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Friday, April 19, 2024

Weekly Published Articles

DOUBLE MARKET PLACE

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BARN FOR RENT, Willistown area. Up to three stalls, self-care. Large pasture with run-in shed, small paddock, ring, tack room, wash stall with hot water, hay loft, access to trails in Kirkwood Preserve. 20 -minute hack to Radnor Hunt. Available May 1st. Call 610-585-0033.

“ 2002 Trail-et two-horse trailer with dressing room; very low usage, stored indoors; in excellent condition! Location: Reading PA; call 404-290-9596 for details.Asking $8200"

FT BARN WORKER wanted at Carousel Park Equestrian Center in Pike Creek, Delaware. Assist with daily horse care, barn maintenance, stalls, turnout, feeding. Must have experience with horses, be reliable and have own transportation, and know how to use a computer. Union job. Full benefits. Closes April 10. Apply: https://tinyurl.com/carouseljob.


PART-TIME BARN HELP wanted for private horse farm in Limerick area. Mon thru Fri, 8-11:30 am. Clean stalls, turnout, blanket changes, general barn duties. Must have experience with horses. Must be reliable and have own transportation. 610-287-5830, leave message.


ONE 12x12 STALL available on private family farm, full-care, located in West Chester (Pocopson Township). Field with run-in shed, tack room, wash stall with hot water, outdoor ring, hack to BVA or Pocopson Park. $350/mo. 610-793-9704.


THE MARYLAND EQUINE Transition Service is a statewide initiative created to ensure that safe options and resources are available to horses when their owners can no longer keep them.Many horses are currently looking for new homes through METS. For more info, go to www.mdequinetransition.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 410-970-6474.


DRY LEASE WANTED wanted (4-6 stalls). Looking in and around Kennett Square to West Chester, PA. Ideal features would include ample pasture, preferably w/option to leave horses out 24/7 when weather is good. Also ideal would be outdoor riding ring and access to hacking. Indoor nice, but not a deal-breaker. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with what you have.


Cian O’Connor won the Overall Leading International Rider Award at WEF (2)

 WELLINGTON, Fla.--Cian O’Connor of Ireland won the Overall Leading International Rider Award at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Cian OConnor on Fancy de Kergane Sport fotCian O'Connor on Fancy de Kergane (Photo by Sportfot)A Leading International Rider Award was presented each week to the rider who earned the most points based on performances in that week’s WEF Challenge Cup and featured grand prix event.

Surprisingly, O’Connor did not win any of the weekly awards, but his consistent performances throughout the 12 week circuit gave him a total of 862 points and the new Overall Leading International Rider title.

Second place went to Margie Goldstein-Engle with a total of 823 points, while another Irish rider, Shane Sweetnam, was third overall with a total of 800 points.

“We had an incredible winter in Florida,” said O’Connor, who has been based in Wellington for many winter seasons. “The horses performed really well and that is thanks to all of their owners: Sue and John Magnier, Sarah Stoute, Nikki Walker, and Pat Crean. All our horses jumped outstandingly, and I was delighted to have won the title of Leading International Rider of the WEF circuit.

“All credit must go to the brilliant team behind the scenes, from everybody in the stable who puts in the hard work day in and day out, to all of my support staff, and everybody else who contributes to the Karlswood team,” said O’Connor. “I am extremely grateful to each and every one of them.”

 

FOR DELAWARE Valley competitors, Scott Stewart of Flemington, N.J. was the Leading Hunter Rider over 319 riders that competed in hunter divisions at WEF, while his partner Ken Berkley was Leading Hunter Trainer.

Scott rode California Love, who was the Leading High Performance Conformation Hunter.

Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., was sixth in Leading Open Jumper Rider,, and Jimmy Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., was eighth over 900 riders that competed in non-FEI classes at WEF..

Mary Chapot was ninth in Leading Open Jumper Trainer.

Laura rode Gideon to be the Leading 1.40m Jumper and fourth in 1.35m Jumpers, whillel she also rode Kanjer Pto be second in 1.40m Jumpers.

Tyson Fury, ridden by Laura, was Leading 7 Year Old Jumper.

Cordon Blue, competed by Laura, won ribbons in FEI classes and was 11th in 1.45m Jumpers.

Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., won a number of good ribons in FEI classes on Cashew and was also 40th of 331 horses in 1.45m Jumpers, while his sister Lucy rode Michael STN, 19th in 7 Year Old Jumper, and Starstruck NA, 45th in 6 Year Old Jumpers.

Andrew Philbrick had a number of students competing in WEF, including Debbie Purowitz,, who was 14th on Reminiscent in Master Jumpers, Kara Cici, who was 21st on Marco in 1.05m Jumpers and Roxy Leyshon, who was112th of 221 in Amateur Jumpers 1.25m on Jillz and124th of 209 in 1/40m Amateur Owner Jumpers  on Leroy Blue.

Tina Brown of Kennett Square, Pa., was 19th in Amateur Owner Hunter 3'6", over 35, on Hyacinth, and was 32nd in Amateur Owner 3'3" on Red Label.

