Tag Archives: USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East

Colvin Unbeatable in Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East

Tori Colvin and Avalanche (The Book LLC)

Gladstone, N.J. – Victoria (Tori) Colvin of Loxahatchee, Fla. lead the 2015 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East from start to finish. With her signature grace under pressure, the young superstar revealed the innate equestrian intuition for which she is famous, besting the field of 61 to win the French Leave Memorial Perpetual Trophy. Earning the highest score in each of the four phases of competition, Colvin was crowned champion aboard Betsee Parker’s Avalanche on a total score of 434.

Finishing tenth in her debut at these finals last year, Colvin appreciated the significance of the win. “It means a lot to win this class. This competition is more of a jumper-style test; it was an amazing experience as I move forward.” Dominating all four phases was the result of raw talent and extensive preparation. “The flat class is not usually my strongest, but my horse performed well and was really elegant. The gymnastics phase we had practiced a lot with [trainer] Andre [Dignelli] to get ready over the last month, so I went in there feeling confident and the exercises went smooth. This morning’s phase was my best round; it went so smooth and my horse was great.”

The Reserve Champion title was earned by McKayla Langmeier (East Granby, Conn.) aboard Linda Langmeier’s Skyfall. Skyfall was also awarded the Grappa Trophy for best horse at the finals. Langmeier entered the Phase IV ride-off in fourth place where she showcased her catch riding talents to ascend to second-place honors. Third-place accolades went to Hunter Holloway (Topeka, Kan.) aboard Hays Investment Corp.’s Any Given Sunday. Rounding out the top four placings was T. J. O’Mara (Rumson, N.J.) on Walstrib Stables LLC’s Kaskade.

Saturday’s competition began with the Phase I flat portion of the event, where the judges watched a demanding array of exercises in cold and rainy conditions. Colvin received the high score of 96, while Langmeier had the fifth highest score of the phase with an 89, closely followed by O’Mara with a score of 88 and Holloway with an 81. Phase II was the gymnastics course, where Colvin duplicated her high score of 96. Following in close second place was O’Mara with a 95 and Langmeier with a 94 to sit in third. Holloway was in fourth place at the conclusion of Saturday.

Sunday’s competition began under beautiful fall skies at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters with Phases III and IV. Judges Chrystine Tauber and Candice King endeavored to design a challenging Phase III course for the 61 competitors and enlisted the aid of famed Olympian and course designer, Conrad Homfeld. Said Tauber, “We thought it would be nice to have a course that was designed by one of America’s top course designers, and asked (Homfeld) to consider adapting one of his 5* courses. (He) agreed and adapted the first round Nations Cup course from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.” The judges were pleased with the track as it tested balance, straightness, and striding.

Riding with ease and accuracy, Colvin answered all of the questions asked by the course and received a competition high score of 97. Holloway earned the second highest Phase III score of 94, with O’Mara receiving a 90, and Langmeier an 84.

In Phase IV, each rider rode a shortened course on his or her own horse, and then rode the same course on the other rider’s mounts. Colvin performed smooth, accurate rounds time after time, cementing her championship berth. The order of finish changed for the other three riders as Langmeier moved up to earn Reserve Champion honors, followed by Holloway in third and O’Mara in fourth. Tauber attributed Langmeier’s ascension in placings in the final round on her own entry, Linda Langmeier’s Skyfall, which she rode as a “forward, galloping course – it was just like you would see in a Table A against the clock. The other riders had to ride to that bar she set right from the beginning.” Skyfall continued to impress with each of the other finalists in Phase IV to earn the Grappa Trophy, which is best horse of the competition.

Colvin is trained by Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm in Katonah, N.Y. Dignelli, himself a winner of the class in 1980, has trained an impressive nine winners of this final. He described Colvin as possessing “the incredible ability to be soft and at the same time effective. She is soft, but not weak. She brings out the best in horses, and they respond to her.” Colvin was foot perfect from day one, lead every phase of the competition, and never faltered under the pressure of being in the lead. As Dignelli states, “she lays it on the line,” praising her focus, organization, and discipline. He notes that the attribute setting Colvin apart is her “professionalism. She has basically been a professional rider for many years and she brings that perspective to the ring. If things don’t go perfectly in the schooling ring, she can leave it behind, walk in, and deliver.” Of her mount, Avalanche, Dignelli explained that he had never done this type of final before, and “the horse was breathtaking.”

The USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals format is designed to develop young talent for a future on the world stage of show jumping. The exceptional group that competed on the hallowed grounds of the United States Equestrian Team Headquarters in Gladstone, N.J. portends great success for the future of international show jumping for the United States.

On demand coverage of all phases of competition will be available on USEF Network.

From the USEF Communications Department

Hughes Cruises to Victory in the 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East

Gladstone, N.J. – On Sunday, riders returned to the Dick and Jane Brown Arena at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters for the final day of the 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. For Phase III judges Ronnie Beard and Anne Kursinski set a demanding track that would determine which four riders would come back to contest the final phase. After showcasing their skill and poise throughout the weekend, Michael Hughes, Mattias Tromp, Charlotte Jacobs, and Allison Toffolon were called back for the final phase to determine the 2013 champion.

At the conclusion of Phase IV, Hughes was announced as a very popular winner after demonstrating phenomenal equitation and potential for future success at the highest level of the sport.

Phase III

For Phase III, the jumping phase where scores were multiplied by two, Beard and Kursinski set a track which replicated the final round course of the 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final and would test the skill of every combination. Problems and rails were spread throughout the course, as riders challenged themselves to leave all the poles in place and finish within the time allowed, all while displaying supreme equitation and talent for the future.

Hughes (Allendale, N.J.) entered Phase III standing in fourth place and once again demonstrated the talent that saw him earn high scores in the flatwork and gymnastics. The John Brennan and Missy Clark trainee and Drumnacross Farm LTD’s Zagreb produced an immaculate effort over the 12 obstacle course to score 190 and finish on a three phase total of 414 and book their place into the final four.

“I knew I was in the top four (going into Phase III),” said Hughes of his strategy for the morning session. “I just wanted to maintain that position.”

Tromp (North Salem, N.Y.), who is trained by Andre Dignelli, cantered into the Dick and Jane Brown Arena standing in third place. Riding Chasonette Farm, LLC’s Zentina B, the 18-year-old stylishly answered all the questions put forth by the judges to score 184 and finish on a three phase score of 410.

Jacobs (East Aurora, N.Y.), who is also trained by Brennan and Clark, and North Star’s Stallone VDL entered Phase III in second place.  Despite lowering a rail at the Swedish oxer, the pair was able to earn a Phase III score of 176 and finish three phases on overall total of 403.

Toffolon (Bronxville, N.Y.) and her own Class Action entered Phase III just outside of a qualifying position in fifth place. The Dignelli trained paired also had a rail but their solid performance over the rest of the challenging track earned them a 174 and a three phase score of 397 vaulted them into a coveted Finals place.

The leader following the first two phases of competition, Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) looked determined to earn a spot in final. However, refusals at the planks at fence three and the open water at five resulted in elimination for Keenan and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Clearway.

Phase IV

The fourth and final phase of the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search utilizes the Show Jumping World Championships’ format where all competitors start on a score of zero and would see Hughes, Tromp, Jacobs, and Toffolon ride their own horses as well as those of the finalists over a shortened course.

After Jacobs and Stallone VDL had an uncharacteristic refusal resulting in a fall of Jacobs at fence three and subsequent refusals with Tromp and Hughes, trainers Missy Clark and John Brennan made the decision in consultation with management and the judges to withdraw Stallone VDL from the remainder of Phase IV. It was determined that no scores would be counted for the gelding and the final placings would be decided by the scores produced on Hughes’, Tromp’s and Toffolon’s horses.

“The welfare of the horse comes first,” said Beard of Stallone VDL who was later diagnosed with a strained muscle but not found to have a serious injury. “It wasn’t in his best interest to try one more time.”

Hughes proved to be a popular winner as he not only guided his own horse around the course excellently but also found a rapport with the other finalist’s partners. With his own horse the 17-year-old showcased the ability he had demonstrated throughout the weekend to produce a confident and stylish round, scoring 95. Hughes followed that up with a polished effort on Zentina B for which he was awarded a 95 and completed the day scoring a 95 on Class Action after a forward and flowing round.

“When we got to the top four I was hoping for consistent rounds within the time allowed and no rails down,” said Hughes of his plan for the final phase.

Hughes, who was a Team Gold medalist at the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, will head to many of the top equitation finals this fall but feels that the challenges presented at the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals are extremely important.

“I think it really challenges us,” said Hughes. “Having to prepare your horse and having to walk (the courses) on your own, and with the gymnastics are you going to trot in or canter. It’s a good challenge.”

