WEF 10 Brings the Luck of the Irish to Finally Farm

It was fitting that the week of St. Patrick’s Day, and the 10th week of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, March 15-19 in Wellington, Florida, would see good fortune come shining down on Shamrock.

Maggie Hill and Shamrock earned their first blue ribbon on the WEF circuit, taking an over fences victory in the 3’3” Junior Hunter section as well as other nice ribbons. Shamrock also scored an 89 for the top call in a 3’3” Performance Working Hunter class with trainer Liza Boyd earlier in the week.

“Maggie was great. Her other horses had the week off, so she focused on Shamrock and got better and better each day,” said Liza. “The 3’3” is challenging down here when the division isn’t split, so that was a great win for them.”

Liza described Maggie’s rides as increasingly smooth and seamless. “The difference between Day 1 and 2 was her riding in between the fences. In that division, with that many great horses and riders, it’s not just being accurate to the jumps. You have to have those invisible aids. She also let him poke his nose out, and it was a beautiful hunter picture,” she noted.

Elly Ficca also brought nice ribbons back to the barn from the 3’3” Junior Hunters aboard Quatrain. They earned a second, fourth and fifth with consistent performances.

Cassanto once again starred in the Large Junior, 16-17, section, earning the championship with the team effort of riders Stella Styslinger and McKayla Langmeier.

“Stella couldn’t get to the show the first day due to school commitments, so we want to thank McKayla for showing him the first day,” said Liza.

Stella also continued her blue-ribbon streak aboard O’Ryan, once again winning the Small Junior, 16-17, stake class. “So that was a good way to finish the week, with an 87 score,” said Liza. “They were fantastic.”

With the circuit winding down, two Finally Farm horses finished their time at WEF with accolades.

Kelly Maloney and Justified placed fourth in the $10,000 Masters Jumper Classic and earned a blue-ribbon clear for a great finale. In addition to taking home lots of ribbons, Kelly also made great inroads in her riding and partnership with her homebred mare.

“They were really consistent, and it was wonderful that the riders in that division get to compete in so many different rings down here,” said Liza. “Kelly rode a lot of different types of courses in many rings with a variety of course designers. That’s great mileage.

“We also ended up discovering that Justified likes to go in a hackamore,” added Liza. “She would tend to toss her head at times, so we used some different bits during the circuit. Kelly suggested a hackamore, and it worked really well for the last three weeks.”

Mary Carton Mitchener with trainer Jack Towell and Trinity

Mary Carton Mitchener’s Trinity also returned home to Camden, South Carolina, after capturing top ribbons in the 3’3’ Amateur-Owner Hunters, including third in the stake class during Week 10.

“Especially this past week, the courses in the hunter ring have been challenging, with lots of bending lines and different types of courses,” said Liza. “This week the division classes included some derby-style questions. Even for the pros, we had an oxer-to-oxer bending line to start with, which was fun. Mary Carton will go home with great exposure and is set up to shine for the Aiken Spring Shows at home.”

This year, in particular, Liza has been pleased with the consistency and mileage the Finally Farm team garnered as many riders and horses were able to spend additional time in Florida. Having access to a practice ring also allowed for more lessons and training outside the show ring.

“During a year like this, we get to learn a lot about the horses,” she said. “Yes, we’re able to practice at home, but I think it’s different getting experience in the show ring and having the opportunity to do your homework in between the shows. You and your horse learn and incorporate the pressure of competing, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Callahan Continues His Ribbon Collection During WEF 9

Callahan continued his collection of tricolor ribbons during Week 9 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, March 8-12 in Wellington, Florida.

Joann Loheac's 7-year-old Oldenburg earned the reserve championship in the 3' Green Hunters for the second consecutive week, taking a win over fences and other top ribbons in a field of 28 with Liza Boyd in the irons. The pair also placed third in the USHJA Green Incentive.

"Callahan is a wonderful young horse, with so much talent," said Boyd. "He's so solid now at 3' that he'll move up to the 3'3" height next week. I'm thrilled with him."

Boyd was also thrilled to watch as Maraschino and Stella Propp forged a new partnership. Stella just purchased Maraschino, and they made their debut a winning one in the 3'3" Junior Hunters. After blue ribbons over fences and in the under saddle—along with other impressive placings, the pair concluded their first show together with a section championship.

"I want to congratulate Stella and trainer Joey Currais on the purchase of 'Cherry' and also for such a wonderful start," said Liza. "Stella trains with Joey but will keep Cherry with us at Finally Farm for the rest of the WEF circuit as she gets to know her and before they return home to New Jersey. It will be a join effort and a lot of fun to watch them get to know each other."

Another new face joined the Finally Farm team this week with Megan Schall's purchase of Frederica, a 7-year-old Westphalian mare (Cristallo I--Penny Lane).

Megan, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, will show Frederica in the Adult Amateur Hunter section while Liza campaigns her in the Green Hunters. During WEF 9, Frederica and Liza scored an 88 in the Rost Arena, an impressive start to their career together.

"She's super brave, and I think she’ll go on to do the derbies and be a great Amateur-Owner horse," said Liza of the flashy bay mare. "She's a good mover, and her brain is exceptional. She takes very little preparation, loves her job and is a lovely mare to have in the barn. I look forward to seeing how far she goes in the sport."

Megan and Frederica also made their debut, with ribbons in the Adult Amateurs. In addition, Megan competed Fenway to top placings, with a second and third over fences in the competitive Adult Amateur, 18-35, section B.

Top scores also abounded for riders Maggie Hill and Stella Styslinger.

"Maggie was super consistent through the week, with solid 80s and nice ribbons in every class," said Liza. "I was really proud of her, especially for her consistent riding through the more technical courses, handy classes and bending lines."

Stella Styslinger's highlight was a score of 89 on O’Ryan to win the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, Stake class.

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer kept their momentum going in the Short Stirrup section.

"Elle was so good this week," said Liza. "She was second, third and fourth in her three classes. What I loved most, though, was what she said afterward. Now that she's remembering her courses, she said it's so much fun. And I said to her, 'I'm so glad you're having fun.' And she replied, 'Why would we do this if we didn't have fun?'"

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

WEF 8 is Rewarding For Finally Farm

Callahan made his presence known in the 3' Green Hunter section, taking reserve championship honors and second place in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive class in just his second outing on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, on March 1-5.

Owned by Rolling Hills Show Stables, Callahan is a bay 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding.

"He was great this week and so brave," said rider Liza Boyd. "He went in the Rost Arena and just marched around. He scored in the mid- to high-80s in each round, which was wonderful."

Liza credited owner Joann Loheac of Rolling Hills Show Stables for preparing him so well.

"Joann picked him out and has brought him along since he was a young horse with lots of flatwork," noted Liza. "He’s a striking horse, quite pretty with lots of show ring presence, which I love about him. He's quite a good jumper and is for sale, so someone will have a super nice show hunter."

Sarah Ekola and Zanzibar picked up their second reserve championship in the Children's Hunter, 15-17, section.

"Sarah and Zanzibar are really clicking, and they'll shortly move up to the 3'3" Junior Hunters," said Liza. "She's leasing Zanzibar from trainer Jim Hagman, and I want to thank them for such a wonderful horse. Sarah will have lots of fun this year with him."

Stella Styslinger added a new mount to her string with the purchase of Cassiana. Not to be confused with her top Junior Hunter Cassanto, her new horse will take a starring role in the jumper ring.

"They started out with nice ribbons in the 1.10m Children's Jumpers, and I couldn't be happier," said Liza. "I want to thank Brady Mitchell for helping to pair them up. She's a nice mare, and I think Stella will have a lot of fun learning the ropes in the jumper ring. The mare had good experience in Europe, so she came here ready to go. It will be exciting to have Stella in the jumper ring, too."

After last week's success in the Children's Hunters, Maggie Hill and Shamrock moved up to the 3’3” Junior Hunters and collected ribbons in two classes.

"I was especially thrilled with their sixth place in the Handy round," said Liza. "It was their first Handy together, and they were quite competitive in the field of 31 horses. Maggie also scored an 87 on CoCo Chanel and was third in the Stake class. Just to be up there and getting scores like that is quite an accomplishment."

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Perseverance Pays Dividends For Finally Farm During WEF 7

Trainer Liza Boyd instructs Maggie Hill with Shamrock.

The Finally Farm team of Camden, South Carolina, may have had a smaller string of horses showing during Week 7 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit than during WCHR Week 6, but their results were just as big.

Maggie Hill made her WEF show ring debut aboard Finally Farm's Shamrock and was rewarded with great performances and ribbons in the Children's Hunter, 14 and under, section, including a second, fourth and fifth over fences out of 26 entries.

Trainers Jack Towell and Liza Boyd shipped Shamrock to Florida at the start of the 12-week circuit in January, but they employed a different plan with the 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Comte--Etienne), leased by Maggie.

Although Shamrock is technically a 3'9" Green Hunter, he came from the eventing world last year and has less hunter experience than most of his peers.

"We didn't want to hurry them to the ring, so our plan was for Maggie to take lessons and work with Shamrock until the time was right," said Liza. "We weren't in a hurry. It took us seven weeks down here to focus on getting him where we wanted him. We didn't want the pressure of teaching him at the same time we were showing him."

Instead of competing, Maggie took lessons aboard Shamrock where they concentrated on flatwork and gymnastics, integrating lots of transitions, counter canter and focusing on Shamrock's confidence and Maggie's position.

"Through gymnastics, Maggie learned to control her body and that helped Shamrock learn how to handle the deep distance and the chip," explained Liza. "When I showed Shamrock last year, I held his hand a bit, so it was time for him to take that next step. It was a fun process to watch and for Maggie to experience."

Liza showed Shamrock one day in the 3'3" Performance Working Hunters, placing first and second out of 25 entries, before Maggie took over for the Children's section.

"They got better and better every class," said Liza. "So that was gratifying for her. I think the progress they made meant more to Maggie than winning a class on one of her made horses. She's been a big part of producing that horse, and she feels like he's her baby. It was so cute to see all of that happen and the partnership develop. Shamrock came out of the ring so happy, self assured and proud of himself. It was fun for all of us!"

Elly Ficca continued her momentum from WCHR Week 6 and scored great ribbons aboard Quatrain in the 3'3" Junior Hunters, winning an over fences class and receiving other top ribbons.

Libbie Gordon also showed Elegance to excellent ribbons in the Medium Pony section for Zola Thompson, who was unable to attend Week 7. "I want to give a big thank you to Libbie!" said Liza. "We really appreciated her nice rides."

Trainer Liza Boyd and daughter Elle at work.

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Finally Farm Enjoys Sweet Success during WCHR Week at WEF 6

Highlights abounded for Finally Farm horses and riders during the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit Week 6, the WCHR CSI 3*, held February 15-19 in Wellington, Florida.

The $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular was a featured event, and once again Liza Boyd didn't disappoint. The three-time winner of the class, now in its 21st year, placed third aboard Lily Bennett's Maraschino with two brilliant performances under the lights of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center's International Ring.

"She really stepped up, and I was so proud of her," said Liza of the 10-year-old chestnut warmblood. "McKayla Langmeier showed her during the week in the Junior Hunters, and I had a good feeling about her going in there. She's 10 now, old enough and experienced, so I could ride her boldly."

That decision proved to be a great one, as Maraschino rose to the occasion, even making up for Liza's fall from Cassanto earlier in the first round when he bucked and played after a particularly brilliant jumping effort.

"Thankfully, I had Maraschino to redeem myself! After I fell off Cassanto, I got mad but in a good way. I said, ‘Come on mare—you can do this!’ Our philosophy is that third place in that class was like a victory," Liza said. "Catch Me, the horse that won with Scott Stewart, is in a league of his own, Scott's an amazing rider, and Private Life was great, too. Being on a veteran Junior Hunter, I chose to make it a bit more exciting and really go out there and be bold.”

Jack Towell and Liz Fogleman cheer on Liza and Maraschino during the WCHR Spectacular.

Liza added: "Now that Lily is doing the jumpers, Maraschino is for sale, and I know she'll make someone an amazing Junior or Amateur horse. She's also more than capable of doing these big classes under the lights, which is great. She's really an amazing horse."

Unlike a USHJA International Hunter Derby, the WCHR Hunter Spectacular is a Hunter Classic, therefore it doesn't include a Handy Round. Nevertheless, Liza chose to take some tighter turns and show off Maraschino's bravery in Round 2, which certainly impressed the spectators and judges. Strategizing in Hunter classes is a skill that Liza and her father Jack Towell take seriously.

"We knew that if Catch Me went well we weren't going to catch him, since he was so far ahead after the first round," said Liza. "So, we decided to do something a little different. Jack said, 'Why don't you pick up the pace and make it more exciting? Ride the course with more of a gallop, and I think that will encourage her to jump higher and make it more exciting.' So, that's what I did. Some people had to hold their horse's hands out there in that big ring under the lights, but I had the luxury of being on a made Junior Hunter and could really go for it, and it worked out."

Despite Liza's unexpected dismount from Cassanto in the WCHR Spectacular, she was proud of the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding for his consistency throughout the week. In addition to earning a 3'6" Performance Working Hunter section championship with Liza in the irons (including winning a class with 106 entries!), Cassanto also carried Stella Styslinger to excellent performances in the Large Junior, 16-17, section.

"He's really a phenomenal horse," said Liza, who estimated she'd shown him in just five classes prior to the WCHR Spectacular. "Now that I know him a little better after this week, I'll be better prepared in the future. We plan to do some derbies this year, and I really look forward to forging a partnership with him. He's very special."

Stella also earned her own accolades over the weekend, taking top ribbons aboard O'Ryan, including a score of 87 in the Small Junior, 16-17, section.

In addition to watching Maraschino star on Saturday night, Lily Bennett welcomed a new jumper to her string, Westpoint Baros. They started out strongly with ribbons in the Children's Jumper, 15-17, section.

"I want to thank Darragh Kenny for the new horse," said Liza, of the recently imported 11-year-old wamblood by Balou Du Rouet. "They are already a great match together."

Lily also earned top ribbons aboard Zimba in the Children's Modified Jumpers, including a second and third out of 25 entries.

Elly Ficca, second from right, tied for the 3'3" Junior Hunter High-Score Award with Isha Swani and received her award from the USHJA's Marla Holt and ringmaster Steve Rector.

Elly Ficca was thrilled to stand center ring on Saturday night to receive one of the coveted WCHR High-Score Awards. Elly and Quatrain earned a score of 88 in the 3'3" Junior Hunters, winning two over fences classes, on their way to a tie for the High-Score Award. They also placed eighth in the 3'3" Junior Hunter Classic.

"They were great!" said Liza smiling. "She was really clicking with him, and it was the perfect weekend for them to do so well together. I rode Quatrain earlier in the week, and I think watching me helped her out. She and Maggie Hill also watched me in the WCHR Spectacular on Saturday night, and the course for the Junior Hunter Classic the next day was almost identical. It was great for them to watch and then go out the next day and ride the course. Maggie was fifth and seventh, which was great for her, too. I was really proud of Maggie to step up and go in the big ring for the first time."

During Saturday night's press conference after the WCHR Hunter Spectacular, Liza took a moment to formally acknowledge assistant trainer Tamara Berkowitz for her hard work and dedication to the Finally Farm team. She also credited the entire team for helping to prepare the horses and stepping in to assist the clients during the busiest week of the WEF circuit.

"I don't think people really know how important our assistant trainers are to our programs, and I want to thank Tamara, who was up in the dark with Maraschino, teaching lessons and giving us pros the time to focus and keeping the show running," she said. "Without our team we wouldn't be sitting up here."

Finally Farm Assistant Trainer Tamara Berkowitz helps school Quatrain with rider Liza Boyd.

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Handy Blues Highlight Finally Farm’s WEF 5

Mary Carton Mitchener, Liza Boyd and Trinity

Mary Carton Mitchener and Maggie Hill made great strides in their respective sections during Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, February 8-12 in Wellington, Florida.

Mary Carton, 18, a senior in high school, graduated to the Amateurs this show season and has made a smooth transition. During WEF 5, she guided Trinity to the blue ribbon in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, Handy class.

“She watched the videos of me showing him earlier in the week, and I think they really helped her fine-tune her own riding,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She saw what a strong and confident ride I gave him. She rode him a little bit stronger, with more pace, energy and took more of a feel of his mouth, and that made a big difference.”

Mary Carton, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has ridden with Finally Farm since she was on a Children’s Pony Hunter, so making the transition to the Amateurs is a major milestone and testament to her commitment to the sport.

Liza was especially impressed with Mary Carton’s inside turns, where she maintained balance and impulsion. “She was super handy and impressive,” said Liza smiling. “Even her mom said she had to close her eyes when Mary Carton took the inside turns! I was proud of her confidence and how strong she rode him. She really earned that blue ribbon, and winning a class in the Grand Hunter Ring was great for her.”

Wyoming-based Junior Maggie Hill also scored a blue ribbon in her Handy class, winning the 3’3” Junior Hunter class aboard Co Co Chanel.

“I was incredibly impressed with Maggie’s ride in the Handy, and I feel like her performance resulted from how well she’s practiced and prepared for the Handy tests during our lessons. In each lesson, we’ve been emphasizing something that would be asked on Handy course, and we even work on these questions in our flatwork. Maybe we practice a tight turn around a jump or trot a small jump or focus on a bending line. I feel like this homework has prepared all of our riders well for the courses they’ll see here in the show ring.”

Liza described this week’s Handy courses as challenging, from a trot jump, to tight rollbacks, inside turn options to bending lines. She also credited Maggie’s extra practice rides aboard Shamrock for helping her gain confidence during her recent move up from Children’s to Junior Hunters.

“The past two weeks we worked on gymnastics at home with Shamrock, and we set a tight one-stride combination to a five- or six-stride line to a normal one-stride. Having her do that exercise back and forth helped Maggie figure out how to use her body position to help Shamrock get his best jump. Then, in the show ring, we could see how her improved position in the air allowed everything to flow more smoothly. That practice really carried over, and she was able to make the tight inside turns with organization and balance.”

During Week 5, Finally Farm welcomed new client Sarah Ekola, of Blythewood, South Carolina, to the barn. She rode Zanzibar to excellent ribbons and the reserve championship, out of 36 entries, in the Children’s, 15-17, section during her first visit to the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit.

“We are so happy to have Sarah in the barn. She came down to try horses and leased Zanzibar for the week,” said Liza. “Her mom said Sarah was thrilled, and the experience even exceeded her own expectations, which her mom said rarely happens. Being down here for the first time can be overwhelming, but Sarah was great and took it all in stride. She was also second in the THIS Children’s Medal, with a wonderful ride.”

Liza enjoyed her own blue ribbons during Week 5, including one with Finally Farm’s Ballerino. “We bought him as a stallion, gelded him and then turned him out for a year to let him mature,” said Liza. “He hadn’t shown since August of 2015 and went straight into the 3’6” Green Hunters in the Grand Hunter Ring and won the first class with an 88. We’ll continue to work on his rideability here in Florida. He’s a lovely jumper and fun horse, and I’m thrilled to have him back.”

Liza also enjoyed the ride aboard Rolling Hills Show Stable’s sale horse Callahan. “He a young hunter that just showed one day in the 3’ Green Hunters, but he was impressive and was second out of 28 over fences,” said Liza. “He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Elle Boyd continued her blue-ribbon streak in the Short Stirrup section, winning a class aboard Otis Spunkmeyer. Perhaps Elle’s highlight of the week, though, was attending the Cavalia show during the Equestrian Aid Benefit on Sunday night.

“We went with Louise Serio and her granddaughter Mary Jo, Elle’s friend, and it was so much fun,” said Liza. “The kids were amazed with the horses and how they performed without tack, the bowing and the rearing. It was a fun way to end a great week.”

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

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 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.

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.

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

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.

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

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 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 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."

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

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."

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.

"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."

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Tricia Booker.