2012 Washington International Horse Show Wrap Up – October 23-28, 2012

All six days of competition at WIHS were streamed live online at www.wihs.org. While numbers were impressive last year, they were unprecedented in 2012, with more than 180,000 views of the live stream.

WIHS would like to thank their sponsors, exhibitors, spectators, volunteers and staff for a wonderful 2012 show.

Eighteen-year-old U.S. Olympian Reed Kessler added yet another accolade to her impressive year with a win in the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, at the 54th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). A FEI World Cup Qualifier, Kessler topped an impressive list of international competitors aboard her phenomenal mare Cylana to win in her first time competing in the class. Brazil’s Paulo Santana and Taloubet finished second, while Australia’s Matt Williams and Watch Me VD Mangelaar were third.

Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, set the course for the week’s show jumping competition at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. D’Ambrosio set a great course for the Saturday night grand prix, which featured 28 international horses and riders. Nine entries were able to clear the first-round course without fault to advance to the jump-off, and only four of those were faultless through the short course.

Margie Engle (USA) and Indigo, owned by Griese, Garber, Hidden Creek and Gladwinds, cleared the jump-off course in 36.42 seconds to eventually finish fourth. Matt Williams (AUS) and Samantha Tuerk’s Watch Me VD Mangelaar improved on that time in 36.15 seconds to secure the third place honors. Brazil’s Paulo Santana and Taloubet were a full two seconds faster than Williams in 34.15 seconds to take the lead, but would have to settle for second. USA’s young show jumping sensation Reed Kessler was last to go in the jump-off and shaved another two seconds off of Santana’s time aboard Cylana to win the class in 32.62 seconds.

For their victory, Kessler and Cylana were presented with the President of the United States Perpetual Cup. As Leading Jumper Rider, an award sponsored by Robin Parsky, Kessler was also presented with the Margaret Chovnick Memorial Trophy and awarded a Rolex luxury timepiece from Tiny Jewel Box. Kessler’s parents, Teri and Murray Kessler, received a special award as the Leading Jumper Owner, sponsored by The Reid Family. Paulo Santana was named the Leading International Rider.

Reed Kessler has had an incredible year, competing as the youngest member in history for the U.S. Show Jumping Team at this summer’s Olympic Games in London. She can now add one of the nation’s most prestigious grand prix honors to her resume. Kessler was elated with the win, and praised Cylana on another great effort. The ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (by Skippy II x Darco) has become a superstar in her own right this year.

“This is one of the most historical classes in our country and it is my first year being old enough to do the grand prix,” Kessler noted. “Last year I was actually leading rider going into it and I wasn’t old enough to do it, so I really wanted to come back this year and seal the deal. I am thrilled; I brought the red coat for it and everything.”

Kessler has been competing at WIHS since she was a child on ponies and has had many wins throughout the years. “I can’t even count (how many years I’ve been coming to WIHS),” she laughed. “I think I was champion here in the small ponies when I was little, I did the equitation final, then junior jumpers for a bunch of years and then to be all the way to the President’s Cup now. It is one of my favorite shows. I have been coming here my whole life and I love being in the middle of the city.”

“There is a great interaction with the audience here,” Kessler said further. “Everyone gets really into it. Barn night is genius; they always get a huge turnout. There was quite literally a mile-long line of children asking for autographs after the Gambler’s Choice. It is a great show and the crowd gets really into it. I think it is probably one of the biggest turnouts at a show jumping event in America.”

Second place finisher Paulo Santana had great results with Taloubet this week and spoke about his round and the pressure of having Kessler, a known speedster, following him in the order. “I had to play a little with the risk. I was afraid to try and then have a rail really early,” he said. “I had to chase my points one by one and do a safe course, but that doesn’t mean that I would beat her. To win by two seconds in an indoor competition is a lot.”

Santana was very excited to qualify for WIHS this year and have the opportunity to compete for World Cup points. He praised the show as well. “For me it is one of the best, if not the best show in the United States,” he declared. “The best restaurants, hotels, the crowd, the footing; it makes everybody feel good.”

“I was on the waiting list, like lighting candles to get in,” Santana laughed. “Brazilian black magic! I hope next year I don’t have to do that. I found out that I got in between three and four weeks ago. It was really kind of the organizers, who called right away; we were first on the waiting list.”

Santana also acknowledged the great crew at WIHS. “We have to always appreciate what the crew does here; they work literally 24 hours,” he added. “We show up here at 3 o’clock in the morning and somebody is already dragging the arena. We know that probably this horse show costs much more than what it gets to be done, so we really appreciate the effort that the organizers put to keep doing this tradition in the capital, inside of the city. It makes a better display for our sport. It is very nice and I hope they never quit doing this show because it would be a very big loss for the sport here in the United States.”

Third place finisher, Matt Williams, added, “This show is amazing. You are so close to everything; you walk outside and the restaurants are right there. It is well-publicized, so people are coming in who know nothing about horses and learning about the sport. They have other things happening other than jumping to keep people entertained, which is nice for the riders as well, to watch some of the events that are happening here. It is nice to see something different. If you can cope with the warm-up ring, it is such a fantastic place to be in the center of the city. The arena is great, the grounds are great, the courses have been super all week and it is a privilege to be here.”

“I thought the class developed beautifully; I was not surprised to see riders on fast horses figure out a way to be a bit faster than the horse before them,” said course designer Anthony d’Ambrosio. “It’s what they do and they take calculated risks, but certainly know what they have to do to win. Having a good animal that can make the adjustments necessary to be faster, they often times come through. I think it just unfolded in a very nice way this evening where it had a chance to develop to be very nice for the crowd. You didn’t have to have ever seen horses jump before to appreciate a competition like that I think, and those who know show jumping could also appreciate it very much.”

Highlights – Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship was the opening class of the evening session on Tuesday with 29 entries competing. J.P. Godard, of Aiken, SC, set the course and the top 12 entries from round one returned for a second round over fences.

Coming out on top, Madison Goetzmann, of Skaneateles, NY, earned scores of 76 and 82 for a combined total of 158 aboard Sirius Black, owned by Christina Gellos. For the win, the pair was awarded the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Fen.

Catherine Rodda guided her horse Weekend Affair to second place honors with scores of 82 and 73 for a 155 total. Third place was awarded to Emma Fass and Son of a Sailor with a 154 point score (83 and 71.5).

The $10,000 WIHS Adult Amateur Hunter Championship concluded day one at the 2012 WIHS with 31 entries showing over the first round course. The top twelve were brought back and Amy Zettler, of Aldie, VA, rode her horse Glad Rags to the championship with scores of 79 and 82 for a 161 point total.

Kathryn Clapp was awarded the second place prize aboard The Barracks’ Donnerkind with scores of 77 and 75 for a two-round total of 152. Laurie Barna and Laguna led the first round with a score of 81 and then earned a 70.5 in round two to finish third with a 151.5 point total.

Earlier on Tuesday, the professional hunter divisions completed their first day of competition at Verizon Center. The Robotyping Challenge Trophy was presented to Tom Brennan and Gramercy Park, owned by Lynn Ellen Rice, for the best Green Working Hunter round of the day. Brennan and Gramercy Park scored an 86 to win the trophy as the overall winner of classes 22 and 32 as a First Year Green Working Hunter.

The Fairfax Hunt Race Association Challenge Trophy was awarded to Scott Stewart and Enjoy, owned by Rose Hill Farm, for the best Green Working Hunter handy round. The pair had a high score of 87 as the overall winner of classes 23 and 33, also a First Year horse.

Highlights – Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Day two of the 2012 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) featured the presentation of championship honors in the professional and amateur-owner hunter divisions at Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C. This year’s professional World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Scott Stewart continued his winning season with multiple division tricolors, the overall Grand Hunter Championship aboard Rose Hill Farm’s Enjoy, and the award for Leading Hunter Rider among his many accolades in the first two days of competition.

Wesley Newlands and Daryl Portela earned the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championships. The $10,000 Children’s and Adult Jumper Championships and the first $10,000 Open Jumper speed class were featured during the evening session with Nina Montross, Ericka Caslin, and Aaron Vale coming away with wins.

Scott Stewart kicked off the day by winning the High Performance Working Hunter championship aboard Alexandra Crown’s Garfield. Stewart and Garfield earned two blue ribbons over fences and placed third under saddle to be awarded The “NOT ALWAYS” Challenge Trophy, donated by Miss Peggy Steinman.

The High Performance reserve championship was presented to Dr. Betsee Parker’s Rosalynn with Hunt Tosh in the irons. The pair won the under saddle and earned two second place ribbons over fences. Rosalynn was also awarded the special Protocol Trophy as the overall High Point High Performance Working Hunter from the Devon Horse Show, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Washington International Horse Show.

Stewart continued to win throughout the day, also taking home the Green Conformation Hunter championship aboard Fashion Farm’s Beholden with first and second place ribbons over fences and wins in both the under saddle and the model. The duo was awarded The Valiant Hark Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Mrs. Stephen J. Clark.

Gramercy Park, owned by Lynn Ellen Rice and ridden by Tom Brennan, placed first, second and sixth over fences and fourth under saddle to finish in reserve.

Brennan and Gramercy Park were also reserve champions in the First Year Green Working Hunters with two first place ribbons over fences and a fifth place under saddle. With two reserve championships in a row, Gramercy Park’s owner Lynn Ellen Rice was presented with the show’s Leading Hunter Owner Award, sponsored by The Reid Family.

As the day went on, the First Year Green Working Hunter championship went to Stewart and Rose Hill Farm’s Enjoy, who placed first, second and second over fences and also earned the second place ribbon under saddle. In addition to the division win, Enjoy was presented The Claire Lang Miller Challenge Trophy as the show’s Grand Green Working Hunter Champion, as well as The Rave Review Challenge Trophy, donated by Stoney Hill, as the overall Grand Hunter Champion.
Stewart was then honored with the Leading Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by The Gochman Family.

For the win, Stewart was presented with The Robert Coluccio Leading Hunter Rider Perpetual Trophy as well as a beautiful Rolex Luxury Timepiece, courtesy of Tiny Jewel Box, which he also took home last year. This was Stewart’s seventh time earning the leading rider title at WIHS in his illustrious professional career.

In addition to the championship wins, Stewart was reserve champion in the Regular Conformation Hunter and Second Year Green Working Hunter divisions with horses Showman and Dedication respectively. Stewart was beat out in both of those divisions by fellow top hunter rider Peter Pletcher.

In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Pletcher guided Becky Gochman’s Sambalino to the championship honors and was presented with The Mary Farren Perpetual Trophy. Sambalino placed first and fourth over fences and won both the under saddle and the model. Stewart and Krista and Alexa Weisman’s Showman finished in reserve, placing first and second over fences and second in both the under saddle and model.

In the Second Year Green Working Hunter championship, Pletcher and Becky Gochman’s Empire were the winners with Stewart and Fashion Farm’s Dedication in reserve. Empire won two classes over fences and Dedication won one class over fences and topped the under saddle. Although both horses finished with the same number of points overall, Empire’s points over fences took top honors.

In addition to the reserve award, Stewart and Dedication were presented with The Windy Acres Challenge Trophy earlier in the morning. The trophy, donated by Mr. James O. Pease, is awarded to the overall winner of classes 24 and 34 for the best Green Working Hunter stake round. Stewart and Dedication’s high score of 90 in the Second Year Green Working Hunter Stake was the best of the day.

The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions concluded their second day of competition on Wednesday and awarded championship honors as well. The Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” championship, sponsored by The Davis Family, was awarded to Wesley Newlands, of Toronto, ON, aboard Pure Abundance. The pair earned the Frank Counselman Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by Friends of Frank Counselman. Newlands was also awarded the Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter Rider Award for the 3’6” level.

They were the champions of the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35 division after placing first, second and fourth over fences and winning the under saddle. Jazz Johnson Merton and James Johnson’s Kingston finished in reserve with two blue ribbons over fences and a sixth place under saddle.

Newlands has owned Pure Abundance, an eleven-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Acord II, for five years. The pair has shown at WIHS three times and this was their first championship win as well as her first leading rider title.

In the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Over 35, Katie Robinson and Rock Steady, owned by KJ Robinson LLC, earned the division championship. The pair placed first and fourth over fences and first under saddle. Becky Gochman and Sambalino earned two blue ribbons over fences and finished fifth under saddle to earn the reserve championship. Gochman and Sambalino were also awarded The Shari Hollis Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by the Late Col. J.B. Hollis and Ms. Jeannie Hollis, which is presented to the overall winner of classes 54 and 64 in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” stake rounds for their high score of 87.

As the day continued, it was a clean sweep for Daryl Portela and James B. Pirtle Ent., Inc.’s Winner in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Over 35 division. The pair won all three jumping classes and the under saddle, were awarded the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Championship, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Earnest M. Oare, and Portela was named the Leading Amateur-Owner Hunter Rider for the 3’3” division overall. The pair also earned the Best Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Stake Round presented to the overall winner of class 74 and 84 with a high score of 86.

The Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” Over 35 reserve champion was Castlekeep, owned by Richard Prant and ridden by Nancy Hooker. Castlekeep and Hooker placed second, third and fourth over fences.

In the Amateur-Owner Working Hunter 3’3” 18-35 championship, Amanda Hone and Instantaneous were the victors with Chelsea Ireland and Surely in reserve. Hone and Instantaneous finished first in two classes over fences and third under saddle. Ireland and Surely won the under saddle and one class over fences.

The jumpers took to the arena for the first time on Wednesday with children’s, adult and open jumper classes. Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, is the course designer for the week.

The $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship was the first jumper class to be held with an exciting win for 14-year-old Nina Montross, of Bedford, NY, aboard Caprifol. two entries showed in the first round of the children’s championship, and eleven jumped clear to advance to the jump-off. Montross and Caprifol, owned by Palm Meadow Farm LLC, completed the only double clear round to earn the victory in 26.456 seconds, which was also the fastest round. For the win, the pair was presented with The H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Fen.
Second place went to Devon Monroe aboard Shinkansen with four faults in 27.430 seconds in the jump-off. The third place prize was awarded to Michael Mahoney and Remonta Haron with four faults in 27.970 seconds.

The $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship was held next in the evening session and the win went to Ericka Caslin, of Parkville, MD, riding Rioletto last in the jump-off. Twenty-seven entries jumped in the first round and nine went clear to jump-off. Only four were able to jump double clear through the short course, and Caslin and Rioletto had the fastest time of 30.945 seconds to win The Dorothy Foote “Goodie” Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill.

Second place went to Haley Schaufeld and Ana Sia with a clear jump-off round in 31.572 seconds. Third place went to Hannah Murrin and Valentina, jumping clear in 33.758 seconds. Chiara Parlagreco and Belle Grey Farm LLC’s Chacca Blue completed the other clear jump-off round in 36.232 seconds to finish fourth.

The day’s competition concluded with a $10,000 Open Jumper 1.45m speed class and a win for Aaron Vale (USA) and Palm Sunday, owned by Amen Corner Farm. The pair had the fastest of 11 clear rounds in 49.29 seconds out of 39 competitors. Tim Gredley (GBR) and Unex Competition Yard Ltd.’s Unex Valvente stopped the clock in 49.70 seconds to finish second. Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Stone Hill Farm’s Temmie earned the third place prize with their time of 49.91 seconds.
Highlights – Thursday, October 25, 2012

2012 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) continued on Thursday with the first day of classes for the Junior Hunters and several International Open Jumper and Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper classes at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

The course designer for the jumpers at WIHS this year is Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY. The International Open Jumpers had two classes on Thursday, and Brianne Goutal, of New York, NY, rode Remarkable Farms LP’s Onira to victory in the $32,000 International Open Jumper jump-off class. Reed Kessler jumped Ligist to the high score in the $20,000 International Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume class. Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers competed as well with a win for Michael Hughes and Red Hot in the Low division and Meagan Nusz and Vesuvius in the High division.
Thursday was also the always popular “Barn Night,” presented by Dover Saddlery and media partner The Equiery.

There were 28 entries in the $32,000 International Open Jumper time first jump-off class, sponsored by AAA Equestrian LLC. Nine entries were able to navigate a clear first round and advanced to the jump-off. Five jumped the short course without fault and the win went to Brianne Goutal and Onira, last to go, with a time of 29.06 seconds.
For the win, Goutal and Onira were presented with The Ben O’Meara Memorial Challenge Trophy.

Paulo Santana (BRA) and Taloubet completed the first clear jump-off round in 32.08 seconds to finish in fourth place. Christine McCrea (USA) went clear in 29.83 seconds aboard Candy Tribble & Windsor Show Stables’ Wannick WH to place third. Reed Kessler (USA) upped the pace to 29.63 seconds aboard Cylana to eventually finish second. Tim Gredley (GBR) and Unex Competition Yard Ltd.’s Unex Timo IV also jumped clear, and their time of 34.94 seconds placed fifth. The final entry, Brianne Goutal completed the fastest clear round with Onira for the win. Laura Kraut (USA) actually had the fastest time of the jump-off in 28.33 seconds aboard Hi Hopes Farm LLC’s Teirra, but a tough rail at the last jump placed the pair in sixth.

The $20,000 International Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, sponsored by Hollow Creek Farm, is always an exciting event at WIHS, especially with Barn Night and thousands of young fans cheering on the riders. In Thursday night’s class, 18-year-old Reed Kessler, of Lexington, KY, jumped to victory aboard Ligist. The duo earned 860 points over the course and jumped clean over the Joker fence for an additional 200 points. Their 1060 total was the winning score.

Kessler was presented with the Crown Royal Trophy, donated by Crown Royal, as the winning rider, while Ligist, a 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Levantos II x Robin Z, won The Sue Ann Geisler Memorial Trophy, donated by the Washington International Horse Show, as the winning horse.

Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts rode Stal De Kalvarie’s Deibrich De Kalvarie to second place with 980 points dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario Bros. Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam scored 940 points aboard Sweet Oak Farm’s Solerina dressed as a hot dog and finished third.

Sixteen-year-old Michael Hughes, of Allendale, NJ, claimed the win in Thursday’s $2,500 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper jump-off class, sponsored by North Star. Twenty-three entries showed in the class, with nine advancing to the jump-off. Hughes and Drumnacross Farm Ltd.’s Red Hot had the fastest of six double clear rounds in 30.543 seconds for the win and were presented with the Beagle Brook Farm Perpetual Trophy.

