Wonderful Washington International Wins

Any ribbon at the Washington International Horse Show is a treasured one, and this year Finally Farm riders captured many at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Elle Boyd and Baby Blue showed off their strong partnership with an impressive win in the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals over fences phase, taking the blue ribbon over a strong field of contenders. Following a challenging flat phase, Elle finished with third place behind veteran pony riders Maddie Tosh and Olivia Sweetnam.

The gift that keeps on giving continued at the WIHS! Elle and her 10th birthday present, Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue, topped the Medium Pony Hunter Handy class as the first to go, and they held the lead all the way through! Elle celebrates her birthday and two years with “Darla” in a few weeks!

Trainer and Mom Liza Boyd also claimed blue-ribbon finishes at Washington. She piloted Mary Caroline Nolan’s Ferrari to victory in both 3’9” Green Hunter classes on the first day of the show. They went on to take second in the stake, won the under saddle and claimed the championship. To top off their great performances, Ferrari and Liza earned the High-Score Handy Round of the Green sections!

Gigi and Walk-Off earned great ribbons in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section, including a second in the stake class.

Grace Ann Nolan and Bolero D’Armanville laid down two competitive jump-offs in the Adult Jumpers to place second in the Welcome and fifth in the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. They jumped double-clear in the Welcome and were just .83 seconds from the win.

Meredith Huddle and P. Diddy also cruised around the in the Adult Jumpers with excellent rounds, earning a top-12 finish in the Classic.

Lulu Wells and Bel Air with trainer Liza Boyd

LuLu Wells and Bel Air scored an 83 for fifth in the Medium Pony Hunter Conformation trip to start their WIHS with a bang! LuLu then concluded her partnership with Bel Air with a fourth place in the under saddle. We wish LuLu the best of luck as she moves on to the Large Ponies in 2022.

Finally Farm welcomed Abazu BSM and McKenna Newton to the team and congratulated them on their fifth place finish in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic.

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Indoors is Off to A Great Start

The Finally Farm team traveled to Maryland for the Capital Challenge Horse Show and started off the 2021 fall indoor show season strongly!

As host to the grand finale of the World Championship Hunter Rider program, the Hunter competition at the Prince Georges Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is always tough, and this year was no exception.

Consistent finishes all year helped Mary Caroline Nolan finish in the reserve position WCHR 3’3” Junior Rider for year-end standings Nationally and Regionally! Congratulations on your superb performances all year long.

Lourdes Low and Sienna concluded their Capital Challenge on a strong seventh-place finish in the WCHR 3’3” Junior Challenge, and Gigi Manigault and Bastille kicked off their indoors tour with a sixth-place in the WCHR 3’6” Amateur-Owner Challenge. Gigi also earned ribbons in the 18-35 section with Bastille, and she rode Walk-Off to ribbons in the 3’3” Amateurs. Earlier in the week, Liza and Walk-Off claimed top placings in the 3’6” Green Hunters, including second in the Handy and third in the Stake.

Liza also guided Ferrari to top ribbons in the Green 3’9“ and High Performance Conformation sections, culminating with an eighth in the WCHR Pro Challenge on Wednesday evening.

Liza continued her success in the Greens aboard Creekside, owned by Don Stewart, with a second, fifth and sixth in the 3’ Green Hunter, 6 and under, section and aboard MTM Hand Him Over, owned by Rebekah Warren, she was fourth in the Green Hunter North American Championship and earned two seconds in the Green 3’3”, section B.

Bolero D’Armanville and Grace Ann Nolan jumped to third in the NAL Adult Amateur Jumper Welcome, with a speedy double-clear, and sister Mary Caroline Nolan rode Custom Made to top ribbons in the Junior Hunter 3’3”, 14 and under, both over fences and under saddle.

The following week at the Pennsylvania National in Harrisburg, Elle Boyd and Baby Blue made their presence known with an impressive fourth in the $10,000 Pony Hunter Winner’s Stake. It was a great way to end the Junior Weekend for Finally Farm, with congratulations to MC, Lourdes, LuLu, and Elle on qualifying and competing!

