Finally Farm Conquers Aiken Summer Classic I

Erin McGuire and Kassar - photo by Elle Boyd

The Aiken Summer Classic I, held June 12-16 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina, featured many memorable moments for the Finally Farm team, which earned top accolades in the hunters, jumpers, equitation and pony classes.

The highlights included Erin McGuire and her own Kasarr winning the $5,000 Fabbri Boots Dash for the Cash Non Pro 1.15 m Jumper Classic.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto captured the 3’6” Junior Hunter championship with beautiful rounds, and Maggie rode For Side VDL to the top calls in the WIHS Equitation Hunter and Jumper phases.

A bevy of reserve championship ribbons decorated the tack room banner as well, including El Tindo (Liza Boyd) in the 3’3” Performance Working Hunters, Bastille and Major Key (Gigi Manigault) in the 3’6” Junior Hunters (California split), Baby Blue (Elle Boyd) in the Small Pony Hunters and Concept (Maggie Hill) in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers.

Gigi Manigault with Major Key and Bastille

Elle Gibbs and her mounts Game Plan and Ferrari captured excellent ribbons in the 3’3” Junior Hunters, and she captured second in the Classic aboard Ferrari.

Liza also piloted Ravello to victory in the USHJA 3’/3’3” Green Hunter Incentive class and placed third aboard Absolu De Bloye.

Special thanks to the Classic Company and Bob Bell for hosting such great shows!

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Pleasant Oaks Plantation Unveiled

Lisa and Jack Towell unveiled their newest project, Pleasant Oaks Plantation, a premier boutique event venue in Liberty Hill, South Carolina. The beautiful farm is centrally located to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Camden, South Carolina and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for weddings, corporate events and milestone parties.

Set on 10 rolling acres, Pleasant Oaks is a place where the Towell family escaped from their life owning and operating a busy show stable for peace and quiet. Then, as Lisa and Jack renovated and filled the home with antiques and personal touches, it became a place they wanted to share with family and friends.

Now, in collaboration with event planner Gillian Valentine, Pleasant Oaks has become a full-service event venue that offers two different locations on the property for your event, based on your number of guests. Pleasant Oaks hosts events March-May and September–November each year.

Lakeside — Picture your ceremony backing up to a lake with beautiful forests surrounding you. The lakeside of the property is a perfect setting for a smaller gathering or ceremony and short walk from the house. Guest Capacity: 100-150

The Lawn — The lawn is the perfect setting for any event, with the wide space beautifully laced with large oak trees. With close proximity to the house and parking, it provides easy access for guests and caterers. This area also features an antique wagon and long table for built-in stations for catering. Guest Capacity: 200

Bridal and Groom Suites — On the day of your wedding, pamper yourself with the luxury of being onsite! The suites are situated on opposite sides of the house to provide privacy and are filled with beautiful antiques to make the day picture perfect They offer beautiful views of the venue, bathrooms and room to beautify for your big day! Guest Capacity: 20-30.

The community of Liberty Hill has a rich history. Perched atop a high plateau among the countryside, the town was settled by migrators after the Revolutionary War. By 1858, the community was flourishing, with large plantations and land owners, making it one the richest communities in South Carolina. With the plateau enjoying a view of the neighboring counties, it became a sought-after location, and several of the original families still reside in Liberty Hill. Little has changed since its moment of prosperity, and it was recognized as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

If you would like to learn more about the history of Liberty Hill, please click here.

For more information about Pleasant Oaks Plantation, services and more photographs of this beautiful property, please visit the website: www.pleasantoaksplantation.com.

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Tryon Course Walk

Jack Towell and Liza Towell Boyd gave a course walk prior to the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon on June 7 and was well received.

“It was fun to show people the strategy involved in walking the hunter derby courses, especially the handy,” said Liza. “I think getting out there in the arena and seeing the course from that perspective really allowed people to better understand the challenges we face when navigating the courses. The idea of riding a hunter is to make everything smooth and look effortless, so knowing how hard we work to make that happen was something that I think people really took away from the course walk.”

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

A Divine Devon for Finally Farm

Maggie Hill and Cassanto with Libbie Gordon and Vistano

Finally Farm’s Juniors enjoyed a banner time at the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, with tricolor honors and personal bests achieved at one of the country’s most prestigious shows in Devon, Pennsylvania.

