Theo Genn & Paradox (Photo by ©Flashpoint Photography)
Held at the River Glen Equestrian Center in New Market, TN nestled at the base of the Smoky Mountains, new arrivals crossing the threshold of the grounds were in awe of the picturesque vistas that greeted them. As if transported to a different era, exhibitors were struck by the massive white party tent, colorful flags fluttering in the sun and beautiful fall decorations reminiscent of a time when horse showing was a grand escape from one’s day to day tribulations, a time to enjoy sport and family fun. “Our goal from the first show has always been to create an environment of good competition with an almost vacation feel to it.” Co-Chair Kim Burnette-Mitchell said.
With a sold out opening week, the action in the ring was nonstop during the day and evenings found competitors treated to sumptuous meals and lively entertainment. Sponsors Kim and Greg Watkins of GK Sporthorses kicked off the festivities on Thursday night with a banquet of down home comfort foods and toe tapping music. “This is just a taste of what keeps our guests returning. It gets better and bigger each year, thanks to our wonderful sponsors support.” Mitchell said.
Friday had a double header of competition, in the Grand Prix ring 33 horses took to the field in the $5,000 GK Sporthorses Welcome Stake. Traversing a technically designed course of 13 obstacles created by Canadian based Danny Foster, only a mere six of the crème de la crème advanced to the jump off round. The abbreviated second round featured two of show jumping’s most popular riders facing off , Ocala, FL based Aaron Vale and Shaker Heights, OH resident David Jennings, but when the dust settled this round belonged to Vale aboard the Ariana Wallace owned Vamaranta. Vale was pleased with both Vamaranta’s performance and the level of competition saying it was a strong field to ride against. Top five results included David Jennings taking the next 4 consecutive spots with Two Shannons Farm owned Tornado in 2nd, Marcus Tonn’s entry Landclassic in 3rd, Jennings own Marcus Aurelius in 4th, and the Emily Reiney entry Nandy Fontaine in 5th.
Across the grounds in the main hunter arena were 30 horse and rider combinations vying for the top spot in the $5,000 USHJA Hunter Classic presented by Kimberden Farms. The two round course designed by Patrick Rodes of Argyle, TX offered riders two height choices (3 or 3’3 foot) and a total of four option fences in the initial round. The highest scoring 12 returned to compete over a Handy layout designed to showcase each horse’s versatility over natural obstacles, in bending lines, and the dreaded trot fence. Veteran rider-trainer Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL partnered with Sarah Patterson’s Triumpf lived up to the mounts name with a big triumph over the field of established competitors. “Seeing the spectators lined around the ring cheering for friends and barn mates was as thrilling as hosting our first big Hunter Classic.” Mitchell said. Coming in a close 2nd was Aiken, SC based pro Daniel Geitner riding the Elizabeth Tarumianz owned Bonafide, while Corryton, TN Kimberden Farm’s assistant trainer Ashton Belcher placed The Bachelor 3rd for owner Alison Dyer-Fagundo, Geitner returned for the 4th position aboard Laura Regan’s Zelano, and completing the top five was owner-rider Colleen McKenzie of Austin, TX riding Castello.
If you’re wondering how they celebrate after a busy Friday in the rings, the answer is the wildly popular Kimberden Farms- Animal SOS Shrimp Boil! This much anticipated annual gathering boasts elbow room only as guests swarm the party tent for spots around the tables heaped with spicy jumbo shrimp and all the fixings. As the feasting begins so does the strumming of local band Dream On Alice, playing favorite tunes from the 80’s to present day. “Good food, good music, and great company. It’s the perfect end to a fall day in paradise.” mused Tennessee based trainer Bill Wolf.
Also starting this week was the $25,000 Icon Sporthorse Challenge Cup for the Children and Adult Jumpers. As the first two legs concluded this weekend, its evident this will be a heated competition with no clear cut front runner yet! Currently jockeying for the lead are Blake Roberts with the Olivia Norton owned Dream Machine and owner-rider Diane Binswanger with Clarissa Z, however there are still two more exciting legs to in the upcoming week before crowning the big winner. In keeping with the air of comradely Paige Farms hosted the Campfire Cookout on Saturday evening filling the grounds with the delicious smells of BBQ Beef, Chicken, Cornbread, along with an assortment of trimmings and the sweet sounds of music to dance off possible calorie concerns.
One of the constant themes at Gallop in the Glen is the seemingly endless amount of delectable food goodies offered to exhibitors. “Horses shows use to be a family gathering and meals were often shared together, as picnics or under tents, and we strive to keep that bit of old fashioned tradition alive here.” Mitchell explained. Each evening the party tent hosts dinners and entertainment to rival nearby Gatlinburg’s most famous dining establishments. “Ellen Ahman has out done herself again with all the wonderful meals we’ve served this week! Her cooking is a large part of the exhibitors experience with us.” Mitchell said. Both Saturday and Sunday afternoons a special ice cream social provided several adults with a trip through childhood memories of chasing down the ice cream truck complete with cones and sundaes. “We [the staff] just want everyone to truly have a good time here!” Mitchell stated.
