Tag Archives: Joe Fargis

Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis to Be Inducted into WIHS Hall of Fame

Joe Fargis and Touch of Class, his mount for team and individual gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, graced the 1985 Washington International Horse Show program.

Washington, D.C. – Legendary U.S. show jumper Joe Fargis will be honored during the 60th Anniversary Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on October 23-28, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

A team and individual gold medalist from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Fargis will be inducted into the WIHS Hall of Fame on Friday night, October 26, during Military Night, presented by Caterpillar, Inc., at WIHS, recognizing his five decades of involvement with the show as a competitor and judge as well as serving on the show’s Board of Directors. Fargis won the President’s Cup Grand Prix at WIHS in 1984 aboard his gold-medal Olympic partner, Touch of Class.

“Joe’s skills, awards, accolades and accomplishments in the sport would be more than enough to join the Washington Hall of Fame, standing alone,” said WIHS Vice President Claudia Frost. “But Joe has done far more. He has been an exhibitor, trainer and supporter of the Washington International Horse Show for decades, helping to preserve and sustain Washington as the country’s leading metropolitan indoor international horse show.”

Fargis first attended WIHS in 1959, selling programs at the show while he was a student at WIHS Hall of Fame inductee Jane Marshall Dillon’s Junior Equitation School in Vienna, VA. He showed ponies and junior hunters at WIHS in the ‘60s.

Fargis then graduated to the professional hunter and jumper divisions in 1966. Fargis’ career on the U.S. Equestrian Team began in 1970 and he competed for the U.S. in Nations Cups at WIHS for many years in addition to jumping in the President’s Cup Grand Prix. Fargis would go on to help the U.S. team take silver at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games riding Mill Pearl and serve on many winning Nations Cup teams, including at the 1985 WIHS. He continues to ride, train, and show today and is based out of Sandron in Middleburg, VA.

Fargis’ Hall of Fame induction takes place during Military night on Friday, October 26, during which riders will test their speed in the $50,000 International Jumper Speed Final and see just how high their horses can jump in the $25,000 Land Rover International Jumper Puissance (high jump).

WIHS’ 60th Anniversary festivities include show programs available at the price that Fargis sold them for in 1959 — just $1! And tickets for the show’s sessions on Tuesday, October 23, are just $2, the same price they were the first year of the show in 1958. A special historical timeline “Through the Decades” will be set up on the concourse, and Philip Smucker, journalist and author of Riding with George: Sportsmanship & Chivalry in the Making of America’s First President, is joining WIHS as the Official George Washington. Smucker will walk the concourse dressed as George Washington, signing books and taking photos.

For more information on tickets and discounts for military, seniors, and students, visit www.wihs.org/tickets.

For more information on WIHS, please visit www.wihs.org.

Contact: Jennifer Wood
jwood@jumpmediallc.com

Joe Fargis and Lariat Ride to Wellington Turf Tour 1.30m-1.35m Victory

Joe Fargis and Lariat.

Wellington, FL – February 19, 2014 – The competition was fierce today at Deeridge Farm as the Wellington Turf Tour got underway with a field of more than 50 competitors. Joe Fargis and Lariat took the win for the first class of the day, tripping the timers in 28.269 seconds. Linda Sheridan rode Invitational to the victory in the second 1.30m-1.35m Jumper class in a time of 32.144 seconds. Today also marked the third of a five-week YJC Jumper Championship series where Sarah Scheiring and Cairobi rode to the first place in the 7/8 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class and Ramiro Quintana and Diardo rode to the top finish for the 5/6 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class.

It came down to three riders today in the $2,000 1.30m-1.35 Jumper Red Class with only tenths of a second separating each competitor. Although six horse and rider combinations posted double clear efforts, Ramiro Quintana and Largo were the first to set the pace at 28.589 seconds. Jeffery Welles soon followed behind with Bilion, owned by Triton Ventures Farms, Inc., leaving out strides and shaving just enough to push ahead of Quintana for the lead. He posted a time of 28.557 seconds.

The final rider of the day, Olympian Joe Fargis had his eyes set on the win. He entered the field with 13-year-old Lariat. Together they have ridden to the top of the leader board at numerous events, and has proven a consistent winner in the show ring. After a year off due to an injury, the Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour was the perfect place to bring the talented mount.

They rode the first course with finesse, and moved into the jump off where Fargis knew he was up against an exemplary time. He made a turn from fences two and three of the jump off to stay a tick ahead of the pace, riding to the winning time of 28.269 seconds.

“He needs a confident ride – strong,” Fargis described. “There is no plan because you don’t see anyone else. You go as quickly as you can, and still stay safe. I surprised myself.”

Fargis continued, “It is heaven. It is just wonderful to show here. The footing is good, the people are fun, and it’s nice. I think it is what horse showing is about. I think it is real old time. I plan to be back on Friday.”

Although Molly Ashe Cawley held the lead aboard Coq a Doodle until the end of the day, it was Linda Sheridan’s efficient strategy that pushed them into the lead for the green course. Sheridan and Invitational rode to the top of the standings, posting a speedy jump off in 32.144 seconds.

Sheridan has owned the 18-year-old Invitational for 10 years, and knew how to ride him to the time needed.

Sheridan explained, “I really wanted to have a smooth first round. In the jump off he is always fast. I knew I wanted to take a nice turn to the last combination off of the right lead. I didn’t want to take a shot there. I don’t have to think about much.”

“He has been part of the family, and he has really become a family member. He is a little tricky, but he is a good jumper,” Sheridan described. “When he is on he is on. The biggest thing is making sure that he is in front of my leg. He has a fabulous gallop, and is really careful. I don’t think he wants to do miraculous things anymore. We had a lot of fun out there.”

Darrin Dlin and Tennyson, owned by Susan Grange, rode to the second place by a narrow margin of 32.292 seconds, with Ashe finishing in third for her early pace setting time of 33.010 seconds. Grange brought numerous entries today for the 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, as well as the YJC Qualifying series.

“We had a great day today, and this gives the young horses an opportunity to get out on the grass while picking up a nice gallop and an open course. We are debating coming to these shows every week because they are so good for the horses,” Grange said. “We want to take our horses where they have the best opportunity. I thought Eric Hasbrouck did a great design job today for the courses.”

In the 7/8 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class Sarah Scheriring and Cairobi took the top honors. Their time of 32.840 seconds put them nearly two seconds ahead of the competitors. Quintana rode HH Cantino to the second place in a tidy 34.500 seconds, while also snatching third place with Bialda.

“I love showing here,” Quintana said. “I brought my young jumpers to give them a different experience, different venue with good footing and different jumps. It really helps to break the routine of being at the Winter Equestrian Festival week in and week out. It is a nice option to have, especially since the classes are for qualifying points.”

Quintana concluded, “I think that this series is gaining popularity. This week I see that there are more riders coming to show here, and I think that it is something I would definitely recommend to sponsors. You have people here to fill up this show in Wellington, and it reaches many different levels. This is a great option to have where exhibitors can show at both places. The open in gate is a great set up, and I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to show here.”

This Friday, Deeridge will welcome exhibitors to the sixth of the 11-week Wellington Turf Tour filled with top-tier competitors, horses and nearly $200,000 in prize money. This is a rare opportunity for jumper riders to compete on the beautiful turf with an Eric Hasbrouck designed course. The Friday Invitational Grand Prix also offers riders the opportunity to show on the same turf where the $24,750 Wellington Turf Tour Finale will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Competitors will continue to ride for the important Leading Rider Bonus Points.

This Saturday will mark the first of two Classic Days to take place at the Ridge at Wellington. The Child/Adult Jumper division will run in the sand ring from 8 a.m. until noon, with a Masters Jumping Section. The Masters Jumper division, open to riders age 50 and over, will take place from noon until 4 p.m. and will include a Child/Adult Jumper Section. Classes will run as an open gate beginning and concluding at the times scheduled. The gate will be open; however, times may be obtained by request. To request and confirm a specific start time for a horse/rider combination the show office many be contacted directly at (561) 791-1471.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for the Friday and Saturday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times: 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Friday event will run from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Riders are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible for the approaching events. Turning in entries early will ensure that they get the time that they desire.

The Ridge still has available sponsorships for the Invitational Series. For more information, call (908) 500-0996 or download information at www.theridgefarm.com.

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.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:

The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its second year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 22, 2014.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January – March 2013. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Senior Classics, and two hunter derbies.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543

When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Hours:
8:30am-5pm daily

Directions:

From the Florida Turnpike: Take the exit for LakeWorth Road West. Continue on Lake Worth Road approximately 6 miles to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Continue to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.

From Route 95: Take the exit for Forest Hill Blvd West. Continue on Forest Hill Blvd to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Once on South Shore Blvd, continue straight at light at Pierson Road and again straight through the intersection at Lake Worth Road, to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543

Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

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
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

USEF Announces Fargis, Chancellor, Zang to Receive Year’s Highest Honors at Pegasus Awards

Joe Fargis (USEF Archive/Tish Quirk)

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the names of three equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted awards. Awarded by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medal of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 19, at The Henry Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. The winner of the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Joe Fargis

Joe Fargis of Middleburg, Virginia has been a leading figure in the sport of jumping for more than 40 years. Fargis’ influence spans the entire scope of the sport as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader. For his undying support and incredible legacy, Fargis has been awarded the 2012 USEF Lifetime Achievement Awarded and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

Continue reading USEF Announces Fargis, Chancellor, Zang to Receive Year’s Highest Honors at Pegasus Awards

Joe Fargis Receives USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award

Fargis

FarmVet would like to congratulate Joe Fargis, one of our Sponsored Riders, for the honor he received in December from the United States Hunter Jumper Association.  Last month Fargis and fellow equestrian, Larry Langer, were awarded with the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Evening of Equestrians Dinner during.  Recipients of this award have dedicated their lives to promoting the disciplines of hunters and jumpers on a national level.

Olympian Joe Fargis certainly has an impressive list of accomplishments.  He has represented the United States for more than 40 years and continues to be a force to reckon with today.  Fargis is probably best known for his double Gold Medal wins at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games with Touch of Class.  Then in 1988 at the Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, Fargis and his mount, Mill Pearl, helped the U.S. team win the Silver Medal.

Today Fargis continues to compete in Grand Prix events around the country and has recent wins at such events as the American Gold Cup in Devon, the USET Wellington Cup, the Hampton Classic Grand Prix, and the I Love New York Grand Prix.  Fargis also gives back to the equestrian community by serving on the USHJA Horse Welfare Committee and by teaching clinics all over the country.

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