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| WEEK SEVEN E-NEWSLETTER | February 16, 2015
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Welcome to your 2015 WEF Newsletter for week seven. In this weekly newsletter, you'll find a variety of information, horse show updates, competition wrap-ups, sponsor offers, and more!
The seventh week of WEF runs February 18-22 and is sponsored by Suncast�. The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that conclude on March 29, 2015, and awards more than $8 million in prize money through the circuit.
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Have you seen the new PBIEC YouTube page?
Subscribe to our new channel to see promo videos, video clips of winning rides, and exclusive interviews throughout the 2015 WEF and AGDF season!
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Exhibitor Alert
Equestrian Sport Productions would like to inform everyone entering the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that
traffic laws will be enforced on the property. This includes fines or expulsion for texting while driving, speeding, unsafe driving, and disobeying traffic rules. This applies to anyone in a car, golf cart, or on a motorized vehicle. We remind you to please be aware and take precautions to keep the people and animals here safe!
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Equine Innovations Expo
Visit the Equine Innovations Expo to see new products and services for the horse enthusiast. A product and service expo designed to showcase the latest and greatest technology and products to the equestrian customer the Expo will be held February 20 from 6-9:30pmat the Adequan� Global Dressage Festival and February 21 from 5-9 pm and a Public cocktail reception with open bar from 5-6:30pm. The Expo returns to WEF on February 22 from 10am-3pm in The Wellington Club. This is an event you don't want to miss! For event information and vendor inquiries: [email protected] or (561) 784-1111 and for more info, contact [email protected] or (561) 227-1537.
Ride & Learn, presented by Palm Beach Riding Academy
The 2015 Ride & Learn Series will take place each Tuesday during WEF. Each week will feature a mounted riding clinic instructed by highly esteemed industry professionals and will be held in various venues and arenas in the PBIEC. The week seven Ride & Learn on Tuesday, February 17, will feature top Irish show jumper Darragh Kenny in a clinic sponsored by Draper Therapies. Participation is $100.00 per horse/rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders. Auditing is Free. Every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00pm. For more information please contact Sean Jones, General Manager, Palm Beach Riding Academy (561) 784-4275 or [email protected].
Lunch & Learn
The 2015 Lunch & Learn weekly educational series will take place each Thursday during WEF from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in The Wellington Club at PBIEC. The WEF seven Lunch & Learn will be held on Thursday, February 19, featuring a presentation on Equine Joint Health, sponsored by Adequan�. Admission is free for riders, trainers, and owners. All others $25.00. Register at the door for a chance to win exciting prizes. Season finale door prizes to include a custom trunk provided by Clever Jumps & Trunks and a TheraPlate. For more information please contact Laura Bostwick, Sponsorship Events Coordinator 561-784-1130 or [email protected].
$127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7
With great prize money throughout the 12 weeks of WEF, the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series is one of the most highly contested events each week. The $127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 will be held on Thursday afternoon, February 19, in the International Arena at PBIEC.
"Friday Night Stars" at AGDF
Week seven at theAdequan� Global Dressage Festival features large tour CDI-4* competition, sponsored by the Dutta Corp., and CDI 3* competition sponsored by Havensafe Farm. The "Friday Night Stars" series showcasessome of the world's best dressage riders as they perform grand prix musicals freestyles under the lights. Competition will be held on Friday, February 20, at The Stadium at PBIEC beginning at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.
EQUUS Foundation Fete Cheval Etoile
RSVP Now for the February 20th EQUUS Foundation Fete Cheval Etoile featuring the 1st Best Performance Team Invitational. New this year, George H. Morris and Katie Prudent will judge teams of grand prix riders on their style and performance as they compete over a 1.35 jumper course in the International Arena at the EQUUS Foundation Fete Cheval Etoile on Friday, February 20, 2015. 100% of event proceeds benefit horse welfare. Join us in the International Club at 6 pm to enjoy this first of its kind competition and give back to our equine partners! What's better than that? RSVP at www.equusfoundation.org/fete.
$372,000 Suncast� CSI 5* Grand Prix
The highlight event of week seven is the $372,000 Suncast� CSI 5* Grand Prix on Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m. Held under the lights in the International Arena at PBIEC, the competition will feature the week's top horses and riders jumping a course set by international Olympic course designer Steve Stephens (USA). Gates open at 6 p.m.
The Suites at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
We are pleased to announce that we now offer The Suites located in the Special Events Pavilion available during several weeks of the WEF Saturday Night Lights Series. We offer prime viewing of world-renowned equestrian competition, full buffet and premium bar options in a semi-private suite catered by White Horse Tavern Catering. Each suite accommodates up to 22 persons with a minimum of 14 persons. $200 per person includes buffet and premium bar. $125 per person includes buffet and cash bar. Suite availability is based on a first come first served basis, so book your suite today before they're all gone! The Suites are available for the Saturday nights of: 2/21/2015 * 3/7/2015 * 3/14/2015 * 3/21/2015 Find your favorite way to enjoy the PBIEC! Can't Fill a Suite? You are still able to book a table of (6) in common areas at the same price per person as noted above. For additional information and reservations, please contact Patti Miele at 561-784-1125 or [email protected]
$85,000 Suncast� 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic
The Suncast� 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Series hosts a class each week of WEF with great prize money and competitive classes throughout the circuit. Week seven's competition will feature a purse of $85,000 in the International Arena at PBIEC on Sunday, February 22. In 2015, the series will offer $661,000 in total prize money with 10 FEI world-ranking classes. Riders will compete for a series prize of a Range Rover Evoque.
Equestrian Aid Foundation To Honor Mark Bellissimo at "A Night of Legends" with Surprise Musical Performance
The Equestrian Aid Foundation's "A Night of Legends" will take place on Sunday, February 22, for Wellington and Palm Beach residents to take a break from the Winter Equestrian Festival and relax for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and a unique show. White Horse Catering will provide a delectable dinner buffet during the VIP hour before the show, and local food trucks will have a variety of offerings for purchase to general admission event goers beginning when doors open at 7:30. One lucky guest will win a diamond during the Diamond Drop, in which everyone who purchases a $100 raffle ticket will receive a glass of champagne with a stone on the bottom. A live auction will include an all-inclusive Harry and Snowman premiere package and a catered cruise on the vintage Ruffian Hatteras motoryacht, along with a few other exciting offerings. During the evening, the 2015 EAF Luminary Award will be bestowed upon Mark Bellissimo for all the positive work that he has done to enhance both equestrian community and the community of Palm Beach County. The highlight of the night-and sure to be the talk of the town for weeks after-is the surprise musical act. General admission tickets cost $25 each or 5 for $100 and are available both for pre-purchase and at the door. VIP seating will include the catered dinner and open bar, and these tickets must be pre-purchased. For VIP ticket and table information, please contact Emily Cleland at [email protected]. Both general admission and VIP tickets are available online at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org and locally at On Course Consignment, located at 12773 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington.
Ride & Learn, presented by Palm Beach Riding Academy
The 2015 Ride & Learn Series will take place each Tuesday during WEF. Each week will feature a mounted riding clinic instructed by highly esteemed industry professionals and will be held in various venues and arenas in the PBIEC. The week eight Ride & Learn on Tuesday, February 24, will feature Tommy Serio teaching on how to develop confidence in your young hunter, sponsored by Kastel Denmark.Participation is $100.00 per horse/rider per clinic, maximum 12 riders. Auditing is Free. Every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00pm. For more information please contact Sean Jones, General Manager, Palm Beach Riding Academy (561) 784-4275 or [email protected].
