Finally Farm Takes the Capital Challenge

The Finally Farm team traveled to Maryland for The Capital Challenge Horse Show in early October, for some the start of the East Coast Fall Indoor show season and for others the culminating event of their year.  

Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan

"Everyone did so well," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It was a good show for everybody, and I was thrilled with how the horses went, and our riders really rose to the occasion. It's a tough competition, with many of the best horses and riders in the country, so any ribbon here is truly a well-earned one." 

Liza's week started out strongly when she rode Bridget Hallman's Gala to eighth place in the Future Hunter North American Championship on Wednesday afternoon. That evening, Liza guided Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan to impressive performances in the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, presented by The Gochman Family. The duo placed third behind Scott Stewart and Catch Me and John French aboard the show's Grand Championship Hunter, Boss. 

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

"The Challenge was so much fun. O’Ryan was a blast, and he keeps stepping up and making himself famous," said Boyd, who also placed third with O'Ryan in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in August. "He gets better and better all of the time.

"It's such a fun class to compete in and great to watch," Liza continued. "I thought Scott’s horse Catch Me, who won, could have gotten 100. To be in that class with that caliber of horses and to be third was exciting."

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

Liza described the courses as challenging, with a vertical-to-vertical in-and-out and bending lines adding some technicality.

"It's a Hunter Classic with more of a derby-type feel," she described. "There was definitely a test for the riders. There was a forward five-stride line, and so out of the corner you had to be precise to find the right distance. I watched how Scott rode the end of the ring and how he held his horse out, and I thought I'd try that, too. Riding it that way, the five wasn't so forward, so it set you up for the careful in-and-out. It was nice that it wasn't your typical hunter course; it was challenging out there and good for the spectators."

Later in the week, Stella also earned excellent ribbons aboard O’Ryan as well as Invincible in the Junior Hunters, prepping her well for the remainder of the indoor shows. 

Elly Fica rode Quatrain to ribbons in the 3'3" Junior Hunters after just a short partnership. "She didn’t ride all year until August because she didn’t have a horse, and for her to hop on after showing twice and do the 3’3" at Capital Challenge and be really close was great," said Liza. "It was fun for me, too, because I have a history with that horse, and to see him now bring another kid in the barn up the ranks is so gratifying. I think it's a good partnership, and I'm looking forwad to seeing them together. He looks good and she’s happy!"

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Brie Tiffany took her two horses to contest the Children's/Adult Jumper section, which always features tough courses and competition. "She gained good experience," said Liza. "These are still relatively new horses for her, and it was great exposure for her for the indoors. She left feeling confident and ready to tackle Tryon next week."

Zola Thompson continued her fall ribbon collection during Capital Challenge with placings in the Medium Pony Hunter section aboard Elegance. Zola also took ninth in the WCHR Pony Challenge out of 33 ponies.

"Zola has come such a long way these past few months," said Liza. "To walk in the indoor arena for the first time and place seventh in the first class was impressive. And I was thrilled with her ride in the Challenge, where she earned an 82.16, and got a neck sash and to participate in the victory gallop. I couldn't be happier for Zola and all of her hard work."

Liza was equally proud of the Children's Hunter riders Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan whose Sunday afternoon performances rounded out the show. 

Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan finished third and fourth in the WCHR Children's Challenge

"They were awesome, and to be third and fourth in the WCHR Children's Hunter Challenge was great," she said. "They were really competitive, and I couldn’t believe they tied—both had an 84. It was good for them and such a great way to cap off indoors. They're not going to do Harrisburg or Washington, so it's a good way to sum up their hard work and dedication."

Just a year earlier, both were jumping 2’6”, one on a Medium Pony and the other in the Pre-Children's section, noted Liza. "Their sophistication and educated rides and the progress they've made in one year makes us feel like we’ve done our jobs," added Liza. "This was a super competitive class, and they both peaked. Everything they learned through the year came together for their biggest class of the year."

A Weekend of Ribbons and Memories at Central Park

Zola Thompson and Elegance with trainer Jack Towell

The Finally Farm family traveled up to New York City to participate in the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, held September 21-25 and returned home to Camden, South Carolina with great ribbons and greater memories.

“What a wonderful weekend for everybody!” said trainer Liza Boyd, “To sum it all up, it was about family, friends and these incredible memories everyone will have from the experience, Zola, Stella and myself, especially. It was so fun to be in the city and have our whole families all together. That never happens.”

In addition to Liza and her parents Jack and Lisa Towell, her brother Hardin traveled from the West Coast to show in the grand prix events and brother Ned from South Carolina to spectate and enjoy the camaraderie.

Zola Thompson and Elegance with the "Big Apple"

The Towells also enjoyed reuniting with relatives from Brazil who had recently relocated to New York City. And, as a “small world” moment, cousin Camilla Taylor’s choir sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies prior the $216,000 Rolex U.S. Open FEI 3* Grand Prix, where Hardin placed sixth aboard Lucifer V.

