A picture perfect day in Wayne, IL, set the backdrop for another great day of competition at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II on Saturday. In the Grand Prix Ring, Thomas Cerra and United raced to victory in the outstanding $30,000 Showplace Productions Grand Prix, sponsored by Tapestry Farm of Bristol, Wisconsin. The day began with a win for Samantha Wagner and Brosius in the $2,500 Modified Children's/Adult Jumper Classic, and following the grand prix, The Low Children's and Adult Jumpers rode for top honors. Susan Harrell and JHS Bullet won the $2,500 Low Adult Classic, and Shannon Helsper rode Spur O'The Moment to victory in the $2,500 Low Children's Classic, sponsored by Mill Run Farms. The day concluded with the ever exciting $5,000 Gentleman's Invitational, with the big win going to Kristjan Goode riding Woodstock.
Thirty-six competitors entered the ring for week two's highlight class, the $30,000 Showplace Productions Grand Prix, set by course designer Ken Krome. Ten of the original entries were able to complete the first round fault-free to advance to the jump-off, and five horse and rider combinations then finished double clear to race against the clock. Krome's shortened course featured eight fences to be navigated in a 52-second time allowed. The track wound tightly around the numbered obstacles throughout the spacious Grand Prix Ring and finished with a long gallop to the final oxer. The winning combination of Thomas Cerra and United jumped double clear in the fastest time of 39.495 seconds to take home the top prize of $9,000, a championship tricolor and cooler, as well as a pair of Parlanti boots.
Maggie Jayne and her mount Thomas Edison posted the second fastest time of 39.608 seconds to earn their cut of $6,600 in prize money. Other top finishers included Wilhelm Genn and Copyright 3, who raced through the timers in 39.870 seconds for third place honors, as well as Denise Wilson and Namos, whose time of 43.431 seconds earned fourth place. The final double clear round belonged to Kathy Frame and Spitfire-W after the pair crossed the finish line in 44.057 seconds to receive the fifth place prize.
Throughout the grand prix and afternoon classes, Showplace Productions' newest sponsor, Gruno's Diamonds, hosted a special luncheon and exhibitor party. Excellent food and beverages were served all day in the VIP pavilions set ringside as spectators watched the talented horses and riders compete. The $2,500 Low Adult Classic immediately followed the grand prix with a big win for Susan Harrell of Rush Springs, OK, and her mount JHS Bullet. The pair had the fastest of seven double clear rounds to take home the top prize over the challenging course.
Up next, the $2,500 Low Children's Classic was held thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mill Run Farms. Seventeen-year-old Shannon Helsper of Zionsville, IN, was the only rider to jump double clear in the class with the skill of her riding and the dependability of her seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Spur O'The Moment.
Concluding the day was the rescheduled $5,000 Gentleman's Invitational, presented by True North Farm. Ten gentlemen rode in the class, and each earned prize money to be donated entirely to a charity of their choice. The first place prize was awarded to Kristjan Goode, riding McLain Ward's horse Woodstock to the fastest double clear of the afternoon. Goode earned $1,200 for his winning round and chose to donate all of his earnings to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Along with the prize money, Goode was presented with the coveted Gentleman's Invitational Cup and led the round of honor for his fellow competitors.
Jumper Highlights
The clouds cleared and the sun shone brightly over the Lamplight Equestrian Center on Wednesday as the Open Jumpers took to the Grand Prix Ring for the start of the second week of Showplace Spring Spectacular competition. Beginning the morning with a win, Steve Schaefer rode Caribe to top honors in the $1,500 Open Jumper 1.30m. Chenoa McElvain and WH Ciris then jumped to the top of the class for a win in the $1,500 Open Jumper 1.45m.
Twenty-eight competitors turned out to compete in the morning's $1,500 Open Jumper 1.30m class and Krome's challenging course cut the number in half with just 14 entries able to complete the first round without fault. Six of those 14 were able to finish double clear after navigating the shortened jump-off course, and it was Steve Schaefer and Caribe's time of 34.476 seconds that earned top prize. Tommy Feigel's time of 35.456 seconds earned second place with Bling It On, owned by Chuck Waters. Freddie Vazquez jumped clear in 37.711 seconds riding Jennifer LeRoy and Messenger Hill's George Goes to Hollywood into third place. Double clear in 38.460 seconds, Chenoa McElvain rode Boritas, owned by Rancho Corazon, LLC, into fourth place. Maggie Jayne and All In, owned by Alex Jayne, finished in 40.408 seconds for fifth place, and Chuck Waters and Quick Step Z were the only other double clear in 40.538 seconds to take sixth.
