Category Archives: Southeast Medal Finals

Competition at 2021 Southeast Medal Finals Concludes with Day of Championship Crownings

Mckenzie Clayton and Bea Ready.

Tampa, Fla. – Sept. 5, 2021 – Competition at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) came to a close on Sunday, Sept. 5 featuring a packed schedule. With riders of all levels and ages vying for championship titles, Mckenzie Clayton and Bea Ready were the first duo to claim top honors in the Junior Medal Finals presented by The Clothes Horse, while Lexie Kate Crumbaker and My Way topped the field in the Pony Medal Finals. Top Show Jumping competition also came to a head featuring the largest purse of the weekend in the $25,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Day Grand Prix presented by The Adams Group eXperience of eXp Realty, where Callan Solem and Essenar Crixus emerged victorious, wrapping up competition at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals for the 5th anniversary at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Top junior riders were eager to show off their textbook skills and effortless style in the Junior Medal Finals presented by The Clothes Horse. Following a tight first round, 12 of the riders were invited back for an over-fences work-off. Riders contested over the shortened course and were asked to display the counter canter and a posting trot without stirrup irons. The second round could lend any of the top three riders the leading title, but ultimately it was North Carolina junior rider, Clayton, that impressed the judges the most to move up and earn first place aboard brand new mount, Bea Ready. Madison Ramsey and Maguro would finish the class in second place, with Kate Neily and First Verdi rounding out the top three.

Clayton, who showed Bea Ready for the first time just this week at the 2021 SEMF, walked away with the unexpected win aboard Kristen Bond’s 9-year-old KWPN mare. Having only ever ridden the mare three times prior to entering the Teco Indoor Arena for the Junior Medal Finals, Clayton was just hoping to get a better feel for the mare heading into indoor finals season where she will compete in the ASPCA Maclay and USEF Medal Finals. With the help of her good luck charm necklace, in addition to her cool and composed demeanor, Clayton not only produced two smooth trips but also nailed the counter canter, having never practiced the movement on her newest mount.

The youngest equitation riders took to the Gene Mische Ring for the Pony Medal Finals where Crumbaker impressed the judges with her style and finesse aboard her own 18-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, My Way, taking home the first-place ribbon. Second place was ultimately awarded to Elizabeth Dorward riding Show And Tell. Rebecca Holcomb and Mi’Amore rounded out the top three.

34 top horse-and-rider combinations took the Grand Prix Ring for one last class at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals for the feature event of the week, the $25,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Day Grand Prix presented by The Adams Group eXperience of eXp Realty. The large field of competitors provided an exciting display of show jumping as 9 riders moved into the jump-off. In a nail-biting finish, it was ultimately Solem who was last to take to the ring who bested Catalina Peralta’s 39.999 by a half of a second with a time of 39.428 seconds. Sarah Gordon and Castella closed out the podium with a third-place finish.

Solem and the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elan Farm secured their first grand prix win together Sunday afternoon out of a competitive field of 34 athletes. The newly partnered duo plans to compete on the winter circuit at The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida later this year.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Southeast Medal Finals Penultimate Day of Competition Focuses on Fun

Stephanie Cook and Vulco Monaco.

Tampa, Fla. – Sep. 4, 2021 – The penultimate day of competition at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals focused on fun as horse-and-rider combinations took to their respective rings for unique feature classes prior to the highly anticipated Finals Sunday, September 5. Show jumping riders dashed for the cash hoping to pocket the largest portion of the prize in the $2,000 Gambler’s Choice, presented by The Adams Group eXperience of eXp Realty. Stephanie Cook and Lord Arthur 1916 turned and burned in the Grand Prix Ring claiming the top prize, while Gretchen Swanson, Macie Sousa, and Mina Godden put forth their best collective efforts to win the Equitation Team Challenge, presented by Tenney’s Custom Saddlery.

