Tag Archives: Jennifer Alfano

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping, USHJA

Alfano Captures 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Reserve Championship

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Jen Alfano and Jersey Boy from Derby Finals. Shawn McMillan Photography.

Lexington, KY – August 19, 2014 – In 2012, Jennifer Alfano led the victory gallop aboard Jersey Boy when they secured the Hunter Derby Finals Championship. Liza Boyd followed close behind with Brunello that year, smiling at her friend’s success.

Last year, Boyd had her time in the spotlight, riding Brunello to the victory and duplicated her effort for the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, while Alfano captured the reserve championship.

It was the perfect storybook ending for two friends.

After a 12-month qualifying period, the hunter elite were invited to compete for the coveted 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship title. With over 150 qualified entrants, the Derby Finals was held August 14-16 in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The top 25 horse/rider combinations returned to tackle the handy hunter course. The scores from the Classic Hunter Round carried over into the second day of competition, factoring into the overall score for each pair.

Boyd sat in third place after the Classic Round, while Alfano and Jersey Boy held seventh. Jersey Boy performed brilliantly with Alfano in the irons. They showcased their skill during the handy round, shining underneath the Rolex Arena lights for 310.5 points. They jumped up the ranks to claim the reserve championship, only 17 points behind Boyd, finishing with a score of 581.250.

Alfano knew that Jersey Boy was ready to take on the challenge of the handy hunter course, his forte, when he didn’t school well.

“He didn’t school well, which is usually a good sign for him,” Alfano said of the notoriously quirky Jersey Boy. “Usually, the worse school you have, the better he is in the ring, which is a little hard mentally in the schooling area.”

Sure enough, Jersey Boy was on his game the moment he stepped into Rolex Stadium.

“He was perfect,” Alfano said. “As soon as I picked up the canter and locked on the first jump I knew I was really home free. He just gave it his all. He felt phenomenal. I was thrilled with him, and I was thrilled that Liza won. When she went and she was on top I thought, ‘It would be so great if we were first and second,’ and we were.”

Alfano also saw great success outside of the Derby field. She rode her own Candid to the reserve championship in the Green Conformation Hunters with the second place in the model, and two reds over fences.

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
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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

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano and Me Again Dominate The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum

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Jennifer Alfano and Me Again.

Mumford, NY – June 7, 2014 – Jennifer Alfano has won USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies across the country, and today she added a win at a brand new, beautiful venue to her resume – the victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum.

Alfano clinched the win on the breathtaking Great Meadow of the 19th-Century Country Village aboard Me Again, a Dutch Warmblood owned by Helen Lenahan. The American bred gelding, out of Cardento and bred by Hays Investment Corporation, is only five years old and is just competing in his second year as a pre-green horse.

“He was unbelievable. All along we thought this was going to be a great derby horse,” Alfano said. “He’s brave, scopey and fearless, which he showed here today.”

The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum presented a beautiful venue that one must see in person to fully appreciate – and that is unlike what most pre-green hunter horses have ever experienced.

“For a young horse to walk out on that field and go like he did I think is amazing,” Alfano said.

The expansive field with slightly graded terrain, ideal grass footing and a beautiful course set by Bobby Murphy served as the perfect setting for the inaugural Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, the hopeful first of many hunter derbies to come at the 19th century living history museum.

“I think with word of mouth, this is going to get huge,” Alfano said. “I think this is going to be one of these places that they’re going to have to turn people away because that field is unbelievable. It’s beautiful and it rode great.”

Alfano continued, “With the museum here, you have a built in spectator base. You can’t get this many people to come to a hunter derby regularly.”

In front of a full crowd of spectators, Alfano led the pack from beginning to end with the highest score in the first, classic round and the overall highest cumulative score. Her and Me Again’s high scores not only earned them the winner’s share of the prize money; they rode away with a generous donation of products from Shapley’s Superior Equine Grooming Products and a brand-new, meticulously crafted saddle and bridle from the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsor, Henri De Rivel.

