Category Archives: Jacksonville Winter Series

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Finale Recap & Circuit Wrap Up

February 16, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Rembrandt and Ben Guanciale, 3’3” Performance Hunter. Flashpoint Photography.

As the Jacksonville Winter Series drew to a close and the north and west US were covered in inches of snow, exhibitors are trainers were again reminded why they migrate south for the winter: the Southern Hospitality and Florida Sunshine! Jennifer Berol Bliss, who hails from North Salem, NY, said, “I am based in Wellington for the winter, but I think that the horses benefit from a little change of scenery. The whole management team at Jacksonville works hard to make the shows very fun and exhibitor friendly. They also offer lots of fun classes, from the WCHR week to the USHJA National Hunter Classics and International Hunter Derbies.”

Jacksonville is honored to have been again chosen to be a World Champion Hunter Rider Member Event. The WCHR Program was founded in 1995 to recognize and celebrate the hunter rider. Professionals, Developing Professionals, Amateur Owners, Adult Amateurs, Juniors, Children’s and Pony riders compete to qualify for National and Regional Awards by earning points at Member Events held across the country throughout the qualifying year. Each year the top ten nationally ranked riders and top six regionally ranked riders in each category come together to compete in the WCHR Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Each week of the 3 week long series featured a $2,500 National Hunter Derby sponsored by Jerry Parks Insurance Group, Hunter Division Classics, and Children’s/Adult Jumper & AO Jumper Classics. Week 2 offered a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club & Week 3 features a $10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic & a $10,000 Open Jumper Classic. Week 3 of the circuit was honored to have been chosen to host a Zone Handy Hunter Challenge, especially during the Inaugural season for these classes. Exhibitors in their home Zone enter this one round Handy Class, free of charge, and compete over option jumps for the $1,000 purse, which is sponsored by USHJA. The Southern Hospitality is certainly not lost in this series, as Spectators and Exhibitors alike can enjoy dinner and drinks in the heated VIP tent each week while watching the week’s highlighted event. Adequan and Mandarin Equine Veterinary Services generously sponsored lunch Pizza Parties under the Pavilion so exhibitors, trainers and spectators could grab a quick bite to eat while they were up at the ring preparing to show. Amanda Steege of Bedinster, New Jersey shared her sentiments about Jacksonville: “At Ashmeadow Farm we really love starting off our winter circuit at the Jacksonville horse shows. They have nice footing, pretty jumps and nice courses, and a great staff. They make an effort for the hunters by hosting a WCHR show, an International USHJA hunter derby, as well as weekly national derbies and pre green incentive classes. It is a great area with nice hotels and some unbelievable restaurants… we will definitely be back in 2015.”

With Equestrian Connect, you complete your entry form online with just a few clicks of the mouse. You now have the option to submit your entries electronically to a growing number of horse shows across the country or print and mail the hard copy. Equestrian Connect posts entry forms for over 800 USEF “A/AA” shows nationally and 30 select Canadian shows. Class schedules and prize lists are also posted.

Congratulations to Week 3 Champions:

Performance Working Hunter
CH – Karla ridden by Jeffrey Ayers and owned by Roberta Previ
Res – Thoughtful ridden by Keri Guanciale and owned by Kristen Gill

Green Working Hunter
CH – Esco ridden by Winn Alden and owned by Alexis Hale
Res – Portofino ridden by Keri Guanciale and owned by Alison Maine

Amateur Owner Hunter
CH – In Your Dreams ridden and owned by Krista Dietrich
Res – Bengale ridden and owned by Gerald Camera

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″
CH – Exakt ridden and owned by Gerald Camera
Res – Karla ridden and owned by Roberta Previ

Junior Hunter
CH – Comissario ridden by Morgan Ward and owned by Redfield Farm
Res – Sovereign ridden by Morgan Ward and owned by Lindsey Ward

Junior Hunter 3’3″
CH – In Our Time ridden by Victoria Wymer and owned by Ben Guanciale
Res – Celestial ridden and owned by Alle Justyn

Small Pony Hunter
CH – Juliet ridden and owned by Laurel Bennett
Res – Benlea Missou ridden by Madeline Schaefer and owned by Hannah Hoch

Medium Pony Hunter
CH – Hands Up ridden by Madeline Schaefer and owned by Jordyn Rose Freedman
Res – Sportster ridden by and owned by Madeline Schaefer

Large Pony Hunter
CH – Blind Date ridden and owned by Katherine Weisenmiller
Res – Illusion ridden by Morgan Ward and owned by Jeffrey Ayers

Green Pony Hunter
CH – Sanibel ridden by Victoria Wymer and owned by Keri Guanciale
Res – Candy Land ridden by Dominique Gonzalez and owned by T. M. Hills Farm International Corp.

Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35
CH – Gibralter ridden by Alexis Newman and owned by Laine Foshee
Res – Indiscretion ridden and owned by Krista Dietrich

Adult Amateur Hunter 36+
CH – Gallant ridden and owned by Millie Russell
Res – Roulette ridden and owned by Alice Dunn

Children’s Hunter
CH – Loyal Heart ridden by Madison Scott and owned by Laine Foshee
Res – Robinson ridden by Katherine Weisenmiller and owned by KMW Ponies LLC

Secret Santa and Jeffrey Ayers, 3' Pre-Green Hunter. Flashpoint Photography — *Secret Santa and Jeffrey Ayers, 3′ Pre-Green Hunter. Flashpoint Photography*

Pre-Green Hunter
CH – Secret Santa ridden by Jeffrey Ayers and owned by Daniel White
Res – Roland Park ridden by Megan Young and owned by Dudley MacFarlane

Short/Long Stirrup Hunter
CH – Diamond ridden and owned by Janine Pappas
Res – Chicago ridden by Rachel Mason and owned by Nicole Mason

Low Children’s/Adult Hunter 2’6″
CH – Double Down ridden by Margaret Beeson and owned by Jennie Edwards
Res – Portofino ridden and owned by Allison Maine

Special Hunter 2’6″
CH – Allure ridden by Terry Gonzalez and owned by Judy Boccaccio
Res – Fabulanos ridden by Jamie Reinheimer and owned by Karen Fredenhagen

Special Hunter 2’9″
CH – Three Wishes ridden by Ben Guanciale and owned by Rebecca Johnson
Res – Cortona ridden by Stephanie Von Bidder and owned by Deborah Snyder

Hopeful Hunter
CH – For Sure ridden by Jeffrey Ayers and owned by Sally Culhane
Res – Cortona ridden by Stephanie Von Bidder and owned by Deborah Snyder

Low Children’s/Adult Jumper
CH – Markos ridden and owned by Michelle Kunz
Res – Confidant ridden and owned by Teri Austin

Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper
CH – Hennessey ridden and owned by Madison Johnson
Res – Grappelli ridden by Lindsay Standley and owned by Gail Sonnenberg

Congratulations to Our Classic Winners:

AO Hunter – Exakt ridden and owned by Gerald Camera
Junior Hunter – Comissario ridden by Morgan Ward and owned by Redfield Farm
Pony Hunter – Blind Date ridden and owned by Katherine Weisenmiller
Green Pony Hunter – Candy Land ridden by Dominique Gonzalez and owned by T. M. Hills Farm International Corp.
Adult Amateur Hunter – Gallant ridden and owned by Millie Russell
Children’s Hunter – Say No More ridden and owned by Olivia Albright
USHJA Pre Green Stake – Secret Santa ridden by Jeffrey Ayers and owned by Daniel White
Short/Long Stirrup Hunter – Diamond ridden and owned by Janine Pappas
Low Children’s/Adult Hunter 2’6″ – Portofino ridden and owned by Allison Maine
$10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic – Florestano ridden and owned by Christie Cesery
$10,000 Open Jumper Classic – El Grecco ridden by Robert Lee & Owned by Brook Run Farm LLC

A special Congratulations to the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Winner sponsored by Jerry Parks Insurance Group – Exakt ridden by Jeffrey Ayers and owned by Gerald Camera.

A special Congratulations to the $1,000 USHJA Pony Handy Hunter Classic Winner – Thank Heavens ridden and owned by Katherine Weisenmiller.

A special Congratulations to the $1,000 USHJA 3′ Handy Hunter Classic Winner – Gibralter ridden by Alexis Newman and owned by Laine Foshee.

