After an incredible 2019 show season that culminated with the United States Equestrian Federation Grand Junior Hunter, 16-17, Horse of the Year title, Cassanto was named The Chronicle of the Horse 2019 Overall Horse of the Year and the Show Hunter Horse of the Year.
Candid displays the ribbons he won with Elle Gibbs during WEF 1.
Finally Farm found much success as the Winter Equestrian Festival got underway during WEF 1, held January 8-12 in Wellington, Florida.
Elle Gibbs and Candid made their presence known in the Junior Hunter, 3’3”, 15 and under, section as they continued to get to know one another. This was Elle’s second show with the lovely hunter she’s leasing from Jennifer Alfano, and the pair won the Handy with a score of 87 and placed second over fences with an 85 out of a field of 27 for a fantastic start to WEF.
Elle Gibbs and Candid
“Thank you so much Finally Farm for making my first show in Wellington amazing!” said Elle on her Instagram feed.
“Elle was great, and I want to thank to Jen and Lane Change Farm for putting this match together,” said trainer Liza Boyd, “Elle also got good ribbons on Game Plan (scores of 80 and 84) in the same division, and he’s available for sale in Wellington and is ready to win for another junior or amateur rider.”
Liza also made an impression herself aboard Candid and Game Plan, taking second with Candid in the 3’3” Performance Handy out of 66 entries and second out of 66 with Game Plan in a 3’3” Performance Hunter over fences class. “I showed Candid in one class in Aiken last month,” said Liza. “I watched him for so long with Jen, so it was fun to ride one that my friend produced. I’ve seen him come along in the Pre-Greens and all the way up, so to show him is especially rewarding.”
The Nolan sisters also started off strongly in Florida with great performances and blue ribbons.
“We both had an amazing first week at WEF!” they said in their Instagram feed. “MC (first time showing at WEF ever) got top ribbons In the Children’s with O’Ryan and Timoteo and won the 3’3” Junior hack with Stallone! GA won the Low Adult Jumper class with Malbay Dreamer, and had great rounds with Sonoma in the Younger Adults that led to good ribbons.”
Mary Caroline Nolan and Stallone
Mary Caroline made her debut with Stallone and showed in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section. The pair won the competitive under saddle class for their first WEF blue. “She’s leasing him from Don Stewart and Ashland Farm and will do the 3’3” medals and juniors. She also did well on O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunters and will move up next week to 3’3” juniors.”
Grace Ann rocked it in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper, 18-35, section, taking an impressive victory aboard Malbay Dreamer. The pair also placed ninth in the Classic. Grace Ann also guided Sonoma to consistent placings in a section of the Younger Adult Amateur Hunters for a nice week in the jumper and hunter rings.
“That was a big win in the meter jumpers!” said Liza enthusiastically. “The Nolan sisters are down here all three months and will be going to school, so they’re going to get a lot of great experience being here the entire time.”
Finally Farm also welcomed University of South Carolina student Josephine Rose to the family during WEF 1, where she earned excellent ribbons aboard Cassino in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter, 18-35, section. “She’s on the riding team and USC and rode with Jennifer Edwards of Belleame Farm in Ohio before she moved here. We’re thrilled to welcome her and to have her in the barn. I noticed her at the. Washington International last fall when she won the stake class in Large Juniors. They’re a really good match, and it’s been fun to get to know them both.”
Paige Miller and her partner Shamrock jumped to great ribbons in a tough Low Adult Hunter section. “She rode so well,” said Liza, adding, “She’s had him a year now, and they’ve really bonded and know each. It’s fun to see how far they’ve come over the past year and how much more technical her rides have become.”
Likewise, Paige’s daughter Mckenzie Miller, 10, has also made impressive strides over the past year. She moved up to the Small/Medium Children’s Pony Hunters from the Short Stirrup with Hakuna Matata. “It was so exciting for her! She got two ninths, and she’s getting so consistent. Last year at this time she was riding Otis Spunkmeyer around the crossrails, so she’s come a long way. It’s also fun for Elle to have a pony friend here. They study courses together, ride to the ring together and have fun. have someone her age in the barn,” said Liza.
Elle Boyd continued to produce excellent performances in the Pony Hunters. This week she rode Baby Blue and A Dream Come True in the Smalls and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue in the Mediums, earning top ribbons on all three “She was really consistent, and I’m so proud of her,” said Liza. “I want to thank DK-USA Sporthorse LLC for A Dream Come True. We really love him. He and Baby Blue are both 16, and I’ve learned that’s an awesome age for Small Ponies! What great teachers they are, and Elle’s learning so much. She was also fifth in the USEF Pony Medal on Friday. It’s nice to have ponies that know their jobs.”
Mary Caroline’s Willy Wonka is outgrown and available for lease!
Elle also catch rode Mary Caroline’s pony Willy Wonka to ribbons in the Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunters. “Willy Wonka just came off a lease and is available for lease or sale,” noted Liza. “He’s another great Small Pony and teacher.”
Over in the Equitation Ring, Maggie Hill captured thirds in sections of the Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal and in the ASPCA Maclay aboard For Side VDL under the watchful eyes of Northrun and Finally Farm trainers.
Bridget Hallman’s Halston also jumped to impressive performances with Bridget and Liza, including a red ribbon in the High Performance Conformation Hunters.
“We’re glad to be here and settled in,” said Liza. “And I’m happy we’re off to a good start! We’re looking forward to a great season!”
O’Ryan enjoys his accomplishments during WEF 1!
Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan
Finally Farm wrapped up the year not with endings but with beginnings!
“There were a lot of firsts at the Aiken December Classic,” said trainer Liza Boyd of the 2019-2020 show season kick-off competition held at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.
Many new partnerships made their show ring debuts together, including 13-year-old Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan.
“She’s the new rider of O’Ryan and one lucky girl,” said Liza of Maggie Hill’s former star Junior Hunter. “Mary Caroline was riding a large pony last summer at the USEF Pony Finals, so she’s not ridden horses that long. She was champion on O’Ryan and reserve on Timoteo in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. It was a great start for them, and we’re thrilled to keep him in the barn and watch him bring on another kid.”
Mary Caroline’s sister Grace Ann Nolan made her show ring debut in the Amateurs, as did Gigi Manigault. Both made a seamless transition and continued their winning ways.
Grace Ann rode Malbay Dreamer to two seconds in the Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers for the reserve championship and also received excellent ribbons on Sonoma in the Adult Amateur Hunters to earn a second reserve championship.
Gigi guided Major Key to top ribbons in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, including a blue over fences and second place in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. She also piloted new mount Big Bang to ribbons in the 3’3” Performance Hunters.
Elle Gibbs with Candid and Game Plan
“Sometimes kids are like, ‘This is my last junior year, and my career is over!’ But, really, it’s just beginning,” said Liza. “After all these years of showing, Gigi had no idea that she had more opportunities as an amateur. She and Grace can do the Amateurs, the Adults, Derbies and so much more.”
Maggie Hill also made a show ring debut aboard her new Junior Hunter Ravello. “This was their first time at the 3’6” and her first time showing him. He was champion in 3’6” Greens with me and champion in Junior Hunters with her. It was fun to show him at the bigger height. We jumped him a little bigger in the schooling area, and he showed some real scope in the handy. He’s little, but he has some power, so it will be fun to see where he goes and for Maggie to grow with him.”
Elle Gibbs leased Jennifer Alfano’s Candid for the year, and they began their Junior Hunter partnership at Aiken. She earned the championship with Candid and reserve with Game Plan.
“We are so excited for this duo,” said Liza. “Candid has had a lot of great years with Jen, and he’s ready to be a Junior Hunter. We’re very excited to have him in the barn with Elle. They were a good match right from the beginning, and he quite likes her. He’s a quiet horse, but he can take a minute to get in front of leg on the flat. But she figured that out right away. He’s also a little shy in the barn, so she spent time with him and got to know him, and he fits right in.”
Liza also had reason to smile at Aiken as her derby mount Clemens, owned by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm, returned to the show ring after time off for an injury. “He could have come back in August, but at that point there was nothing left for him to do the rest of the year so we waited until the new year,” she said. “Our game plan was to get a show under his belt at 3’3” before the Winter Equestrian Festival (in Florida). We’ll gear him back up and have him ready for WEF 4.”
Liza and Clemens took the victory in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby to punctuate their return. “I’m so glad to have him back; he feels great,” she said. “The last time he was shown was the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships when he was second. I did one ticketed warm-up and one 3’6” Performance class and then did the National Derby. It was a great class for all types of horses. It was held in the late afternoon/early evening and it was great to get him back in the ring and good for him to be under pressure again at an event with some atmosphere.”
