Finally Farm Shines From Short Stirrup to Grand Prix

Elle Boyd, left, and Mary Jo Serio shared blue-ribbon rewards in the Short Stirrup section.

From the Short Stirrup to Grand Prix ring, the Finally Farm team made great strides during WEF 4, held February 1-5 in Wellington, Florida.

Elle Boyd made her Short Stirrup debut aboard Otis Spunkmeyer, moving up from the Crossrails section, and earning the championship tricolor, with friend Mary Jo Serio and Pongo also winning a class and earning the reserve championship.

"It was great having trainers and grandparents Louise Serio and Jack Towell at the Short Stirrup ring," said Liza Boyd, Elle's mother. "Everyone had a great time, and it was so much fun!

"The night before, Elle and I walked the course," said Liza. "It was a big jump from the cross rails, where they go twice around the outside. The Short Stirrup courses are real hunter courses, with diagonals and outside lines. We walked the course and the lines and talked about her plan, so she was well prepared."

This week, Quatrain earned double tricolors, taking the Junior Hunter 3'3" championship with Elly Ficca and the reserve championship in the 3'3" Performance Working Hunters with Liza.

"I showed him just one day, and he won both classes," said Liza of her longtime partner. "I wanted to get him into the Grand Hunter Ring one day since Elly showed him both days in that ring. It was exciting for those kids to be able to show there, and the courses were really technical, with handy classes with hard rollbacks and always a trot jump."

Liza credited Quatrain, a 13-year-old Westphalian (by Quatro), for his continued success and his longevity in the sport.

Jack Towell and Liza Boyd did a lot of cheering during WEF 4.

"He still has that freshness and spark, and that’s what keeps him so good," said Liza. "Even as veteran in the sport, he loves his job and is amazing. He feels like he has years left in him."

Liza recalled veterinarian Diane Scheireck telling her when they purchased Quatrain as an 8-year-old that he was a horse with longevity. And, through their collaboration on healthcare, fitness and training, Quatrain has indeed become yet another poster child for the Finally Farm tradition of maintaining and successfully showing these campaigners well into their teen years. In fact, the 19-year-old superstar Brunello is now back in work in Camden after a winter break in preparation for the 2017 competition year.  

Maggie and Parkland continued their ribbon collection in the 3'3" Juniors, and she also showed Tasty to excellent results. "Again, she had fun showing in the Grand Hunter Ring, and it was great for those kids to be out there and experiencing the increased challenges," said Liza. "When we go home, they’ll have great exposure down here and be ready to step it up."

After Lily Bennett moved into the jumper ring full time, McKayla Langmeier took over the ride on her Maraschino. Their top ribbons resulted in the Small Junior Hunter championship during Week 4. "Maraschino is for sale now since Lily is focusing on the jumpers, and we really appreciate McKayla showing her for us. She's a great rider and really fun to work with," said Liza.

Abigail Poss and Upset De Talma

Abigail Poss enjoyed another successful week in the equitation aboard Upset De Talma. "I was so proud of her this week. In addition to eighth in the ASPCA Maclay, she stepped up and did the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 3*, where she had to jump the open water in the de Nemethy Ring," said Liza. 

"This was her first Talent Search, and there happened to be a bending line to the open water and a tight line afterward, and she did it all so well," Liza added. "She and her horse were well prepared, and I have to credit Jack and Tamara (Berkowitz) for schooling him and practicing the open water. It was team effort and everyone deserves congratulations!"

The Finally Farm team also sent congratulations to Evergate LLC, Jennifer Gates and trainer Hardin Towell for their spectacular week at the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, where Jenn guided Pumped Up Kicks to third place in the featured $216,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI4*, her best finish to date at that level. Jenn also received the Leading Lady Rider Award.

Jennifer Gates and Pumped Up Kicks

Hardin piloted Emilie De Diamant AS to 16th in the class with one rail down and also placed third in the $35,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 earlier in the week. Hardin also contested the Longines Palm Beach Masters, at Deeridge Farms in Wellington, where he and SF Ariantha had just one rail down in the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup class on Sunday after jumping clear and placing fifth in the $35,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier on Friday.

"We're so happy for Jenn, Hardin, Sayre and the entire Evergate team for such an amazing day," said Liza. "We were fortunate to be able to go over to the Stadium and watch them go. Jenn has come such a long way in her riding career, starting in the Short Stirrup division herself, and her performance in the grand prix this week was a testament to her hard work and dedication in the sport.

"It was such a rewarding week, from Elle in the Short Stirrup to Jenn in the Grand Prix ring, and we're so thrilled that we're able to share such great achievements and moments with our Finally Farm family, clients and friends," concluded Liza. 

Between Rounds With: Jack Towell

Finally Farm's Jack Towell was asked to write this year's Show Hunter Between Round column for The Chronicle of the Horse magazine's American Horses in Sport edition.

In his column, titled, "It's Time To Focus On Education," Jack believes in order to make our sport stronger, we need to increase education across all aspects.

Sawyer Soars To Second Championship During WEF 3

Elizabeth Fogleman's Sawyer once again dominated in the Young Hunter section, earning the  championship tricolor for the second consecutive week during the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

Sawyer won two of the four over fences classes and earned top ribbons in the others during Week 3, held February 25-29 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  

Sawyer models his tricolor!

