Tag Archives: Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Boston Pride Reigns as O’Shea Wins $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix at Fieldstone Summer Showcase I

Paul O’Shea and Instant Karma. Photos By: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Halifax, MA – August 17, 2013 – The luck of the Irish was with Paul O’Shea this afternoon at the Fieldstone Show Park as he piloted Instant Karma to the victory in the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, presented by Gallo Dark Horse Wine, Ocean Spray and Samuel Adams, narrowly beating Boston Bruins owner, Charlie Jacobs. Not only did O’Shea claim the win, but because of his back to back victories, he nailed down the inaugural $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus check. Hometown girl Kristen Bumpus rode Cupid to the third place finish, making today a day to remember for Boston at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase I. Spectators looked upon the all-grass Grand Prix Field for the fourth day of the event, filling the sidelines as they felt the building anticipation as 26 entrants attempted the challenging course.

The first round course was one for the books, with only three riders navigating the 16 efforts to find their spot in the jump-off. Philip J De Vita of Apopka, FL, designed the course for the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, promising an eventful track for the horse and rider combinations. The course featured an opening triple bar, several double combinations, and bending lines. De Vita asked many questions of the riders, setting obstacles set atop the bank and table on the side of the field, as well as placing a tall vertical inside the grob. One of the challenges on the course was to complete a series of three elements representing the pride of Boston, their prestigious sports teams. An entire combination was made of a Boston Bruins vertical, A Boston Celtics vertical to a Boston Red Sox oxer. Although there was no true bogey fence, 12 riders found fault at the final oxer-liverpool obstacle.

“For $50,000 the class had to have some integrity,” De Vita explained. “The time allowed was a little snug; the course was spot on for a big field. It had a lot of 1.50m spreads, but I think it was difficult enough. It was a good class; I was very happy. Nothing was really a big bogey jump, there were plenty of big jumps, the triple bar was a run-up-and-get-it — it really got you going, and that was my intention. I love starting on a triple bar. I think that it was a good class. I was tickled to death at the outcome. It was my style of a lot of triples, serpentines, a lot of good approaches but straight to the jumps.”

Kristen Bumpus and Cupid
Kristen Bumpus and Cupid

Kristen Bumpus and Cupid, the seventh to take on the first round course, became first to master the tough track. She was the initial rider to return to the ring out of the three qualified contenders to take on the short course.

The shortened track opened over the large oxer set near the in-gate, and rider then had to take the Unbridled Passion vertical after a sharp left turn and bend to the large Fieldstone oxer below the bank. Upon landing they then made a right turn to the vertical-vertical double combination set on the diagonal, made a left turn over the triple bar set between brick walls and made a left turn through the final vertical-oxer line to break the beam and seal their fate.

Bumpus unfortunately had a refusal at the second obstacle of the jump-off, but they completed the course sans faults upon clearing it. They incurred four faults for their drive-by, as well as two time faults for their final time of 56.681 seconds.

“He’s been a little bit of a project, he’s very quirky and has a lot of rules that I need to follow in order for him to be good,” Bumpus smiled. “I just recently worked with Margie Engle to try to break some bad habits that I have with him trying to overprotect him; he’s a quirky horse. Honestly, I would have been happy just completing the course and not looking like I didn’t belong there; I’m so thrilled for my horse and myself to be in company like that.”

Bumpus continued, “My heart rate rose a bit down the vertical-vertical combination; we had a hard rub, but he tends to rub a lot of jumps; that’s how he jumps. He’s not a super; he doesn’t have a huge jump all the time, but he’s perfected the skim. Most of the time when he’s rubbing them they don’t fall down.”

Paul O’Shea had nearly qualified for the jump-off with three of his mounts, including the winner of the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Planning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak last week, Primo De Revel. Unfortunately, four faults kept Primo De Revel and Wizz out of the jump-off. He did ride to a clean first round aboard Instant Karma, owned by himself and Michael Hayden, and when he entered the Grand Prix Field, he was riding to win, leaving absolutely nothing to chance on the turf today. Instant Karma won the $20,000 Welcome Stake for O’Shea last week at Silver Oak.