Conor Swail won the $32,000 Welcome Stake at the Blenheim Spring Classic (2)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--Ireland’s Conor Swail started the Blenheim season the same way he ended the 2023 season: winning.

Conor Swail on VitalChance de la Roque McCool PhotographyConor Swail on Vital Chance de la Roque (Photo by McCool Photography)Swail on Vital Chance de la Roque won the $32,000 CSI4* Welcome Speed Stake on Friday, April 5 at the Blenheim Spring Classic I, held at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano.

Swail had capped off his season at last year's Blenheim shows by winning the $226,000 FEI Jumping World Cup Las Vegas qualifier on Count Me In.

This year, Swail on “Vinny” was one of 28 entries to take on the one round speed class over a course designed by Jaime Morillo and built on the Oaks International Grand Prix Field.

When Swail went as the 10th in the order, the time to beat had been set at 58.98 seconds by fellow Irishman James Chawke on Daido van’t Ruytershof Z.

“Vanessa Mannix, James Chawke and Alexis Sokolov as well, we all work together," said Swail. "I was lucky enough that I saw James’ round right before mine. I thought James had a very, very quick round. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to beat him, to be honest.”

 

SWAIL nearly did not, but as he crossed the final vertical the timers flashed 58.68 seconds, making him just three-tenths of a second faster, even with a few of Vinny’s signature bucks thrown in.

“I knew I had to really be on every stride, but thankfully Vinny has a lot of experience," said Swail.    'He jumped a good round today.”

Chawke placed second, and Michael Williamson on Call Me Baby Quick PS. was third, clean in 60.70 seconds

Australia’s Zoe Brown, 19, on Bling VD Duvelshoeve Z won Thursday’s $5,000 CSI2* Power & Speed Two Phase with a time of 31.41 seconds .

 Williamson on Call Me Baby Quick PS was second in 31.94 seconds, and Kyle King on Vivalunaika Blue was third.

Honorable Mention Pet photo (2)

Susan Wiseman of Boyertown, Pa., took this photo.

"This is one of the deer that visit at my brother's house in Boyertown almost every evening," said Wiseman. "Sometimes I think they stop by to check-in on him! It is neat to watch the young ones grow."

deer

James Chawke of Ireland won twice at Blenheim (2)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--Ireland's James Chawke won twice at the Blenheim Spring Classic on Saturday, April 6, first in the $15,000 1.40m  Open Jumper Classic, and then in quick succession, followed up with a win in the $32,000 CSI2* 1.45m Winning Round Classic.

James Chawke on Daido vant Tuytershof McCool Photogrphy James Chawke on Daido vant Tuytershof (Photo by McCool Photogrphy) Chawke, who finished second on Friday to Conor Swail, turned the tables on Saturday, winning in the Winning Round over Swaii, who was second and third.

In the Winning Round Classic, Chawke’ won on Daido van’t Ruytershof Z.

He had a rail down in the first round, but thanks to the winning-round format, he started on a clean slate over the Jaime Morillo-designed jump-off course.

Chawke was the fifth of 10 to come back for the second round, and, with the time to beat set at 43.17 seconds by Swail on Theo 160, and with Swail still to go on Vital Chance de la Roque, Chawke knew he needed to crank up the speed.

“When you’ve got Conor Swail], Cassio Rivetti and Kyle King in the class, you’ve got to go pretty quick!” said Chawke, who was clean in 40.85 seconds.

Swail 0n Theo 160 was second also was third in 43.80 seconds on Vital Chance de la Roque.

 

“CONOR AND I have been working together for over 10 years at this stage, so he’s always very supportive,” said Chawke. “I mean, he won yesterday; I won today. I was second to him yesterday; he was second to me today. To beat him is not easy.

James Chawke on Ncara van berkenbroeck McCool PhotographyJames Chawke on Nacara van Berkenbroeck (Photo by McCool Photography)“Daido van’t Ruytershof Z is very competitive,” said Chawke of the mare that he purchased at the end of 2023. “I just got to know her a little bit at the Desert Horse Park. She was really good there; she won quite a few classes.”

On Nacara, Chawke was one of four entries to go clean in the $15,000 1.40m Open Jumper Classic, and won with a clean round in the jump-off in 33.581 seconds.

Brazil’s Cassio Rivetti on Gotico Di Ca’San Giorgio was second in 35.523, and Kyle King on Diamond was third.

“I’ve had Nacara for I think about two years,” said Chawke. “He hadn’t jumped so big when I got him. So, I’ve just been building him up a little bit to this. This winter is kind of the first time he started jumping 1.40m, and he’s been really competitive and won quite a few classes. I’m actually going to jog him next week and do the three-star, hopefully do a ranking class, see how he handles that. That was kind of my plan this week, get him in the ring, jump in a few classes and see how he is feeling.”

Withoutmoreado won over Shootist at a sold out Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point (2)

WEST CHESTER,Pa.--Withoutmoreado just edged Shootist in a thrilling finish in the combined Open Timber and Amateur Apprentice Rider Timber at the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point on Sunday, April 7.

Scarlet Teddy DaviesScarlet and Teddy Davies won two of the three timber races
It was only a two horse race, but it was between two horses prepping for the Maryland Hunt Cup, one of which, Withoutmoreado, won the Hunt Cup last year.

Brandywine Hills drew one of its largest crowds ever.

"We had a tremendous crowd," said race Chairman Carl J. (Bunny) Meister. "We sold out of room in general admission and had to park general admission cars in Preferred Parking. That's only the second time ever we had to do that,"

In the combined race, Irv Naylor's Withoutmoreado, trained by Kathy Neilson and ridden by Teddy Davies, won by a neck over Shootist, trained by Todd McKenna and ridden by Freddie Procter.

Shootist led by about a length over most of the 3 mile course, but Withoutmoreado caught him a the last fence, which they jumped as a pair, and just prevailed by a neck at the finish.

"Withoutmoreado jumped well,"said Neilson. "He enjoyed himself. I brought him to Brandwine because the ground was so good. He likes soft going."

Withoutmoreado's regular rider, Conor Tierney, had broken his ankle in a race in Virginia the day before Brandywine, so Teddy Davies picked up the ride.

"Teddy had ridden him once before, at Genesee," said Neilson.

 

SCARLET DAVIES, 18, Teddy's younger sister, on Joe Davies' Brave Deacon, won the first timber race, the Lady Rider, by  a huge margin of about 50 lengths over McKenna O'Neil's Jarir (GB), trained by Nicole O'Neil and ridden by Delaney O'Neil, with Billy Meister's Swallow Beach, ridden by Sam English, third.

IScarlet DaviesScarlet Daviest was Scarlet's first win over fences, and just after she weighed out, the traditional bucket of water was dumped over her head.

"It was really fun," said Scarlet of the race. "I was lucky to get the ride."

"Teddy's ridden Brave Deacon a few times, and he's never run that well for him," said Joe Davies, who is Master of Foxhounds at Elkridge-Harford. "Scarlet has been hunting him, and she's taken the field on him."

"That was my third ride over fences," said Scarlet, who said she would take riding races a week at a time. "I run track at school, Notre Dame Prep in Towson, so it's hard to find the time to ride."

Keystone Thoroughbreds' Johnny Swish, trained by Todd McKenna and ridden by Andrew Burke Ott, won the Novice Timber over Billy Meister's Itsknownasthebern, ridden by Sam English.

The Novice Timber took an unusual turn when the leader, Itsknownasthebern, stopped at the third fence, the log fence by Corrine Road, and then Reason to Pray, ridden by Virginia Korrell, ran out.

"I pulled up and circled, then jumped the logs," said Ott, who had been running third at the time. "If it was a sanctioned race, I could have jumped the logs,but we were all on first time runners, horses that were here to learn."

"I've only been here a month," said Ott, who rides races in Ireland. "I'm here to ride for Todd McKenna, but my visa runs out in a month. I'm hoping to ride in the Maryland Hunt Cup. I haven't seen the Hunt Cup course yet, but I've seen the Grand National course, and I've heard the fences are even bigger."

 Noble Weed,owned, trained and ridden by Julie Nafe, won the Side Saddle Master's Chase by 1/2 length over Cheetah Beech, ridden by Lauren Apple.

Emma Ness won both the Small Pony Flat Race on Higgins over a field of five, and the Medium Pony Flat Race on Peacock over a field of four.

William Slater on Bailey won the Large Pony Flat over a field of three, and Manuel Aquilera, Jr. on Thumper won the Lead Line over a field of six.

In the Junior Field Master Chases, Abby Taylor on Spur of the Moment won the Medium Pony, Pauly Aquilera on Mini won the Large Pony and William Slater on Khafayya won the Horses.

Scarlet Davies on Brave Deacon won a trophy for the fastest time of the day, finishing the Ladies race in 6:45.

Withoutmoreado finished in 7:00, and Johnny Swish finished in 7:11.

Four riders, Scarlet and Teddy Davies, Andrew Ott and Same English split the new $500 Leading Jockey award, each with 5 points.

 

Parker Hendriks saddled Lap of the Gods to win the Allowance Timber at Old Dominion (2)

WASHINGTON,,Va.--Parker Hendriks saddled Stewart Strawbridge's Lap of the Gods to win the $20,000, 3 mile Allowance Timber at Old Dominion Point-to-Point on Saturday, April 6.

Parker HendriksParker HendriksHendriks had been scheduled to ride Lap of the Gods, but Easy Squeeze, trained by Doug Fout, fell with Hendriks while leading in the race before the Allowance Timber, and Hendriks hurt his back and was unable to ride.

The Allowance Timber was one of three NSA sanctioned races at Old Dominion.

Lap of the Gods, ridden by Graham Watters, went into the lead over the last fence and beat Family Tree (GB), trained by Neil Morris, by 5 3/4 lengths with Stooshie (Ire),trained by Cyril Murphy, a distanced third.