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Aiken Fall is Fantastic for Finally Farm

Lulu Wells with Bel Air and Quicksilver Party Wave

From the Short Stirrup to the Junior/Amateurs to the USHJA Regional International Hunter Derby South, the Finally Farm team found success at the Aiken Fall Festivals, held September 8-19 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

Adeline Boyd and Golden Ticket were golden both weeks in the Short Stirrup Hunters. They earned the grand championship after claiming championship honors both weeks. Sister Elle picked up the first week’s Medium Pony Hunter championship with Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and the reserve Small Pony Hunter tricolor with Baby Blue.

Liza Boyd continued her derby success by placing second in the USHJA Regional International Hunter Derby South Championship with Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off. The pair won the Classic Round, placed third in the Handy for the reserve championship title.

Lulu Wells also took home grand championship honors—twice. She won the Medium Pony Hunters on her own Bel Air and the Children’s Pony Hunters on Finally Farm’s Quicksilver Party Wave. Consistency was the word of the show for Lulu, as she rode to the Medium Pony Hunter reserve championship both weeks on Bel Air and the Children’s Pony Hunter championship both weeks aboard Quicksilver Party Wave.

Mary Caroline Nolan had a dream show at Aiken. Aboard Custom Made, she was champion in section A and grand champion in the 3’3” Junior Hunters, and with Ferrari she was champion in section B. With Cleopatra’s Smile, she earned the reserve championship in the 3’3” juniors, too. All told, she won eight blue ribbons in just the one division during Week 2 alone!

Mary Caroline Nolan and Custom Made and Ferrari

During Week 2, Gigi Manigault and Bastille collected the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter championship with top calls over fences. She also piloted Walk-Off to excellent ribbons in the same section.

Camryn Cass and Catchphrase placed in the top three in all four over fences classes to earn the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 15-17, section during Week 2.

Bring On The Rain and Mckenzie Miller topped the Children’s Pony Challenge and earned the reserve championship in the Children’s Pony Hunters.

Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann Nolan continued their domination in the Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers. They won a class in the section before claiming the Classic win as well. Grace Ann also won the NAL High Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic aboard Bolero D’Armanville.

In the Equitation ring, the Finally Farm riders kept the winning momentum going both weeks. Gigi won the Ariat Adult Medal, Mary Caroline Nolan took top calls in the THIS Children’s Medal (twice) and the SCHJA Governor’s Cup, and Elle won the WIHS Pony Medal.

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Posted on September 20, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Liza Boyd and Cassico Claim Third in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships

Once again, Liza Boyd showed everyone how the Handy Round could be ridden when she and Cassico leapfrogged up the standings to place third in the $311,740 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. She couldn’t quite catch good friend Hunt Tosh, who guided the Wheeler Family’s Cannon Creek to the victory, and second-placed Sam Schaefer riding Caristo.

Over Alan Lohman and Danny Moore’s hunter track, Liza capitalized on the tight turns and handy options. The 12-effort course had horses and riders taking a tour of the Rolex Arena, including over a trot jump and four high options.

This was Hunt’s first time back in the winner’s seat at the Championships since his win in 2010 with Lone Star.

“It’s really cool to see that he has another horse as cool as Lone Star because Lone Star was a horse of a lifetime, and that doesn’t happen very often,” said Liza, commenting on Tosh’s mount. “When I saw [Cannon Creek] jump it was so much like Lone Star and it gives me hope that maybe I can find another Brunello in 10 years.”

Liza and Rebekah Warren’s Cassico took home the third-place ribbon and $26,435.55 in prize money. The pair entered the ring for the Handy round in eighth and quickly moved up the leaderboard with a 571.5 overall. The only rider to win the Championship on the same horse three years in a row, Liza is no stranger to the top of the class.

“This is my fourth time being third, and it was the most fun. On the podium, I was so excited. These medals, thank you guys; it made third almost as fun as winning,” Boyd said. “It’s fun for us Hunter riders because we don’t get this opportunity and this is the Olympics for us, so it’s a big deal.”

