Blowing Rock Results in Rewards For Finally Farm

Always a summer highlight, The 94th Annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show didn't disappoint as Finally Farm riders and horses starred in the ring and enjoyed ample time for celebration and relaxation, July 26-August 6 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Success was ample, from the ponies to the USHJA International Hunter Derby to the jumpers, over the two weeks spent in the North Carolina mountains.

"We had a great show, and it was so much fun," said trainer Liza Boyd. "The staff and volunteers do an amazing job, and each year they find a way to improve it!"

Liza was particularly proud of one of their youngest students, Zola Thompson, who set a pretty impressive goal and worked hard to achieve it.

"Zola came down to Camden the week before Blowing Rock and had lessons. Her goal was to be grand champion on her pony, Elegance," said Liza. "I thought, 'Gosh, this is going to be hard!' One day she came out to the barn and wanted a flat lesson and wanted to learn how to get her pony on the bit. She just worked and worked. In the end, she was Medium Pony champion both weeks and just missed the grand championship.

"But it was so exciting to watch the progression and see how a student can set a goal and attain it," Liza added. "Her focus on flatwork really has made her stronger and more aware of her pony’s track. For example, learning how to move her pony into the outside rein, which is a little technical for a young rider, made a big difference. Showing is more than just jumping around, and she's old enough now to learn how to get a lot more out of her pony."

Liza also found her own success throughout Blowing Rock and earned a number of the traditional silver memorial and perpetual trophies, many named after icons in the industry who helped establish Blowing Rock nearly a century ago.

Liza guided Maggie Hill's Capriccio to the meaningful Roger Young Memorial Grand Conformation Hunter Championship. "This win meant a lot. Roger always loved conformation horses," said Liza of her late Camden neighbor. "Maggie was also grand champion in the 3’3” Juniors on him and earned the Critz Trophy. He's such a nice horse, shows you the distances and is so beautiful between the jumps. I've found that all types of judges seem to like him; he’s very appealing."

Stella Styslinger's Cassanto also earned double grand titles, first with Liza for their 3’6" Performance Working Hunter championship and then with Stella and Devin Seek in the irons for the Cassalo Trophy as the Grand Large Junior Hunter Champion. Stella's O'Ryan also won the Lyrik Trophy for Overall Grand Champion Junior Hunter and the Elizabeth Crockett Luczak Trophy for Grand Champion Small Junior Hunter.

It wouldn't be Blowing Rock without a touch of rain!

In addition, Wells Fargo sponsored a rider bonus program where the top-scoring rider from each day from each ring received $500 and his or her groom received $100.

"So, it was really fun and competitive--we were all really going for it," said Liza. "And what was great was that some days the Ponies and the Green Hunters would go in the same ring, so the kids would be riding against the professionals! One day Maddie Tosh beat her dad, Hunt. It was cool because it wasn’t just the pros winning. Devin Seek also got it one day on Cassanto in the Juniors and Mary Carton Mitchener won it in the Amateur-Owners. I won the bonus twice on Cassanto. He was jumping to some really high scores! And Maggie Hill got it one day. It's a great idea, and I believe Burr Collier thought of it and Wells Fargo took it on, and I thank them all for coming up with such a great idea!"

Liza also thanked Devin Seek for once again riding Stella's Cassanto and O'Ryan when she couldn't be there the first week. Liza finished up the first week with second place aboard Cassanto in the $15,000 Kathryn G. Clark Memorial Challenge of Champions behind Havens Schatt aboard Crack. Liza also picked up fourth place with Clemens.

Sunday evening of Week 1 also featured Finally Farm's traditional good-bye gala for the juniors graduating and going onto college. This year, the celebration was for Stella, who will be moving to Virginia and Mary Carton Mitchener, who is off to California. Mary Carton finished her final show with Trinity by earning her highest score to date of an 88 and taking the reserve championship.

For the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Liza and Cassanto jumped to the top with Clemens placing third.

"I always think Blowing Rock is a great prep for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Kentucky. Even though it's a smaller ring, the class is held at night, it's dark with a party, and there's a lot of energy around the ring," she explained. "It's a lot of pressure for the horses and riders. This year's course was hard, the jumps were big and the Handy was really challenging. Some of the distances were set on the half-stride, so you had to plan and make good decisions."

Liza and Cassanto stood second going into the Handy, and she chose to jump three of the four high options but added some tighter turns to up the degree of difficulty. In the end, her strategy paid off as she edged Sara Taylor with Carento for the blue ribbon. Clemens also rallied in the Handy to move up from seventh to third overall.

"It felt like good prep for my horses and myself. I'm super proud of Clemens. He's a First Year Green horse, and he was really on his game," she said. "This was a positive note going into his first Derby Finals."

As preparation for the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship, Liza piloted Megan Schall's Frederica to a reserve championship in the 3'3" Green Hunter section, and Liz Fogleman's Sawyer earned good ribbons both weeks. "Blowing Rock is always a good experience for a young horse, because sometimes they show later in the evening as they do at the Green Incentive. There are no warm ups, like Kentucky, so they have to walk right into a spooky ring. It's a good way to gauge their preparation, and they both seem ready, so we're all looking forward to Kentucky!"

Elly Ficca with Quatrain, Ellen Addison riding El Tindo, Sarah Isgett riding Fieona and Sarah Ekola with Zanzibar also collected top ribbons in their respective sections during Blowing Rock to wind down their summer show seasons.

