Dalliance Does it Again During WEF 4

Finally Farm was well represented by ribbon winners during Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and we were thrilled to have our own Liza Boyd featured once again in one of the Equestrian Sport Productions' official press releases.

Elizabeth Boyd and Dalliance Earn Championship Honors for the Second Time in the CWD Saddlery Performance Working Hunter 3'6"

To kick off WEF 4, Elizabeth Boyd and Dalliance finished the day as the CWD Saddlery Performance Working Hunter 3'6" champions. Dalliance and Boyd received three seconds and a third over fences, along with a third in the under saddle to top the field of 28 competitors.

Chablis and Peter Lutz ended the two days of competition as reserve champions in the division. Chablis, owned by Libertas Farm, showed off his winning style topping two of the over fences classes.

Last year Dalliance, owned by Avatar Real Estate of Coral Gables, Florida, was competing in the jumper ring, but after teaming up with Boyd in the fall, Dalliance has become a natural in the hunters. "He's [Dalliance] just been so consistent. He was champion of the Performance Hunters 3'3" the first week, champion of the Performance Hunters 3'6" the second week, took a week off and is now champion again," Boyd smiled.

"He [Dalliance] goes in there every day and is the same. He's really easy and has great form over the jumps. He is the type of horse that a lot of judges really like!" Boyd noted.

One of the things that Dalliance had to learn, moving from the jumpers to the hunters, was slowing down through the inside turns during handy classes. While he was always able to do the challenging inside turns, he would be too quick through them. After a good handy this week, Boyd said, "He [Dalliance] did all the inside turns without dropping his shoulder or speeding up. He's perfected that."

While Boyd spends a lot of time showing younger horses, she is thankful for the opportunity to show Dalliance. "It's nice to have one consistent horse. I don't have Brunello here this year because he is really just a derby horse now, so it's nice to have one that I can really count on," Boyd explained.

Boyd currently has Dalliance as a sale horse, and she has enjoyed being able to show him during the beginning of the season. When talking about Dalliance's future, Boyd said, "I think he is going to be a great Junior or Amateur Hunter. He has proven himself very well, and he is ready."

Boyd also added, "He [Dalliance] would do derbies really well because he is super brave, doesn't need to get in the ring in the morning and comes to work the same every day."

If Dalliance is still with Boyd during WEF 6, she hopes to show him in the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular.

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Tricia Booker.

Eloise Excels During WEF 3

*Eloise and Stella Styslinger with their WEF 3 tricolors.*

Eloise and rider Stella Styslinger enjoyed a special moment in the spotlight during Week 3 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, January 21-25 in Wellington, Florida. Stella and Eloise picked up the reserve championship in the Small Junior, 15 and under, section and the owner/rider championship.

"This is Stella’s first year at Palm Beach, and walking into the Grand Hunter Ring can be intimidating, but she rose to the occasion in just her second show here," said trainer Liza Boyd, who also guided Eloise to ribbons in the Performance Working Hunter 3'6" section.

Liza attributed Stella's success with Eloise, in part, to an equitation horse named Centerfold K that Stella began leasing last fall from Beacon Hill Show Stables.

"He's cute enough to do the hunters, too, so last week, her first week here, she did him in the Junior Hunters so she could practice the really hard inside turns in the handy class," said Liza. "He’s given her so much confidence and taught her so much already.

"Even though she rode Eloise great, I think a huge part of her improvement and confidence comes from Centerfold K," she added. "Stella rode Centerfold K in the Maclay before she did Eloise on Sunday. The Maclay was really hard. They had a bounce, and really everything on the course was a number [of strides], so it was very technical. Being able to ride Centerfold K first made her trips in the Grand Hunter Ring seem easy!"

Stella, 15, inherited Eloise from her sister Claudia, who now attends the University of Virginia. The pair has forged a strong partnership, which is now getting even better.

"I think the equitation is going to help her so much," said Liza. "The hunter courses are getting more technical, and it's not just outside, inside anymore. She has really started to understand the technical aspects of a ride, such as how to take an inside track in seven strides or shape a line and bend it for eight strides,"

This week Stella and Centerfold K tackled the equitation classes, with strong performances in the ASPCA Maclay, Pessoa/USEF Medal and WIHS Equitation phases.

"She had one little mistake in each class, but she did great for the first time," said Liza. "She got better and better in each class. Stella has a great position on a horse and a great feel. She just needs to keep learning at this level, and the equitation is a great building block to becoming a better rider and maybe even moving into the jumper ring someday."

Finally Farm riders also enjoyed impressive results in the jumpers, with Show Show showing the way this week. With Maddy Thatcher aboard, Show Show jumped to victory in a Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper class over a field of 62 competitors, while Liza rode the veteran show jumper to second place of 121 entries in a 1.30m open class.