WEF Sport Horse Auction
The 2015 Sport Horse Auction will be held on February 26 at 7 pm at The Stadium at PBIEC. The auction will showcase some of the elite show jumpers and hunters from VDL Stud in the Netherlands and will also feature two young top-class dressage prospects from Dressurstall Sandbrink Stud in Germany. The VDL Auction Viewing will be held in The Wellington Club overlooking the horses in the International Arena on Tuesday, February 17, at 4 pm. The fine VDL horses will be available for viewing at Ossian Ventures on February 16-25 from noon to 6 pm. The dressage horses will be available for viewing at The Stadium at PBIEC during the same time. On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, from 9 am- 5pm, the VDL horses will be available for trials by appointment at Ossian Ventures. Please contact Mr. Janko van de Lageweg at 561-324-0256 or +01131651815225 to set up an appointment. The dressage horses are also available for trial by contacting Mrs. Rhegan White at 912-257-0064 or [email protected]. To register as a bidder for the auction, please contact Melanie Peterson at 561-870-6587 or [email protected]. Horse photos, videos, and the registration information can be found at www.wefsporthorseauction.com.
American Equestrians Got Talent
VIP tables and general admission tickets are now available for the American Equestrians Got Talent Finale, held at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds on the evening of March 15 (tentative start time 6:30 pm)! The event is the third annual East Coast fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Dressage programs through the USET Foundation. Ten talented equestrians will be putting on a spectacular show and competing for the $5,000 grand prize donated by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams. Catch a sneak peek of the competitors or sign up with Robert Dover ([email protected]) to audition on Wednesday evenings through March 4 at The Grille Fashion Cuisine. Tables and tickets for the Finale may be purchased online: http://www.uset.org/American-Equestrians-got-Talent.php
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Hunter Highlights - Thursday through Sunday
Scott Stewart captured the Equine Tack & Nutritionals First Year Green Hunter championship in the irons of David Gochman's Remarkable to earn championship prizes, including the Music Row Perpetual Trophy, donated by Susan Stanley. Remarkable was first, third, and sixth over fences, along with a second in the under saddle. Another one of Gochman's horses, Catch Me, was named reserve champion in the Equine Tack & Nutritionals First Year Green Hunter. Catch Me was first and sixth over fences, combined with a win in the under saddle.
Continuing his winning ways, Stewart and Dr. Betsee Parker's A Million Reasons swept the Wrenwood Farms High Performance Working Hunters to kick off Thursday's competition by taking first in all classes and earning the Peterbilt Special Perpetual Trophy, donated by Leslie Clarke. No stranger to the winner's circle, Stewart also piloted A Million Reasons to the championship prize in the High Performance Working Hunters during week two of WEF. Stewart also finished the day as reserve champion with Fashion Farm's Loyalty. Loyalty ended with two seconds and third over fences and fourth place in the under saddle.
Stewart's domination of the hunter rings continued with champion honors in the Shapley's Regular Conformation Hunter division aboard Dr. Betsee Parker's seven-year old Oldenburg gelding Lucador. With a successful first half of the circuit already behind them, Stewart and Lucador have been champion each of the four weeks they have jumped together so far. Continuing their streak, the duo swept this week's division winning the model, under saddle and all three over fences classes for champion. They were also presented with the Montoga Perpetual Trophy for their division victory.
Reserve champion for the Regular Conformation Hunters was presented to Kelley Farmer and As Promised owned by Glefke, Farrington & Kensel, LLC. Farmer picked up fourth in the model, two thirds and a second over fences, and placed second to Stewart in the under saddle.
Brady Mitchell is hoping for his first-ever appearance in the $100,000 Hunter Spectacular this week and is well on his way after riding Cassanto to champion in the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green division for owner Emily Perez. Mitchell was third under saddle and clinched two seconds and a first over fences for the title and the Pin Oak Farm Perpetual Trophy. Stewart claimed reserve champion with Cameo owned by Dr. Betsee Parker with a first, second and fifth over fences, and second under saddle.
Stephanie Danhakl's First Light is recently destined for the 3'3" Amateur Hunters after she purchased him last week, but carried Scott Stewart to champion in the Shapley's Green Conformation division. Stewart and First Light were fourth in the model, third under saddle, and earned two wins and a third over fences to claim the Wrenwood Farm Perpetual Trophy.
