Grand WEF Finale

Finally Farm concluded their 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival experience during Week 8, February 25-March 1 in Wellington, Florida, and it was yet another banner show for horses and riders.

Stella Styslinger and Eloise

Highlights included a sweep of the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section with Khaki Run LLC's Castelli and Stella Styslinger's Eloise. Both riders were included in the Equestrian Sport Productions News on February 28. 

McKayla Langmeier and Castelli Dominate the Equestrian Sotheby's International Reality Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under

Before the rain cancelled the end of classes on Saturday, McKayla Langmeier, from East Granby, CT, piloted Khaki Run LLC's Castelli to championship honors in the Equestrian Sotheby's International Reality Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under. Castelli won both over fences classes the first day and was second in both over fences classes on Saturday. "He [Castelli] is so much fun to catch ride! I'm thankful that I get to ride him," Langmeier said.

McKayla Langmeier and Khaki Run LLC's Castelli

Finishing the day as reserve champions was Eloise, ridden and owned by Stella Styslinger. The duo finished first and third over fences, combined with a second place finish in the under saddle. Styslinger was also awarded the owner/rider championship in the division.

Langmeier started riding Castelli during WEF 4 and has enjoyed getting to show him in the Small Junior Hunters. When talking about Castelli, Langmeier said, "He [Castelli] has a really big stride and is really brave."

A highlight for Castelli this week was his winning handy round. "He's a blast in the handy. I can do any inside turn I want, and I know he will stay with me," Langmeier noted.

McKayla Langmeier and Castelli

When Langmeier isn't competing with Castelli in the hunters, she also shows in the Junior Jumpers and 3'6" equitation. "Showing in the hunters helps me stay smooth when I'm showing in other divisions," Langmeier said.

Special thanks to Jennifer Wood Media for the great press!

Langmeier is showing Castelli while owner Alley Millam takes a break from riding to be a Senate Page on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.  

Maddy Thatcher and Dolce Vita also collected tricolor honors during Week 8 when they won a Low Amateur-Owner Jumper class of 70 and earned the section reserve championship.

Please enjoy this gallery of images from the past few weeks. Finally Farm now returns home to South Carolina to prepare for the spring shows!

Maraschino Makes it Two During WEF 7

At the end of the seventh week of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, Maraschino was the most decorated horse in the Finally Farm barn. The chestnut mare earned the Performance Working Hunter 3’3” Championship with Liza Boyd and the Junior Hunter 3'3" Championship with owner Lily Bennett.

With Liza, Maraschino, nicknamed Cherry, won four of the five classes, topping the 50-horse field each time.

"She was amazing and so consistent," said Liza. "The first day she won all three classes. She's such a lovely mare going around and a good jumper, so it's hard not to like her when she goes well. She really tries to please. There's something about a good mare--when you have a good one, they’re really special."

Lily then hopped aboard Cherry over the weekend for tricolor results of her own.

"That mare gets better and better every week," said Liza. "She’s really into it down here. She’s gotten so easy. Lily’s really figured her out, too. They competed in the Grand Hunter Ring both days, which is a big step up from the smaller rings. They had to jump the same courses as the 3'6" juniors before them, and they were technical, with a lot of bending lines." 

Liza said the experience in the larger ring was great for Lily, who is new to the junior hunters, and their partnership is growing stronger each day. The pair even won the Handy class, proving their confidence together. "Even though Cherry was champion at Harrisburg [The Pennsylvania National] last year, she was just a First Year Green horse. She's still a little bit green, but she’s really coming around," she said,

Lily purchased Cherry last fall after rider McKayla Langmeier had success with her, and this week McKayla joined the Finally Farm tricolor contingent with Castelli in the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section for owner Alley Millam and Khaki Run LLC. McKayla is partnered with Castelli while Alley spends six months in Washington, D.C. as a page on Capitol Hill.

"What’s funny, is this all ties everything together," said Liza. "With McKayla riding Castelli for us, I can see why Cherry is the way she is. McKayla's parents are great horsemen, and she’s such a soft rider, similar to myself and Lily. I think that’s why the transition with Cherry worked so nicely. Plus, besides Brunello, Cherry is one of the best-trained horses on the flat in our barn. She'll counter canter on a dime, and that says a lot about the emphasis they have on training and flatwork." 

