Tag Archives: Atlanta Spring Challenge

2014 Atlanta Spring Challenge Wrap Up

Lone Star and Hunt Tosh. Photos: A&S Photography (Ann Stanton)

Tuesday, May 20th – The 2014 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show came to a close this past Sunday. The event in its 11th year had its biggest turnout to date. The show again took place May 14-18 at the famed Georgia International Horse Park, home of the equestrian portion of the 1996 Olympic Games. J. P. Godard and his Equus Events team handled the managing duties.

Gold sponsors of this year’s event included Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, The Tack Room, Reflections Farm, and DFG Stables. The Tack Room of Camden, SC presented this year’s daily continental breakfast throughout the event. Hospitality has always been a key element at the Atlanta Spring Challenge and this year was no exception. Exhibitors, trainers, and spectators alike were treated to daily ring hospitality, an ice cream party, as well as an exhibitor’s dinner Friday evening sponsored by the 2014 Hospitality Sponsors. This year’s sponsors were: Booth Parker, Black Ankle Farms, The Atlanta Hunt Club, DFG Stables, Finally Farm, Liz Tarumianz, The Meadow Hill Stables, Proof of the Pudding, Reflections Farm, The Tack Room, and The Marketplace. DFG Stables presented this year’s annual Preakness Party on Saturday evening and The Meadow Hill Farm and the Porath Family sponsored a farewell pizza party Sunday afternoon.

Feature events at this year’s show included the popular $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday evening which was sponsored by Reflections Farm. The class took place under the lights in the International Arena along with Exhibitors dinner under the tent. Hunt Tosh and Betsee Parker’s Lone Star took top call in the class topping an impressive field of 23 competitors. The pair is no stranger to the spotlight winning the inaugural USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in 2010; they also were awarded Horse of the Year honors in 2011. Second place honors in the derby went to Meredith Mateo’s Salto and rider Caroline Willard and the third place rosette went to DSJ Stable, LLC’s Checklist and rider Daniel Geitner.

Notaris and Nina Fagerstrom
Notaris and Nina Fagerstrom

Jumpers took center stage Saturday evening in the $30,000 Fenwick Equestrian Grand Prix. 24 horse rider combinations tried their luck against a tricky route designed by course designer Phil Devita. Spectators were treated to the show’s annual Preakness Party presented by DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner. The crowd cheered Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome to victory while enjoying a Mexican dinner catered by Proof of the Pudding. Finca Horse’s entry of Notaris and rider Nina Fagerstrom came home the victor’s in the class with a time of 53.728 and 1 time fault topping Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn’s fast time of 46.557 with 4 faults, and Lazaro and Jordan Coyne with 8 faults and a time of 46.804.

Equus Events continues its 2014 show season with the Tryon Summer Premiere May 22-25 at FENCE in Tryon, NC. For complete horse show results and 2014 show schedule, please visit www.equusevents.com.

2014 Atlanta Spring Challenge Just a Week Away

2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby winners Brunello and Liza Towell. Shawn McMillen.

May 7th, 2014 – The 2014 edition of Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show is just under a week away and this year looks to be bigger and better than ever. The event, a USEF “AA” rated horse show, is produced by Aiken, SC based Equus Events, Inc. and show organizer J. P. Godard. Now in its 11th year the event takes place at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA on May 14-18. The show serves as a fitting end to the spring season and a perfect stop for those on their way to Devon. The event, a USHJA Members Choice Award winner, will host a wide array of the country’s top equestrians and their horses. As always competitors can look forward to a unique exhibitor friendly horse show that excels in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality.

This year’s features include:

  • Daily continental breakfast sponsored by the Tack Room
  • $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby sponsored by Reflections Farm and Derby Party sponsored by the 2014 hospitality sponsors
  • $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Preakness Party sponsored by DFG Stables
  • World Champion Hunter Rider Qualifying Event
  • Young Jumper Classes
  • USHJA Pre-Green Incentive

Many thanks to this year’s hospitality sponsors: The Atlanta Hunt Club, Matt Martin and Raffi Kechejian, The Porath Family, The Tack Room, Oak Manor Saddlery, DFG Stables, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, Fenwick Equestrian, Reflections Farm, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, Hayley and the Hound, Finally Farm, Sidelines Magazine and the Barn Book, One K Helmets, the Mark Lexton Collection, Balmy Breeze Embroidery, Hot To Trot Boutique, and Proof of the Pudding and Black Ankle Farm. The Title sponsors of this year’s event are Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, DFG Stables, The Tack Room and Reflections Farm.

For more information and complete schedule for the 2014 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show, please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698, info@equusevents.com, or go to www.equusevents.com. The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to join us for some exciting equestrian action.

Megan Wexler and Cadence Take Top Spot in the $30,000 Fenwick Equestrian Grand Prix

May 20thth, 2013 – It was a family affair for Megan Wexler and Cadence during the Atlanta Spring Challenge’s $30,000 Fenwick Equestrian Grand Prix.  The pair came away the victors in the class topping a tough field of competitors over a course designed by Michel Vaillancourt.   Wexler’s entire family including grandmother and grandfather were on hand to watch the 26 year old win the class and take part in the awards ceremony.  The class took place out on the International field and featured 16 jumping efforts including a double and a triple combination.  11 riders returned for the jump off out of the original field of 22.  Wexler and Cadence, a 12 year old Swedish Warmblood owned by Procedures, Inc., finished with a clear jump off round and a time of 36.899 almost 4 seconds quicker than the second place finisher Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio and his Happy Z with a time of 40.068.  Frances Land and her Merlin rounded out the top 3 spots with a time of 40.629.  Wexler received amongst other goodies a custom cooler donated by Fenwick Equestrian as well as a sterling silver piece donated by the Mark Lexton Jewelry Collection of Camden, SC.  Wexler rides for Don Stewart Stables out of Ocala, FL.

Not all of the action was located center ring.  During the class the show’s annual Preakness Party was taking place ringside under the VIP tent.  Exhibitors and spectators alike enjoyed dinner and drinks as well as a viewing of the 138th annual Preakness Stakes which was sponsored by DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner of Aiken, SC.  Saturday evening’s hospitality was just a taste of what else was offered during the 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge.  The show’s hospitality sponsors hosted a continental breakfast each morning of the show, a Derby party Friday night, and snacks and goodies daily at the show rings.  The Meadow Hill Stable and The Porath Family also hosted a farewell pizza party at the rings on Sunday.

Don Stewart Stables continued their winning ways from the Grand Prix ring to the hunter and equitation rings over the weekend bringing home several championships and wins before heading on their way to Devon.  Megan Flanagan won the WIHS overall as well as coming away with the large junior 16-17 championship with Sarah Milliren’s CR Moet.  She also picked up the small junior 16-17 championship as well as the classic win aboard her own O’Ryan.  Over in the pony ring Ashton Alexander had a banner weekend capturing the large pony championship and the classic win with Madison Goetzmann’s Happily Ever After while Devon Seek picked up the medium pony championship and the classic win on Christine Carlson’s Tiffany Blue.

For a complete list of results, please go to www.equusevents.com/results.html.

Equus Events would like to thank all of the 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge Sponsors.  Many thanks to Brick Church Farm and Reflections Farm for hosting the USHJA International Hunter Derby and to Fenwick Equestrian for hosting the $30,000 Fenwick Equestrian Grand Prix.  Thank you to the Mark Lexton Collection for providing awards for the hunter classics, One K Helmets for providing helmets for the jumper classic winners and Integrity Linens for donating their beautiful wool coolers.  Other sponsors include:

Gold Sponsors:

Brick Church Farm, Reflections Farm, Fenwick Equestrian, Equifit, Inc., The Mark Lexton Collection, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, One K Helmets, Daniel F. Geitner Stables, The Barn Book, Gamboa Veterinary Services, Sidelines Magazine

Silver Sponsors:

Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens, Hot To Trot Boutique, Finally Farm, Meadow Hill Stables and the Porath Family, Katherine Lily Equestrian, Oak Manor Saddlery

Equus Events continues its 2013 schedule with the Tryon Summer Classic May 30 – June 2 and the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Charity Horse Show I June 6-9.  Stalls are limited at both events so please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 to make reservations.

Equus Events is a horse show production company based in Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality. Equus Events is the current USHJA Members Choice award winning horse show company in zone 4 for an AA rated horse show.

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

Atlanta Spring Kicks Off

Welcome winners Frances Land and Vieanne.

May 18th, 2013 – The 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show kicked off on Wednesday to blue skies at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.  The show in its 10th year is produced by Aiken, SC based Equus Events and show manager J. P. Godard.  The popular event is a USHJA Members Choice Award winning horse show and attracts some of the top hunter and jumper talent from across the country.

Thursday afternoon featured the 1.40 $5,000 Open Welcome Stake which took place in the International Arena.  21 horse rider combinations tried their luck against internationally famed course designer Michel Vaillancourt, but it was Frances Land and her Vieanne who came home the victors with a speedy jump off time of 37.83, just edging out Derek Peterson’s Titus 2:11 and rider Jared Peterson.  Theo Genn and Bridlebourne Stables’ Winchester rounded out the top three.

The hunter divisions took center stage on Thursday and Friday with many championships being awarded as well as the USHJA International Hunter Derby taking place Friday night.  Liza Boyd of Camden, SC made her presence known taking home multiple championships as well as the win in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with her and Mrs. Janet Peterson’s Brunello.  In the first year green division Boyd took home the championship honors with Chestnut Avenue owned by Joann Loheac, the conformation hunter championship honors went to Erin McGuire’s Casallo also ridden by Liza, and in the performance 3’6-3’9 division it was Friday’s Farm’s Banderas with Boyd again in the irons.  Liza also took home the win in the popular new $1,000 USHJA pre green incentive class on Sarah Orberson’s First Dance.