In her first Devon appearance in the Junior Hunters, Libbie Gordon exhibited confidence and poise as she guided Vistano to the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and under, reserve championship under judges Linda Andrisani and Ralph Caristo.

“Right before Devon, Libbie broke her wrist, so she didn’t really get to practice,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She didn’t ride for two or three weeks, but then she hopped back on and was amazing.”

Liza kept Vistano in a program while Libbie was sidelined, even placing an impressive sixth in the USHJA International Hunter Derby at Aiken. “It was super competitive and like the Derby Championships, with Private Practice, Tybee and Tradition,” said Liza. “Vistano earned scores of 88 and 89, and we only did two of the four high options with him being so young.”

At Devon, Vistano and Libbie won the first over fences class with an 88, placed third in the handy and second in the under saddle. “It was kind of a fairytale ending with her almost not being able to show,” said Liza. “She had so much experience at Devon on the ponies that coming here, even after time off, wasn’t overwhelming for her. She’s so comfortable at Devon and is a good competitor. She handled the pressure really well and stepped up and impressed everyone.”

Libbie also earned excellent ribbons aboard Delightful, including second in the Small Junior, 15 and under, Stake class with a score of 88. "Libbie had never shown him. He’d been doing the Children’s Hunters with Libbie’s younger sister Abbie, but was still qualified for Devon from points from his previous owner,” said Liza. “She rode him so well.”

Abbie also had her own catch riding success when she guided the Medium Pony Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue to great scores and ribbons for trainer Jill Hamilton and owner Rachel Rosenblum. “She did a great job, having never shown the pony and with only one ride. They were super consistent, with a nice ribbon in the handy. Because of Abbie’s hard work and good riding, she’ll help to promote the pony, which is from the West Coast and for sale or lease.”

Gigi Manigault had never before shown at Devon, and in her final Junior year her wish became reality. “It can be overwhelming when you walk in the ring for the firs time, and Gigi handled it well,” said Liza. “I thought she got better in every class. She was a little nervous at first and then got jogs and a nice hack ribbon. I think next year when she goes as an amateur she’ll go in and be able to shine after having one Devon under her belt.”

Liza was impressed with Gigi’s composure in the ring and also the hard work and preparation she’d done before Devon. “She drives from Charleston to Camden to ride (two hours), and also did the Junior Hunters on Bastille and Major Key at Aiken to prepare,” added Liza. “There, she was reserve champion one week with lots of scores of 88. This was a great preparation for the USEF Junior Hunter Finals at Brandywine (at the Devon Showgrounds), so she’ll be confident and well prepared.”

Maggie Hill claimed her second consecutive Junior Hunter championship aboard Cassanto in the Large Junior, 16-17, section.

“Maggie started out the weekend with nice ribbons the ASPCA Maclay and USEF Medal classes aboard Eclipse, which was a great warm-up for the hunters,” said Liza. “Maggie had really good, solid rounds with O’Ryan. What really impressed me was her maturity. She didn’t have the best first day with Cassanto, but she did go in and show him off well and won the under saddle.

“The second day, she went early in the Stake class and walked in and just went for it,” said Liza. “I told her, ‘You have nothing to lose, so make everyone catch you!’ And she did. She stayed on top and pulled off the championship. She was strong and confident, and that impressed me so much.”

Liza remained at Devon for Senior Week, where she rode Bridget Hallman’s Green Hunters Halston and Who’s It to excellent ribbons. “The goal for them was to set them up for next year when Bridget goes to Devon in the amateurs,” said Liza. “They’ll have been there and seen the ring. By the Green Conformation Stake class, Who’s It was wonderful and was second with an 86. It was a good way to finish. They’ll both be confident next year.”

Finally Farm also welcomes Elle Gibbs, from Charlotte, North Carolina, to the barn family. “We’re excited to have her. She’s bringing two Junior Hunters, Game Plan and Ferrari, and will be showing with us starting at Tryon in June,” said Liza.

Finally Farm also sends a special thank you to the Gordon Family for the purchase of Baby Blue for Elle Boyd. “We’re really grateful for such a wonderful pony,” said Liza. “I hope he teaches Elle as much. Both sisters, Libbie and Abbie, did him in the Small Ponies and learned so much from him.”

