Lexington, Ky. – Oct. 31, 2020 – Show jumping reached its pinnacle Halloween evening at the 137th National Horse Show when it hosted the highly-anticipated $213,300 National Horse Show Grand Prix CSI4* within the Alltech Arena. Tested over a masterful pattern from world-renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA), entries from the seven nations of the United States, Great Britain, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Israel, and Brazil battled head-to-head for a shot at substantial prize money. Leading the jump-off from start to finish, Devin Ryan (USA) and LL Show Jumpers LLC’s Eddie Blue turned in a performance that was unparalleled, galloping to an early lead that could not be caught to clinch the lead spot in the victory gallop and the lion’s share of the purse. Earlier in the day, Raleigh Hiler jockeyed Kurt Hiler’s Cassina 64 to the top spot in the $25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper Grand Prix as the lone double-clear partnership.
For the CSI4* class, Jorge fabricated a course fit for the occasion that included 17 jumping efforts up to the 1.60m height spread strategically across the ring. With so much exceptional talent in the field, including Thursday’s Phelps Media Group $72,900 International Welcome Stake CSI4* winner Kent Farrington (USA), McLain Ward (USA), Beezie Madden (USA), Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA), Paul O’Shea (IRL), Daniel Bluman (ISR), Shane Sweetnam (IRL), and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), it was anyone’s game headed into the onset of the contest.
As the third pair in the original start list, Ryan and Eddie Blue served as the pathfinders with the first clear trip, and seven entries later Mario Deslauriers (CAN) ensured there would be a jump-off with his fault-free effort on Uris De La Roque. Continuing on through the order-of-go, Spencer Smith (USA) riding Quibelle, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) aboard Bull Run’s Risen, and Goldstein-Engle on Dicas added more American representation to the tie-breaker round, while O’Shea with Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu and David Blake (IRL) on Keoki qualified on behalf of the Irish. Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther also left all the rails in their cups, but incurred one heartbreaking time fault.
Seven combinations bearing the flags for three nations earned eligibility for the second portion of the competition, which showcased another expert pattern from Jorge, this time composed of eight obstacles. Once again leading the way, Ryan piloted Eddie Blue to the pace-setting round in 35.13 seconds with all the fences still upright. Smith directed Quibelle to the second, and ultimately final, foot-perfect trip just one-tenth of a second behind the leaders’ time in 35.26 seconds. Though the rest of the pack chased down Ryan and Eddie Blue, the partner he won a team gold medal with at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games, each duo fell victim to an unlucky rail to incur faults and keep them out of contention.
Smith and Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s Quibelle captured the reserve honors, followed by O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu, owned by Machu Picchu Partners LLC, in third place. The Irish team managed to be the quickest of the night in 33.71 seconds, but dropped a single fence. For his victory, Ryan was also pushed to the top of the leaderboard for the Leading Rider Award, presented by Audi of Lexington and Samuel A. B. Boone, for which he earned a $5,000 cash prize as the rider with the most points in the International Jumper section throughout the week. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) was honored as the Leading Lady Jumper Rider.
Immediately preceding the night’s grand finale, the $25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper Grand Prix highlighted the efforts of 24 entries over a technical course of 1.40m to 1.45m fences. The 15-fence initial course, also designed by Jorge, saw six contenders successfully complete the track without any jumping or time faults to move into the jump-off phase of the competition. As the jump-off progressed, all five of the first duos to go knocked a rail somewhere along the course, leaving the door open for the final challengers, Hiler and Cassina 64. Now with just eight obstacles standing between them and victory, the final pair to tackle the track laid down a conservative round that kept all the fences intact, securing the win for Hiler and Cassina 64. The result added to a list of top finishes for Hiler and Cassina 64 at the National Horse Show over the past few days, having already earned fourth place in the $5,000 Amateur Jumpers and second place in the $10,000 class. As the owner of the winning horse, Kurt Hiler was honored with the Jean MacColl Hart Perpetual Memorial Trophy.
To learn more about the 2020 National Horse Show, click here.
Lexington, KY – Oct. 24, 2018 – The 2018 National Horse Show promises to be thrilling with top notch international competition! Adding to the excitement will be the participation of 2018 World Equestrian Games Gold Medal athletes, McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Devin Ryan, Adrienne Sternlicht, and Beezie Madden. Team USA performed in top fashion during the World Equestrian Games, which was held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in September. Athletes who participated in the games are ones that are well-known throughout the equestrian community, especially now as they bring home the first ever WEG team gold medal for the United States. However, they have also been familiar faces at the National Horse Show for many years.
Last year’s Leading Lady Rider title, as well as Leading Open Jumper Rider, was claimed by Laura Kraut after she successfully won the $35,000 Welcome Speed class aboard St. Bride’s Farm’s chestnut mare, Whitney. In 2017, Kraut also had a top 10 finish in the $250,000 Longines Grand Prix, where Devin Ryan finished fifth, and Adrienne Sternlicht sixth. Kraut was integral in assuring team USA’s gold medal success as she delivered multiple clear rounds throughout the week and finished 10th overall individually.
