Devon Domination
by Lauren Moyer
Ashley Foster, Brianna Simms and Morgan Moog are all smiles after winning the Medium Pony Hunt Team competition.
The 2010 Devon Horse Show, held in Devon, Pennsylvania, took place May 26 – June 5. Thursday, May 26 marked the start of Junior Weekend, with many of the equation classes kicking off the show. Samantha Schaefer represented Maryland well, earning a second in both the Platinum Performance/U.S. Equestrian Federation Showing Jumping Talent Search and the MaClay Horsemanship, as well as a third place finish in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal.
Schaefer continued her successful show over the weekend in the Large Junior 16-17 division. She guided Marianna Bishop Wade’s Bishonen to a second in the Under Saddle as well as a pair of thirds Over Fences. Schaefer found even more success in the same division aboard Garfield. The pair jumped to a first in the Handy Hunter as well as a second in the Stake class, which led to Schaefer claiming the Large Junior 16-17 championship. Schaefer was then awarded the honors of Best Child Rider on a Horse.
Miranda Gali’s first Junior Hunter experience in the Dixon Oval went well. She rode Pacifica to top scores in every class as well as earning a fifth place in the Handy Hunter. Gali’s sister Sophie also had a stellar weekend. She piloted Will Kennedy’s entry Only Option to the reserve tricolor in the Pony Jumpers.
Jianna Raquelle Simcik, Charlie Gent and Chloe Tyler show off their leadline ribbons.
Several Maryland pony riders brought home top ribbons. In the Small Pony division, Madeline Schaefer rode both her mounts to several ribbons. Flashback won the Under Saddle, was sixth in the Model and earned an eighth in the Handy class. The younger Schaefer also rode Silver Rain to a fifth place finish in one of the Over Fences classes.
Ashley Foster topped the competitive field of 30 in the Medium Pony Handy class with Brighton Undeniably. The pair also earned a fifth in the Model, fourth Under Saddle and a third in an Over Fences class. Also in the Medium’s was Poster Boy and Brianna Simms, who jumped to a 10th place finish in the Stake class.
In the Large Pony Hunter’s, Anna Rossi navigated the challenging Handy course to earn an eighth with One More Time. Foster and Mizzentop took the sixth spot in the Large Pony Hunter Under Saddle.
Renee Kidd and Will Be Tempted enter the ring for the jog in the First Year Green Hunters.
Bob Crandall and Cassalo in the Over Fences class of the Green Conformation division.
Professional week started Monday, May 31. Renee Kidd and Will Be Tempted jumped to an eighth place finish in the First Year Green Hunters for owner Mary Beth Lanza. Cassalo, with Bob Crandall in the irons, went home with a sixth and eighth place Over Fences as well as another eighth Under Saddle in the Green Conformations.
Top Call LLC’s horse Zivago was seventh in the Green Conformation Handy Hunter with Mary Lisa Leffler aboard. Leffler also rode her own Gerona 92 to an impressive fourth place finish in the $10,000 Open Jumper class.
Wrapping up the horse show was the Amateur Weekend. Haley Funger and Wallstreet qualified to compete in the Amateur Owner 3’3” division and finished with an eighth place in the Handy class.
Mary Lisa Leffler and Zivago in the Green Conformation Handy Hunter Over Fences
Lovin’ Lexington
by Lauren Moyer
Chloe Reid and Inside Scoop jump to championship honors in the Large Junior 15 and Under division.
April 28 marked the start of the back-to-back “AA” horse shows held at the Lexington Horse Center in Virginia. The first show on the list was the Lexington Spring Premier held from April 28 – May 2 where Maryland junior riders dominated the rankings over the weekend.
Lexington Premier
Ashley Foster kicked off her winning weekend by capturing the championship aboard her own Sam Adams in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division. Barn mate Kimberley Saul also earned a tricolor riding Just Dessert to reserve honors in the Large Junior 15 and Under section. Inside Scoop was able to top Just Dessert for the championship with Chloe Reid aboard for owner Kimberley Prince.
Ben Guanciale’s students proved to have a successful show. Lindsay Wolfe piloted her own Quincy to a reserve tricolor in the Small Junior 16-17 division while Keri Guanciale was unstoppable in the Amateur Owner 18-35, earning the championship aboard Thoughtful.
In the Children’s Hunter 14 and Under division, Ivanhoe jumped to the reserve championship with Alexandra Lieberman. Will Kennedy and No Boundaries took the top call in the Small/Medium Children’s Hunter Pony division and went home with a championship.
Ashley Foster and Sam Adams dominated the pony ring.
Ashley Foster continued her winning streak in the pony hunter ring. She was champion on Brighton Undeniably in the Medium Pony division as well as champion in the Large Pony Hunter’s with Mizzentop. Foster won both the Virginia Horse Center Medium Pony Classic and VHC Large Pony Classic on her respective mounts. It wasn’t a surprise that Foster was crowned the Best Child Rider on a pony for the week.
Foster also transitioned over into the High Children’s Jumper ring and was awarded the Jumper Style Award aboard her new mount Jordy after winning the Washington International Horse Show/North American League Children’s Jumper Classic. Saul and Mio W also found success in the High Children’s Jumpers. The pair was consistent the whole week, resulting in the reserve tricolor. In the High Adult Jumpers, Ciao Pasadena raced to the championship with Carey Kreidler in the irons.
Saturday night’s main event was the $25,000 Rockbridge Grand Prix. Mary Lisa Leffler and Gerona 92 sped their way around the jump-off without any faults and ended in an impressive third as the top placing Marylander.
Mary Lisa Leffler and Just Dessert won the USHJA Hunter Derby
Lexington Encore
Local professionals found success during the Lexington Spring Encore, May 5 – 9. Alexandra Listrani kicked things off by earning the reserve tricolor aboard Stand By Me in the Pre-Green 3’3” section for owner Nicole Shaw. Mary Lisa Leffler continued to add more ribbons to the Rolling Acres banner as she and Just Dessert jumped to the reserve in the Second Year Green division.
Just Dessert went on to win another tricolor with Kimberley Saul, this time a championship in the Large Junior 15 and Under section. Barn mate Ashley Foster and Sam Adams were once again unstoppable in the Younger Small Junior’s, earning the championship tricolor for the second time at the Lexington series. The pair also finished second in the VHC Junior Hunter Classic. In the Large Junior 16-17 section, Samantha Schaefer and Garfield were unbeatable and walked away with a championship. Keri Guanciale and Thoughtful were once again crowned with the championship in the Amateur Owner 18-35 division.
In the Pony Hunter ring, Barbara Merryman piloted Topeka King to championship honors in the Medium Pony section. Mizzentop and Ashley Foster earned yet another champion ribbon for Rolling Acres in the Large Pony Hunter division.
ESP rider’s dominated the Small/Medium Children’s Hunter Pony division. Jack Black and Courtney Swartz came out with the championship while Will Kennedy and No Boundaries settled for reserve.
In the jumper ring, Mio W and Saul once again raced to a reserve tricolor in the High Children’s Jumper. Kaley Pratt rode Hillary Simpson’s Shane in the High Adult Amateur Jumpers, resulting in a reserve championship. Only Option was speedy in the Pony Jumpers with Sophie Gali aboard. The pair claimed champion for owner Will Kennedy. Gerona 92 and Lefller had a strong repeat performance in the $25,000 Encore Grand Prix where the duo once again finished third.
Under the lights on Friday night was the feature event of the show. Lexington hosted their first U.S. Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Derby. The night featured 39 of the best horses and riders competing for an impressive purse of $10,000. The first round consisted of a hunter classic course, which included all brush fences, birch poles and several 4ft options. Three Maryland pairs rose to the occasion and made it into the top twelve, which would compete in the handy portion of the class. After all the scores were in when the first round was completed, Schaefer was sitting on top with Garfield. Right behind her was Leffler on Just Dessert while Sam Adams, Leffler’s other mount, settled in 11th.
Darkness had fallen in Lexington by the time the handy round started. Jason Berry rode Stetson to the top score in the second phase. Leffler stuck with all the 3’6” options for the handy round and put in a flawless ride to set them in the second spot. Garfield earned a sixth spot and Sam Adams was once again 11th.
When the scores from the first and second rounds were added up, Just Dessert and Leffler’s two seconds proved to be enough as they were crowned the overall winners. Schaefer and Garfield ended in sixth with Sam Adams rounding out the ribbons for Marylander’s in the 11th position.
Kelly Ford and Changes of Latitude earned ribbons in the High Adult Jumpers
Jumping to New Heights With Marilyn Little-Meredith
by Phelps Media Group
Kentucky Spring Horse Show
The fourth day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show (May 2010) opened with exciting jumper action in the Main Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Beginning at 8 a.m., 34 of the top jumper riders competed in the $20,00 Bluegrass Classic. Eight riders advanced to the jump-off, and it was Marilyn Little-Meredith of RayLyn Farm in Frederick that jumped a clear round in the fastest time with Blue Curacao to lead the victory gallop.
Little-Meredith and Blue Curacao, owned by Mary and Paul Loeber, were the first pair to qualify for the jump-off and complete the short course without fault. They galloped to the second fence in a very quick six strides, and kept up their fast pace throughout the track. The duo would set an incredible time to beat, crossing the finish line in 31.194 seconds. They quickly jumped to the top of the leader board and their amazing score would eventually earn them the first place prize.
Scott Lenkart and Impulsive, owned by MacMillan Sport Horse, made a very good effort to catch Little-Meredith’s time. They jumped each fence effortlessly and sailed through the finish in 31.769 seconds. Many people in the crowd thought the pair had taken the lead, but Lenkart and Impuslive were just a few tenths of a second short, garnering the second place award and sealing Little-Meredith’s victory.
It was a great course early in the morning and good way to start a Saturday,” smiled Little-Meredith. “There were eight in the jump-off, so I think the course was perfectly built for the class; Richard Jeffery did a great job.”
Little-Meredith normally shows Blue Curacao in the Grand Prix classes, and competed with the mare again during the $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, where she finished eighth. Blue Curacao is just 9-years-old, but Little-Meredith is thrilled with how she has progressed through the years.
“Blue Curacao is a huge talent, she is incredibly smart,” Little-Meredith noted. “She is young and she goes a little bit differently everyday, but she always gives 100%. The main thing is trying to be ready for her, and not get in her way.”
During the first round course Meredith was very focused on getting through the triple combination. “The triple was definitely big, and I think with young ones in a ring this size the triple is so far away that you can lose their attention on the way over there,” she explained. “I think that happened to a lot of horses. The course was inviting coming in, but there were a lot of rails through the triple. The option water line was hard. There was no perfect choice so it really depended on the horse.”
Blue Curacao proved her maturity as she easily answered all of the questions on the course. “She has just started the grand prix classes this year and she has been an incredibly good sport about jumping big tracks early on in her career,” said Little-Meredith. “Not a lot of horses can maintain that level and she is really doing a good job. I am just starting to go fast on her and hopefully we get to do it again tomorrow.”
Kentucky Spring Classic
The $30,000 Hagyard Classic was held May 20 at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Kentucky Spring Classic, and with a 13 horse jump-off it proved to be the most exciting event thus far. Marilyn Little-Meredith raced to the top spot with Blue Curacao, beating Pablo Barrios and G & C LaGran by just tenths of a second. This event was the second competition in the Hagyard Challenge Series, which features a $50,000 Leading Rider Award.
When Barrios entered the ring with G & C LaGran, owned by G & C Farm, Gustavo & Carolina Mirabal, the crowd was waiting to see how the incredible speed pair would perform. They did not disappoint as they easily cleared all the fences and were ahead at the split. The duo continued their blazing pace and tripped the timers at 34.51 seconds to take over the lead, but the class was not over yet.
Little-Meredith was completely focused on the task at hand when she stepped into the arena aboard her talented, young mount Blue Curacao, owned by Mary and Paul Lober. She was careful not to watch any rounds before her so that she would not be chasing anyone’s time. Little-Meredith let Blue Curacao pick-up a fast gallop to the first fence and never let-up as they soared over each obstacle. Their speed was amazing and they dashed across the finish line in 34.35 seconds, beating Barrios by just 2/10ths of a second to the night’s victory gallop.
“Blue Curacao was on fire tonight; she was really amazing and it was an absolute blast,” smiled Little-Meredith. “I did not watch anyone because I thought coming off of last Saturday would just go at the pace she seems comfortable with and be as fast as I can. She’s fast, but I think if I had to do it again I could not go any faster.”
Little-Meredith was surprised by how many riders went clear during tonight’s first round because she felt the course was very technical. She knew when she made it to the short course that she would have to go all out. “I just kind of lucked out,” she commented. “The distances were good off the turns, things were coming up right. I just kept going with it, put all the chips on the table and it worked out.
Blue Curacao was very fresh coming into tonight’s class and Little-Meredith was worried that she made a mistake giving her a few days off. “I thought that she would be too fresh coming into a night class where there was a lot of distraction,” said Little-Meredith. “She was very serious from start to finish. The moment I got on her tonight she was really on her job and I thought she was going to go really well.”
Barrios thought he had laid down a winning time with G & C LaGran, but he decided to add a stride to the final course. “LaGran felt really good,” he explained. “I knew I left a little gap on the last line. I saw the same eight strides that Marilyn saw but I decided to be a little more conservative. She ended up winning because she took the risk that I did not.”
Derby Thoughts – A Series of Interviews
For the June 2010 print issue of The Equiery, several of Maryland’s top hunter and jumper trainers, judges and riders were asked to share their thoughts on the new U.S. Hunter/Jumper Association Hunter Derby class. Below you will find the complete transcripts from these interviews. To read the full story, pick up a June issue from one of The Equiery’s many distributors.
To share your thoughts, post a comment here or e-mail editor@equiery.com
Question 1 – What do you think of the revival of the Derby class?
Nancy Ashway (Country Comfort Farm, St. Michaels) – Absolutely wonderful! Back in the day when I rode as a junior and amateur rider we were so used to outside courses. [The Derby] is bringing us back to our roots of foxhunting.
Justine Powers (Highgarden Farm, Poolesville) – [The Derby] is possibly my favorite thing that USHJA has offered. It is a great great class. The “mini” Derby that Swan Lake offered last summer blew me away.
Bob Crandall (REC Farm, LLC, Baltimore) – I have mixed feelings about it and am worried it might get too outrageous in what is being asked of the horses. I’d hate to see the hunters be forced to jump 4’ to 4’6’’ just to win. It is off to a great start and is generating a lot of interest.
Kenny Krome (K2 Show Stables, Westminster) – [The Derby] is a really fantastic thing for the hunters. The unique tracks and different courses that the riders can choose from really bring out the best qualities of the best horses. It also makes riders better riders and gets them to think outside the box.
Melinda Cowin (Dream Catcher Farm, Adamstown) – [The Derbies] are a good way to showcase your horse. It’s also generating a lot of buzz for the sport, which is great. Plus it is exciting to watch with the jogging of horses before the class.
Bobbie Gibbon (Trickstar Farm, Woodbine) – I think it is terrific. The Handy is exciting to watch as the riders have so many options and have to use their imaginations in the choices they make.
Stephen Hirsch (Soprano Hill, Woodbine) – [The Derby] challenges the hunter industry a bit more and challenges those sets of horses as well.
Carolyn Krome (Persimmon Tree Farm, Westminster) – It’s a great idea and gets more people interested in owning hunters. Everyone wants to own a Derby horse now. It’s exciting for onlookers and brings in spectators.
Mary Lisa Leffler (Rolling Acres, Sunshine) – There is a great crowd that comes out for the Derby. Everyone is screaming and cheering on the competitors. Everyone likes it. It puts the party into the show.
Marilyn Little Meredith (RayLyn Farms, Frederick) – [The Derbies} give more life to the hunter sport. It improves the quality of the horse in the hunter ring and allows average riders to get a chance to become great riders.
Question 2 - Have you ever competed in or judged a Derby class? If so, what did you think? If not, why not?
Nancy Ashway – I’ve judged them. Everyone really has a good time. It’s more of a fun thing.
Bob Crandall – I’ve judged a few and ridden in one so far. I’ll also be one of the judges at the finals in Kentucky. Alan Lohman did a fabulous job with the course at Keswick with the very small space provided. It was a good class with 31 entries. The lighting did become an issue as it got dark. As a judge, it is hard to give scores sometimes and there is a lot to keep track of with the bonus points are awarded by a different set of judges.
Melinda Cowin – I had a student compete in Lexington. More people entered this class than the Grand Prix.
Bobbie Gibbon – I did the Classics way back when. It was more fun because the course was longer and more challenging. Plus, we were able to win money for the owners.
Carolyn Krome – When I competed in the older classes, the jumps were mainly post and rails. Verticals were verticals so you had to have a horse that jumps well. Today’s courses have too much fill and are too artificial looking.
Mary Lisa Leffler – I competed Sam Adams in 2009 and now have a few horses entered in the 2010 Derbies. The Derby goes with the Handy Hunter classes and shows off all of what we love in hunters. It is a great experience for the horses. I have also apprenticed judged in Aiken. The first round seems to take care of itself and judges itself in a way.
Question 3: What does the Derby course test?
Nancy Ashway – The performance both in the ring and outside the ring to see the overall performance of the hunter horse. [The course] incorporates the show ring plus cross-country style jumps outside the ring to test how well trained today’s show horses are.
Ken Krome – As a course designer, I am hoping to eliminate the crutches of the regular hunter courses. I want to show off the better jumpers and up the level of the horses to showcase the better jumping horse. Also, I want to give lots of choices for the riders to make them think and plan their track.
Stephen Hirsch – I like how the jumps are different and broaden the horses’ horizons.
Carolyn Krome – The horses has to be able to be handy and carry a big step. The course should be more like foxhunting with trappy jumps, funny distances and angles and airy jumps. Things that you might encounter in the hunt field.
Marilyn Little Meredith – The Derby course looks more like what hunters were supposed to be about.
Question 4: What do you look for in a Derby horse?
Nancy Ashway – Back to the versatility of the horse, a horse that can do it all. Where hunters really came from.
Justine Powers – Traditional things like style, attractive jump, a good ground covering stride, etc.
Bob Crandall – At the Florida Derby that I judged, most of the top 25 horses were mainly hunters.
Ken Krome – A brave, athletic horse.
Bobbie Gibbon – Bravery, obedience and scope.
Stephen Hirsch – Experience as a jumper. Has scope and confidence. The horse’s stride is important. Not any typical hunter can do the Derbies.
Carolyn Krome – Most seem to be jumpers and not hunters.
Mary Lisa Leffler – A great jumper and all around great horse. Has to have presence, a beautiful jump and be a beautiful mover. There are extra points for the higher fences but the horse and riders still have to jump well over those fences to get the points. Just Dessert [who Leffler won the Lexington Spring Encore Derby on] is a 3’9’’ horse. I didn’t jump any of the 4’ options and still won.
Marilyn Little Meredith – All the same principles apply to a Derby horse as to a jumper horse. You need the same rideability, balance, scope, etc. I think the Derbies are a great way to get mileage and training for the younger jumpers.
Question 5: What do you look for in a Derby Rider?
Justine Powers – I hope this class promotes the more forward aggressive ride from the competitors. These classes take much more of a riding ability. The kids are working hard to be able to compete in these classes one day.
Ken Krome – A smart rider that knows what track will suit their horse the best.
Bobbie Gibbon – They need to know the horse very well and how it can be shown off the best. The rider needs to be realistic about the course and the horse they are riding.
Marilyn Little Meredith – I predict that we will see better and better riders in the regular hunter classes because of their goal of riding in a Derby.
Question 6: Is there anything you would change about the current format?
Nancy Ashway – I don’t really like how the Derby is being offered at lower heights. It takes away from the special feeling of the real Derby but I understand why they offer it. The lower levels give everyone a chance to give it a try, however I think that prize money should only be offered for the big Derbies.
Justine Powers – The class still has room to grow but I like what I’ve seen in the judging so far.
Bob Crandall – I hope that the USHJA will limit the number of horse shows that will offer Derby classes. The ultimate agenda seems to be to make this an Olympic sport and draw more money to the Hunters.
Ken Krome – I am not too keen on the scoring system they have now. Hopefully the judging and scoring will evolve.
Melinda Cowin – I’m worried that every show is going to offer some sort of Derby, which will make it not as special. The USHJA should limit the number of Derbies offered each year. The rules keep changing as well and few people actually know the rules so each show is different. They need to explain how the class is judged better so people know how to ride.
Question 7: Do you think the Derby class is here to stay?
Nancy Ashway – I do! It will become more and more popular and gain sponsors as it continues to grow.
Bob Crandall – The Derby is here for a while. There are a lot of people behind it.
Ken Krome – For sure it is going to stick around.
Bobbie Gibbon – People enjoy it and it has generated a lot of spectator interest. The class moves along since there are no trainer conflicts and it is exciting to watch.
Carolyn Krome – There should be some sort of trickle down effect into the regular hunter ring. Hunter divisions are dieing. The Derby makes owning a hunter horse worth it.
Mary Lisa Leffler – It will stay for a while. For the hunter discipline, it is a good thing. Its funs now and as a jumper rider, it gives us something to do in the hunters.
Spring at PGEC
by Lauren Moyer
Will Kennedy and Blue Chip
Showplace Spring
Kicking off the spring season here in Maryland were back-to-back horse shows at the Showplace Arena/Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. First on the list was the Showplace Spring Festival, which took place March 31-April 4. Maryland professionals started the week with a bang.
In the combined Green Working Hunter division, Renee Kidd piloted Will Be Tempted for owner Mary Beth Lanza to the reserve tricolor. In the competitive Pre-Green 3’3’’ division, Passiano was crowned champion with Street Moore doing the honors for Courtney Cameron. Just behind them was Eileen Listrani and Jeanne Gelber’s entry Sunday Best with Tom Brennan aboard. Over the weekend in the 3’6” ring, Oye Como Va and Davina Pruitt-Mentle claimed the reserve tricolor in Older Amateur Owner’s. Bari Friedman and Femme Fatale found success in the 3’3 Amateur Owner division. The pair went home with the championship while Wallstreet and Haley Funger settled for reserve.
In the combined Junior Hunter division, Hannah Williams rode her own mount Valesca to the championship with Hannah Itell and Salzburg right on their heels for the reserve. Itell also won the blue in the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic. Best Of proved to be almost the best, claiming the reserve tricolor in the Younger Children’s Hunter with owner Gabriella Conte aboard. Maryland junior rider’s dominated the Older Children’s Hunter division. Nicole Wilson rode Paige Cole’s Vintage to the championship honors while True Quintender and Jillian Clay finished in reserve.
Wise Counsel and Jessica Lohman continued their success in the Adult Amateur 18-35 section, winning another championship. The duo also led the victory gallop in the WIHS/North American League Adult Hunter Classic. In the Older Adult Amateur division, Nicole Wood picked up the ride on Malibu Classic for owner Alice Barr and walked away with the championship.
In the pony hunter ring, Poster Boy was once again topping the list in the Small/Medium section with Brianna Simms. Happily Ever After and Cassandra Gergely were right behind for reserve. Where’s The Blue and Samantha Clevenger had a good show, earning the championship tricolor in the Large Green Pony Section. Wrapping up the first show was the Small/Medium Children’s Hunter Pony division. Sarah Boston and Hillcrest’s Treasure Chest came out on top with the championship while the reserve tricolor went to Northwinds Onyx and Emma Ubriaco.
Maryland National
Maryland National Hunter/Jumper Horse Show was the second of the Prince George’s series taking place April 8-11. Sophia Bednarik’s entry Sunday Best proved to be unstoppable in both the professional and amateur rings. Early in the week, Tom Brennan took the reins and earned the championship in the 3’3” Pre-Green Section. During the weekend’s competition, Sunday Best was not only champion in the Adult Amateur 18-35 section with owner Sophia Bednarik, but also went on to win the WIHS/NAL Adult Hunter classic. Kaitlin Campbell rode Hope Douglas’ mount, Loeto to the reserve tricolor in the 18-35 section. Kid Rox rocked the Adult Amateur 36 and over section with Linda LaCotti, claiming reserve honors. Elizabeth Sponseller and Dubya also earned a reserve tricolor in the 3’3” Amateur Owner division. The 3’6” Amateur Owner divisions were combined. Kelly Kaiser rode her way to a reserve tricolor in the division aboard her own Sailaway.