Finally Farm also welcomed two new Green Hunters to the barn over the past several weeks, Chatham Bend and Ravello.

Finally Farm joins Ann Misenheimer on the purchase of Chatham Bend. “Kyle Dewar, of Ocala, Florida, got him from Bruce Goodin, the same rider who did Brunello when he was over in Europe,” said Liza. “We bought Chatham Bend to be a Derby horse, and it’s so cool he and Ike share a similar background. We’re super excited about him.

“Ravello came from Micaela Kennedy, and Holly Shepard rode him. He did the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship last year,” noted Liza. “He’s a different type—more petite and pretty. He measures as a Small Junior Hunter, so we’re aiming him for the Green Hunter Incentive. We thank them for this special horse.”

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Aiken In Photos

Finally Farm enjoyed two wonderful weeks at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina, in May for the Aiken Charity Horse Shows!

Congratulations to our Finally Farm team for their many successes, including multiple Grand Champions, Classic victories and wins and championships in the Hunters, Equitation, Jumpers and Ponies!

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Liza Boyd and Tradition Finish WEF With Great Results

On the final day of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Sunday, March 31, the top 25 hunter combinations returned to the Derby Field at Equestrian Village to vie for the winning honors in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Victoria Colvin led the all-female podium positions followed by Kelley Farmer in second and Liza Boyd in third, as the trio once again demonstrated why they are household names in the hunter industry.

The second round of the derby was the pinnacle event for hunter riders to close out the winter circuit and only invited the top-scoring competitors from round one of the event.

Ken Krome once again designed a beautiful track on the turf that included three high options and a rollback to a trot fence following fence two. The two panels of judges, consisting of Danny Robertshaw and Robert Crandall for panel one and Scott Williamson and Rob Bielefeld for panel two, had the ability to award extra points for handiness ranging from zero to 10.

Jacob Pope shot to the top of the leaderboard midway through the class with a second round total of 200.00 points and held the lead until veteran hunter rider Liza Boyd piloted Tradition to the lead. Pope’s combined score of 375.00 points was still enough to maintain the fourth place with Forget Me Not Farm’s Unbelievable.

Boyd and Maggie Hill’s 8-year-old Westphalian gelding Tradition (Cornet’s Stern x Larix) accumulated an impressive second round score of 196.50 points and rounded out the top three after a combined score of 376.50.

“This horse did win in Friday’s $15,000 USHJA International Derby Hunt & Go, because Tori and Kelley didn’t show,” Boyd teased. “In all seriousness, he did really perform well, and this is his third time being in the top three of a very competitive class.

“I have to thank Tradition’s owner, Maggie Hill, for encouraging me to show today,” Boyd added. “I wasn’t sure that I had it in me this week, but Maggie has more stamina than anyone, so she talked me into it, and I’m very glad she did because both of our horses went great.”

Final Results: $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Horse / Rider / Owner

R1 Total / R2 Total | Final Score

1 El Primero / Victoria Colvin / Meralex Farm, Inc.

190.00 / 212.00 | 402.00

2 Consent / Kelley Farmer / Larry Glefke & Kent Farrington, LLC

184.00 / 201.00 | 385.00

3 Tradition / Liza Boyd / Maggie Hill

180.00 / 196.50 | 376.50

4 Unbelievable / Jacob Pope / Forget Me Not Farm

174.50 / 200.50 | 375.00

5 Mostly Sunny / Havens Schatt / Caroline Moran

174.50 / 195.00 | 369.50

6 Diamante / Patricia Griffith / Callie Seaman

168.00 / 201.00 | 369.00

7 Mindful / Jennifer Hannan/ Kensel, LLC

180.00 / 186.50 |366.50

8 No Doubt / Victoria Colvin / Mark Woods

173.00 / 189.00 | 362.00

9 Corallo Z / Greg Crolick / Renaud Farm, LLC

165.50 / 188.00 | 353.50

10 Carson / Nikko Ritter / Kathryn Haefner LLC

168.00 / 183.00 | 351.00

11 Enchanted / Kelley Farmer / Christel Weller

170.00 / 181.00 | 351.00

12 Aeroplane / Amy Momrow / Melissa Wight

164.00 / 186.00 | 350.00

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

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Liza Boyd Carries on Tradition with Victory in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go

Liza Boyd, of Camden, South Carolina, and Tradition were victorious in the final week of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), as the pair captured the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go on Friday, March 29, at Equestrian Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The “Hunt & Go” derby was one of three major events for hunter riders during Week 12. Hunter derby competitors once again will get a chance at a change of venue as all hunter derbies for the week are being held on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village.