"Sawyer was amazing again, and this week he was even more settled and got better in every class," said rider and trainer Liza Boyd.

She credited the 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Casall--Iskia V) for his improvement in sighting in on the second jump out of the lines, which in turn created straighter tracks and improved jumping form.

"He was also a bit less playful on the back side of the fences," she noted. "Last week he could get away with it since it was early in the circuit and many of the young horses were excited. This week he was more relaxed in the ring and mellow, yet he was enthusiastic about his job. It's really rewarding to have the young horses improve so much week to week." 

As a reward for his stellar performances, Sawyer will have Week 4 off as Liza believes in keeping the young horses fresh and happy early in their careers. In addition to trail rides and flatwork, he'll have a chiropractic treatment and lots of turn out.

After a week off herself, Stella Styslinger returned to the ring for excellent performances aboard her Junior Hunters Cassanto and O'Ryan. Liza was particularly impressed with Stella's increased consistency with Cassanto, a horse she began leasing and showing at WEF.

"They're really a super match," said Liza. "His balance is great for her, as well as the leg to hand connection. They clicked from the minute she rode him; you could tell. When she tried him, I knew it was a good ride for her, and in watching them together you could tell the horse likes her, too, which is so important when matching rider to horse."

Zola Thompson has continued her ribbon collection in the Medium Pony Hunters aboard Elegance. Now in their second year together, the pair has also forged a strong partnership. 

"Zola ended the weekend on good note in the Handy," said Liza. "She's starting to do the inside turns and becoming much more strategic in her riding. She's come a long way from last year, when she was just trying to find the distances. She's now learning to be a bit more handy and her improved abilities are really paying off."

Lily Bennett and Zimba

Lily Bennett returned to the Children's Modified Jumper section at 1.15m this week and once again earned excellent ribbons aboard Zimba and Athina 18. She also took time out from her busy riding schedule for a photo shoot with The Book LLC, where her 2017 show season will be forever captured through their stunning portrait sessions.

Masters Jumper rider Kelly Maloney, of Rembert, South Carolina, enjoyed another stellar week aboard her homebred mare Justified, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Indoctro--Jessica).

The pair jumped two clear rounds earlier in the week and then returned to place third in the Classic. 

This week the Masters were scheduled to compete at 8 a.m. in the International Ring, which is the venue's featured and most decorated arena.

"Kelly was third or fourth in the order of go, and the first couple of riders didn’t make it around because their horses were so spooky. But I wasn't worried. Kelly was really smart about bringing her mare up through the Young Jumper ranks," said Liza.

After showing Jessica at the High Amateur-Owner Jumper level, Kelly bred her to the famous Dutch jumper stallion Indoctro, resulting in the bay mare Justified.

"She spent the time and the money sending Justified with my brother Hardin to do the Young Jumpers, and it's all paying off now," she added. "There's no venue she hadn’t been in with Hardin, and that's a huge confidence builder. Justified has been in the De Nemethy and International Rings here and the Rolex Stadium in Kentucky. She's been in those big rings thanks to the Young Jumper Program, which emphasizes the proper development of these young horses. It's neat that so many years later she's become a great amateur horse. Justified went in, jumped clean and never batted an eye and was confident and brave."

Maggie Hill and Elly Ficca also moved into a new ring this week, jumping to ribbons in the 3’3” Juniors while riding around the Grand Hunter Ring. "It was a nice experience for them to get in there. Once you get to the 3'6" Juniors, you show in the Grand Hunter Ring every week. It's been a great transition for them to move from the smaller rings to the main hunter ring at WEF, and they were able to get good exposure before the featured WCHR week in a few weeks."

Liza was also proud of Abigail Poss, of Locust Grove, Georgia, for her improvement this week with her young equitation horse Upset De Talma, a 9-year old Belgian Warmblood gelding. In addition to contesting equitation classes, the pair jumped around in the Children's Jumpers, where Liza had Abigail work on riding specific tracks, shaping bending lines to add and leave out strides as well as focusing on her accuracy.

"For instance, in the first round I had her do one line in seven strides and then in the jump-off do the same line in six, which I think was really good training for her and her horse," she said. "That hard work paid off on Sunday in the ASPCA Maclay, where she was sixth in one of the sections. It was a really technical course that asked a lot of questions, and she answered them all very well."

Finally Farm Youngsters Star at WEF 2

Sawyer with owner Liz Fogleman and Liza Boyd

Some of Finally Farm's youngest riders and horses made their presence known during Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, held January 18-22 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

The 6-year-old Sawyer dominated in the Young Hunter section, jumping to championship honors with Liza Boyd after winning two over fences classes, the under saddle and placing second in another over fences class.

"Sawyer was great, and I'm so happy for owner Liz Fogleman," said Liza. "Sawyer won both jumping classes the first day in the South Ring. Then, on Day No. 2 in the Rost Arena, he had a great experience. In the first round he maybe got a little bit lost in that huge arena, but then came back and was second and won the hack."