Reserve athlete, Beezie Madden, piloted HHS Hercules to the victory in the $35,000 Salamander Resorts & Hotels Accumulator class in 2017, while Kraut was close on her heels in second place, and Devin Ryan secured third. Madden was also third in the $130,000 CP Grand Prix in 2017. Madden is known for her terrific display of athleticism with Cortes C in the 2014 $250,000 Canadian Pacific Grand Prix. She secured her place as part of the 2018 WEG team at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final earlier this year, as she emerged victorious all three days of competition.
Fan favorite McLain Ward has also been successful in the Alltech Arena during recent years. In 2012, he captured the victory in the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix. He was then featured as a judge for the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Finals. Ward rode to fifth place in the 2016 $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington and continued to move up the ranks to become the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping champion. In the lead up to the World Equestrian Games he has embarked on a journey that has included grand prix victories, including the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon for the tenth year in a row as well as capturing the $382,000 Longines Grand Prix of New York during the Longines Masters of New York. Ward finished fourth behind teammates Beezie Madden and Devin Ryan at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. At this year’s WEG in one of the most nail-biting finals, Ward pulled off a spectacular jump-off with Clinta to secure the team gold for USA over Sweden. His performance throughout the week delivered him a top five individual medal as well.
Young star Adrienne Sternlicht has competed at the National Horse Show as both a junior and professional and captured her first victory at the National Horse Show in 2015 when she won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Final. As Ward’s student, she has always been hot on his heels and finished only two spots below him in the 2016 $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington. As the youngest on the team, Sternlicht acquired her first WEG medal and held an impressive 11th place in the overall standings out of the 124 competitors.
2018 was unquestionably a break out year for Devin Ryan. His string of success included a one-two punch to emerge victorious in the $35,000 CSI3* Longines World Ranking Class at Live Oak International and secured the U.S. to both first and second place by winning the reserve at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final. Last year, Ryan had multiple top ten finishes the National Horse Show including a 3rd place finish in the $35,000 Salamander Accumulator Class, 5th place in the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup ™ Jumping Lexington, and an 8th place in the $130,000 CP Grand Prix.
Devin Ryan entered the jump-off for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York with an eight-year-old rookie and left with a World Cup qualifier Champion.
Devin Ryan (USA) and LL Show Jumper’s Eddie Blue topped a five horse jump off at Old Salem Farm (NY) to claim the blue ribbon and the first World Cup qualifier victory of their respective careers. They did so by defeating reigning World Cup Final Champion McLain Ward (USA) and new mount HH Callas, the only other pair to put forth a double clear performance on the day. Jack Towell (USA) and Lucifer V finished third.
“I knew going into it that I had a great horse, and I knew that there was a great field out there. I was the least experienced of the jump-off riders out there, and I’ve been watching them all year. I went out there and rode my plan.” — Devin Ryan (USA)
Ryan began the North American League at Bromont aboard the 10-year-old Cooper, but he saw New York as the ideal place to test his younger mount in tougher waters, a decision for which he was rewarded. Eddie Blue excelled over the testing track set by course designer Alan Wade (IRL); less than 13 percent of the 39 competitors advanced to the shortened course.
“I’ve slowly brought him along throughout the season and used him as second horse in ranking classes,” Ryan explained. “I built him up, and he’s been going so strong. A field like this suits him with his brig stride and big scope, and it gives us time to organize. The field fits the horse, and I thought it was a great place to step up and see what he brought.”
Ryan plans to compete in the next World Cup qualifier on the east coast sub league, which will take place in Washington, D.C. (USA) on Saturday 28 October 2017. The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League resumes with the west coast sub league at Sacramento (USA) on Saturday 7 October 2017.
(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Hunter Holloway and VDL Bravo S.
Ocala, FL (February 17, 2017): The FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping CSIO4* week kicked off on Thursday with two featured FEI classes, the $41,200 Thursday Prix and the $5,000 Johnson Horse Transport Welcome Stake. Riders and horses from around the globe all converged at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida to celebrate and compete in this very special week.
$41,200 Thursday Prix
Fifty-five horses and riders contested the course, designed by Marina Azevedo of Brazil. Hunter Holloway stole away with the win in Thursday’s class in an exhilarating eight-horse jump-off, where speed, power, agility and precision, all came into play.
“Thank you to my sponsors, and to the owners of VDL Bravo S, Virginia T. Bartholomay and Hays Investment Corp, for letting me ride this amazing horse,” said Holloway. “[VDL Bravo S] is an incredible horse; he always tries and has a big heart for what he does.”
First to return to test the abbreviated course was Mexico’s Eugenio Garza Perez piloting Bariano, owned by David and Monica Garza. They started the course out strong, but one unfortunate rail would ultimately put them in the fourth-place spot with a round in 37.61.