Liza also guided For Side VDL to seventh in the National Derby. “We did that class also for the time of day. He’s a Hunter/Equitation horse and is always good in the handy round. Maggie wants to save her Medal/Maclay classes for later in the year, so it was good for him to get the experience and a good ribbon.”
Erin McGuire and Kassar entered their eighth show season together and continued their top performances. The pair placed second in Open Jumper Welcome and t he were second in the $10,000 Dietrich Insurance Classic for a nice payday.
“She was awesome. Jack (Towell) was really proud of her,” said Liza. “There were 13 clear in the prix, and she rode great and was super fast. She does such a good job managing that horse and picks and chooses and peaks him at the right times. She won’t show again for a while—maybe a little in the winter and get back going when we get home from WEF in the spring. She does a great job of keeping him fit and happy.”
Liza’s daughter Elle had ample success in the ponies with A Dream Come True, Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Baby Blue. Elle and DK-USA Sporthorse LLC’s A Dream Come True captured the reserve championship in the Small Pony Hunters with help from trainer Rachel Kennedy, as well.
Elle Boyd and Rachel Kennedy with A Dream Come True
A Dream Come True is Elle’s newest ride. “I think that we have him and Baby Blue for the. Smalls this year,” said Liza. “I’m so excited for Elle. There’s nothing better than these veteran ponies to teach riders. He has a great personality and is really great in the handy classes. She went for it in the handy with him. Before, she would go around, and now she’s doing the inside turns and he’s teaching her a lot about landing the leads and doing the inside turns.”
Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller earned the reserve championship in the Short Stirrup section. Mckenzie was riding Otis Spunkmeyer around crossrails last year, and now she’s taking lessons with Elle and learning the technicalities,” said Liza. “She’s come a long way really quickly.”
Finally Farm also welcomed Invite Only and 15-year-old Alex Dastjerdi to the family. The pair earned ribbons in the Pre-Children’s and medal classes. “Congratulations on your new horse leased from Amanda Lyerly!” said Liza. “We look forward to your future in 2020!”
Kelly Maloney and Oakmont Stables LLC’s Corona 93 galloped to impressive placings in the High Adult Jumpers as they got to know one another. “Kelly has one of Hardin’s old grand prix horses because her horse is injured. We’re wishing her a good Florida season with this fun mare.”
Bridget Hallman’s Halston making 2020 already a winning year!
Liza took a side trip to Wellington during the holiday season to give Bridget Hallman lessons and show her horses during pre-circuit. “I hadn’t seen her since the Washington International in October. Halston was champion in the Conformation division and Who’s It was champion in the 3’6”/3’9” Greens. We had a lot of fun!”
Maggie Hill and Cassanto concluded what could only be a dream season when they captured the Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the National Horse Show. They were featured in a Phelps Sports Press Release on November 1, 2019, below:
Lexington, Kentucky - November 1, 2019 - The penultimate day of hunter competition at the 2019 National Horse Show kicked off Friday, November 1 with small and large Junior Hunters returning to the Alltech arena promptly at 7 a.m. Following the under saddle classes, horse-and-rider combinations were seen one last time for their respective stake rounds, serving as a final chance to garner precious points toward the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Championship. Stealing the show with spectacular performances was Maggie Hill and Cassanto, who accumulated a whopping 32 points to claim the coveted overall title and the Huntland Perpetual Cup.
Acquiring their points in the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, division, Hill and Cassanto topped the ranks of every over fences class in the division, also earning third on the flat. Following the presentation of her championship, Hill and Cassanto were called back to the winner’s circle to receive the Inclusive Perpetual Cup, an award given by the judges for the best performance in the stake round. The awards did not stop there for Hill and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, as the ringmaster bestowed a third medal around her neck for the highest of Junior Hunter honors, the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Championship of the 136th National Horse Show.
Maggie Hill and Cassanto
Hill and Cassanto have already had a record year together. The pair have been partnered together for two years and, although their partnership took some time to develop, they have taken the hunter world by storm ever since.
In 2019 alone, Hill and Cassanto have earned championship honors at the Devon Horse Show, Junior Hunter Finals, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show. Hill was thrilled to wrap up her stellar season with Cassanto by claiming the overall championship title at the 136th National Horse Show before preparing for the ASPCA Maclay Finals on Sunday, November 3.