The Young Hunter 3’ and 3’3” section is new for 2017 on the United States Equestrian Federation roster, and Liza was thrilled that her young hunters have a place to compete against their peers. "I personally like this new section, and Liz made a valid observation. She said, 'My horse really benefits. I feel like there's not as much pressure on him because he’s able to make baby mistakes and still be competitive competing against his peers at age 5 and 6 who are still making similar mistakes.' In the regular 3' and 3'3" Green Hunters there are a lot of horses that are more seasoned," noted Liza.

In addition, Liz bought Sawyer as a green 4-year-old, and he didn't have any mileage from the jumper ring, a benefit some horses do have when making the transition to the Greens. 

 "Sawyer is a true green hunter, and he never went through the jumper pipeline," said Liza. "So it's very fair that he's able to show against other 5- and 6-year-olds that are going through a similar beginning to their show careers."

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Liza's daughter Elle earned her first Winter Equestrian Festival championship when she dominated the Cross Rails section, winning both over fences classes riding Otis Spunkmeyer.

"This is tough competition here, and she was so proud of herself," said Liza. "It was a true group effort –her Grandfather Jack did a lot of the work and gave her lessons every day after school. She really practiced and did a lot of work. Back in November, she trotted the courses and wasn't really able to steer. Since then, she's learned to canter the courses, is steering and working on her position. It's so fun to see her progress and be proud of herself."

Elle models her Ruespari belt and her first WEF championship ribbon and cooler.

Finally Farm also welcomed Megan Schall, of Minnesota, back to the barn after she took a break from riding and showing to attend college. She didn't miss a beat, however, and rode Fenway to top ribbons in a section of the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section.

After visiting with the Towells at the Central Park Horse Show last fall, Meg decided to return to horses and is leasing Fenway for the WEF circuit. 

"Meg was great, and is a really good rider. To hop back on and do so well is a testament to her talent. By the last class in the Grand Hunter Ring she got a score of 85 and won," said Liza. "She came down from Minnesota and spent the week with us. It was her birthday on Thursday, and we had a little party for her. I think she had a great birthday present!."

Maggie Hill made her debut in the 3'3" Junior Hunters this week after much success in the Children's Hunters during WEF 1.  She earned impressive ribbons aboard all three of her mounts, Co Co Chanel, Parkland and Tasty.

Megan Schall and Fenway

"I was so impressed with Maggie to do well her first time out at that level," said Liza. "The handy course was actually quite technical for her first-ever first handy. She got nice ribbons on all of her horses and had a great experience."

Prior to making the decision to move up from the Children's to the Junior hunters, Liza and Maggie sat down and discussed the pros and cons.

"I told her that if she did the Children’s again she'd probably be very competitive, which is a reward for all of the hard work," said Liza. "Or, I told her she could move up to 3’3”. I felt confident that she was ready and it was very safe for her to do so. She's very prepared and has done all of her homework, but I told her she might not be as competitive. She told me, 'I want to learn and become a better rider. I’m fine with moving up.' It was very mature of her, and I had a feeling she would step up successfully."

Liza credited Finally Farm's Florida home base, which includes an off-site ring with beautiful jumps and courses, for helping better prepare their riders and horses.

"In preparation for the Juniors, Maggie worked on bending lines off both leads and practiced on all of the horses," said Liza. "This week in the handy she had a bending line from the trot jump, and she nailed it on every horse. This week we’ll practice what to do after a trot jump. Do yo hold the counter lead or do a flying lead change? Every week we pick something and work on it. She's not as familiar with trotting jumps, so we’ll focus on that for a while".

This week Daisy Farish catch-rode Stella Styslinger's Cassanto to excellent ribbons in the Large Junior, 16-17, section. " Stella couldn't be here this week, and Daisy did a lovely job," said Liza. "I want to thank her for helping us out."

Like Maggie, Lily Bennett moved up a level this week with much success. She piloted Athina 18 and Zimba in the Children's Modified Jumper section at 1.15m, even winning a class in a field of 30 competitors with Zimba. 

"She showed me she was probably ready to move up at the end of last year, but I wanted her to start out the Week 1 with confidence and to get acclimated in the Children's Jumpers," said Liza. "She’s proven over and over that she's gotten quite competitive, more educated and was ready for the new challenge.".

Liza also earned her own accolades this week, guiding Bridget Hallman's Gala to a first and second in the Green Conformation section for trainer Rachel Kennedy. "We're continuing the partnership we established two years ago prior to the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship," said Liza. "Gala is a wonderful horse, and I'm thrilled to be able to continue showing her."

Hardin Towell and Cadence Open Week Two With a Win at Winter Equestrian Festival

Hardin Towell and Cadence

The 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its second week of competition, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, on Wednesday, January 18, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Kicking off the week's competition in the International Arena, Hardin Towell (USA) rode Evergate Stable's Cadence to victory in the $8,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m speed class.

Ana Catalina Harris Cruz (MEX) was the course designer in the International Arena for WEF 2. Cruz began the week with 25 entries in the 1.45m class and seven clear rounds. Towell and Cadence clocked the winning time of 55.11 seconds. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Gochman Sport Horses' Sibell BH finished second in 55.48 seconds, and Conor Swail (IRL) aboard Blue Hill Farm's Quibelle placed third in 57.83 seconds.

