As usual, the Pickwick management rolled out the red carpet for trainers and exhibitors. We truly enjoyed the perks of preferred stabling and the warm hospitality. Theresa made sure that we had everything that we needed and that no one went hungry or thirsty during the day! We enjoyed the late arrival of warm weather in Northern California while sitting outside to sip beverages at Silky’s Back Gate Café.
Vanessa Brown and Fenwick, Photo: Naismith Images
During the professional days, Vanessa and Fenwick finished atop the Open Hunter division with the Championship tri-color. "Spot" and Vanessa gave a lesson in old-style workmanlike track while winning the Open Handy Hunter Over Fences class.
Dakota Gruener rejoined the Derby Hill contingent after finishing her Freshman year at Brown University. Everyone would like to congratulate the Brown Equestrian Team on finishing 5th at the Intercollegiate Nationals in Los Angeles. Dakota rode Talisman Z, owned by her mother Amy Slater, in the Pre-Training and the Low Childrens/Adult Jumpers. The pair added 3rd and 6th place ribbons to Derby Hill’s banner.
Buddy set the jumper ring on fire, earning Jumper Rider of the Day. Iris Keenan’s Curious George won two Level 3 classes with Buddy in the irons, clinching the Championship in that division. Buddy also won a Level 4 class with Ann Moeller’s Highlander, A Level 4 class with Wild Turkey Farm’s Granne 17, and a Level 5 class with Cindy McCarthy’s Plainsfield Station.
Not to be outdone by Buddy, Susan Meadows earned her own Jumper Rider of the Day cap with Topper. Susan and Topper won a Level 5 class against the professionals early in the week, with a blistering time. The dynamic duo finished their week with a 2nd in the $2,000 Pickwick Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Stake.
Susan Meadows and Topper, Photo: Naismith Images
Iris and George earned a 6th in the Children’s Jumper division, and a 7th in the $1,000 Horse & Hound Children’s Jumper Stake.
Ann Moeller piloted Lucy Lux to 1st and 5th place finishes in the Modified Junior/Amateur Jumpers, and added a 2nd place finish on Highlander in the same division.
Adrienne Dixon added a blue to the banner with Alize in the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers. Pom Pom and Adrienne earned a 4th in the Level 7 Jumpers, before contesting the Prix de Pickwick. The pair demonstrated a carefully planned round with no jumping faults, but unfortunately picked up 1 time fault.
Lauren and Kenton Taylor joined us once more. Lauren debuted her new mount, Stars ‘n’ Stripes in style, finishing 1st in Low Pre-Training Jumpers and a 2nd in Schooling Jumpers. Later in the week, Lauren and "Stripes" moved up a level to the Low Childrens/Adult Jumpers, earning a 3rd and two 5th place ribbons. Lauren’s father, Kenton, piloted his green mount, La Dolce Vita, around the Level 1, Level 2 and Modified Childrens/Adult Jumpers arenas, earning a 5th and a 6th during the week.