"It was the most fun part of my week," said Liza laughing. "It’s funny, because I’m not known as a jumper rider right now. But in the past I've done the jumpers and have even have done grand prix classes. But the past few years my focus has been on the hunters and the derbies.

"When I got to the ring, everyone said, 'Did you make a wrong turn? What are you doing over here?'" added Liza smiling. "It's such a different world. You get into a routine and see the same professionals at the hunter rings. There are friends I grew up with over in the jumpers, but I don't see them anymore, so it was great to spend time with them. Candice King said, 'She finally made the right turn and came back over here!'"

*Maddy Thatcher and Show Show - Photo courtesy of The Book LLC*

Liza described her ride on Show Show, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Darco, as amazing. "He has so much experience and a resume bigger than mine! My goal was to practice neat turns to set him up for Maddy. I wasn't going for the win, but he made such nice turns and has such a big stride that he was pretty quick. It was so smooth that it felt like a handy hunter round on Brunello--but just faster!"

Maddy then took over the reins for the Amateur-Owners. "She was amazing," said Liza. "I think they went faster than anyone! There's so much quality in that section and a lot of grand prix horses, and those amateurs are so slick. Maddy really impressed me in the jump-off. She followed her exact plan and was textbook. It was just what she and Jack [Towell] went over. She even added a stride in first line with more bend so she could be quicker to the next jump. She was great."

Sisters Larson and Mary Carton Mitchener earned ribbons on their respective mounts during WEF 3 for great results as well.

Larson, a freshman at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, hasn't had much time to practice, but that limitation didn't prevent her from jumping Graffiti to excellent ribbons in a section of the Adult Amateur, 18-35 hunters. "I was really proud of her," said Liza. "She rode over the holidays and is balancing school and doing it all quite well. I'm also proud of Tamara [Berkowitz, assistant trainer]. She has a soft spot for 'Smudge,' and he's become her project. She's figured that horse out and what he likes, and she prepared him to peak at the right time for Larson. She made a well-planned schedule for him, and it paid off."

Younger sister Mary Carton guided Trinity to ribbons in the 3'3" Junior Hunters, a competitive section at WEF since it's not split by age,

"Some weeks I think it's even harder than the 3'6" Juniors," said Liza. " Mary Carton and Grayanna Griggs (riding Beaujolais) were both impressive this weekend, with consistent rounds. It was Grayanna's last week of showing, so placing third over fences in the Grand Hunter Ring was a nice way to end on a good note. We will meet back up with her when we get home in March."

*Grace Howard and HiHo Houdini placed eighth in the Children's Jumper Classic during WEF 3.*

Posted on January 27, 2015 by Tricia Booker.

Ariat Sponsors Two-Time USHJA Hunter Derby Champion Liza Boyd

Liza Boyd and Brunello on their way to the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

Union City, Calif. January 20, 2015--Ariat International, the leader in innovative Western and English footwear, apparel and accessories, has recently signed East Coast-based hunter rider, Liza Boyd, as an official Ariat athlete. Liza will be representing Ariat’s English apparel and footwear lines.

Liza (Towell) Boyd has a long-standing legacy in the hunter ring. As a junior, Liza was named Overall World Champion Hunter Rider three times, and won the Best Child Rider Award at the Washington International Horse Show four times. Liza has won more than 25 USHJA International and National Hunter Derbies, including winning two USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in 2013 and 2014.

Furthermore, she's the only rider to have won the WCHR Pony, Junior and Professional titles, a record she established in 2013 with her first victory in the WCHR Professional Finals. Liza has also been the Assistant Trainer of the Leading Junior Hunter Rider at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show two times, is a three-time winner of the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular (Florida) and has been Champion and Reserve Champion numerous times at Devon (Pa.), the Capital Challenge (Md.) and the East Coast fall indoor shows. Liza has been on the Board of Directors for USHJA and is currently the Vice Chair of the USHJA Hunter Working Group.

“Liza Boyd is one of the country’s top hunter riders and trainers and we are proud to have her join Ariat’s roster of athletes,” said Susan Alcala, vice president of partnership marketing at Ariat. “Liza is an exceptionally accomplished rider that brings grace and athleticism to the hunter ring, we are excited to have her on board!”

“I’ve always been a fan of Ariat, their boots and apparel fit exceptionally well and help me perform at my best,” said Liza Boyd. “English riding clothes and footwear have come a long way-- Ariat always seems to be on the cutting edge developing innovative performance products while sticking to the traditions of English riding style.”

Liza is a graduate of the College of Charleston (S.C.) and is full-time trainer at Finally Farm. She resides in Camden, S.C., with her husband, Blake Boyd, and their two daughters Elle and Elizabeth Adeline.

Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and accessories. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world.

For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Tricia Booker.