Zola Thompson’s family had much to cheer about as she guided Elegance to the blue ribbon in the $1,000 Pony Hunter Classic Exhibition, sponsored by the Gochman Family.

“Zola’s winning ride is one she’ll never forget,” said Liza of the 12-year-old. “I was so proud of her and her pony. She was so calm and relaxed, and they got to show to music, which I think made it really relaxing and fun for everyone. She went in and scored an 85, and she was so excited. She didn’t even know she’d win; she was just thrilled with her score. Zola has worked hard this year and really come into her own recently. I also want to thank trainer and owner Robin Greenwood, who has helped us so much.” 

Liza described the Central Park show as one that’s unique to the industry and that she enjoys for the sheer joy of riding and showing in the city among the skyscrapers and in the midst of a bustling big city.

“To ride your horse in the schooling area and then walk the five minutes to the show ring, riding through Central Park by yourself, is amazing. It’s so peaceful and like nothing I’ve experienced before,” she described. “It was surreal, fun and not stressful at all. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s enjoy these wonderful animals we have the privilege to ride and show and the ambiance of such a special venue.’ ”  

Finally Farm shipped Elegance and O’Ryan to the show from South Carolina, and Liza was especially grateful to Randi Button for her hard work behind the scenes as she was in charge of the challenging logistics of moving and stabling the horses between Gladstone, New Jersey and New York City.

Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan (The Chronicle of the Horse Photo)

“Randi went above and beyond, waking up at 1 a.m. to prepare the horses to leave at 3 a.m. and then taking them back at 8 p.m. that night,” said Liza. “She was amazing, and I didn’t have to worry at all; I knew the horses were in perfect care with her. She made it easy, and it kind of felt like I was on vacation.”

Stella Styslinger and Liza shared the ride aboard O’Ryan, Stella placing third in the $2,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic Exhibition and Liza taking second in the $50,000 Duchossois Cup Exhibition, both sponsored by the Gochman Family.

“Once again, the Junior hunter O’Ryan had to step up with the professional as well,” quipped Liza, who showed the talented bay to third place in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in August. “The courses were beautiful, and the jumps were lovely. I want to thank Becky and David Gochman for sponsoring the class and giving us hunter riders the opportunity to show in the city.”

Stella Styslinger and O'Ryan (The Book LLC Photo)

Stella and Zola spectated at the show last year and made it their goal to compete in 2016, both having spectacular rides in what is typically the skating rink in Central Park.

“I have to admit, they put the pressure on me,” said Liza laughing. “They both showed before me and did so well, and I said, ‘Oh my, I have to keep up with these girls!’ ”

"Girls' Weekend in the Big Apple" courtesy of Hope Glynn (left).

Liza was especially happy to have done so well in the class that paid tribute to the late Bruce Duchossois, a long-time family friend and fellow South Carolina resident. “This was a true Hunter Classic, which you don’t see all that often anymore, and Bruce would have loved it,” she said. “He was a horseman and traditionalist, and he would have enjoyed watching these great hunters show in Central Park. The horses put on fabulous performances, and the decorations and courses were beautiful, with an appreciative audience. It was truly an exciting event.”

Hardin Towell Impresses on the Longines GCT in Vienna

Above: Hardin Towell, second from left, and his Global Champions Tour teammates and Garant, below, the horse he co-owns.

Hardin Towell continued his international tour on the Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna, Austria, in September, claiming excellent results and now standing 88th with $210,651 in earnings on the 2016 tour.

From September 15-18, Vienna, the “City of Music,” hosted the Longines Global Champions Tour and new Global Champions League for the fifth year in a row. The Austrian capital is a city famous for its imperial culture, architecture, musical history and beautiful palaces. 

Hosted in a new venue this year, Trabrennbahn Krieau, the event welcomed top international riders from throughout the world to another jewel in the crown of glittering destinations. Vienna is home to many high-profile organizations, including the United Nations and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The city of Vienna has more than 27 castles and 150 palaces, including Empress Sisi's baroque former summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace. Away from the excitement of the horse show, there are museums, exhibitions, architecture, amusement parks and the famous giant Ferris wheel, Riesenrad.

Hardin Towell and Emilie De Diamant AS

In addition to enjoying the city of Vienna, Hardin enjoyed success in the show ring aboard JKG’s string of mounts. He placed third in the CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Table A with Jump-Off aboard Emilie De Diamant AS, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare. The pair jumped double clear and posted a jump-off time of 41.60 seconds, to finish just behind winner Germany’s David Will and Great Britain’s Laura Renwick.

During the event’s highlight Grand Prix, the Vienna CSI5* 1.60m, Hardin and New York jumped double clear in the initial two rounds to qualify for the jump-off. The 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding then finished 11th in the jump-off in a competitive field.

The Longines Global Champions Tour brings together the Top 30 ranked show jumpers in the world to compete in prestigious locations for unprecedented prize money. The15-event Tour offers some of the most explosive and exciting competition of any equestrian series.