Tromp rode to Reserve Champion honors after producing three polished trips in Phase IV. In round one, the 18-year-old rode Zentina B in an efficient trip to score 93. He then secured his second place finish riding Class Action to a score of 89 and Zagreb to a 90.

“My plan in the beginning was to be in the top five or 10 so I had a shot for the final four,” said Tromp of his plan for the week. “I was happy with my performance.”

Toffolon finished the weekend in third place after scoring 90 with Class Action, 84 with Zagreb and 88 with Zentina B. Additionally, the 17-year-old was thrilled when Class Action was awarded the Grappa Award as Best Horse in the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East.

“I know he’s a straight-forward horse, and he would be good for them (Hughes, Tromp, and Jacobs)”, said Toffolon. “I was hoping he would be Best Horse.”

Jacobs rebounded quickly from her fall from Stallone VDL to produce solid efforts with her competitor’s horses and finish in fourth place. With Class Action she was awarded an 85, then rode Zagreb to a 89 and finished the competition with a score of 65 for her round on Zentina B.

Beard and Kursinski were pleased not only with the top finishers but with all the riders that traveled to Gladstone.

“This competition is meant to challenge all the riders and find future team members,” said the judges. “Everyone will have learned something.”

By Helen Murray

Video-on-Demand from the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East can be found on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak. To find video, photos and news, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFShowJumpingTalentSearchFinals/.

To learn more about the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sjTalentSearch.aspx.

Keenan Leads the Field at 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East Following Two Phases

Gladstone, N.J. – The 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East officially got underway on Saturday at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters with competitors completing the first two phases of competition. In the morning, judges Ronnie Beard and Anne Kursinski tested riders on the flat in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena and in the afternoon competitors returned to demonstrate their skill over a gymnastics course. At the end of the first day of competition, Lillie Keenan holds the lead following two phases of competition on a score of 231.25.

Beard and Kursinski were pleased with the entire field and believe the top of the leaderboard demonstrated vast potential for the future in both phases Saturday.

“Anne and I were both very happy with the test; there were no real disasters – some stops here and there but it was spread out. It wasn’t too brutal but it took subtlety,” said Beard. “I think the top group after the flat was just right and you saw that group again excel this afternoon.”

Phase I

Riding in the fourth group of the day, Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Clearway earned the highest mark of the day in Phase I scoring 94. The dual Gold medalist from the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championship presented by Gotham North showed proficiency on the flat. Keenan, who is trained by Andre Dignelli, excelled in the demanding test put forth by the judges which included lengthening stride in sitting trot, counter-canter on both leads, shoulder-in, turn on the forehand, and turn on the haunches.

Finishing just two points behind Keenan was Michael Hughes (Allendale, N.J.) and Drumnacross Farm LTD’s Zagreb. The 17-year-old, who is trained by John Brennan and Missy Clark, rode in the first group of the day to score 92 on the flat.

Rounding out the top four following the first phase were Mattias Tromp and Charlotte Jacobs respectively. Tromp (North Salem, N.Y.), who is also trained by Dignelli, and Chasonette Farm, LLC’s Zentina B scored a 90 riding in the second group of the morning. Last year’s Phase I winner, Jacobs (East Aurora, N.Y.) and North Star’s Stallone VDL slotted into fourth place on Saturday morning. The Brennan and Clark trainee scored 89 in Phase I.

Phase II

Riders returned to the Dick and Jane Brown Arena for a second time on Saturday to showcase their talent over a demanding Gymnastics track. Beard and Kursinski tested competitors’ technique and skill over an intricate course which included a variety of combinations, raised trot-poles and a series of three bounces.

As expected the Gymnastics phase produced a shuffle on the leaderboard, as scores were multiplied by 1.5, but Keenan, Jacobs, Tromp, and Hughes all maintained their positions at the head of the field.

Returning for a second time in the afternoon, Keenan demonstrated why she has claimed many of the most prestigious titles in the hunter, jumper, and equitation ranks with another polished performance. Despite Clearway rolling a pole jumping out of the two-stride by the in-gate, the pair was awarded a 137.25 for their second phase. They head into Phase III on Sunday with a total of 231.25.

Jacobs was awarded the second highest score of Phase II, a 138, for her polished effort. The Southern Methodist University freshman climbed into second place after two phases with an overall score of 227.

Tromp maintained his third place position after scoring 136.50 in Saturday’s second session and stands on a total of 226.50 overnight.

After two phases, Hughes stands fourth on a score of 224. He was awarded 132 for his Gymnastics phase.

