4.6.2016

source: www.fei.org

Mill Spring, NC – June 3, 2016 – Taylor Land of Atlanta, GA, and Nepal collected a first place finish in the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) today, completing the jump-off in 40.795 seconds for the win. Luis Larrazabal of Wellington, FL, finished in second place aboard Quintus Fabius, crossing through the timers in 41.623 seconds, while Bryn Sadler of Santa Fe, NM, and Cezarro earned third with a time of 42.012 seconds. Competition at Tryon Spring 7 continues tomorrow with the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3*. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the class is set to start at 8:00 p.m.

Taylor Land and Nepal

Land and Nepal, a 2002 Argentine gelding (G.S. Raimundo x Rye Grass Finest RP H-31) owned by Jay Land, went early in the order, entering the ring as the third pair to test the track set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN). Land and Nepal led with a clean effort on the first round track, moving them forward to the jump-off round. Brittni Raflowitz, of Palm City, FL, and Baloumina Du Ry, followed after Land, also securing a place in the jump-off and ultimately finishing in fourth.

“He’s fourteen and we’ve had him for nine years now. He’s like a family heirloom,” laughed Land. “He’s been passed around between me, my sister, and my dad, and he’s just been a great horse for us all around.”

Luis Larrazabal and Quintus Fabius

The duo rode a crisp first round, which demanded technical attention and skill, as it included several tight turns and two forward combinations. According to Land, Nepal has made great strides since her family bought him as a young horse, and he has steadily made his way through the ranks with several members of the Land family.

“We started him when he was five and he hadn’t jumped any bigger than 1.20m at the time. I’ve done so much with him and he’s been such a great horse for me,” explained Land. “We’ve done NAJYRC and Spruce Meadows together and really anything we ask of him he’ll always do.”

Bryn Sadler and Cezarro

This is the duo’s top finish to date at TIEC this season and Land was pleased with their rides in both rounds, noting that the gelding felt fresh and mentally prepared for the class even before they entered the ring.

“This is our first class this week, but we’ve been here for three weeks so he felt like he was ready to go,” she noted. “My plan was to try and be smooth and clear in the first round and I think we accomplished that.”

Taylor Land and Nepal in their presentation ceremony with Maddy Stover of TIEC.

Land went first in the jump-off round and attacked the course with a forward and bold round in an effort to seal the win, knowing that only three riders followed her in the order. She explained, “Since I had to go first in the jump-off I knew there weren’t so many people behind me and I decided to go fast and really go for it. It was either going to be first or fourth for us, but it worked in our favor today.”

The duo will stay and compete next week at TIEC, before taking a small break ahead of the summer season. Land explained, “We’ll be here next week for the CSI 5* and then I think head home for a bit of a rest. I love showing here though because the atmosphere is just incredible. The bigger classes on Saturday always have a great crowd and I love the feel of the ring. It just feels really intense all of the time.”

Hunter Holloway and Entourage Take Top Honors in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Hunter Holloway of Topeka, KS, continued her momentum from Tryon Spring 6 into this week’s competition, capturing top honors in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby hosted at TIEC aboard Entourage, owned by Hays Investment Corp. with a total score of 173. Blythe Marano of Franklin, TN, and Fondant, owned by Virginia Ingram, finished in second with a total score of 172.5, while Daniel Bedoya of Magnolia, TX, and Playbook, owned by Monica Hanks, collected third place, receiving a 170.5.

Holloway and Entourage received a score of 82 in the first round from the judges, before returning in the handy round to receive an impressive 91. Marano and Fondant sat atop the leaderboard after the first round, earning an 88 from the judges, but a score of 84.5 in the handy would ultimately drop them to second place.

Hunter Holloway and Entourage

“He’s seven and we got him a year ago. He moved up to the Junior Hunters towards the end of the season in Ocala and has been really awesome ever since. He just keeps stepping up,” commented Holloway. “He scored a 90 last week and a 91 today so I’m feeling pretty good about how he’s going right now.”

Holloway rode the handy round beautifully, piloting Entourage to a smooth and accurate round, showcasing his athleticism and attentiveness. She entered the round with a plan to take advantage of the numerous inside turns on course, which helped her to secure the win.

“There were a lot of inside turns that were options and I felt like I had ground to make up from the first round so I decided to go for them,” she said. “I wanted to take the chance and really go for it. He handled it very well. He was up for the task all the way around and I was really impressed.”

Hunter Holloway and Entourage in their presentation ceremony.

Entourage began his derby career this past spring with Holloway guiding from the irons and he’s displayed a sense of consistency and bravery that has impressed everyone at Equi-Venture Farm.

“He’s very easy and is a really straight forward horse. We’re hoping for a good summer season and success at indoors in the fall,” she smiled.

Competition at TIEC continues tomorrow with the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3*. Gates open to the public at 6:00 p.m. and competition begins at 8:00 p.m. Parking and general admission are free! For more information on TIEC and to see a full list of weekly results please visit www.tryon.com.

