Tag Archives: Wilhelm Genn

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti Jump to Podium Finishes at ESP Spring Series

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – April 11, 2021 – The first week of the 2021 ESP Spring Series took place April 7-11 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), with Sunday’s action capping off the first week of National competition following the Winter Equestrian Festival. Concluding the first of five installments of the Spring Series as the week’s big winner, Germany’s Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti celebrated victory in the $35,000 ProElite Spring I Grand Prix after beating a small three-horse field in the jump-off.

Ellen Toon and Gabriel Are Angelic to Win $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The hunters stole the spotlight on Friday in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Equiline, that took place in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Eighteen horse-and-rider pairs tested the classic round course set by Danny Moore of Spring Hill, FL with 12 returning for the handy round. Eighth in the order, Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY and Gabriel set the bar high after receiving a score of 95 that put them in the lead going into the second round, and then received a handy-phase score of 88 to secure the victory with a total score of 183.

“I have had Gabriel for four years now and this has definitely been his best year. He is very scopey and fearless,” Toon commented on the gelding owned by JT Farm. “He’s shown in the professional divisions as well as the amateur divisions with me and we have had the absolute pleasure of Victoria Colvin taking over the professional ride on him. She has done a handful of International Derbies and has placed high in all of them. Everyone has done an amazing job with him. Today was only his fourth derby!”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Wilhelm Genn & Van Gogh Paint the Rising Star

Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh.

Wellington, FL (March 26, 2021) – Germany’s Wilhelm Genn closed out the 2021 $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic series with a win aboard the scopey Van Gogh. As his namesake once painted stars in the night sky, Van Gogh’s massive stride and brilliant bascule painted his course over the jumps and resulted in a blazingly fast second round clear to secure the pair their second win of the season in the class.

Genn and Van Gogh were the final combination to tackle the course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. The track, which began with a vertical rollback to an oxer, also featured a number of one and two strides, bending line oxer to verticals, and a triple combination oxer-vertical-vertical to close out the first round. Catherine Pasmore and Nestor were the first double clear, setting the standard at 34.282 seconds in the jump-off. Kim Farlinger was the next to top the leaderboard, piloting Ibalius SMH to a final time of 32.533. The Genns then swept in late in the afternoon to post numerous double clear efforts, with student Natalie Thornell aboard Snow White finishing in 34.210 seconds to end fourth. Ryan Genn and Coco Chanel m jumped to third in 32.842, and Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh split the second close to its origin on 32.082, leaving Farlinger and Ibalius SMH in second.

“It was a good day. I didn’t fall off and the horse jumped really well,” said Wilhelm Genn. “The Turf Tour reminds me of showing in Europe when I was younger; it’s a great experience and so nice to get the horses out on the grass at different venues. Our barn and students really enjoy this event during our time in Wellington.”

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For more info, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Wilhelm Genn Jumps on Home Field Advantage to Win $3,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic

Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh.

Wellington, FL (March 5, 2021) – World Cup Champion Wilhelm Genn of Germany jumped to victory on Wednesday aboard Van Gogh, capitalizing on a home field advantage to top The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour 9 $3,000 1.30m Grand Prix. The storied Deutsch rider, along with his two sons and barn full of clients, are stabling for the 2021 Florida winter season at The Ridge’s home farm and the site of the 9th week of Turf Tour competition (March 3-5).

It was a Genn family affair in the Rising Star as Wilhelm’s son Ryan finishing second aboard VDL Gerinus T. Genn Sr. and Van Gogh jumped off in 45.773, while Genn Jr. finished on 46.752. England’s Jaime Marsh and My Jewel Magic Touch rounded out the top 3 with a time of 47.896.

A Letter from The Ridge Regarding Recent EHV-1 Cases in Florida

Dear Riders, Trainers, & Exhibitors,

We have seen the recent press release issued from World Equestrian Center regarding cases of Equine Herpes Virus in Europe and Ocala, and their Bio Security changes. Please note, while likely unintentional, they list The Ridge shows, which have nothing to do with WEC. That being said, The Ridge has had NO cases of EHV, and if anyone inferred that from the WEC press release, we hope this clarifies those points. In response to recent events, The Ridge has upped our bio-security measures, and is strictly enforcing “Safe Social Distancing” for both horses and humans, and will do everything in our power to keep our competitors safe.