Eager horse-and-rider pairs lined up at the Grand Prix Ring in hopes of gathering the most points to win the $2,000 purse. Open to riders of all ages and levels, competitors were allotted 50 seconds to forge their own path around the course with the goal of racking up the most points. With each fence assigned a point value based on the degree of difficulty, riders were able to jump a fence no more than twice and in either direction. It was ultimately Cook who took home the grand prize aboard one of her three mounts entered in the class, Lord Arthur 1916, Lionsway Farm’s 13-year-old Holsteiner stallion.

With the advantage of planning and executing multiple courses, Cook’s first trip aboard Vulco Monaco briefly held the lead with a score of 990. The Tennessee native laid down her winning round as the middle of the three trips with Lord Arthur 1916, scoring a whopping 1260. Her final round aboard Augusto produced a score of 1110, which would be good enough to take fourth place. The highly competitive amateur is a frequent competitor on the East Coast circuit and has racked up countless wins. Cook most recently pocketed two blue ribbons at Camp Encour in the $1,000 .95 Mini Prix and the $1,000 .95 Back To The Beach Welcome.

The race for second and third place came down to just a 20-point difference as Juliet Johansson and her own 16-year-old Warmblood gelding, TH Magic, rocketed into second place with a score of 1190. Sitting closely behind was Amy Foster who piloted Abigail Princz’s 11-year-old North American KWPN mare, Florentina HF, to a score of 1170.

In light of the 2021 3’6’’ Equitation Medal Finals Sunday, September 5, the competition took a light-hearted break Saturday evening as teams of four junior and amateur riders teamed up in hopes of turning in the highest combined score. The randomly assigned teams were given 30 minutes to strategize their course prior to the start of the class. A total of seven teams consisting of three junior or amateur riders registered with SEMF contested over either a 2’6” or 3’0” course.

Of the seven teams, it was Gretchen Swanson aboard Dominica V, Macie Sousa with Mojito Z, and Mina Godden with Calino 60 who topped the leaderboard with a whopping score of 234. Godden, the 16-year-old from St. Petersburg, Florida was the first of the three to take to the ring. The experienced ‘big eq’ competitor who qualified for The National Horse Show last year pioneered the track with her own 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding for her two fellow teammates. Laying down a base score of 73, Godden made the wise decision of pushing for a forward seven in one of the bending lines as opposed to the tight eight strides many of her fellow competitors were riding.

Sousa, who just recently aged out of the junior division, was the second of the three to try her hand at the track posting the team’s leading score of 86 aboard her own 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Mojito Z. The 19-year-old amateur rider from Orlando, Florida, who used to compete on the junior equitation circuit, plans to continue her equitation career as an adult amateur hoping to qualify for the Ariat Adult National Medal Finals.

Sorento, Florida native Swanson was the third and final ride of the three. The 21-year-old amateur rider piloted one of Oakmore Equestrian Center’s lesson horses, Dominica V, around the course earning a score of 75. As the ringer for the team, Swanson’s solid effort aboard Emily Patterson’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare solidified the team’s top podium position with their combined efforts, a full 27 points ahead of the second place team.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Derek Petersen and Schuyler Dayner Both Claim Last-Minute Wins during Second Day at SMF

Derek Petersen and Zechariah 3:9.

Tampa, Fla. – Sep. 3, 2021 – Hunter and jumper competition returned for the second day of the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa Florida on Friday, September 3. Following a successful kick-off day on Thursday, competitors were eager to get back in the rings and claim top honors in their respective classes. In the Grand Prix Arena, thirty riders battled it out in hopes of winning the lion’s share of the $7,500 purse in the Welcome Stakes presented by Up Country. Derek Petersen and Zechariah 3:9 prevailed over a competitive field of 28 entries. A deep field of experienced hunter riders took to the Teco Indoor Arena for the feature hunter class of the day, the $3,000 3’0” Hunter Spectacular presented by CWD Sellier. Schuyler Dayner and Bertram Winkle brought their A-game topping the leaderboard.

The $7,500 Welcome Stakes track featured a 12-obstacle, 1.25m track that challenged all of the horse and rider combinations to advance to an immediate jump-off. Riders that advanced to the shortened 7-obstacle track were immediately challenged on course by first, heading to a towering triple bar set as fence one. In honor of Southeast Medal Finals’ 5th anniversary, there was an extra $2,500 in prize money up for grabs, prompting riders to give the shortened track their speediest effort. Petersen and his own 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding entered the ring as the second to last horse and rider combo in the class. The current leader, Jenni McAllister, had held the top position for a majority of the class, with a time that seemed almost unbeatable. Petersen, who just recently partnered with his young mount in April, did not have plans to steal the show, but his quick and clean jump-off proved to be just the trick to move him ahead of McAllister. His time of 33.215 was fast enough to hold off the final athlete in the class.

Friday’s win in the $7,500 Welcome Stakes proved to be a very special occasion for Petersen, who is not only celebrating his first win with Zechariah 3:9, but also competing in his first show back after two months out of the competition ring. Petersen, who contracted COVID-19 in April, just recently climbed back in the saddle after a serious hospitalization with the virus that also sadly claimed the life of his late wife.

Jenni McAllister and her first of two mounts in the class, Legis Touch the Sun, a 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Legisequine.com, held a strong lead throughout a majority of the class but were bested by Petersen at the bottom of the order, while Madison Kondracki and her own 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Shutterfly, rounded out the top three.

Hunter competitors, with their expertly turned-out mounts, were the final field of competitors to take to one of the five rings on Friday evening for the $3,000 3’0” Hunter Spectacular presented by CWD Sellier. 19 horse-and-rider combinations made their way around the course in hopes of catching the judges’ eyes. Set in the hunt-and-go format, every combination was given the opportunity to ride a shortened version of a traditional Hunter Derby, with one portion of the round in the classic over fences style and the other half as a handy portion. Out of the combined field of amateurs, professionals, and juniors, it was young rider Schuyler Dayner who dazzled at the last minute with dual scores of 87.00, to take over the first place position with her own 11-year-old Warmblood gelding Bertram Winkle.

With Bertram Winkle as her second ride in the class, Dayner had the advantage of riding the course once before aboard Carlos He’Las. With the opportunity to improve upon her first trip scores, Dayner still did not expect to rocket to the lead in a class whose field was made up primarily of professional hunter riders. Though the young Florida native was unsure of her ability to best the pack of professionals, she is a frequent competitor in National Hunter Derbys, most recently taking home a second-place finish in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby at Plain Brown Wrapper. Dayner hopes to qualify for the International Derby Finals next year with Bertram Winkle.

Isaac Leffkowitz and Stacey Reser’s young rising star, Diaronimo, held the lead all the way from the top of the order until Dayner laid down her double 87s. At just 6 years old, the Holsteiner gelding and the young professional settled into an honorable second place. Patrick Miller and Morgan Goodman’s 9-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, Larrico, completed the podium in third place.

Hunter competition was also featured in the Gene Mische Ring with the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic and $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular, both presented by CWD Sellier. Competitive young riders and their ponies created stiff competition, and in the end, it was Evana Somareddy and Lafayette Park who came out on top. In the $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular, Braeden Simons and San Quinta SN claimed the first place prize.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Southeast Medal Finals Starts Its Triumphant Return

Molly Ryan and Periwinkle.

Tampa, Fla. – Sep. 2, 2021 – The 2021 Southeast Medal Finals kicked off on Thursday, September 2, at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. Eager athletes and their horses gathered in celebration of the show’s 5th anniversary. During the first of four days of sold-out competition, children and adults descended upon the Grand Prix Arena in hopes of claiming the first wave of blue ribbons being awarded. Racing to the top spot in the combined High Children’s/Adult Jumpers were Molly Ryan and Periwinkle, while Mary Eufemia and Central Park took the lead on the first day of division competition in the combined Performance 3’3”-3’6” Working Hunters.