New this year was a special award in memory of Finally Farm’s late groom, The Alberto Ramirez International Hunter Derby Groom’s Award. Alberto was a mainstay in Liza and Brunello’s multiple USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship wins, and the USHJA honored his memory alongside his friends with this new award that was presented posthumously to him on Saturday evening.

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Elle Boyd Takes Championship Honors at Pony Finals

Elle Boyd and Baroness Of Lochiel on their way to winning the Medium Pony section. Shawn McMillan Photography

Elle Boyd made her first appearance at the USEF Pony Finals Presented by Honor Hill Farms one to remember. She guided Betsee Parker’s Baroness Of Lochiel to top honors in the Medium Pony section and Jill Shulman’s Secret Crush to the Reserve Championship Small Pony section.

Excerpt from the USEF

By Kathleen Landwehr and Ashley Swift, US Equestrian Communications Department

Boyd and Baroness of Locheil Win Medium Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Pegasus Show Stables and San Marco Training

Elle Boyd, of Camden, South Carolina, and Baroness Of Locheil, Dr. Betsee Parker’s 2013 Welsh pony cross mare, launched to the top spot in the Medium Regular Pony Hunter National Championship presented by Pegasus Show Stables and San Marco Training after a strong jumping performance in the final phase of competition.

The pair earned a score of 268.94 in the Model and a score of 223.85 in the Under Saddle, placing them outside the top 15 heading into the Over Fences on Saturday. Their foot-perfect round earned them a score of 542.00, ending with a total score of 1034.79.

“Twinkle” won the Medium Green division at the 2019 Pony Finals with Maddie Tosh in the irons, but this was Boyd’s first-ever Pony Finals.

“Twinkle is just so smooth, and gentle, and kind,” said Boyd. “I train with my mom [Liza Boyd], and we work on being nice and smooth. When I went into the Over Fences, I just wanted to get a good solid round and stay consistent. I was trying to be extra careful in the last line, not to get too fast or too slow.”

The pair also collected additional awards, including the Welsh Pony & Cob Society Grand Champions as the Half/Part-Bred Welsh - Regular Divisions and the Welsh Pony & Cob Society High-Score Welsh Medium Pony Award Winner.

In addition, Finally Farm was proud to see Annah Shuping, of Columbia, South Carolina, receive the Buttons N’ Bows Sportsmanship Trophy. “Your kind spirit and work ethic do not go unnoticed!” said trainer Liza Boyd. “Special thanks to Karen Kelley for your prep getting Annah and “Cooper” ready for Pony Finals!

Elle Boyd and Jill Shulman’s Secret Crush

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Accolades Enjoyed at the Aiken Spring Charity

Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue earned blue in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at Aiken.

The Aiken Spring Charity Horse Shows are always a highlight of Finally Farm’s spring calendar, and 2021 was no exception. In addition to the beautiful venue, proximity to home and the excellent management, the awards are special, and Finally Farm riders picked up many during the two weeks.

Week 1 was especially memorable, as Liza and daughter Elle Boyd topped two of the featured classes, the $25,000 Open Hunter Classic and the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.

Liza piloted Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off to the impressive victory about a tough field of contenders.

“It’s always a special class there, and they make an effort to move the jumps into the grand prix arena,” said Liza. “It’s a great experience for the horses that don’t have the opportunity to show in a big ring like that very often. It has the feel of the International Ring at Palm Beach or the Stadium at Tryon.

“This was an excellent class with great horses, riders and rounds,” she added. “The course was great, too. One horse after the other jumped beautifully, and all of the top horses from Wellington and Ocala met up again. Some we hadn’t seen all winter circuit, so it was fun to see everyone’s new horses.”

Liza Boyd and Walk-Off jump to victory in the $25,000 Aiken Charity Hunter Classic.

Liza was thrilled with Walk-Off, who is relatively green. “His experience in Wellington over the winter made a huge difference. He learned a lot and stepped right up and was ready for me to push him a little and go for the win here,” she noted.

