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THE BENCHMARK FARM PERPETUAL TROPHY
The Benchmark Farm Award is presented each year to the mare with the highest combined jumping score for both technique and ability in the Mare Performance Test. The Society’s North American Jumper Breeding Program (JBP) has strict pedigree and performance requirements. Mares admitted to the program must either meet certain scores in competition or score an overall 8.0 or better (averaged scores for technique and ability) on the jumping portion of the MPT.
Not only was Grey C Top the highest scoring overall in the Mare Performance Test in 2022, she achieved the highest jumping score as part of that test: a perfect pair of 10s!
Grey C Top (Grey Top x Delightful/Drosselklang II) was bred by Carlos and Gabriela Fernandez who own Barcelona Farms in Del Mar, California.
“Gracie showed a lot of ability when she started jumping, and she loves to do it,” said Carlos, “but we never thought she was going to get a 10 in ability and a 10 in technique!”
Carlos is a fourth generation horseman, with more than 30 years of experience in breeding, raising and managing horses. Gabriela’s fascination with horses began at age nine and has continued through the years, including competing in dressage.
Grey Top x Delightful/Drosselklang II
Owner: Carlos and Gabriela Fernandez
Breeder: Carlos and Gabriela Fernandez
They breed one or two horses a year with the goal of producing top Hanoverians, so people don’t have to go to Europe to buy horses.
“I think the breeders here can breed the best horses in the world,” said Carlos. “We have the best soil, great pastures and great people who can handle and take care of the horses.”