Liza also credited the Millam family for allowing Castelli to remain in Florida while Alley is out of the saddle. While Alley gains experience in the workings of government, Castelli will remain in competitive fitness and ready upon her return. 

Alley, a page for Senator Burr from North Carolina, started in January and has already seen history in the making.

"We do anything from setting up for speeches (which includes getting water and lecterns--each senator has specific preferences for both) from the senators of the majority, since I'm a Republican Page, to running amendments all over the Capitol and roll call votes," said Alley. "So far, we've seen some noteworthy history here. Some of the highlights--in what has been called one of the busiest weeks for pages in history--were attending the State of the Union, the senate staying in session until 12:30 a.m., seeing Senator McConnell, McCain and many more speak, along with being literally sat on by Senator Booker."  

Liza added: "I think it was smart of Alley to take this opportunity. She has one more junior year, so she can do the internship now and next year focus on showing. This is an incredible experience for her future. I know it wasn't an easy decision because she loves to ride, but for a kid to make such a big decision, I give her a lot of credit."

Amateur rider Joann Loheac completed the Finally Farm tricolor collection when she guided her Chestnut Avenue to the Amateur-Owner 3’3”, 36 and over Championship. 

"She was so consistent," said Liza of Joann. "She'd taken two weeks off and hadn’t shown in a bit, but she knows that horse really well and it’s all coming together. When we get home, she plans to move up to the 3'6" Amateurs, and this was a great way to give her even more confidence for the transition." 

Elle and Adeline with grandfather Jack Towell and Liza Boyd.

Liza's daughter Elle Boyd made her second appearance in the Walk-Trot section and won the Walk Trot Pleasure class aboard Orchard Hills Hidden Treasure.

"She wanted to show one more time down here," said Liza. "She had a lot of fun."

Liza said baby Adeline, now almost nine months old, had her own milestone recently. "She came down here and was such a good baby. She wasn't mobile and didn’t crawl, but now she’s zooming around the house and into everything.

"She’s very aggressive and bossy!" added Liza laughing. "She’s so different from Elle; I can’t even describe it. I told Elle that Adeline's going to be our jumper rider. She’s wild!"

WCHR Week in Photos

The Finally Farm team enjoyed World Championship Hunter Rider week during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

Liza Boyd and Hardin Towell qualified three mounts for the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular and other Finally Farm riders competed in the many WCHR Hunter Classics during the week. Congratulations to everyone for a wonderful week!

Here's a collection of images!

Maddy Thatcher Stars During WEF 5

"Maddy Thatcher has done an amazing job balancing school and riding," said trainer Liza Boyd. 

And her dedication didn't go unnoticed during Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, February 4-8. 

Maddy, a freshman at Clemson University (South Carolina), guided Summer Place to the Amateur-Owner Hunter, 18-35, championship and also tied for championship honors in the Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper section aboard Show Show.

"Maddy was champion in the Amateur-Owner hunters, and her sister was reserve champion, so the sisters dominated the division. It was so cute!" said Liza. "I was super happy for Maddy because she and that horse are a great match." 

Maddy Thatcher and Summer Place with Alberto Ramirez. Photo Courtesy of The Book LLC

Liza competed "Summer" in the High Performance Hunters one day as a part of their weekly preparation. "He’s so athletic and scopey that the 3’6" height that the Amateurs jump gets too easy for him," noted Liza. "If we jump him 4’ occasionally, it keeps him sharp and thinking. Then, when he returns to the Amateurs, while it's easier for him, he's sharper and on his game."

Liza was especially pleased with their third place in the handy class. "He’s so good in the handy classes. Even though he's slow and a big-moving horse, it's amazing how tight he can be on course," she said. "Maddy is strong in the handy classes as well. She’ll do the inside turns on him that we don’t even see!"  

While everyone at Finally Farm knows Summer is a star in the show ring, they also know that like many celebrities he has certain wants and needs. In fact, Summer will only allow Alberto Ramirez to escort him to the show ring. If anyone else tries to lead him there, Summer will let them know the error of their ways.

"He'll politely grab the bit and just get loose from anyone but Alberto," said Liza laughing. "He doesn't run away. He just stands there and looks at you. He walks like a puppy dog, but he just has that funny personality and knows what he wants. So, Summer has become Alberto's special horse for the winter circuit."