Thank you for your support!

Nona Garson
Horse Show Manager
The Ridge at Wellington

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For more info, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Matt Cyphert and Lochinvar Top $30,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix

Matt Cyphert and Lochinvar ©Sportfot.

Mill Spring, NC – September 28, 2020 – Matt Cyphert (Northlake, TX) and his own Lochinvar cleared the jump-off in 38.974 seconds to take home the win in Saturday’s $30,000 Tryon Resort Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC). In second, John Angus (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and W. Tonix Hero, the 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ogano Sitte x Major de la Cour) owned by Stephanie Angus, stopped the timers in 38.998 seconds, while Bryn Sadler (Santa Fe, NM) and Cinven CR, the 2007 Holsteiner gelding (Clearway x Coronado) owned by Showcase 81 LLC, collected third place on a time of 41.178 seconds.

The Peter Grant (CAN) course design saw 34 pairs challenge the first round of competition, with 12 entries returning for the jump-off track. Cyphert and the 2004 gelding (Karamiro x L’espirit) were able to capture a tight time set by Angus by putting in a smooth round, he reported:

“He’s a superstar horse! He’s the best horse I’ve ever ridden, and I’m old enough to know that by now. I’m fortunate with him as he’s really naturally fast. He’s quick across the ground and has a big step. He’s also really good at reading the jumps,” Cyphert added. “He doesn’t spend a lot of time in the air. I felt like if I followed the right track, there were enough places where I could run across the ring and use the speed to my benefit. I tell my clients all of the time that smooth is fast.”

Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh Victorious in $15,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake

September 24, 2020 – Thursday’s $15,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake saw Wilhelm Genn (Lebanon, OH) pilot Van Gogh to victory in Tryon Stadium, stopping the jump-off timers at 44.409 seconds. Brittni Raflowitz (Palm City, FL) and Hilton van de Breepoel, the 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Contact Van de Heffinck x Opium) owned by ESI Show Jumpers, Maarten Huygens & Darragh Kerins, claimed second on a time of 44.898 seconds, while third place went to Ramiro Quintana (Wellington, FL) and GQ, the 2011 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Contago x Cinderella) owned by Miriam McClure Adam, after their 45.634-second performance.

One of 27 entries in the first round and one of ten pairs to qualify for the short course over the Peter Grant (CAN) track, Genn explained that he was aiming for an efficient double-clear, but not necessarily the win with the 2008 Oldenburg gelding (Valentino x Caretano Z) owned in partnership with Patty Genn:

“He’s not a quick horse. He jumps a lot of clean rounds, but he’s not quick. So, for me, I like to start the course as fast as I finish. My goal for today, because I didn’t want to ruin my rideability for Saturday, was to have a nice double-clean, and to be efficient,” Genn detailed. “I wanted to get a good check hopefully if I stayed double-clear, but the goal is to win on Saturday. Winning today was a nice bonus! In the first round, I realized that in the jump-off I could do one less stride from 6A-B to 7. He’s a good turner, so it just came up nicely.”

To learn more, visit www.Tryon.com.

Wilhelm Genn Repeats Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Victory with Van Gogh

Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh. Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography.

Traverse City, Mich. – July 14, 2019 – The second week of the 2019 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, concluded Sunday with the second grand prix of the six-week series, the $50,000 Meijer Grand Prix of Michigan. As the fastest of only two double-clear combinations, Wilhelm Genn of Rheinland Farm in Warren, Ohio and Van Gogh emerged victorious to add a third major victory of the 2019 GLEF series to Genn’s growing list of accolades.

Jacob Pope and Last Word Champion $7,500 USHJA Outdoors National Hunter Derby

The final day of World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival brought a large pack of 43 horse-and-rider pairs to the Polk Family Main Hunter Ring to vie for first place in the $7,500 Outdoors USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Camping World and Gander Outdoors. Topping the field, Jacob Pope of Team Rakowsky in Wellington, Florida and Last Word ultimately led the lap of honor as the highest-scoring team thanks to two textbook rounds.