Competing next in the Grand Prix Ring was the $1,500 Open Jumper 1.45m, which saw just three clear first rounds and two double clears. This time it was Chenoa McElvain and Rancho Corazon, LLC's WH Ciris that earned first place after jumping off in 39.192 seconds. John McConnell showed Katie Riddle for Rancho Corazon LLC into the second position with the only other double clear in 39.967 seconds. Schaefer put in another round with Caribe to finish in third with eight faults in 38.498 seconds for the jump-off. Ryan Genn and Poco finished in fourth with the fastest four-fault round in 62.508 seconds.
Charlie Jayne, of Elgin, IL, earned an exciting one-two finish on Thursday afternoon in the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II. Jayne finished in first place with his mount Sampras, and also took home the second place prize riding Speedy Chicolina. The Welcome Stake was generously sponsored by Greg Franklin and Canterbury Farm.
Competing over Ken Krome's carefully set track, the Welcome Stake saw a total of 27 entries compete over the first round course. Of the original entries, 11 were able to complete the course fault-free to advance to the jump-off round. Eight of those 11 were double clear throughout the class and that is when their times came into play to determine the winner.
Charlie Jayne was the first rider to jump double clear with Speedy Chicolina in a time of 37.367 seconds. Jayne held onto the lead for several rounds with the mare, but then managed to top his own time, stopping the clock at 35.549 seconds riding Sampras. Willie Tynan rode Cartier Van Schuttershoff to the third fastest double clear in 37.474 seconds, while Wilhelm Genn and Copyright 3 took fourth place honors with their time of 37.635 seconds.
Charlie Jayne was very happy after his first and second place finishes, which earned the rider a total of $5,200 in prize money for the day.
Prior to the Welcome Stake, championship honors were awarded in the Young Jumper divisions for week two of the Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show Series. The Five-Year-Olds saw the same results as last week as Tommy Feigel and For Freedom doubled up on the division's championship honors, while Lisa Goldman and Rococo remained in reserve. Feigel finished first, first, and second, and Goldman earned first and fourth place ribbons. Goldman and Rococo won the division's final class to earn their own tricolor presentation.
In the Six Year-Old Young Jumpers Kris Killam and Eminem earned the championship tricolor after first and second place finishes in the division's classes. Erin Haas rode Contino 46 to fifth place on Wednesday, and won the division's final class on Thursday to earn the reserve championship.
The Seven/Eight-Year-Old Young Jumpers concluded their division with a presentation to Pourkoipa Fontaine and Megan Udelson. Udelson won Thursday's class and also finished first and second on Wednesday to earn the division's championship honors. Freddie Vazquez rode Cadans Z to the reserve after winning one class on Wednesday.
The Showplace Spring Spectacular II continued on Friday with two very exciting gambler's choice classes held in the Grand Prix Ring of the Lamplight Equestrian Center. The $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Gambler's Choice was held first, sponsored by The Haas Family and North Face Farm of Chelsea, MI, with a big win for Samantha Wagner and Ronoldo. The $5,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Gambler's Choice followed, sponsored by Gruno's Diamonds of Rockford, IL, with a victory for Abigail McArdle and Sacha 12.
Ken Krome set a great course for the classes the afternoon, with 13 obstacles ranging from 50 to 170 points in value and a 250 point optional joker fence set at the finish. Riders were able to set their own track in order to earn as many points as possible within the 60-second time allowed.
Finishing up just before a big storm hit the show grounds this afternoon, the $5,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Gambler's Choice had 17 entries to compete. Riders chose many different routes through the obstacles, but it was the navigation of 18-year-old Samantha Wagner, of South Barrington, IL, that earned the highest score of 1,580 points. Wagner took the optional joker fence, a tall vertical set at almost five feet in height, and cleared it effortlessly to earn an additional 250 bonus points for a total score of 1,830. Ryan Genn and Poco 3 finished in second with 1,790 points, Erin Nelson and Gabriella Z grabbed the third place prize with 1,600 points, and Kassi Smith earned 1,550 points with Ceno 3 to finish in fourth place.
Prior to Wagner's victory, the $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Gambler's Choice was held in the Grand Prix Ring with a big win for Abigail McArdle and Sacha 12. McArdle steered her ten-year-old German-bred mare to a very impressive high score of 2,000 points for the top prize. The pair finished their course with 1,750 points, cleared the joker fence for 250 bonus points with room to spare, and won the class of 36 competitors. Madeline Thatcher and Victor were very close to the mark with 1,980 points to finish in second place. Mandy Killam and her two mounts Galyleo and Vegas baby tied for points with Jonathan Cohen and his horse Hands Down. In the case of a tie, the rider's times are used to determine their standing, so Killam finished in third place with Galyleo with 1,870 points in 69.179 seconds, while Vegas Baby and Killam earned 1,870 in 69.868 seconds to earn the fourth place prize. Jonathan Cohen and Hands Down finished in fifth with their score of 1,870 in 69.913 seconds.
For the second week in a row Lisa Goldman, of Hawthorn Woods, IL, earned the top prize in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show Series. Showing at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, Goldman topped the class for the second week riding Morocco, and also finished in second place riding Centurion B. Goldman then had the opportunity to watch her horse Fontaine jump to victory in the $7,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic with rider Nora Laue. Also included in Sunday's competition was the $4,000 NAL Children's Jumper Classic, won by Barbara Ruzizka and Rebound, as well as the $4,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic, won by Alissa Kinsey and Grisset.
The $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was generously sponsored by Taylor-Harris Insurance Services, Ltd. A total of 30 competitors showed over the first round course in the high division and just seven were able to go clear. Lisa Goldman and Morocco had the first clear of the class and were therefore the first to return for the jump-off. The pair put down a blazing fast time of 32.816 seconds over the shortened course and, try as they might, none of the six competitors that followed were able to top it.
Goldman returned with her second mount, Centurion B, and jumped double clear in 33.251 seconds to also claim the second place prize. Caitie Hope had an impressive round riding Total Touch through the timers in 34.883 seconds, but was not quite fast enough to catch the leader, and earned third place. Jessica Miltz and Sintra jumped clear in 35.434 seconds to receive fourth place honors, and Greer Hindle and Viper P finished in 37.252 seconds for a fifth place award. Catherine Tyree and Triton finished in sixth with the fastest four fault jump-off round in 37.676 seconds.
Goldman got an additional bonus today when her horse Fontaine when the $7,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic with rider Nora Laue earlier in the afternoon. The class was generously sponsored by Turtle Rock Farm, and an impressive 52 entries showed over the first round course in pursuit of the excellent prize money and coveted trophy, tricolor ribbon and cooler that were presented to the winner.
Ten entries jumped clear in the first round, and just four were able to jump double clear. Sixteen-year-old Nora Laue had two of those double clear rounds to finish the class in first and fourth place. Laue, of Wilmette, IL, rides with trainer Mary Goldman and earned the biggest win of her junior career today as she raced to the fastest jump-off round aboard Fontaine. The pair was the last to compete over the shortened course, and their time of 32.798 seconds jumped to the top of the class.
Amy Lefferdink was a close second with her time of 33.144 seconds aboard Aristide 7. Hayley Waters and French Kiss were just a second slower in 34.151 seconds to earn third place, and Laue returned riding Colonius through the timers in 36.931 seconds to also receive the fourth place prize. Alexandra Morefield and Sugar Magnolia completed the fastest jump-off round in 31.140 seconds, but had one rail down to end up in fifth place.
In addition to the junior/amateur classes in the afternoon, the Grand Prix Ring also hosted the $4,000 NAL Children's and Adult Jumper Classics in the morning. The $4,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic was generously sponsored by The Ross Family and Midwest Neurosurgery and Spine Specialists, who presented Alissa Kinsey and Grisset with the top award. The $4,000 NAL Children's Jumper Classic saw a winning round from Barbara Ruzizka and Rebound.
Hunter Highlights
The Showplace Spring Spectacular II got off to an exciting start on Tuesday with a one-of-a-kind 'Derby Day' at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. The spacious Grand Prix Ring hosted not one, but three derby classes for the show's exhibitors, providing an opportunity for the hunters and jumpers, young and old, to compete in the day's special events. Kelley Farmer, of Keswick, VA, dominated the competition with two wins and several other tops placings in both of the morning's hunter classes. Farmer earned top honors in the $15,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby riding Taken, and also rode to victory in the $5,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago USHJA 3' Hunter Derby riding Crown N Specter. An exciting $10,000 Open Jumper Speed Derby was the final event of the day with a big win for Charlie Jayne and Victor.
