Tag Archives: Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Shawn Casady Leads Hallway Feeds National Hunter Derby Series

Shawn Casady leads the 2013 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. Photo By: Emily Riden/PMG.

Lexington, KY – May 14, 2013 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows began on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, and one of the highlight events was the kick-off of the 2013 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series. The Hallway Feeds Series consists of seven national hunter derby events to be held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the series’ leading riders.

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show featured the lead off event on Saturday evening with the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course and vie for the winning title and valuable points towards the $15,000 Leading Rider Awards. At the end of the night it was Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue who took led the victory gallop, giving Casady the lead in the standings. Jennifer Hannan who placed second with As Always, and Havens Schatt, who picked up the third place award with Kindle, follows Casady closely in the rankings. The Kentucky Spring Classic, May 15-19, 2013, will host the second event in the series on Saturday, May 18, in the Stonelea Arena.

The USHJA National Hunter Derby program will be in its fourth year in 2013 and is growing in prestige and popularity. Amateurs, Juniors and Professional riders are eligible to compete, giving it a broad base of support and interest. The $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Awards will present a $10,000 cash prize to the professional rider accumulating the most points in the seven classes that make up the Series. The amateur rider and junior rider accumulating the most points will each receive a $2,500 cash prize. Riders will receive points only on their highest placed horse in each of the classes. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Hallway Feeds class at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 21, 2013.

Hallway Feeds’ close proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park provides the opportunity to utilize the freshest feed, manufactured with time-honored commitments to high standards of quality and the latest scientific advances. Combining a premium nutrition package with a professional level of dedication in horsemen and women provides equine athletes with the Formula for Success.

For more information on Hallway Feeds, please visit www.hallwayfeeds.com.

The Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series would not be possible without many generous sponsors including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Central Equipment, Alfagreen Supreme, Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher, Caddel Equine Therapy Center, KER Sport Horse Nutrition, The Tack Shop of Lexington, Turf Town Properties, Trouw Nutrition and PNC Bank.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Meagan Nusz and Dynamo Master $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Meagan Nusz and Dynamo.

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – It took precise riding and a talented mount to be at the top of the standings during today’s $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Richard Jeffery’s challenging track yielded only two clear rounds, but set the stage for a speedy jump-off between Meagan Nusz and Reed Kessler. Nusz had all the answers aboard Dynamo to capture the top honors. The duo clocked in just fractions ahead of Kessler, who was also double clear over the short course with Mika to place second.

The first round course for this week’s highlight event bested all but two of the 40 competitors that gathered at the Rolex Stadium. Two of the most challenging areas proved to be a vertical-oxer double combination bending line to an open water, that was followed by another oxer, as well as a triple bar-vertical-oxer triple combination to a steady vertical. Meagan Nusz was the second rider on course and the first to advance to the jump-off with Dynamo, owned by Amalaya Investments of Houston, TX.

“The course was just really technical,” stated Nusz. “The triple combination got a lot of people. I think that was more of mental game than anything else because you had to come in steady, when normally you want to ride at the triple bar, which was A, but you had to come in a little bit slow because the two was really short. Then you also had to ride out because the one stride was normal, but you had to ride the back rail. In your mind, you just had to stay calm and ride each fence individually.”

The only other clear effort came from Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, riding her own gelding Mika. “I thought it was a great course,” she expressed. “It’s a $75,000 grand prix, so it should be difficult enough. It was the course designer’s job to set an appropriate course, and the fact that only two of us rode well enough to clear it is our fault, not his. I was a fan of today’s course; I did not think it was too hard.”

Both Kessler and Nusz managed to produce a second clear effort during the tiebreaker, separated by only fractions of a second. Nusz was the first to return to the ring and she pulled out all the stops with Dynamo. After finding the perfect distance to the first fence they tried to leave a stride out in the rollback to the next oxer, but when Dynamo backed off they chipped at the large fence. Dynamo still managed to clear the back rail, and Nusz sped to the remaining obstacles, leaving a stride out at the last oxer and breaking the beam at 35.97 seconds.