“Instant Karma needs a good canter and I have to keep her focused and forward at the base of the jump,” O’Shea explained. “I had her here last year, and she was a little nervous. She has really come along a lot, and she has really matured. She is relaxed all the time now, and she has really grown up. I think the best is ahead for her. I had a good feeling with her; I thought she could do it. We were unlucky with Primo De Revel with the four faults, but he jumped great, too. I have all the faith in the world in my horses, and she was all there for me today.”

The Irish could be proud of their rider this afternoon as he took the inside options, and answered the many questions that we asked of him along the course. He made a speedy inside turn to the double combination, as well as excluding a stride from the final vertical-oxer line. He broke the beam in 43.875 seconds, setting the pace for Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star.

O’Shea explained, “Charlie’s horse is very fast, so I knew had to give it a good go. I had to take all of the options, turn inside, give it a good go, and leave out a stride in the last line. She really tried for me out there.”

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star
Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star

All of the pressure fell on Jacobs as he entered the ring aboard his hot-blooded 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Flaming Star. If he could take on the track without any rails falling to the ground, and surpass O’Shea with a speedy jump-off, the lion’s share of the prize money would be his, and O’Shea would lose the $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus. Jacobs was hot on O’Shea’s heels, erupting from the in-gate with a quick speed and taking all of the fences with ease. Although he wanted to catch the Irish rider, he focused on accuracy, not daring to test the fates with a possible fault. He tripped the timers in 46.295 seconds for the second place finish.

“What a remarkable two weeks to him,” Jacobs expressed of O’Shea’s win. “Obviously I was hoping to be riding for the rider bonus having jumped clean last week. I’m using this horse show as a set up to go to Spruce Meadows in two weeks, and I didn’t necessarily want to send my horse off his feet until we get to the 1.60m.  I wasn’t prepared to go belly to the ground.”

“Flaming Star is spoiled, as he deserves to be spoiled. He gives it his all, and he’s also a stoic horse, he’s tough as nails, he’s a great friend and has been a great partner for a number of years,” Jacobs said. “This is like the last chapter of our summer travels so we spend the most time here at the show grounds just having fun; I get to jump in a class next week with my kids, so it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a great show, and it only keeps getting better.”

Irishman O’Shea came to the United States three years ago in October, and he has had nothing short of a phenomenal two weeks. Although it was Primo De Revel who won him the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Panning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, he knew that today was Instant Karma’s time to shine. The young mare had a multitude of fans to pat her and offer her celebratory compliments, but it was co-owner Michael Hayden who received her affections. The dedicated owner took a plane from Ireland the night before to watch her go in the Grand Prix today, and he could not have been happier as he stood next to the brilliant bay with her blue ribbon waving in the brisk Massachusetts breeze.

“She was bought by Paul as a yearling with a friend of ours, and I stepped in to buy 50 percent of the mare when she was a 3-year-old, and she didn’t seem very promising so she was thrown out into the field,” Hayden laughed. “Our mistake – when we brought her back as a 5-year-old it turned out she was a bit of a super star. I kept her in Ireland for a bit, and I brought her back to Paul about two years ago. I decided to travel from Ireland to here at 9 a.m. yesterday morning to see her take the win today, and I fly back tomorrow at this time. Luckily her win will pay for it all.”

Not only did O’Shea win the majority of the $50,000 purse, but he also pocketed the $25,000 Boston Strong Rider Bonus. The rider bonus is the brainchild of Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Chairman Jeff Papows and Fieldstone Show Park CEO Scott Clawson. McLain Ward had mentioned the idea to Papows, and the two show directors jumped at the opportunity to expand their horizons and offer a rider bonus.

“It feels incredible to win that bonus,” O’Shea concluded. “It is fantastic that Jeff and Scott put that up. It was a great idea, and they deserve a lot of credit for running two fantastic shows. I will absolutely be back next year. I think a lot of people will come to these shows next year, and they should, because they are great shows and they are going to grow and grow. These shows have the true makings of a Summer Circuit in New England.”

