Langer Equestrian Group kicked off its 2010 show season at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center, January 30-31. The Verdugo Hills shows are approved by USEF, USHJA, LAHJA A, and San Fernando Hunter/Jumper Association A. Open hunter and jumper classes are held on one day, beginning at noon, and the junior and amateur classes run on the second day, along with a complete set of jumper classes for all levels of riders.
“We wanted to draw more people from the various sanctioning organizations,” said Verdugo Hills Show Secretary Linda McRae. “We also thought it would be a good opportunity for the trainers to be able to bring more horses from their barns, because we offer a wide variety of classes—from Opportunity and Walk-Trot to the open rated divisions. We wanted to provide a quality horse show at a lower cost.” She said the feedback has been very positive.
This format offers trainers and riders a cost effective, one day option. In addition to the lower class fees, the Exhibitor Reward Incentive program and Maui Trainer Incentive are designed to encourage more participation. Class fees were lowered to $25 with no nomination or late fees, and a free class is given for early entries. The Exhibitor Reward Incentive Program grants gift certificates good at Verdugo Hills shows for accumulating participation points by attending Verdugo Hills Shows. Finally, the Maui Trainer Incentive awards a Hawaiian vacation to the trainer whose students earn the most points during the show season. Visit www.langershows.com/programs.php for more information.
Mark Purcell, winner of last year’s Maui Trainer Incentive, likes the lower class fees, the improved footing and the courses. “The courses are nice for these shows,” he said. “It’s great exposure to take young horses or kids competing in a new division. Nothing is overly intimidating.”
“The format for the hunter ring worked nicely,” said Nancy Frost. “It was great that only the open hunter sections showed on Saturday. This enabled the professionals to focus on their horses without having to worry about getting to clients in other rings. The schooling Saturday morning enabled the juniors and amateurs to prepare for Sunday without waiting until the show was over for the day. Sunday, the professionals could focus on their clients.”
This was Frost’s first time showing at a Verdugo Hills show, but she plans to attend future shows with her young riders, medal riders and jumpers, as well as her young hunter and jumper horses. “This is an excellent venue to compete at a quality show that is fun and very affordable,” she explained.
She went on to explain, “The show was well organized, low key and fun. The back gate people were accommodating and helped everyone get to where they needed to be.”
Frost brought several young horses to the show. “I wanted to show them at a relaxed show where they would not be overwhelmed. I selected Verdugo Hills as the management has improved the footing, they have lovely jumps and they have a quality course designer. It was a positive experience for my young horses.”
She took home several blues with her young horses, including Golden Pilot, who was Champion in the Baby Green Hunters. Summer's Golden Light was Champion in both the Pre-Green Hunters and the Modified Open Hunters. Both horses are owned by China Blue Farm. She attributed the confidence of her horses to the quality of the jumps and courses, as well as the low-stress environment.
Chris Collman designed attractive, approachable, non-intimidating courses for young horses and riders for the Verdugo Hills show.
Frost said, “It was wonderful to have plenty of flowers and greenery. The hunter courses flowed nicely. The distances were appropriately set for the different divisions. They were inviting for the young horses, which builds confidence. The step was appropriately adjusted as the height of the jumps went up, so the horses could gallop to the higher jumps.”
Resident trainer Sandrine Seifert agreed. “The courses were top quality and competitive. They were excellent practice and preparation for my riders who would like to show at some of the bigger and higher-rated shows. The jumper jumps and courses were super, and were inviting but challenging. The courses were just as competitive as some of the A-rated national shows.”
Seifert had other reasons to enjoy the show as well. “I loved the format. My riders could school in the morning on Saturday, and if the horses needed more schooling I could even show them that same afternoon to ensure the horses were well prepared for my riders on Sunday. The cost of the classes are the cheapest around. The show allows all of my riders to show, get some great experience, acquire points for their sections, and qualify for medal finals.”
Seifert’s student, Lilly Smolan, who was riding in the Long Stirrup section last year, made her jumper debut aboard Answered Prayer. She was third in her first-ever jumper class with the fastest time of the four-fault riders. Smolan also rode in three medal classes with Never Been Kissed, winning her SFVHJA Futures Medal and getting second in the CPHA Horsemanship Medal. “It was so nice to have the medals fill and be competitive,” Seifert said.
Complete results for the shows are on the LEG website at www.langershows.com/verdugo/show_details.php?show_id=166.
The next Verdugo Hills show will take place March 6-7, offering participants a chance to earn participation points or points toward the Maui Trainer Incentive. Schedules, entry blanks, and prize lists are online at www.langershows.com.