Camden Spring Brings Hometown Blues

Liza Boyd aboard Pony Lane Farm's Coronado (A&S Photography)

The Camden Spring Classic, April 7-10, proved to be a great homecoming for the Finally Farm team members that returned from the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Florida.

Trainers Jack Towell and Liza Boyd took a variety of hunters, jumpers and ponies to the show grounds just minutes from their home base, and in addition to winning top prizes, they enjoyed catching up with friends and cheering them on.

Although Liza didn’t win the featured $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, she was happy to place second and third overall behind winner Megan Rosenthal aboard Little Manhatten. 

“I was just thrilled for Megan,” said Liza. “She’s a great kid, and she went for it in the Handy Round. I remember her as a little kid. She once drew a picture of Brunello and gave it to me when she was a pony kid. It’s great to see her come along, and this is her first year as a professional, and it was a well-deserved victory.”

Liza Boyd and Finally Farm's Shamrock (A&S Photography)

Liza couldn’t have been happier with her young mounts Coronado and Shamrock. The show’s First and Second Year Green Hunter champions stepped up to the USHJA International Hunter Derbies this winter in Florida and have been performing better and better. The Camden Spring Classic derby was particularly challenging because it was held in the evening and a substantial crowd surrounded the ring, which sits in a bowl-like setting.

“They were great. Megan did all of the high options, and I was conservative,” Liza explained. “It was cold and windy, and the class was at night, and I wanted them to have a good experience. I think they walked away and learned from it and will be better horses. Sometimes if you take the high options on these young horses they’ll try too had and jump too high. That experience can set them back.”

Liza Boyd and Coronado

Liza also guided Like I Said to sixth and Cellino to eighth overall. “They both had unfortunate rails,” said Liza, who then used the class to get to better know Like I Said, her newest Derby mount purchased by Pony Lane Farm during WEF. 

Liza went into the Handy Round with nothing to lose, so she practiced the turns and bold rides. “I didn’t know her that well, so a good time to go for it,” said Liza, who won the Handy Round with the bay mare. “It was great to practice that pressure that we’ll have in the future. She was great.”

Liza’s daughter Elle also made her debut in the Walk-Trot-Canter section with Otis Spunkmeyer, taking blue ribbons in the section to tie for the championship.

“Elle’s classes went right before the derby, so I was more nervous for that,” said Liza laughing. “It was her first time showing at the canter, and I think she had lots of fun.”

Liza was also pleased with Pony Lane Farm’s Balleryna, who won the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive class and earned the Pre-Green Hunter championship. Liza also placed second in the Incentive class aboard Elizabeth Fogleman’s Sawyer for a tidy payout of $650 in the class.

Sarah Livingston and Ne-Yo

“Balleryna is another nice chestnut and looks like Coronado,” said Liza of the 7-year-old Holsteiner (Bratt Z—Ranita). “She’s a nice up-and-coming mare who is brave scopey. She showed once in Florida, got used to the show atmosphere and we worked on getting her fitter and in condition. She was ready to go at Camden and went nicely.”

Sarah Livingston and Ne-Yo reunited with the Finally Farm trainers at Camden and had championship results in the 3’3” Junior Hunters. Sarah typically meets them at the horse shows and works at home with her trainer, Jennifer.

“I was so proud of Sarah and thankful to Jennifer,” said Liza. “They do such a good job. They take in everything I tell them and go home and work and follow through. That’s not easy to do, so it’s rewarding for them and fun for me to see them come back, make great progress and see the results of their dedication.”

Similarly, Liza gave a shout-out to Theresa Tolar who returned to Finally Farm after a hiatus to earn excellent ribbons in the Children’s Hunters aboard Atom.  

Brie Tiffany and Chacor

Brie Tiffany and her new horse Chacor also scored top ribbons, including a second in the NAL/WIHS Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic and reserve championship in the section. “They are a great match, and I’m excited to see where they go,” said Liza. “I’m sure they’ll have a lot of fun and success this summer. He just came over from Europe this winter, and Brie is dedicated to getting him stronger and fitter and conditioned. Here at Camden you could tell he’s blossoming, and she’s worked really hard and it’s showing.”

Finally Farm Finds Success in Atlanta

Finally Farm traveled to Conyers, Georgia, for Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic Horse Show, managed by The Classic Company.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr 

There were many blue-ribbon moments for the horses and riders, as well as great fun and learning experiences along the way.