“Kent Farrington and I walked the rollback to have a reference number so I didn’t turn in too tight or too wide,” explained Nusz. “When we walked it, we did an eight, and that’s probably what we should have done, but I thought if I caught a good vertical I could get a seven. When I caught the vertical my eye picked up on the seven, but he kind of backed off the brush, and then I was just wrong. I thought he was going to leave long and he ended up adding. But he left it up and jumped it without a problem. After that jump, I really made sure I was on it. I tried to be smooth in the middle because that was the tricky part, but I trusted him and let him go a little bit at the last couple fences. In the jump-off you have to do whatever you can to get the win.”

Reed Kessler and Mika
Reed Kessler and Mika

Kessler was prepared to answer the challenge Nusz presented when she returned riding Mika. They were right on the pace, but added a stride before the skinny vertical. The pair did leave all the rails intact though, and crossed the finish line at 36.30 seconds, just fractions off of Nusz time to settle for second place.

“I saw the seven in the first roll back, and I could have done it, but I ended up doing the eight after watching Meagan,” noted Kessler. ” Then Mika kicked up a little bit in my leg as I was turning to the skinny oxer, and I ended up doing one more, but for him that was a very fast round. For him to really put the speed on like that and still keep his form was fantastic for him. I’m really happy with him.”

Blythe Marano and Urban, owned by Riverview Farm of Franklin, TN, were the only other horse and rider combination that were able to leave all the fences in place, but they were unable to do so in the time allowed, finishing with one time fault for third. The fastest of the four faulters was Ramiro Quintana of Argentina on St. Bride’s Farm’s Whitney, stopping the clock at 74.46 seconds after lowering the height of the vertical in the middle of the triple combination.

Quitana was followed closely by Canada’s Ian Millar riding Star Power, owned by Team Works of Perth, Ontario. The pair also had an error in the triple combination. Nusz’ trainer Kent Farrington rounded out the top six aboard Zafira, owned by Haity McNerney of Lake Forest, IL, having a rail after the triple combination line before heading home to the gate.

Tonight’s victory marks the biggest win in Nusz’ young career. “I am super excited,” she smiled.  “To only have two clean and go against Reed who is one of the top riders in the world, it was great to go clean and then pull off the win.”

Meagan Nusz and Dynamo
Meagan Nusz and Dynamo

Dynamo and Nusz have been together for three years, and she began riding him in the young jumper classes, before eventually showing in the Amateur-Owner divisions and now the Open Jumpers. “We’ve done everything,” she said. “He’s taught me a lot and I’ve taught him a lot and we have a really good bond. I am an amateur moving up, and it’s nice to have a horse that gives you confidence. He is a jumper and can get you out of sticky situations, but I never go in the ring feeling overwhelmed or over faced because I know that I have him.”

Now, Nusz and her trainer Kent Farrington will aim for Spruce Meadows before traveling to Europe for the summer. “Right now I am focusing 100% on riding. We’re going to Spruce and Europe this summer. It will be my first time in Europe and we will be going to Spain and The Netherlands. I am really looking forward to it. I try to set goals that are achievable, so the World Cup Qualifiers and maybe a Nations Cup in the next two years would be great. This year I want to just start jumping some bigger classes and get the feel for it.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows were the perfect stop for Nusz before heading north. “I love it here; it’s so peaceful and open,” she expressed. “They have classes for everyone from the young jumpers to grand prixs. You can’t pick a better venue. It’s a fun horse show to come to and the management puts a lot of effort into it.”

The jumper action at the Kentucky Horse Park will continue next week with the Kentucky Spring Classic, scheduled for May 15-19, 2013. Highlight events include the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix sponsored by Audi of Lexington on Saturday, and Sunday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Phelps Media Group, Inc.
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Wellington, FL 33414
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Thoroughbred Competitions Highlight Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Lexington, KY – May 12, 2013 – Based at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are pleased to highlight the efforts of Thoroughbred horses competing in the show ring. This year, the show features the Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program for retired racehorses. The 2013 Hagyard Challenge Series will also once again feature a high point Thoroughbred Award with a $10,000 prize.

The Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program for retired racehorses offers awards and prize money in hunter and jumper classes restricted to Thoroughbreds. The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows feature the $1,500 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter division and the $1,000 Take2 Thoroughbred Jumper division. It is open to Thoroughbreds only that have either their Jockey Club certificate of registration, a lip tattoo, or a letter from the Jockey Club verifying the horse’s identity. For more information and the complete 2013 schedule, please visit www.take2tbreds.com.

The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2013 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a $10,000 prize will be presented to the high point Thoroughbred participating in the Series. To be eligible for the Thoroughbred award, horses must be registered with the Jockey Club or have a verifiable lip tattoo.

Dr. Stuart Brown, President of Hagyard, commented, “This award is in keeping with Hagyard’s commitment to Thoroughbreds. Since we were founded in 1876, we have had a vested interest in the Thoroughbred industry through the relationships with our traditional clients in the Bluegrass. We want to encourage and reward those who seek opportunities for second careers for these horses in athletic endeavors beyond flat racing.”

The kick-off event, the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, was held on Thursday during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Pablo Barrios currently leads the standings for the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus, after winning the first competition with Zara Leandra. Next week during the Kentucky Spring Classic, riders will return to the Rolex Stadium for the second $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse for more than 135 years.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 135 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: title sponsor MWI Veterinary Supply, and presenting sponsor Zoetis, as well as Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra HA, Johnson Horse Transport, Hallway Feeds, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC, Pike and Preston, and Stoll Keenon Ogden.

For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit http://hagyard.com.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to
www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
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Kelley Farmer Leads Professional Hunter Divisions at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Kelley Farmer and Taken jumping to back-to-back blue ribbons in today’s High Performance Hunter division of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo By: Emily Riden.

Lexington, KY – May 8, 2013 – Fresh off wins in Lexington, Virginia, Kelley Farmer made the trip to Lexington, Kentucky and once again topped the leader board during the first day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Farmer swept the field of top hunter riders in both of today’s High Performance Hunter classes aboard Taken, kicking off the five days of top-notch hunter competition held throughout the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, May 8-12, 2013 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“I love it out here. We rent a farm here in Kentucky for the spring and summer, so it’s nice to come out and enjoy it,” Farmer stated. “The horses were all great this morning.”

Farmer and Taken’s back-to-back scores of 85 secured them the top call over both of the day’s Skip Bailey designed High Performance courses in the Stonelea Ring.

“It’s a lovely ring to ride in. You can really canter and then when you build big, full jumps in there the horses jump so nice. Skip [Bailey] always builds them so that the horses jump well and have to try hard,” Farmer shared. “Taken jumped great today. He’s always a good boy for me.”

Finishing just behind the experienced Taken in the first class of the High Performance division it was again Farmer, this time aboard green mount Adelmo, owned by Jay Golding of Gordonsville, VA. Farmer and Adelmo earned a score of 84 to take second in the eight-year-old’s High Performance debut. The High Performance divisions provided the ideal opportunity for Farmer to prepare both horses for this weekend’s USHJA Hunter Derbies, which will be held this Saturday, May 11, 2013 in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Also earning a score of 84, were Scott Stewart and Dedication, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA. The pair finished with the red ribbon in the second class of the High Performance division.

Stewart continuously proved to be another dominating force in today’s professional hunter divisions in the Stonelea Ring, as he swept the Regular Conformation over fences classes aboard Beholden, owned by Fashion Farm of New York, NY. Scores of 87 and 85 had the pair jogging in the first place position just ahead of Jennifer Alfano riding Timber Ridge and Hunt Tosh aboard Cold Harbor who each took the second place position in the first and second classes respectively.

“Beholden was great. I was really happy with him because I only showed him a few times in Florida, and it hasn’t been since week three or four there, so he was really good. He was maybe the best he’s been this year,” Scott commented. “The hardest part about him is he has such a big stride you have to go a bit slow. If you go at a normal pace you’d be leaving out strides, so it’s a little hard to go that slow and jump the bigger jumps, but he’s figuring that out. Today was the best he’s done that.”

