Fall Foxhunting and Thanksgiving Fun in Camden

Mary Katherine Farnell and Ned Towell

Mary Katherine Farnell and Ned Towell

Late November often brings families together for Thanksgiving, and at Finally Farm it's all that and more.

With the farm nestled in Camden Hunt territory, Thanksgiving time also means Opening Meet and the Blessing of the Hounds. Ned Towell and his girlfriend, Mary Katherine Farnell, enjoyed a beautiful day out hunting in and around Camden's beautiful rolling hills and looked picture perfect in their Camden Hunt colors.

They also participated in the Middleton Place Hounds' Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds at The Greensward on November 26 in Charleston.

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer leading the way!

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer leading the way!

During this week at home, the horses and riders took to the trails at every opportunity to enjoy the glorious fall weather, with Elle Boyd and her small pony Otis Spunkmeyer often blazing the way for the bigger horses. 

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Liza Boyd and her father Jack Towell taught a benefit clinic for the Camden Hunt, which was sold out and a successful fundraiser. 

"The clinic went really well, and we had three sessions with up to 11 riders per group. It worked really well with us teaching together," said Liza. "When my dad had one group on the flat, I had another at the other end of the ring. Then, when they were jumping courses we would take turns instructing the rider and then talking to those who were watching. We felt like it all worked smoothly and everyone jumped at least three full courses and learned a lot."

The Towell family also traveled to Liberty Hill for a Thanksgiving luncheon, where they enjoyed a gorgeous table set by Lisa Towell and feasting with family and friends.

In addition, Liza and Jack spent time teaching at home, with lessons for the green horses and ponies (Elle even took a turn on one of the 4-year-olds!) and the new combinations preparing for the 2018 show season.

It was a great week to share the blessings of the season and enjoy the horses in beautiful Camden!

 

 

 

  

Posted on November 28, 2017 .

Finally Farm Jumpers Dominate in Atlanta

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

The Finally Farm team may be most often recognized as a powerhouse in the Hunter ring, but the Camden, South Carolina-based show stable also makes their presence known in the Jumpers. During the Atlanta Fall Classics, November 8-19 in Conyers, Georgia, they dominated the Junior/Amateur-Owner classes, with riders Erin McGuire and Lily Bennett earning the $2,500 Queen Sales 1.30-1.40m Rider Bonus and $1,500 Queen sales 1.20m Rider Bonus, respectively.

“Erin strategically planned that all out and went for it,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “Erin sets a goal for herself and then works to achieve it. She aimed to win that award, so it was so nice that she did it. And, coming off a shoulder injury that sidelined her this year, she’s riding better than ever. Her style and position have improved so much, and she’s worked hard to get herself and her horse fit.”

Lily Bennett and Zimba

Lily Bennett and Zimba

Erin and Kasarr also earned the Arenus High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper championship during both weeks and won the Classic during Week 2 to finish out a great show.

Lily and Zimba proved consistency pays off during Atlanta. With top-three placings in most every class they contested, the pair earned the Week 2 reserve championship and Lily clinched the Rider Bonus.

“Lily and Zimba recently moved up from Children’s to the Lows, and she’s really impressing us,” said Liza. “She’s just one step away from winning those classes, and we’re looking forward to seeing the progress she’ll make in Florida. They are a great match!”

Liza experienced a comeback of sorts during Atlanta when she returned full steam ahead into the Jumper ring aboard Stella Styslinger’s Cassiana. The pair won a 1.30m open class and then placed sixth in the Horseflight Welcome Classic.

“Stella is in college now, and the mare is for sale,” said Liza. “She did the bigger jumper classes before, so we thought she should step up again. She’s so much fun to ride! In the Welcome, we did all of the inside turns, but the boys beat me. I sent my videos to my brother Hardin, and he said, ‘You chickened out! You should have left a stride out to last line, but I liked your rollback.’”

Liza estimated that it had been about nine years since she'd last contested a class with fences the size of the Welcome, and it was before her daughter Elle was born. Liza had lots of support ringside, especially from long-time employee Alberto Ramirez.

“Alberto told me I was much faster and more competitive than before I had two children,” she said laughing. “I credit the Hunter Derbies for that. I’m a better rider eight years later. I’m quicker and slice across the jumps much better and more fluid than before. Now, I really come out of the turns and go with the first distance I see, like I do in the Hunter Ring. And, I’m just a little faster on the back end, too. It’s gratifying and fun to have a goal and push myself a little bit. I was joking that I was channeling my inner Beezie Madden and Laura Kraut as I was going around!”

