Tag Archives: USHJA International Hunter Derby

Kelley Farmer Claims Crown, Top Three Spots, Big Payday in $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Kelley Farmer and Mindful.

Ocala, FL (February 28, 2016): The second $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of the HITS Hunter Derby Tour paid a visit to HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida on Saturday during Week VI of the Ocala Winter Circuit. As the sun set, and the lights of Ocala Horse Properties Stadium flickered to life, the crowd watched in anticipation to witness who could master the course with finesse and the highest caliber of precision.

Following the Furusiyya FEI Nation’s Cup week at HITS Ocala, was the biggest hunter week of winter and the stage was set – Tim Hott of Cumming, Iowa designed a beautiful course of 13 fences for the forty-one who gathered from the East Coast and beyond to contest the two-round derby. It would be Keswick, Virginia equestrian Kelley Farmer who would walk away from the ring with the top three titles and four additional ribbons in the top 12.

“All of the horses were great through the course, and the course was beautiful too; [the event] was just all around quality in addition to having the opportunity to compete for this kind of money here,” said Farmer.

Farmer claimed first place with seasoned derby winner, Mindful, owned by Kensel, LLC, as well as second with Baltimore, owned by Jane Gaston, and third with It’s Me, co-owned with Bibby Hill and Sue Pinney.

“It’s just incredible, but I could not have done it without everyone you see out here, the owners and all who support us. It takes a village. I also owe it to all of these talented, four-legged animals – they’re amazing,” Farmer said, nearly speechless at the plethora of victories. “I was lucky enough to have plenty of shots [at the win].”

Two panels of judges including Scott Williamson, Kim Dorfman, Mike Rosser and Steve Wall, critiqued each rider’s craft.

“The course was beautiful and very well done,” said “R” Judge for the United States Equestrian Federation of 25 years, Mike Rosser. “The fences were unique, and it was a different track than you normally see. The riders had not just one or two options, but three or four options – it was one of the better quality courses that I have seen.”

Unique to the derby format, in addition to the base score, each judging panel awarded an Option Bonus Score consisting of one additional point for every higher height option fence jumped. As 12 returned for the second round, judges awarded a base score, Option Bonus Score and a Handy Bonus Score, assessing the handiness of the round.

Farmer finished the first round with the highest score aboard Point Being, owned by David Glefke. Six of the 12 returning rounds were piloted by Farmer, but a talented list of contenders ready to rally for blue still filled the second-round Order.

After four trips, two including Farmer and her eventual seventh place mount Need I Say and eighth place Courville Paola, owned by Melissa Rudershausen, no score had come close to Farmer until Cassandra Kahle of Langley, British Columbia stepped in.

Kahle and Cornetto Royal, owned by Yvetta Rechler-Newman, meticulous in their pursuit of a win, opted for all four height options and received a combined total of 15 Handy Bonus Points. It was quite the comeback, but not enough to garner the lead. A first-round score of 172.5 combined with a second-round score of 196 totaled 368.5 for fourth place, just half of a point away from what would be Farmer’s third place score of 369.

Eighth in the order was Elizabeth Boyd of Camden, South Carolina and Brunello. The graceful chestnut Hanoverian and Boyd, a three-time winner of the USJHA International Derby Championships, opted for all four height options and received a combined total of 15 Handy Bonus Points from the two judging panels. They earned a second-round score of 188, which combined with their first-round score of 176, gave them a total of 364 for the eventual fifth place.

The last four trips of the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby belonged to Farmer. The victory was hers to win, with the horse she would share the winner’s circle yet to be determined.

Farmer returned with Baltimore. Opting for all four height options, and earning a combined total of 14 Handy Bonus Points from the two judging panels, they received a total second-round score of 197.5. Combined with their first-round score of 177, that gave them a total of 374.5 for second place – not a bad turn-out for the Oldenburg’s first-ever derby.

“Baltimore is a first-time derby horse, and to be second with him is just wonderful. It’s an awesome result,” said Farmer.

Farmer followed her own round with It’s Me. The judging panels awarded a combined 14 Handy Bonus Points and a total second-round score of 192. Combined with their first-round score of 177, they came out just ahead of Cassandra Kahle with an overall total of 369 for third place.

Mindful and Farmer entered to put in the winning round, and the stunning black Hanoverian gelding silenced the crowd as they gracefully conquered the course, earning a total second-round score of 211. Combined with their first-round score 185, their overall score of 396 sky-rocketed above the rest to top the leaderboard.

“Mindful is a seasoned derby horse,” said Farmer. “He makes it easy, he knows what he is doing and is just a true winner.”

The $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will make two more visits to HITS this year, stopping at HITS Desert Circuit VIII in Thermal, California, March 15-20 and again at HITS-on-the-Hudson VI in Saugerties, New York, August 3-6.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.comHitsShows.com

Shepherd Pulls Hat Trick in $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Holly Shepherd and Triompf.

Just for Now Wins $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby; the Gulf Sees Record Pre-Green Entries

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama established herself as the Derby Queen when she pulled a hat trick Friday morning, taking the top three placings in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on a course designed by Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey.

Shepherd held the top two highest scores after the first round with Loretta Patterson’s Triompf with a score of 183 and Helen Gilbert’s White Lightning with a score of 163. Tim Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama and Alina Dumitrescu’s Shutterbug sat in third position after earning a first round score of 162. Amanda Forte of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania sat in fourth with Rebecca Patterson’s Vecchia Murano with a score of 161, and Shepherd and Barbara Risius’ Longstreet were on their heels with a score of 161.50.

Shepherd held the lead with Triompf in the Handy round after posting a score of 203 for a combined total of 386 which would win the class. White Lightning earned a second round score of 190 and a combined 353 which would award them the second place ribbon. Longstreet earned a second round score of 192 and combined with their first round score of 161.50, moved them into third place. Dergin Park, owned by Henrietta Hall and ridden by Sarah Invicta Williams of Santa Fe, New Mexico, finished in ninth place in the first round with a score of 154.4, but after earning a Handy round score of 192, moved up to an overall fourth place finish with a combined score of 346.5.

Isabelle Potts’ Fusagers Carma, ridden by Jordan Gilchrist of Flower Mound, Texas, had an eighth place finish in the first round with a score of 156 but their Handy round’s score of 187 and combined 343 moved the pair up to a fifth place finish overall.