A highlight of the week was Erin McGuire's stellar performance with Kasarr in the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix. The pair jumped double-clear and just missed out on the blue ribbon to Mary Lisa Leffler aboard Bling Bling.

"Erin had a great grand prix," said trainer Liza Boyd. "Mary Lisa was awesome. Cantering to the last jump, there was a long approach to an oxer near the in-gate. I think Kasarr thought he was done, and he started bucking after the second-to-last jump and lost some time. She might have won, but she rode great and does a fabulous job."

McGuire, who remained in South Carolina for the winter, worked on her own with Kasarr, keeping him fit and preparing for the spring shows when the bulk of the Finally Farm horses and riders returned from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

"Max Mandel, who works with us at home, helped Erin over the winter, and she mapped out and planned her training with Kasarr for the shows," added Liza. "Erin also showed over the winter with the Geitners in preparation, and she really knows her horse aimed to peak in Atlanta."

Liza also enjoyed ample success in Atlanta, taking second, third and fourth places in the USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard O'Ryan, Cellino and Shamrock, respectively.

"I was really pleased with all of the horses, " she said. "It poured down rain the night before and cleared right before the class started. It was a nice course and featured split rails, which are a challenge for numerous reasons. I had to go first on Shamrock, and I did make a little pilot error on him getting a feel for the course, but he was really good in the Handy. I've been pleased with his progress, since he's our newest and youngest International Hunter Derby horse."

Liza and O’Ryan have enjoyed much success since Stella Styslinger began leasing him, and their second-placed finish behind Headlines and Mary Lisa Leffer was also an excellent ribbon in good company. "O'Ryan's a lovely horse, and it's a privilege to ride him. Cellino was also great, and his previous rider, Martien Van Der Hoeven, had trained him so well," said Liza. "You can challenge him in the Derby, and he steps right up and gives his all. It was a great derby."

Brie Tiffany and Chacor

Stella also made the most of her own time in the show ring with Cellini, claiming a reserve championship in the Large Junior Hunter section with two blue ribbons in the section. Likewise, reserve championship honors went to Ruby Sloan and Look Again in the Children's Hunter, 14 and under, section.

Finally Farm riders also had success in the jumper rings, with Brie Tiffany riding Chacor and Grace Howard with Hiho Houdini taking tons of ribbons in the High Adult Amateur Jumpers.

Grayanna Grigg and her new horse A Propos galloped to ribbons in the Low Children's/Adult Amateur Jumpers, and Lily Bennettt jumped impressive rounds with Croft Original in the Children's Jumpers.

"We had a nice group of jumper kids that did well out in that big field at the Georgia International Horse Park," added Liza. 

Finally Farm's Local to World-Wild Reach

Maddy Thatcher and Skilliane De Varnel

The Finally Farm contingent has been spread far and wide over the past several weeks, from their home base in Camden, South Carolina, to Wellington, Florida, Bellevue, Washington, Paris, France and Gothenburg, Sweden.

While most of the Finally Farm team traveled home from Florida last week, Maddy Thatcher remained on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit to spend her spring break from Clemson University at the horse show rather than the beach, where many of her friends were likely hanging out.

Maddy Thatcher and Like I Said

Her dedication to the sport paid off greatly, as she earned numerous tricolors and blue ribbons in the hunter and jumper sections with training from the Jayne family of Our Day Farm.

Highlights of Maddy’s week included victory in the $10,000 Low Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and the section championship aboard Skilliane De Varnel, ribbons in the same section aboard Balvino, Lancelot 266 and Dolce Vita.

In the hunter rings, Maddy guided Summer Place to the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section and made a blue-ribbon debut aboard Like I Said in their first outing together in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter, 18-35, section. She also guided Jewel to impressive ribbons in the same section.

“Maddy was on fire, and we want to thank the Jaynes for helping her,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “I think her biggest accomplishment was winning the classic on the Skilliane De Varnel. The last time or two in the classic, they had the last fence down in the jump-off, which was so heartbreaking. This was such a nice way for her to finish the circuit. Maddy’s been riding great and really consistently. She stayed down in Florida because of spring break, and she had more time in the tack, and it really paid off.”

Maddy Thatcher and Jewel

Liza also sent a special thanks to Randi Button, who remained in Florida with Maddy. “She’s such a hard worker and so dedicated to Pony Lane Farm,” said Liza of Randi. “She’s in charge of Pony Lane and is the barn manager; she’s such a good horsewoman, and her support has been phenomenal.”