WEF 2 Works Great

More tricolor ribbons adorned the Finally Farm banner during week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

Dalliance earned his second consecutive Performance Working Hunter championship for owners Avatar Real Estate LLC. Just a year ago, Dalliance, a Dutch Warmblood by Indoctro, was competing in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Last fall, he transitioned to the hunters under Liza Boyd, and since then he's enjoyed success in the Performance Working Hunters, this week taking the 3'6" title.

*Tamara Berkowitz, Liza Boyd and Dalliance*

"He’s really consistent now and stepping up to plate for 88s and 89s," said Liza. "He has quickly become a solid show hunter. We did a USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky National last fall, which he won. Then, when we went off to the fall indoor shows he went home with his owners. He returned to us fat, shiny and looking like a hunter."

Liza believes Dalliance will become an excellent Derby horse because of his bravery, but she also sees him excelling as a Junior Hunter due to his kind nature and unflappable nature.

"I was so proud of him this week. He just keeps going in there and doing better and better," said Liza. The 3’6” PWH is a solid division here, with Come Monday and Fredrick, just to name two stars, and he stayed solid in every single class. We’re excited."

Liza also credited Assistant Trainer Tamara Berkowitz for her dedication in preparing Dalliance as well as many of the 25-30 horses in the Finally Farm show string.

"Tamara has been helping with him a lot. She flats him regularly," said Liza. "We couldn’t get everything done without our team, to get the horses to the ring here, including Mackenzie Armour and Randi Button. The numbers are huge. Every class we went in had at least 25 horses, from 3’3” Juniors to First Years."

Tamara also has the challenging role of directing Liza and her father Jack Towell to the different rings where Finally Farm riders are competing. In between, she prepares horses and makes sure each one is ready and prepared for the day.

"It's really amazing how she does it. I had five in the PWH 3'6" division, and every horse was at the ring on time, flatted and warmed up. All I had to do was get on and jump a few jumps and go in the ring. We can’t thank Tamara and the whole team enough. All the horses look great, and it really helps me as a professional to not stress about anything. There's no room for error on my part, and you have to be perfect in every class. Being able to focus on my riding is huge, especially when I don't have to think, 'Is that horse going to make it back for the jog?' "

*Maddy Thatcher and Early Applause - Photo courtesy of The Book LLC*

Maddy Thatcher's week went especially well, with ribbons galore aboard her Amateur-Owner hunters and jumpers. A highlight was the Amateur-Owner Hunter, 3'3" reserve championship aboard Early Applause.

"It was fun to see that horse go so well, and I think the 3'3" section is a great niche for him," said Liza. "He really jumps great and curls around the jumps. He's a veteran who has been around for a while, and the 3'3" is easy for him and keeps him happy. He and Maddy excel in the handy classes, and it's always fun to watch them go. They did an inside turn I didn’t even realize was there!"

Alley Milam and Castelli earned the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, reserve championship in their last show together on the WEF circuit. Alley, 17, of Greensboro, N.C., starts an internship in Washington, D.C. this month working for a senator and will put her horse showing on hold until June.

"It was a hard decision, but she has one more junior year so she thought it would be great to take advantage of this opportunity," said Liza. "It was exciting for her to leave here on such a good note. Her horse will stay and show with a catch rider here to keep him fit, tuned and showing. She was second in the handy, and she rode with a lot of confidence, and I was really proud of her."

Chestnut Avenue earned excellent ribbons in the Performance Working Hunter 3'6" section before doing the same in the Amateur-Owners with owner Joann Loheac. "This was his first show here, and I couldn't be happier with him," said Liza. "He stepped right into the 3’6" Performance and didn't miss a beat. I showed him here a few years ago, and since then he's matured so much. He walked into the Grand Hunter Ring and scored an 87; I remember two years ago when he was jumping the mud puddles and jumping way too high, and two years later he’s a made horse."

*Liza Boyd and Chestnut Avenue - Photo courtesy of The Plaid Horse*

The pony kids also joined the WEF fun this week, with Mr. McGregor and Zola Thompson and Highlands Heaven Sent with Ruby Sloan both earning ribbons. Each duo spent time practicing at home before WEF started, and their hard work paid dividends.

This was Ruby's first show with Highlands Heaven Sent, a Medium she's leasing. "She got a second-placed ribbon on the second day, which was huge for her first time at WEF and with this pony," said Liza. "The first day she was a little wide-eyed. She had a nice round that would have been a good ribbon at home, but here she didn't get a jog. Then she realized there was no room for errors, and the next day she stepped up and had an excellent round. I was thrilled with her!"

Overall, Liza was pleased with the first two weeks of the WEF circuit, and she's already observed Finally Farm horses and riders gaining more confidence, which will carry them far into the new show season.

"When everyone leaves here they'll go home stronger," said Liza. "They'll have more confidence in their riding, with the numbers so high here it takes better performances to get ribbons. The courses are also more technical, and it's good to push yourself, for the kids and myself.