Anna Cardelfe and Sorensen Stables’ Wenda AK finished in second place after setting the pace in the jump-off at 31.160 seconds. Nicole Lakin and Theodoor finished third in 31.246 seconds.

The $5,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper jump-off class, sponsored by Oasis Petroleum, was held during the evening session with a repeat victory for Meagan Nusz, of The Woodlands, TX. Last year, Nusz won the class riding Banana D’Ive Z, and this year she piloted Amalaya Investments’ Vesuvius to victory.

Twenty-three horse and rider combinations contested the class with five entries making it to the jump-off. Chloe Reid and Damascus were first to jump off and went clear in 31.900 seconds over the short course to eventually finish second. Charlotte Jacobs and Deeridge Farms’ Kachina also cleared the course and stopped the clock in 31.971 seconds to earn fourth place. Victoria Colvin and Monsieur Du Reverdy were faster, but had a rail in 30.920 seconds to finish fifth. Gabrielle Bausano went next and cleared the course in 31.957 seconds aboard Ubico H to place third. Last to go, Meagan Nusz and Vesuvius stole the lead, racing through the course in 29.509 seconds for the win.

Nusz is 25 years old and trains with show jumper Kent Farrington. Her horse, Vesuvius, is a ten-year-old KWPN gelding by Numero Uno x Expert. The pair was awarded The “Footloose” Perpetual Trophy in remembrance of Ruth Ellen Wilmot, donated by The Curtin Family, for their win tonight.

Highlights – Friday, October 26, 2012

The 54th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) continued on Friday, October 26, with a full day of hunter, jumper and equitation competition at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The $25,000 Open Jumper Puissance was the highlight class of the evening with a win for 19-year-old Belgian rider Olivier Philippaerts and Chicago VH Moleneind.

Nick Dello Joio and Lauren Hough each had wins in the Open Jumpers, Emanuel Andrade and Charlotte Jacobs triumphed in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and Michael Hughes took the early lead in the WIHS Equitation Classic Hunter Phase. Good Times and Ailish Cunniffe earned the Grand Junior Hunter Championship and Hasbrouck Donovan was Best Child Rider on a Horse for 2012.

Anthony D’Ambrosio set the wall for the evening’s $25,000 Puissance at 5’9” (1.75m) in height for the first round and continued through four rounds up to seven feet (2.13m). The Armed Forces Cup, sponsored by The Boeing Company, was awarded to Olivier Philippaerts and Chicago VH Moleneind for clearing the seven-foot wall in the final round. Olivier also accepted The Congressman’s Challenge Trophy, donated by the Late Honorable Rogers C.B. Morton and the Late Honorable F. Robert Watkins, on behalf of his father, Ludo Philippaerts, as the owner of the winning horse.

Six entries began the class, all clearing the wall at 5’9” (1.75m) and continuing on to attempt 6’3” (1.90m) in height. Benjamin Meredith (AUS) brought the blocks down in round two riding Kaskade, owned by Haley Schaufeld, to finish in sixth place. The remaining five riders all continued on to a third round where the wall was built up to 6’9” (2.01m). In round three, Charlie Jayne (USA) and Pony Lane Farm’s Balougris SL Z, Laura Kraut (USA) and Beverly Widdowson’s Belmont, and Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Stone Hill Farm’s Temmie were all unable to clear the height and finished in a tie for third place.

Philippaerts and Chicago, and Aaron Vale (USA) aboard Wodka L, owned by Thinks like a Horse, continued on to the fourth round to jump the wall at seven feet (2.13m). Chicago was the only horse to clear the imposing obstacle.

Chicago VH Moleneind is a ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Kashmir Van Schutterhof x Darco. After his win, Philippaerts explained that this was the first time that either horse or rider has jumped in a Puissance class, and 2.13m was their biggest height.

Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala were the winners in the $32,000 International Open Jumper 1.50m faults converted class, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, as part of the evening competition on Friday. Nineteen entries jumped the course, and Hough and Ohlala cleared the obstacles in a blazing fast time of 46.82 seconds for the win.

Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Stal de Kalvarie’s Diebrich de Kalvarie cleared the course just a fraction behind in 46.88 seconds to place second. Kent Farrington (USA) and Haity McNerney’s Zafira jumped clear in 46.90 seconds for the third place prize.

Nick Dello Joio (USA) rode Wembley Farms, Inc.’s Zemilion to victory in the $10,000 International Open Jumper 1.40m faults converted class, sponsored by Louisburg Farm, earlier in the day. Last to go out of 14 entries, Dello Joio and Zemilion jumped fast and clear to finish on 52.06 seconds. For the win, they were presented the General Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by the late Arthur J. Morris.

Aaron Vale (USA) and Wodka L, owned by Thinks Like a Horse, finished clear with a time of 52.23 seconds to place second. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Sweet Oak Farm’s Solerina cleared the course in 52.33 seconds to earn the third place prize.

Charlotte Jacobs, of East Aurora, NY, piloted Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables’ Promised Land to victory in Friday’s High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class, sponsored by Oasis Petroleum. Twenty-three entries showed, with six jumping the course without fault while racing against the clock. Jacobs and Promised Land had the fastest clear round in 52.358 seconds for the win and earned The Cover Story Perpetual Trophy, donated by Rolling Acres Farm.

Thursday’s winners, Meagan Nusz and Vesuvius, owned by Amalaya Investments, finished second in 53.092 seconds. Jacobs also took home the third place prize riding Deeridge Farms’ Kachina. They were through the timers in 53.505 seconds.

The Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class, sponsored by North Star, was the first jumper class of the day with a win for Emanuel Andrade of Venezuela and Hollow Creek Farm’s Casanova Junior. Twenty-three entries showed and six cleared the course without fault. Andrade’s time of 57.527 seconds earned top prize along with The Eleanor White O’Leary Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill. Aleesha Melwani jumped a clear round with Thunder-Ball, owned by Mountain Home Stables, in 60.500 seconds to place second. Wednesday’s jump-off winners, Michael Hughes and Drumnacross Farm Ltd.’s Red Hot, were third in 60.610 seconds.

The Junior Hunter divisions concluded their second day of competition on Friday morning with the presentation of championship awards at WIHS. Fifteen-year-old Ailish Cunniffe, of South Salem, NY, and Whipstick Farm Ltd.’s Good Times were awarded the Grand Junior Hunter Championship, sponsored by Roseknoll Sporthorse and Victoria Holstein-Childress. Cunniffe and Good Times were presented The Ides of March Perpetual Trophy, donated by Linda Lee and Lee Reynolds.

The pair earned the championship and the grand prize in the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division after placing first, first and second over fences and second under saddle. Victoria Colvin was reserve champion in the division aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s Ovation, placing first and second over fences and winning under saddle.

Cunniffe trains with her mom and dad, Bonnie and Frank Cunniffe, as well as Missy Clark and John Brennan in the equitation. She has owned Good Times, a ten-year-old Warmblood gelding, for two years.

Continuing the morning’s competition, the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division awarded championship and reserve honors to Hasbrouck Donovan, of Gainesville, FL. Donovan was champion with Stephanie Keen’s Lyle, placing , first and third over fences. Donovan rode Don Stewart’s Confidential to the reserve championship after winning the under saddle and placing second and third over fences.

Along with the division tricolors, Hasbrouck Donovan earned the prestigious DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy as Best Child Rider on a Horse. The award was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Crown; the trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia. This was Donovan’s second time winning the award, also taking the title in 2009.

The Large Junior Hunter 16-17, sponsored by Chansonette Farm, awarded championship honors to Mahala Rummell’s Charade and Ashley Foster, of Brookeville, MD. The pair was awarded The Chance Step Perpetual Trophy, donated by Brooke Carmichael McMurray- Fowler and Pam Carmichael Keenan, after placing first, second and second over fences. Hasbrouck Donovan guided Wagner to the reserve tricolor with first and fourth place ribbons over fences and second under saddle.

Dr. Betsee Parker’s Inclusive and Victoria Colvin, of Loxahatchee, FL, earned the championship in the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division with a clean sweep of blue ribbons over fences. Happenstance and Bergen Sanderford, of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, earned the reserve honors after winning the under saddle and placing second and third over fences.

Inclusive and Colvin were also presented with The Lyrik Challenge Trophy, donated by Ashley and Courtney Kennedy, for the best Junior Hunter Stake Round with a high score of 88.Sanderford earned the Georgetown Trophy as the high-score junior hunter owner-rider with a score of 87 in the first class over fences.

In addition to Junior Hunter championships, WIHS hosted the hunter phase of the WIHS Equitation Classic on Friday morning with an early lead for Michael Hughes, of Morriston, FL. Hughes rode Oban, owned by Missy Clark and North Run, to the high score of 89.83 out of 40 competitors. Elizabeth Benson, of Whitehouse Station, NJ, sits close in second with an 89.33 riding San Remo VDL. Jacob Pope, of Owings Mills, MD, is in the third position with a score of 88 aboard Madeline Turner’s Uno. Rounding out the top ten hunter scores are Meg O’Mara, Hasbrouck Donovan, Kristen Lutz, Victoria Colvin, Shawn Casady, Megan MacPherson, and Gabrielle Bausano.
Highlights – Saturday, October 27, 2012

The
2012 WIHS Equitation Finals concluded on Saturday evening with an exciting win for 18-year-old Elizabeth Benson of Whitehouse Station, NJ. Benson rode San Remo VDL, a twelve-year-old Latvian Warmblood gelding by Sudanas, through the first two phases of competition, finishing with a score of 89.33 in the hunter phase and a 91.17 point total in the jumper phase.

Returning for the final work-off sitting in first place overall, Benson’s ride aboard Catherine Tyree’s mount Patrick scored a 90.33, giving her a three round total of 270.832 for the win. The judges for the class were Todd Karn, of Fayetteville, NY, Jimmy Clapperton, of Savannah, GA, Alison Robitaille, of Upperville, VA, Ralph Caristo, of Saugerties, NY, Lauren Hough of Wellington, FL, and Scott Williamson of Wellington, FL.

Benson earned the victory over Hasbrouck Donovan, of Gainesville, FL, who totaled 267.833 with scores of 87.33, 89.50, and 91.00. Donovan rode Don Stewart and Derbypie LLC’s Drake in the hunter/jumper rounds and then piloted Benson’s mount San Remo VDL in the final work-off.

Third place went to Jacob Pope, of Owings Mills, MD, with a three round total of 263.082. Pope rode Madeline Turner’s Uno to scores of 88 and 84.42 in the first two rounds. His ride in the final work-off aboard Sarah Milliren’s mount Alando, owned by Devney Hoft, scored a 90.67.

This was Elizabeth Benson’s second time competing in the WIHS Equitation Finals after placing third in the competition last year. This year she stepped up to the plate to secure the title.

Benson was presented The WIHS Equitation Classic Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ralph Ours, III and a pair of custom chaps provided by Journeymen Saddlers, Ltd. San Remo VDL was awarded The Lugano Memorial Trophy donated by Stoney Hill as the winning horse of the night.  Championship coolers were sponsored by Mrs. Margaret Hamilton Duprey.

The $10,000 Ambassador’s Cup High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Oasis Petroleum, saw a win for 13-year-old Katherine Strauss, of Southampton, NY, riding Chellando Z.

Twenty entries showed in the class with seven advancing to the jump-off. Three entries completed the short course without fault, and Katherine Strauss and Chellando Z set the pace at 33.344 seconds to win the Ambassador’s Cup Perpetual Trophy, donated by Ambassador and Mrs. Marion H. Smoak.

Gabrielle Bausano and Ubico H finished in 33.573 seconds to place second. Ashley Foster and RAF LLC’s Indy placed third in 33.586 seconds.

The High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper champion, sponsored by Oasis Petroleum, was Amalaya Investments’ Vesuvius and Meagan Nusz. They were awarded the Greenberg Challenge Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Hermen Greenberg. Strauss and Chellando Z were reserve champions. The Shalanno Style of Riding Award was given to Charlotte Jacobs, of East Aurora, NY.

In the $5,000 Senator’s Cup Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, sponsored by North Star, sixteen-year-old Michael Hughes, of Allendale, NJ, had a repeat victory from last year riding Drumnacross Farm Ltd.’s Red Hot.

Twenty-two entries showed in the class, with nine advancing to the jump-off. Hughes and Red Hot had the fastest of five double clear rounds through the short course in 30.658 seconds. For their win, the pair was presented with the Swan Lake Perpetual Trophy donated by Beagle Brook Farm in honor of the 1992 winner Swan Lake, ridden by Jennifer F. Miller.

Venezuelan rider Emanuel Andrade finished second in 31.072 seconds aboard Hollow Creek Farm’s Casanova Junior.  Reed Patton had two horses in the jump-off and finished third aboard Tissem in 32.745 seconds and fourth aboard Von Dutch in 35.204 seconds. Lillie Keenan also had two rides in the jump-off and took a fall from her first mount, but returned to earn the fifth place honors aboard Abigail Wexner’s Zycarla Z with a clear jump-off round in 35.204 seconds.

The Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship, sponsored by North Star, went to Hughes and Red Hot. They won the Foxbrook Perpetual Trophy in honor of Space Citation, donated by Joy Slater. Andrade and Casanova Junior were the reserve champions.

Highlights – Sunday, October 28, 2012

The 54th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) concluded competition at Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 28, with the presentation of championship awards in the pony hunter divisions. Twelve-year-old Daisy Farish, of Versailles, KY, earned the coveted Grand Pony Hunter Championship aboard Bibby Hill’s Sassafras Creek after topping the Medium Pony hunter division. Twelve-year-old Emma Kurtz, of Hudson, OH, was named Best Child Rider on a Pony after winning the Small Pony Hunter division with Bill Schaub’s Hillcrest Blue Halo.