Liza was also pleased to welcome Ruby Sloan back to the barn after she took a one-year break from riding. The ninth-grader transitioned from the ponies to compete Libertina in the Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers.

“She hadn’t shown in exactly one year, but she came back strong,” said Liza. “She’s leasing Libertina, and we’re thankful to owner Mia Albelo for sharing this special mare with us. Ruby had never done a Jumper class and walked in that big ring in Conyers and got nice ribbons. We’re very excited about this pairing.”

Elly Ficca has also transitioned to a new mount. After an impressive year aboard Finally Farm’s Quatrain in the 3’3” Juniors Hunters, Elly is now partnered with Cleopatra’s Smile for the 2018 show season.  

Liza Boyd and Gratis

Liza Boyd and Gratis

“She’s won USHJA International Hunter Derby classes with Schuyler Riley. Elly showed her one week in the 3’3” in Atlanta and got nice ribbons. We’re thrilled that this lovely mare will be her Junior Hunter for the year," said Liza, adding that Quatrain is still looking for his next show ring partner.

Liza was also proud of another gray horse in her barn, the 5-year-old Gratis. Owned by Karen Lackinger, Gratis earned the 3’ Zone Green Hunter championship with a clean sweep and took the show reserve championship during Week 2. He also placed 10th in the $30,000 Green Hunter Classic during Week 1.

“He’s come such a long way this year. The second round of the classic was hard, with an end jump and tricky bending lines,” said Liza. “This show was a nice way to finish off the year with him. He didn’t start showing until this past spring when he started in the Baby Greens, and it’s been fun to see him progress to 3’ Greens and go straight and get his lead changes!

“Next year he’ll be ready to step up to the 3’3” Greens and the USHJA National Hunter Derby classes,” she added. “Karen’s hope is for him to be an International Derby horse one day, so I’m looking forward to that. She’s a fun owner because she’s not only a cheerleader for her horse but also for everyone in the barn.”

Sarah Ekola and Zanzibar also finished the show year strongly, taking top ribbons throughout both weeks in the 3’3” Junior Hunters.

While some new partnerships were made in Atlanta, Zola Thompson said goodbye to Elegance, the Medium Pony who carried her to countless ribbons from Florida to Central Park and the fall indoor shows in 2017. The pair concluded their time together with a blue ribbon over fences and other top ribbons.

“We were so happy to see Zola and Elegance finish with great performances,” said Liza. “Hopefully, Zola will find just as much or more success as she steps up to the Children’s Hunters next year.”

Posted on November 27, 2017 .

Hardin Towell Claims Thrilling Victory in $87,000 GroupBy Big Ben Challenge

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November 11, 2017 - Toronto, Ontario

Hardin Towell of the United States claimed a thrilling victory in the $87,000 GroupBy Big Ben Challenge on Saturday night, November 11, to close out the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.

A sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 spectators packed the Ricoh Coliseum and were treated to show jumping sport at its finest as 23 riders challenged the final track set by 2016 Rio Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. 

Eight riders, including Kent Farrington and McLain Ward, currently ranked numbers one and two on the Longines World Rider Rankings, jumped clear to advance to the all-deciding jump-off.  The night belonged to Towell, who blazed around the jump-off track with Lucifer V, breaking the timers in 38.37 seconds to snatch the win from Canada’s own François Lamontagne, 33, of St. Eustache, QC, who had stopped the clock in 40.92 seconds aboard Chanel du Calvaire.

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“This is my first time at The Royal and it was fantastic!” said Towell, 29, who also won the $35,000 Jolera International Jumper event on Tuesday, November 7, aboard another mount, New York.  “It is nice to win here because the classes are so special.  The atmosphere is amazing, and the crowd was great tonight.

“I have believed in Lucifer since I first started riding him and we really came along together,” continued Towell of the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding (Lord Dezi x Grandeur) owned by Evergate Stables that he has been paired with for four years.  “I went to my first World Cup Final with him, jumped my first five-star grand prix with him, and he has helped me get to the next level.”

Lamontagne had the Canadian crowd behind him as he gave his best effort on closing night.  For his impressive performances on home soil throughout the Royal Horse Show, Lamontagne earned the Moffat Dunlap Leading Canadian Rider Award while his mount, Chanel du Calvaire, was presented with The All-Canadian Cup as the leading Canadian-owned horse.  The All-Canadian Cup was established by the late Susan Grange and presented by the Grange family representing Lothlorien Farm of Cheltenham, ON.

“To do the international division at The Royal is a dream that I have had since I was a child,” said an ecstatic Lamontagne, 33, who is no stranger to success at the Royal Horse Show, having competed in other divisions in the past.  He topped the Jump Canada Talent Squad Final in 2011 riding Barron, a horse that Lamontagne developed and went on to win a team silver medal for the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games paired with Lucy Davis.

“It was really special to show here this week,” continued Lamontagne, who also claimed the title of Reserve Canadian Show Jumping Champion on opening weekend.  “It doesn't happen often that there are so many people that come to watch show jumping, and the atmosphere was amazing tonight!”

New Zealand Olympian Sharn Wordley rounded out the top three with a double-clear performance in the Big Ben Challenge, crossing the timers in 43.61 seconds riding Barnetta, owned by Sky Group.  The defending champion of the Big Ben Challenge, Kent Farrington, settled for fourth after posting the fastest jump-off time, 36.92 seconds, but at the expense of one rail for four faults riding Creedance for owner RCG Farm.  A crowd favourite at the Royal Horse Show, three-time U.S. Olympic medalist McLain Ward took fifth place with four faults in 37.58 seconds riding his 2016 Rio Olympic partner, Double H Farm’s HH Azur, the same mount that carried him to the coveted Longines FEI World CupTM Final title in April.

Following five days of top-calibre international show jumping competition, Towell shared the Leading International Rider title with four-time U.S. Olympic medalist Beezie Madden, who enjoyed wins in the $35,000 Brickenden Trophy on Thursday riding Coach and the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open aboard Breitling LS on Friday.

“I just took the week class by class, and it is amazing to be tied with someone like Beezie Madden at the end,” said Towell of his Leading International Rider title.  “She is one of the best in the world, and the title is icing on the cake after two wins.”

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For more information on the Royal Horse Show, which returns as the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on November 2-11, 2018, visit www.royalfair.org/horseshow.  For a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Horse Show, follow The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Facebook, @royalhorseshow on Twitter and @theroyalfair on Instagram.  Tag the Royal Horse Show using #RAWF17, #royalfever, #FEIWorldCup, #Longines, and #RideToParis.

Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.

Special thanks to Jump Media, Inc., for the press release.

$87,000 GroupBy Big Ben Challenge - Saturday, November 11

     Rider / Hometown / Horse / Faults/Time
1.  Hardin Towell / United States / Lucifer V / 0:0/38.37
2.  Francois Lamontagne / St. Eustache, QC / Chanel du Calvaire / 0:0/40.92
3.  Sharn Wordley / New Zealand / Barnetta / 0:0/43.61
4.  Kent Farrington / United States / Creedance / 0:4/36.92
5.  McLain Ward / United States / HH Azur / 0:4/37.58
6.  Daniel Coyle / Ireland / Cita / 0:4/38.75
7.  Kelli Cruciotti / United States / Hadja van Orshof / 0:4/40.74
8.  Adrienne Sternlicht / United States / Cristalline / 0:8/39.02
9.  Conor Swail / Ireland / GK Coco Chanel / 1
10.  Shane Sweetnam / Ireland / Indra van de Oude Heihoef / 4
11.  Leslie Howard / United States / Donna Speciale / 4
12. Beezie Madden / United States / Coach / 4

Posted on November 13, 2017 .

Fall Indoors is Fantastic For Finally Farm

WCHR Pro Finals Winner Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan

WCHR Pro Finals Winner Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan

From the Capital Challenge in Maryland to the National Horse Show in Kentucky, the Finally Farm clients and horses took top ribbons during the East Coast Fall Indoor show season in October and  November.

In addition to Liza Boyd's victory in the WCHR Professional Finals at the Capital Challenge, she piloted Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan to third place in the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge.

In the Pro Finals, where riders compete on two catch rides and then a horse of their choosing, Liza started out strongly. She earned an average score of 90 in the first round to move into the second place position, and an average score of 90.50 in the second round moved her to the top of the leaderboard where she would remain through the end of the class.

“I had a little bit of luck of the draw,” said Boyd of her second mount, Redfield Farm’s Carolino. “I got the horse that was a little bit nervous the first round for Scott (Stewart), and Scott did a beautiful job of warming him up for me. So, I kind of felt like the amateur rider that got to get on after the pro rode it around. Thank you, Scott!”