The last to enter the ring in the combined High Children’s/Adult Jumpers was junior rider, Ryan, who was the only child to compete in the field. Though the Tampa native was up against more experienced competitors, Ryan showed maturity in her riding beyond her years. Set in the USEF Table II, 2b format, she and her own 9-year-old Hanoverian mount, Periwinkle, were clean and careful in the first round and immediately advanced to the jump-off. As the only rider to take all of the inside turns during the shortened track, Ryan shaved off precious time securing a last-minute lead, besting the rest of the adult pack.

Finishing in second place behind Ryan, was adult amateur rider, Juliet Johansson and her own 16-year-old Warmblood gelding, TH Magic. An amateur rider from Orlando, Claire Arnold, rounded out the top three with her own 9-year-old Warmblood gelding, Red Sky’s Smooth Sailing.

Having just recently partnered with her speedy chestnut made in the winter of 2020, Ryan and Periwinkle started their weekend off on a high note, adding another win in the High Children’s division under their belts. The duo placed first numerous times in the same division at the Ocala Winter Classic. Having started out at the 1.10m height just last year at the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals, Ryan and Periwinkle are planning to bring their High Children’s career to a close and move up into the Low Junior division.

The first day of competition in the combined Performance 3’3”-3’6” Working Hunter division saw Central Park take the lead in the Teco Indoor Ring with Mary Eufemia in the irons. With a collection of quality entries taking to the ring, the Palm Harbor native and her own 10-year-old Hanoverian mare showcased their consistency taking two second-place finishes in the over fences portion. Central Park shined the brightest in the under saddle taking home top honors with her fluid movement and even-keeled expression.

Regulars on the Florida show circuit, Eufemia and Central Park, are currently the top contenders for the division championship, which will be crowned Friday, September 3 upon the completion of one more over fences class and an under saddle class. Central Park’s consistency and style have earned the highly successful duo countless top placings such as a Champion title in the Amateur-Owner Hunter division as well as a Reserve Champion title in the Performance 3’3” Hunter division at CFHJA May, and previous Championship honors in the Modified Amateur Hunter division at Ocala Championship.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Wonsick, Plante, and Harris Win Southeast Medal Finals Equitation Team Challenge

Madeline Wonsick and Anabella.

Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 29, 2020 – The 2020 Southeast Medal Finals continued Saturday, August 29 for the penultimate day of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. While the day featured the inaugural rounds of the highly anticipated finals, the sold-out show also showcased a variety of exciting classes outside of the finals, including the Equitation Team Challenge, presented by Josh Hanoud Team – Tropic Shores Realty, and the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic, presented by Equine Healthcare International.

Five teams of junior and amateur riders took to the Stampede Covered Ring for the highlight event of the evening, the Equitation Team Challenge, presented by the Josh Hanoud Team – Tropic Shores Realty. Tasked with forming and executing a plan around an equitation course without any help from a trainer, individual entries could choose to jump at either the 2’6″ or 3′ height in hopes of garnering top scores and helping their team take home the win. The composite score from each of the team’s three or four members would total a final score, dropping the lowest score for teams with four riders. As members of Team 5, Madeline Wonsick and Anabella produced the highest score for their team with an 82 for their picture-perfect trip. Teammates Lauren Plante and Lancelot rode to a score of 79, while Danielle Harris and New Look received a score of 76. As the only team with three members and no drop score, Team 5 would ultimately claim the top prize with a composite score of 237, giving them a 2-point lead.