The Fieldstone Summer Showcase I will conclude tomorrow with the $10,000 GGT Footing 3’3″ Hunter Derby on Sunday, Aug. 18. The hunter riders will take to the grass field for Derby Day, where spectators can watch the exciting action at 1 p.m. For more information on Stadium Jumping and the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

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

Fieldstone Summer Showcase Partners with Children’s Wish Foundation International as Official Charity Partner

Andi, diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor, wished for a miniature horse of her own to love and take care of.

Halifax, MA – July 22, 2013 – The anticipation is building as the Fieldstone Summer Showcase starting date is drawing closer. The two-week competition will return to the Fieldstone Show Park from August 14-24, 2013. In addition to the world-class competition, the Fieldstone Show Park is pleased to announce their alignment with the Children’s Wish Foundation International. This reputable organization is dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to children with life-threatening illness around the world.  This dedication has created memorable experiences for children and families in 53 countries, and the Fieldstone Summer Showcase is thrilled to partner with them.

Executive Director Linda Dozoretz pioneered the Children’s Wish Foundation International when she lost her eldest daughter to bone cancer. Dozoretz became an active fundraiser, supporting causes that searched for a cure for cancer. For her efforts, she was awarded a trip to Disneyland, which she donated to a little girl from Susan’s hospital who was also losing her battle with cancer. She provided a wish for a child who would never have the chance to grow up. Wishes for more children followed, and her community showed support by becoming actively involved in her efforts. With a determination to bring happiness to seriously ill children around the world, several years after that first wish Dozoretz formed Children’s Wish Foundation International and continues to serve as the organization’s Executive Director.

As part of the Fieldstone Show Advisory Board, Jeff Papows, author of Unbridled Passion and Chairman of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, connected CEO of the Fieldstone Show Park, Scott Clawson, with the charitable organization.

Papows was conducting an interview with Ian Millar about his relationship with Big Ben for Papows’ book Unbridled Passion, and Millar told him the most heartfelt story he could have imagined.

It was Big Ben’s last class at Spruce Meadows, and as the pair was exiting the ring, Millar saw a family walking toward him with a young child in a wheel chair. Millar described the scene as “emotional” to Papows as he witnessed the eyes of the young girl light up at the sight of Big Ben. Her parents asked if she would be able to pet the horse, and Millar’s first thought was, “This is going to be a disaster; he’s like dancing dynamite right now.” He told them that although he would love to be able to allow it, it was just too dangerous; they would have to come back another time. The mother leaned toward him, and said, “She doesn’t have much time left.”

Against all odds, Big Ben lowered his head into the little girl’s lap, and she was able to pet him. The father then asked if she would be able to sit on him for a picture. Big Ben’s long-time groom, Sandy Patterson, assured Millar that Big Ben knew what she needed, and what he was supposed to do. With some help, they lifted the girl from her wheel chair and placed her in the saddle where she smiled boldly for a photograph. Big Ben stood perfectly still, and her final wish was made true.

Three weeks later, Millar received a letter in the mail telling him that the girl had passed away. Attached to the letter was the photograph. The letter explained that the picture sat in her hospital room until her passing, and her parents included the photograph with her burial. He had helped make a little girl’s dream a reality, and to this day, Millar still has the photograph from that fateful day.

“It was after hearing this story that I became interested in the Children’s Wish Foundation International, and I made them the recipient of the profits from my book,” Papows explained. “I eventually joined their Board of Directors, and connected Scott [Clawson] with the organization. We did several auctions for them last year, raising a lot of money, it was my idea to make them the official charity partner for the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, and Scott was more than happy to help an organization that helps so many terminally ill children.”

Children’s Wish Foundation International has been awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. The seal is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.

Since its inception, the Children’s Wish Foundation has continued to expand its programs to enhance the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. Recognizing the families’ needs outside of the scope of wish fulfillment, they stepped up their commitment to the children by developing a hospital enrichment program wherein they place educational and entertainment materials in children’s hospitals throughout the world. They also created a Family Focus program that allows the Wish Families a respite from hospital and treatments.

