Category Archives: Classic Company

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hercules and Holly Shepherd Win $25k EMO Grand Prix at Gulf Coast Winter Classic

The 25th Anniversary of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit wrapped up after a week of fun filled competition at the beautiful Harrison County Fairgrounds.

Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, in the irons of Loretta Patterson’s Hercules, kicked off the Gulf Coast Winter Classic with a win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix and also picked up a second place with Patterson’s Warmachine.

With a first-round time allowed of 84 seconds, only three advanced to the jump off round. Shepherd commented, “The combinations got a little bit tight, and you needed to be able to adjust. It really depended on what size horse and what size step you had to figure out how you’d ride the course and I had to package my horses for the combinations,” she said.

The first round saw Kelly Arvidson of Nashville, Tennessee, aboard Ark Partners LLC’s Oak Groves Celebrity, turn in a clear first round in a time of 74.891 seconds. Shepherd and Warmachine followed with a clear round in a time of 77.540 seconds and she also had the final clear first round with Hercules in a time of 76.891 seconds.

Arvidson and Oak Groves Celebrity were first to go in the jump off round. Their fault-free time in 37.135 seconds beat the 40 seconds time allowed and set the new time to beat.

Shepherd and Warmachine followed and their fault free round in 35.481 seconds took the lead. “I knew I had it in the bag after Warmachine,” commented Shepherd. “I just put the pressure on Hercules to see if he could outrun his ‘big brother’ and he did!” Shepherd and Hercules passed through the timers in 34.104 seconds and won the first Grand Prix of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic’s 2023 season and a second with Warmachine. “He [Hercules] has really come into his own this past year and is really growing up. He’s been a rock star in the Grand Prix lately,” Shepherd commented.

Arvidson and Oak Groves Celebrity placed third and Gianna Aycock of Argyle, Texas placed fourth with Dalman Show Jumping’s Con Sorpresa H as the fastest four fault first round with a time of 72.320 seconds.

Fifth was awarded to Colby Coltrain of Argyle, Texas and Gianna Aycock’s Conquer after earning four faults in the first round with a time of 736.36 seconds.

Katherine Le Blanc of Folsom, Louisiana and David O’Donnell’s MTM Turbojack earned a sixth-place finish after posting a four fault first round in a time of 77.512 seconds, and Shepherd picked up a seventh with Brenda Peurifoy’s Gladjas for their four fault first round in 78.384 seconds.

Le Blanc returned for an eighth-place ribbon with David O’Donnell’s MTM Vinze for their eight fault first round in 71.753 seconds and Trina Green of Corinth, Texas placed ninth with Madison Ann Skarzenski’s Tinito Paulowna Z.

“We had a great day. The grass grand prix field felt great, the weather was beautiful, and the horses jumped well,” said Shepherd.

For more information and results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Winning Never Gets Old

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Week I of the Aiken Summer Classic wrapped up after a well-attended week at Bruce’s Field.

Aiken’s own Daniel Geitner had a heck of a week at the office, winning the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, and the $35,000 Nutrena Grand Prix.

“Winning never gets old,” Geitner laughed.

Geitner wrapped up his successful week with the win in the $35,000 Nutrena Grand Prix over a course designed by world renown course designer and Olympian, Michel Vaillancourt.

Of the sixteen horse and rider teams entered, only five would advance to the jump off round where the time allowed was set at 48 seconds. Geitner had five horses entered in the class and three qualified for the jump off round.

Geitner and his first ride, November Hill’s Cilia M, turned in a four fault jump off round with a time of 38.347 seconds. Sarah Hubbard of Wellington, Florida in the irons of Hubbard Horses, LLC’s Latino Van De Looise Heide followed in the order and their one jump fault in a time of 34.793 seconds took the lead.

The lead was short lived when James Billington, also of Wellington, rode Samantha Mackenzie’s Halifax Des Rosiers WB, posting the first clear round in the jump off with a time of 39.733 seconds and took the lead.

Geitner followed, this time in the irons of November Hill’s Lotus Van Het Hagehof. The pair turned in a fault free jump off round in a time of 37.00 seconds and set the new time to beat.

Geitner and GFZ Sport Horses, LLC’s Igo Van De Heibos sat in the last to go spot. The pair turned in a fault free round in a time of 37.699 seconds, securing the second-place ribbon and his victory with Lotus Van Het Hagehof.

Geitner commented, “It was plenty, of course. Michel [Vaillancourt] designed it in his usual fashion which made it look and walk like it was a pretty easy course,” commented Geitner. “The most challenging part of the course was the triple combination line and an oxer in the corner. It felt a little downhill to the oxer, even though it wasn’t and then basically standing still to the skinny was the most difficult part,” he said.

“It walked nice but rode difficult. Michel is an absolute master and somehow, he always gets it right. He had a great number with 5 clean and I had 3 of them. I had some young horses to show, and it was great mileage for all of them,” Geitner added.

“Lotus is a 10-year-old and just stepped up this past year to the Grand Prix level. He tries hard, he’s fast, loves to show and the heat, and he is a really game horse. I was lucky that I rode Celia earlier and then was able to watch a couple of other rides and I knew what I had to do with the last two horses,” said Geitner.

Billington and Halifax Des Rosiers placed third overall and Hubbard and Latino Van De Looise Heide earned a fourth place ribbon. Geitner and Cilia Hill earned a fifth-place finish, and he also won a sixth place ribbon with Oak Ledge Farm’s Fazous as the fastest four fault first round in a time of 70.139 seconds.

Quinn Larimer of Mableton, Georgia rode Nestledown Equine Services, LLC’s Olympia Van Het Eikenhof to a seventh-place finish with their four fault first round in a time of 70.299 seconds.

Megan Rosenthal of Charlotte, North Carolina in the irons of Fairy Tale Farms, LLC’s Caliente earned an eighth-place finish for their four fault first round in a time of 70.995 seconds, and ninth was awarded to Hakini, owned by Ellen Walker and ridden by Adam Sklansky of Birmingham, Alabama.

Larimer returned for a tenth-place ribbon with Nestledown Equine Services, LLC’s Bronson CR for their four fault first round in a time of 74.603 seconds.

Hubbard also placed eleventh with Hubbard Horses International’s Japardie for their four fault first round in a time of 74.269 seconds. Samantha Mackenzie and her own Inajottie WB wrapped up the class with a twelfth-place finish for their four fault first round in a time of 75.541 seconds.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aiken Summer Classic Wraps Up Successful Week I

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After a long hiatus, the Classic Company kicked off Week I at the Aiken Summer Classic with sold-out stalls. “We are so happy to be back in the ring,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company. “We have implemented Covid-19 protocol geared to making the exhibitors’ showing experience the safest it can be,” he added. “We’ve added extensive, additional services in the office,” said Bell.

Daniel Geitner Sweeps $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix

As the first show back after the Covid-19 shutdown, Geitner made up for lost time bringing home four ribbons, including the blue with November Hill’s Vesta De Lavardin in Saturday’s $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Equisport Insurance Grand Prix, presented by EMO. “It was great to be back in the show ring,” he said. “We really missed it!”

Twenty-six entries competed over the course designed by Michel Vaillancourt and only eight of the horse and rider teams advanced to the jump off round.

“It was a nice class and a really well-designed course,” commented Geitner. “You want a third to a quarter of the class clean and Michel [Vaillancourt] hit that number. He [Vaillancourt] is so good; he’s an excellent judge of how tough and technical he can make the course,” said Geitner.

Geitner rode four of the eight jump-off qualifiers! His first ride, Cilia M, owned by November Hill, took two rails at the final combination for a combined 8 jump faults in a time of 35.580 seconds. “She was great, but she lost a shoe after the fourth jump and that kind of threw her off a bit. We all knew it would be a fast jump off and a tight turn to the final combination which gave some of us problems,” said Geitner.

Kyle Dewar of Ocala, Florida and his own Clever Van De Helle were next to tackle the course but the same combination earned him a four jump faults and he finished in 35.963 seconds.

Geitner returned to the arena, this time in the irons of his own Gigolo. The pair turned in a fault-free round in 36.662 seconds.

“He’s [Gigolo] a new mount for me and this is actually his first Grand Prix. I wanted to be quick enough but make sure I was clean and we accomplished that goal which put a little pressure on everyone after me,” he said.

Jamie Gibson of Ocala, Florida, in the irons of Lucky Horses, LLC’s Caddie R, followed in the order. The pair grabbed the same rail at the last combination for a total of four jump faults in a time of 35.521 seconds.

Hanna Toering of Waterford, Virginia and her own Balou Moon BHF followed in the order with four jump faults in a time of 37.515 seconds which would see them finish in seventh place.

Geitner returned with this third ride in the jump off, November Hill’s Vesta De Lavardin, and turned in another fault-free round in a time of 34.043, setting the new time to beat.

Geitner commented, “She’s [Vesta De Lavardin] is really fast and very experienced. I knew I could take some chances with her and the only person I needed to get pressure on at that time was Grant Seger. That’s her game going fast… she’s naturally quick and is as competitive as I am,” he said.

Grant Seger, also of Aiken, and his own Catogi followed Geitner and Vesta De Lavardin with a fault-free round, but their time of 35.327 would keep Geitner in the lead.

Geitner was last to go in the Grand Prix with Oak Ledge Farm’s Fazous. Four jump faults in a time of 34.425 seconds would earn them a fourth-place ribbon overall. “He’s [Fazous] a younger horse and I knew there were only three double cleans so I went as quick as I could, but knew that even with a rail I could still get a fourth,” Geitner commented.

The final results had Geitner awarded the blue ribbon with Vesta De Lavardin, third with Gigolo and fourth with Fazous as well as an eighth with November Hill’s Cilia M. Seger and Catogi earned second place as well as a tenth and eleventh with Hillary Drummond Sport Horses’ Idalgo and Grey Fox Crossing’s Cantucchini, respectively. Gibson finished in fifth place with Caddie R and Dewar earned a sixth place with Clever Van De Helle. Doug Payne finished in ninth with Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence and Penny Brennan of Buhl, Alabama wrapped up the class in twelfth place with her own Vertigo Delorme.

For more results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

The Atlanta Fall Classic Wraps Up and the Champs Are Crowned

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Leigh Hartrampf and Anglonorman Platiere.

The Atlanta Fall Classic wrapped up after two weeks of top competition at the Georgia International Horse Park to close out the 2019 Classic Company show calendar. “Thank you to all who came to our shows over the year and especially to those who showed with us here in Conyers. We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you next at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics February 13th!” said Bob Bell, Classic Company President.

The popular $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classics took place over the two weeks of the Atlanta Fall Classic.

The first installment Week I, the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic awarded Leigh Hartrampf and Alexandra Howard’s Anglonorman Platiere the first-place ribbon and lion’s share of the prize money, besting a field of 18 horse and rider teams.

The $7,500 NAL WIHS Barry Lane Jumper Classic awarded Kathryn Currey and her own Alil Evil the first-place honors.

Week II awarded the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic to Lane Brown Park and her own Zazoe while Leigh Hartrampf returned to the winner’s circle in today’s $7,500 NAL WIHS Barry Lane Jumper Classic with Anglonorman Platier and also received the overall championship.

Tracy Magness and John Bartko’s Chopin Du Chateau Hollogne 2 won the Week I $15,000 Jumper Classic, presented by EMO. Dylan Daly and Burgundy Farms’ Domino Van Lange Weeren won the Week I $5,000 Welcome and Week II, grabbed the win in the $15,000 Jumper Classic, presented by EMO.

Sydney Swarr, in the irons of Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11 won the Week II $5,000 Welcome.

The Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby took place both Weeks I and II.

Livie Guyton’s Christophe, ridden by Carolyn Bell, won the $2,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby Week I. Sarah Caswell aboard her own Ocelot won the Marshall & Sterling 3′ Classic Hunter Derby $250 Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Charlotte Sprague and her own McNamera won the Marshall & Sterling 3’3″ Classic Hunter Derby Non-Pro Rider Bonus.

Week II welcomed Jo Ann Forman’s Haiku, ridden by Aida Sanchez Long, to the winner’s circle. Sarah Bucholz and her own Encore won the Marshall & Sterling 3′ Classic Hunter Derby $250 Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Josie Evans and her own QVF Colt Seavers won the Marshall & Sterling 3’3″ Classic Hunter Derby $250 Non-Pro Rider Bonus.

For more information and results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kris Killam Scores a Trifecta Win in the $25,000 Bohicket Marina Grand Prix

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Kris Killam of Naples, Florida and Empire Show Stables’ Boreale De Talma, winners of the Week I $25,000 EMO Grand Prix, returned Week II of the Charleston Summer Classic to collect the blue in the $25,000 Bohicket Marina Grand Prix, presented by Sidelines Magazine Friday night. He also earned the second and third place ribbons with Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS and Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane, respectively.

“I’ve had a pretty epic two weeks here in Charleston,” said Killam. “I won first, second, and third in the Week II grand prix, which I have never done before! Pretty darn awesome, I would say! But I really just need to thank my owners and Empire Show Stables and most importantly, my staff. They have worked so hard here over the past two weeks and while I get all the glory, they are working putting horses away. Everyone from the folks back home, to my wife to my staff here at the show, they put it all together and really deserve the credit. I’d also like to thank Bob Bell and the Classic Company for putting on such a great show,” he added.

Six of the fifteen horse and rider teams advanced to a jump off round opportunity. The jump off round was set with a time allowed of 49 seconds. First to go, Chase Boggio of Canton, Georgia and Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle, went clear and their time of 40.420 seconds set the new time to beat.

Killam and Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS followed Boggio and Quesada D’Elle with a fault free round in 39.108 seconds and took the lead.

Rodney Harkey of Charlotte, North Carolina and his own Equador followed Killam and Gangster CHS in the order, but four jump faults in a time of 38.476 seconds would see them finish in fifth place overall.

Killam returned to the grand prix arena, this time in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane and turned in a fault free jump off round in 39.712 seconds. Boggio, this time aboard his own Co Pilot, followed Killam and with four jump faults in a time of 40.545 seconds would finish in sixth overall.

Killam sat in the enviable last to go spot with Boreale De Talma and flew through the course fault free in a time of 38.433 seconds, securing the win and the second and third placings. Boggio and Co Pilot earned a fourth place.

Daniel Pizarro Rosas of Milton, Georgia rode his own Ontario Eclipse to a seventh place finish, and Cool Down S, owned and ridden by Mary Meghann Huitt of Savanah, Georgia, placed eighth. Ninth place was awarded to Dana Noga of Ocala, Florida and her own Obos Pepperpot, and tenth was awarded to Legacy Stables’ Chaventyno, ridden by Sarah Middleton of Wellington, Florida. Huitt returned for an eleventh place ribbon with Robin Huitt’s Chiara, and Michael Kearins of Wellington, Florida and his own Evloien wrapped up the class with a twelfth place finish.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Charleston Summer Classic Week I Wrap Up

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Killam Pilots Boreale De Talma to the Win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix

The $25,000 EMO Grand Prix took place Friday evening in the grand prix arena and Kris Killam of Naples, Florida in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Boreale De Talma rode into the winner’s circle to collect the blue ribbon and his share of the prize money.

The jump off time was set at 55 seconds. Killam, in the irons of Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane, was the first to go and with their clear round in a time of 42.06 set the new time to beat.

Chasen Boggio of Canton, Georgia and his own Co Pilot followed in the jump off round, but four faults in a time of 51.28 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.

Sarah Middleton of Wellington, Florida and Legacy Stables, LLC’s Chaventyno followed Boggio in the jump off order. The pair turned in a fault free round in a time of 54.89 seconds, earning fourth overall.

Daniel Pizarro Rosas of Milton, Georgia and his own Ontario Eclipse earned four jump faults in the jump off round and their time of 49.443 had them finish in fifth overall.

Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence gave Killam and Memory Lane a run for the money with their fault free jump off round in 45.349 seconds, taking the lead.

However, Killam and Boreale De Talma sat in the last to go spot. Their fault free time in 44.886 seconds won the class and moved Payne and Quintessence into the second place position. Killam also grabbed the third place ribbon with Memory Lane.

“I’ve been chasing Doug Payne now for two months and we finally beat him in a grand prix, so that was awesome,” said Killam.

Doug Payne and Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence Win the $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome

The $5,000 Fabbri Boots Welcome kicked off the jumper action at the Charleston Summer Classic and welcomed Doug Payne to the winner’s circle, in the irons of Jane Dudinsky’s Quintessence.

As the first to go, the pair turned in a clear first round and second round, setting the time to beat at 30.967 seconds. Killam got close to beating Payne’s time with Helene Jones’ Gangster CHS with their clear second round time in 33.016 seconds and even closer with the last entry of the class, Empire Show Stables’ Boreal De Talma, with their clear second round in a time of 32.812 seconds. But those times could not beat Payne’s time and Killam placed second and third.

Chasen Boggio and Victoria Price’s Quesada D’Elle picked up fourth place for their double clear rounds and Darby Pease of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina aboard Katie Dalsimer’s First Lady BH earned a fifth place for their double clear rounds. Payne also picked up a sixth place as the fastest four faulter in the irons of Wendy Luce’s Marshal M. Dillon.

Boggio returned for a seventh place ribbon in the irons of his own Co Pilot and Killam and Empire Show Stables’ Memory Lane earned an eighth place finish.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

ClassicCompany.com
GulfCoastClassicCompany.com
Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Fall Classic Wraps Up with Big Numbers and Big Winners

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Ricardo Villa Pilots Cludy to Victory in the $15,000 Classic

The $15,000 Jumper Classic saw twenty-seven horse and rider teams tackle the course designed by Paul Jewell of Lambertville, New Jersey in the Olympic Arena Saturday. Only four advanced to the jump off round and Ricardo Villa of Campobello, South Carolina in the irons of Arianna Tucker, LLC’s Cludy won the class with a clear jump off round in 46.567 seconds.

“I think the course was very technical which is why we didn’t have more clears. I have a new horse and only had him for 2 weeks. I didn’t know how fast he was, but he has a huge stride and is really sensitive and turns quickly. I wanted to go a little fast and of course clear. I got to put a little pressure on those other girls and it worked – it was fast enough,” said Villa.

“Arianna [Tucker] owns him [Cludy] and she also rides with me. She’s been with me a couple of months and asked me to ride him for a month. I jumped him at home for a week and he was good and then I took him to Atlanta. I did the 1.20 m and won it, then we did the 1.20 Welcome and had just one rail down. I called her the day before the Classic and suggested that instead of doing the 1.20 on Sunday, we should do the Classic,” he said. “She agreed with me and that turned out to be an excellent decision,” he added.

Second place finisher, Stella Swarr of New Orleans, Louisiana, aboard High Hopes Farm, LLC’s Anos Veros went clear in the jump off round in a time of 47.581 seconds.

Last to go in the jump off order was Shanna Beyer of Collierville, Tennessee and her own Invictus who earned one time fault in their jump off round with a time of 48.020 seconds and a third place ribbon. Welcome winner, junior rider Olivia Epple and Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, placed fourth with one time fault in the jump off round with their time of 44.351 seconds.

Fifth place was awarded to Paul Macrae and Maarten Hygens’ Casquino for their first-round performance which earned them one time fault for their time of 75.435 seconds.

Heather Steinman and Elisabeth Yaeger’s Hot Spot earned a sixth for their four fault first round in a time of 66.243 seconds, and seventh was awarded to Madeleine Reich and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastik for their four fault first round in a time of 67.038 seconds.

Eighth place finisher J. F. Gagne and Lyons Creek Sport Horses’ Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu posted a four fault first round in a time of 68.591 seconds, and Casey Charles in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant earned a ninth place for their four fault first round in a time of 69.002 seconds.

Freestyle 3, owned and ridden by Greer Campbell of Charlotte, North Carolina, placed tenth for their four fault first round in a time of 65.910 seconds, and Aide Sanchez Long of and Eliza Lehrman’s Mr. DW took home an eleventh placing after posting a four fault first round in a time of 72.036 seconds. Mary Meghann Huitt and her own The Stig wrapped the class up with a twelfth-place ribbon after posting a four fault first round time in 73.455 seconds.

Fifteen-Year-Old Olivia Epple and Itile Horta Win the $5,000 Welcome

Week II of the Atlanta Fall Classic again saw big numbers in the jumper rings. The week kicked off with twenty-five horse and rider teams competing for the blue ribbon in the $5,000 Welcome Thursday over a course designed by Paul Jewel.

Set in the famous Olympic arena, the first round was designed with a time allowed of 80 seconds and second round of 45 seconds.

Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, ridden by fifteen-year-old Olivia Epple of Woodstock, Georgia, took home the blue ribbon in lightning fast double clear rounds in times of 70.785 seconds and 36.399 seconds, respectively, beating twenty-four horse and rider teams, including her trainer Heather Steinman.

“I know a lot of the folks I was riding against, and a lot were from my barn. And I just have to say, I have the best barn family!” commented the high school Junior.

“The course was great! It was challenging and just fun. I loved the lights in the big arena; it’s so cool when it gets really quiet when you start and well; you just get into a zone when you start going,” she said. “I just went for it. It is so much fun and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. I love to go fast and really love the tight turns.

“My mare is amazing. There was one turn where you had to turn back left. I haven’t don’t that often and I thought it was kind of cool. My mare is scopey; I enjoy going fast and pushing limits. The distance really turned up there for us,” she said of the course.

“I’ve had her [Horta] a couple of months. I got her from Maartin Huygens. This is a new partnership and she’s something special. We’ve jumped up pretty quickly and she is very forward thinking,” she said of her mount. “We did a bunch of 1.25 m and played a little in the 1.30 in Brownland, but this kind of a bigger step it for us. Horta is 11 and has done bigger heights and grand prix and this was our first time showing at Conyers. I feel like on this mare I can jump anything and I’m really excited about showing her in Gulfport this winter,” she said.

Casey Charles of Birmingham, Alabama and Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant earned a second-place ribbon for their double fault free rounds in times of 78.968 seconds and 36.950 seconds, respectively.

Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot, ridden by Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia, earned a third-place ribbon for their double clear rounds in times of 75.511 and 36.961 seconds.

Caroline Monahan of Birmingham, Alabama piloted her own Sevani to a fourth place with double clear rounds in times of 75.362 and 37.556 seconds, and Camille Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama in the irons of Ellie Miller’s Zathura earned fifth with their clear rounds in times of 74.195 and 38.191 seconds, respectively. Maddrix returned for a sixth aboard Caroline Michele Dugas’ Skyfall for their double clear rounds in 75.276 and 38.388 seconds, and J. F. Gagne of Columbus, South Carolina and Lyons Creek Sporthorses, Ltd.’s Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu placed seventh. Eighth was awarded to Madeline Reich of Mountain Brook, Alabama and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak.

Sydney Crenshaw and Camera Ready Honor Cathey Coffey with Double Wins in Barry Lane Jumper Classics

The third installment of the $5,000 Barry Lane Classic Saturday welcomed 24 horse and rider teams to the 1.10 m course in the Olympic Arena and it was Sydney Crenshaw of Canton, Georgia and Fit to Print Farm’s Camera Ready who won the class with lightning fast rounds. The pair was first to go and turned in double clear rounds in times of 67.772 seconds and 29488 seconds, well within the 75 and 45 seconds time allowed. No one touched their new time to beat.

“Thinking back on the weekend, we wanted to honor Cathy [Coffey]. She used to own Carmen [Camera Ready]. I’ve known Cathy since I was about 12 and she was a really special lady to me. She made dreams come true for me that I didn’t even know I had at that time. I remember when I got the call January that she had died, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to call Cathy and ask her if it was true.

“Looking back on Facebook on my way home, I realized I had won that class with Carmen [Camera Ready] in 2014 and 2015 and then back to back this weekend. It was really weird doing the class on Saturday. We finished the jump off and to not have Cathy there to celebrate; it was so strange. She was always there cheering us on, wanting to celebrate us, telling us what a great job we did. She loved the Barry Lane Classics and always wanted us to ride in it. It was a great way to honor her and winning both days was just amazing. I thought about Cathy the entire weekend,” said Crenshaw.

“Carmen is the nicest horse in the world and it was a perfect weekend – my perfect horse and just perfect weather. It’s funny – we always joke that Carmen’s name is Camera Ready, because she is anything but that! She cannot stand still ever!“

Alexandra Doyle, also of Canton, Georgia, and her own Wrozbita earned a second place for their double clear rounds in times of 70.0006 and 31.353 seconds and then picked up a fourth-place ribbon with her other mount, Carto’s Star, after posting a four fault second round in a time of 29.147 seconds.

Third place finisher, Cameron Parke of Marietta, Georgia, and her own Santa Rosa C posted double clear rounds in times of 73.501 and 33.277 seconds, respectively.

Falcon Ridge Stables’ Captivate and Annie Parsons of Atlanta, Georgia earned fifth place with their four fault second round in a time of 29.648 seconds. Jesca Henning of Milton, Georgia and Maarten Huygens’ Zaander VD Veoldekensho Eve Z placed sixth for their four fault second round in a time of 35.34, and seventh was awarded to Lauren Lemaster of Austell, Georgia and her own Lancelot Quainton, who finished their second round with four faults in a time of 36.190 seconds. Eighth was awarded to Chasm Z, owned by Madison Akins and ridden by Isabelle Blackstone of Monroe, Georgia, and Christian Currey of Franklin, Tennessee picked up ninth place with his own Vigaro. Courtney Kelling of Marietta, Georgia and her own Finnegan placed tenth, and Caliente, owned by Kate O’Grady and ridden by Sally Nicholas of Smyrna, Georgia, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

For complete results, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

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Phone/Fax: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311, Johns Island, SC 29457

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Payne and Quintessence Win $5,000 Classic Company Welcome

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Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic kicked off on the 8th and welcomed big numbers to the jumper divisions.

Jumper action got under way at the Olympic venue with the $5,000 Welcome and saw twenty-three tackle the course designed by Paul Jewel of Lambertville, New Jersey. First round was set with a time allowed of 74 seconds and the second was set at 47 seconds.

Doug Payne of Aiken, South Carolina entered and rode three mounts to the winner’s circle. As fourth to go in the order with Kelsey Calabro’s Home James, the pair posted the first double clear rounds and set the time to beat at 38.381 seconds.

Macie Atwood of Brentwood, Tennessee and her own SCS Luigi followed with the next set of double clear rounds and took the lead from Payne with their 35.915 second round time.

Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia and Alexandra Doyle’s Carto’s Star’s 34.751 seconds followed Atwood and took the lead, which would see Atwood and SCS Luigi finish in sixth place overall.

J. F. Gagne of Columbus, South Carolina and Lyons Creek Sporthorses, Ltd’s Lyons Creek Dragon Bleu followed with double clear rounds, but their second-round time of 35.936 seconds would see them finish in seventh overall.

Payne returned to the arena, this time in the irons of Quintessence, owned by Jane Dudinsky. The pair bested the leading second round time with their own 34.474 seconds and took the lead.

Steinman and Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot challenged that time with their own clear second round of 35.176 seconds but would settle into fifth place overall.

Maarten Huygens’ Fintan, ridden by Paul Macrae of Alpharetta, Georgia, followed with the next set of double clear rounds, but their time of 35.944 would see them finish in eighth place.

Charles Casey of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant also posted double clear rounds, but their second-round time of 36.325 seconds put them in ninth place overall.

Steinman returned to the ring, this time in the irons of Courtney Kelling’s Finnegan and looked to take the lead from Payne with their double clear rounds in a fast jump off time of 34.731, but by a mere hundredth of a second, would finish in second place.

Tenth was awarded to Emily Chavez’ Morning De Reve, ridden by Gagne. Payne picked up an eleventh place for his ride on Wendy Luce’s Marshal M Dillon and Sydney Long of Atlanta, Georgia rode her own Venchy De Bornival to a twelfth place finish.

“Quintessence is the best jumper I ever rode,” commented Payne. “He’s done really well over the last few months, winning the 6-year-olds in Kentucky and most recently in Princeton,” he added.

Tim Maddrix and Ebelina W Victorious in the $15,000 Jumper Classic

Twenty-three horse and rider teams tackled the course designed by Paul Jewel on Saturday in the Olympic Arena and Tim Maddrix of Leeds, Alabama took top honors with his own Ebelina W.

The 1.25 m course had a first round time allowed of 83 seconds. Only four advanced to the jump off round which was set with a time allowed of 47 seconds.

Doug Payne, winner of the $5,000 Welcome Week I, was the first to post a clear round in a time of 80.282 seconds with Wendy Luce’s Marshal M. Dillon. Maddrix followed with his own Ebelina W in a clear first round in a time of 81.979 which insured a jump off to the delight of the crowd.

Macie Attwood and her own SCS Luigi added themselves to the jump off roster after posting their first round clear score in a time of 79.876 seconds. Payne added another ride for the jump off round with Kelsey Calabro’s Home James after posting a clear first round in a time of 78.088 seconds.

As the first to go in the jump off round with Marshal M. Dillon, Payne posted a clear 42.110 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed. Maddrix was up next with Ebelina W and also went clear with a time of 41.546 seconds, taking the lead.

Atwood and SCS Luigi followed but with four jump faults and 12 time faults for their time of 54.516 seconds, would settle into fourth place overall.

Payne and Home James sat it the desirable last to go spot, and looked to beat Maddrix and Ebelina W’s time. But a rail and four jump faults in a time of 39.081 seconds would find them finishing in third overall. “The time allowed was really snug. I tried to beat Tim’s time, but I knocked the front rail at the second element in the triple,” said Payne. “Tim rode well and had me by a second and a half off the first horse. I went for it and took a shot and well, you win some and you lose some. It’s just the nature of the sport,” he added.

The final results had Maddrix and Ebelina W with the win and Payne picking up second and third with Marshal M. Dillon and Homes James, respectively.

Fifth was Maarten Huygens’ Casquino, ridden by Paul Macrae, with an 84.381 second first round with two time faults, and Payne picked up a sixth place finish with Quintessence, owned by Jane Dudinsky, for their four fault first round in a time of 76.983 seconds.

Seventh place went to Sydney Long of Atlanta, Georgia and her own Take Two for their four fault first round in a time of 77.944 seconds, and Caroline Michele Dugas of Birmingham, Alabama and her own Skyfall earned an eighth-place finish for their four fault first round in a time of 78.802 seconds. Heather Steinman of Canton, Georgia earned ninth and tenth placings with Elisabeth Yeager’s Hot Spot and Livhaven Stables’ Itile Horta, respectively, while Long returned to the ring with her own Venchy De Bornival for an eleventh placing. Charles Casey of Birmingham, Alabama in the irons of Double C Sporthorses’ CC Kolaborant wrapped up the class with a twelfth place ribbon.

Second and third place finisher Payne commented, “There were a good group of horses here. The course was tricky enough and rode bigger and a lot more interesting than it looked and It suited my horses very well.

“Marshal M. Dillon is owned by Wendy Luce in Milford [NJ] and I’ve ridden for her for a long time. We bought him quite young and initially as an event horse. He got to the Preliminary level and it just didn’t suit him, so we moved over to the jumpers. Marshall is a beautiful horse and has really come along over the last three months,” said Payne.

“Home James is a really great horse and has just got the biggest heart. When he came to us about four or five months ago, he had lost his left eye from an infection. But the owners wanted us to play it by ear and give him a shot,” he said. “Sometimes the shadows make it a little tough for him, but he really just gives it his all. He actually won the $35,000 Grand Prix in Charleston Week II last summer. He’s a little weird with shadows and the Olympic Arena here is a tough setting for him, but he is the most genuine and big-hearted creature,” he added.

Payne continued, “We’ve got a great group here. We brought 11 horses and we have three other students showing with us too. Two of our horses are going to the Jockey Club in Ocala next week for an event and this is the perfect prep for us. They’ve done really well here and they got to jump in the big ring. I haven’t been here in a couple of years and the footing is a huge improvement over what it used to be. The rain really hit us here this week and the footing held up really well, especially with the Classic Company guys managing it-really a great job!” he added.

Abigail Beaty Pilots Via Dolorosa to the win in the $5,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic

Saturday’s first installment of the $25,000 Barry Lane Classic saw 21 enter the 1.10 m class and awarded Abigail Beaty of Indian Springs, Alabama and her own Via Dolorosa the first place ribbon for their double clear rounds in times of 73.132 seconds and 33.131 seconds, respectively.

Of the twenty-one entries, twelve advanced to a second-round opportunity and only five went clear. Jack Dengler of Marietta, Georgia and Castlewood farm, Inc.’s Kira Van De Vaartdijk were the first to advance to the second round and set the new time to beat at 33.396 seconds.

Four horse and team riders later, Beaty challenged that time and grabbed the lead with her own 33.131 seconds. Adam Edgar of Leesburg, Virginia and Ellie Miller’s Zathura got close with their own 33.511 clear second round, but settled into a third-place finish. Lucy Reich of Birmingham, Alabama and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak earned double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 34.528 seconds saw them finish in fourth overall.

Grace Jordan or Marietta, Georgia and Darragh Kerin’s Rossco also turned in double clear rounds, but their second round in a time of 36.930 seconds landed them in fifth place overall.

Sixth was awarded to Alexandra Doyle of Canton, Georgia and her own Carto’s Star for their four fault second round in a time of 30.746 seconds.

Ella Duffy of Marietta, Georgia rode Missy Nolen’s Croft Original to a seventh-place finish and Lucy Reich of Birmingham, Alabama rode Ashley Hayden Morrison’s Cucino Z to an eighth-place ribbon.

Clayton Mullis piloted his own Tower Lux to a ninth-place finish, and Paris, owned and ridden by Jordan Keay Dillenberg, placed ninth. Grace Jordan of Marietta, Georgia rode Sarah Kerins’ Camboro to an eleventh-place ribbon and Accomplice, owned and ridden by Grace Asbury of Atlanta, Georgia, wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

Alexandra Doyle and Carto’s Star Win the $7,500 NAL WIHS Barry Lane Jumper Classic

Twenty-five horse and rider teams competed in the $7,500 Barry Lane Jumper Classic, the second installment of the $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic, Week I at the Atlanta Fall Classic.

The 1.10 m course designed by Paul Jewel was set with a first round time allowed of 77 seconds and 48 seconds for the second round. Only eight advanced to a second round opportunity. Adam Edgar and Ellie Miller’s Zathura were the first to post double clear rounds and set the time to beat in the second round at 38.783 seconds. Jordan Grace and Sarah Kerins’ Camboro tried to take the lead, but their clear second round in a time of 43.690 would finish the pair in third place overall.

Doyle and Carto’s Star sat in the second to last to ride in the order of go and posted lightning fast double clear rounds. Their second-round time in 37.841 seconds stole the lead and the win, moving Edgar and Zathura into the second place finish.

“I thought it was a really clever course. He [Paul Jewel] is an excellent designer and really set it up so it baited you to go fast in sections, where you really shouldn’t,” commented Doyle.

“My grey horses is pretty hot and has a lot of anxiety. My plan was to just get around the first course safely and correctly. The second round I just let him go a bit. He’s a naturally quick horse and he really enjoys his job. I want to give him a good ride and don’t want to give him any mental setbacks.

I’ve had him about a year. He really wants to do well and he is so afraid that he won’t do well, he freaks himself out. He’s such a good boy and I owe that horse everything,” said Doyle.

Isabelle Blackstone and Madison Akins’ Chasm Z finished in fourth with the fastest four fault second round in 37.819 seconds. Fifth was awarded to Lucy Reich and Booth Parker’s Nomination Hastak.

Doyle returned for the sixth-place ribbon in the irons of her own Wrozbita for their four fault second round in a time of 40.780 seconds. “I’ve had this horse for about a month. This was his second show in America and it’s his first time in Conyers. I want to say he was imported a month and a half ago but he was jumping on the larger side in Europe. I Was trying horses at Paul Mcrae’s and he suggested I ride him. I did and it has turned out really well. He’s been a good boy. I’ll definitely be showing both horses in the Barry Lane Jumper Classics next weekend,” she said.

Jordan Keay Dillenberg brought home the seventh-place ribbon with her own Paris, and Celia Cram of Aiken, South Carolina rode her own Auspicious to an eighth-place finish. Clayton Mullis earned ninth with his own Tower Lux and Abigail Beaty rode her own Via Dolorosa to a tenth-place ribbon. Grace Jordan of Marietta, Georgia and Darragh Kerins’ Rossco placed eleventh, and Grace Asbury and her own Accomplice wrapped up the class in twelfth place.

Natalie Geller Earns Top Scores in Classic Hunter Derby

Natalie Geller of Alpharetta, Georgia rode the first and second place $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby winners to top scores Week I of the Atlanta Fall Classic.

The winning ride in the irons of Holly Sims’ Sunkist saw first and second round scores of 84, for a total of 168 which bested the competition. Her second ride, Lori Christman’s On Board, led the first round with a score of 86, but their second-round score of 78 finished them in second place for a total of 164.

