Teenagers were on fire this week in both Hunter and Jumper land!
Reed Kessler, 18, and Cylana, tied with veteran Margie Engle on Indigo for the National Show Jumping Championship title. The competition this week was held as both the national championship and the selection trials for the Olympics. Instead of a jump-off at the end of a grueling few days of jumping, Reed and Margie agreed on a tie for first. Margie was concerned about saving her horse from extra pounding and Reed relied on her experienced coach, Katie Prudent, to make the final decision for her.
Another talented teenager, Victoria Colvin, 14 years old, added one more “Spectacular” win to her trunk full of blue ribbons – by topping 34 other top junior riders who were the best in their divisions during the circuit in the George Morris Excellence in Equitation class on Friday evening. Tori impressed the judges (George Morris among them) with her consistency and accuracy on her mount VIP Z and Schaefer Raposa’s French Kiss, who she rode in the final round. This class is unlike others in that the course walk and schooling are the sole responsibility of the riders – no contact is allowed with trainers. Assistance can be provided by one groom. The win coordinated nicely with her Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular performance a few weeks ago, when she topped a field of pros and amateur adult riders.
We have a Canadian connection here! Tori’s mother Brigid is originally from Montreal, then worked for Wayne McLellan and Robert Meilsoe in the Toronto area before moving to Loxahatchee, marrying a farrier and establishing a small family-run stable there. She manages the Scott Stewart/Ken Berkeley stable, coordinating lessons, clients, horses, ponies, at home and at the shows as well as doing some teaching. She was keeping track of seven clients in the Small Pony Hack as we talked.
Tori has come a long way from a terrified three-year-old on a runaway pony who galloped the length of a polo field with her clinging to the mane, made a sharp turn at full speed and eventually stopped at the barn, where Tori finally fell off. She was terrified to ride after this hair-raising experience, but was persuaded when she was five and half when a very homely but bombproof pony came to them – Buster Brown – highly recommended. Tori watched one child ride him first, then decided it appeared safe – and never looked back – even getting lead changes from the pony, who had never done them previously!
Horses at WEF are ridden so frequently and over so many challenging obstacles for the 12-week circuit that footing is a priority for riders, trainers, vets and show management. A committee of specialists from all areas of the equestrian community has been formed at WEF this year to maintain the highest standards of quality in the arena footing. A course designer, two vets and various well known hunter and jumper trainers are among them. Footing can consist of sand, rubber, textile, and ring maintenance is of utmost importance. This facility takes so much pounding that it takes a lot of hard work to keep the footing fresh and constantly ready for competition.
The Equestrian Services International (ESI) equipment maintaining the footing at WEF is laser and/or GPS operated – therefore the grades are 100% correct. Dressage rings require less spring than jumper rings and the show and practice arenas at the new Global Dressage Festival reflect that. The riders and horses there love the footing – from day one of their circuit when excited, happy riders were heard making delighted remarks as their horses moved forward enthusiastically.
Palm Beach is also buzzing this week for a reason other than horses – the annual Boat Show. The mega yachts are unbelievable, highlighted this year by “Diamonds Are Forever” a 200 ft plus yacht – being called the new Bond girl.The four-day display showcases some of the largest yachts in the world, amidst a picturesque setting of the Intracoastal waterway between West Palm, the mainland, and Palm Beach, the island.
With one week left of the circuit, many Canadians are still here and doing well. “South Hill”, owned by Canadians Stephen Dixon and Wayne McLellan was champion of the Pre Green 3 and 4 yr old Hunter Division earlier in the week. He was joined by “Starstruck”, champion of the Baby Green Hunters, ridden by Angela Covert-Lawrence and owned by Candice Wagner from Quebec.
Signaling the end of the circuit, instead of flyers advertising parties and lectures in Wellington and at the show, bulletin board space is being taken up now with ads promoting major summer horse shows up north. Vendors are not moving anything yet though – there is still excitement in the air about the Hunter Derby to be held on the classy/ grassy Stadium course at the end of the week.
The ponies and low adults show no signs of slowing down – 36 in the smalls, 31 in the mediums and 30 in Section B of low Adult Amateurs!
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