“I am thrilled to help such an inspirational organization,” Clawson said. “They have completed more than 35,000 wishes, and more than 300,000 hospital visits. They help children achieve dreams that would otherwise be impossible. It is with sincere pleasure that we welcome them as our official charity partner.”

CWFI, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is an international Foundation, fulfilling wishes for children around the world, yet keeping costs to a minimum by maintaining only one office and a small staff. They take pride in providing personal attention to each family, developing and maintaining relationships with them that last years after their child’s wish has been fulfilled. To ensure that the families can reach someone at any time, each staff member carries a cell phone, resulting in availability 24 hours a day. Additionally, they have the help of volunteers worldwide, allowing them to bring happiness to children in communities across the globe.

All wishes are fulfilled through the loving support of corporations and individuals who care about the happiness of the Wish Children. Individuals also give annually, or may choose to donate in lieu of a gift honoring a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or in memory of a loved one who has passed away. All contributions are tax-deductible. CWFI is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax receipts for all donations are provided.

Entries for the Summer Showcase will close August 6. Please contact Michael Morrissey for more information, including stall reservations. Morrissey can be reached at the office by calling (941) 744-5465 or on his cell phone (941) 915-3449. Questions and stall reservations can be faxed to (941) 744-0874. The prize list and entry blank are posted on www.showfieldstone.com and www.stadiumjumping.com.

For more information on Stadium Jumping and the approaching Fieldstone Summer Showcase I and II Horse Shows, please visit www.showfieldstone.com. You can also follow the Fieldstone Horse Shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fieldstone.equestrian.

Summer Showcase I and II 2013 Horse Show Fast Facts

Events: 2013 Summer Showcase I and II

What:
The Summer Showcase I and II Horse Show includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper and equitation competitions during the month of August. The series is host to the $50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix, $7,500 Welcome Stake, $7,500 Open Speed Derby and the all-new $15,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby and $5,000 2’9″ Hunter Derby.

Where:
Fieldstone Show Park
21 Plymouth St.
Halifax, MA, 02338

When:

SUMMER SHOWCASE I – August 14-18
$50,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 2’9″ Hunter Derby
$2,500 Pony Classic

FIELDSTONE EQUITATION SHOW – August 19, 2013
M&S Children’s Medal Horse 3′
M&S Pony Medals
Equisport Insurance U.S. Pony Medal
WIHS Pony Medal
THIS National Children’s Medal
M&S Junior Medal
ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship
Pessoa U.S. Hunter Seat Medal
Platinum Performance USEF Show Jumping Talent Search
WIHS Equitation 3’6″
Ariat Adult Medal 3′

SUMMER SHOWCASE II – August 20-24, 2013
$25,000 Antares Grand Prix
$7,500 Welcome Stake
$7,500 Open Speed Derby
$15,000 NEHJA 3’3″ Hunter Derby Finals
$10,000 NEHJA 2’9″ Hunter Derby Finals
$5,000 NEHJA Pony Hunter Classic Finals

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Animals: No dogs or other pets are allowed on the grounds unless they are leashed and under control. Unrestrained pets will be impounded and released only upon payment of fine.

Directions:

From Route 3: Heading south or north take Exit 9(Rte. 3A, Kingston, Plymouth). Top of the ramp turn right on Rte 3A (towards Kingston). Through two sets of lights to a blinking light, bear left on to Rte 27-106. Travel about one mile to set of lights and fork. Take left at fork onto Rte 106. Fieldstone Farm is approximately 5 miles on the right in Halifax, MA.

From the West: Rte 495 to Rte 24 North. First exit Rte 104 and head east. Rte 104 merges with Rte 106. Cross over Rte 58 in Halifax Center. Fieldstone Farm is 1.2 miles on the left.

