The Ridge’s first week of rated competition in 2024 was an amazing cross section of some of the best riders in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation divisions. From some of the top names in show jumping to those just beginning their show careers, The Ridge’s unique divisions and educational offerings bridge the gap between training and top tier competitions for Wellington’s equestrian community. Their Week 1, which ran from January 2-5, included USEF “B” Rated Hunters, Hunter Breeding, and Equitation on Tuesday including Talent Search and WEC Cup Qualifier and USEF Level II Jumper divisions Wednesday – Friday with heights from .70M-1.40M.
To give both horses and riders a chance to ease into what can be a grueling competition season, The Ridge offered a Welcome 1.30M Grand Prix in addition to their 1.30M Rising Star Classic. Ryan Sassmannshausen and Babar were the first Grand Prix winners of 2024, while Stephanie Gallucci and Jersey took the win in the Classic. Designed as a stepping stone towards the international level, these classes encourage riders to take their ride to the next level via FEI style courses and designs with options to challenge their horses and abilities. Veteran riders use the courses to get to know new mounts or put miles on green horses, and the chance to take home a nice check is an added bonus!
American show jumper Brittini Raflowitz was one rider making use of The Ridge’s classes, as she brought out 4 horses to jump the 1.20M-1.30M divisions as a warm up for the season. One was a new mare that Raflowitz is getting to know, and so they jumped in both Ring 1 and 2 perfecting their communication. “It’s great to have the option to bring the horses to a show but also take the time to train and try new things,” said Raflowitz. “I was able to test a few horses in the jump-off and learn valuable lessons about how they jump, how I need to ride, and where we can improve.”
The Ridge’s Hunter and Equitation shows are similar in their horse-centric innovations: their Schooling Shows feature a $500 Hunter Derby in addition to a full division of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. This Tuesday a great turnout for their equitation divisions saw the first winner of The Ridge’s WEC Cup Qualifier. As the first of a 5-week Excellence of Equitation series leading up to the Grand Finale in Ocala, the Qualifier crowned Cecelia Perry and Linford 9, setting them in the lead to win a flight to Ocala for the Finale thanks to sponsor Verijet, a carbon neutral private aviation company aiming to redefine travel by offering a one-of-a-kind experience that eliminates the hassles of air travel. The Ridge will award the points leader the coveted prize for the Excellence in Equitation Series, which also includes flying their trainer, family and pets, on January 30, 2024, following their series Finale: a thrilling night class and one of the most unique options for equitation riders to experience this season!
For Prizelists and Schedules, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com
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