Tag Archives: equitation

ESP Florida State Fall Horse Show: A Weekend of Equitation Mastery

Juan Manuel Gallego & Niagara D’ive Z © Sierra Buerkley Photography

The ESP Florida State Fall Horse Show recently took place at the Equestrian Village in Wellington, Florida, offering an exciting weekend of equestrian events, skilled riders, and impressive performances. From Thursday to Sunday, the show highlighted the special connection between riders and their horses, featuring the Region 10 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship.

The Region 10 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship showcased riders navigating over fences and ending in a flat phase. Maggie King and her own Ivano S, clinched the first-place position. Reserve went to Faith Schuttemeyer and Davinci, owned by Brittany Purnell, while Anika Spaeth and her own entry, Celtic, secured third.

The THIS/NHS Adult Area Championship followed, featuring an over-fence course and a flat phase. Ella Bostwick atop Malbec, owned by Christine Bostwick, emerged as champion, with Kaitlyn Sheerahamed and her own Dany Villers in second. Securing the third-place title was Sophia Bruny and her own mount, Shakiro.

The Hamel Foundation/NHS 3’3” Area Championship rounded out the equitation championships, with Maxima Lanasa and Lambada, owned by Kate Abajian, securing the top spot. Campbell Cauthen on Lucky Luke, owned by DCTM LLC, took second while Lucy Massucci secured the yellow ribbon aboard Empire, owned by Chase Finizio.

All three equitation classes were expertly judged by Tammy Provost & Virginia Edwards and the courses were designed by Andy Christiansen, Jr.

While the equitation classes were the highlight of the week, our hunter and jumpers did not disappoint. Competition on the field kicked off Thursday morning with the $5,000 1.35m Open Jumper Stake, sponsored by Perfect Products. Eighteen horse-and-rider duos tackled the challenging course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA), with ten advancing to the jump-off. Andres Julio Soto Pena (DOM) claimed victory with a swift, clear round, completing it in 39.062 seconds aboard Optimus Blue, owned by Alisa Butska. Isabel Sanchez (DOM) secured second place, finishing her clear round in 39.627 seconds on Peter Lloyd’s horse, Vingtcoeurs Du Chalet. Michael Murphy (USA) earned third with a clear round time of 39.996 seconds riding Barcelona, owned by Lauren Tyree.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by Parlanti, served as the highlight of the day on the Annex Derby Field. Lauren Schweppe (USA) delivered an impressive performance on Cali Y, owned by Marjorie Sidman, claiming first place with a combined score of 172. Madison Ramsey (USA) took second aboard MTM Enchanted, owned by Kevin Eufemia, with a score of 171. Taylor St. Jacques secured third on Castleforbes Glenn, owned by Sergent Stables LLC, with a score of 170.

Continuing on with competition on Friday, the Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Jumper Stake took place on the Derby Field, where twenty competitors tackled Guilherme Jorge’s course. Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) won the event with a double-clear effort aboard Vasco 109, co-owned by Miguel Madero and Luis Pedro Biraben, finishing in 38.603 seconds. Michael Murphy (USA) earned second place with a clear round of 38.949 seconds on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast, while Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR) secured third place riding Scoop De Septon Z, owned by Sigma Stables, with a faultless time of 39.279 seconds.

On Saturday, the $1,000 2’6″/2’9″ Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go), sponsored by ProElite, showcased some of the top hunters. Paige Moose (USA) took first place with her own horse, Quintilus, earning a total score of 156. Joanne Clemente (USA) followed closely in second place with a score of 154 on Channing, owned by Horselux LLC. Marjorie Sidman (USA) rounded out the top three with a score of 145 aboard her own entry, Cali Y.

Sunday’s events wrapped up with the $24,999 Winston Preparatory Grand Prix, where Colombia’s Juan Manuel Gallego clinched victory with Niagara D’ive Z after a thrilling jump-off.

Out of the twenty-five participants, nine advanced to the jump-off, making for a tense competition. Gallego and Niagara D’ive Z, owned by Gabriela Salazar Martinez, took first place with the fastest time of 42.926 seconds.