Media Contact: Elaine Wessel
(561) 753-3389 | ew@phelpsmediagroup.com

Wilhelm Genn Adds to Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Success with Dirocco Blue

Wilhelm Genn and Dirocco Blue. Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography.

Traverse City, Mich. – July 12, 2019 – The second week of the 2019 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, reached its pinnacle thus far Friday afternoon as 28 horse-and-athlete pairs took to the Grand Prix Ring for a shot at the winning title in the $30,000 Ingram Family Welcome Stake. Although they incurred a single time fault, Wilhelm Genn of Rheinland Farm in Warren, Ohio and Dirocco Blue ultimately took home the victory, the second big win for Genn so far this season in Traverse City.

Maria Rasmussen and Victoria Colvin Claim WCHR Week Championships during Week II of Great Lakes Equestrian Festival

World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week began during Week II of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival with GLEF veterans Maria Rasmussen aboard Hobbs Lane and Victoria Colvin in the irons on Koala capturing the championships in the Wrenwood Farm Green Conformation Hunters and Performance 3’6″ Hunters, respectively.

Ashley Scofield Succeeds in First Equitation Tuesday of Great Lakes Equestrian Festival

The first of four Equitation Tuesdays during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival took place during Week II, with junior athletes displaying their mastery of proper form over fences and on the flat in the hopes of claiming top placings and valuable qualifying points towards this year’s year-end finals. One of the first winners in the popular series, Ashley Scofield and Watermark, claimed the win in the hotly-contested ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Horsemanship class.

Media Contact: Elaine Wessel
(561) 753-3389 | ew@phelpsmediagroup.com

Wilhelm Genn Puts On a Show in Sacramento to Notch First Longines Victory

Wilhelm Genn (GER) with his mount Bugatti. (FEI/McCool Photos)

Less than three hours from the city of Columbus, which hosted its first ever Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ qualifier this weekend, is German rider Wilhelm Genn’s Rheinland Farm. Genn wasn’t there but found himself on top in the World Cup competition, more than 2,400 miles away.

Genn (GER) and his mount Bugatti topped a nine-horse jump-off to win the $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Sacramento, their first victory in a World Cup event. With a clear jump-off in 36.88 seconds, the duo topped Karrie Rufer (USA) and Georgie d’Auvray EC (37.31 seconds) by just under a half-second. Karl Cook (USA) and Caillou finished third, crossing the timers with a clean round in 38.47 seconds.

“I was hoping I got a chance to run for it today, and it worked out. Bugatti likes the footing, and he likes the crowd — it gets him a little excited, and that makes him better, because normally he’s a very lazy horse. It all kind of played a little bit in my favor.” — Wilhelm Genn (Germany)

The stands were packed to capacity Saturday night at the Murieta Equestrian Center as 25 combinations lined up to take on Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s (GER) 1.60m course. The first clear round did not come until the 14th horse in the order, but eight others quickly followed suit.

“My horse felt great,” Genn said. “I like to plan things, so before we came here, we showed in Kentucky, because they have a grand prix Friday night under the nights [indoors]. That was our warm-up, and we jumped very well there, so I felt pretty confident.”

Genn had not originally planned to compete on the west coast, but when his son Theo, who also jumped Saturday night with Taylor Reid’s Boucanier, elected to make the journey, he decided to join him. The decision proved to pay off in spades.

“I really came here for my son,” Genn said. “And then I thought, ‘I’ll bring my two horses.’”

Two New Leaders

New names sit atop the standings in both the east and west coast sub leagues of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League. Genn, who is declared on the east coast, now leads those standings. He is tied at the top with Molly Ashe Cawley (USA), who earned her first Longines victory in New York. Both have 20 points.

Rufer may have finished second in Sacramento, but she also ended the night a winner, going to the top of the west coast standings with 21 points. She earned 17 points for her runner-up finish, combined with the four points she received in at Vancouver (CAN) in August, the first qualifier of the 2018-2019 season.

By Catie Staszak

FEI Media Contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti Seal the Win in the $40,000 George Hennessy Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti. Photo by Anne Gittins Photography.

