Tricolors at Tryon August 2

O’Ryan and Mary Caroline Nolan

The Finally Farm team traveled north for the Tryon August 2 Horse Show in Mill Spring, North Carolina, and returned to Camden with multiple championships and lots of great performances in the books, August 13-18.

O’Ryan did what he does does best—taking championship honors with Mary Caroline Nolan in the 3’3” Junior Hunters.

Paige Miller and Shamrock won three of their four over fences class in the Adult Hunters and captured the championship.

Elle Boyd made her presence known in the pony sections. Aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives she earned the championship in the Large Pony Hunters. She also guided Ginger Rogers to the Children’s Pony Hunter title and was reserve champion in the Mediums with Sunset’s Sparkle

Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off scored wins in the 3’3” Green Hunters with Liza Boyd and with Gigi in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters. A bonus was their impressive victory in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic.

Additional class winners this week included Bolero D’Armanville and Grace Ann Nolan in the 1.10m Adult Amateur Jumpers, Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann in the Low Adult Jumpers, Candid and Elle Gibbs in the Modified Junior Hunters, Kumano and Mary Caroline Nolan in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section, Cleopatra’s Smile and Cassico in the Performance Hunters with Liza Boyd, Continue and Lourdes Low in the '3’3” Junior Hunters, Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller in the Children’s Pony Hunters and Fieona and Kelly Maloney in the .80m Jumpers.

Congratulations to all!

Paige Miller and Shamrock

A Bountiful Blowing Rock

The summer of 2020 brought some challenges, but The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show endured for its 97th year , allowing the Finally Farm team a sense of normalcy. With wins, championships and grand championships throughout the two weeks in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, July 21-August 2.

Special award winners included:

Wells Fargo Leading Open Jumper Bonus – Erin McGuire

Wells Fargo Rider Bonus Award – Liza Boyd

Cymraeg Rain Beau Memorial Trophy Best Child Rider Pony Week 1 – Elle Boyd

Diane Ward Memorial Trophy Winner USHJA International Hunter Derby - Cassico, owned by Rebekah Warren and ridden by Liza Boyd

Jim Breedlove Memorial Trophy Most Money Won Open Jumper - Kasarr owned by Erin McGuire

Charles Lingle Memorial Trophy – Liza Boyd

Bill Rube Style Award Week 1 – Gigi Manigault

NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic - Curuba and Amy Nolan

Circuit Champion Low Children’s/Adult Jumper – Malbay Dreamer owned and ridden by Grace Ann Nolan

Circuit Champion Special Hunter - Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller

Circuit Champion Large Pony Hunter - Days Of Our Lives owned by Bridget Hallman and ridden by Elle Boyd

Most Workmanlike Tack Room - Finally Farm

Show Champions and Reserves included – Kumano and Mary Caroline Nolan (Children’s Hunters), Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann Nolan (Low Adult Jumper), Mckenzie Miller (BRCHS Special Equitation 12 & Under), Candid and Elle Gibbs (Junior Hunters), Elegance and Elle Boyd (Medium Ponies), O’Ryan and Mary Caroline Nolan (3’3” Junior Hunters), Walk-Off and Gigi Manigault (Adult Amateur Hunters), Cleopatra’s Smile and Liza Boyd.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

There were many special moments at this year’s show, and one was a tribute to the Towell family’s dear friend Jim Breedlove who passed away earlier this year. The Towells donated the Leading Open Jumper Rider Trophy in his memory and student Erin McGuire took the inaugural honors.

“Jim was my dad and mom’s great friend,” said Liza Boyd. “He was like an adopted grandfather to us and father to my dad. It was meaningful that Erin won that, and I think Erin said she rode for second the second week in the mini prix because she knew she could win Jim’s trophy. She could have tried to win the class, but she decided to be safe and earn the leading money-won award for Jim. That meant a lot to Erin. My dad, Vick Russell and Johnny Barker stood up and talked about him during the ceremony. They wore some of his old cowboy boots and spread his ashes around the ring. He wanted his ashes at Blowing Rock.”

Jack Towell presents the Jim Breedlove Memorial Trophy to Erin McGuire

Another memorable moment was when Liza topped the USHJA International Hunter Derby with Rebekah Warren’s Cassico. “I feel like at this point that might be my big highlight of 2020,” said Liza of the challenging show season brought on by COVID-19. “Right when we were walking the course we found out that Pony Finals were canceled. So, we knew this might be our Derby Finals. (The USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Kentucky were later canceled).

Liza Boyd and Cassico

“Hunt Tosh and Daniel Geitner made me work for the win and go for it,” added Liza. “It was our regional finals you could say. The horse felt great, and he was really ready to go and prepared for Derby Finals, so I was glad we got to have our own final at Blowing Rock. Competing in the evening, it also felt like a special win. There was so much energy and you could feel the crowd of owners and trainers there, cheering everyone on.”

