The popular Gold Coast Horse Show Series wrapped up its fifth show of the seven show season on July 20 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Exhibitors entered over to 300 horses, attracted by the wide range of classes, the convenient schedule and outstanding staff. Laura Mormann especially appreciates the scheduling since she attends college near San Francisco. All of her classes are on one day so she is able to commute. "All my classes are on Saturday," she said. "I’m all done showing in one day.

During the year, I don’t have to miss any school." She rode Paige Sorenson’s Rocco to victory in the LAHJA/Dominion Saddlery Senior Medal Class, and they are leading the series points in the Modified Working Hunters. The Gold Coast Series is sponsored by Markel Insurance and current standings can be viewed by visiting www.horseshowtime.com/showserieschampion.asp?Show=2075.

Mormann really enjoys riding in equitation. "Equitation is more challenging," she said. "I like working toward the finals all year. Rocco does well in both rings. He’s easy to ride. In the hunters, we’re more relaxed." Her trainer, Betsy Woods, focuses on equitation. The scheduling helps her students capture medals. "Gold Coast Horse Shows fantastic not only for practice; they are great for accumulating points for medals," she said. "There are a lot of classes in one day and that gives everyone a lot of practice. It’s cost effective."

Woods’ student Olivia Iannelli is riding El Dorado (Eddie) in the hunter ring to "get comfortable at 3’6"." according to Woods. While gaining experience, they have captured the series lead in two hunter divisions. El Dorado’s reserve championship in the Green Working Hunter division helped maintain a 20 point lead in the series, and the pair is firmly in first place in the Junior Hunter section.

Hannah Lipow (trainer Nick Karazissis) and Walk the Line, a seven-year-old Thoroughbred, added to their almost insurmountable lead in Hopeful Jumpers by winning two out of three classes in the division. Chelsea Curtis and Tadine (trainer Nancy Prosser) jumped into the lead for the Children’s Jumper series award. Haylie Robinson and Porsche had an incredible show, winning six out of nine jumper classes in three sections. They have an almost unbeatable 47 point lead in the Low Children’s/ Adult Amateur division.

Michael Leon brought Harriet Posner’s Holy Cow, the leader for the series in the Regular Working Hunter division. The eight-year-old Hanoverian mare is leading in the PCHA and second in Zone 10. She performed double duty, carrying her owner in Rusty Stirrup, and Novice and Maiden Equitation. Leon also homes to the Gold Coast shows for the range of classes. "These Gold Coast shows have a wide variety of classes from Rusty Stirrup all the way to Amateur Owner," he said. "The variety of classes that Langer Equestrian Group offers means there is something for everyone."

Santa Barbara based trainer, Rebecca Bruce, is a regular supporter of the Gold Coast shows, and brought 16 horses and riders to the show. Among the riders were sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, both winners in their sections. Satori and Gigi won the Children’s Hunter section and stands first in the series and they are leading the PCHA. Over in the Pony Hunter section, sister Bella captured the title on October Fest; they are first in the series.

"We take a lot of horses to the Gold Coast shows," she said. "There is something for everyone at all different levels. The kids can be successful."

Gold Coast 6 takes place August 28-31. For complete results and listings of upcoming events, visit www.langershows.com.