Hunt Tosh and Say Again earned top honors in the Green Conformation Hunters at the Tampa Bay Classic. (Elsie Vieira/PMG)
The day began with the Green Conformation Hunters, taking on their hunter and handy courses with nothing short of confidence and skill. The well-crafted pattern of the course, designed by Keith Bollotte, was evident as Tosh directed Say Again, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wheeler, to each fence with perfect striding. The handy round included a trot fence that steadily led to a bending line, followed by an ending roll back. Tosh has had numerous wins with Say Again in their short amount of time together, and he was quick to acknowledge his mounts tenacity.
"We got him late in the winter, so he is quite new for us," commented Tosh. "We showed him for two weeks in Ocala, and he just gets better and better. I was pleased with both of the rides, he was great, and I couldn't have asked for a nicer day, so it was just perfect. The course rode beautifully; I was especially pleased with the handy course, because it was well done and had just enough intricacy."
"This is a great show," Tosh continued. "It has great people and great grounds, so we will probably bring a large group next year. We are enjoying ourselves, and really eager for the rest of show."
While Tosh took great ribbons for the first classes of the Green Conformation Hunters, Greg Crolick followed closely behind putting in four smooth rounds on two mounts. Crolick exhibited Rattlewood Farm's, Social Scene, over the fences with ease, pinning second in both of the over fences. Crolick's success didn't stop there as he rode Acentus, owned by Cloverleaf Farm, to both the third place rankings. Mary Eufemia rounded out the division aboard her own, M.J., who would continue to place well throughout the day.
The next division in the hunter ring was the Green Working Hunters with a competitive group. Tosh and Say Again were yet again a dominant team, taking the first place ribbons in both classes. Amanda Steege put in distinguishable rides with Big Girls Don't Cry, earning the second and third place ribbons for their efforts over fenes. Steege also guided Harvard to the third and second place ribbons in the over fences, respectively. The division consisted of several notable pairs including Adrienne Iverson aboard Zed and Fidelia, Greg Crolick and Acantus, and Mary Eufemia aboard M.J.
The day continued with the Performance 3'6-3'9 Hunters. It proved to be a busy afternoon for Mary and Kevin Eufemia, her husband and trainer. Mary completed in her third division of the day, once again aboard M.J. Mary also exhibited Unbelievable, owned by Paula Pell. She earned a well-deserved first and second place ribbon for her rounds in the over fences and her apparent 'handiness' during the handy round. Mary also took home the second and fourth place ribbons for her rounds aboard Unbelievable, extremely happy for both her horses' consistency in the ring. Eufemia was able to round out her active day with another first and second in the under saddle. Both Mary and Kevin were tremendously pleased with each of the horses.
"We have been working together since the 80s and have never stopped to take a breath," laughed Kevin. "We love this job, and it is horses like this that make us want to work so hard. Both horses do their job very well and have had some great success. We cannot say enough how much we love this show. The people are so kind, and seeing great friends is half the fun of having a good show. As long-time equestrians, we can appreciate that fact that the environment in Tampa is quiet and enjoyable. It is far less commercial that some of the current shows, and we recognize that."
During the Tampa Equestrian Series, riders will have the opportunity for championship and reserve championship honors in the Professional Hunter divisions, Junior Hunter divisions, and Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions. The event also features the Tampa Series Hunter High Score Circuit Awards in several hunter divisions, which will be awarded during the 40th Annual $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G & C Farm, at Raymond James Stadium.
For more information on Stadium Jumping, Inc. and the 2012 Tampa Equestrian Series please call (941) 744-5465. To download a copy of the prize list, please visit www.stadiumjumping.com.