Donald Cheska and Ad Fundum.
While the competition saw just five double-clear rounds, Frisque's course was flowing and inviting with enough technicality that riders had several options in the first round and jump-off. It was Donald Cheska aboard Ericka Baran's Ad Fundum who bested the field by mere fractions over Alison Robitaille and Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Firestone's Cover Girl.
In the jump-off, where most cruised from fences 2 to 3 in a galloping six strides, Cheska opted to do seven strides and stopped the clock at 32.196 seconds. Knowing that he held up a bit, Cheska put the pedal to the medal and flew around the show's signature lighthouse.
Entering the ring several horses later, Robitaille mastered the first round on Cover Girl. In the jump-off, it looked like Robitaille was going to edge Cheska by leaving a stride out from fences 2 to 3, but the clock indicated otherwise, stopping in 32.218 seconds.
Alison Robitaille and Cover Girl.
"Ad Fundum is naturally a fast horse, and if I can make it to the jump-off I know I have a really good shot," said Cheska. "And, it helps that we've had him in the barn since he was 5 years old and I know him like the back of my hand. He's everything you want in a horse - brave, honest, strong hearted - and when I make a mistake, he's as forgiving as any horse can be. What more can you ask for?"
Ad Fundum normally competes in the Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions with his owner Ericka Baran, however, Cheska is "fortunate" to get the ride when Baran has other obligations.
The 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (by Clinton) "really likes it here," according to Cheska, "and so do we! Last year we planned to compete at Horse Shows by the Bay for three weeks and ended up staying four weeks. We'll do the same this season as everything is done so well, the environment is wonderful and I haven't met a staff member who isn't smiling."
It was also all smiles for Cheska's 6-year-old daughter Chapin. After joining her dad in his celebratory presentation and riding astride for the victory gallop around the Grand Prix Arena, Chapin added, "I had my fingers crossed so no one would catch daddy's time!"
Not close behind Cheska and Robitaille was Lillie Ross on Pako. The pair simply flowed around the first course, and it looked as if Ross were competing in an equitation class. In the jump-off, Pako's massive stride got Ross close to the lead in 32.978 seconds, good for third position.
Rounding out the double-clear rounds with powerful performances were Kalvin Dobbs on Ultimate VDL, placing fourth with a jump-off time of 33.595 seconds, and Ormsby Hill, ridden by Liza Finsness, claiming fifth with a jump-off time of 33.672 seconds.
The Grand Prix Arena also hosted the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search Medal Class and the Washington Equitation Classic Jumper Phase.
Amid beautiful skies overlooking a magnificent vista, the young exhibitors eagerly galloped around the Grand Prix Arena for the first time during the Festival and then returned for the flat portion of the USEF Platinum Performance Talent Search. On top of the leader board was Liza Finsness, with Kelcie Brophy in second, Kalvin Dobbs in third and Kaitlyn Alsup rounding out the top four.
The Washington International Equitation Classic Jumper Phase concluded the equitation competition for the day. Earning the top three placings were Finsness, Brett Burlington and Lauren Steiner. Coupled with competition in the Hunter Phase, all of the scores were tallied and the Washington International Equitation Classic concluded with a tie at the top. Both Brett Burlington and Liza Finsness were awarded the blue ribbon with Kelcie Brophy capturing third place.
For complete results, please visit www.horseshowing.com. For more information on the Horse Shows by the Bay Series, please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com.