Tag Archives: Equifest

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Jersey Boy Wins $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Equifest II

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy captured the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the Equifest II at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Photo By: Andrew Ryback.

SBS Farms Is Ready to Take on Derby Championships in Kentucky

Wayne, IL – August 4, 2014 – Jennifer Alfano has taken Equifest by storm at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, raking in the championship tricolors over her two-week stay. Sunday was no different for the professional hunter rider and trainer, except that she donned her shad-belly and rode 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion, Jersey Boy, to the top of the leader board in a beautiful two-round victory.

Kelley Farmer sat at the top of standings going into the second round, but Alfano knew that Jersey Boy would shine in the handy with his true hunter ability and finesse. That is precisely what the duo did. Alfano guided Jersey Boy to a second round score of 195 points to move from fifth to first with a cumulative 362 points.

The pair led the victory gallop with ribbons flying in the wind, a sure indicator that they are ready to take on the competition in Lexington in only one short week. Jersey Boy also nabbed the High Performance Hunter Championship with three first and one third place finish over fences, and the second for their efforts in the under saddle.

Alfano continued her winning ways into the Green Conformation Hunters during Equifest II, riding her own Candid to the division’s championship. She won the Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunter Championship aboard Brent, owned by Bernadette Mulliken, but added the icing to the cake with the young horse when they earned the Pre-Green 3’3″ Incentive. Mulliken took the championship with Brent shortly after in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters.

Counting Stars, recently purchased by Kim Calamos and trained by Lynn Jayne, saw great success in the First Year Green Working Hunter division with Alfano in the irons. They took the First Year Green Working Hunter Championship, while Alfano also snatched up the Pre-Green 3′ Hunter Championship with Social Hill, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. The championships only continued to amount as Alfano and Corasonne, owned by Mulliken, wrapped up the second week of competition with the Performance 3’6″ Hunter Championship.

During HITS-on-the-Hudson VI, Alicia Heberle trained the SBS Farms, Inc. team to continue the winning streak. Alex Trolli was the Antares 15-17 Children’s Hunter Champion with Del Piero, owned by Doreen Toben. Trolli took the top call during the Classic, as well as winning two Children’s Hunter classes with Hey Sailor.

With the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships on everyone’s minds, it is time that SBS Farms, Inc. packs their tack trunks and head to the Kentucky Horse Park. Alfano will have a strong contingent at the championships, especially with Jersey Boy fresh off of his recent victory.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Margaret O’Meara Wraps Up Equifest I with Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championships

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Margaret O’Meara rode Voice of Reason to the top of the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championship, also capturing the reserve championship with Casino. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG.

Wayne, IL – July 28, 2013 – It was the perfect weather at Lamplight Equestrian Center to welcome champions into the winner’s circle for the conclusion of Equifest I. The Amateur-Owner Hunters and Junior Hunter divisions wrapped up the weeklong competition. Samantha Hall and Beyond Time took home the Junior Hunter Championship, while Sonya Svaty and Pick A Color earned a moment in the limelight for their Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunter Championship. It was Margaret O’Meara who excelled today with top-notch performances aboard Voice of Reason and Casino, riding to both championship titles in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters.

Exhibitors gathered around the hunter ring early this morning as the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions got underway, and riders prepared to navigate the Allen Rheinheimer designed course. There were nine obstacles to test horse and rider alike including bending lines, a vertical-oxer line set on the diagonal and wide turns. Rheinheimer utilized obstacles evocative of a traditional hunt field, skillfully set with lush plant life and forest-like color. Riders were judged for their style throughout the round as they guided their mounts over the courses.

The first of O’Meara’s elite team to make his mark was Voice of Reason in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter division. O’Meara and Voice of Reason rode to first place ranks in both over-fence classes today to earn the division championship. Casino, O’Meara’s other well-praised mount who earned two blues in over fences yesterday, came back placing right under his barn mate for the reserve championship ribbon with a brilliant performance. The O’Meara team trains with Heidi Fish at Woodland Way, Inc., in Kirkland, WA, and has a strong belief that they should show for the love of it.

