Hardin Towell and Cadence Open Week Two With a Win at Winter Equestrian Festival

Hardin Towell and Cadence

The 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its second week of competition, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, on Wednesday, January 18, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Kicking off the week's competition in the International Arena, Hardin Towell (USA) rode Evergate Stable's Cadence to victory in the $8,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m speed class.

Ana Catalina Harris Cruz (MEX) was the course designer in the International Arena for WEF 2. Cruz began the week with 25 entries in the 1.45m class and seven clear rounds. Towell and Cadence clocked the winning time of 55.11 seconds. Amanda Derbyshire (GBR) and Gochman Sport Horses' Sibell BH finished second in 55.48 seconds, and Conor Swail (IRL) aboard Blue Hill Farm's Quibelle placed third in 57.83 seconds.

Towell rode Cadence in the morning's speed class to prepare the horse for his owner, Jennifer Gates, to show later in the week. The 16-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Cardento x Irco Marco 662) will compete with Gates in the Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series this winter, which begins with its first event on Sunday.

"Jen had not shown for a little bit because she was studying abroad, so Cadence had some time off, and then we just brought him back," Towell explained. "I showed him last week and he feels great. He likes being down here. He is happy here, and he knows the routine. He feels the best he has ever felt, so hopefully she will have a good season on him."

Speaking about his winning round on Wednesday, Towell stated, "It was a nice first day track. The Under 25 on Sunday is a speed class, so I wanted to go a little bit so he would be ready for Jen. It was nice because he was really smooth. He has such a big stride and he turns so well that I actually felt like I had a nice, efficient round, but did not have to go too fast."

Towell has a busy circuit ahead, with many horses to show for Gates, as well as a full schedule training his star pupil.

Towell's preparation was right on target, as Gates placed fifth in a field of 66 in the FEI $25,000 Hollow Creek Farm U25 Grand Prix aboard Cadence. Gates also took eighth place aboard Luftikus S in the FEI $6,000 1.40m out of 108 entries.

Special thanks to Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. for the press release.

WEF Begins With Fun and Wonderful Results

Stella Styslinger and Cassanto

Finally Farm's debut on the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, brought many great performances, smiles and ribbons back to the barn. Week 1 of the 12-week circuit, held January 11-15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, made for a great springboard for the rest of the season. 

Earlier in the week, a special press conference included Finally Farm's Liza Boyd, who joined other top riders to discuss the excitement of starting the new show season.

Press conference attendees included: Kent Farrington, Liza Boyd, Mark Bellissimo, Kasey-Perry Glass, Allyn Mann and Thomas Baur.

Along with top show jumping competition, WEF features divisions for every level of hunter horse, including week six's $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular and week 12's $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. This year's circuit also includes the addition of two new $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby competitions.

Three-time USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship winner Liza Boyd looks forward to a great 2017 season with her horses and riders.

Boyd stated, "There are so many opportunities here for the hunters. The hunter format is growing; the pipeline for hunters is growing. The addition of the Young Hunter classes for the 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds is really appreciated. It's a great opportunity for owners and really good for the industry. The National Hunter Derbies are really good for the young horses. There is nice prize money, and it's also a great opportunity for juniors and amateurs to compete and to learn. The addition of the South Ring is wonderful. There are just so many opportunities, starting from the cross rails, which my daughter will be competing in this year."

A new addition to the barn this year made his presence known. Stella Styslinger has leased Cassanto for the year from Heritage Farm, and they started out their partnership with the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, championship.  

Liza also competed Cassanto one day in the 3’6” Performance Working Hunter section, where their first- and second-placed ribbons in the field of 45 and 51, respectively, were good enough for a reserve championship.

"It was fun to show him and get to know him, so that I could help Stella later in the week and better explain how best to ride him," said Liza. "It was also nice having rider Brady Mitchell and trainer Andre Dignelli there. I was able to ask them more about him, and their advice was so helpful. One morning I flatted Cassanto in the ring before the show, and Brady gave me good tips to improve my flatwork with him. The better you flatwork is, the higher quality jump you’re going to get. So all of that advice was really helpful."

Liza was thrilled that Stella figured out Cassanto's ride quickly, as he goes much differently than her Small Junior Hunter O'Ryan, whom she's been showing for several years. 

"Cassanto is different than O’Ryan and more like Brunello," said Liza. "So, I said before her handy, 'Think about how I ride Ike, leg into hand more. O’Ryan goes in a rubber bit, and this horse likes more connection, and she got him right away. They won the handy, and then they placed second in the under saddle and second in another over fences class. It's quite a competitive division with quality horses, so I was thrilled for her and feel so lucky to have Cassanto in the barn this year."

Quatrain and Elly Ficca continued right where they left off in 2016, with championship results. The pair earned two firsts and a second to claim tricolor honors in the 3'3" Junior Hunter. 

Liza credited Elly's dedication and time in the saddle over the winter or their immediate success the first week.

"She practiced a lot in December, and she was dedicated and committed to coming to Camden to ride," said Liza. "Elly is really one of the most dedicated students. She worked with trainer Tamara Berkowitz, too, and did a lot of training without stirrups, and so we were able to go to the next level with her. She also got to know the horse better, which she started leasing last fall. She practiced some challenging handy courses at home because I wanted her to be over prepared. I made it harder in lessons so that when she came down here any questions she might have had would have been ironed out at home, and it all worked out so well."

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Zola Thompson's hard work also paid off when she walked out of the ring with a blue ribbon in the competitive Medium Pony Hunter section. "With 36 medium ponies, it was a great ribbon," said Liza. "She's had her pony Elegance for a year now, and they've formed a strong partnership. I'm so glad she is able to spend another year with Elegance and not start a new pony at WEF. She and Jack (Towell) have worked really hard, and it was a big moment for her."

Over in the jumper rings, Lily Bennett showed off her talents with Zimba and Athina 18, earning the Children's Jumper, 15-17, reserve championship with Zimba and placing third in the Classic.  

"It's really amazing considering that last year was her first year on the jumpers," said Liza. "She's learned so much over the past year. To go right into the de Nemethy ring, one of the largest and most impressive rings at WEF, and do so well was fantastic. I'm very excited as to how she’s developed as a jumper rider."

Maggie Hill has also come a long way from her start at WEF last year in the 2'6" classes. The Wyoming-based junior rider is now regularly winning in the Children's Hunters at 3' and on the cusp of moving up to the next level.

"Maggie is going to stay in Florida for the season and go to school here, so I'm excited to see where her riding goes this winter," said Liza. "Even though we hadn't seen her since November, she was consistent on all of her horses. After riding dressage at home, she's very fit and strong, so we just have some fine-tuning to do over the jumps, but she's right on track for a great circuit."

Maggie showed Parkland, Co Co Chanel and Tasty to excellent ribbons, including victory in the under saddle on Parkland. She was also seventh in the THIS Medal aboard Tasty, where she scored an 80 over a very techincial course.

Mary Carton Mitchener, of Charlotte, N.C., left the junior ranks and moved up to the adult section this year, taking consistent ribbons her first time out in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section aboard Trinity.

"It was a great start for Mary Carton, and we look forward to the rest of the circuit," said Liza, who also guided Trinity to a reserve championship ribbon in the 3'3" Performance Working Hunter section.

Kelly Maloney and Justified jumped impressively in the Masters section, with two clear-round blue ribbons and fifth in the $10,000 Don Little Masters Jumper Classic.

Abigail Poss and Upset De Talma started their equitation season with solid performances and ribbons in the competitive Equitation, 15-17, section. Liza was especially impressed with Abigail's ASPCA Maclay performance, where she jumped a solid over fences round and was called back for the flat phase out of 71 entries.

Elle Boyd and Otis Spunkmeyer

Liza's daughter, Elle, finished her first week at WEF with lots of smiles and ribbons in the cross rails section, with assistance from international grand prix rider Uncle Hardin, who helped her to learn her courses.

"She’s gotten so brave now," said Liza laughing. "Trainer Charlie Moorcroft said, 'Look at her hunting those jumps! She looks just like her mom!' She's even been jumping in the ticketed warm ups, which is a step up for her. She's now cantering the entire courses and having so much fun. She loves being down here and taking care of her pony Otis."

This year Elle, a first-grader, is attending Upper Echelon Academy from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday where she has tutoring and classroom time with her peers.

"She’s making good friends, too, and is very busy down here," said Liza. "Then she comes to the barn and has her afternoon lessons with her grandfather, Jack. They take it all very seriously, and he treats her like a student/client, and she loves it."

Elle Boyd learning her course from mother Liza and Uncle Hardin Towell.

Beginnings and Endings at Atlanta Fall Classic II

Finally Farm's riders concluded their successful 2016 show season during the Atlanta Fall Classic II Horse Show, held November 16-20 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.

While many riders were ending the year with their long-time mounts, others were forging new partnerships, including Stella Styslinger and Cassanto. This was the pair's debut show, and they made it a memorable one with top ribbons in the Large Junior Hunter section and second place in the Large Junior Hunter Classic.

"He was so good, and we’re so excited about him," said trainer Liza Boyd, who also piloted the gorgeous chestnut in the 3'6" Performance Working Hunters. "They’re a great match already. Stella had never jumped a course with him before they came here, so they needed to figure each other out, but by the second day they were second in the Classic. We are so excited and lucky to have him in the barn for the 2017 show season."

Cassanto, the perfect Junior Hunter!

Stella also enjoyed success with her steadfast partner O’Ryan, who topped the Small Junior Hunter Classic and earned the reserve championship. Liza sees similarities between O'Ryan and Cassanto, including their athleticism and classic jumping styles.

"They're both super scopey, with huge strides and really overqualified for the 3'6"," said Liza. "For Stella, moving to Cassanto was an easier adjustment for that reason. While they do ride similarly, Cassanto takes a little more leg than O'Ryan, but both are careful and have all of the attributes of great Junior Hunters."

High school junior Lily Bennett continued her consistency from Week 1 into this week with excellent results, including the Zone 4 and Children’s Jumper championships aboard Zimba. She also claimed ribbons on Athina 18 in the Children's Jumpers, as did Grayanna Grigg with A Propos, for a successful Finally Farm ribbon collection in the section.  

