I already reported on Lisa Barry’s tough week at some length in an earlier post, so I’m delighted to be adding now that she won the Advanced division at Red Hills, jumping a beautiful clear round on F.I.S Prince Charming, adding nothing but a couple of time faults to her score.
I spoke to Lisa very briefly after her win, and apart from being thrilled and sharing that ‘Peanut’ had nearly jumped her out of the tack a couple of times, she was anxious to go and take care of him and get on the road home to Ocala. Sydney Conley Elliot was 2nd on Pancho Villa, a 10-year-old Selle Francaise owned by Michelle Taylor. Sydney has ridden him for two years and says he’s still quite green at the Advanced level, having moved up just a year ago. “He was on his game this weekend; he was very, very good. It was a tough decision to do the Advanced and not the CIC*** since I am qualified, but since he is fairly new I just didn’t want to overface him, and then I was kicking myself when I walked the cross country because it was the same course! In hindsight, I would definitely have done the CIC*** and hopefully that will be our next outing.” From Shreveport, Louisiana, Sydney told me she’ll sit down with Michelle (“We’re a team of three!”) and figure out a plan for Pancho Villa, but right now she’s assuming she’ll go to the CIC*** at Chattahoochee. Sydney runs a barn of 10 to 15 horses and is coached by Mike Huber and Heather Morris. “They are fabulous. We are in Area V and we’re very close to the Gold Chip crew. We love our Dallas neighbours!” This was Sydney’s first visit to Tallahassee and Red Hills, and she told me she will definitely come back next year, hopefully with all her horses.
Joe Meyer’s experience in that Grand Prix jumper ring over the winter paid dividends, and he rode a skillful clear to move up to 3rd place on Sanskrit, who is bound for Rolex.
Fernhill Fugitive came out looking decidedly fresh and cheeky; lack of concentration may have been the reason for his two rails, which dropped him down to 8th place.
Sara Kozumplik had a rail down on Flagmount’s Sterling Prince, but still moved up a place to fourth in the Advanced.
Katie Ruppel and Sir Donovan
Caroline Martin rode two beautiful clear show-jumping rounds Sunday at Red Hills, one on Center Stage to win the Preliminary division and the other on Quantum Solace, above, in the Advanced.
Caitlin Calder and Jolliyat
Nicole Parkin and Lexus
The Intermediate Division
Sara Kozumplik had two rails in hand and used them both up on Tatton Winter to win the Intermediate, and she left the ring shaking her head.
Leslie Law also left the ring looking slightly disappointed, as he had the penultimate fence down, dropping him out of 2nd place.
Holly Jacks and More Inspiration capitalised on a clear round and grabbed the reserve slot.
On my life I swear I’m not biased, but Kate Samuels’ round on Nyls Du Terroir was one of the nicest I saw all day.
Jennie Jarnstrom also jumped a lovely clear on Capetown to move up the order.
I’m running to catch a plane, but one more congratulations to the True Prospect Farm team who captured the CIC** and CIC***, the latter for the second year in a row. It’s always sad to leave Red Hills, but I can’t wait to see the brand new courses next year and find out if Phillip can make it three in a row. Thank you for the fabulous Tallahassee welcome and hospitality, the top level of sport and enthusiasm that we’ve become accustomed to at Red Hills and, again, thank you to the volunteers and organisers. I hope all the grooms, helpers, riders and connections have a safe journey home and enjoy a good night’s sleep — I know I will. Go Red Hills and go eventing!