Capping off the weekend was Sunday’s line up of special events, beginning with Breakfast served until the start of the Silent Auction and Children’s Activities at 10:30AM. Kids enjoyed midway type games and a special petting zoo from Kim Burnette-Mitchell’s personal family of furry friends, such as goats and two mini horses who smothered children with kisses. The silent and live auctions, both benefitting title sponsor Mercy Heart Institute, featured an array of desirable items like a private villa for ten of your closest friends in the Turks and Caicos Island (compliments of Joe and Carole Ayres) or an adorable 12 week old pure bred male Yorkie puppy complete with all pooch accessories needed, lovingly provided by Moon Valley Kennels and Dr. Paul Jeter and for the horse lover there was a breeding to a Champion Stud, Cubito or Czechmate, courtesy of GK Performance Horses owners Greg and Kim Watkins. While numbers are still being tallied there are no doubts the auctions were a huge success for both winning bidders and Mercy Heart Institute.
At 1pm another rich tradition began, the Parade of Champions, division winners from both hunters and jumpers escorted their mounts into the Grand Prix arena to be presented formally to the applause of a packed house of spectators. Following was the opening of the VIP section and the lavish buffet spread for diners to enjoy ringside during the featured event of the day, the $50,000 Mercy Health Partners Foundation Grand Prix, presented by Mercy Heart Institute.
At three o’clock 30 of the show jumping’s best equine athletes gathered to test their skills over the difficult meter 1.50 layout set by course designer Danny Foster. Among the field were two of the sport’s most successful riders, Ocala, FL based Aaron Vale with four mounts and Lebanon, OH resident Wilhelm Genn with two rides, both of whom have reached the million dollar mark in career earnings. Yet at the end of this day it would be 20 year old Theo Genn taking the glory. “In walking the course we [father Wilhelm and younger brother Ryan] were very surprised how hard the course was, but he [Foster] had really good horses and riders like Aaron Vale and David Jennings, so he had to make it challenging.” Genn said of the 16 effort layout. It’s undecided which was most challenging to the competitors, the technicality of the jumps or the tight time allowance of 88 seconds, but from the starting field only Theo and the coming 10 year-old Zweibruecken (German Warmblood) gelding Paradox- owned by Thomas Bruinsma managed to clear all the jumps, though with 3 time faults. “He was incredible!” Theo began of his partner of nearly three years, “It was a true meter 1.50, and everything was tight which was especially hard for my horse, with his big stride and being pretty fiery. He wants to go, so it’s real tough getting him down, but he listened beautifully.” Bruinsma purchased Paradox as an unshown 6 year-old and sent the gelding to Genn’s family farm to further his training- something Theo is “so grateful to Thomas for”. It’s easy to imagine that to other competitors, “Paradox” lived up to his name as they dropped rails while the young gelding landed safely in the winner’s circle. When asking for an opinion on the caliber of riders he defeated Theo’s reaction was a happy stunned one, “I can’t even…I mean guys like Christoph [Schroeder], Aaron Vale, David Jennings, and my dad. It’s crazy.” The young Genn sat shaking his head in a delighted amazement. However, his father Wilhelm couldn’t wipe the smile off his face or resist stopping anyone passing by to express his pride. “I think he’s more excited than when he wins. Everytime he passes me he high fives me or something.” a slightly blushing Theo admitted then added, “People here are so nice and try to make sure we have a good time. This show is amazing- it’s a beautiful show. It’s as nice as it can get, there’s truly nothing you could change to make it better. Great competition, great footing, and great atmosphere. We can’t wait to return.” Next up for Genn is a trip to watch the World Equestrian Games followed by a small break at home before heading back to the show ring.
Official results for the $50,000 Mercy Health Foundation Grand Prix:
1st Paradox with Theo Genn for owner Thomas Bruinsma
2nd Marcus Aurelius with owner-rider David Jennings
3rd Nandy Fontaine with David Jennings for owner Emily Reiney
4th Claus with Angela Moore for owner Stealaway Farm, Inc
5th Landclassic with David Jennings for owner Marcus Tonn
6th Copyright 3 with owner-rider Wilhelm Genn
7th Cincinnati with Vicky Miller for owner Showcase 81 LLC
8th Peggi Sue with Frank Owens for owner DS Holdings LLC
9th Creed with Vick Russell for owner Helen Terranova
10th Sympa with Daniel Geitner for owner Mrs. Charles Bostwick
11th Happy Z with owner-rider Wilhelm Genn
12th Platinum with Aaron Vale for owner ABC 4 Horses
Long known for her community involvement Kim Burnette-Mitchell has again found an organization dear to her own heart, as well as to her Tennessee neighbors. Proceeds from this year’s Gallop in the Glen will benefit the Cardiovascular Programs at Mercy Health Partners. From education, diagnosis and emergency intervention, to treatment and rehabilitation, Mercy delivers advanced cardiac services and strives to improve the health of their community. “It’s an honor to help the wonderful people at Mercy to continue saving lives. This event is dedicated to all the hard working staff there and the patients whose lives they change each day.” Mitchell said after the crowds dispersed.
More information on The Gallop in the Glen please visit www.gallopintheglen.com or email [email protected]. To learn more about Mercy Health Partners visit www.mercy.com .