Championship honors in the Older Childrens Hunter went to Jillan Clay on her mount True Quintender. In the Younger section, Urlala and Cassandra Gergely finished in reserve. In the pony ring, Amanda Lee steered Rosmel’s French Vanilla to a championship in the Small/Medium Pony Hunter division. Poster Boy and Brianna Simms earned another tricolor in the division, this time the reserve.
Rapunzel and Barbara Merryman dominated the Large Pony Hunter division for owner Nancy Moore. The pair took home the championship while the reserve went to John Skinner’s entry Rembert with Jacqueline Watts taking over the reins. Emma Ubriaco and Northwinds Onyx earned their second tricolor of the two shows, this time moving up to take the championship in the Small/Medium Children’s Pony division. The Large Children’s Hunter Pony reserve title went to Isabelle Shafran’s pony Fiesta with Ryley Holdridge in the irons.
Transitioning over to the jumper ring, the NAL Children’s/Adult Jumper classic was a huge class with 25 entries. Marylander’s came out on top with 2-A-T and Victoria Volta racing to win the competitive class. Noah Abramson finished an impressive second with Wontan. Third went to Candido Z and Isabelle Shafran. Finishing out in fourth was Kelly Ford and her mount Changes In Latitude.
Stay tuned for news from Lexington, Virginia and results of the USHJA Hunter Derby. To read what Maryland trainers, judges and riders think of the Derbies, pick up a copy of the June issue in stores now!
More on USEF Rules for Hunters and Jumpers
Below are details on various USEF rule changes that affect Hunters and Jumpers. These are not all of the 2010 rule changes and are only summaries. To read all USEF rule changes, click here for a copy of the Rule Book. To read more on this subject, see the June print edition now in stores!
USEF Jumper Schooling Rules
1. It is important to remember that all exercise arenas are different in size, type of footing and jump material provided. Furthermore, the ability of the horse and rider must always be taken into consideration as well when deciding what is permitted and not permitted during preparation.
2. A minimum of one vertical and one oxer must be provided.
3. Obstacles may be flagged, in which case they must be jumped in the proper direction.
4. No one may hold a rail or touch a standard while it is being jumped.
5. All rails must either be in cups or totally on the ground, except in the case of cross rails
6. If a rail is place on the edge of a cup, it must be placed on the far side of the cup and is only allowed at an oxer if it does not cause the front rail to be higher than the back rail.
7. Horses are not permitted to walk over cross or slant rails.
8. Jumps in schooling area may not exceed 5′3” in height and 5′11” in width.
9. Any jumps 4′3” or higher must have a minimum of two rails in cups on the take off side of the jump.
10. There may never be more than two rails on the back of an oxer with the lower rail equal in height to the lowest rail on the front of an oxer. If an oxer is flagged so that is can only be jumped one way, then the back side must only have one rail.
11. Ground lines are not mandatory. If an oxer is flagged so it may only be jumped in one direction, then a ground line is only permitted on the take off side of the jump.
12. If a trot/canter placement rail is used, the jump may not exceed 4′3” in height and width. If a rail is used on the take off side, it can be no closer than 8′2”. If a rail is used on the landing side, it may be no closer than 9′10”.
13. If guide rails are used on the landing side of a jump, the closest part of the rail must be a minimum of 9′10” from the jump.
14. A cross rail may be made either by itself (not to exceed 4′3”) or below a vertical rail or as the front part of an oxer.
15. No Swedish Oxers!
16. If a liverpool is supplied and used at a vertical, the front of the liverpool may not be behind the front plane of the jump. If used at an oxer, the front of the liverpool may not be more than 3′3” in front of the jump.
17. If an item, such as a blanket or cooler, is laid over the rail of an oxer, it can only be on the front rail. If there is more than one rail on the front of the oxer, the item may be laid over any of those rails.
18. The use of materials which proves hazardous is forbidden.
19. Combinations may be built using correct distances if the host facility allows it. Bounce jumps may only be used with verticals and may not exceed 3′9”.
20. At management’s discretion, bamboo offsets may be permitted in designated schooling areas only. Manual poling is not permitted.
21. Riders are fully responsible for any jumps taken by their horse.
22. Any action deemed not at the best interest of the horse will not be allowed.
USHJS International Hunter Derby Bonus Points
The point structure for bonus points is as follows:
PLACE ROUND 1/ROUND 2 OVERALL TOP 12 OVERALL TOP 12
FOR FINALS
1st 150 300 400
2nd 140 275 350
3rd 130 250 325
4th 120 225 300
5th 110 200 275
6th 100 175 250
7th 90 150 225
8th 80 140 200
9th 70 130 175
10th 60 120 150
11th 50 110 140
12th 40 100 130
AHJF Embraces USHJA
Two Organizations Now Become One
by Diana De Rosa
“Now is the right time,” commented Geoff Teall, a note of enthusiasm in his voice at the prospect of having the strength and programs of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) now go to supporting the similar goals of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and its Foundation.
Since its inception in 1992, the AHJF has established itself by creating a new vision for the sport of hunters in the United States. Now after five years of growth, the USHJA has not only established these same goals but has the resources, staffing and vision to take them even further.