Alannah Wagstaff (USA) secured second place with a time of 42.944 seconds on Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc. Rounding out the podium was Michael Murphy on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast, finishing in 43.383 seconds.

To view full results from ESP Florida State Fall, please click HERE.

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Tanner Korotkin and Quinn Have Wings in Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI3* 1.45m Speed

Tanner Korotkin and Quinn 33. Photo © Sportfot.

The Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI3* 1.45m Speed highlighted Friday, January 13, in the International Arena at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). It was a foot race to the finish, and the win went to Tanner Korotkin for the USA aboard Quinn 33.

The international entry list included fifty-four horses and riders jumping against the clock. Nick Granat (USA) designed a technical 1.45m track, with twelve obstacles total and a time allowed of 72 seconds.

The fastest time of the day was posted by 21-year-old Korotkin and his 2010 Holsteiner gelding (Quidam De Revel x Contender). The pair finished just below the minute mark in 59 seconds for owner Eickendorf Horses.

“The course designer definitely gave us a lot of options to go very fast today,” said Korotkin. “The horse that I’m on I’m very confident with, and we have had a lot of wins recently. I thought it was a very solid course for his style and how he likes to go.”

Taylor Madden Tops Talent Search

Standing out in the equitation ring on Friday, Taylor Madden won the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2*. Thirty-four riders showed off in the two-phase class that tested each pair over fences and on the flat.

Twelve riders were called back for the flat test, and Madden, of Wellington, FL, aboard Mac One III, a 2009 Anglo European gelding (Luidam Elite x Lagos), ended at the top of the list.

“It felt good; this was his first time showing since Maclay Finals, so we were both a little rusty,” said Madden, 20. “The flat class went well. I would say that is a strong suit for both of us. He can really show off in the extended work and I’ve known him for a really long time so that’s very helpful.”

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Kat Fuqua Rounds Out 2022 with National Honors in Hunters, Jumpers, and Dressage

Fuqua jumping Nate Archibald to a 3rd place finish in the Zone 4 HOTY Medium Jr./Amateur Jumpers (Photo by Sportfot)

Atlanta, GA (December 3, 2022) – It’s rare for an equestrian to be versatile and multi-talented enough to compete in multiple disciplines; even more rare is the skill to place at the top of the sport in multiple disciplines in the same year. But Atlanta, Georgia’s Kat Fuqua has achieved just that in 2022, finishing off her busy show season with multiple accolades at the 72nd Annual South Florida Hunter Jumper Association Charity Show, and adding to an impressive resume of multi-discipline wins. Her 2022 successes include a Reserve Champion finish in the FEI Prix St. Georges at the US Dressage Finals, multiple Grand Champion Junior Hunter wins, a top 3 finish in the Zone 4 Horse of the Year (HOTY) Medium Junior/Amateur Jumpers, and even a Reserve Champion finish at the 2022 Kentucky Maclay Regional Championships. Fifteen-year-old Fuqua was also named a USEF Dressage Emerging Athlete for 2022, was the first young rider to compete in both Jumping and Dressage at the 2021 North American Young Rider Championships (NAYC), and for 2023 aims to make the USEF European Young Rider team in dressage.

With the classical dressage as her foundation, and under the tutelage of Olympic Bronze Medalist Michelle Gibson, Fuqua stepped onto the dressage scene officially in 2021. In 2022, she and Dream Girl, a 14-year-old KWPN mare, rocketed up through the stratosphere to take Reserve Champion at the US Dressage Finals, just a few percentage points off the win in the FEI Prix St. Georges Open division. The mare was also awarded the Lloyd Landkamer Perpetual Trophy, honoring the highest scoring FEI mare. Prior to the US Dressage Finals, Fuqua was named a 2022 USEF Dressage Emerging Athlete, and was ranked 4th in the country for USDF Horse of the Year FEI Intermediaire I Open.

As her inaugural competitive discipline, Fuqua’s 2022 resume in the Hunters is no less stellar. With the elegant bay gelding Grand Remo, Fuqua won Junior Hunter Grand Champion at Devon, Grand Champion at the USEF Jr. Hunter Finals in 2021, Reserve Champion Junior Hunter Youngers at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Reserve Champion Junior Hunter at the Washington International Horse Show, and was chosen as the cover of this summer’s Chronicle of the Horse June issue. Just this past week, they were also the 2022 Best Junior Hunter Champion at the 72nd Annual SFHJA Charity Horse Show. Together with Grand Remo and her other hunter partners, Fuqua has amassed 8 USEF Horse of the Year titles, 2 Grand Champion titles at the National Horse Show, Grand Champion at Harrisburg, 10 WEF Circuit Championships, Grand Champion at Pony Finals, and to date is the highest earning Pony Derby Rider.

With the Junior Hunters in a sweep and Dressage a new-found success, the jumpers were the next target for Fuqua to set her sights on. She began trying her hand in the discipline less than 2 years ago, and in 2022 finished 3rd in the Zone 4 Horse of the Year Medium Jr./Amateur Jumpers with her own Nate Archibald. In 2021 she made history as the first rider to compete in both the Jumpers and Dressage at the North American Young Rider Championships, and was 10th in the National Devon Championship for High Junior Jumpers with her jumper Gargarin. This indoor season she competed in the High and Medium Junior Jumpers at the Washington International Horse Show, finishing 8th in the $5,000 High Jr./AO 1.40m Jumpers with Nate Archibald.

As icing on her triple threat cake, Fuqua also has been a up-and-coming competitor in the ASPCA Maclay Medal Finals. In 2022 she finished as Reserve Champion at the Kentucky Maclay Regional Championships and was in the Top 25 at the 2021 USEF Dover Seat Medal Finals in 2021.

Just this past week, Fuqua rounded out her 2022 competition schedule at the 72nd Annual SFHJA Charity Horse Show, claiming multiple accolades with her horses. She won the USET Talent Search with Class Act, owned by Emily Smith, and also took the overall win with Smith’s Quite Cassini in the Washington International Horse Show Equitation. Grand Remo remained worthy of his name with Champion in the Junior Hunters Under 15, Champion in the Jr./AA Classic Hunters, Champion Zone 4 Jr. Hunter, and earned Fuqua the title of Best Jr. Hunter Rider.

“Riding horses is what I truly love, whether it’s in a major competition or just enjoying their company at the farm,” said Fuqua. “This fall I began working with Emily & Ken of Ashland Farms, and love their calm but effective training. My goals are to continue to level up in the Jumper ring and get the Equitation down! My heart for the Hunters will never change, remembering back to big pony trainer and judge Mindy Darst who brought me to my first WEF in 2014 and was one of the founders of the USEF Pony Finals. I’ll never give up being a role model for the new pony kids comping up and my goal is to be a top rider in all of my disciplines.”

Kat Fuqua is becoming a household name in multiple equestrian disciplines, known not only for her versatility as a rider but also for the quality of her rides. She began competing at double AA Hunter/Jumper shows at the age of 6, and at 11 years old won the USEF Pony Finals & Grand Champion. She repeated the honor the following year as a 12-year-old, and added the USEF Marshall & Sterling Pony Medal. Her Junior Grand Hunter Championship wins include the 2022 Devon Jr. Hunter Grand Champion, 2021 USEF Jr. Hunter Finals Grand Champion, 2020 & 2021 National Horse Show Jr. Hunter Grand Champion, and 2021 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Jr. Hunter Grand Champion. In the Equitation, she won 2022 Reserve Champion at the Kentucky Maclay Regional Championships and finished Top 25 at the 2021 USEF Dover Seat Medal Finals.

In 2020 she began actively competing in both dressage and jumping, as well as the hunters. She made history as the first rider to ever compete in both disciplines at the 2021 NAYC, where she received 3 Bronze Medals in dressage and finished 4th overall in the Children’s Jumper Team competition. She earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals for USDF Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I in 2021, and was named the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions Junior Champion that year. In 2022 she was named a USEF Dressage Emerging Athlete.

Fuqua is currently a full-time freshman at Holy Innocence Episcopal High School in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. She also is a contributor to Elite Equestrian Magazine, writing her own Kat’s Korner column about her horses and life as an upcoming young equestrian.