Capping Amateur-Owner competition, Stephanie Danhakl jumped Enough Said to the championship in the Shamrock Ventures Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3" 18-35 division. Danhakl purchased the nine-year old Warmblood gelding during WEF 2014 and celebrated their one-year anniversary by sweeping Thursday's under saddle, handy and over fences before returning Friday with the division all but clinched and took second in the final class.
Kelsie Brittan was reserve champion with Argentum, owned by Silver Oak Farms, LLC, after a second in both of Thursday's over fences classes, as well as a blue in Friday's final test.
In the FarmVet Amateur-Owner Hunter 3'3" 36 and Over, Daryl Portela and Isalou, Inc.'s Winner were true to their name and were champions with consistent performances in each class. The pair was second under saddle and over fences on Thursday before winning the handy and jumping to third on Friday. The tricolor delivered Portela and Winner a streak after clinching the same division last year. With a blue over fences and second in the handy, Caroline Moran took reserve champion aboard her own Bacardi.
Champion presentations continued in the International Ring with Sophia Pilla and Piccolino Farm's CC Cool claiming the Echo Junior Hunter 3'3" division. CC Cool won the handy hunter round on Thursday and finished second in the over fences class on Friday. "This is my first year showing her [CC Cool] in the Junior Hunter 3'3", so it is an honor to be champion during WCHR week," Pilla smiled. Kor LLC's horse, Peter Pan, earned reserve championship honors with Raegan Rast in the irons. The pair remained consistent over the two days of competition, earning a first and third over fences.
To start off Saturday morning competition in the International Arena, Daisy Farish rode Triton Ventures Farm's Demarco to championship honors in the Charleigh's Cookies Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under. The pair won the handy round yesterday and finished second in the stake class today. Hidden Creek Farm's Graffito was guided to reserve championship honors in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under by Emma Kurtz. Kurtz finished third and fifth over fences paired with a win in the under saddle.
Hunter competition continued with the Equestrian Sotheby's International Realty Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under. Championship honors were awarded to Lilli Hymowitz ridding Rose Hill Farm's Enjoy. The combination earned two seconds over fences paired with a win in the under saddle. Kurtz returned to the winner's circle in the Small Junior Hunters 15 and Under after being named reserve champion with Southpointe Farm's Entourage. The duo won two of the three over fences classes.
After the two younger Junior Hunter divisions crowned champions, the older Junior Hunters took up the spotlight. Tori Colvin and Small Affair, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, took home championship honors in the Antares Sellier France Large Junior Hunter 16-17. Small Affair topped two of the three over fences classes. The reserve championship was awarded to Stellar, ridden by Sophie Michaels and owned by Further Land Farm. Stellar was second and third over fences and topped the under saddle.
Colvin continued her winning streak in the EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunter 16-17. Ovation, owned by Parker, topped two of the three over fences classes, along with the under saddle, with Colvin in the irons. Vivian Yowan rode Saddle Ridge LLC's horse, Ransom, to reserve championship honors in the EnTrust Capital Small Junior Hunter 16-17. Yowan and Ransom earned two seconds and third over fences.
Stephanie Danhakl dominated the Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division claiming both champion and reserve champion. Aboard her ownGolden Rule, she was first and second over fences to take champion, while second under saddle and in the handy with her mare
In the Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 & Over division, John Ingram and his own Airport 48 held the top spot after winning both the handy and stake before placing third under saddle. The reserve championship was awarded to Becky Gochman and David Gochman's Last Call with a blue under saddle and second in the stake.
On the final day of WCHR week, 73 horse and rider combinations came to compete in the Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic, held in the International Arena. After the first round, the riders with the top 24 scores came back in reverse order for a second course. At the end of the two rounds, Schaefer Raposa of Clinton, NY, and Lucille were crowned the winner of section A. Finishing behind Raposa in section A was Brooke Banks riding Brodeur and Caitlin Boyle with her own Iceman rounded out the top three.
