What a close to an incredible week at HIPICO’ Santa Fe’s 2017 Santa Fe Summer Series! Cool mornings and gorgeous New Mexico skies were the perfect backdrop for the final week of top show jumping, fine art, phenomenal fashion, and so much fun!
Jenni McAllister took the the top honor in the final $40,000 Kathy & Brad Coors Grand Prix, riding the beautiful gray mare, Legis Venice, owned by Legis Equine. “We’re very excited and always love coming to HIPICO Santa Fe. We feel like we’re part of the family and really appreciate the vision HIPICO has. The course design is second to none. Thank you to all involved – especially the Coors family for sponsoring this Grand Prix. The team at HIPICO always make us feel like superstars.” Jenni’s husband and trainer, Steve McAllister, echoed Jenni’s sentiments about HIPICO’s Summer Series. “The whole horse industry talks about how HIPICO has the right idea. They have the vision and put the horse first and the exhibitor second. “We’re believers,” McAllister continued, “In today’s world, everyone needs more positive thinking. Jenni and I and our whole team know ’we can do it’ – and we do. The atmosphere at HIPICO is also ‘can do’. I am very proud of this whole team.”
Colleen Acosta of Showtime Farm took second place on Himini, owned by Evalyn Grace, LLC. followed by McAllister’s second mount, Sweet Chocolate PJ, owned by Viksberg Sateri AB. Guy McElvain’s entry Wallstreet RC took the fouth place ribbon, trained and ridden by Chenoa McElvain of Rancho Corazon.
HIPICO Santa Fe is very grateful to Diamond Sponsors, The Kathy & Brad Coors Family, for making this showjumping tradition possible. The Grand Prix de Santa Fe is a is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting, advancing and showcasing the equestrian community of New Mexico. Since it’s inception in 2004, the Grand Prix de Santa Fe has generated more than $150,000 for local and regional nonprofit organizations serving at-risk children and equines, as well as land and cultural preservation.
| SANTA FE SUMMER SERIES BRAD AND KATHY COORS FAMILY
$40,000 GRAND PRIX |
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| Place | Horse | Owner | Rider | Rd 1
Time |
Rd. 1 Flts | JO Time | JO Flts |
| 1 | LEGIS VENICE | LEGISEQUINE.COM | JENNI MCALLISTER | 82.315 | 0 | 37.703 | 0 |
| 2 | HIMINI | EVALYN GRACE, LLC. | COLLEEN ACOSTA | 83.814 | 0 | 38.873 | 0 |
| 3 | SWEET CHOCOLATE PJ | VIKSBERG SATERI AB | JENNI MCALLISTER | 79.849 | 0 | 38.595 | 4 |
| 4 | WALLSTREET RC | GUY MCELVAIN | CHENOA MCELVAIN | 85.66 | 2 | ||
| 5 | TRISTAN | ERIC LAMON | AMANDA COMLY | 80.397 | 4 | ||
| 6 | UTOPIK | LOUISE PLANK | CHARLIE CARREL | 80.605 | 4 | ||
| 7 | CAPRICELLO 2 | DS HOLDINGS, LLC | FRANK OWENS | 82.540 | 4 | ||
| 8 | CAYLEE PCH | KRISTIN BUCHANAN | NICKI WILCOX | 87.1044 | 4 | ||
| 9 | J.E.S. QUITO | NICKI WILCOX | NICKI WILCOX | 87.543 | 4 | ||
| 10 | OTARD | CHESTNUT EQUESTRIAN | JENNI MCALLISTER | 84.28 | 5 | ||
| 11 | S&L SHOE GURU | DS HOLDINGS, LLC. | WHITNEY OWENS | 86.8843 | 7 | ||
| 12 | CAPITANO | TKO PARTNERSHIP | TRAPP O’NEAL | 79.1002 | 8 | ||
Before the jump-off on Sunday, the crowd enjoyed a special treat – The Miniature Donkey Puissance! The high-jump competition featured Hipi and Little Breeches – each showing beautiful jumping form as the jump was raised through the competition. The two jennies were head to head until a refusal from Little Breeches. Hipi continued to go even higher – demonstrating great jumping aptitude. Next year – she might have a career in the meters!
