The Aiken Summer Classic Week 2 Wrap Up |
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Coltrane wins the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby Finals
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For Immediate Release: June 26, 2022
Aiken, South Carolina
The leading story for the Week 2 Aiken Summer Classic was the tremendous win for Daniel Geitner and Kate Richardson's Coltrane when they won the highly anticipated $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3’ and 3’3” Finals, including Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
The pair bested a field of forty-six horse and rider teams over a course designed by Nancy Wallis of Lambertville, New Jersey.
Geitner also went on to win the second, third and fourth place ribbons with his and Nancy Mcbrayer’s Pen and Ink, Sallie Johnson’s Kilcarna Robin and the Kent Group’s Varenna, respectively.
“Coltrane is a 7-year-old First Year horse that we got from Europe last year, “said Geitner. “This was only his 2nd derby and last week was his first when he qualified for this class. He has great scope, is really brave and does the 3’3” Amateurs with his owner,” he added.
“Nancy [Wallis] designed the course very well. It was very nice and had some bending lines and a few option lines where you could do 7 or 8 in a line. I prefer to ride a bit more in a gallop and my horses enjoyed it as well. It was the sort of course that you could take a green horse and kind of hold its hand and they were going to be fine,” he said. “The course was really pretty. They had some whiskey barrels out there, straw bales and a bunch of plants and ferns. The did a really nice job with this class and for some of our owners not to have to pay the entry fee was a real bonus,” he said.
“My second place horse, Pen and Ink, is a more experienced horse and does the International Derbies and has done Derby Finals. He is nice, consistent and is an ‘can always count on him type of horse’. He is very brave and has plenty of scope,” said Geitner.
“My third place horse Robin is a 7-year-old that just started doing the hunters and this was his 2nd derby also. Varenna, my fourth place ride, qualified last week and is a really nice horse that just started doing the National Derbies and does the 3’3 Amateurs with her owner as well. She is very simple to ride,” commented Geitner.
Legist, owned by Bet Congel and ridden by Penny Lombardo of Loxahatchee, Florida, earned fifth place overall and Party Started, owned by Tricia Barr and ridden by Penny Lombardo won sixth place.
Ayla Widmer’s Just Look, ridden by Adam Sklansky placed seventh and Bright Shade Farms Stables, Inc.’s Playground, ridden by Adella Thompson of Lenoir City, Tennessee, earned an eighth-place finish.
Sweet Life, owned by Japonica Cruise and ridden by Whitney Boyce-Petrey earned a ninth-place finish and Sandro, owned and ridden by Jim Hassinger of Aberdeen, North Carolina placed tenth. The pair also won the $1,250.00 Marshall & Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Hassinger also won the $1,250.00 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus with his own Finn.
Tropic Star, owned and ridden by Stephanie Fernandez of Lewisville, North Carolina, placed eleventh and also won the $750 Marshall & Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Elementary, owned by Blakely Ansley and ridden by Lindsey Ayres of Smyrna, Georgia, wrapped up the class with a twelfth-place finish.
Cadoretto, owned and ridden by Mia Bakotic of Alpharetta, Georgia won the $500 Marshall & Sterling 3’3” Non-Pro Rider Bonus.
Mambo B, owned and ridden by Amelia Ferrick of Marietta, Georgia, won the $750 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus and Gigi Gorgeous, owned by Fielding Farm, LLC and ridden by Sidney Couch of Alpharetta, Georgia, won the $500 Marshall & Sterling 3’ Non Pro Rider Bonus.
Geitner had previously commented, “The format is excellent. With the ‘hunt and go’ format and with that many rides in the class, you can do your class and be done and not have to bring the horses back out again. It’s nice to not have to prepare them again. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all the riders and the horses get to do the handy round. The usual format that only lets the top twelve do the handy round doesn’t give those green horses and less experienced riders the opportunity to do handy rounds. The Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby provides an excellent experience and gives the riders and the horses the mileage they need in the handy rounds to get better. It’s really nice that the class offers the Non-Pro Rider Bonus. Even if someone doesn’t get a ribbon, if they score high enough, they will bet a piece of that Non-Pro Bonus,” he said.
“This was a spectacular event,” commented Bob Bell, President of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies. “We are so thankful to our sponsor, Marshall & Sterling for their sponsorship of this event. We’re looking forward to next year’s Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies and the $20,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3’ and 3’3” Finals in Aiken. We will kick off the weekly $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies at our 25th anniversary in Gulfport. All ribbon winners will receive a voucher to compete in the Finals for no entry fee,” he said.
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About Marshall & Sterling Insurance |
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at all Gulf Coast and Classic shows and new for 2023, the title sponsor of the $20,000 Marshall & Sterling 3’ and 3’3” Classic Hunter Derby Finals, with Non-Pro Rider Bonuses, slated for Week 2 of the Aiken Summer Classic.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options, uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.
Marshall & Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses. With a client service and claims team second to none, one quick call to their office will provide you with instant answers.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance has been around for more than 100 years. Reach out to the company that stands the test of time. For more information visit them on the web.
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Hubbard Pilots Latino Van De Looise to the win in the $35,000 EMO Grand Prix
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Sarah Hubbard of Wellington, Florida in the irons of Hubbard Horses, LLC’s Latino Van De Looise Heide won the Week 2 $35,000 EMO Grand Prix over a course designed by Olympic course designer, Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida.
"We got it right this week," said Hubbard.
Of the nineteen horse and rider teams, nine would qualify for the jump off round with a time allowed of 48 seconds.
First to go in the jump off round was Aiken’s own Daniel Geitner in the irons of Gfz Sport Horses, LLC’s Igor Van De Heibos. The pair turned in a fault free round and set the time to beat at 36.650 seconds. Scott Diffey of Apex, North Carolina aboard Apex Equestrian Center’s Can Fly 12 followed Geitner and turned in a clear round with a time of 38.842 seconds which would see them finish in fourth place.
Samantha Mackenzie and her own Inajottie WB were next to go and their clear round in a time of 39.514 seconds would earn them the fifth-place ribbon.
Geitner returned to the arena, this time in the irons of Oak Ledge Farm’s Fazous. A rail at the second fence and a time of 34.400 would see the pair finish in seventh place.
Maggie Hill of Jackson, Wyoming and Summit Farms, LLC’s Amarado followed in the jump off order and posted a clear round in a time of 36.777 and finished in third place overall.
Hubbard and Latino Van De Looise were up next.
"He only has one speed: fast," she said. "He is a really good partner and will do whatever I ask of him," she added. "The course had some challenging spots but despite his [Latino Van De Looise] blood, he will add a stride if he needs to," she said.
Their fault free time in 33.910 seconds, took the lead and moved Geitner and Igor Van De Heibos into second place.
Quinn Larimer of Mableton, Georgia and Nestledown Equine Services, LLC’s Olympia Van Het Eikenhof followed Hubbard in the jump off order, posting a four fault round in a time of 38.153 seconds which earned them a ninth place ribbon.
Adam Sklansky of Birmingham, Alabama and Ellen Walker’s Hakini had a rail at the first fence in the jump off and with their time of 37.258 seconds, would finish in eighth place overall.
Geitner and November Hill’s Vesta De Lavardin sat in the enviable last to go position. Four jump faults in a time of 34.057 seconds would see the pair finish in sixth place, ensuring the win for Hubbard and Latino Van De Looise.
"I know Daniel is always fast and with him going last, I was a little anxious watching them," said Hubbard. "She won that fair and square," commented Geitner.
Final placings saw Lee Hughes of Athens, Georgia and Promenade Farm’s Pelham Bay place tenth and Geitner secured the eleventh and twelfth placings with November Hill’s Cilia M and Lotus Van Het Hagehof, respectively.
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The EMO Agency is a long-time sponsor of the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies.