Following Perez was Canadian Isabelle Lapierre riding Cesha M. Lapierre and her powerful mare won the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix just last Sunday at HITS Ocala, and they returned to the Grand Prix Ring to once again claim a spot among the top contenders. They put in the first clear round of the jump-off in 40.75, which would eventually give them the third-place prize.
The victors, Hunter Holloway and Cassevel, owned by Hays Investment Corp, were next to enter the ring. Cassevel, a mighty ten-year-old grey gelding, was agile and quick under Holloway’s lead. The crowd cheered as they galloped to the finish, stopping the clock in 39.46, where the lead would remain.
Lisa Goldman, a veteran to the Grand Prix ribbons at HITS Ocala came in with Centurion B, and they would ultimately pick up four faults for sixth.
Two-time World Cup winner and Olympic silver-medalist, Ian Millar, entered next riding Dixson, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. They laid down a brilliantly smooth round, nearly catching Holloway with their time of 39.78. They would settle for the red ribbon in second place when the class was finished.
Devin Ryan was the second-to-last to challenge the jump-off course riding Cooper. They laid down a lightning-fast round in 38.64, but a heart-breaking rail at the final fence would give them the final spot in the top five for fifth place.
$5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Welcome Stake
Devin Ryan took home the win in Thursday’s Johnson Horse Transportation Welcome with Eddie Blue, owned by LL Show Jumpers, LLC. Eighteen would produce clear rounds out of a field of 44 in a race against the clock. It was a speedy and challenging class, with the top exhibitors finishing within just tenths of a second, and seconds of each other.
(C) ESI Photography. Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue
Ryan’s fault-free time of 54.12 held up after testing the course second in the order. Second place would belong to Lisa Goldman and Sovereign, owned by Barbara Disko. They punched their ticket into the top five with a 54.45-second round.
Lauren Hough rode Joblesse, co-owned by Patrick de Roeck, to the third place prize. Their time of 55.04 with no penalties in sight sealed their spot after challenging the course fourteenth in the order of go.
The final contenders in the top five were Paris Sellon riding Quantis, owned by Willow Grace Farms. They nearly caught Hough’s time with their own round in 55.61, settling them in fourth.
Rounding out the top five was Andrew Bourns of Ireland. He rode Charming Girl, owned by Deirdre Bourns to the fifth-place finish in 57.57.
Devin Ryan and Chantilly soar over the CWD jump on their way to the win in the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class. Flashpoint Photography.
The second week of the Atlanta Spring Classic is underway and attendance confirms the fact that the great migration is underway. Riders are making the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Spring Classic a stop on their way home after a long winter of showing.
The $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome class Thursday saw Jersey boy Devin Ryan of Long Valley in the irons of Sima Morgello’s Chantilly win the class after turning in a first round effort in 61.124 seconds and a second clear round in a time of 36.690 seconds. Ryan and Chantilly also won the Welcome the first week of the Atlanta Spring Classic. “I thought it was a nice course,” said Ryan. “There was nothing over-challenging and it was pretty straightforward,” he added.
Melissa Rudershausen of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and her own Gunner were the first to go in the class and turned in a clear first round effort in 65.870 seconds, well within the 76 seconds time allowed. Their clear second round in a time of 39.283 seconds set the time to beat, but with the entire class yet to go, it was still anybody’s call who would win.
Francois Lamontagne of Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada and Nature des Pierres, owned by Christina Macdougall, turned in a first round time of 60.229 seconds. Their second round was also clean and their time of 38.102 seconds set the new time to beat.
Ryan was the next to go clean and his second round time set the lead which would inevitably win the class.
Daniel Geitner and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood were the next clear round in 63.514 seconds, but their second round effort in a time of 40.369 seconds resulted in four jump faults and would see the pair finishing in fourth place overall.
Haley Lubow of Nashville, Tennessee and Krisley Hill Equine Investments’ Calligraphy followed Geitner and turned in the next clean effort in 66.170 seconds. However, their second round time of 49.257 seconds would result in four jump faults and see them finish in fifth place overall.
Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey and the Coverboy Group’s VDL Zedaldine followed Lubow and turned in a clean first round in a time of 67.863 seconds. However, eight jump faults in their second round effort in 42.557 seconds would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Ann Horrell Glaus of Ocala, Florida and Troy Glaus’ Boujis was next to go and turned in the fastest four fault first round effort in a time of 59.687 seconds. The pair would finish in eighth place overall.
Flint returned for a final round this time in the irons of Child Z, owned by the Coverboy Group, and turned in a first round effort in 66.600 seconds. In the enviable last to go spot, the pair tackled the second round, but four jump faults and thirty one time faults saw them finish in seventh place overall.
The top three finished with Ryan holding the lead with Chantilly, followed by Lamontagne and Nature des Pierres, and the third place was awarded to Rudershausen and Gunner.
