Congratulations to Blaire Kingsley on the purchase of Biarritz, a nine-year-old 16.2 hand Oldenburg gelding. Look for this new team in the junior hunter division. A big thank you to trainer Michael Tokaruk for this talented horse. Good luck Blaire and “Fritz!”
Congratulations to Tylor Nowell on the purchase of Proverb – an eight-year old, 16.2 hand Warmblood gelding. Look for these two in the children’s equitation and medal rings. A big thank you to Mindy Darst for this very special horse! Good luck Tylor and “Teddy!”
Riders (from left to right) Alexa Varaday (on Tommy Jovais), Dina Smith (on Toto) and Mia Rudick (on Lorelei) joined the rest of the Chestnut Hill participants in giving the two-day clinic with Olympian Buddy Brown a huge thumbs up. Buddy (pictured above) started out with a thorough review of the mechanics of a horse’s body, and how a rider’s aids affect those mechanics. He went on to practice in a variety of positions – full seat, 3/4 seat, half seat and “cowgirl.” He encouraged every participant to think about how their breathing affects their communication with their horse and practiced special techniques to make the rider more effective. He also often found creative specific fixes for position problems with individual riders. In addition to offering a wealth of knowledge and ideas, Buddy’s fun, approachable and positive personality made the event a hit.
Congratulations to Bridget Twomey on the purchase of fellow Chestnut Hill rider Blaire Kingsley’s horse – Grasshopper! The dappled grey Warmblood gelding is a very special horse, and it’s great news that he will remain in the barn. Good luck to Bridget and “Hopper” in the Adult Amateur division!
Grace McLaughlin’s Olympic earned multiple championships in the following divisions: 2nd Year Working Hunter (shown by Kat Coleman), Junior/AO Hunter, Jr/Amateur Modified Hunter and 1st in the $500 Jr/Am Modified Hunter Stake in last week’s show. Grace’s other horse – Santo, was Reserve Champion in the Jr/AO Hunter division.
Kat Taylor’s Maximus was another stand-out, winning the $500 AA Hunter Stake 36+, champion in the AA Hunter 36+ and Equitation 36+ divisions, and taking second place in the Foxfield 18+ and NorCal 3′ Medals, and third in the Ariat Medal.
Mia Ruddick and her mare, Lorelei did well at their first show with Chestnut Hill, earning Reserve Champion in the Equitation 12 – 14 division, and a third place in the $500 Children’s Hunter Stake 14 – 17.
Tylor Nowell and her pony, Otteridge Black Hawk were champions in the Medium/Large Pony Hunter division, won the NorCal Pony Medal, and came in second in the $500 Pony Hunter Classic.
Gwen McLaughlin piloted Capito to a win in the $500 Children’s Hunter Stake 13 & Under, and a Reserve Championship in the Children’s Hunter 13 & Under division.
For a complete listing, click on “Results” in the navigation bar above. Congratulations to all the competitors!
The stormy winter weather didn’t prevent Chestnut Hill riders and horses from enjoying a terrific kick-off for the 2010 show season at Rancho Murietta’s Northern Winter Classic. In addition to winning six championships and three reserve championships, the team earned lots of great ribbons and most importantly, had fun. For more details, go to the website and click on “Results” in the navigation bar for a complete listing.
Chestnut Hill riders received their year-end awards from the NorCal Hunter Jumper Association at its annual banquet yesterday. Congratulations to all on an outstanding year and good luck in 2010!
For a complete listing of all winners, click on “Results” in the navigation bar. (Shown above, from left to right: Blaire Kingsley, Kelley LaFond, Caroline DeMoss, Caroline Robbins, Grace McLaughlin, Tylor Nowell, Katharina Coleman, Gwen McLaughlin, Beverly and Chris Jovais.)
Nearly 20 Chestnut Hill riders and their mounts participated in a fantastic two-day clinic with legendary rider, Bernie Traurig this weekend. A patient, encouraging, yet meticulous and challenging teacher, Bernie led each class through precise and specific exercises both on the flat, and over fences. Each participant benefited and is eager for his next clinic!
(Pictured above: Asst. Trainer Katharina Coleman on Grace McLaughlin’s “Olympic,” Grace Lukach on “Angel Smiling,” Assist. Trainer Sarah Trask, Bernie Traurig, Trainer Beverly Jovais, Blaire Kingsley on “Enterprise.”)
(Pictured above: Bernie at work.)
A big Chestnut Hill welcome to rider Mia Rudick and her lovely 14 year-old Warmblood mare, Lorelei. Look for this team in the 3′ equitation and hunter rings!