Elle also went for the win. She and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue put their strong partnership to the test and came out on top in the Pony Hunter Derby. This was Elle’s second victory in a Pony Derby, and she’s certainly following in her mother’s footsteps.

“Again, it was great experience for her and to tackle an entire course of bending lines, 10s and 11s, was fun for her,” said Liza. “It was great practice for Pony Finals in the big ring in Kentucky. She was also circuit champion on Betsee Parker’s Baroness Of Locheil, a new ride for her. It’s rewarding to see her and that mare click.”

Elle Boyd and Baroness Of Locheil, grand champion pony

Liza was also grateful to have the pony’s former rider, Maddie Tosh, on hand to give Elle pointers and support. “She really looks up to Maddie, so it was helpful to have Maddie and her dad Hunt there to answer questions about the pony, too.”

Elle Gibbs and her Attaboy stepped up a level and captured the 3’6” Junior Hunter reserve championship in their debut at that height. Liza also guided Attaboy to the 3’6” Green Hunter championship and placed second in the USHJA Green Incentive during Week 2.

Grand champions Mary Caroline Nolan and Custom Made

Mary Caroline Nolan scored the grand championship in the 3’3” Juniors after earning the 3’3” Small Junior show championship both weeks. During Week 2 they won three out of the five classes.

“What a great horse he is,” said Liza. “After she had O’Ryan last year, what a wonderful horse to continue her education. He’s so seasoned and a great teacher, and she’s learning a lot.”

MC also won THIS Children’s Medal with Exclusive, and her Ferrari earned the 3’9” Green/High Performance Hunter championship with Liza aboard.

Mckenzie Miller made her 2’6” Children’s Pony Hunter debut a winning one aboard new mount Bring On The Rain! Scores of 84 and 85 also marked her personal best. The duo also earned championship honors both weeks for the circuit title.

“They weren’t able to go to Florida and stayed home and had lessons from friend and neighbor Bruce Christensen,” noted Liza. “They were very prepared. He’s such a nice pony, and they were so consistent over the two weeks.”

Liza Boyd, Lourdes Low and Sienna celebrate a well-earned reserve championship.

Lourdes Low and Sienna also continued their consistency from the winter, earning the 3’3” Large Junior Hunter reserve championship and placing second in the Junior Hunter Classic.

Likewise, Elle Boyd and her Small Pony Baby Blue added a reserve championship to their collection, and younger sister Adeline earned tricolor honors both weeks in the Short/Long Stirrup section with Golden Ticket.

Adeline and Liza Boyd with Golden Ticket

“This is a new pony who is absolutely fabulous,” said Liza of Golden Ticket. “When I learned she was available, I said, ‘OMG, we need Molly! She’s the best!’ I want to thank Louise Serio and Jaclyn Tattersall for sharing her with us. This has been fun and it’s great to see Adeline take the next step up. Now that we have both girls showing, they set their own alarm and get up early. Elle teaches Adeline the courses, and it’s so cool they’re both doing it together.”

Mckenzie Miller and champion Bring On The Rain

Finally Farm riders also earned their fair share of equitation ribbons. Elle Boyd won the Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Medal and the WIHS Pony Medal, while Gigi Manigault won the Ariat Adult Medal aboard Wizzard Of Odds and Amy Nolan topped the Bryan Jones Adult Medal with Sampson.

Joey Rose and Cassino placed third, and MC Nolan and Exclusive were seventh out of 30+ in the USHJA National Hunter Derby Junior/Amateur section to add to the derby ribbons.

Finally Farm also welcomed Ashley Neudorff, of Columbia, and Carousel to the barn family during Aiken. They contested the Low Adult Hunters, and Carousel was fourth in the USHJA National Hunter Derby during Week 2 with Liza in the irons.

We also want to thank Ramon, Carlos, Victor, Poncho and Ramon for their hustle behind the scenes! It was a great 2 weeks at Aiken! Not pictured but equally as thankful for our girl gang of Theresa, Randi and Olivia!

