Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue earned blue in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at Aiken.
The Aiken Spring Charity Horse Shows are always a highlight of Finally Farm’s spring calendar, and 2021 was no exception. In addition to the beautiful venue, proximity to home and the excellent management, the awards are special, and Finally Farm riders picked up many during the two weeks.
Week 1 was especially memorable, as Liza and daughter Elle Boyd topped two of the featured classes, the $25,000 Open Hunter Classic and the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.
Liza piloted Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off to the impressive victory about a tough field of contenders.
“It’s always a special class there, and they make an effort to move the jumps into the grand prix arena,” said Liza. “It’s a great experience for the horses that don’t have the opportunity to show in a big ring like that very often. It has the feel of the International Ring at Palm Beach or the Stadium at Tryon.
“This was an excellent class with great horses, riders and rounds,” she added. “The course was great, too. One horse after the other jumped beautifully, and all of the top horses from Wellington and Ocala met up again. Some we hadn’t seen all winter circuit, so it was fun to see everyone’s new horses.”
Liza Boyd and Walk-Off jump to victory in the $25,000 Aiken Charity Hunter Classic.
Liza was thrilled with Walk-Off, who is relatively green. “His experience in Wellington over the winter made a huge difference. He learned a lot and stepped right up and was ready for me to push him a little and go for the win here,” she noted.
Elle also went for the win. She and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue put their strong partnership to the test and came out on top in the Pony Hunter Derby. This was Elle’s second victory in a Pony Derby, and she’s certainly following in her mother’s footsteps.
“Again, it was great experience for her and to tackle an entire course of bending lines, 10s and 11s, was fun for her,” said Liza. “It was great practice for Pony Finals in the big ring in Kentucky. She was also circuit champion on Betsee Parker’s Baroness Of Locheil, a new ride for her. It’s rewarding to see her and that mare click.”
Elle Boyd and Baroness Of Locheil, grand champion pony
Liza was also grateful to have the pony’s former rider, Maddie Tosh, on hand to give Elle pointers and support. “She really looks up to Maddie, so it was helpful to have Maddie and her dad Hunt there to answer questions about the pony, too.”
Elle Gibbs and her Attaboy stepped up a level and captured the 3’6” Junior Hunter reserve championship in their debut at that height. Liza also guided Attaboy to the 3’6” Green Hunter championship and placed second in the USHJA Green Incentive during Week 2.
Grand champions Mary Caroline Nolan and Custom Made
Mary Caroline Nolan scored the grand championship in the 3’3” Juniors after earning the 3’3” Small Junior show championship both weeks. During Week 2 they won three out of the five classes.
“What a great horse he is,” said Liza. “After she had O’Ryan last year, what a wonderful horse to continue her education. He’s so seasoned and a great teacher, and she’s learning a lot.”
MC also won THIS Children’s Medal with Exclusive, and her Ferrari earned the 3’9” Green/High Performance Hunter championship with Liza aboard.
Mckenzie Miller made her 2’6” Children’s Pony Hunter debut a winning one aboard new mount Bring On The Rain! Scores of 84 and 85 also marked her personal best. The duo also earned championship honors both weeks for the circuit title.
“They weren’t able to go to Florida and stayed home and had lessons from friend and neighbor Bruce Christensen,” noted Liza. “They were very prepared. He’s such a nice pony, and they were so consistent over the two weeks.”
Liza Boyd, Lourdes Low and Sienna celebrate a well-earned reserve championship.
Lourdes Low and Sienna also continued their consistency from the winter, earning the 3’3” Large Junior Hunter reserve championship and placing second in the Junior Hunter Classic.
Likewise, Elle Boyd and her Small Pony Baby Blue added a reserve championship to their collection, and younger sister Adeline earned tricolor honors both weeks in the Short/Long Stirrup section with Golden Ticket.
Adeline and Liza Boyd with Golden Ticket
“This is a new pony who is absolutely fabulous,” said Liza of Golden Ticket. “When I learned she was available, I said, ‘OMG, we need Molly! She’s the best!’ I want to thank Louise Serio and Jaclyn Tattersall for sharing her with us. This has been fun and it’s great to see Adeline take the next step up. Now that we have both girls showing, they set their own alarm and get up early. Elle teaches Adeline the courses, and it’s so cool they’re both doing it together.”
Mckenzie Miller and champion Bring On The Rain
Finally Farm riders also earned their fair share of equitation ribbons. Elle Boyd won the Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Medal and the WIHS Pony Medal, while Gigi Manigault won the Ariat Adult Medal aboard Wizzard Of Odds and Amy Nolan topped the Bryan Jones Adult Medal with Sampson.
Joey Rose and Cassino placed third, and MC Nolan and Exclusive were seventh out of 30+ in the USHJA National Hunter Derby Junior/Amateur section to add to the derby ribbons.
Finally Farm also welcomed Ashley Neudorff, of Columbia, and Carousel to the barn family during Aiken. They contested the Low Adult Hunters, and Carousel was fourth in the USHJA National Hunter Derby during Week 2 with Liza in the irons.
The guys of Finally Farm!
We also want to thank Ramon, Carlos, Victor, Poncho and Ramon for their hustle behind the scenes! It was a great 2 weeks at Aiken! Not pictured but equally as thankful for our girl gang of Theresa, Randi and Olivia!
Special thanks to our owners, sponsors, vets, farriers, and staff who make up the ultimate dream team! #ariat #cwd #icehorse #irhhelmets#mdcstirrups #proelitefeed#platinumperformance #ruespari#successequestrian #equifit#charlesancona #luckybraids #photographerA&SPhotography
To view the comprehensive and beautifully done Aiken Charity Horse Show wrap-up, please click here!