Henri De Rivel also donated bridles to each of the top 12 finishers in today’s derby. Earning one of those bridles and giving Alfano and Me Again a run for their money were Rachel Clawson and Sox Appeal, owned by Kelly Waples. The pair came back into the second round sitting in the second place position and a second round score of 81 plus three high option points helped them maintain that position. Rounding out the top three were Jennifer Dahlman and her own The Other Brother.

As one of the nation’s leading hunter riders, Alfano will return to The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum tomorrow with two of her top mounts, Jersey Boy and Maggie May, for the $35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

The highly anticipated International Hunter Derby kicks off tomorrow at 12 p.m. General admission tickets are available for $17.50 at the door at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. Cost of admission includes entrance to the entire Genesee Country Village & Museum.

Stay up to date with all the latest announcements and updates from The Derby by liking the event on Facebook here!

The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Fast Facts:

What:
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum:
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Where:
The Genesee Country Village & Museum
1410 Flint Hill Road
Mumford, NY 14511

When:
June 7 & 8, 2014

Website:
www.thederby.us

Beneficiaries:
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and exposure!

To learn more about the numerous available sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact us online for more information!

The Derby Producers & Management:
Brian Brown – browndawgroger@hotmail.com
Craig Brown – cmbrown@rochester.rr.com
Liz Keller – lkeller6@rochester.rr.com

TSG Equine Events, LLC
http://www.tsgequineevents.com/

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Susie Schoellkopf Inducted into National Show Hunter Hall of Fame

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid. Photos by Emily Riden/Phelps Media Group.

SBS Farms Takes Home Top Ribbons at Devon

Buffalo, NY – June 3, 2014 – The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame (NSHHF) awarded numerous honors last Tuesday night at their annual dinner held at the Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, PA, but it was Susan B. Schoellkopf who shined. Schoellkopf was named inducted alongside Bruce Duchossois, Brian Lenehan and Jane Gaston. It was an achievement that none can contest, as Schoellkopf has committed her life to providing superior quality to the equestrian community from the show ring to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC).

Schoellkopf is not only the Director of SBS Farms, but she has been involved with associations that both govern and promote the horse industry and has been associated with the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and Buffalo Equestrian Center for 35 years. Susie has made SBS Farms, Inc. the premiere show stable in the northeast, training four USEF High-score Award hunters, Gabriel, GG Valentine, Big Bad Wolf and Kansas, as well as the illustrious 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion Jersey Boy. She currently serves as a USEF “R” rated judge, Chair of the Zone 2 Hunter Committee, is the Pre-Green Incentive Founder and Committee member, and is a member of the USEF Equine D & M Committee. As a rated judge, Susie has judged the New England Medal Finals, the Devon Horse Show, HITS Thermal, the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Hunterdon Cup, Junior Hunter Finals and the USEF Pony Medal Finals. Susie Blaisdell, Jennifer Alfano and Pam Keenan inducted Schoellkopf into the NSHHF, each giving heart felt speeches about her accomplishments.

“All of us believe that Susie truly deserves this honor, as she’s excelled in all areas of the equestrian sport, as a rider, trainer, owner, judge, committee chairman and member and as a constant tenacious promoter of the industry. I think very few horsemen have had such an incredibly positive influence on so many for so long,” Susie Blaisdell said. “Susie continues to give her time, expertise and opinions to promote the growth of the sport. She’s done this by being a USEF R-rated judge at all of the top shows around the country, by chairing and serving on vital USHJA committees and by writing an informative and entertaining column for the Chronicle for years.”

The NSHHF continues to foster the appreciation of the sport through the establishment and maintenance of esteemed awards. The winners of the yearly and overall awards are carefully selected by the vote of trainers who have had champions in the divisions at the shows that have been nominated for the Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year award.