Special thanks to our owners, sponsors, vets, farriers, and staff who make up the ultimate dream team! #ariat #cwd #icehorse #irhhelmets#mdcstirrups #proelitefeed#platinumperformance #ruespari#successequestrian #equifit#charlesancona #luckybraids #photographerA&SPhotography

To view the comprehensive and beautifully done Aiken Charity Horse Show wrap-up, please click here!

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Posted on May 27, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Boyd and Carento Can't Be Caught in the $15,000 USHJA International Derby "Hunt and Go"

Hunter competition once again took the spotlight on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday April 2. Thirty-four of the top hunter horse-and-rider combinations entered the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go” for their chance to win the top prize. With impressive performances in both the classic round and handy portion, Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento earned the victory in the class with an overall score of 351.

The class was held in a “Hunt and Go” format, with the first eight fences counting toward the classic round and then the final six jumps being the handy phase. Ken Krome designed a technical course, including four high-option fences, a trot jump, and a “bounce” element. Riders were also asked to walk a circle in between the classic and handy phases.

First in the order of go, Boyd, of Camden, S.C., and Carento set the pace with a classic round score of 173 and a handy round score of 178. The duo held onto the top spot throughout the remainder of the competitive class. Boyd is no stranger to this hunter derby and also earned a first place finish in 2019 aboard Tradition.

“I really studied the course, and all the riders and I talked,” explained Boyd. “I like how Ken Krome broke it up and let us walk a complete loop, and I think for the rider and the horse that was nice. I felt [Carento] take a deep breath, I took a deep breath, and then we were able to think about the handy and it gave us a minute to rock back on our hind end and reorganize. I hope for the future that is something course designers continue to do. I think it’s nice for the judges [too]. It gives them a minute, and it gives the riders and horses a minute.”

Despite the challenges of being first to go, Boyd and the 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Caretino navigated around the difficult course with ease. Boyd knew that she could trust her seasoned partner to step up to the plate and enjoy competing on the field.

“He is just so made up and has had so many miles, so this is a great venue for him,” described Boyd. “It was to my advantage that the weather changed and it was a little cool and shadowy because he is such a seasoned derby horse that nothing really scares him. What I liked is that he just picked up a gallop and stayed loose with a nice long rein. He went very hunter-style and made a great effort, didn’t touch a jump, and was so smooth. It was really fun, and when he is like that he’s easy to ride.”

“Sherri Crawford is a wonderful owner,” continued Boyd. “She flats him and trail rides him, and I think that her and Kitty Barker have done a really good job managing an older horse. The hardest thing when they get older, a little bit like a Brunello situation, is to really keep them happy and don’t get greedy and show too much. We waited and asked him to peak this week, and he did.”

This was an emotional victory for Boyd, who dedicated the win to her head groom, Alberto Ramirez. “My head groom who has been with us for 20 years and took care of Brunello was diagnosed with Leukemia yesterday, so I really rode for Alberto today,” said Boyd. “We don’t ever do derbies without him so I rode for him today to make him proud.”

Not far behind in points were Jennifer Hannan, of Wakefield, R.I., and her own Olympic Fire who took home second place. The pair received a score of 169.25 in the classic round, a score of 177.50 in the handy phase, and an overall score of 346.75. Third place honors went to Boyd on her second mount Cassico, owned by Rebekah Warren, with a total score of 345.85. The pair earned a score of 169.85 in the first round and a handy score of 176.

Special thanks to Sabrina Brashares for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for the press release.