Towell rode Cadence in the morning's speed class to prepare the horse for his owner, Jennifer Gates, to show later in the week. The 16-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Cardento x Irco Marco 662) will compete with Gates in the Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series this winter, which begins with its first event on Sunday.

"Jen had not shown for a little bit because she was studying abroad, so Cadence had some time off, and then we just brought him back," Towell explained. "I showed him last week and he feels great. He likes being down here. He is happy here, and he knows the routine. He feels the best he has ever felt, so hopefully she will have a good season on him."

Speaking about his winning round on Wednesday, Towell stated, "It was a nice first day track. The Under 25 on Sunday is a speed class, so I wanted to go a little bit so he would be ready for Jen. It was nice because he was really smooth. He has such a big stride and he turns so well that I actually felt like I had a nice, efficient round, but did not have to go too fast."

Towell has a busy circuit ahead, with many horses to show for Gates, as well as a full schedule training his star pupil.

Towell's preparation was right on target, as Gates placed fifth in a field of 66 in the FEI $25,000 Hollow Creek Farm U25 Grand Prix aboard Cadence. Gates also took eighth place aboard Luftikus S in the FEI $6,000 1.40m out of 108 entries.

Special thanks to Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for the press release.

WEF Begins With Fun and Wonderful Results

Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Finally Farm's debut on the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, brought many great performances, smiles and ribbons back to the barn. Week 1 of the 12-week circuit, held January 11-15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, made for a great springboard for the rest of the season. 

Earlier in the week, a special press conference included Finally Farm's Liza Boyd, who joined other top riders to discuss the excitement of starting the new show season.

Press conference attendees included: Kent Farrington, Liza Boyd, Mark Bellissimo, Kasey-Perry Glass, Allyn Mann and Thomas Baur.

Along with top show jumping competition, WEF features divisions for every level of hunter horse, including week six's $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular and week 12's $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. This year's circuit also includes the addition of two new $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby competitions.

Three-time USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship winner Liza Boyd looks forward to a great 2017 season with her horses and riders.

Boyd stated, "There are so many opportunities here for the hunters. The hunter format is growing; the pipeline for hunters is growing. The addition of the Young Hunter classes for the 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds is really appreciated. It's a great opportunity for owners and really good for the industry. The National Hunter Derbies are really good for the young horses. There is nice prize money, and it's also a great opportunity for juniors and amateurs to compete and to learn. The addition of the South Ring is wonderful. There are just so many opportunities, starting from the cross rails, which my daughter will be competing in this year."

A new addition to the barn this year made his presence known. Stella Styslinger has leased Cassanto for the year from Heritage Farm, and they started out their partnership with the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, championship.  

Liza also competed Cassanto one day in the 3’6” Performance Working Hunter section, where their first- and second-placed ribbons in the field of 45 and 51, respectively, were good enough for a reserve championship.

"It was fun to show him and get to know him, so that I could help Stella later in the week and better explain how best to ride him," said Liza. "It was also nice having rider Brady Mitchell and trainer Andre Dignelli there. I was able to ask them more about him, and their advice was so helpful. One morning I flatted Cassanto in the ring before the show, and Brady gave me good tips to improve my flatwork with him. The better you flatwork is, the higher quality jump you’re going to get. So all of that advice was really helpful."

Liza was thrilled that Stella figured out Cassanto's ride quickly, as he goes much differently than her Small Junior Hunter O'Ryan, whom she's been showing for several years. 

"Cassanto is different than O’Ryan and more like Brunello," said Liza. "So, I said before her handy, 'Think about how I ride Ike, leg into hand more. O’Ryan goes in a rubber bit, and this horse likes more connection, and she got him right away. They won the handy, and then they placed second in the under saddle and second in another over fences class. It's quite a competitive division with quality horses, so I was thrilled for her and feel so lucky to have Cassanto in the barn this year."

Quatrain and Elly Ficca continued right where they left off in 2016, with championship results. The pair earned two firsts and a second to claim tricolor honors in the 3'3" Junior Hunter. 

Liza credited Elly's dedication and time in the saddle over the winter or their immediate success the first week.

"She practiced a lot in December, and she was dedicated and committed to coming to Camden to ride," said Liza. "Elly is really one of the most dedicated students. She worked with trainer Tamara Berkowitz, too, and did a lot of training without stirrups, and so we were able to go to the next level with her. She also got to know the horse better, which she started leasing last fall. She practiced some challenging handy courses at home because I wanted her to be over prepared. I made it harder in lessons so that when she came down here any questions she might have had would have been ironed out at home, and it all worked out so well."

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Zola Thompson's hard work also paid off when she walked out of the ring with a blue ribbon in the competitive Medium Pony Hunter section. "With 36 medium ponies, it was a great ribbon," said Liza. "She's had her pony Elegance for a year now, and they've formed a strong partnership. I'm so glad she is able to spend another year with Elegance and not start a new pony at WEF. She and Jack (Towell) have worked really hard, and it was a big moment for her."

Over in the jumper rings, Lily Bennett showed off her talents with Zimba and Athina 18, earning the Children's Jumper, 15-17, reserve championship with Zimba and placing third in the Classic.  