Team 3 would finish in second place for their total score of 235, with efforts from Chelsea Blackie, Isabella Powell, Macie Sousa, and Schuyler Dayner. Third place was awarded to Team 4, which included Mandy Desante, Emerson Myer, Madison Ramsey, and Rylee Tessmer for their total score of 229. Earlier in the day, the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic, presented by Equine Healthcare International, took place in the Stampede Covered Ring. With riders and their ponies competing over either 2′ of 2’6″ courses, each made a valiant effort towards a consistent track that exemplified handiness and correct form over fences. Susannah Morrell and Lumiere were the ultimate winners of the class, finishing on a score of 84 from the judge. Taking second place was Lilyana Sprafford and Clovermeade Windsurfer, who scored a 78 at the completion of their round. Sophia Sisco and Good Boy rounded out the top three for their score of 76.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Zoubair Bennani and Vishnou un Prince Crowned $5,000 UpCountry Welcome Stake Winners

Zoubair Bennani and Vishnou un Prince.

Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 28, 2020 – Hunter and jumper competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida resumed Friday, August 28 for the second day of the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals. Buzzing with riders of all ages and levels, the sold-out horse show produced an exciting atmosphere during the $5,000 UpCountry Welcome Stake and the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, presented by CWD, which took center stage that afternoon. Stiff competition in both classes made for great sport, but ultimately, it was Zoubair Bennani and Vishnou un Prince who bested the field to take home the top honors in the $5,000 UpCountry Welcome Stake, while Isaac Leffkowitz and Ever So Clever wore blue in the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, presented by CWD.

Twenty-seven athletes put their names forward for the $5,000 UpCountry Welcome Stake, all vying for the top spot and the lion’s share of money. Set in the Grand Prix Ring, the 1.25m speed course featured two combinations and bending lines that challenged riders to execute a tidy track while keeping all 11 obstacles intact. Hayley Waters and Harvest Moon were the pathfinders of the course, producing a clear effort and stopping the timers at 67.19 seconds. The speed format made for fast and furious competition as each athlete tried their best to pilot their way to a fault-free round. Soon after Water’s fierce ride, Megan Wexler jumped to the lead on a clear round time of 63.45 seconds. Four others would follow suit, clocking in with no faults, however, none were fast enough to beat Wexler.

As one of the final few partnerships to enter the ring, Bennani was cool, calm, and collected as he found the first fence aboard Leah Garlan’s feisty 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding. With an original plan to ride a smooth and confident track, Bennani was soon on his way to a victorious finish as he raced through the timers in 61.70 seconds, leaving all of the fences up and blowing Wexler’s previous leading time out of the water. The Ocala based athlete was thrilled with the unexpected result, praising Vishnou un Prince for his quick step and scope. As a relatively new partnership, Bennani has high hopes for the future with Vishnou un Prince.

Over in the Stampede Covered Ring, Leffkowitz and Ever So Clever came out on top in the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, presented by CWD. Thirty horse-and-rider combinations contended for the top honor, but the 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding proved to be unbeatable after leading the first round on a score of 86 and maintaining his lead with an 84 in the handy round for an overall score of 170. The Fat Chance Farm owned entry jumped in perfect form, showing his scope and adjustability throughout the two rounds to reign supreme on the judge’s card. Leffkowitz gained the ride on Ever So Clever, who was previously a jumper, a year and a half ago and has been campaigning him in the Green Hunters since then.

Completing the podium for the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, presented by CWD, was Shannon Dickinson aboard My Way, who ended on a score of 168 overall for their two seamless rounds, and Patrick Miller who rode ESH Corofino’s Legacy to a final score of 164.

In the $3,000 2’6 Hunter Spectacular, presented by CWD, it was Wexler and Despacito who earned first place for their beautiful trip. Taking second place was Kolby Pott and Val de Loir-Imoo, while Lauren Plante and Lancelot rounded out the top three.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Save the Date for the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals

Photo: Victoria DeMore Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – July 23, 2020 – The 2020 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) will be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida and is set to take place August 27-30. The annual event welcomes horses and riders for an exciting weekend of competition and camaraderie.

New this year, the weekend of show jumping competition will culminate in the $15,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Grand Prix, set to take place Sunday, August 30. Equitation competition will culminate Sunday with the highly anticipated Junior Medal Final.