Maddrix and Specialty sat in the third place position after the first round, but after posting a second round score of 174.5, would find themselves moving into sixth place overall.

Forte and Vecchia Murano moved from third position to seventh place overall, after earning a second round score of 175 for a combined total of 336. Shepherd and Margaret Camp’s Cascaron finished twelfth in the first round with a score of 149, but after earning a second round score of 183 and a combined total of 332, moved into eighth place overall.

Courtney Calcagnini and Just for Now
Courtney Calcagnini and Just for Now

Just for Now wins the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The hunter excitement continued as the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, saw nineteen horse and rider teams compete for the win. Just for Now, owned by Lori Matthews and ridden by Courtney Calcagnini of Argyle, Texas, was awarded with the first place honors, followed by Protocol, owned and ridden by Lilah Babineaux of Lafayette, Louisiana. Third place honors went to Redfield Farm’s Quidam, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams, while fourth place was awarded to Carita Palmer’s Grey Goose, ridden by Jason Schnelle of Collierville, Tennessee. Fifth place went to Sabina Holtzman’s Magnus Hermes, ridden by D. Samuel Pegg of Sutton West, Ontario, Canada. Sixth went to Stonebridge Farm’s A Timely Affair, ridden by Sue Takata of Athens, Texas.

Big Numbers in the $5 Pre-Green Division

The Pre-Green Division led off the big hunter numbers for the week in the 3′ section and 3’3″ division. Jacqueline Roberts-McQueen and Holly Calantoni Houser’s Quadrolino led the 3′ Pre-Greens, while Leopold, owned by Grace Gambel and ridden by Livia Steffee, and Amy Ilson Ochoa and Angela Brown’s Turbo alternated first and second place positions in the 3’3″ Pre-Green Division. “We are really excited that riders and owners are earning valuable mileage for their young horses in the $5 Pre-Green Division,” commented Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Classic Show Coordinator. “People couldn’t believe that we were offering this division for only $5.00, but by the looks of the entries, I think word has now spread,” she added. “We couldn’t be happier that horsemen are taking advantage of this special offering,” she said.

For full results, click here.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

HITS to Offer Four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies

(c) ESI Photography. Amanda Steege and Zidane jumping at HITS Ocala in February 2015.

SAUGERTIES, New York (July 3, 2015): Beginning this fall, HITS will host four $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies at its circuits throughout the country as part of the 2015-2016 USHJA International Hunter Derby series.

“HITS is fully committed to the USHJA and especially this program,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “We have decided that in order to do our part to help grow the sport, we should get behind all USHJA programs. This one was particularly easy because it reinforces our previous support for the high performance hunter riders.”

USHJA International Hunter Derbies highlight the tradition of the longstanding hunter discipline. HITS will host four of these derbies – with total prize purses of $100,000 each – in affirmation of its commitment to hunters, much like its offering of four FEI CSI-5* events for jumpers.

“We believe that, as the leaders of the sport, it is our responsibility to offer prize money that raises the bar,” continued Struzzieri. “These Hunter Derbies will offer the highest prize money awarded at any qualifier for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final in the country.”

Hunter rider and trainer Amanda Steege, owner of Ashmeadow Farm in Bedminster, New Jersey, was thrilled to hear of HITS’ plan to offer these classes. Steege said, “The USHJA Derby Final is something that we gear our whole year towards – we try to go to as many derbies as we can.”

Steege, who campaigns three mounts that are exclusively derby horses, continued, “All of us at Ashmeadow Farm are thrilled that HITS is not only offering four USHJA International Hunter Derbies, but that they’re offering four classes with prize money of $100,000 each. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m so appreciative to Tom and his staff for putting this together. To have the chance to participate in derbies that are offering that much prize money is amazing. It’s great that HITS is doing them.”

HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour:

  • National Sunshine II – November 4-8, 2015
  • Ocala VI – February 23-28, 2016
  • Desert Circuit VIII – March 15-20, 2016
  • Saugerties VI – August 3-7, 2016

For more information on the HITS 2015-2016 $400,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Tour, click here. For more on USHJA International Hunter Derbies, click here. To request a Prize List for any HITS Series of shows, please visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.comHitsShows.com

Jennifer Alfano Takes 1-2 Finish with Jersey Boy and Miss Lucy in $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy.

Lexington, KY – May 10, 2015 – In the world of hunter derbies, one name always stands out: Jersey Boy. Today, the 13-year-old chestnut gelding, better known as Lewis, delivered two textbook rounds with Jennifer Alfano during the WCHR Member Event, the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, earning a total of 401 points to capture first place overall.

Rider Jennifer Alfano was skeptical about the class, due to the fact that Jersey Boy was so well behaved in the schooling ring. “Lewis is a little temperamental at times; you never really know with him,” Alfano laughed.

From the moment the duo stepped in to the ring, however, it was obvious that Jersey Boy had decided he wanted to impress. Taking all the higher options, Alfano navigated Jersey Boy smoothly through Bobby Murphy’s course, earning a 94 and 96 for the classic round.

“I haven’t ridden a lot of horses that can gallop and jump like he does,” Alfano said. “He is one of those that can stay on the gallop and turn and jump. He is so naturally balanced that I think the turning comes so easy for him.”

The pair especially excelled in the handy, pulling in scores of 92 and 94 from the judges. Adding on 4 points for taking the high options, and 9 and 8 handy points, respectively, Jersey Boy delivered the highest-scoring round of the day. “He definitely excels at the handy,” Alfano said. “That’s his thing.”

Alfano also impressed the judges on Miss Lucy, another mount she holds dear to her heart. Miss Lucy is back after almost two years, and has not slowed down a bit. Coming off of a derby win at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, the mare put in another outstanding performance today to secure second place overall with a score of 374.

Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy
Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy

“It’s awesome to have Miss Lucy back,” Alfano said. “Aside from what she does in the ring, she is just a special horse. I’m very lucky to have the two of them.”

Tammy Provost and Kallisto earned a total score of 366.5 to claim third place, with Alfano back atop Miramar earning a 365.5 for fourth place. Fifth place was awarded to Havens Schatt, who piloted Savannah to a score of 360 points. Sarah Young and Gabriella rounded out the top six with a score of 357.

Alfano’s four entries all placed in the top 12 and will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in August for the long-anticipated 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

Earlier in the day, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby was underway, with Sarah Sturges leading the event from start to finish aboard Jessica Blum’s Conan. A smooth opening round resulted in a score of 93, and the pair retuned to the handy, receiving a 92 and utilizing the high options for a four-point boost.