The 2017 WCHR Pro Finals was one of the most closely contested Pro Finals in recent memory, with scores in the first and second rounds just fractions apart. It was up to riders to set themselves apart aboard their own mounts in the handy round, and they each pulled out all the stops.

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

“We had to go for it in the handy. Everyone was amazing in the handy,” said Liza, who elected to ride her veteran partner O’Ryan. “I was actually probably the most nervous on O’Ryan, which I thought it was going to be the opposite going into, but I think Tori Colvin really put the pressure on us going first and doing those really, really hard turns.”

To read more about Liza's WCHR Professional Finals victory, please click here.

Elly Ficca and Quatrain also jumped to impressive performances during the Capital Challenge, taking fifth place in the WCHR 3'3" Junior Hunter Challenge and top ribbons in the section.

With the WCHR season concluding at the Capital Challenge, the Regional winners were invited into the ring for presentations. Finally Farm was well represented in the Southeast Region:

  • Junior 3'6" - First Place - Stella Styslinger
  • Junior 3'3" - First Place - Maggie Hill
  • Junior 3'3" - Second Place - Elly Ficca
  • Junior 3'3" - Fifth Place - Sarah Ekola
  • Handy - Tie First Place - Liza Boyd
  • Professional - Second Place - Liza Boyd
  • Pony - Second Place - Zola Thompson
  • Adult Amateur - Fourth Place - Megan Schall
  • Amateur-Owner, 3'3" - Sixth Place - Mary Carton Mitchener

During the Pennsylvania National, the success continued. Maggie Hill and Coco Chanel won a class in the competitive 3'3" Large Junior section and earned ribbons in every class. Elly Ficca and Quatrain also took ribbons in the 3'3" Small Juniors, while Stella Styslinger and her horses Cassanto and O'Ryan earned excellent ribbons in the 3'6" Junior Hunters.

Jack Towell celebrates!

Jack Towell celebrates!

Then it was on to the Washington International Horse Show, where trainer Jack Towell helped Stella to excellent ribbons in the Small Junior, 16-17, section with O'Ryan and in the Large Junior, 16-17, section with Cassanto, including a second place in the Stake Class.  

"Washington was a little bittersweet. It was Stella's last show as a junior, but her second place was a great round and great way to end up," said Liza. "She’s enjoying UVA, but it's a little sad that she's done with the juniors. She'll take some time off now and get back going in spring or summer as an amateur."

While Washington was going on, Liza took a contingent of horses and riders to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, where they enjoyed beautiful fall weather and a fun horse show.

In addition to riding her Justified in the Adult Jumpers, Kelly Maloney returned to the ring aboard her long-time partner Fieona. "We put her back in the jumper ring, and it was so much fun," said Liza. "Fieona has done the Hunter Derbies with me and the Adult Hunters, and she hadn't been a jumper in years. Kelly bought her as a 5-year-old, and she became Hardin’s grand prix horse and my derby horse. In the Adult Jumpers, she looks so happy out there. She does it like she’s cantering around the derby course with good style and going around like a hunter."

Jack Towell, Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Jack Towell, Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Finally Farm also welcomed new client Amy Nolan, of Wilmington, North Carolina, to the barn. She keeps her horses at home and will meet Finally Farm at the shows.

"She rode great and was champion on her horse Curuba in the Adult Amateur, 36-49, section, and she got nice ribbons on her other horse, Extra Credit. We're very excited to have her in the barn!"

Lily Bennett and Zimba continued their top performances in the Low Junior Jumpers. They placed second in every outing to earn the reserve championship.

"She was so solid in every class," said Liza. "It was tough competition and technical courses. She even had one day on international field, which was fun. She’s getting really competitive, and it’s great."

Elle Boyd and her first Classic blue ribbon!

Elle Boyd and her first Classic blue ribbon!

Likewise, Elle Boyd is showing her consistency in the show ring and won the Short Stirrup Classic with Otis Spunkmeyer.   

"It was so exciting, and I was so proud of her," said Liza. "It was a cold and windy day, and they didn’t show until 4 p.m. She had a little rough time in first class, but then she was tough. It was a long course, and I never thought she’d remember it, but she did. She rode well, and she was proud of herself! It was her first Classic and she won!"

The indoor show season culminated at the National Horse Show in Kentucky, where Quatrain and Elly Ficca starred during their final competition together. The pair won both over fences classes the first day in the 3'3" Junior Hunters and ultimately earned the reserve championship.