Hipi and Little Breeches were a gift to Guy McElvain on his 50th birthday from his daughter, Chenoa. When he was 5 years old, Guy had a pet donkey whom he named Cinnamon Beauty, whom he loved and he always wanted another one. Now he has Hipi and Little Breeches, who split their time between HIPICO Santa Fe and the Ranch in Lemitar. The little Jennies survived a coyote attack this year and are the favorite companions of Grand Prix stallion, Wallstreet RC in the barn.
Two special Circuit Awards were presented on the final day of the Santa Fe Summer Series. The 2017 Stable of the Year Award honors the trainer and barn that excels both on the field, and in their adherence to show protocol, throughout the Santa Fe Summer Series. Caroline Invicta Stevenson and Invicta Farms were the first to receive this honor, during the $40,000 Grand Prix de Santa Fe, the final Grand Prix of the 2017 Santa Fe Summer Series . Not only did Invicta Farms deliver a successful Series, bringing home many championships through the circuit, Caroline continues to bring dignity to our sport. Always courteous and conscientious, she demonstrates kindness to other competitors as well as to our show staff, even under pressure. Thank you, Caroline and Invicta, for your support of HIPICO Santa Fe. You inspire us t o keep kindness and civility a priority while we work to acheive our goals!
The Heart of the Horse Award was created by the McElvain family in honor of 5 horses who perished in a trailer fire in 2009. It has been given each year to the horse and rider combination scoring the most points during the entire Summer Series. This Award honors all of the wonderful animals in our lives. This year’s winner is Carrick and rider Jessica Harries. Carrick is owned by Kathleen Rose and Dylan Harries of JNL Stables is the trainer. Congratulations on a stellar 2017 Summer Series!
On Friday of Grand Prix de Santa Fe Week, Amanda “Happy” Comly graced us with her mega-watt smile as she won the final Santa Fe Summer Series Welcome Stake. Riding her new mount, Clock-wise CSH, Happy told us, “My horses love this weather!” Like all of us, Happy felt wistful about the close of the Series – “We don’t want it to end – but we are excited for 2018. HIPICO is so nice and gorgeous. Next year I’m going to get my entries in real early to be safe. From what I’m hearing, I think next year is going to be twice the size!”
| SANTA FE SUMMER SERIES $7500 WELCOME STAKE | |||||||
| Place | Horse | Owner | Rider | Rd. 1
Time |
Rd. 1 Flts | JO TIme | JO Flts |
| 1 | CLOCK-WISE CSH | AMANDA COMLY | AMANDA COMLY | 79.189 | 0 | 43.637 | 0 |
| 2 | CAYLEE PCH | KRISTIN BUCHANAN | NICKI WILCOX | 84.66 | 0 | 46.290 | 0 |
| 3 | OTARD | CHESTNUT EQUESTRIAN | JENNI MCALLISTER | 85.650 | 0 | 47.242 | 0 |
| 4 | LEGIS VENICE | LEGISEQUINE.COM | JENNI MCALLISTER | 81.712 | 0 | 43.912 | 8 |
| 5 | CHELSEA | FREDERICO DANERS | FREDERICO DANERS | 87.04 | 2 | ||
| 6 | MULLENTINE IMPERIAL | AMANDA COMLY | AMANDA COMLY | 79.300 | 4 | ||
| 7 | HIMINI | EVALYN GRACE, LLC. | COLLEEN ACOSTA | 81.370 | 4 | ||
| 8 | CRACK DE MUZE | CARSON GRISHAM | COLLEEN ACOSTA | 81.564 | 4 | ||
The $2,500 USHJA Hunter Derby was held on Friday, August 12th, with a big win for Hannah Pattermann. Riding Sharon McElvain’s Cesars Crack, Patterman piloted the stunningly handsome gelding in two beautiful rounds – a 90 and 89 – besting last week’s Hunter Derby winner, Jenni McAllister on Charly Oboliensky, who finished second. Pattermann’s mother was visiting HIPICO Santa Fe from Wisconsin – perfect timing to see her daughter’s well-executed rounds. Ms. Pattermann shared how Hannah started riding western at the age of 7 before turning to jumping two years later. Clearly a good decision! Trainer, Chenoa McElvain told us, “Hannah has been working for Rancho Corazon for the past year and it was a pleasure to offer her this opportunity. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”
Congratulations to Sharon, Hannah, and Rancho Corazon! Sharon describes Ceasar as her favorite horse to ride out on the trail at home on the ranch. And look how Caesar loves the camera!
Erin Murphy and MTM Top That edged out Mike Elmore for third. Elmore’s exciting ride showcased how close the competition can be – as standings change rapidly. Carey Corlew Bhalla’s Alciboades notched a 4th place after being in the lead merely minutes earlier. Standings aren’t the only thing that changed for Elmore, who moved this week from Albuquerque, NM to just down the road in Arroyo Hondo. He hasn’t even settled his new barn yet – but performed beautifully throughout the Series.
“This show managed to keep all the wonderful aspects of last year and make them even better,” Elmore, who has been with HIPICO since its inception, told us. “The grass footing is in better shape than ever and the course is challenging. The VIP tent is so welcoming and the food is great. It’s just a wonderful atmosphere. HIPICO keeps raising the bar. Even the Community Show is a great standard in our sport.”
| $2,500 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY | |||||
| Place | Horse | Owner | Rider | Trainer | Score |
| 1 | CESARS CRACK | GUY MCELVAIN | HANNAH PATTERMANN | CHENOA MCELVAIN | 179 |
| 2 | CHARLY OBOLIENSKY | JENNI MCALLISTER | JENNI MCALLISTER | JENNI MCALLISTER | 177 |
| 3 | MTM TOP THAT | ERIN MURPHY | ERIN MURPHY | ERIN MURPHY | 169.5 |
| 4 | ALCIBIADES | CAREY CORLEW BHALLA | MIKE ELMORE | MIKE ELMORE | 169 |
| 5 | WINTER WHITE | ELIZABETH STORK | COLLEEN ACOSTA | COLLEEN ACOSTA | 166.5 |
| 6 | RIO’S FIORELLA | ELLEN MURPHY | ELLEN MURPHY | ERINN MURPHY | 166 |
| 7 | 5280 PHOENIX | SOPHIE ONODY | SOPHIE ONODY | MARK MEAD | 164 |
| 8 | CACOLA | DEBORAH ORENT | MARK MEAD | MARK MEAD | 150 |
| 9 | LONDON FOG | LISA PIASECKI | STEPHANIE GERSHON | STEPHANIE GERSHON | 149 |
| 10 | DURGIN PARK | HENRIETTA HALL | SARAH INVICTA WILLIAMS | CAROLINE INVICTA STEVENSON | 146.5 |
| 11 | SUPER CZAR | JAMIE ESSIG | JAMIE ESSIG | ERIN MURPHY | 146 |
| 12 | MAN ON THE MOON | ERIN CHRISTIANSEN | ERIN CHRISTIANSEN | FRANCES OLSON | 130.5 |
The All-in-One Jackpot Grand Prix, HIPICO Santa Fe’s unique class, invites jumpers of varying heights to compete together in one fun class, took place on Saturday. The last week of the series saw the largest field of competitors – 34 riders jumped fences ranging in height from a 1 to 1.40. Marlo WIlliams rode into the winner’s circle with a clear round at 1.20 m on Lux Like Clover. Trainers Gianna Aycock and Colby Coltrain said, “Lux jumped great – better than ever on this grass field, which is a treat for us! Lux is from Ireland she and loves the grass. We have had such a great time and look forward to next year.” Lux Like Clover’s talent was on display again Sunday as Marlo Williams partnered with the speedy mare to win the High/Low Jr/AO Jumper Classic. Amanda Comly rode C2 Vitesse, owned by Catteeuw Chantal for second place and Nicki Wilcox took third on Kristin Buchanan’s Quickly. A great time was had by all in this competitive field of talent.
