Canada’s Mario Deslauriers second with Cantinori
Canada’s Erynn Ballard rode Hathina Z to win the Spy Coast Farm 7-Year-Old Young Jumper 1.30m on Friday, January 17, during the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.
WEF continues through March 29, 2020 with 12 consecutive weeks of world-class competition and $13 million dollars on offer. The second week of competition at WEF is sponsored by NetJets and recognized as a CSI2* by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The week’s featured event is the $73,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI2* during “Saturday Night Lights” on January 18, at 7 p.m. in the International Arena.
The future of show jumping was featured in the Spy Coast Farm 7-Year-Old Young Jumper 1.30m with Ballard and Hathina Z taking the victory with more than a second to spare over fellow Canadian Mario Deslauriers riding Cantinori. Ballard stopped the clock double-clear in 36.209 seconds in the two-round class set by course designer Ana Catalina Cruz Harris (MEX), while Deslauriers posted a time of 37.371 seconds for owners Aram Ampagoumian LLC and Wishing Well Farm LLC.
Hathina Z joined Ballard’s string from the European edition of The Ten Auction in 2019 and is being aimed at the $20,000 Spy Coast Farm Seven Year Old Developing Jumper Series Classic at the conclusion of the season.
“She only did about four shows last summer,” but every time she has been amazing. “We geared her up during pre-circuit and she feels great.
“She’s careful and one that goes better with speed so she excels in the jump-off,” continued Ballard. “We have some good young horses but she is extra special.”
Ballard won the Spy Coast Farm Seven Year Old Developing Jumper Series Classic in 2019 and is hopeful that Hathina Z can make it two-in-a-row for her. “We buy horses specifically for these classes to develop them,” said Ballard of the developing jumper program at WEF. “It’s nice to showcase them in these classes and the final, and this recognition looks great on their record.”
Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam finished third riding HDB Quality, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Spy Coast Farm, while Quentin Judge (USA) took fourth on HH Zorro Z for Double H Farm. Maggie McAlary (USA) rounded out the top five riding her own Cajou van Overiz Z.
Also winning in the International Arena at WEF on Friday was Olivia Herbert (USA) who won the $2,500 Lugano Diamonds High Amateur-Owner Jumper riding Chakato VL, and John Nagus (USA) topped the $1,500 Griffis Residential High Junior Jumper aboard W. Tonix Hero, owned by Stephanie E Angus. In the FEI ranks, Luis Larrazabal (VEN) claimed victory in the $6,000 Bainbridge 1.40m CSI2* on Caristina for owner San Francisco Stables LLC.
Results: Spy Coast Farm 7-Year-Old Young Jumper 1.30m
1. Hathina Z, Erynn Ballard (CAN)
2. Cantinori, Mario Deslauriers (CAN)
3. HDB Quality, Shane Sweetnam (IRL)
4. HH Zorro Z, Quentin Judge (USA)
5. Cajou Van Overis Z, Maggie McAlary (USA)
Adult Amateur Middle Hunters
Friday morning in the Rost Ring began with Tracy Scheriff-Muser and Bode Well taking the championship title of the Adult Amateur Middle Hunter (Sec. A). Scheriff-Muser, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, rode Bode Well to two firsts, a second, and two third-place ribbons.
The partnership between Florida resident Scheriff-Muser and Bode Well, owned by Melissa Burns, only began last summer. “I live down here full time so I really look for any rides to keep in shape,” Scheriff-Muser explained. She felt very fortunate that owner Burns allowed the pair to compete together.
Although Scheriff-Muser and Bode Well are still new to each other, she knows that she can trust him. “You can always count on him! It’s so nice to have one that you can go in on and not have to worry about anything,” she said. The gelding’s beautiful rhythm is one of Scheriff-Muser’s favorite qualities about him.
Trained by Devon De Phillips, Scheriff-Muser and Bode Well hope to continue their winning streak this season and are aiming for circuit champion in the division.
Right behind Scheriff-Muser in points was Stephanie Bulger, of New York, NY, and Mariano. Bulger, the owner and rider of Mariano, received two firsts and two fifth places to earn reserve champion in the division.
Hunter competition will continue in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Saturday with the naming of the Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3” 36+ champion for Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival. For full results, visit www.PBIEC.com.
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