Fashion Line, trained by Kathy Neislon, lost his rider at the 14th fence while holding a clear lead.

"I was delighted," said Hendriks."I thought going into this race that I would be very pleased if he was second, and it would have been okay if he'd finished third. So I was thrilled when he won."

"He's entered in the Middleburg Hunt Cup, but I'm not sure he'll go there," said Hendriks. "He's also eligible for the timber race at Nashville and at the Gold Cup, so it will be one of those three."

 

IN THE OTHER TWO sanctioned races, Lucy Howard's Love Sage, trained and ridden by Sean McDrmott, won the $30,000 Filly and Mare Maiden Hurdle by 1 length over Camcha, trained by Janet Elliot and RollingTide

In the first sanctioned race, Hold Hard (Ire),trained by Fout and ridden by Hendriks, won the $30,000 Maiden Hurdle by 1/2 length over Clifton Down trained by Leslie Young.

The Maiden Hurdle was split, with Keri Brion saddling both winners.

Upland Flats Racing's Moonshine Time, ridden by Mell Boucher, won the first division over Jimmy Dan, trained by Jack Fisher, and Norman Lewis' Auchincruive, ridden by Andrew Burke Ott,  won the second division over Tiz a Giant, trained by Fisher.

The Amateur and Novice Rider Timber and the Fooxhunter Timber were combined, with Gordonsdale Farm's Overdrawn, trained by James Piper and ridden by Virginia Korrell, winning the Amateur and Novice Rider over Post War, trained by Julie Gomena.

Keys Discount, owned, trained and ridden by Sam Cockburn, actually placed first in the combined races but only won the Foxhunter.

Kinross Farm's Outperform, trained by Richard Valentine and ridden by Gerard Galligan, won the Open Hurdle over Box Office Warrior, trained by Todd McKenna.

Auction Kingdom, trained by Morris and ridden by Conner Reddy, won the Restricted Young Adult Flat, Artistic Choice, trained by Young and ridden by Brian Barry, won the Novice Rider Flat, and Mission North, trained by Fisher and ridden by Watters, won the Virginia Bred Flat.

 

 

Joe Davies' Mr. Fine Threads and Our Friend won at Elkridge-Harford (2)

MONKTON, Md.--Joe Davies saddled two Maryland Hunt Cup nominees, Mr. Fine Threads and Our Friend, to win at the Elkridge-Harford Point-to-Point on Saturday ,April 6.

Joe Davies BrandywineJoe Davies
Armata Stables' Mr. Fine Threads, ridden by Teddy Davies,, won the $10,000, 3 mile Edward S. Voss Memorial Open Timber in 6:42.37 over Huyana, trained by William Dowling.

"Huyana led until the finals strides, when Teddy caught him at the wire,"said Joe Davies."Mr. Fine Threads runs without shoes. He'll go to the Grand National next."

The Heavyweight Timber and the Amateur Apprentice Rider Timber races were run together, with Armata Stables' Our Friend winning over Brooklyn Speights to win the Amateur Apprentice Timber in 6:52.06.

Be Counted, trained by Todd Wyatt, was second in the Amateur Apprentice.

Turks Head Turf's Brooklyn Speights, trained by Mark Beecher and ridden by Dan Nevin,, won the Heavyweight over Our Legend (Ire), trained by Emily Hannum.

"Our Friend won nicely," said Davies. "He was carrying 170 pounds."

Even though Our Friend was running in the Amateur Apprentice, he carried 170 pounds, five pounds more than Brooklyn Speights in the Heavyweight.

"Those were two really good races," said Davies, who is Master of Foxhounds at Elkridge-Harford. "We had hundreds of ponies. It was a really good pony turnout. We had a great crowd of spectators. It was a perfect early April day, but a little chilly."

 

CMK STABLES' Late Night Harry, trained and ridden by Casey Pinkard, won the Open Flat over Prince Khozan, trained by Betty McCue, and Del Rio Chasers' Recent Revelations (Ire), trained by Ricky Hendriks and ridden by Nevin, won the Amateur Flat over A C Expressway, trained by McCue.

Annabell Lamon on Emmy-Lou won the Small Pony Flat in a field of eight, while Yomar Ortiz Jr. rode Domino Effect to win the Medium Pony Flat over a field of nine as well as riding Class Day to win the Large Pony Flat over a field of five.

In the four Field Masters Chase races with 12 entries, Cami Kern on Mallory won the Small Ponies, Carly Kern won both the Medium Ponies on Roger That and the Horses on Manero, and Jaidyn Shore on Jenneydancer won the Large Pony.

Brynn Carmello on Olney Smarty Pants won the Shetland Pony race over a field of 10, and the Lead Line,with 18 entries, was split with Bristol Price on Honey Bee winning division one and Olney Oh My, no rider named, won the second division.

 

Honorable Mention Pet photo (2)

Elizabeth Diamond took these photos while saving a baby bunny.

I was pet sitting at the Nibouar's when looking out at their pool from their kitchen window I saw something floating in the pool," said Diamond. "Zipping outside to the pool it was a baby bunny doing the bunny paddle for all it was worth as opposed to the doggie paddle! I got the tool to scoop it out. The poor thing was soaking wet and trembling. Stuck the bunny in my shirt and went into the house where I made a little overnight home for the bunny. Gave some lettuce! Next morning the bunny was all dry and ready to be outside."

pet a wet bunny

pet a bunny paddle

The Budweiser Clydesdales to perform at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair (2)

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, renowned for its history and prestige, is thrilled announced that the internationally acclaimed Budweiser Clydesdales will be presented in exhibition again at this year's show.

Budweiser Clydesdales 24The Budweiser Clydesdales
Devon runs from Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, June 2.

These high-stepping Budweiser bays will grace the Dixon Oval during the evening session on Thursday, May 30th and Saturday, June 1st.

“The Clydesdales are just one of the many unique and exclusive exhibitions we offer our audience," said Wayne W. Grafton, CEO and Chairman of Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.. "The team travels 300 days a year, showcasing these gentle giants all over North America. We look forward to honoring them and the outstanding crew that cares for them.”

This year, Budweiser commemorates the 91st Anniversary of the Budweiser Clydesdales, a timeless symbol of the brewer’s legacy and a testament to the iconic horses’ integral role in American culture.

These majestic horses will pull the renowned red Studebaker beer delivery wagon, guided by an expert driver dressed in yesteryear’s traditional green and red delivery uniform.

 

DEVON is delighted to offer an exclusive, seating packages for the nights that the Clydesdales will be performing.

Seating Packages

This package offers you a prime view of the Budweiser Clydesdales and includes access to some of The Devon Horse Show’s most popular and thrilling classes.

Thursday evening features the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, and Saturday evening features the $145,100 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake as well as the championships in many of the Saddlebred divisions.

The ring-side package offers you an up-close and personal experience right adjacent to the Dixon Oval.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity! Seating is limited to availability.

Secure your Special Ring Side Seats now.

Call 610-688-2554 or visit our website to purchase tickets before they’re gone!

Started in 1896, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America and draws in top competitors from around the world.

The event is run by more than 2,000 volunteers and offers a variety of boutique shops in cottages, amusement rides and games for kids, multiple dining options, and live entertainment.

Proceeds support The Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Brazil’s Cassio Rivetti on Chagall de Toscane Won the $62,500 CSI2* Grand Prix Over Conor Swail at Blenheim (2)

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--Brazil’s Cassio Rivetti on Chagall de Toscane won the $62,500 CSI2* Grand Prix at the Blenheim Spring Classic over a starting field of 24.

Brazils Cassio Rivetti on Chgall deToscane McCool PhotographyBrazil's Cassio Rivetti on Chgall deToscane (Photo by McCool Photography)Seven were clean to advance to the jump-off designed by Jaime Morillo and set on the Oaks International Grand Prix Field at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.

Rivetti was the fourth to go in the jump-off, and was the first to go clean, finishing in what would be an uncatchable time of 33.34 seconds.

Ireland’s Conor Swail on Count Me In was next to go and came the closest to catching Rivetti, clean in 33.53 seconds, less than two-tenths of a second off Rivetti’s time.

Nicole Haunert on My Lady Lavista was third.

“The first two jumps on the course were big,” said Rivetti. “It was a nice jump-off with good riders, and very fast. It was a nice course to jump.”

Rivetti’s winning mount, Chagall de Toscane, is owned by HF Farms LLC and is most often ridden by Rivetti’s student, amateur rider Laura Hite, but with Hite away from the show for the week, Rivetti took the ride.

 

“I TOOK the chance to ride him a bit,” said Rivetti of the 12-year-old Selle Français stallion. “He’s an amazing horse. He has all the scope, so much quality, and it's just a really good feeling to ride him.”

No matter the mount, Rivetti is no stranger to success at Blenheim EquiSports, and as a frequent competitor at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, he spoke highly of the ongoing upgrades that the Blenheim team is currently undertaking.

“I love this place; it's so good to be here,” said Rivetti. “The new ring looks amazing. We’re always excited to be here, and I love this grass. The new ebb-and-flow system is perfect; we needed it! It's a beautiful place for us to ride the older horses but also produce the younger ones.”

Rivetti will be among the riders that return to Blenheim EquiSports this upcoming week for the Blenheim Spring Classic 2 CSI3* competition, featuring the $117,000 CSI3* Blenheim Spring Classic 2 Grand Prix on Sunday, April 15.

Honorable Mention Pet photo (2)

Leslie Kearns of Glenmoore, Pa., took this photo.

"This is "Hope” my new-born Clydesdale filly," said Kearns.

pet newborn foal

pet newborn foalis my "Hope” a new-born Clydesdale filly.

Gail Emerson, Equine Dentist, died March 26 (2)

COCHRANVILLE, Pa.--Gail Emerson, 68 of Cochranville, died March 26 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa.

Gail Emerson 1Gail Emerson
Gail Emerson was a graduate of the State University of New York, receiving an A.A.S. in Animal Husbandry (emphasis on horses) in 1975.

She had been an equine dental practitioner full-time since 1987.

"Gail Emerson is a highly skilled Equine Dental Technician with many years of experience in the field and in educating others in Equine Dentistry," said Suzanne Grist during Emerson's life. "Gail's ethics, knowledge and skill is exceptional, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a consummate professional."

"She was a big part of me starting a career in equine dentistry," said Louis Heffner

Gail was a Past President of the International Association of Equine Dentistry, having served from 1989 to 1996.

She assisted in the development of Certification for Equine Dental Practitioners/technicians and was certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry in 1992.

Her works were published in the Practical Horseman, The Grazier in Australia, The Horse and Chester County Town and Country Living.

She was the author of Correspondence Courses in Australia and presented several Continuing Courses in the USA and Australia on horses-related topics

She was a member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry since 1988, a member since 1988 of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

She completed Humane Police Officers Training in May 2009.

Burial and services were private.

Defending champion Tamie Smith and World Number 3 ranked Boyd Martin lead the list of entries in the Kentucky Three-Day Event (2)

LEXINGTON, Ky.--As a stepping stone to this summer's Paris Olympics, the Kentucky Three-Day Event's entries include defending champion Tamie Smith and three of the world’s four top-ranked riders, with Olympians and World Champions among the riders from nine countries entered to compete .

TamieSmih on Mai Baum Michell DunnTamie Smih on Mai Baum (Photo by Michelle Dunn)The Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of only seven annual five star three-day events in the world, will be held in the Kentucky Horse Park April 25-28.

The Event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations.

In addition to the CCI5*-L, the Event also features a four star competition  and the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix.

With many riders’ sights set on the Paris Olympics this summer, both the five star and the four star will be instrumental in choosing the U.S. team.

Smith won last year’s five star on Mai Baum, her longtime partner with whom she was reserve rider on the 2021 Olympic team and helped the U.S. win team silver at the 2022 World Championships.

She has entered Mai Baum in the four star  along with Danito, with whom she finished second in the 2022 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, and Kynan.

Also among those vying for a place on the U.S. Paris team are three-time U.S. Olympic veteran Boyd Martin, who is World #3.

Martin has several horses competing at both levels.

 

IN ADDITION to Smith and Martin, the star-studded U.S. contingent includes 2012 Olympian Will Coleman, who has several rides entered, including his 2022 World Championship mount Off The Record.

Also entered are seven time Olympian and five time USEF CCI5*-L National Champion Phillip Dutton, and Olympic veterans Lauren Nicholson and Doug Payne;.

All four members of the U.S.’s silver medal winning team from the 2023 Pan American Games, Sydney Elliott, Liz Halliday, Sharon White, and individual gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu, will compete.

International entries in the Kentucky Event include British riders Oliver Townend, who is the World #1 and a three-time Kentucky 5* champion, and Tom McEwen, who is World #4 and last year’s Reserve Champion at Kentucky.

Townend and McEwen have one entry each in the five star.

Also riding for Great Britain are 2022 World Champion Yasmin Ingham on Banzai Du Loir, her gold medal mount in the 2022 World Championships with whom she finished second at Kentucky that same year, and Leslie Law, a two-time Olympian with three Olympic medals including individual gold in 2004.

Representing Canada are two-time Olympians Colleen Loach and Jessica Phoenix, as well as Tik Maynard and defending Lexington four star champion Karl Slezak.

Other international contenders include Olympic veterans Matthew Grayling and Joe Meyer of New Zealand and Germany’s Christoph Wahler, who helped Germany win team gold at the 2022 World Championships.

The full list of CCI5*-L entries can be found at kentuckythreedayevent.com/5-entries-and-ride-times.

U.S. Jumping Team Short List for Paris 2024 Olympic Games (2)

LEXINGTON, Ky. --– US Equestrian announced the 10 riders who have been selected to the U.S. Jumping Team Olympic Short List for continued observation ahead of team selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this summer.

Olympic short listFour were named from the Riders' Ranking list, three from the Horses' Ranking list, which were the riders of the top ranked horses whose riders were not already named, and three were chosen subjectively by chef d'equipe Robert Ridland and a panel of selectors.

Kent Farrington, Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut and McLain Ward were named off the Riders' Ranking list that closed about a month go.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo, Callie Shott on Garant and Karl Cook on Kalinkka Van't Zorgviet were named off the Horses' Ranking list that closed after the final competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Natalie Dean on Acota M, Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue and Jessie Springsteen on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve were the three subjectively named riders.

Farrington, Kraut and Ward, who dominated the winners' list at WEF, were all named with multiple horses, as all off their horses named were also high on the Horses' Ranking list.