“He likes to jump the jumps,” Sturges explained. “If I get him where he needs to be, he takes care of the rest of it. He’s pretty straightforward. He coasts around and he does his thing and I try to stay out of the way.”

Kelli Cruciotti and Totem Pole gave Sturges a run for her money, coming in second by a 2.5-point differential. The judges awarded their efforts with scores of 92 and 90.5 for a 182.5 total.

“Totem Pole was fantastic,” Cruciotti said. “He’s been a work in progress for the last three years. We bought him, and then he got hurt. We almost had to put him down. We redid everything and now he is coming back, so it’s kind of like a fairytale that he is being a super star. I cannot thank my sponsors and my team enough, it has been a wonderful day, and I love this class; it’s my favorite.”

Havens Schatt returned next riding Sans Souci for CH Farm LLC, having received a score of 90 in the first round. The pair earned a score of 91 in the handy. However, Cruciotti’s classic round score would give her a leg up for the second place honors, while Schatt would settle for third place today.

Sturges’ victory has her sitting at the top of the Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus leader board, a place she knows all too well. In 2013, Sturges was awarded the $2,500 bonus as the leading amateur rider, and last year her trainer, Christopher Payne of New Hope LLC captured the $10,000 professional leading rider bonus. As an event of the five-part series, the Hallways Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby has become a staple at the spring and summer shows, and will continue into the summer series. The leading riders will be presented with the cash prizes at the end of the Bluegrass Festival on August 16, 2015.

“It definitely helps to start out on top,” Sturges said. “We are only an hour away, so we will definitely compete in the series, but whether or not I win the bonus, it is a fun class. I turned professional at the end of 2013, so it is fun trying to rack up the points for the professional bonus.”

The final day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show concluded with the Grand Championships, sponsored by Visse Wedell of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Emma Kurtz was awarded the Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship for her efforts in the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division with Frederick, owned by David Gochman. The Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Reserve Grand Championship went to Vivian Yowan and Ransom, owned by Saddle Ridge LLC.

It was the Gochman sisters, Sophie and Mimi, who snatched up the Pony Hunter Grand Championship and Pony Hunter Reserve Grand Championship, respectively. Sophie rode Bit of Love to the high point award during the Small Pony Hunters, while Mimi took the second tricolor for her efforts in the Large Pony Hunters.

The Kentucky Spring Classic will continue May 13-17, 2015, with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby in the Stonelea Ring. Both weeks of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows will offer WIHS & NAL classics for Children’s & Adult hunter and jumper riders as well as $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classics.

To learn more about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$85,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Colvin and Vaillero Win $50k USHJA International Hunter Derby to Conclude 2015 WEF

Victoria Colvin and Vaillero. Photos © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 29, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) completed its final day of competition on Sunday with a win for Victoria Colvin riding Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Vaillero in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Held on the beautiful grass field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the final feature saw a picture perfect day in Florida. The class was presented by Dietrich Insurance and hosted by Tailored Sportsman, sponsored by Charles Owen & Co., Dover Saddlery, The Clothes Horse and Essex Classics.

The first round of derby competition was held in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Saturday, where 51 riders took on the first round course designed by Ken Krome. Two panels of judges scored each round, and riders were awarded extra points for jumping the high options.

The top 25 entries then moved on to the derby field for Sunday’s handy round, jumping Bobby Murphy’s course with natural obstacles, including the table bank and an option to jump through the Devil’s Dyke. Two panels of judges once again scored the contestants, awarding bonus points for high options as well as handiness on course. Judges Danny Robertshaw and Robert Crandall scored the rounds on panel one and Susan Humes and Chance Arakelian on panel two.

At the end of the first round, Kelley Farmer and Mindful found their names at the top of the leader board, but the pair had an unfortunate refusal on the table bank in round two and placed out of the top twelve.

Darcy Hayes rode Danielle Baran’s Say When into the second position on day one with a total of 178. The pair maintained their standing with a handy round score of 182 for a 360-point total. They earned an 80 plus ten bonus points from panel one and an 81 plus 11 bonus points from panel two in the final round.

Vaillero and Victoria Colvin finished the first round with a score of 175 to take the third spot heading into Sunday’s competition. The pair then earned the top score in round two with a 195.5 to bring their total to the winning score of 370.5. The judges at panel one scored a 90 with nine bonus points in the handy round. Panel two scored an 87.5 with nine additional points.

Coco Fath and her own and Hillside Farm’s Chemie Ancar moved from ninth place in round one to third place overall with a first round score of 168 and a second round total of 191. In the handy round, the pair scored an 87 plus nine and an 86 plus nine to bring their tally up to 359 points overall.

Class winner, Vaillero, is a seven-year-old Zangersheide gelding (by Vaillant) that Colvin has shown in the equitation throughout the winter. This was Vaillero’s first hunter derby, and the young horse and his young rider showed impressive talent and composure on the field.

Vaillero’s owner, Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm, is also Colvin’s trainer and spoke of Vaillero’s background and experience. He imported the gelding from Germany late last summer with the idea that he was going to be a top equitation horse that could do some hunters as well as the derby.

“It worked out that Tori used him pretty much all of WEF in the Medal (Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal). He has won a bunch of Medal classes down here,” Dignelli detailed. “He keeps developing and going better and better. We decided this week that we would do the derby and we put aluminum shoes on him. We did not really prepare for this class in terms of jumping banks or on the grass, but he just keeps pleasing us. He really wants to walk in the ring. He does not seem to mind if there are people, or what ring we are in. He goes in a very agreeable way. He has real scope, a big stride and he is very expressive over the jumps, but not afraid. He seems to be real careful.”

“I am thrilled,” Dignelli stated. “He has been a really fun mount. Now he is qualified for the derby finals and we will take him to that. Hopefully this is the beginning of many accolades as an equitation horse or derby horse, or whatever he wants to be.”

“I don’t know him very well,” Colvin said of her mount. “I just started riding him at WEF for Andre. He has been winning some of the medals; he has been really good and we just thought, ‘He jumps amazing; let’s put him in the hunter derby and see what happens.’ He went amazing. We knew he jumped really well, and we put lighter shoes on. He had never done a derby. He just turned seven. He is a baby, so that is completely new for him.”