“I like to inspire riders but showing how even though being a competitive equestrian is tough and a fail often, I get back up and try again to achieve my goals and dreams,” said Fuqua. “I have a lot of pressure going into 2023, but I spend a lot of time at my home base, Collecting Gaits Farm, personally taking care of my horses when I can to build the bond that I think leads them to work harder for me in the show ring. I feel very lucky that so many people want to help me succeed.”

For more information on Kat Fuqua, visit her website at www.KatFuqua.com.

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Holly Johnson
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Alexa Elle Lignelli and Billy Kiara Win Second Round of Junior Jumper Championship at Devon

Alexa Elle Lignelli and Billy Kiara.

Devon, Pa. – May 27, 2022 – The final class of the day at the 2022 Devon Horse Show in the Dixon Oval, the $3,750 Junior Jumper, sponsored by Land Services USA, welcomed rising talents back to the iconic arena for another shot at the top prize. Following Thursday’s round one speed competition, won by Zayna Rizvi and Excellent, a field of 25 talented junior athletes and their mounts were hopeful to close out Friday’s competition with a coveted Devon blue ribbon, but it was ultimately Alexa Elle Lignelli and Billy Kiara who took home the top prize and the Wigg’s Bar Challenge Trophy.

Luke Jensen and Avery Glynn Share R. W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship Trophy

Equitation competition resumed Friday morning bright and early, welcoming three sections of ASPCA Maclay Medal exhibitors to the arena to kickstart the day. At the conclusion of the three sections, judges welcomed back both Luke Jensen and Avery Glynn into the Dixon Oval for the presentation of the R. W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship. The highly regarded R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Trophy is awarded to the junior athlete who accumulated the most points throughout the two days of equitation competition.

For more information and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Zayna Rizvi and Excellent Win Speed Leg of Junior Jumper Championship at Devon Horse Show

Zayna Rizvi and Excellent.

Devon, Pa. – May 26, 2022 – The final class of the opening day of the 2022 Devon Horse set in the iconic Dixon Oval, the $3,750 Junior Jumper, sponsored by Land Services USA, Inc., saw a field of 23 talented young competitors take to the ring to vie for the top honors. As the first leg of the Junior Jumper Championship, the speed class asked riders to navigate the obstacles efficiently and fault-free if they were to be in contention for the ribbons. At the conclusion of the rounds, it was Zayna Rizvi and Excellent who emerged victorious on top of the leaderboard.

Zayna Rizvi and Avery Glynn Open 2022 Devon Horse Show with Top Equitation Results

Top equitation riders from around the country convened at the Devon Horse Show’s Dixon Oval Thursday, eager to kick off the week dedicated to junior competition. The Platinum Performance / USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 3*, sponsored by Courtyard Marriott, was highlighted in the afternoon packed with a talented field of exhibitors. In Section A of the class, Zayna Rizvi emerged victorious aboard Acer K. Section B saw Avery Glynn earn the top prize with Gerardus.

For more information and results, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Jordan Allen and Carino B Take Ariat Adult National Medal Win at Kentucky Spring Classic

Jordan Allen and Carino B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 20, 2022 – Equitation competitors kicked off a beautiful morning at the Kentucky Spring Classic II in the Claiborne arena Friday with the Ariat Adult National Medal. Adult amateur riders took to the arena to show their style on their partnered mounts in the hopes of claiming the top honors. In the end, it was Jordan Allen piloting Carino B, owned by Ashland Farm, who took the blue ribbon and the highest score.

Spring Storms Can’t Stop Cathleen Driscoll and Arome at $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*

International show jumping competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic II returned to the picturesque Rolex Arena on a stormy Thursday evening. A field of 56 horse-and-rider pairs planned to enter the stadium to beat the weather and take home the win in the $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*. After 29 rounds, Kentucky weather had other plans, ultimately leading officials to pause the class and resume at 8am Friday morning. Although the new two-day format wasn’t typical, it didn’t stop Cathleen Driscoll (USA) and Arome from leading the victory gallop at the conclusion of the class.