Allison Toffolon (Bronxville, N.Y.) posted the highest score in Phase II, a 139.50, with her own Class Action, and heads into Sunday’s third phase in fifth place on an overall total of 223.50.

The 2013 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals East champion will be crowned Sunday following Phases III and IV. In Phase III, all entries will show their ability over a jumper-styled course. Following the conclusion of Phase III, the top four competitors will be called back for a ride-off. Phase IV will showcase the same format used for the Show Jumping World Championships, with each rider completing a course on his/her own horse, as well as the three other riders’ horses. All four riders will start Phase IV with a clean slate on a score of zero.

By Helen Murray

The USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak will stream all four phases of the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. To watch, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFShowJumpingTalentSearchFinals/.

To learn more about the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sjTalentSearch.aspx.

Star-Studded Field Ready for Platinum Performance USEF Talent Search Finals East

Gladstone, N.J. – Seventy of the top junior and young riders have flocked to U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, N.J., this week for the annual Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. Ronnie Beard and Anne Kursinski will serve as judges and course designers for the four-phase competition which will be held October 4-6.

Competition officially gets underway Saturday morning with Phase I, Flatwork. Competitors will then return to the Dick and Jane Brown Arena later in the afternoon for Phase II, Gymnastics. In Phase III on Sunday, all entries will show their ability over a jumper-styled course. Following the conclusion of Phase III, the top four competitors will be called back for a ride-off. Phase IV will showcase the same format used for the Show Jumping World Championships, with each rider completing a course on his/her own horse, as well as the three other riders’ horses.

The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals boasts a roster of graduates that include multiple Olympic, FEI World Equestrian and Pan American Games medalists. There are very few awards and accolades that have eluded Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.). But after claiming Team and Individual Gold at the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC), she will look to add her name to the prestigious list of winners of the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. Chase Boggio (Canton, Ga.) has also amassed a lengthy resume in his junior and young rider years, but the 2011 NAJYRC Gold medalist has yet to earn the Talent Search title. He will look to head the field this weekend.

By Helen Murray

The USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak will stream all four phases of the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals East. To watch, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFShowJumpingTalentSearchFinals/.

To learn more about the Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, visit: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sjTalentSearch.aspx.

Samantha Schaefer Triumphs in 2011 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East

Samantha Schaefer (Parker/Russell- The Book LLC)

Gladstone, NJ – The 2011 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East concluded on Sunday afternoon with an exciting victory for 18-year-old Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD. Showing over two beautiful autumn days at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, eighty-four hopefuls came out to show this weekend in the 30th annual competition. Schaefer earned the win with high scores across the board in a head-to-head final four jump-off.

Judges Jimmy Lee and George Morris scored riders through three phases of competition this weekend, including flat work, gymnastics and jumping. Riders cumulative scores were totaled through each phase and the top four riders were then brought back for a final ride-off, competing on their own horses as well as the three other competitor’s horses. Riders returned for the final round with a clean slate, earning new scores for each individual ride.

At the conclusion of the flat and gymnastics phases, rider Lillie Keenan held the lead coming into the final day of competition, followed closely by Hayley Barnhill, Samantha Schaefer, and Schaefer Raposa. Keenan had a disappointing score in the jumping round however, and dropped out of the top four. Michael Murphy on the other hand performed consistently in both phases I and II and excelled in the jumping round to secure a position in the final ride-off. Barnhill, Schaefer, Raposa, and Murphy were the elite four to compete in the final phase of competition.

Continue reading Samantha Schaefer Triumphs in 2011 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East

Lillie Keenan Leads Opening Day at 2011 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East

Gladstone, NJ – Fourteen-year-old Lillie Keenan, of New York, NY, was a front runner today in the first two rounds of competition for the 2011 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East. Held at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, the Talent Search Finals celebrate a momentous 30th anniversary this year. With Finals held each year on the east and west coasts, this program has produced some of the country’s top jumping riders, including McLain Ward, Richard Spooner, Lauren Hough, and Meredith Micheals-Beerbaum.

Looking to fill those shoes, eighty-four of the country’s top young riders traveled to Gladstone for this weekend’s competition. The Finals are held in a demanding four round championship format. Today’s competition featured the flat and gymnastics phases, and tomorrow will highlight the jumping phase and final ride-off.

Beginning in the morning, all riders were scored on the flat for Phase I and then returned in the afternoon for Phase II according to those scores. Judging and course designing for the weekend are two of the country’s most eminent equestrians, George Morris and Jimmy Lee.

Continue reading Lillie Keenan Leads Opening Day at 2011 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East