Colvin showed in one class in the main hunter ring on Thursday to prepare and try to get Vaillero to go with his head down like a hunter.

“The more he did, the better he got,” she acknowledged. “In the grand hunter ring he was not as amazing as he was here. I think he liked more of a big, long gallop, but he went really well. I thought he was quite smooth around everywhere. I did not want to go too handy. He is not spooky, but we just wanted to have a nice round. I just thought I would be nice and smooth but forward, not too slow, so we just kind of loped down there.”

“I was just thinking we would see what happens with the high options,” Colvin continued. “He jumped the first one and he was jumping a little high, and then I jumped the second high option and he jumped really high, so I thought we should lower it down. Then we just jumped the other ones at the regular height.”

Colvin has had a fantastic circuit, with wins across the board in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation. She won a 1.50m jumper classic and multiple junior jumper awards, she topped the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, and she won numerous equitation classes.

“It has gone quite well,” Colvin said of her winter. “I am very happy with this year. It is sad that this is my last junior year here. It’s like everything I do it is the last time, but I think it has gone quite well. The jumpers and the hunters and all of the equitation have gone amazing, so it is a great year so far.”

Darcy Hayes and Say When
Darcy Hayes and Say When

Second place finisher, Darcy Hayes, is based in Canada as a trainer at Sorensen Stables in Toronto. Chris Sorensen imported Say When three years ago when the horse was a three-year-old, and Hayes has helped bring him along. Her student, Danielle Baran, purchased Say When and has also had great success with the horse in the Adult Amateur Hunters, including a championship win in WEF 12. The easy-going gelding had no problem moving from the adult division to one of the biggest hunter classes of the circuit.

“He is amazing. His first 3’6″ jump at this horse show was Wednesday and then he did the adults on Thursday and Friday,” Hayes noted. “He has never done a derby here before, but in Canada he won one of the derby finals last year at the Royal Winter Fair. That was his first derby class and it was indoors. In our derbies in Canada, the first round is a handy. It is just like the second round here, and it is only one round. The first jump was six strides away from the in gate, so that was his start in the derbies.”

“Today actually was the most nervous I have ever felt him on course. He is usually pretty laid back,” Hayes detailed. “The first three or four jumps, he was a little nervous and then once he got in his groove, then he was just great.”

“I was not sure how he would do. Coming out here, it can go any way,” Hayes admitted. “I have had such good luck with him. Yesterday he was quite brave when some of the other horses were spooking going to the first jump. He raised his head at it and that was it, so you just do not know what to expect when you get out here. He has done some derbies in Canada on the grass as well, but not to this extent. These were the biggest jumps and the biggest field he has ever been in.”

Fourteen-year-old Coco Fath finished third with her horse, Chemie Ancar, who was competing in his first derby ever. Fath also trains with Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm and has learned a lot showing alongside barn mate Victoria Colvin.

“It has been a lot of great experience showing against Tori because she is such a great rider,” Fath acknowledged. “I think I have learned a lot from watching her and riding at Heritage and watching Lillie (Keenan) and all of the great people that have ridden there. I did not think that I could do as well as I did today. I love the hunters. It is my favorite between the equitation and jumpers, and I was not even expecting to get in the ribbons after my first round with Shoemaker, so it was really great that Ancar pulled through for me.”

Fath qualified two horses for the second round, but her first mount Shoemaker stopped on course. The rider did not let the uneasy start get to her and put in a great round with ‘Ancar.’

“He is actually my equitation horse, but he has been so great,” Fath smiled. “We were ninth at Medal Finals and that is when I knew he was the one. He is the best equitation horse and we decided it would be a good experience for me to do the derby, not think anything of it, just for good experience. We ended up in the second round, which was really nice and we ended up here in third, which was really great. This was my first time out here on the derby field. It is intense, but I had a lot of fun.”

Sunday’s competition concluded the 2015 Winter Equestrian. Equestrian Sport Productions would like to thank everyone for another fantastic season. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Peter Wylde Wins $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby for Second Consecutive Year

Peter Wylde and Candor 15.

Wellington, FL – March 20, 2015 – It was déjà vu during the second annual Hunter Derby Days at The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour. Peter Wylde has racked up an impressive list of accolades – including winning Olympic gold – but last year he attempted his first USHJA International Hunter derby, and won with Smoking Gun. Today, Wylde returned to the turf at The Ridge Farm to ride Candor 15 to first place finish in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, clinching the championship title for his second consecutive year.

Prior to posing with the coveted rosette, Wylde and Candor 15 had to best an extremely competitive field of 28 horse and rider combinations over two rounds of competition.

Following the first, classic hunter round of competition, the top 12 horse and rider combinations returned in reverse order of their rankings for the second round of competition over the Rob Carey (CAN) designed course.

Wylde and Candor 15 made the biggest jump from the first round to the second round. Originally tied for the fourth place with Kelley Farmer and one of her multiple mounts, So to Speak. They earned 180 points from the judges for the first round, but came back to dominate in the handy. Using Candor’s scope and handiness, Wylde smoked the competition to earn 7 handy points from Panel A and 6 handy points from Panel B. Combined with four points added to the base scores of 95 and 91 for taking all high options, Wylde and Candor ended the day with the highest handy score of 207.

Candor 15 is a little different from other competitors. The grey gelding is a veteran of the Adult Jumper division, but in the fall of 2014, owner Dana Tourville asked if Wylde believed that Candor could do the hunters. Without hesitation, Wylde suggested taking a shot with the brave horse, winning two classes during their first show in the hunter ring at Saugerties and then kicking off the season with good ribbons in the High Performance Hunters and the sixth place finish for their efforts during the first of the 2015 $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour.

“He has done really well,” Wylde smiled. “Basically, the plan was derbies for him. He is a superstar derby horse in my opinion, especially when you have high options. He turns beautifully; he is really handy and has a huge stride. Now, he has figured out what it means to be a hunter. He used to buck and play a little bit after the jumps because he was basically always going in jump offs and he was kind of foolish. Now he loves it. It’s funny – now it’s like he looks forward to going to the ring.”

It was his scope and handiness that allowed Wylde to leave no stone unturned on the derby field.

“We were hoping to peak for these two weeks. We did the earlier derby here in February, and it was a little early. We had only done one show with the high performance and he was sixth in that derby but he was still a little green to the hunter world, was brave and playful. He jumped the best he has jumped today. The higher jumps are the best for him.”

