Weekend Winners: Horse Park of New Jersey II CIC & H.T., Hunt Club Farm H.T., USPC Champs East

By on Jul 30, 2018 2:00 pm -

Donna Younkin: “We had an assortment of spectators at the Horse Park of New Jersey for H.T. II this past weekend. After days of unrelenting humidity and rain, this weekend saw great footing and weather. And, we topped it off with a fantastic competition and a much appreciated volunteer team.”

You know who really deserves a blue ribbon at horse trials? Each and every volunteer.

Which means that Erika Nesler, winner of the Open Training A division at the Horse Park of New Jersey, deserves two! Yesterday Erika shared a thoughtful, honest Facebook post  about her weekend at the event, which had its highs and lows — a rollercoaster that all riders are familiar with, although we could all learn from Erika’s example of acceptance and grace. Somehow, though it all, she took the time to give back to her sport: “Today I ventured back to the Horse Park of New Jersey to volunteer and I always am humbled by all the volunteers that give so much to allow us riders to strive towards our goals. As I was sitting in the jump judge briefing I realized just how many people that know nothing about our sport but yet give their entire weekends to us.”

This is so important and something we should never take for granted. To all the volunteers out there: thank you, thank you, thank you! And we can all play a part — reach out to events in your area and keep an eye on the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program website for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Shout-out to the lowest finishing score in the country this weekend, which was posted by Alston Kerr and Sir Earl Grey in the Novice Rider A division at Horse Park of New Jersey. They won on their dressage score of 22.6. Well done, you two!

And now, for your weekend winners!

Horse Park of New Jersey II CIC & H.T. (Allentown, New Jersey) [Website] [Results]
CIC Two Star: Caroline Martin & The Apprentice (35.4)
CIC One Star: Kristen Bond & Coffee and Donuts (32.4)
Open Intermediate: Nora Battig-Leamer & Dubai Storm (52.1)
Open Preliminary-A: Kelli Temple & Caleesi (23.0)
Open Preliminary-B: Emily Beshear & LVS Jackson (30.7)
Open Training-A: Erika Nesler & Bon Voyage DSF (25.7)
Open Training-B: Jane Jennings & Kontessa M (30.7)
Training Rider: Kelly Clark & Elusive (32.5)
Novice Rider-A: Alston Kerr & Sir Earl Grey (22.6)
Novice Rider-B: Dana Lortie & Springhill Midas Touch (33.3)
Open Novice: Hillary Moses & Save Magic (32.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Clarissa Brown & Aristocrat (29.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Andrea Davidson & Goode Hope (23.3)

As my bestie @luv4ridgies says “sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield”. Unfortunately eventing at the FEI 2* level isn’t meant to be for Vera. Friday definitely saw us at the bug with a last place score of 47. After a few frustrated moments we pulled ourselves together and had great lessons with @marilyn.payne.921 on both Vera and Bonnie. Then Saturday was a stellar day for @douglashowe1221 ‘s 5yo Bon Voyage DSF as she led her Open Training Division from start to finish ending on her dressage of a 25.7. This young horse continues to blow us every way every step of the way. The hardest thing about this sport are the ups and downs. We set goals but yet need to be flexible for changes and 2018 has definitely been a year for that. We started the year aiming for CCI3s to qualify Carter & I for the next step…and due to a misstep at Fair Hill Advanced in April we have pushed those goals back a bit. Then we had Vera aiming for CIC2 in hopes of going to Fair Hill this Fall but have made the decision to aim her to a Jumper life instead since that is truly her passion. All in all I’ve been reminded that we must not lose sight on the daily achievements, milestones and the simplicity of what these animals give us daily. Today I ventured back to @horseparkofnewjersey to volunteer and I always am humbled by all the volunteers that give so much to allow us riders to strive towards our goals. As I was sitting in the jump judge briefing I realized just how many people that know nothing about our sport but yet give their entire weekends to us. Having said all this I’m thankful for all my family, Doug & Cindy, friends, clients, sponsors and compete strangers that stand up and cheer for us no matter what place we finish. #goeventing #nodoubtdsf👸 #bonvoyagedsf✈️ #bugandwindshield #besties😘 #somehowe #life #beflexible #nevergiveup💪 #appreciatethelittlethings #listentoyourgut

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Hunt Club Farm H.T. (Berryville, Virginia) [Website] [Results]
Prelim/Training: Lauren Kieffer & Get Gaudi (28.3)
Open Training: Lauren Kieffer & Hindine (33.4)
Training Rider: Brooke Bayley & Unbroken (31.6)
Novice Rider: Brynn Hershbine & Cadenza Aria (31.2)
Open Novice: Kendyl Tracy & HSH Golden Boy (23.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Alice Johnson & Piedmont Sun (26.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Nicole Ganow & All Attitude (25.0)
Intro: Jennifer Brown & Jersey (28.5)

USPC Eventing Championships East [Results]
Preliminary: Dylan Philipps & Fernhill Fierce (32.7)
Training: Delaney O’Neil & An Irish Blessing (34.9)
Novice A: Connor Poe & Sparrow’s Galway Bay (35.4)
Novice B: Miriam Bolyard & August Rush (31.0)
Beginner Novice A: Madison Davis & King Congo (28.0)
Beginner Novice B: Gabrielle Davis & Sorry Not Sorry (33.5)
New Vocations Challenge: Caitlin Deisler & Mach Seven (37.5)
Beginner Novice Team: Capital B.Novice (98.30
Novice Scores: Deep South/South Novice (116.60)
Preliminary: Carolina/South Preliminary Team (144.50)
New Vocation Challenge: NV Team 3 (145.80)
Training: Maryland Training Team (132.12)

Listo has a new girlfriend ❤️ @lauren_mansky

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Go Eventing!