La Vida Loca and Elle Boyd
The Finally Farm team took the Capital Challenge by storm, taking tricolors and top ribbons throughout the show, September 28-October 8 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Considered the kick-off of the East Coast Fall Indoor circuit, the show is arguably one of the most competitive in the country. Despite the tough competition, Finally Farm riders rose to the challenge!
Highlights included Elle Boyd riding Camryn Cass’ La Vida Loca to reserve championship honors in the WCHR 3’3” Junior Challenge with scores 84.25, 87 and 86.25. At age 14, Elle was one of the youngest riders in the field of competitive junior hunter riders from throughout the country and in her debut year at the 3’3” height.
Earlier in the week, Elle also earned ribbons with the Rein Family’s Allegro T in the 13 & 14 Year Old Equitation section and placed 12th in the THIS Medal Finals. She also rode Illusion Imperio Egipcio to 15th in the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final-East for a great first equitation finals experience.
Day Won and Liza Boyd
MC Nolan’s Day Won impressed the judges in the Green Hunter 3’6” section, earning the reserve show championship honors in Section A with Liza Boyd aboard. They picked up two second places over fences and a sixth in the under saddle for the tricolor. Over the weekend, MC and Day Won continued the momentum, placing in every class, with a highlight being their third in the stake.
Day Won and MC Nolan
Aboard Ferrari, MC placed 12th in the WCHR 3’6” Junior Challenge, and they also earned great ribbons in the Large Junior, 16-17, section over the weekend.
Liza and MC’s Golden Years jumped to 12th in the WCHR Professional Challenge on Wednesday, and MC rode Golden Years to excellent ribbons later in the week in the Large Junior, 16-17, section.
Creekside and Gigi Manigualt
Gigi Manigualt and Creekside shined in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section, with multiple ribbons over fences. The pair also captured eighth in the WCHR 3’3” Amateur-Owner Challenge with an excellent round that scored in the mid-80s from all three panels of judges.
Girl On Fire and Frances Kelly were on fire in the WCHR Pony Challenge, picking up an impressive eighth place as the only Small Pony in the top 12. Close behind was Lulu Wells and Heaven’s Gift, with a 10th place ribbon fluttering on their bridle as the joined in the victory gallop. George Kelly and Loafer’s Lodge Melody also enjoyed great rounds in the Medium Ponies.
Adeline Boyd and Falling Moon’s Huckleberry earned scores in the 80s all week to get jogs in every Small Pony Hunter class out of 40+ ponies. Thanks to Glade Run Farm for sharing Huck!
Cameron Kauffman competed Sochi and AF Strategy in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section, where the put in some very nice performances.
Girl On Fire and Frances Kelly
Liza also picked up the ride on Irene Neuwirth’s Coconut Grove, and the pair placed 10th in the Kask/Vogel Green Hunter North American Championship. In addition, they earned top ribbons in the 3’3” Green Hunters together, including a second in the stake. Liza also guided Meredith Huddle’s Bluewater to 12th in the NA Championship and collected excellent ribbons in the 3’ Green Hunters to qualify for the Championship. She also rode Elle Gibbs’ Lincoln in the 3’ Green Hunter, 6 and under, with great ribbons over fences.
Over in the Jumper ring, Meredith took her own victory gallop after placing seventh in the highly competitive $10,000 NAL Adult Amateur Jumper Finals aboard MTM Axel with a double-clear effort over very challenging courses.
MTM Axel and Meredith Huddle
A special highlight for Liza was reuniting with her childhood friend, Teddi Jo Mellencamp Arroyave, and showing her horse, Definitely. Trainer Archie Cox made it even more fun by recording the “competition” on Instagram between Liza and Teddi Jo for the highest scores aboard Definitely during the week. His videos captured the attention of thousands of people throughout the country who enjoyed the antics and entertaining commentary throughout the show. Special thanks to Archie for making this Capital Challenge an especially memorable one!
Please enjoy this gallery of photos from our great show!