“Chantilly is a great horse,” said Ryan. “She has tremendous scope and talent,” he added. “I have been in the top six of every grand prix we have done together and I just started riding her before Gulfport.”
Ryan has been on the road for the past three months and just finished with the six weeks at the Gulf and the two Atlanta Spring Classic shows. “We are heading back to Jersey after this week,” he said.
“All of my horses have been great this winter,” said Ryan. “I have a talented group of young horses and a very supportive group of owners and sponsors. I appreciate all of them!” he said.
Second Career Thoroughbred Hunters
The Atlanta Spring Classic Horse Show is proud to offer the Second Career Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division. The Second Career Thoroughbred Program offers hunter and jumper classes for registered Thoroughbreds.
Founded by the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, TAKE2 was created to put the spotlight on Thoroughbred hunters and jumpers, demonstrating that retired racehorses can be retrained for sport horse careers with great success. This program’s efforts will help to ensure happy and productive futures for retired racehorses.
Simply Decadent, ridden by Shara Pavan, was champion in the Second Career Thoroughbred Hunter Division. Flashpoint Photography.
Simply Decadent, owned by Treena McClelland and ridden by Shara Pavan, won the Second Career Thoroughbred Hunter Championship and Eighth Wonder of the World, owned by Daniella Mclean and ridden by Treena McClelland, took Reserve honors.
On Deck!
The $25,000 EMO Grand Prix is slated for tomorrow and Sunday will feature Classics Sunday.
Sunday night the Classic Company bids farewell to their horse show family and takes some time to reset and put the final touches on its biggest shows this summer at the Georgia International Horse Park in June and the Charleston Summer Classic set to kick off on July 8 on Johns Island in South Carolina.
“We would like to thank everyone who showed with us in Pensacola, Gulfport and Atlanta and we look forward to seeing our horse show family again this summer in June,” said Classic Company President, Bob Bell.
After a successful winter at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit, the fun has moved to the Georgia International Horse Park for the Atlanta Spring Classic Shows. Remember, the Classic Company does not charge extra office fees for credit card transactions nor is there a scratch or add fee! Classic Company wants to make your showing experience the best ever!
So whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, head to the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Spring Classics, where you can ride in Olympic style and get the red carpet treatment you deserve!
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them on the web at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Gulfport, MS – February 24, 2014 – If you have struggled with going clear over an open water jump or if the idea of jumping a water or liverpool fence sends you or your horse running for the hills, you are not going to want to miss the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classics’ free clinics. On Tuesday, February 25, 2014, Wilhelm Genn will present a Water Jump Clinic and on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, Devin Ryan will offer a Liverpool Clinic.
Both clinics will be held at no cost at the Harrison County Fairgrounds & Equestrian Center in conjunction with the 16th Annual Gulf Coast Winter Classics, which run February 5 – March 16, 2014.
The opportunity to ride with accomplished grand prix riders Wilhelm Genn and Devin Ryan is presented free to riders thanks to the generous support of USHJA Zone 4 and the Gulf Coast Classic Company. Participation in the clinics is on a first come, first served basis, and each clinic will accept 20 riders.
The Wilhelm Genn Water Jump Clinic will offer two sessions of 10 riders each on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. The first session will run from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., and the second session will be held 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The same format will be followed for the Devin Ryan Liverpool Clinic on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Sessions will run from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. with 10 riders in each session.
To reserve your spot in the clinics today, please call (228)669-2687. Auditors are welcome to attend at no cost.
Gulf Coast Winter Classics Fast Facts:
What:
Gulf Coast Winter Classics USEF AA-Rated/Jumper Levels Four and Five
Click here for the prize list.
Where:
Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center
15321 County Farm Rd.
Gulfport, MS 39503
When:
February 5 – March 16, 2014
Highlights include:
Weekly USHJA National Hunter Derby & Classics, Week 5 International Hunter Derby
Week 1 $ 5,000 Welcome – $25,000 Grand Prix
Week 2 $25,000 Welcome – $35,000 Grand Prix
Week 3 $25,000 Welcome – $50,000 Grand Prix
Week 4 $25,000 Welcome – $50,000 Grand Prix
Week 5 $25,000 Welcome – $77,000 Grand Prix, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Week 6 $ 5,000 Welcome – $25,000 Grand Prix, Plus Rodeo
Devin Ryan guided Zosja to victory in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix. David Mullinix Photography.
East Dorset, Vermont — Devin Ryan and Zosja were declared the winners of the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, presented by the Inns at Equinox, on Saturday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival. Ryan and Zosja were the only double-clear round of the day, laying down a steady and careful second trip to secure them the victory.
Ryan and Zosja were second to return in the jump-off, following Thursday’s welcome stake victors Cory Hardy and Camelot 105, who finished with four faults. Jimmy Torano and Walkabout were the only other pair to progress to the jump-off and ultimately finished with four faults just behind Hardy.
Ryan was exceptionally pleased with his rounds aboard Eagle Valley Partner’s nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare.
