Day week on the Turf Tour. Gorgeous grass fields combined with world-class talent and full divisions of show jumping to once again create a spectacular atmosphere for both horses and riders. Due to inclement weather, Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic was postponed to Thursday, where sunny skies and exceptional footing set the pace for Valentine’s Day on the Turf Tour.

The Valentine’s Day $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic saw Brianne Goutal-Marteau and Cylana top the standings, jumping-off to a time of 31.554. As one of the first few riders to take the field, Goutal-Marteau put in the day’s first double clear effort aboard Zernike K with a time of 32.362. Zernike was barely bested by barn mate Cylana for the day’s top prize; both horses are owned by Rose Hill Farm. Daniel Bluman and Euphoria swept to third in 33.249 seconds.

The following day, twenty entries lined up to test their mettle against the day’s headline $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix. Germany’s Christoph Schroeder and Gk Performance Horse’s bay stallion Diamant de Revel ultimately claimed victory with a double clear effort and jump-off time of 38.869. Mario Garcia and Fabries put in a spectacular effort, galloping to a final time of 38.948 and second place, less than a tenth of a second behind Schroeder. Luis F. Larrazabal and Anastasia Blackman’s Warwin rounded out the top three, and the pair was also the first double clear effort of the day.

While the Turf Tour attracts top riders including Olympic Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalists, it is also a place for young riders, green horses, or newly formed horse and rider combinations to get their bearings and strengthen their talents. Kaylee Croyle and Segrado, in their first ever outing on the grass, won their 1m Jump-off class. Segrado, who is owned by Tammy Rubio, was back in action with Croyle after a few years apart, and, with the help of trainer Amy Foster, enjoyed the Turf Tour’s exceptional atmosphere and footing to rekindle their relationship. “I was so surprised I won as we had a few miscommunications,” said Croyle. “This was my first time ever competing on the grass and it was definitely something I think everyone should experience.” Segrado, who seemed very proud of himself wearing his blue ribbon, was determined to eat Croyle’s sandwich from The Ridge’s complimentary hospitality tent and cut the interview short.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Hunter Holloway and Dublin Dominate Turf Tour Grand Prix

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Hunter Holloway and Dublin (Photo courtesy of Romeo Ghete)

Wellington, FL (February 11, 2019) – A challenging course laid out by Olympic and World Cup course designer Leopoldo Palacios asked a number of questions of Turf Tour competitors during this week’s Grand Prix. With 3 first round clears and only 2 double clear efforts in a field that included a variety of top international competitors, Hunter Holloway and Hays Investment Corp’s Dublin emerged victorious.

Holloway and Dublin were an early combination to tackle the course, finishing on a jump-off time of 38.151, which proved unbeatable. The only other double clear effort, Kim Farlinger and Kindle Hill Affiliates’ Maharees Rock, took a leisurely pace late in the day in the jump off to finish on 40.495. Third went to Chilean Olympian Samuel Perot aboard his own Bailarina, with 8 faults and a jump off time of 38.998. Palacios’ course included a number of bending lines, a triple bar, interesting roll backs, and options for distances and gallops to present each horse and rider with a challenge. Designed to act as a catalyst for the sport’s growth and development by providing such challenges to up and coming riders and horses, the Turf Tour’s avant-garde experience was on full display.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992