Erin McGuire and Kasarr
Finally Farm riders and horses concluded their 2015 show season with great results during the Atlanta Fall Classic II, held November 11-15 in Conyers, Georgia.
Erin McGuire and Kasarr finished the year with a bang, earning the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship, winning the Classic and taking the coveted Circuit Championship.
"For Erin, school is her priority, so she only shows in the spring and summer and little bit in the fall," said trainer Liza Boyd. "This was a great way for her to finish out her show season, and we are so proud of her. Kasarr is the only horse she has right now because she's focusing on classes and internships at the University of South Carolina. She'll start back up in the spring and, hopefully, do some of the smaller Aiken Grand Prix classes.
Liza Boyd, Erin McGuire and Kasarr
"Last winter not only did she keep Kasarr in work but she was also in charge of his fitness and training schedule here at home while we were in Florida," Liza added. "She has a very hands-on approach, and their success together is due in part to the strong bond they've formed outside of the show ring."
Stella Styslinger continued her banner fall show season with championship results aboard Cellino in the Large Junior Hunters. She also won the ASPCA Maclay aboard Centerfold K for the second consecutive week, a testament to her continued focus on improving the technicalities of her riding.
"Stella is really riding well and thinking forward," said Liza. "She's riding the handy courses so confidently now, and the tough bending lines are becoming easier for her to master. I can see her confidence level is a lot stronger, and winning the Maclay both weeks is a huge accomplishment."
Zola Thompson and Elegance
Liza also had success two weeks in a row, guiding Pony Lane Farm's Coronado to his second consecutive Pre-Green Hunter Championship. "I'm really impressed with his brain and ability. He’s a great horse with a bright future, and I'm looking forward to seeing where his talents take him this winter in Florida and beyond."
Pony rider Zola Thompson is also preparing for the 2016 show season and stepped aboard her new mount Elegance for the first time with banner results. "I want to thank Robin Greenwood for this very special pony," said Liza. "Zola and Elegance are a great match. This was the first time she’s ever shown her and done the Medium Ponies. Zola hadn’t shown since Blowing Rock in July, so receiving two second-placed ribbons on the second day was wonderful. We're very excited about this great new partnership."
Finally Farm resumes their show schedule in January on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida. In the meantime, Liza and her father Jack Towell will teach at home and give clinics while spending the holidays with family and friends at their home base in Camden, South Carolina.
