Valinski S and Todd Minikus.
Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 9, 2017 – With the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival getting underway this week, the talented horses at Wyndmont Inc. proved that they are ready to win under the guidance of trainers Ronnie Beard and Michael Dorman. Closing out the 2017 ESP Holiday Finale with a victory in the $50,000 Nutrena National Guard Grand Prix, Olympic mount Valinski S proved he is on form and ready to take on the best-of-the-best this season in Wellington.
A 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding who competed successfully over the summer in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Valinski S had a strong showing this week by winning both the $50,000 Nutrena National Guard Grand Prix and the 1.45m Open Jumpers with Todd Minikus in the irons. Valinski S took the lead in the grand prix by almost two seconds with a clear effort during the jump-off.
“Now that I have shown Valinski three or four times, I think he is starting to understand my ride and yesterday he was just outstanding in the jump off,” said Minikus. “I think he is going to certainly be very competitive this winter- he wants to be a true winner and he has all of the necessary things – scope, carefulness, quickness and I think we are going to have a lot of fun.”
Wyndmont’s other top grand prix mount Zephyr proved he is ready for a successful season with a second place finish in the 1.45m Open Jumpers behind Valinski S. “Zephyr had the lead until Valinski took it away from him,” Minikus laughed. “It is great to have an in-house rivalry between those two horses.”
The third Wyndmont Inc. prospect to make a statement last week is 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Cas. Minikus piloted Cas to a win in the $5,000 1.35m Open Jumper Classic. Amai Du Bourgeonet also picked up top ribbons with Minikus and Colin Syquia at the reins. Preparing for the 7-Year-Old division during WEF, Amai Du Bourgeonet placed first and second in the Level Five Open Jumpers.
“Ronnie and Michael have an outline for all of their horses for WEF,” noted Minikus. “They are hopeful for season and I am excited to go forward with them.”
Beard explained, “Our horses had a nice break this fall and they have come back to the ring in perfect condition. We are being careful to aim them at specific events because it’s a long season, but we feel confident that we will be able to peak them at just the right time.
“We have a great deal of talent in the barn this season and it’s exciting to see all the horses progressing so well as we prepare for WEF,” concluded Beard.
Representing Wyndmont in the Adult Amateur Jumpers, Sarah Ballinger piloted Memory Lane to third and fourth place finishes in the Adult Jumper Classics to close out the weekend at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Wyndmont Inc. consistently produces top quality jumper and hunter horses and training for professional and amateur athletes. Throughout the year, Beard and Dorman frequently travel with their talented string of horses and clients to compete at many of the nations’ most prestigious horse shows. The pair is passionate about helping their students and horses succeed at the top level of competition and are always open to helping riders find the horse which is best suited to help them meet their unique goals.
To learn more about Wyndmont Inc., their top show horses offered for sale and students, please visit their website www.wyndmont.com.
Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
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