"How exciting it was that Elly and Quatrain ended their partnership with such a fantastic finish," said Liza. "Elly is moving up to the 3'6" Juniors next year, so Quatrain is now available for the next rider to win on!" 

In addition to enjoying the horse shows, the Towell and Boyd families celebrated the wedding of Blake Boyd's younger sister Margie. She and Aaron Warren were married in Camden, South Carolina, and Elle and Adeline served as flower girls.

Special thanks to the Finally Farm team for all of the wonderful behind-the-scenes photos in the gallery below!

Posted on November 7, 2017 .

Liza Boyd Claims WCHR Pro Finals Title

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Watch Liza Boyd's winning Handy Hunter Round aboard Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan during the $5,000 WCHR Pro Finals!

Upper Marlboro, Maryland – Professional hunter competition concluded on Friday, October 6, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by World Equestrian Center, with the heralded $5,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Finals.

The top six professional hunter riders in the country went head-to-head over three rounds, before Liza Boyd, of Camden, South Carolina, emerged victorious at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center.
 
Boyd, Victoria Colvin, Tracy Fenney, John French, Scott Stewart and Hunt Tosh each contested the first two rounds on a borrowed horse donated for the class before bringing a horse of their own into the ring for the third and final Handy Hunter round.
 
Boyd earned an average score of 90 in the first round to move into the second place position and an average score of 90.50 in the second round would move her to the top of the leaderboard where she would remain through the end of the class. 

Liza Boyd won her second WCHR Professional Finals title aboard Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan.

Liza Boyd won her second WCHR Professional Finals title aboard Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan.

“I had a little bit of luck of the draw,” said Boyd of her second mount, Redfield Farm’s Carolino. “I got the horse that was a little bit nervous the first round for Scott (Stewart), and Scott did a beautiful job of warming him up for me. So, I kind of felt like the amateur rider that got to get on after the pro rode it around. Thank you, Scott!”
 
The 2017 WCHR Pro Finals was one of the most closely contested Pro Finals in recent memory, with scores in the first and second rounds just fractions apart. It was up to riders to set themselves apart aboard their own mounts in the handy round, and they each pulled out all the stops.
 
“We had to go for it in the Handy. Everyone was amazing in the Handy,” said Boyd, who elected to ride her veteran partner O’Ryan, owned by Stella Styslinger. “I was actually probably the most nervous on O’Ryan, which I thought it was going to be the opposite going in, but I think Tori really put the pressure on us going first and doing those really, really hard turns.”
 
To add to the pressure, Boyd was aiming to better the leading point total posted by her close friend Tosh. The two had flip-flopped wins during the week, and Boyd was ready to take her turn.

“I did not want to do that left lead to the first jump at all—the angle that Tori did started the trend,” Boyd said. “Actually, when we walked the course, we didn’t even think about that. I almost didn’t do it, but then Hunt was so good, and I kind of wanted to beat him. We have had a little rivalry since the [age] 12-14 days, where I did win.”

“We have a picture to prove it,” added Tosh with a laugh.
 
“Then, this week, he beat me by half a point in the 3’6” Performance, so I was like, ‘I’m getting you tonight buddy, sorry,’” Boyd added with a smile.
 
Tosh collected the reserve championship title after riding Betsee Parker’s Gotham to a brilliant Handy Hunter round.
 
“It’s always a fun class,” he said. “We always laugh and tell jokes and try to help each other out a little bit or make each other nervous—I don’t know which it is! We had a good time.”
 
Following the conclusion of the class, Scott Stewart’s mount Private Life, owned by Betsee Parker, also received the Shapley’s Best Presented Award. The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy, donated by the Karazissis Family and given to the donated horse with the highest cumulative points of the WCHR Pro Finals, was presented to Falcon, owned by The Barracks.  

Check out the Capital Challenge Daily Update, below, for more results!

Posted on October 8, 2017 .

Finally Farm Shines at Rolex Central Park Horse Show

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"It was one of those shows that just doesn’t happen very often," said Liza Boyd of Finally Farm's domination during the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, held September 20-24 in New York City.

The show couldn't have started out better after Hardin Towell and his student Jennifer Gates captured two major jumper victories to start the week. Hardin topped the $40,000 U.S. Open CSX FEI Speed Class aboard Evergate Stables' Lucifer V. 