The section B winner of the Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic went to Megan McCann, from Washington, D.C., riding Laura Flanagan's horse, First Look. First Look remained consistent over both rounds earning scores of 84 and 84.5. Cynthia Sulzberger piloted Red Carpet to a second place finish in section B and Kimberly Maloomian and Urlala ended the day in third place.
In the $5,000 Amateur-Owner 3'3" Classic, Caroline Moran and her own Bacardi bested a field of 37 entries. A score of 89 in the first round advanced them to the top 12 where a 92 handily took the victory. Jumping to second behind Moran was Becky Gochman and David Gochman's Touchdown, while Missy Luczak-Smith and her own Askaro rounded out the top three.
The $5,000 Junior 3'3" Classic capped WCHR week in the International Arena and saw 25 entries. Hannah Fuller was consistent on scores of 85 and 86 in the irons of Susan Fuller's Alcado for the win. Sabrina Kalimian and Paige Mawson's Latino were second with Raegan Rast and KOR, LLC's Peter Pan finishing third.
Additional Classic Winners Included:
Children's 14 & U Classic
Sophie Gochman & David Gochman's World Time
Children's 15-17 Classic
Samantha Karp & her own Zentina B
Large Pony Classic
Emma Kurtz & Linda Evans' Dreamland
Medium Pony Classic
Mimi Gochman & David Gochman's True Love
Small Pony Classic
Mimi Gochman & Ponies & Palms Show Stables, LLC's Rico Suave
Children's Pony Large Classic
Helen Sweeney & Nina Montross' Taschereau
Children's Pony Sm/Med Classic
Juliette Propp & Erica Robinson's Saltwood Tuscany
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Week 6 Jumper Classic winners:
$15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Jumpers - Kelsey Thatcher and Everything
$10,000 Sleepy P Ranch SJHOF High Junior Jumpers - Kira Kerkorian and Cassiopeia
$10,000 Animo USA Medium Amateur-Owner Jumpers - Mireya Godoy and Rhea de L'Ici
$10,000 Martha Jolicoeur, Illustrated Properties Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers - Tori Corts and Rockstar
$10,000 Charles Owen Adult Jumpers 18-35 - Tegan Elizabeth Treacy and Catalyst
$10,000 Classical South Florida Adult Jumpers 36-49 - Laurie Sharma and Equine Couture's Stainless
$10,000 Maria Mendelsohn, Illustrated Properties Low Junior Jumpers - Caelinn Leahy and Esquilino Bay
$10,000 Hollow Creek Farm Medium Junior Jumpers - Lucas Porter and Psychee d'Amour
$10,000 Horseware Ireland Don Little Masters - Michael Blake and Aisha
Week 6 Jumper Champions:
Children's Jumper 14 & Under - Kathryn Hall and Mahogany
Rosenbaum Mollengarden, PLLC Children's Jumper 15-17 - Mary Elizabeth Corida and Opium de Moyon
FarmVet Adult Modified Jumpers - Rachel Boggus and Wiedam
Griffis Residential Children's Modified Jumpers - Nicolas Horgan and Zico T
Equiline Low Adult Jumper 18-35 - Ivona Butcher and Phenix de Coquerie
Pegasus Builders Low Adult Jumper 36 & Over - Laurie Birnbach and Forte'
Crown Family Low Children's Jumper - Alison Albelda and Verdicchio; Siena Vasan and Ascarina 4
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Sponsor Feature: Suncast�
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Sponsor Feature:
Martha W. Jolicoeur
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Sponsor Feature: Forre Fine Art
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Tag your "Saturday Night Lights" photos to be chosen for our #WEFSNL contest!
Follow us on Instagram and use the hashtag to see your photos on the Jumbotron during WEF 7
"Saturday Night Lights"!
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Four in a Row for Victoria Colvin in $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular
World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) competition welcomed hunter riders to center stage Saturday evening under the lights of the International Arena. The country's top professional, amateur, and junior hunter riders jumped for top honors in the $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular, where Victoria Colvin went one-two and notched her fourth consecutive win in the event. She piloted Ovation for Dr. Betsee Parker to his third straight WCHR win and took second with Parker's Small Affair.