“Susie is one of the most generous and loyal people that I have ever known,” Professional Hunter Rider and Trainer Jennifer Alfano said. “She’s given so many people a great leg up. I know before I came to work there she supported many young professionals and gave them some great opportunities. Almost 24 years ago, knowing very little about me, she gave me a chance and hired me. We have had an incredible journey since that day.”

Schoellkopf has dedicated her life to the Buffalo Equestrian Center and the BTRC, providing children with the opportunity to ride, who may never have had that chance. The facility’s location in Downtown Buffalo is ideal for many of the inner-city kids to take a bus for their riding lessons.

Alfano elaborated, “Many of these kids in the city would not have this opportunity elsewhere. There’s no agenda here. These aren’t people who will ever go on to spend money. Susie just wants kids involved with horses. It’s not just show kids. Those kids are all so important to her.”

The BTRC has also become a staple in the equestrian world, acting as a beacon of light for many other therapeutic riding centers across the nation. She founded the program in 1990, and it has only continued to grow. Every year the BTRC hosts its Buffalo International Horse Show, raising crucial funds for the therapeutic program.

“Susie has a wide variety of students with many physical and emotional challenges, but the one thing that they all share is their love for Susie,” Alfano smiled. “Every Monday they come running through the door screaming her name. She knows every child in that program. She knows their parents. She knows their siblings. She’s there to cheer them on… Her devotion to that program is truly impressive.”

Schoellkopf concluded the presentation with these sentiments: “Everybody in this room has given me such an amazing ride through this sport. Through the many highs and the many lows, and I am so thankful to have a place in the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Most importantly though, I want to thank all of the horses who have crossed my path, who teach me every day why we all do what we do and love each day.”

Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May took third place during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Devon Horse Show and County Fair
Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May took third place during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Devon Horse Show

During the Devon Horse Show and County Fair SBS Farms rode to the top of the leader board with their prestigious mounts. Alfano and Candid collected the third place ribbon in the Green Conformation Model, as well as the first place finish over fences and the third in the handy. During the Second Year Green Working Hunters, Billie Steffee’s Maggie May captured great ribbons, but her shining moment was during the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. She rode to an impressive score of 176.5 during the first round, and came back in the handy for a score of 193. Their cumulative score of 369.50 earned Alfano and Maggie May the third place award.

Alfano also had the chance to showcase an unforeseen talent during the Five Gaited Saddle Horse Special. She rode Ceil and Kenny Wheeler’s CH Callaway’s Born For This to the first place finish. The pair beat out other internationally acclaimed riders Todd Minikus, McLain Ward, Candice King and Hunt Tosh for the win.

While SBS Farms was busy collecting ribbons at Devon, Alicia Heberle led another strong contingent of horses and riders to top ribbons at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, NY. Heberle helped train Alex Trolli and Hey Sailor to the Children’s Hunter Championship during week one of the show, while also bringing home two wins with Del Piero during the second week.

SBS Farms, Inc. now will pack their trunks and head to the long-anticipated Hunter Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum June 6-8.

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, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano Wins $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show II

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Jen Alfano and Jersey Boy. Photo by The Book, LLC.

North Salem, NY – May 21, 2014 – The powerhouse team of Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy does it again. These hunter derby veterans rode away with the tricolor in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby this past weekend at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show II, making it their 27th win in an international hunter derby.

No strangers to the winner’s circle, Alfano and her longtime mount Jersey Boy started off strong in the first round of the derby, laying down a beautiful trip good for the second place position. However, it was the handy round that really set this pair apart from the rest of the competition. Jersey Boy is well known for his finesse in the handy round, and his impressive trip was good for the win, launching them to the top of the leader board overall.

Jersey Boy was not the only horse to walk away victorious at Old Salem. Candid, owned by Alfano herself, has been making his mark in the hunter ring at shows across the country. Alfano’s partnership with the brown Holsteiner was evident as they claimed two blues over fences, a third in the under saddle, and a win in the model.

One of Alfano’s more recent mounts, SBS Farm’s Counting Stars, continued to make a name for himself the First Year Green Working Hunter Division. Alfano guided the gelding to two second place finishes over fences, in addition to a win in the under saddle.

Across the state, SBS Farms, Inc. also found great success this past week at the Buffalo Showtime I Horse Show in Hamburg NY. Following in Alfano and Jersey Boy’s footsteps was Alicia Heberle with Playmore, who won the $4,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Buffalo Showtime I Horse Show. In the Children’s Hunters, Jazz Igiel and Alex Trolli’s Del Piero’s consistency over the course of the week was rewarded with the division tricolor.

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.

AnLi Kelly-Duram for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Wellington, FL 33414
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Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Alfano and Candid Are Picture Perfect for Grand Hunter Championship at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid. Photos copyright The Book LLC.

Darragh Kenny and Picolo Capture 1.40m Jumper Win

North Salem, NY – May 7, 2014 – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse shows awarded their first hunter championships of the season today, and taking the Grand Hunter Championship was Candid, ridden and owned by Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY. In the Grand Prix Field, jumpers had plenty of entries as Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Picolo won over 53 others in the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class.

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows run May 6-11 and May 13-18 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country to compete for almost $500,000 in prize money.

Candid’s performance in the Green Conformation Hunters garnered him the overall Grand Hunter Championship. On the first day, Candid and Alfano were first and third over fences and took the top ribbon in the under saddle and model classes. They finished with two more blue ribbons over fences. The reserve champion in the division was Winston, ridden by Brooke Baldwin-deGrazia and owned by Lannie Lipson. They won an over fences class and took four second places and a third in the rest of the division.

Alfano found Candid, who is called “Sheldon” after the TV character on “The Big Bang Theory,” a year ago through Terry Brown. The six-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Quintender was the third horse that she purchased just for herself.

“I actually own him myself, which is really fun,” she affirmed. “Terry finds great horses. I had bought another horse from her for myself, and I sold him in a week! I was really sad because I really liked him! Then she said, ‘I have another one for you.’ [Candid is] a really fun horse, and he’s gotten really consistent. He’s very aware of his surroundings. He’s not spooky at the jumps, but he’s aware of everything that’s happening, so I think it gives him a really good presence in the ring.”

Although Candid is an investment, Alfano does hope to keep him through the rest of the year. “Eventually I’ll sell him, but I would love to keep him through his First Year year, just because I’m really having a good time. I’m not sure I’ll own one as nice as him again! I’m enjoying it.”

This is Alfano’s first time competing at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. “I like it,” she said. “Everything has been nice. The jumps are beautiful, and the ring looks really pretty. So far we’re having a really good time!”

Darragh Kenny and Picolo
Darragh Kenny and Picolo

In a class of 54 entries, Darragh Kenny and Picolo, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Diamant de Semilly owned by Oakland Ventures, took the top spot in the $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class with a clear round in a time of 32.493 seconds. Second place went to Balboa 6, ridden by Leslie Howard for Martin Guerra. Their time was 32.709 seconds, while McLain Ward rode Blue Chip Bloodstock’s Dulien van de Smeets to third place in 32.919 seconds.

Picolo has continued his success that started near the end of this winter’s FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, where they had top three performances in FEI world ranking classes. Kenny noted, “He’s very, very competitive, and he’s really fun. He was second in a $100,000 grand prix last summer, and I’ll start to graduate him up to bigger classes again. He was a little bit sick during the winter; he had ulcers. We’ve taken our time getting him right. He was just right at the end of Florida and showed week 11. After that, he went and had a good break out in the field before we came here.”

Kenny said that Picolo’s personality and easygoing nature is what makes him stand out. “He’s my pet. Actually, he’s everybody in the barn’s pet,” he expressed. “They all love him. He’s just a fun horse to have around. Anyone can ride him; he’s so easy. He goes in a soft rubber snaffle. You don’t put any boots on him. Everybody can flat him, anyone can jump him.”

