Francie Steinwedell-Carvin came all the way from California to claim first place in the Peak Building Systems $25,000 High Prairie Grand Prix at the Colorado Horse Park on Saturday night, July 14. Steinwedell-Carvin, who has represented the United States internationally, bested a field of 26 other top riders from Mexico, Canada, Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. She now becomes eligible for the $100,000 bonus if she can win the next two grand prix at the Colorado Horse Park on July 21 and July 28. Of course, she must win both events on her horse Ness-Go to claim the bonus. While several riders, including Ragan Roberts, have come tantalizingly close to taking home the Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown, the prize has remained unclaimed.

Only three riders advanced to the jump-off from Guilherme Jorge’s first-round course set on the Colorado Horse Park’s large derby field. The World Cup course designer set a challenging test of 13 obstacles, including a triple combination, which required focus of horse and rider. “I thought it walked very nice,” Steinwedell-Carvin said. But she knew “there were questions I have to find.” Her victory came on Ness-Go, a 12-year-old Dutch gelding by Ircolando that has recently returned to the show ring after an absence while he recovered from colic surgery. Ness-Go is a special horse for Steinwedell-Carvin and has become part of the family. “I could just stand and watch him,” she commented.

Finishing second was Colorado favorite John McConnell on Carolina. Although the 17.2-hand, eight-year-old Holsteiner mare is in her first year of grand prix, she made short work of the course. “She’s coming along,” said her rider. The pair was victorious in the Sandia Classic II Grand Prix and also in the $25,000 Colorado Summer Classic II earlier this summer. McConnell will finish the summer circuit at the Colorado Horse Park, and then he will be moving to Guy McElvain’s Rancho Corazon in New Mexico. Fans can still expect to see their much-loved rider at the shows in Colorado, but the move will allow McConnell to better focus his energies as a rider and trainer.

Rounding out the jump-off was Charlie Jayne with Urbanus. The Elgin, IL,-resident rode for the win in the jump-off, but his speed brought down the rails, leaving him third. This was Jayne’s first trip to the Colorado shows, which he opted for instead of the usual Lake Placid events. “I’ve loved it so far,” he commented. Jayne, like Steinwedell-Carvin and McConnell, was quick to praise Jorge’s course.

Next Saturday features the second leg of the Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown, the $40,000 AGA Rocky Mountain Grand Prix Presented by Murdoch’s, as well as the Javon Walker autograph signing.

July 21 Schedule
3:00-4:30 Javon Walker Autograph Signing
4:30-5:30 Pre-Show Entertainment
5:30 First horse on course

The Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown concludes with the $60,000 AGA Grand Prix of Denver Presented by Dillards and Ariat on July 28. NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony will sign autographs. Tickets are $10-$25. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.ColoradoHorsePark.org.

Final Results for the Peak Building Systems $25,000 High Prairie Grand Prix
1. Francie Steinwedell-Carvin and Ness-Go
2. John McConnell and Carolina
3. Charlie Jayne and Urbanus
4. Armando Hassey and La Roche
5. Charlie Jayne and Thomas Edison
6. Allison Kroff and Nomograaf
7. Janet Hischer and Carpe Diem
8. Bjorn Ikast and Braveheart