Havens Schatt and Mostly Sunny Top the $30,000 USHJA Hunter Derby

Lexington, Ky. – June 11, 2018 – The first week of the Country Heir I & II Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park showcased of some of the finest hunters and jumpers in North America.

$40,000 George Hennessy Grand Prix
An audience gathered to watch exciting show-jumping action in the Rolex Stadium Sunday. International course designer Steve Stephens and his team set the track for a lively afternoon of sport. Of the 30 entries, eight left all the rails in the cups and progressed to the jump-off round. Wilhelm Genn (GER) and Bugatti, owned by Eduardo Leon, were nearly two second faster than the second-place finishers, Liza Finsness and her own Shiver. Hector Florentino (DOM) and Heliante Ter Wilgen, owned by Marion S. Head, were just two-tenths of a second behind Finsness.

“There was only one big question for me on the course and that was the line to the triple combination,” Genn said. “When I walked it, I thought I would do six strides — it was a long five. I took a shorter approach to the oxer and it set me up to do the six to the triple and he listened beautifully. In the jump-off he was his usual self. He was really super.”

Bugatti, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Heartbreaker x Pilot), has been a successful partner for Genn for seven years. They have at least 10 grand prix wins to their credit and recently won two FEI grand prix events, one in Mexico City during the Longines Global Champions Tour and another at San Miguel de Allende, also in Mexico.

“He’s a big goofball,” said Genn about Bugatti’s personality. “He’s like a little kid. He’s basically lazy but he’s a curious horse. He’s sweet, but he can be a little bit of a bully.”

Genn was quick to compliment the show. “I’ve known Frankie (Stark) for years and I love Julie (Agar) in the office,” he said.  “It is a very nice show — very well-run.”

$30,000 International Hunter Derby
Havens Schatt piloted Mostly Sunny, owned by CH Farms LLC of Delano, Minnesota, over the Steve Stephens-designed course to the win of the $30,000 Hunter Derby. In an exciting match-up of 40 top-notch horses and riders, Emma Kurtz and Dedication, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, led after the first round with a huge score of 186 points but were left out of contention in the second round.

Second-place finisher Kelley Farmer and Todd Minikus’ Exceptional were in fourth place after the initial round, with 178.5 points and added 185 points to their second round. Schatt and Mostly Sunny, a striking 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, earned 364 evenly-split points to win the event just .5 points ahead of Farmer. Caitlyn Shiels and Cassius, owned by Durpetti Equestrian LLC, were in the eleventh spot after the first round. The pair stepped up with an outstanding second round to take the third-place prize.

Schatt imported Mostly Sunny from Europe when he was 5. A football fan, Schatt gave him his barn name, Larry, in honor of the legendary Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. As a 7-year-old, he was already competing in the High Performance Hunters and some derbies.

“He’s a very scopey and quiet horse,” Schatt said. “He was always a little inconsistent because he was still green. He had a couple of little injuries and he had to take time off. Now, he’s becoming the horse I always knew he could be.”

His owner, David Lubben (CH Farms), now rides with top hunter trainer Scott Stewart and offered Schatt the opportunity to continue to campaign him as a derby horse. She was thrilled to have him back. “He’s my favorite horse ever,” she said.

Schatt said that the first round rode very nicely but, for whatever reason, the handy round under the lights turned out to be challenging. After watching the first horse on the course, Schatt adjusted her plan. It worked out in their favor and earned them the victory gallop.

“Flowers for the champions, trees and shrubs everywhere, the VIP tent between the hunter rings — for a venue where show at a lot, they know how to make it a special horse show,” she said about the Country Heir I & II management.

Click here for complete results of Country Heir Week I.

Genn and Bugatti Earn Another Victory in $25k Pony Up Horse Treats Holiday II Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti. Photos: ©ManciniPhotos.