Brunello and Liza Boyd
Brunello and Liza Boyd

Friday evening featured the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Brick Church Farm and Reflections Farm.  Exhibitors and spectators enjoyed a beautiful evening complete with a cool breeze while watching some of the country’s top hunter riders compete under the lights.   While the action was taking place in the ring everyone ringside enjoyed the Derby Party catered by Proof of the Pudding and sponsored by the 2013 hospitality sponsors.

New this year was a high point award sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian for the junior or amateur rider accumulating the highest two round total in the derby.  Maddison Manners and her Blue Steele took home this award with their two round total of 286.  The pair won a Fenwick high performance soft shell jacket donated by Fenwick Equestrian.

The Atlanta Spring Challenge continues today featuring the $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian taking place at 6:30 in the International Arena.   The annual Preakness Party sponsored by DFG Stables and Cathy and Daniel Geitner will also be taking place ringside along with viewing of the 138th Preakness Stakes.  Post time for the Preakness is approximately 6:20.

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

Equus Events Inc. Presents the 2013 Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show

Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover, winners of the 2012 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix.

In two weeks the Georgia International Horse Park will once again play host to the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.  Produced by Aiken, SC based J. P. Godard and Equus Events, the show offers a fitting end to the spring season and a perfect stop for those on their way to Devon.  The show now celebrating its 10th year was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 United States Hunter Jumper Association Members Choice Award for an AA rated Horse Show in Zone 4.  No easy feat seeing the high quality and quantity of shows that take place in Zone 4 which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

“We have added more prize money and additional classes this year,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.  The show started out a single “A” rated horse show in 2004 and has now grown to a five day “AA” rated event that attracts some of top hunter and jumper riders throughout the country.  This year’s feature events include the Fenwick Equestrian $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and Derby Party Friday, May 19th and the $30,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix and annual Preakness Party to celebrate the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May18th.  This annual party is sponsored by DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner.  Both of these feature events will take place in the coveted International Arena which once hosted some of the world’s greatest equestrians and their horses during the 1996 Olympic Games.  Daily breakfast sponsored by this year’s hospitality sponsors is also on the agenda Wednesday to Sunday mornings as well as ring hospitality which is always welcomed by tired and weary exhibitors.

Jumper riders will have the opportunity to square off against courses designed by internationally famed and silver medal Olympian Michel Vaillancourt.  Originally from Montreal, Canada, Vaillancourt was the first Canadian equestrian to capture an Olympic individual medal in the 1979 Games and is one of the world’s most respected course designers.  He also holds the distinguished FEI “I” level course designers license.  In addition to the $30,000 Grand Prix, the jumper offerings include an attractive line up such as Young Jumper Qualifying events, a $5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Classic, a $5,000 NAL/WIHS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, and a $7,500 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.

Hunter riders are not to be left out as the Atlanta Spring Challenge has once again been selected as a prestigious World Champion Hunter Rider qualifying event and with a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby plus an array of classics for every division there truly is something for everyone.  New this year is the popular USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Class and also a new high point award for the highest placed junior and amateur rider in the USHJA International Hunter Derby.  The high point award is presented by Fenwick Equestrian.

Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich Equine Insurance, One K Helmets, The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, EquiFit Inc., The Mark Lexton Collection, DFG Stables, and Gamboa Veterinary Services have all signed on again as corporate sponsors for the 2013 season as well as Gold Sponsors of this year’s Atlanta Spring Challenge.  A few select division and hospitality sponsorships are still available this year.  Please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or email info@equusevents.com for more information.

The Hawthorn Suites has been selected as the host hotel for this year’s event.  The Hawthorn is very conveniently located only seconds from the horse park.  For reservations and special exhibitor rates please contact them at 770-761-9155.

Entries for the 2013 edition of the Atlanta Spring Challenge close May 2nd and stalls are going fast.  Equus Events is proud to partner with Equestrian Connect as their official entry service provider.  This one minute web based service allows exhibitors to complete entries electronically. The service currently has over 9,000 members in the United States and Canada, and provides entry forms for over 800 USEF hunter/jumper shows.  For more information, please go to www.equestrianconnect.com. For more information or to reserve stalls, please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or go to www.equusevents.com.

Equus Events is a horse show production company based in Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality. Equus Events is the current USHJA Members Choice award winning horse show company in zone 4 for an AA rated horse show.

