Finally Farm traveled to Conyers, Georgia, for Week II of the Atlanta Spring Classic Horse Show, managed by The Classic Company.
Erin McGuire and Kasarr
There were many blue-ribbon moments for the horses and riders, as well as great fun and learning experiences along the way.
A highlight of the week was Erin McGuire's stellar performance with Kasarr in the $25,000 CWD Grand Prix. The pair jumped double-clear and just missed out on the blue ribbon to Mary Lisa Leffler aboard Bling Bling.
"Erin had a great grand prix," said trainer Liza Boyd. "Mary Lisa was awesome. Cantering to the last jump, there was a long approach to an oxer near the in-gate. I think Kasarr thought he was done, and he started bucking after the second-to-last jump and lost some time. She might have won, but she rode great and does a fabulous job."
McGuire, who remained in South Carolina for the winter, worked on her own with Kasarr, keeping him fit and preparing for the spring shows when the bulk of the Finally Farm horses and riders returned from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.
"Max Mandel, who works with us at home, helped Erin over the winter, and she mapped out and planned her training with Kasarr for the shows," added Liza. "Erin also showed over the winter with the Geitners in preparation, and she really knows her horse aimed to peak in Atlanta."
Liza also enjoyed ample success in Atlanta, taking second, third and fourth places in the USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard O'Ryan, Cellino and Shamrock, respectively.
"I was really pleased with all of the horses, " she said. "It poured down rain the night before and cleared right before the class started. It was a nice course and featured split rails, which are a challenge for numerous reasons. I had to go first on Shamrock, and I did make a little pilot error on him getting a feel for the course, but he was really good in the Handy. I've been pleased with his progress, since he's our newest and youngest International Hunter Derby horse."
Liza and O’Ryan have enjoyed much success since Stella Styslinger began leasing him, and their second-placed finish behind Headlines and Mary Lisa Leffer was also an excellent ribbon in good company. "O'Ryan's a lovely horse, and it's a privilege to ride him. Cellino was also great, and his previous rider, Martien Van Der Hoeven, had trained him so well," said Liza. "You can challenge him in the Derby, and he steps right up and gives his all. It was a great derby."
Brie Tiffany and Chacor
Stella also made the most of her own time in the show ring with Cellini, claiming a reserve championship in the Large Junior Hunter section with two blue ribbons in the section. Likewise, reserve championship honors went to Ruby Sloan and Look Again in the Children's Hunter, 14 and under, section.
Finally Farm riders also had success in the jumper rings, with Brie Tiffany riding Chacor and Grace Howard with Hiho Houdini taking tons of ribbons in the High Adult Amateur Jumpers.
Grayanna Grigg and her new horse A Propos galloped to ribbons in the Low Children's/Adult Amateur Jumpers, and Lily Bennettt jumped impressive rounds with Croft Original in the Children's Jumpers.
"We had a nice group of jumper kids that did well out in that big field at the Georgia International Horse Park," added Liza.