Maggie Hill – Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champion
On the stake round:
“[Cassanto] felt amazing, as per usual. He likes cold weather so he felt a little up and excited, which was fun for me. Cassanto and I really like the stake rounds because I like when the pressure is on and he just rises to the occasion. If I do well then he is good!”
On her partnership with Cassanto:
“I have been with him for about two years. I started doing the 3’6” Junior Hunters on him and last year was a bit touch and go, just because it was my first year in the 3’6”. Over the course of the Winter Equestrian Festival we were able to build our relationship and this year at indoors and Devon it has just been solidified. At Devon this year and last year he has been amazing. He is a horse of a lifetime and I really honestly cannot say enough good things about him. He has been amazing. I have no words, he has given me more in this junior year than I could have ever asked for. He was champion at Devon, Junior Hunter Finals, Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show and now champion here! I cannot believe it and I couldn’t have asked for more from an animal.”
On being Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champion at the National Horse Show:
“It means everything. I think I have seen over the years people like Devon Seek and Brian Moggre win this and I have really looked up to those people. It is an honor to have that in my resume as well now because I love this sport and I would really love to use it as a career. To accomplish another milestone is an important thing.”
On her rides:
“I am very happy now! I am just looking at Maclay Finals because I have not been as consistent in the equitation and I really would like to be. I am always looking at ways I can improve so now I just need to conquer the equitation.”
On competing at the National Horse Show:
“This is a fun horse show! I love this ring because it almost rides like Devon, it is really forward and you can show off your horse, the jumps come up nice and you can get a big stride to keep around the whole course. It is cold but it is nice inside! The show run so well, everything is on time and I love this show. It is a wonderful way to end the year!”
On what is next for Cassanto:
“I think Cassanto is excited for his paddock. Hopefully we will compete at WEF but we will see what his owner wants to do. It has been an amazing year and I am so thankful. He has earned a break! He loves bananas, donuts and peanut butter so he has lots of those waiting back at the barn for him.”
On Cassanto’s personality:
“He has the best personality. He is such a smush. He knows when you are in the barn and he knickers to you. I love being with him. Out of all of the horses we just click and I think that is why last year, when it was a little touch and go, he stuck with me and held my hand. Out of all of the horses in the world we are probably the most similar in personality so it is really fun to just be with him. I love every second with him. He is so demanding and funny!”
Maggie Hill continued her dream season at the Washington International Horse Show, held October 22-27 in Washington, D.C.
Maggie, of Jackson, Wyoming, claimed the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, sponsored by Gotham North, receiving the DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. & Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia, after being selected by the judges as the rider who demonstrated the highest quality in horsemanship and sportsmanship, combined with good appearance and courtesy.
Maggie Hill and O’Ryan
”For Maggie, it was pretty amazing,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “I’m so proud of her consistency. Last year she would step up and win a class here and there, but now she stays in the hunt and was able to clinch the championship with both Cassanto and O’Ryan. Her year so far with Cassanto has been remarkable—they really click.
“And she’s been great about understanding these two horses who are quite different,” noted Liza. “O’Ryan is older, and we pick and choose shows and classes versus, for instance, doing the whole Junior Hunter division. He might go to a two-week show and only show one week and the flat the other week to keep him fresh. She’s involved in the decisions we make. We’ll ask, ‘When do you want them to peak?’ And throughout the year that program has worked, and now they’re peaking at end of the year, which is what we wanted.”
Maggie Hill and Cassanto
Hill also rode Cassanto to the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, title for the Chance Step Perpetual Trophy, donated by Brooke Carmichael McMurray-Fowler and Pam Carmichael Keenan, and her O’Ryan to the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17 tricolor. She then collected the Georgetown Trophy for High-Score Owner-Rider Award with her O’Ryan.
Maggie’s WIHS Photo Gallery
Grace Ann Nolan’s Kumano also earned the spotlight at Washington. With trainer Liza Boyd aboard, Kumano received excellent ribbons in the 3’9” Green Hunter section, including second in the stake. handy and under saddle. Then, with Grace in the irons, the pair won the Large Junior, 16-17, under saddle.
Gigi Manigault and Bastille also earned ribbons in the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section, including fourth in the handy and fifth over fences, with excellent performances.
“Grace Ann hadn’t done him in the 3’6” very much, so it was exciting for her to have nice rounds,” said Liza. “She’ll come back next year with him as an amateur. Both Grace Ann and Gigi are seniors in high school, so we’re looking forward to having them both show with us next year.”