"It's really amazing considering that last year was her first year on the jumpers," said Liza. "She's learned so much over the past year. To go right into the de Nemethy ring, one of the largest and most impressive rings at WEF, and do so well was fantastic. I'm very excited as to how she’s developed as a jumper rider."

Maggie Hill has also come a long way from her start at WEF last year in the 2'6" classes. The Wyoming-based junior rider is now regularly winning in the Children's Hunters at 3' and on the cusp of moving up to the next level.

"Maggie is going to stay in Florida for the season and go to school here, so I'm excited to see where her riding goes this winter," said Liza. "Even though we hadn't seen her since November, she was consistent on all of her horses. After riding dressage at home, she's very fit and strong, so we just have some fine-tuning to do over the jumps, but she's right on track for a great circuit."

Maggie showed Parkland, Co Co Chanel and Tasty to excellent ribbons, including victory in the under saddle on Parkland. She was also seventh in the THIS Medal aboard Tasty, where she scored an 80 over a very techincial course.

Mary Carton Mitchener, of Charlotte, N.C., left the junior ranks and moved up to the adult section this year, taking consistent ribbons her first time out in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section aboard Trinity.

"It was a great start for Mary Carton, and we look forward to the rest of the circuit," said Liza, who also guided Trinity to a reserve championship ribbon in the 3'3" Performance Working Hunter section.

Kelly Maloney and Justified jumped impressively in the Masters section, with two clear-round blue ribbons and fifth in the $10,000 Don Little Masters Jumper Classic.

Abigail Poss and Upset De Talma started their equitation season with solid performances and ribbons in the competitive Equitation, 15-17, section. Liza was especially impressed with Abigail's ASPCA Maclay performance, where she jumped a solid over fences round and was called back for the flat phase out of 71 entries.

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Liza's daughter, Elle, finished her first week at WEF with lots of smiles and ribbons in the cross rails section, with assistance from international grand prix rider Uncle Hardin, who helped her to learn her courses.

"She’s gotten so brave now," said Liza laughing. "Trainer Charlie Moorcroft said, 'Look at her hunting those jumps! She looks just like her mom!' She's even been jumping in the ticketed warm ups, which is a step up for her. She's now cantering the entire courses and having so much fun. She loves being down here and taking care of her pony Otis."

This year Elle, a first-grader, is attending Upper Echelon Academy from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday where she has tutoring and classroom time with her peers.

"She’s making good friends, too, and is very busy down here," said Liza. "Then she comes to the barn and has her afternoon lessons with her grandfather, Jack. They take it all very seriously, and he treats her like a student/client, and she loves it."

Elle Boyd learning her course from mother Liza and Uncle Hardin Towell.

Beginnings and Endings at Atlanta Fall Classic II

Finally Farm's riders concluded their successful 2016 show season during the Atlanta Fall Classic II Horse Show, held November 16-20 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

While many riders were ending the year with their long-time mounts, others were forging new partnerships, including Stella Styslinger and Cassanto. This was the pair's debut show, and they made it a memorable one with top ribbons in the Large Junior Hunter section and second place in the Large Junior Hunter Classic.

"He was so good, and we’re so excited about him," said trainer Liza Boyd, who also piloted the gorgeous chestnut in the 3'6" Performance Working Hunters. "They’re a great match already. Stella had never jumped a course with him before they came here, so they needed to figure each other out, but by the second day they were second in the Classic. We are so excited and lucky to have him in the barn for the 2017 show season."

Cassanto, the perfect Junior Hunter!

Stella also enjoyed success with her steadfast partner O’Ryan, who topped the Small Junior Hunter Classic and earned the reserve championship. Liza sees similarities between O'Ryan and Cassanto, including their athleticism and classic jumping styles.

"They're both super scopey, with huge strides and really overqualified for the 3'6"," said Liza. "For Stella, moving to Cassanto was an easier adjustment for that reason. While they do ride similarly, Cassanto takes a little more leg than O'Ryan, but both are careful and have all of the attributes of great Junior Hunters."

High school junior Lily Bennett continued her consistency from Week 1 into this week with excellent results, including the Zone 4 and Children’s Jumper championships aboard Zimba. She also claimed ribbons on Athina 18 in the Children's Jumpers, as did Grayanna Grigg with A Propos, for a successful Finally Farm ribbon collection in the section.  

"It's so impressive! It was one year ago this November that we first put Lily on a jumper. That's so fun that a year later she’s come such a long way and is so consistent and educated," described Liza. "She's really developed an understanding of the technicality of the jumpers, the numbers and how to ride the first round accurately. She's gone from trying to go double clean to now being able to do the more tricky turns, learning to stay on the inside track and leaving out strides in the jump-off. It's rewarding for us as trainers to see such a progression in our riders and be able to teach them the more sophisticated techniques."

Likewise, Brie Tiffany continued her ascent up the levels and claimed second with Chacor in the 1.20m Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers as well as other top ribbons on Riad Cha Dwes Aucels. 

Trainer Jack Towell also celebrated a birthday during the show, which was a great excuse for a celebration. "We went out together with a group of friends, including trainer Vick Russell, so there were lots of great stories from the good old days. Jack had a lot of fun," said Liza laughing.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr taking a ringside break together.