"I already feel sharper," added Liza. "I was so sore after Week 1. Elle asked, "Mom, why are you walking sideways down the stairs?' Nothing can get you as fit as going in the ring. Show fit is an even better level of fitness. This week I felt great, and it was the same with the horses. I think we were all body sore during week 1, coming back from vacation and holidays and then you get back into groove."

Addison Byrd, 17, picked up excellent scores on Too Cool in the Small Junior, 16-17, section while also picking up valuable life lessons. Addison is doing an externship for school and spending three weeks working for Finally Farm.

"She's keeping a diary of each day's activities that also shows her hours," said Liza. "She gets up with me at 5:30 a.m. and we get home at 6:30 or 7. The first day she fainted, and I thought, "Oh no." But I don't think she was used to the heat. Ever since then she's been perfect.

"I think this experience has been an eye-opener for her," added Liza. "She had no idea what went on behind the scenes, from the work hours Tamara spends at the barn to the number of times we have the vet to the time and attention we give to each horse. She's been a huge help and has been taking the pony kids to the ring and helping us with organization. Throughout the process she's also gotten to know her horse better, and it's been a great experience for her. And for her to do so well in the ring this week was a huge bonus."

Grace Howard, of Concord, N.C., also enjoyed new experiences during week 2 when she leased a jumper and competed in that ring for the first time. Howard partnered with Hiho Houdini, a recent import from the barn of Natalie Macken. Grace and Houdini placed 12th of 53 in the Low Children's Jumper Classic.

"She’s going to be really good at the jumpers," said Liza of Grace. "I couldn’t believe how brave she was for her first time! I'm really impressed she was able to figure out the jumpers so quickly. She's going to have lots of fun with this horse."

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Tricia Booker.

WEF Week 1 Wrap-Up

*Liza Boyd, right, and Kelley Farmer celebrate their First Year Green Hunter Championships together during Week 1 of the Winter Equestrian Festival.*

The Finally Farm team got off to a phenomenal start as the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, commenced on January 7.

The media spotlight shined on Finally Farm from the start, as trainer Liza Boyd was featured in Thursday's Equestrian Sport Productions Press Release. Highlights from the January 8 release included:

Elizabeth Boyd and Ghostwriter Top Equine Tack and Nutritionals First Year Green Hunter Section A

Elizabeth Boyd and Ghostwriter topped both classes today in the Equine Tack and Nutritionals First Year Green Hunters to claim the section A championship. Ghostwriter, owned by Madeline Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm of Bluffdale, Utah, also finished first yesterday in the handy hunter round.

The Section B champion was Kelley Farmer riding David Glefke and Kensel, LLC's Mindset. Farmer and Mindset finished third in both classes today and won the under saddle and an over fences class yesterday.

With two second-place finishes today, Amy Guth's Bossa Nova, ridden by Louise Serio, ended up as reserve champion of section A. La Bonita, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by David Gochman, was the reserve champion of section B. The pair finished first and fourth over fences and took home second in the under saddle.

Ghostwriter, an 8-year-old gelding, is a new mount for Boyd after being purchased four days ago from Lane Change Farm. Not only is Ghostwriter new to Boyd, but new to the United States. Having only been here for a little over a month, this was only his second show and he is already off to a great start.

Highlighting Boyd and Ghostwriter's championship performance was their winning handy round. Boyd explained, "They gave some really great options, and I was able to really go for it in the handy making the inside turns."

Boyd went on to say that she felt comfortable going into the handy round after talking to Farmer. Farmer had practiced handy elements with Ghostwriter at home and knew he was ready to do it in the ring.

Thatcher is currently a student at Clemson University in South Carolina and will come next week to show her horse in the younger amateur owners. With Thatcher away at school, Boyd was excited to be able to show Ghostwriter this week. After a great first performance, Boyd said, "He [Ghostwriter] is going to be really super in the amateur-owner (division) and the derbies."

Ghostwriter with Kelley Farmer before he was purchased by Pony Lane Farm

Farmer, who previously rode Ghostwriter, was all smiles as she watched her horse shine with a new rider. "When my horses get to go somewhere else and go like that, it's a good day," exclaimed Farmer.

Following a successful start to a 2015 season, Boyd also commented, "The footing felt amazing, and the jumps were beautiful."

More Top Performances

Liza was also thrilled to see the Finally Farm banner covered with many more ribbons after Week 1. In addition to Ghostwriter's championship, Liza guided Avatar Real Estate LLC's Dalliance to the Performance Working Hunter 3'3" Section A Championship and Pony Lane Farm's Scripted to the Second Year Green Hunter Reserve Championship.

