Paradise Farm HT Recap

Paradise XC Photo via Sheila Wolff

If you’ve never been to Paradise Farm HT, you must really put it on your Horse Bucket List Annie was talking about. Lellie Ward, owner of Paradise Farm, is a wonderful supporter of our sport by bringing a great, challenging, fun, and educational course and experience via the horse trials every year. Unfortunately, she was injured in a fall several weeks ago, but she’s on the mend! She’s in good spirits according to her Facebook. Barbie, her head groom and right-hand gal, along with countless other individuals, has made sure that the horse trials went off without a hitch! Kudos to the entire Paradise crew, we thank you. Heal fast Lellie!

Paradise has been held over three days for quite some time now. Dressage was on Friday for all BN-P competitors. It should be noted that Phillip scored an impressive 19.1 on Casalino in OT-B which he finished on as well to take home the blue. Phillip also won the OP on Gran Banks finishing on his dressage score of 24.6. Two rides, two blues, not a bad event…

And if you ever thought getting under 30 would get you in the top 3, think again. The top 15 of Open Novice C all scored less than 30 in dressage. Tough competition! [Full Results]

Ryan Wood’s horse Woodstock Bennett finished third in the division above. Here’s a photo courtesy of Cindy Lawler:

Clearly scope for more, looking good rocking Devoucoux, photo courtesy of Ryan Wood and Cindy Lawler

Other notable wins were Stephen Rogers who took home the Preliminary Rider blue ribbon finishing on his dressage score of 34.1. Pippa Moon won OT-A on Lily B finishing on her dressage score of 21.8.

John Nunn of EN sponsor Nunn Finer was out and about competing the in a training level and beginner novice division. Glad to see such a great supporter out enjoying the sport himself!

And because you know I’m a number geek, 12 out of 16, that’s 75% of the divisions were won on a score in the 20s or less. (The “or less” is for Dominating Dutty on his ballin’ 19.1) The other four divisions won on scores, 34.1, 34.1, 34.0, and 32.3. Just to add more salt to your dressage wound, I thought I’d let you know that all the training level (excluding P/T) and novice divisions were won on 20s or less. Get crackin’ on that dressage my friends!

The weather was fabulous for Friday and Saturday, wet on Sunday. Take a look at show jumping on both days. (You saw the video on N7N this morning, right?)

EN sponsor Devoucoux is a big supporter of Paradise! They have banners throughout the grounds as well as a show jump similar to the one the saddles are sitting on. Here’s a photo of the booth. Stop in and say hi if you’ve got a moment. Great people with great products!

You thought the shameless plugs for our EN sponsors were through?! Guess again. Kentucky Horsewear boots are starting to storm on to the scene: Lainey Ashker and Ryan Wood are using them on their horses. ~~Maybe it’s a pinto thing?~~

Ryan Wood’s ride Ace of Hearts, owned by Linda Ledray rocking the Kentucky Horsewear eventing boots: