In addition to continuing their impressive performances in the show ring, Finally Farm riders exhibited their star power during the extracurricular activities of Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.
A highlight of the week was the eight Annual Kids Lip Sync event, a charity fundraiser for Danny & Ron's Rescue, where some of Finally Farm's smallest riders took the big stage.
Participating riders included Ruby Sloan, Zola Thompson and their sisters, along with trainer Liza Boyd's daughter, Elle. The charity event featured disco queen Gloria Gaynor, who invited the kids on stage to sing "I Will Survive" with her, seen here.
"All of our girls did a super job," said Liz. " The costumes were beautiful, and the choreography was great. It was fun to watch!"
Liza was in front of the camera herself this week as a sponsored rider for Ariat. She modeled apparel while Brunello participated as a prop on a shoot that took place at Grand Prix Village.
"It was so much fun!" said Liza. "I felt like a real model, getting my hair and makeup done. They were so excited that we brought Ike, too. I think he enjoyed all of the attention!"
Indeed, Ike had his fair share of the spotlight this week as he made his 2016 show ring debut in a Schooling Jumper class.
Brunello, Liza and Alberto
"He felt great," said Liza. "I thought before we go to HITS Ocala for the USHJA International Hunter Derby we both need to do something. So, I’m glad we got started. We’ll also do Wednesday of Week 6 in the High Performance Hunters. I probably need the practice more than he does!
"I think it will be good for us," she said, adding that she was currently riding him home from flatting in the International Ring on Monday morning. "He was playing and wild, not your typical hunter! He feels good, though, and is happy. We galloped a while to stretch his legs, and I think he had a really good time."
Justified and Kelly Maloney continued to enjoy themselves in the Don Little Masters Jumper section, claiming two blue ribbons, 10th in the Classic and tying for reserve champion.
"They were so consistent," said Liza. "I don’t think the mare has had a rail down since she’s been here. I saw the first round of the Classic, and she was great."
Stella Styslinger and Victoria Press combined forces to claim the Small Junior, 16-17, reserve championship with O’Ryan. "I have to give a shout-out and credit Victoria for riding him Day No. 2," said Liza. " Stella had strep throat, so she was unable to show the second day. Victoria stepped up and was great. She had catch ridden him before, so it all worked out."
Maggie Hill moved up to the Children's Hunters this week and ended up second on Tasty and sixth on Equanimity on the second day of competition. "It was a competitive division, and she really has improved so much," said Liza of Maggie. "She made a few minor mistakes on the first day, and she came back and really improved. I told her that once you move up, it's not as much about finding the distances to the jumps but about achieving a more technical ride. You have to start learning the details that help the horses to jump a better fence. It's good for her to start learning these next steps and adding in the finer points to her riding."
Clemson University student Maddy Thatcher brought her full string of horses out for WEF 6 and collected multiple top ribbons, including a win in the Low Amateurs on Dolce Vita and in the Modifieds with Skilliane De Varnel.
"She was super consistent with all of the others, including ribbons on Summer Place in the Amateur-Owner Hunters," said Liza. "She rode really well, and the horses were great."