 

THE RIDERS named off the Riders' Ranking list ensured that the top riders made the short list, the riders off the Horses' Ranking list ensured that riders with only one horse had an equal chance of making the team as those riders with multiple horses, and the three subjective choices ensured that no top horse or rider was missed.

This method of choosing the riders on the sort list has resulted in an unprecedented series of international championships for the U.S.

The following riders and horses have been selected to the U.S. Jumping Team Olympic Short List and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., on Caracole de la Roque, a 2012 Selle Français (Zandor Z x Pocahontas d’Amaury) mare owned by Signe Ostby; and Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood (Thunder can de Zuuthoeve x Goldfee Van’t Zorgvliet) mare owned by Signe Ostby

• Natalie Dean of Palo Alto, Calif., on Acota M, a 2013 Oldenburg (Toulon x Aquinora) mare owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC

• Katie Dinan of Wellington, Fla., on Out Of The Blue SCF, a 2014 Belgian Warmblood (Verdi x Casa Blanca La Silla) mare owned by Grant Road Partners LLC

• Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla., on Greya, a 2014 Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contessa) owned by Kent Farrington LLC, and Landon, a 2013 Zangersheide (Comilfo Plus Z x Indigo van de Muelenburg) gelding owned by Haity McNerney, and Myla, a 2015 Holsteiner (Crunch 3 x Dinara 1) mare owned by Haity McNerney, and Toulayna, a 2014 Warmblood mare (Toulon x Vuelta) owned by Rabbit Root Stables, LLC and Kent Farrington LLC.

• Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y., on Argan de Beliard, a 2010 Selle Français (Mylord Carthago x La Belle Normande) gelding owned by Chansonette Farm LLC; and Kick On, a 2014 Warmblood (Warrior x Sussex Caretino) stallion owned by Chansonette Farm LLC.

• Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., on Baloutinue, a 2010 Hanoverian (Balou du Rouet x Utika) gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm, and Bisquetta, a 2014 Zangersheide (Bisquet Blaou VD Mispelaere x I-Squalls Esta Ioletta) mare owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc., and Dorado 212, a 2013 Oldenburg (Diarado’s Boy x Stutbuch 1) gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm.

• Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla., on Garant, a 2011 KWPN (Warrant x C’est La Vie) gelding owned by Southern Arches, LLC.

• Jessica Springsteen of Los Angeles, Calif., on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, a 2009 Belgian Warmblood (Bamako de Muze x Diva VD Donkhoeve) stallion owned by Stone Hill Farm.

• Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla., on Carissimo 25, a 2013 Holsteiner (Cascadello I x T-Clintissima) gelding owned by Debbie Smith.

• McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.,, on Callas, a 2008 Holsteiner (Casall x Noblesse I) mare owned by Beechwood Stables LLC, and Contagious, a 2009 Deutches Sportpferd (Contagio x For Mary) gelding owned by Beechwood Stables LLC;.and Ilex, a 2013 KWPN (Baltic VDL x Calendula) gelding owned by Bonne Chance Farm, Gilberto Sayão da Silva and McLain Ward, and Quimi del Maset, a 2014 Spanish Sport Horse (Quasimodo Z x Increta del Maset) gelding owned by Sport Four USA LLC.

Riders and horses will compete in designated CSIO/CSI observation events, such as the League of Nations St. Gallen CSIO5*, May 30 to June 2; the League of Nations Rotterdam CSIO5*, June 19 to 23; and the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen CSIO5*, June 28 to July 7; as well as other CSIO/CSI events.

In the team competitions, the combinations will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

Final team selection will be announced by July 7, 2024.

All nominations to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Honorable Mention Pet photo (2)

Susan Wiseman of Boyertown, Pa., took this photo.

This is one of the deer that visit at my brothers house in Boyertown almost every evening," said Wiseman. "Sometimes I think they stop by to check-in on him! It is neat to watch the young ones grow. This is the first year the buck grew antlers, in the picture the antlers are still covered in the velvet coating."

pet deer antlers covered

Mount Harmon-Wicomico Point-to-Point features three exciting Timber Races (2)

EARLEVILLE, Md.--Mount Harmon-Wicomico Point-to-Point, the final meet of the Delaware Valley Point-to-Point season, has a three full fields of exciting

mt harmonTimber races that includes Pleasecallmeback, a winner over hurdles transitioning to timber, who is entered in the Ladies Timber.

Larry Levy's Pleasecallmeback, trained by Billy Meister and to be ridden by Virginia Korrell at Wicomico, was a winner on the flat at Gulfsteam and won over hurdles in a handicap at Charleston.

The first timber race, the $1,500 Maiden Timber, post time 1:30, has a field of five horses entered and should be a very competitive race.

Another winner over hurdles, Meadow Run Farm's Glencorrib Sky (Ire), trained by Kathy Neilson and to be ridden at Wicomico by Gerard Galligan, is also making the transition to timber and will start in the Maiden Timber..

Jet Setting Johnny (Ire), a steeplechase winner in Ireland, makes his first start in this country for 2023 Leading Trainer Leslie Young and will be ridden by Freddie Procter in the Maiden Timber.