The GCT proudly hosts Olympic, World and Continental Champions as they battle fiercely for the title of overall season Champion of Champions 2016 and the lion’s share of the bonus prize fund.  

To watch Hardin's fantastic performances, please visit Hardin's gallery on the GCT website.

Awesome Results at Aiken Fall Festival II

Finally Farm's Shamrock and Liza Boyd

The Finally Farm team concluded the second week of the Aiken Fall Festival with top results from the hunters to jumpers to equitation at Bruce's Field in Aiken, South Carolina. 

For the second consecutive week, Finally Farm's Shamrock topped the USHJA National Hunter Derby. "He was awesome," said trainer and rider Liza Boyd. "He won the class again wire-to-wire, and I couldn't be happier with him. He's really gaining confidence and coming into his own."

Liza also placed third on Pony Lane Farm's Escalante, a new horse that arrived a few weeks earlier. "He was bred and born out in Utah, and Maura Thatcher purchased him from a friend and sent him out to us to do the First Year Greens or Junior Hunters next year," said Liza. "He was great in the Derby, and I was really pleased with his performance. Maura came and watched him go, which was great, and he’s going to make up into an easy and brave Junior/Amateur hunter next year."

Stella Styslinger and O’Ryan finished up the two weeks at Aiken with the Grand Junior Hunter title after earning the week's championship and winning the Junior Hunter Classic. Quatrain and Elly Fica were second behind Stella and O’Ryan in the Classic, for a Finally Farm one-two finish.

As a warm-up, Liza entered O'Ryan in a 3'6" Performance Working Hunter class early in the week.  "I hadn't jumped him since the USHJA International Hunter Derby finals in August when he was third overall," she said. "When I went in and galloped down to first fence, I couldn't believe how high he jumped. I thought, 'He's jumping crazy high!' And when I came out of the ring, Alberto laughed and said he was jumping like my grand prix hunter.

Brie Tiffany and Chacor

"Then I remembered the last fence I jumped him over was that 5’1” wall in the Handy Round at the Derby Championship. No wonder he was being so careful and jumping so well!" she added laughing. "He remembered. For that horse, jumping that last jump there was great and is going to help him for indoors. He didn’t touch a jump all weekend at Aiken, and it gave us all a little chuckle."

Stella also topped the Pessoa/USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay with Centerfold K to add to her ribbon collection.

Maddy Thatcher rode to top performances in the hunters and jumpers, earning the reserve championship on Jewel in the 3’3" Amateur-Owner Hunters. She also won the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Dolce Vita and placed fifth on Skilliane De Varnel. Maddy also reunited with Sterling, who had been out for about a year, and the pair placed second in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic after earning blues in the section. "It was so exciting to have him back," said Liza. "Maddy had a big smile on her face."

Brie Tiffany was also coming off an injury and hadn’t shown since Charleston in July, but the break didn't prevent her from returning right to the top as she guided Chacor and Riad Cha Dwes Avcels to great ribbons in the High Adult Jumpers.

Maggie Hill also finished on top in her respective classic, winning the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic with an 88 in the second round aboard Parkland. She also placed second on Co Co Chanel for an excellent day. Ruby Sloan also earned excellent ribbons in the Children’s division and placed sixth in the classic aboard Look Again after earning the reserve championship in the 2'9" Special Hunters.

Zola Thompson and Elegance also claimed top honors, taking two blue ribbons on the Medium Pony section.

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Six of the blue ribbons on the Finally Farm banner this week came from the smallest rider--Elle Boyd. She earned two championships in the Opportunity section aboard Otis Spunkmeyer. "Elle showed showed both days and even cantered some of the jumps," said Liza. "She worked on mastering her courtesy circle and achieved her goals this week. It was fun seeing her gain confidence going in the show ring."

Finally Farm is now off to the Central Park Horse Show on Friday, where they'll be showing in the open, junior and pony hunters. There, they'll meet up with Hardin Towell, who has been off showing his jumpers internationally this summer. 

"Our whole family will be there, and it will be really exciting to have everyone together again," said Liza. "Hardin is just coming off a great show in Vienna on the Global Champions Tour, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him."

Shamrock Shines at Aiken Fall Festival I

Finally Farm’s Shamrock has been knocking at the door this year in the USHJA Derby classes, and during the Aiken Fall Festival I, September 8-11 in Aiken, South Carolina, he stepped through to the blue ribbon in the USHJA National Hunter Derby.

“It was so nice to have a $10,000 National Derby,” said rider Liza Boyd. “Typically these classes don’t have that much prize money, so it was great that show manager J.P. Godard did that. We really appreciated the extra incentive, and I think it brought out more horses and made it a better competition. This class had the same same feel of an International derby; it was tough enough with bending lines and turns in the handy.”

Although Shamrock is a First Year Green horse, he came from an eventing background and has spent the year adjusting to his new role as a hunter. Boyd was pleased that all of the pieces are falling into place, and her training is paying off.

“I did a little 1.10m jumper class the day before the derby as a warm up,” she explained. “I went in there to train on him, and we worked on our lead changes and half halts and sitting trot through the changes. With him, it’s all about the flatwork.”

Liza also credited her sister-in-law Margie for helping her with Shamrock. In addition to assisting Liza with Shamrock’s flatwork, Margie, a dressage rider, has spent time in the saddle with him. “She’s given me some different perspectives, and she’s helped me work on getting him stronger and straighter,” added Liza.

Shamrock and Liza won the first round of the derby and returned last for the Handy Round.

“Taylor Ann Adams and Daniel Geitner went for it in the handy, so I had to do the same thing,” said Liza. She took the two available inside turns and sliced the trot jump, with Shamrock totally in tune to her directions and guidance to clinch the win.

“This was a great experience for him,” she said. “The course had the elements of a derby, such as the hay bales and natural jumps. It was really nice for him not to have to jump so high as in an International Derby to get this experience, and he was able to put everything else together.”

Liz Fogleman’s one-year show anniversary with her horse Sawyer was a special one, as he jumped to the Pre-Green Reserve Championship. Last year at this show he made his debut in the Baby Greens.

“Looking back at photos, it’s so nice to see how he’s developed, especially his topline and neck,” said Liza. “Liz has been working with a dressage trainer where she lives, and you can tell there’s a big difference with his flatwork. We’re now going to less bit when jumping him, and he’s getting stronger.

“Liz has been very patient,” added Liza. “When you buy a 4-year-old, you have to be in for the long haul, and she’s been really working hard with him, and it’s nice to see him coming along so well. It’s been a fun process to follow and start one as a 4-year-old, and next year as a 6-year-old we’ll move him to the 3’3’ and do some National Hunter Derbies. Those classes will help prepare him for the First Years at 7.”

Liza and Liz are also planning to take advantage of the new USHJA Young Hunter sections that will debut for the 2017 show season, where Sawyer can compete against his peers.

“I know that Liz is really excited about having this new opportunity and will also aim for the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship next year,” said Liza. “It’s great to have all of these new programs that the USHJA is offering. Sawyer is the perfect example of one who is going up the pipeline after being imported as a young, green horse, and I’m excited he’ll be my trial through the pipeline.”

Other Finally Farm hunters also excelled at Aiken, with Maddy Thatcher taking excellent ribbons in the Amateur-Owner sections. She placed second, fourth and sixth in the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic with Summer Place, Jewel and Like I Said, respectively.

Reserve champion tricolors were also earned by Elegance and Zola Thompson in the Small/Medium Pony Hunters and by Elly Ficca and Quatrain in the Children’s Hunters. 

“We’re excited for this new partnership between Elly and Quatrain; I think she’s going to lease him for the year,” said Liza. “He’ll stay in the barn, and she’ll move up quickly to the 3’3” Juniors. This was her first time showing Quatrain after coming up through the ponies. She took a short break, and we’re happy to have her back in action again.”

Finally Farm assistant trainer Tamara Berkowitz won a 1.15m jumper class on Justified for owner Kelly Maloney. “I want to congratulate Tamara on her fast ride in the jump-off and how she’s developed such a nice partnership with the mare,” said Liza. “She and Kelly are doing such a good job bringing her along.”

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Liza’s daughter Elle also made a splash in the show ring, riding Otis Spunkmeyer for the first time over cross rails in the Opportunity classes. “This week she trotted in and trotted out of the lines, and her goal next week is to trot in and canter out,” said Liza smiling.  

Liza Boyd Gallops to Handy Round Victory and Third Overall in USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships

Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger celebrate O'Ryan's third-placed finish in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship

Liza Boyd may have missed her defending champion Brunello when she left him back at Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina to attend the $280,500 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Lexington, Kentucky on August 19-20. But she carried a part of him with her—she clipped a small piece of his tail and kept it in her pocket this week.

Maybe the magic of the three-time winner of the Championship worked, because Liza guided Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan to the top scores in the Handy Round (base scores of 91, 90 and 92, all four high options and handy bonus scores of 9, 8 and 10) to leapfrog up the standings from 12th into third place overall with 578 points.

In a fairytale ending, Helen Lenahan's Miss Lucy won the Championship with Kristy Herrera riding in place of Liza's good friend Jennifer Alfano, who is out of the saddle due to an injury. Powerhouse Derby rider Kelley Farmer placed second aboard Kodachrome.

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

“I'm so happy to be here," said Liza, laughing, during the press conference. "I just had fun on my Junior Hunter, and he stepped up for me, and I shed a little tear when I drove out of the driveway and gave Brunello a little kiss. I told him, ‘I can't do this without you!’ It's been six years, but tonight that horse O’Ryan stepped up for me, and I couldn't be happier."

Liza described her situation Saturday night as quite different from that of Herrera and Farmer, an interesting juxtaposition to her previous experiences aboard Brunello.

“I had a huge advantage not riding under pressure,” she explained. “I didn’t envy them. I’ve been in their shoes, and, to be honest, it was a relief not to be there. Kelley being on top and wanting it so badly for herself and her owners, Jane Gaston and Nina Moore, and all of those emotions at play. Then, Kristy had to try to fill Jen’s shoes, and those are some huge shoes to fill!

“I had it easy, and it was a very fun night for me,” she continued. “Of course I was nervous, but it was an exciting nervous. It’s such a fun class to ride in. Jen made a comment to me that really hit home; I couldn’t expect too much because most of the successful combinations in this class have strong partnerships—Jersey Boy and Jen and me with Brunello, for example. So I went in there believing in my horse and just rode the very best I could. O’Ryan is a game horse and was really amazing out there.”

Liza Boyd and Pony Lane Farm's Coronado

Liza competed O'Ryan in two derbies earlier in the year to qualify for the Championships, but she'd never jumped him over all of the high options. Nevertheless, she knew his background, his talents with Stella as a Junior Hunter, and trusted that it would all work out.

"I really had to say, 'You can do this, and I just didn’t question it at all," said Liza of her mindset going into the Handy Hunter Round. "I went into the ring thinking, 'This horse can do this.' And I believed in him 100 percent. The horse was imported by Mike Zuckerman as an equitation prospect, and then trainer Don Stewart saw him and bought him as a hunter. Knowing the horse’s history, I'm sure he’d jumped plenty big in Europe. From the Classic Round to the Handy Round, he jumped every fence better and better."

Entering the Handy Round, Liza and O'Ryan stood 12th, so she knew she had nothing to lose and everything to gain by tacking chances. In the end, she was rewarded with a round that she'll now cherish as a personal favorite.

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

"It was one of those that everything came up out of stride," she reflected. "I always like to say a few rounds stand out in a rider's mind throughout a career. Obviously, last year’s round on Brunello was the top, and then Like I Said's Handy Round at Devon this year will always be up there. It's the same with this round on O'Ryan. It's definitely in the top five of some of the best rounds I've ever had.

"Usually, you come out of the ring and we as riders are so critical of ourselves," Liza explained. "You think, 'I could have done this better or that better.' But for O'Ryan's Handy I wouldn’t have changed anything. He landed on every lead, followed through over the fences and every distance was out of stride. And, for me, that’s as good as it gets.

For Liza, the Championship may have been bittersweet without Brunello, but it ended on a sweet note. "I feel at home in that ring and in that class at night. It was a fun feeling this year," she said. "The only thing I questioned a bit was, 'Can I do this without Brunello?' It was nice as rider to know you can—yes, I missed him terribly, but now I know that I can still go on without him."

Liza also competed Pony Lane Farm's Coronado and Like I Said and Billie Steffee's Maggie May in the Derby Championship and had several catch-rides in the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship, where she earned the Pre-Green Incentive Style Award. 

Liza Boyd and Maggie May

In conjunction with the USHJA Championships, Finally Farm riders also enjoyed success during the concurrent Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

In between his Derby Championship rounds, O'Ryan carried Stella to excellent ribbons in the Junior Hunters. Maraschino and Lily Bennett topped the 3'3" Junior Hunter Championship, while Parkland and Maggie Hill won the competitive NAL/WIHS Children's Hunter Classic. Maggie also placed fourth aboard Co Co Chanel.

Blowing Rock Brings a Bonanza of Ribbons

Trainer Jack Towell at Blowing Rock

Each year the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, typically tops the list as one of Finally Farm’s favorite shows. This year’s edition proved once again why showing and enjoying the hospitality, beauty and camaraderie of this two-week show brings so many special moments and creates so many lasting memories.

Many Finally Farm riders focus their summer show schedules on Blowing Rock as an end-of-summer goal, and this year the results of hard work and dedication paid dividends.

More Memories Made: Hunt Tosh, Martha Hall, Jack and Lisa Towell

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Zola Thompson was one rider who produced some her best performances of the year in the North Carolina mountains.

Aboard her Medium Pony Elegance, Zola took top ribbons in the section and then won the Combined Pony Hunter Classic during Week 1.

“It was a huge class, and then the top 12 returned for a second round,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She had an amazing day, and she rode great. She’s come a long way this year and worked hard. She’s now well prepared for the U.S. Pony Finals (this week). We’re sending her to Kentucky with friend Robin Greenwood, and we wish her good luck and hope she has fun!”

Elly Ficca recently moved from a Medium Pony to ride horses, and her success has continued on. Aboard Black Ankle LLC’s Equanimity, whom she leased for Blowing Rock, Elly finished the show as the Children’s Hunter, 15-17, champion.

Elly Ficca and Equanimity

“She hadn’t ridden much or shown since last fall, so we were so excited to have her back,” said Liza. “She did the Pre-Children’s the first week and the Children’s the second week and got better and better. For not being in the saddle since November, I was so impressed she was able to hop on and do so well.” 

Younger Children’s Hunter rider Maggie Hill also took top ribbons, including the Circuit Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, title with Parkland and great prizes with Co Co Chanel and Tasty.

“I want to send out a big thank you to Jennifer Gates for letting Maggie lease Parkland,” said Liza. “He’s such a wonderful, experienced horse, and Maggie feels lucky to have the opportunity to have a horse like him who has taught so many riders, such as Jen and Lillie Keenan. We’re really enjoying him. I also want to thank my brother Hardin for his help. Parkland knows his job, and if you ride him well he’s right there for you. He’ll teach Maggie a lot. He really likes her, and it’s a good match.”

The strong partnership of Laura Critz and Quatrain continued to shine brightly. The pair earned the Circuit Championship in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters after earning tricolors both weeks. With Liza in the irons, Quatrain also earned the Circuit Championship in the 3’6” Performance Working Hunters.

Laura Critz and Quatrain

“It’s so fun to see a horse that was mine that really matured and turned into such a wonderful amateur horse,” said Liza. “And for him to be able to walk in the ring and also beat a lot of top open horses in the Performance section is icing on the cake.

Critz, who attends Wake Forest University in North Carolina, is another rider who chose Blowing Rock as her signature summer show before returning to college.

“I was so proud of Laura for starting in June and realizing her goal of doing well at Blowing Rock,” said Liza. “She showed in Charleston (South Carolina) the week before so she’s be well prepared, and her plan was so well thought out. Blowing Rock means a lot to her, and she made it all happen.”

“It was the best way to end summer,” added Laura.

Stella Styslinger added the Circuit Championship in the 3’6” Small Junior Hunters to the Finally Farm banner after riding O’Ryan to tricolor honors.

“Once again, he’s proven to be such a lovely horse for her,” said Liza. “They have a great partnership. She was also reserve champion on Cellino the second week, which was also a great achievement. Moving forward, I’ll do O’Ryan in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Kentucky, which I’m looking forward to doing. She’ll also continue to show him in the Juniors, with the fall indoor shows our next big goal on the horizon.”

Maddy Thatcher and Summer Place

Maddy Thatcher traveled directly from London to Blowing Rock after a study-abroad program and made the effort worthwhile with the Amateur-Owner, 18-35, championship with Summer Place.

“Maddy was great! She wasn’t too rusty,” said Liza laughing. “She was also second in the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. I rode Summer Place earlier in the week and also won both High Performances classes we did. He loves that horse show and the atmosphere there. I think there’s a lot of energy and people watching, and as a true show horse he thrives off of that. An older horse feels the excitement and jumps great, and Maddy rode him really well.”

Mary Carton Mitchener recently returned to the saddle after a back injury and guided Trinity to championship honors the first week and won the 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic. “It’s great to have her back after he injury,” said Liza. “They’re also a really good partnership and team, and I was so happy that they were successful together at Blowing Rock.”

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

On the Jumper side, Erin McGuire and Kasarr continued their amazing partnership and even enjoyed a special highlight that comes few and far between.

“I think they won every class they went in, and they retired the Spin The Night Challenge Trophy for the Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship after winning it three times,” said Liza. “That horse and Erin have a bond and such a strong relationship that they’re hard to beat. They’re fast and consistent and tough.”

Liza described Kasarr as a horse that’s become much more than anyone expected, and she credited Erin for encouraging him to go above and beyond his potential through her caretaking and carefully planning his competition schedule so he’ll peak at just the right times.

“She always looks at the big picture,” noted Liza. “I think she now has six weeks until they show again. Erin always has a goal, and she also really follows her plans and goals and figures it out way in advance. She’s at the University of South Carolina, and he lives with us. She’s also really into fitness training and teaches at the gym, and those lessons carry over to her horse.

“For instance, she’ll come out to the barn during the hottest time of day. We’ll all be done riding, and we’ll say, ‘What are you doing here?’ And she’ll say, ‘I have to ride Benny now so he stays accustomed to being ridden in the heat.’ That horse is as good as he is because he believes in her, and she believes in him. She treats him and cares for him as an athlete. He shouldn’t jump that big, but he does it for her.”

Liza wasn’t without her own accolades at Blowing Rock. She rode Pony Lane Farm’s Like I Said to the victory in the USHJA International Hunter Derby, a featured event during Week 2.

The pair hadn’t contested a derby since June, and Liza had planned for Blowing Rock to be the mare’s return and preparation for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship to be held two weeks later. She also guided Pony Lane’s Coronado to fourth and Finally Farm’s Shamrock to sixth.

“They were all a little rusty the first day in the First Year Greens,” she said. “They were a little fresh, but by day No. 2 Like I Said won the first First Year Green over fences class and Coronado won the Handy. They were starting to come around again.”

During the derby on Saturday night, Liza felt Like I Said was back on her game. The pair won the Classic Round and never relinquished the lead, winning the Handy round as well for the overall victory.

Adeline, riding, and Elle Boyd, leading, also shared the show ring spotlight with mother Liza, earning ribbons and making memories in the lead line and pony sections!

“During the Handy I did choose to do some low options,” Liza noted. “Jennifer Bliss, who was standing second, had done some low options as well, so there was no reason take the risk. She went great, and Coronado was fourth. He jumped really well, and for a 6-year-old I couldn’t be happier with how he’s going. They’ll both be set up well for the Derby Finals because of the atmosphere there. It was getting dark when we went in the Handy, and with the stands and the party going on, it was such good exposure and practice for the horses and riders to stay focused.”

Please enjoy some of our favorite snapshots from the two weeks at Blowing Rock!

Finally Farm Enjoys Summer Fun at Charleston

Zola Thompson and Maddie Tosh

The Charleston Summer Classic Horse Shows enjoyed their 25th anniversary this year, and Finally Farm riders celebrated right along with Bob Bell’s Classic Company during a week of fun in the sun just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

“Each day we got done at a reasonable hour, and everybody has a wonderful time there,” said trainer Liza Boyd who likened it to a “showcation.” “It’s a really cute show grounds, and you can go to the beach in just minutes. Jack likes the show because there are all of those roadside stands with fresh veggies. Jack likes to cook, and he always enjoys trying new recipes, such as crab cakes and other seafood.”

In addition to watching over his kitchen duties, Jack spent time at the pony ring where his riders produced excellent results. Zola Thompson showed her consistency in the Medium Pony Hunter section with the reserve championship and victory in the Classic aboard Elegance.

“Zola was great, and we were really proud of her hard work,” said Liza. “She was super consistent. Jack helped her all weekend while I was at a different ring. I think he had fun hanging out at the pony ring for a change. She’s excited because she gets to go to U.S. Pony Finals next month in Kentucky, and all of the lessons she’s taken lately have really paid off.”

Lily Bennett is also finding her stride this summer. In addition to her prowess in the Junior Hunters with Maraschino—on whom she was champion and won the Classic—Lily has further developed her jumper talents.

“Lily was second in the Children’s Jumper Classic on Zimba, which was a great, great ribbon,” said Liza. “She’s really figuring out the time allowed now and doing all of the right numbers in the lines. She really had a breakthrough at Charleston, where she was really able to go for it in the jump offs and truly understands the tighter turns and time.”

Stella Styslinger also had a great show, picking up multiple tricolor ribbons on her Junior Hunters Invincible and O’Ryan.

Jennifer Gates’ Parkland made a return to the show ring after a break and carried Maggie Hill to top ribbons in the Low Children’s Hunters. “Maggie is leasing him, and this was his first show back so he just did the 2’9” section,” said Liza. “We are so excited to have him going again and in the barn. Maggie will move up to the Children’s Hunters and eventually to the 3’3” Juniors. They’re already a great match.”

Maggie also piloted Tasty to victory in the Children’s Hunter Classic and earned the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section championship aboard Co Co Chanel. Finally Farm also retained the reserve championship in the section, with Look Again and Ruby Sloan capturing top ribbons.

After recovering from an injury, Mary Carton Michener returned to the show ring after a lengthy break to ride Trinity to excellent ribbons, including second place in the Children’s, 15-17, Classic. “We were so happy for her to come back do so well,” noted Liza.

Summer Success at Spruce Meadows

Hardin Towell and Jennifer Gates traveled to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, this summer and enjoyed ample successes at the Pan American and North American CSI5* Tournaments from June 28-July 10. 

Highlights included Jenn and Lord Levisto receiving second-placed honors on Team "Super Mario" in the 1.40m Prix des Nations during the Pan American. With Mario Deslauriers at the helm as chef d'equipe, the team of Alexandra Crown/Emperio cant Roosakker, Lucy Deslauriers/Hamlet, Hilary McNerney/Vitesse and Jenn with Lord Levisto finished just behind the Chilangos team from Mexico.

Jenn Gates and Lord Levisto (black horse) during the Nations Cup awards ceremony.

Jenn and Lord Levisto posted an impressive clear and a four-fault round to help her team clinch second place.

Hardin and Lucifer V also picked up some top prizes against some of the best horses and riders in the world. They captured fifth place in the Cargill Cup 1.55m

Hardin Towell and Lucifer V

Hardin also earned another great ribbon during the Spruce Meadows Pan American Tournament. He guided Emilie De Diamant to a double-clear performance in the WestJet Cup 1.45m for third place out of 74 starters.

Jenn also guided Cadence to excellent ribbons in the Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m classes, and she rode Luftikus S to a double-clear and fifth place in the CIBC Cup 1.50 on the Meadows On The Green, one of Saturday's featured FEI classes.

During the North American Tournament, Hardin started out the week strongly with Emilie De Diamont AS. The pair jumped double-clear to place fourth in the PwC Cup 1.55m featured FEI class.

Jenn and Caddie R jumped double-clear and placed seventh in the Purdy's Chocolatier Junior/Amateur-Owner Challenge. The following day Jenn collected another impressive ribbon with her seventh-placed finish aboard Lord Levisto in the Pepsi U25 Challenge 1.45m. 

In the week's apex class, the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup 1.60m, Hardin and Lucifer V jumped two perfect rounds and then had one rail in the jump-off for sixth place. 

In the Coril Holdings Junior/Amateur Mini Grand Prix 1.30m, Jenn placed second aboard Cadence with a beautiful double-clear performance to end the week on a great note.

Hardin Towell and Emilie De Diamant AS

Celebrating Olympic Spirit at the Atlanta Summer Classics

Chacor and Brie Tiffany competing in the Georgia International Horse Park's Stadium.

Bob Bell and The Classic Company's Atlanta Summer Classic Horse Shows, June 15-26, are always a featured stop on the Finally Farm summer show calendar, and this year the shows were even more memorable as Classic Company celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games held at the venue in Conyers, Georgia.

"Bob did an especially nice job on the shows this year," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It's the anniversary, so he decorated the stadium, including the Olympic Rings on the hillside of the stadium they used for the Games and made it look pretty. Some of their grand prix courses were the same as those used at the Games, too, so that was well thought out and neat and different than your normal show." 

Many Finally Farm riders rose to that winning Olympic spirit, including Erin McGuire, who guided her Kasarr to the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship and the Classic victory during Week 1. They also picked up impressive placings during Week 2.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

"Erin was really stellar the first week," said Liza. "She and that horse have such a great relationship. They went really fast in the jump-off of the classic for a great win. The fences were true and solid, and the high division had some impressive horse-and-rider combinations. It was a great week for her."

Lily Bennett and Maraschino continued their winning streak in Atlanta, making a clean sweep in the 3'3" Junior Hunters. The pair won all four over fences classes and topped the card in the Junior Hunter Classic during Week 1. 

Trainer Jack Towell congratulates Maraschino and Lily Bennett after one of their winning performances in Atlanta.

In addition to the strong rapport Lily has developed with the chestnut mare, Liza also credited Lily's recent mileage in the jumper ring for helping her become a more consistent hunter rider.

"Lily had many double-clear rounds with her jumpers, and so when she comes back to the hunters it seems so much easier for her," said Liza. " During Week 2, she was double clear in the classic on both of her horses, Athina and Zimba. Now she has to learn to be a little faster, but she’s making it into the jump-offs, which is fantastic."

In the 3'6" Junior Hunters, Finally Farm horses were hard to beat. With Devin Seek in the irons for the vacationing Stella Styslinger, the hunters Invincible, O'Ryan and Cellino gathered up tricolor honors during both weeks as well as Classic victories.

"Devin Seek, who trains with Don Stewart, catch rode for Stella and did a great job," said Liza. "She's a lovely rider and a great kid. She was fun, talented and is eager to learn and appreciative. We were so happy that she could help us out."

After some time out of the show ring, Maggie Hill returned during Atlanta and made up for lost time. She guided Co Co Chanel to the Children's, 14 and under, championship during Week 2 after winning three of the five section classes. 

"She started out a little rusty so she didn't show Week 1, and we practiced the whole week," said Liza. "Maggie had lots of lessons and really made a breakthrough in her riding. This time last year she'd just started with us doing the 2’6”, and her background was in eventing and dressage. She's really come so far, and this week it all came together. 

"She had learned to manage the pace and track in the hunters, but she hadn't figured out how to make the deep distance work," continued Liza. "This week we really focused on that skill and used various exercises to perfect the deep distance. As a teacher, it was fun for me to do this and see her progress. She just jumped an X, and I had her practice getting as close as possible to the base. She had no idea a horse could collect his stride and get that close to the jump. Often, kids  recognize the distance will be deep, but they don't take the pressure off of the horse and keep pushing. Often, you can take a deep distance that may be a 'C' or 'D' jump and make it a 'B' or 'B+' effort by the horse by using your body and balancing the horse. It was so much fun to see the light bulb go off and her subsequent results in the show ring."

Maddy Thatcher traveled to Atlanta for Week 1 and collected a variety of excellent ribbons before traveling to England to study abroad this summer. A highlight was her reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section aboard Jewel.

Maddy Thatcher and Jewel 

"It was also great to see her get nice ribbons on Like I Said. She was third and third the first day and then second and second over fences on the second day. That partnership is really coming together," noted Liza.

Finally Farm horses and riders will take a short break before resuming their show season at the Charleston Summer Classic Horse Shows in South Carolina. After spending a few days at Lake Oconee for Father's Day in between the two weeks of Atlanta, Liza, her husband Blake and daughters Elle and Adeline will travel to the beach while the staff rotates vacation days as well. 

"Now we’re glad to be home and have a little relaxation," said Liza. "This short break is great for everyone as well as the horses, and we'll all return refreshed and ready for the second half of the summer show season."