Final Results: $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go

Horse, Rider, Owner, Round 1 Score, Round 2 Score | Total

1. Carento, Elizabeth Towell Boyd, Sherri Crawford

173.00, 178.00 | 351.00

2. Olympic Fire, Jennifer Hannan, Jennifer Hannan

169.25, 177.50 | 346.50

3. Cassico, Elizabeth Towell Boyd, Rebekah Warren

169.85, 176.00 | 345.85

4. Red Ryder, Hannah Isop, Tracy Freels

164.00, 177.50 | 341.50

5. Catena 5, Julia Weiss, Julia Weiss

170.01, 171.00 | 341.01

6. Cascartini, Havens Schatt, Ken and Amy Wexler LLC

173.00, 168.00 | 341.00

7. Mindful, Jennifer Hannan, Kensel, LLC

161.00, 174.00 | 335.00

8. Chappy, Greg Crolick, Carole Chase

166.50, 166.00 | 332.50

9. SVF On My Own, Maria Rasmussen, Sunset View Farm LLC

163.00, 169.00 | 332.00

10. Poker Face, Jennifer Bliss, Harris Hill Farm, LLC

162.01, 163.00 | 325.01

11. Zalandra, Hannah Isop, Harry Littler

162.00, 163.00 | 325.00

12. Charismo, Penny Lombardo, Joyce L. Kutcher

163.50, 161.00 | 324.50

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

More Winning Ways at WEF 11

As the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival winds down, the winning hasn’t for Finally Farm. During Week 11, some new accomplishments were added to the books in Wellington, Florida.

Elle Boyd and Baroness Of Locheil claimed their first blue ribbon together over fences in a Medium Pony Hunter class and placed third in the under saddle. The pair also won a USHJA 2’3” class out of 10 and earned other top ribbons as they got to know one another in the show ring. “This is her first season of riding the pony, and we spent the winter getting to know her,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “Special thanks to Betsee Parker for sharing this wonderful pony with us.”

Elle also collected more ribbons in the Small Pony Hunters aboard her longtime partner Baby Blue. “She’s really getting great at doing the handy courses and becoming more comfortable doing the inside turns,” said Liza. “She had a catch ride on Smitten and won a class on him and was third in another out of 33 ponies. I’m proud of her for hopping on Friday and not knowing the pony and doing so well. Thank you to Joey Currais for giving Elle the catch ride. We really appreciate these opportunities.”

Adeline Boyd wasn’t without her own accolades. She topped a Short Stirrup class aboard Hakuna Matata out of a field of 22.

“Both sisters won a class on Sunday, and it was exciting because it was Adeline’s last day here,” said Liza. “It was a great way to finish. They’ve been having lessons with Heather Williams, who works for Stacia Madden, and is a good friend of mine. It’s nice for me to have a day when they learn from someone other than me or Jack. Heather is an equitation guru, so the lessons are about position, with halts, turns and flatwork. She has them doing patterns over cavaletti, and they work on their hands and heels. We’ve noticed a big difference. I’m usually showing during that time and don’t make it to the lessons, but they’ve been having a great time with Heather. I’ll miss that when I go home.”

Elle Gibbs also finished the WEF circuit during Week 11 and picked up more top calls aboard her Attaboy. “She ended well. She was champion last week and finished the WEF season with an 86 in the stake class for second place,” said Liza. “Elle also leased Charmeur from Maggie Hill, and it was nice to have him back in the barn. He’s the soldier behind the scenes that allows Elle to be successful on Attaboy. He’s a great all-around horse who does the equitation and hunters. Sometimes these horses don’t get the recognition, but they’re really the backbone and support for these kids to do well.”

Lourdes Low and Sienna with trainer Jack Towell

Lourdes Low earned her third tricolor of the WEF season, picking up the reserve championship on Sienna in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section. “Lourdes had a great circuit. She and Sienna are a super match. They won two jumping classes the last week and picked up ribbons in the others. She rode great,” added Liza.

Cassino earned ribbons throughout the week with Liza in the irons in the Performance Hunters and Joey Rose in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section. “He started out the week with an 88 with me in the Performance and kept getting good scores all week,” said Liza. “He’s a very consistent horse and loves his job.”

Finally Farm finishes the 12-week WEF circuit next week and will head back to Camden, South Carolina on April 5-6. Their next stop is the Aiken Spring Classic I Horse Show in South Carolina.

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Awesome Accomplishments at WEF

The month of February was one to celebrate for Finally Farm. The team enjoyed major accomplishments and victories on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, from the Short Stirrup to the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.

Highlights included Liza Boyd and Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off placing second in the $50,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular with the top score in the second round! They qualified for the featured hunter class of the circuit with the reserve championship in the 3’6” Green Hunters.