Maddy's strength in turning and jumping paid dividends in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers, when she topped a class of 59 entries in the Medium section with Show Show. Maddy also placed fifth in the same class with Licapo and placed third in a Low Amateur-Owner Jumper class riding Dolce Vita.

Maddy Thatcher aboard Show Show. Photo Courtesy of The Book LLC

"She was super consistent on her jumpers," said Liza. "She rode great all week." 

In the big Sunday grand prix, Hardin Towell jumped to 11th place in the $127,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI3* aboard Jennifer Gates' Silence. The pair had an unfortunate rail in the first round, but with a fast time they picked up a ribbon and a check.

Larson Mitchener moved up to 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, Hunter section for the first time and rose to the challenge aboard Graffiti. "Down here, the jumps are big," said Liza. "She also had to show in the expansive Grand Hunter Ring both days. She had never done a handy before, and by the second day she was third in a class over fences, which was a great ribbon. I was really proud of her."

Ruby Sloan also made a breakthrough during WEF 5, and Liza was thrilled with the progress she's made on the circuit. The sixth-grader picked up ribbons with Highlands Heaven Sent in the Medium Pony Hunters and the WIHS Pony Equitation. 

"She’s a really fast thinker, and I always tell her to slow her mind down," said Liza. "And then this week all of the sudden she was so much better, slower on course and not as nervous. So I said, 'Ruby, what happened?' She said she was sitting in school taking a math test and told herself she wasn't going to hurry, make a mistake and not get a good score."

Ruby brought this thought process to the show ring, too. "She said, 'If I'm slower in my mind and I think things out, I’ll get a better score.' Sometimes it's funny how things click," said Liza. "Ruby was sitting in math class, and she realized how she could ride better, too. It's all connected."

The Carolinas Equestrian

The Carolinas Equestrian magazine featured Finally Farm and the Towell family in their February/March issue with a wonderful story that chronicles their journey in horses right from the start.

Lisa and Jack celebrate their wedding with friends at Harmon Field in Tryon, North Carolina.

 To read the article, "The Towell Family Means Horses Whole-Heartedly," click here.

Sweet Victories For Maraschino at WEF 4

Maraschino made her mark during Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, when she earned the 3'3" Performance Working Hunter championship with Liza Boyd and the 3'3" Junior Hunter reserve championship with owner Lily Bennett.

"I think we finally figured the mare out, and she figured us out," said Liza. "It was a great week."

Lily, 14, purchased Maraschino after the Pennsylvania National Horse Show last fall following the mare's championship performance in the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section. They started their show career together during the Atlanta Fall Classic series in the Children's Hunters to get to know one another. Then, at home over the winter, Lily and Maraschino spent time taking lessons in preparation for WEF. 

"This was our second week showing Maraschino here, and it just took us a week to get to know her," said Liza. "Although lessons at home are great, there's no way you can emulate the time in the ring for the horse and rider."

While the chestnut mare is talented, Liza described her as a quiet horse with just a few little quirks. "It was nice for me to have her down here and figure her out," said Liza. "After I showed her, I was able to explain to Lily how to ride her. Lily was great, and she listened to everything I said. The first day, she had a little mistake in each over fences class but then won the hack. And then she came back the next day and was so rock solid. It's been fun to see their partnership come together.

"I was especially proud of Lily in her last class," Liza continued. "The mare came through the turn to the diagonal line and fell behind her leg. I think she thought she was done. I wondered what Lily was going to do. There was a long distance, that would probably result in a chip, or a deeper option. She settled back and fit the deep one in, and it became a beautiful distance. When you see a rider do that you think, 'Did she know or get lucky?'

When Lily came out of the ring, Liza asked her what happened, and it was an excellent teaching moment. 

"Lily said she saw both distances and knew the long one would be too long," said Liza. "The other one might not have been an A+ distance but a B+, and this is where a partnership between horse and rider becomes critical. The mare helped her out and jumped it like an A+. A few months ago, Lily would have tried for the long one and chipped and lost the class. But this time she fixed it, and that mare really helped her out. It takes a good rider to make a decision like that, and she ended up winning the class."

Liza noted that not every turn to a jump results in that perfect distance, and it's what you do when that happens that determines the outcome. "My dad always says, 'It's not what you see but what you do with what you see.' And I think that's so true. An educated rider can fix a distance and still win the class."   