Final Results $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix

1. NEPAL, 2002 Argentine gelding by G.S. Raimundo x Rye Grass Finest RP H-31

TAYLOR LAND, Jay Land: 0/0/40.795

2. QUINTUS FABIUS, 2007 Hanoverian gelding by Quality x Lady P

LUIS LARRAZABAL, Isabela Pacanins: 0/0/41.623

3. CEZARRO, 2008 Brandenburg gelding by Cesaro x Nabell

BRYN SADLER, Showcase 81, LLC: 0/0/42.012

4. BALOUMINA DU RY, 2003 Oldenburg Springpferd mare by Balou du Rouet x Drosselfee

BRITTNI RAFLOWITZ, ESI Show Jumpers Inc: 0/16/56.555

5. BIJZONDER, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Acodetto x Unforgettable

LACEY GILBERTSON, Seabrook LLC: 4/81.54

6. ANICMO, 2004 Warmblood gelding by Amantus x Hauptstutbuch

PAIGE JARDINE, Paige Jardine: 4/82.378

7. ACCORDANCE, 2001 Holsteiner gelding by Acord II x Hera XXIIX

KEELY MCINTOSH, Jenny Booth: 5/84.319

8. TIP TOP COOL, 2007 Selle Francais gelding by Quick Star x Gypsie Des Hautes

STEVEN BLUMAN, Steven Bluman: 8/83.574

9. WAUW, 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Quick Star x Chicke

DANIELA STRANSKY, Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc.: 9/84.331

10. GOLDFINGER VD HENGSTENPOEL, 2006 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Winningmood van de Arenberg x Lariska

SARAH BAGWORTH, Sarah Bagworth: 18/93.747

11. CURTIS 57,  2007 Holsteiner gelding by Contact Me x Taramira

ALEXANDRA OZYMY, Alexandra Ozymy: 20/78.564

12. AVANT GUARDE, 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Guidam x Garbo

HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Serenity Ridge Farm: 24/99.948

Final Results $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Place/Horse/Rider/Owner: Total Rnd 1/Total Rnd 2/Overall

1. ENTOURAGE, HUNTER HOLLOWAY, Hays Investment Corp.: 82/91/173

2. FONDANT, BLYTHE MARANO, Virginia Ingram: 88/84.5/172.5

3. PLAYBOOK, DANIEL BEDOYA, Monica Hanks: 84/86.5/170.5

4. FRONT PAGE, DANIEL BEDOYA, Eduardo Leon: 85/84.5/169.5

5. ARROW, DEVNEY HOFT, Townsend Farm & PKP Holdings LLC: 83/84/167

6. UNCLE LUC, KAREN KELLEY, Reflections Farm: 86/78/164

7. AUSONE, KELSEY DONAHOE, Kelsey Donahoe: 74/86/160

8. FERRON, KRISTEN HOLWICK, Bellissimo LLC: 85.5/74/159.5

9. CHOSEN, KAREN KELLEY, Reflections Farm: 79/80/159

10. IN TIME, CAROLINE WEEDEN, Glory Days Farm LLC: 80/76/156

11. SUNTRUST, JACQUELINE WARD, Sandra Ward: 73/82/155

12. COPPERFIELD, HALLIE GRIMES, Andrea Ramirez: 75/79.5/154.5

Photo Credit ©FlyingHorsePhotography. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release.

Devon, Pa. – June 3, 2016 – Friday night at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair was all about speed, and only one athlete had all the answers during the $25,000 Open Jumper Devon Speed Challenge sponsored by the World Equestrian Center. Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2 were the only duo able to master the speed track and leave all the fences intact to capture the winning prize.

“This is unbelievable,” the young rider said, smiling. “People dream of just coming to Devon, and people dream of just getting a Devon blue. For me, to win a grand prix at Devon, it boggles my mind. That wasn’t even in my wildest dreams!”

Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2

Kelvin Bywater designed a very technical course for the 1.40m faults converted speed class. Featuring multiple inside options and areas to make up time, competitors had to carefully navigate the course to have the fastest time, while also leaving the obstacles intact.

Three athletes secured Gassel’s time, but it came at the expense of rails coming down. The first was Laura Chapot with ISHD Dual Star, who would claim fourth place with a time of 67.607 seconds after the added fault conversion. She was only 2/1000ths of a second slower than Great Britain’s Amanda Derbyshire aboard Goldbreaker, who clocked a time of 67.605 seconds for third place. The only other rider with a better time was newly minted Longines FEI World Ranked Number One Rider, McLain Ward. It looked like he had the ride of the night on HH Best Buy, and while they were faster than Gassel across the ring, the faults added to their time would mean they broke the beam at 67.279 seconds for second place.

Gassel had both the speed and the accuracy with Quite Dark 2 that it took to win the Friday night highlight event. The pair left all the fences intact as they dashed across the finish line in 65.500 seconds for the Devon blue ribbon, as well as bragging rights over Ward.

McLain Ward and HH Best Buy

“That is unbelievable,” expressed Gassel about her victory over the world’s best. “That will never happen again, that is a bucket list right there! He was really nice about it, though. He put in a really good round and it just wasn’t in his favor tonight.”

This is only Gassel’s second year competing at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and it’s her first year competing in the Open Jumpers with Quite Dark 2, who she has been riding for three years.

“It was a really fun course,” said Gassel. “That course fit my horse to a T. He is really great at the spin back turns. He’s massive, he’s 17.3 hands, so for him to be able to do those spin back turns is unreal. When I first got him, everyone said he’s too big, he’ll never be able to go fast, spin fast, he’ll never be able to win like that and he’s proved all of them wrong.”

Haley Gassel and Quite Dark 2

Gassel continued, “Our relationship has developed so much. He trusts me, I trust him. He’s just gotten better, faster, stronger. I do my best to try to keep him the best shape possible so he can jump tonight and jump tomorrow. He’s been a great horse.”

