Halifax, MA -August 27, 2010- Gregory Price and Mariano became derby royalty following their win in the $10,000 3'3" Open Hunter Derby on the fourth day of competition at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase.
The Summer Showcase, which runs August 24-29, features top-notch equestrian competition, great prize money, and nightly parties. The schedule for this year's Summer Showcase is highlighted by the $35,000 Grand Prix, which will be held on Fieldstone's pristine, all grass Grand Prix field on Saturday afternoon, August 28.
Prince and Mariano, owned by Sarah Cabot, bested a starting field of 38 horse-and-rider combinations who rode over the Nathan Panetta designed course, which consisted of two jumping rounds on the show's Grand Prix field, for the win. The pair showed their strengths in the second "handy" round, which included a tight turn to an oxer, a hand gallop to a vertical, a trot fence, and opening a gate.
"The derbies are a fantastic new addition to the horse show scene," said Prince following his win. "I loved the course, especially the handy round, because it gave me the opportunity to show off Mariano's talent. I was neat and tidy in some places, and then more bold in others."
Panetta designed the course with exactly that in philosophy mind. "Designing the course for Fieldstone was easy because the field is so large, which allows for a lot of great design options that challenge both the horses and riders."
Also enjoying success on the Grand Prix field was Laura Hinsdale and Woodstock, who were victorious in the $2,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. This marked the first time that Hinsdale, who lives in Vermont, competed on a grass field with her horse.
"This was our first time on the grass, and he [Woodstock] loved it," said Hinsdale, who hopes to move up to the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers in the future. "This is a great horse show, and I love competing here."
Also riding to victory today was Nancy Vinal and Orpheus, owned by Taylor Harris, in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, sponsored by Esterbrook Farm, and Katie Karlson and Carlingford's Gaffney in the Ariat Adult Medal.
"The Summer Showcase is my favorite of all the horse shows held at Fieldstone," said Vinal.
Rounding out the day's competition was a special "Horseless Horse Show" to benefit JustWorld International, a charitable organization dedicated to provide basic education, nutrition, health and hygiene programs, and vocational training for children in impoverished communities. Children ages 3 - 17 years old competed, sans horses, over a miniature jumper course and were judged by JustWorld International volunteers.
"JustWorld International is a great organization," said Ambassador Avery Stewart. "I hope more people get involved because this is a new revolution for the sport."
Following a full day of competition, riders, trainers and spectators alike gathered under the tents by the Grand Prix field for a barbeque and live music by The Red Shoes Band.
The 2010 Fieldstone Summer Showcase would like to thank its sponsors: Ariat, Cumberland Farms in Halifax, MA, CWD, Elite Equine Shavings, Empire Wine and Spirits, EquiFit, inc., Equine Journal, Equine Realtors, Esterbrook Farm, Horsemen's Ltd., Leather Therapy, Response Products, SmartPak, Stonymeade Farm, Tedeschi Food Shops in Halifax, MA, and Woodridge Farm.
Fieldstone Equestrian & Show Facility is one of New England's premier equestrian event venues. Its 100-acre show grounds are located just 28 miles south of Boston, MA. The recently renovated facility offers nine all-weather hybrid sand/felt/fiber show rings, permanent and temporary stabling, ample parking, and a state-of-the-art all-grass Grand Prix field.
For more information on the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, please visit www.showfieldstone.com, call 781-679-0701, or email [email protected].