www.horsecapitaldigest.com 3
Janaury 15, 2016
HORSECAPITAL DIGEST
CONTENTS COVER STORY Jayne’s the Man in Great American $1 Million Grand Prix
28
Charlie Jayne teams with Chill RZ for victory in $1 million event
22 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup back in Ocala where it belongs
on 26 Successful Rhythm Warmblood with 24 Paying it Forward irregular heartbeat treated, headed Alachua resident, taught by a toward Olympics legend, honored for teaching others
about the
cover
8 10 12 14
Guide to HITS Events Calendar From the Grandstand Equine Health Entry Requirements
15 21 30 34
Vendors/Custom Barns Summarizing HITS Stung Humble Beginnings
Charlie Jayne wins the 2015 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix Photo by ESI
Brought to you by Horse Capital Digest in Ocala/Marion County, The Horse Capital of the World®. 4 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
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Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 e-mail: info@wiretowire.net • www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan Mike Mullaney Tammy A. Gantt John D. Filer Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL CAROLINE T. DAVIS PATRICK VINZANT
Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)
Executive Office – 801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Horse Capital Digest is published weekly by Florida Equine Communications, 801 S.W. 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents without permission prohibited. Opinions expressed in Horse Capital
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Digest are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the editors and owners of this publication. Horse Capital Digest attempts to print reliable results and entries. Printed by Florida Equine Communications
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FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FIRST VICE PRESIDENT SECOND VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT DIRECTORS
George Russell Lonny Taylor Powell Joseph M. O’Farrell III Gil Campbell Sheila DiMare Fred Brei Phil Matthews, DVM Barry Berkelhammer, Mark Casse, George Isaacs, Richard Kent, Milan Kosanovich, Roy Lerman, Diane Parks, Jessica Steinbrenner, Charlotte C. Weber, Greg Wheeler PAST PRESIDENTS Don Dizney, Harold Plumley, Stanley Ersoff, John C. Weber,MD, Douglas Oswald CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/ ASSISTANT TREASURER Caroline T. Davis ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ BUSINESS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Patrick Vinzant ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS DIRECTOR Tammy A. Gantt EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ ASSISTANT SECRETARY Becky Robinson MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Sally Moehring AWARDS, REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS Sheila Budden
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 7
What’s Going On
A Guide to the HITS 2016 Circuit H
ITS Ocala is a 10-week circuit, running from Jan. 19 through March 20.
POST TIME STADIUM The Post Time Stadium will host select special classes each week, including several grand prix, hunter prix, and jumper classics throughout the circuit, highlighted by the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix Sunday, March 27. Post Time Stadium is an exciting addition to create a special atmosphere for spectators as well as exhibitors participating in the high level classes chosen for this arena.
SHOPPING GALORE The Vendor Courtyard was enlarged and enhanced to include all shops located on-site. The added space and improved electric service allows both vendors and shoppers to have a more enjoyable experience throughout the circuit. Located in the same convenient area near the HITS Restaurant, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy at the Vendor Courtyard.
VIP TREATMENT The Overlook VIP Club will be open all 10 weeks of the 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit. Located ringside, overlooking the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter Ring, the Overlook Club will serve breakfast and lunch throughout the show circuit. Menus will be designed by the chefs of The Tavern at Diamond Mills in Saugerties, N.Y. Overlook Club table holders will also enjoy reserved seating and light food and beverage service during events in the Post Time Stadium. 8 Horse Capital Digest • Janaury 15, 2016
THE GREAT AMERICAN MILLION To be held on Sunday, March 27, the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix completes the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping as the second jewel of the coveted series. This will give Ocala competitors an opportunity to compete for the richest prize in show jumping and will serve as an exciting end to the 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit.
A NEW LOOK Hunter Ring 2 is now much larger, serving as a second “Main” Hunter Ring. The ring once known as Hunter Ring 6 will become the schooling area for Hunter Rings 2 & 3, providing a great warmup space for showing and practicing during the week. HCD
Welcome
to HITS Ocala 2016 A brief overlook of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in 2016 W
e are pleased to announce that HITS Ocala, Jan. 19 – March 20, will be a 10-week USEF-rated circuit this year. All 10 weeks have been USEF National- or Premier-rated Hunters. All shows count toward the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Awards, Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, and the HITS Championship in Saugerties, N.Y. this September. The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix returns to the stage in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium on Sunday, March 27. The second jewel of the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping debuted with great success in 2014 and we look forward to treating exhibitors and spectators alike to another tremendous event! The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, an official World Ranking Competition, will take place Friday, Feb. 19 during the Ocala Winter Festival. Over $400,000 was offered in the FEI Jumper division throughout the week, including $200,000 in the Nations Cup and $150,000 in the Grand Prix. The Overlook VIP Club offered a unique hospitality experience including world-class culinary presentation, complete with complimentary beer and wine service. The Ocala Horse Properties Stadium is the full-time Grand Prix Ring. The stadium, located on HITS property just across 137th Avenue, opened to rave reviews two years ago. The former Grand Prix Ring is Jumper Ring 1 and provided a second Feature Jumper Ring for horses and riders moving up the ranks. The Overlook VIP Club has been at the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for the entire circuit, serving breakfast and lunch each show day throughout the circuit. The former VIP area was replaced by a lovely cafÊ serving breakfast and lunch, with covered seating overlooking Jumper Ring 1 and the Main Hunter Ring.
Footing in all the Hunter Rings and Hunter Schooling Areas has been redone to match the footing in the Main Hunter Ring. Follow the progress on our Facebook page. The safety and well-being of your horses, and peace of mind for you, is our top priority. Over the past year, HITS has been at the forefront of implementing a standard Equine Health Protocol at all its shows. The Bio-Security Plan and Required Vaccination Protocol that HITS developed is being emulated across the country. Please be sure to review the requirements as printed in the prize list, and check HitsShows.com prior to your arrival to review the most up-to-date information.
With $3 million in prize money and qualifiers for all the HITS Championship classes, HITS offers something special for everyone, every week. HCD
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 9
EventsCalendar JANUARY
Jan. 26-31: Ocala January Festival - lI. HITS Showgrounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com
Jan. 19-24: Ocala January Classic l. HITS Show-
or email: info@HitsShows.com
grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com
Jan. 27-28: Ocala – 10:30 a.m. – OBS January Winter Mixed Thoroughbred Sales. OBS Sales Pavilion,
Jan. 23 – 30: Osceola County - The 20th Anniversary
1701 SW 60th Ave.
Great Florida Cattle Drive begins at Whaley Ranch Jan. 29-31: Ocala – Josie Barrel Racing Clinic. Florida on Canoe Creek Road (CR 523) for this re-enactment of the Cracker Cowboy experience presented
January 2016
Post Time Farm hosts RMI shows in 2016 RMI Mid-Florida Spring Fling – USEF AA Hunter/Jumper Horse Show at HITS Post Time Farm – May 20-22 RMI Mid-Florida Spring Encore – USEF AA Hunter/Jumper Horse Show at HITS Post Time Farm – June 3-5
ter for this 3-day clinic at www.barrelracers.com
For information about these or any other RMI horse shows: www.rushshows.com or rushshows@aol.com or 904-396-4106
Jan. 30: Kenansville – Noon - The Cows Come Home
Feb. 12-14: Ocala – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Equiventures
Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. Discover and regis-
by the Florida Agricultural Museum, Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee and the Florida
Trails End Cow Culture Celebration, Free and open
Horse Trial. Spectators free. On-site vendors. Free to
to the public, New Silver Spurs Rodeo Arena on
public. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. For
Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Advance RSVP required at www.greatfloridacatCanoe Creek Road.