“Today was one of the smoothest rounds I think I’ve had on her,” Ryan revealed. “I messed around in the spring trying to change bridles and I think it backfired on me. I went back to her old bridle and focused on myself. I focused on what I needed to be doing instead of what I was trying to make her do for me, and that seems to have worked.”
Ryan admitted that “making” Zosja do anything is out of the question. In the year that has passed since they competed last at the Vermont Summer Festival, their relationship has progressed to one of mutual respect.
“She’s gotten a lot better since last summer. She’s much different. I didn’t have a lot of rideability last year. You have to ride her the way she wants to be ridden. Now, she respects me and listens more. Some horses you can get to adjust to your program, but you have to ride Zosja her way,” Ryan explained.
He continued, “She’s sensitive. She’s strong herself, but she doesn’t like when you get strong with her.”
While it may have caused him trouble initially, Ryan considers Zosja’s strong spirit one of her most valuable qualities.
“She’s so brave. The fences never back her off. She’s willing and never says no. She will take you to the jumps. She really attacks them. I don’t have many horses that attack the jumps like she does. She’s aggressive to each one and for a jumper, that’s not a bad thing,” Ryan commented.
Zosja may be more than eager to get up and over whatever is asked of her, but Ryan rode her to first place by focusing on smoothness rather than going full throttle in the jump off.
“My strategy was to try to stay smooth and not push her. Every time I’ve tried to push her and run in the jump off, I get in trouble with her. The more I push her, the quicker her stride gets, not bigger. Jimmy and Cory were faster than me because I didn’t leave out a stride in the last line. I didn’t want to push her down it, and today it worked out,” Ryan described.
Ryan was quick to mention that Saturday’s victory was not simply the result of his efforts, but that of the entire team of Eagle Valley Partners and Ryan’s River Run Stables, based in Long Valley, NJ.
“It’s the whole team, when it comes down to it,” Ryan stated. “The owners and all of the support making everything flow smoothly throughout the day are so important. Everyone, down to the guys you don’t see because they’re back at the barn, makes this possible. It’s not just one rider and one horse doing it, it’s the entire team.”
The Vermont Summer Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary in its current Manchester location, offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont. The six-week circuit will continue through August 11 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.
The first five Saturdays of the Vermont Summer Festival feature a $30,000 Grand Prix. The $50,000 Vermont Summer Celebration Grand Prix will be held during the sixth and final week on Saturday, August 10. The weekly $10,000 Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, is held each Thursday. The hugely popular $5,000 3’3” Hunter Derby is also held each Thursday for the first five weeks, with week six featuring the $15,000 Hunter Derby.
The Vermont Summer Festival is a proud member event of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the North American League (NAL). For more information about the Vermont Summer Festival, please e-mail info@vt-summerfestival.com or visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.
Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439 www.startinggate.ca
Devin Ryan pilots No Worries, owned by Barbara Rowland, over an oxer on their way to the win in the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix. Flashpoint Photography.
March 30, 2013 – Conyers, Georgia – It was a sold out scene in yesterday’s VIP as spectators watched Devin Ryan from Long Valley, New Jersey make his way to the winner’s circle in the irons of Barbara Rowand’s No Worries to win the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix! This was Ryan’s first time to the Georgia International Horse Park and the Atlanta Spring Classic and the first grand prix win for No Worries!
Frances Land of Alpharetta, Georgia, in the irons on her own Merlin, was first to go in the prix, but after a first round time of 83.230 seconds and eight time faults, the pair would settle for seventh place. Next to go was The Coverboy Group’s VDL Zedaldine ridden by Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey. With a first round time of 91.142 seconds, one time fault and twenty jumping faults, the pair would not place. Third in the line-up was Collin, owned by Positive-ism, Inc. and ridden by Amanda Wise of Fairfield, Connecticut. The pair jumped the first round in a time of 89.579 seconds and accumulated eight jump faults which would see them finish in eleventh place.
There was still no jump-off in site, until Joe Fargis of Middleburg, Virginia entered the ring in the irons aboard Sandron’s Lariat. The pair went clean with a time of 90.416 seconds and would sit in the first position for the upcoming jump-off order of go.
Next to go was Davenport, owned by Hartmut Gutzmann and ridden by Benjamin Rosichan of Tryon, North Carolina. The pair turned in a first round time of 90.338 seconds with twenty jumping faults and would finish in twelfth place. Robert Lee, aboard Brook Run Farm, LLC’s El Grecco, was next to enter the ring and finished their first round clean in a time of 85.325 seconds, giving them a second to go spot in the upcoming jump-off. Ryan entered the ring next with Barbara Rowland’s No Worries, and after turning in a clear first round time of 83.948 seconds, let the others know there was actually plenty to worry about with them in the running for the jump-off.
