Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.
Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’ysieux put all the pieces together this weekend to secure the win of the Open Intermediate division at the 2024 Essex Horse Trials. Sara and the 19-year-old Selle Francais gelding, owned by Edith Ramekia, jumped clear over Morgan Rowsell’s Cross-Country course to clinch the title on a final score of 28.9.
“Rubens (aka, The Unicorn) felt great. He cruised around and jumped everything out of stride. We know each other really well so we had a great time. He trotted up sound after, and wasn’t breathing too hard.”, Sara said of her partner.
Lillian Heard Wood and Bassett Olympus finished the division in second on a 33.4 with just a bit of time on cross country, followed by Maya Clarkson and Clueso to round out the top three in Open Intermediate.
Lillian continued her good day with Bellines Quality Lady, a 2016 Irish Sport Horse owned by the Bellines Quality Lady Syndicate, to clinch the win in the Open Preliminary to finish on her dressage score of 26.3.
Lillian Heard Wood and Bellines Quality Lady. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.
Lillian said of the mare, “Foxy is green at the level so this was a great course for her. It was a hard course but not crazy hard. And she’s fast, so its fun to be able to make the time on her.” She continued saying, “The tracks were amazing and were developed to give the horses confidence. It was the best footing so far this year. It was like running on a cloud.”
Essex Horse Trials also gave out two other awards, the Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship and The Golden Nugget Memorial Trophy.
2024 Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy Winner, Sara Kelson, with Morgan Rowsell and Sally Ike. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.
The Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship was presented to the rider who demonstrates good horsemanship and a superior partnership between horse and rider regardless of their division. Jean and Elliot Haller were the owners of Hoopstick Farm, the site of the first Essex Horse Trials. In addition, they were the parents of Roger Haller, an icon in the sport of Eventing. As a family, they loved their horses and equestrian sport. This trophy was donated by Mrs. Ann David, a close friend of the Hallers and the owner of Hoopstick Farm for over 40 years. Our 2024 Winner was Sara Kelson!
2024 Golden Nugget Award Winner, Olivia Hicok pictured with trainer, Clarissa Wilmerding. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.
The Golden Nugget Award was donated by Clarissa Wilmerding to encourage the development of young riders as well-rounded horsemen with an appreciation for Eventing and a commitment to good sportsmanship. Clarissa grew up fox hunting with the Essex Fox Hounds and was an active member of the Somerset Hills Pony Club. Her partnership with her first pony, Golden Nugget, fostered the determination and perseverance essential to Eventing. As a professional rider, Clarissa continues to teach and mentor pony clubbers. The trophy was awarded to the lowest-scoring member of pony club aged 18 or younger in any division. Our 2024 winner was Olivia Hicok, who finished 3rd in the Beginner Novice B Division aboard Huckleberry, on a 29.1.
14 year-old Olivia was thrilled with her day and thankful for this award saying, “Huckleberry was amazing and jumped everything like a pro. It’s very special to win my trainer’s trophy. I want to thank my mom for helping me, supporting me, and getting me to all my lessons that has made all my hard work pay off.”
Additional information on the Essex Horse Trials is available at https://www.essexhorsetrials.org. Proceeds of the event benefit the Greater Newark Life Camp which brings 300 inner city youth to summer day camp in the country in Somerset County for six weeks for an enriching educational experience. For more information on the Greater Newark Life Camp please visit https://greaternewarklifecamp.org.
Essex H.T. (Gladstone, NJ): [Website] [Results]