"It's so impressive! It was one year ago this November that we first put Lily on a jumper. That's so fun that a year later she’s come such a long way and is so consistent and educated," described Liza. "She's really developed an understanding of the technicality of the jumpers, the numbers and how to ride the first round accurately. She's gone from trying to go double clean to now being able to do the more tricky turns, learning to stay on the inside track and leaving out strides in the jump-off. It's rewarding for us as trainers to see such a progression in our riders and be able to teach them the more sophisticated techniques."

Likewise, Brie Tiffany continued her ascent up the levels and claimed second with Chacor in the 1.20m Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers as well as other top ribbons on Riad Cha Dwes Aucels. 

Trainer Jack Towell also celebrated a birthday during the show, which was a great excuse for a celebration. "We went out together with a group of friends, including trainer Vick Russell, so there were lots of great stories from the good old days. Jack had a lot of fun," said Liza laughing.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr taking a ringside break together.

Finally Farm trainers and staff will now set their sights on Thanksgiving, the holidays and a break from the show ring. Students and clients will come to the Camden farm for lessons in December, enjoy family time and then regroup before the horses leave for the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Florida on January 4.

Liza noted that her star Derby partner Brunello is already enjoying his winter break. "Ike has his shoes pulled and has grown a fur coat! He feels great, even when I ride him without shoes…he actually feels better than ever!" she said. "He’ll stay home and do flatwork when we're in Florida. I plan to have him back into gear the first of March, but from now until then he'll spend his time trail riding, on the treadmill and with lots of turnout."

Rewards Abound During Atlanta Fall Classic I

While the Atlanta Fall Classic Horse Shows in Georgia are traditionally the final chapters of the show season, this year Finally Farm's riders and horses experienced some beginnings as well as endings during Week 1. 

Trainer Liza Boyd was especially pleased with students Elly Ficca and Mary Carton Michener (pictured above), who tied for the reserve championship in the 3’3” Junior Hunters and placed first and second in the 3'3" Junior Hunter Classic. Elly and Quatrain only started their partnership this fall, while Trinity and Mary Carton have solidified their relationship throughout a successful year. 

"It was so nice that they tied," said Liza. "They were both really consistent on their horses, and it was fun for me to watch my former horses do that division. They’re so overqualified, and watching them is so enjoyable for me because sending them into the ring I know they'll be well taken care of. I realized driving home what a rewarding process it is to develop these horses, show them in the open sections and derbies and then watch them teach someone else. Hopefully, my current up-and-coming derby horse Shamrock can do that one day and become a nice Junior Hunter for someone. He's already well on his way!" 

After a stellar year in the Children's Hunters, Maggie Hill is winding down the year with blue ribbon results. She not only won the NAL/WIHS Children's Hunter Classic on Parkland but also claimed fourth with Co Co Chanel and fifth riding Tasty.

"She actually beat herself out of champion and reserve on her horses because she got such consistent ribbons aboard all three of them," said Liza. "Our goal this fall has been about Maggie getting to be a better rider and more consistent in the show ring, and she's shown us she's accomplished both."

Maggie, who commutes from Wyoming to ride and show at Finally Farm in South Carolina, stays fit at home through practicing dressage and participating in outdoor activities with her family. When she travels out East to show or practice in Camden, Maggie spends a lot of time without her stirrups.

"We've figured out a very successful program for Maggie. She doesn't jump a lot when she's not showing, but she stays strong with basic flatwork and by cantering poles at home," said Liza. "She usually arrives at the shows a day early so she can do some ticketed warm ups to get her eye going. We're so happy that Maggie is going to spend the entire winter with us on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and it will be exciting to see how far she goes."

Liza, who does Pilates on a regular basis, has also suggested that exercise regimen to her students to help them increase core strength and improve their performances in the show ring.

"I’ve noticed for myself the Pilates reformer machines are super helpful," she said. "After using the equipment, I feel my legs are getting stronger, as well as my core and into my glutes. I'm hoping to spend more time in Florida doing Pilates. Right now, I do it every Monday, and for me it’s especially great physically and mentally. For that one hour I get in a different zone. Pilates is the one time I’m completely focused on what I’m doing and nothing else. I recommend it for riders who want to improve their strength in a variety of different ways."

Zola Thompson and her Medium Pony Elegance continued to rack up impressive results this fall, and they earned the reserve championship at Atlanta with a win and top ribbons in the section. 

Lily Bennett has continued her competitive performances in the Children's Jumpers, with the reserve championship aboard Athina 18, "She's been super in the division," said Liza. "She was also seventh on Zimba in the Classic. She was fast and really rode well. That was a great ribbon in that strong class with the Adults combined.

Brie Tiffany did two of the three legs of the $10,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classic and placed ninth on Friday night under the lights aboard Riad Cha Dwes Aucels. "It was a challenging atmosphere, and I was so proud of her. She came back the next day and was fourth and ended on that good note," said Liza.

Brie also moved Chacor back up to the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers and earned excellent placings, including eighth in the NAL Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.20m Classic.