Flint and VDL Theresa Lady, whom Flint co-owns with The Coverboy Group, entered the ring next and after turning in a first-round effort of 85.772 seconds and eight jump faults, would settle for ninth place. Adam Cramer of Pittstown, New Jersey and Equi Sport LLC’s Luke 54 were next to go and turned in a first round effort in 89.108 seconds with eight jump faults which would see the pair finish in tenth place overall.
Frances Land of Alpharetta, Georgia and her own Vieanne were next to go, and after a first-round clean effort in 81.560 seconds would see themselves in the jump-off line up. MaryLisa Leffler of Brookeville, Maryland riding Paulexi LLC’s Quastor Van De Helle Z added themselves to the jump-off order after turning in a clean first-round effort in 87.156 seconds. Devin Ryan returned to the ring, this time aboard Eagle Valley Partner’s Zosja, winner of the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome class on Wednesday, and turned in an eight fault effort in 85.143 seconds which would seat the duo in eighth place overall. As the last to go in the first round, Flint entered the ring again, this time aboard Superbad, whom she co-owns with the Coverboy Group, and after a four fault first-round effort in 85.601 seconds, would finish in sixth place overall.
Fargis led the jump-off round with Sandron’s Lariat, but with four jump faults at the final fence and a time of 35.021 seconds, would finish in fifth place overall. Lee and Brook Run Farm LLC’s El Grecco were next to go and went clean, setting the time to beat at 35.811 seconds. Ryan and Barbara Rowland’s No Worries were next to go and quickly took the lead away from El Grecco after turning in a clean jump-off round in 33.286 seconds. Land and her own Vieanne were next to go and despite their clear round, their time of 34.991 wouldn’t take the lead and the pair ended in second place. Leffler was last to go aboard Paulexi LLC’s Quastor Van De Helle Z and although also clean, their time of 35.848 seconds would land them in fourth place overall.
“He is such a fast horse,” commented Ryan. “I started out conservatively with him, but felt like he was ready to go. So we picked it up and well, there you go!” he smiled. This was the first grand prix win for “Sydney”. “We’ve been in the ribbons all winter, won some Welcomes, but this is his first grand prix win. What a great way to end the winter season together!” said Ryan. “I also want to thank Sydney’s owner, Barbara Rowland, CWD and all of our sponsors for their support,” he added.
“This was a great show to hit on our way back to New Jersey. It gave the horses a break, the show facility is amazing — really nice — and the competition was good. And the Classic staff just makes all of their shows so nice,” he added. “I really appreciate them finishing up the shows so we can all be home for Easter. That was really considerate of them and I know many of us appreciate that!” he added.
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com. All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
Devin Ryan and Calissandro tackle the CWD obstacle on a course designed by Olympic designer Steve Stephens. Flashpoint Photography.
Gulfport, Mississippi (March 4, 2013) – CWD sponsored rider Devin Ryan from Long Valley, New Jersey, aboard his own Calissandro, won the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix yesterday at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Calissandro is a nine year old American-bred Holsteiner by Conejo purchased as a two year old by Ryan. Ryan has trained and shown the horse through the Young Jumper program and has developed Calissandro from the ground up. “I think it is important that the horse trusts his rider, and Calissandro and all of my horses have a great trust of me. I have done all of their training and showing and that gives them a lot of confidence.”
Twenty four horses attempted the grand prix course designed by internationally known designer Steve Stephens, but only five would return for the jump-off, of which two rides belonged to Ryan, two rides belonged to Theo Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, and one ride belonged to Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“The course was very technical,” said Stephens. “I was hoping for six clean, so I’m happy that I got 5,” he added. The 9 a and b combination had a liverpool on the back end and saw many dropping rails. “I jump a lot of liverpools with my horses and use it in their training, so I didn’t have a problem with it,” commented Ryan.
Theo Genn riding Paradox, owned by Thomas Bruinsma, was the first to go clean with a time of 76.534 seconds. Devin Ryan, aboard Roman Saluut ***, confirmed there would be a jump-off and turned in a clean first round effort in 78.340 seconds. Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, New Mexico challenged the men and secured her ticket to jump off after turning in the fastest, clean first-round effort with a time of 72.479 seconds aboard Bon Giorno, owned by Showcase 81 LLC. Theo Genn then returned to the field, this time with Bridlebourne Stables LLC’s Winchester, to turn in a clean round of 75.347 seconds. Ryan was last to go of the twenty four trips and returned with his fourth mount, Calissandro, riding the first round clean in a time of 78.575 seconds.
Genn, aboard Paradox, was first to go in the jump off and had one rail down at the first fence and the last leaving them with 8 faults in a time of 42.199 seconds. The pair would finish in fifth overall. Next to go was Ryan, in the irons on his own Roman Saluut***, but with a rail down on the final obstacle, would finish with four faults in a time of 42.926 seconds, placing them in fourth position overall. Next to go was Sadler and Bon Giorno from New Mexico, who turned in a clear round in a time of 47.371 seconds to the cheers of the crowd. Genn, rising to the challenge, returned to the ring, this time aboard Bridlebourne Stables LLC’s Winchester. The pair went fast and clean in a time of 43.728 seconds and looked to take the class until Ryan returned to the ring on his own Calissandro. The pair went clean and beat Genn’s time by more than two seconds with his own 40.591 seconds, securing the win and leaving Genn and Winchester in second place and Sadler and Bon Giorno in third.