The historic hunter event returned to two rounds this year and welcomed 31 qualified entries with the top 12 returning over a handy test in round two. Scores were tallied from three panels, including judges Scott Fitton and Chance Arakelian on panel one, Mary Lisa Leffler and Scott Williamson on panel two, and Karen Healey and Jim Clapperton on panel three. First round scores were combined with handy scores for a two-round total and final score.
Colvin and Ovation first approached the course from the 26th position and jumped to the top of the leader board, returning in round two on a high score of 89.33.
"I wasn't sure he was going to be able to come back and win for a third time, but he went in and went right around and was perfect," said Colvin who has been partnered with the 15-year old Warmblood gelding throughout her near-end junior career. "The course wasn't spooky, and I was confident that it was going to go well. He [Ovation] is more of an open and flowing horse and there weren't any exact lines in the course, so it suited him."
Sitting in the eighth position after round one, Brady Mitchell and Emily Perez's Cassanto returned to post a 90 early in the handy round and take the lead. "I knew I had a lot to make up for, and I did what I could," said Mitchell, referencing an all-or-nothing approach to the final hand-gallop fence of the second round. "Andre [Dignelli] gave me some great advice to let his nose out a little, and it changed his jump in the second round. I wanted to get a good prize and he's a trustworthy horse, so I went for it."
Representing Heritage Farm, Mitchell made a splash in his first year as a WCHR Hunter Spectacular competitor at WEF and his lead held until Colvin returned with Small Affair. Their 88.83 combined with an 87.33 from the first round gave them the advantage by less than a single point.
When Ovation returned in the final spot, Colvin had the class won, but still had the opportunity to keep not just one, but two streaks alive. "I knew Small Affair was on top, but I went tighter and handier on Ovation - I was a little faster to the hand gallop jump and when I landed I was confident that he was going to be on top," she said.
Colvin's confidence proved correct when judges scored their round a 90.08, which coupled with their 89.333 from round one handed them the win and bumped Small Affair to second.
Brady and Cassanto settled for third, but he was elated with the event as a whole. "I have been riding hunters for a long time and this is the class that every hunter rider wants to ride in and do well in. It feels special to be here under the lights where hunters have the opportunity to take over Saturday night," he said. "I'm ecstatic to be third. Tori rode beautifully, and I'm happy to be third behind her. We kept it in the family tonight - Heritage Farm had a good night tonight being one-two-three."
Purchased after a pre-green career with Shawn Casady, Cassanto also competes in the Junior Hunters with owner Perez.
Tara Metzner and Come Monday, owned by Davlyn Farms, Inc. capped the top four with scores of 85.66 and 89.16. In her third year participating in the WCHR Hunter Spectacular, Metzner made a significant improvement over last year's 11th-place finish.
"She's a brave, awesome horse so I knew there was nothing she was going to look at - she's great in these conditions where things are more impressive, and I knew if I found the jumps she would give me all she's got," said Metzner of Come Monday. "I keep moving up, so Tori better watch out next year," she laughed.
Less than a point behind Metzner, Scott Stewart and Stephanie Danhakl's First Light rounded out the top five.
For Colvin, her third consecutive win with Ovation was bittersweet knowing it would be their last together. Parker announced at the close of the Hunter Spectacular that the cherished gelding will retire at the Washington International Horse Show this fall. "It was a historic night for him [Ovation] - this will be the last time we ever see him in this ring," she said. "He is the most decorated junior hunter in history, and it's moving to see this magnificent horse go out winning."
Colvin admits that saying goodbye to Ovation is difficult, but couldn't imagine a junior career with a better horse. "I knew this year that it would be our last season together, and it's very emotional because he's such an amazing horse," said Colvin. "To have been with him throughout my entire junior career is special."
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Kent Farrington and Blue Angel Soar to Second Consecutive Victory in $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3*
For the second year in a row, Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky's Blue Angel emerged victorious in the $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3* during week six at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Farrington and Blue Angel topped a nine-horse jump-off to defend their title, with Harrie Smolders (NED) and Don VHP Z second, and Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Valinski S third.