In addition to the Finally Farm and Our Day Farm supporters, professional rider Kelley Farmer joined in and guided Like I Said to the First Year Green Hunter championship, to round out the successful teamwork that resulted in so much success during Week 11.

Hardin Towell traveled from Florida to Europe to begin his journey to the Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final this week. His first start was at the Saut Hermes Au Grand Palais, March 18-20 in Paris, France.

Hardin Towell, far right, waits to collect his second place aboard New York in the Prix GL Events class in Paris.

Hardin rode JKG LLC’s Lucifer V to 10th place in the featured Prix du Grand Palais, a 5* International Jumping Competition worth 400,000 euros, and he was the highest-placed U.S. rider in a competitive field of some of the best jumper riders in the world.

Hardin also claimed an impressive second in the Prix GL Events, a 1.50m Speed class. He guided New York to a clear round, just behind hometown winner Kevin Staut of France, and collected 12,400 euros for his efforts.

“He did super in Paris, and I think he’s well prepared for the World Cup Finals this week where he’ll jump 1.60m in the small indoor,” said Liza. “Our parents (Jack and Lisa Towell) traveled to Sweden to cheer him on, so we’re wishing him the best of luck as he tackles his second World Cup Finals.”

Jennifer Gates and Pumped Up Kicks

Hardin’s girlfriend Sayre Happy stayed in Wellington, Florida, where she trained Jennifer Gates aboard her mounts at WEF. Jennifer picked up some impressive ribbons, including 11th in the $35,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Round X on Pumped Up Kicks.

“She had to go first in the class of 57, and all she had was 1 time fault,” said Liza. “It was a huge class, with lots of professionals, so it was a huge placing for her.”

Jennifer also earned ribbons in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers aboard Cadence and Caddie R and in Medium Amateur-Owners riding Everest De Muze.

Before Jack Towell traveled to Sweden, he ventured out to the West Coast where he taught a clinic at Parkside Stables in Bellevue, Washington.

Down in Camden, Liza taught lessons where she focused on working the riders and horses over gymnastics, including cavaletti and bounces. “After weeks at the horse show, I thought it was important for us to go back to the basics and flatwork, which is something you don’t have time to do when horse showing,” she said. “It was fun, and we worked on strengthening and ground work for horses and riders.”

Liza also had a special afternoon with daughter Elle on Sunday, March 20. The pair walked down the hill to the Camden Hunt Charity Horse Show where Elle took third place in the Walk-Trot class.

“It’s the oldest horse show in South Carolina, and it’s where Hardin and I started showing as children,” she said. “Elle competed in an old grass ring, and it was fun and like stepping back in time. She enjoyed watching the riders on the outside course, and the pony kids jumping in-and-out of the ring and over hay bales and logs. It was great to think about how far we’ve come. Hardin is now at the World Cup Finals, and this is where it all started. It’s full circle.”

Hardin Towell Heads to the 2016 World Cup Finals

Hardin Towell and S.F. Arianta

For the second consecutive year, Hardin Towell has qualified to contest the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final. This year's final will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, March 24-28. He will take Jennifer Gates LLC's Lucifer V and Emilie De Diamant AS to contest the featured indoor championship of the year. 

Hardin placed second in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League East Coast standings, just behind Kent Farrington and ahead of Quentin Judge, to qualify. He will join seven other United States riders traveling to Sweden to vie for the Cup.

"I'm going to go back this year with a little more confidence," said Hardin, whose made his debut in the World Cup Final last year. "I won't be as nervous as I was last year."

Hardin currently stands 50th in the Longines World Rankings after a successful season on the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. He earned valuable World Cup and World Rankings points on a variety of horses, including Emilie De Diamant AS, New York, Lucifer V and Pepperpot, in addition to his newest grand prix partner, S.F. Arianta, who was previously ridden by Hardin's longtime friend Andres Rodriquez. Sadly, Andres passed away in a car accident on January 4. 

For a detailed story on Hardin's new partnership, please click here for an article published by Noelle Floyd.

A WEF Fairytale Ending For Finally Farm

Trainer Liza Boyd described Finally Famr’s final week on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit as having a fairytale ending for 2016.

“You always want to leave a good note, and this year was especially memorable,” she said. “Everyone had an amazing ending this week, from the short stirrup and ponies to the green and junior hunters.”