A special Congratulations to the $1,000 USHJA 3′ 6″ Handy Hunter Classic Winner – Romanov ridden by Isabel Noto and owned by Janine Pappas.

Congratulations to Circuit Champions:

*Kodiak BF and Michelle Moen, Baby Green Hunter. Flashpoint Photography*

Amateur Owner Hunter: Exakt & Gerald Camera
Adult Amateur Hunter: Gallant & Millie Russell
Junior Hunter: Comissario & Morgan Ward
Pony Hunter: Illusion & Morgan Ward
Children’s Hunter: Say No More & Olivia Albright
Children’s Pony Hunter: Willy Wonka & Carly Hoft
Green Hunter: Portofino & Ben Guanciale
Low Adult Hunter: Mackenzie & Cynthia Kellogg
Low Children’s Hunter: Double Down & Margaret Beeson
AO/Jr. Jumper: Dexter & Mackenzie McGehee
Pre Green Hunter: Secret Santa & Jeffrey Ayers
High Performance Hunter: Rembrandt & Ben Guanciale
Short Stirrup Hunter: Into the Mystic & Janine Pappas
Baby Green Hunter: Kodiak BF & Michelle Moen

www.nfhja.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Winter A to Z Recap & Finale Schedule Changes

January 29, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy. Flashpoint Photography.

Week 2 of the Jacksonville Winter Series and the annual $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club were a success. As spectators wined and dined in the VIP tent, Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy proved unstoppable as they continued their winning ways to best an impressive class of 24 horse/rider combinations. During the first round they laid down a beautiful trip, moving into the fourth place position as the top 12 continued into the handy round. Jersey Boy is well known for his finesse in the handy round, and he continued to impress as they were awarded the top score, and subsequently, the highest score overall.

“He was good in the first round; he was a little rusty,” Alfano explained. “He hasn’t actually jumped a course since Harrisburg. He was really good, but had a really hard rub. He came back in the handy and was awesome.”

Alfano continued, “There were a couple inside turns, one that was at the end, that about half of the people did, but it was a difficult turn, and for some it was a little rough. The turn went to the high option at the end, and if you did the inside turn you almost had to add a stride. We did it really smoothly and didn’t have to add any strides. He was just really on. I was pretty far behind going into the second round, and I knew I had a lot of ground to make up. I picked up the gallop and just kept going.”

Additional weekly highlights include the $2,500 National Hunter Derby sponsored by Jerry Parks Insurance Group, Hunter Division Classics and Jumper Classics. Mandarin Equine Veterinary Services generously sponsored a lunch Pizza Party and Equestrian Connect generously sponsored a Brunch for exhibitors.

WEEK 3 CHANGES:

The Zone 4 Handy Hunter Classic will be offered at 3′, 3’6″ and for Ponies.

There is no entry fee and each class offers $1,000 in prize money. All 3 classes are open to all exhibitors EXCEPT Professionals. Please take a look at the schedule here for class placement.

www.nfhja.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series

Jennifer Alfano Takes Jacksonville by Storm, Capturing $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Win

January 28, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy rode to the top of the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby leader board during the Jacksonville Winter A to Z. Photo By: Flashpoint Photography.

Jacksonville, FL – January 27, 2014 – Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy are back on the hunter derby scene, and they are taking the competition by storm. It was apparent that nothing was standing in this winning combination’s way as they rode to the top of the leader board at the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at the Jacksonville Winter Series. SBS Farms, Inc. proved unstoppable as they continued their winning ways last week at Jacksonville Winter A to Z, capturing championships across the divisions.

No strangers to the winner’s circle, Alfano and Jersey Boy once again took control during the Jacksonville Winter A to Z $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. During the first round they laid down a beautiful trip, moving into the fourth place position as the top 12 continued into the handy round. Jersey Boy is well known for his finesse in the handy round, and he continued to impress as they were awarded the top score, and subsequently, the highest score overall.

Jersey Boy was not the only horse that stole the spotlight during the Jacksonville Winter Series, SBS Farms was just beginning to start their winning streak. Alfano navigated Billie Steffee’s Maggie May to the Second Year Green Working Hunter Championship. They picked up two blue ribbons and two third place ribbons over fences. They also were awarded the second place for their efforts in the under saddle.