“The two horses have completely different rides,” O’Meara explained. “Casino is an 11-year-old past jumper and now that we’ve changed that mentality, he is a total hunter horse. He’s lazy, but he jumps great. Both are great horses, and that’s the best part. I’m old and if they didn’t make it so easy on me, I could have quit but as long as it’s fun, I’ll keep going.”

O’Meara continued, “The course rode great today, very straight forward. It’s Voice of Reason’s first year back in the competition ring; he was recovering from a bruise he got during the Winter Equestrian Festival. He’s very excited about being back and, it’s funny, he thinks he’s very cool. He was jumping out of his skin; I think I may need a seatbelt. Everybody was laughing when I came out of the ring wondering how I stayed on, but the good news is that I am getting used to him. I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunters saw a clear leader emerge as Sonya Svaty and Pick A Color, of Lake Bluff, IL, swept the first day of competition. Then on the second day, Pick A Color stole the show with a first place in the under-saddle, and the second and third over-fences, shutting out the competition and taking the division’s championship title. Trust Me with Shannon Kelly in the irons emerged victorious for their showmanship, receiving the reserve championship honors.

“He felt fantastic,” Svaty said. “I made some mistakes, but he came to the party. He was all there for me, and really made up for it. We have been working on our riding so I am very pleased, but there is always more work to do.”

“I’ve loved being here at Equifest. The weather has been wonderful, and the footing is amazing. I’m really impressed with the facilities. It has been really great to be here, and we would love to come back,” shared Svaty.

Later in the afternoon, in the Junior Hunter division, Samantha Hall and Beyond Time worked their way to the top of the ranks. Receiving a blue ribbon in the under saddle class, the pair pressed forward with outstanding efforts to claim first and third places in the over fences. Their overall combined marks earned them the championship award tricolor. Fellow competitor, Madison Edwards aboard Last Wish, rode with competitive results to the reserve championship.

“My favorite thing about him is his personality and his jump,” explained Hall. “He is funny, and he always thinks everything is a treat. He’s a big puppy dog that stares at you for treats. Back when we got him, when I saw him in the stall, I knew I had found him; I just fell in love.”

Today wrapped up the first week of Equifest at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Competitors will have the chance to ride again during Equifest II, scheduled to run July 31 – Aug. 4, 2013. Hunter riders can look forward to an array of exciting division, competition and highlight classes such as the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, division classics and equitation classes.

To find out more about Lamplight Equestrian Center, go to: http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Junior Newcomer Samantha Hall Rides to the USEF Junior Hunter Classic Victory at Equifest I

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Samantha Hall and Beyond Time captured the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic victory at Equifest I. Photo By: Ashley N. Williams/PMG.

Wayne, IL – July 27, 2013 – After dodging torrential rain and gray skies yesterday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, sun and cool weather welcomed hunter competitors to the penultimate day of Equifest I. All eyes were on the hunters today, as riders showcased their talents in their Classics. Fourteen-year-old Samantha Hall entered the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic as a newcomer with her young mount Beyond Time; however, they left as champions.

Today was the beginning of the Junior divisions, and the stakes were high as each horse and rider combination attempted to ride for the top honors in their division, as well as claim the victory in the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic. Hall and Beyond Time faced off against some of the nation’s top riders, and although her nerves were on edge, Hall did not back down from the challenge.

Madison Edwards and Last Wish rode to an impressive score of 83 in the first round of the USEF $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic. Hall was close on her heels with Beyond Time, who rode to the first round score of 81. Hall knew she would have to lay down an equally impressive trip in the second round if she wanted to outride Edwards for the win.

It was only three weeks ago that Hall moved up from the Children’s Hunter division, and she has been working diligently to make her mark during Equifest I. She has been riding Beyond Time for a little over a year and a half, and their partnership was apparent as they rode to the overall score of 161 points in today’s classic.