The EMO Agency has stayed the course for more than thirty years, making sure the finest coverages from the best companies are made available at competitive prices and delivered rain or shine 24/7/365.
Not every business or company can claim they have stood the test of time. It means continuing to serve with dedication over many years if not decades. It means making a commitment and always staying the course through thick and thin.
When you ride with the EMO Agency you can be confident that you are safely riding with the leaders.
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The Clothes Horse is the Official Awards Sponsor of the Classic and Gulf Coast Classic Companies.
The Clothes Horse has been manufacturing custom made horse blankets, tack room drapes and trunk covers since 1972.
The Clothes Horse now makes items for some of the most prestigious show barns and horse shows in the country, as well as for private horse owners nationwide. The Clothes Horse has grown to be the manufacturer of the most elegant and well-crafted horse products available.
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Hubbard and Latino Van De Looise Win the $7,500 Schneiders Welcome-AGAIN!
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Sarah Hubbard of Wellington, Florida won the Week 1 $7,500 Schneiders Saddlery Welcome with Hubbard Horses, LLC’s Latino Van De Looise, and did it again Week 2, besting a field of eighteen horse and rider teams.
With a first-round time set at 70 seconds, and a majority of the class advancing to a second-round opportunity, only seven would post double clear rounds.
Maggie Hill of Jackson, Wyoming and Summit Farms, LLC’s Amarado were the first to advance to a second-round opportunity, posting a clear second round in 35.371 seconds and set the new time to beat.
The lead was short lived when she was followed by Quinn Larimer of Mableton, Georgia in the irons of Nestledown Equine Services, LLC’s Olympia Van Het Eikenhof, posting a clear second round in time of 31.584 seconds.
Whitney Boyce-Petrey of Covington, Louisiana aboard Lincoln Case’s Canebrake followed and despite their clear round, their time of 35.807 seconds would see them finish in seventh place.
Sarah Hubbard and Hubbard Horses, LLC’s Latino Van De Looise were up next. Their lightning fast, clear second round in 29.385 seconds took the lead, moving Larimer and Olympia Can Het Eikenhof into second place
Marissa Degner of New Hill, North Carolina and Aloft Equestrian’s Concardus followed Hubbard but four faults in a time of 38.691 seconds would see the pair finish in eleventh place.
Aiken’s own Daniel Geitner and November Hill’s Lotus Van Het Hagehof followed Degner and they too had a rail earning them four faults. Their time of 32.710 would earn them the ninth-place ribbon.
Adam Sklansky of Birmingham, Alabama, and Ellen Walker’s Hakini were the next to advance to a second-round opportunity. The pair turned in a clear second round in a time of 31.859 seconds, earning them a third-place finish.
Lee Hughes of Athens, Georgia and Promenade Farm’s Pelham Bay advanced to a second round and sixteen jump faults in a time of 33.224 seconds would see the pair finish in twelfth place.
Larimer returned to the arena, this time in the irons of Nestledown Equine Services, LLC’s Bronson CR. Four jump faults in a time of 32.520 seconds would earn them an eighth-place finish.
Hubbard and Hubbard Horses International, LLC’s Japardie followed Larimer and Bronson CR in the second round. Their fault free time in 34.207 seconds would secure the fourth-place ribbon.
Hill and Summit Farms, LLC’s Maestro Van T Roosakker advanced to the second round, but four jump faults in a time of 34.689 seconds would see them finish in tenth place. Hill and Summit Farms, LLC’s Carerras H sat in the enviable last to go spot. Their fault free second round in a time of 35.251 seconds would earn them the fifth-place ribbon.
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About Schneiders Saddlery |
Schneider’s Saddlery is a proud sponsor of The Gulf Coast Winter Classics and the $5,000 Schneiders Saddlery 1.25 Open Jumper Classic.
At Schneider’s, their family-owned company has maintained a dedication to value, product quality, innovation, customer service, and a love and commitment to the equestrian industry.