Earlier in the afternoon, the Amateur Owner Jumpers took center stage in the Dixon Oval where it was Jacob Pope that rode away with the top prize aboard Zilvana. Reid Patton set the pace to beat as the first to show over the short course with Twisther, clearing all the fences in a time of 33.592, which would be good enough for second place. Pope and Zilvana were the next pair to be faultless over the jump-off, and by leaving strides out and taking the inside turns they narrowly edged out Patton with a time of 32.291 seconds. Caitlin Hope rounded out the top three aboard Total Touch, producing a double clear effort in 34.106 seconds.

Jacob Pope and Zilvana

“Zilvana is a really fast horse, she’s small, and she’s careful, so I am not worried about having to steady her,” explained Pope “She’s really fast and I knew that we would be quick and smooth. I went inside everywhere else. She was clear and great.”

Earlier in the day, Pope placed second in the first Amateur Owner Jumper event, which kicked off the day’s competition. The victory in the speed competition belonged to Christina Firestone on Arwen, while Anna Cardelfe and Dollar Van’T Eigenlo DH rounded out the top three.

Christina Firestone and Arwen

“Our goal for this year was Devon, so I am really happy with how it’s gone so far,” smiled Pope, a senior at Rollins College. “Zilvana is a really sensitive mare, which I grew up riding. I just let her do her thing!”

The Amateur Owner Jumpers will compete on Saturday afternoon in the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic as they try and earn the division’s championship title and the Leading Amateur Owner Jumper Award. The final show jumping event will be the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake, sponsored by Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

For more information about the Devon Horse Show please visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

RESULTS: $25,000 Devon Speed Challenge
1    52    Quite Dark 2     Haley Gassel     0    0    0    65.500
2    93    HH BEST BUY     MCLAIN WARD     0    0    0    67.278
3    99    GOLDBREAKER     AMANDA DERBYSHIRE     0    0    0    67.605
4    9    ISHD DUAL STAR     LAURA CHAPOT          0    0    67.607
5    47    ARTEMIS     ALI WOLFF     0    0    0    72.196
6    80    GUNNER     MELISSA RUDERSHAUSEN          0    0    73.344
7    72    CARIATIDE     KEVIN BABINGTON     0    0    0    74.324
8    89    CASH     JIMMY TORANO     0    0    0    75.134

Class 211 $3,750 Amateur Owner Jumpers
1    1065    ZILVANA     JACOB POPE     0    0    0    62.884    0    0    0    32.291
2    879    TWISTHER     REID PATTON     0    0    0    65.130    0    0    0    33.592
3    873    TOTAL TOUCH     CAITLIN HOPE     0    0    0    63.549    0    0    0    34.106
4    297    MALOU     LAUREN WARD     0    0    0    64.514    0    0    0    35.083
5    473    LASPARI     ADRIENNE MARCIANO     0    0    0    63.767    0    0    0    37.665
6    613    FAEMES VAN T POELZELHOF     CALLIE SEAMAN     0    0    0    64.021    4    0    4    32.702
7    171    PERFECT DE COQUERIE     AILISH CUNNIFFE     0    0    0    62.486    4    0    4    35.429
8    944    BARITCHOU DBT     CLOE HYMOWITZ     0    0    0    62.898    4    0    4    36.06

Great Start for Beth Bidgood, Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg in Amateur-Owner Hunter Divisions at Devon Horse Show

The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions began on Friday at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and it was Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg and Beth Bidgood who outshined the rest to finish the day at the top of the pack.

In the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6″ Hunter division,18-year-old Van Konynenburg and Wish List made their trip from California worthwhile by earning the highest score in the division. After placing eighth in the first class, the duo returned ready for the second round, and the judges awarded the trip a score of 88, which secured Van Konynenburg the blue ribbon.

Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg hugs Wish List

It was a close race, however, as second place went to Callie Seaman and Skorekeeper and their score of 87, and third went to Laura Sexton and Set To Music with a score of 86.

The first class in the division was won by Samantha Schaefer and Classified with a score of 85. Second place went to Krista Weisman and Reality and their score of 84, while Stephanie Danhakl took home third aboard Golden Rule with 83.5 points.

“The first round was really fun, but I got a little nervous into the two-stride coming home and we jumped a little low,” Van Konynenburg explained. “In the second round, I said ‘OK, let’s just put everything that happened behind us and just go in and have a good time.’ I was just focusing on having fun. I don’t know when I’m going to be back here again, so I just wanted to have a good time with him and have solid round.”

Van Konynenburg will be graduating high school next week and will start college at USC in the fall. She said that she will continue to ride as an amateur, as Wish List will only be 30 minutes away at trainers Carleton and Traci Brooks’ Balmoral Farm.

“He’s just the greatest horse,” Van Konynenburg said. “He comes to the party 100 percent every time and puts all his heart into it. He really is a special horse; I’m very lucky. It was a big team effort to get my horses out here, and I definitely wouldn’t be here without everyone backing me up.”

Kaitlyn Van Konynenburg and Wish List

Van Konynenburg said she purchased the gelding three winters ago in Cleveland after failing to find the perfect horse in Florida.

“It was freezing, and we had one jacket,” Van Konynenburg laughed. “It was so cold, but it was worth it all the way. He’s just the sweetest horse. We love him.”

The Amateur-Owner Over 35 3’6″ Hunter division was the next to show, and Becky Gochman took home the blue ribbon in the first class after earning an 89 with Empire. Beth Bidgood was hot on her heels, however, coming in second by only one point in the irons on Uprising.

In the second class, Bidgood and Uprising returned to deliver a lovely round that earned the duo a score of 88 and the blue ribbon. Second place went to Jean Sheptoff and Heartcore with a score of 87, while John Ingram and Airport 48 took home third with a score of 86.