The opportunity to show on the grass Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm was one that Kenny took advantage of, along with many top show jumpers. “It’s a fantastic preparation. For me, I really love coming to this horse show. I think it’s a great preparation for Spruce Meadows. You get out on the grass, and there are good hills. And for all of my clients, it’s great. They get used to it. It’s a very different thing to ride on a hilly ring with grass than a flat, sand ring. The jumps come up faster and come up at different angles. It changes how the horses jump the jumps.”

Kenny and Picolo will be back in action for Friday’s $35,000 New York Welcome Stake. Tomorrow’s horse show highlights include Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Championship and another $5,000 Open Jumper 1.40m class.

WATCH LIVE! The $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix on May 11, the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on May 17, and the $100,000 Empire State Grand Prix on May 18 will all be broadcast on the USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak. You may watch these events as they happen at www.USEFNetwork.com or www.oldsalemfarm.net. All classes in the Grand Prix Field and Sand Ring are also livestreamed daily at www.shownet.biz.

Full horse show results can be found at www.horseshowsonline.com.

Visit the Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Facebook pages for results, photo galleries, and more! Old Salem Farm has joined Twitter and Instagram too – follow us to see exclusive photos and videos, let us know what you like about our events, and share your experiences.

Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano Takes Five Tricolors at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid. Photo By: Shawn McMillan Photography.

Katy, TX – April 8, 2014 – Jennifer Alfano and SBS Farms, Inc. are certainly staying busy in the show ring this spring. This past week, Alfano claimed four championships and one reserve title in five different hunter divisions at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas.

After claiming the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Leading Rider Award, Alfano made a clean sweep of the Green Conformation Hunter division aboard Candid at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Candid’s beautiful build and brilliant paces earned him first in the model, the hack, and every other class in which he competed. This makes two clean sweeps in the Green Conformation Hunter division in as many weeks for Candid and Alfano, who competed last week in the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. Candid was awarded the Leading Green Conformation Hunter Award for his flawless efforts in the division at Spring Gathering.

Jennifer Alfano took the reserve championship in the Conformation Hunter division with the Shane George owned gelding Timber Ridge, falling just behind her winning mount Candid. Alfano and Timber Ridge are nipping right at Candid’s heels; however, the pair took second in every class but the model to end up with the reserve championship title.

Never one to disappoint, the talented mare Maggie May also snagged her tricolor for the week in the High Performance Hunter division with Alfano in the irons. Owned by Billie Steffee, Maggie May cannot be beat under saddle, claiming another hack win and adding to the pile of countless other blue ribbons awarded for her beautiful movement. The mare has a picture perfect jump as well, earning two blues over fences as well as a second and third place finish.

Alfano rode Corasonne, the Bernadette Mulliken-owned gelding, to the tricolor in the Performance 3’6″ Hunter division. Corasonne and Alfano especially shined in the handy round of the division, claiming the blue ribbon for their tidy track and brilliant jumping efforts. Corasonne also earned a pair of red ribbons for her other over fences rounds, and finished third in the hack.

Alfano was up in the irons for owner Helen Lenahan in the Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunter division aboard Me Again. The pair earned two first place finishes over fences on their way to claiming the rosette for the division, establishing Me Again as a solid competitor and one to watch as he progresses through the hunter ranks.

Representing SBS Farms, Inc. in the $1,000 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive class was Social Hill, ridden by Alfano to a second place finish in the class. Social Hill was also earned third place for his efforts with Alfano in the $15,000 Texas Pre-Green Super Stake, proving Social Hill to be a very promising up and comer in the green hunter divisions.

Wrapping up Alfano’s rides for the week, she climbed aboard Inside Scoop and Krunch to take third and fifth, respectively, in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Both horses are owned by Alanna Flores, and both proved themselves to be top notch derby contenders with their ribbon finishes in a very competitive field of 22 horses.

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, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

SBS Farms Cleans Up HITS VIII Ocala Winter Finals

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid secured the Green Conformation Hunter Championship during HITS VIII Ocala Winter Finals. Photo By: ESI Photography.

