WEF Weekly Wire Newsletter

WEEKLY WIRE

EDITOR: JENNIFER WOOD

McLain Ward and HH Azur Return to Winner’s Circle

WEEK 9 MARCH 9-13, 2022

Ireland Takes Home Victory in $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4*, Presented by Premier Equestrian

in the first round over the course designed by Nick Granat (USA) and Steve Stephens (USA).

Fortunes changed dramatically in the second round as more rails fell, but with solid performances from the Irish team, they came away with the win.

Pathfinder McMahon and Chakra 9 had just one time fault in Round Two. It was an excellent performance for McMahon, who represented Ireland in last year’s European Championships, and his horse, who tallied three clear rounds out of four in two Nations Cup performances in 2021.

Competition for week 8 at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), presented by Premier Equestrian, concluded on Sunday, March 6, with the $216,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix, presented by JTWG, Inc. Four-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward (USA) and his veteran partner HH Azur, owned by Double H Farm, led the victory gallop.

There were 48 starters in Sunday afternoon’s grand prix, and they contested a course designed by Nick Granat (USA) and Steve Stephens (USA). Eight were clear to advance to the jump-off. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Cornwall BH started the short course first but a rail for four faults in 36.75 seconds left them in fourth place. Karl Cook (USA) and Helen Signe Ostby’s Coachella 4 also had four faults in a slower time of 38.05 seconds for seventh place.

Ward and HH Azur were next into the ring and “Annie” stretched her stride out to blaze around the course clear in 35.22 seconds, setting an unbeatable time.

“She was really covering the ground great,” affirmed Ward. “She really performed beautifully, and we were able to get the nine [strides] home and put just enough pressure on these guys that we held up.”

Ward’s student Lillie Keenan (USA) and Agana van het Gerendal Z, owned by Chansonette Farm LLC, were quick in 37.20 seconds but with four faults; they finished in sixth place. Hilary McNerney (USA) rode her own Captain Cooper to

eighth place after eight faults in 38.28 seconds.

At just 24 years old, Ioli Mytilineou (GRE) continues to show her growth in the sport. She and Levis de Muze, owned by Elia Construction SA, stopped the timers in 36.84 seconds with a clear round and slotted into second place at the end of the class.

Of her top grand prix finish, Mytilineou expressed, “It means absolutely everything, to be honest. Last year here I was mostly fourth or fifth place, so I never actually got into the prize-giving ceremony. To be in it between McLain and Ben, two of the best riders in the world, is insane to me.

“When I went into the ring, the last thing my trainer said to me was, ‘Don’t risk a rail. You can be quicker than McLain anyway.’ I just looked at him and laughed, but I tried to go as fast as I could and go clear,” she recalled.

Her mount Levis de Muze, an 11-year-old BWP stallion by Elvis Ter Putte x Tinka’s Boy, helped her to a top-12 finish at last year’s European Championships, but has had a quiet start to the 2022 season. They will compete in next week’s CSI5* competition.

She has ridden Levis de Muze since he was seven years old. “He’s honestly my best friend,” said Mytilineou. “I feel like we know each other so well. Of course, I’m still very green, but he’s also still very green, so there’s a lot of stuff we still need

Eleven nations brought forth teams to compete in the $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4*, presented by Premier Equestrian, the highlight event of the eighth week of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL. The flag for Ireland was raised at the end of the night as the team, consisting of Andrew Bourns, Cian O’Connor, Eoin McMahon, and Max Wachman, led by Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake, won their fourth Nations Cup in the 21-year history of the class at WEF.

Teams from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela competed in Round One, and the top eight returned for Round Two under the lights in the International Arena. Heading into Round Two, Ireland was tied with Canada at zero faults after three clear rounds from McMahon and Beerbaum Stables’s Chakra 9, Wachman and Berlux Z, owned by Coolmore Show Jumping, and Bourns on Sea Topblue, owned by QBS Equestrian LLC. With three clear rounds, O’Connor did not have to compete with Cerruti Van Ter Hulst Z, owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd.

Just one rail behind and tied for second were Great Britain, Australia, and Mexico. Belgium and the USA sat on eight faults, while Argentina had 10 faults. There were 16 clear rounds

“Coming here, it was my plan to jump Chakra in the Nations Cup, so we planned our weeks up to tonight. She’s been a very good horse for me,” he said of the 12-year-old Holsteiner mare by Casall x Quidam de Revel.

“Even though she’s 12, she’s not that experienced. She improved a lot from last year to this year. She’s been very consistent since we got here.

“She jumped fantastic in the first round, and she jumped great in the second round as well,” he continued.

“I was a bit too slow; that was a rider error. I was very happy that it didn’t cost us tonight. It’s always a real privilege to be able to jump for Ireland. I’m very grateful for Michael selecting me.”

Eighteen-year-old Wachman felt similarly grateful to be a part of Team Ireland, and he gave a stunning double clear performance, one of only five in the class. “I’m delighted, and it’s a great feeling to win,” he noted.

Wachman has been riding Berlux Z, an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Berlin x Major de la Cour, only since October. Berlux Z was on the team for France under the saddle of Simon Delestre at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“My horse is a very good horse,” noted Wachman. “He’s been able to bring me to bigger levels, because he’s quite experienced and he’s not green. I’m very grateful to be riding him. It’s special to be on a winning team with [my trainer] Cian. All the lads are great.”

Olympic partners McLain Ward and HH Azur won the Sunday Grand Prix. © Sportfot

Andrew Bourns, Eoin McMahon, Michael Blake, Max Wachman, and Cian O’Connor celebrate their Nations Cup victory. ©Sportfot

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WEF 9

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UPCOMING EVENTS AT PBIEC AND EQUESTRIAN VILLAGE

Five-star show jumping returns in WEF 9, sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, on March 9-13, with the featured event, the $406,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5* on Saturday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Pony hunter riders get their chance to compete on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday, March 11, at 9 a.m. in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, while the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2*, presented by Sam Edelman is on the grass Derby Field on Saturday, March 12, at 8 a.m.

Over at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, national competition is featured on March 11-13, while international Para Dressage competition takes place with the Perrigo CPEDI3* presented by Mission Control, Fair Sky Farm, Adequan, and Nutrena, when Para Dressage riders get their chance to shine in the Global International Arena.

Saturday Night Viewing Packages

Secure your table in The Gallery for all of the 4* and 5* grand prix classes! Full tables of four, six, and eight seats are offered as an allinclusive package for our top Saturday night events. Enjoy prime viewing of the competition in a semi-enclosed venue with general parking, full buffet, and signature bar package included. For more information or to reserve your table, please contact Courtney Schintzius, Event Operations Manager, at events@equestriansport.com or 561-7841132.

Another option is seating within the Veuve Clicquot Suites, which are located in an open-air venue to the east of the International Arena, offering a full buffet and signature bar package with the ticket. Full tables can be purchased during WEF 9, 10, and 11 in eight seats per table for front row, six seats per table for second row, as well as four seats per table and two seats per table for the third row. Tickets are $200 plus tax per seat. Parking is not included. Cost for general parking is $20 per car and valet is $30 per car. Suites tickets are available for purchase at PBIEC.com. Further inquiries can be sent to Patti Miele at pmiele@ equestriansport.com or 561-784-1125.

Looking Ahead

WEF 10 on March 16-20 features CSI4* competition sponsored by Horseware Ireland. On Friday, March 18, the $25,000 Lövsta Future Challenge 7 Year Old Young Jumper Final will take place in the International Arena, along with the $15,000 North Star Developing Jumper 6 Year Old and $10,000 MSporthorses Developing Jumper 5 Year Old Finals. The feature event of the week, the $216,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI4* is on Saturday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, March 20, the $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series Final takes place in the International Arena and is followed by the $75,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic CSI4*.

At the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, international competition returns in force with their Nations Cup week. The Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* will be held on March 17-20 with the Grand Prix/ Prix St. Georges, the first round of the Nations Cup, on Thursday, March 17, followed by the second round of Grand Prix Special/Intermediate 1 on Friday. Riders will contest for individual medals on Sunday, March 20, in the Grand Prix Freestyle/Intermediate 1 Freestyle. The “Friday Night Stars” will feature the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings.

Riding in the third spot for the Irish team, Bourns and Seatop Blue were coming off a strong WEF circuit, having won the CSI4* grand prix during week three. They recorded just an unlucky four faults in Round Two.

“I was very happy with him tonight,” said Bourns of the 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding by Chacco-Blue. “This is his first Nations Cup. I was a little worried he might come out in the second round and think it was a jump-off. But, after the second or third fence, I realized that I was right on the money with him.

“I’m very grateful, bringing a horse that hasn’t jumped in a Nations Cup before, to be on a team like this and to be given a chance to develop a horse in an atmosphere like this,” continued Bourns. “It really makes a big difference to professionals like me. To watch the likes of Max and Eoin go in and do so well is a very proud night. I think it was a good plan and well executed in the end.”

O’Connor was the anchor rider for Ireland, and he and Cerruti Van Ter Hulst Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide mare by San Patrignano Cassini x Corrado entered the ring in Round Two for their first shot at the course. With refusals at fence four, they were eliminated.

“Cerruti has been going quite well,” remarked O’Connor. “She jumped double clear in the 1.50m and double clear in the WEF and clear in three-star grands prix. I just haven’t showed her the last couple of weeks. I wanted to let her freshen up. That’s always the thing with the schedule here. You don’t want to overjump. “She just seemed a little more on her toes tonight,” he explained. “She took a serious dislike to the wall as soon as I turned the first time. I felt it, but she dug her heels in. But listen, that’s horses. We’ll regroup and school the wall probably and build her back up. She’ll be back to fight another day.”

With 38 Irish riders to choose from competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Blake sat in an enviable position with a wealth of choices for his team. He chose horses and riders with solid recent results but also team members where horses or riders had less experience.

“I like giving opportunities to people that I think deserve them,” he said. “I have to say, we did our job very, very well tonight, and I’m delighted with the boys. Max is 18 years of age, and it was a phenomenal effort from him. Even though Eoin is not a whole lot older, he’s also a veteran. Andrew has been in the States for quite a while, and we needed his shot. He rode very well. I thought he was a little unlucky to have the last fence down. It would’ve been nice to finish with no pole on the ground, but you know, we still did our job, and we’re very happy. And Cian has always been an amazing, amazing rider for Team Ireland. He has been on so many Nations Cups teams and has pulled us out of a hole so often. I’m very proud of all of my team.”

O’Connor, who was on the winning team at the WEF Nations Cup in 2016 and 2017, is excited about the future for his country. “When you see guys like Eoin and Max and Andrew and how well they’re able to get stuck in and do the job, it’s really bodes well for the future of Irish show jumping,” he said. “Michael gives a fantastic chance to all the young people, and he fields from a mixture of experience for the team. It’s very healthy and lets people develop. We’re very fortunate to have that in Ireland.”

Ireland finished on five total faults for the win. Canada and the United States both had a total of 12 faults after two rounds. The teams’ cumulative times were the tiebreaker, with Canada taking home second place and the U.S. finishing third. Great Britain was fourth on 16 faults, Mexico finished fifth with 20 faults, and Australia placed sixth on 29 faults. Argentina took seventh place with 30 faults, and Belgium was eighth with 32 faults.

Along with Wachman, other double clear performances came from Lillie Keenan (USA) and Argan de Beliard, owned by Equivarandas, LDA., Eugenio Garza (MEX) on El Milagro’s Contago, Lauren Balcomb (AUS) riding her own Verdini d’Houtveld Z, and Tiffany Foster (CAN) on Figor, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC.

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Standings and Awards

WEF WEEK 8

LEADING LADY JUMPER RIDER, sponsored by Martha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, in memory of Dale Lawler (after 18 qualifying events)

1. Margie Engle (USA): 563

2. Tiffany Foster (CAN): 560.5

3. Erynn Ballard (CAN): 459

4. Zoe Conter (BEL): 437

5. Petronella Andersson (SWE): 436

CHAMPION EQUINE INSURANCE HUNTER STYLE AWARD: Given, ridden and owned by Sheila Motley

CHAMPION EQUINE INSURANCE JUMPER STYLE AWARD: Contara 15, ridden and owned by Eva Fisherman

HERMÈS UNDER 25 GRAND PRIX SERIES (after 7 qualifying events)

1. Richard Vogel (GER): 310.5

2. Francis Derwin (IRL): 297.5

3. Ashley Vogel (USA): 297

4. Charlise Casas (USA): 274.5

5. McKayla Langmeier (USA): 246.5

CAPTIVEONE ADVISORS 1.50M CHAMPIONSHIP JUMPER CLASSIC SERIES (after 9 qualifying events)

1. Shane Sweetnam (IRL): 314

2. Emily Moffitt (GBR): 199

3. Lillie Keenan (USA): 184

McLain Ward (USA): 184

Matthew Boddy (GBR): 184

6. Laura Kraut (USA): 182

WEF 8 WEEKLY SPONSOR AWARDS

The Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award went to Cantara 15 and Eva Fisherman. © Sportfot

The WEF 8 winner of the Vita Flex Tack Room Award was Laurel Crown Farm, represented by Miseal Perez, Laura Beth Strong, and Daniel Perez.