Laura Critz concluded her WEF season with Quatrain during Week 4 and also picked up top ribbons in the 3'3" Junior Hunters. "Laura was very consistent, solid and got nice ribbons throughout the circuit," said Liza. "She had an excellent third-placed ribbon on the final day, and it was a good note to end on. We'll catch up with Laura and Quatrain when we go home on March 2, after Week 8."

Elle Boyd and trainer Charlie Moorcroft

Liza's daughter Elle Boyd made her WEF debut a winning one. Elle, under the watchful eye of trainer Charles Moorcroft, competed in the Walk-Trot section. She earned a blue in the Walk class, second in the Walk-Trot Pleasure and fourth in the Walk-Trot Equitation aboard the pony Orchard Hills Hidden Treasure.

"She learned a lot from Charlie over the past few weeks in his lessons," said Liza. "I just tried to be a mom and stay behind the scenes. I think I was more nervous than she was! I was trying to compare it to something, and I don't think I've been that nervous since the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. Elle was great, though, really stayed focused, and she had a lot of fun!"

Dalliance Does it Again During WEF 4

Finally Farm was well represented by ribbon winners during Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and we were thrilled to have our own Liza Boyd featured once again in one of the Equestrian Sport Productions' official press releases.   

Elizabeth Boyd and Dalliance Earn Championship Honors for the Second Time in the CWD Saddlery Performance Working Hunter 3'6"

To kick off WEF 4, Elizabeth Boyd and Dalliance finished the day as the CWD Saddlery Performance Working Hunter 3'6" champions. Dalliance and Boyd received three seconds and a third over fences, along with a third in the under saddle to top the field of 28 competitors.

Chablis and Peter Lutz ended the two days of competition as reserve champions in the division. Chablis, owned by Libertas Farm, showed off his winning style topping two of the over fences classes.  

Last year Dalliance, owned by Avatar Real Estate of Coral Gables, Florida, was competing in the jumper ring, but after teaming up with Boyd in the fall, Dalliance has become a natural in the hunters. "He's [Dalliance] just been so consistent. He was champion of the Performance Hunters 3'3" the first week, champion of the Performance Hunters 3'6" the second week, took a week off and is now champion again," Boyd smiled.

"He [Dalliance] goes in there every day and is the same. He's really easy and has great form over the jumps. He is the type of horse that a lot of judges really like!" Boyd noted. 

Liza Boyd and Dalliance

One of the things that Dalliance had to learn, moving from the jumpers to the hunters, was slowing down through the inside turns during handy classes. While he was always able to do the challenging inside turns, he would be too quick through them. After a good handy this week, Boyd said, "He [Dalliance] did all the inside turns without dropping his shoulder or speeding up. He's perfected that."

While Boyd spends a lot of time showing younger horses, she is thankful for the opportunity to show Dalliance. "It's nice to have one consistent horse. I don't have Brunello here this year because he is really just a derby horse now, so it's nice to have one that I can really count on," Boyd explained.

Boyd currently has Dalliance as a sale horse, and she has enjoyed being able to show him during the beginning of the season. When talking about Dalliance's future, Boyd said, "I think he is going to be a great Junior or Amateur Hunter. He has proven himself very well, and he is ready."

Boyd also added, "He [Dalliance] would do derbies really well because he is super brave, doesn't need to get in the ring in the morning and comes to work the same every day."

If Dalliance is still with Boyd during WEF 6, she hopes to show him in the USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular.

Eloise Excels During WEF 3

Eloise and Stella Styslinger with their WEF 3 tricolors.

Eloise and rider Stella Styslinger enjoyed a special moment in the spotlight during Week 3 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, January 21-25 in Wellington, Florida. Stella and Eloise picked up the reserve championship in the Small Junior, 15 and under, section and the owner/rider championship.

"This is Stella’s first year at Palm Beach, and walking into the Grand Hunter Ring can be intimidating, but she rose to the occasion in just her second show here," said trainer Liza Boyd, who also guided Eloise to ribbons in the Performance Working Hunter 3'6" section.

Liza attributed Stella's success with Eloise, in part, to an equitation horse named Centerfold K that Stella began leasing last fall from Beacon Hill Show Stables. 

"He's cute enough to do the hunters, too, so last week, her first week here, she did him in the Junior Hunters so she could practice the really hard inside turns in the handy class," said Liza. "He’s given her so much confidence and taught her so much already.

