WEF Wraps Up With Wonderful Wins

Jack Towell finished the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival with the Leading Hunter Trainer Award.

The Finally Farm team concluded the last half of the Winter Equestrian Festival with fantastic results. A special congratulations to our fearless leader Jack Towell for receiving the Jeff Wirthman Memorial Trophy as the Leading Hunter Trainer for the circuit! 🏆

We had an incredible season and would like to thank all of our horses, clients, staff, and sponsors for such a memorable start to the year! 

George Kelly and Glasgow

Capping off WEF 2025 with a tricolor was George Kelly who rode Glasgow to a first, second and third in the Children’s Hunter, 14 & Under, division to secure championship honors during WEF 12! We are so proud of this pair’s consistency! Throughout the season, George and Glasgow produced great rounds and earned wonderful scores. Well done, George! 

Frances Kelly and Blue Flame

WEF 12 was also a blue-ribbon week for Frances Kelly and Blue Fame. After receiving a score of 88, Frances and Blue Fame took top honors in the Small Pony Hunter Classic. The pair earned an additional first and second in the division to secure the reserve championship. Great riding this season, Frances!

Elle Boyd closed out her WEF 2025 with excellent results! In the equitation ring, Elle and SWS Questionnaire scored an 88.5 to place second in the WIHS Hunter Phase to help them claim second in the WIHS Equitation Overall. The pair also received fourth in the ASPCA Maclay. Thank you to North Run for all of the help! Elle also rode Hardrock Hamonie SIH to a score of 88 to take home the win in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 & Under Handy! Congratulations on a fantastic season, Elle!

Jack Towell and Elle Boyd

Liza Boyd concluded her consistent season with Ondine D’Orleans and MTM Crossed My Mind with more ribbons in the derby ring! In the $15,000 International Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go) on the grass field, Liza rode MTM Crossed My Mind to fourth and placed fifth with Ondine D’Orleans. Both horses also took home top-10 ribbons in the $50,000 USHJA International Derby.

Rebekah Warren and Cassico showed off their style to capture second in the $10,000 USHJA National Amateur Hunter Derby (Hunt & Go) on the grass field during WEF 11! The duo earned an impressive Handy score of 86! Congratulations, Rebekah! 

Rebekah Warren and Casino

Elle Boyd and Boheme du Moulin were on fire during WEF 10. This pair started their week going double clear to secure fifth place in the 1.20m Junior Jumpers and then ended with a top-10 finish in the $10,000 NAL 1.25m Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday. Nicely done, Elle! 

WEF 10 was a 10 out of 10 for Rebekah Warren and Whiskey! This duo received two firsts and a third in the Low Adult Amateur Hunters to earn championship honors in the division! Rebekah piloted Whiskey to a high score of 87 on the second day of competition as icing on the cake. 

Adeline Boyd and Charlie Brown

Adeline Boyd had a successful WEF 10 on Pony Island! She rode Charlie Brown to first and second in the Small/Medium Children’s Pony Hunter division for the reserve champion honors! Thank you to Lauren Gridley and Gray Horse Farm for the ride!

Aboard Sydney, Adeline earned a second in the M&S/USEF Pony Medal, a third in the WIHS Pony Equitation and nice ribbons in the Medium Pony Hunter division. Nice work, Adeline! 

Elle Boyd dominated in the hunter and equitation rings during WEF 10! Riding Swing Easy, Elle claimed first and second in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 & Under division. Thank you to Ocean Echo for the ride on this lovely horse!

Elle Boyd and Swing Easy

Elle also piloted SWS Questionnaire to second in the Hamel Foundation/NHS 3’3” Medal and earned fourth in the WIHS Equitation Hunter Phase with a score of 88. We are so appreciative to North Run for all the help in the equitation! 

WEF 9 was all about the nines! George Kelly piloted Glasgow to a high score of 91 for the blue ribbon in the Children’s Hunter 14 & Under! The pair earned a second blue ribbon and two seconds in the division to claim championship honors!

There were many Grand Hunter moments during WEF 8, with Meredith Huddle aboard Bluewater and Gigi Manigault riding Illusion Imperio Egipcio garnering great ribbons. Meredith and Bluewater produced lovely rounds in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 & Over division, earning super ribbons both days of competition. Gigi and Illusion Imperio Egipcio claimed second in the competitive Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section with a fantastic round. Well done, ladies!

George Kelly and Glasgow continued their winning ways during WEF 7. This duo received two firsts and a second in the Children’s Hunter, 14 & Under, division to secure championship honors! George rode Glasgow to an impressive score of 89 to win over fences.

Sister Frances Kelly jumped to her own tricolor aboard Girl On Fire. These two claimed the reserve championship in the Small Pony Hunters during WEF 7 with a second and three thirds in the division. Super riding, Frances! 

We had fun on the derby field with Rebekah Warren and Cassico during WEF 7. These two produced a beautiful round in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby Junior/Amateur (Hunt-N-Go), earning a classic round score of 86! 

Elle Boyd and Cato 90 had a fantastic week in the equitation ring on their way to top 🔝 results during WEF 7. They claimed the win in the USHJA 3’3” Junior Jumper Seat Medal (Sec. A) and the Hamel Foundation/NHS 3’3” Medal (Sec. B) with two scores of 86. A big thank you to North Run for sharing this special horse with us! 

Meredith Huddle and Bluewater

Gigi Manigault and Illusion Immperio Egipcio

Liza Boyd and Ondine D'Orleans Capture the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Presented by Bainbridge Companies

Liza Towell Boyd & Ondine d’Orleans are presented as winners of the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Presented by Bainbridge Companies. Photo ©Sportfot

Only three weeks after their memorable win in the $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular under the lights on the International Arena, Liza Towell Boyd and Ondine D’Orleans were back in action, this time on the grass derby field at Wellington International. The pair jumped to the win Saturday in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Bainbridge Companies.

Among a very competitive field of International Derby contenders, Boyd had two rides in the Hunt-and-Go format, taking on a course designed by Ken Smith. Still building up the partnership with Ondine D’Orleans, owned by Finally Farm and Neill Sites, Boyd ultimately closed the day on a one-two finish.

“This is her first time on this grass field,” Boyd, who resides in Camden, South Carolina, said of Ondine. “I wasn’t too worried. She flatted great this morning. The footing is amazing for this late in the circuit.”

Taking to the ring earlier in the order with MTM Crossed My Mind, owned by Addy Grace Anderson, Boyd grabbed the high scores to that point of 88.5 and 97 for the Classic and Handy portions, respectively. Returning with Ondine, she didn’t take every risk there was, but it turned out to be their lucky day.

“I did opt to do one small option with her,” Boyd said of her chosen track. “The swoop jump was a tricky obstacle; it’s tall, and the ride to it was a little funny. I thought, ‘I am winning on the other horse, so if I’m second or third with her I’m OK with that.’ She’s had a great season, and even jumping the small option she jumped so well that we gained points elsewhere.”

The scores to follow were a pair of 95s, for a two-round total of 190. In second at the close of the class was MTM Crossed My Mind with a score of 185.5. Emily Williams and Autumn Janesky’s Damas De Tennerre, who won the first International Derby of the WEF season in January, finished third.

“We’re still working,” said Boyd. “Andrew Lustig helps me with the flat on her. Even if we win, we still have things we can do better. I think that’s the beauty of this sport; we’re always learning. After the night class, we did a lot of working hunter trot transitions, counter canter, haunches in, haunches fore. We're always striving to work on her flatwork.”

Now 11 years old, Ondine is starting to become the superstar Boyd knew she’d be. Still ahead of them is the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on the grass during WEF 11.