Hall relied on her consistency and solid relationship with Beyond Time to bring them success. Her helpful guidance in the saddle and trust in her mount’s ability to perform paid off, earning them a second round score of 80. The pressure was on Edwards, as Hall and Beyond Time had set the bar high. Unfortunately, Edwards and Last Wish could not match their first round performance. The duo received a 75 for their efforts, bringing their overall score to 158, a score good enough for second. However, Edwards and Last Wish’s first round score of 83 remained the highest of any round of the Classic. Hall and Beyond Time claimed the win.

“I think his jump made it over all,” Hall stated. “He keeps down and low. Really, it is the overall picture of how he shows in the ring that gave us that little extra. We kept a really steady pace out there and I had a longer rein, which helped me do well on the course. We have been practicing that at home.”

“I was surprised and really happy to find out that I won today. I wanted my courses to be good, and after I landed from my last jump, I knew what we had done; I couldn’t stop smiling,” she continued. “I knew he was the horse for me from the beginning. I saw him in the stall and I knew it was him; I fell in love with him. The tingle, it was weird; I didn’t know I would get that feeling.”

In the end, Amanda Paulus and Chantilly took home the third place honors in the classic with the dyad of 76 points. Lauren Duggan and Bellagio captured the fourth place finish, while Stephen Foran and Bronziet finished fifth.

Hall was on a roll today as she also was awarded the first and second place finish over fences in the Junior 3’6″ Hunter division. Edwards was awarded the third and first place over fences, respectively, while Foran claimed the third place during the first course over fences. Hall goes into tomorrow with high hopes of the championship title for the division.

“He didn’t even have a lead change when we first got him a year ago,” trainer Meghan Trilling said. “I’m so proud of Samantha; she’s done a fabulous job. She’s gone from riding a large pony to riding him, and she has made me very proud as a trainer. She’s worked hard as we transition from the Children’s to the Juniors, and, in all honesty, it was very intimidating to her.”

Hall concluded, “We have so much time ahead of us to be able to compete in the hunters and equitation. He is such a versatile horse, and my ultimate goal would be to compete on him in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. That would be so much fun, and such an honor.”

Earlier in the day, the Amateur-Owner Hunter riders were given the opportunity to compete in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. It was Sonya Svaty’s day to shine as she guided Pick A Color to the top of the leader board with smooth rounds, riding both rounds to the high score of 86 points for an overall total of 172 points. She wore a target on her back as the other competitors attempted to best her scores; however, she proved unsurpassable.

“He is a pretty nice horse all by himself,” Svaty said. “I have to learn to stay out of his way, and today I think I did a pretty good job of that. I just kept him on a nice rhythm, and we hit all the jumps perfectly. Overall it was a really nice smooth round. He is very consistent with his jumping which makes him a very nice hunter.”

“We have been coming to Lamplight for almost 10 years,” Svaty stated. “The one thing I like about Lamplight is that they make consistent improvements every year. It only keeps getting better. It is one of the nicest facilities we show at. The footing is phenomenal, and even after a day of rain, the grounds were in perfect condition. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Svaty and Pick A Color picked up the top honors in the Classic, as well as the first and second place finishes over fences in the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Modified Hunters. Shannon Kelly and Trust Me rode to the blue ribbon during the first round, and Zuber picked up the third and second place finishes.

Heather Zuber and Kalifornia also finished in the second place position with an 81 and an 85 for the cumulative score of 166 points in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. Rounding out the top three was Madison Games and Seth, closing out with 164 points.

Margaret O’Meara swept the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Modified Hunters today, riding Casino to the top of the ranks. Alisa Comber and Turn Two rode to the second place over fences in the first round, while Madison Games was awarded the second place ribbon over fences during the second trip with Seth.

In the $500 Pony Hunter Classic, Charlotte Ruff and Clovermeade Inspiration took the top honors. Charlotte Novy and Rockefeller rode to the second place finish, while Halley Steiner and Mr. Australia finished third.

Wrapping up the fourth day of hunter competition at the Lamplight Equestrian Center’s Equifest I was the WIHS/NAL/M&S Children’s Hunter Classic. Maggie Howes and Matisse rode to the blue ribbon with their flowing courses. Jacqueline Oliva and Saracen rode to the second place finish, while Sofia Skok and Bravo rounded out the top three.

Tomorrow Equifest I will conclude with the Amateur-Owner and Junior divisions naming their championships. All of the hunter action will return to the Lamplight Equestrian Center next week when Equifest II returns for five days of competition from Wednesday July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 4.

To find out more about Lamplight Equestrian Center, go to: http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Molly Mcadow and Barina Claim $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Victory at Equifest I

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Molly Mcadow and Barina captured the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby victory at Equifest I. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Wayne, IL – July 26, 2013 – It was a day to remember for Molly Mcadow as she laid down the winning rounds during the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Lamplight Equestrian Center was packed with exhibitors and spectators for the third day of Equifest I, and although the skies were gray and torrents of rain poured down from above, the derby contenders were not deterred. Mcadow led the victory gallop this afternoon with Barina, riding to scores of 89 and 94 to take the win. Stephen Foran and Bronizet were awarded the second place, while Amanda Thomas and Catani snatched the third place award.

Exhibitors took to the Hunter Ring early this morning as the Classic Hunter Round commenced; the anticipation was high as 40 entrants, navigated Allen Rheinheimer’s course. There were nine obstacles in the first round including bending lines, a tight four-stride vertical-oxer line set on the diagonal, wide turns and rollbacks. Rheinheimer utilized obstacles evocative of a traditional hunt field, beautifully set with natural foliage, logs and brush. Riders were scrutinized for their style throughout the round, but were also given the option to take higher fences set at 3’6″ for an additional point each.

Mcadow claimed an early lead with Barina, owned by Nina Donnelly of Evanston, IL, after scoring an 89 during the first round. The downpour did not stop them from riding to the top of the standings, taking the tricky parts of the course with ease, and opting for all of the high options. Mcadow also chose to take eight strides down the first line, which helped her to collect and take an edge over her competition.

“It didn’t seem like it was going to be a very hard course but there were a couple places like from 2 to 3 in the bending line, as well as the last bending line of the course. They were all had high options, which changed the steps and made them tricky,” Mcadow explained. “Barina likes to land left, and because the bending lines lead back right, we chose to do the eight strides down the opening line instead of having to gallop it in the seven, and risk a mistake.”

Thomas jumped up in the standings aboard Catani, owned by Samantha McCarty of Zionsville, IN. They completed a beautiful first round with fluidity and finesse, resulting in a score of 87 points. Catani is only a 6-year-old, but on the derby course he rode like a veteran. Thomas also rode Dallas, owned by Vyla Carter of Indianapolis, IN, to the impressive score of 84.

“This is the second time he has ever done one of these derbies, and he is actually very green, but he is huge, and sometimes we forget his age,” Thomas smiled. “He goes in a rubber snaffle and he is such a good boy, and so much fun to ride. He did great out there, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Foran guided Bronziet, owned by Liberty Equine Ventures of Lake Forest, IL, to a Classic score of 86 points. It was the handy round that would make all the difference for the competitors.

The Handy Round provided four key areas where riders had the opportunity to showcase their handiness and earn crucial bonus points. From start to finish, the Handy Course demanded excellence from horse and rider alike. It began with a single vertical set at the far end of the arena, and then required a left rollback over a gray gate. Following a serpentine pattern, riders had to make a right rollback and take the red oxer set on the outside, and then make a right turn to the only remaining line of the Handy, the four-stride. They then had to make a left rollback over the trot fence and then a hard right over the green oxer. Upon landing, they turned left and took a standalone vertical on the outside, utilizing a string hand gallop, and then landed to the left to complete a rollback over the final oxer.

Tackling the tricky handy hunter course was a feat all of its own. The scores from the Classic Hunter Round carried over into the second-round competition, factoring into the overall score for each pair. Mcadow earned a returning position for three of her mounts during today’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. She returned first, in the 12th place position, aboard Kenyan, owned by Donnelly, eventually riding to an overall score of 148 points to earn the 11th place award. She returned with Sea Smoke, owned by Marybeth Canfield of Chicago, IL, earning a final total of 151.5 points. Her star mount, Barina, would be the last to return to the ring.

Thomas returned on Dallas, ready to seal a position in the top 12 with her first-round score of 84 points. Although they put their best effort forward, they were awarded a score of 79.5, good enough for the fourth place award. Thomas also rode Bonfire, owned by Helen Gilbert of Saint Louis, MO, to the sixth place position with an overall score of 159 points. It wasn’t until she returned on Catani that victory seemed a possibility.

“I thought the courses were really nice,” she said. “It was pretty straightforward, but the handy round was a lot of fun with its layout. He is such a big horse that we can’t make the tight turns that many of the other horses can. We had to think on our feet a little bit.”

Knowing that she was up against stiff competition, Thomas opted to make an inside turn after fence 2 as a way of showcasing her handiness. That extra move was what gave her the Handy Round score of 85 points, granting her the lead in the second round. Thomas knew that she had to post a score that would be hard to beat, especially with USHJA Emerging Athletes Finals winner Stephen Foran hot on her heels.

Foran picked up a quick but tidy pace with Bronziet, riding through the turns adeptly and showing keen handiness before the trot jump. He was dually awarded for his solid effort with a score of 87 in the handy. Combined with his first round score of 86 points, Foran snatched the lead with an overall score of 173 points.

“I liked the handy course,” Foran said. “There was a lot of turning and flowing, a lot of single jumps, which you could find off your eye, which I really like to do. There weren’t a ton of options, so everyone had a pretty similar course. Whoever was the handiest and found the jumps the best was rewarded for it. My horse is just so easy that I can flow and let him do his thing. I am able to be very soft with him and have a great ride.”

Mcadow and Barina were the last to return to the Handy Round and, in this case, the best was saved for last. Barina exemplified a handy horse, taking all high options, and moving through the turns smoothly. Each jump was crisp, and it was clear that a muddy day would not stand in the pair’s way. The judges announced a score of 94 for the excellent performance, catapulting them to the top of the leader board to claim the winning honors.

“I’m looking forward to doing more derbies with her,” Mcadow smiled. “She’s just so fun and good all the time, and it’s a ton of fun to ride her around the course like that. The course was so nice, open and flowing, that it really makes it a pleasure to ride her. She has such a strong gallop, and the way she jumps each jump is amazing.”

Foran was pleased to claim the second place award with his overall score of 173 points. He only surpassed Thomas by one point, but he was very happy with his most recent mount.

“It’s a new horse; I haven’t had him very long,” Foran explained. “He has a great attitude; anything I am willing to do he is willing to do it. He has done the jumpers for the last several years, but we thought that he would be a great equitation prospect for my last junior year. He is so versatile that he can go into any ring and win. Not only does he win in the hunters and equitation, but I took him in the 1.15m Jumpers yesterday, and he was flawless in there, too. He is so much fun, and easy to ride. It is a blast to have a horse you can rely on.”

Silas Jaramillo of Sun Prairie, WI, rode The Advocate to the overall score of 162 points for the fifth place position. Thomas nabbed the sixth with Bonfire, while Tina Judge and Bond took the seventh place finish. Placing eighth was Shannon Kelly and Trust Me. On Tour with Kelsey Cerkieski in the irons took the ninth place finish, Josey Gentry and Insight finished tenth, and Molly Mcadow rounded out the top 12 with her two mounts Kenyan and Sea Smoke taking 11th and 12th, respectively.

“I’ve been showing here for 20 years,” Mcadow concluded. “I am impressed by the footing and the great consistency it has. The horses are jumping great off of it, and the facility is just beautiful. It was always nice here at Lamplight, but the changes they have made make it that much more special and professional.”

Tomorrow Equifest I will continue with the Amateur-Owner and Junior divisions taking their start. Riders will have the opportunity to compete in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Classic and $1,000 Junior Classic with their top mounts. All of the hunter action for Equifest I will conclude this Sunday with the final championships for the remaining hunter divisions, but there is more in store at the Lamplight Equestrian Center when Equifest II returns next week for five days of competition.

To find out more about Lamplight Equestrian Center, go to: http://lamplightequestriancenter.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com