The Southeast Medal Finals will offer hunter, jumper, and equitation competition for all levels and ages. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience. Join us!

Exhibitors are conveniently offered online entries that can be submitted at HorseShowsOnline.com. For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Karie Jane Pearson and Addison Reed Earn Blue to Conclude Southeast Medal Finals

Karie Jane Pearson and Enamored.

Tampa, Fla. – September 1, 2019 – The 2019 Southeast Medal Finals concluded Sunday, September 1, with horses and riders returning to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center to vie for championship titles. The Medal Finals classes kicked off the morning, drawing a competitive field of adult and junior riders to the Lykes Indoor Arena. In the Adult Medal Finals, it was Karie Jane Pearson and Enamored that came out on top to claim the leading title. Addison Reed and Windsor rode away with the Junior Medal Finals win, sponsored by Up Country.

In the Adult Medal Finals, sponsored by Dover Saddlery, the technical eight-obstacle course offered riders the chance to showcase their handiness and adjustability through rollback turns, an in-and-out combination and opportunities to take an inside track. After the first round, Dorian Cieslak led the class riding her own Fellow Van’t Polderhof with a score of 84. Pearson followed close behind with their score of 80. Also in contention for the top spot was the third place rider Jennifer Giraldin riding her own Quesnel with a score of 78.

For the work-off round, the judges elected to challenge riders to a shortened course, asking them to demonstrate rollback turns and showcase their skills over a trot fence. With first place honors up for grabs, Pearson impressed the judges enough to move up into the top spot. Second place was ultimately awarded to Morgan Mulcahy riding her own Centara. Ceislak and Fellow Van’t Polderhof rounded out the top three.

Pearson and Enamored, an 18-year-old Westphalian Warmblood mare, have been paired together for two years. Prior to competing in the equitation divisions, Enamored was a seasoned jumper mount. Pearson recently started competing with the mare in both equitation and hunter divisions, and their transition to the new rings is clearly paying off.

Earlier in the day, the junior riders took center stage for the Junior Medal Finals, sponsored by Up Country. Following a competitive first round, Madison Ryan and Caprio owned by Jai Smith Rezac, sat in the lead with their score of 86. Reed and Windsor, owned by Bailey Tims, sat close behind in second with a score of 85, followed by Paige Moose in third riding her own Quintilus to a score of 83.

The judges invited all riders back to the arena to challenge them over a shortened track. Riders were asked to tackle a course of just four fences with technical rollback turns, as well as a trot fence, and return to the gate showcasing a sitting trot. The second round could lend any of the top three riders the leading title, but ultimately it was Reed that impressed the judges the most to move up and earn first place. Moose and Quintilus would finish the class in second place, with Ryan and Caprio rounding out the top three.

Sunday’s finals concluded the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals. Horses and riders enjoyed a weekend of competition and camaraderie, with many new champions crowned, and those hoping to enter next year have a whole year of qualifying possibilities ahead of them prior to the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Kasey Parker and Hamlet Claim Jumper Final Win at Southeast Medal Finals

Kasey Parker and Hamlet.

Tampa, Fla. – August 31, 2019 – Jumper competitors took center stage in the Grand Prix arena during the second day of the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF). Riders competed in a Nation’s Cup format for the 0.85m Jumper Final, sponsored by Tenney’s Custom Saddlery, aiming to remain clear over two rounds of competition. Riders that remained on a zero fault score over the course of the two rounds were invited to the final jump-off to decide the top placings. Ultimately, it was Kasey Parker and Hamlet, owned by Rachel Williams, that earned first place.

For the first round, 18 competitors took the arena with only six managing to complete a fault-free round within the time allowed. Clear riders included Parker, Rebecca Holcomb, Stephanie Welborne, Janice Brodkin, Gretchen Swanson, and Stephanie Engler. Following the second round, just four horse-and-athlete combinations remained fault-free in order to advance to the jump-off.