Sheila Motley and Given were the Champion Equine Insurance Hunter Style Award winners, presented by Laura Fetterman. © Sportfot

Ioli Mytilineou was presented with the Martha W. Jolicoeur Leading Lady Rider Award by Dr. Stephen Norton and Martha Jolicoeur. © Sportfot

JUMPER WRAP-UP

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) week 8, presented by Premier Equestrian, got underway Wednesday, March 2, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBEIC) in Wellington, FL, with the daytime $5,000 Premier Equestrian Welcome CSIO4*.

Fitting for Nations Cup week, riders from 20 nations contested the speed track set by Nick Granat (USA) and Steve Stephens (USA), with foreign athletes making up 75% of the 80 combinations in the starting order. Roberto Teran Tafur (COL) and Susan van Lammers’s Gabrovo stepped right on the gas, claiming the first win of the week.

A starting field of 46 horse-and-rider combinations made their way to the International Arena for the second $5,000 Premier Equestrian Welcome CSI04* class of Wednesday, which ran under the lights. Contenders from 12 nations rode their way across the single-round speed track but Venezuela’s Antonio Martinez, Jr. produced the winning effort aboard Forman De Virton.

Thursday morning kicked off with a win for Belgium’s Jos Verlooy in the $37,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round VIII CSIO4* with Luciano Van Het Geinsteinde.

The afternoon brought forth wins for the up-and-coming generation of show jumpers with the $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome and the $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m class. It was victory for the Irish in the $10,000 Hermès Under 25 Welcome as Max Wachman bested a 66-horse field with Coolmore Show Jumping’s 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Quintini (Quintender 2 x Cassini II). Out of the 13 pairs in the final class of the day, Summer Hill (USA) and her own solid partner La Belle SCF put forth the best effort in the $1,000 Hermès Under 25 1.40m class. She and the 11-year-old BWP mare (Diktator Van De Boslandhoeve x Baldini) crossed the timers in 63.04 seconds to secure the top honors.

Daytime competition on Friday in the International Arena highlighted the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m CSIO4*. Of the 19 nations represented in the field, it was Great Britain’s anthem that was played as young talent Grace Debney (GBR) and her long-time partner Zarina De Vidau rose as the victors of the event. The 18-year-old athlete and Temple Equestrian LLC’s 12-year-old CDE mare (Diamant De Semilly) stopped the clock in a blazing 56.10 seconds.

Forty-three horse-and-rider pairs tackled a course of 16 obstacles on Saturday in the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m National Grand Prix. Riding second to last in the jump-off, Karl Cook (USA) and Ircos IV, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Helen Signe Ostby. Cook and Ircos IV finished their jump-off round in a time of 33.234 seconds, edging out second-place rider Shane Sweetnam (IRL) with Indra Van De Oude Heihoef, owned by

who clocked in at 33.339 seconds.

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Belgium’s Jos Verlooy and Luciano Van Het Geinsteinde won the $37,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round VIII CSIO4*. ©Sportfot

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The Adult Amateur Hunter Older (Section A) division awarded the championship title on Thursday in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Arena. Carolyn Anderson, who represents Canada, came away with the overall victory aboard CH Farm LLC’s Playbook. They bookended their performance with blue ribbons, picking up wins in the under saddle on Wednesday and over fences on Thursday with a score of 87. Anderson and Playbook now sit in second place for the circuit standings for the division. Reserve champion of the division went to Mary Canner on her own Gus Gus. Canner and the eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Celestial were first and second over fences on the first day of competition with scores of 87 and 84.95.