Liza noted that Blowing Rock represents so much family and history behind it. “My dad grew up showing here as a kid. We all grew up spending July here. We had a great show, and it was a wonderful way to make the best out of 2020 with more great memories.”

Dear Brunello: You Gave Me the Confidence I Never Knew I Needed

LETTER TO MY HORSE · JULY 15, 2020

Originally published on NoelleFloyd.com

Brunello,

If the world was coming to an end, you’re the horse I’d want to ride. You taught me to be a strong competitor, and how to get to the top (and stay at the top). You put me on the map as a professional, and gave me the confidence I never knew I needed. You were there for me after I had my two girls, and when I came back from my pregnancies you were my rock – even when my pants were too tight, I could hop back on you and not question myself at all. Through every injury, through every illness – you’ve always shown up for me.

Brunello and Liza Boyd with their fans and friends - Photo by Tricia Booker

You’re a softie with a bad boy personality (other than the time you tried to slam Jersey Boy during the World Equestrian Games – then you were just a bad boy), and you never let me get greedy.

You knew when to peak, but I knew that I couldn’t ask you to peak all the time. You weren’t going to be the horse to win every smaller derby, but you always knew when, and how, to rise to the occasion. We didn’t like to do things traditionally, from our annual pre-Derby Finals 1.30m class (during which we always made up our own courses) to my dad’s Derby-morning rides. You taught us both that less is more, and to trust my instincts and training methods. Your confidence was infectious.

The last year we won the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, I didn’t think you could have gone any better than you did during our two wins prior. I was so nervous the last year that we won – I really wanted to win for you. We had won for me and we had won for my dad, but that last win was for you, Ike. You went in there and put on such a show, and I just stayed out of your way. A five-year-old could have been on you, and you still would have won that day.

For me, your Breyer horse presentation in Tryon will always stand out as your retirement “ceremony.” While it wasn’t official, it just felt right. I wanted you to finish a winner, and during our last class together, a $50,000 derby in Tryon, I just knew. There was nothing fancy about it, and I didn’t even say it was our last time showing, but I knew in my heart that you were ready to be done.

The frustrating part is that every time I try another horse, I’m too picky. The way that you could jump those oxers with such ease, in such perfect style, so slowly, using every part of your bascule, with your knees up and your hind end following through – I know that I’ll never find another horse like you. Although there aren’t many horses that can jump those big jumps that well, you jumped them so fluidly, and it felt so easy.

Brunello and Liza Boyd - Photo by Sportfot

I’m not sure what your career would have been if the derbies hadn’t come along. The 3’6” was easy for you, and you weren’t going to be the flashiest, fanciest junior hunter on the scene. You evolved with the derbies – you started doing them as soon as they began. The same year you were imported, we were champion in the 4’ division at all of the indoors. While I knew you were a nice horse, I realized you were different once we started galloping down to those big 4’ oxers – I remember thinking to myself, “this feeling is like no other.” You always shined in the night classes, when you felt the pressure. As my dad used to say, you were like Robin Hood – you made the shot when it counted, and you always wanted to win.

Brunello and his fans - Photo by Tricia Booker

I wish I could say that you were hard to ride and that this was all me, but you’re just so, so easy. I never worried about a swap or a late lead change and I have to say, these derbies are just a bit more challenging without you. There was no course that was too hard, no jump that was too big or spooky, no lighting that was too trappy. If anything, you didn’t like day derbies because the environment was too dull – so I just stopped doing those classes with you. As I’ve learned as I try to find another horse like you, there are derby horses, and then there are championship horses.

So thank you Ike, for teaching me how to truly rely on a horse, and for teaching me what it truly means to be a champion.

Liza Towell Boyd

Finally Farm is On Fire at Tryon Summer 5

Elle Boyd and Sunset’s Sparkle

The only thing hotter than the North Carolina heat was Elle Boyd at the Tryon Summer 5 Horse Show! Held from July 8-12 in Mill Spring, the venue of the Tryon International Equestrian Center continued to bring good fortune to the Finally Farm team.

Elle was on fire in the pony hunters. She earned championship honors on her own Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and reserve on Sunset Farm’s Sunset’s Sparkle in the Medium Pony Hunters and was a class winner on Elegance in the same section. Elle also claimed the Small Pony Hunter reserve championship on her own Baby Blue and won the Medium/Large Pony Hunter Classic aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives.

“We spy a Liza mini me!” proclaimed Finally Farm’s Instagram page afterward.

“She had such a great show,” said trainer and mom Liza Boyd proudly. “She got catch rides from Brooke Kemper and Robin Greenwood that went wonderfully. I was a bit worried because she’d never done three ponies in a division, but she managed it well. Brooke and Robin did a great job and taught her great things. We’re very appreciative of them giving Elle these opportunities on these ponies that are available for lease.”

Liza noted that the Tryon show management did well with its Covid-19 protocol. “We felt safe, and there was enough space so everyone was able to stay apart. Everyone is wearing masks and complying with the social distancing rules. I really felt they did a great job. As a bonus, we’re all going to have great skin wearing those gaiters and protecting our faces and necks at the same time!”

Paige Miller and Shamrock

Tryon’s cross-country field was available for riders, and Liza said they enjoyed trail riding and going down to the lake when they were done showing.

Paige Miller and Shamrock moved up to the 3’ Adult Amateurs, and in addition to earning ribbons in the 36-49 section, the pair topped the card in the NAL Adult Hunter Classic. “I’m so proud of her. It’s so exciting to see their partnership really maturing.”

Paige’s daughter McKenzie Miller wasn’t to be outdone. She won two classes in the Children’s Pony Hunter section to claim the reserve championship riding Hakuna Matata. It was a clean sweep of the triclolors for Finally Farm, as Olivia Loheac and Honor Roll captured the championship with two class wins, as well.

“This was Olivia’s first time moving from Short Stirrup to Children’s Pony, and she was amazing,” said Liza. “She rides with Jeanne Smith of Clear View Farm, who has given her such a great foundation. Because of our relationship with her dad Steve Loheac, who is our shipper, Olivia shows with us sometimes.”

Olivia Loheac with Honor Roll and McKenzie Miller with Hakuna Matata

Gigi Manigault also enjoyed a first-time experience at Tryon when her new horse, Walk-Off, made his debut with Finally Farm. With Liza aboard, Walk-Off earned the 3’3” Green Hunter Championship with two blue ribbons over fences. “We bought him from Kyle Dewar. He’s 6 and eligible for the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive,” said Liza. “He’s a horse for Gigi to bring up, and she’ll be able to show him in the Adults quickly. Congratulations to her on such a great start!”

Liza also piloted Finally Farm’s Family Style to the reserve championship in the same section, for a sweep of the tricolor ribbons.

The Nolan girls, Grace Ann and Mary Caroline, collected armfuls of ribbons in the hunter and jumper classes. Grace Ann moved up to the 1.10m Adult Amateur Jumpers with Bolero D’Armanville and earned excellent placings, including second in the NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic. Aboard her other horse Malbay Dreamer, Grace Ann took second in the competitive Low Adult Amateur Jumper Stake. “It was fun for her to get to show in the big stadium,” said Liza. “And she now knows ‘Armani’ well enough to not only go clear but also fast. They’ve established a good relationship together.”

Grace Ann Nolan with Bolero D’Armanville and Malbay Dreamer

With Grace Ann going off to the College of Charleston this fall, she handed the reins of the hunter Kumano to her little sister. Mary Caroline took the transition in stride, winning the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section in their first outing. “That was fun. It looks like they will be a good match,” said Liza smiling. “I’m excited for her.”

Mary Caroline also put in great performances on Cleopatra’s Smile and O’Ryan in the 3’3” Junior Hunters for a super successful week of showing.

Mary Caroline Nolan and Kumano

Rebekah Warren was right up there in the ribbons with Cassico in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters, with two second places over fences.

Elle Gibbs moved up to the 3’6” Junior Hunters with Candid and was second in the handy.

Lourdes Low also secured an impressive second place of her own in the SCHJA Governor’s Cup and won a Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, class riding Continue.

After a break from the show ring to raise a family, Lucinda Stewart returned to Finally Farm now that her boys are in college. “She rode with us a million years ago,” said Liza laughing. “Now, she’s getting back into riding again. She met us at the horse show and did the jumpers with Game On. She even won a .90m class of 27! It’s super fun to have her back at the farm.”

Liza also congratulated her brother, Hardin, for winning the $25,000 Jumper Classic on Sunday aboard Billy Manjaro. “There were a lot clean, and he went so fast,” she said. “I was watching thinking, ‘I would never go that fast!’ I think you have to when there are that many good horses and riders. I will take some credit, though! After the class he came by and said, ‘By the way, I borrowed one of your steel gag bits for the jump-off, and I’m keeping it.’ I said, ‘That’s fine! If it was good luck, then go for it!’”

Hardin Towell and Billy Manjaro Stride to $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic Win

Hardin Towell and Billy Manjaro

Mill Spring, NC – July 13, 2020 – Jack Hardin Towell (Camden, SC) and Billy Manjaro left out a few strides in the jump-off to take the $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to wrap up Tryon Summer 5 competition, stopping the clock at 27.795 seconds.

Dena Sienne, the 2008 Dutch Warmblood mare (Van Gogh x Animo) owned by Waldman Horses BV and piloted by Roberto Teran Tafur (Wellington, FL), claimed second on a time of 28.393 seconds, while third went to Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) aboard Bull Run’s Prince of Peace, the Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC owned 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Cardenio x Contender), clearing the short course in 29.001 seconds.

Towell and the 2010 British Warmblood stallion (Animo x Cevin Z) owned by Whiterock Farm LTD. left not one, but two strides out to fly into first place, Towell explained: “He has such a big stride. In the first round, there was an eight-stride line and I did six strides there in the jump-off. I think I was the only person to do it in six, which was a little bit crazy, but the horse has such a big stride.”

Having inherited the ride on Billy Manjaro from business partner Darragh Kenny, Towell detailed that he’s only a month back into showing following surgery for a broken foot.

“I broke my foot and had surgery in December. So, then, it’s been about a month that I’ve been back showing [after COVID-19 shutdowns] and I’ve been close, but I haven’t really won anything.” Towell admitted. “I am quite competitive, and I have been a little bit upset. So, today, I [know] I’m taking next week off, and decided to just go as fast as I can and maybe the luck will be on my side.”

Though he chose not to compete under the lights with Billy Manjaro just yet, because they’re still getting to know each other, “he has all the ability in the world,” Towell said of his mount. “He’s just a bit green. Hopefully, by the end of this year [we’ll compete at the Grand Prix level.] He has all the scope and jump and everything, so I’m going to keep going how I’m going and see where it ends up.”

Towell is a longtime competitor at the venue and spent the last three weeks at TIEC. He noted that showing at TIEC “is like coming home” because he grew up in the Carolinas: “I love showing here. I grew up around this area, so it’s like coming home. I grew up showing here 20 years ago, so it’s always nice to come back. The footing is great.

“Like I said, I’ve been here three weeks and have been quite close to winning a couple big classes. Last night [in the $73,000 JTWG Inc. Grand Prix CSI 2*], I was clean in the first round and rode poorly in the jump-off, so it was nice to kind of finish my time here [with a win],” Towell concluded. “I look forward to coming back here in the fall!”

Finally Farm Returns to the Show Ring at Aiken

After showing paused in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finally Farm team was thrilled to travel down the road to Bruce’s Field in Aiken for the Aiken Summer Classic I and II.

Following several months of training and conditioning at home, the riders and horses were well prepared to jump back into competition June 10-21.

“It was good to be back showing and going again,” said trainer Liza Boyd.

Despite the change in COVID protocols, the clients enjoyed the experience and social distancing and wearing masks quickly became second nature except for when on horseback.

“Hunt Tosh, Daniel Geitner and I showed in a turtleneck,” said Liza. “We pulled it over our faces and then got on and pulled it down around our necks. The USEF mandated no jogging for soundness, which was amazing and saved a lot of time. The kids rode their horses up to the ring, and I set jumps myself. Then, they’d cool their horses off and walk back to the barn. The day went so much faster.”

Liza noted that on the flip side, few people knew who won, and a lot of times the competitors didn’t know what ribbons they’d earned until they checked online. Without ribbons and jogging there was less congregating at the rings, and it was much safer for everyone.

Liza Boyd and her stylish mask at Aiken.

Champions over the two weeks were earned by Candid and Elle Gibbs (3’3” Junior Hunters) and Baby Blue and Elle Boyd (Small Pony Hunters). Reserve champions included Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Elle Boyd (Medium Pony Hunters), Curuba and Amy Nolan (Adult Amateur, 51 and Over), Cleopatra’s Smile and Mary Caroline Nolan and Frederica and Megan Schall (3’ USHJA Hunters).

“The down time really helped Elle with her ponies,” said Liza. “Going out in the woods, spending time in the tack and being able to ride so much and getting to know her ponies in different environments made her stronger and more of a fighter. Before, when things in the ring weren’t working out perfectly, she was fine. But now she knows how to handle it better. Riding green ponies in the ring she’s been working on keeping them straighter, and she’s more accurate and stronger. Then, her made ponies seemed easier. For Baby Blue, the down time was good for him physically and mentally. He was champion both weeks and looked so happy to be in the ring.”

Elle’s Medium Pony Darla also enjoyed the time off and their show ring results were great, and Elle earned nice ribbons on Bridget Hallman’s Large Pony, too, and won the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal class with Baby Blue.

“During the break, Elle Gibbs drove from Charlotte thee times a week and had flat lessons and honed in on her skills, and that paid off at Aiken,” said Liza. “She rode great.”

Liza also noted that the quarantine was also beneficial for the Nolans. “Mary Caroline lives farther away and can’t come as often, but she had intense lessons working on body control, position and seeing the jumps better. She got solid ribbons on Stallone and nice ribbons on O’Ryan and Cleopatra’s Smile. Her sister, Grace Anne, won the Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic 1.0m on Bolero D’Armanville. That horse is amazing and makes me feel like I could do the Olympics. He’s so light in the bridle, brave and careful. Hardin and Darrah sold us that horse. She was also great on Malbay Dreamer.”

Josephine Rose and Nolde had excellent performances in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers as well. “Hardin used to do the grand prix on him, and he moved down. He’s older now, and she had the best time riding him. It was fun for her, and she placed sixth in the classic, too.”

Elle Gibbs and Candid

Gigi Manigault won her classic in the 3’3”/3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters on Bastille, and Elle Gibbs and Candid claimed the 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic.

Finally Farm’s Adult Amateurs made their presence known. Frederica came back from an injury quite successfully, taking a well-earned blue ribbon as well as other placings with Megan Schall in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section. Alison Thorpe earned nice ribbons in the Adult Amateur, 50 and over, section with Justified, while Amy Nolan showed Curuba to the reserve championship with a first and two second-placed ribbons. “It was great to see him back in the ring; they’re a great match,” said Liza.

Liza wasn’t without her own top ribbons. Aboard Finally Farm’s Family Style, she placed second in $10,000 Hunter Classic. “It was fun to have the professionals highlighted. The class was in honor of Ellen Veitch, which made it more special. We all loved her so much, and it was a nice tribute to her. Those classes are great and it was a nice opportunity to get those 3’ and 3’3” Green horses in the ring during an afternoon/evening class with a little pressure.

“They brought in new jumps—barrels and hay bales and options of upright verticals,” added Liza. “It’s super when show managers do something like that. There were bending lines and it was a technical course, so we were able to teach the young horses. It was a little bit like a National Hunter Derby and a derby stepping stone.”

Liza noted that Family Style hadn’t shown in a while and didn’t go to Florida over the winter, so Aiken was the ideal place to have him return to the show ring.

“Hardin imported him at the end of his 6-year-old year but then he just wasn’t quite right. My dad decided to turn him out in the field with Blake’s Quarter Horse and forgot about him for six months,” said Liza. “Before Florida we put him back in the barn and kept working him, and he got better. Sarah Tash worked with him over the winter, and by the end of the season she took him out in hunt country and he was fitter and sounder than ever. Maybe I’ll make him up to be Elle’s Junior Hunter, but for the time being he’s a family horse and owned by us. He’s a cute horse for me to do and see where he goes and has been a fun quarantine project.”

Lourdes Low took impressive ribbons in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section and also earned ribbons in the equitation classes. “Lourdes lives in Hilton Head and was another rider who came down a lot during the quarantine to ride. She made great progress, and it showed!”

Finally Farm also welcomed back Rebekah Warren and her daughter Charlotte. Rebekah piloted Cassico to nice ribbons in the 3’3” Amateur-Owners. We’re glad to have them back!”

A Day in the Life of Liza Boyd

June 11, 2020 - Camden, South Carolina

By Liza Boyd as appeared in The Chronicle of the Horse

Three-time winner of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, Liza Boyd runs Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina, with her father Jack Towell. Boyd has won the WCHR Pro Finals at Capital Challenge (Maryland) three times and along with her father she’s trained numerous winning junior hunters. Boyd and her husband, Blake Boyd, have two daughters, Elle, 10, and Adeline, 6. Liza wrote this while in quarantine, just before the shows started up again.

7 a.m. Wake up!

Life has been different in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The weekdays are very similar because we haven’t been going to horse shows. I sleep a little later and make a more elaborate breakfast for the girls, Elle and Adeline. We’re spending more time together as a family, and my husband Blake is working from home. We’ve been enjoying bacon and eggs, and the eggs are from my brother Ned and his wife Mary Catherine’s chickens.

Life hasn’t included horse shows lately, but there’s still plenty of time spent at the barn. Photos Courtesy Of Liza Boyd

8:30 a.m. The girls and I head to the barn, which is a short drive from our house on the same road. The girls attend Camden Elementary School, and they were doing their classes online until school let out at the end of May. Because it can be distracting to do schoolwork in the house, and the internet connection isn’t as strong, we spent the morning in the barn office. We’re the only ones who use the office, so it feels like a clean environment. Their teachers were live online, and I stayed in the office to oversee and help. Sometimes Elle might have a project, such as measuring, so I’d help her. Adeline just finished kindergarten, and her teacher did a great job teaching math and reading. As a break, she’d put up a video to encourage the kids to get up and dance, so that was fun.

While I was helping them, I’d look out the window that oversees the ring. I’d watch the horses being worked by staff, and I might step out and help with flatwork. We’ve been focusing on rotating flatwork with trail rides, hill work and gymnastics. For the horses that went to Florida, we’ll jump a course once a week to keep their jumping muscles tuned. The horses that didn’t go to Florida are still in training. If all is going well that day, I’ll leave the girls for a bit and ride one or two horses or check in with the staff and go over the 38 horses on the property.

Other Boyd family activities include going on bike rides.

12 p.m. Lunchtime! In the morning, I pack us snacks and lunch, so we don’t have to go back to the house. I’ll also make lists, and I spent time reading articles and studying books while they attended school.

Throughout the morning the veterinarian and farrier come and go, and I might step out to the barn to talk to them at a safe distance. We set up an area that’s isolated and away from everyone, so they have a safe area to work. We have some horses that are rehabbing and others that just need everyday care and maintenance. This is a time I can discuss with the farrier which shoes to use or other issues that come up. With the hunters, there’s no need for them to be in aluminums since we haven’t been showing. Many have steel shoes on for more support. I might talk with the veterinarian about long-term plans for the horses showing and their healthcare throughout the year. This is a good time to make those schedules.

Without the stress of a show schedule, Liza Boyd took time to have adventures with her children.

2 p.m. After lunch, we take an afternoon trail ride on the green ponies, trying to get them fitter and stronger. We’re also trail riding the show horses. Mentally, it’s great for those warmbloods who sometimes get behind your leg in the ring to just go out and trot and not go around in circles. They’re so happy, and it’s great for their fitness. It’s also a nice way for the girls to get away from the screens and for us to not hear about the virus on TV constantly. We all trot through the woods, looking at wildlife and nature. We’re so fortunate to live on a farm.

Right now we have two medium green ponies and two small green ponies, and Elle and I will rotate. We’ll build on from what we did the day before. I think it’s good for Elle. She showed her made ponies in Florida and got show ring mileage, and now she has to change her mindset and get into their brains a little bit in training them. And if something’s not going right, she’s learning to stop and figure it out and be patient.

The green ponies are really ready for this quarantine to be over! They’re getting a lot of attention and training. They learned to do the treadmill. They have a good schedule of ring time, and two have learned to jump a bank. I think they’re going to be the Brunello of the pony hunter derbies! They’ve all jumped natural obstacles and foxhunting jumps out in hunt country. Elle’s small pony Baby Blue has learned to be a race horse on the steeplechase course, and her medium Darla learned to go through the mule pen and through the water.

For Adeline, this has been the time to focus on learning to canter. She goes down to the field with us and does partial trail rides, so she’s getting a feel for riding out of the ring.

Liza Boyd’s daughter Elle has gotten quite good at fishing.

Anything we can do outside is great. We haven’t been leaving Firetower Road, and we’re fortunate that we all live here so close to one another. We also have a lot of wildlife resources, ponds to fish, and places to bike and ride without leaving our road. Elle is pretty good and caught some fish. I’m also trying to make special memories throughout this challenging time. One day I let the girls ride their ponies bareback to our house from the barn. We let them loose in the backyard to graze while the girls had a snack at the picnic table.

Elle and Adeline graze their ponies in the backyard.

My parents are social distancing from us. My dad watches us from the back porch, and we’ll ride into the backyard to talk to him. My mom is doing a lot of walking around the ring and will watch from outside. We’re not going into their house, and they’re not going into the barn. They both have underlying health issues, and with Camden being a hotspot for the virus, they decided it was the safest thing to do. My dad mows the grass and tries to get out as much as possible, but he’s not coming into the ring to set jumps. He’ll sometimes drive the golf cart up to the ring, but no one is allowed to touch it. That’s their personal comfort level.

My dad closed the barn in mid-March, and we worked on reopening it slowly and carefully to clients in late April. My plan with the clients was to go back to the basics with lessons and focus on the fundamentals. I’m also going over what their strengths and weaknesses were from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida and honing in on the skills that each person needs to work on. With more time, we’re really able to break it all down and focus.

When the U.S. Equestrian Federation announced the May 31 date, that really helped me plan ahead. At that point I knew we had one month before we could consider showing, so I could make the best plan for each horse with that date in mind. My schedule for most of the horses and ponies that will show in June was something like this:

Monday: off

Tuesday: trail ride

Wednesday: school over cavaletti

Thursday: ride out in the field

Friday: jump school in the ring

Saturday: thorough flatwork in the ring

Sunday: trail ride and hill work

The staff has cleaned out tack trunks, organized and washed the tack, equipment and fake tails. We’re being conscientious about spending money, and we’re going through everything to be more aware of what we already have. We’ve had time to experiment with the therapeutics and the laser, and we’ve had time to talk about it all and bounce ideas off of each other. This has been a unique time where we can all become more educated about horse care, learn more about supplements and feeding, and not just focus on winning blue ribbons.

We’ve also had a little more time to watch the horses turned out in the paddocks, to study their mannerisms and see them in their natural state. Sometimes I’ll stop in the afternoon and watch the ponies outside and think, “Look how good he does his left to right lead change in the paddock!” My dad said a lot of old, famous horse trainers taught lead changes in the field and not in the ring. Maybe I’ll try it out here on this pony or try it over the raised cavaletti.

It’s also giving me more time to ask my dad questions. “How did you train Monday Morning?” Or, he’ll call me at the end of the day and tell me he watched a horse in the paddock that got worked up when mares were turned out beside him. He’ll say, “Maybe he was castrated late, and we should turn him out with Blake’s Quarter Horse gelding to change his mindset.” These are the things we don’t always have time to do.

5 p.m. I’ll go over the whiteboard in the barn with Lauren Carter, our assistant trainer and barn manager, and we discuss the plan for tomorrow. I’ll give her feedback on how the horses felt after she rode them the previous day and what she should work on tomorrow.

6 p.m. Back at the house, we’ll eat dinner, and I helped the girls with homework when they had it. Or we’ll go out and pick up pinecones in the yard with the sun setting, and they’ll roll their eyes at me!

8 p.m. Some nights when we’re done earlier, we will binge watch Netflix or watch a movie. We’re normally so exhausted at the horse shows, so it’s nice to be able to stay up a little later these days. Everybody is so hooked to the news, and it’s hard to ignore it, but I’ll tell the girls, “Say your prayers, hope everyone is staying safe, and hope this soon shall pass.”

NSHHOF Names Cassanto Junior Hunter of the Year

The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame’s mission “honors excellence by providing recognition, education and appreciation for the achievements of the horsemen and horses who have made the sport of show hunters so rich in history.”

Finally Farm is proud to announce that the 2019 NSHHOF Trainers Choice Awards results are in, and Maggie Hill’s Cassanto received the 2019 Junior Hunter of the Year Award! We’re so grateful for the incredible team work that resulted in this honor, from trainers Jack Towell and Liza Boyd to the entire Finally Farm staff, family and friends who made 2019 such a fun and memorable year.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto earned the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, Championship at the Washington International Horse Show.

Special thanks to the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and to the many trainers who voted for this very special horse! We look forward to the celebration at The Merion Cricket Club in 2021 with all of the other deserving award recipients!

Finally Farm Finishes WEF With Wonderful Results

Grace Ann Nolan and Malbay Dreamer

Even though the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, was cut two weeks short by the COVID-19 virus, the Finally Farm riders and horses made the most out of the final two weeks, March 4-15.

In addition, circuit awards were decided after Week 10, and Finally Farm received an abundance of honors.

Grace Ann Nolan guided Malbay Dreamer to the circuit championship in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper, 18-35, section after multiple championships, reserves and classic wins. Grace Ann also rode Bolero D’Armanville to fourth place in the standings, and she guided Sonoma to sixth place in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section standings.

“Hard work pays off!” said trainer Liza Boyd. “Congratulations to Grace Ann on your consistency!”

Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan

Younger sister Mary Caroline captured the reserve championship circuit title aboard the veteran O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. The pair jumped to many blue ribbons over fences and earned tricolor honors throughout the circuit.

“O’Ryan was doing what he does best,” said Liza. “I also want to congratulate Mary Caroline on her winning rides in a competitive younger children’s hunter division during WEF 10.”

Bridget Hallman’s Who’s It starred in two sections during this year’s WEF. With trainer Liza Boyd aboard, Who’s It took the Green Hunter 3’9” championship during Week 10 and placed sixth in the circuit standings with Bridget aboard in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter, 36 and over, section.

Liza also guided Maggie Hill’s Ravello to sixth in the 3’6” Green Hunter circuit standings and to the victory in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive during Week 10. Maggie also rode him to multiple ribbons in the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, section. “Maggie and Ravello won her final Junior Hunter class at WEF 2020,” noted Liza of their winning stake round. “It was a bittersweet end to WEF as the circuit was cut short, but a great way to finish!”

Maggie Hill and Ravello

Candid and Elle Gibbs began the WEF circuit as new partners and finished up with consistent results that were rewarded with fifth in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, circuit standings.

Elle Boyd finished her WEF circuit on a high note. Aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives, she finished on top of the card in the Large Pony Hunter Classic and was reserve champion in the section. The pair also finished seventh in the Children’s Large Pony Hunter section in the circuit standings after just a handful of shows together. “Daisy was bred, and is owned and loved by Bridget. Congrats to all involved!” said Liza.

Elle Boyd and Days Of Our Lives

“I’m so thankful to the horses and people involved in making this year at WEF so amazing,” said Liza. “Even though our circuit ended earlier than we expected, we will take home great memories and lots of wonderful experiences. Our new horse-and-rider partnerships gained great mileage for the remainder of the year, and our veterans made their marks again in the show ring. We look forward to continuing the show season when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, we’ll be home in Camden training, preparing and caring for our wonderful horses.”

Finally Farm Has a Fantastic February at WEF

Liza Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento

The Finally Farm team continued to earn accolades in the Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation and Ponies during the month of February on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

During WCHR Week 6, the Hunters took center stage throughout the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, including featured classes in the International Ring.

Once again, Liza Boyd qualified for the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, held under the lights on Saturday, February 15. Aboard Sherri Crawford’s Carento, she captured seventh place in two-round classic with a stellar second course. The pair qualified based on their reserve championship in the High Performance Hunter section, where they won the handy and placed third the stake, among other ribbons.

“I had to win the handy to have a chance to qualify for the class,” said Liza, who catch rode Carento for trainers Kitty and Johnny Barker. “This is a great horse who really rises to the occasion. It was a blast to ride him and I have to thank Sherri and Kitty and Johnny for the opportunity.”

Liza Boyd and Carento

Liza, who won the inaugural Hunter Spectacular in 1997 aboard her Junior Hunter Monday Morning, makes it a goal each year to compete in the class. “I love this class and riding under the lights,” she said. “It’s so much fun to get out in that ring and gallop around. I love the energy and atmosphere, and I think the horses do, too.”

Maggie Hill and Cassanto also represented Finally Farm in the Hunter Spectacular by virtue of their championship in the 3’6” Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section. Unfortunately, Cassanto enjoyed himself a bit too much in the first round, unseating Maggie with a few bucks after jumping beautifully over an oxer midway through the course. Maggie got up laughing, and the pair walked out of the ring together to much applause.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto - Photo credit: Photos © Sportfot, official photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Earlier in the day, Maggie rode the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Canto x Stefania) to a first, third, fourth and sixth-place finish for the championship. This was Maggie’s third year competing in the Hunter Spectacular, but her first time with Cassanto. The pair has been together for three years and has earned many championship ribbons from top horse shows.

“Yesterday, the second round was our favorite class, the handy. He was perfect and we won that,” said Maggie. “And for today, the International Arena is a beautiful ring; it’s one of the most fun rings to ride in and it’s so special for the hunters to go in there this week.

Elle Gibbs and Candid

Elle Gibbs also had a stellar week with Candid, earning the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, reserve championship. Elle also captured a prestigious WCHR High-Score Award for her victory in the handy, where she and Candid earned an 87.

Other impressive Hunter performances during this most competitive week were posted by: Gigi Manigault with Major Key and Bastille in the Amateur-Owners; Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunters; Kumano and Grace Ann Nolan in the Amateur-Owners; Ravello and Liza in the 3’6” Green Hunters; and Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Baby Blue in the Pony Hunters.

Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan

During Week 7, February 18-23, the accolades continued. Who’s It captured two tricolors, the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 36 and over, championship with owner Bridget Hallman, and the 3’9” Green Hunter championship with Liza in the irons. All told, Who’s It earned six blue ribbons during the week, making it a very special birthday week for Bridget to celebrate.

In addition, Elle rode Bridget’s pony Days Of Our Lives to the reserve championship in the Children’s Large Pony Hunters with a first and second over fences. Elle also won a class with Darling Clementine in the Medium Pony Hunter section and had great placings with the Small Pony Baby Blue for a banner show.

Bridget Hallman and Who’s It

Not to be outdone, younger sister Adeline Boyd also captured a reserve championship during Week 7 aboard Otis Spunkmeyer in the Walk-Trot section. She won the walk class and placed second in the walk-trot.

Mary Caroline Nolan was delighted to pick up the reserve championship in the Younger Children’s Hunters. She and the veteran O’Ryan showed their consistency, with a first, two seconds and a third. Sister Grace Ann also captured a reserve championship, taking the Low Adult Jumper, 18-35, tricolor with Malbay Dreamer. The pair topped the Classic with a super double-clear performance and a speedy and accurate jump-off, taking an impressive inside turn, that no one else could match.

Maggie Hill’s Ravello, with Liza in the irons, earned the reserve championship in the 3’6” Green Hunters with a win in the handy and second in the stake. They also took top honors in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive as icing on a great week. With Maggie aboard later in the week, Ravello also earned excellent ribbons in every Small Junior, 16-17. class.

Gigi Manigault and Major Key

During Week 8, February 25-March 1, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was a feature event, and once again Liza and Carento galloped to a top 10 finish. The pair placed second in the Classic Round, picked up seventh in the Handy and finished fifth overall out of 56 competitors.

Everglow, piloted by Liza in the High Performance and by Caroline Blake in the Large Junior, 16-17, section, picked up a variety of impressive ribbons in both sections, including a blue in the High Performance handy.

The Children’s Hunters also collected a variety of ribbons for Finally Farm. Lourdes Low and Continue made their presence known in the Younger Children’s Hunters, taking top ribbons over fences, and Alex Dastjerdi rode Invite Only to excellent placings in the Low Children’s Hunters. Aisha, ridden by Sydney Raidy, jumped to excellent ribbons in the Younger Children’s Hunters, as well.

Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue

Elle enjoyed another catch ride, this time aboard Quicksilver Party Wave. The duo earned a second and fifth over fences in a competitive section of 29 ponies.

Please enjoy our fun photo gallery of competition and candids from February!