Stella Styslinger and Alberto Ramirez

One person who agreed in full was Stella Styslinger, who finished her time in Wellington, Florida, with championship performances aboard two horses. She captured the Large Junior, 16-17, title with Invincible and the Small Junior, 16-17, title with O’Ryan.

“She was spectacular,” said Liza of Stella. “She won two classes on each horse each day and got great ribbons throughout both divisions. I was so proud of how far she’s come this winter on her new horses."

Stella is leasing Invincible from owner Ellen Toon, who rode the bay gelding to much success in the Amateur-Owners, with tricolors at the country’s best horse shows.

“He’s such a great horse and class act and so serious,” said Liza of Invincible. “In the schooling area, we only jump low verticals because he goes in the ring and knows his job so well. It’s actually pretty amazing for an older horse to be so careful and still try so hard. But he really wants to win!

“Ellen was at the ring watching the first day and grinning from ear-to-ear,” added Liza. “She’s so proud. I think she was reluctant and nervous about letting him go, so it was so nice for her to watch him and see the two of them do so well together. They are a great match.”

Stella Styslinger and Invincible

Liza also credited her own Shamrock for finishing his time on the circuit with a reserve championship in the Second Year Green section. The former event horse is a fresh face on the hunter circuit and is figuring out his new job, even jumping right into the Second Years against more seasoned competitors.

“He’s getting so consistent and maturing, and the courses down here really helped him learn his job,” said Liza. “There’s a different course designer each week, and the depth of knowledge in the professional divisions really helps them the rest of the year.

“The past two weeks Shamrock won the Second Year Green Handy class, and those results really showed his growing aptitude,” Liza added. “Those courses are as tough as any derby handy, so it was great for him to see many different jumps and have different tests. The first round courses were no walks in the park, either! There were tough bending lines, so it’s been really good preparation for him as he continues on in the Hunter Derbies this year.”

Liza Boyd and Shamrock

Maggie Hill also used WEF as a springboard up the levels as she spent her first full season on the circuit competing. She moved up from the Low Children’s Hunters at the start to finish with tricolor honors in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section aboard Co Co Chanel.

Liza credited Maggie for her hard work and also the family for their commitment, relocating from Wyoming for eight weeks of the circuit.

“Maggie said these two months have been amazing and she learned so much,” said Liza. “You couldn’t have planned it any better. She was dedicated, rode every day and probably learned more in these two months than she would in an entire year of showing in a regular program.”

Zola Thompson couldn’t make it down to Florida for the final week, but her pony Elegance still came out on top. “I want to thank Caroline Passarelli for showing her for us and winning the Medium Pony Hunter Classic,” said Liza.

Pony Drive Thru

Liza’s daughter Elle had her moment in the show ring this week as well, riding Otis Spunkmeyer to impressive ribbons in the Walk-Trot section. A highlight of her ride was the ice cream stop on the way back to the barn!

Elle and Hardin celebrate a great performance

Over in the jumpers, the Finally Farm cheering squad had a lot to celebrate as Hardin Towell jumped to fifth place aboard Emilie De Diamant AS in the $216,000 Lugano Diamonds CSIO 4* Grand Prix out of a field of 50 top international riders.

“It was so exciting! Hardin was the only American in the jump-off,” said Liza. “We were thrilled to see him do so well.”

This week, Finally Farm packs up their ribbons, tack, equipment and horses to return home to Camden, South Carolina. They’ll spend three weeks there before traveling to the Atlanta Spring Classic Horse Shows in Conyers, Georgia.

A special thanks to this week's photographers: The Book LLC, Noelle Floyd, Tamara Berkowitz, Lisa Towell and Liza Boyd.

Competition, sportsmanship, camaraderie. When eventual $216,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix winner Darragh Kenny (right) passed Hardin Towell after a clear jump-off round on Sunday, March 6th in Wellington, Florida, a moment of congratulations and respect passed between the two. More than just a high-five, the moment between fierce competitors and good friends exemplified the best of a beautiful sport, a shared passion, and mutual goodwill.

Finally Farm Hunters Shine at WEF and Ocala

Liza Boyd and Brunello in the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala (TK Themaneimagephotography)

The hunters were center stage during the past two weeks on the Winter Equestrian Festival and HITS Ocala circuits in Florida, and Finally Farm riders and horses made the most of acquiring World Championship Hunter Rider points.