Liza was also proud of her daughter, Elle, who contested the WTC classes aboard Otis Spunkmeyer and earned a reserve championship tricolor.

"She had lots of fun this week," said Liza. "She did the WTC and cross rails, and she was close to cantering all of them. She said she wanted to show again and has gained confidence in learning her courses. It's been a fun process to see her taking it all in and learning the ins and outs of showing at her own pace. But the good news is she’s really happy and having fun, and that’s what it's all about." 

Finally Farm Has Great Times at Tryon 6

Elly Ficca and Sarah Livingston

The Finally Farm team concluded their time at the Tryon International Equestrian Center with ample ribbons and awards, October 26-30 in Mill Spring, North Carolina. 

In the 3'3" Junior Hunters, Finally Farm riders swept the tricolor ribbons, with Sarah Livingston and Ne-Yo earning the championship and Elly Ficca riding Quatrain to the reserve championship.  Sarah also contested the USHJA National Hunter Derby, where she placed fifth.

"She was so excited to be champion and it was a great prep for her to do the Derby," said trainer Liza Boyd. 

By virtue of their excellent performances during the Tryon season, Elly and Quatrain earned the reserve circuit championship in the 3’3’ Juniors during the season.

While Zola Thompson was attending the Washington International Horse Show in Washington, D.C., to cheer on Stella Styslinger with O'Ryan, fellow pony rider Erica Stedler catch-rode Zola's pony Elegance and earned the Medium Pony Hunter Championship at Tryon. 

Stella Styslinger, O'Ryan and Jack Towell

"Zola's mom is on the Board of Directors of WIHS, so Zola enjoyed attending with her," said Liza. "We want to thank trainer Robin Greenwood for loaning Erica to us for the weekend and thank Erica for doing such a great job."

Stella also did a great job at Washington with trainers Jack Towell and Tamara Berkowitz. Riding O'Ryan, she earned top ribbons in the Small Junior, 16-17, section, including victory in the Handy. "Stella was also fourth in the first class and was fifth in the hack, for an excellent show," said Liza. "It was great for them to win a class. Their partnership has really come together, and a blue ribbon there is very special."

Kelly Maloney and Justified jumped to two blue ribbons at Tryon, including an impressive win in the competitive Adult Jumpers as well as the championship. "It was good to have Kelly back in the ring, as she hadn’t shown for a while," said Liza. "She didn't miss a beat!"

Brie Tiffany also had a great show and finished it up with a top-10 placing in the $10,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Classic aboard Chacor. "She was thrilled to get to do the 1.15m classic in the stadium on the big field," said Liza. "She had just one rail and was 10th."

Abigail Poss met the Finally Farm team at Tryon and scored some excellent placings in the equitation section. She guided Upset De Talma to victory in the ASPCA Maclay and to top ribbons in the WIHS Hunter and Jumper phases. "Abigail rode really well, and she's excited about focusing on the equitation," said Liza. "Next year is her last junior year, so she's already well on the way to meeting her goals and qualifying for the finals." 

Hardin Towell and New York

Hardin Towell made his mark at Tryon, as well. In addition to topping the $35,000 Suncast Welcome CSI3* aboard New York, Hardin had the fastest jump-off performance in the $130,000 FEI CSI3* BMW Grand Prix. The pair placed fifth after an unfortunate rail kept them from victory. Hardin also took fourth place in the featured Jumper class with a double-clear performance aboard Emilie De Diamont AS.

"It was so fun to have him there at Tryon, and the family was able to spend time together," said Liza of her brother. "I haven’t gotten to spend a whole week with him in a very long time."

Maddy Thatcher finished up her 2016 show season with great success in the Hunter and Jumper rings. A highlight was Maddy's reserve championship on Like I Said in the 3’3” Amateur-Owners. "I'm so happy for Maddy because she's really clicked with this mare over the past four months," said Liza. "They are really competitive, and they’ll be ones to watch in Florida in the 3’6” Amateurs."

Maddy and Summer Place also finished the season with the circuit championship in the 3'6" Amateur-Owner Hunters after blue ribbons this week, and to top it off, Maddy also dominated in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers with wins and excellent ribbons aboard Show Show, Skilliane De Varnel and Dolce Vita.

"In the Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Maddy almost defended her title but ended up second and third with Skilliane and Dolce Vita," said Liza. "Again, she was really competitive, with fast times just fractions off the winning pace. It was a great way for her to finish up the year."

Brunello Reminds The Judges Who He is at Tryon

Brunello returned to the ring for victory in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon with Liza Boyd. The Chronicle of the Horse/Lisa Slade Photo

The earlier rumors of Brunello's retirement were officially laid to rest on October 21 in Mill Spring, North Carolina, when the 18-year-old chestnut gelding galloped off with the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory. 

"People were shocked to see him, and so many people thought he was retired," said rider Liza Boyd. "Alberto paraded him around the show before the derby, and it was so great to see how much he enjoyed it all. I think the Breyer ceremony here in June, where his model was unveiled, maybe confused people, but he's not retired yet!" 

After the pair won the Derby Classic Round, they returned last for the Handy, and that's where Liza said Brunello knew it was time to shine.