"Even though she rode Eloise great, I think a huge part of her improvement and confidence comes from Centerfold K," she added. "Stella rode Centerfold K in the Maclay before she did Eloise on Sunday. The Maclay was really hard. They had a bounce, and really everything on the course was a number [of strides], so it was very technical. Being able to ride Centerfold K first made her trips in the Grand Hunter Ring seem easy!"

Stella, 15, inherited Eloise from her sister Claudia, who now attends the University of Virginia. The pair has forged a strong partnership, which is now getting even better.

"I think the equitation is going to help her so much," said Liza. "The hunter courses are getting more technical, and it's not just outside, inside anymore. She has really started to understand the technical aspects of a ride, such as how to take an inside track in seven strides or shape a line and bend it for eight strides,"

This week Stella and Centerfold K tackled the equitation classes, with strong performances in the ASPCA Maclay, Pessoa/USEF Medal and WIHS Equitation phases. 

"She had one little mistake in each class, but she did great for the first time," said Liza. "She got better and better in each class. Stella has a great position on a horse and a great feel. She just needs to keep learning at this level, and the equitation is a great building block to becoming a better rider and maybe even moving into the jumper ring someday."

Finally Farm riders also enjoyed impressive results in the jumpers, with Show Show showing the way this week. With Maddy Thatcher aboard, Show Show jumped to victory in a Medium Amateur-Owner Jumper class over a field of 62 competitors, while Liza rode the veteran show jumper to second place of 121 entries in a 1.30m open class.

"It was the most fun part of my week," said Liza laughing. "It’s funny, because I’m not known as a jumper rider right now. But in the past I've done the jumpers and have even have done grand prix classes. But the past few years my focus has been on the hunters and the derbies.

"When I got to the ring, everyone said, 'Did you make a wrong turn? What are you doing over here?'" added Liza smiling. "It's such a different world. You get into a routine and see the same professionals at the hunter rings. There are friends I grew up with over in the jumpers, but I don't see them anymore, so it was great to spend time with them. Candice King said, 'She finally made the right turn and came back over here!'"

Maddy Thatcher and Show Show - Photo courtesy of The Book LLC

Liza described her ride on Show Show, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood by Darco, as amazing. "He has so much experience and a resume bigger than mine! My goal was to practice neat turns to set him up for Maddy. I wasn't going for the win, but he made such nice turns and has such a big stride that he was pretty quick. It was so smooth that it felt like a handy hunter round on Brunello--but just faster!"  

Maddy then took over the reins for the Amateur-Owners. "She was amazing," said Liza. "I think they went faster than anyone! There's so much quality in that section and a lot of grand prix horses, and those amateurs are so slick. Maddy really impressed me in the jump-off. She followed her exact plan and was textbook. It was just what she and Jack [Towell] went over. She even added a stride in first line with more bend so she could be quicker to the next jump. She was great."

Sisters Larson and Mary Carton Mitchener earned ribbons on their respective mounts during WEF 3 for great results as well.

Larson, a freshman at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, hasn't had much time to practice, but that limitation didn't prevent her from jumping Graffiti to excellent ribbons in a section of the Adult Amateur, 18-35 hunters.  "I was really proud of her," said Liza. "She rode over the holidays and is balancing school and doing it all quite well. I'm also proud of Tamara [Berkowitz, assistant trainer]. She has a soft spot for 'Smudge,' and he's become her project. She's figured that horse out and what he likes, and she prepared him to peak at the right time for Larson. She made a well-planned schedule for him, and it paid off."

Younger sister Mary Carton guided Trinity to ribbons in the 3'3" Junior Hunters, a competitive section at WEF since it's not split by age,

"Some weeks I think it's even harder than the 3'6" Juniors," said Liza. " Mary Carton and Grayanna Griggs (riding Beaujolais) were both impressive this weekend, with consistent rounds. It was Grayanna's last week of showing, so placing third over fences in the Grand Hunter Ring was a nice way to end on a good note. We will meet back up with her when we get home in March."

Grace Howard and HiHo Houdini placed eighth in the Children's Jumper Classic during WEF 3.

Ariat Sponsors Two-Time USHJA Hunter Derby Champion Liza Boyd

Liza Boyd and Brunello on their way to the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

Union City, Calif. January 20, 2015--Ariat International, the leader in innovative Western and English footwear, apparel and accessories, has recently signed East Coast-based hunter rider, Liza Boyd, as an official Ariat athlete. Liza will be representing Ariat’s English apparel and footwear lines.

Liza (Towell) Boyd has a long-standing legacy in the hunter ring. As a junior, Liza was named Overall World Champion Hunter Rider three times, and won the Best Child Rider Award at the Washington International Horse Show four times. Liza has won more than 25 USHJA International and National Hunter Derbies, including winning two USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in 2013 and 2014.  

Furthermore, she's the only rider to have won the WCHR Pony, Junior and Professional titles, a record she established in 2013 with her first victory in the WCHR Professional Finals. Liza has also been the Assistant Trainer of the Leading Junior Hunter Rider at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show two times, is a three-time winner of the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular (Florida) and has been Champion and Reserve Champion numerous times at Devon (Pa.), the Capital Challenge (Md.) and the East Coast fall indoor shows. Liza has been on the Board of Directors for USHJA and is currently the Vice Chair of the USHJA Hunter Working Group.

“Liza Boyd is one of the country’s top hunter riders and trainers and we are proud to have her join Ariat’s roster of athletes,” said Susan Alcala, vice president of partnership marketing at Ariat. “Liza is an exceptionally accomplished rider that brings grace and athleticism to the hunter ring, we are excited to have her on board!” 

“I’ve always been a fan of Ariat, their boots and apparel fit exceptionally well and help me perform at my best,” said Liza Boyd. “English riding clothes and footwear have come a long way-- Ariat always seems to be on the cutting edge developing innovative performance products while sticking to the traditions of English riding style.”

Liza is a graduate of the College of Charleston (S.C.) and is full-time trainer at Finally Farm. She resides in Camden, S.C., with her husband, Blake Boyd, and their two daughters Elle and Elizabeth Adeline. 

Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and accessories. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world.

For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

WEF 2 Works Great

More tricolor ribbons adorned the Finally Farm banner during week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida. 

Dalliance earned his second consecutive Performance Working Hunter championship for owners Avatar Real Estate LLC. Just a year ago, Dalliance, a Dutch Warmblood by Indoctro, was competing in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Last fall, he transitioned to the hunters under Liza Boyd, and since then he's enjoyed success in the Performance Working Hunters, this week taking the 3'6" title.

Tamara Berkowitz, Liza Boyd and Dalliance

"He’s really consistent now and stepping up to plate for 88s and 89s," said Liza. "He has quickly become a solid show hunter. We did a USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky National last fall, which he won. Then, when we went off to the fall indoor shows he went home with his owners. He returned to us fat, shiny and looking like a hunter." 

Liza believes Dalliance will become an excellent Derby horse because of his bravery, but she also sees him excelling as a Junior Hunter due to his kind nature and unflappable nature.

"I was so proud of him this week. He just keeps going in there and doing better and better," said Liza. The 3’6” PWH is a solid division here, with Come Monday and Fredrick, just to name two stars, and he stayed solid in every single class. We’re excited."

Liza also credited Assistant Trainer Tamara Berkowitz for her dedication in preparing Dalliance as well as many of the 25-30 horses in the Finally Farm show string. 

"Tamara has been helping with him a lot. She flats him regularly," said Liza. "We couldn’t get everything done without our team, to get the horses to the ring here, including Mackenzie Armour and Randi Button. The numbers are huge. Every class we went in had at least 25 horses, from 3’3” Juniors to First Years."

Tamara also has the challenging role of directing Liza and her father Jack Towell to the different rings where Finally Farm riders are competing. In between, she prepares horses and makes sure each one is ready and prepared for the day.

"It's really amazing how she does it. I had five in the PWH 3'6" division, and every horse was at the ring on time, flatted and warmed up. All I had to do was get on and jump a few jumps and go in the ring. We can’t thank Tamara and the whole team enough. All the horses look great, and it really helps me as a professional to not stress about anything. There's no room for error on my part, and you have to be perfect in every class. Being able to focus on my riding is huge, especially when I don't have to think, 'Is that horse going to make it back for the jog?' " 

Maddy Thatcher and Early Applause - Photo courtesy of The Book LLC

Maddy Thatcher's week went especially well, with ribbons galore aboard her Amateur-Owner hunters and jumpers. A highlight was the Amateur-Owner Hunter, 3'3" reserve championship aboard Early Applause.