*Laura Critz and Quatrain picked up an impressive second place in the Junior Hunter 3'3" Handy*

Finally Farm students also made their presence known in the Junior Hunter 3'3" section, where Laura Critz and Quatrain, Trinity and Mary Carton Mitchener, Maraschino and Lily Bennett and Beaujolais and Grayanna Grigg all brought home excellent ribbons in the 26-horse field.

Likewise, Addison Byrd riding Too Cool and Alley Milam aboard Castelli placed well in their respective section, with excellent performances in the Small Junior, 16-17 hunters.

Finally Farm riders return to the ring for WEF Week 2, beginning on January 14.

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Tricia Booker.

Liza Boyd Receives 2014 USEF Emerson Burr Trophy

For the second consecutive year, Liza Boyd has been awarded the United States Equestrian Federation's Emerson Burr Trophy, the Federation's highest honor in the Hunters! The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences who has achieved excellence.

Known as the USEF Equestrians of Honor, Liza is one of nine stars of equestrian sport across the USEF's breeds and disciplines. Just one of them will win the distinguished grand prize and be named "2014 USEF Equestrian of the Year."

From the USEF Press Release distributed on December 17: Liza Boyd has long been regarded as one of the top hunter professionals in the industry, having won 28 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, including back-to-back wins in the 2013 and 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships.

With her win in the 2014 Derby Championships, Boyd made history as the first rider to ever claim victory in the prestigious class twice. Making the feat even more impressive, she had only recently returned to the saddle after giving birth to her daughter, Adeline, 2 1/2 months earlier. Boyd also took home Performance Working – 3’6” and Pre-Green Hunter 3’ Division Championships at the Charleston Summer Classic (South Carolina), as well as the Performance Working – 3’3” Championship at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show (North Carolina). She rounded out the year with wins in the Performance Hunter 3’6” Championship at the Kentucky National, and in the Green Conformation Hunter Championship at the Atlanta Fall Classic.

USEF members and non-members are invited to vote for the USEF Equestrian of the Year, so we hope you'll take a moment and vote for Liza! Please click here for the ballot. Voting will run through midnight EST on January 5, 2015.

The winner will be announced during the USEF Annual Meeting's Pegasus Awards Gala. This year's ceremonies will take place on Friday night, January 16, 2015.

We are so proud of Liza for this amazing achievement!

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Tricia Booker.

Hardin Towell Has the World Cup Finals in His Sights

Hardin Towell and Silence on the way to second place in the $50,000 Holiday & Horses Grand Prix

Hardin Towell continued to accumulate points toward qualifying for the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Championship, and with an impressive second-placed finish during the $50,000 Holiday & Horses CSI-W2* he's another step closer.

He guided Jennifer Gates' Silence to a speedy jump-off round that was only topped by the Olympic gold-medal veteran Cedric, ridden by Laura Kraut.

To read more about Hardin's incredible night, please enjoy excerpts from the press release produced by Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Wellington, FL – November 29, 2014 – The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) hosted its $50,000 Holiday & Horses Grand Prix CSI-W 2* on Saturday night with an electrifying winning performance from show jumping stars Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric.

An FEI World Cup-qualifying event, the competition saw 55 starters with 10 clear rounds to advance over the Catsy Cruz (MEX) designed course. Kraut and Cedric topped Hardin Towell (USA) and Silence and Leslie Howard (USA) aboard Utah in a very fast jump-off with eight double-clear rounds.

Darragh Kerins (IRL) and Jan Van Tricht’s D Elia van het Molenhof put the pressure on, beginning the jump-off with a very fast clear round in 38.68 seconds, but eventually finished fourth. Hardin Towell and Jennifer Gates’ Silence upped the ante with their blazing fast round in 38 seconds flat that many thought would be unbeatable, but the longtime partnership of Laura Kraut and Cedric found a way to go even faster.

Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric raced through the course in 36.48 seconds for the win. Leslie Howard and The Utah Group’s Utah finished out the night to take third place honors with a clear round in 38.11 seconds.

Cedric, the 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Chambertin x Carolus Z, had six months off this season and has slowly been coming back to competition in the last two months. Saturday night’s class was his first grand prix back and an exciting win for both horse and rider. In addition to the top prize, Kraut was also presented with the Leading Lady Rider Award for the week’s competition, an award presented by Martha W. Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler.

“I watched Hardin, and I didn’t think I could beat him,” Kraut admitted after the class. “He is so fast and this was Cedric’s first grand prix back since the beginning of May in Madrid. I did want to win tonight with it being a World Cup qualifier, but I thought that I would be happy with second or third when I saw Hardin go. Cedric just was brilliant. It was just one of those jump-offs where ever time I turned the corner it all came up. Even the mad dash to the last jump, I was at full throttle, and it just showed itself. Often times when you come at that speed there is just nothing there, but tonight I was about five strides out and I was like, ‘Thank God.’”

