Liza Boyd Wins Third Consecutive USEF Emerson Burr Trophy

Brunello and Liza Boyd. Tricia Booker/USHJA Archives Photo

Liza Boyd and Brunello were once again crowned the elite of the equestrian world! They have both been nominated for the United States Equestrian Federation's highest honors: the 2015 Equestrian of the Year and Horse of the Year! 

For the third consecutive year, Liza received the Emerson Burr Trophy, which is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences. 

"It’s a huge honor to receive this trophy," said Liza. " Emerson was someone I looked up to and respected when I was a kid. It's very humbling, and I'm honored to have my name on that trophy." 

Liza is one of nine Equestrians of Honor from the various breeds and disciplines under the USEF umbrella, and your votes are an integral part in deciding which of the nation's leading equestrians will be named the USEF's 2015 Equestrian of the Year.

Liza has long been regarded as one of the top hunter professionals in the industry, having won 30 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, including consecutive wins in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships.

In 2015, Liza took home the title at the Atlanta Spring Classic International Hunter Derby, and placed third overall at the Devon Horse Show International Hunter Derby. She also finished the year first in the Southeast Region and eighth nationally in the World Championship Hunter Professional Riders standings.

Brunello, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Janet Peterson and Liza, was nominated for the 2015 USEF Horse of the Year honors for the National divisions, an honor he also received in 2013.

Brunello has been turning heads in the hunter ring with his signature style and consistent top placings for years. With Boyd in the tack, "Ike" has been a fixture in International Hunter Derby competitions since the program's inception. They won their third consecutive USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Lexington, Kentucky, this year with an amazing performance that many said was the epitome of what a true show hunter and derby horse should be.  

“This year was surreal and better than any other year,” said Liza. “The Handy Hunter round at the Derby Championships was simply magical. I was so nervous before I went in the ring, and then got in there and just relaxed and enjoyed every moment. It was one of those rounds you always strive for with a hunter, that feeling of perfection and smoothness.

“The Handy that night was really the result of years of hard work,” she continued. “All of the work we do on the flat and the many hours my father has put into that horse, training, strengthening and improving his self-carriage, and it all carried over. That’s why Ike was so brilliant and so square with his front end and landed on both leads. He was fit and in perfect balance. It takes a long, long time to have a horse physically and mentally that fit. It was Ike’s time to shine, and he was up to the challenge even with all of that pressure. To win a third consecutive Derby Championship takes a seasoned horse, and the bond we’ve had over so many years culminated in that performance. We both trust and believe in each other, and it showed that night.”

Voting will run through midnight ET January 4, 2016. The USEF Equestrian of the Year will be announced on January 15, 2016 during the 2015 USEF Pegasus Awards Gala. This is the third consecutive year Boyd has been awarded the Emerson Burr Trophy and in the running for the USEF Equestrian of the Year award. Let's make this third year the charm!

Vote for USEF Horse of the Year: bit.ly/HOTY15
Vote for USEF Equestrian of the Year: bit.ly/EOTY15

Please note that this year's voting procedure includes email verification, so make sure to check for the link in your email so your vote counts!

Grand Finale at Atlanta Fall Classic II

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

Finally Farm riders and horses concluded their 2015 show season with great results during the Atlanta Fall Classic II, held November 11-15 in Conyers, Georgia.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr finished the year with a bang, earning the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship, winning the Classic and taking the coveted Circuit Championship.

"For Erin, school is her priority, so she only shows in the spring and summer and little bit in the fall," said trainer Liza Boyd. "This was a great way for her to finish out her show season, and we are so proud of her. Kasarr is the only horse she has right now because she's focusing on classes and internships at the University of South Carolina. She'll start back up in the spring and, hopefully, do some of the smaller Aiken Grand Prix classes.

Liza Boyd, Erin McGuire and Kasarr

"Last winter not only did she keep Kasarr in work but she was also in charge of his fitness and training schedule here at home while we were in Florida," Liza added. "She has a very hands-on approach, and their success together is due in part to the strong bond they've formed outside of the show ring."

Stella Styslinger continued her banner fall show season with championship results aboard Cellino in the Large Junior Hunters. She also won the ASPCA Maclay aboard Centerfold K for the second consecutive week, a testament to her continued focus on improving the technicalities of her riding. 

"Stella is really riding well and thinking forward," said Liza. "She's riding the handy courses so confidently now, and the tough bending lines are becoming easier for her to master. I can see her confidence level is a lot stronger, and winning the Maclay both weeks is a huge accomplishment."