Adding to Stewart’s high placings for the day was Concept, owned by Alexa and Krista Weisman of Sherborn, MA, whom Stewart rode to a first and third place finish in the morning’s Green Conformation Hunter classes.

In the Second Year Green Hunters, the blue ribbon over the first course went to Farmer and On the Hour, owned by Jessica Stitt of Elburn, IL.

“He’s a lot like Taken and Mythical in that he’s a little horse with a lot of jump and a lot of stride and he tries hard,” Farmer said regarding On the Hour. “He’s a blast to ride. You can pick up a gallop and go.”

Finishing with the top award over the second course of the Second Year Green Hunters were Caroline Weeden and Lucky Times, owned by Old Willow Farms LLC of Northfield, IL.

All of the professional hunter divisions will conclude tomorrow in the Stonelea Ring with championship and reserve championship awards. This week’s highlight events include the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday evening, as well as the first $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby. The $50,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series features seven events that culminate with the $15,000 Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Reed Kessler and Mika Lead Open Jumpers to Kick Off Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Reed Kessler and Mika.

Lexington, KY – May 8, 2013 – The top horses and riders from across the country have returned to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the start of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The first day of competition kicked off with the Open Jumper divisions in the Rolex Stadium. Olympian Reed Kessler led the way in the 1.45m Open Jumper class aboard Mika with a double clear effort, while the victory in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class went to Pablo Barrios riding Colgate.

Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England set the track for today’s event. In the 1.45m Open Jumpers he challenged riders with an open water option, a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination, and an oxer-vertical double combination. Five competitors managed to master the course and advance to the jump-off, which also included the double combination.

Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, was the pathfinder and set the bar with her veteran mount Mika. Pushing her mount to open his stride and cut the turns, the duo dashed through the timers in 34.438 seconds. Their clear round was a full three seconds faster than the runner up to take home the top prize.

Canada’s Ian Millar was the next to challenge the young rider’s time with Baranns, owned by The Baranns Group of Perth, Ontario. They also managed to leave all the rails in place, but a time of 37.804 would only be good enough for third. The next pair on course, Hillary Simpson and Nopus Du Gue Joubert, owned by Quiet Hill Farm of Ocala, FL, bested Millar’s time. The pair left all the fences intact, but clocked in a 37.560 seconds to slide into the second place position. The only other duo to complete a double clear round was Andrew Bourns of Wellington, FL, riding Ace High Mike. Stopping the clock at 38.929 earned them the fourth place ribbon.

“Mika was great today,” smiled Kessler. “The horses that didn’t come to Europe with have been hanging out at home and enjoying our big grass property, they haven’t been doing much jumping at all. I am really happy that everyone was so good on the first day back.”

Kessler continued, “Mika is not such a speedster; going fast kind of undoes him, but he’s 13 this year, and I’ve gone clear in so many grand prixs that it’s time to go in and be the fastest. This is a national show, so it’s a good time to practice all week pushing him outside his comfort zone. I love this show. It’s a really nice time, and the horses have had a break after Florida. You can start back up again, and it’s a great building block before heading to Spruce Meadows.”

Kessler just returned from the 2013 Rolex FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals, and she used the experience there to help prepare for this week. “Normally the speed is very tricky for Mika,” she explained. “I set the World Cup Finals speed course up at home just as little jumps and rails on the ground last week, and tried to do the fastest numbers with him. I really did go home and practice, so doing a normal speed class seemed easier today.”

Pablo Barrios and Colgate
Pablo Barrios and Colgate

Just prior to their win, Kessler and Mika were bested by Venezuela’s Pablo Barrios and Colgate during the 1.40m Open Jumper Speed Class. Early in the class, Barrios set the time to beat with his first mount Ambosell at a clear 67.115, which would be good enough for fifth.