Cedric has been Kraut’s top horse for many years now, and she was careful to bring him back gradually after having time off this year. She knows that he is now back in winning form.

“This was his first grand prix, but I started him in October in Portugal jumping little 1.20/1.30m classes and then he did the National (Horse Show) and Toronto in just small classes,” Kraut explained. “This Friday I did the 1.50m and he was third in that and it was really the first time I felt like he was 95% back. Even on Wednesday I felt he was fantastic and tonight also. I can feel that he is more tired than he would be under normal circumstances, but the only way he is going to get fit is by doing it.”

“It felt great,” Kraut smiled. “I read this thing the other day, years ago when McLain Ward was talking about him in a press conference and he said, ‘Knowing this horse, when he’s 16 years old, he’s still going to be a pain in the ass.’ Now he is 16 years old and he was just a pain in the ass tonight for everybody, so that made me happy. He likes the lights, and he really loves showing. He was pretty depressed all summer when the truck kept driving out without him. He likes being at the show and being paid attention to.”

Kraut also spoke about the course for Saturday night and praised Catsy Cruz on her efforts all week. “I think she has done a really great job. Her times have been sharp all week, but not impossible,” the rider remarked. “I thought her class on Wednesday was good, and I thought her speed course yesterday was brilliant. I quite liked it tonight. When I walked it tonight I thought she had a variety. Some of the lines suited a big horse, some suited a small one. It was technical, it wasn’t overly big, but it was careful. I don’t know that I have jumped one of her courses before, but I was very impressed.”

Hardin and Silence enjoy a sweet second place!

Second place finisher Hardin Towell also had a great experience Saturday night with his mount, Silence. The nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding has been showing with owner Jennifer Gates, and Towell picked up the ride recently in Los Angeles.

“I showed him in L.A., and he was pretty good. He had one down in each class, and he has just gotten better and better,” Towell detailed. “I took him to Sacramento, and he was double clean in the World Cup qualifier there. I didn’t go so fast because I really didn’t know him. Then I gave him a couple of weeks off and took him back to Thermal. He was third in the World Cup there. He was double clear, and I went faster there. I have quite a lot of World Cup points. I think now I should have about 71, but I needed to get one point in the East (Coast) league because I have shown all out west. I was a little bit stressed, so today was pretty important. I needed to be at least top 15 and then once I was in the jump-off I was like, ‘OK, now there’s nothing to lose. I’m gonna give it a shot.’”

“He was great,” Towell continued. “In the first round I had kind of a big mistake and he looked after me there, so it’s quite nice. I am lucky that I have quite a good string right now. They are all younger and a bit inexperienced, but they are really all coming along.”

Towell also took a big run to the final plank jump, but his horse was unfazed. “He doesn’t care at all. He is an excellent horse,” the rider stated. “He is a little bit slow going sometimes, but he has just figured out how to get faster. Between that one and another one, if I can qualify for World Cup Finals, I think I will take them. I feel good with the position I am sitting in now.”

Commenting on the jump-off, Towell added, “I was worried about Laura and Darragh (Kenny). Laura because I know Cedric is so fast, and she knows him so well. I was actually really worried about Darragh too because he is really hungry for World Cup points. Darragh and I are quite close, and I know he is never going to go in there just to school around. That is a slower going horse, but Darragh has made him faster in the last couple months. I didn’t see him go, but he must have been flying tonight. I’ve been third a few times. I’ve been right there, so it’s a little disappointing. I would like to win one of these, but my horses are jumping clean and I can’t ask for more than that.”

The Holiday & Horses CSI-W 2* competition concludes on Sunday, November 30, 2014. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Final Results: $50,000 Holiday & Horses CSI-W 2*Grand Prix

1. CEDRIC: 1998 Holsteiner gelding by Chambertin x Carolus Z
LAURA KRAUT (USA), Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc: 0/0/36.48

2. SILENCE: 2005 Hanoverian gelding by Stakkato Gold x Calypso II
HARDIN TOWELL (USA), Jennifer Gates: 0/0/38.00

3. UTAH: 2001 KWPN gelding by Andiamo x Jus De Pomme
LESLIE HOWARD (USA), The Utah Group: 0/0/38.11

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Tricia Booker.

Of Princesses and Painted Horse Shoes

Elle Boyd, in purple, celebrates her fifth birthday at Finally Farm.

The Finally Farm family celebrated many birthdays in November, including Jack and Lisa Towell's (no ages revealed!), but the most exciting and colorful was Elle's fifth birthday party.

Blake and Liza Boyd hosted about 25 children and their parents in Camden, South Carolina, where Queen Elsa, from the movie Frozen, made a guest appearance to entertain and pose for photo ops.

In addition, Queen Elsa brought her "reindeer" along, and a unique and colorful painted pony that provided rides for the party goers.