The handy course did not blatantly offer options for the riders. Carey designed the track so that the rider had to decide how tight they wanted to make the turns. For Wylde, it was the perfect handy course. Candor was able to land from a fence, make a tight turn and jump up to the big vertical that incurred several rubs, and knocked the first round’s third place horse and rider combination, Farmer and Joyful, out of their spot with a rail falling to the floor.

Farmer rode six entries in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, with five of her mounts finishing in the top 12. Farmer ended the day with the second place overall aboard Symbolic, a new mount for the professional hunter rider. The Ridge Derby Days were his first hunter debut, adding a notch to his belt and already making a name only two weeks into competition with Farmer. They ended the competition with a score of 384 points, only three points behind Wylde and Candor 15.

Hannah Isop and Red Ryder, owned by Tracy Freels, rode to the third place finish with the overall score of 383.5, while Farmer picked up the fourth and fifth place finishes with Mindful and So To Speak, respectively. Rounding out the top six was Jennifer Bauersachs and For Love, owned by Spring Hill Farm, Inc.

Wylde now has his sights set on the derby at the final week of the Winter Equestrian Festival, as well as the Kentucky and Devon derby classes. He hopes to qualify for the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Lexington, KY this summer.

“I must say that I seem to have inherited some really fancy hunters this circuit. I look forward to doing both-the jumper division, as I have always done, and the hunters. It is a discipline I really enjoy and appreciate. There are some really nice derbies coming up that we would like to do. It is a really great program.”

He plans on returning to The Ridge at Wellington’s Hunter Derby Days next year. “The footing was excellent. It is just soft enough, without being too soft. The footing is really natural and really good. I love the shape of the ring; it’s different and it’s interesting. It isn’t the same thing over and over again, it is great for the competition, and Candor really shined out there today.”

Winn Alden and Marshall
Winn Alden and Marshall

When you saw top hunter riders names such as Winn Alden, Evan Coluccio, and Hannah Isop, you knew that the competition for the National Derby today at The Ridge at Wellington was going to be anything but easy. Almost 30 of the top National derby horses took their turn at the track designed by Carey, completing two rounds in the sand arena surrounded by beautiful palm trees on the picturesque farm. At the conclusion of the competition, Winn Alden would ride Southern Arches, LLC’s Marshall to the top prize.

In the first round, Taylor St. Jacques was the third rider in the ring, riding Alejandro. Starting the day off with a bang, she posted an impressive score, taking all the high options to wind up with a score of 178. This score would hold up throughout the morning, finishing at the top of the first round scores. Unfortunately, an overenthusiastic Alejandro played a bit too hard landing off of one of the oxers in the handy round, resulting in the elimination of the top placed team.

Alden also took all of the high options in the first round to finish within striking distance of the lead with a score of 174. Penny Lombardo rode Too Much Fun over all the high options to come back just one point behind at 173.

The handy round saw competition heat up as the pairs returned to compete in reverse order. Every pair took all four high options, adding eight to their base scores.

Alden left little to chance, laying down another impressive trip to add 181 to her original score, totaling out at 355. Marshall floated around the ring, as the epitome of a top class hunter at the top of his game. Alden came to The Ridge today with the intention of making it a low-key day of competition.

“I showed him one day during circuit and that’s it. He has just been hanging out and came here to do it for the fun of it. He is just a perfect horse.”

She added, “We wanted to come over and just have fun since we haven’t really shown. One of my adults was also in it, so I thought it would be fun for her to do. We want to get him fit so he can do the international derby.”

Alden’s student, Brook Cole, would finish the day in 11th, riding her own Poetic Justis. Alden was very proud of Cole’s performance today in the derby. “I was super proud of her. Her first trip was great. She was champion in the adults last week at WEF, but she was a little nervous today. She had a great first round, and then she had a little miss in the handy, but I was very proud of her.”

Cole was very supportive of The Ridge Hunter Days. “It was lovely! The course rode really smooth while still being challenging. The farm is gorgeous. It’s really nice to be able to walk straight over from WEF over here and feel the same level of competition and expertise.”

Emma Kurtz and Eloquence moved up, coming back fourth from the first round. The pair rode a very handy second round, finishing with a 178 to end at 350 to bring home the red ribbon.

Tiffany Morrissey and Bellucci added an additional 177 to their original 169 to total at 346, good enough for third. Denice De Risio-Perry rode the gorgeous dappled bay gelding Crescendo to a fourth place finish. Revelstoke and Hannah Isop finished in fifth overall. Penny Lombardo would round out the top six on Missy Yoder’s Too Much Fun.

The eleventh week of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will continue tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) with its 1.40m Grand Prix.

Saturday’s events promise to be exciting, with the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on the turf field. The second ring will begin at 8 a.m., with the Children/Adult Jumper classes, offering a classic round for the division, running with an open card until noon. In addition, there will be a Low Schooling Jumper division with two classes running alongside one another, offered at this height. The $2,000 Child and Adult Classic is pointed from Marshall & Sterling, NAL & WIHS. The Junior/Amateur-Owners will start at 12:30 p.m. and run until 4:30 p.m., with both the regular class and classic card open concurrently. The $3,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic is NAL pointed. Medium schooling jumpers will also be offered with cards running concurrently.

The event is approaching quickly, so riders should get their entries in to avoid post-entry fees. Week ten of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour will take place at The International Polo Club, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, FL 33414. The show entrance will be off 120th Street between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road.

Show Net will be onsite for both Wednesday and Friday events posting live results, as well as videoing rounds in both rings. For results and videos, please visit www.shownet.biz.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

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

Kelley Farmer & Mindset Win $15,000 USHJA Int’l Hunter Derby at The Ridge at Wellington

Kelley Farmer and Mindset.

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – An underdog rose to the top of the ranks today at The Ridge at Wellington’s second annual Hunter Derby Days. Mindset is the rising superstar of Rose Hill Farm, bought for Lilli Hymowitz to show in the Small Junior Hunter division, but today professional hunter rider Kelley Farmer captured the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory with consistent rounds and finesse on the turf derby field. Farmer and Mindset bested a field of top competitors, while David Oliynyk and Generous captured the second place and Brady Mitchell and Answer Me This finished third.

