2008 Pickwick Spring Classic Horse Show Derby Hill continued the 2008 show schedule with a trip to the BrooksideEquestrianPark for the Pickwick Spring Classic. The weather held, and gave us 5 quality days of showing. Between in-barn clients and show-circuit clients, the aisle was quite full! Everyone enjoyed the Premier Stabling perks and hospitality through the week, and our hats are off once again to all the staff that run such a pleasant horse show.
Fenwick and Vanessa Brown -- photo: www.naismithimages.com
Fenwick and Vanessa Brown started the week out in style in the Main Hunter Ring, participating in a Modified class for warm up, and the Open Hunter Division. A third place finish in a field of 40 horses set the tone for good ribbons throughout the show, and awin in an Open Hunter class helped the pair clinch Reserve Champion for the division. Later in the week Sarah Frushell continued the barn’s success in the Hunter Arena with her own 007. This combination’s consistency is starting to become evident, and with three red ribbons in the Children’s Hunter 13 and Under they barely missed getting a tricolor.
Sarah also is starting to shine in the Equitation ring. She didn’t miss a prize in any of the age-group Equitation classes, ending with a second place in the Equitation over fences 13 and under Championship class. Sarah also made the work-off in a large field of riders for the Norcal 3 Foot Medal, ultimately ending up fifth, and gaining valuable points towards qualification for the finals.
-- 007 and Sarah Frushell -- Photo: Matt Frushell
Lily Dashiell debuted Shenanigan in the Equitation ring. The former Jumper wasn’t entirely sure how to play the game at the start, but by the end of the show started to understand that there was not going to be a speed portion to the classes, and ultimately carried Lily to a sixth place finish in an age group Equitation over fences class, and the Horse and Hound Medal. Lily is looking forward to furthering the mare’s education in her next outing.
The Jumper Arena was kept busy by Derby Hill horses and riders all week. Buddy Brown rode Jenny Barnes' Curious George in the Level 4’s and was rewarded with a placing in a Level 4 class. This nice young horse looks like he will be stepping up in the near future, and is starting to acquire some of the moves necessary for quick times in the jump offs. Buddy also piloted Pendleton Farm’s young horse Irwin to help further the gelding’s education. This game little horse looks like he will become a really great amateur mount for owner Cindy McCarthy down the road!
Susan Meadows and Topper ended their show in great style by being 3rd in the $2000 Pickwick Junior/ Amateur Owner Stake class on Sunday. Also having a great Sunday was Ann Moeller who rode her two horses, Lucy Lux and Highlander to a one-two finish in the$500 1.2 Meter Spruce Meadows Qualifier. Both horses also had consistent results in the Junior/ Amateur Modified division earlier in the week.
Adrienne Dixon placed in a Junior/ Amateur Owner class with Alize, but the highlight of her week was an extremely solid performance in the $20,000 Prix D’ Pickwick. The tough and technical course served as a Young Rider’s qualifier, and although Adrienne barely missed a ribbon, she was able to put a very good performance under her belt and draw some well deserved confidence on her way to the final qualifier later in the year. We enjoyed having new clients Lily Dashiell and Iris Keenan at the show with us and are looking forward to developing their success in the Jumper arena! Buddy celebrated his birthday during the show, and once again wore the “birthday hat” throughout Sunday. Festivities were held Saturday after the Grand Prix, and we were touched that the whole barn came out to join in the fun!
Zoe Kornberg and her talented Ethos joined us once again. Zoe and Theo looked very sharp in the High Junior A/O Jumpers and are gaining great mileage. Zoe has brought this young horse along slowly and carefully, and we have really enjoyed watching the pair's progress.
