Category Archives: USHJA

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

Meredith Lipke and The Specialist won the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 2, 2011 – The Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services featured an exciting evening of competition in the Dixon Oval this Saturday. The top horse and rider combinations gathered to showcase their skills during the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby. Meredith Lipke and The Specialist led the class from start to finish and eventually garnered the winning honors after earning a total score of 357. Lexi Graham and Landmark jumped up from the 11th place position to finish second, while Devon Yacka piloted Furst Laugh to the third place award.

Tonight’s courses were designed by Michael Rheinheimer and simulated riding over a hunt country with all of the fences set to 3′ with four 3’5” options and three handy options. Meredith Lipke of Buffalo, NY, took an early lead with The Specialist, scoring an 86 and an 87 during the first round with four bonus options for a 181 total. They were the last to return during the handy round, but the duo did not hold back. After executing a beautiful inside turn to the first fence they held a big gallop throughout the course, receiving scores of 85 and 83 with four bonus points. Their two-round total of 357 points would net the winning title.

“This is my first derby, so I am very excited,” beamed Lipke after her victory gallop. “The Specialist has done quite a few of them, so he knew exactly what he was doing, which really helped me out. He had a great turn to the first fence in the handy and was really on it for every jump. He was just happy to be out there after having a month off!”

Lipke continued, “I need to have a definite plan and I wanted to make sure The Specialist knew exactly where he was going. My trainer Kristy McCormack had me do a different turn to the first fence, which allowed us to keep flowing.”

Continue reading Meredith Lipke and The Specialist Lead the Way in the $3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby at Brandywine Valley Summer Series

2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby to Benefit ALS of Nevada

Reno, NV – June 27, 2011 – The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA International Hunter Derby is pleased to announce that this year’s prestigious event will benefit ALS of Nevada. The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby will take place at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, Nevada, on September 5, 2011. The event will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title over the beautiful derby course in front of an eager crowd.

ALS of Nevada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves to improve the lives of those living with and fighting ALS throughout Nevada. The organization was founded in 1998, and its goal is to help patients and families live as normal a life as possible. ALS of Nevada conducts support group meetings for patients, caregivers, and family members. They also aid patients through the loan of equipment and free clinics. ALS of Nevada is an advocate and supports scientific research for the prevention, alleviation, care, treatment, and cure of ALS. ALS of Nevada works to increase awareness of ALS throughout the government in an effort to expand support of research and elicit programs that will make treatments and care accessible and affordable to all patients.

ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and is always fatal. It can happen to anyone, without warning and with or without family history. ALS affects voluntary action, and patients in later stages are often totally paralyzed. The financial burden to families with ALS can be over $200,000 a year and much of the needed assistance is not covered by standard medical plans or Medicare.

Executive Director of ALS of Nevada, Megan Testa, has been working with ALS of Nevada for ten years. She has fulfilled the role as Executive Director for five years and will be attending the event for the first time this year.

Continue reading 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby to Benefit ALS of Nevada

Jessie Lang and C. Quito Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

C. Quito claimed the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Summer in the Rockies III. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

 

Bjorn Ikast Makes It Three in a Row in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix

Parker, CO — The third week of the Colorado Summer Circuit ended with big money classes! Jessie Lang riding Margot Snowdon’s C. Quito brought home the blue ribbon and the winning check to Wyoming in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Amateur rider Rachel Boggus bested the pros in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. And in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix, Bjorn Ikast made it three in a row by leading the victory gallop in the Prix for the third consecutive week.

$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Hunter riders got the opportunity to ride their Derbies over the big, permanent Linda Allen designed Derby field at The Colorado Horse Park. With banks and hilly terrain, riders were able to show off their horse’s brilliance in an inviting setting over the Skip Bailey-designed courses.

“The course was so beautifully put together,” said Jessie Lang, rider of C. Quito, a nine-year-old approved BWP (Belgian) stallion. The son of Parco (by Darco) won both rounds by a nice margin. After a successful indoor season last fall, including the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship at Harrisburg, C. Quito has had a light show season in 2011 to accommodate his busy breeding schedule this spring. The stallion was obviously in top form, earning a 90 from one judging panel in the handy round and bonus points in both rounds, to finish with a 382 overall.

In between his first and second rounds, C. Quito went over to the Adult Amateur ring with his owner Margot Snowdon, laying down trips that earned him first and fourth place ribbons in that division.

Continue reading Jessie Lang and C. Quito Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Atlanta Summer Classic Highlights 2011

Thank you to all the exhibitors that made such a wonderful two weeks in Conyers this year.  We had two sold out shows, great weather and wonderful competition.

On Tuesday we offered two USHJA Clinics free of charge.

A Pony Model Clinic with Bibby Hill and a Water Clinic with Wilhelm Genn.  Thanks Bibby and Wilhelm for donation of their time, I know the exhibitors and trainers alike enjoyed the clinic.