"It was fun to see that horse go so well, and I think the 3'3" section is a great niche for him," said Liza. "He really jumps great and curls around the jumps. He's a veteran who has been around for a while, and the 3'3" is easy for him and keeps him happy. He and Maddy excel in the handy classes, and it's always fun to watch them go. They did an inside turn I didn’t even realize was there!"

Alley Milam and Castelli earned the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, reserve championship in their last show together on the WEF circuit. Alley, 17, of Greensboro, N.C., starts an internship in Washington, D.C. this month working for a senator and will put her horse showing on hold until June.

Alley Milam and Castelli

"It was a hard decision, but she has one more junior year so she thought it would be great to take advantage of this opportunity," said Liza. "It was exciting for her to leave here on such a good note. Her horse will stay and show with a catch rider here to keep him fit, tuned and showing. She was second in the handy, and she rode with a lot of confidence, and I was really proud of her."

Chestnut Avenue earned excellent ribbons in the Performance Working Hunter 3'6" section before doing the same in the Amateur-Owners with owner Joann Loheac. "This was his first show here, and I couldn't be happier with him," said Liza. "He stepped right into the 3’6" Performance and didn't miss a beat. I showed him here a few years ago, and since then he's matured so much. He walked into the Grand Hunter Ring and scored an 87; I remember two years ago when he was jumping the mud puddles and jumping way too high, and two years later he’s a made horse."

Liza Boyd and Chestnut Avenue - Photo courtesy of The Plaid Horse

The pony kids also joined the WEF fun this week, with Mr. McGregor and Zola Thompson and Highlands Heaven Sent with Ruby Sloan both earning ribbons. Each duo spent time practicing at home before WEF started, and their hard work paid dividends.

This was Ruby's first show with Highlands Heaven Sent, a Medium she's leasing. "She got a second-placed ribbon on the second day, which was huge for her first time at WEF and with this pony," said Liza. "The first day she was a little wide-eyed. She had a nice round that would have been a good ribbon at home, but here she didn't get a jog. Then she realized there was no room for errors, and the next day she stepped up and had an excellent round. I was thrilled with her!"

Overall, Liza was pleased with the first two weeks of the WEF circuit, and she's already observed Finally Farm horses and riders gaining more confidence, which will carry them far into the new show season. 

"When everyone leaves here they'll go home stronger," said Liza. "They'll have more confidence in their riding, with the numbers so high here it takes better performances to get ribbons. The courses are also more technical, and it's good to push yourself, for the kids and myself.

"I already feel sharper," added Liza. "I was so sore after Week 1. Elle asked, "Mom, why are you walking sideways down the stairs?' Nothing can get you as fit as going in the ring. Show fit is an even better level of fitness. This week I felt great, and it was the same with the horses. I think we were all body sore during week 1, coming back from vacation and holidays and then you get back into groove."

Addison Byrd, 17, picked up excellent scores on Too Cool in the Small Junior, 16-17, section while also picking up valuable life lessons. Addison is doing an externship for school and spending three weeks working for Finally Farm. 

"She's keeping a diary of each day's activities that also shows her hours," said Liza. "She gets up with me at 5:30 a.m. and we get home at 6:30 or 7. The first day she fainted, and I thought, "Oh no." But I don't think she was used to the heat. Ever since then she's been perfect.

"I think this experience has been an eye-opener for her," added Liza. "She had no idea what went on behind the scenes, from the work hours Tamara spends at the barn to the number of times we have the vet to the time and attention we give to each horse. She's been a huge help and has been taking the pony kids to the ring and helping us with organization. Throughout the process she's also gotten to know her horse better, and it's been a great experience for her. And for her to do so well in the ring this week was a huge bonus."

Grace Howard and Houdini

Grace Howard, of Concord, N.C., also enjoyed new experiences during week 2 when she leased a jumper and competed in that ring for the first time. Howard partnered with Hiho Houdini, a recent import from the barn of Natalie Macken. Grace and Houdini placed 12th of 53 in the Low Children's Jumper Classic.

"She’s going to be really good at the jumpers," said Liza of Grace. "I couldn’t believe how brave she was for her first time! I'm really impressed she was able to figure out the jumpers so quickly. She's going to have lots of fun with this horse."