Barrios’ original time was eventually beat by Wilton Porter of Bartonville, TX riding Neolisto Van Het Mierenhof, who took home fourth place in 65.349 seconds. It was Mario Gamboa and Unico, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms of Miami, FL who claimed the third place honors, dashing across the course in a clear 64.723 seconds.

Kessler almost had two blue ribbons when she and Mika galloped over the track in a speedy 63.574. They would have to settle for second though when Barrios took the lead with his second mount Colgate. Leaving out a stride to the last combination, Barrios and Colgate crossed the finish line in a blazing 62.894 seconds to net the victory.

“Colgate is a horse that I have been riding for a year, this was our first show last year,” stated Barrios. “She is starting to get the mileage. She is 10 years old, and she was a little bit green when I got her, but now she is starting to show a little more experience: go a little faster and be a little more competitive. She did great a WEF, and now I think she is ready to start winning these classes. She has a huge stride and I went very fast to the combination. I took the risk and it worked out well.”

Now Barrios will aim Colgate and his second mount Zara Leandra towards tomorrow night’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, as well as the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix. “I always like it in Kentucky,” he commented. “It’s nice, the horses love it, and last year I spent the whole summer here. This year I am planning to go to Calgary and it’s good to stop here and continue to Calgary, and then stop on the way back. I love it.”

The jumper action will continue in the Rolex Stadium tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. with the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, kicking off the seven part Hagyard Challenge Series featuring the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. Riders will also have the opportunity to showcase their mounts during Saturday’s $20,000 Bluegrass Classic and the $75,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.

For more information about Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Teens, Amateurs & Pro Riders Joined Forces to Champion Step by Step Charity

Hector Florentino pilots Stransky's Mission Ultimo to win $35,000 Welcome at Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by Ingrid Sabater

Grand Prix veteran Hector Florentino was the first member of “team” of international riders who champion the Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) in competition to put in fault-free and fast rounds at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The talented Dominican Rider piloted Stransky’s Mission Farm’s Ultimo to the blue ribbon and trophy in the $35,000 Welcome Open on day one of the two weeks of competitions at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky in the beginning of May.

“It’s great to come back to Kentucky and start off with a win,” said Florentino. “Last year, Ultimo and I put in 8 consecutive clean rounds in 4 grand prixs in Kentucky.   We placed 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.  Ultimo really likes this weather, this footing, the Kentucky Horse Park as an overall venue and horse show.   It would have been nice to have a little more sunshine the first week, but we will keep coming back to Kentucky.  For me, it is double the honor when I cannot only put in clean, fast rounds, but also represent Step by Step at the same time.   Every time we win, I know we are contributing to those kids with little or nothing, really making a difference in the life of someone who has nothing.”

Continue reading Teens, Amateurs & Pro Riders Joined Forces to Champion Step by Step Charity

Abigail McArdle Dominates High Junior Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 won the High Junior Jumper Championship during both weeks of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 22, 2012 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows proved to be hugely successful for young rider Abigail McArdle of Barrington Hills, IL, who dominated the High Junior Jumper division with her eight-year-old mare Cosma 20. The unstoppable duo captured the division’s championship award during the competition’s two consecutive weeks, and also won each of the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classics.

McArdle was thrilled with her new mount’s performance and commented, “It’s one thing to win a Junior Jumper class, but I think it takes it to a whole new level to be that consistent at that level on a new horse. I am really lucky; Cosma 20 is so talented and went clear in every first round that we jumped. She’s only eight, and I have really big hopes for her in the future.”

During the first week of the horse show, McArdle and Cosma 20 placed third during the first High Junior Jumper class with a four-fault effort in the jump-off. They then went on to a double clear victory during the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic, which netted them the division’s championship tricolor. The talented pair continued their winning ways the following week, with a victory in the first High Junior Jumper class, and another blue ribbon effort during the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic as the lone clear effort over Olaf Petersen Jr.’s challenging course. With two championship awards to their name, McArdle and Cosma 20 will now travel to the prestigious Devon Horse Show to compete against the country’s top horses and riders.

Continue reading Abigail McArdle Dominates High Junior Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Kentucky Spring Classic Wrap Up May 18-22

Lexington, KY – May 23, 2011 – As the Kentucky Spring Classic hosted another night of show jumping, the incredible duo of Kent Farrington and Uceko continued their complete domination of the last two weeks by securing the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix victory. Tonight’s event was sponsored by Audi of Lexington and honored Mary Rena Murphy, a horsewoman whose dedication to equestrian sport was unmatched. Once again, speed proved to be the determining factor during the thirteen horse jump-off, and that is something Farrington and Uceko are proving to master. The duo was a full two seconds ahead of second place finishers Ali Wolff and Lanoo, while Christian Heineking and River of Dreams took home third for the second time this week.

“During the first round, there were more clear than I expected,” admitted Farrington. “The outside line started with a wall and then an awkward distance to an oxer-oxer combination, and then a very steady distance to a liverpool. I thought that would catch more horses than it did. I think the footing here is excellent, and these horses have been here for two weeks now, so I think they are really comfortable in the ring. I think that’s why there were more clear rounds than Richard expected. It’s under the lights, so they are a bit impressed, and I think the horses were just really going well on the ground.”

For the final test, Jeffery had riders start over a single oxer to the liverpool and make a bending line to a single oxer. They then made a sharp roll back to a vertical-oxer double combination and galloped across the ring to a wide oxer. Finally, riders made another sharp turn to a tall vertical before they galloped towards the timers over the last oxer. Of the thirteen qualifiers, seven were able to make it a perfect night and finish without any faults added to their score.

Continue reading Kentucky Spring Classic Wrap Up May 18-22

Unbelievable Uceko! Kent Farrington Takes $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix Win at Kentucky Spring Classic

Kent Farrington and Uceko won the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Photos By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – May 21, 2011 – As the Kentucky Spring Classic hosted another night of show jumping, the incredible duo of Kent Farrington and Uceko continued their complete domination of the last two weeks by securing the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix victory. Tonight’s event was sponsored by Audi of Lexington and honored Mary Rena Murphy, a horsewoman whose dedication to equestrian sport was unmatched. Once again, speed proved to be the determining factor during the thirteen horse jump-off, and that is something Farrington and Uceko are proving to master. The duo was a full two seconds ahead of second place finishers Ali Wolff and Lanoo, while Christian Heineking and River of Dreams took home third for the second time this week.

Richard Jeffery, of Bournemouth, England, was tonight’s course designer and 32 horse and riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium to take their turn over the first round. There were 16 jumping efforts, which included a triple bar, a wall fence, a liverpool, an open water, an oxer-oxer double combination, and a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination. Thirteen of the entries managed to clear the course without fault and advance to the jump-off.

“During the first round, there were more clear than I expected,” admitted Farrington. “The outside line started with a wall and then an awkward distance to an oxer-oxer combination, and then a very steady distance to a liverpool. I thought that would catch more horses than it did. I think the footing here is excellent, and these horses have been here for two weeks now, so I think they are really comfortable in the ring. I think that’s why there were more clear rounds than Richard expected. It’s under the lights, so they are a bit impressed, and I think the horses were just really going well on the ground.”

Continue reading Unbelievable Uceko! Kent Farrington Takes $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix Win at Kentucky Spring Classic

Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Trainer & Teens Champion Children’s Charity & Take Lead in $30k Challenge & Junior Competitions

Hector Florentino piloting Ultimo to victory in the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Photo by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media

Lexington KY – May 15, 2011 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held May 11-15, featured the exciting debut of the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series, consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2011 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course during the lead off event on Thursday night’s $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*. At the end of the two round competition, it was Hector Florentino aboard Stransky Mission Farm’s Ultimo in the winner’s circle.

Florentino, the head trainer and rider at Stransky Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, now leads in the standings. The talented rider from the Dominican Republic is not only riding for owner Liliane Stransky but is a member of “Team Step by Step,” a group of riders of different levels, ages, and countries, who compete on the Hunter & Jumper A-Circuit to help raise awareness and funds for her international children’s charity, Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com).

Continue reading Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows