Summer in the Rockies VI Wrap-Up: July 17-21 at the Colorado Horse Park

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Eternal. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

The first horse appeared promptly at 4 p.m. to tackle international course designer Danny Foster’s course, a big and winding course that tested the maintenance of pace around turns, lengthening in forward lines and shortening in tight combinations.

It wasn’t until six rounds in that Kristen VanderVeen from St Charles, IL, produced the first clear round aboard Bull Run’s Eternal. Five rounds later, John Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Chianto were fault-free, followed by Madeline Thatcher aboard Pony Lane Farm’s Splendor. Then, Caitlin Hope and Total Touch, owned by Kathleen Hope, also went clear. Armando Hassey and Taggert Enterprises LLC’s Eminem put in what appeared to be a beautiful faultless round, but ¼ of a second over the time allowed cost them one fault.

Several rounds later, Alex Granato and Gangsta put in a clear effort, followed by Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride, and finally John Pearce and Son of a Gun. All together, seven horse and rider combinations met Foster’s challenge and progressed to the jump-off round.

VanderVeen was the first to return for the short course with Bull Run’s Eternal. She delivered a flawless, clean round and tripped the timer at 40.035 seconds. Next, Pearce and Chianto had two down but a very fast time of 36.85. Thatcher lost a stirrup when Splendor knocked down a rail in their jump-off round and performed the majority of the round without her stirrup, ending up in fifth. Hope and Total Touch had a rail then some trouble at an oxer near the in-gate, which landed them in seventh place.

Granato and Gangsta managed the double clear in a time of 41.170, putting them in second place. Then Cudmore and Southern Pride were clean with 41.318, placing them in third.

Last to go in the jump-off round, Pearce and Son of a Gun attempted to come in clean and best VanderVeen’s time, but the pair had a rail and with a time of 42.069 ended up in fourth place.

VanderVeen had the win, her third grand prix win of the circuit. She had captured the top honors in the Summer in the Rockies II Grand Prix, presented by Littleton Equine Medical Center and Platinum Performance, and the $40,000 Holiday Inn of Parker Grand Prix during Summer in the Rockies V.

In addition, VanderVeen had won the 2012 $50,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix and the 2011 $50,000 Summer in the Rockies Grand Prix.

JUMPER HIGHLIGHTS

$10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Classic – Sunday

On the final day of the Summer in the Rockies six-week circuit, the featured classes in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena at the Colorado Horse Park included the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Classic and the $5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Classic.

Brooke Cudmore and Shea. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

FEI course designer and former Canadian Show Jumping Team member Danny Foster designed the courses for the final week of the Summer in the Rockies circuit. He created championship courses that tested riders in the first round. Progressing to the jump-off round was an accomplishment that required skill and an extremely rideable horse.

In the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Classic, 23 horse and rider combinations attempted clean trips in the first round. Nine passed the test and returned for the short course.

Of the nine, only two went double clear, 19-year-old Brooke Cudmore and 16-year-old Hannah Holik. Cudmore and Karen Cudmore’s Shea had the second jump-off round of the class and stopped the timer at 39.664 seconds, which would remain the fastest time. Holik and Morgan Hill Partners’ Cupido de Laubry completed their short course in 39.869, putting them in second place.

$5,000 North American League Low Junior/Amateur Classic – Sunday

In the North American League (NAL) Low Junior/Amateur Owner class, 37 entries tried to execute flawless first rounds and 12 succeeded. The first pair to deliver double clear rounds was Haley Griffis and Cici’s Angel with a time of 39.272. Then Hannah Holik and Santiago went clean in the short course and bested Griffis’ time with a 38.653.

Next, Caitlin Boyle and Carus Z beat Holik’s time with a 38.166, putting them in first place. Madeline Thatcher was next to accomplish a clean first round. Their jump-off round was fault-free, blazing fast and timed out at 36.871 to earn them the win of the class.

$2,500 Open Jumper 1.3m and $2,500 Open Jumper 1.4m – Friday

In the 1.30m Open Jumpers, seven of the 13 horse and rider combinations that took on Danny Foster’s course progressed to the jump-off round. Haylie Jayne aboard Dolce Vita, owned by Pony Lane Farm, were the first in the order. The pair progressed to the jump-off round, where they were clean with a time of 38.958 seconds.

Kelsey Thatcher and Balougris SL Z. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

 

Jayne held on to the lead until Andrew Kocher and Cricket, owned by Lance Williamson, had a clear first round, then delivered a fault-free jump-off round to trip the timer at 36.971. Last to go in the order, Kelsey Thatcher and Balougris SL Z, owned by Pony Lane Farm, put in a double clear effort. Their jump-off round took full advantage of the short course’s timesaving options and the pair bested Kocher with a time of 36.971. When Thatcher and Balougris SL Z, known as Balou in the barn, left the ring, Thatcher was beaming.

Foster’s tough course for the $2,500 1.40m Open Jumpers produced only one double clear round, from Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Holy Smokes, one of the latest additions to the impressive string of Bull Run Jumpers.

$15,000 McElvain Energy Welcome Stake – Thursday

The $15,000 McElvain Energy Welcome Stake was the highlight of the day on Thursday. The Colorado Horse Park’s scenic views of distant mountains paired with blue skies and gentle breezes set the stage for an ideal day of show jumping competition.

Danny Foster built a large, challenging course appropriate for the final week of the Summer in the Rockies circuit. Of the 29 horse and rider combinations that tackled Foster’s course, 10 progressed the jump-off round. Of the 10, John Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Chianto were the first to complete the short course fault-free with a time of 44.409. Then Stransky and Twister, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farm delivered a brilliant performance, leaving all the rails in their cups in a time of 48.467 to eventually take third.

Caitlin Hope and Total Touch. Photo by Carrie Wirth.

Next, Caitlin Hope and Total Touch, owned by Kathleen Hope, put in an incredibly fast and accurate performance that edged Pearce out of the first place position, stopping the timer at 43.806. Hope, who rides with Diane Carney, and Total Touch were second in the Welcome Stake during Summer in the Rockies Week V.

Sarah Tredennick returned on Page Tredennick’s Zenith Dance and also accomplished a double clear effort, timing in at 52.492, landing the pair in the fourth place. Pearce and Forest View Farm’s Johnny B Good ended up in fifth place and were the fastest four-faulters.

$2,500 Open Jumper 1.3m and $2,500 Open Jumper 1.4m – Wednesday

Danny Foster built a track with turns and bending lines that provided the opportunity for horse and rider combinations to demonstrate their abilities while singling out the top contenders for the jump-off rounds. The day’s courses got things rolling after the two-day break in the Summer in the Rockies circuit.

For the $2,500 1.30m Open Jumpers class, 12 of 23 horse and rider combinations progressed to the short track. Of the 12, 8 were double clear. Mario Gamboa and VDL Vinzell, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms, were the fastest double clear, crossing the timer at 40.762. Andrew Kocher and Wicoca, owned by Alexandra Biederman, earned second with a time of 40.775 and Delaney Flynn and Jennifer Flynn’s Quite Quick received third place honors with a time of 42.423.

Gamboa works for trainer Hector Florentino and Stransky’s Mission Farms. All proceeds of their winnings go to the Step by Step Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Liliane Stransky that enhances the lives of underprivileged children. The Foundation creates and supports health, nutrition, water, and education programs that promote the human rights and development of children worldwide.

Florentino has a committed group of clients who all ride for the Step by Step Foundation, including Daniela Stransky and Jackson Brittan, who won the Summer in the Rockies V $10,000 Low Junior Amateur Classic out of 51 entries aboard Ugaz. Brittan’s twin brother, Spencer Brittan, another talented junior rider, went double clear in the 1.30m Open Jumpers, ending up in seventh place.

In the $2,500 1.40m Open Jumper, Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run’s Revive edged out the competition, including second place finishers Armando Hassey and Eminem and third place pair Sarah Tredennick and Zenith Dance, to clinch the win. VanderVeen was surprised and pleased with the win. Revive is an 8-year-old that VanderVeen imported from Germany last year.

HUNTER HIGHLIGHTS

Performance Working Hunter 3’6″ – Wednesday/Thursday

Hannah Holik is moving up the ranks in the jumpers and showing that she is capable of dominant performances in the hunter ring as well. She and Czech Mate LLC’s Dahlila notched two wins on Wednesday and placed well on Thursday to secure the championship in the 3’6″ Performance Working Hunters, with Ashley Keeler and Emma Willsky’s Simply Said taking the reserve.

Hannah Holik and Dahlila. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

 

Later in the day, Holik paired with her jumper, Cupido de Laubry, for a clear first round and a top 10 finish in the $15,000 McElvain Energy Welcome Stake. She said the switch from the hunters to the jumpers was made easier by Dahlila’s background as a jumper.

Holik’s next target with Dahlila will be the ASPCA Regional Finals, and she plans to continue gaining experience and mileage with Cupi at the grand prix level. Holik, of Jackson Hole, WY, trains with Randy Henry.

Riding is a family affair for Holik. Her mother, Renée, introduced her to the sport when she was young, and she has pursued it with dedication ever since. Renée rarely competes now, but she helps her daughter keep her horses fit while balancing a busy school schedule.

While Holik has ample talent and drive to succeed, she is not necessarily planning to make a career out of riding and training. She hopes to attend college and continue riding in the higher-level jumpers, and her ultimate goal is to become a vet.

Summer in the Rockies has been an important show circuit for Holik. She rode in the grand prix last year and then rode Cupido de Laubry in their first grand prix together this year.

Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ – Wednesday/Thursday

Jodi and Freddie Vazquez demonstrated the value of teamwork as they started Summer in the Rockies VI off with a bang, racking up the ribbons in the hunter divisions. The husband and wife duo earned wins and top finishes with the string of talented horses they train, and Freddie ultimately claimed the 3’3″ Performance Working Hunter championship with Cynthia Baffa’s Marneux.

Freddie Vazquez and Marneux. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Freddie and Marneux also won the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic. Freddie knew Marneux had a good shot to win the Classic, and Marneux rewarded his confidence with an outstanding effort. Marneux, a 6-year-old, looks to be a good prospect as he continues to mature.

Jodi and Freddie, who train out of Messenger Hill Farm in Lake Forest, IL, said they enjoy their joint endeavor. They have found a way to balance the workload and draw on their individual strengths while also going to each other for support. Jodi said she and Freddie often turn to each other for advice or help with the horses they ride.

The Vazquez family has plenty to celebrate after their success at the Colorado Horse Park this summer. Freddie rode Presently, owned by Mark Senn, to a big win in Sunday’s $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby to close out Summer in the Rockies V.

Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son earned the reserve in the 3’3″ Performance Working Hunters after accumulating two second place finishes and a win in the hack.

First Year Green/Second Year Green/High Performance Hunter – Wednesday/Thursday

Consistency was the ticket for the championship in the First Year Green/Second Year Green/High Performance Hunters. Haylie Jayne and Summer Place compiled an impressive record of two wins and three seconds to take the honors, while Laurie Jueneman and Rio’s Firefly finished in the top four in every class to earn the reserve.

Haylie Jayne and Summer Place. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Christen Tuxworth, the owner of Rio’s Firefly, said he lives at home with her, goes trail riding, and shows a few times a year. She lives in Black Forest and was evacuated during the fire in June, but fortunately her house was unharmed. She described Rio’s Firefly as a horse with a lot of personality.

Summer Place is owned by Pony Lane Farm, and Jayne enjoys having the opportunity to prepare him for Madeline Thatcher to ride. Thatcher plans to show him at indoors in the fall.

Small and Large Junior Hunter – Friday/Saturday

The Small and Large Junior Hunter championships went to the pairs that got off to a strong start on Friday and rode the momentum into Saturday’s competition. Caitlin Boyle and Finders Keepers added a third win on Saturday to their two from Friday to clinch the championship in the Small Junior Hunters.

Caitlin Boyle and Finders Keepers. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Boyle and Finders Keepers demonstrated how far their partnership has come, cruising through relaxed, confident rounds that showcased the horse’s flashy jumping style. Boyle has had Finders Keepers for about a year and a half and has enjoyed seeing him develop into the horse he is today. The pair finished 10th in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Summer in the Rockies V.

Boyle also rode her equitation mount, Loredo, to a first place finish in the Washington Hunter and Jumper Phases, securing the overall win with scores in the upper 80s throughout. She and Loredo, whom she leases from Micaela Kennedy, are shooting for top finishes at the big equitation finals this fall, and they have placed well in the equitation throughout their three weeks at Summer in the Rockies.

Amanda Hauser and Calido’s Son improved off their solid efforts on Friday to take a win and a second on Saturday and earn the reserve championship in the Small Junior Hunters.

Emma Willsky and Simply Said, who scored a hat trick on Friday with wins over fences, in the handy and under saddle, picked up another win in the second round on Saturday to emphatically claim the Large Junior Hunter championship over Kai DeVoglaer and Colleen McKenzie’s Castello in the reserve spot. Willsky and Simply Said also won the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic with the high score of 169.