“She was really good. It was her first time doing the Second Years, which we knew she could do because she has such scope,” Alfano stated. “She was really good, and really consistent. She did the derby as well, but just missed getting into the second round. It was her first time doing the derby, so I was really proud of how well she did.”

In the Green Conformation Hunters it was Alfano’s own Candid who received the judges’ nod. During the model, he moved into the first place position, and he swept all the over fences classes. It came as no surprise that they would stand center ring for the championship tricolor.

“Candid was great again,” Alfano described. “This was the first time he was competing at the 3’6″ height. He was great. He is still a little green at times, but his jump is always awesome. He is a truly awesome horse.”

Alfano rode Diplomacy to the reserve championship in the First Year Green Working Hunters earlier in the week, earning the first and second place ribbons over fences, as well as the blue ribbon for their efforts in the handy course. Diplomacy is a new horse for Alfano, who is riding for Nikki Murphy. Alfano looks forward to continuing her new partnership with Diplomacy as she continues to show throughout the season at HITS Ocala.

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.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Winter Series Week 2 & Revised Schedule

January 22, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

The second week of the Jacksonville Winter Series begins today with the Jacksonville Winter A to Z. We have a full house this week, and really excited for the $25,000 International Hunter Derby sponsored by Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club, which will surely be the highlight of the weekend!

We do have some schedule changes for week 2, so please take a look at the revised schedule.

2014 Jacksonville Winter Series Hospitality and Schedule of Special Events:

Week 2:
Tables available for purchase $350/Table of 8 or $50/per person & includes Dinner/Drinks Friday & Saturday
Friday, January 24th at 6:00 pm in the VIP Tent
VIP Party: Dinner & Drinks
Saturday, January 25th at 6:00 pm in the VIP Tent
VIP Party: Dinner & Drinks
$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby in the Grand Prix Ring at 7:00 pm sponsored by Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club

Week 3:
Tables available for purchase $250/Table of 8 or $35/per person & Includes Dinner/Drinks Friday & Lunch/Drinks Sunday
Friday, January 31st at 5:30 pm in the VIP Tent
VIP Party: Dinner & Drinks Sponsored by Coffee by Design Concessions
Sunday, February 2nd
VIP Party: Lunch & Drinks
$10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
$10,000 Open Jumper Classic 1.30m

www.nfhja.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Winter Series Updates & Health Requirements

January 8, 2014 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Protecting the health of your horse and other horses at the Jacksonville Winter Series is of the utmost importance. The Jacksonville Winter Series has implemented REQUIRED Biosecurity Measures to decrease the risk of introduction and/or spread of contagious or infections disease at its shows.

Horses must arrive ONLY between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. Off hour arrivals must obtain permission from Stabling by calling 352.804.6576 or 904.434.4073 24 hours prior to arrival.

Upon arrival at the Clay County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center/Jacksonville Winter Series all horses showing or non showing must have and provide: PROOF OF VACCINATION via a signed statement from the attending veterinarian that the horse has been vaccinated against the following:

Within 6 months (180 days) of each show: Equine Influenza
Within 3 months (90 days) of each show: EHV 1 & EHV 4

If a vaccination will expire during one of the shows, the horse must receive its new vaccination prior to being issued a competition number for that show.

Current Negative Coggins Test

Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days

Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-4/1 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days

The Equine Health Requirements are Required for all horses entering the Show Grounds both Showing and Non Showing. These documents must be filed in the Show Office before any competition numbers will be issued and must reference your horse’s registered (show) name. Any horse not accompanied by these documents will be directed to the Show Veterinarian to obtain the required documents and/or vaccinations, and/or will be placed in quarantined stabling until proper documents are produced. Any horse showing signs of fever/illness/stress is subject to examination by Jacksonville Winter Officials and/or the Show Veterinarian, who may at their sole discretion place the horse in quarantined stabling or take further action if deemed necessary.

Additional Safety Precautions:

Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.
You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately.
Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses and the health of your neighbors’ horses.

Please go to the link for the Health Affidavit that you will need prior to arrival. This information is also available on the website at www.nfhja.com.