The day's appealing hunter derby courses were designed by Skip Bailey of Wellington, Florida. The course featured four option fences, a unique turf covered 'S' shaped wall that resembled a snake, a square wooden rail 'S' jump, a two-stride square pen, and a beautiful white oxer set on a bank that riders could canter from both directions.
The class was judged by two panels, the first made up of Randy Roy and John Roper, and the other including Scott Alder and Irving Evans. The judges had a big job on their hands as they watched many incredible hunter rounds throughout the day. The day's $15,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby was presented by Woodrun Farm with special awards presented by Stacey and Jonathan Glick.
Kelley Farmer and Listen, owned by Jane Gaston, have had multiple ribbons in the derbies this year and began this handy round in fourth place. With a 21 point increase in their score and a top hunter round, Listen and Farmer placed in the second position at the end of the day.
Timber Ridge, owned by Caitlin Lane, and ridden by Kelley Farmer entered the handy round in third place, and made a consistent effort at the handy course to earn the third place ribbon overall.
The dapple-gray mare Bella Blue and Maggie Jayne entered the ring with the top score from the first round of 186.5. As the rain began to fall, Jayne piloted Bella Blue around the course. Jayne had a valiant effort with Pony Lane Farm's mare, but her top score would not hold onto the lead and would place them in fourth overall.
Kelley Farmer's last mount of the day was Taken, owned by Nancy Amling. The duo's first round score of 186 had placed them in the second position behind Bella Blue going into the handy round. For their beautiful handy round, the first judges gave Taken and Farmer a score of 91 with 10 bonus points for handiness and four bonus points for the high option fences. The second judges granted Farmer and Taken a 96 with ten bonus points for handiness and four bonus points for option fences. The pair finished with a whopping 215 as the top handy score of the day and their total 401 earned first place.
The $10,000 Open Jumper Speed Derby was presented by Blue Gate Farm with special awards also presented by Stacey and Jonathan Glick. The class saw 23 competitors despite heavy afternoon rains, and horses and riders had a great time racing around the derby course with the help of the enthusiastic cheering and encouragement of the spectators. The class was held in a faults converted format, and it was the second combination to enter the ring that laid down the fastest clear round for a win.
Charlie Jayne, of Elgin, IL, piloted Pony Lane Farm's Victor through the finish in 74.424 seconds and was presented with top honors. Lisa Goldman did her best to beat the time with Centurion B, but finished in second place in 75.433 seconds. Charlie Jayne returned to the ring riding Sampras and was fast, but not clear, and had four faults added to his time to end up with 77.410 seconds for third place. Ellis Morris and High Rustler finished in fourth in 77.47 seconds.
Prior to the $15,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby the $5,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago USHJA Hunter Derby 3' began the exciting derby day. Fifty-eight horses lined-up to conquer the unique derby course. Coming into the handy round the top four competitors starting with the top score included: Crown N Scepter with Kelley Farmer in the irons; Rocket Man and Meagan Murray; Bishop and Maria Rasmussen; Epic Journey and Thomas Cerra.
Chase N' Gold, owned by Joan Ehrhart, with Taylor Ann Adams in the saddle began in fifth place and in the handy round the pair was phenomenal placing them in third place overall. Megan Murray and Rocket Man, owned by Connie Stevens/Matchmaker, secured their first round score with a 95 and would end up second overall.
Last to attempt the handy course was six-year old Crown N' Scepter, owned by Larry Glefke and Farmer's mom. The young chestnut scored a whopping 99 in the first round with accomplished rider Kelley Farmer at the reins. Farmer would earn points for the four options and they would earn six bonus points for handiness. With Farmer's first score the duo would secure the tricolor to be presented with great prizes and smiles from the children of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.
As equestrians arrived at the in-gate of the Main Hunter Ring at the Lamplight Equestrian Center, they were met with new jumps, new courses and an exciting day ahead of them on Thursday. Cookie Beck had an outstanding day earning the $2,000 Green Conformation Hunter championship with Goosebumps, the $2,000 First Year Green Hunter Championship with Last Call, and earning the reserve championship of the First Year's on Hidden Creek's Lennon. In the $2,000 Second Year Green Hunter division Kelley Farmer and Nancy Amling's Bases Loaded took home the tricolor. Wrapping up the day, Cookie Beck grabbed an additional reserve championship in the $1,500 Regular Working Hunters aboard Artisan Farms LLC's Safari following Pony Lane Farm's Namesake with Maggie Jayne in the irons who won the championship tricolor. On Wednesday, Bases Loaded and Farmer won the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic and on Thursday, the $2,500 Open Hunter Classic went to Pony Lane Farm's Red Sky and Maggie Jayne.
At 8:00 a.m. the $2,000 Green Conformation Hunter division kicked-off the competition in the Main Hunter Ring. Earning the championship rosette was Cookie Beck and Goosebumps, owned by Lisa Cudahy. The pair won blue ribbons in the model, two over fences classes, and the under-saddle class. Adding two third place ribbons in the day's over fences and handy hunter class earned them the division championship. Winning the reserve championship ribbon of the Green Conformation Hunter division was Moshontz Enterprises' Archangel and Megan Udelson. Archangel and his rider earned the blue ribbons in both the over fences class and the handy hunter class. On Wednesday, the duo won second place in the model, two over fences classes, and the under-saddle class, accumulating their points for the reserve championship.
Beck continued her outstanding performances when she won the championship Accolade in the $2,000 First Year Green Hunter division aboard Lisa Cudahy's Last Call. The pair won three over fences classes, received a second place in the under saddle class, and earned a fourth-place ribbon in the handy hunter class. Not only did Beck earn the championship ribbon, but she also won the reserve championship rosette aboard Hidden Creek's Lennon, owned by Hidden Creek's Farm Inc.
The third division to wrap-up their championships was the $2,000 Second Year Green Hunter division. Kelley Farmer and Nancy Amling's Bases Loaded won the championship honor after sweeping the division with five blue ribbons. In the reserve championship position was Calgary, owned by Karlie Slowiak, ridden by Jodi Vazquez. Calgary and Vazquez won second place in three over fence classes, earned a third place in the under saddle class, and earned a fourth place in the handy hunter class.
Kelley Farmer and Bases Loaded had wonderful rounds. During the handy course the pair chose to take multiple tight turns along with the tighter option fence. Nancy Amling, owner of Taken who won the $15,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby on Tuesday, has recently purchased Bases Loaded to show in the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions.
The last division of the day was the $1,500 Regular Working Hunter division. The division championship went to Pony Lane Farm's Namesake, ridden by Maggie Jayne. Namesake and Jayne earned blue ribbons in the over fences class, the handy hunter class, and the under saddle class. Combining their second place points in two of the three over fences classes earned them the top award. Artisan Farms LLC's Safari, ridden by Cookie Beck, won the reserve championship award with first place ribbons in two of the three over fences classes, two second place ribbons in the other over fences class and the under saddle class, and a third place in the handy hunter class.
The final professional hunter division award went to Red Sky, owned by Pony Lane Farm, and Maggie Jayne who earned the top score in the $2,500 Open Hunter Classic. Wednesday's $1,000 Open Hunter Classic award and cooler went to Kelley Farmer aboard Bases Loaded.
On Friday Juniors brought out their top equitation horses for the morning's competitions in the ASPCA Maclay and the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal. Winning the ASPCA Maclay was Caitlin Creel aboard Calvin 46. Shortly after a ring drag the USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal commenced. Coming from fourth place before the test and then taking home the blue was Nicki LaChapelle and Perfect Landing.
Twenty-one riders entered the ASPCA Maclay and twelve riders were brought back for the under saddle phase. Riders were asked to showcase the utilization of their aids with a counter-canter in both directions and multiple transitions. As the announcer picked up the microphone, he announced Caitlin Creel riding Calvin 46 as the winner of the ASPCA Maclay class. Creel was quite excited for this win and so was her family who cheered Creel on as she received the accolade.
The USEF/Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal was the next class to present awards to the top equitation riders. Nicki LaChapelle and Perfect Landing earned the blue ribbon with her execution of the test phase of the class.
During Friday's junior hunter competition a brief rain and wind storm rolled through the Lamplight Equestrian Center cancelling the final classes of the day in the Main Hunter ring. The competition continued bright and early on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., beginning with the final rounds from Friday. After a short course change for Saturday's over fences and handy hunter rounds, riding was underway at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II. Champion and reserve champion presentations were given in the Junior Hunter divisions with Kelsey Thatcher and Red Sky winning the $2,500 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by Pony Lane Farm, and Taylor Ann Adams winning the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by First Partners Inc., and the Small Junior hunter 16-17 division aboard Solace, owned by McLain Ward. Adding to her tricolors, Adams secured the Large Junior Hunter division championship aboard Rio's Splash, owned by Sarah Robin. The last division of the day, the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under, went to Catherine Tyree and Concetto.
The Junior Hunter divisions completed their rounds today with an outstanding score in the $2,500 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by Pony Lane Farm. Kelsey Thatcher and her mount Red Sky earned a top score of 90 in today's classic.
In the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic Sponsored by First Partners Inc., Taylor Ann Adams took home the championship cooler and prize money. Adams piloted Solace, owned by McLain Ward, to the victory.
Not only did Adams win the Classic, but she rode Solace to the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division championship. The pair earned the blue ribbon in two of the three over fences classes, and Adams also earned the blue in the handy hunter class. In the other over fences class and the under saddle class Solace and Adams earned the second place ribbon. Their top points earned them the championship rosette.
Acquiring the reserve champion tricolor in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division was Kelsey Thatcher aboard Namesake. The duo earned fourth, second, and first place ribbons in the three over fences classes, a second place in the handy hunter class, and to finish off their points the pair won the under saddle.
Taylor Ann Adams once again had top rounds in the Large Junior Hunter division, but this time with Rio's Splash, owned by Sarah Robin. The pair won the blue ribbon in the handy hunter class and earned three second place ribbons in two of the over fences classes and the under saddle class.
The reserve champion ribbon in the Large Junior Hunter division was earned by Kelsey Thatcher and Red Sky. The pair had a hack-off for the reserve championship because Thatcher was tied with Catherine Tyree aboard Savant. After the very close hack-off, Thatcher took home the tricolor.
In the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division Concetto and Catherine Tyree won the championship rosette. The duo earned a first place ribbon in one of the over fences classes, a first place in the handy hunter class, two second place ribbons in the two over fences classes, and a third in the under saddle class.
Winning the reserve champion ribbon in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division was MVP with Abigail McArdle in the irons. McArdle won three second place ribbons in one of the three over fences classes, a second in the handy hunter class, and a second in the under saddle class. Adding to their ribbons, McArdle earned two third place ribbons in two of the three over fences classes.
As the last day of the Showplace Spring Spectacular II at the Lamplight Equestrian Center drew to a close, the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions announced their division champions on Sunday. Nancy Amling came out on top in the Amateur-Owner Hunter division, winning Sunday's $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic Sponsored by Peggy O'Meara aboard Taken. Amling also followed for the second place in Sunday's Hunter Classic with her new mount Bases Loaded. Amling continued her winning streak earning the championship tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunters 18-35 division aboard Bases Loaded. Timber Ridge and Caitlin Lane, who won Saturday's $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, took home the reserve champion ribbon in the Amateur-Owner Hunter's 18-35 division. Rounding out the Amateur-Owner Hunters was Karen Walcott aboard Winston. The pair claimed the championship rosette for their outstanding performances in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 and Over division.
Nancy Amling was thrilled with both of her horses over the two days of hunter competition. Amling and Taken Won Sunday's $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic Sponsored by Peggy O'Meara with the top combined scores in the classic rounds. After her award winning trips, Amling rode Bases Loaded to the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division championship. The duo won Sunday's handy hunter round, earned second place in two of the three over fences, earned a second in the under saddle class, and earned a fourth place ribbon in one of the over fences classes.
Also training under Kelley Farmer and Larry Glefke from Lane Change Farm was Caitlin Lane and Timber Ridge. The pair earned the reserve champion ribbon in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division with a blue ribbon in an over fence class, a blue in the under saddle class, and a second place in the handy hunter round.
Winning the championship tricolor in the Amateur-Owner Hunters 36 and Over division was Karen Walcott aboard Winston. The duo grabbed blue ribbons in two over fences classes and the handy hunter class. Adding to their blue ribbons, Walcott earned a third place in the third over fences class, and earned a second place in the under saddle class.
Earning the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner Hunters 36 and Over was Debra Kirsch and Turtle Bay. The duo earned two first place ribbons in one of the over fences classes and the under saddle class and they also achieved three third place ribbons in two of the over fences classes and the handy hunter class.
For more information on Showplace Productions and the 2010 Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show, please visit www.showplaceproductions.com.