Thursday after the show, Practical Horseman sponsored a “Just Ask the Judges” clinic with Betty Oare, Scott Fitton and Barry Lobel.  It was a great experience with good questions.  I am sure Classic Co will pair with Practical Horseman again for another “Just Ask” clinic.

Friday the show offered the Atlanta Cup Equitation Challenge.  The class was won by Taylor Adams. This class was open to Jr Hunters.

Friday also offered the USHJA National Hunter Classic; this week was won by Julie Curtin aboard Vince, owned by Greg Burrow.

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Atlanta Summer Classics Finale Packed with Big Awards

Samuel Parot and Costa Real Win Outback Steakhouse Gamblers Choice; Taylor Ann Adams Named Grand Puba Junior Champion; Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z Triumphant in $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn & Happy Z. All photos © Flashpoint Photography

Conyers, GA — June 26, 2011 — The Atlanta Summer Classics wrapped up competition at the Georgia International Horse Park, awarding nearly $300,000 in prize money and raising thousands for local charities over the two week run. “We’ve had some of the best riders in our sport joining us; it’s been a remarkable series and I couldn’t be happier,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.

Starting off the finale week was a couple of highly anticipated clinics on Tuesday, beginning with a member of the $1 million dollar club, famed Grand Prix pro Wilhelm Genn, sharing his secrets of mastering water jumps. Sponsored by the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Genn used the covered arena to set a mini course of six jumps, two with water hazards and utilized approximately ten horses to demonstrate proper and improper approaches. Speaking over a wireless microphone to riders and trainers for nearly two hours, Genn answered questions and provided helpful tips to “boost a horse’s confidence” when confronting water obstacles. Following was a very informative Pony Model Clinic with one of the foremost experts in this area, Bibby Farmer from Ocala, FL. She carefully explained to the young exhibitors not only what judges look for, but how to get the best from their ponies. Covering all the essentials from the pony’s stance to where the exhibitors’ attentions need to be when a judge is walking about them. On Thursday evening it was the judges who found themselves in the proverbial hot seats for an open forum called Just Ask the Judges, sponsored by Practical Horseman magazine. Three of the most respected names in judging, Betty Oare, Scott Fitton, and Barry Lobel, fielded questions from exhibitors and provided insight on scoring in the Hunter/Jumper disciplines. The panel also shared several of what they referred to as Judges’ Pet Peeves, which included overly short releases, especially in the Equitation divisions. All the experts agreed a restrictive release interferes with the horse’s jumping style, but pointed out that that doesn’t imply they want to see the opposite extreme with the infamous overdone throwing of the arms release.  Another peeve they described was the exaggerated tour taken upon entering the ring, stating that if a rider needs to show their mount the ring and/or the fences then the rider appears unprepared. Questions were asked on a wide range of subjects and guests left the forum armed with a lot of valuable information. “The clinics were a giant success and we [Classic Company] will be introducing more of these throughout out show schedule,” Bell commented.

Continue reading Atlanta Summer Classics Finale Packed with Big Awards

2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Boasts Exceptional Hospitality

Reno NV – June 20, 2011 – The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA Hunter Derby proudly boasts exceptional hospitality at their annual event. This year, Red Carpet Events and Designs will once again be providing the layout, food, drink, and décor. They will be creating the elements that contribute to the atmosphere, and add to the exceptionally exquisite equestrian event and the novelty of a standalone hunter derby. This prestigious event will take place on September 5, 2011, at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, Nevada, and will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title.

During the next several months, Red Carpet Events and Designs will work with the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby to transform the location hosting the event. Red Carpet Events and Designs is a full service event planning and design company providing logistical support, staffing, and décor. They will oversee operational planning, secure vendor partners, and event décor to create the event that makes West Coast’s only standalone hunter derby an event to remember. Red Carpet Events and Designs is located in Sparks, Nevada, and is dedicated to helping the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby become a successful event. Their experienced, knowledgeable, and creative team of event planners gives attention to every detail.

Owners Julie Nobis and Karen Nichols are excited to be a part of such a unique and exciting event in the equestrian industry. They are pleased to offer innovative and enthusiastic total event management for such an outstanding equestrian event. Nichols and Nobis became involved with the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby during its inaugural year in 2010, which proved to be a resounding success. Franktown Meadows Derby and Red Carpet Events are looking forward to making this one of the premier equestrian events in the region.

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Atlanta Summer Classics Awards over $160,000 in First Week

Elizabeth Boyd and Brunello Win $25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby; Chasen Boggio and Hennessey Victorious in $35,000 EMO Grand Prix

Liza Boyd & Brunello © Flashpoint Photography

Conyers, GA — June 19, 2011 — There’s more than one reason exhibitors use the phrase “I’m showing in Hotlanta”; just ask Elizabeth Boyd who picked up some “hot” cash in Friday evening’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby or Chasen Boggio who’ll be depositing a big check from Sunday’s $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix.