Chris Payne and Kelley Farmer Take the Victory Gallop Side by Side for Grand Hunter Championship Title

After successful rides in the StoneLea Hunter Ring at Kentucky Spring Classic, two sophisticated riders emerged victorious as they both claimed the Grand Hunter Champion title. Christopher Payne and Axel, owned by Blue Mountain LLC, and Kelley Farmer on Casting Call, owned by David Glefke, took the hunter ring by storm and tied for the Grand Hunter title on Thursday afternoon following their stellar performances.

Charlie Jacobs and La Fille Rouge Reign Supreme in High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper

The famed Rolex Stadium welcomed junior and amateur show jumping competitors Friday afternoon to contest the High Junior/Amateur 1.40m Jumper. Continuing with the second week of the Kentucky Spring Classic series, a total of 27 talented horse-and-athlete combinations vied for a top spot on the leaderboard in a one-round competition against the clock. In the end, it was Charlie Jacobs aboard CMJ Sporthorse, LLC’s La Fille Rouge who emerged victorious.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Stella Wasserman and Munich Steal the Spotlight to Win HITS Equitation Championship

© HITS LLC.

Ocala, Fla. – March 25, 2022 – The 2022 HITS Equitation Championship took center stage on Friday night at the HITS Ocala Stadium as part of the Ocala Championship Week. Working hard to qualify for this special event, 28 riders showcased their skills over two rounds of competition under the lights in the Stadium. At the end of the night, it was West Coast athlete Stella Wasserman whose top scores earned the winning title with Munich. Fellow Shadow Ridge rider Abigail Gordon placed second aboard Heartbeat Z, while third place went to Madison Ramsey riding Maguro.

Hunter Holloway and Liemba Leap to $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix Victory

On Friday afternoon, athletes gathered at the HITS Ocala Stadium for the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix as they prepared for Sunday’s highlight event, the Great American $500,000 Grand Prix. With seven horses qualifying for the jump-off, speed became the name of the game. Hunter Holloway galloped away with the victory aboard Liemba, ahead of West Coast athletes Mark Watring riding Limbossini RC and Elisa Broz with Tinkerbell, who rounded out the top three, respectively.

For more results and information, visit HitsShows.com.

Amateur Riders Make Time to Shine at Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Jeanie Presler and Lovies Lil Rey, Cody Parmenter Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 29, 2021 – Unlike professional horsemen, amateur riders need to make a plan in order to take time away from their careers and attend the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit. Throughout the week they come to Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds to enjoy what matters the most to them, spending time with their families and riding their horses in one of the most prestigious Quarter Horse shows in the country.

Kaleena Weakly of Shelbyville, Illinois is a part-time graphic designer and a stay-at-home mom. Weakly has a lengthy and successful show record at the Gold Coast. She took a four-year break to care for matters at home, and now she and her family use the five-day event as a holiday vacation. Weakly won the Amateur Hunter Seat Equitation class with her horse Definitely a First, making the family vacation a memorable one.

Jeanie Presler of Nokomis, Florida is a Mixed-Animal General Practitioner. She returns to the Gold Coast after a 20-year hiatus due to a demanding school and career schedule. The VRH Amateur Ranch Horse divisions were new to Presler and her Reined Cow Horse Lovies Lil Rey. It worked out well as she and her eight-year-old birthday present finished on top in the VRH Amateur Ranch Horse Reining class.

Leah Roehl of Ruther Glen, Virginia is busy as a government worker and a mother of five children. It took a great deal of planning for Roehl to make it to the Gold Coast. The support she receives from her family and friends makes the herculean effort to compete all worthwhile. Roehl and her gelding AlDoWhatYouLove won the Senior Pleasure Driving and L1 Novice Amateur Working Hunter classes.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Ellie Aronson and It’s Easy Time Land the ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Region 3 Championship

Ellie Aronson and It’s Easy Time ©Anne Gittins Photography.

Wellington, FL – Sept. 26, 2021 – It was a busy weekend of equitation competition during the ESP Florida State Fall, which hosted the Region 3 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship as the highlight event at Equestrian Village. The class saw young riders from across the southeast region compete for the chance to compete at the finals later this year. Thanks to consistent performances over the fences and on the flat, plus a test, Ellie Aronson of Atlanta, GA and Eva Fisherman’s It’s Easy Time emerged as the victors.