425-7709 or visit www.equiventures.com
tledrive16.org or call 407-314-2347. Jan. 24: Ocala – 8 a.m. – STRIDE English, Western and Driving Dressage Show. Florida Horse Park,
more information contact Richard Trayford at (352)
FEBRUARY
Feb. 16-21: Ocala Winter Festival V. HITS Showgrounds. Featuring the $273,000 FEI CSIO-4* Divi-
Feb. 2-7: Ocala Premiere lll. HITS Showgrounds. For
sion and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup (Feb. 19). At
11008 S. Hwy 475. On site vendors. Free to public.
more information visit HitsShows.com or email:
HITS Showgrounds. For more information visit
Visit www.stridedressage.org to learn more
info@HitsShows.com
HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com
Jan. 26: Ocala – 1 p.m. – Ocala Breeders’ Sales Day
Feb. 9-14: Ocala Winter Classic lV. HITS Show-
of Champions Races. OBS training track and ITW
grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com
building. 1701 SW 60th Ave., Ocala
or email: info@HitsShows.com
Feb. 17: Ocala – 7 p.m. –Jumping Under the Stars. Florida Horse Park located at 11008 S. Hwy 475. For more information go to www.flhorsepark.com Feb. 19: Ocala – 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Breeches & Blue Jeans Charity fundraising Event. Ocala Breeders Sales, 1701 SW 60th Ave. Featuring band Weeds of Eden with live music, great food, cash bar, raffle, live auction, silent auction and hundreds of great items to win. For information call Second Wind Thoroughbred Project at 352-250-2874 Feb. 20: Morriston – Run for the Ribbons Horse Show for Thoroughbreds and now all breeds. Presented by Cedar Lock Farm, 14650 NW Hwy 464B. For entry forms and more info visit www.cedarlockfarm.com Feb. 21: Melbourne - Space Coast Arabian Horse Club Open Pleasure Show. Wickham Park Equestrian Center. Visit www.spacecoastarabian.com for details.
10 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
EventsCalendar Feb. 23-28: Ocala Masters Vl. At HITS Showgrounds.
March 1-6: Ocala Tournament VII. HITS Show-
March 15-20: Ocala Winter Celebration - IX. Featur-
Featuring the WCHR Week and $100,000 USHJA
grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com
ing the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix
International Hunter Derby (Feb. 27). At HITS Show-
or email: info@HitsShows.com
(March 20). At HITS Showgrounds. For more infor-
grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com
MARCH March 1: Hallandale – Pedigree & Conformation
mation visit HitsShows.com or email: March 6: Ocala – 8 a.m. – STRIDE English, Western
11008 S. Hwy 475. On site vendors. Free to public. Visit www.stridedressage.org to learn more March 8-13: Ocala Winter Finals VIII. HITS Show-
Clinic. A Pedigree & Conformation Clinic at Gulf-
grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com
stream Park. The all-day event is an intensive
or email: info@HitsShows.com
course concerning thoroughbred pedigrees and
March 9 -11: Ocala – 10:30 a.m. – Ocala Breeder’s
conformation. While geared to racehorses, the clinic
Sales Under Tack shows. OBS grounds at the train-
is valuable for those in hunter/jumper and dressage
ing track, Airport Road, 1701 SW 60th Ave.
sports who are using thoroughbreds. This educa-
info@HitsShows.com
and Driving Dressage Show. Florida Horse Park,
ONGOING Florida Thoroughbred Museum & Gallery, 801 SW
March 14: Ocala – 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Florida Thor-
tional event features various topics for prospective,
oughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Fifties
new and established thoroughbred owners and
Flashback Gala. Circle Square Cultural Center. For
breeders. Register at www.toba.org
tickets call 352-629-2160
60th , Ocala 34474, open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. and holidays). Free and open to the public. For information, call 352-629-2160
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 11
From the
A spectator’s guide to show jumping By HITS Staff
At the conclusion of over -fences classes, hunters are often asked to jog for soundness. They trot in a line in front of the judge before placings are made final. The judge will evaluate the horse’s conformation, health and overall gait both during the class and in the jog. At the end of class, a judge will assign a hunter and its rider a numerical score out of 100 based on how well they executed the course and how professional they looked doing it. Shiny boots, well-tailored clothes and a smartly groomed horse all count in the hunter ring. EQUITATION— Equitation classes judge the rider on their form, their guidance of the horse, effectiveness of their aids, position of legs, hands and upper body position, and the ability to perform certain tests with style and precision. The rider’s legs should be perpendicular to the ground and quiet with the heel down. Their hands
I
t’s beautiful, it’s impressive and it’s exciting, but I just don’t get it. If, while sitting in the grandstand at a horse show, you find yourself thinking these things, you’re not alone. Have no fear, however, HITS has put together a guide to horse shows for the avid or perhaps not-so-avid spectator. The following will give you an insider’s look at the horse show world and how to navigate all that you will see during HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.
Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism. Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.” The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t. A fault is a numerical penalty for an error. A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults. If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults. A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course. A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a second that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults. If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner. HUNTERS—Hunter classes judge the horse. A hunter should have a long, low, ground-covering stride and jump the fences easily, smoothly and with consistent pace. Hunters are quiet, exhibit good manners both over fences and under saddle and jump courses that involve direct lines and straight-forward fences, usually designed with natural elements and colors. 12 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
ESI PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING AND HOW TO JUDGE IT: JUMPERS—Jumper classes, like the March 27
Grandstand should be supple and follow the movement of the horse’s head. The upper body should be upright, but relaxed with a slight arch in the lower back. The rider’s head should be up and looking forward. Equitation classes are generally judged on the flat at the walk, trot and canter and over fences. Equitation riders, like hunter riders, are assigned a score out of 100 by a judge based on their performance. The highest score wins the blue. Learn these terms and you will be on the way to impressing all your “horsey” friends STRIDE – the amount of ground a horse covers. At the canter, the average stride of a horse is 12 feet. The distances between fences of jumping courses are set accordingly. SCHOOLING – practice or training before competition. The riders practice in a schooling area and are not allowed to practice on the actual course. ORDER OF GO – the order in which the competitors compete over the set course. COURSE WALK – riders walk the course to measure the number of strides their horse will need between each jump.
