Hunter/Jumper
Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Win $50,000 Grand Prix at tamPa Bay ClassiC
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that she suddenly was flying after that. Her turn after the combination to the wall definitely sliced some time off and allowed her to move in front of me. It was a great class and a lot of fun, I knew it was going to be difficult to beat Beezie going in, but more than anything I was pleased with how well my horse did.”
Jumper Highlights
The morning of Wednesday, March 28, began with a 1.30m Open Jumper class. Michael Morrissey was the first in the ring with Vorst, completing the first course with ease and keeping all rails in place. He moved into the jump-off, once again concluding with a clear round and posting one of only three doubleclear efforts. His time of 32.602 seconds stayed solid until Leslie Howard took her turn with Goed Zo. Howard’s quick pace through the short course and tight turns eventually earned the talented duo the blue ribbon ride. Morrissey tried to regain the lead aboard Padie Blu Cardu, once again going clean and moving into the jump-off. Despite beating their previous time, the pair moved into second place
kendAll bierer
he Tampa Bay Classic, held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Fla., came to an end after an exceptional week of competition. The main highlight was on the concluding day, and competition was fierce as the nation’s top riders strived to pave their way to the 2012 World Cup Finals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI 2*-W was the last opportunity for riders to qualify for the impending World Cup Finals, and the battle came down to two as Beezie Madden and Margie Engle fought to the finish. Madden and Mademoiselle emerged the victors, beating Engle’s jump-off time by only 0.6 seconds. “I think Margie was a little faster in the beginning,” commented Madden. “My plan was to keep myself in contention if I had a rail down in the beginning, but I was already a little bit into the jump-off by the time I had the rail—it was a good thing I had the end of the ring.” Engle described the scene as she watched Madden jump the double combination, “I saw when Beezie hit the fence in the combination
$50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI2*-W winners Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle.
behind Howard with a time of 31.999 seconds. Some of the nation’s top riders took their turn at the technical track of the Open Jumper classes on Thursday, March 29. Nicholas Dello Joio and Geledimar Z were the big winners, claiming the victory in the 1.40m Open Jumper class with the fastest clear effort. On Friday, March 30, ten riders moved into continued on page 126
Fairfield County Hunt Club’s 89th annual June Benefit shoW Gets a faCelift
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into the schedule while not losing sight of the show’s great history and origin,” said Godard. Pierre Jolicouer is joining the team as course designer. Judges will include John Barreth, Matt Collins, Jerre Frankhouser, Streett Moore and Susie Schoellkopf. In addition to the $25,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, June 23, 2012—which offers an ideal opportunity for young riders with sights on the highest level of show jumping and experi- Last year’s grand prix winner, Christina Kelly, enced riders to test out young horses—the aboard HH Narcos Du Marais. show will feature a $7,500 Welcome Jumper Stake and a $5,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior staff are focusing on making the show the best Jumper Classic on Thursday, June 21, 2012. it can be for all who attend,” said Ross. “This year the June show will be a dynamic New jumper classes include a Young Jumper Series (5- to 6-year-olds, and 7- to 8-year-olds) community event! Families across the community are welcome to come watch top-notch and a Low Child/Adult Jumper division. The Horse Show Committee is also experi- equestrians compete at one of the most beautiful encing a rejuvenation with Tracy Harris joining and historic shows in the country while enjoying Jen Ross as co-chair. “2011 was a challenge with Family Day, Vendor Alley, and food and drink all the rain and made it difficult for exhibitors, all right in on the historic grounds of the Hunt spectators, and sponsors to enjoy the show. Club in Westport, Conn., a landmark in Fairfield With a new show management team for 2012 County. Admission is free,” added Harris. For more information on the Fairfield County focused on innovative changes to the show schedule and also ways to cope with unfortu- Hunt Club’s June Benefit Show, visit www. nate weather should it happen again, the show equusfoundation.org/fairfield.php.
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ow in its 89th year, the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show, which benefits The Equus Foundation and will be held on Tuesday through Saturday, June 19-23, 2012, is getting a facelift. “We are deeply grateful to the Fairfield County Hunt Club for being selected as the beneficiary of the 2012 June Horse Show, and are thrilled with the new energy and enthusiasm being expressed by the committee and the show management team,” said Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The Equus Foundation. William Aguirre and JP Godard will be managing the 2012 Fairfield Show. Godard manages a successful horse show circuit that takes place throughout the Southeast. He is also a recognized USEF course designer and has officiated at Devon, Pennsylvania National, Washington International, Hampton Classic, Legacy Cup, and Winter Equestrian Festival to name a few. Aguirre has been involved with the Fairfield June and August shows for over 15 years. “I am very excited about being a part of an event with such history and tradition. We plan to make some updates and incorporate some new classes