The nine-year-old Brazilian-bred mare Shakira Do Jacare beat both the field of 32 and the stormy weather to take first prize in the Week Two Horses Helping Horses Lucky Sevens Welcome Classic. The Classic, presented by The Plaid Horse Magazine, was a repeat victory for Shakira and owner/rider Sergio Campos, having bested last week’s field of 35.

“The course was a lot of fun,” Campos said of Buddy Brown’s challenging field, which utilized natural obstacles, such as hills and banks, causing many of the competitors to struggle. “I thought he was very creative, the way he used the bank, it was the nicest course I’ve ridden since we’ve been here,” he added.

The ominous clouds and thunder were no obstacle for Sergio and Shakira, who went clear with a first round time of 80.53 seconds out of an allowed time of 86 seconds and immediately took the B option, guiding Shakira through the jump-off for another clear round in a time of 35.632. “I tried to ride it very carefully, so I wasn’t sure we’d be fast enough to win.” He stated of his second round. Despite his doubts, their time proved impossible to beat, with Derek Peterson coming in second, third and fourth on Heaven Bound, Cisco and Cliff 28, respectively. Rounding out the top five was Alan Korotkin aboard Rocketman with a second round time of 37.427 seconds.

Sergio and Shakira, out of Longwood, FL, are looking forward to the upcoming Horses Helping Horses Grand Prix this Saturday evening, June 24, hoping to take top honors there as well. “It’s such a wonderful new concept for any event, but especially for a grand prix. I’m impressed knowing the money will go to help horses in need,” Campos included.

Elizabeth Towell of Camden, SC, partnered with Danube, an eight-year-old chestnut gelding owned by Wyndmont, Inc., kicked off a big weekend of winning and giving on Friday evening with a victory in the first Horses Helping Horses $25,000 Hunter Classic.

Sponsored by AME Financial Corporation in memory of Wissie Brede, company President James Pefanis stated, “Wissie was one of the finest members of the equestrian community and touched so many lives, both human and horse. Horses Helping Horses was a wonderful way to remember her, to give something back to those she so loved.” He added, “She would just love this event! I know she’s smiling.”

Course designer Jean Paul Goddard wasn’t the only one challenging the field of 23 riders as near perfect skies and record setting heat gave way to rumbling thunder late into the first round. Mother Nature added her own obstacles, such as rain and big wind gust as the final nine, five of which were junior riders showing in the massive grand prix arena for the first time awaited their turn during a 20-minute delay.

Towell and Danube’s ride ended with a score of 89. Despite both wind and rain subsiding, reports of severe weather just to the north prompted the decision by management to forego a second round and air on the side of safety. Presenting the top honors with Classic Company President Bob Bell was the founder of Old Friends, Michael Blowen.

Second place honors went to owner-rider Brittian McNeel riding Onassis with a score of 88, followed by Nikko Ritter riding Double O Seven for owners Bibby Farner Hill and Erin Stewart with a score of 86. Fourth and fifth places went to rider Tommy Feigel respectively with What’D I Say scoring an 81 for owner Ann Garnett and Eldridge T for owner Emily Gardner with a score of 80.75.

Also premiering this week was the Pony Equitation Classic presented by the Classic Company. Taylor Adams riding True Blue for owner-trainer Bill Schaub of Sanford, FL, took home the first Silver trophy and top bragging rights. Second place went to Ashley Warren riding How About That for owner Elizabeth Brown and third place went to When