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Liza also had success two weeks in a row, guiding Pony Lane Farm's Coronado to his second consecutive Pre-Green Hunter Championship. "I'm really impressed with his brain and ability. He’s a great horse with a bright future, and I'm looking forward to seeing where his talents take him this winter in Florida and beyond."

Pony rider Zola Thompson is also preparing for the 2016 show season and stepped aboard her new mount Elegance for the first time with banner results. "I want to thank Robin Greenwood for this very special pony," said Liza. "Zola and Elegance are a great match. This was the first time she’s ever shown her and done the Medium Ponies. Zola hadn’t shown since Blowing Rock in July, so receiving two second-placed ribbons on the second day was wonderful. We're very excited about this great new partnership."

Finally Farm resumes their show schedule in January on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida. In the meantime, Liza and her father Jack Towell will teach at home and give clinics while spending the holidays with family and friends at their home base in Camden, South Carolina.

New Partnerships at Atlanta Fall Classic I

The end of the show season is bittersweet for many riders who must say good-bye to their leased partners, but it's also the time when new partnerships are formed. The Finally Farm team experienced both during the Atlanta Fall Classic I, held November 4-8 in Conyers, Georgia.

Ruby Sloan and Highlands Heaven Sent enjoyed their final show together in the Medium Pony section with top ribbons, while Ruby also experienced her first show aboard a horse. She guided Rebecca Baker's Look Again to the Pre-Children's Hunter championship and won the Classic in their debut together.

Elle Boyd and Tamara Berkowitz cheer on the Finally Farm riders at Atlanta

"Ruby graduated from ponies during Atlanta," said trainer Liza Boyd. "Highlands Heaven Sent went back to trainer Bill Schaub, and we found her a Children’s hunter the same week. It couldn’t have been more perfect." 

Finally Farm trainers had been scouting for a Children's Hunter prospect for Ruby when Look Again caught their eye at at the Tryon Horse Show. He came from Amanda Forte and Debbie Wilson of Cerulean Stables.  "Ruby leased him, and he's going to be a great stepping stone for her to the horses," said Liza. "He could be a 3’3” junior horse as well, so we hope to have him for a while. This was their first time showing together, and they're already a great match."

Liza credited Ruby's ponies for helping to provide her with a solid base. "She came out of the ring after the second day and asked, 'What’s the handy course?" said Liza laughing. "She won't be doing a handy for a while in the Children's Hunters, but she's been well prepared when she does move up. We’re very excited to have him in the barn and congratulate Ruby on her new horse."

Stella Styslinger is also forging new partnerships this fall and earned championships in both sections of the Large Junior Hunter section (California split) aboard Ellen Toon's Invincible and Julie Thompson's Cellino.

"This was her first time showing Cellino, and she hopped right on and went in and was great," said Liza. "They are both nice, seasoned horses, and we feel honored to have them in the barn. Stella has two more years in the juniors, and her goals are to continue to learn and be a  successful junior hunter rider."

Stella is keeping Centerfold K, the equitation horse she began leasing from Henge Hill Investments last year, and won the Pessoa/USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay in Atlanta this week. "Stella doesn't do the equitation to go to finals, but instead to make herself a better rider in the handy hunters," said Liza. "We want her to have fun and learn as much as she can, and Centerfold is the perfect equitation horse."

Liza wasn't without her own tricolor honors as she guided Pony Lane Farm's Coronado to the Pre-Green Hunter championship.

"Coronado hadn’t shown since September and has only shown once since we got him," said Liza of the 5-year-old Zangersheide stallion (by Coriano Z). "He couldn’t have been better. He’s so brave, and we don’t even  have to get him in the ring in the morning.

"He's also stronger now than he was a few months ago," continued Liza. "It's taken him a little time to physically mature, and every time he goes out more people notice him. He's filling out and really grasping the concept of being a hunter."

Liza said Coronado also has one trait that sets him apart: "He looks so much like Brunello!" she said. "It's weird how many people have said to me “Wow! That’s Brunello 10 years ago.' It's really eerie. Coronado is so scopey and stridey, and his markings are the same as Brunello. It's a very nice compliment!"

In the jumper ring, Erin McGuire and Grace Howard (pictured above) continued to collect top ribbons in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper sections aboard their mounts Kasarr and Hiho Houdini, respectively. 