Hardin Towell and Lucifer V

Hardin Towell and Lucifer V

Hardin and Lucifer V, a 2006 Westphalian gelding (Lord Pezi x Grandina), improved upon their third-placed finish last year and clocked a jump-off time of 53.53 seconds. Hardin was the last entry on course and ultimately overtook Daniel Bluman (ISR) aboard Bacara D’Archonfosse, a 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Asca Z x Queen D’Archonfosse) owned by Kim Douglas and Alexa Schwitzer, who stopped the clocks in 55.75 seconds. 

"I felt the course was nice," said Hardin. "It had a twisty turning start, but it wasn’t so big and my horse has been jumping big classes all year. Tonight was a very competitive class, but I had a lot of confidence in my horse, so I took some shots and it was fantastic. I felt he was pretty quick to the second-to-last jump, and I thought my turns were nice. Last week at the American Gold Cup I only got third, but I didn’t trust my horse or myself through the first line, and in the second line I had the third jump down. I would’ve ended up third even if I’d gone clean, so today I decided to believe in my horse. I felt fast today and I knew it was quite good.”

Hardin and Lucifer also placed an impressive second to Kent Farrington riding Creedance in the U.S. Open $216,000 Grand Prix CSI3*, presented by Rolex, and Hardin earned the Leading Rider Award. He noted that Lucifer’s consistency has become one of his greatest strengths, and that trait paid dividends at Central Park.

In the U.S. Open $25,000 Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix, Jennifer Gates, of Seattle, Washington, jumped to a speedy double-clear performance aboard Alex for the win. Aboard the 2004 Westphalian gelding (Arpeggio x Marilu) owned by Copernicus Stables LLC, Jennifer bested the class of 13 entries with a jump-off time in 27.14 seconds.

Jennifer Gates and Alex

Jennifer Gates and Alex

“I thought that the first round was really well done,” said Jennifer. “I was really happy with it. I thought Alex helped me out a bit in the first round, so I was really lucky to come in with him for the jump-off and be able to go that fast. I was trying to just come out and go as fast as I could, so I’m really happy with his performance tonight.”

The pair have been together since July, and this is their fourth show together. “I was very lucky to get the ride on this horse. He’s one of the coolest ones I’ve gotten to ride," she said. "He just goes into that ring and does his job. He’s such a sweetheart in the barn; I’m hoping to grow our partnership and work on being a bit faster.”

Hunters Take the Big Apple Stage

Liza followed up on her brother's success with victory in the U.S. Open $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family and Betsee Parker, aboard Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan. 

Walking through Central Park to the horse show

Walking through Central Park to the horse show

"It was a special win, and I’m not sure why, but I got a bit emotional when they threw the cooler over O'Ryan's back," said Liza, who considered the late Bruce Duchossois a dear friend. "I think it was also being in the city with my family and the unique energy there. Showing at Central Park is really exciting if you have the right horse, and walking through Central Park to the schooling area is really amazing."

Liza described the two-round class as a fun but serious competition, and she particularly liked the format of the show. "Being able to focus on one ring and one class I feel is a little taste of what the jumper riders are used to when they attend the FEI events," she said. "We're so used to running from ring to ring, that this was special. We were able to spend time back at the barn talking and hanging out. The Tosh family even had time to take Elle to the Central Park Zoo, so that was quite fun for her."

Liza enjoyed course designer Bobby Murphy's track. "There were pretty jumps, but only so much you can do there with the size and shape of the ring," she said. "The course wasn't technical, but it was mostly verticals, so the biggest challenge was not to rub the fences. With the atmosphere there, though, it was enough of a challenge just walking into the ring!"

After the first round, Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy held the lead with Liza and O'Ryan second by 1 point. "Miss Lucy just loves that venue. I'm amazed at how she can keep that height over those smaller jumps," said Liza. "She went the best in the first round and was beautiful,"

In the second round, Hunt Tosh set the pace with a score of 89, so Liza knew she had to go for it. "I thought, 'OK, now the judges are throwing out high scores, so you have to make sure you keep the height and be bold.' I tried to gallop enough but tried not to let him get strung out or get a rub. I thought he jumped better the second round. He had nice height through the in-and-out, and then I did gallop to the last jump to finish off with flair, and he went great and got the 90. We were on top."

O'Ryan and Liza Boyd with father Jack Towell, daughter Elle and presenters, from left, Katherine Bellisimo and Becky and David Gochman.

O'Ryan and Liza Boyd with father Jack Towell, daughter Elle and presenters, from left, Katherine Bellisimo and Becky and David Gochman.

As she walked out of the ring, Jen entered aboard Miss Lucy. Due to the way the ring is set up, Liza wasn't able to watch Miss Lucy go as she walked back to the schooling area. 