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie Capture $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake

Wellington, FL – December 18, 2015 – Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti secured another victory today at PBIEC, this time in the $25,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Holiday II Grand Prix hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Genn, of Lebanon, OH, and Bugatti, who also won the $25,000 Noble Outfitters ESP Year End Grand Prix on December 6, finished atop the class with a time of 39.234 seconds in the jump-off round. Abigail McArdle, of St. Charles, IL, and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve crossed the timers just behind in 40.344 seconds, while Ansgar Holtgers of Wellington, FL and Wisconsin III took home third place honors in 44.171 seconds. Competition at PBIEC continues with the ESP Holiday III Series, which will conclude on Sunday, December 20, with the $25,000 Brazilian Court Holiday III Grand Prix beginning at 2pm.

Genn and Bugatti have had a strong start to their winter season in Florida, collecting several top placings at PBIEC, showcasing their potential talent for the future. Bugatti, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Nona Bella), continues to excel in the 1.50m classes and seemed unfazed around the course, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA).

“I know that I’ve said this before but I really want him to just be consistent and have fun in these types of classes. I want to keep him at this height for a little bit longer and then try to take that next step to the bigger classes in the coming future,” said Genn. “He’s getting smarter and I really felt that today. He completely separated the jump-off and first round, which is what I had mentioned I was starting to feel two weeks ago. He’s starting to understand that part and it is a huge step in his maturity. It makes me very excited.

“I’m thinking about putting him in some of the bigger classes maybe towards the end of January during the WEF circuit and then just seeing how he feels after that,” continued Genn.

Genn and Bugatti mastered both tracks of the class and made quick work of the jump-off round, which saw the speedy McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve nearly catch their time as the last jump-off pair, but the duo would ultimately settle for second place. Bugatti, not known for his massive stride, was expertly piloted by Genn, who chose to take several risky turns on course to make up time.

“I think it was a very good course today. Guilherme [Jorge] he’s such a smart course designer. He always sets the distances a little bit short here and a little bit long there so you really have to ride,” he noted. “He had a couple of lines today where you had to decide if you wanted to do six strides or seven strides in the middle, but you also had to keep the time in mind. That’s why I decided to do the inside turn after the second jump, because Bugatti doesn’t have that range in his canter. It’s not easy for us to leave out a half-stride and I’d rather add for the seven in the last line. I knew that by doing that I needed to make up the time and had to do the inside turn too.”

As a mount who must always stay mentally sharp to perform at his best, Genn stated that keeping Bugatti interested in the work is key when preparing and practicing for the bigger classes. He explained, “We really try to keep him happy when we’re getting ready. He will do a lot of flat work and trail riding the week of the class because we’re here at the same place quite a bit during circuit and he gets bored and to be honest, a bit lazy. I always try to incorporate things that are going to keep him focused and motivated because that’s when we see him really perform to his potential.”

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie Capture $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake

Lauren Tisbo, of Wellington, FL, and Rosiere Vesquerie, a 2005 Selle Francais mare (Narcos II x Java de la Vesquerie) owned by Tequestrian Farms, LLC, topped a class of 23 entries on Tuesday, December 15, to take home top honors in the $10,000 Pony Up Horse Treats Open Stake hosted at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie
Lauren Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie

Tisbo and Rosiere Vesquerie raced to the finish in the jump-off round, crossing through the timers in 30.566 seconds. Alexander Zetterman of Wellington, FL, who competes internationally for the country of Sweden, earned second place aboard Zidane, owned by Springfield Showjumpers, with a time of 31.61 seconds, while Mark Bluman of Weston, FL, who competes for Colombia, collected third place aboard Copa Cabana, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc.

Competition at PBIEC continues through Sunday, December 20, with the conclusion on the ESP Holiday III Series, which will highlight the $25,000 Brazilian Court Holiday III Grand Prix at 2pm. For a full list of results, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Genn and Bugatti Prevail in $25,000 Noble Outfitters ESP Year End Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn and Bugatti. Photos: ©ManciniPhotos.

Abigail McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve Best $10,000 #1 Education Place Open Stake

Wellington, FL – December 8, 2015 – Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH piloted Bugatti, owned by Eduardo Leon, to a win in the $25,000 Noble Outfitters ESP Year End Grand Prix at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Sunday, December 6, concluding the ESP Year End Awards Show. Genn and Bugatti finished the jump-off in 41.327 seconds, while Amanda Derbyshire of Wellington, FL and Lady Maria BH crossed through the timers in 42.33 seconds for a second place finish, and Emanuel Andrade of Wellington, FL and Armani Z collected four faults in the jump-off round to finish in third with a time of 42.424 seconds.