John French and Milagro lead the way in the High Performance Hunter division, sponsored by Antares Sellier France. Milagro, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Kent Farrington LLC, had almost a clean sweep of the division, only missing out on the top spot in the handy round. They had great scores of 84, 85, and an 86 in the stake on their way to the championship. Michael Britt-Leon piloted Private I to the reserve championship after picking up the win in the handy with an impressive score of 90. That puts them firmly into the lead in the circuit standings. The 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Corrado also showed for his owner Kelly Sims this week in the NetJets 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3” 36+ division where they earned a win together over fences with a score of 87. The Green Medium Pony Hunter division also took place over the weekend on “Pony Island” in Ring 12. Amira Kettaneh partnered with Bibby Farmer Hill’s Speaking Terms, a seven-year-old German Riding Pony by Neckar. On Saturday they landed a win over fences with a score of 84, and then on Sunday’s second day of competition, they really shined to score an 83 and 84 over fences for two more blue ribbons. That boosted Kettaneh to the championship. Just a few division points behind was EMC Valentijn, ridden by Aundrea Hillyard and owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright. Hillyard and the six-year-old Welsh Pony gelding by Nilantshoeve’s Zippo were consistently towards the top of the class, highlighted by a win over fences on Saturday with a score of 85. They now sit in first place for the circuit standings as they continue their successful season. Sunday’s South Ring highlight this week was the Walk Trot division, which saw a California split resulting in two champions and two reserve champions. Up-and-coming super stars Robert and Saoirse Cournane look to be following in their father, Captain Brian Cournane’s, footsteps. Captain Brian Cournane, who has represented Ireland internationally on numerous occasions, will have to make room in his trophy case for not just one, but two championship ribbons this week. Robert rode Loafers Lodge Onyx, a 17-year-old small Half Welsh mare by Rosmel’s Dressed in Scarlet, owned by Emily Watson, while Saoirse rode Vanilla Twilight, a medium 19-year-young Arabian/Welsh cross mare by BF Oliver Twist, owned by Cumberland Acres LLC. Robert earned three blue ribbons in the division, and Saoirse notched two, with both Cournanes topping the jumping class. Reserve champions were Tyrellspass Fairytale, ridden by Penelope Eichenberg and owned by AKA Showstoppers, and Empire’s Paris, ridden by Harper Clark and owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC, who also own Olympic champion Rodrigo Pessoa’s (BRA) grand prix mounts. The race for the circuit standings are extremely close with all top four finishers this week sitting in the top six in the overall points and Eichenberg leading the charge.

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Debbie Bass and Carat won the Farm Stand Low Adult Amateur Hunter Section A championship. © Sportfot

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Parade of Champions

Dylan Clark and Farnley Corsair, owned by Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC, were the Small/ Medium Children’s Pony Hunter champions. Megan Winkhaus and Hip Living, owned by Round Hill Holdings LLC, won the FarmVet Modified Adult Amateur Jumper championship.

KEC Havana, ridden by Colleen Maersch for Imani Mackani, won the championship in the Carol Sollak/ Engel & Völkers Adult Amateur Jumper 18-35 division.

The Maria Mendelsohn, Douglas Elliman Real Estate Low Junior Jumper championship went to Nashua, ridden by Tony Stormanns for Fuchs Sportpferde AG.

Starry Night, owned by Alexia Honegger, and Charley Wilson won the Section A championship of the Vita Flex Low Child/Adult Amateur Training Jumpers.

Elliena Apollo rode Royal Mint Julep, owned by Delia Alvarez-Apollo, in only their fourth show together to win the USHJA Hunter 2’ division championship.

Captain Fire and Megan Ray were the Low Children’s Jumper champions at WEF 7.

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WEF Q&A With: Nick Granat

Q: How did you get involved in course designing?

A: I have always had an interest in course designing from the time I started jumping horses at eight years old. It became a hobby of mine while I continued to manage stables and ride, and then in 2014 I decided to make it my full-time profession.

Q: How many years have you been coming to WEF, and what do you like most about being here?

A: I have been coming to WEF for 25 years! One of the things I love most about WEF is the access to the top of the sport. As a fan of the sport, it’s great to watch the best horses and riders in the world. Also, as a course designer I have the opportunity to learn from all the top course designers in the world that come here to work. I spend most of the year on the road traveling to shows. WEF is the only time during the year that I’m in one place for four months, so I really enjoy spending the extra time with my wife, Taylor. You also can’t beat the weather!

Q: What is the best part of course designing at WEF?

A: The best part about course designing at WEF is the jump crew. As a course designer, having a good jump crew allows us to make course changes in seconds that keeps the rings on schedule. Down here our crew is second to none.

Q: What course(s) have you designed this year that you were most excited about?

A: This past week I was honored to be the co-course designer with my friend and mentor Steve Stephens for the Nations Cup week. It was a very stressful week with many important classes, including the $25,000 Hermès U25 Semi Final, the $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO4*, and the $216,000 JTWG, Inc. Grand Prix CSIO4*, but I was really happy with the results.

Q: If you could design at any venue around the world, which would it be?

A: I would love to be the course designer for a major championship someday!

Q: Is there another course designer(s) you would like the opportunity to work with?

A: If I could go back in time and work with any course designer, it would be Bertalan de Némethy. He was one of the first course designers to understand how to use a mix of color, location, and distances to create faults rather than just building huge fences that almost nobody could jump to achieve results.

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GRAND PRIX Continued from Page 1

to figure out. Every time that I ride him, I’m just so grateful to have him.”

Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Gakhir, owned by Ilan Ferder and Esperanza Imports, had four faults in 37.09 seconds and took home fifth place.

Last into the jump-off, Ben Maher (GBR) and his mount Faltic HB, who went double clear in Saturday night’s Nations Cup, were going for the win, but with a front rail at the first jump for four faults in 36.30 seconds, they settled for third place.

“The plan was to try to beat McLain,” laughed Maher afterward. “That’s twice now I’ve lost to him [this season]. [Faltic HB] didn’t jump the first jump in the first round so well either actually, and I told myself that today I needed to angle number one to get a good rollback to [jump] two. We just had it down.

“He jumped two rounds last night amazing, and he jumped very good today,” continued Maher of Faltic HB, Oakingham Stud’s 12-year-old KWPN stallion by Baltic VDL x Concorde he has ridden since October 2021. “That’s just the sport. Azur and Ioli’s horse are two of the best horses in the world, so nothing comes easy here. He’s come along great, and it’s been a good trip for him. I’m very fortunate to be able to have horses like him.”

While Maher is on a newer horse, Ward has been riding HH Azur, his 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games mount and winner of the 2017 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals, for seven years and considers every class with her as “bonus at this point.”

“She’s a warrior,” said Ward of the 16-year-old Belgian Sport Horse mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Sir Lui VD Zuuthoeve). “The horse gives so much, and she doesn’t owe me one round or one jump. When she’s feeling right, we aim her to a competition.”

Ward almost didn’t qualify for the grand prix since they had eight faults in Thursday’s qualifier. “I think I was a little overconfident,” he admitted. “I was a little rushed in the morning, and I didn’t work her very well. She’s a hot horse; she was a little wild, and I tried to go a bit too fast.”

The cards went their way though, and it was meant to be that HH Azur would add yet another grand prix victory to her record.

“She felt great in the first round and felt even better in the jump-off,” said Ward. “I’m forever grateful for every grand prix we get with her.”

FINAL RESULTS

$214,000 JWTG, INC. GRAND PRIX CSIO4*

1. HH AZUR: 2006 Belgian Sport Horse mare by Thunder vd Zuuthoeve x Sir Lui vd Zuuthoeve MCLAIN WARD (USA), Double H Farm: 0/0/35.22

2.  LEVIS DE MUZE: 2011 Belgian Warmblood stallion by Elvis ter Putte x Tinka’s Boy IOLI MYTILINEOU (GRE), Elia Construction SA: 0/0/36.84

3. FALTIC HB: 2010 KWPN stallion by Baltic VDL x Concorde BEN MAHER (GBR), Oakingham Stud: 0/4/36.30

4. CORNWALL BH: 2008 Holsteiner gelding by Con Air x Cambridge AMANDA DERBYSHIRE (GBR), Gochman Sport Horses LLC: 0/4/36.75

5. GAKHIR: 2011 KWPN stallion by Spartacus TN x Labor’s VDL Indorado ERYNN BALLARD (CAN), Ilan Ferder and Esperanza Imports LLC: 0/4/37.09

6. AGANA VAN HET GERENDAL Z: 2011 Zangersheide stallion by Aganix du Seigneur x Topas LILLIE KEENAN (USA), Chansonette Farm LLC: 0/4/37.20

7. COACHELLA 4: 2012 Oldenburg mare by Christian 25 x Last Liberty 2 KARL COOK (USA), Helen Signe Ostby: 0/4/38.05

8. CAPTAIN COOPER: 2007 KWPN gelding by Namelus R x Corland HILARY MCNERNEY (USA), Hilary McNerney: 0/8/38.28

9. MY WAY: 2010 Oldenburg stallion by Mylord Carthago*HN x Cassini II LUIZ FRANCISCO DE AZEVEDO (BRA), Santa Cecilia Stables: 1/78.04

Lisa Poggi Broker of Record O 201.721.8610 | M 732.735.7958 | lisa.poggi@elliman.com

E. BROKER, LICENSED IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY. LISA POGGI, BROKER OF RECORD, LICENSED IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.

10. PAGANINI 170: 2013 Hanoverian stallion by Perigueux x Lordanos LIUBOV KOCHETOVA, Liubov Kochetova: 2/79.89

11. MOYA VD BISSCHOP: 2012 Belgian Warmblood mare by Darco x Utrillo Van De Heffinck

NICOLA PHILIPPAERTS (BEL), Nicola Philippaerts: 4/73.57

12. COSMONA: 2011 Danish Warmblood mare by Cosmeo x Bogegardens Apollo GIAVANNA RINALDI (USA), Anton Marano: 4/75.65

Jennifer Wood

PLATINUM MAGAZINE

Showcasing the success of our clients, the horses they ride and the veterinarians that care for them. It’s Complimentary!

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Centrally located in New Jersey, about an hour from Manha an, this world-class approx. 160-acre horse farm and estate is dedicated to the breeding, sale and racing of thoroughbreds. The property is strategically located in the heart of the Northeast horse racing industry; home to famous tracks such as Saratoga, Belmont Park, Aqueduct, Pimlico Race Course, Delaware Park and Philadelphia Race Track. elliman.com | Web# 22117035

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Lisa Poggi

Broker of Record

Licensed in New York and New Jersey O 201.721.8610 | M 732.735.7958 | lisa.poggi@elliman.com

Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén presented the WEF 8 Lövsta Future Challenge 7 Year Old Young Jumper victory to Victoria Colvin on Perla Pas de Calais, owned by Karen Bruce.

Madewell and Madison Arani, riding for Marigot Bay Farm, LLC, were the Palm Beach Equine Clinic Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35 champions.

The Kate Nash Boone Style Award, presented in memory of Kate by Michael Meller, friends, and family to honor the memory of Kate’s support and love of “all things equestrian,” was given to Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster with Eric Lamaze.

The IDA Development Adult Amateur Hunter Younger Section A championship went to Better In Blue, ridden by Tatyana Soldera and owned by First Blue LLC, presented by Bobbi Rottman.

Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Forever SFN won the $25,000 ProElite Jumper Classic.

Sarah Prant Ercolano rode her own Casperio to the championship in the Karina Brez Jewelry Adult Amateur Hunter Middle, presented by Karina Brez.

The Niall Grimes “Cheers” Perpetual Trophy, given to the top Irish rider during the CSIO week at WEF, was presented by Equestrian Sport Productions President Michael Stone to Ireland’s Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake as all four of his Nations Cup riders – Andrew Bourns, Cian O’Connor, Eoin McMahon, and Max Wachman – tied for the honor.

The Hygain Feeds Conformation Hunter championship went to Kuore, ridden by Greg Crolick and owned by Renaud Farm, LLC, and was presented by Kathy Serio.

Caroline Mawhinney Triumphs in $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix

grand prix level, so we know each other really well,” affirmed Russekoff. “When I come in here, I feel really confident that I can go and put in a solid round. I know he will try his hardest, so I just have to try my hardest.”

The Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Series gives young riders the chance to compete on the grass Derby Field, in the Global International Arena in a team environment, and under the lights in the Semi-Final before the top 30 riders qualify for the $50,000 Final Grand Prix during WEF 10.

seconds and finished in ninth place.

“First I want to thank Scotty Keach for giving me this horse,” said Connors of the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Florian De La Vie x Adlantus As FRH. “I actually only got him about a month ago and I haven’t been riding him very much, but the partnership has been going super well. I really enjoy riding him and working with Scotty.”

The highlight class on Friday, March 4, of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) week 8, sponsored by Premier Equestrian, was the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix. Sixteen-year-old Caroline Mawhinney (USA) triumphed over a field of 66 competitors with her own Stella Levista.

The top young talent in show jumping showed up for the Hermès Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix, the third grand prix event of the series, which offers a variety of opportunities for U25 riders to experience grand prix competition against their peers. Nick Granat (USA) and Steve Stephens (USA) set a challenging course that included a triple combination and an open water, over which just nine of the opening field finished clear.

As the pacesetters in the opening round, 21-year-old Isabella Russekoff (USA) and Balou’s Fly High, owned by Suave Pony LLC, were the first to tackle the jumpoff course. They set a quick time of 39.85 seconds with a clear round that would hold up for third place.

Russekoff has a long-term partnership with Balou’s Fly High; she started riding the 15-year-old Oldenburg stallion by Balou Du Rouet x Grandeur seven years ago.

“He has taken me from the 1.20m to the two-star

Russekoff noted, “I love jumping under the lights. Actually, two years ago in this same class, he jumped clear as well and that was our last under the lights competition. I think it’s really fun and special that the U25 division gives us the opportunity to prepare for the upper levels.”

Francis Derwin (IRL) and Scarlett du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables LLC, were next into the jump-off. They blazed through in 35.87 seconds, but a rail down for four faults left them in fifth place. Summer Hill (USA) riding hers and Andrea Simpson’s La Belle SCF also had four faults in 39.37 seconds to place seventh. Hallie Grimes (USA) and Ace, owned by Can We Keep It? LLC, notched five faults in 47.35 seconds to finish eighth. Gigi Moynihan (USA) and Christy Johson’s Erle were clear in 40.31 seconds, which netted them fourth place. With four faults in 36.95 seconds, Natalie Dean (USA) and Dotcom d’Authuit, owned by Marigold Sporthorses LLC, would finish in sixth place.

Next in were Mawhinney and Stella Levista. They zoomed through the short course in 35.56 seconds with no faults to go straight to the top of the leaderboard, and with two remaining that were slower or had faults, they held the winning spot.

Caitlyn Connors (USA) and Falcon de Hus, owned by Caitlyn Connors LLC, slid into second place with a speedy clear round in 39.63 seconds. Last in the jump-off was Stella Wasserman (USA) riding her own Iphigeneia de Muze. They had eight faults in 46.77

Connors, who is 21 years old, has participated in the Under 25 series for six years. She remarked, “It was super exciting tonight to be able to get in there and have a top three placing. It was even more exciting to be able to do that for Scotty who is trusting me with this horse of his; I’m really glad we were able to pull that out from under our belts.”

For Mawhinney, the jump-off plan consisted of making the most of the turns and using the footspeed of her “tiny, but mighty” horse.

“My horse is naturally really quick across the ground, which I knew going in,” she said of her 14-year-old Hanoverian mare by Satisfaction FRH x Levisto. “We don’t have that much stride, so I tried to win on the turns and just get the strides done that I could. For example, from fence two to three a-b, the eight strides was very difficult, but I made sure I got it done so I could be waiting and quick around to the vertical. She’s just really fast in general.”

Mawhinney and Stella Levista have had major victories in their two-year career together already, including riding for the gold-medal-winning United States team in the 2021 FEI Youth Nations Cup Jumping Final. This win ranked high as well.

“It means a lot to win this grand prix here tonight,” she said. “I was definitely a bit nervous going in, but I trusted her. I want to thank my amazing trainer Jessica Mendoza, my groom Elaina, and my amazing family for coming to support me.”

Caroline Mawhinney rode Stella Levista to victory in the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix. © Sportfot

Jennifer Wood

6-ACRE

Palm Beach Point

Winter Equestrian Festival Features

OT40 Base Mats in Second 2021 Arena Upgrade After Rave Reviews

Have you ever wondered what kind of arena makes even top riding professionals green with envy?

The Winter Equestrian Festival and its host, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, are highly respected amongst the riding community not just because of their world-class competitions but also because of their dedication to superior riding surfaces. Their newest arena upgrade of the Mogavero Ring will be the second arena at the facility to feature the Equibase OT40 concussion/drainage mat system in its base.

The first arena at PBIEC to utilize the OT40 arena base mats was the DeNemethy Ring. The leadership team at Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), organizers of the Winter Equestrian Festival, picked the OT40 mats after extensive testing of a number of arena base products. “We had been evaluating all of the different footing products out there, and the ProEquus product tested fabulously,” said Michael Stone, President of ESP. “When you have a system that allows for a great take-off and a cushioned landing, it’s the perfect combination. People love it, the horses jump fantastic off it, and the riders are really happy.”

Created in Germany by ProEquus and distributed throughout the U.S. by TruTex Equestrian, OT40 base mats sit between the riding surface and the rock sub-base underneath. Their ultra rigid and heavy design prevents the mats from slipping or lifting. At the same time, the underside of the mats is designed to have a larger contact area with the base rock, which prevents them from becoming embedded and keeps the “springy” effect necessary for horses jumping great heights. In fact, an arena with an OT40 base absorbs more than 40% of the force applied on impact compared to a traditional base.

OT40 base mats also combine water drainage and water retention elements to create the ultimate all-weather arena that is ready to ride any day of the year. According to Stone, “We’ve had some heavy rains this season and the drainage was excellent. We were ready for competition almost immediately. We’re very happy to be working with such a high quality product.”

So, how does it work? The mats have a dual honeycomb-like system that retains water in evenly distributed wells while also providing drainage channels that divert and direct excess water for ultimate draining efficiency. Each mat holds between 1-2 gallons of water (depending on if it is the indoor or outdoor model), which is then wicked up into the surface as needed. That means a 20m x 60m ring will have up to 2,400 gallons of stored water that’s constantly being fed back into the surface! As a result, the arena has more consistent moisture across the entire riding surface while also requiring less frequent watering than a traditional arena.

Originally only available to high-profile competition arenas and stables in Europe, the OT40 arena base system has recently made its way across the pond and is now making a huge splash in the U.S. riding scene. From PBIEC in the Southeast to The Iron Horse Farm in the Northwest, OT40 mats are the fastest growing arena base system in the country. Available exclusively through TruTex Equestrian, the mats also come with a 20 year performance guarantee, so you know it’s an investment for the long-haul.