Kenneth Krome and Nick Granat of the United States captured the essence of a traditional hunt field as he transformed the turf Hunter Derby Field at the Ridge at Wellington into a challenging and beautifully set course. He utilized natural objects such as logs, brush and birch to set the scene, while challenging riders with a serpentine of obstacles. Set amidst the surrounding water and an array of palm trees, the top 12 riders had to traverse the technical second round course track while still earning valuable handy and high option points, adding crucial tallies to their already impressive score.

Out of a field of 22 horse and rider combinations, 12 would find their way into the challenging handy course, with Farmer and Mindful leading the way with a base score of 188 points. Returning in reverse order, each round showed handiness and accuracy with riders choosing inside turns, angles and strong hand gallops to impress judges Linda Andrisani, R. Scott Fitton, Mindy Minetto and Dee Thomas. It was Oliynyk who shined with veteran partner Generous, owned by Lori Gaudet. They earned seven points for their handiness through the course, and chose all four high options for a combined handy score of 194 points, jumping from seventh with the high scoring handy round to the second place position.

“It’s a wonderful venue. Being able to show out on the grass is so different than being at the show grounds,” Oliynyk said. “It is different to come and do and give the horses a different experience. We can to the second hunter derby last year, and we loved it so much we returned for this year. He has always been really good on the grass. He really hasn’t shown that much this year, this is his first show back.”

Oliynyk continued, “The first round he was a little spirited, but he settled down for the second round. He came back in beautifully and really felt like he was jumping well; it was fun to go out there. I thought the courses were very fair and considering the amount of rain we had yesterday, the turf was great, they maintain it so well.”

Although Farmer led the standings coming back for the handy round, a mishap at the birch trot jump ultimately lost her one-two finish she was hoping for with Mindful.

“I am dumbfounded as to what happened at that trot jump,” Farmer laughed. “My bravest horse! He has jumped every course in North America. I don’t know if it was the birch or the background, but it was a good experience for us. We will practice with more birch logs at home and more distractions in the background. He has given so much though, that he owes nothing.”

It was Mindset who would stand in the limelight today for his two consistent rounds in the International Hunter Derby. The young gelding has only been in the United States for a little over two months, but he is already earning a name in the hunter ring, and now in the hunter derby competitions.

“What an amazing animal — they all are!” eventual winner Farmer exclaimed. “We bought him and then we sold him to Rose Hill Farm. Lilli Hymowitz has been showing him in the Younger Small Juniors and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful match. Ideally, he is for her, but since yesterday got scrapped with all of the rain, we thought it would be best to bring him out and show him here where he can have a good experience.”

Taking a more conservative approach to the first round, Farmer chose to only jump the low options, earning the first round score of 86 and 86.5 for a cumulative base score of 172.5 points. They returned for the handy round with a little more gusto, choosing two high options and adding seven handy points to their score for an 85 and an 81.

“I jumped all low in the first round since he is such a good jumper,” Farmer said. “I had to think about what he has to do tomorrow; I may have taken a different option, but I didn’t want to overdo him. I used my better judgment.”

Farmer continued, “He is brave, scopey and athletic. I thought he might do well out here; I thought he had a chance; it is great that he won. This field is tough with the water and how open the field is; the horses sometimes get lost out here. He is a fantastic horse, and I am lucky enough that I still have the opportunity to ride him.”

Oliynyk would finish second with a combined score of 349 points, 12 points off of Farmer’s winning total. Brady Mitchell and Answer Me This, owned by Phoebe Weseley, took home the third place finish with a final score of 330 points.

Farmer described the courses, saying, “It was enough course for a young horse. This field is great! They take great care of it, and it rides nicely. I thought they built beautifully; it looks nice, and it was hard enough but still allowed riders to have the option.”

Chad Keenum and High Five captured the fourth place with a score of 329 points, while Evan Coluccio and Rarity finished fifth, just a point behind. Peter Wylde and Candor rounded out the top six with a cumulative score of 328 points.

Earlier in the day, riders from across the country traveled to compete in the first of two USHJA National Hunter Derbies, offered as part of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour Series: Hunter Derby Days. The day kicked off with perfect conditions under sunny skies at The Ridge at Wellington, where the picturesque facility provided an incredible backdrop. The conclusion of the National Derby saw Dexter at the top of the ribbons, ridden by Peter Pletcher for Hollis Hughes Grace. Pletcher finished the day with a score of 356. Bringing home the second place prize was Coltrane, ridden by Dotti Barnwell Areson for Karle Rudy with a score of 324.5.

A total of 24 entries traveled back to the era of the traditional hunt courses and tried their hand at the National Hunter course, also designed by Krome and Granat. The Ridge’s beautiful all-weather sand arena was filled with exquisite jumps complete with all the finery one would expect from a top-tier competition.

Krome and Granat’s course required accuracy and finesse in order to garner top scores. Riders began over a single vertical on the diagonal, then continued to the options of either the outside line as low fences, or a bending line on the inside track for high options. The course continued to a one stride. Next the riders were presented with the same high or low questions mirrored on the other side of the ring. They continued through the turn to the other combination on the course and concluded over a single oxer on the way home.

Dexter earned an 87 and 88 for a combined score of 175 in the first round to lead the class going into the handy. Dotti Barnwell Areson and Coltrane presented a beautiful picture, garnering a 152.5 from the judges to finish second. Santinero, with Marissa Damone in the irons, floated around the ring and completed the first round with scores that totaled 152. Olivia Notman scripted a lovely course with Signature to finish with a combined score of 159 in the first round.

Twelve entries continued on to the Handy Round. The shortened course challenged the riders, with several questions being asked, including with a trot fence across the ring to an oxer option. In the handy, Pletcher took all of the high options to add 4 to each of his scores of 87 and 86, to conclude with an overall score of 356. Coltrane added an impressive 172 to his original tally to total at 324.5. Santinero’s handy round also wowed the judges with a score of 168.5 to wrap up with a cumulative score of 320.5 points. Signature added his own flourish to the course to add 161 to the first round and finish on 320 points, only half a point behind third place.

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

The Ridge at Wellington is a premiere state-of-the-art facility that offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington. The Hunter Derby days provided unparalleled hospitality for exhibitors and owners, with a breakfast and lunch spread that impressed. Dover Saddlery generously sponsors all coolers and banners for the 2015 Wellington Turf Tour.

If you missed your chance to ride for the first Hunter Derby Days of the Wellington Turf Tour, there is no need to worry. The USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies will return to The Ridge at Wellington on Friday, March 20, 2015.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

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

Classic Company Increases Prize Money for the Atlanta Fall Classic

Tim Maddrix and Alison Black’s Life Is Good won last year’s USHJA International Hunter Derby. Flashpoint Photography.

The Atlanta Fall Classic, set to kick off November 7th to the 17th at the Georgia International Horse Park, will be offering an extra $5,000 in the USHJA International Hunter Derby, bringing the grand total to $15,000 dollars!

The $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby is slated for Friday, Week II of the Atlanta Fall Classic. The Olympic Grand Prix Arena will be decorated beautifully for the prestigious hunter event and spectators will have the opportunity to watch ringside from the upgraded VIP tent. “We see some of the top hunter riders in the country competing here at our Atlanta Fall Classics and we’re very excited to offer more prize money for the USHJA International Hunter Derby,” said Classic Company President, Bob Bell.

The $45,000 Cedar Street Advisors Grand Prix kicks off the high-stakes action Week I and the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix wraps up the two weeks of top show competition. The National Classic Equitation Finals are scheduled for Friday afternoon and evening during Week II under the covered arena and riders, trainers and family will be treated to a complimentary ringside dinner buffet.

Both weeks I and II offer $10,000 Welcome Class and the $1,500 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Week I offers the $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classics and the $5,000 1.40 meter High Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Week II raises the cash bar and offers the $10,000 NHJL Junior/AO 1.40 meter class and the meter 1.15 $10,000 NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic.

Don’t worry, hunters – Classic Company has you covered too! Each week the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby takes place as well as a host of hunter classics which even include a Short Stirrup Hunter Classic for those young equestrians with sites on the big derbies one day.

Frances Land and Vieanne won last year's Week I Grand Prix under the lights. Flashpoint Photography.
Frances Land and Vieanne won last year’s Week I Grand Prix under the lights. Flashpoint Photography.

Everyone is busy, way too busy to sit down and fill out entry after entry, then add up the time it takes to run to the post office, the cost of overnighting your entries… well, you could have done it all online. Yes, that easy! For a limited time, Classic Company’s Service Provider, HORSESHOWSONLINE.COM, will offer their services for free!

And better news yet! HORSESHOWSONLINE.COM and the HORSESHOWSONLINE onsite software is now integrated with credit card services and capable of processing all major credit cards through Charter Merchant Services.

Held at the Georgia International Horse Park, home to the 1996 Olympics, riders have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic arena and ride for some of the top prize money offered this fall. With more than 300,000 in prize money offered, world-class stabling and arenas, top show management staff and a division for everyone in your barn, there is no better place to be in November. From the jumper ring to the short stirrup arena, each competition ring is highly decorated and staffed with top-notch, friendly professional show staff.

VIP News!

The entire VIP tent overlooking the Olympic Grand Prix Arena has been upgraded. There is a very limited amount of tables and besides the best seating, complete with heaters in case the fall chill sets in. Check out the new menu:

Week One: Saturday – Grand Prix BBQ: * Whole Pig, Roasted and Barbequed Pulled on Site * BBQ Grilled Chicken Breasts * Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Creamy Cole Slaw, Corn Bread Muffins Desserts: Assorted Cookies and Brownies

Week Two: Friday – International Hunter Derby Chef’s Carving Station: * Roasted Turkey Breast * Jack Daniels Top Round of Beef * Smashed Garlic Potatoes, Creamy Sweet Potato Mash, Green Bean Almondine Desserts: Pumpkin Pie Mousse, Chocolate Pecan Pie and Martinis

Week Two: Saturday – Grand Prix Surf and Turf Kabobs Grilled on Site * Montreal Seasoned Beef Tips, Sweet Onions, Bell Pepper, Sweet Onion * Teriyaki Chicken, Red Onions, Pineapple, Red Pepper Grilled Citrus Shrimp, Lemons, Limes, Oranges * Vegetable Kabobs, Assorted Vegetables Wild Rice Pilaf Grilled Fall Vegetables Desserts: Assortment of Proof’s Posh Puddings, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Banana, Key Lime

Every table receives two complimentary bottles of wine and there is a cash bar available. Dinner tables are $400 per seating and seat 8. Single seats are available at $50 each. There are only 100 seats per night-so make sure to reserve your table now!

Pssst… Pensacola is approaching… what are you doing this winter? The Classic Company is going to the beach! Join us on the Gulf of Mexico for the best in show jumping action!

It’s not too late to enjoy the last Classic Show of the year! There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows and the Atlanta Fall Classic Shows are no exception. So make sure to bring everyone to the Georgia International Horse Park and enjoy Classic Company’s world class customer service, beautifully decorated rings, big prize money, great events and fun for all!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Alfano Captures 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Reserve Championship

Jen Alfano and Jersey Boy from Derby Finals. Shawn McMillan Photography.

Lexington, KY – August 19, 2014 – In 2012, Jennifer Alfano led the victory gallop aboard Jersey Boy when they secured the Hunter Derby Finals Championship. Liza Boyd followed close behind with Brunello that year, smiling at her friend’s success.

Last year, Boyd had her time in the spotlight, riding Brunello to the victory and duplicated her effort for the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, while Alfano captured the reserve championship.

It was the perfect storybook ending for two friends.

After a 12-month qualifying period, the hunter elite were invited to compete for the coveted 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship title. With over 150 qualified entrants, the Derby Finals was held August 14-16 in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The top 25 horse/rider combinations returned to tackle the handy hunter course. The scores from the Classic Hunter Round carried over into the second day of competition, factoring into the overall score for each pair.

Boyd sat in third place after the Classic Round, while Alfano and Jersey Boy held seventh. Jersey Boy performed brilliantly with Alfano in the irons. They showcased their skill during the handy round, shining underneath the Rolex Arena lights for 310.5 points. They jumped up the ranks to claim the reserve championship, only 17 points behind Boyd, finishing with a score of 581.250.

Alfano knew that Jersey Boy was ready to take on the challenge of the handy hunter course, his forte, when he didn’t school well.

“He didn’t school well, which is usually a good sign for him,” Alfano said of the notoriously quirky Jersey Boy. “Usually, the worse school you have, the better he is in the ring, which is a little hard mentally in the schooling area.”

Sure enough, Jersey Boy was on his game the moment he stepped into Rolex Stadium.

“He was perfect,” Alfano said. “As soon as I picked up the canter and locked on the first jump I knew I was really home free. He just gave it his all. He felt phenomenal. I was thrilled with him, and I was thrilled that Liza won. When she went and she was on top I thought, ‘It would be so great if we were first and second,’ and we were.”

Alfano also saw great success outside of the Derby field. She rode her own Candid to the reserve championship in the Green Conformation Hunters with the second place in the model, and two reds over fences.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

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Colvin, Torano and Boyd Rise to Top of Round 1 at USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

Tori Colvin and Inclusive put in an outstanding round to win Round 1.

Lexington, KY – August 15, 2014 – After an injury months ago that sidelined the 11-year-old Warmblood gelding Inclusive, rider Tori Colvin has the successful mount back in winning shape. She showed him off today during the Classic Round of the USHJA International Hunter Derby, gaining a score of 95 from one judge panel, and two other scores in the 90s, as the two-day competition got underway at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Jimmy Torano, on his seventh mount of the day, produced results with Mindful procuring second place. Last year’s winner, Brunello, claimed third place with rider Liza Boyd just recently returned to riding after maternity leave.

Despite an injury earlier in the season, Colvin said she was not worried about how Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, would perform today. “We showed him at Devon and at Junior Hunter Finals, but we wanted to keep him ready for this, and we thought he’d be perfect to go right into Derby Finals,” she explained.

Colvin thought the course was open and beautiful and not too spooky for a first round. Her favorite jump, a high-option oxer with wagon wheels, proved challenging to many other pairs, but Colvin knew Inclusive would love it because the jump was somewhat ramped, a specialty of Inclusive.

Tomorrow’s Handy Round will feature increased difficulty and new challenges but Colvin isn’t feeling the pressure.

“I’m feeling amazing going into tomorrow. I’ve never had a really good round going into the handy, so it’s very different being on top going into tomorrow,” said Colvin. “I’m just going to go in and see how he feels and how it all plays out.”

Jimmy Torano made his last ride count on Mindful
Jimmy Torano made his last ride count on Mindful

Jimmy Torano, who grabbed second place on Mindful, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Glefke & Kensel, took over all seven of Kelly Farmer’s mounts when she broke her collarbone several weeks ago.

“I’ve never ridden any of these horses; I barely know them. I watched some videos of them last week just to see how they go. Larry called me last week and asked me to do this and I thought he was out of his mind,” said Torano jokingly.

Torano’s other mounts had some bad luck, but everything came together on his last ride of the round and the third to last entry in the class.

“They say to save the best for last and going in I thought that Mindful was the horse that could do it and I thought he was my best mount of the day,” said Torano. “I think there was a lot of pressure riding on me, but because it was Mindful I was very relaxed. That horse could jump the course by itself; he’s that easy to ride. I’ve ridden thousands of horses but he’s the most straightforward, direct and easy horse I’ve ever sat on.”

With a solid mount taking him to the Handy Round, Torano is looking forward to what he thinks will be a more challenging ride tomorrow.

“Today the course wasn’t too imposing and nothing was crazy high, but I’m sure for tomorrow the screws will be turned. I think tomorrow will be more of a rider’s course and we’ll just have to try to ride to the top,” said Torano.

As last year’s Derby Finals winner Brunello, the 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding, went into the ring, anticipation was high. Not only was the mount carrying hopes for a repeat winner, but his rider and partial owner Liza Boyd was only just returning to riding after being on maternity leave. Despite the challenges, Boyd and Brunello displayed their athleticism and claimed third place, positioning themselves well for the rest of the Final.

Boyd and Brunello are in a good position to defend their title
Boyd and Brunello are in a good position to defend their title

Despite his age (“He has his driver’s license now,” quipped Boyd), Brunello is feeling great, she said.

“He had a nine-month maternity leave as well,” said Boyd. “But he actually feels fitter than ever, even better than last year.”

In order to keep up with Brunello, Boyd was incredibly eager to get back to riding after giving birth and even snuck in a few rides.

“I have tortured myself to get back into shape; I’m not kidding,” she said. “Two weeks after the baby I wasn’t really supposed to be riding, but I did sneak in a little ride while everyone was away at a show. I was cantering around and doing a couple jumps and my mom drove by and yelled at me. My daughter caught me putting on a riding pants one day and called my husband.”

Boyd said the hard work was all worth it because she really wanted to be fit for Brunello. “Who knows how many more years he has; he doesn’t owe me anything, but he feels great,” said Boyd.

Tomorrow the hunters will return to the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Handy Round and the USHJA International Hunter Derby Final during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, including this week’s Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Summer Series Fast Facts

Events:
Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, USEF National Pony Finals, Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and KHJA Horse Show, and the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals.

What:
The Kentucky Horse Show LLC’s 2014 series includes five weeks of top competition throughout the summer. These premier hunter/jumper competitions host the Hagyard Challenge Series with seven grand prix competitions that culminate with a Leading Rider Award, as well as the Hallway Feeds National Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR & YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS – July 15-20, 2014
KENTUCKY SUMMER HORSE SHOW – July 23-27, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

KENTUCKY SUMMER CLASSIC – July 29 – August 3, 2014
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix sponsored by GGT Footings
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

2014 USEF PONY FINALS – August 5-10, 2014
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL HORSE SHOW – August 12-17, 2014
USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals
USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship
$25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic
$40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Member Event

KHJA HORSE SHOW – August 20-24, 2014
$10,000 Hagyard Welcome Stake
$30,000 KHJA Grand Prix
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Audi of Lexington, GGT Footing, Equestrian Services International, Johnson Horse Transportation, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, Sleepy P Ranch, and the Official Hotel The Clarion

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709

Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:

The Stonelea Ring, Murphy Ring, Walnut Ring, Stonelea/Murphy Schooling Ring, the Alltech Arena and the Rolex Stadium have Otto Sport footing consisting of fine sand and synthetic fiber on pvc mats. The Claiborne, Annex, and Covered Arena (old) rings’ footing consists of a sand cushion on limestone base. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Stonelea: 140′x 280′, Murphy: 135′x 280′, Stonelea and Murphy Schooling: 110′x 400′
Walnut: 300′x 370′, Claiborne: 140′x 270′, Annex 130′x 250′, Covered Arena (old): 145′x 285′ Rolex Stadium: 360′ x 384′, Alltech Arena: 132′ x 265′

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

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