"I think he won it at the first jump," she said with a smile. "I couldn't believe it, but he jumped the first jump like that last jump at the 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Kentucky. It was one of those 'wowowowow' jumps. Once he did that, it was like that line in the movie Jerry McGuire: 'You had me at hello.' He reminded the judges who he was at the first jump! 

"I was in the air so long I could have had a cup of tea," added Liza laughing. "He jumped so high and beautifully. He typically likes his left lead, but this time we were turning right, and he landed right so easily, so I thought, 'OK, I’m good. I can be safe in a couple of other places because he was so amazing there."

In the end, the pair topped the class over Kelley Farmer and Kodachrome. "Kelley went all out and rode great," said Liza. "She had nothing to lose, and it was close. I took one low option and skipped one inside turn in the Handy, and she did them all. That's what makes these classes so much fun for us and for the spectators, though. There's a lot of strategizing. I was almost too conservative!"

Brunello and Liza Boyd. The Chronicle of the Horse/Lisa Slade Photo

Liza brought "Ike" to Tryon, his first outing since the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala (Florida), to try out the new grass grand prix field at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and also because Brunello's co-owner, Janet Peterson, lives nearby. 

Liza kept her plans with Ike on the low down, not knowing exactly how he'd come back after his seven-month break from the show ring. Veterinarian Diane Schiereck had prescribed a different fitness program over the summer that incorporated more trotting and less jumping, so Ike had only one jump school between showing in February and October.

"I decided I'd see how he was in the 1.10m jumper class on Wednesday," said Liza. "Part of me was thinking if things aren’t perfect he wasn’t going to show, but he jumped great. He jumped one of the last oxers and soared probably 1.30m over it. He landed on both leads and was so happy to be in the ring. He was better than ever, and I didn’t question showing him. Diane knows this horse better than anybody, and we followed her program and it was great."

Brunello with Alberto Ramirez

Even while the Finally Farm staff was preparing to leave for Tryon, Ike seemed to know something was up.

"When the trailer got there the night before, he went crazy in his stall, banging and kicking," said Liza laughing. "He really told me he wanted to go to the show. I thought, 'This is a sign.' He’s just the smartest horse I’ve ever been around in my life. He knows what people are thinking. He really wanted to go, and he got there and was in the best mood. He doesn't want to be retired yet!"

Liza was thrilled Ike had so many adoring fans greet him at the show, cheering him on in the ring and stopping by his stall to visit. "It's so neat he has such a fan club and so many people appreciate watching him," she added.

Liza credited Finally Farm Assistant Trainer Max Mandell for keeping Ike fit and happy at home while she was on the road showing. He reported in regularly to keep her updated on Ike's progress and spent ample time with the gelding doing trot sets and working through cavaletti to keep him fit and strong.

"About a month out from Tryon, I started riding him," she said. "If I would be at a show, I’d ride him on a Monday to see where he was. Even though it's typically my day off, you have to do that if you want to be prepared. Max really did a great job with the fitness flatwork. If it weren't for Max, Ike wouldn’t have been fit enough to show."

Ike will now have another lengthy break since he's not a fan of palm trees and beaches. "He gets cranky in Florida," Liza joked. "He likes to ship in, show and go home. He's set in his ways. He’ll stay in work, because at his age I think he should keep moving around even if it's just 30 minutes of trotting or tack walking. He'll get all fuzzy, grow his mane out, and he’ll look like a scruffy old man."

Finally Farm's great performances continued in the hunter and jumper rings throughout the week with Maddy and Kelsey Thatcher dominating in both rings in the amateur sections.

"Maddy was on fire this week," said Liza. "She was really accurate and was competitive on every single horse she showed."

Maddy and Like I Said earned the 3’3" Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship and Maddy took he reserve as well with Jewel. Sister Kelsey also earned a tricolor in the section (California split) aboard Escalante.

"It was fun to have Kelsey join the Finally Farm team for the weekend," said Liza. "She did an excellent job on him. He’s a Pre-Green horse, and she gave him great rides. He’ll be a lovely First Year and Junior/Amateur hunter in the future."

Maddy and Sterling jumped up to place second in the combined Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic for a great finish, giving all three of Maddy's 3'3" Amateur Hunters and her 3'6" Amateur horse Summer Place top ribbons and tricolors.

"Like I Said is finishing up her First Year Green career and it's so nice to see that she’s turning into an amazing amateur horse," said Liza. "She and Maddy have really meshed, and the mare has figured out this hunter life and is going to be one to watch in 3’6” amateurs with Maddy in Florida this winter."

Maddy and Kelsey also jumped to excellent placings in the Amateur Jumpers, with Maddy and Skilliane De Varnel wrapping it all up with the blue ribbon in the Classic. "It was impressive. You don’t see a lot of amateurs ride smooth and soft in the hunter ring and then walk right over to the jumper ring and win out of 32, like she did in the Classic. Both Maddy and Kelsey were blazing fast over there, and it was fun to watch."

Elly Fica and Quatrain continued their momentum from the Capital Challenge and collected the 3'3" Junior Hunter reserve championship and won the combined Junior Hunter Classic out of 12 entries.