AHJF founders Geoff Teall and Louise Serio are proud of what the AHJF has achieved, especially the much sought after World Champion Hunter Rider awards program. However, they have always had one more dream they wanted to achieve and that is to create an endowment fund to secure the future of our sport. By uniting their efforts with the USHJA and its Foundation, they see that vision becoming a reality. They want to initiate the first step by transferring the current assets of the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to the USHJA Foundation’s Horseman’s Assistance Fund and be one of the first to kick off the endowment fund. The Horseman’s Assistance Fund is a charitable aid program created by the USHJA Foundation and modeled after the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund.
“By getting behind the USHJA and its Foundation, we are also fulfilling one of our most sought after objectives, which has always been to create an endowment fund which will guarantee the future of the sport that is so important to all of us. By putting the strength of the AHJF behind the efforts of the USHJA, we feel that we can help them achieve that milestone. The USHJA Foundation has a goal of creating a $1 million endowment fund. To us, it is absolutely clear that getting behind the efforts of the USHJA is such a positive step for both our organizations and for the horses and riders we support,” commented Geoff.
What also remains so important is that the programs initiated by the AHJF will remain intact and because of the larger membership of the USHJA and its resources, these programs will become even better and reach an even larger audience. The two organizations have met and agreed that as of May 31, 2010, any currently active programs now run by the AHJF will continue as they have in the past, but under the umbrella of the USHJA. This ensures that nothing will interfere with the World Championship Hunter Rider awards series and that the WCHR horse shows, points, regional awards and finals at Capital Challenge will all take place as they have in previous years. Steps have already been made and a plan of action is in place to transfer the administration of the WCHR programs to the USHJA. Oversight of the WCHR programs will be provided by a Special Committee within the USHJA, consisting primarily of current AHJF Directors. Membership will still be required in order for points to count for 2010.
USHJA Foundation President and AHJF Secretary Lynn Jayne recognized the potential for expanding the reach and fundraising abilities of the Emergency Relief Fund early in the process.”As a Board Member of the AHJF, I have had the opportunity to see the Emergency Relief Fund help members of our industry in ways that have changed their lives. It is with great confidence that I look forward to the USHJA Foundation continuing to support those in need. By combining the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund assets with the growth and development of the USHJA Foundation, we will be able to assist not only people in need, but horses and organizations as well.”
AHJF President Keeley Gogul said the decision to unite with the USHJA was made because ultimately it will mean the programs started by the AHJF will offer even more opportunities to those participating in them. “With the reality of not only being able to continue and to improve our present programs, but also to realize our vision of an endowment fund, embracing the USHJA just makes sense. By uniting with the USHJA, we can combine our efforts and resources to introduce quality new programming, continue the WCHR award series, expand the efforts of the Emergency Relief Fund and create an endowment to secure the future of our sport. In the end, our horses, riders and businesses will have more opportunities to be rewarded for their efforts.”
USHJA President Bill Moroney agrees with the vision of the AHJF and USHJA Foundation leadership. “USHJA welcomes the decision of the AHJF and looks forward to continuing the exemplary initiatives of the WCHR programs. I applaud the leaders of the AHJF and USHJA Foundation in their efforts to unite the equestrian community and provide greater opportunity for participation in equestrian sports.”
Winter Series Wrap Up
by Lauren Moyer
Ashley Foster rode Brighton Undeniably to be named Reserve Circuit Champion of the Ocala winter series.
Victory in Virginia
The Virginia Intermount Classic, held March 4-7 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, was a popular place for several Maryland barns that stayed home for the winter. In particuluar, Alan Lohamn’s crew had a very successful show week. Wise Counsel and Jessica Lohman claimed the reserve champion honors in the Adult Amateur 18-35 division. Also, in the 3’ ring, Katie Stewart’s entry Movado took the championship in the Children’s Hunter 14 and Under with rider Bailey Boyland. The pair also led the victory gallop in the VIC Children’s Hunter Classic. Barn mate Alexandra Lieberman and Ivanhoe were right behind for a second place finish in the Children’s Classic.
In the Virginia Horse Show Association Children’s Medal, Courtney Ratner and Tanka Two had an impressive first place out of the field of 19. Salzburg and Hannah Itell added several blues to the Lohman’s Stable banner, taking the reserve championship in the combined Small Junior’s as well as blues in the VIC Junior Hunter Classic and the US Equestrian Federation Hunter Seat Medal.
Marylanders dominated the Medium Pony Hunter Division. Woodland’s Lil Bill came out on top to take the championship as well as a second place finish in the VIC Pony Hunter Classic with owner/rider Barbara Merryman. The pair also won the Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation class. Mackenzie McGehee’s Poster Boy took two blues in the Medium Pony division as well as the top call in the VIC Pony Hunter Classic with Brianna Sims aboard. In the Large Pony Hunter division, Jacqueline Watts piloted Rembert to the reserve honors for owner John Skinner.
Many Wins at McDonogh
Another popular stop for many was the McDonogh Winter Finale held from March 6-7 where Street Moore dominated the Pre-Green Hunters. He piloted Hinckley to championship honors for owner Elisabeth Palmer as well as earning the reserve aboard Passiano for Courtney Cameron.