Javite, owned and ridden by Katie Kittrell of Madison, Georgia, rode to the third-place ribbon with a total score of 154 and the $250 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus. Eljero, owned and ridden by Sarah Williams of Peach Tree City, Georgia, earned a fourth place for their combined score of 153 and the $150 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.

Low Country Phantom, owned and ridden by Laura Neely of Savanah, Georgia, placed fifth for their combined score of 146 and earned the $250 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus. Josie Evans of Covington, Georgia rode to both the sixth and eighth placings in the irons of Lynn Laird’s Mandolin and her own QVF Colt Seavers, respectively. Her performance on Mandolin earned them the $150 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus also. Conrad 10, owned by Seven Hills Farm and ridden by Kristin Martiniello, placed seventh and also earned her the $100 3’3” Non Pro Rider Bonus.

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Hunter News Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classics

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Michael Leon true champion in $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with True Enough

Proving once again he’s king of the derby ring, Michael Leon closed out Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic with a win in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard Kelly Sims’ True Enough.

Leon, of Marietta, Georgia, and True Enough were one of 12 contenders to put their riding skills to the test in the Oval Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia.

The duo smoothly moved across the classic hunter component of the derby, finishing the first round with a tally of 161.5 points. Sitting in fourth position moving into the handy round, Leon and True Enough made up for lost points, achieving a handy round score of 188 points. The duo finished the competition with an overall total of 349.5 points — five points ahead of the runner up.

Caroline Willard, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, ranked second for her performance in the saddle of Tara Dow-Rein’s Baron de Ley. The pair posted a classic round score of 155.5 points, before achieving a handy round score of 189 points — the highest in the class. Willard finished the event with an overall score of 344.5 points.

Leon returned to the ring to pick up the prize for third place, this time for his performance aboard another of Sims’ horses, Eleventh Hour. Their classic hunter round garnered them 166 points — landing them in first place after the first round. A handy score of 175 points gave the pair an overall total of 341.5 points.

Fourth place was presented to Lindsay Maxwell, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who was aboard Hyperion Stud LLC’s Claas 16. For their first round, the duo ranked third for their score of 162 points. A score of 179 points in the handy hunter component earned them a total of 341 points.

Camryn Halley, of Oviedo, Florida, ranked fifth for her two rounds in the saddle of Laura Barrett-Gurtis’ I’ll Say JSF. Halley piloted to a classic round tally of 160.5 points, followed by a handy round score of 173 points. Halley finished the competition with an overall score of 333.5 points.

Ranking sixth was Jennifer Tate of Bourne, Massachusetts. Tate guided Barbara Kravetz’ Carsten S to an overall tally of 332 points. Seventh place was awarded to Carolyn Bell, of Alpharetta, Georgia, who was riding Eleese Shillingford’s Odyssey. The duo ended the event with an overall score of 304 points.

Eighth position was earned by Kara Jones, of Cornelius, North Carolina, for her two rounds with her own Chello. Jones achieved a grand tally of 279 points. Melissa Blades, of Cary, North Carolina, ranked ninth for her 259-point score with Cheyenne Sickle’s Jethro. Ranking tenth was Leon, this time aboard his own Celano. The duo posted an overall total of 233 points. Eleventh place was presented to Geoffrey Hesslink, of Shelburne, Vermont, who earned a 204-point score with Lindsay Maxwell’s High Society. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, rounded out the top 12 for her overall score of 199 with CopperhillSportHorseSales.com’s Dior Flying CH.

Payard and Erin Clayton victorious in $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby

Only a single point separated the top two contenders in Friday’s $3,000 Classic Hunter Derby during Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic. In the end, it was Erin Clayton who was crowned champion for her two rounds aboard Payard.

Twenty competitors tackled the two derby rounds set across the Oval Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. But no one accomplished the task at hand as well as Clayton, of Zionsville, Indiana.

Clayton was in the irons of Kaitlyn Smith’s Payard, an 8-year-old Holsteiner. Together the pair chalked up a classic round score of 82.5 points, before returning to the ring for the handy component. They wove and battled their way through the winding second round, achieving a score of 84.5 points. The duo finished the competition with an overall tally of 167 points.

“The courses offered challenges, but I never worry too much about that horse, Payard always rises to the occasion,” Clayton remarked. “In the two years I’ve ridden him, I’ve come to know him well. So I knew the places on course that played to his strengths, and knew the places on course where I would have to ride to accommodate some of his weaker areas. It was nice to get this win — I’m quite happy with (Payard).”

Payard has been matched with Clayton since his baby green days. In their two years together, Clayton said the horse has always risen to the questions asked of him.

“Payard doesn’t do anything fast, but he always gives his best effort,” she said with a laugh.

A regular on the Classic Company circuit, Clayton said she’s always happy to come and compete at such a well-managed horse show.

“The Classic Company puts on the most exhibitor friendly horse shows,” she said. “Whether it’s supporting the competitors or making improvements to the footing — which is fantastic — it’s a great experience to come to such a well-run, well-managed horse show.”

Hot on the tails of the winners was Williston, Florida’s Meredith Martin, who was aboard her own Odessa. The pair rode their classic round to a score of 82 points, followed by a handy round score of 84 points. Their tally of 166 points landed the duo in second place.

Ranking third was Daniel Geitner, of Aiken, South Carolina, who was riding Hilary Baylor’s Naddel. Geitner piloted Naddel to an 84-point first round, before earning 80.5 points for their attempt at the handy course. They ended the class with an overall score of 164.5 points.

Fourth place was awarded to Beverly Hills, California’s Lindsay Maxwell, who was in the irons of her own Conspiracy. The pair posted a classic round score of 83.5 points, and rode to a handy score of 79.5 points, for a total score of 163 points. Maxwell also went home $500 richer after securing the Classic Hunter Derby High Non-Pro Bonus.

Ranking fifth was Michael Leon, of Marietta, Georgia, who was in the tack of Kelly Sims’ Transparency. Leon guided Transparency to 77.5 points in the classic component, followed by an 85 point ride in the handy round. The pair ended the class with a grand tally of 162.5 points.

Taking home the prize for sixth place was Sorrento, Florida’s Megan All, who was in the saddle of her own Confidential. All piloted her horse to an overall score of 160 points, and also left the ring with the $500 Classic Hunter Derby Low Non-Pro Bonus.