Kicking off a huge week at the Georgia International Horse Park, the Hunter riders took center stage on Friday evening as 30 determined horses vied for the spotlight in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by the Classic Company. It had the feel of a red carpet extravaganza with competitors donning Shadbelly jackets, shiny boots, braided manes and tails – all those special touches to further impress the panel of four judges: Mike Rosser, Betsy Perry, Leo Conroy, and Mike Lowrey. Beauty aside, what the judges really wanted to see was the talent used to negotiate the 12 obstacles brought to reality from the imagination of designer Allen Rheinheimer.  Making use of the expansive Olympic arena, Rheinheimer created a track that traversed its entirety including the sizable bank along the back wall. Additionally riders encountered 4 options with height choices of 3’6 or 4’ as well as bending and broken lines throughout. Only the top 12 scores would be invited back for the handy round two. Continue reading Atlanta Summer Classics Awards over $160,000 in First Week

Charleston Summer Classic Hunter Derby 2011

June 18, 2011 – We had a terrific week in Conyers for our first show.  The show was sold out for stalls, the weather was cooler than it’s been in years and the parties were lots of fun for all.  We do have a few stalls open for week two – call 678 374 5900 for the show office.

Highlights this week:

USHJA National Hunter Classic was won by Status Quo and ridden by Clair Kellner.

2. Ramano, Martin Schlaeppe
3. Vince, Greg Burrow
4. Snowday, Triple Creek Farm
5. Happenstance, Natalie Sterrett
6. Premonition FR, John Gillen
7. Breaking News, Fit to Print Farm
8. Julian, Amanda Forad
9. Solitaire, Kira Epstein
10. Concierge, Nestledown Eq Svc
11. Tatan, Greener Pastures
12. Excurs, Terry Russell

USHJA $25,000 International Hunter Derby was won by Brunnello, owned by Mrs. Janet Peterson and shown to the win by Elizabeth Boyd.  We added Brunnello to the Jack Geitner Memorial Trophy that was donated by the Wellington Show Stables many years ago.

Continue reading Charleston Summer Classic Hunter Derby 2011

Atlanta Summer Classic June 15-26

Just a reminder that the Atlanta Summer Classic is just two weeks from today.  We have lots planned and should be a great two weeks in Conyers.

Week One –
$25,000 USHJA Hunter Derby
$35,000 Grand Prix
$2,500 USHJA Hunter Classic
USEF Emerson Burr Grant competition for Pony Riders

Tuesday between the shows – USHJA Clinics – No Charge
Pony Model Clinic – 11am – Under the covered Arena
Water Jump Clinic – 1 pm – Under the covered Arena

Week Two-
$2,500 USHJA Hunter Classic
$3,500 Gamblers Choice & Outback Steakhouse Charity Dinner
$35,000 Grand Prix
USHJA “Just Ask the Judges” Clinic – Thursday after the show.

Call with questions or for stall reservations; we still not are sure about the tent this year: 843 768 5503.

See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

2011 ANRC National Intercollegiate Championship

Award presentations for ANRC National Championship (Flashpoint Photography).

Hardeeville, SC – The weather gods smiled on the American National Riding Commission (ANRC) the weekend of April 14-17 at their 34th annual National Intercollegiate Equitation Championships hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). While other areas experienced tornados and downpours, the Ronald C. Waranch Equestrian Center just outside Savannah, GA, in Hardeeville, SC, was spared. Fifty-two riders from 10 colleges were able to enjoy the beautiful facility, meticulously groomed arenas, challenging medal courses, and imposing new hunter trials fences.

The ANRC National Championship is a member event of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Affiliate Equitation Awards Program. The championship showcases the American Forward Riding System and the sporting horse. Judged on equitation, it rewards diversified skills in a three-phase competition. Competitors complete a dressage sportif ride, an outdoor hunter trials course and a USEF Medal-type hunter seat equitation course. Riders ride the same horse throughout the competition, and jumps do not exceed 3 feet in height. They also sit for a written test on riding theory and equine science. Teams may consist of two or three riders (with the lowest of the three scores dropped in each phase). Individuals also may compete.

For the first time this year, a Novice Division with fences at 2’6” was offered in addition to the 3’ Nationals Division. Seven colleges fielded Novice teams or individuals: Goucher College, Midway College, SCAD, St. Andrews Presbyterian College (SAPC), University of Georgia (UGA), The University of the South (Sewanee), and Virginia Intermont College (VIC). Midway, competing at their first Nationals, swept the Novice Division winning the team Championship over VIC. Midway’s twin sisters, Alison and Erinn Born, were Novice Individual Champion and Reserve.

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