Thirty-five horse-and-rider combinations contested Ken Krome’s course, which was designed in the newer Hunt & Go format, on the grass. The Hunt & Go format was only introduced several years ago as a way to shorten the original derby format while still offering a Classic and a Handy round. Instead of all riders competing through the Classic and then returning at a later time for a Handy, the course is designed as half Cassic and half Handy. Riders are therefore able to highlight their horse’s strengths in both formats.

Krome’s course consisted of four high option fences, a trot fence, and a “bounce” line in the Handy portion of the course. Judges panels included Otis Brown and Ann Braswell in panel one, and Robert Crandall and Rob Bielefeld in panel two.

Kelley Farmer and Larry Glefke/Aizlynn Radwanski’s Closing Statement were the first pair to head into the ring and took the early lead with a combined score of 333.00 points. She and the 6-year-old warmblood gelding (Mr. Blue x Ursula) finished in the fourth place position.

As the 17th entry into the ring, hunter veteran Liza Boyd piloted Maggie Hill’s Tradition to the new lead after totaling 357.00 points with a Classic score of 179.00 and a Handy round producing 178.00 points. Boyd and the 8-year-old Westphalian gelding (Cornet’s Stern x Larix) are no strangers to success in the derby classes as Tradition’s second time in a derby was at the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, where he placed third.

Tradition with Alberto Ramirez and ringmaster Steve Rector

“He was made to be a derby horse I think,” Boyd explained. “We purchased him from Scott Stewart as a junior hunter mount for his owner Maggie Hill, but Scott had been telling me for a long time that he had a great horse that would be able to do both the junior hunters and the bigger derbies. Clearly, he was right because he does well with his owner in the juniors, but he is also super brave and can jump the bigger tracks, which is exactly what we look for in a derby horse.”

Boyd plans to compete the gelding in the weekend’s $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby but said she enjoyed being able to use the Hunt & Go format as a way to introduce her horse to his surroundings.

“We haven’t had the Hunt & Go for very long in the International Derby Program, but I think it’s nice to have it once in a while like this,” she said. “I think it’s so special to be able to have the second round in the bigger derby classes where you are able to come back with a new strategy, but for a day like today it was quite nice because you got to give your horse a tour of the venue and practice both Classic and Handy round fences.”

Final Results: $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go

Horse / Rider / Owner

R1 Score / R2 Score | Total

1 Tradition / Liza Boyd / Maggie Hill

179.00 / 178.00 | 357.00

2 Spectacular / Havens Schatt / SHP Barn LLC

172.00 / 168.50 | 340.50

3 Mostly Sunny / Havens Schatt / Caroline Moran

167.25 / 172.50 | 339.75

4 Closing Statement / Kelley Farmer / Larry Glefke & Aizlynn Radwanski

162.00 / 171.00 | 333.00

5 Probable Cause / Keri Kampsen / Quail Run Partnerships

170.01 / 162.00 | 332.10

6 Diamante / Patricia Griffith / Callie Seaman

164.05 / 168.00 | 332.05

7 No Doubt / Victoria Colvin / Mark Woods

159.00 / 173.00 | 332.00

8 Namely / Kelley Farmer / Larry Glefke & Oakmont Stables

165.00 / 165.00 | 330.00

9 Corallo Z / Greg Crolick / Renaud Farm, LLC

166.00 / 162.00 | 328.00

10 Confetti / Sara Taylor / Sherri Crawford

166.50 / 161.50 | 328.00

11 Fig Street’s Duchess / Chaz Harpman / Cynthia Hallman

161.00 / 162.50 | 323.50

12 Carson / Nikko Ritter / Kathryn Haefner LLC

156.60 / 165.00 | 321.60

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

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Meet Liza Boyd

Special thanks to the Winter Equestrian Festival for featuring Liza Towell Boyd and Finally Farm in the “My Story” series!