Maraschino and Lily Bennett claimed the Small Junior Hunter Classic blue, and Elegance and catch rider Devin Seek claimed the Medium Pony Hunter reserve championship.

Finally Farm concludes their 2015 show season during this week's Atlanta Fall Classic II, November 11-15.

Hardin Towell Returns to the Top of the Longines East Coast World Cup Standings

Hardin Towell and Emilie De Diamant As 

The Finally Farm and JKG teams joined forces to conclude the East Coast Fall indoor circuit at the CP National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, where Hardin Towell, Jennifer Gates and Laura Critz collected a variety of ribbons and accolades.

With his fifth-placed finish aboard Emilie De Diamant AS in the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington, presented by CP, Hardin is back on top of the standings in the FEI North American East Coast League World Cup standings.

Hardin has picked up 50 points so far, and has Samuel Parot behind him as rank No. 2 on 40 points. Quentin Judge stands third on 36 points, with Laura Kraut fourth on 34 points and Beezie Madden in fifth with 33 points. 

Thirty-six entries gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park to participate in the highlight event of the competition and vie for valuable points to qualify for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. One of seven events in the new FEI World Cup™ Jumping East Coast League, the class drew top athletes who competed over Guilherme Jorge’s first-round track in the hopes of qualifying for the jump-off. Thirteen managed to do so, and 11 were also clear over the short track, making speed a key factor in the day’s results.

"Hardin had a great class and was double clean," said sister Liza Boyd. "He was really happy with that performance and regaining his No. 1 spot in the standings. He's well on his way to qualifying for his second World Cup Show Jumping Finals appearance, and we couldn't be more thrilled for him!"

Laura Critz and Quatrain

Hardin's student Jennifer Gates also made her presence known at the National, with excellent results in the Under 25 Grand Prix ranks with Cadence and in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper section with Everest De Muze.

Quatrain and Laura Critz enjoyed their final indoor appearance together with third in the 3’3” Junior Hunter Stake class and a sixth over fences. Laura is a freshman at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, and she concluded her junior career at the National Horse Show. 

"It was a good way for her to wrap up the year," said Liza. "Sadly, Quatrain will be sold because Laura’s focusing on school now, but we'll always have fond memories of their special partnership together."

Finally Farm is also proud to announce that professional Max Mandel has joined the team to help ride and train students and horses. He began assisting on a freelance basis over the summer before stepping into a full-time role in September. 

"He’s a great rider and teacher and so good with the young horses," said Liza. "He's worked with a variety of top professionals, including Nancy Whitehead, Rush and Carl Weeden and Julie Winkel, just to name a few. He’s a good horseman and picks up on the details, which I like. I believe he has a big future ahead of him, and we're lucky to have him.."

For more information about Max, please click here for his biography on the Finally Farm About section.

Liza was happy to celebrate Halloween at home in Camden this year while her father Jack and brother Hardin traveled to Kentucky. She enjoyed taking her daughters Elle and Adeline trick-or-treating in Camden! 

Happy Halloween from Adeline and Elle!

Fun and Family at the Washington International

Hardin Towell, center, posed with, from left, Elly Ficca, Lily Sloan, Zola Thompson and Ruby Sloan.

Finally Farm enjoyed success at the Washington International Horse Show, October 20-25, from ponies to the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Qualifier.

Trainer Liza Boyd brought two pony riders from their home base in Camden, South Carolina and met up with her brother Hardin Towell, now residing in California.  The pair spent lots of quality time together and enjoyed cheering one another on while their father, Jack Towell, followed their results online while training clients at the Tryon Fall 6 Horse Show in North Carolina.

Middle schoolers Ruby Sloan and Elly Fica both had excellent performances on their Medium Ponies. Highlands Heaven Sent and Ruby placed third in the Handy class with an 83 and picked up ribbons and jogs in other classes. Ruby also placed ninth in the WIHS Pony Equitation Classic, where Elly enjoyed her best performance of the weekend, taking an impressive third place overall after scoring an 86 in the first round.

"I was really proud of both girls," said Liza. "I couldn’t have been happier with how they both finished, and it was a great way for them to end the year. They went to Washington and were prepared for the challenging courses in the hunters and the medal. 

"It was also great to see them have so much fun," Liza added. "At night we all went back to the show and watched, and they met some Hardin and some of the other grand prix riders, and they were in awe of the whole experience. This show does a great job making everyone feel special. Behind the scenes for the trainers it's not the easiest show, but when you see how much it means to the kids it's so worthwhile. They watched Rodney Jenkins inducted into the Hall of Fame. They might have no idea who Rodney is, but they will always remember that night and couldn’t believe when I told them that Rodney was Jack's idol. They thought that was really cool."

Zola Thompson had also qualified for Washington with her pony Mr. McGregor, but an unfortunate injury meant that the pair had to skip competing. Zola wasn't going to miss the show, however, so she attended with her mother Alex, a member of the Washington International Horse Show Board of Directors, and cheered on her stablemates.

"Zola was a great cheerleader for the other girls, and she even presented the ribbons to Ruby in the Medium Pony Hunters," said Liza. "We were so grateful she was able to participate, and while she didn't get to show she had the best attitude and had fun as well."

Hardin Towell and Emilie De Diamant AS 

Hardin brought Emilie De Diamant AS to take part in the CSI4* classes and to continue to earn points toward his second Longines FEI World Cup Finals berth next spring.

The pair were one of six combinations to jump clear over the Anthony D'Ambrosio-designed course and placed sixth with 8 faults in the jump-off.

"It was a big and tough class," said Liza. "It was great that they went clear in the first round, and we were all cheering him on. Unfortunately, Emilie stumbled after a fence in the jump-off, and with that small arena and huge fences there's really no room for error. She just got on her forehand and had the next two jumps down before she got her balance back. But to be sixth in that company was terrific, and Hardin got some valuable points. He's been so consistent this fall and is right up there in the standings."

Hardin currently stands second in the Longines North American East Coast League standings, A total of 14 athletes from the North American League will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg (SWE) on March 23-28, 2016. The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

"I think being around the European riders has been so great for Hardin," added Liza. "It was fun to sit down with him over lunch and hear about what he's been doing. We don't get to spend much quality time together, so it was  great. He's learned so much by just watching. [Top French rider] Eric Navet is at the barn [with him] and Hardin has soaked up so much knowledge. He studies what everyone does and tries to learn more and better himself all of the time, and that’s helped him as a rider. I'm really proud of him for being so open minded and learning from everybody."

During the Tryon Fall 6 Horse Show held in Tryon, North Carolina, Lily Bennett captured the Junior Hunter Championship with top ribbons in each class, including two blues.

"She was coming off indoors and The Pennsylvania National (Harrisburg) where she learned a lot," said Liza. "The courses at Harrisburg were technical and challenging, so it was great to see her return home and be successful in Tryon."

Stella Styslinger also earned multiple blue ribbons in the hunters and equitation classes. She was champion in the 3’3” Junior Hunters aboard Ellen Toon's veteran Invincible and also won the Pessoa/USEF Medal and ASPCA Maclay riding Centerfold K.

"This was her first show with Invincible, and the two got along great," said Liza. "I think he really liked her, and they also won the Junior Hunter Classic with 22 entries. They had a great time together!"

Liza Boyd and Fieona won the USHJA National Hunter Derby

Laura Critz and Quatrain continued to rack up impressive placings, earning the reserve championship in the 3'3" Junior Hunters in preparation for their trip to the CP National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky next week.

Liza wasn't without her own successes, taking the USHJA National Hunter Derby blue ribbon during Tryon 5 and 6 aboard Fieona.

"She had time off earlier this year and is just coming back more and more strongly each week," said Liza. "We will probably do the USHJA International Hunter Derby at our next horse show. It's really nice to have her back. She's always been solid and scopey, and is there for you. She's 12 now, and I think she's hitting her peak. She feels better than ever, and I'm looking forward to doing more derbies with her."   

Hardin Towell Takes on Del Mar

Hardin Towell finished second in the $150,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier in Del Mar

Hardin Towell continued his grand prix successes with top performances in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping in Del Mar, California that culminated October 18.

The energy and excitement were palpable as spectators congregated in a full Del Mar Arena to watch some of show jumping's greatest stars tackle Heiko Wahlers' Longines FEI World Cup Show Jumping Del Mar course for a purse of $150,000.

There were 28 horse-and-rider combinations that tackled the imposing horse, and in the end it was USA No. 1 rider Beezie Madden aboard Simon who took the top prize, with Finally Farm's Hardin Towell taking an impressive second place aboard Lucifer V.

"Hardin had a great great show in Del Mar, and we're so proud of him," said sister Liza Towell Boyd. "First, he won the Wednesday Welcome class on New York and then he was second to Beezie in the World Cup class, which is really like a win since she's currently the No. 2 rider in the world!

Hardin Towell won the $33,000 Del Mar Welcome Grand Prix aboard New York

"Our parents (Jack and Lisa Towell) went out to Del Mar the week before to cheer Hardin on," Liza added. "They enjoyed being out there and had fun. Hardin’s come a long way, and he commented to me afterward that he's really working on his body position and the small details of his riding. He's at that level where there’s no room for even the smallest mistakes. With all of the different medal finals going on now around the country, I thought his comment was especially meaningful. Even after your equitation days are over, even the most successful riders still work on their positions to be their most effective." 

To read about Hardin's past equitation victory in the Washington International Equitation Classic Finals--and the springboard it created for other top show jumpers--please see the article "From Junior Riders to Show Jumping Superstars: Past WIHS Equitation Winners Share Their Memories" in The Plaid Horse magazine.

To show's press release documented more about Hardin's performance, including some valuable lessons he's learned and the strategy he chose for this class. Here are excerpts:

Against a field stacked with seasoned, international competitors, Beezie Madden reinforced her ranking as the USA’s No. 1 jumping athlete, and the world No. 2 in the Longines Rankings, by riding the fastest clear in an eight-man jump off for the $150,000 Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier at the Del Mar International (Calif.).

The stands in the indoor venue were packed as Madden strategically maneuvered the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Simon (Mr. Blue x Polydox) to the win in 37.33 seconds, more than a second faster than Hardin Towell’s 38.75-second round with Lucifer V. 

The solid, 13-obstacle track designed by Germany’s Heiko Wahlers presented multiple challenges to the horse-and-rider pairs that included optional striding and a very large triple combination. One of the biggest questions, according to the riders during the course walk, was the decision between six or seven strides from a double combination to a wide oxer over a liverpool. The decision to set a really big course stemmed from the many great riders featured in the class, Wahlers said.

“I thought [before my jump-off round] that Kent [Farrington] had already gone and [Richard] Spooner had already gone and had a rail, and knew I had Beezie behind me, but with Lucifer this year, too many times I’ve gone too fast and had the last jump down in several grand prix in Europe that I could’ve easily taken one more,” Hardin said. “My turns on him are not great, and I knew from the beginning that Beezie was definitely going to be able to go faster. Going to the last jump, I saw one less [stride] and then I thought, ‘You know what, I’m probably going to gallop down there, knock it down, and I would’ve still been slower than Beezie.'

“So, I decided to take one more [stride], and Beezie beat me," Hardin added. "But I’ve been the bridesmaid a lot in the past couple months, so it is what it is. But having Beezie behind me, you can only do so much, and I was thrilled with my horse. He’s really improved in the past two years, and even in the past year. This was his first World Cup last year, and I hope next year that he’ll have a bright future ahead of him.”

1. Simon (Beezie Madden), USA, 0 faults/37.33 seconds (JO);

2. Lucifer V (Jack “Hardin” Towell), USA, 0/38.75 (JO);

3. Nikh Quanto (Christian Heineking), GER, 0/40.80 (JO);

Hardin did enjoy a victory at Del Mar when he guided New York Win to the blue ribbon in the $33,000 Welcome Grand Prix, presented by Trelawny Farm.

Excerpts from the show's press release: 

The Welcome class set the stage on the show's opening day as 53 elite equestrian athletes including Georgina Bloomberg, Quentin Judge, Jack Hardin Towell, Eduardo Menezes, Nayal Nassar, Kent Farrington, Lauren Hough, Karl Cook, Eric Navet, Beezie Madden, Mandy Porter, Ray Texel, Richard Spooner, and Samuel Parot tackled renowned German course designer Heiko Wahlers' first Grand Prix of the week.

Eleven riders made it to the jump-off, and four went clear, but it was Jack Hardin Towell who expertly navigated the shortened course aboard New York and emerged victorious. Towell's time was a blistering 37.04 seconds, with Kirsten Coe on California 62 following close on his heels to finish second in a time of 38.12. Third place went to Cornet 39 with Lauren Hough in the irons and a jump-off time of 38.66, and our fourth-place finisher was Richard Spooner riding the aptly named Mighty Mouse who came in clean at 40.12 seconds. 

Finally Farm horses and riders also enjoyed success the same week while attending the Tryon Fall 5 Horse Show in North Carolina, where there were ample championships and reserve ribbons collected under the watchful eyes of trainers Liza and Jack.

This week Finally Farm will divide and conquer, with Hardin traveling to the East Coast to meet Liza at the Washington International Horse Show to train and show, while Jack remains in Tryon for the Fall  6 show. Best of luck to all of our clients and friends competing at these two competitions.

A special congratulations to Zola Thompson on the recent purchase of the Medium Pony Elegance, the Reserve Champion at the Pennsylvania National. We look forward to working with you as you develop a partnership with this special pony!

Harrisburg Junior Weekend Blues

The Finally Farm team traveled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the 70th Annual Pennsylvania National Horse Show, October 7-11, and it was a banner Junior Weekend with lots of great performances and a few well-earned blue ribbons.

Congratulations to Lily Bennett and Maraschino for winning the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and under, Under Saddle and her great rides aboard Carasco. It's All Good and Elly Ficca also collected a blue ribbon over fences in the Medium Pony Hunters with a score of 87! 

Congratulations also to Mary Carton Mitchener with Trinity and Laura Critz on Quatrain for their performances in the 3'3" Juniors and to pony rider Ruby Sloan with Highlands Heaven Sent for her excellent rides. Great job everyone for the wonderful weekend with lots of fun and smiles!

Special thanks to Nichole Sloan for the fantastic photos!

Capital Challenge Highlights

Despite the historic flooding in the Carolinas last week, Finally Farm, based in Camden, South Carolina, escaped with little damage. Our hearts go out to our friends who weren't as fortunate, and we continue to support and assist those in need.

Although the weather at this year's Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, September 27-October 4 wasn't without some rain as well, Finally Farm horses and riders rose to the occasion to overcome the trying conditions for some excellent performances.   

Liza Boyd's ride aboard Bridget Hallman's Gala resulted in the Future Hunter Mare Championship over a super field. In addition, the pair placed third in the Future Hunter North American Championship, where they earned 172.65 points in the two-round competition, with averages of 86.47 and 86.18.

Gala and Liza Boyd

"She really stepped up in that indoor ring during the Championship, and she went forward and jumped beautifully," said Liza. "Third was a great ribbon in that company, with Hunt Tosh and Jen Alfano taking first and second. It's been a fun class to watch over the years because so many of these Future Hunters have gone on to be top Green, Junior and Amateur hunters."

Liza last piloted Gala, a 7-year-old Oldenburg, for trainer Rachel Kennedy during the USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Championship in August, and she felt a difference in the mare's confidence level.

"She just seemed a bit easier and more focused," said Liza. "Maybe it's because Bridget and Rachel have more miles on her, or maybe she learned a lot at Capital Challenge! I did a lot of flatwork with her and worked to have her come off my leg. She was really going well and was never less than fourth in her classes. Rachel and Bridget were so fun to work with, too, and I enjoyed being a part of that team."

Once again, Liza contested the WCHR Professional Challenge class with Laura Critz's Quatrain, where they placed sixth. This year, Liza didn't quite have enough points to qualify for the WCHR Professional Finals on Friday night, and she finished eighth in the WCHR National Professional Standings. She and Quatrain also earned the reserve championship in the 3'6" Performance Hunter section behind Cold Harbor and Hunt Tosh.

"I think this is the most competitive it’s been to qualify," noted Liza. "You had to have four strong WCHR horse shows during the year and then do well here at Capital Challenge. The numbers were big as well, and I think that’s good for the sport, that it’s becoming more and more competitive."

Liza was also pleased with Quatrain's performances and enjoyed riding him at the Capital Challenge again after clinching the WCHR Professional Finals win in 2013 with his help. "The Pro Challenge is always fun, and it was great to be in there and get a top ribbon," she said. "I show Quatrain here and there to warm him up for Laura, but I hadn't done him for a while. He's such a good horse and great in the Show Place Arena here. The 3’6” is really his niche, and he'll now be for sale because Laura is a freshman at Wake Forest University. She’ll show him at the National Horse Show in Kentucky next month, and then we'll look for a new home for him. I'll sure miss him, but I know he has a lot of years left to be someone’s star Junior or Amateur-Owner hunter."

Highlands Heaven Sent and Ruby Sloan

In the pony sections, it was Elly Ficca and It’s All Good who were awesome. The pair placed fourth and fifth over fences in the Medium Pony Hunter section on the second day, which was arguably the most competitive pony section at the show with 40 top-quality entries. 