Emma Willsky and Simply Said. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Willsky trains with Ashley Keeler, who has also achieved success with Simply Said at Summer in the Rockies. Keeler and Simply Said started off the week by winning the reserve championship in the 3’6″ Performance Working Hunters. Willsky began riding with Keeler after Keiri Kaneps, her previous trainer and the previous rider of Simply Said, passed away.

Kai DeVoglaer and Colleen McKenzie’s Castello also performed well in the Large Junior Hunters, collecting two second places over fences as well as a third in the hack for the reserve championship.

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ – Saturday/Sunday

Sherri Kahn and Walter scored a personal best of 88 in their second round over fences on Sunday to seize the win and ultimately the championship in the 3’6″ Amateur Owner Hunters. After wins over fences and in the handy on Saturday, Kahn and Walter were the clear choice to top the division, though they faced stiff competition from other high-scoring pairs.

Sherri Kahn and Walter. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Riding and competing is a family pursuit for the Kahns, who have a farm in Bucyrus, KS. Their daughter, Kara, also had a successful day on Saturday, winning a class in the Small Junior Hunters with her own Maverick.

Fred Kahn, Sherri’s husband and trainer, was thrilled with Walter’s performance over the Skip Bailey-designed courses. Sherri and Walter were stepping up in height from the 3’3″ Performance Working Hunters after claiming the championship in that division at Summer in the Rockies V.

Kelsey Thatcher and Pony Lane Farm’s Starina B collected wins over fences and in the hack to take the reserve championship. Starina B was a bit exuberant on Saturday, but settled in on Sunday and showed off her eye-catching style over fences. Thatcher and Starina B also took third place in the $1,000 Amateur Owner Hunter Classic, which was won by Nicole Lyvere and All In.

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ – Saturday/Sunday

In the 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters, Nicole Stern and Calabria scored two wins on Sunday to earn the championship ribbon. Calabria just moved up from the Pre-Green Hunters and is also competing in the 3’3″ Performance Working Hunters with trainer Michael Dennehy.

Elizabeth Hund and Timbuktu wound up with a total of two wins to take home the reserve championship. Hund bought Timbuktu from Sharon Kvistad, who rescued the off-the-track Thoroughbred to give him a chance at a new career. Timbuktu proved that his new profession in the hunter ring suits him to a T with his success in the division.

Adult Amateur Hunter – Saturday/Sunday

Gabrielle Barnes and EEA Timberland were unbeatable over fences in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 division. They swept all four classes and also picked up a fourth place in the hack en route to the championship honors. Barnes rides with Jessica and Dylan Harries of Cypress, TX, and EEA Timberland is owned by European Equine Associates. The reserve went to Abigail Albrecht’s MTM Nameworthy, ridden by Shelby Albrecht.

Joyce Baldwin and Palmer were the clear champions in the 36 & Over Adult Amateur Hunter championship after three wins over fences. Crisanne McGuire and Quoit Amber earned the reserve.

Summer in the Rockies VI Hunter Champions

First Year Green/Second Year Green/High Performance Hunter

Champion: 1498/Summer Place/Pony Lane Farm/Haylie Jayne

Reserve: 1372/Rio’s Firefly/Christen Tuxworth/Laurie Jueneman

Performance 3’6″ Hunter

Champion: 1435/Dahlila/Czech Mate, LLC/Hannah Holik

Reserve: 1295/Simply Said/Emma Willsky/Ashley Keeler

Performance 3’3″ Hunter

Champion: 1573/Marneux/Cynthia Baffa/Freddie Vazquez

Reserve: 1417/Calido’s Son/Amanda Hauser/Amanda Hauser

Small Junior Hunter

Champion: 1543/Finders Keepers/Caitlin Boyle/Caitlin Boyle

Reserve: 1417/Calido’s Son/Amanda Hauser/Amanda Hauser

Large Junior Hunter

Champion: 1295/Simply Said/Emma Willsky/Emma Willsky

Reserve: 1433/Castello/Colleen McKenzie/Kai DeVoglaer

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″

Champion: 1518/Walter/Sherri Kahn/Sherri Kahn

Reserve: 1497/Starina B/Pony Lane Farm/Kelsey Thatcher

Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″

Champion: 1646/Calabria/Nicole Stern/Nicole Stern

Reserve: 1471/Timbuktu/Elizabeth Hund/Elizabeth Hund