Jennifer Alfano Rides Three Mounts to Championship Wins

Wellington, FL – March 11, 2014 – The final week of the HITS Ocala Winter circuit took place last week, and Jennifer Alfano was its tricolor bandit. She teamed up with three different mounts to take home two championships and the reserve championship, adding to all of her horses’ already impressive records.

Alfano topped the Green Conformation division with her very own Candid, a flashy gelding who cannot seem to find any color that suits him quite like blue. Despite only showing on the first day of the division due to inclement weather on the second day, Candid was still able to end up on top for the division. The talented horse started his career off with a bang at the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program in 2013, topping a field of exceptionally talented young horses for wins at horse shows across the nation. Candid has since moved up to the Green Conformation classes, where he continues to shine as a truly top-notch hunter.

“He’s been great this season,” Alfano said of the horse. “He’s always been very good, but he was just green starting out this year, and he’s really gotten to be very consistent.”

Alfano was up on Maggie May to ride for the win in the Second Year Green Conformation division. Not only has the mare proven herself a superb jumper, her beautiful gaits have not gone unnoticed by the judges: Maggie May is as close to a sure-fire hack winner as a horse can be. Owned by Billie Steffee, this mare is sure to be one to watch as she continues her career in the hunter ring.

“The hunters at Ocala this week went over in the new stadium across the street, and she always loves a new venue, so she was really good over there,” Alfano explained. “She’s so brave and not spooky, so she’s fun to take to different rings.”

To complete Alfano’s tricolor collection for the week, Counting Stars jumped to the reserve championship title in the First Year Green Hunter division. A recent acquisition of SBS Farms, Counting Stars is proving himself to be quite the horse, steadily improving and adding to his resume under Alfano’s tutelage. Alfano has had the ride on the gelding since he belonged to previous owner Nikki Murphy, where he showed under the name Diplomacy. The gelding may have a new name and a new owner, but he is his same talented self in the show ring.

“He definitely is coming into his own a little bit,” Alfano said. “We’re really getting to know each other, which is awesome.”

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

HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

SBS Farms Takes Tricolors at HITS VII Ocala Tournament with New and Known Mounts

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Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May rode to the championship tricolor in the Second Year Green Working Hunters at HITS Ocala VII Ocala Tournament. Photo By: ESI Photography.

Ocala, FL – March 4, 2014 – Jennifer Alfano triumphed with new and known mounts alike last week at the HITS VII Ocala Tournament. Alfano rode to the top of the class in the First Year Green Working Hunter division aboard Counting Stars, a new face at SBS Farms. The Westphalian gelding, formerly known as Diplomacy, is a recent addition to the SBS Farms string, though Alfano has shown the horse earlier this winter for previous owner Nikki Murphy. Alfano consistently beat fields of 30 or more contenders to take home top ribbons with Counting Stars, a feat she hopes to continue accomplishing while the gelding finds his home with SBS Farms.

“He is new to us, but he keeps getting better and better, and becomes more consistent each week,” Alfano explained. “I am really excited about him. He is not spooky at the jumps, and is very nice to ride. He is super scopey and has a lot of jump. He is also extremely brave.”

Alfano continued, “He is a First Year, but he is an 8-year-old, so he isn’t super green. We are going to start doing him in hunter derbies since he has so much scope, and is so brave. I think he will be a good fit for the derbies.”

New horses were not the only ones taking home tricolors with Alfano at Ocala last week-Maggie May continues to shine in the Second Year Green Working Hunter division. The Brandenberger mare is proving herself a regular hack winner with another first place finish in the class, in addition to topping two of the over fences rounds. Owned by Billie Steffee, Maggie May’s wins this weekend add to an already impressive record that began last year when she dominated both the Jacksonville and Ocala circuits.

“She has been great; she loves the bigger jumps,” Alfano said. “She is so talented, that as the jumps keep getting bigger she is getting better. It is so easy for her.”