"Elly's been taking lessons and home, and their partnership is getting stronger," said Liza. "It's wonderful to see her become more educated and polished in such a short time. Coming off a pony to a Junior Hunter is challenge, but it didn't take her long to get consistent on him, and it was great for her to finish out with the win in the Classic."

Ruby Sloan and Look Again also returned from Capital Challenge for more successes, earning tricolor honors in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. "I think doing so well at Capital Challenge in the WCHR Challenge gave her a big boost in confidence, and she was really consistent and rode well here."

Elegance and Zola Thompson also earned to ribbons and the reserve championship in the Medium Pony Hunter section. "Again, Zola is on a roll," said Liza. "She keeps staying consistent, and returning home from Central Park and Capital Challenge with such great results really gave her a new found confidence. It's been wonderful to see her feel so prepared and confident in the show ring."

Next up, Finally Farm riders and horses will show at the Washington International and at the Tryon Fall 6 shows.

To read more about Brunello's victory at Tryon, please see The Chronicle of the Horse article: "Brunello's Still Best in Tryon $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby."

Finally Farm Takes the Capital Challenge

The Finally Farm team traveled to Maryland for The Capital Challenge Horse Show in early October, for some the start of the East Coast Fall Indoor show season and for others the culminating event of their year.  

Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan

"Everyone did so well," said trainer Liza Boyd. "It was a good show for everybody, and I was thrilled with how the horses went, and our riders really rose to the occasion. It's a tough competition, with many of the best horses and riders in the country, so any ribbon here is truly a well-earned one." 

Liza's week started out strongly when she rode Bridget Hallman's Gala to eighth place in the Future Hunter North American Championship on Wednesday afternoon. That evening, Liza guided Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan to impressive performances in the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, presented by The Gochman Family. The duo placed third behind Scott Stewart and Catch Me and John French aboard the show's Grand Championship Hunter, Boss. 

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

"The Challenge was so much fun. O’Ryan was a blast, and he keeps stepping up and making himself famous," said Boyd, who also placed third with O'Ryan in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in August. "He gets better and better all of the time.

"It's such a fun class to compete in and great to watch," Liza continued. "I thought Scott’s horse Catch Me, who won, could have gotten 100. To be in that class with that caliber of horses and to be third was exciting."

Liza Boyd and O'Ryan

Liza described the courses as challenging, with a vertical-to-vertical in-and-out and bending lines adding some technicality.

"It's a Hunter Classic with more of a derby-type feel," she described. "There was definitely a test for the riders. There was a forward five-stride line, and so out of the corner you had to be precise to find the right distance. I watched how Scott rode the end of the ring and how he held his horse out, and I thought I'd try that, too. Riding it that way, the five wasn't so forward, so it set you up for the careful in-and-out. It was nice that it wasn't your typical hunter course; it was challenging out there and good for the spectators."

Later in the week, Stella also earned excellent ribbons aboard O’Ryan as well as Invincible in the Junior Hunters, prepping her well for the remainder of the indoor shows. 

Elly Fica rode Quatrain to ribbons in the 3'3" Junior Hunters after just a short partnership. "She didn’t ride all year until August because she didn’t have a horse, and for her to hop on after showing twice and do the 3’3" at Capital Challenge and be really close was great," said Liza. "It was fun for me, too, because I have a history with that horse, and to see him now bring another kid in the barn up the ranks is so gratifying. I think it's a good partnership, and I'm looking forwad to seeing them together. He looks good and she’s happy!"

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Brie Tiffany took her two horses to contest the Children's/Adult Jumper section, which always features tough courses and competition. "She gained good experience," said Liza. "These are still relatively new horses for her, and it was great exposure for her for the indoors. She left feeling confident and ready to tackle Tryon next week."

Zola Thompson continued her fall ribbon collection during Capital Challenge with placings in the Medium Pony Hunter section aboard Elegance. Zola also took ninth in the WCHR Pony Challenge out of 33 ponies.

"Zola has come such a long way these past few months," said Liza. "To walk in the indoor arena for the first time and place seventh in the first class was impressive. And I was thrilled with her ride in the Challenge, where she earned an 82.16, and got a neck sash and to participate in the victory gallop. I couldn't be happier for Zola and all of her hard work."

Liza was equally proud of the Children's Hunter riders Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan whose Sunday afternoon performances rounded out the show. 

Maggie Hill and Ruby Sloan finished third and fourth in the WCHR Children's Challenge

"They were awesome, and to be third and fourth in the WCHR Children's Hunter Challenge was great," she said. "They were really competitive, and I couldn’t believe they tied—both had an 84. It was good for them and such a great way to cap off indoors. They're not going to do Harrisburg or Washington, so it's a good way to sum up their hard work and dedication."

Just a year earlier, both were jumping 2’6”, one on a Medium Pony and the other in the Pre-Children's section, noted Liza. "Their sophistication and educated rides and the progress they've made in one year makes us feel like we’ve done our jobs," added Liza. "This was a super competitive class, and they both peaked. Everything they learned through the year came together for their biggest class of the year."

A Weekend of Ribbons and Memories at Central Park

Zola Thompson and Elegance with trainer Jack Towell

The Finally Farm family traveled up to New York City to participate in the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, held September 21-25 and returned home to Camden, South Carolina with great ribbons and greater memories.

“What a wonderful weekend for everybody!” said trainer Liza Boyd, “To sum it all up, it was about family, friends and these incredible memories everyone will have from the experience, Zola, Stella and myself, especially. It was so fun to be in the city and have our whole families all together. That never happens.”

In addition to Liza and her parents Jack and Lisa Towell, her brother Hardin traveled from the West Coast to show in the grand prix events and brother Ned from South Carolina to spectate and enjoy the camaraderie.

Zola Thompson and Elegance with the "Big Apple"

The Towells also enjoyed reuniting with relatives from Brazil who had recently relocated to New York City. And, as a “small world” moment, cousin Camilla Taylor’s choir sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies prior the $216,000 Rolex U.S. Open FEI 3* Grand Prix, where Hardin placed sixth aboard Lucifer V.

Zola Thompson’s family had much to cheer about as she guided Elegance to the blue ribbon in the $1,000 Pony Hunter Classic Exhibition, sponsored by the Gochman Family.

“Zola’s winning ride is one she’ll never forget,” said Liza of the 12-year-old. “I was so proud of her and her pony. She was so calm and relaxed, and they got to show to music, which I think made it really relaxing and fun for everyone. She went in and scored an 85, and she was so excited. She didn’t even know she’d win; she was just thrilled with her score. Zola has worked hard this year and really come into her own recently. I also want to thank trainer and owner Robin Greenwood, who has helped us so much.” 

Liza described the Central Park show as one that’s unique to the industry and that she enjoys for the sheer joy of riding and showing in the city among the skyscrapers and in the midst of a bustling big city.

“To ride your horse in the schooling area and then walk the five minutes to the show ring, riding through Central Park by yourself, is amazing. It’s so peaceful and like nothing I’ve experienced before,” she described. “It was surreal, fun and not stressful at all. I thought to myself, ‘Let’s enjoy these wonderful animals we have the privilege to ride and show and the ambiance of such a special venue.’ ”  

Finally Farm shipped Elegance and O’Ryan to the show from South Carolina, and Liza was especially grateful to Randi Button for her hard work behind the scenes as she was in charge of the challenging logistics of moving and stabling the horses between Gladstone, New Jersey and New York City.

Liza Boyd and Stella Styslinger's O'Ryan (The Chronicle of the Horse Photo)

“Randi went above and beyond, waking up at 1 a.m. to prepare the horses to leave at 3 a.m. and then taking them back at 8 p.m. that night,” said Liza. “She was amazing, and I didn’t have to worry at all; I knew the horses were in perfect care with her. She made it easy, and it kind of felt like I was on vacation.”

Stella Styslinger and Liza shared the ride aboard O’Ryan, Stella placing third in the $2,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic Exhibition and Liza taking second in the $50,000 Duchossois Cup Exhibition, both sponsored by the Gochman Family.

“Once again, the Junior hunter O’Ryan had to step up with the professional as well,” quipped Liza, who showed the talented bay to third place in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in August. “The courses were beautiful, and the jumps were lovely. I want to thank Becky and David Gochman for sponsoring the class and giving us hunter riders the opportunity to show in the city.”

Stella Styslinger and O'Ryan (The Book LLC Photo)

Stella and Zola spectated at the show last year and made it their goal to compete in 2016, both having spectacular rides in what is typically the skating rink in Central Park.

“I have to admit, they put the pressure on me,” said Liza laughing. “They both showed before me and did so well, and I said, ‘Oh my, I have to keep up with these girls!’ ”

"Girls' Weekend in the Big Apple" courtesy of Hope Glynn (left).

Liza was especially happy to have done so well in the class that paid tribute to the late Bruce Duchossois, a long-time family friend and fellow South Carolina resident. “This was a true Hunter Classic, which you don’t see all that often anymore, and Bruce would have loved it,” she said. “He was a horseman and traditionalist, and he would have enjoyed watching these great hunters show in Central Park. The horses put on fabulous performances, and the decorations and courses were beautiful, with an appreciative audience. It was truly an exciting event.”

Hardin Towell Impresses on the Longines GCT in Vienna

Above: Hardin Towell, second from left, and his Global Champions Tour teammates and Garant, below, the horse he co-owns.

Hardin Towell continued his international tour on the Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna, Austria, in September, claiming excellent results and now standing 88th with $210,651 in earnings on the 2016 tour.

From September 15-18, Vienna, the “City of Music,” hosted the Longines Global Champions Tour and new Global Champions League for the fifth year in a row. The Austrian capital is a city famous for its imperial culture, architecture, musical history and beautiful palaces. 

Hosted in a new venue this year, Trabrennbahn Krieau, the event welcomed top international riders from throughout the world to another jewel in the crown of glittering destinations. Vienna is home to many high-profile organizations, including the United Nations and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The city of Vienna has more than 27 castles and 150 palaces, including Empress Sisi's baroque former summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace. Away from the excitement of the horse show, there are museums, exhibitions, architecture, amusement parks and the famous giant Ferris wheel, Riesenrad.

Hardin Towell and Emilie De Diamant AS

In addition to enjoying the city of Vienna, Hardin enjoyed success in the show ring aboard JKG’s string of mounts. He placed third in the CSI5* 1.50/1.55m Table A with Jump-Off aboard Emilie De Diamant AS, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare. The pair jumped double clear and posted a jump-off time of 41.60 seconds, to finish just behind winner Germany’s David Will and Great Britain’s Laura Renwick.

During the event’s highlight Grand Prix, the Vienna CSI5* 1.60m, Hardin and New York jumped double clear in the initial two rounds to qualify for the jump-off. The 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding then finished 11th in the jump-off in a competitive field.

The Longines Global Champions Tour brings together the Top 30 ranked show jumpers in the world to compete in prestigious locations for unprecedented prize money. The15-event Tour offers some of the most explosive and exciting competition of any equestrian series.

The GCT proudly hosts Olympic, World and Continental Champions as they battle fiercely for the title of overall season Champion of Champions 2016 and the lion’s share of the bonus prize fund.  

To watch Hardin's fantastic performances, please visit Hardin's gallery on the GCT website.

Awesome Results at Aiken Fall Festival II

Finally Farm's Shamrock and Liza Boyd

The Finally Farm team concluded the second week of the Aiken Fall Festival with top results from the hunters to jumpers to equitation at Bruce's Field in Aiken, South Carolina. 

For the second consecutive week, Finally Farm's Shamrock topped the USHJA National Hunter Derby. "He was awesome," said trainer and rider Liza Boyd. "He won the class again wire-to-wire, and I couldn't be happier with him. He's really gaining confidence and coming into his own."

Liza also placed third on Pony Lane Farm's Escalante, a new horse that arrived a few weeks earlier. "He was bred and born out in Utah, and Maura Thatcher purchased him from a friend and sent him out to us to do the First Year Greens or Junior Hunters next year," said Liza. "He was great in the Derby, and I was really pleased with his performance. Maura came and watched him go, which was great, and he’s going to make up into an easy and brave Junior/Amateur hunter next year."

Stella Styslinger and O’Ryan finished up the two weeks at Aiken with the Grand Junior Hunter title after earning the week's championship and winning the Junior Hunter Classic. Quatrain and Elly Fica were second behind Stella and O’Ryan in the Classic, for a Finally Farm one-two finish.

As a warm-up, Liza entered O'Ryan in a 3'6" Performance Working Hunter class early in the week.  "I hadn't jumped him since the USHJA International Hunter Derby finals in August when he was third overall," she said. "When I went in and galloped down to first fence, I couldn't believe how high he jumped. I thought, 'He's jumping crazy high!' And when I came out of the ring, Alberto laughed and said he was jumping like my grand prix hunter.

Brie Tiffany and Chacor

"Then I remembered the last fence I jumped him over was that 5’1” wall in the Handy Round at the Derby Championship. No wonder he was being so careful and jumping so well!" she added laughing. "He remembered. For that horse, jumping that last jump there was great and is going to help him for indoors. He didn’t touch a jump all weekend at Aiken, and it gave us all a little chuckle."

Stella also topped the Pessoa/USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay with Centerfold K to add to her ribbon collection.

Maddy Thatcher rode to top performances in the hunters and jumpers, earning the reserve championship on Jewel in the 3’3" Amateur-Owner Hunters. She also won the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Dolce Vita and placed fifth on Skilliane De Varnel. Maddy also reunited with Sterling, who had been out for about a year, and the pair placed second in the NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic after earning blues in the section. "It was so exciting to have him back," said Liza. "Maddy had a big smile on her face."

Brie Tiffany was also coming off an injury and hadn’t shown since Charleston in July, but the break didn't prevent her from returning right to the top as she guided Chacor and Riad Cha Dwes Avcels to great ribbons in the High Adult Jumpers.

Maggie Hill also finished on top in her respective classic, winning the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic with an 88 in the second round aboard Parkland. She also placed second on Co Co Chanel for an excellent day. Ruby Sloan also earned excellent ribbons in the Children’s division and placed sixth in the classic aboard Look Again after earning the reserve championship in the 2'9" Special Hunters.

Zola Thompson and Elegance also claimed top honors, taking two blue ribbons on the Medium Pony section.

Zola Thompson and Elegance

Six of the blue ribbons on the Finally Farm banner this week came from the smallest rider--Elle Boyd. She earned two championships in the Opportunity section aboard Otis Spunkmeyer. "Elle showed showed both days and even cantered some of the jumps," said Liza. "She worked on mastering her courtesy circle and achieved her goals this week. It was fun seeing her gain confidence going in the show ring."

Finally Farm is now off to the Central Park Horse Show on Friday, where they'll be showing in the open, junior and pony hunters. There, they'll meet up with Hardin Towell, who has been off showing his jumpers internationally this summer. 

"Our whole family will be there, and it will be really exciting to have everyone together again," said Liza. "Hardin is just coming off a great show in Vienna on the Global Champions Tour, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him."