Clayton returned to the ring to pick up the prize for seventh place. She guided Walkabout Investments LLC’s Walkabout’s Neptune to an overall score of 159.5 points. Jennifer Tate, of Bourne, Massachusetts, ranked eighth for her 159 point performance aboard Barbara Kravetz’ Caspari. Ninth place was awarded to Caroline Willard, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, who was riding Alex Stevens’ Sky Pilot. The duo finished the class with a tally of 157.5 points. Wellington, Florida’s Tricia Barr rode Rodney Bross’ Big Girls Don’t Cry to tenth position with a score of 157 points. Barr also took home the $300.00 Low Non-Pro Bonus.

Ranking eleventh was All, this time with Falcon Ridge Stables’ Cameo. The pair ended the class with 148 points, as well as the $300 High Non-Pro Bonus. Rounding out the Top 12 finishers was Oviedo, Florida’s Laura Barrett-Gurtis who guided Suzanne Lemons’ Content to an overall score of 146 points.

Jillian Minahan, of Milton, Georgia, took home the $200 Low Non-Pro Bonus for her ride aboard her own Joie de Vivre. Camryn Halley, of Oviedo, Florida, was awarded the $200 High Non-Pro Bonus for her performance with Valerie Vogel’s Always.

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Curly Sue and Daniel Geitner Victorious in Jumpers Week II of Atlanta Summer Classics

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Daniel Geitner wrapped up Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic with a win in the $25,000 Sidelines Grand Prix, presented by EMO. In the saddle of the game mare Curly Sue, Geitner topped the field and headed home with the winner’s share of the prize.

“Curly Sue is just fantastic,” said the Aiken, South Carolina rider. “She’s an easy horse; she rides super simply. Actually, she requires very little training on my part. I mostly just sit there and stay out of her way.”

This grand prix victory comes on the heels of Geitner’s win in the $7,500 Welcome Classic earlier in the week. Again, he was in the tack of Curly Sue, who is owned by Greg Burrow.

An overcast sky hung over the Olympic Ring at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Seventeen entries came out to compete over the first round. Clear rounds were hard to come by, with only four of the 17 contenders invited back to the ring to battle it out in the jump-off round.

Curly Sue and Geitner were the third to attempt the shortened course, racing to the finish in 38.691 seconds. A fallen rail at the last fence landed the pair four faults, but the duo couldn’t be caught.

“The jump-off is where things got interesting,” Geitner said. “You had to go over the mound to get from Jump 2 to Jump 5, which is always an added challenge. But the time allowed, at 40 seconds, was a little snug.”

Tricia O’Connor, of Williston, Florida, was the runner up. Aboard her own Coolman 78, O’Connor posted a four-fault jump-off round, and raced to the timers just outside of the time allowed in 40.117 seconds. The ended the class with five faults.

Geitner returned to the ring, this time to jump-off aboard the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood. The duo raced to the timers in 36.481 seconds, but sent two rails tumbling for a total of eight faults. They ranked third.

Savannah Unger, of Morriston, Florida, was awarded fourth prize for her performance with her own Fabio TN. The duo left all the jumps solidly in their cups, but were well over the time allowed, finishing in 47.783 seconds with eight time faults.

Wellington, Florida’s Heather Hooker ranked fifth for her four fault first round with Meredith Darst’s Quester de Virton. O’Connor was back in the ribbons, picking up sixth place for her performance with Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo. Chasen Boggio, of Canton, Georgia, ranked seventh for his ride aboard Victoria Press’ Quesada D’Elle.

Penny Brennan, of Loxahatchee, Florida, ended the class in eighth place with her own Vertigo Delorme, and ninth was awarded to Williston, Florida’s Michael Kirby, who was riding Fairly Stable LLC’s Play Boy. Ranking tenth was Boggio, this time aboard his own Co-Pilot. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, was eleventh with CopperhillSportHorseSales.com’s Felix BC. Kirby rounded out the Top 12 placings for his ride with his own Disaronno.

Geitner and Curly Sue Win the Week II $7,500 Welcome

Week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic kicked off in a major way for Daniel Geitner, who galloped his way into the winner’s circle aboard Greg Burrow’s Curly Sue in the $7,500 Welcome Classic.

Geitner, of Aiken, South Carolina, topped a field of 16 entries in the Wednesday feature jumper class, held in the Olympic Ring at the beautiful Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. Of those, eight contenders progressed to the jump-off.

It wasn’t a bad day at work for Geitner and Curly Sue, who haven’t been in the show ring since winning a grand prix in Aiken, South Carolina in April.

“The rideability of this mare is great; she’s as steady as they come,” Geitner said of the nine-year-old mare. “I haven’t jumped or schooled her over fences since Aiken in April, so the Welcome was a test to see where she was and if she is up for the grand prix later in the week — she is.”

The pair headed into the ring early in the jump-off order, setting the pace to beat right off the hop. They swiftly navigated the second round, reaching the timers in a clear and quick 41.502 seconds.

“I’ve been coming to Conyers to show here for what seems like forever,” Geitner said. “The work the Classic Company team is putting in here is evident — especially in terms of the footing. Hopefully things just keep improving.”

Hot on the heels of the winners was runner up Michael Kirby, of Williston, Florida. Aboard his own Disaronno, Kirby rode to a double clear performance in a time of 43.288 seconds.

Returning to the ring with his second mount, the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood, Geitner piloted to the finish timers in 43.398 seconds. The duo left all the jumps solidly in their cups and took home the prize for third place.

Tricia O’Connor, of Williston, Florida, ranked fourth for her four-fault jump-off ride aboard Michael Kirby’s KT Bolo. They reached the timers in 44.395 seconds. Fifth place was awarded to Mary Meghann Huitt, of Savannah, Georgia. Riding her own horse, The Stig, Huitt sent a rail tumbling at Jump 3, before racing to the finish in 45.079 seconds. Savannah Unger, of Morriston, Florida, finished the class in sixth position for her eight-fault jump-off round on her own Fabio TN. Seventh place was awarded to J. F. Gagne, of Columbus, South Carolina, who rode Tower Lux to an eight-fault second round. Nicki Mathen, of Austin, Texas, ranked eighth for her 12-fault jump-off ride with Molly Lacey’s Braveheart CH.

Ninth place was awarded to Heather Steinman, of Canton, Georgia, who was in the saddle of Livhaven Stables’ Corini. Rounding out the top 10 placings was Dana Noga, of Ocala, Florida, who was riding her own OBOS Pepperpot.

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