During WEF Week 6, held Feb. 17-21, one highlight was O'Ryan's 3'6" Performance Working Hunter Championship with Liza Boyd aboard. The pair clinched the tricolor and a place in the starting lineup in the 20th edition of the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, and they eventually placed 10th overall.

Liza, a three-time winner of the class (including the inaugural event aboard her Junior Hunter Monday Morning), was thrilled to achieve a spot in the class and qualify among the top-12 for the second round. The class was held Saturday night, under the lights with packed stands cheering on the show hunters.

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan collected the 3'6" Performance Working Hunter Championship during WEF Week 6.

"It's always fun to compete in the class, and at this point to be in there and stay up in the game is great," said Liza, crediting Stella Styslinger for allowing her to qualify O'Ryan. "The courses were great, and the class received rave reviews. It was really nice to see the crowd entertained the whole time, and it was one of the best in many years."

Finally Farm clients and horses enjoyed many ribbons during WCHR week, with everyone savoring in the opportunity to have the hunters featured in the International Ring and competing in the spotlight usually reserved for the jumpers. 

During Week 7 of WEF, Liza split her time between Wellington and Ocala. She brought 18-year-old Brunello out in the High Performance Hunters one day during WCHR Week 6 as a warm-up before tackling the HITS Ocala $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on February 27. The pair, three-time winners of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, placed fifth overall in their first derby since claiming their third championship title in Kentucky last August.

Liza Boyd and Brunello

"I was super happy with fifth place and really happy to get a check," said Liza with a smile. "It was fun, and I'm glad we went up to Ocala for the class. Anytime I can show him is now icing on the cake. We both went for the win in the handy, but we were a step late on a lead change (after the trot fence). But, you have to go for it! If that inside turn would have worked out, I think we might have moved up to challenge one of Kelley Farmer's top three finishers. Unfortunately, I made that little mistake, but it was a blast to show him again."

"Ike" will now travel home to Camden, South Carolina, where he'll rest and relax until his next show ring outing, which Liza thinks might be in one of the spring USHJA International Hunter derby classes in Aiken or Tryon.

WEF Week 7 also featured some impressive performances, with Laura Critz's Quatrain sweeping the Small Junior, 15 and under, over fences classes to earn the championship with McKayla Langmeier aboard.

Liza also piloted Finally Farm's young Shamrock to the reserve championship in the Second Year Green Hunter section.

In the jumper ring, Hardin Towell was on fire on a variety of mounts, earning top 10 finishes in some impressive international-level company. Hardin and New York placed  seventh of 76 entries in the $86,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship, and he guided Lucifer V to fourth of 71 in the $130,000 Ruby Et Violette WEF Challenge Round VII before the pair placed 10th in the $380,000 Suncast CSI 5* Grand Prix to conclude the weekend.

Finally Farm also wishes to congratulate new rider-and-horse partnerships that were made recently. 

Pony Lane Farm's newest hunter, Like I Said with rider Kelley Farmer

Pony Lane Farm and Maddy Thatcher welcomed Like I Said, purchased from Glefke and Farrington, LLC. With Kelley Farmer in the irons, Like I Said was a superstar during WEF 6 and placed second in the $100,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Kelley will continue to show the mare for the remainder of the WEF circuit, while Maddy will take the reins in the Amateur-Owner Hunters during Week 9 for their debut.

"I"m thrilled for Maddy; she's an incredible mare," said Liza. "I'm leaving Wellington a few weeks earlier than Maddy, so I'll get to know the mare at home when they return,."

Grayanna Grigg leased A Propos from trainer and grand prix rider Michael Tokaruk, who competed him in the smaller grand prix classes. Grayanna and A Propos made their debut during Week 7 in the Low Children's Jumpers, and she plans to learn the ropes and move up the levels with this veteran jumper.

Maggie Hill and Co Co Chanel will be joining forces in the hunter ring, with a lease from trainer David Oliynyck. "My dad (Jack Towell) imported the mare as a 4-year-old, and she was later sold to a client of David's. It's nice to have her back in the barn. She will be fun for Maggie."

Liza also showed five horses for trainer Peter Pletcher of PJP Farm because he's out of the saddle due to an injury. She collected numerous tricolors and top ribbons for a successful week. "It's always fun to help out other riders, but also a little bit stressful," she said with a laugh. "Peter has had such success with these horses, and as you’re riding around you think, 'What would Peter do?' But we had a really good time, and it was great teamwork."

For a gallery of photos from WEF Week 6-7, please click see the carousel below. Special thanks to TK The Mane Image Photography and The Book LLC for additional photographs.

Finally Farm Shows Star Power During WEF 5

In addition to continuing their impressive performances in the show ring, Finally Farm riders exhibited their star power during the extracurricular activities of Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

A highlight of the week was the eight Annual Kids Lip Sync event, a charity fundraiser for Danny & Ron's Rescue, where some of Finally Farm's smallest riders took the big stage.

Participating riders included Ruby Sloan, Zola Thompson and their sisters, along with trainer Liza Boyd's daughter, Elle. The charity event featured disco queen Gloria Gaynor, who invited the kids on stage to sing "I Will Survive" with her, seen here.

"All of our girls did a super job," said Liz. " The costumes were beautiful, and the choreography was great. It was fun to watch!"

Liza was in front of the camera herself this week as a sponsored rider for Ariat. She modeled apparel while Brunello participated as a prop on a shoot that took place at Grand Prix Village.

"It was so much fun!" said Liza. "I felt like a real model, getting my hair and makeup done. They were so excited that we brought Ike, too. I think he enjoyed all of the attention!" 

Indeed, Ike had his fair share of the spotlight this week as he made his 2016 show ring debut in a Schooling Jumper class.

Brunello, Liza and Alberto

"He felt great," said Liza. "I thought before we go to HITS Ocala for the USHJA International Hunter Derby we both need to do something. So, I’m glad we got started. We’ll also do Wednesday of Week 6 in the High Performance Hunters. I probably need the practice more than he does! 

"I think it will be good for us," she said, adding that she was currently riding him home from flatting in the International Ring on Monday morning. "He was playing and wild, not your typical hunter! He feels good, though, and is happy. We galloped a while to stretch his legs, and I think he had a really good time."  

Justified and Kelly Maloney continued to enjoy themselves in the Don Little Masters Jumper section, claiming two blue ribbons, 10th in the Classic and tying for reserve champion.

"They were so consistent," said Liza. "I don’t think the mare has had a rail down since she’s been here. I saw the first round of the Classic, and she was great."

Stella Styslinger and Victoria Press combined forces to claim the Small Junior, 16-17, reserve championship with O’Ryan.  "I have to give a shout-out and credit Victoria for riding him Day No. 2," said Liza. " Stella had strep throat, so she was unable to show the second day. Victoria stepped up and was great. She had catch ridden him before, so it all worked out."

Maggie Hill moved up to the Children's Hunters this week and ended up second on Tasty and sixth on Equanimity on the second day of competition. "It was a competitive division, and she really has improved so much," said Liza of Maggie. "She made a few minor mistakes on the first day, and she came back and really improved. I told her that once you move up, it's not as much about finding the distances to the jumps but about achieving a more technical ride. You have to start learning the details that help the horses to jump a better fence. It's good for her to start learning these next steps and adding in the finer points to her riding."

Clemson University student Maddy Thatcher brought her full string of horses out for WEF 6 and collected multiple top ribbons, including a win in the Low Amateurs on Dolce Vita and in the Modifieds with Skilliane De Varnel. 

"She was super consistent with all of the others, including ribbons on Summer Place in the Amateur-Owner Hunters," said Liza. "She rode really well, and the horses were great."

Coronado Makes an Impressive Derby Debut

Liza Boyd aboard Pony Lane Farm's Coronado

Finally Farm took a short hiatus from Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit to experience The Ridge at Wellington’s Hunter Derby Day, held Friday February 5 in Wellington, Florida.

Trainer Liza Boyd entered her young derby mounts Coronado and Shamrock in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, the first major derby outing for both young horses.

“It was a great experience for them,” she said. “They were both a little green at times, but it was a new place and in a covered arena, so it was totally understandable.”

In the end, Pony Lane Farm’s 6-year-old Zangersheide stallion Coronado (Coriano Z—Chinchilla Overringe’s Z) placed eighth overall out of the field of 31 horses.

“I couldn’t be happier for him. Once again. people thought I had shown Brunello in the class because they look so much alike!” she added laughing.

Liza was pleased that photographer Andrew Ryback selected a photo of Coronado as one of his favorites from the day and posted it to his social media sites.

Famous faces at The Ridge at Wellington's Hunter Derby included, from left, Bill Schaub, Nona Garson, Bucky Reynolds and Jack Towell.

“Coronado really stepped up this week. He also did the High Performance Hunters on Wednesday, a section that had a lot of really good horses. He placed third and third over fences over some impressive courses designed by Phillip DeVita. He really proved his scope that day,” she said.

McKayla Langmeier added a few more tricolors to the Finally Farm banner during the week as she guided Maraschino to the Small Junior, 15 and under, championship for owner Lily Bennett, who was out of town.

It was a special show for McKayla and “Cherry” as they were reunited for the first time since Lily purchased the mare from her after the 2014 Pennsylvania National Horse Show where they were champions.

“It was fun to see her back on Maraschino, and she was so excited to ride Cherry again,” said Liza, who also guided Cherry to a score of 89 in the 3’6” Performance Working Hunter Handy class that week.

“The mare has really matured and gotten better and better,” she said. “I was able to do some turns and things I couldn’t have done last year, when she was a First Year Green horse.” 

McKayla dominated the Small Junior, 15 and under, section, winning every over fences class—three aboard Maraschino and one with Laura Critz’s Quatrain, who finished as the reserve champion with two seconds over fences as well.

Maggie Hill added another Low Children’s Hunter tricolor to her collection, taking a championship aboard Black Ankle LLC’s Equanimity this week. Liza praised Maggie for her consistent riding, which has now resulted in multiple tricolors aboard three different horses.  

‘The other two horses (she rides) needed a week off, so this was perfect. Our friends from Savannah, Georgia, trainer Courtney Goldstein and owner Ansley Johnson, allowed Maggie to show the mare. We’ve seen ‘Cha Cha’ for quite a long time because she does the Adult Amateurs with her owner. She’s a lovely mare, and it was nice of them to allow Maggie to show her this week.”

Hardin Towell and his jumpers earned a variety of placings during Week 4, with a highlight being 11th place out of 59 aboard Emilie De Diamant A in the $35,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round IV. They had just one rail down in the jump-off. The pair also had just one rail in the first round of the $216,000 Ariat CSI4* Grand Prix.

Brunello Named Chronicle's Show Hunter Horse of the Year

Finally Farm congratulates Brunello for his title as The Chronicle of the Horse magazine's Show Hunter Horse of the Year!

Owned by rider Liza Boyd and Janet Peterson, Brunello, also known as "Ike," received the award by virtue of his stellar performances in 2015, including his third consecutive victory in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

To read more about the 2015 honorees in the Chronicle's American Horses in Sport issue, please visit www.chronofhorse.com.

Jack Towell Nominated to Show Hunter Hall of Fame

Jack Towell with daughter Liza Boyd and Brunello

Finally Farm is proud to announce that owner/trainer Jack Towell has been nominated to the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame! 

The announcement was released on February 1:

"The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that the nominees for induction into the Hall of Fame this year are Pam Baker, Leslie Burr Howard, Terry Rudd, Elizabeth Solter, Lu Thomas and Jack Towell.

The four nominees with the most votes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Merion Cricket Club on May 31, 2016. If you would like a ballot, please contact showhunterhalloffame@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you. Please vote on this outstanding list of horse persons."

The NSHHF was founded in 1995 as a tax-exempt organization with the following goals:

• Educating the equestrian public and competition spectators on the standards of horse and rider grading and judging
• Providing information on the horses and riders who have achieved excellence in show hunter competition
• Fostering the appreciation of this sport through the establishment and maintenance of a National Show Hunter Hall of Fame with the appropriate related ceremonies and awards

To be eligible for induction, a person must have participated in the Show Hunter Industry for a minimum of 15 years and distinguished themselves by the nature of their contributions or achievements.

We hope you'll support Jack and help vote him into the NSHHF!

"Jack Towell has been one of the must successful trainers and developers of young riding talent in this country. He’s trained more than 75 champions/reserves and 14 Best Child Rider winners at the Devon Horse Show, Capital Challenge and the East Coast fall indoor shows. In addition, he’s trained three WCHR Hunter Spectacular winners (Monday Morning, Fiyero and Brunello), overall champions at the U.S. Pony Finals and the U.S. Junior Hunter Finals and the great Brunello to three consecutive USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships (2013-15)."

For more information on the NSHHF, to join, support and to vote, please visit the website.