The pathfinder for the jump-off course was Swanson riding Broadway Joe, owned by Peggy Stevens. The pair completed a clear effort in 39.377 seconds to set the pace for the competitors that followed. Engler and her own Conquistadora attempted to take over the lead, but were just short with a fault-free time of 40.489 seconds. As the second-to-last competitor to tackle the jump-off, Parker and Hamlet entered the Grand Prix arena determined to take the win. The pair completed a swift, clean effort three seconds faster than the leading time to claim the top spot in 36.483 seconds.

The final competitor for the jump-off, Brodkin and Aber-Ka-Dabra, had an unfortunate rail on course, finishing on 4 total faults in 41.99 seconds. Parker’s quick clear effort was enough to hold her lead, ultimately garnering her the first-place honors. Second place was awarded to Swanson aboard Broadway Joe, with Engler and Conquistadora rounding out the top three.

Parker, a 24-year-old based out of Sanford, Florida, trains with Peggy Stevens at Brookmore Farms. She has had the ride on Hamlet, an 18-year-old Thoroughbred Warmblood gelding, for five years while his owner, Williams, has been away at veterinary school. This year marks Parker’s second year in a row returning to competition at the Southeast Medal Finals.

Earlier in the day, pony riders had their time to shine in the Stampede covered arena for the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic. Ultimately, it was Susannah Morrell riding CYR Point Pulitzer Prize, owned by CYR Point Stable, that took home top honors. Finishing in second place was Bailey Benner riding Brighton Paragon, owned by Keith Alaimo, with Lilly Mack and her own Special Agent rounding out the top three. Morrell and CYR Point Pulitzer Prize also took home the championship honors in the Pony Hunter division, sweeping all three classes.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Addison Reed and Lauren Carpenter Kick Off Southeast Medal Finals in Winning Fashion

Addison Reed and Windsor.

Tampa, Fla. – August 30, 2019 – The 2019 Southeast Medal Finals kicked off its third year at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida, drawing a crowd of qualified horses and riders to compete for year-end finals titles. The prestigious competition presented many opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and get experience in the ring prior to Saturday’s finals. Junior riders Addison Reed and Lauren Carpenter nabbed the win in the CWD $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular and $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular, respectively.

Reed took to the Stampede arena aboard Windsor, a mount that she only started riding Friday morning. She often catch rides various mounts for her trainer, Jamie Stryker, and she plans to continue the weekend riding Windsor in the Junior Hunter division. In the classic round of the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, Reed and Windsor, owned by Bailey Tims, rode to a class-topping score of 80 to take the early lead.

Heading into the handy round, Reed’s trainer, Stryker, sat in second place aboard Quintilus, owned by Paige Moose, with a score of 81. Sophie Baron and Trident, owned by Stryker, sat in third place with a score of 68. Coming back for the handy round, Jessica Cross and Varina, owned by Waters Edge Stable, moved up in the ranks with a handy score of 83 for an overall total of 148.

As the second-to-last pair to enter the ring, Stryker and Quintilus earned a score of 78, enough to take the lead from Cross and Varina. As the final competitors to tackle the handy round, Reed and Windsor remained consistent, earning a score of 83 for a total overall score of 163 to clinch the win. Second place was ultimately awarded to Stryker and Quintilus, and Cross and Varina rounded out the top three.

Following the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, competitors took to the Stampede arena for the $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular. The class winner, Carpenter and her mount Bellini sat in the lead after their classic round received a score of 82. As the final pair to enter the arena, Carpenter and Bellini came back strong in the handy to earn a score of 81, ultimately clinching the blue ribbon.

Second place was awarded to Mia O’Brien aboard her own mount Dom Perignon after earning two scores of 80 for an overall total of 160. Rounding out the top three was Gina Zambrano riding her own Azalea Decor to scores of 77 and 65 for an overall total of 142.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.