Bugatti, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Heartbreaker x Nona Bella), came into the ring a bit fresh in the first round, according to Genn, but rode beautifully as the lead-off combination in the three-horse jump-off. Both track, set by Catsy Cruz of Mexico, tested agility and athleticism, with several sharp rollback turns included in both rounds.

“When I walked the course before the class, I thought I was a very nice course and in the lines you needed to be cautious in how you approached them. The lines rode beautifully though and the height was great,” noted Genn. “There were three in the jump-off which was exactly what you wanted for a class this size. I was hoping that he would go very smoothly today and he was a bit fresh in the first round, but he was just super in the jump-off.”

Genn led the charge in the jump-off round, tackling the track first, before two notoriously quick riders were to follow, which proved to be an influential factor in his plan, stating, “When you go into the jump-off round first, you don’t want to self-destruct. I tried to put the pressure on the others and I know that Amanda and Emanuel are both very fast riders and have very nice horses. I knew that I wouldn’t get away with just going a little bit faster so I had to put myself into a situation where they needed to feel like they had to do something to catch the time.”

Originally imported to the United States as a top hunter prospect, Bugatti seemed more suited for the jumper ring and has flourished under Genn’s guidance.

“I’ve had him since he was five and I’ve brought him slowly along. As he’s gotten older he’s started to wake up a bit more and has that nice mixture because now he understands when he needs to turn it on. He’s only nine and I don’t want to push for the 1.60m classes with him yet. Right now he has fun and he’s doing great,” explained Genn. “He did the 1.50m class last week and jumped clear finishing fifth so I know he will jump there eventually but I want to give him a little bit more time to grow up and get there himself.”

“He’s starting to figure out the difference between the first round and the jump-off, which is so important. I think that is typically a sign that they’re starting to get good at understanding what you’re asking them to do,” continued Genn.

Both of Genn’s top horses have improved and gained confidence through the 2015 season, which will set them up nicely for a competitive start to the approaching 2016. Genn explained, “I would like to keep winning, because you know winning is fun, but the two best horses we have right now, Bugatti and Welcome Cor, during the second half of next year I would like to begin bumping them up to World Cup qualifying classes and the bigger 1.60m opportunities. I think they’ll both be ready by then and we can have some fun.”

Abigail McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve Best $10,000 #1 Education Place Open Stakes Class

Abigail McArdle of St. Charles, IL and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve, owned by Plain Bay Sales, took a commanding win in the $10,000 #1 Education Place Open Stakes Class at PBIEC on Saturday, December 5, finishing the jump-off round with a time of 37.873 seconds. Sharn Wordley piloted two mounts to the top three as Hickstead’s Axel, owned by Ashland Stables, finished in second with a jump-off time of 38.013 seconds and Charline 28, owned by Sky Group, collected third place, adding four faults to their time of 37.145 seconds.

Abigail McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve
Abigail McArdle and Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve

McArdle carefully guided Harriri V.D. Maltahoeve to victory after both the jump-off and first round track proved to be challenging for many of the afternoon’s entries as a steady rain fell during the class.

“I came into the class knowing that she was going to be much more careful because of the rain, but if you know that beforehand, you don’t need to prepare any differently,” commented McArdle. “This is a super young horse that we have as well as a few other young horses down here right now and I think that this is a really nice way to start the season and prepare with these pre-circuit shows.”

McArdle has steadily risen through the ranks, as the talented young rider has collected several major victories this year and has her sights set on continuing with that consistency moving into next season. She explained, “I’d like to get my grand prix horse up in the rankings a bit more this season and look to improve there. We have a lot of nice sales horses coming down this season and I think it will be great to get them experience as well.”

Competition will continue at PBIEC beginning Friday, December 11, with the beginning of the Holiday Festival I. For more information and for a full list of results, please visit www.pbiec.com.