The final championship of the Wiener Races did not disappoint, after a record number of entries and supporters who lined the track rail. Sponsors, Stephanie and Cameron Richards were on hand to enjoy the doggie antics! Among the standouts were dachsund newcomers on their maiden run, #9 T.G., a dapple who is eight and trains every day for 2 miles on greenbelt space in Eldorado, #5 Lita, a Santa Fe based piebald who is very focused mentally, owing to her trainer’s generous inspiration of treats…and more treats. Other notables included #13 Oliver who trains in dog school in Chimayo and is in charge of squirrel hunting on 4 and a half acres.
Special recognition goes to # 6 who refused to enter the starting block because he was more interested in doing the “Gator Dance” he no doubt learned from his owner demonstrating college dance moves.
Then there was local favorite, Kenny Rogers, a rescue chihuahua who works “back of house” in the HIPICO Lounge. Kenny had been practicing in the early dawn hours to avoid other trainers who might try to duplicate his regimen. Credit goes to 9 year old twins Ella and Julia on Team Kenny, who coached Kenny for the past few weeks. He did not disappoint – performing a flawless and difficult serpentine free style pattern – even though it had little to do with the actual finish line.
In the end, it was Austin Powers, known to his friends as “Porky” who triumphed in the first heat for the third week in a row! Porky and his mom, Sharon McElvain, take their speed training very seriously, with winning results. The second heat was dominated by rescue dog, Jemma Veenstra, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jemma was the poster child for the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. She was rescued from a municipal shelter in Los Angeles, brought to Santa Fe, where she recovered from a badly broken leg, surgically repaired by the wonderful Dr. Snook. Jemma found her permanent home with Annie Veenstra two years ago. In the mixed breed race, it was Lily Invicta – again! Lily now prefers to be addressed as “Champion Lily,” and is ignoring her mom, Sarah Invicta Williams, when addressed without her new title. Sarah adopted Lily almost 10 years ago when she was an unwanted dog. “I said I would take her and thought she would be a good companion for my mom’s dog, Lulu,” Williams told us. “Well, one night with Lulu and it was over – they’ve pretty much hated each other ever since!” Both Lulu and Lily help train at Invicta Farms, and maintain a healthy competition for “Queen Bee”.
Special appreciation to the Richards family and to Volunteer Race Manager, Geri Eigenberger, whose dedication raised over $300 for the New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding and brought so many people together for the love of Wiener dogs! Thank you to Santa Fe businesses Marty’s Meals, Critters & Me and Tulliver’s who provided baskets full of treats and toys for the winners each week. In the Championship Races, Corrales Mercantile provided gift baskets with a total value of $500 for the winners of the three heats. Thank you Corrales Mercantile!
Rancho Corazon’s team, lead by Head Groom, Ulises Rubio and including Pedro Antillion Jr. and Gustavo Gomez, was recognized as Groom of the Week for the Hunter Derby winner Hannah Pattermann. Hunter Rider of the Week was Colleen Acosta, picked unanimously by the hunter judges. Amanda Comly was selected as the Jumper Rider of the Week. Trainer of the Week was Nicki WIlcox of NW Showjumping. Grooming for Jenni McAllister, Sydney Pleiss was recognized as Groom of the Week for the winning Grand Prix rider.
Youth ruled the day at this final Children Adult Jumper Classic. John Gilpin, who won again aboard Sampras, “just may be the top children’s jumper in America,” stated the announcer as John took the blue. “John has only been riding for a year”, said his Dad. “He started schooling his sister’s horse when she injured her shoulder and couldn’t ride.” The rest is history. “I love riding on grass. I’ve never shown on it before.” His trainer, Coleen Acosta, whole heartedly agrees about John’s bright future.
Second place went to Dr. Guy Hodgson on Eton Royal 1916, one of three young horses Guy rides in competition. “I’m not expecting to win, but just to give the younger horses some experience as part of their training. My young mare didn’t know what to do when she first saw the triple combination; but the next time, she sailed right through! At 5, I think she is the youngest horse here in the Summer Series.”
Lauren Bloss, riding Glamour, took first place in the Children’s Hunter Classic. Lauren trains with Meredith Houx Remiger of Sandia Farm. Lauren hails from El Paso. She has been riding Glamour with Meredith for only two months and will continue to come to New Mexico to train on weekends, once school starts. “HIPICO is only Lauren’s third show. And, this is her birthday as well.” What a way to celebrate!
Another familiar winners circle exhibitor, Marlo Williams of Dallas took first place in the HI/Lo combined $5,000. “What can I say…she was perfect”’ said Marlo of her mount Looks Like Clover. “Marlo had the only clear round in the class,” noted her trainers Gianna Aycock and Colby Coultrain of StoryBook Sport Horses.
Annette Peterfly, who trains with Invicta Farms, exemplifies our exhibitor’s dedication to horses. She took time to talk about her history with hunters while on her mount, Lettuce Prey. “I don’t really rescue horses; I just find those that need a second chance. Some are not sound and do not pass vet checks. I take time and figure out what’s wrong – either emotionally or physically – or both and bring them back to competition.” Annette lives south of Chama where she continues her important work. She has given second chances to so many great horses that she stopped counting at 11. Wonderful work, Annette!
Each week, the HIPICO WORKHORSE of the Week is awarded to a HIPICO Workforce team member who particularly shines during the week. This is difficult to choose as all of the team are amazing! This week’s winner is Andreas John de Leyer “AJ”. AJ comes from a long line of expert horsemen. AJ really knows his business, from the ground up. He not only works as jump crew, he is a whipper-in his father’s hunt rides, trains, breaks, and shows as well. Thank you AJ for your incredible hard work, dedication to the team and for exemplifying a generosity of spirit for the HIPICO Santa Fe workforce.
A special thank you to our Show Manager, Patrick Rodes of Southbound Show Management for another wonderful year of show jumping competition.
In the Closing Ceremony of the Santa Fe Summer Series, the HIPICO flag was lowered to Dale Evan’s ‘Happy Trails.’ We wish Happy Trails to all of our treasured sponsors, exhibitors, grooms, vendors and spectators! What a show season! We cannot wait to welcome you all back next year!
THANK YOU 2017 SPONSORS ~ WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!
RESERVE YOUR STALLS AND TABLES FOR 2018!
Welcome Week July 18 – 22
Sonrisa Week July 25 – 29
Fiesta Week August 1 – 5
Grand Prix de Santa Fe August 8 – 12
The HIPICO VIP Lounge in 2017 was completely sold out, so be sure and plan ahead! Email us at info@hipicosantafe.com.
THE SANTA FE SUMMER SERIES RUNS JULY 18 – AUGUST 12, 2018
HIPICO Santa Fe is New Mexico’s premier venue for equestrian events. HIPICO Santa Fe is committed to providing the very best in equestrian competition and an extraordinary show experience for our human and equine athletes, as well as our treasured sponsors, owners, vendors and spectators. The full service equestrian facility features enhanced, all-weather footing in competition arenas, beautiful grass rings, designated horse-only bridle paths, and miles of trail riding on adjacent public lands. It is located in the world-class tourist destination, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