Other great performances included:

Liza with Elle and Adeline Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue

Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Elle - The pair were on fire during WCHR Week 6, taking the Medium Pony Hunter reserve championship and placing third in the Florida Medium Pony. Hunter Classic with a first-round score of 87. "We’ve been practicing a lot on looking ahead,” said Liza. “Sometimes she’s late with her eye to look and misses a turn in the handy, so we realty worked on that. Heather Senia Williams, who works for Stacia Madden, has been giving her and Adeline flat lessons and jumping lessons once a week, and that’s been really good. She’s teaching her things such as haunches in and shoulder in and really working on position and good basic equitation. It’s really important for the girls to learn from someone else, too. Adeline is totally focused and listens, and it’s been great. I’m really thankful to her for taking the time to help them.”

Bastille and Gigi Manigault - Gigi made her Amateur-Owner debut this winter and has enjoyed counting her strong partnership with Bastille while balancing her senior year in high school. Gigi also earned super ribbons aboard Big Bang in the equitation, including the Ariat National Adult Medal and the THIS Adult Medal.

Davillant H and Joey Rose winning a Low Adult Jumper Classic out of 23 entries. “Joey just started her jumper career this winter, and she’s figured it out quickly, said Liza. “She’s really brave. She’s game and gutsy. And when you put that together with her competitive nature, you know she can win!” Joey has also ridden Cassino to excellent ribbons in the Young 3’6” Amateur-Owners throughout the circuit.

Quick Silver Party Wave and Elle Boyd – The pair started out their partnership on a winning note, taking the reserve championship in the Medium Green ponies during their first outing. “We’ve had him since he was 3, and it’s been exciting to produce one and see him come along. Elle did a good job. McKayla Brombach showed him the week before and had him set up nicely. He’ll be a fun pony, and Elle will get a lot of years from him. He’s even one that Adeline may be able to ride one day.”

Custom Made and Mary Caroline Nolan – This is a new partnership, and the’ve come out strongly. They immediately won in the 3’3” Junior, 15 and under, section and have been contenders in that section from the start. “She’s just getting to know him. They’re an excellent match, and she won an under saddle class the first time she showed him. She really figured out how he likes to go and how he moves his best. MC also continues to enjoy Cleopatra’s Smile, and the pair regularly score top ribbons in the 3’3” Juniors, as well.” MC took an impressive sixth and eighth in the WCHR 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic in the International Ring during WEF 6.

Ferrari and Liza - They compete in the 3’9” Green Hunters and have earned championship results during the circuit. The Nolans purchased Ferrari recently, and Liza is making him up to be Mary Caroline’s future 3’6” Junior Hunter. . Getting made up to be MC future junior hunter.

Exclusive and Mary Caroline - Exclusive has taken Mary Caroline to tricolor results in the equitation this winter. “MC is working on her equitation, and this horse is helping her improve her rides in the Handy Hunter classes as well,” said Liza.

Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann Nolan – When they’re on their game, this duo is hard to beat in the Low Adult Amateur Jumpers. The win nearly each week they compete and have a strong and trusting partnership. Grace Ann also is highly competitive with Bolero D’Armanville in the High Adult Jumpers, regularly taking top ribbons in this competitive division.

Sienna and Lourdes Low – "They are a great partnership,” said Liza. “One week she had a challenging first day, and then was the comeback kid on day 2 and won both over fences round in the 3’3” Junior Hunters. I was super proud of her.” The pair also galloped confidently around the International Ring during WCHR Week 6, showing off what they’ve learned so far this winter and then topped it off with the division championship during WEF 7 with two firsts and a third over fences.

Charmeur and Elle Gibbs - Elle got good ribbons and mileage in the equitation with Charmeur, including great rounds in the THIS Medal. She also piloted her new mount Attaboy to great ribbons in the 3’3” Junior Hunters and tied for reserve championship honors during WEF 7. Liza also guided Attaboy to the blue ribbon in the USHJA 3’6” Green Hunter Incentive class.