“We’ve been really lucky down here at Wellington as hunter riders this season,” concluded Boyd. “They’ve highlighted hunters and given us a lot of opportunities. I’m really grateful to the horse show for that.”

Liza Boyd and Ondine D'Orleans Featured in USHJA In Stride

Liza Boyd and Ondine D’Orleans. Photo by Tricia Booker/USHJA

Behind WCHR Hunter Spectacular Champion Ondine D’Orleans Is A Village

Marciano Villalon and Ramon Costilla with Ondine D’Orleans

By Sarah Eakin

On February 15, Liza Boyd and Ondine D’Orleans wowed the crowd and the judges during the $150,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at the Winter Equestrian Festival. But behind this incredible mare is a team of grooms who work hard to adjust to her needs. Learn more about the village behind the WCHR champion.

Finally Farm’s team of grooms are all involved when it comes to the preparation for WCHR Hunter Week at the Wellington International Festival [WEF]. And that especially rang true for the $150,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular where Liza Towell Boyd produced a win on Ondine D’Orleans.

The prize money of $500 for the grooms was also shared as a team. “We just usually just split that with all of our boys since we all work as a team,” said Olivia Murray, who has a series of job titles including rider, assistant manager and assistant trainer. She is joined on the team by Randi Button, Gavino Ochoa, Carlos Manzon, Luis Silva and two sets of brothers, Ramon and Rojelio Costilla and Marciano and Herminio Villalon.

Saturday night’s preparation in the warm-up ring sent off good vibes for the team. “She did everything that we expected and more,” said Murray. “We could tell that she really wanted to win. She can be sassy in the schooling ring sometimes, which is normal for her. But she really didn’t show much sass. She was trying her little heart out in the schooling ring, and we just had a really good feeling.”

To keep the focus, Boyd talks to ‘Ondine’ – not just a little, but the whole time they are showing, giving her a blow-by-blow account of what is coming up. “It’s so that she pays attention to Liza instead of looking at the people watching her,” said Murray.

Boyd recites the whole course at the in-gate and then talks her through each jump “Liza really believes she really listens to her,” Murray said.

The Important Hay Net

Once the show is over, Ondine’s main focus is to get back to the barn and her stall – and to the ever-present hay net that has become a deal-breaker for the chestnut mare. “If it’s not there, she has a little meltdown,” said Murray, while citing that preferably they would do away with the hay net, to avoid stress in the back and neck. “She’s all about the winner’s circle, but then she wants to get back to the barn and have her own space. All she wants is food. And whether she eats from it, or not, the hay net has to be there so that she has food at all times.”

Ondine – owned by Finally Farm and Neill Sites – came to the barn about a year ago. The 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, bred in Florida by Monique Keitz, was reserve champion in the 3’9” Green Hunter division during the week. “She is different every day,” said Murray. “Because she is a chestnut mare. Liza likes to say it’s Ondine’s world, and we’re just living in it.”

Learning to Understand Her

When Ondine arrived, the team had to learn to understand her – that the mare’s quirks were something to be accepted rather than addressed.

“We had to learn that her quirks are what makes her good and not something to be worried about,” said Murray. “Oh she’s doing this today – what is she trying to tell us? No, that’s just her.”

Next stop for Boyd and Ondine will be the derby field as they compete in some of the hunter classes on the grass, coming up later during WEF circuit. It will be the first time they have shown the mare on that surface. Ondine loves the polo field at the barn and often goes on trail rides, which indicates that grass may be something she will relish. “I think she will like it,” said Murray. “We are excited to see how she goes out there.”

This article is a part of a collaboration between HorseGrooms, Wellington International and Paper Horse Media.

Liza Boyd Back on Top in $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Liza Towell Boyd & Ondine D’Orleans. Photo ©Sportfot

World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week at the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) came to a celebrated peak at Wellington International on Saturday evening. The country’s best hunter combinations went head-to-head in the $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular with a win for Liza Towell Boyd of Camden, South Carolina, riding Ondine D’Orleans for owners Finally Farm and Neill Sites.

Meghan Rawlins (CAN) designed the two-round class that allowed riders to show off their horses over a Classic first round and then a Handy track. The panel one judges consisted of Alex Jayne and Rob Bielefeld, panel two was Chris Wynne and Mary Eufemia and panel three held Mary Lisa Leffler and Mark Jungherr. Entries for the “Saturday Night Lights” class qualified by winning the championship or reserve championship title in their respective divisions at the 3’6” height or above or were pre-qualified based on their 2024 WCHR National standings.

From a 36-horse field at 3’6”, 3’9” and 4’ heights, 12 returned for the Handy round, which included several options to show off inside turns, as well as a walk or trot-through question to a double combination of split rail fences.

The WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular is the highlight of WCHR Week 6 at Wellington International each year and is Boyd’s fourth time winning the featured class. 

“It's been a while [since my last win], and every win was in different chapters of my life,” recalled Boyd, who was the inaugural winner of the Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular in 1997. “This is an amazing mare and this is her home turf; she grew up here.” 

Bred in Florida by Monique Keitz, the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood was reserve champion in the Equine tack & Nutritionals 3’9” Green Hunters during the week.

Inspired by watching the mare’s sire Vigo D’Arsouilles carry Belgium’s Philippe Le Jeune to a gold medal at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, Keitz bred Coco Chanel Z to the stallion. The result was a chestnut mare that bore a striking resemblance to Brunello, Boyd’s partner for three consecutive USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship titles. 

“I could jump the moon on her. I feel like she knows this venue, and I had a good feeling this morning when I rode her. She came in for the second round and jumped her heart out,” continued Boyd, who returned for the Handy course sitting in second, but laid down a unanimous winning round to post a score of 91.166 for an average of 91.24.

Six-time winner of the Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, Florida, returned in the lead and held on for the reserve title aboard Paradigm for owner Meredith Lipke. She combined scores of 91.833 and 89.166 for an overall average of 90.499. Amanda Steege of Ocala, Florida, rounded out the top three riding Lafitte De Muze. Together, Steege and Lafitte De Muze won the Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular in 2021. Steege combined an 88.25 and 89.333 to average an 88.791 for owner Cheryl Olsten. 

Of the evening’s Handy course, Boyd noted, “There were a lot of different things you could do; there were good turns and you could really show a gallop. It brought out the best in the animals and it made for a great class. I talked to her the whole way around, and I swear she listened.”

One of four horses to jump at the 3’9” height on Saturday night, Ondine D’Orleans will now take a well-deserved break before returning to competition during WEF 9 and 11 as hunters take to Wellington International's grass derby field.

Boyd ended the evening with gratitude for the opportunity to soak up the spotlight in the International Arena at WEF. “This is so special for us hunter riders. Derby Finals is our Olympics, but this WCHR week is our World Cup Final. We work so hard to get here and to win this class means the world. I couldn't be happier.”

Liza Towell Boyd & Ondine D’Orleans are presented as winners of the $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Photo ©Sportfot

Final Results: $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Ondine D’Orleans & Liza Towell Boyd

Owner: Finally Farm & Neill Sites

91.333 / 91.166

Average: 91.24

Paradigm & Victoria Colvin

Owner: Meredith Lipke

91.833 / 89.166

Average: 90.499

Lafitte de Muze & Amanda Steege

Owner: Cheryl Osten

88.25 / 89.333

Average: 88.791

Divine Romance & Patricia Griffith

Owner: Hallowell Lane Farm

87.333 / 88.666

Average: 87.999

Concerto & Caroline Ingalls

Owner: Caroline Ingalls

88.416 / 87.333

Average: 87.874

Colter & Sophie Gochman

Owner: Sophie Gochman

88.003 / 87.5

Average: 87.75

Odette & Nick Haness

Owner: John & Stephanie Ingram

88 / 87

Average: 87.5

Queen Celeste & Nick Haness

Owner: Glade Run Farm

87.166 / 85.666

Average: 86.416

Babylon & Paige Walkenbach

Owner: Walkenbach Equestrian

87.166 / 85

Average: 86.083

Damas De Tannerre & Emily Williams

Owner: Autumn Janesky

84.516 / 72

Average: 78.258

Tiara & J.J. Torano

Owner: Morgan Naivar

86.5 / 69.666

Average: 78.083

Grand Remo & Stella Propp

Owner: Aquitaine Equine

84.916 / Elim.

Average: 42.958

Aiken December Classics Kicks Off Our New Year

Frances Kelly and Glasgow

The Finally Farm team enjoyed great fun and riding during the Aiken December Classics, held at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina. It was the start of what’s expected to be a banner new show season for Finally Farm!

What a week for Frances Kelly at the Aiken December Classic II. Frances piloted Glasgow to champion in the Low Children’s Hunter division with three wins, a second, and a third! In the Small Pony Hunter division, Frances claimed the reserve championship with Girl On Fire with a win over fences among other great ribbons.

Gigi Manigault and Illusion Imperio Egipcio

From the hunters to equitation, Gigi Manigault had a successful show and continue her consistent results. In the hunter ring, Gigi earned top ribbons with Creekside in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 18-35 division, including a blue and red. Gigi also took over the reins on Illusion Imperio Egipcio for the past two weeks to claim a first and second in the Ariat Medal as well as a second and fourth in the THIS/NHS Adult Medal.  

Emma Barsosky stepped up to the Junior Hunter 3’3” division in style! Aboard AF Strategy she earned two blues and two thirds in the Small Junior Hunter 3’3” to capture the reserve championship.

In the jumper ring, Emma claimed fourth place with Malbay Dreamer in the 1.0m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic. Congratulations, Emma!

Emma Barsosky and AF Strategy

Mary Caroline Nolan jumped to two tricolors to start the year out right. Riding Golden Years, MC claimed the championship in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 18-35 with a win, two seconds, and a third in the division! MC also secured reserve champion aboard Ferrari in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division. The pair claimed three blues and also won the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic!

Taylor Bodson and Casario secured the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 36 and Over section. The duo earned two blues and two seconds in the division as well as second in the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic!

MC Nolan and Golden Years

Elle Boyd had a super weekend in the equitation ring when she piloted Cato 90 to second in the ASPCA Maclay. A huge thank you to North Run for sharing this special horse with us!

George Kelly made his Children’s Hunter debut one to remember! Riding Glasgow, George earned three wins in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and Under, section to claim championship honors! The pair also won the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic as a bonus!

This new partnership is also looking good! In their first class together, Meredith Huddle and Carnac 219 produced two fault-free efforts in the 1.10m Junior/Amateur Jumpers. Meredith also earned great ribbons aboard Bluewater in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3”/3’6” division, including a win in the under saddle!

Meredith Huddle and Carnac 219

George Kelly and Glasgow

Fall Favorite Photos

A few fall favorites from Finally Farm! Thank you to our incredible team of horses and humans for a wonderful fall circuit! We can’t wait for Florida 2025! ☀️🌴

📸: Natalie Suto Photography & Shawn McMillen Photography

National Horse Show Memories

MC Nolan and Ferrari

The National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington was full of special performances and memories made in November.

Mary Caroline Nolan closed out her junior career on a high note. MC rode Ferrari to a score of 88 to finish second in the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, Stake! The pair also secured third in the handy round. We are so proud of you, MC! It has been a pleasure watching you grow into such a fantastic rider, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

We were so thrilled with this duo’s performance at the National Horse Show: Meredith Huddle and Invitation Only kicked off their week with a third and fifth place over fences in the Adult Amateur Equitation, 36 and Over division! The pair then capped off their successful show with a seventh place in the THIS NHS Adult Equitation Championship in the 36 & Over section. Congratulations, Meredith! 

Meredith Huddle and Invitation Only

Liza Boyd and Westport showing off their brilliance and rideability in the $75,000 National Horse Show Hunter Classic! This pair earned scores of 90 and 88 in the second round to secure a sixth-place finish in the class! Congratulations to the whole team behind this special horse! 

Liza also enjoyed top placings with Ondine d’Orleans. They scored a 91 in the Green Hunter 3’6” Stake to finish second out of a competitive field. The pair also earned a 90 in the handy round to finish in the ribbons! We love how Ondine always steps up to the plate! 

📸: @shawnmcmillenphotos 

Triumphs at Tryon Fall V

The Finally Farm team triumphed during the Tryon Fall V, with superb performances at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Only top placings for Emma Barsosky and her horses. Emma and AF Strategy earned two wins and three seconds in the Children’s Hunter, 14 & Under, division to secure championship honors! In the jumper ring, Emma and Malbay Dreamer claimed second in the 1.0m Junior Jumpers as well as third in the 1.0m Junior Jumper Classic for a wonderful week!

Emma Barsosky and AF Strategy

Charlotte Warren brought two horses and earned two tricolor ribbons. She piloted Why to a first, two seconds, and a third in the Low Adult Hunter division to earn champion honors! Riding MTM Hand Him Over, Charlotte scored two blues, and a second to claim the reserve championship as well.

Rebekah Warren and Cassico earned a podium finish in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. They navigated two beautiful trips with a wonderful handy round score of 87 to claim third in the class! Excellent job, Rebekah!

Liza Boyd had a successful day on the derby field with Crooner Brimbelles Z and Ondine d’Orleans, taking first and second in the USHJA International Hunter Derby! Crooks Show Jumping’s “Crooner” secured top honors in the derby, while Ondine claimed second. These two lovely horses never fail to impress us each time they enter the show ring!

Capping Off Capital Challenge

Liza Boyd and Ondine d’Orleans receiving the High-Point North American-Bred Horse Award

Our horses and riders kicked off their fall indoors circuit in style at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. We are looking forward to the rest of the season with our wonderful team!

Adeline Boyd and Sydney showed us how it’s done in the WCHR Pony Hunter Challenge! This duo earned super scores of 87, 86.5, and 86 to secure a well-earned ninth-place finish in the competitive class!

Ondine d’Orleans was honored with the Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. High-Point North American-Bred Horse Award at the Capital Challenge. Liza Boyd piloted the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare to a score of 88 over fences in the Green Hunter 3’6” division to secure the award.

“I think this award is really special for Casey and Monique,” said Liza. “My work is really icing on the cake. Casey and Monique spent 10 years with Ondine and did right by her. They took their time. They should be really proud of themselves and their baby.”

Congratulations to the entire team behind this special mare, and thank you to Connaway & Associates for sponsoring this award! 

Liza and Montauk jumped in top form during the WCHR Professional Challenge, and they earned a first-round score of 87.33 to claim eighth place overall! “It’s always such a pleasure and honor to be part of this special class,” said Liza. 

Ondine d’Orleans made her first Capital Challenge one to remember! With a score of 89, Liza and Ondine claimed second in the Green Hunter 3’6” Handy Section A. The duo also earned a fourth and fifth in the competitive division. “We are so pleased with this talented mare’s performance at her indoors debut,” said Liza. 

Elle Boyd and Montauk

An impressive podium finish for Elle Boyd during Equitation Weekend at the Capital Challenge Horse Show was amazing! Elle piloted Illusion Imperio Egipco to third in the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals! The pair earned impressive scores of 89 and 88 in the second round to secure their placing! Great riding, Elle!

This duo also finished 13th in the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East out of 173 riders. Such a great EQ week for Elle! 

📸: Shawn McMillen Photography