The Large Junior Hunters and the 3’3 Amateur Owners divisions were combined. There, Chelsea Director was unbeatable and rode away with the championship tricolor on Urban. Inside Scoop and Taylor Serio picked up the reserve.
In the competitive combined Pony Hunter division, High Expectations with owner/rider Selina Petronelli tied with Sea Star and Alexis Sicher. However, High Expectations had more points over fences and took the championship while Sea Star finished in reserve. Street Moore’s students claimed both tricolors in the Small/Medium Children’s Hunter Pony. Hillcrest’s Treasure Chest went home with the championship with Sarah Boston in the irons while Tess Schaftel rode Hillstreet Blues to the reserve for owner Kira Paterakis. Hakuna Matata and Hannah Palmatary proved to be unstoppable in the Large Children’s Pony division winning every class, which resulted in the championship. Lauren Dykes was right behind with her mount Juliet for the reserve.
Emily Gallo’s Savannah was crowned the champion in the combined Children’s Hunter division with Jacob Pope onboard. Behind him was Courtney Cameron aboard her own Passiano.
Finishing out in the 3ft ring was the Younger Adult Amateur’s. Learning To Fly with Mary Brill in the irons earned the reserve tricolor.
Circuit Winners from Ocala
• Patti Schindler dominated the Adult Amateur 56 and Over division, earning the overall champion circuit award on her own Luvbug as well as the reserve circuit with Bold Moves for Blake Schindler.
Patti Schindler and Luvbug
• Castle and Samantha Schaefer were successful in the Small Junior 16-17 division and ended with the circuit championship.
• Ashley Foster and Brighton Undeniably earned several tricolors during the series, which resulted in the reserve circuit championship.
• The last week of competition, Kimmy Saul did double duty in the Low Children’s jumper classes, taking the championship with Chant De Paix as well as the reserve with Candido Z. Chant De Paix was also rewarded with the reserve circuit title.
• The Small Pony Hunter circuit award went to Silver Rain and Madeline Schaefer.
Samantha Schaefer Wins Inaugural WCHR Handy Hunter Classic
by Diana De Rosa
The inaugural $5,000 WCHR Handy Hunter Classic was well received and was a highlight event on April 3 at the Tampa Bay Classic held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Samantha Schaefer and Bishonen, owned by Mariana Wade, led the field from start to finish, winning out of a field of the top professional, emerging professional, amateur-owner and junior hunter riders with her two round total of 171.
In her first round Schaefer finished with a score of 86. She explained that her focus was riding “smooth and calm” with the goal of letting “the horse jump well.” In the second round, she said, “we had to be handy.” She opted to be more aggressive in her final round by skillfully negotiating two pretty tight turns. Their second round score of 85 clinched the victory.
Schaefer also placed fourth aboard Garfield for K&S Show Service with a final score of 166.
Schaefer now has a chance to be one of the top 30 riders invited to compete in the WCHR Handy Hunter Challenge Class which will be held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in October. Points will be based on scores from each rider’s top four Handy Hunter results.
“The WCHR Handy Hunter Classics are a great way for pro, junior and amateur riders to compete head-to-head and really showcase their horses,” commented Keeley Gogul, AHJF President. “They offer course designers and show managers an opportunity to bring some sparkle to the hunter ring. We’re pleased to be able to offer these classes as part of the WCHR awards program.”
The Handy Hunter Classic series was developed by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation to add some spice to the hunters. It includes both a National and Regional Awards series. Both the obstacles the horses jump and the tests asked throughout the course create a challenge for both horse and rider where skill, handiness and bold riding come into play. Courses can include such tests as a hand gallop, trot fence, rollback turn and more, emphasizing the goal of keeping both horse and rider alert and challenged.
The Handy Hunter Classic is part of the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR), an awards program started by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation. The awards are presented on a national and regional level to Pony, Junior, Amateur, Professional, Adult and Children’s hunter riders who accumulate the most points at WCHR designated horse shows throughout the year.
Photos From the Winter Equestrian Festival (Wellington, FL)
photos by Isabel J. Kurek
Alden Price of the Eastern Shore competed in the Medium Pony classes at WEF.
Tracey Weinberg of Baltimore competed multiple horses in the jumper ring at WEF.
Stephanie Riggio took home ribbons in the hunter divisions.
Shaw Price also competed in the hunter divisions.
Miranda Scott of Silver Spring traveled to WEF with several clients.
Mary Mtyng Mckenzie spends her winters in Florida and her summers in Charlotte Hall (pictured riding Isabel Kurek’s horse Snowflake).
Marilyn Little Meredith of RayLyn Farm in Frederick rode several horses in the jumper classes.
Kenny Krome of K2 Show Stables had a busy winter coaching and showing at WEF (pictured her with student Stephanie Riggio).
Kenny Krome in the jumper ring.
Bob Crandall of REC Farm, LLC took time out from coaching and showing to judge at WEF.