Finally Farm trainers and staff will now set their sights on Thanksgiving, the holidays and a break from the show ring. Students and clients will come to the Camden farm for lessons in December, enjoy family time and then regroup before the horses leave for the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Florida on January 4.

Liza noted that her star Derby partner Brunello is already enjoying his winter break. "Ike has his shoes pulled and has grown a fur coat! He feels great, even when I ride him without shoes…he actually feels better than ever!" she said. "He’ll stay home and do flatwork when we're in Florida. I plan to have him back into gear the first of March, but from now until then he'll spend his time trail riding, on the treadmill and with lots of turnout."

Rewards Abound During Atlanta Fall Classic I

While the Atlanta Fall Classic Horse Shows in Georgia are traditionally the final chapters of the show season, this year Finally Farm's riders and horses experienced some beginnings as well as endings during Week 1. 

Trainer Liza Boyd was especially pleased with students Elly Ficca and Mary Carton Michener (pictured above), who tied for the reserve championship in the 3’3” Junior Hunters and placed first and second in the 3'3" Junior Hunter Classic. Elly and Quatrain only started their partnership this fall, while Trinity and Mary Carton have solidified their relationship throughout a successful year. 

"It was so nice that they tied," said Liza. "They were both really consistent on their horses, and it was fun for me to watch my former horses do that division. They’re so overqualified, and watching them is so enjoyable for me because sending them into the ring I know they'll be well taken care of. I realized driving home what a rewarding process it is to develop these horses, show them in the open sections and derbies and then watch them teach someone else. Hopefully, my current up-and-coming derby horse Shamrock can do that one day and become a nice Junior Hunter for someone. He's already well on his way!" 

After a stellar year in the Children's Hunters, Maggie Hill is winding down the year with blue ribbon results. She not only won the NAL/WIHS Children's Hunter Classic on Parkland but also claimed fourth with Co Co Chanel and fifth riding Tasty.

"She actually beat herself out of champion and reserve on her horses because she got such consistent ribbons aboard all three of them," said Liza. "Our goal this fall has been about Maggie getting to be a better rider and more consistent in the show ring, and she's shown us she's accomplished both."

Maggie, who commutes from Wyoming to ride and show at Finally Farm in South Carolina, stays fit at home through practicing dressage and participating in outdoor activities with her family. When she travels out East to show or practice in Camden, Maggie spends a lot of time without her stirrups.

"We've figured out a very successful program for Maggie. She doesn't jump a lot when she's not showing, but she stays strong with basic flatwork and by cantering poles at home," said Liza. "She usually arrives at the shows a day early so she can do some ticketed warm ups to get her eye going. We're so happy that Maggie is going to spend the entire winter with us on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and it will be exciting to see how far she goes."

Liza, who does Pilates on a regular basis, has also suggested that exercise regimen to her students to help them increase core strength and improve their performances in the show ring.

"I’ve noticed for myself the Pilates reformer machines are super helpful," she said. "After using the equipment, I feel my legs are getting stronger, as well as my core and into my glutes. I'm hoping to spend more time in Florida doing Pilates. Right now, I do it every Monday, and for me it’s especially great physically and mentally. For that one hour I get in a different zone. Pilates is the one time I’m completely focused on what I’m doing and nothing else. I recommend it for riders who want to improve their strength in a variety of different ways."

Zola Thompson and her Medium Pony Elegance continued to rack up impressive results this fall, and they earned the reserve championship at Atlanta with a win and top ribbons in the section. 

Lily Bennett has continued her competitive performances in the Children's Jumpers, with the reserve championship aboard Athina 18, "She's been super in the division," said Liza. "She was also seventh on Zimba in the Classic. She was fast and really rode well. That was a great ribbon in that strong class with the Adults combined.

Brie Tiffany did two of the three legs of the $10,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic and placed ninth on Friday night under the lights aboard Riad Cha Dwes Aucels. "It was a challenging atmosphere, and I was so proud of her. She came back the next day and was fourth and ended on that good note," said Liza.

Brie also moved Chacor back up to the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers and earned excellent placings, including eighth in the NAL Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.20m Classic.

Liza was also proud of her daughter, Elle, who contested the WTC classes aboard Otis Spunkmeyer and earned a reserve championship tricolor.

"She had lots of fun this week," said Liza. "She did the WTC and cross rails, and she was close to cantering all of them. She said she wanted to show again and has gained confidence in learning her courses. It's been a fun process to see her taking it all in and learning the ins and outs of showing at her own pace. But the good news is she’s really happy and having fun, and that’s what it's all about." 

Finally Farm Has Great Times at Tryon 6

Elly Ficca and Sarah Livingston

The Finally Farm team concluded their time at the Tryon International Equestrian Center with ample ribbons and awards, October 26-30 in Mill Spring, North Carolina. 

In the 3'3" Junior Hunters, Finally Farm riders swept the tricolor ribbons, with Sarah Livingston and Ne-Yo earning the championship and Elly Ficca riding Quatrain to the reserve championship.  Sarah also contested the USHJA National Hunter Derby, where she placed fifth.