"I was really happy with my performance, so I thought if I’m first or second that would be great," she said. "Jen had last year off due to her knee injury, so I would be just as happy if I won or if she did.  In the end, it was basically splitting hairs because I won by half a point. 

Liza Boyd and Jen Alfano 

Liza Boyd and Jen Alfano 

"Jen and I are great friends and walk these courses together and cheer each other on. This year we added Hunt to the mix, and that was great. We laughed, because we almost gave him too much information since he'd never been here before and almost beat us!" she joked. "But that's the fun part about the sport, these great friends. Having the three of there at the press conference was wonderful, and it didn't matter which one won. We were all cheering each other on. I think that this event brought that out in us because we were able to spend so much quality time together."

Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Even though Stella Styslinger is a busy freshman at the University of Virginia, she made the Central Park Horse Show a major goal. And the time and effort she put into preparation paid off with the victory in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic aboard Cassanto. 

"I'm so happy for her," said Liza. "Stella did this class last year and was third on O’ Ryan, so she understood the format. She rode beautifully, went in with confidence and stuck to the plan we had. In the schooling area, which is quite small, she had a couple of mistakes, but she didn’t let that bother her. I was so proud of her."

Pony rider Zola Thompson took fifth place in the Pony Hunter Classic aboard Elegance. "She rode really well, was relaxed and focused, and the pony jumped great. She left very confident, and the show was great preparation for the fall indoor shows ahead of her."

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Although there were many people who contributed to Finally Farm's success at Central Park, Liza cited the most important person to thank is Katie Wood.

"We had it easy compared to Katie. She’s the one who was out at Gladstone with the horses, and her hours were crazy," said Liza. "She came to the horse show and worked all day long. Between preparing and shipping the horses from New Jersey to the show, she was up for 26 hours straight. She went above and beyond, and I can't thank her enough for having all of the horses so well prepared and beautifully turned out. She made it all happen." 

Special thanks also to James Parker and The Book LLC photographers Vicci Valenti and Sam MacDonald for the amazing photos that truly captured the moments and memories that we'll cherish forever!

Posted on September 28, 2017 .

Fun For Finally Farm at Aiken Fall Festival

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The Finally Farm team spent two weeks at the Aiken Fall Festival at Bruce’s Field, September 7-17, and enjoyed ample victories, great accomplishments and rewarding returns.

After having shoulder surgery over the summer, Erin McGuire returned to the show ring aboard her Kasarr. They captured the Low Amateur-Owner Jumper championship and Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic during Week 2 after earning the reserve championship and taking second place in the classic during Week 1.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

“It’s so exciting that Erin is back,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “It was as if she’d never left. Throughout her rehab she was so smart about everything and is crazy about her fitness. I think she’s stronger than ever, and she was so aware of coming back and keeping herself fit. That certainly helped her return so successfully.”

Finally Farm’s 3’3” Junior Hunter riders continued to be a force, taking tricolors and classic wins both weeks.

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Zola Thompson and Elegance

“All three riders, Elly Ficca, Sara Ekola and Maggie Hill, finished the two weeks as grand champion, champion and winners of the classic,” said Liza. “They all had a great last day and had their photo with Jack (see above). It’s a nice way to get set up for the fall indoor shows.”

Zola Thompson not only earned Medium Pony Hunter tricolors both weeks, but she was also featured in The Chronicle of the Horse magazine. The article, titled: “Big Apples For Small Ponies: The Five Most Important Lessons From Zola Thompson,” interviewed Zola about her preparations for the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. Click here to read what Zola had to say about her ponies, role models and future goals!

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Elle Boyd also made great strides in the pony ring during Aiken, stepping up to top performances the Short Stirrup section with Otis Spunkmeyer.

“I’m really proud of her,” said Liza of her daughter. “The first week there were nine in the classes, and she got low ribbons. And she said to me, ‘Mom, I was last in every class.’ I told her, ‘You get out what you put in. You were doing great, but lately you’ve been coming home from school and trail riding or riding bareback.’”

Elle thought about her mom’s advice and stepped up her game for Week 2. After a few focused lessons, Elle was better prepared for her classes.

“She came to the ring so ready the next day,” said Liza. “Unfortunately, she was the only one in the division. But we took it very seriously! She worked hard on riding her corners correctly for the lead changes and improved and had a great time. I thought, ‘Who cares about the competition?’ In the end, I just want these kids to learn and improve their skills.”