"That was such a tough division," said Liza. "Everybody from California to the East Coast brought out their top ponies. I watched that last day, and any one of the top eight could have won. To be fourth and fifth was huge! Elly was also sixth in the WCHR Pony Challenge, which was amazing. I was so proud of her. That kid is especially good under pressure. She stays the same, whether it's a small or a big show, and she handled the pressure really well. Sadly, she's now outgrown and aged out of the Medium section, so It's All Good will be for sale after the Washington International Horse Show. I look forward to seeing her carry this momentum forward for their final show together."

Trainer Jack Towell, Ruby Sloan and Elly Ficca 

Liza also praised pony rider Ruby Sloan for her fifth place over fences aboard Highlands Heaven Sent. "She rode great, and it was the same thing there as with Elly, a great ribbon in excellent company.  

"Ruby has learned so much this year. She's never been to indoors before and it was a big deal to go and show at Capital Challenge," added Liza. "I think she might have been more star struck if she hadn't gone to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Palm Beach last year, but that experience helped her so much because she showed against the same kids there. She ended up 14th in the WCHR Pony Challenge, just out of the ribbons, but to be in that company was so great for her."

Both pony riders will continue on to the Pennsylvania National at Harrisburg for their next indoor competition this week.

Likewise, Lily Bennett will head to Harrisburg with some nice ribbons under her belt from Capital Challenge. "Lily did a great job with her Junior hunters, including Maraschino and Carasco," said Liza. "She hasn’t been doing the 3’6” for too long and she really showed some nice efforts. She should be  ready for a great Harrisburg."

Aiken Fall Festival II

Erin McGuire and Kasarr with Jack Towell and Liza Boyd

The Aiken Fall Festival II, held in Aiken, South Carolina, concluded with some special moments for Finally Farm. Erin McGuire and Kasarr finished second in the $25,000 R. Bruce Duchossois Cup, their first national-level grand prix.

"It was a really exciting atmosphere," said trainer Liza Boyd. "Bruce’s family came, and it was a great tribute to Bruce. It looked like it would be terrible weather, but then the clouds lifted and it was a beautiful evening."

Liza was proud of Erin for maintaining her riding while also attending college. "She’s very dedicated to the gym and maintaining her physical strength and keeping the horse managed," said Liza. "She doesn’t go to all of the shows we go to, so she manages the horse herself. She also  keeps up good grades in school and is doing an internship this year as well. She has a lot going on, but she shows that kids can balance riding, school and work and still keep up the grades."

Erin and Kasarr were one of four pairs to jump clear in the first round to qualify for the jump-off. "She actually would have won but had that heartbreaker last jump down," said Liza. "With a little bit of luck it could have been blue, but we were thrilled with second. Tommy John Russell won, so a big congratulations for him."

Liza also credited Erin's mother Jayne McGuire for enabling Erin to continue to pursue her riding goals. "Jayne has supported Erin's riding career through her junior years and beyond, and everybody owes her a big thank-you for standing behind Erin's passion all of these years," added Liza.

Maddy Thatcher also balanced riding and college to show at Aiken with tricolor results. She guided Summer Place to the Amateur-Owner 3'6" Reserve Championship and won the NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Dolce Vita.

"Maddy is doing a great job keeping the balance," said Liza. "She's keeping her grades up and is organized and getting to the shows. I think it's almost easier for them because they're used to juggling a lot. Some people say it's easier than high school because you aren't in classes all of the time. You have time in between to study. But they all have good work ethics."

Grace Howard is also combining her studies at the University of Georgia with riding, and she welcomed back her junior hunter Bethel’s Peri who had time off. She started him back in the 3’3” Juniors and claimed the championship. "She’s really excited to have him back in the barn," said Liza. "It was good to see him return so strong."

Eloise also picked up another championship, this time in the 3’6” Juniors with Stella Styslinger. In the pony hunter ring, It’s All Good and Elly Fica earned the Medium Pony Hunter championship.

"The pony riders were great, and I want to send a special congratulations to Zola Thompson on qualifying Mr. McGregor for the East Coast fall indoor shows," said Liza.

Pony Lane Farm's Coronado, a 5-year-old stallion by Coriano, earned the 3'3" Pre-Green Hunter tricolor in his first show with Liza in the irons.

"We took our time getting him fit, but he's straightforward," said Liza. "To be 5 and a stallion and to have his first outing go so easy was wonderful. He's brave and quite scopey. I think he’s going to be a derby horse, but he's also a nice mover, and he’s very handsome. From a distance, he looks like Brunello, and he has those good qualities that Brunello has. He'll make his next outing at WEF in 2016."

Nevada and Maggie Hill moved up to the Children's Hunter, 14 and under section, and earned the reserve championship. "It was a big jump, but Maggie was great," said Liza. "She handled the height well and understood she had to work off more of a pace, and she really impressed me."

The Debut of Bruce's Field

Finally Farm horses and riders traveled to the Aiken Fall Festival I, in Aiken, South Carolina, on September 2-6, where the new Bruce's Field facility made its debut.

Situated within the infield of the steeplechase racetrack, Bruce's Field, named for the late Bruce Duchossois, provides exhibitors with the old-fashioned feel of a traditional horse show while featuring state-of-the-art footing and stabling.

"Knowing Bruce and knowing this was his dream, I think he'd be very happy with this first show at the facility," said trainer Liza Boyd. "The Aiken Horse Park Foundation and all of Bruce's friends have been so dedicated to step up and make this happen. Bruce's friends really wanted to see his dream come true, and it was so great that it did."

The horse show featured three show rings with warm-up areas as well as eight new barns for stabling. The Aiken Fall Festival II continues through September 13.

"It really had a wonderful old-time feel," said Liza. "In the spring they'll also have a big grand prix field on the grass. This is a facility that's similar to the Kentucky Horse Park, where you can ride on wonderful footing in a ring or go out in the field and gallop around.

"The new footing felt like they were landing on a cloud and had nice give," she added. "The horses really seemed to like it. Daniel Geitner, who is on the board, made sure the footing was right. This might look a little deeper than other facilities, but it was super forgiving."

The Finally Farm-trained horses seemed to enjoy the new footing and jumped to many accolades.  

"Too Cool and Addison Byrd had a really good show," said Liza. "She just started at College of Charleston and so it was fun to see her return. Actually, a lot of the kids come back from college for this show, and it was great for them to have a weekend with their horses." 

In addition to Addison, Maddy Thatcher, Grace Howard, Erin McGuire and Sarah Isgett all traveled to Aiken from college, some enjoying the competition and others taking a break from studying.   

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

"Maddy, who was home for the weekend from Clemson, got nice ribbons on Sterling and her Amateur jumpers. Grace Howard got excellent ribbons in the Junior/Amateur-Owner jumpers on Houdini and is doing well at the University of Georgia where she's riding on the team," said Liza.

Erin McGuire didn't miss a beat from her studies at the University of South Carolina and posted excellent results with Kasarr, including fifth in the Welcome Stake and Fenwick Jumper Classic. "She had the fastest time in the Welcome but had a rail, and then in the mini prix she set the bar, but it was a great jump-off and everyone went faster and faster. It was an exciting jump-off, and she rode well."

Other riders were using Aiken as a prep for the upcoming fall indoor shows, including Trinity and Mary Carton Mitchener who picked up the tricolor in the Junior 3'3" section. "Trinity got into [the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in] Harrisburg, which is so exciting for her," said Liza. "Highlands Heaven Sent and Ruby Sloan were champions in the Pony Hunters, and it will set them up well for the Capital Challenge in a few weeks." 

Liza Boyd and Janet Peterson with the Brunello Breyer campaign ad pictured in The Carolinas Horse. 

In the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Liza guided Fieona to second place for owner Kelly Maloney. "It's great to see these horse show managers having substantial money in their National derbies," said Liza. "Fieona is coming off an injury, and she sat out while I was pregnant last year. Sarah Isgett showed her at Blowing Rock last month and did well in 3’3”. I decided to bring her here for the derby. She jumps that 3'3" height cute despite being an ex-grand prix jumper! It's really nice to have a second horse again, and I'll keep showing her until she's leased or sold."

Back on the home front, Brunello is continuing his life of leisure and pampering following his third consecutive victory in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship.

"Laura McNair, who rode with us and who now lives and works in Columbia, comes out to ride him now," said Liza. "She wants to be a yoga instructor and is so laid back. He just loves her. She doesn’t train on him but keeps him fit and has fun riding him out. It's so nice that she can still come and ride him."

Grace Howard and HiHo Houdini

Finally Farm will remain in Aiken for week 2 of the Fall festival before attending the Capital Challenge Horse Show at the end of September.

"As a trainer, I have to say how fortunate we are to have so many nice facilities so close to us in South Carolina," she said. "In Aiken we have High Fields and Bruce’s Field, we have the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina and here in Camden we have the Horse Park. As well just three hours away we have the Georgia International Horse Park in Atlanta. They’re all different in their own ways and great facilities."

Grace Howard and friends