FAULTS – numerical penalties assigned for downed rails, refusals or going over the time allowed. TIME ALLOWED – the time, determined by the course designer, that it should take a horse to navigate a jumper course. REFUSAL – a horse that stops in front of a fence and will not attempt to jump it. CLEAN/CLEAR – when the horse and rider complete all jumps on the course without a single jumping or time fault. JUMP-OFF – the riders who have a clean round compete in a timed jump-off over a shortened course to determine the winner of the class. TACK – the equipment used on the horse including the saddle and the bridle. COMBINATION – two or more jumps set close together and designed to be jump with fewer strides in between and judged as one element. LIVERPOOL – a fence set over water or a ditch filled with water that horse and rider must clear. GREEN – a horse, usually young, with little experience. HCD
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 13
Post Time Farm | Ocala, Florida
Equine Health Entry Requirements P
rotecting the health of your horse and other horses at HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is of the utmost importance to HITS. To that end HITS has implemented required biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of introduction and/or spread of contagious or infectious disease at its shows. Horses must arrive only between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Off-hours arrival must obtain permission from show management by calling 352-620-2275 24 hours prior to arrival.
Andre Thieme
UPON ARRIVAL TO POST TIME FARM, ALL HORSES MUST HAVE:
Signed by the owner/agent/trainer verifying that the horse has been healthy with no sign of infectious disease and has not had a fever above 102°F within 72 hours (3 days) of arrival. An Event Participation Declaration Form is available in this prize list and at HitsShows.com. A new Event Participation Declaration Form must be filed each time the horse enters the property. Horses stabled off the property that “ship-in” on a regular basis must comply with this requirement as well as additional requirements noted on the following pages. Visit HitsShows.com for further details.
PROOF OF VACCINATION A signed statement from the attending veterinarian that the horse has been vaccinated against the following: Within 6 months (180 days) of each show: Equine Influenza Within 3 months (90 days) of each show: EHV 1 and EHV 4 If a vaccination will expire during one of the shows, the horse must receive its new vaccination prior to being issued a competition number for that show.
PRESENTATION OF HEALTH REQUIREMENTS The Equine Health Requirements are required for all horses entering the show grounds both showing and non-showing. 14 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
ESI PHOTO
A COMPLETED EVENT PARTICIPATION DECLARATION
These documents must be filed in the Show Office before any competition numbers will be issued. In addition, random checks for equine health requirements will occur. Be sure to keep a copy of all of your horse’s equine health requirements in an easily accessible spot (in your tack room or tack trunk, truck or trailer) to ensure you can comply with this requirement. The results on all required papers must indicate the horses’ registered (show) name. Any horse not accompanied by these documents will be directed to the Show Veterinarian to obtain the required documents and/or vaccinations, and/or will be placed in quarantined stabling until the proper documents are obtained. Any horse showing signs of fever/illness/stress is subject to examination by HITS officials and/or the Show Veterinarian, who may, at their sole discretion, place the horse in quarantined stabling or take further action if deemed necessary. See Rules and Regs for more information, and visit HitsShows.com for the most up to date requirements. HCD
HITS Custom Barns offer elite opportunity SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc. is pleased to announce that HITS Custom Barns are now available for the 2016 show seasons. Clients may book reservations to make HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala or HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., their permanent or semi-permanent home. “Having a HITS Custom Barn is really a no-brainer,” said Mike McCormick of MTM Farms. “HITS has allowed us to customize an already beautiful barn and landscape into exactly what we want. It’s convenient to be on campus in a barn all your own, especially when you have 20–30 horses. We are really excited about this opportunity.” Exhibitors and trainers may build a personal
H
barn that feels like home right on HITS property. Barns can be set up in any fashion, customized to the needs of a client or business. HITS Custom Barn clients may also extend their stay past the show season if they so desire. No matter the extent of one’s stay, private barns provide an opportunity for clients to feel as at-home as possible while traveling. “We want to provide our clients with the highest-caliber of options available, which includes the ability to make HITS home, throughout the show season and year-round,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “Custom Barn clients will have barns that are customizable for their needs that offer – as with all HITS products and services – the
most advanced equine amenities available.” Barns are available on a five-year lease and can be built with 24 or more stalls. Features include: • Center aisle barns with doors • Paved aisles • 12 x 12 foot stalls with rubber mats • 40 x 80 foot paddocks with four-board fencing (two included with each barn) • Bathroom, laundry room, feed room • Insect misting system For more information regarding pricing and customization, contact Kristen Vale-Mosack at HITS Post Time Farm: Kristen@HitsShows.com or Asia Manning at HITS Desert Horse Park: Asia@HitsShows.com, or call the HITS corporate office at 845-246-8833. HCD
Check out Who has What to offer
HITS Ocala Vendors 2016 From riding apparel and horse show necessities to fine art, jewelry and luxury clothing, the Vendor Courtyards at HITS offer quality shopping at a variety of stores and boutiques. The public is welcome to shop the Vendor Courtyard. SMARTPAK Supplements Courtney
BACK ON TRACK Therapeutic Riding Apparel Shelly
lisa@ocalahorseproperties.com
cbruso@smartpak.com
roc_mix@comcast.net
NOBLE OUTFITTERS Equestrian Apparel
PLATINUM PERFORMANCE Supplements Amy
OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS Horse Capital Digest
OCALA HORSE PROPERTIES Real Estate Lisa
julias@nobleoutfitters.com
amy@platinumperformance.com
Florida Equine Communications 352-629-2160 (Official HITS weekly publication) www.horsecapitaldigest.com 15
Kocher Takes 1st 2 Spots HITS Holiday Series - Ocala Holiday Classic Round-Up
S
how jumping competition returned to HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala on Dec. 9, for the inaugural HITS Holiday Series. In preparation for the 10-week HITS Ocala winter circuit, which begins Jan. 19, the holiday series offered riders two additional weeks of winter-show opportunities in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World.
$25,000 SMARTPAK GRAND PRIX Big-money classes commenced Dec. 11 for the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix in the Grand Prix ring. Many well-known names filled the Order of Go, including Margie Engle and Ocala’s Aaron Vale, but it was Lake St. Louis native Andrew Kocher and Uppie De Lis, owned by BTS Entertainment & Sales, who would go home with the blue ribbon and a $7,500 check. In Round 1, riders attempted the 13-fence course set by Kenny Krome, of Westminster, Md., but only five entries would go clear to
16 Horse Capital Digest • January 2016
Kocher knew what he had to do for a win and with that in mind he took off running. Zooming through the course fault-free they finished in a time of 38.633, to top Engle again, for second place. It all came down to Engle and the last entry of the jump-off round, Indigo, owned by Gladewinds Farm LLC. The round was in Engle’s favor until the second-to-last obstacle where a single rail would give her a final score of four faults in a time of 38.597 for fourth place. HCD
move on to the jump-off. First to re-enter the ring and attempt the abbreviated course was Pan American Games star Margie Engle and Eckham Van Het Steentje, who is owned by Elm Rock LLC. They sailed over the fences without a single misstep, Engle clocking in at 40.814. Second in the order, Kocher and Uppie De Lis cruised to a cool, clean finish in 38.283 to top Engle on the leaderboard. Both riders had second entries in the jump-off so it was still $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix Owner anyone’s game. Next PlaceHorse 1 Uppie De Lis BTS Entertainment & Sales in the order was Vale 2 Le Conte Andrew Kocher aboard Bonzini S, 3 Eckham Van Het Steentje Elm Rock LLC owned by Thinkslikea4 Indigo Gladewinds Farm Inc 5 Bonzini S Thinkslikeahorse horse, and all was 6 Denali Paula Pell right until a downed 7 Zindiloma Foxridge Farms Stables rail at the third fence 8 Whittaker MVNZ Woodrun resulted in four faults 9 HH Dauphin Woodrun and a time of 39.118. 10 Venus Raylyn Farms, Inc. Piloting his second 11 No Autograph's Please Dakota Schramer Kehoe Enterprises LLC mount, Le Conte, 12 D.A. Vittoria
Rider Andrew Kocher Andrew Kocher Margie Engle Margie Engle Aaron Vale Sulu Rose-Reed Sean Jobin Laura Linback Laura Linback Christina Kelly Dakota Schramer Silvio Mazzoni
Prize $7,500 $5,500 $3,250 $2,000 $1,500 $1,250 $1,000 $750 $750 $500 $500 $500
Though certainly not a surprise, it is still always amazing to see our in-state thoroughbred industry numbers in terms of how they fit with and relate to Florida’s economy. A recent 2013 conservative study conducted by nationally acclaimed pari-mutuel and gaming economists Cummings & Associates of horse breeds from the pari-mutuel industry based in the Sunshine State provided a handful of very impressive equine economic impacts including:
■ $1 billion per year of Economic Impact ■ More than $400 million expended per year in local salaries and payroll taxes ■ More than 12,000 jobs ■ An annual economic impact state-wide far in excess of coveted baseball spring training
Florida...the Best State for Business
FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160
SALLY MOEHRING PHOTO
Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse
FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Farm Service Directory Free Listing Please check the category/categories (maximum of 2 please) you would like listed for your Florida farm/business in
THE FLORIDA HORSE FARM & SERVICE DIRECTORY:
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YE
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CE
50
OF S E
..............
RS
50
E
............. F
L
Ye ar
OR
IDA
H
O
s o f S e r vi c e
Serving Florida’s Thoroughbred Indus since 1958 try
✓
RESTAURANTS
SALES COMPANIES SCHOOLS TRAINING CENTERS TRANSPORTATION VETERINARIANS
A
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ACCOUNTANTS APPRAISAL SERVICE ATTORNEYS BANKS & INSURANCE BLACKSMITHS BLOODSTOCK AGENTS EQUINE CHIROPRACTORS EQUINE DENTISTS EQUINE HEALTH & PERFORMANCE EQUINE SERVICE EQUIPMENT
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Please identify the breed For example - QUARTER HORSE
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Please help us keep you current RESPONSE DEADLINE APRIL 22, 2016
FLORIDA FARM/BUSINESS NAME: ________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________ FLORIDA FARM/BUSINESS PHONE: ————————————— FARM/BUSINESS FAX:____________________________ WEBSITE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________ OWNER OF FARM/BUSINESS: ____________________________________________________________________________ MANAGER OF FARM: ________________________________ MANAGER’S PHONE: ________________________________ BARN PHONE: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ACREAGE: __________________________________________________________________________________________ SIZE OF TRAINING TRACK: ______________________________________________________________________________ SERVICES OFFERED: __________________________________________________________________________________ STALLIONS STANDING: ________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ VISITING POLICY: ____________________________________________________________________________________ VISITORS WELCOME FROM __________________ TO ________________ VISITORS PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT ❏ NO VISITORS ❏
RESPONSE DEADLINE April 22, 2016
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RETURN TO: THE FLORIDA HORSE • 801 SW 60TH AVE., • OCALA, FL 34474 For more information: 352-732-8858 • Fax: 352-629-3603 or 352-867-1979 Attention: Antoinette Griseta
Summarizing
HITS
ond that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course. A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults. If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner.
The following is a brief summary of Show HITS will host the $200,000 Jumping, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup and Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup opportunities for community participation.
HITS Post Time Farm | Ocala • Friday, Feb. 19
SHOWJUMPING 101: Jumper classes, like a Nations Cup Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism. Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.” The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t. A fault is a numerical penalty for a jumping error. This is how it breaks down: A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults. A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class. A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a sec-
ABOUT THE FURUSIYYA FEI NATIONS CUP • It is the most prestigious Show Jumping series for national teams in the World • HITS will host the only U.S. North American Region qualifier for the Finals in Barcelona, Spain. • Features a team competition with four riders per team • HITS will invite nine International teams • The Furusiyya Nations Cup will consist of two jumping rounds: 1) The top 3 riders of the six best-placed participating teams (after the first round) ride the second course. 2) Each team’s lowest score for each round is dropped. Winning team has lowest score from faults. • The Furusiyya Nations Cup boasts a $200,000 prize purse • The FEI events span five days, Feb. 16-21, with classes, including: $34,000 FEI Jumper Prix $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic $150,000 FEI Grand Prix
WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON MARION COUNTY & OCALA? ■ Influx of international rider, trainers, support staff and owners plus media and fans. ■ Increased revenue for local lodging, restaurants, businesses ■ Sizeable spectator audience drawing from areas outside the region ■ Global media attention ■ Opportunity to showcase Marion County as unique environment for highest level of equestrian events, beautiful scenery and visitor friendly destination. ■ Opportunities to get involved: ■ Hospitality and sponsorship Initiatives ■ Community Partnerships ■ Host Family and Farm Tours ■ Business Alliances & Welcome Committees ■ Spectator Audience For further information please contact: Amy Agricola at Amy@hitsshows.com or 352–502–896 www.horsecapitaldigest.com 21
Furusiyya FEI Nations SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc., home of the Triple Crown of Show Jumping, is pleased to announce the return of the Federation Équestre Internationale (FEI) Furusiyya Nations Cup
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CSIO-4* to the Ocala Winter Festival, Feb. 16-21, the fifth week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Boasting a $100,000 prize purse, the namesake Nations Cup, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, will offer the only
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Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Team Ireland's Kevin Babington and Shorapur at the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup
22 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
Cup back where it belongs stateside chance to qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Finals in Barcelona, Spain, later this year. “Hosting the country’s only official FEI Nations Cup is an honor we do not take lightly. Last year, HITS Ocala far exceeded all expectations and, with months of preparation already underway, we plan to do the same in 2016,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
•the $5,000 Welcome Stake and the $34,000 Thursday Prix on Thursday, Feb. 18; •the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Friday, Feb. 19; •the $34,000 HITS Jumper Classic on Saturday, Feb. 20, and •the $100,000 Ocala Grand Prix on Sunday, Feb. 21. A complete schedule is available at HitsShows.com. Throughout the FEI Nations Cup Week at HITS Post Time Farm, HITS will offer an upgraded hospitality experience in the HITS Ocala far exceeded all expectations. Overlook VIP Club, featuring ringside seating and complimentary beer and —HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri wine, as well as the culinary art of Executive Chef Giuseppe Napoli of The Tavern at Diamond Mills in Saugerties, N.Y. VIP tables are expected to sell out and reservations are en“With loyal support from Marion County and the City of Ocala, HITS will welcome show jumping’s biggest players to the couraged. Horse Capital of the World to exemplify our continued commitFor Overlook VIP Club information and bookings, contact ment to growing the sport for exhibitors and spectators alike.” The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup will take place Friday, Feb. 19 Chris Mayone at Chris@HitsShows.com. HCD at 1 p.m. The HITS Organizing Committee and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will invite 13 nations to participate in Nations Cup competition. The riders representing the U.S. will be chosen according to the approved selection procedures, using the Rolex/USEF Rider Ranking List, and by U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Robert Ridland. Acclaimed course designer Alan Wade, of Tipperary, Ireland, has been selected by HITS to develop and design the field-ofplay that will be used on Feb. 19. “The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competition is the cornerstone of the sport of show jumping and it is an honor to design the course at HITS Ocala,” said Wade. “For an athlete, it is a great privilege to be chosen to represent your country in any sport, but in show jumping, representing your country adds to the pressure and excitement of competing in this class. Unlike all other show jumping competitions, where athletes are competing for themselves, in the Nations Cup, they are representing themselves, their team and their country.” Throughout the HITS Ocala Nations Cup Week, over $270,000 in prize money will be given away in the FEI Jumper division, in addition to over $90,000 total prize money in nationally ranked classes. “Now, with a year of experience, we can make Nations Cup Week a week that is more inclusive to both national and international riders,” continued Struzzieri. “The Ocala Winter Festival show schedule with expanded class offerings, including a $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Thursday, will reflect that inclusiveness.” Spanning four days of competition, Nations Cup Week at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala will host several notable classes in the FEI Jumper Division.
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www.horsecapitaldigest.com 23
Paying it Alachua resident, taught by a legend, honored for teaching others By BEN BAUGH
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f Richard Watson had the knowledge he’s accumulated during a lifetime of working with horses when he was younger, he may have retired at a far earlier age. However, it’s unlikely that the 84-year-old Watson could have walked away that easily from his passion. Watson was recognized by the United States Hunter Jumper Association with the Jane Marshall Dillon Award last month at its annual meeting. The honor is bestowed upon those who show a lifelong commitment to working with and mentoring riders who are in the earliest stages of becoming involved with the hunter/jumper discipline. Born in Illinois during the Great Depression, Watson was introduced to horses by his father. “My dad had horses off-and-on, and he was a good horseman and a good rider,” said Watson, who lives in Alachua. “He wasn’t in the horse business per se, but he did a lot with horses.” An iconic American image inspired Watson to first get up on a horse, something Bodmer, Catlin and Remington captured artistically, and Kit Carson, Jim Bridger, Peter Skene Ogden and Wild Bill Hickok lived. “I wanted to be a cowboy of course,” said Watson. “He (his father) told me that he didn’t care what I was, but the first thing I had to do was to learn how to ride, and I was going to learn. It either had to be bareback or in an English saddle.” Watson opted to ride bareback and would indulge his dream of being a cowboy. During his teens he found himself working on ranches in Polk City, and it was at that time he would come in contact with a legendary horseman, Monte Foreman, who was conducting clinics long before they came into vogue. Watson had read many of Foreman’s books and saw it as an opportunity to learn from a horseman who was considered one of the best. “He moved to Florida pretty close to where I had been working on a ranch,” said Watson. “He moved into a ranch north of Polk City, and he didn’t have any cattle on that ranch, he just had the horses there. He was an artist. I had read his books and I thought, ‘I would give anything to ride with this man.’ I was missing something. I picked up the Sunday paper one day, and there he was. It took me about 20 minutes to get there. He would come down to the ranch I was on with the horses and help me with the cattle, to work his horses on the cattle. It was only seven or eight miles away.” 24 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
An invaluable resource, Foreman provided Watson with a foundation in horse psychology, teaching him to think like a horse, he said. “I learned a lot from Monte,” said Watson. “I learned about letting the horse tell you what it needs, instead of you thinking you know everything you need to know about them. We don’t know anything about them. We think we do. They prove us wrong a good part of the time. I changed up my riding styles as the years went by. Now, if I had the knowledge then that I have now, I could retire early.” A propitious shift in locations, one that would take him to Germantown, Tenn., just outside of Memphis, found Watson trying his hand at a number of disciplines. It would be a place he would call home for the following two decades. “We (he and Foreman) went up there with an old friend, one that he had known in the Army, an old cavalry officer who trained polo ponies, so we thought that would be kind of fun,” said Watson. “We were doing cutting horses and polo ponies.” And in the string of polo ponies Watson was working with was a horse that had been a jumper in its previous vocation. “I hopped him over a few jumps, just to see what it was like, and thought it was pretty fun and just went on from there,” he said. Watson found himself going over jumping efforts in an extremely unconventional way, but the experience itself would prove significant in shaping the rest of his career. “The first horse I jumped, I jumped in a western saddle, and that was when I was working my polo ponies and doing reining in a western saddle,” said Watson. “I just thought it would be easier to do. It was a saddle that Monte had designed and patented. It was called a ‘Balanced Ride Saddle.’ It was alright. It worked. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I got it done.” The transition to Tennessee provided Watson with the opportunity to play polo for the people he was working for, when they weren’t able to play their strings. “I did that for four or five years,” said Watson. “Monte moved away to Colorado, and I stayed in Tennessee and went into business for myself.” It was in Tennessee that Watson found himself in foxhunting country, providing him with ample opportunity to be introduced to a variety of jumping efforts, enabling him to polish his skills and refine his techniques. “They had what you called ‘coops,’ panels over fences, that allowed you to go from pasture to pasture without opening the gates,” said Watson. “There were some around the ranch where the polo ponies were, and one day I just thought it would be a good thing to do, jumping over that coop, with a western saddle.” It was while tending to the polo strings of two prominent fam-
Forward ilies that Watson found himself in the fortuitous situation of desire, I’m going to give it to them if I can. If they just want being asked to teach those families’ children how to ride, using to mess around, then we don’t get along too good. Most of their polo ponies, who he was caring for, as the schooling horses. them seem to want it (the knowledge to improve).” Watson has been working with a Grand Prix rider in prepaNed Cook and Mickey McFadden were instrumental in helping Watson develop his business during its nascent ration for the Ocala Winter HITS series, Heron Lee, who’s from stages. Both were prominent businessmen in Memphis and Nashville, Tenn., and used to ride with his daughter Brenda. “She’s going to be really good,” said Watson. “We’ve wanted to play polo. However, there was a student, one that Watson coached changed her style somewhat. She’s getting it and wants it bad. that would take him to the upper levels of show jumping. It She’s a hard worker, and all she wants to do is ride these horses.” Lee, a professional, also has a number of students, said was as if being a horseman was in her blood. The acolyte who would enjoy success at the highest tier would be none Watson. However, it’s her new horse that has made quite an impression on the veteran trainer. other than Watson’s daughter, Brenda. “I went to Nashville because she wanted me to look at the “The first Grand Prix I did was with my daughter,” said horse,” said Watson. “The mare’s going to be really good.” Watson. Maybe Someday has plenty of scope, and the objective is The octogenarian still derives a great deal of satisfaction from working with young horseman. It’s those riders who to make sure that she’s at her best when going up the levels. “She’s a black mare and her barn name is Bonita,” said are committed to improving and elevating their game that Watson. “She can really jump and likes to jump.” Watson loves to work with and help develop. “I get a lot out of it, to see somebody who can get it,” said I was in the car one day, and Bill Moroney called me. He told me, ‘I wanted to Watson. let you know you’ve been nominated for the Jane Marshall Dillon Award.’ I said, “Some of them just can’t get it. You work as hard as you can ‘Ok.’ And he said, ‘You’ve won it.’ And I said, ‘Ok.’ He said, ‘You really won it.’ with them, and if they have the And I said, ‘Ok.’ It was cool. —Richard Watson
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But that isn’t Lee’s only promising horse: A gelding named Everyday Hero has also shown great potential, according to Watson. “He’s willing to do anything, but just can’t quite get it organized yet,” said Watson. “He has enough ‘jump’ to do the big jumps. She’s done a nice job with him.” The Jane Marshall Dillon Award was something that caught Watson entirely off guard. He said he was surprised with both the nomination and the honor. “I didn’t have a clue,” said Watson. “My son and daughter sat down, and nominated me for some reason. Then they campaigned for it, called people and told other people. I was in the car one day, and Bill Moroney (USHJA president) called me. He told me, ‘I wanted to let you know you’ve been nominated for the Jane Marshall Dillon Award.’ I said, ‘Ok.’ And he said, ‘You’ve won it.’ And I said, ‘Ok.’ He said, ‘You really won it.’ And I said, ‘Ok.’ It was cool.” Watson received the award Dec. 8 at the annual USHJA meeting in Orlando. “I had a lady come down from Maine that had been a client for years,” said Watson. “I had taught her children and grandchildren; another lady came from Jacksonville. Heron was there and my daughter came down. We had a good time.” HCD www.horsecapitaldigest.com 25
Successful Warmblood with irregular heartbeat treated, pointed toward Olympics GAINESVILLE – world-class dressage horse treated successfully at the University of Florida for an irregular heartbeat has rediscovered his rhythm and returned to international competition. His trainer, Kelly Layne, a member of the Australian team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Germany and now a Wellington resident, is thrilled with Udon P’s comeback. She hopes he’ll pick up where he left off before his cardiac problem disrupted their training, setting a goal for the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood of qualifying for the this year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “He’s a high-level athlete, but what’s interesting to me is the fact that his owner, in concert with his trainer, embraced
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26 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
his problem, when many people would rather not discuss their animal’s health conditions publicly,” said Chris Sanchez, D.V.M., Ph.D., an associate professor of large animal internal medicine at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of Udon P’s care team. “This horse’s owners took the opposite approach. They have taken this as a learning opportunity and even developed a heart-themed freestyle for his return to competition,” Sanchez said. Layne attributes Udon P’s success to, of all things, his exceptional heart. “Not many horses go through what he has, then fight their way back into the international-competition arena,” she said. “We should definitely reward and celebrate the horses that
Rhythm have this kind of moxie.” Known by his stable name, Noodles, Udon P arrived at UF’s Large Animal Hospital in April 2014 as a rising star in the world of dressage, a competitive equestrian sport during which riders guide a horse through a series of complex movements aimed at developing obedience, flexibility and balance. He was competing at the Grand Prix level and had recently won an international freestyle event, in which the horse’s movements are choreographed to music, in Wellington. “In the four international competitions known as the Concours Dressage International, he competed in nine tests with scores as high as 73.6 percent,” Layne said. “We were having an exceptional first season at the international Grand Prix.” But fate intervened, shortly before Layne and her husband, Steve, were going to fly the horse to Normandy, France to represent Australia in the World Equestrian Games. He began showing signs of distress, including bleeding from the nose, coughing and unexpected gait changes. “Noodles loves to canter, so we were very concerned,” Layne said. “It became impossible to train.” The Laynes’ veterinarian, Meg Miller Turpin, diagnosed atrial fibrillation, otherwise known as an irregular heartbeat. She referred the horse to UF’s Large Animal Hospital for a procedure known as electrical cardioversion. The facility is the only equine veterinary hospital in Florida capable of providing the procedure. The Laynes pulled Udon P from competition and focused on their horse’s health. Although the horse sailed through the procedure, his recovery back home in Wellington was somewhat rocky, Layne said. “The pressure to fly to Europe was gone as we had withdrawn Noodles from consideration. He just needed time to regain his health and confidence,” she said. “We had OK days and some not very good days. However, his heart was strong and remained in normal rhythm at 40 to 42 beats per minute.” About six weeks after the horse’s discharge from UF, a large thunderstorm brought gusty, cool air to Wellington. For Layne, it was a pivotal event. “Perhaps it was the combination of the cooler weather and the storm, or maybe it was just time, but Noodles switched on and since that moment has never missed a beat, both figuratively and literally,” she said. To celebrate his return to competition, Layne collaborated with a British composer to create a freestyle routine consisting of songs that have the heart as a theme. The routine was first performed in January, when Udon P was back in competition. “We wanted to dedicate this freestyle to his big heart that
wouldn’t give up,” Layne said. “Probably the most emotional song in it is ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ from the movie ‘Titanic.’ Everyone involved has been touched by this amazing horse.” Udon P is “coming along nicely” for the 2016 competitive season, but Layne is equally excited about her horse’s continued good health and attitude. “Pretty amazingly, he has just not had any health issues for the past 14 months,” Layne said. “Not many horses enter the arena with such willingness and enthusiasm.” HCD www.horsecapitaldigest.com 27
CATCHING UP
Him Jayne, Great American Charlie Jayne teams with Chill RZ for victory in $1 million event
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28 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
“I’ve had him for a few years but he’s just come into this level in the past year or so,” said Hough. “He’s probably the most talented horse I’ve ever ridden.” Next to test his luck on the abbreviated course was Jonathan McCrea of East Windsor, Conn., with Aristoteles V, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables Inc. The crowd went silent wondering if McCrea would be the one to give them a clean go, but a rail at the second-to-last fence and a time of 49.241 would put him behind Coe on the leaderboard. Hoping to break the four fault streak, McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., on his faithful Rothchild, owned by Sagamore Farm, was next in the order and hungry for a win after a second-place finish at the AIG $1 million Grand Prix, just one spot ahead of Jayne and Chill RZ, one week prior. Ward breezed through the course giving fans the first clean jump off round in a fast time of 42.903. For a moment, it looked like Ward was on his way to what would be his third $1 million Grand Prix title. “He has been more than a great partner. It’s remarkable what this little horse has done,” said Ward. “I’ve said it before, but he’s really my friend. “We’ve been aiming for the World Cup Finals since the World Championship last year. When we made that plan, these two $1 Million Grand Prix were on the way there and very important markers for us,” he continued. Jayne, who immediately followed Ward in the jump-off both in Ocala and in the AIG Million a week earlier, had the advantage of watching all but one of his challengers. The chase was on as Jayne and Chill RZ cut through the course and as they launched over the final fence, the Great American Insurance oxer, for a clean round in a time of 42.24, the crowd erupted in cheers for the new leader. “Before the jump off I was talking to a friend who said ‘You know Charlie, you won over a $100,000 last week, so just go for it,’ so that was basically my strategy,” said Jayne. “I
think I got a little lucky at the last fence. I was a few tenths of a second behind McLain last week, and I was just about that much ahead of him this week. Luck was on my side.” With one last entry to go, all eyes were on Callan Solem and VDL Wizard, owned by Horseshoe Trail Farm LLC, as they raced the clock and Jayne for the win. Clean but not quite fast enough, Solem crossed the timers in 44.116 for a third place finish. As Solem exited, a triumphant Jayne reappeared in the ring for his well-deserved victory gallop and beamed with excitement as he waved to countless cheering fans. “Everybody in the jump-off was quite fast but I just had the advantage today that Lauren had a rail down and I got to see McLain go,” said Jayne after the class. “I think there was a very strong caliber of horse and riders here today – probably one of the strongest Millions we’ve seen yet.”
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OCALA – espite an uncertain forecast, droves of spectators packed two VIP tents and filled the grandstands for the return of the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix to the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at HITS Post Time Farm on March 23. With hopes for a battle of the best, onlookers received just that when Charlie Jayne, of Elgin, Ill., aboard Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher’s Chill RZ, hustled his way to the win. Forty-six of the world’s top riders, including World Cup champions, Olympic gold medalists and Grand Prix stars, attempted the 14-effort course set by Buddy Brown. Many riders had a chance to talk to Brown while they were walking the course, and the track challenged riders in all the right places, with six securing a spot in the coveted jump-off. “Many of the verticals were well over 1.60, which we don’t jump anywhere else,” said Jayne. “I thought the course designer did an excellent job with the placement of the fences. Six was the perfect number of clears for a class of this caliber.” First to re-enter the ring for the jump-off was Kirsten Coe of Royal Palm Beach, riding Baronez, owned by Ilan Ferder, Lovsa Stuteri and Tal Milstein. Hailed as a rising star in the Grand Prix arena, Coe had a rail at the fourth jump, the liverpool oxer, for four faults in a time of 46.918, ultimately leading to a fifth-place finish. Lauren Hough of Wellington, riding Ohlala, owned by The Ohlala Group, was next to take the stage. Hough approached the course with confidence as a hush fell over the crowd. All-out galloping and zipping through the turns, Hough was on a mission and, despite a down rail for four faults at the last oxer, the two set the Great American Time to Beat with a time of 42.601, a full four seconds faster than Coe. Hough, who rode Ohlala in the FEI Nations Cup at HITS Ocala earlier last season, praised her partner for their job well done.
Grand Prix Winner The course designer agreed, adding, “To me, the jump-off is an Olympic-like round. When you come here to jump for $1 Million, that is special. Tom holds three $1 million classes a year. Riders should come ready with their A-game.” “The two of us have won $480,000 and $570,000 in the past two weeks,” replied Ward, referring to his and Jayne’s results the past two weeks. “To see our sport come to that level is phenomenal. I tried to go a little faster this week than last - I was worried about Charlie. I just had a feeling that he was going to lay it on the line.” It was unanimous amongst the top finishers that the prize purses offered by HITS are remarkable and HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri gave full credit to the event’s title sponsor. “Great American Insurance is a fantastic sponsor of ours. To support us at this level is extraordinary and we’re so fortunate in that way,” said Struzzieri at the post-class press conference. “I’m fortunate to have frequent customers of mine sitting up here. I like to have people who support HITS through the year getting rewarded for doing well, and I’m happy about that.” HCD
Great American back as sponsor of 2016 $1 million Grand Prix SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc. is pleased to announce that Great American Insurance will again be the title sponsor of the 2016 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping, on Sunday, March 27. “I think that all of the million-dollar classes that HITS produces are phenomenal,” said Olympic gold-medalist and professional show jumper McLain Ward. “The level is world-class, the prize money is world-class and when you’re able to do well at that level of competition, it’s certainly something to be proud of.” The third annual Great American Million attracts the attention of the entire equine industry – from spectators to competitors, sponsors to media – to HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala. Elite riders will compete for one of the richest purses in show jumping, including a $350,000 prize for the rider to claim the blue ribbon. “Great American’s continued support for this iconic class solidifies their commitment to the people of the horse sport industry,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri. “They are a greatly valued sponsor.” Great American has one of the most comprehensive and unique product portfolios available to horse owners; the highly regarded insurance company recognizes involvement in the horse industry as an ongoing investment, which deserves expert insurance coverage. “Great American Insurance Group is proud to be the sponsor of the third annual Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala. For more than two decades Great American has been in support of HITS Horse Shows, sponsoring the Great American Time to Beat and sharing the sponsorship of the Marshall and Sterling League,” said Ken Standlee, President of the Great American Equine Division. “Last year was, once again, a great success. Every year is better and better and our thanks go to Tom Struzzieri and the HITS staff for all of their hard work.”
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Charlie Jayne and Chill RZ on their way to their 2015 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix win at HITS Ocala
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 29
CATCHING UP
Stung Drescher, Sting win Equitation Championship OCALA – t was a picturesque evening under the lights of the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for the return of the HITS Equitation Championship. High school senior Sunny Drescher, of Hinesburg, Vt., and her own Sting proved that determination and drive pay off, moving up five spots from the 2014 event, to take home the blue ribbon and top honors on March 21. After 10 weeks of qualifying opportunities throughout the HITS Ocala Winter Show Circuit, 31 juniors took their chance at the technical course, set at 3’6” by designer Buddy Brown. Testing not only their competence in the ring, but also their efforts in the schooling area, competitors were judged by two sets of officials who evaluated their abilities as rising horsemen. “At the riders’ meeting, Buddy Brown gave us his expectations as riders. He told us what he wanted to see from us, which I thought was really helpful,” said Drescher. “I loved the course for Round 1. I thought it rode really well and it was fun to ride. There were parts that were tricky but if you did it well, you were rewarded for that.” Leading the class with a first-round score of 184, Drescher went into Round 2 feeling confident in her craft, referencing her fifth-place finish in the 2014 HITS Equitation Championship, and she knew she was ready for the challenge. “My horse went so well in the first round. I was thrilled with how he stepped up to the plate in the ring. He was super under the lights and I was hoping to find some momentum going into the second round,” said Drescher. “Last year, in the first round, I had the best ride of my life, except I failed to trot the trot jump. [This year] I knew I was
HITS Equitation Championship Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Horse Sting Ullrich Courage Zedulon Finnigan Fitz Crimea River Crimson Z Acado Fermoso Eamon Fedelio
Owner Sunny Drescher Donald Stewart Catherine Apostol Kennedy Knapic Rhian Murphy Fairfield Farms LLC Donald Stewart Fiona Steinmetz Nevergreen Farm LLC Lisa Kerkorian Dawson Equine Investments, LLC Liza Finsness
30 Horse Capital Digest • January 2016
Rider Sunny Drescher Ashton Alexander Catherine Apostol Kennedy Knapic Rhian Murphy Meghan Flanagan Carly Hoft Fiona Steinmetz Claudia Payor Katie Eppinger Shannon Hogue Mackenzie Michaels
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Sunny Drescher and Sting on their way to a HITS Equitation Championship at HITS Ocala
capable of putting in good rounds, I just needed to focus and make sure I got all the pieces done,” she continued. “Last year was a confidence booster, but it was also a motivator to work harder to get my testing better, so that I could come back and be better.” Although riders were not permitted to discuss strategy or technique with their trainers throughout the evening, they found support in one another and used that as fuel for success. “All of the riders walk together, we watch each other go, and we all root for one another. It feels like a team sport because we’re all helping each other out,” said Drescher. “Even though we didn’t have trainers last night, I couldn’t have done it without Annie Dotoli and Aster Pieters’ support over the years.” Ashton Alexander of Ocala and Don Stewart’s Ullrich went home with second-place honors and scores of 181 and 174.5, for a total of 355.5. Catherine Apostol of Wycoff, N.J., and her own Courage followed, with scores of 172 and 172.5, for a combined total of 344.5 and third place. Fourth place went to Kennedy Knapic of Smithtown, N.Y., riding her own Zedulon, to scores of 171 and 172, totaling 343. Rounding out the top five was Rhian Murphy of Charlotte, Vt., and his own Finnigan with scores of 183 and 159, for a total of 342. HCD
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CATCHING UP
It’s a Wrap! OCALA – lexa Bayko from Haverhill, Mass., added another Hunter Prix win to the books after topping the leaderboard in the last $5,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix of the 2015 HITS Ocala Winter Show Circuit on March 21. This time, with trainer Monica Hunt’s Blue Shamrock, she gracefully sailed through the course besting the runner-up by six points, with strong scores of 86 and 83 for a total of 169. “The course rode really well. The last line in the first round was tricky - that was definitely the hardest part,” said Bayko after her win. “Blue Shamrock and I have a really good bond. He is my perfect ride. “It was very nice to end with another win,” added Hunt.
A
$5,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Horse Blue Shamrock Andricus Vandrin Herrold Surreal US Marshall Socialite Anucci
Owner Monica Hunt Reily Rieker Kristen Sameth Mindy Whitman Katharine Page Kiki Hopkins Sidney Jefferson Jess Lusty
Rider Alexa Bayko Reily Rieker Kristen Sameth Mindy Whitman Katharine Page Rachael Hopkins Sidney Jefferson Alexa Bayko
Prize $1,500 $1,000 $700 $500 $400 $350 $300 $250
“The course was just hard enough with the bending lines and I thought Alexa rode it beautifully.” The winner’s circle is familiar territory for Bayko, who won the Platinum Performance Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala II and IV – both on Anucci, also owned by Hunt. With her sights set on the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship in Saugerties, N.Y., later this year, Bayko’s winter achievements have set a selfassured tone for the future. “I’m really excited for the Hunter Prix Finals. After being so consistent here in Ocala, I’m feeling more confident going into the finals,” continued Bayko. Consistency was the name of the game for Reily Rieker of Oviedo, Fla., who piloted his own Andricus to a first and second round score of 82 for a total of 164 and a second place finish. Third-place went to Kristen Sameth of Far Hills, N.J., riding her own Vandrin, who produced scores of 77 and 80 for a total of 157. Mindy Whitman of Marstons Mills, Mass., finished fourth aboard her own Herrold, with scores of 74 and 82, for a combined total of 156. With scores of 76 and 75 for a total 151, Katharine Page of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., and her Surreal took home fifth place. HCD
ESI PHOTO
Bayko, Blue Shamrock take season’s final Hunter Prix
www.horsecapitaldigest.com 33
Humble Beginning In Florida H ITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Fla. in 1982. Many consider Florida to be the heart of HITS shows, which were originally produced in Gainesville in the ‘80s and then moved to Ocala in the mid-‘90s to accommodate increasing numbers and the need for rings and stabling. Since then, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2002, HITS moved to Ocala’s Post Time Farm and created a show jumping haven. Boasting 450 lush acres, the show grounds welcome all levels and kinds, from short stirrup to Olympic athletes, national champion campaigners to local baby greens. HITS produces three of the richest grand prix in the world with the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, Calif., the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala, and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties – all forming the Triple Crown of Show Jumping. The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala is planned for March 27 which is the second jewel of the Triple Crown of show jumping. This is a fitting connection in Florida, as the state is also the birthplace of the 1978 American Triple Crown winner in thoroughbred racing, the great champion Affirmed, and served as the early training grounds for 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. The Grand Prix welcomes international talent from all corners of the world. The HITS Championship also hosts the HITS Saugerties $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix, as well as the crown jewels of the hunter discipline with the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2011, HITS Inc. expanded its event-management repertoire into endurance sports and HITS Endurance was born. Under the HITS Endurance umbrella, both HITS Triathlon Series and HITS Running Festivals present top-notch triathlon and running races throughout the U.S. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup found a home at HITS Post Time Farm during Week V of HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. On Friday, Feb. 19, nine international teams will battle it out for global fame and their piece of a $200,000 purse. The key to HITS’ success is its strategy of producing a series of horse shows over continuous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched professional operations. Additionally, HITS offers competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels. Thomas G. Struzzieri has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of HITS since its inception. He has served on the Board of Directors of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as well as its Competition Management Committee. He also served as chairman of USEF Zone 2. HITS has a professional, full-time staff of 35 employees, including a complete administrative staff, located at the company’s headquarters in Saugerties. Their level of experience and dedication guarantees superior execution of the details of all HITS horse shows. HCD
34 Horse Capital Digest • January 15, 2016
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