"We also had a hay pile with prizes buried underneath, and the kids all painted horse shoes and decorated them with puff paint and glitter," said Liza. "I think everyone had a great time."

No doubt some of those now-sparkling horse shoes taken home and hung on bedroom walls for good luck were recently pulled off the Finally Farm show horses.

Following the Atlanta Fall Classic Horse Shows, the show horses are taking a well-deserved break and some even had their shoes pulled.

"We walked through the barn and looked at each horse, taking into account their schedule for time off this fall," said Liza. "We had a busy show year, so we want to take advantage of down time because we don’t have it that often. We pulled some horses' shoes so their hooves can rest and return back to the shape they truly want to be. With our soft sugar sand paddocks, it's good for their feet. Even if it's just for two weeks, it seems to help many of the horses.

"It's really an individualized decision for each horse," added Liza. "For example, the jumpers with steel shoes were left on, and some of the hunters got steel shoes back on (rather than aluminum) for more support, and some completely got their shoes pulled off. We went over each horse with the vet, blacksmith, my dad and considered the goals for next year."

Liza's Derby Finals champion Brunello is one horse who will keep his shoes off a little longer than most. "I don’t think he’ll go to Florida this year," said Liza. "So his shoes might stay off for several months unless our January and February get pretty icy. But, for sure, his will stay off all of December."

The last time Brunello showed was the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in August, and the last fence he jumped was the huge white oxer in the Handy Hunter Round. Liza hopes to repeat their successful season in 2015, so she's following a similar strategy.

"Our plan worked so well last year that I think we’ll stick with that program," she said. "My goal will be kind of like last year, to show Brunello in the summer and then the Derby Finals. I would love if he were back a little earlier, maybe the Camden and Aiken derbies in the spring. He’s going to stay home during Florida this year and relax and be a horse."

Finally Farm's longest stretch of downtime is during Thanksgiving, so they spent time organizing, cleaning and taking vacations while the horses lounged in their paddocks.

"We'll gear back up in December and then break again right before Christmas," said Liza. "After that, we'll all prepare for the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in January. But, for now, it's nice to be home and have family time. The horses are all getting furry coats, and Jack can’t stand it! He said, 'You can't keep them clean!' But I like to let them be horses. Yes, they might look like furry goats, but they’re enjoying it!"

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Tricia Booker.

Finally Farm's Grand Finale

The Finally Farm riders and horses concluded an incredibly successful horse show season with dozens of blue and tricolor ribbons during the Atlanta Fall Classic Horse Shows, held November 5-16 in Conyers, Georgia.

As a special bonus, the past two weeks also provided some great news for Finally Farm riders outside the show ring in Georgia.

West Coast-based Hardin Towell guided Jennifer Gates' Lucifer V to an impressive fifth-placed finish in the $75,000 Las Vegas CSI-W Grand Prix. Hardin now stands second in the FEI World Cup standings for the North American East Coast League. A trip to the Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final in April could be in his future!

Hardin also enjoyed victory as an owner, when the Thoroughbred Fifth Business, whom he co-owns with his father Jack Towell, Ian Howard and Partners, broke his maiden during an Allowance Race for 2-year-olds at Woodbine Race Course.

Finally Farm also received word that student Sarah Isgett has officially signed with the Carolina Gamecocks Equestrian Team for 2015!

"Sarah has ridden with us for the past two years, and we are so proud that she achieved this goal," said Liza. "She and her mother started this process when Sarah was in ninth grade, and they did all of the research, attended camps and followed the program. I'm so happy for them!"

Sarah will continue training and showing with Finally Farm, competing in the jumpers before heading off to USC next August.

"There were so many highlights these past few weeks that it's hard to remember them all," said trainer Liza Boyd, laughing.

Maddy Thatcher's two weeks of Atlanta were particularly special as she concluded an incredibly successful junior career with a few final victories.

"Woohoo junior career is a wrap!" she posted on her Facebook page. "Great two weeks in Conyers. Ally won the 1.30m, Show won both a 1.30m and 1.40m, fifth today in the high classic, Robbie earning two firsts last week and two seconds. Summer clean sweep in this week's division and was champion last week as well!!"

Maddy Thatcher with Scripted, left, and Summer Place.

"Maddy and Scripted are a great match," said Liza. "They won two classes the first week and got great prizes the second week. This was her first time showing him, and she never even jumped over a line of fences before she went into the ring because she's been busy at school. We are really looking forward to seeing them together in the Amateur-Owners next year."

Erin McGuire collected a variety of top honors during Atlanta, including impressive performances in the jumper ring aboard Kasarr and the EMO Junior Amateur-Owner High-Point Award.

"They’ve been so consistent all year, and Erin just keeps getting better," said Liza. "She was double clear and third in the Classic, and I was really proud of her. She's learned this year not go crazy every time out, and her consistency is paying off.