"She was so excited to be champion and it was a great prep for her to do the Derby," said trainer Liza Boyd. 

By virtue of their excellent performances during the Tryon season, Elly and Quatrain earned the reserve circuit championship in the 3’3’ Juniors during the season.

While Zola Thompson was attending the Washington International Horse Show in Washington, D.C., to cheer on Stella Styslinger with O'Ryan, fellow pony rider Erica Stedler catch-rode Zola's pony Elegance and earned the Medium Pony Hunter Championship at Tryon. 

Stella Styslinger, O'Ryan and Jack Towell

"Zola's mom is on the Board of Directors of WIHS, so Zola enjoyed attending with her," said Liza. "We want to thank trainer Robin Greenwood for loaning Erica to us for the weekend and thank Erica for doing such a great job."

Stella also did a great job at Washington with trainers Jack Towell and Tamara Berkowitz. Riding O'Ryan, she earned top ribbons in the Small Junior, 16-17, section, including victory in the Handy. "Stella was also fourth in the first class and was fifth in the hack, for an excellent show," said Liza. "It was great for them to win a class. Their partnership has really come together, and a blue ribbon there is very special."

Kelly Maloney and Justified jumped to two blue ribbons at Tryon, including an impressive win in the competitive Adult Jumpers as well as the championship. "It was good to have Kelly back in the ring, as she hadn’t shown for a while," said Liza. "She didn't miss a beat!"

Brie Tiffany also had a great show and finished it up with a top-10 placing in the $10,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Classic aboard Chacor. "She was thrilled to get to do the 1.15m classic in the stadium on the big field," said Liza. "She had just one rail and was 10th."

Abigail Poss met the Finally Farm team at Tryon and scored some excellent placings in the equitation section. She guided Upset De Talma to victory in the ASPCA Maclay and to top ribbons in the WIHS Hunter and Jumper phases. "Abigail rode really well, and she's excited about focusing on the equitation," said Liza. "Next year is her last junior year, so she's already well on the way to meeting her goals and qualifying for the finals." 

Hardin Towell and New York

Hardin Towell made his mark at Tryon, as well. In addition to topping the $35,000 Suncast Welcome CSI3* aboard New York, Hardin had the fastest jump-off performance in the $130,000 FEI CSI3* BMW Grand Prix. The pair placed fifth after an unfortunate rail kept them from victory. Hardin also took fourth place in the featured Jumper class with a double-clear performance aboard Emilie De Diamont AS.

"It was so fun to have him there at Tryon, and the family was able to spend time together," said Liza of her brother. "I haven’t gotten to spend a whole week with him in a very long time."

Maddy Thatcher finished up her 2016 show season with great success in the Hunter and Jumper rings. A highlight was Maddy's reserve championship on Like I Said in the 3’3” Amateur-Owners. "I'm so happy for Maddy because she's really clicked with this mare over the past four months," said Liza. "They are really competitive, and they’ll be ones to watch in Florida in the 3’6” Amateurs."

Maddy and Summer Place also finished the season with the circuit championship in the 3'6" Amateur-Owner Hunters after blue ribbons this week, and to top it off, Maddy also dominated in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers with wins and excellent ribbons aboard Show Show, Skilliane De Varnel and Dolce Vita.

"In the Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Maddy almost defended her title but ended up second and third with Skilliane and Dolce Vita," said Liza. "Again, she was really competitive, with fast times just fractions off the winning pace. It was a great way for her to finish up the year."

Brunello Reminds The Judges Who He is at Tryon

Brunello returned to the ring for victory in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon with Liza Boyd. The Chronicle of the Horse/Lisa Slade Photo

The earlier rumors of Brunello's retirement were officially laid to rest on October 21 in Mill Spring, North Carolina, when the 18-year-old chestnut gelding galloped off with the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory. 

"People were shocked to see him, and so many people thought he was retired," said rider Liza Boyd. "Alberto paraded him around the show before the derby, and it was so great to see how much he enjoyed it all. I think the Breyer ceremony here in June, where his model was unveiled, maybe confused people, but he's not retired yet!" 

After the pair won the Derby Classic Round, they returned last for the Handy, and that's where Liza said Brunello knew it was time to shine.

"I think he won it at the first jump," she said with a smile. "I couldn't believe it, but he jumped the first jump like that last jump at the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Kentucky. It was one of those 'wowowowow' jumps. Once he did that, it was like that line in the movie Jerry McGuire: 'You had me at hello.' He reminded the judges who he was at the first jump! 

"I was in the air so long I could have had a cup of tea," added Liza laughing. "He jumped so high and beautifully. He typically likes his left lead, but this time we were turning right, and he landed right so easily, so I thought, 'OK, I’m good. I can be safe in a couple of other places because he was so amazing there."

In the end, the pair topped the class over Kelley Farmer and Kodachrome. "Kelley went all out and rode great," said Liza. "She had nothing to lose, and it was close. I took one low option and skipped one inside turn in the Handy, and she did them all. That's what makes these classes so much fun for us and for the spectators, though. There's a lot of strategizing. I was almost too conservative!"

