Zola Thompson and Maddie Tosh
The Charleston Summer Classic Horse Shows enjoyed their 25th anniversary this year, and Finally Farm riders celebrated right along with Bob Bell’s Classic Company during a week of fun in the sun just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.
“Each day we got done at a reasonable hour, and everybody has a wonderful time there,” said trainer Liza Boyd who likened it to a “showcation.” “It’s a really cute show grounds, and you can go to the beach in just minutes. Jack likes the show because there are all of those roadside stands with fresh veggies. Jack likes to cook, and he always enjoys trying new recipes, such as crab cakes and other seafood.”
In addition to watching over his kitchen duties, Jack spent time at the pony ring where his riders produced excellent results. Zola Thompson showed her consistency in the Medium Pony Hunter section with the reserve championship and victory in the Classic aboard Elegance.
“Zola was great, and we were really proud of her hard work,” said Liza. “She was super consistent. Jack helped her all weekend while I was at a different ring. I think he had fun hanging out at the pony ring for a change. She’s excited because she gets to go to U.S. Pony Finals next month in Kentucky, and all of the lessons she’s taken lately have really paid off.”
Lily Bennett is also finding her stride this summer. In addition to her prowess in the Junior Hunters with Maraschino—on whom she was champion and won the Classic—Lily has further developed her jumper talents.
“Lily was second in the Children’s Jumper Classic on Zimba, which was a great, great ribbon,” said Liza. “She’s really figuring out the time allowed now and doing all of the right numbers in the lines. She really had a breakthrough at Charleston, where she was really able to go for it in the jump offs and truly understands the tighter turns and time.”
Stella Styslinger also had a great show, picking up multiple tricolor ribbons on her Junior Hunters Invincible and O’Ryan.
Jennifer Gates’ Parkland made a return to the show ring after a break and carried Maggie Hill to top ribbons in the Low Children’s Hunters. “Maggie is leasing him, and this was his first show back so he just did the 2’9” section,” said Liza. “We are so excited to have him going again and in the barn. Maggie will move up to the Children’s Hunters and eventually to the 3’3” Juniors. They’re already a great match.”
Maggie also piloted Tasty to victory in the Children’s Hunter Classic and earned the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section championship aboard Co Co Chanel. Finally Farm also retained the reserve championship in the section, with Look Again and Ruby Sloan capturing top ribbons.
After recovering from an injury, Mary Carton Michener returned to the show ring after a lengthy break to ride Trinity to excellent ribbons, including second place in the Children’s, 15-17, Classic. “We were so happy for her to come back do so well,” noted Liza.