Atlanta Spring Challenge Wins USHJA Member’s Choice Award AA-Rated Horse Show in Zone 4

October 23rd, 2012 – Equus Events is excited to announce that its Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show has been selected as the 2012 United States Hunter Jumper Association Member’s Choice Award AA-rated winning horse show in Zone 4. The show was held May 16-20, 2012 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA and is produced by Equus Events and manager J. P. Godard from Aiken, SC. “Many thanks to all of our loyal sponsors, exhibitors, and staff for making this award a reality,” said Godard. “I feel our goals as a horse show are much in tune with this award as we try offer unique exhibitor friendly horse shows that strive to excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality.” The Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show is 1 of only 10 other AA-rated shows in the country that will receive this prestigious honor for the 2012 season and was chosen out of an impressive group of events in Zone 4 including some of the country’s largest and most well-known winter circuits on the East Coast.

Continue reading Atlanta Spring Challenge Wins USHJA Member’s Choice Award AA-Rated Horse Show in Zone 4

Competition Is Under Way at the 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere and Atlanta Spring Challenge Series

Hunt Tosh and Cloud Harbor. All photos: Shawn McMillen photography

May 13th, 2011 – Competition kicked off this week to beautiful sunny skies at the 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere Horse Show at the Georgia International Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia.  Aiken, South Carolina resident J. P. Godard and his Equus Events manage the annual two week series which takes place May 11th-15th and 18th-22nd.

The professional hunter divisions took center stage in the hunter rings on Wednesday and Thursday while the jumpers tried their hand in the International Arena at courses designed by international jumper course designer Pierre Jolicoeur.  Hunt Tosh of Milton, GA had a stellar start to the week coming away with three tricolors on three Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wheeler owned entries.  Tosh took home the First Year Green Hunter Championship aboard Triton Z, the Second Year Green Hunter Championship on Good Humor, and the Conformation Hunter Championship aboard Cloud Harbor.  Tosh is no stranger to the winners circle as he capped off an incredible 2010 season with a win in the coveted $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby finals in Lexington, KY on Lonestar as well as a Grand Hunter Championship and Leading Hunter Rider award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, just to name a few.  He was also the recipient of the United Equestrian Federation’s Emerson Burr Trophy in 2010.

Continue reading Competition Is Under Way at the 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere and Atlanta Spring Challenge Series

Atlanta Spring Premiere and Atlanta Spring Challenge – May, 2nd 2011

Pictures by Shawn McMillen

The 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere May 11-15 and Atlanta Spring Challenge May 18-22 is just under a week away.  The highly anticipated show series takes place at the renowned Georgia International Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia with J. P. Godard and his Equus Events handling the managing duties.

Besides an attractive line up of classes including a World Champion Hunter Rider Event week I, a $25,000 Grand Prix each week, a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby week II, and over $180,000 in prize money, Equus Events will also be offering daily hospitality and weekly parties for all exhibitors, trainers, riders, sponsors, and officials.  “It is really a way for us to give back,” said Megan Godard.  “Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for making all of it possible.” The exhibitor’s party week I will take place on the hill beside the International Arena during the $25,000 Atlanta Spring Premiere Grand Prix on Saturday, May 14th.  Week II’s annual Preakness Party will take place Saturday, May 21st during the $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix again on the hill next to the International Arena.  A big screen TV will also be provided to catch all of the action of the 136th running of the Preakness Stake.  Many thanks to DFG Stables and Daniel and Cathy Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina for sponsoring this event.

Continue reading Atlanta Spring Premiere and Atlanta Spring Challenge – May, 2nd 2011

Many New Features Added to Equus Events 2011 Atlanta Spring Challenge Series in May

Picture by Shawn Mcmillen - Liza Boyd and Brunello owned by Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd - winners of the 2010 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Atlanta Spring Challenge

January 17th, 2011 – Equus Events is very busy preparing for the 2011 show season.  The 2011 Atlanta Spring Premiere and Atlanta Spring Challenge will take place May 11-15 and 18-22 at the beautiful Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA.  The Horse Park was home to the equestrian portion of the 1996 Olympic Games.  It is one of the premiere facilities in the country offering excellent footing, stabling, ample room to ride and much more on over 1400 acres.  This is the 7th year for the event and it will again offer exhibitors a “AA” USEF rating and also be a Jumper 3.  In addition, the shows will offer over $180,000 in prize money through out the two week event.

New this year, the Atlanta Spring Premiere (week 1) has been selected as a World Championship Hunter Rider event and will also host a USHJA National Hunter Classic.  The Atlanta Spring Challenge (week 2) will again host a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.  An additional $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake has been added to the schedule for a total of two each week.  Prize money has also been added to the Low Jr/Am Jumper division and non-showing fees have been removed.  “Despite economic conditions these shows have continued to grow and I would like to thank all of our exhibitors and supporters for that,” said show manager J. P. Godard.

Continue reading Many New Features Added to Equus Events 2011 Atlanta Spring Challenge Series in May