“I am so excited,” Bidgood said. “This is my first Devon. I love the tradition and everything; I’m having a blast. I was really nervous, then when I went into the first class, I was OK once I started going. I’m just thrilled. My horse is going incredibly.”

Beth Bidgood and Uprising

Before transitioning to his hunter career, Uprising was a jumper. Bidgood said she purchased the 9-year-old gelding just over a year ago in Florida.

“We were able to turn him into a hunter, and he’s just been fabulous,” Bidgood explained. “He’s the easiest horse I’ve ever had. He’s just so sweet. He’s only been doing the hunters for a year.”

The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will wrap up on Saturday with the awarding of the Devon Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship and Devon Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter Rider award.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

John White Joins Winner’s Circle at Devon Horse Show for First Time

John White has been competing at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for the last six years, but has never driven away with the championship title until Friday night. The New Jersey resident, drove into the Dixon Oval with a bit more confidence this year, already securing three first-place finishes in the division.

Coaching Champion John White

In the Four-in-Hand Timed Obstacle, White locked in the first clean round of the night and set the time to beat with 160.350 seconds in his Road Coach Excelsior. However, Paul Martin had just enough of an edge in his Park Drag to beat out White’s time and hand him his second, red ribbon of the division.

With a total of 21 points accumulated and a two-point advantage over Martin, it was White who earned the Mr. & Mrs. Foster Bright Perpetual Trophy.

“We’ve had a very good show,” White explained. “The horses have been excellent. I’m very happy with that and I’m very happy with all the people that have helped us. We’ve been here a number of times, but this is the first time we won the overall champion.”

The crowd watched in awe as his four grey Kladruber horses pulled the carriage around the Dixon Oval for the honorary victory lap.

The night was filled with first-time winners, as Carson Kressley earned his first tricolor ribbon in the Open Three-Gaited Park Horse Stake.

Carson Kressley and Famous Kiss

“I’ve shown in a lot of places, but there’s nothing as special as the crowd support at Devon,” Kressley said. “Showing in front of thousands of people in the Dixon Oval is a thrill like no other. I’ve shown this horse a couple times this season and we’ve been second every time. So, to pull it together and win a big class like this here is a huge thrill. Devon is one of the greatest shows in the country. It’s where you come, watch and dream of competing.”

Kressley had the honor of riding Annika Bruggeworth’s American Saddlebred, Famous Kiss. The two have been friends for nearly 25 years.

“She’s shown him and now, he’s in a new division,” Kressley added. “He’s just a grand horse.”

For Lynn Finelli, the night was about defending her Western Country Pleasure Horse Championship.

“It’s unbelievable to win here,” Finelli said. “It’s so incredible. To win last year and this year just takes my breath away.”

Lynn Finelli and CH Winsdown Edgecliff

It was a repeat win for Finelli’s mount, CH Winsdown Edgecliff, as well. The 11-year-old was converted from the English discipline to Western and has been showing successfully, winning the World Championships in Western Country Pleasure in 2012.

Several divisions crowned a champion tonight:

Fine Harness Championship

Smith Lilly and We Must Be Nuts

Hackney Pony Amateur Championship  
Grace Arnold and Heartland Rough and Ready

Friesian Horse Pleasure Championship
Shawnda Smoker and Rouke H

Hackney/Harness Pony Amateur Championship
Danny Hicks and The Perfectionist

Show Pleasure Driving Championship
Cathy Rogers-Holmes and CH Who

Roadster Pony Championship
Rodney Hicks and Alejandro

Jumping / CSIO5*-NC EUD1 / Table A
Competition Nr.: 07
Obst.H./Cl.: 150

Jumping / CSIO5*-NC EUD1 / Table C
Competition Nr.: 08
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Jumping / CSI2* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 19
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Jumping / CSI5* / GRAND PRIX
Competition Nr.: 04
Obst.H./Cl.: 160

Jumping / CSI2* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 5
Obst.H./Cl.: 135

Jumping / CSI2* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 6
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Jumping / CSI1* / Table A
Competition Nr.: IV
Obst.H./Cl.: 130

Jumping / CSIYH1* / Table A
Competition Nr.: D
Obst.H./Cl.: 135

Jumping / CSI3* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 103
Obst.H./Cl.: 130

Jumping / CSI3* / Two Phases
Competition Nr.: 104
Obst.H./Cl.: 135

Jumping / CSI3* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 105
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Dressage / CDI4* / Int I – Intermediate I
Competition Nr.: 12

Dressage / CDI4* / GP – Grand Prix
Competition Nr.: 15

Dressage / CDI4* / GPS – Grand Prix Special
Competition Nr.: 17

Dressage / CDIJ / Junior Freestyle to Music
Competition Nr.: 16

Mill Spring, NC – June 4, 2016 – Shane Sweetnam (IRL) powered to another win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) this week, piloting Cobolt to victory in the $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* under the lights in the George H. Morris Arena. Sweetnam and Cobolt saved the best for last, completing the jump-off course in 41.58 seconds to secure their top place finish. Daniel Bedoya (BOL) and Quattro earned second place, finishing in 42.424 seconds, while David Beisel (USA) and Call Me Hannes collected third place with a time of 45.351 seconds.

Competition at Tryon Spring 7 concludes tomorrow with the $25,000 The Lodge on Lake Lure Grand Prix at 11:30 a.m. The Tryon Spring Series continues next week, hosting the first ever CSI 5* at the venue, which begins on Wednesday, June 8, and continues through Sunday, June 12, featuring the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, June 11.

Shane Sweetnam and Cobolt

The $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* featured 33 entries and saw only five combinations move forward to contest the jump-off round. Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) set both tracks, which proved to test speed and accuracy, as two pairs finished the evening with a single time fault and eight combinations dropped a rail for four faults. Cobolt and Sweetnam were the last pair to secure a clear jumping effort, making them the fifth pair to enter the jump-off round and also the final combination to test the short course.

“I definitely felt pressure. You have to understand the goal, but you can’t be silly about it either. He’s quite a quick horse and I knew that he was feeling good because he was bucking from fence one to two,” explained Sweetnam. “We were a little lucky at fence two because of it, but he responded great and jumped the rest very well.”

Daniel Bedoya and Quattro

Sweetnam also took the $35,000 1.50m Suncast® Welcome on Thursday aboard Cyklon 1083, who is the sire of tonight’s winner, Cobolt. Displaying his experience and expertise, Sweetnam piloted Cobolt, a 2008 Swedish Warmblood gelding (Cyklon 1083 x Selena) owned by The Blue Buckle Group, to their first major FEI win together.

“He’s a new enough ride for me. He’s ten and his father is actually Cyklon who won the other day, so it’s a father and son kind of thing this week,” chuckled Sweetnam. “We haven’t done so many big classes together yet, so for the jump-off I wasn’t sure how it would pan out but he handled it very well.”

David Beisel and Call Me Hannes

“I thought he jumped great in both the first and second round. It was a great win for him,” he added.

The Blue Buckle Group acquired Cobolt in January and Sweetnam has taken his time getting to know the talented gelding, who joined Sweetnam’s string with a proven FEI record in Europe. The duo competed together for the first time this past February and only contested a handful of 1.50m classes during the winter circuit.

Shane Sweetnam and Cobolt with Casey Mowerey of Ariat® and Sweetnam’s groom Lilly Johnson, who was presented with the Groom’s Initiative Award.

“I did a couple of 1.50m classes with him, but this is obviously our first big result,” commented Sweetnam. “He jumped the 1.50m class the other day and I made a few little mistakes but he jumped great. My plan was always to get a good result tonight and I have to say, I was very pleased with the way he jumped. Now I need to figure out what our next big class will be.”

While Sweetnam has three mounts entered in the Tryon Spring 8 FEI CSI 5* next week, Cobolt will not contest the week’s main event, the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix, but Sweetnam is looking forward to producing more top results with the gelding throughout the rest of the season.

“I was very impressed with him tonight and I know that he is a quick horse. He has a lot of real talent and I’m hoping that this win is the first of many to come for us,” concluded Sweetnam.

Sweetnam’s groom, Lilly Johnson, was presented with the Groom’s Initiative Award on behalf of Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners, honoring her for the meticulous care and dedication to Sweetnam’s winning mount, Cobolt.

Kristen Vanderveen (USA) received the Leading Lady Award, presented by realtor Meg Atkinson, in recognition of Vanderveen’s performances in FEI classes during Tryon Spring 7.

The Tryon Spring Series continues next week with Tryon Spring 8, featuring the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Mirimichi Green on Friday, June 10, and the $380,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, June 11. For more information on TIEC and to see a full list of weekly results, please visit www.tryon.com.

Final Results $130,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3*

1. COBOLT, 2006 Swedish Warmblood gelding by Cyklon 1083 x Selena

SHANE SWEETNAM (IRL), The Blue Buckle Group: 0/0/41.58

2. QUATTRO, 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Quasimodo Z x Olavsca F

DANIEL BEDOYA (BOL), Daniel Bedoya: 0/0/42.424

3. CALL ME HANNES, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Cassini II x Sestriere

DAVID BEISEL (USA), Harlow Investment Enterprises, LLC: 0/0/45.351

4. QUINCY CAR, 2004 Oldenburg stallion by Galiani Car x Kiss by Star Car

FERNANDO CARDENAS JR (COL), Fernando Cardenas Jr.: 0/4/42.918

5. LUCKY STRIKE, 2006 Holsteiner gelding by Lasino x Imandra I

BRANDIE HOLLOWAY (USA), Hays Investment Corp.: 0/8/39.732

6. HECTOR BY PICOBELLO, 2007 Belgian Warmblood gelding by Contact vd Heffinck

ILAN BLUMAN (COL), Daniel Bluman: 1/76.72

7. LUKE SKYWALKER 46, 2005 Oldenburg gelding by Lord Pezi x Shakira

PAIGE JOHNSON (USA), Salamander Farm: 1/76.82

8. COPA CABANA, 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding by Cartano x Robijn

MARK BLUMAN (COL), Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc: 4/70.68

9. BARNETTA, 2004 Westphalian gelding by Baloubet du Rouet x Polydora

SHARN WORDLEY (NZL), Sky Group: 4/72.37

10. BULL RUN’S TESTIFY, 2004 Selle Francais gelding by Dollar du Murier x Marquise Des Monts

KRISTEN VANDERVEEN (USA), Bull Run Jumpers, Inc: 4/72.41

11. BON GIORNO, 1999 Swedish Warmblood gelding by Acacio 948 x Bon-Ami

BRYN SADLER (USA), Showcase 81, LLC: 4/73.65

12. BUTTON SITTE, 2007 Belgian Warmblood stallion Ogano Sitte x Riviera Sitte

RICHIE MOLONEY (IRL), Equinimity LLC: 4/74.21

Photo Credit: ©FlyingHorsePhotography. These photos may only be used once in relation to this press release.

Devon, Pa. – June 4, 2016 – On Friday, McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, was named the Longines World Number One in show jumping. He has spent the last week competing at the historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and on Saturday night he captured his third victory, winning the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake aboard Tina La Boheme.

McLain Ward and Tina La Boheme. Photo by: The Book, LLC.

Six entries advanced to the jump-off in the highlight event of the evening sponsored by Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar. Laura Chapot set the pace to beat with her first mount Thornhill Kate, clearing the track in 37.082 seconds. Her lead was short lived, as Ward entered the arena aboard Tina La Boheme, who has proven to be a dominating force in the Dixon Oval. The pair was four seconds faster and left all the rails intact, crossing the finish line in 33.906 seconds.

Only Chapot was able to beat the initial time she clocked, beating her first mount’s time on Quointreau Un Prince. The duo had a faultless time of 36.660 seconds to place second, while she and Thornhill Kate took third. The fourth place prize went to Danielle Torano and Callas III, the only other pair to clear the short course.

With a quick and clear double clear, Ward not only won the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake, but also earned the Open Jumper Championship with Tina La Boheme and the Leading Open Jumper Rider title.

“We’re obviously very excited,” said Ward. “I think Tina has won her last four classes in a row. It’s really great to see how she’s progressing. At the end of Palm Beach and even Old Salem, when I stepped her up to some bigger classes I had to kind of help her a long a little bit. She was a very good jumper, but she was green. It’s interesting to see her come out of that show at Old Salem and be very handy in this ring and start to follow where I am going. That’s what makes a horse fast, they look for the next fence. We are really excited about her. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the future.”

Open Jumper Champion and Leading Open Jumper Rider McLain Ward

Ward has been competing since he was just 5-years-old in the Leadline division. Now, he is the top ranked rider in the world. “It’s a great recognition of consistent success because our peers are so good now,” explained Ward. “The top of the sport now is so good and so competitive, so I am proud of that. I can’t say that was ever a goal. The goal has always been championships and medals and the biggest grand prix events in the world. The honor in that is amongst your peers.”

After placing second and third in Saturday’s main event, the Carol Hoffman Thompson Leading Lady Rider Challenge Trophy was presented to Laura Chapot, who also earned the title in 2014.

Laura Chapot and Quointreau Un Prince

“This is one of our favorite horse shows, and I think this is one of the most important shows in the country,” noted Chapot. “They really raised the bar this year with added prize money and making it an FEI competition. To be the leading lady rider here is certainly very prestigious, and I am so proud to win the trophy that is donated by Carol’s family. She was a great friend to us. I’m really thrilled to have won it again.”

Earlier in the day, the Amateur Owner Jumpers competed in their highlight event, the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic. After fourth place finish on Friday, Alex Matz came back for the victory in the Classic with Quinta.

Six combinations advanced to the jump-off, with Cloe Hymowitz setting the pace on her first mount Baritchou DBT. They turned in a clear effort in 32.901 seconds. Their lead did not hold for long, as Ailish Cunniffe turned in a faster time of 41.151 seconds with all the rails intact aboard Betty Boop III. They would eventually settle for fourth and fifth, respectively.

Alex Matz and Quinta

Next in the Dixon Oval was Matz with Quinta. With smooth turns and a fast gallop, they broke the 40-second mark when they stopped the clock at 37.937 seconds. Hymowitz tried to catch him with her second mount Fidalgo Van Het Leliehof, but would pick up third place with a clear round in 38.375 seconds. Reid Patton and Twisther slipped into second place with a faultless effort in 38.360 seconds. The fastest round belonged to Anna Cardelfe and Dollar Van’T Eigenlo DH, but their time of 36.783 seconds came at the expense of a rail for sixth place, sealing Matz victory.

“My plan originally was to be neat around the turns and not go crazy fast. I ended up adding a stride in one of the lines, but Quinta was excellent,” smiled Matz. “This is our fifth year with her. She’s been great. She’s been loyal, that’s all you could ask for in a horse.”

Matz and Quinta not only led the lap of victory for Saturday afternoon’s event, but they also returned to the center of the Dixon Oval to accept the Amateur Owner Jumper Championship and Amateur Owner Jumper Leading Rider Award.

Alex Matz and Quinta

“This is a special place because it’s so close to home,” noted Matz, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. “It means so much. I love this place and it was a goal. Young Riders is a big goal, but this is very special.”

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will conclude on Sunday with the Best Young Horse and Leading Handler Awards still to come. It is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

For more information please visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

RESULTS: $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake
1    94    TINA LA BOHEME     MCLAIN WARD     0    0    0    76.649    0    0    0    33.906
2    11    QUOINTREAU UN PRINCE     LAURA CHAPOT     0    0    0    74.188    0    0    0    36.660
3    10    THORNHILL KATE     LAURA CHAPOT     0    0    0    74.910    0    0    0    37.082
4    38    Callas III     DANIELLE TORANO     0    0    0    79.557    0    0    0    38.798
5    1555    ZERLY     MCLAIN WARD     0    0    0    77.763    4    0    4    35.704
6    80    GUNNER     MELISSA RUDERSHAUSEN     0    0    0    77.383    8    0    8    40.860
7    46    CASALL     ALI WOLFF     0    1    1    80.140
8    48    CAYA     ALI WOLFF     4    0    4    76.697
9    52    Quite Dark 2     Haley Gassel     4    0    4    76.912
10    44    FAROUKH     SARAH WAYDA     4    0    4    78.294
11    66    S & L SAGE     DAVID RAPOSA     4    0    4    78.367
12    1554    LAKVELS     SYDNEY SHULMAN     4    0    4    78.908

$20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur Owner Jumper Classic
1    296    QUINTA     ALEX MATZ     0    0    0    71.434    0    0    0    37.937
2    879    TWISTHER     REID PATTON     0    0    0    75.661    0    0    0    38.360
3    946    FIDALGO VAN HET LELIEHOF     CLOE HYMOWITZ     0    0    0    75.931    0    0    0    38.375
4    172    BETTY BOOP III     AILISH CUNNIFFE     0    0    0    75.931    0    0    0    41.151
5    944    BARITCHOU DBT     CLOE HYMOWITZ     0    0    0    76.893    0    0    0    42.901
6    697    Dollar Van T Eigenlo DH     ANNA CARDELFE     0    0    0    74.488    4    0    4    36.783
7    1052    CASTELINO VAN DE HELLE     DAVID OBERKIRCHER     0    1    1    79.677
8    691    ARWEN     CHRISTINA FIRESTONE     4    0    4    70.207
9    408    Werner 61     Haley Gassel     4    0    4    71.589
10    171    PERFECT DE COQUERIE     AILISH CUNNIFFE     4    0    4    72.981
11    1227    Attention Et Z     CALLIE SMITH     4    0    4    73.264
12    297    MALOU     LAUREN WARD     4    0    4    73.442

Becky Gochman Defends Grand Amateur Owner 3’6″ Hunter Championship Title at Devon Horse Show  

As the Amateur Owner Hunter divisions wrapped up at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Becky Gochman and Empire moved up the rankings to take home the division championship in the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Over 35 Hunter division for the second time.

Gochman and Empire took home two blue ribbons and two reds to earn enough points for the division championship and the Grand Amateur Owner 3’6″ Hunter championship, with Gochman also picking up the Devon Leading Amateur Owner 3’6″ Hunter Rider award. Gochman thanks her daughters for giving her the confidence to go out and win.

“I get fearful with the long, bending lines, and I watched my kids do it this week, and they do it so naturally and so easily,” Gochman explained. “I said, ‘I’m just going to go a little forward and just count’, and so that really did help a lot to watch them do it so effortlessly.”

Becky Gochman and Empire

Gochman also credits her partnership with Empire for her success, and said she has owned 14-year-old gelding for six years.

“Thank God he’s been a very sound horse all the way through,” Gochman said. “I think since he’s been such a good horse to us for so long, we’re making a promise to show him just at special shows now. That way his mind stays clearer and crisper. He really enjoys coming out for the big ones, and he is not a spooky horse, so it’s really OK to do that plan.”

Interestingly, Empire’s equally eye-catching baby, Evermore, also impressed the judges and took home the Devon Grand Junior Hunter Championship with rider Emma Kurtz during Junior Week.

Beck Gochman and Empire

“I think Empire didn’t really want to be outdone by his son, so he said, ‘Uou know, I’ll step up too,'” Gochman said. “They’re not exactly the same, but he definitely put his stamp on Evermore. I’m so proud. I don’t know if father-son Grand Champions has ever been done at Devon.”

Gochman also presented the Sambalino Award to Krista Weisman and Reality.

“I was so proud to give the Sambalino Award to Krista,” Gochman said. “She is such a pretty, gentle rider. I really respect the judges’ decision to pick a horse like Reality that has an amazing, flowing, beautiful style. That made me really happy.”

Earlier in the day, the Amateur Owner 3’6″ 18-35 Hunter division came to a close, with Laura Sexton claiming the championship aboard Set To Music. The division’s reserve championship was awarded to Samantha Schaefer and Classified.

Laura Sexton and Set To Music

“Set To Music is special, and I am very, very lucky,” Sexton said. “After having my horse Zoom, who has been just such a spectacular horse for all of these years, I wasn’t quite sure that anybody would be able to get up to that rank, but let me tell you, this horse has done it faster than I ever could have imagined. He’s an absolute joy.”

In the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 18-35 Hunter Division, Stephanie Danhakl and Enough Said took home both the division championship and the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championship for the second year in a row. The reserve championship in the division was awarded to Vivian Yowan and Anytime.

“Devon is definitely one of the shows that I care the most about doing well because of the tradition,” Danhakl explained. “I think it’s the hardest horse show to qualify for in the country, so it always brings out the best competition. To be able to win here means you did a pretty good job.”

Danhakl said Enough Said is a dream to ride, and she’s had the 10-year-old gelding for three years.

Stephanie Danhakl and Enough Said

“We really clicked right away from the beginning,” Danhakl explained. “We’ve had a lot of success together. It was really exciting to be able to show here again. I was a little nervous about having to defend the championship, but he couldn’t have been better. I think he really loves his job and makes it really easy on me.”

The Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Over 35 Hunter Division, Glen Senk and Loyalty brought home the championship, while Missy Luczak-Smith and Executive claimed the reserve honors.

The Local Hunter division rounded out the day, and it was Blue Monday and Suzanne Smith and Close At Hand and Cathy Sacher who took home the championships. The reserve championships were awarded to Tristan, ridden by Caroline Ratigan and Daybreak, ridden by Leah Swope.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the longest running and largest outdoor multi-breed competition in the United States. With the grandeur of Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line setting the stage, the event features a world-class field that annually ranks among the most prominent internationally. The event also includes the Country Fair that offers world-class shopping, rides and games for kids, multiple dining options and special entertainment events.

Janet Sterba and Maureen Quackenbush Successfully Defend Their Championship Titles 

For Janet Sterba and Maureen Quackenbush, earning the tricolor ribbon in front of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair crowd was an honor the first time around. On Saturday, both of them were pleased to learn that they earned the championship title in their respective divisions once again.

Janet Sterba and CH Callaway’s Born For This

“This is our second year working together,” Sterba said about her 12-year-old mare, CH Callaway’s Born For This. “She’s had a grand career. I’m just thrilled to have a good ride, especially on this mare. I’m blessed to get to show her.”

The American Saddlebred and her owner had the repeat victory in the Five Gaited Pleasure Driving Championship, while Maureen Quackenbush won the Hackney/Harness Pony Pleasure Driving Championship.

Maureen Quackenbush and Four Point O

Quackenbush drove a new pony around the Dixon Oval for the traditional victory lap. This year, she was pulled by her 5-year-old Hackney, Four Point O.

“It’s a big deal to win here at Devon,” Quackenbush said. “To go in there and show is just awesome. To win, I mean, it just doesn’t get better than that.”

Quackenbush competed at Devon for the first time in 2015 with C B Party Girl and returned to win with a new pony.

“I’ve had him since last fall,” Quackenbush said about Four Point O. “We’ve only shown once before and that was last November. He won at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. He’s the Canadian National Champion. He’s a really good boy. We’re just getting to know each other, but we’re getting there.”

The Devon Horse Show hosted the English Pleasure-Saddle Seat Championship for the first time in 120 years, opening the Dixon Oval to multiple breeds. Among the Saddlebreds, Friesians and Morgans competing one Morgan came out on top and that was CBMF Restless.

“I think it’s awesome,” champion Allyson Wandtke said. “I hope they [Devon] include Morgan’s in the future. We’ve had a great time in the ring. I love being here with the Saddlebreds, the Friesians and the Hackney ponies. I think it’s just great for all the breeds to be together.”

Allyson Wandtke and CBMF Restless

Wandtke and her 9-year-old Morgan are no stranger to the tricolor ribbon, winning three world titles and one reserve world championship.

“I have never competed here before,” Wandtke continued. “It’s wonderful to win here, and the other horse I show [CN Timeless Masterpiece] for my mom [Cindy Nord] won reserve. I’ve had a very successful show and couldn’t be happier.”

Twelve other riders/ drivers earned championship honors Saturday:

ASB Hunter Country Pleasure Championship
Heather L Rowley and Amber One Up

Single Roadster Pony Championship
Rich Thompson and Mr. Ed

Country Pleasure Driving Horse Championship
Lynda St. Andre and Attache’s Chocolate Thunder

Three-Gaited Engllish Show Pleasure – Junior Exhibitor Championship
Sausha Saunders and Stonehenge

Hackney Pony Championship
Rodney Hicks and The Spiderman

Three-Gaited English Country Pleasure Horse Championship
Ashlee Wheaton and CH Extremely Fortunut

Roadster Pony Under Saddle Championship
Maggie Elizabeth Clark and Shadowlands Ishtar

Fine Harness Horse Championship
Janet Sterba and CH Caraway’s NE York Minute

Three-Gaited English Show Pleasure Horse Championship
Amanda Murchison and CH Spread the Word

Single Hackney Horse Championship
Rodney Hicks and Heartland Good-bye

Single Roadster Horse Championship
Barbara Matthews and Speedy Jesse

Harness Pony Championship
Smith Lilly and Crystal Creek’s Captain Mike

Jumping / CSIO4* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 414
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

5  June  2016

5.6.2016

The British legend John Whitaker and his wonderful stallion Argento (Arko III) took St Tropez’s biggest win yesterday beating a long list of superstars in the 1’60m Longines Grand Prix. Luc Musette’s 1’60m track saw 43 pairs take a chance and the top 18 come back for round two. Finally only four managed to achieve a double clear round but John Whitaker and Argento’s time of 36’17  proved unbeatable and earned them a spectacular win yestarday in St tropez. Christian Ahlmann and superstar Taloubet Z (Galoubet) came cmlose but settled for 2nd place as they crossed the timers faultsfree just 0’09 tenths later ahead of the current world n°2, Simon Delestre and Qlassic Bois Margot (Arc de Triomphe) who crossed the finish line in ‘ for rd position.

RESULTS

Source: http://hellojumpers.com/en/john-whitaker-and-argento-take-st-tropezs-biggest-win/

Jumping / CSIO5*-NC EUD1 / Accumulator
Competition Nr.: 09
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Jumping / CSIO5*-NC EUD1 / Grand Prix Two Rounds
Competition Nr.: 10
Obst.H./Cl.: 160

Dressage / CDI4* / Grand Prix Consolation
Competition Nr.: 19

Dressage / CDI4* / Intermediate I Freestyle to Music
Competition Nr.: 21

Dressage / CDI4* / Grand Prix Feestyle to Music
Competition Nr.: 22

Jumping / CSI4* / Accumulator
Competition Nr.: 10
Obst.H./Cl.: 140

Jumping / CSI4* / Grand Prix Table A
Competition Nr.: 11
Obst.H./Cl.: 160

Jumping / CSI3* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 109
Obst.H./Cl.: 135

Jumping / CSI3* / Table C
Competition Nr.: 110
Obst.H./Cl.: 140

Jumping / CSI3* / Grand Prix Two Phases
Competition Nr.: 111
Obst.H./Cl.: 150

Jumping / CSI2* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 7
Obst.H./Cl.: 135

Jumping / CSI2* / Table A
Competition Nr.: 8
Obst.H./Cl.: 145

Jumping / CSI1* / Table A
Competition Nr.: VI
Obst.H./Cl.: 130

Jumping / CSIYH1* / Table A
Competition Nr.: F
Obst.H./Cl.: 135