In the Lady Timber, post time 2:00, along with Pleasecallmeback. the other three entries, Brave Deacon, trained by Joe Davies, Itsknownasthebern, trained by Meister, and City of Grace, are all making the transition to timber horses from doing well either on the flat or over hurdles.

The Open Timber, post time 2:30, includes Hey Teacher, twice second over hurdles, trained by Neilson and to be ridden by Galligan.

 

THERE WERE so many entries in the Amateur/Apprentice Jockey Flat race that it has been divided into three sections, two with seven entries and the third with eight entries.

The meet opens with pony races and Junior Masters Chases, beginning at 10:15.

The Mount Harmon-Wicomico is held on the Mount Harmon Plantation, a beautiful property that is well worth visiting.

 The Mount Harmon Plantation, one of Maryland’s most beautiful historic sites, is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and features a restored 18th century manor house, a formal boxwood garden and nature trails on 200 acres of pristine open space in a waterfront setting.

The racecourse features 11 inviting timber fences set on established turf and spectacular waterfront views.

Riders, trainers and horses at this meet will receive the final points towards the Delaware Valley championships.

 

 

Honorable Mention Pet photo (2)

Sue Davis sent this photo taken by Joanne Romanek of West Chester, Pa.

She said that this photo not photo-shopped.

"It was her Halloween costume," said Davis.

pet dog w. guitar

Previous Maryland Hunt Cup winners to have a rematch in this year's Hunt Cup (2)

REISTERSTOWN, Md.--Withoutmoreado, last year's Maryland Hunt Cup winner, and Vintage Vinnie, winner in both 2021 and 2022, are both aimed at this year's race on April 27.

Withoutmoreado 3rd Douglas LeesWithoutmoreado
VINTAGE VINNIE 22 WVintage Vinnie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with those two previous winners, the second placed horses from last year and 2022, Royal Ruse and Rocket Star Red, are also nominated to the Hunt Cup, as well as Good Old Times, third in 2022.

With those five horses, along with another eight nominated to the Hunt Cup, this year's edition may be one of the most exciting ever.

It may well come down to the condition of the turf in the four mile race that features the biggest timber fences in the world.

Withoutmoreado favors soft going, while Vintage Vinnie prefers hard going.

 

ARMATA STABLES' Vintage Vinnie, trained by Joe Davies, won by an extraordinary 96 lengths in 2021, ridden by Dan Nevin, and then won by 54 lengths in 2022, ridden by Teddy Davies.

Davies said that Vintage Vinnie had two strikes against him last year.

"Vinnie needs hard ground," said Davies."Plus, Teddy broke his collarbone before last year's race.so couldn't ride him.Vinnie never got the lead and never relaxed last year."

Vinnie tied and was pulled up after the 18t fence.

Vintage Vinnieis enteredin the Apprentice Rider Timer at My Lady's Manor on April 13 and Teddy will ride Vinnie both at the Manor and the Hunt Cup.

Davies, who for years has focused his stable'sattention on winning the Hunt cup, has five nominated to this year's race.

Kinross Ram's Blackhall (Ire), who fell at the 16th fence in last year's Hunt Cup, ridden by Theresa Dimfel,  will run in the second division of the Maiden Timeratthe Manor, ridden by Dimfel.

Davies has also entered three horses that would be first time starters in the Hunt Cup, Kinross Farm's Great Road, and Mr. Fine Threads and Our Friend, both owned by Armata Stables.

Great Road, Mr. Fine Threads and Our Friend will all run in the Grand National,, and Davies said those three, as well as Blackhall, would have to jump well to go to the Hunt Cup.

Neilson said Irv Naylor's Withoutmoreado would run in the Hunt Cup een if the ground was hard, but Conor Tierney, who has ridden the 10-year-old gelding throughout most of his career, sprained his ankle in a race in Virginia on April 6, is questionable for the Hunt Cup. Withoutmoreado prepped for the Hunt Cup with an easy run at Cheshire and a win over Shootist at Brandywine Hills.

Charlie Fenwick's Royal Ruse, trained by Sanna Neilson, was second in last year's Hunt Cup and was fourth in 2021.

Royal Ruse was second at Cheshire and will run in the $50,000 My Lady's Manor Stakes on April 13, ridden by Nevins.

Lucy Goelet's Rocket Star Red, trained by Mark Beecher, who himself won the Hunt Cup as a rider, was second in 2022 and third in 2021, but fell at the 13th last year.

Beecher also has nominated Armata Stables; Goodoldtimes (Ire) who was third in 2022 and lost his rider at the 11th fence last year.

Upland Partners' Shootist, trained by Mark Todd, tired and was pulled up after the 18th last year, andpreppedfor this year's rce with  close second to Withoutmoreado at Brandywine Hills.

Also nominated to this year's Hunt Cup are first time starters Awesome Adrian, trained by Neilson, Hafjay, trained by Richard Valentine, and Queen'sEmpire, trained by Jack Fisher.

 

 

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