“I don't really remember a time that I wasn't riding... They brought me home from the hospital and put me right up on a horse. It's a family business, and we've been doing it a long time." - Liza Towell Boyd from Finally Farm

Every rider has a story. Hear about Liza’s journey from leadline to the International Arena with our #MyStory features this season. #WEF2019

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

Wonderful Performances at WEF and Deeridge

The Finally Farm team enjoyed two successful and fun weeks during WEF 7 and 8 and attended the Deeridge Derby in Wellington, Florida.

Highlights included during Week 7 included Kelly Maloney’s impressive championship in the Don Little Masters Adult Amateur Jumpers with Condero 3.

Kelly purchased Condero through Hardin Towell and trains with Hardin and his father, Jack Towell.

The new partnership of Gigi Manigault and Major Key made their debut together with great success, earning fantastic ribbons in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 16-17, section and the reserve championship.

Ellen Addison and El Tindo put in gorgeous rounds in the older Adult Amateur Hunters, receiving excellent ribbons both days.

Bridget Hallman’s hunters shined during Week 7, with Who’s It taking the 3’6” Green Hunter reserve championship with Liza in the irons. The pair won two over fences classes on the way to the tricolor.

Bridget then took Who’s It’s reins and also captured a blue in the middle section of the Adult Amateur Hunters, for an excellent finish to their week. After earning ribbons in the Conformation Hunter section with Liza, Halston carried Bridget to two second places in the competitive Adult Amateur Hunter classes.

Cassanto and Maggie Hill added yet another championship to their collection, taking the 3’6” Large Junior, 16-17, title.

Maggie Hill and O’Ryan at the Deeridge Derby

During the Deeridge Derby, Liza Boyd and Maggie Hill traveled over to nearby Deeridge Farm to compete on their gorgeous grass field. Maggie and O’Ryan started out strongly, placing eighth in the $2,500 USHJA International Welcome Stake.

In the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, held on Saturday and Sunday, Liza and Maggie both qualified to compete in the Handy Round the following day. Liza and Maggie’s Tradition stood third going into the Handy Round, but an unfortunate rail kept them out of the overall ribbons. Maggie and O’Ryan also ticked a rail in the Handy Round but otherwise had a stellar round.

During WEF 8, Vistano and Libbie Gordon earned great ribbons in the 3’6” Small Junior, 15 and under. In addition, Vistano captured the reserve championship in the 3’6” Performance Hunters with Liza.

Maggie continues to solidify her partnership with new equitation mount Eclipse, and the pair placed second in the WIHS overall out of 63 competitors.

Libbie Gordon topped the Medium/Large Green Pony Hunter section with Haribo, taking two firsts and two seconds.

Family time with Elle, Liza and Adeline!

Please enjoy our fun photo gallery from WEF and Deeridge!

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Tricia Booker.

A Spectacular Time at WEF 6

Finally Farm had a fantastic WCHR Week 6 on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, with top honors from the International Ring to Pony Island, from February 13-17.

Highlights included Liza Boyd’s top-10 finishes aboard Maggie Hill’s Tradition (fourth) and Cassanto (eighth) in the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, respectively.

Liza also earned the week's Professional High-Score Award with a 92, and Tradition received the Charlie Weaver Memorial Award for the highest-scoring Conformation Hunter in Round 1 with an 86.66.

In addition, Maggie earned a spot in the prestigious class on Saturday night by virtue of her Grand Junior Hunter and Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, championships aboard O’Ryan. She and O’Ryan won four of the five section classes and placed second in the other for the grand tile.

The mother/daughter duo of Paige and Mckenzie Miller shared tricolor honors. Paige rode Shamrock to a reserve championship in the Low Adult Hunters, and Mckenzie and Otis Spunkmeyer captured the Crossrail Hunter (Younger) championship.

The Finally Farm team concluded Week 6 with a star appearance in the 11th Annual Kids Lip Sync Show that benefits Danny and Ron’s Rescue. Elle and Adeline showed off their many talents and helped to raise money for a great cause!