Under the lights of the International Ring at The Stadium at PBIEC Friday night, Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the track for 39 starters in the Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix, with nine moving on to the jump-off and six double clear rounds.
Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Angelstone Partners' Appy Cara jumped the first double clear in 43.07 seconds to finish fifth. Charlie Jacobs (USA) and CMJ Sporthorse LLC's Cassinja S went next with a clear round in 43.63 seconds to place sixth. Luis Pedro Biraben (ARG) briefly took the lead in 42.06 seconds with Abunola and ended in fourth. Up next, Harrie Smolders upped the pace with Copernicus Stables LLC's Don VHP Z in 39.64 seconds, but was immediately pushed into second when Farrington and Blue Angel stole the show with a blazing time of 38.85 seconds. The final clear round came from Ben Maher and Wyndmont's Valinski S, who jumped into third place in a time of 40.62 seconds.
"I think this style of venue really suits the horse and that's why I chose to ride her here again this year," Farrington said of his win with Blue Angel, a 13-year-old Anglo European mare (Luidam x Ascendant). "It's a small ring, more like an indoor arena. She is naturally fast and can add a stride very quickly."
"The ride in the jump-off with her really is not to let her get out of her comfort zone," Farrington noted. "Like going to the last fence, not to go too direct and try to go too fast, more just tone it down and hope that's enough for the class today. I think I was just on a faster horse. I thought Harrie's round was incredible. He turned so tight back to the vertical. He went to the whip going to the last fence and did seven strides. I don't think there was anything else Harrie could do. Luckily, my horse was a little faster today. My horse is also good at a rollback to a vertical like that. Harrie went inside from fence one to two, which was extreme. I didn't think I could do that and still jump the vertical well and do a short rollback, so I had to hedge my bet a little there at the start."
For the horses that are showing, he acknowledged the nice change to compete in different rings across the show grounds at PBIEC, such as Friday's class at The Stadium.
"I think it's a great change of pace. I think using this ring and the field and maximizing the different venue opportunities that we have here in Wellington is great for the horses and a nice change of scenery for the riders," Farrington said.
For Harrie Smolders, Don VHP Z has had success on both sides of PBIEC this season, including a third place finish in week five's grand prix on the derby field last Sunday. He settled for second place Friday night, but was happy with another great round from 'Don'.
"I'm very pleased with him. Like I said last week, he is in very good shape and he jumped two grand prix double clear, so I think he is in a really good period at the moment," Smolders stated. "Normally, he is not so handy in such a small ring, but I tried to make the best out of it today and it was almost enough."
Third place finisher, Ben Maher, was aboard a brand new mount this week in Valinski S, and looks forward to working on his new partnership in the weeks ahead.
"We got the horse on Monday, so I literally jumped on and rode him once at home and then headed over here, so I'm pretty happy with this week," Maher expressed. "I think he is very suited to this ring. I don't know him a lot to compare to really, but he feels careful and quick. Maybe he needs to adjust to my riding a bit. There are a few things I want to work on."
For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
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Jumper Highlights - Wednesday through Sunday
The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its sixth week of competition, sponsored by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, on Wednesday with a win for Harrie Smolders (NED) and Exquis Walnut de Muze. Smolders and his veteran partner of eight years blazed to victory in the $34,000 1.45m speed class to kick off the week.
Richard Jeffery of Great Britain was the course designer in the International Ring at The Stadium for week six. On Wednesday, Jeffery began the day with 47 entries in the $34,000 1.45m speed class with 16 clear rounds.
Harrie Smolders and Exquis Walnut de Muze, owned by Team Exquis, had the winning time of 64.06 seconds over Canada's Vanessa Mannix and Dooley's Deluxe. Mannix took an early lead that held through most of the class in 66.21 seconds, but eventually settled for second. Peter Leone (USA) and My Pleasure jumped the third place round in 67.18 seconds.