Series Highlights:

$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Week
Weekly Hunter Classics
Weekly Jumper Classics
$10,000 Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
$10,000 1.30 Meter Open Jumper Classic

The VIP Tent will be back and offering full food and beverage service in the HEATED and EXCLUSIVE VIP TENT. Reserve your table NOW for the International Hunter Derby (Week 2) and the Jumper Extravaganza (Week 3). Tables of 10 are available with included food and bar service ($350/table Week 2 & $200/table Week 3). Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the show in style and comfort.

The THIS Children’s Medal will be Marshall + Sterling Sanctioned
The NFHJA 2’6″ Children’s + Adult Medals will be Marshall + Sterling Sanctioned

www.nfhja.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Winter Series Ready to Kick Off Its 2014 Season

December 8, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Last year’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby winner, Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano. Flashpoint photography.

December 8th, 2013 – The 2014 Jacksonville Winter series, held January 15th – February 2nd in Green Cove Springs, FL, is just around the corner. J. P. Godard of Equus Events, Inc. has taken over managing duties for the event which holds an “AA” USEF rating. “I am very excited to be a part of the Jacksonville Winter Series team. What a great way to kick off the 2014 season,” quoted Godard.

The show series has been selected as a prestigious World Champion Hunter Rider qualifying event and will feature:

$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (week 2)
USHJA Pre-green Incentive Stakes classes (each week)
NAL/TIP Children’s/Adult Jumper Classics (each week)
NAL/TIP Children’s/Adult Hunter Classics (each week)
$2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (each week)
Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic (each week)
$10,000 Open Jumper Classic (week 3)

Hunter Classics will also be held throughout the series for nearly every hunter division. As always, the event will offer plenty of its well-known southern hospitality and exhibitor parties which are not to be missed.

For more information on the 2014 Jacksonville Winter Series, please call 904-993-2053 or go to www.nfhja.com or www.equusevents.com.

Contact: Equus Events, Inc.
803-643-5698

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Jacksonville Winter Series Week 3 & Series Recap

February 6, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Graham_Grand-Prix — Hugh Graham and Distant Star 3E. Photos by Flashpoint Photography

The 2013 Jacksonville Winter Series has drawn to a close for 2013. The three week long circuit was marked by sunshine, beautiful weather, hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere. Each week featured a $2,500 Welcome Jumper Class, and the first two weeks offered a $10,000 Mini Prix, which lead up to Week Three’s finale, the $25,000 Green Cove Springs Grand Prix. Hugh Graham, aboard Kingridge Stables owned Distant Star 3E, bested the exciting class where many well-known riders, such as Aaron Vale, Hayley Waters and David Jennings, competing for top honors over a Tim Hott designed course.

Hunter riders had plenty of opportunity to shine as well. Weekly Jerry Parks Insurance Group sponsored $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classics proved very popular on Friday afternoons, where Professionals, Juniors and Amateur riders navigated the handy course reminiscent of the hunt field. Cindy Cruciotti took home the blue aboard Nicole Lyvere’s All In.

Continue reading Jacksonville Winter Series Week 3 & Series Recap →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May Rise to the Occasion during the Jacksonville Finale

February 5, 2013 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Alfano104 — Jen Alfano and Maggie May. Photo by Anne Gittins Photography

Wellington, FL – February 4, 2013 – SBS Farms Inc. has jumped into the 2013 show season, leaving nothing behind. Professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano rode Maggie May to a championship in the First Year Green Working Hunters during their stay in Jacksonville, FL, dominating the hunter rings during the Jacksonville Finale Horse Show. She and her other various mounts also earned high honors in numerous classes throughout the week, as well as snatching the first place title with Jersey Boy in the International Derby.

Maggie May, a bay Brandenberger Mare owned by Billie Steffee, recently moved up into the First Year Green Working Hunters from the Pre-Green Hunters. Alfano and Maggie May gave everything they had, showcasing beautiful rounds over fences, and earning the championship tricolor in the division.

“I got her last year as Pre-Green horse and she is a really special horse,” said Alfano. “This was her first show doing the First Years and she was awesome. It is hard to believe that it was her first show of the year. She just marched in the ring like she owned the place.”

Continue reading Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May Rise to the Occasion during the Jacksonville Finale →