In the Jumper Ring, Lily Bennett showed just Week 2 but made it count. "She had a great day on the final Sunday and was second in the Low Children's Jumper Classic on Athina 18, just ahead of Stella with Cassiana, and Lily also claimed third in the Highs on Zimba," said Liza. "Everyone had a great time at Blowing Rock this year, and we're now looking forward to Derby and the Green Incentive championships!"

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Championship Time at Charleston

Liza Boyd and Clemens won the USHJA National Hunter Derby

Finally Farm's Clemens continued to impress on the summer show circuit, this time winning the USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Charleston Summer Classic, July 11-16 on John's Island, South Carolina. In addition, the entire Finally Farm team enjoyed ample success as well, taking home nine championships and reserves in the hunters, jumpers and ponies.

Trainer Liza Boyd has been partnered with Clemens since the spring, and they're developing a strong partnership as they focus on the USHJA Derby classes. "At Charleston, I also did some jumper classes, which was really good for him. Also, because the Derby went in the jumper ring I wanted to get in that ring and familiarize him with the environment. There were end jumps and bending lines, so that was nice to do. For that horse show, it was good strategy."

Because this Derby went in the evening, Liza also wanted Clemens to experience the atmosphere, such as spectators around the ring and the different fences.

Liza was pleased with the Derby itself, which featured courses designed by Allen Rheinheimer.
"Allen did a great job. The courses were nice, with bending lines and unique fences. It was great practice and exposure for Clemens," she said.

Liza also piloted Capriccio to the 3'3"/3'6" Green Hunter championship and Karen Lackinger's Gratis to the 3' Green Hunter championship,

"Gratis was champion, which was good for him because he'll take a break now," said Liza. "He's not quite ready for Blowing Rock or Kentucky, so this was a great way for him to wrap up the summer. He'll go home now and trail ride and show again this fall in Aiken. We also like to give the young horses this valuable down time to relax."

Capriccio is a new face at Finally Farm, as Maggie Hill just began leasing him from owner Samantha Kench. Their debut in the 3'3" Juniors was a championship one, as the pair quickly clicked. Maggie also earned ribbons on Shamrock and Co Co Chanel for a strong showing in the section.

Finally Farm dominated the 3'6" Juniors, taking the championship with Trinity and reserve championship with Cassanto. Devin Seek took the reins aboard Mary Carton Mitchener's Trinity and Stella Styslinger's Cassanto and O'Ryan for the show, also winning the Junior Hunter Classic aboard O'Ryan.

A similar sweep occurred in the Medium Pony Hunters as Finally Farm-trained riders dominated. Behold and Dylan Driver earned the championship, while Zola Thompson's consistent performances with Elegance resulted in the reserve championship ribbon. Zola as well as second place in the Small/Medium Pony Hunter Classic.

"We trained Dylan because her trainer, Jessica Ogburn, couldn’t be there," said Liza. "She was fun to teach. Zola won the model and another class. She rode great."

Ellen Addison joined Finally Farm at Charleston and earned the Adult Amateur Hunter, 50 and over, section championship riding El Tindo. "She lives in Alabama, and her horse is really cute. She's hasn't shown in a while and intends to move back up to the 3'3" Amateurs at Blowing Rock. We look forward to having her in the barn!"

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Tricolor Time For Finally Farm at Atlanta Summer Classics

The Atlanta Summer Classics, held June 14-25 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, provided a great start to the summer show season for Finally Farm riders and horses.

For Megan Schall, Week 2 proved particularly memorable as she and Frederica made their 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter debut. They won three of the five section classes and placed second in the Handy round.

"Meg did the Adult Amateurs during Week I and was reserve champion, so we thought it was time. This week she moved up to the 3’3”, and what a debut it was," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It was very exciting. I asked her, 'When’s the last time you did a handy?' She said, 'When I was a junior!' The mare is really coming along, and Meg rode her super."

Liza and Frederica also earned the 3'3" Green Hunter championship both weeks of Atlanta as well as top ribbons in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Stake class. Similarly, Elizabeth Fogleman's Sawyer continued to rack up the ribbons in the 3'3" Greens and the USHJA Stake classes, with excellent performances both weeks.

Liza piloted Finally Farm's Clemens to another solid performance in the USHJA International Hunter Derby during Week 2 as she prepares him for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in August.

"I didn't show him the first week because I wanted to save him for Week 2, which was a WCHR week," said Liza of her showing strategy. "I wanted to aim him for the 3'6" Greens, and he was champion and got good WCHR points.

"The International Derby was Friday morning, and it was quite a good derby and competitive," she noted. "There were many seasoned horses in the class. Clemens was great in the Classic Round, and placed fourth, but did get a little green in the Handy Round. It was partially rider error, as well," she added with a smile. "I angled him for a slice, and he wasn't sure whether we wee jumping the high or low option, and he swapped. But he did all of the inside turns, which were tricky and tough, and he did all the high options. We ended up sixth overall, and I was really pleased with him."

Cassanto and O’Ryan continued their winning streaks during both weeks of Atlanta, earning tricolor honors and many blue ribbons. Liza was especially thrilled with Cassanto's performances during Week 2.

"Stella rode him amazing!" she said. "They won three classes, and he jumped beautifully. He really loves her and goes the best for her. She frames him up a little, and he just loves the way she rides him. She had one of the best trips I’ve ever seen her have, so that was really rewarding."

Once again Devin Seek assisted with the riding duties for Finally Farm, showing Trinity for Mary Carton Mitchener in the 3'6" Juniors where they earned the reserve championship and won the Junior Hunter Classic.

"Mary Carton is going to California to college, so Trinity will now be for sale," said Liza. "He's a great Junior/Amateur Hunter and was also reserve champion in the 3'6" Performance Working Hunters with me. Devin is catch riding him for Junior Hunter points and did a great job."

Maggie Hill returned to the East Coast after finishing up school in Wyoming, and she didn't miss a beat. She piloted Co Co Chanel to the 3'3" Junior Hunter reserve championship and won the 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic.

"This was a tough division, with 26 in it, and it wasn't split," said Liza. "She actually tied for the reserve with Co Co and Shamrock, so that was great. It was exactly one year ago that she started leasing Shamrock, and to see how far they’ve come in a year is awesome. The last round they scored an 87 in the Handy, and it's so fun to see how they've both grown and matured. Even though she wasn't able to show Week 1, she sent him with me for the USHJA National Hunter Derby, which helped him gain more mileage and he ended up second."

In the jumpers, Finally Farm riders also claimed top honors. Kelly Maloney and Justified earned championship honors in the Adult Amateur 1.10m section. "Kelly hadn’t shown in a little while, so it was great for her to pop in and win. All of those miles in Florida really paid off, and Kelly rode really well."

Lily Bennett jumped to the reserve championship in the 1.15m Children's/Adult Jumpers with Zimba, continuing her move up the levels.

Finally Farm now takes a short break from showing, but the summer fun and jumping continues on!

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Finally Farm Sees Success at Tryon Summer II

Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan

In addition to hosting the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame Inductions, where Finally Farm's Monday Morning earned a coveted place in the Hall, the Tryon Summer II Horse Show featured top competition, June 7-11 in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Finally Farm’s Clemens continued to gain more mileage and ribbons in the USHJA International Hunter Derbies, with a sixth-placed finish overall in the $25,000 class at Tryon.

“The Derby was held on the grass field, and it was a little overwhelming for some of the horses,” said Liza. “It’s a big, open field with eventing fences and ditches, and Clemens handled it quite well and held it together.”

Liza described the field as maturing nicely, with a firmer feel than when she competed there previously. It was just to O’Ryan’s liking, as he placed second overall after placing second in the Classic and Handy rounds. She placed just behindSchuyler Riley aboard Cleopatra’s Smile.

“This was one of those instances where as a rider I had to make a choice and strategize,” she said. “I could have jumped more of the high options, and we might have won. When we started, he raised up a little, and so I did two high and two low options just to be on the safe side.

“But that’s what makes the derbies exciting,” she continued. “I could have done one more high option and got the win, but I also could have knocked it down and got nothing. In my mind it was better to get $5,500 than no prize money. Schuyler did all of the high options. And with her on that white horse with her red jacket galloping around the field, she looked amazing. It was great that a grand prix show jumping rider had so much fun and loves doing the derbies. She took more of a risk, and it paid off, and I’m thrilled with my red ribbon.”

With Stella Styslinger unable to attend Tryon, Finally Farm once again borrowed Devin Seek from Don Stewart Stables to take the reins aboard Cassanto and O’Ryan in the Junior Hunters. The trip was worthwhile, as Devin earned the 3’6” championship with O’Ryan and was reserve aboard Cassanto. As icing on the cake, she also placed first and second in the Junior Hunter Classic with them.

“We really appreciate having Devin ride with us,” said Liza. “She so much fun and has a great work ethic.”

Liza jumped aboard Stella’s Cassiana in the 1.10m open jumpers and placed first and second of 26 entries and earned the reserve championship.

Lily Bennett and Zimba continued on their High Children’s Jumper winning streak. The pair won the NAL/WIHS High Children’s Jumper Classic and the section championship.

“What a great horse-and-rider match they are,” said Liza. “He’s phenomenal, and Lily has really learned to ride these jumpers. I’m impressed with how far she’s come and how educated she’s become.”

Unlike many professionals who ride clients’ horses to keep then sharp and on their game, Liza piloted Zimba in the 1.10m to slow him down.

“He’s a winning machine, and he’s so eager. I get on him every Wednesday and make him have time faults and go straight,” she said laughing. “The whistle will blow, and he’s into it, leaping forward. He knows how to win, and he’s good at it. I have to tell him, ‘We’re going to lose a class by going straight and deep into the corners. Then, when Lily gets back on he’s ready to listen.”

Elly Ficca and Quatrain continued their domination in the 3’3” Junior Hunters, winning four of the five classes in the section and placing second in the other for the championship

“She was awesome, super consistent, and she had the best handy I’ve ever seen her have,” said Liza. “I think a lot of her success has come from practice. She’s come to Camden frequently for lessons, and it’s paid off.”

Zola Thompson’s hard work has also paid dividends. She won the handy in the Medium Pony section and earned other top ribbons. Elle Boyd added to her ribbon collection with the reserve championship in the Short/Long Stirrup section aboard Otis Spunkmeyer.

“We’ve been working on the track and not cutting corners, and she was really focused,” said Liza. “She won an over fences class and placed in the top three in all of her other jumping classes. She’s off to her first sleepover camp for a week near Tryon with Joann Loheac’s daughter, Olivia. I hope they have lots of fun.”

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Monday Morning Inducted Into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame

The Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame honored the 2017 inductees during a ceremony on June 9 at the Legends Club at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The Tryon Riding and Hunt Club created the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding Show Hunters and Horsemen from North and South Carolina.

During this, the inaugural year, the inductees included Finally Farm’s famed show hunter Monday Morning. In addition, trainer Jack Towell was a 2017 honoree and also inducted longtime friend and trainer Danny Robertshaw. Other inductees included Kathryn G. Clark, Jarrett Schmid, Protocol, Remember The Laughter, Silverminer and Western Prospect.

“It was a blast. Joann Loheac (the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame Committee chair) did an amazing job organizing it, as did the entire committee that hosted it,” said Liza Boyd. “It was such fun to hear all of the great stories. Jack received an award, and he spoke for Danny Robertshaw and talked about a class that Danny won at the Washington International on Protocol when Jack was judging. He kept saying, ‘It was the best round I’ve ever seen—except for that one round with Brunello at Derby Finals…the stories were amazing.”

Liza rode Monday Morning to countless Junior Hunter championships in the mid-1990s. His HOF bio read:

Monday Morning – was an off-the-track-Thoroughbred and champion Junior Hunter. He was owned and ridden by Liza Towell (now Boyd), of Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina. Monday Morning was champion at the Devon Horse Show, Capital Challenge, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International and the National Horse Show in the Small Junior Hunter division. He won the inaugural $25,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular in 1997, with an average two-round score of 90.6. Liza Towell Boyd distinctly remembers the night of her victory, “I have to say, it is probably one of the most memorable highlights of my career. It was a huge boost as I started out as a professional the next year.” In 1996, Monday Morning was named The Chronicle of the Horse “Overall Horse of the Year.”

Liza and Monday Morning after winning the inaugural WCHR Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida in 1997. Painting by Michael Tang based on a photo by Tricia Booker

“When Monday Morning got his award, I’d kind of forgotten his story and everything that happened,” said Liza. “He had bowed his tendon on the track, and one truck came to take horses to the slaughterhouse and one arrived at the same time to pick up the broodmares. He got on the wrong truck. When he got to the farm, a lady saw him and said, ‘He’s pretty. I’ll rehab him.’ Then there’s another part of the story when she’s driving him to Florida from New York and gets stuck in a snowstorm. She ends up leading him down the interstate, and he was clipped without a blanket. He ended up tied up in a chicken coop. I think in the end he was so appreciative to have me and become a show horse.”

The Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame had a casual inception. One evening in October of 2016, Gerald Pack, of Columbus, North Carolina, and Jack Towell ran into each other while dining at Landrum’s The Hare and Hound. Gerald and Jack began reminiscing about all the great show hunters and horsemen from the Tryon area. Their journey down memory lane became an endless list of famous horses and individuals from the Carolinas.

“Soon after, Gerald called me with the idea of putting together a Hall of Fame to honor these notable people and horses,” said Joann Loheac on the HOF website page. “At that time, we were serving as directors on the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club’s (TRHC) board. We were excited to add the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame to TRHC’s historic and equestrian centered organization.”

The induction ceremony included a slideshow on the Jumbotron that included great, old photos. “The whole thing gave me goosebumps,” said Liza. “It was a fantastic evening.”

For more information, to view more photos and read about this year's inductees, please visit the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame website.

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Finally Farm Celebrates Derby Wins in the Carolinas

Liza Boyd and Clemens won the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon

"Derby Friday" was the them for Finally Farm for the past two weeks during the Aiken Spring Classic II in South Carolina, and the Equus Events Tryon May III Horse Show in North Carolina.

"We've had an amazing run of derby successes two weeks back-to-back," said trainer Liza Boyd of their wins in four USHJA International and National Hunter Derby classes.

The Friday of each show featured the Derby classes, and during Tryon, Liza won both derbies.

Liza Boyd and Shamrock won the USHJA National Hunter Derby at Tryon

Friday May 19 began with the USHJA National Hunter Derby with 31 entries. Show managers opened two rings for the class, allowing ample room and a different venue where Maggie Hill's Shamrock showed off his winning talents.

"It was neat because we had this huge ring to ride in, and the course designer brought in basically all the same jumps used in the International Hunter Derby," said Liza. "Because of the three-day events held there, they even had cross-country jumps incorporated into both derbies. They were really interesting and definitely types of fences I’d never jumped before. One they made into a lower option fence, but it was super wide and stout and had no standards. Amazingly, all of the horses jumped it great."

Liza and Shamrock won the Classic Round and earned the Overall victory in a competitive field of entries. "He’s matured this past winter, and I want to credit Maggie, who leases him now," said Liza. "She's done an amazing job and added the finishing touches."

Over the winter, Liza and Maggie, of Jackson, Wyoming, focused on flatwork and gymnastics with the 8-year-old chestnut Hanoverian, which strengthened his topline and encouraged him to jump with more power from behind. Earlier in the week, Liza and Shamrock also won a 3'6" Performance Working Hunter class with a score of 89.

Their victory set the stage for the USHJA International Hunter Derby, held in the George H. Morris Stadium. Again, the course featured cross-country fences and unique additions, such as whiskey barrels.

"This was a great course and great preparation for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships since it was held in a stadium setting and included all the different jumps," she said.

Liza had two rides in the Derby, the veteran Cassanto and her newest partner, Clemens, a 7-year-old bay Oldenburg owned by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm. And, it was Clemens who rose to the occasion.

"During the Classic round, he trotted into the ring and put his head up. He'd never seen anything like this before," said Liza. "I had to hold his hand, but as he went he got better and better. He was overwhelmed but trying so hard not to mess up. My plan was to do all of the low options and qualify him for Derby Finals. After the Classic, he was sixth, right where I wanted him to be, and Cassanto was third."

Liza returned aboard Clemens for the Handy Round and again sought to have a solid round. As she went around the course, Liza realized Clemens was confident and focused, so she chose to add in the high option fences.

"As I went, he was so good I ended up doing all four high options. I incorporated some tight turns as well, and I couldn't believe how smart this horse is," she said. "Everything you teach him he figures out immediately. Physically, he's not as strong yet, so does get tired, but I was thrilled to score a 90 and 89 before high options and handy points were added."

Watch Clemens and Liza Boyd take their winning Handy Round!

On the afternoon of Friday on May 12, Liza and O'Ryan topped the USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Aiken Spring Classic II after Lindsay Maxwell won the USHJA National Hunter Derby that morning at Tryon Spring II.

"Lindsay set the standard by winning the USHJA National Derby at Tryon that morning. I have to thank her because Jack (Towell) went up to train her, and came back to Aiken for the International Derby here. I said, 'Thank you for sending Jack home in a good mood!''

Lindsay Maxwell and Catalyst won the USHA National Hunter Derby in Tryon

Maxwell rode Catalyst to the victory in a competitive class of 25 entries. "Jack had helped her once before at Aiken and enjoyed his trip to Tryon," said Liza. "He said, 'Wow, she’s really competitive.' It turned out the horse that went before her scored a 90, and Jack gave her some options for doing inside turns. And she said, 'I’m going for the 92.' Jack said, 'I like this competitive girl!' She went in and went for it, and won that derby and was great."

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan won the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Aiken

Maxwell's banner show also included the addition of a new partner, as Finally Farm and Archie Cox congratulated her on the purchase on Largesse from Hunt Tosh and the Wheelers.

Down in Aiken, O’Ryan and Liza also topped the derby card in a challenging class. Boyd went first on Stella Styslinger's Cassanto in the Classic Round and was the pacesetter.

"When we walked the course, the bending lines all seemed to walk forward," she said. "It was interesting because it's not a huge ring, but it's not quite like a derby field. I got into a good gallop for a derby, and it turned out I just had too much gallop. The first line was a forward nine, and as I got down there I thought, 'What's happening?' Three strides out I had to pull on the reins and was deep out. It was a little unfortunate to go first."

After riding Cassanto, Liza had O’Ryan at the end of the class and knew more of the plan she needed. Since she knows O’Ryan well, her strategy in the Handy was to go for the win, take some hard inside turns and most of the high options.

"Stella couldn't make it to Aiken, so we felt having Cassanto and O'Ryan do the derby was a good preparation for Devon," she said. "Devon will have some spookier jumps and a more challenging course, so this was a good class to get them tuned up for her, as well."

At Tryon, Devin Seek showed Cassanto and O'Ryan and took championship honors in both Junior Hunter sections. "She did a wonderful job, and it was so nice of her. I want to thank Don Stewart for sharing her for the weekend," said Liza.

Other Finally Farm champions during Tryon and Aiken included: Lindsay Maxwell's Technicolor in the 3'9" Green Hunters; Co Co Chanel and Maggie Hill in the 3'3" Juniors; Frederica and Meg Schall in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section; Quatrain and Elly Ficca in the 3'3" Juniors; Trinity and Mary Carton Mitchener in the 3'3" Amateur-Owners; and Otis Spunkmeyer and Elle Boyd in the Short Stirrup.

Zola Thompson and Elegance also won the Pony Hunter Classic, and Joann Loheac's Callahan won the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive. Technicolor also earned the overall Grand Hunter title for the two weeks of Aiken.

"I feel good that everyone did so well over these two weeks," said Liza. "For some, it was a great prep for Devon and others made great strides in their ongoing goals. We look forward to Devon next week and continuing the momentum into the summer."

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Rewards Abound For Finally Farm at Aiken Charity I

The Finally Farm team enjoyed success and memorable moments during the Aiken Charity Horse Show I, held May 3-7 on Bruce's Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

"It was a wonderful horse show and so competitive," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It was refreshing to see so many quality hunters, and all of the sections were filled during this World Championship Hunter Rider week. You don't typically see that nowadays, and I know that (the late) Bruce Ducchosois would have loved to see all of this. I think that the support for the show says a lot about the tradition here and how important the hunters were to Bruce and his horse show."

Liza enjoyed ample success in the open sections, earning the 3'9" Green Hunter Reserve Championship aboard Lindsay Maxwell's Technicolor.

Liza Boyd and Lindsay Maxwell's Technicolor

"I was really pleased with how well he went," said Liza of Technicolor. "With Hunt Tosh, Daniel Geitner and Havens Schatt all preparing their horses for Devon, it was a super competitive section."

Liza also piloted Megan Schall's Frederica to the 3'3" Green Hunter Reserve Championship, for an excellent start to the week. Megan also collected nice ribbons on the mare in the Adult Amateur Hunters later in the week.

The Juniors continued the momentum Liza started, as Stella Styslinger dominated the 3'6" Junior Hunters, taking the Small Junior championship with O'Ryan and the Large Junior championship aboard Cassanto. Stella and Cassanto also won the Junior Hunter Classic, to top of their show with a bang. Maggie Hill also guided Co Co Chanel to the 3'3" Junior Hunter Reserve Championship.

On the Jumper side, Stella and Lily Bennett were impressive in the Children's Jumpers, winning consistent ribbons, as was Kelly Maloney on Justified in the Adult Amateurs.

"We were really pleased with how all of the jumpers finished up on Sunday," noted Liza. "They all rode super and the horses jumped great, with everyone earning a ribbon in their respective Jumper Classics."

Sarah Isgett continued her winning streak aboard Kelly Maloney's Fieona in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section. "Sarah and Fieona won both classes the second day, and they were great," said Liza. "I'm so thrilled for Sarah. She rides on her school's intercollegiate team during the school year, and that's helped her so much. We're so appreciative of her spending the summer with us to ride and happy she's so competitive in the Adults."

Liza was also pleased to see the 13-year-old, Oldenburg mare (Grand Coeur--Hauptstutbuch Festa) return to the show ring this spring after recovering from an injury. "Fieona's coming back strong, and it's so wonderful to see her doing so well so quickly. Kelly bought her as a 5-year-old, and she’s been around a while. She’s had some injuries and lived in Kelly’s backyard while she nursed her back to health.

Owner Kelly Maloney with Fieona and rider Sarah Isgett

"Fieona has done a little bit for everybody," Liza added. "I like to say she helped me win the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships one year because I went first on her and then rode Brunello later in the class. My brother Hardin also did her in the grand prix classes in Kentucky (click here for a video) and all over. So, it’s fun to see her now again with Sarah, giving her all again and winning."

Elle Boyd, 7, added another tricolor to her growing collection with the Short Stirrup Reserve Championship aboard Otis Spunkmeyer.

"She was so proud of herself! The jumps were big. The course designer left the hay bales in there, so it was a solid course. This was also the first time she hasn’t gone off course, which was a huge achievement. Her goal the second day was not to let him trot, and she was really excited that she did that, too. And, I think her grandparents were more excited about the reserve than she was," Liza added with a laugh.

Elle Boyd and Alberto Ramirez celebrate the tricolor!

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

New Arrivals at Finally Farm

Spring often means new arrivals and fresh starts, and that certainly applied to Finally Farm over the past several weeks.

Finally Farm said good-bye to long-time Assistant Trainer Tamara Berkowitz and welcomed Katie Wood to fill that role at the Camden, South Carolina-based show stable.

"We will greatly miss Tamara, but after almost 3 1/2 years we're happy for her and to see her take this new adventure," said Liza Boyd.

North Carolina-based Katie Wood was added to the Finally Farm staff as Assistant Trainer and rider following Tamara's departure after the Longines Global Champions Tour event in Miami.

"It's nice to have someone here who has family nearby," said Liza. "Her last job was with Eight Oaks in Middleburg, Virginia, with Kitty and Johnny Barker. She learned so much there, even how to drive a tractor, so Johnny trained her well! Katie will take over the barn managing, do some teaching and riding. She's a good rider, and the horses seem to like her. Her first show was at Aiken (at the end of April), and she prepared the horses beautifully. We're really excited to have her on board."

Finally Farm also welcomed Clemens to the barn at the end of April. The 7-year-old Oldenburg (Clemence--Diana), imported by Annie Walters, was purchased by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm as Liza's next derby superstar.

Annie posted on her Facebook page: "AMW Stables, LLC is thrilled to announce and congratulate Liza Towell, Finally Farm and Westerly Farm on the purchase of our "Clemens". This horse is full of heart and has unlimited talent. With Liza in the irons, this team will be one to beat! I am excited to watch this duo crush the derbies!"

Annie, a young professional from the Charleston, South Carolina, area, imported Clemens and had been showing him this spring locally. She asked Liza to help her at the Aiken Spring Classic Masters in preparation for their first USHJA International Hunter Derby together.

"Each day he got better and better," said Liza. "So, I said to my dad (Jack Towell), 'I like this horse a lot.' I sat on him Friday, jumped a few fences and loved his balance. For me, he's what you look for in a derby horse. He's scopey, athletic and attractive. I look forward to the future with him."

After Annie and Clemens earned the 3'6" Green Hunter championship and placed ninth overall in the USHJA International Hunter Derby, the deal was made. Clemens then relocated to Camden, where he's co-owned by Finally Farm and Ann Misenheimer's Westerly Farm.

"He has so much scope that he easily cantered out of the paddock the other day," said Liza laughing. "He jumped this big fence, which is up a hill. It's super tall, and we all watched him canter a little circle and jump over it like it was 3’. Alberto turned to me and said, 'You should do him in the Grand Prix!' All the guys were excited because he jumped it so easily. Usually, when a horse gets loose people are freaked out, but not this time. Everyone was excited! The bugs are already out down here, and I don't think he’s used to them, so he was just putting himself back in his stall!"

Liza is also excited to welcome Ann Misenheimer back to the Finally Farm family. She had previously been in a syndicate that owned the Grand Prix Jumper Kargita that Liza competed in the early 2000s.

"I'm so happy that Ann is back and she and my mom can hang out together and cheer us on," she said. "To have her back on the team with this horse is really exciting."

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Hardin Towell and Darragh Kenny Take Thrilling Win in Shanghai

Darragh Kenny, left, and Hardin Towell lead the Longines Global Champions Tour victory lap in Shanghai.

Source: LGCT/Stefano Grasso

Paris Panthers turned up the heat in the Longines Global Champions League ranking with a thrilling win in Shanghai with fans on the edge of their seats until the final fence. Darragh Kenny and Jack Hardin Towell sealed victory after a major upset saw leading team St Tropez Pirates tumble from pole position to eighth overall.

Today’s dramatic team competition went down to the wire and ended with the GCL season leaderboard tighter than ever. Valkenswaard United’s heavyweight squad ensured they held on to their lead for the third leg in a row. New recruit Marcus Ehning proved he was a strong signing and went clear in his GCL debut pairing with Alberto Zorzi today for the Final in Shanghai. The team are on 74 points overall and only 6 points ahead of second place London Knights who jumped ahead of St Tropez Pirates, now in third position, in the ranking.

Thousands of fans watched the team competition, sponsored by BMW, play out on the spectacular show ground in Shanghai overlooked by the imposing red China Art Pavilion. BMW China President Michael Liu praised the event and the world class sport. Families enjoyed the stunning shopping village and entertainment as dignitaries from China joined the VIP guests.

The GCL competition was not short of drama as the heavyweights of show jumping ensured a formidable calibre of competition. St Tropez Pirates looked confident for most of the class after a flawless performance in Round 1 yesterday put them in pole position. Julien Epaillard and Quatrin de la Roque jumped clear following his clear round yesterday on Cristallo. The pressure was on Simon Delestre and chestnut gelding Chesall to hold on to the lead. But the pair picked up an unusual and agonising 12 faults leaving the team plunging down the scoreboard to 8th overall.

Hamburg Diamonds took a strong second, with John Whitaker and Jos Verlooy also jumping clear, just shy of the fastest time in 161.94s. Third went to the London Knights, after Ben Maher and Kent Farrington teamed up once more, with both riders jumping clear but carrying through four faults from the previous round. Fresh from their win in Miami Beach, the pair were the ones to beat with top horses Don Vito and Creedance.

Uliano Vezzani's course was a tough test for the world’s best, featuring formidable oxers, a distracting water tray and delicate verticals. A challenging dog-leg back to the in-gate caught out a few combinations. Others rolled poles in the Longines combination set against the long side of the arena, where the challenge was the short four strides to a big oxer to finish in a time allowed of 84 seconds. The first of the related distances troubled several competitors with the majority of fences at maximum height, including a 1.60m plank, which was gappy, light and with no ground line.

There were thrills and spills aplenty throughout the class, with 14 riders going clear throughout. Kimberly Prince and RMF Bella Baloubet had a double refusal at the water tray, meaning that Miami Glory were eliminated, with teammate Scott Brash’s score not counting despite his phenomenal clear with Hello Annie. Home team fans were left disappointed as Shanghai Swans’ Daniel Deusser and the large-striding Clintop had the final fence down despite flying round in masterful style. Team mate Roger-Yves Bost rode a flying clear with Pegase du Murier, winning the class individually as the fans waved their burgundy and green Shanghai Swans flags. But it was not enough for the home team who finished in 10th overall.

Nicola Philippaerts, riding the popular H&M Harley v. Bisschop, also collected an unusual number of faults. The stunning dapple grey stopped in the second part of the double after crashing through the water tray. Another refusal from teammate Lauren Hough and Cornet 39 also meant the team collected a total of 40 faults overall, dropping them down the order and out of contention. Laura Kraut looked strong for the Rome Gladiators, however Zeremonie dropped her legs in the final oxer, kicking back to knock the pole and racking up points for the team total.

Marco Kutscher and Clenur kept their 'calm and steady' strategy, with the expressive duo jumping clear for the Cannes Stars. An unlucky time fault contributed to the team score of 9 after new recruit and German legend Ludger Beerbaum and Chiara had a pole down in the second round. Fresh from their win in Miami Beach, Ben Maher put in a sensational round with Don Vito for the London Knights, jumping clear in 76.61s, a full four seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The London Knights were on incredible form, with Kent Farrington also jumping clear for the team to shoot them up to third place and second in the overall rankings.

But it was the Paris Panthers combination of Jack Hardin Towell and Darragh Kenny who stole the show, taking the win in emphatic style in front of wowed local spectators. Both riders have looked on form throughout the event however proved to be unstoppable in today’s final, with both riders jumping clear and riding fastest with combined total of 155.99s. The League now looks to Europe, and Madrid, where temperatures will continue to rise as the battle for valuable ranking points moves up a gear.

Jan Tops, Co-Founder Global Champions League; "It was really exciting today and the more we run through the year the more exciting it will be. It is now very close (GCL ranking) with London Knights only 6 points behind Valkenswaard United and with St Tropez Pirates and Hamburg Diamonds and now Paris Panthers move up again. We are very fortunate to have a brand like BMW for a long-term contract in Shanghai. It is very good to be associated with and also for BMW it is a perfect fit. It is great to have Shanghai in our circuit."

Darragh Kenny, Paris Panthers (1st place team): "It has been a very successful weekend for me, he (Charly Chaplin) is an incredible horse and it was great for us today to win the team event. We had a strong chance to do well and were very positive about it. Hardin (Towell) had two different horses and it was a really fun competition."

Jack Hardin Towell, Paris Panthers (1st place team): "The weather today was fantastic for show jumping. Sometimes when it is hot it takes a lot out of the horses but it was not too hot here.”

John Whitaker, Hamburg Diamonds (2nd place team): "We had a good day. We perhaps played it a little bit safe but both double clear but not quick enough. Very happy with the horses and the way they jumped."

Jos Verlooy, Hamburg Diamonds (2nd place team): "I am very honoured to be in a team with John Whitaker, a rider I always looked up to and it is great to ride in the same team."

Kent Farrington, London Knights (3rd place team): "Ben and I had two really good horses for the class today, they’re both quick so when it comes down to time that plays to our advantage for the second round.”

Full house in Shanghai enjoying world-class show jumping.

GCT Third Stop - Shanghai

With little time for jet-lag and fresh from The Americas, the Tour makes its third stop in the spectacular destination of Shanghai, China from the 28th April - 30th April. Synonymous with glamour and new beginnings, Shanghai is renowned for its record-breaking skyscrapers which have sprung up where just twenty years ago there was only farmland, and the growing number of new show jumping fans in the region is developing just as fast.

Whether you fancy a night in one of the world’s highest hotels, or a stroll through streamlined art-deco apartment blocks or the home-grown Lòngtáng Laneway housing, Shanghai has something for everyone. Though it’s most alive at the end of the day when the local population pour out of offices, food is the centre of social life and the culinary scene is wide-ranging and engaging.

Many people visit Shanghai purely for the shopping experience. But if you would rather enjoy the renowned culture, art galleries offer contemporary local art and acrobatic shows are always close at hand. A massage is always popular with visitors if you are looking to relax in-between enjoying the world-class showjumping on offer in the heart of the city.

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Tricia Booker.

Cassanto Claims the Derby at Aiken Spring Classic Masters

Cassanto with Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger

Cassanto and Liza Boyd solidified their partnership at the Aiken Spring Classic Masters, April 19-23, in Aiken, South Carolina, and the results were gratifying. The pair picked up the overall victory in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and earned the 3'6" Performance Working Hunter Championship.

Cassanto is a relatively new ride for Boyd, whose student, Stella Styslinger, is leasing him for the year. Boyd and Cassanto contested their first classes together on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and this was their derby debut.

For the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Aiken, Liza's plan wasn't necessarily to win, but instead for them to gain confidence in one another.

"My plan with him was first and foremost to have a good experience," she said. "I wanted to ease him into another pressure situation (after Florida) and work on our partnership. Because of that goal, I wasn’t jumping all of the high options and was simply hoping for a nice ribbon and good experience."

After a solid Classic Round performance, Liza and Cassanto stood in second place going into the Handy Round.

"Havens Schatt was leading and so far ahead that I thought I was riding for second place," said Liza. "Havens had done all of the high options in the first round and handily won it. In the second round, my plan was to be handy but not risk jumping a big oxer and having it down. I stuck to my plan and did it. I was very handy and only jumped one high option vertical, and, as it turned out, that was a wise decision. Daniel Geitner was second to me by 1 point. It's a good thing I did the one high vertical. It's funny how strategy comes into play in these classes.

"It was good for me to do a derby and move forward," added Liza. "It was a competitive class and very exciting for the spectators, I think. For Cassanto, it was a good atmosphere, with lots of spectators and energy. I'm very happy with how it all turned out. We have plenty more classes to build on this spring, with lots of opportunities and stepping stones. I think I have him figured out now."

Liza also finished sixth overall aboard Lindsay Maxwell's Technicolor, a new ride for her.

"I was really proud of him. He's only 7 years old, and I don’t know how many derbies he's done, but it can't be too many," she said. "Lindsay was also champion on him in the 3'6" Amateur-Owners. She rode vey well and was first or second in every class. He's such a quality, beautiful horse. I think he really loved this horse show, where there are 20 strides between the fences, and he loved galloping on that field. Lindsay is a good rider and knows her horse well, so it was fun to watch them out there together."

Erin McGuire and Casallo with their fans.

Casallo and Erin McGuire reunited this spring after the gray warmblood returned from a lease. They placed 11th overall in the USHJA International Hunter Derby, "He's a wonderful horse, and Erin has so much fun with him," said Liza. "He's available for lease again, and I'm sure he won't be in the barn long!"

The Finally Farm team also cleaned up in the 3'3" Junior Hunters, where Maggie Hill and Shamrock topped the Junior Hunter Classic, Quatrain and Elly Ficca earned the section championship and Maggie took the reserve on Co Co Chanel as well as second in the Classic.

"Elly was really good on that big field and understood how to gallop and go forward out there," said Liza. "Quatrain jumped beautifully and had a great time. Maggie was reserve and won the Classic on Shamrock. He loves her, and it's so interesting for me to watch them. He’s really found his calling with her and being a Junior Hunter. I think he'd still be good with me in the derbies, but I can see how happy he is doing this job. He just loves it and is so overqualified. They are a great match."

Sarah Isgett returned from the University of South Carolina to resume her summer showing with Finally Farm. She earned the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, championship aboard Finally Farm's Fieona.

"It was their first show back, and they were great. They improved each day," said Liza. "She's such a hard worker and team player. I want to credit USC coaches Boo Major and Hillary Dobbs. They've done a great job, and riding all those different horses has been great for Sarah. She's riding so well."

Liza also enjoyed time in the show ring aboard a fancy new prospect named Gratis. The 5-year-old gray earned the Baby Green Hunter Championship for owner Karen Lackinger.

"She sent him to me just before Aiken and had bought him in an auction in Germany sight unseen," said Liza of the Hanoverian (Gray Top--Akazie). "She studied his pedigree and bought him to be a future derby horse. I'm really excited to have him in the barn, and for him to do so well in his first horse show is thrilling. He has a great brain. I haven’t jumped him very high yet since he's so young, but he feels very scopey and eager. She bought him to bring him up the hunter pipeline, and it will be so much fun to bring him along. He’s a pleasure to work with, cute and willing, and seems to have the right balance and talent to be a derby horse--that natural god-given canter, with a good rhythm. I'm super excited."