Megan Schall and Frederica also stepped up during Aiken and into the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter section. They were more than ready, as the pair finished the two weeks with the Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship.

Megan Schall and Frederica

Megan Schall and Frederica

“Megan and Frederica also did their first USHJA National Hunter Derby, and they were great,” said Liza. “She’s riding amazing, forward and accurate, and the mare has really blossomed after switching over from being a jumper to a hunter. Meg’s really bonded with the mare, too. She’s always out hand grazing her and loves her horse.”

Stella Styslinger just entered her freshman year at the University of Virginia this fall, but she took the time to travel to Aiken for Week 2 as preparation for the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. She earned ribbons on Cassiana in the High Children’s Jumpers, was champion on Cassanto in the 3’6” Junior Hunters and won a class on O’Ryan.

Finally Farm's next stop is the Rolex Central Park Horse in New York City!

Posted on September 21, 2017 .

Hardin Towell Claims Third in The American Gold Cup

Hardin Towell and Lucifer V

Hardin Towell and Lucifer V

Hardin Towell is well on the way to qualifying for his third Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final after placing third in the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W.

The American Gold Cup is one of only seven events that comprise the East Coast division of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Top equestrian athletes compete in the league at events all across North America in order to qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, to be held in Paris, France, April 10–15, 2018.

The 2017 American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm came to an end on Sunday, September 17, as some of the world’s top international show jumping athletes competed for the coveted American Gold Cup trophy.  The United States claimed the top prize for the second year in a row as Devin Ryan secured the victory aboard the 8-year-old KWPN gelding Eddie Blue.

The top 39 athletes from Friday’s $86,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier CSI4*-W, presented by Windsor Show Stables, came forward to compete on the Grand Prix Field in Sunday’s grand finale over two challenging tracks designed by Alan Wade and Nigel Jess.

The large first round course utilized the field’s natural slopes and hills to test athletes over a series of 14 obstacles, where a majority of faults were collected through the Longines triple combination (oxer-oxer-vertical). Five combinations advanced to the jump-off after producing clear efforts in the first round.

Brianne Goutal (USA) kicked off the tie-breaking round with Remarkable Farms LLC’s Nice De Prissey. The pair won the 2013 American Gold Cup together but concluded Sunday’s competition on 4 faults in 40.12 seconds, which would garner them fourth place in the final standings.

Canada’s Mario Deslauriers and Bardolina, owned by Wishing Well Farm, LLC, experienced an unfortunate parting of ways at the third element of the eight-fence jump-off, resulting in an elimination. Both horse and athlete received a round of applause for their efforts after immediately getting back on their feet and reuniting.

Just coming off their recent win in the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament’s $75,000 Agero Grand Prix at the end of August, Ryan and Eddie Blue, owned by LL Show Jumpers, LLC, claimed the first clear performance of the jump-off. They blazed around the short course in 37.75 seconds, knowing world number three ranked show jumping rider and New York native McLain Ward (USA) would be following him in the order-of-go.

Ward and HH Callas, owned by Double H Farm, took their turn on the Grand Prix Field next, also finishing clear but one second behind Ryan in 38.34 seconds. Jack Towell and Evergate Stables LLC’s Lucifer V were the final challengers of Sunday’s main event. They posted the fastest 4-fault effort in 39.51 seconds for third place, while Ward took home second place honors.

Special thanks to The American Gold Cup and Phelps Media Group for the press release.

Posted on September 18, 2017 .

Summer Fun For Finally Farm

The Finally Farm team took a well-earned break after the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive and Derby Championships in August, with family members and friends enjoying the recent eclipse by horseback and some taking a trip out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a different equine experience!

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    Summer Break!

                          Time for some fun in the sun!

Posted on September 1, 2017 .

USHJA Championship in Photos

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USHJA Championships

Kentucky Horse Park - August 2017

Team Finally Farm spent the week of August 14-20 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, which featured the USHJA International Hunter Derby and USHJA Green Hunter Incentive championships.

It was a great week, with lots of wonderful performances from the young and green hunters to the veterans O'Ryan and Cassanto, who made it to the Section A Handy Hunter Round under the lights on Saturday night.  

USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship

Elizabeth Fogleman's Sawyer

Megan Schall's Frederica

Kelley King's Refined


USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship

Stella Styslinger's Cassanto and O'Ryan

Finally Farm and Westerly Farm's Clemens

 

Posted on August 25, 2017 .