Information:
Before Show – (941) 527-6602, susiemorr@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (781) 422-7978, Fax: (781) 679-0739
Stabling – Call (781) 422-7978
Stabling office – (781) 422-7978
Shownet – www.shownet.biz
Website: www.showfieldstone.com

Ring Dimensions/Specs:
The Grand Prix Field is grass. The Jumper Ring 5, Hunter Ring 1, Equitation Ring 2, Hunter Ring 4, Jumper Schooling areas and other schooling areas have Sand Euro Felt footing. The lunging area has a sand surface. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:

Grand Prix Field: 350′ x 400′, Jumper Ring 5: 200’x 250′, Hunter Ring 1: 175′ x 240′, Equitation Ring 2: 175′ x 250′, Hunter Ring 4: 100′ x 210′

Management:
Stadium Jumping
1301 Sixth Avenue West Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 527-6602 (phone)
(941) 744-0874 (fax)
e-mail: susiemorr@aol.com
website: www.stadiumjumping.com

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

Amanda Steege Takes Top Two Spots in $25,000 New England Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Amanda Steege and Duval. All photos © Anne Gittins Photography and © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Halifax, MA – August 26, 2011 – The Fieldstone Summer Showcase had a full day of competition in the Grand Prix Field today and it was Amanda Steege of Bedminster, NJ, who rode to a one-two finish in the $25,000 New England Hunter Derby Final. Steege rode Duval, owned by Randi Vladimer of Malvern, PA, to victory. Majestic, owned by Tony Arena of Fairport, NY, and Steege were second. Olympian Leslie Howard of Fairfield, CT, took the top prize in the $7,500 Herb Chambers Companies Speed Stake on Goed Zo, owned by the 73 West Group of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Fieldstone Summer Showcase features top hunter/jumper competition at their beautiful facility in Halifax, MA.

UPDATE: Today marked the fourth day of competition for the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, which will now run through Saturday, August 27. The MHJ Finals will run at the same times and in the same rings but now on Saturday instead of Sunday. The $25,000 Herb Chambers Companies Grand Prix start time has been moved to 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 27.

There were 45 entries in the $25,000 New England Hunter Derby Final, and they competed through two rounds to find the winner. The top 12 scoring horses from the first round returned for a handy round, which included a trot jump, hand gallop, and walking over a log. The courses were designed by Nathan Panetta.

“I thought they were fun courses,” Steege said. “I loved that the jumps were mostly off your eye and off the gallop. It really let you show off on a horse that had a pretty canter who perked his ears and looked for the jump. I liked doing the natural jumps in the first round. The way that they used them was really appropriate for this level of a class because it definitely was somewhat challenging without feeling trappy or so different that the horses didn’t want to participate. I have to commend the course designer for that.”

Continue reading Amanda Steege Takes Top Two Spots in $25,000 New England Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Amanda Steege and Bavarian Rule in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Amanda Steege and Bavarian won the $10,000 Fieldstone 2'9” Hunter Derby Final. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Halifax, MA – August 25, 2011 – The Fieldstone Summer Showcase hosted two hunter derbies today on the beautiful grass Grand Prix Field. Amanda Steege of Bedminster, NJ, rode Bavarian, owned by Lise Revers of Weston, MA, to victory in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9” Hunter Derby Final. In the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Final, Jordyn Freeman of Long Meadow, MA, took the top two places on Blueberry Hill and Head’s Up. The Fieldstone Summer Showcase features top hunter/jumper competition at their beautiful facility in Halifax, MA.

Today marked the third day of competition for the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, which will now run through Saturday, August 27. The MHJ Finals will run at the same times and in the same rings but now on Saturday instead of Sunday. The $25,000 Herb Chambers Companies Grand Prix start time has been moved to noon on Saturday, August 27 (from 3 p.m.). The $7,500 Herb Chambers Companies Speed Stake has been moved to Friday, August 26, at approximately 11 a.m. (from Saturday).

Professional rider Amanda Steege had a brand-new ride on Bavarian, who was only purchased three weeks ago by Revers. Revers trains with Lindsey Moore, who had Steege compete today on the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “My dad has been helping Lindsey Moore. I got lucky!” Steege said with a smile.

The new pairing practiced yesterday and entered the ring together for the first time in the derby. They had a solid score of 84 in the first round, and with a handy hunter score of 86, they moved into the lead with a total of 170. Second place in the class went to Socrates, ridden by Kristen Bumpus and owned by Jackie Arakelian of Winchester, MA.

Continue reading Amanda Steege and Bavarian Rule in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase