2008 Golden State Horse Show We were impressed with the improvements at Leone Equestrian venue. The jumper schooling arena has been completely overhauled with cutting edge footing. The immense warm-up area which served both hunter arenas and Jumper 2 was tactfully divided, allowing safe schooling for all. Most importantly, management dealt with severe weather challenges in a manner that put the safety of riders and horses first. We truly appreciate the efforts made not only in this but also in innovative course designs, beautiful jumps and terrific hospitality!
We were thrilled to have long-time friend and well-respected show steward Meredith Kistler entrust us with her wonderful No Regrets during this show. Early in the week, Vanessa piloted "Chuck" to ribbons in the Baby Green Hunters, in preparation for Meredith’s re-entry to the show ring after a one-year absence. Meredith returned to the ring in style, earning a 5th place in the Amateur Equitation on the Flat (36 & Over). Vanessa also held the reins for Derby Hill’s own Fenwick, earning blue and red ribbons in his only two Open Hunter classes, and clinching the Reserve tri-color ribbon for the division.
Vanessa gives Meredith and No Regrets some pointers before their class.
Sarah Frushell and 007 brought home 1st, 2nd and 3rd ribbons in Children’s Hunters Over Fences 13/Under, and a 2nd in the Under Saddle. Sarah and "James" also received good ribbons in the Low Children’s Hunters division. Sarah was Reserve Champion in Open Equitation Championship on the Flat, 12-14.
Annie Bennett started her 2008 show year off with a ride on Amy Slater’s Talisman Z. Annie and "Tyler" earned 5th and 8th place ribbons in the well-populated Low Children’s Hunters division. Annie earned good ribbons in the open and novice equitation 15-17 divisions, as well, finishing 4th in the age group equitation on the flat. In Novice Equitation open to All Ages, Annie claimed the Reserve Championship ribbon on the Flat and posted a 4th over fences and a 5th place on the flat.
Vanessa, Annie and Sarah walk the Almaden Medal course. Photo: Matt Frushell
Annie Bennett & Talisman Z Photo: Matt Frushell
Sarah Frushell & 007 Photo: Matt Frushell
Susan Meadows and Topper posted clean rounds, earning jump-off spots. The pair finished 3rd in the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers classic.
Susan Meadows and Topper. Photo: Matt Frushell
Ann Moeller picked up a first place finish in the Level 1 Jumpers, and added 2nd and 7th place ribbons in the Low Children/s Adult Jumpers Level 2 with River Card. Golden State marked this mare’s re-entry to the show ring after a much-deserved rest. Ann and Lucy Lux earned a yellow ribbon in the Level 4 Jumpers during the week, too. Ann’s Highlander, with Buddy in the irons, earned a 2nd in the Level 5 Jumpers, and a 5th in the Level 4 Jumpers.
Iris Keenan started her new show partnership with new horse, Curious George. Iris began with a 4th place finish in the Low Children/s Adult Jumpers and finished with a 5th finish while moving up a level to the Children’s Jumpers. Lily Dashiell and Sasha moved up a level to the Junior/Amateur Owner division. The pair put in solid rounds while gaining valuable experience at the new, higher level.
Buddy, Iris and Heather Keenan relax after a successful day.
Iris Keenen tells Curious George the course before entering the arena.
Lily Dashiell and Sasha. Photo: Matt Frushell
Cindy McCarthy joined us in the Derby Hill aisle once again. It is always a pleasure to have Cindy and her horses, Irwin and Plainsfield Station, at a show with us. Irwin earned red and pink ribbons in the Level 4 jumpers with Buddy in the irons, and had solid performances in the Level 4 and Modified Jr/Am Jumpers with Cindy. Cindy rode Plainsfield Station to a 6th ribbon in the $600 Level 5 Jumpers.
Sherry Kozloff and her horse Parzival also joined us for the show. Buddy earned 1st and 3rd place finishes with "Percy" in the Level 4 Jumper Specials. Sherry had confident rides in the Level 4 and Modified Junior/Amateur Jumpers. Zoe Kornberg and Ethos joined Team Derby Hill for the week, earning a 7th in the Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division, and finishing 6th in the $2000 State in that division.
Barb Ellison and Kelli Johnston of Wild Turkey Farm joined us once more. Barb rode Marco to a 4th place in the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Level 6 Jumpers. Barb and Granne 17 finished 8th in the Modified Junior/Amateur Level 4 Jumpers. Kelli piloted Andy to 3rd in the Level 5 Jumpers. Kelli and her young mare, Quinthina, finished 6th in the Modified Junior/Amateur Jumpers.