From Grace Ann’s mother, Lindsay Keogler Nolan:
“What a way to spend your 18th birthday! Solid trips over fences and won the hack! We are thrilled for Grace and Kumano 💖🦄💙 Thanks again to Jack Towell, Liza Towell Boyd, Katie Wood and Finally Farm for all your guidance, patience, and training! Thanks to Nick Haness, Ryan May and Gail Ellis for allowing us to have your special boy! He’s the best!”
Mary Caroline Nolan also enjoyed riding her Timoteo in the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship.
Mary Caroline Nolan and Timoteo
Kumano and Liza Boyd
Fun times at WIHS!
Grand Junior Hunter Champions Cassanto and Maggie Hill
Maggie Hill and Cassanto continued their amazing fall winning streak at the Pennsylvania National. Coming off championship honors at the Capital Challenge, they continued with the Grand Junior, High-Point Large Junior and Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, championships during Junior Weekend in Harrisburg, October 11-13.
Maggie and Cassanto also earned the John Bryner, Jr. Memorial Perpetual Trophy with 32 total points. Alberto Ramirez accepted the Groom's Award for his care of Cassanto, and trainer Jack Towell received the Grand Junior Hunter Trainer’s Award.
"He's a very good boy, I'm very lucky to ride him," said Hill. "I really feel lucky every time I ride him (Cassanto), he's truly the most amazing animal I've ever sat on. We just get each other and he's unique, unlike any other horse I've ridden. He knows his person and knows when it counts, always stepping up to the plate. He felt great today."
Maggie Hill and Alberto Ramirez
Maggie also piloted O’Ryan to great ribbons in the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, section, including a blue ribbon over fences and fourth in the handy. For her consistent rides, Maggie was named reserve Best Junior Hunter Rider. She also competed in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal Final aboard Eclipse displaying picture perfect form.
Gigi Manigault also joined Maggie in the ribbon hunt in the Junior Hunters, receiving excellent placings with Major Key. In the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 36 and over, section Liz Devor and Sawyer picked up some ribbons over fences and under saddle.
Gigi Manigault and Major Key
Elle Boyd also gathered more accolades during her first season at the fall indoor shows. After a stellar Capital Challenge, Elle rode Baby Blue to a fifth place in the Small Pony Hunters over fences and was 10th in the under saddle.
Elle Boyd and Baby Blue
Mary Caroline Nolan also enjoyed the trip to Harrisburg, riding Timoteo in the $12,500 NAL Children’s Hunter Final.
During Senior Week, Liza Boyd earned the Kenneth Wheeler Style of Riding Award for her many excellent performances aboard Bridget Hallman’s Green Hunters Who’s It and Halston.
Please enjoy our Gallery of photos from Harrisburg!
Elle Boyd, Alberto Ramirez and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue
From Equitation Weekend to the Open Hunters., Juniors and Ponies, the Finally Farm team amassed great performances and ribbons at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, from September 27-October 6 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Maggie Hill started the show off strongly by capturing the 16-year-old Equitation reserve championship in section B. She posted a victory over fences and was third on the flat with her For Side VDL. She went on to earn the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, championship with Cassanto and the Small Junior, 16-17, reserve championship aboard O’Ryan, for an excellent week.
Maggie Hill and Cassanto
Trainer Liza Boyd also captured a variety of top ribbons, including a seventh-placed finish in the $30,000 WCHR Professional Challenge aboard O’Ryan. Liza also guided Finally Farm’s Ravello to the Green Hunter Colts & Geldings championship with two wins over fences and a second. The duo also jumped to the reserve championship in the $25,000 Green Hunter North American Championship and scored a nice paycheck!
By virtue of her excellent performances throughout the year in the WCHR events and at the Capital Challenge, Liza qualified to defend her title in the WCHR Pro Finals. Liza guided Gigi Manigault’s Major Key to sixth in the WCHR Professional Play-Offs on Friday night but just missed qualifying for the Final Four. Nevertheless, her points accumulated resulted in fifth in the WCHR Professional National standings, and she was second in the WCHR Southeast Region.
Liza Boyd and O’Ryan
Liza also rode Bridget Hallman’s Who’s It to ribbons in all of the 3’6” Green Hunter classes and her Halston to excellent ribbons in the Green Conformation section.
In her first appearance in WCHR 3’6” Junior Challenge, Gigi Manigault was 10th with Bastille and also picked up ribbons in the competitive Large Junior, 16-17, section with Bastille and Major Key. In addition, Maggie and Gigi finished first and second, respectively in the WCHR Southeast Region Juniors and received their awards during a ceremony on Friday evening. Maggie also topped the Region in the Handy, beating all of the professionals!
Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue
Certainly one of the major highlights of the show was Elle Boyd’s third place in the WCHR Pony Challenge with Rachel Rosenblum’s Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue! The pair scored 86, 86 and 83 for an 85 average! They also earned two fourth-placed ribbons over fences in the Medium Pony section for a fantastic show.
In addition, Finally Farm received the Voltaire Tack Room Award for their outstanding decorations and design! Congratulations to all of the Finally Farm riders and team for a wonderful show!
Maggie Hill and Eclipse
From Florida to the Carolinas the Finally Farm team performed with talent and tenacity in September, achieving goals and bringing home lots of ribbons.
Maggie Hill journeyed to Tampa, Florida, for the ASPCA Maclay South East Regionals, September 20-22, where she placed eighth aboard Eclipse and qualified for Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show this fall.
Maggie Hill at the South East ASPCA Maclay Regionals
“Maggie was quite good,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “We checked off that goal—she’d never done the Regionals before. At the Regionals, the goal isn’t necessarily to make the cut. She went early in the order and she stayed in there. Then, she flatted really nicely.
“She had shown For Side VDL the day before in the USEF Medal and ASPCA Maclay and won both of them, so that was awesome,” Liza added. “He’s been a good back-up horse and is ready to step in. Maggie Gampfer, one of Missy Clark’s assistants, came in and helped, so we’re excited to team up with North Run for indoors.”
Finally Farm also made their presence known at the Aiken Fall Festival at Bruce’s Field for two weeks in September.
“We welcomed the Nolans from Georgia, Grace Ann and Mary Caroline, to our team at Aiken,” said Liza. “Mary Caroline did great and did the USHJA Zone Children’s/Adult Hunter championships, and that was fun. She won the team gold medal winners during and ended up silver in the individual. That was fun for the kids to learn the team format.”
Mary Caroline guided Timeteo to the medals in the Children’s Hunters, while Grace Ann piloted her Junior Hunters, Kumano and Sonoma, to ribbons in the 3’3” section. Grace Ann also won a Low Children’s/Adult Jumper class aboard Malbay Dreamer as a highlight to her week.
Mary Caroline Nolan and Timoteo
“I did Kumano in the USHJA International Derby and was third overall,” said Liza. “He was great, and I was really impressed with his bravery and talent.” Liza also placed second aboard Gigi Manigault’s Bastille, while Maggie placed sixth aboard Cassanto and Gigi was eighth riding Major Key.
Liza also won the USHJA National Hunter Derby aboard Ravello. “He’s a Pre-Green horse, so this was a great class for him with tough competition. So, he’ll be ready to be a 3’6” Green horse next year,” she said.
Elle Gibbs also added 3’3” Junior Hunters ribbons to Finally Farm’s banner aboard Game Plan, with two seconds over fences and a fifth in the classic. “She’s riding well, and I’m excited for her to go to Capital Challenge with him,” said Liza.
Gigi is wrapping up her junior career and prepared for the fall indoors with Major Key and Bastille. “Both Gigi and Maggie did the International Hunter Derby instead of the Junior Hunters in preparation for indoors. The courses were more technical, with broken lines, so it was good for them.”
Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue
Elle Boyd also shined in Aiken, showing multiple ponies and practicing her skills.
“It was fun to see her putting it all together, and she was champion and reserve on Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and reserve on Baby Blue in the Small Ponies,” said Liza of her 9-year-old daughter. “I think at that age to have time in the tack and just keep learning and practicing is so important. She’s starting to get a good feel and riding different types. I’m really proud of her. She qualified Baby Blue for Harrisburg, so I’m so excited to have her there.”
Amateurs Alison Thorp and Amy Nolan collected top ribbons throughout the shows, as did Mackensie Bowles. “It’s really fun to have them. They practice a lot and are so dedicated,” said Liza. “We don’t see Amy as often, but she always does her homework and comes prepared.”
Finally Farm also welcomed Alex Dastjerdi to the team. She showed Made For Me to excellent performances in the Pre-Children’s Hunters. “We’re very excited to have her and enjoyed helping her at the show,” noted Liza.