The WIHS Pony Equitation Finals were also held in the afternoon with a win for Lucy Deslauriers. The WIHS Regional Finals concluded the day with a win and champfor Devin Vega and Chelsea Director.

Daisy Farish rode Sassafras Creek, a 13-year-old Welsh Pony Cross mare, to championship honors in the Medium Pony Hunters to receive The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy, donated by Evan Coluccio and Ashmont Farms, Ltd.
and Sassafras Creek won all three classes over fences. Francesca Dildabanian and Laugh Out Loud earned the reserve honors with second and third place ribbons over fences and fourth place under saddle.

Farish and ‘Sassy’ were then presented with The Miles River Moonglow Perpetual Trophy, donated by Scott Novick and Rustic Woods, for the Grand Pony Hunter Championship. They were also awarded a special prize for their high score of 86 in the stake class.

Emma Kurtz rode Hillcrest Blue Halo to championship honors in the Small Pony Hunter division to be awarded The Stombock Saddlery Challenge Trophy, donated by Stombock Saddlery, in memory of E.P. (Bud) Stombock. Kurtz and Hillcrest Blue Halo won two classes over fences. Sophie Gochman rode David Gochman’s Weebiscuit to reserve with first, second and sixth place ribbons over fences. Gochman also earned the Potomac Trophy High Score Junior Hunter Rider on a Pony award for her 87 point round in the small pony handy class.

Kurtz was presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Pony, sponsored by The Chungunco Family, and presented with The Captain V.S. Littauer Perpetual Trophy donated by Hugh J.B. Cassidy III, Mrs. William Dillon and Miss Marion Lee.Kurtz does not have a pony of her own, but catch rode three ponies this weekend. Her top mount, Hillcrest Blue Halo, is a pony that Kurtz had never ridden before. She is a nine-year-old Welsh pony mare by From Me to You.

The final championship of the morning was in the Large Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Rose Hill Farm. Bergen Sanderford, of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, rode Katie Dinan LLC’s Keep Dreamin’ to top honors and The Pegasus Stable Perpetual Trophy, donated by Ms. Fenwick Kollock.  The pair placed first in two classes over fences. Ali Tritschler and Dreamland, owned by Linda Evans, finished in reserve after placing first and second over fences and fifth under saddle.

Later in the afternoon, young riders competed in the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals with a win for 13-year-old Lucy Deslauriers, of New York, NY, aboard GC Ponies’ Center Field. Deslauriers was presented The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by the friend and students of Mrs. Jane Marshall Dillon. She scored an 87 over fences and came out on top after the work-off under saddle. Charlise Casas finished second with a score of 81, Ericka Koscinski was third with a 77, and Daisy Farish placed fourth with a score of 75.

Concluding the week of competition at the 2012 WIHS were the regional hunter championships. The WIHS Regional Pony Hunter champion and Finals winner was 12-year-old Devin Vega, of Middletown, DE, riding Kimi Hochstein’s Loafers Lodge Darling Edwin. Vega and ‘Edwin’ received The Liseter Clever Star Perpetual Trophy, donated by Dr. Betsee Parker, who was also the sponsor of the division. The reserve champion was Pret-a-Porter and Brooke Van Nortwick.

In their final class today, Vega and Edwin earned the winning score of 85 to take the championship. Second place in the final went to Linda Foster’s Swizzlestick and Emma Hess, who scored an 84. Third place went to Dr. Betsee Parker’s Liseter Clever Star, ridden by Lydia Davidson.

The WIHS Regional Hunter Horse Finals immediately followed with a championship win for 14-year-old Mary Elizabeth Cordia, of Alexandria, VA, and Welcome. Cordia was awarded The Black, Starr and Frost Perpetual Trophy donated by Black, Starr and Frost. Reserve went to Be Eme Diablo, owned by Streett Moore and ridden by Alexis Ancel.

Urban and Chelsea Director, of Potomac, MD, won Sunday’s final class with a high score of 83. Be Eme Diablo and Alexis Ancel scored an 81 for second place, and Mary Elizabeth Cordia finished in third with a score of 77 aboard Welcome.

The Regional Hunter and Pony Equitation champions were awarded a pair of custom chaps by Journeymen Saddlers, Ltd.

For full results and more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

About The Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org):

An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show and the pinnacle of the equestrian year with leading riders, including Olympic medalists, and fabulous horses. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Highlights include the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, the Puissance high-jump competition; and WIHS Equitation Classic Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities will round out this family-friendly event.

Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington, DC, institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Photo copyright Lauren Fisher/Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.