"She had a breakthrough here in Atlanta, I think," continued Liza. "Sometimes Erin wants to get huntery and leans up and lets go the last stride, and then her horse doesn’t have as much scope. One night during Atlanta I was on Facebook and saw McLain Ward’s winning round from the Royal Winter Fair. I was like, 'Erin, go home tonight and watch McLain on Rothchild. Watch his position.' The next day she was so much better! After she went in the class she laughed and said, 'Oh my gosh, I’m channeling my inner McLain!' "

Liza said that because some riders are more visual learners, it's important to take the time to observe the best riders do what they do. "We all need to take more advantage of the great riders of our sport and watch them more and model after them," she said.

Liza took some of her own advice during Atlanta and earned top ribbons in the jumper ring.

"I'm really grateful to be able to show some of Maddy's horses in the jumpers to help prepare them for her," said Liza. "Riding the 1.20m and 1.30m classes helps me be a better Hunter Derby rider and sharper. I really do enjoy it, especially on Maddy's wonderful horses."

Liza's successful performances even impressed Alberto Ramirez, Finally Farm's longtime groom. "I came out of the ring and Alberto said, 'Wow! Liza Boyd is fast. What happened?'' It was pretty cute," she said.

In the hunter rings, Liza was thrilled to see Lily Bennett and Grayanna Grigg step up from the Children's to the Junior Hunter 3'3" section for the first time with excellent results. Lily rode her new mount Maraschino, and Grayanna piloted Beaujolais.

"They both rode really well for their first times at the new height," said Liza. "I want to extend a special welcome to Maraschino, who just joined the barn after Harrisburg. Lily and Maraschino competed in the Children's the first week of Atlanta to get to know each other, and then moved up and even won a class in the 3'3". They're a great match, and we're really excited for her."

Liza also gave a special thanks to Assistant Trainer Tamara Berkowitz who was called into duty at the in-gate when Jack traveled to Las Vegas to assist Hardin.

"It was a real team effort these past two weeks," said Liza. "Everyone really pitched in and helped, and the results really spoke well of the camaraderie everyone has together."

Finally Farm will now take a winter break from showing until the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival circuit begins in January.

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Tricia Booker.

Excellent Efforts at the National Horse Show

For many riders, the prestigious National Horse Show is a major year-end goal, and for the 2014 edition, held October 28-November 2, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, five Finally Farm horses and riders made the trip a worthwhile one.

"The horses were so great," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It was cold and snowy, and it was difficult to prepare, but they all went in and performed well and were so legitimate. All of the kids rode great and put it all together, and I was very proud of them."

Liza Boyd aboard Pony Lane Farm's Scripted

Liza started out the week competing Pony Lane Farm's Scripted in the Green Conformation Hunter section, where they earned top ribbons in a competitive field. The pair shined especially bright in the Handy class, taking second with an impressive round.

"I really couldn't be happier with Scripted," said Liza. "We earned seconds and thirds, and I think the more I get to know him the more risks and tighter turns I'll be able to take in the Handy classes. But for our first big indoor show, and starting out at the National, I'm really pleased."

Liza noted that she and Scripted's former rider Kelley Farmer have different styles, so Liza tried to adapt to Scripted more than working on changing his way of going to suit her own preferences.

"I decided it would be best to ride him the way he liked to go," said Liza. "Kelley has more of a forward seat, so I tried to ride him that way. Now, over the winter I'll work with him and help him learn my style. I really believe that it's important to work together with my horses, and while I won't force him to change to match my style, I'll help him get more comfortable with my balance and slowly we will forge a strong relationship."

Amateur-owner rider Erin McGuire continued her excellent performances aboard Casallo, and they collected a variety of ribbons, including a second place in the first over fences class and seventh in the stake.

The Junior Hunter riders then added more ribbons to conclude the show. Laura Critz and Quatrain impressed in the Junior Hunter 3'3" section, with beautiful rounds over fences, including third in the Stake and fourth in the Handy.

Grace Howard and Bethel's Peri jumped to seventh in the Large Junior, 16-17, Handy class, while Stella Styslinger and Eloise picked up sixth place in the Small Junior, 15 and under, Stake.

"The show went really well, and I'm very happy that everyone went home with nice ribbons," said Liza. "It was a good experience, and I think they all progressed in their riding during the fall indoor shows, from the Capital Challenge to Harrisburg, Washington and the National. It's good for them to step up against the best competition.

"Even though maybe they didn't win, it's very rewarding to get a ribbon there," she added. "The National had very technical courses, a spooky ring and solid fences. They will go home now, and Conyers (the Atlanta Fall Classic shows) will seem easy."

Following the two weeks of Atlanta, November 5-16, Finally Farm horses, riders and trainers will take a break to celebrate the holidays.