Paige and Mckenzie Miller could only show on Friday because a of other commitments, but they did make their time at the show pay dividends. Paige won a class in the Aiken Hunters on Shamrock and Mckenzie collected top honors with Hakuna Matata in the Schooling Ponies.
Erin McGuire has been splitting her time between showing and owning and operating her new business, so her goal was to compete her longtime partner Kasarr at a charity grand prix in Blowing Rock run by Vick Russell.
“It was a $50,000 Grand Prix, and she had one rail and was super good,” said Liza. “Her post on Facebook (below) was so well said.”
Erin McGuire’s Kasarr
Erin McGuire in her words:
It’s been an anti-climatic year. I pulled the amateur card and didn’t show until the weather was acceptable, won my first Open class back in six months, felt on top of the world and ready for the show season.
Shortly after, Benny and I found ourselves with 4 fault-itis, and I was not a happy camper. Convinced it was an attitude thing on his end, I doubled down but even that couldn’t stop him from slamming on the brakes and throwing me into an oxer late spring.
As I came out of the ring Jack asked, “Are you okay, honey?” To which I responded, “My ego is a little bruised, but I’ll be fine.” We bumped him down for an easy show, and just as we were gearing up for the summer and fall (my absolute favorite shows of the year), something was off. Cue an old splint that had another agenda.
I was frustrated with the world, telling myself I do everything right, show my horse sparingly, treat him like the athlete he is, why did this have to happen to me? Then I realized I had the real attitude issue and people pay me to better their mindset'; this was unacceptable behavior on my behalf. So, I got off my high horse and onto my 15.2 reality, and we had an easy summer of flat work with one goal in mind – James H Fisher Memorial GP.
$50,000 up for grabs, a few strikes against us, and a team that was ready to beat the odds. I am forever amazed by the heart of this horse and humbled by the lessons he’s taught me. Special thanks to Dr. Magda for her unwavering support and expertise and to Jeff for his expert shoeing. Both kept this minor setback from escalating. Today resulted in a rider 4 faults and a horse back on top of his game. Some of the best advice I’ve received from Liza in our 10-year partnership is to treat every victory like it’s your first and last. After a spectacular year last year and a year packed full of frustration this year – that advice rings true more than ever. Today wasn’t a win of ribbons or flowers, but it was a personal win reminding me to listen my horse and trust in our partnership.
Hardin Towell and Carlo
The 2019 American Gold Cup, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, made its triumphant return at Old Salem Farm to commence the event’s 49th installment Wednesday, with FEI competition attracting some of the world’s best horse-and-athlete teams to the pristine grass Grand Prix Ring.
Beginning the week on a high note, Hardin Towell (USA) and Carlo topped the leaderboard in the $10,000 Douglas Elliman 1.40m Jumper CSI4*, while Cormac Hanley (IRL) piloted Cortani FBH to the blue ribbon in the $8,000 Porsche Danbury & Audi Danbury 1.40m Jumper. In the $2,000 Eastern Hay 1.30m Jumper, Captain Future Z carried Erynn Ballard (CAN) to victory ahead of a lofty field.
The feature event of the first day of competition, the $10,000 Douglas Elliman 1.40m Jumper CSI4* brought a large pack of 70 exhibitors to center stage for a chance at some early prize money. As the first to contest designer Alan Wade’s (IRL) 13-effort track in the speed class, pathfinders Hanley and Heathman Farm LLC’s Alma Z set a quick precedent with a blazing trip in 60.83 seconds, leaving all the rails in their cups to jump to the early lead.
Hardin Towell and Carlo
Throughout the class, subsequent challengers chased down Hanley and the 12-year-old Oldenburg mare, but it would take nearly 50 trips for new leaders to emerge. Slicing across the grass more efficiently than the rest, Towell and Ann Thompson’s Carlo eclipsed Hanley and his ride thanks to their successful navigation of the pattern in 59.19 seconds to secure the lead spot in the lap of honor. Hanley and Alma Z retained second position, while Sweden’s Mariano Maggi and Uma O’Neill’s Quintago VA clinched third place penalty-free in 61.12 seconds.
Towell and Carlo have been gaining momentum recently in the show ring, most recently coming off of a first-place finish in the $35,700 Welcome Stake CSI2* at Great Lakes Equestrian Festival in July. In 2018, they claimed victory in the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show $50,000 Grand Prix and added to their achievements that same month in Lexington, Kentucky, where the pair won the $60,000 Kentucky National Betsy Grand Prix.
Hardin Towell and Carlo in their winning presentation.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Hardin Towell’s thoughts on his winning ride:
“I did one horse before so I knew the track. Carlo is a very quick horse and I actually added from fence one to two. I didn’t mean to, but I did seven strides instead of six, and that helped me get back to the third jump a lot quicker and then everywhere else I just stayed on my track. He is just so naturally quick and it makes my job a lot easier.”
On Carlo:
“Carlo is 13 years old and owned by Ann Thompson. I’ve had him for about a year. He is a great horse. He will come and win 1.40m classes and 1.50m classes. I am very lucky to have him. Since the start of our business [Oakland Stables], with Darragh [Kenny] and myself, he was one of the first horses that I had. Last year he was my top horse, and I’m lucky enough to have a great group of horses now. He can step up and be the top horse, but this week he is my second horse. It’s nice to be able to not always have to ask him to do the biggest classes all the time. His turns are really good, especially on the landings. His turns are so quick sometimes you almost get a little bit loose because he is always looking for the turn. That’s where he is naturally so quick. He is a small horse but typically I like smaller horses. I’ve always ridden a bit of a smaller horse. Today he was great.”
On competing at the American Gold Cup:
“I love the American Gold Cup. I’ve only shown here once two years ago. I was third in the [$216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W] and I had a very good show, so it is nice coming back. Last time I had some nice rounds out in the grass field and it seems to be going the same so far so let’s hope this week continues like that.”
RESULTS
$10,000 Douglas Elliman 1.40m Jumper CSI4*
Place / Horse / Rider / Country / Owner / Faults | Time
1. Carlo / Hardin Towell / USA / Ann Thompson / 0 | 59.19
2. Alma Z / Cormac Hanley / IRL / Heathman Farm, LLC / 0 | 60.83
3. Quintago VA / Mariano Maggi / SWE / Uma O’Neill / 0 | 61.12
4. Gletscher Eis E / Alberto Michan / ISR / A D M Equestrian / 0 | 61.75
5. HH Qualido / Quentin Judge / USA / Double H Farm / 0 | 61.96
6. Dingeman / Santiago Lambre / MEX / Aurora Rangel de Alba / 0 | 62.35
7. Clearville / Hardin Towell / USA / Rock Ridge Farms / 0 | 65.08
8. Akuna Mattata / Nicole Shahinian-Simpson / USA / Carol Rosenstein & Silver Raven Farms / 0 | 67.00
9. Judge Hof ter Zeedycke / Erynn Ballard / CAN / Skymaster LLC / 0 | 68.81
10. Alejandro / Shane Sweetnam / IRL / Seabrook LLC, Spy Coast Farm, LLC and Sweet Oak Farm / 0 | 69.28
11. Jeleena de Muze / Lauren Tisbo / USA / Tequestrian Farms, LLC / 0 | 69.85
12. Casco / Lauren Tisbo / USA / Tequestrian Farms LLC / 0 | 70.39
Special thanks to Phelps Sports for the press release.
Darragh Kenny and Hardin Towell own and operate Oakland Stables. Photo: Callie Clement/Phelps Media
Wednesday August 14, 2019
Special thanks to the World of ShowJumping for a wonderful article. To view it on their website, please click here.
Darragh Kenny and Jack Snyder’s Babalou 41. Photo: Barre Dukes/Phelps Media Group
Hardin Towell and Joli Jumper in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows, where they finished second. “The only person more excited for me than me on that day of the Queen’s Cup was Darragh,” Hardin said. Photo: Ryley Ingram/Phelps Media Group
“I am very lucky that Hardin is a part of this business because it’s made a huge difference to me,” Darragh said. Photo: Barre Dukes/Phelps Media Group
Hardin Towell and Carlo. “He’s a horse that is easy but can be a bit quirky,” said Hardin. Photo: Callie Clement/Phelps Media Group
Darragh Kenny and Ann Thomson’s Balou Du Reventon. “He always wants to fight for you in the ring and do really well,” said Darragh. Barre Dukes/Phelps Media Group
Darragh Kenny and Classic Dream. “I do think he can do the Olympics next year, and I think that he’s an incredible horse,” said Darragh. Photo: Barre Dukes/Phelps Media Group
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