Alex Trolli continued her winning ways with Del Piero, owned by Doreen Toben, and Lolito, owned by the BTRC, to take top ribbons in the Antares Children’s 15-17 Hunter Horse division. The young talent brought home the first place in the under saddle with Del Piero, also riding the mount to the second and third place over fences. Trolli also rode to the third place finish over fences with Lolito.

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

Jennifer Alfano Wins Inaugural $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Ridge at Wellington

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy.

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2014 – The top riders from across the nation gather at the Ridge at Wellington today for the inaugural Hunter Derby Days, part of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour. Under sunny skies and beautiful conditions the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby commenced this afternoon, featuring derby sensation Jersey Boy with Jennifer Alfano in the saddle riding to the top of the ranks. Besting a field of top-tier competitors, Alfano and Jersey Boy led the field from start to finish. Havens Schatt and Just Fred took the second place, while Kelley Farmer and Unspoken captured third. Earlier in the day Keri Kampsen and Silhouette took home the victory in $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Kenneth Krome of the United States captured the essence of a traditional hunt field as he transformed the sand arena at the Ridge at Wellington into a beautifully set course. He utilized natural objects such as logs, brush and birch to set the scene, while challenging riders with a serpentine of obstacles. Riders had to use the entire expanse of the large arena. Riders had the option to earn valuable handy points and high option points throughout the course, adding crucial tallies to their already impressive score.

Twelve horse and rider combinations would find their way into the challenging handy course, but it was Alfano and Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. of Buffalo, NY, who were the class pathfinders with their score combined score of 179 points from the first round.

“He jumped great in the first round, and he hadn’t been in the ring or anything, so it was all pretty new to him. He was in it to win it today,” Alfano explained.

Havens Schatt came back in the third position, but her seemingly flawless handy round earned them the top marks with scores of dual scores of 87 awarded from both judges. Their points for handiness and utilization of the high options led to a total of 191 points. Kelley Farmer and Unspoken also rode to a beautiful handy round with a beautiful transition to the trot fence, and smooth inside turns for a second-round score of 185.5 points.

Alfano and Jersey Boy returned to the ring with a first round total of 179 points, and Jersey Boy once again rose to the handy challenge. They navigated the inside turns with ease while keeping a forward pace. They earned a score of 191.25 points, to keep the lead and claim the winning honors with an overall score of 370.25.

“It’s great; he is a little older now, so he has gotten easier and easier,” Alfano said. “It is nice because he hasn’t shown since Harrisburg, and he went to Jacksonville and went right in the derby, and then came here and went right in the derby. These are the only two classes he has done this year, and he has won both. I am thrilled with him; he feels better than ever.”

Keri Kampsen and Silhouette
Keri Kampsen and Silhouette

Earlier today, the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby welcomed 23 riders to the ring. In the end it was Keri Kampsen and Lyn Pedersen’s Silhouette that wowed the judges with their consistency and to take home the winning prize, earning the overall score of 350.5 points. Hannah Isop and Red Ryder, owned by Tracy Freels, rode to the second place finish with a score of 346 points, while Jennifer Bauersachs ranked third.

“I just started riding Silhouette the second week of WEF; John French normally rides her, but since he is at Thermal, I get to show her,” Kampsen said. “She is a blast to ride. She just likes confidence, and consistency. She is a really great mare. She tries 110% all the time.”

Kampsen concluded, “The courses were very nice. It was a friendly way to do her first derby in Wellington. It was enough course, and it had enough jump. There were some great options in the handy course, and although I couldn’t pull off the inside turn that Jennifer [Bauersachs] did for the inside turn to the double, I think it was our consistency that put us ahead. It was a conservative round, but she really did well. We are already planning to return for the March derby.”

The Ridge at Wellington Hunter Derby Days will return March 21, 2014 with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, as well as the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The Ridge at Wellington is a premiere state-of-the-art facility offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington.

For more information about the Ridge at Wellington, please go to http://www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
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