“My horse was perfect! Even though this is just our second show together, I felt like everything just came together really well,” Aronson shared. She continued to elaborate on the rounds, saying, “In the first round, I just tried to stay on a nice canter. He holds himself in a really nice frame naturally, so in the flat phase I was able to just focus on myself and hold my position. Then in the test I just wanted to go out there and have fun with it.”

Forty-three riders contested the first round course, set by Andy Christiansen (ECU), in the covered ring at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Following the first round of competition, 32 riders were invited back for the flat phase, which was broken up into three groups, and ultimately just four riders were asked to return for the final test. After three technical rounds of competition, Aronson and It’s Easy Time were crowned the champions. Earning second place was Hailey Royce of Wellington, FL and Elios, owned by Michael Dietrich. Third-place honors were awarded to Schuyler Dayner of Odessa, FL and her own Gambino.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Competition at 2021 Southeast Medal Finals Concludes with Day of Championship Crownings

Mckenzie Clayton and Bea Ready.

Tampa, Fla. – Sept. 5, 2021 – Competition at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) came to a close on Sunday, Sept. 5 featuring a packed schedule. With riders of all levels and ages vying for championship titles, Mckenzie Clayton and Bea Ready were the first duo to claim top honors in the Junior Medal Finals presented by The Clothes Horse, while Lexie Kate Crumbaker and My Way topped the field in the Pony Medal Finals. Top Show Jumping competition also came to a head featuring the largest purse of the weekend in the $25,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Day Grand Prix presented by The Adams Group eXperience of eXp Realty, where Callan Solem and Essenar Crixus emerged victorious, wrapping up competition at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals for the 5th anniversary at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center.

Top junior riders were eager to show off their textbook skills and effortless style in the Junior Medal Finals presented by The Clothes Horse. Following a tight first round, 12 of the riders were invited back for an over-fences work-off. Riders contested over the shortened course and were asked to display the counter canter and a posting trot without stirrup irons. The second round could lend any of the top three riders the leading title, but ultimately it was North Carolina junior rider, Clayton, that impressed the judges the most to move up and earn first place aboard brand new mount, Bea Ready. Madison Ramsey and Maguro would finish the class in second place, with Kate Neily and First Verdi rounding out the top three.

Clayton, who showed Bea Ready for the first time just this week at the 2021 SEMF, walked away with the unexpected win aboard Kristen Bond’s 9-year-old KWPN mare. Having only ever ridden the mare three times prior to entering the Teco Indoor Arena for the Junior Medal Finals, Clayton was just hoping to get a better feel for the mare heading into indoor finals season where she will compete in the ASPCA Maclay and USEF Medal Finals. With the help of her good luck charm necklace, in addition to her cool and composed demeanor, Clayton not only produced two smooth trips but also nailed the counter canter, having never practiced the movement on her newest mount.

The youngest equitation riders took to the Gene Mische Ring for the Pony Medal Finals where Crumbaker impressed the judges with her style and finesse aboard her own 18-year-old Welsh Pony Cross gelding, My Way, taking home the first-place ribbon. Second place was ultimately awarded to Elizabeth Dorward riding Show And Tell. Rebecca Holcomb and Mi’Amore rounded out the top three.

34 top horse-and-rider combinations took the Grand Prix Ring for one last class at the 2021 Southeast Medal Finals for the feature event of the week, the $25,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Day Grand Prix presented by The Adams Group eXperience of eXp Realty. The large field of competitors provided an exciting display of show jumping as 9 riders moved into the jump-off. In a nail-biting finish, it was ultimately Solem who was last to take to the ring who bested Catalina Peralta’s 39.999 by a half of a second with a time of 39.428 seconds. Sarah Gordon and Castella closed out the podium with a third-place finish.

Solem and the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elan Farm secured their first grand prix win together Sunday afternoon out of a competitive field of 34 athletes. The newly partnered duo plans to compete on the winter circuit at The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida later this year.

For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.