Obelix, owned and ridden by Alison Lindsay of Southlake, Texas, finished the first round in a time of 79.632 seconds and with one time fault, received sixth place honors. Four faults and a time of 72.702 seconds would put Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio and his own Happy Z in seventh place. Eighth place was awarded to Nepal, owned and ridden by Jay Land of Alpharetta Georgia. The pair received four jump faults and a time of 72.866 seconds. H.J. El Magnifico, owned and ridden by Eduardo Braun of Bend, Oregon, finished in ninth with a time of 73.700 seconds and four faults. Tenth was awarded to Devin Ryan and Eagle Valley Partners, LLC’s Zosja after turning in a four fault first round effort in a time of 73.741 seconds. Eleventh went to Holly Shepherd of Great Bay, Alabama in the irons aboard Loretta Patterson’s Triompf after turning in a four fault first round effort in a time of 73.935 seconds. Wilhelm Genn and his own Cookie Monster wrapped the class up with a time of 76.971 seconds and four faults.
The good times are rolling into the Gulfport Winter Classic’s Sunshine Week! Big classes, bigger prize money and the Groom’s Class sponsored by Reflections & Brick Church Farms, to name a few of the highlights!
Friday’s feature event with be the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and will take place at 8 am on the beautiful grass grand prix field. The $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome will take over the field in the afternoon and will showcase some of the talent participating in Sunday’s $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix. Don’t forget to reserve your table now for the grand finale weekend. At only $275 per table, you can’t beat the food and champagne! Individual tickets are also available, so make sure to book your table now and see Jennifer in the show office.
The Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Gulfport is where the fun has been all winter, and hopefully you haven’t missed it! Mardi Gras in neighboring New Orleans ended a few weeks ago, but its festive atmosphere spilled onto the show grounds. With its close proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches, class offerings, prize money, and social scene, the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Gulfport shows are a must on everyone’s show list. The show featured weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies and the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Week is set to take center stage this week. The weekly grand prix schedule will wrap up Sunday with the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix scheduled for March 10.
Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! And, this year the fun continues at the Gulfport show with complimentary exhibitor parties, breakfasts, luncheons and office snacks to make your showing experience the best ever.
Classic Company never charges a scratch or add fee for those last minute adds and scratches, so if you haven’t entered yet, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.
Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country. The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members. At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money. This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!
So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport, and let the good times roll!
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com. All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
No Worries wins the Welcome and the $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby saw Iceberg rise to the top!
Gulfport, Mississippi (February 16, 2013) – The Gulf Coast Winter Classic’s National Week saw a field of 21 jumpers gallop onto the breathtaking grand prix arena for the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class, but this week it would be No Worries, owned by Barbara Rowland and ridden by Long Valley, New Jersey native Devin Ryan, who would end up in the winner’s circle.
Of the twenty one entries, the class saw ten of the horse and rider teams go clean in the first round. But it was first-to-go No Worries and Ryan who would post the fastest second round time at 46.806 seconds, which would not be beat by any other team. Second to go was Triompf, owned by Loretta Patterson and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, and after posting a clean round in a time of 48.012 seconds, would finish in fifth place overall. Palim Palim and Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio was the next clear round to give it a shot and their time of 52.756 would find them in sixth place overall.
Devin Ryan in the irons on his own Calissandro would find him with a fast second round time of 46.995 seconds, but with eight jump faults would not see him finish in the top eight positions. Boysterous, owned and ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Minnesota, was the next clear round to tackle the second round and did so in a time of 47.354 seconds which would place her third overall. Nepal, owned and ridden by Jay Land of Alpharetta, Georgia, posted a second round time of 47.780 seconds, but with eight faults, would finish in the seventh place position.
Wilhelm Genn, riding Ann Anastasio’s Quite Ruffy 840, posted a clean second round with a time of 47.295 seconds and while not quite fast enough to beat Ryan and No Worries’ time, would land the pair in second place overall. Winchester, owned by Bridlebourne Stables, LLC and ridden by Theo Genn of Lebanon, Ohio, was the next clear round that challenged the leading ride, but with four faults and a second round time of 49.318 seconds, would see the duo finish in eighth. Frances Land of Alpharetta, Georgia and her own Vieanne were the next clear round to tackle the second course and finished with four faults and a time of 53.041 seconds, which would push them out of the ribbons this time. And last to go Devin Ryan, this time riding his own Roman Saluut, would post a second double clear round in a time of 47.484 seconds which would place the pair in fourth place overall.
“I am very fortunate to say that I am the only one who has shown No Worries,” said Ryan. “I have known Barbara Rowland from years ago – I used to do Pony Club with her daughter and through a series of events, I ended up with the opportunity to get him started under saddle. That was when he was three and now he’s 12. He is a New Jersey bred Selle Francais and a very talented horse. We’ve won many grand prix together over the years,” he added.
“The whole new field here is so nice. It’s a little bit longer grass; it’s really thick and just beautifully lush. It’s like jumping on a carpet!” commented winner Devin Ryan. “My horses have been jumping great on it. I haven’t been to Spruce, but folks I have spoken that says the footing here is even better,” he added. “This is the sort of footing that you can jump on every day and your horses won’t be foot sore,” he said.
Ryan brought fifteen horses from New Jersey for all five weeks. “The grand prix field is level and flat and it’s a great venue to develop young horses. And, this show is so convenient to everything. The restaurants, the beach, everything is brand new and just beautiful. And the show office staff is the nicest in the country,” he commented. “If it’s rainy, you can use the covered arena and there’s so much room to ride. I really support the show – it’s my fifth year coming here!”
Iceberg, piloted by Jordan Siegel over an oxer at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center
Iceberg, owned by Kim Segal and ridden by Jordan Siegel of Flower Mound, Texas, led the pack of hunters and took the win yesterday in the $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby. Second was Outspoken, owned by David Pellegrini and ridden by Emily Hertz of Eads, Tennessee. In third place was The Red Villain, owned by Katherine Smith and ridden by Brittany Sommer Desalvo of St. Gabriel, Louisiana. Amarindo, owned and ridden by Dudley Macfarlane of Darien, Connecticut, received fourth, while Outsider, ridden by Katie Cooper of Owings Mill, Maryland and owned by Caves Farm, LLC, won the fifth place position. Sixth place was awarded to Playoff, owned by Lizabeth Fisher and ridden by Addison Howe of Cumming, Georgia, and seventh place went to Caracas, owned and ridden by Mary Claire Ray of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Eighth position was awarded to Belvedere, owned and ridden by Ellen Herrington, also of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and ninth place went to Authentic, owned and ridden by Dudley MacFarlane. Timothy Maddrix of Monkton, Maryland rode Sarah Digiorgio’s Cosmopolitan to a tenth place finish while Lillian Hahn of Tryon, North Carolina rode her own Paddington to an eleventh position. Flamboyant, owned by Debbie Holland-Carriere and ridden by Danielle Grice of Northfield, Minnesota, wrapped the class up with the twelfth place position.
Well known horsewoman Dudley MacFarlane of Darien, Connecticut and Charlottesville, Virginia is new to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. “The footing is magnificent and the grand prix field is amazing. And it’s really nice to have the covered arena to hack under if there’s a little rain. This is probably the best kept secret in the horse show world,” she commented. “I’m renting a little cottage one block off the beach which is about a twenty minute drive from the horse show and ten minutes to Biloxi – it’s really nice,” she added.
There is no doubt that everyone is having a great time in Gulfport as the good times rolled from the Premier week directly into the Gulf Coast Classic’s National Week! Adequan arrived to celebrate Mardi Gras with the Classic team and hosted a Key Opinion Leaders Dinner Wednesday night at a popular Gulfport restaurant and last night’s Mardi Gras exhibitor party was one for the record books with complimentary catered food, drink and music!
Tomorrow’s feature event, the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix, will take place on the beautiful grand prix field not before 2 pm. But, come out early and watch the $5,000 1.25m Low Jr./AO Classic and the $10,000 1.40m Jr./AO Class. Local favorite, The Shack, is the featured VIP restaurant this week. A huge success, the VIP Club offers tables of eight for only $275 as well as individual tickets. A delicious luncheon and complimentary champagne complement the best ringside action on the show grounds, so stop in the office today and reserve your table or seat!
The Gulf Coast Classic in Gulfport is where the fun will be this winter, so don’t miss it! Remember, Mardi Gras in neighboring New Orleans goes on during the Gulfport shows and that festive atmosphere spills onto the show grounds. With its close proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches, class offerings, prize money, and social scene, the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Gulfport shows are a must on everyone’s show list. The show will feature weekly $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derbies, the $10,000 International Hunter Derby Week V, and a weekly grand prix, to name a few highlights. The grand prix schedule continues tomorrow with the $35,000 Adequan Grand Prix, the $35,000 Nutrena Grand Prix on February 24, the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix on March 3 and the circuit grand finale, the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix, scheduled for March 10.
Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! And, this year the fun continues at the Gulfport show with complimentary exhibitor parties, breakfasts, luncheons and office snacks to make your showing experience the best ever.
Classic Company never charges a scratch or add fee for those last minute adds and scratches, so if you haven’t entered yet, go to the prize list or simply click on Equestrian Connect to fill out your entry form and stabling requests.
Equestrian Connect is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country. The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members. At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service. The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money. This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!
So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Gulf Coast Classic shows in Gulfport, and let the good times roll!
The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com. All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.
Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd. www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457
