Hardin Towell and Boheme Du Moulin
After a bountiful few weeks with the hunters culminating during WCHR Week 6, it was time to put more focus on the jumpers for WEF 7 and 8 in Wellington, Florida.
Lourdes Low and her new mount Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z continued to build their partnership. They placed third in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper 15-17 Classic out of 27 during Week 7 and earned other nice ribbons as they gained more confidence in the 1.10-1.15m classes.
Lourdes Low and Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z
Meredith Huddle and her jumpers, MTM Axel and Verdico Imperio Egipcio, earned ribbons in their classes, as well. Meredith picked up a sixth in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper Classic out of 23 with an excellent ride.
During WEF 8, Hardin Towell made his presence known. Aboard Boheme Du Moulin, he rode a blazing jump-off to finish second in the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors National Grand Prix! The pair also placed fifth in the $25,000 ProElite Jumper Classic for a banner week of jumping.
Hardin and Jack Towell
Grace Ann Nolan and D Kaouette De Raygade earned ribbons together in the Low Adult Amateur Jumpers, with a highlight being their fourth place out of 27 in a jump-off class. “This is Grace Ann’s first time showing the mare, and they’re a really good match,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “We’re super excited for their future together.”
George Kelly and Loafer’s Lodge Melody joined forces to win ribbons in the Equitation, 11 and under, section and in the Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunters. Their excellent performances resulted in two thirds out of 29 over fences. “George is leasing Melody now, and we’re thrilled,” said Liza. “Elle brought her along and showed her last year in her green year, and now it’s time for Melody to each a new kid. George immediately clicked with her, and we love that she stayed in the barn. When we get home in the spring, they’ll move up to the Medium Ponies.”
Frances Kelly and Girl On Fire added more ribbons to the Kelly family’s collection with super placings in the Small Pony Hunters and the medal classes. “Frances finished up her time at WEF with a great score in her handy class,” said Liza. “I think for an 8-year-old in her first year showing at WEF, Frances did a great job and learned so much. She got nice ribbons in the WIHS and USEF Pony Medals and got classic ribbons. You could see how she got better every week. She’s going to go back home with so much confidence and is so much more advanced than when she came.”
Elle Boyd and Amira Kettaneh added more valuable mileage to Sydney’s resume, including a victory in the Medium Green Ponies as well as other top ribbons in the regular Mediums and the championship during Week 9. “The last two weeks Amira has been helping us, and he was champion in the Greens this week,” said Liza. “Fortunately for us, Amira is petite and rides great. She rides with Heritage and is so sophisticated in her riding. I want to thank her and Heritage for their help!”
Modern Music and Mckenzie Miller won a class and placed third out of 33 in the Low Children’s Hunters, for a well-earned reward for Mckenzie’s hard work in the saddle.
Why and Charlotte Warren
Why and Charlotte Warren won a Low Adult Amateur Hunter over fences class and earned ribbons in every class in the competitive 35-horse division to claim a reserve championship. The pair continue to get better and better each week.
Camryn Cass and Catchphrase continued to collect great placings in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 16-17, section during these three weeks. A highlight was their great score in the handy during Week 9, where they placed fourth in a competitive division of 19.
Golden Years and Mary Caroline Nolan finished up their WEF circuit with great ribbons in the 3’6” Large Junior Hunters and rode Kumano to excellent ribbons in the equitation and medal classes.
“She’s been working really hard on her position this winter. Jack has been great in giving her pointers from the judge’s perspective and fine-tuning small things to help her create a seamless connection and flow,” said Liza. “She’s really listened to him, and worked hard on her flatwork, too. It’s all carried over to the hunters, and Golden Years went better than ever. I’m really proud of how hard she’s worked. She looks sharp and is really doing all of the technical equitation courses so well, and her position and control has improved.”
Creekside and Gigi Manigault
Gigi Manigualt finished up reserve champion in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section with Creekside during Week 9. “It’s so competitive down here with great horses and riders, so it was super exciting for her to end up so well,” added Liza. “She attends the University of South Carolina and balances school and showing. She’s done a great job at both!”
Lulu Wells and her two mounts, Heaven’s Gift and Fiat, added more accolades to their records. Aboard Fiat, Lulu earned great ribbons in the equitation and the Children’s Hunters. “He’s a great all-around horse,” said Liza. “He does it all and does it well, and I think that’s helped her riding so much. She’s gotten called back in the THIS Medal and nice ribbons. He’s super consistent and the perfect first horse to get in all of the rings. This week they won the Classic with scores of 84 and 86. We were thrilled!”