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Forever and Always wins the $1,500 USHJA Pony Derby, presented by Perfect Products
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Nine pony and rider teams competed in the $1,500 USHJA Pony Derby, presented by Perfect Products and awarded the blue ribbon to Forever and Always, owned and ridden by Julia Slavich of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The pair earned a combined score of 167 to take the win.
Trainer Aubrey Fait said, “She [Forever and Always] is fabulous. She makes showing really fun for Julia. Forever and Always knows her job and just does it every time.”
“It’s been about a year Julia has been showing her and we’re doing the East Coast Pony Finals in Chicago as well as the Pony Finals in Lexington. Julia has only done 2 derbies in her life and it’s been a really nice confidence boost for her. Forever and Always is one of the easiest ponies I’ve ever had in my barn. She is low maintenance and needs no prep. She is just a delight,” Fait added.
Second place was awarded to Graymeadows Vogue, owned and ridden by Lila Kissel of Canton, Georgia for their overall score of 161.
Bridlewood in Deemand, owned and ridden by Emmerson Euler of Waxhaw, North Carolina rode away with a third-place ribbon for their combined score of 154 and fourth was awarded to Tobie Van De Lufkenshoeve, owned and ridden by Rowan Bomar for their overall score of 148.
Fifth was awarded to Posh Ever So Clever, owned and ridden by Cameron Kauffman of Atlanta, Georgia for their combined score of 142.
Born Royal, owned and ridden by Parker Howard of Watkinsville, Georgia placed sixth and Power Point, owned and ridden by Cameron Kauffman of Atlanta, Georgia earned a seventh place. Wicklyns Princess Fiona, owned by Patchwork Farm, LLC and ridden by Lila Kissel wrapped up the class with an eighth-place finish.
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Perfect Products is a proud sponsor of the Classic Company events and the USHJA Pony Derby.
Perfect Products’ company mission is to offer formulas that help support your horse’s mental focus and athletic potential when it counts.
In addition to the well-known Perfect Prep calming line, Perfect Products offers show safe solutions for muscle function, soundness, gastric health, metabolic challenges, joint health, allergies, immunity, and more.
Learn more about their highly respected, effective line of show safe nutraceutical formulas online or call 877-324-8002.
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R. Scott Fiton Best Pony Model |
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Born Royal, owned and shown by Parker Howard
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About the Classic Company |
The Classic Company's philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry.
Service is what sets the Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. The Classic Company provides champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic Company produced events each year.
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Next Up: The 25th Anniversary of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic |
The Gulf Coast Winter Classic will also be offering the weekly $5,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derbies 3’ and 3’3”, including Non Pro Rider Bonus, which are all qualifiers for the $20,000 Marshall & Sterling Classic Hunter Derby 3’ and 3’3” , including Non Pro Rider Bonus, Finals in Aiken 2023. All ribbon winners will receive a voucher to compete in the finals for zero dollars thanks to our sponsor Marshall & Sterling.
“We are well underway planning for our celebratory circuit in Gulfport February 15 thought March 26, 2023, and will be offering increased prize money, special events and awards. Join us in Gulfport this winter and enjoy your winter showing experience,” said Bob Bell, President of the Gulf and Classic Companies.
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Thank you to our Official Lodging Partner |
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Green Boundary Club has extended special consideration for the Aiken Summer Classics. Come experience Southern charm at its finest in any one of the six spacious rooms at Green Boundary Club.
This gorgeous, 1927 winter colony home is seated in the heart of Aiken's Historic District and lies within walking distance of downtown's multitude of shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Also close by are the historic Palmetto Golf Club, the Hitchcock Woods, Rye Patch and Hopeland Gardens and Bruce's Field.
Their rooms are artfully decorated in tune with the club's 1927 décor yet come equipped with a variety of modern day amenities. There is plenty of room to accommodate lengthy stays with room to work, kick back and relax.
Aiken, SC 29802
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