Also showing at The Stadium on Wednesday, Peter Leone (USA) jumped to victory in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class aboard Lionshare Farm's Wayfarer. Adam Prudent (FRA) finished second with Henri Prudent's Si Bella.
Competing in the sixth week of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by her family's Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Paige Johnson (USA) jumped to an exciting win in Thursday's $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 riding Salamander Farm's Dakota. Johnson and the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Calvados Ex Sable Rose x Cash) completed the fastest of 16 clear rounds out of 50 entries in the class over a speed track set by Richard Jeffery (GBR).
The day's competition came down to the final three rounds with Johnson and Dakota 48th to go out of 50 competitors. The pair raced through the timers in 69.69 seconds for the win. They stole the lead from Harrie Smolders (NED) and Axel Verlooy's Emerald, whose time of 70.02 seconds finished in second place. Brianne Goutal (USA) and Remarkable Farm LP's Wirma placed third in 70.15 seconds.
While hunter competition took main stage across the street, jumper action continued in the International Ring at The Stadium at PBIEC on Saturday afternoon with a $34,000 1.45m speed class, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm. Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the track for 33 entries and saw 12 clear rounds. Early in the order, Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run's Eternal set the winning pace at 60.98 seconds and held on for the win. Peter Leone (USA) and My Pleasure finished second in 63.16 seconds. Harrie Smolders (NED) and Exquis Walnut de Muze were third in 63.39 seconds.
Also competing on Saturday, Richard Neal (22) of Pasadena, CA, rode Quadam to the win in the $10,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Welcome, presented by EnTrust Capital. The class was a speed format, and Neal and Quadam were the fastest of 18 clear rounds in a time of 64.205 seconds for victory. Sarah Bagworth and Goldfinger VD Hengstenpoel were second in 64.53 seconds, while Jessica Springsteen rode Zero to third in 64.627 seconds. There were 60 entries in the Welcome, the fourth class of the popular Series.
Week six of the Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, concluded on Sunday with jumper action featured on the beautiful grass field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).
Sunday's events kicked off in the morning with the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix speed event on the field. Sponsored by EnTrust Capital, the class was held in a faults converted format. Eugenio Garza (MEX) and El Milagro's Lucca Toni were the winners with a clear round in the fastest time of 89.47 seconds. Catherine Tyree (USA) and Mary Tyree's Free Style vh Polderhof finished second in 91.79 seconds. Mavis Spencer (USA) and Mike Collins' Cornetiero were last to go and jumped into third with a clear round in 92.67 seconds.
The $34,000 Suncast� 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic was the second class of the day on Sunday with 22 entries jumping on the grass field at The Stadium. Five made it through to the jump-off, where Sweden's Alexander Zetterman and Flecu were the winners.
Samuel Parot (CHI) and Carla TM were first to jump-off and finished fourth with their time of 41.30 seconds. Chris Ewanouski (USA) and Rosiano Farm's Chicago 88 were next to return and jumped into third place with a time of 40.80 seconds. Katie Dinan (USA) followed with the second place time of 40.20 seconds aboard Grant Road Partners LLC's Bijou de Balou. Up next, Jessica Springsteen (USA) had a great time in 38.37 seconds with Stone Hill Farm's Lisona, but a rail at the last fence put the pair in fifth place. Zetterman and Flecu were last to go with the winning clear round in 37.78 seconds.
Concluding the week, course designer Richard Jeffery (GBR) saw 16 entries jump his course in the $50,000 Equestrian Sotheby's Jumper Derby with a win for Adam Prudent (FRA) aboard Patrick Flin and Plain Bay Sales' Vasco. The class featured 20 numbered obstacles, including the derby bank, table bank, open water, devil's dyke and more. The number of challenging natural obstacles along with the length of the course tests the stamina of both horse and rider.
Held in a faults converted format, Prudent and Vasco finished their course with four faults in 134.22 seconds to win on 138.22. Chris Sorensen (CAN) and Wriomf had two rails down and finished second with a 144.54 total. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Shalanno Farms LLC's Woitcek placed third with two rails to bring their total time to 151.56 seconds.
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