Baby Blue and Elle - This pair has truly shined during WEF, raking in top ribbons in the Small Pony Hunter classes and Classics. Their highlights included a score of 89 during one over fences round. “He’s fun for her because you can really gallop on him,” said Liza. “He’s like a mini derby horse and has great balance. He’s wonderful for her to have because he’s older and seasoned and builds her confidence and education. She can show off as a rider because he knows his job. It was her highest score so far, and I was so happy for her. He reminds me of a mini Brunello.”

Carento and Liza - They placed fifth in the USHJA International Hunt and Go Derby. “I love working with Johnny and Kitty (Barker). It’s super fun, and Sherry is a great owner. That horse is so seasoned, and it’s fun for me to have the opportunity to show him. We were fifth out of 63, and I was super happy with that ribbon.”

Cassico and Rebekah Warren and Camilla Grover-Dodge with Jaguar

The stars came out at night for Rebekah Warren and Cassico (7th) and Camilla Grover-Dodge and Jaguar (10th) in the $5,000 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic during WEF 6! Jaguar and Camilla recently moved up to the 3’3” and have been competitive right from the get-go.

Conto Blue and Alexandra Dastjerdi - They’ve made great strides in the Low Children’s Hunters, earning great mileage and ribbons along the way.

Hakuna Matata and Adeline Boyd - They’ve made their presence known in the Short Stirrup division throughout the circuit. “I’m so proud of her consistency this winter! And I want to thank Courtney Petersen Goldstein for sharing this special pony with us. He’s irreplaceable!” said Liza.

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Posted on March 1, 2021 by Tricia Booker.

Liza Boyd and Walk-Off Jump to the WCHR Spectacular Reserve Championship

Liza Towell Boyd and Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off had a spectacular time in the $50,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit.

Only Amanda Steege and Lafitte De Muze earned more points from the judges to secure the victory on February 20 in Wellington, Florida.

Boyd came into Round 2 in 10th place on a first round score of 86.66, but her high score of 91 in the second round shot her into the lead, to be beaten by only Steege later in the class. Following Boyd in third was Geoffrey Hesslink and Bond, owned by Shadowfax Equestrian, LLC.

Steege, who has shown Laffite De Muze four years in a row in this class, planned to ride a smooth first round, knowing he would rise to the occasion and jump with amazing style. She made a solid plan for the second round, then went a completely different direction after watching the rounds before her.

“Liza [Boyd] and I walked together, and we were not planning on doing some of the inside slices we did,” said Steege of her plan for Round 2. “As we were watching people go and do the turns, the judges seemed to reward it, so I actually phoned a friend. I called Tom Wright, who was sitting in the stands, literally when I was standing at the in-gate and I asked him what he thought I should do. He helped me formulate a plan that we thought would be the best for Lafitte, and I was happy I was able to follow the plan and make it work.”

Boyd ascribed feelings of admiration of Lafitte De Muze for her mount, Walk-Off, the 7-year-old gelding that recently made his hunter debut and took home reserve champion in the 3’6” Green Hunters during WCHR week to qualify for the class. “My horse is honored to be second to Lafitte,” Boyd said. “I think he just idolizes the horse."

Liza and Walk-Off trot in for the victory gallop.

“[Walk-Off] is quite green,” continued Boyd. “Actually, when we went to jog today, I realized he’s a ‘COVID baby’—he doesn’t know how to jog! With him being green, in the first round I rode a little bit cautious, and the second round when I was in tenth place, I thought I’d just go for it. He really stepped up to the plate and did all the inside turns. He proved to me that he’s going to be a real derby horse in the making.”

Riders earning champion or reserve champion in the 3'6" and higher rated WCHR hunter sections qualified for the $50,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, with additional riders qualifying based on points if the qualified riders chose not to compete or were pre-qualified. In addition, riders also qualified based on their 2020 standings in the WCHR national awards programs.

The class, a two-round hunter classic, was scored by three panels of two judges, including Chris Wynne and Mary Lisa Leffler; Rachel Kennedy and Sissy Wickes; and Mark Jungherr and Tom Brennan.