Brunello and Liza Boyd. The Chronicle of the Horse/Lisa Slade Photo

Liza brought "Ike" to Tryon, his first outing since the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala (Florida), to try out the new grass grand prix field at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and also because Brunello's co-owner, Janet Peterson, lives nearby. 

Liza kept her plans with Ike on the low down, not knowing exactly how he'd come back after his seven-month break from the show ring. Veterinarian Diane Schiereck had prescribed a different fitness program over the summer that incorporated more trotting and less jumping, so Ike had only one jump school between showing in February and October.

"I decided I'd see how he was in the 1.10m jumper class on Wednesday," said Liza. "Part of me was thinking if things aren’t perfect he wasn’t going to show, but he jumped great. He jumped one of the last oxers and soared probably 1.30m over it. He landed on both leads and was so happy to be in the ring. He was better than ever, and I didn’t question showing him. Diane knows this horse better than anybody, and we followed her program and it was great."

Brunello with Alberto Ramirez

Even while the Finally Farm staff was preparing to leave for Tryon, Ike seemed to know something was up.

"When the trailer got there the night before, he went crazy in his stall, banging and kicking," said Liza laughing. "He really told me he wanted to go to the show. I thought, 'This is a sign.' He’s just the smartest horse I’ve ever been around in my life. He knows what people are thinking. He really wanted to go, and he got there and was in the best mood. He doesn't want to be retired yet!"

Liza was thrilled Ike had so many adoring fans greet him at the show, cheering him on in the ring and stopping by his stall to visit. "It's so neat he has such a fan club and so many people appreciate watching him," she added.

Liza credited Finally Farm Assistant Trainer Max Mandell for keeping Ike fit and happy at home while she was on the road showing. He reported in regularly to keep her updated on Ike's progress and spent ample time with the gelding doing trot sets and working through cavaletti to keep him fit and strong.

"About a month out from Tryon, I started riding him," she said. "If I would be at a show, I’d ride him on a Monday to see where he was. Even though it's typically my day off, you have to do that if you want to be prepared. Max really did a great job with the fitness flatwork. If it weren't for Max, Ike wouldn’t have been fit enough to show."

Ike will now have another lengthy break since he's not a fan of palm trees and beaches. "He gets cranky in Florida," Liza joked. "He likes to ship in, show and go home. He's set in his ways. He’ll stay in work, because at his age I think he should keep moving around even if it's just 30 minutes of trotting or tack walking. He'll get all fuzzy, grow his mane out, and he’ll look like a scruffy old man."

Finally Farm's great performances continued in the hunter and jumper rings throughout the week with Maddy and Kelsey Thatcher dominating in both rings in the amateur sections.

"Maddy was on fire this week," said Liza. "She was really accurate and was competitive on every single horse she showed."

Maddy and Like I Said earned the 3’3" Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship and Maddy took he reserve as well with Jewel. Sister Kelsey also earned a tricolor in the section (California split) aboard Escalante.

"It was fun to have Kelsey join the Finally Farm team for the weekend," said Liza. "She did an excellent job on him. He’s a Pre-Green horse, and she gave him great rides. He’ll be a lovely First Year and Junior/Amateur hunter in the future."

Maddy and Sterling jumped up to place second in the combined Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic for a great finish, giving all three of Maddy's 3'3" Amateur Hunters and her 3'6" Amateur horse Summer Place top ribbons and tricolors.

"Like I Said is finishing up her First Year Green career and it's so nice to see that she’s turning into an amazing amateur horse," said Liza. "She and Maddy have really meshed, and the mare has figured out this hunter life and is going to be one to watch in 3’6” amateurs with Maddy in Florida this winter."

Maddy and Kelsey also jumped to excellent placings in the Amateur Jumpers, with Maddy and Skilliane De Varnel wrapping it all up with the blue ribbon in the Classic. "It was impressive. You don’t see a lot of amateurs ride smooth and soft in the hunter ring and then walk right over to the jumper ring and win out of 32, like she did in the Classic. Both Maddy and Kelsey were blazing fast over there, and it was fun to watch."

Elly Fica and Quatrain continued their momentum from the Capital Challenge and collected the 3'3" Junior Hunter reserve championship and won the combined Junior Hunter Classic out of 12 entries.

"Elly's been taking lessons and home, and their partnership is getting stronger," said Liza. "It's wonderful to see her become more educated and polished in such a short time. Coming off a pony to a Junior Hunter is challenge, but it didn't take her long to get consistent on him, and it was great for her to finish out with the win in the Classic."

Ruby Sloan and Look Again also returned from Capital Challenge for more successes, earning tricolor honors in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. "I think doing so well at Capital Challenge in the WCHR Challenge gave her a big boost in confidence, and she was really consistent and rode well here."

Elegance and Zola Thompson also earned to ribbons and the reserve championship in the Medium Pony Hunter section. "Again, Zola is on a roll," said Liza. "She keeps staying consistent, and returning home from Central Park and Capital Challenge with such great results really gave her a new found confidence. It's been wonderful to see her feel so prepared and confident in the show ring."

Next up, Finally Farm riders and horses will show at the Washington International and at the Tryon Fall 6 shows.

To read more about Brunello's victory at Tryon, please see The Chronicle of the Horse article: "Brunello's Still Best in Tryon $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby."