Finally Farm Returns to the Show Ring at Aiken

After showing paused in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finally Farm team was thrilled to travel down the road to Bruce’s Field in Aiken for the Aiken Summer Classic I and II.

Following several months of training and conditioning at home, the riders and horses were well prepared to jump back into competition June 10-21.

“It was good to be back showing and going again,” said trainer Liza Boyd.

Despite the change in COVID protocols, the clients enjoyed the experience and social distancing and wearing masks quickly became second nature except for when on horseback.

“Hunt Tosh, Daniel Geitner and I showed in a turtleneck,” said Liza. “We pulled it over our faces and then got on and pulled it down around our necks. The USEF mandated no jogging for soundness, which was amazing and saved a lot of time. The kids rode their horses up to the ring, and I set jumps myself. Then, they’d cool their horses off and walk back to the barn. The day went so much faster.”

Liza noted that on the flip side, few people knew who won, and a lot of times the competitors didn’t know what ribbons they’d earned until they checked online. Without ribbons and jogging there was less congregating at the rings, and it was much safer for everyone.

Liza Boyd and her stylish mask at Aiken.

Champions over the two weeks were earned by Candid and Elle Gibbs (3’3” Junior Hunters) and Baby Blue and Elle Boyd (Small Pony Hunters). Reserve champions included Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Elle Boyd (Medium Pony Hunters), Curuba and Amy Nolan (Adult Amateur, 51 and Over), Cleopatra’s Smile and Mary Caroline Nolan and Frederica and Megan Schall (3’ USHJA Hunters).

“The down time really helped Elle with her ponies,” said Liza. “Going out in the woods, spending time in the tack and being able to ride so much and getting to know her ponies in different environments made her stronger and more of a fighter. Before, when things in the ring weren’t working out perfectly, she was fine. But now she knows how to handle it better. Riding green ponies in the ring she’s been working on keeping them straighter, and she’s more accurate and stronger. Then, her made ponies seemed easier. For Baby Blue, the down time was good for him physically and mentally. He was champion both weeks and looked so happy to be in the ring.”

Elle’s Medium Pony Darla also enjoyed the time off and their show ring results were great, and Elle earned nice ribbons on Bridget Hallman’s Large Pony, too, and won the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal class with Baby Blue.

“During the break, Elle Gibbs drove from Charlotte thee times a week and had flat lessons and honed in on her skills, and that paid off at Aiken,” said Liza. “She rode great.”

Liza also noted that the quarantine was also beneficial for the Nolans. “Mary Caroline lives farther away and can’t come as often, but she had intense lessons working on body control, position and seeing the jumps better. She got solid ribbons on Stallone and nice ribbons on O’Ryan and Cleopatra’s Smile. Her sister, Grace Anne, won the Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic 1.0m on Bolero D’Armanville. That horse is amazing and makes me feel like I could do the Olympics. He’s so light in the bridle, brave and careful. Hardin and Darrah sold us that horse. She was also great on Malbay Dreamer.”

Josephine Rose and Nolde had excellent performances in the Children’s/Adult Jumpers as well. “Hardin used to do the grand prix on him, and he moved down. He’s older now, and she had the best time riding him. It was fun for her, and she placed sixth in the classic, too.”

Elle Gibbs and Candid

Gigi Manigault won her classic in the 3’3”/3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters on Bastille, and Elle Gibbs and Candid claimed the 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic.

Finally Farm’s Adult Amateurs made their presence known. Frederica came back from an injury quite successfully, taking a well-earned blue ribbon as well as other placings with Megan Schall in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section. Alison Thorpe earned nice ribbons in the Adult Amateur, 50 and over, section with Justified, while Amy Nolan showed Curuba to the reserve championship with a first and two second-placed ribbons. “It was great to see him back in the ring; they’re a great match,” said Liza.

Liza wasn’t without her own top ribbons. Aboard Finally Farm’s Family Style, she placed second in $10,000 Hunter Classic. “It was fun to have the professionals highlighted. The class was in honor of Ellen Veitch, which made it more special. We all loved her so much, and it was a nice tribute to her. Those classes are great and it was a nice opportunity to get those 3’ and 3’3” Green horses in the ring during an afternoon/evening class with a little pressure.

“They brought in new jumps—barrels and hay bales and options of upright verticals,” added Liza. “It’s super when show managers do something like that. There were bending lines and it was a technical course, so we were able to teach the young horses. It was a little bit like a National Hunter Derby and a derby stepping stone.”

Liza noted that Family Style hadn’t shown in a while and didn’t go to Florida over the winter, so Aiken was the ideal place to have him return to the show ring.

“Hardin imported him at the end of his 6-year-old year but then he just wasn’t quite right. My dad decided to turn him out in the field with Blake’s Quarter Horse and forgot about him for six months,” said Liza. “Before Florida we put him back in the barn and kept working him, and he got better. Sarah Tash worked with him over the winter, and by the end of the season she took him out in hunt country and he was fitter and sounder than ever. Maybe I’ll make him up to be Elle’s Junior Hunter, but for the time being he’s a family horse and owned by us. He’s a cute horse for me to do and see where he goes and has been a fun quarantine project.”

Lourdes Low took impressive ribbons in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section and also earned ribbons in the equitation classes. “Lourdes lives in Hilton Head and was another rider who came down a lot during the quarantine to ride. She made great progress, and it showed!”

Finally Farm also welcomed back Rebekah Warren and her daughter Charlotte. Rebekah piloted Cassico to nice ribbons in the 3’3” Amateur-Owners. We’re glad to have them back!”

A Day in the Life of Liza Boyd

June 11, 2020 - Camden, South Carolina

By Liza Boyd as appeared in The Chronicle of the Horse

Three-time winner of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, Liza Boyd runs Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina, with her father Jack Towell. Boyd has won the WCHR Pro Finals at Capital Challenge (Maryland) three times and along with her father she’s trained numerous winning junior hunters. Boyd and her husband, Blake Boyd, have two daughters, Elle, 10, and Adeline, 6. Liza wrote this while in quarantine, just before the shows started up again.

7 a.m. Wake up!

Life has been different in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The weekdays are very similar because we haven’t been going to horse shows. I sleep a little later and make a more elaborate breakfast for the girls, Elle and Adeline. We’re spending more time together as a family, and my husband Blake is working from home. We’ve been enjoying bacon and eggs, and the eggs are from my brother Ned and his wife Mary Catherine’s chickens.

Life hasn’t included horse shows lately, but there’s still plenty of time spent at the barn. Photos Courtesy Of Liza Boyd

8:30 a.m. The girls and I head to the barn, which is a short drive from our house on the same road. The girls attend Camden Elementary School, and they were doing their classes online until school let out at the end of May. Because it can be distracting to do schoolwork in the house, and the internet connection isn’t as strong, we spent the morning in the barn office. We’re the only ones who use the office, so it feels like a clean environment. Their teachers were live online, and I stayed in the office to oversee and help. Sometimes Elle might have a project, such as measuring, so I’d help her. Adeline just finished kindergarten, and her teacher did a great job teaching math and reading. As a break, she’d put up a video to encourage the kids to get up and dance, so that was fun.

While I was helping them, I’d look out the window that oversees the ring. I’d watch the horses being worked by staff, and I might step out and help with flatwork. We’ve been focusing on rotating flatwork with trail rides, hill work and gymnastics. For the horses that went to Florida, we’ll jump a course once a week to keep their jumping muscles tuned. The horses that didn’t go to Florida are still in training. If all is going well that day, I’ll leave the girls for a bit and ride one or two horses or check in with the staff and go over the 38 horses on the property.

Other Boyd family activities include going on bike rides.

12 p.m. Lunchtime! In the morning, I pack us snacks and lunch, so we don’t have to go back to the house. I’ll also make lists, and I spent time reading articles and studying books while they attended school.

Throughout the morning the veterinarian and farrier come and go, and I might step out to the barn to talk to them at a safe distance. We set up an area that’s isolated and away from everyone, so they have a safe area to work. We have some horses that are rehabbing and others that just need everyday care and maintenance. This is a time I can discuss with the farrier which shoes to use or other issues that come up. With the hunters, there’s no need for them to be in aluminums since we haven’t been showing. Many have steel shoes on for more support. I might talk with the veterinarian about long-term plans for the horses showing and their healthcare throughout the year. This is a good time to make those schedules.

Without the stress of a show schedule, Liza Boyd took time to have adventures with her children.

2 p.m. After lunch, we take an afternoon trail ride on the green ponies, trying to get them fitter and stronger. We’re also trail riding the show horses. Mentally, it’s great for those warmbloods who sometimes get behind your leg in the ring to just go out and trot and not go around in circles. They’re so happy, and it’s great for their fitness. It’s also a nice way for the girls to get away from the screens and for us to not hear about the virus on TV constantly. We all trot through the woods, looking at wildlife and nature. We’re so fortunate to live on a farm.

Right now we have two medium green ponies and two small green ponies, and Elle and I will rotate. We’ll build on from what we did the day before. I think it’s good for Elle. She showed her made ponies in Florida and got show ring mileage, and now she has to change her mindset and get into their brains a little bit in training them. And if something’s not going right, she’s learning to stop and figure it out and be patient.

The green ponies are really ready for this quarantine to be over! They’re getting a lot of attention and training. They learned to do the treadmill. They have a good schedule of ring time, and two have learned to jump a bank. I think they’re going to be the Brunello of the pony hunter derbies! They’ve all jumped natural obstacles and foxhunting jumps out in hunt country. Elle’s small pony Baby Blue has learned to be a race horse on the steeplechase course, and her medium Darla learned to go through the mule pen and through the water.

For Adeline, this has been the time to focus on learning to canter. She goes down to the field with us and does partial trail rides, so she’s getting a feel for riding out of the ring.

Liza Boyd’s daughter Elle has gotten quite good at fishing.

Anything we can do outside is great. We haven’t been leaving Firetower Road, and we’re fortunate that we all live here so close to one another. We also have a lot of wildlife resources, ponds to fish, and places to bike and ride without leaving our road. Elle is pretty good and caught some fish. I’m also trying to make special memories throughout this challenging time. One day I let the girls ride their ponies bareback to our house from the barn. We let them loose in the backyard to graze while the girls had a snack at the picnic table.

Elle and Adeline graze their ponies in the backyard.

My parents are social distancing from us. My dad watches us from the back porch, and we’ll ride into the backyard to talk to him. My mom is doing a lot of walking around the ring and will watch from outside. We’re not going into their house, and they’re not going into the barn. They both have underlying health issues, and with Camden being a hotspot for the virus, they decided it was the safest thing to do. My dad mows the grass and tries to get out as much as possible, but he’s not coming into the ring to set jumps. He’ll sometimes drive the golf cart up to the ring, but no one is allowed to touch it. That’s their personal comfort level.

My dad closed the barn in mid-March, and we worked on reopening it slowly and carefully to clients in late April. My plan with the clients was to go back to the basics with lessons and focus on the fundamentals. I’m also going over what their strengths and weaknesses were from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida and honing in on the skills that each person needs to work on. With more time, we’re really able to break it all down and focus.

When the U.S. Equestrian Federation announced the May 31 date, that really helped me plan ahead. At that point I knew we had one month before we could consider showing, so I could make the best plan for each horse with that date in mind. My schedule for most of the horses and ponies that will show in June was something like this:

Monday: off

Tuesday: trail ride

Wednesday: school over cavaletti

Thursday: ride out in the field

Friday: jump school in the ring

Saturday: thorough flatwork in the ring

Sunday: trail ride and hill work

The staff has cleaned out tack trunks, organized and washed the tack, equipment and fake tails. We’re being conscientious about spending money, and we’re going through everything to be more aware of what we already have. We’ve had time to experiment with the therapeutics and the laser, and we’ve had time to talk about it all and bounce ideas off of each other. This has been a unique time where we can all become more educated about horse care, learn more about supplements and feeding, and not just focus on winning blue ribbons.

We’ve also had a little more time to watch the horses turned out in the paddocks, to study their mannerisms and see them in their natural state. Sometimes I’ll stop in the afternoon and watch the ponies outside and think, “Look how good he does his left to right lead change in the paddock!” My dad said a lot of old, famous horse trainers taught lead changes in the field and not in the ring. Maybe I’ll try it out here on this pony or try it over the raised cavaletti.

It’s also giving me more time to ask my dad questions. “How did you train Monday Morning?” Or, he’ll call me at the end of the day and tell me he watched a horse in the paddock that got worked up when mares were turned out beside him. He’ll say, “Maybe he was castrated late, and we should turn him out with Blake’s Quarter Horse gelding to change his mindset.” These are the things we don’t always have time to do.

5 p.m. I’ll go over the whiteboard in the barn with Lauren Carter, our assistant trainer and barn manager, and we discuss the plan for tomorrow. I’ll give her feedback on how the horses felt after she rode them the previous day and what she should work on tomorrow.

6 p.m. Back at the house, we’ll eat dinner, and I helped the girls with homework when they had it. Or we’ll go out and pick up pinecones in the yard with the sun setting, and they’ll roll their eyes at me!

8 p.m. Some nights when we’re done earlier, we will binge watch Netflix or watch a movie. We’re normally so exhausted at the horse shows, so it’s nice to be able to stay up a little later these days. Everybody is so hooked to the news, and it’s hard to ignore it, but I’ll tell the girls, “Say your prayers, hope everyone is staying safe, and hope this soon shall pass.”

NSHHOF Names Cassanto Junior Hunter of the Year

The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame’s mission “honors excellence by providing recognition, education and appreciation for the achievements of the horsemen and horses who have made the sport of show hunters so rich in history.”

Finally Farm is proud to announce that the 2019 NSHHOF Trainers Choice Awards results are in, and Maggie Hill’s Cassanto received the 2019 Junior Hunter of the Year Award! We’re so grateful for the incredible team work that resulted in this honor, from trainers Jack Towell and Liza Boyd to the entire Finally Farm staff, family and friends who made 2019 such a fun and memorable year.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto earned the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, Championship at the Washington International Horse Show.

Special thanks to the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and to the many trainers who voted for this very special horse! We look forward to the celebration at The Merion Cricket Club in 2021 with all of the other deserving award recipients!

Finally Farm Finishes WEF With Wonderful Results

Grace Ann Nolan and Malbay Dreamer

Even though the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida, was cut two weeks short by the COVID-19 virus, the Finally Farm riders and horses made the most out of the final two weeks, March 4-15.

In addition, circuit awards were decided after Week 10, and Finally Farm received an abundance of honors.

Grace Ann Nolan guided Malbay Dreamer to the circuit championship in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper, 18-35, section after multiple championships, reserves and classic wins. Grace Ann also rode Bolero D’Armanville to fourth place in the standings, and she guided Sonoma to sixth place in the Adult Amateur Hunter, 18-35, section standings.

“Hard work pays off!” said trainer Liza Boyd. “Congratulations to Grace Ann on your consistency!”

Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan

Younger sister Mary Caroline captured the reserve championship circuit title aboard the veteran O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. The pair jumped to many blue ribbons over fences and earned tricolor honors throughout the circuit.

“O’Ryan was doing what he does best,” said Liza. “I also want to congratulate Mary Caroline on her winning rides in a competitive younger children’s hunter division during WEF 10.”

Bridget Hallman’s Who’s It starred in two sections during this year’s WEF. With trainer Liza Boyd aboard, Who’s It took the Green Hunter 3’9” championship during Week 10 and placed sixth in the circuit standings with Bridget aboard in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter, 36 and over, section.

Liza also guided Maggie Hill’s Ravello to sixth in the 3’6” Green Hunter circuit standings and to the victory in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive during Week 10. Maggie also rode him to multiple ribbons in the Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, section. “Maggie and Ravello won her final Junior Hunter class at WEF 2020,” noted Liza of their winning stake round. “It was a bittersweet end to WEF as the circuit was cut short, but a great way to finish!”

Maggie Hill and Ravello

Candid and Elle Gibbs began the WEF circuit as new partners and finished up with consistent results that were rewarded with fifth in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, circuit standings.

Elle Boyd finished her WEF circuit on a high note. Aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives, she finished on top of the card in the Large Pony Hunter Classic and was reserve champion in the section. The pair also finished seventh in the Children’s Large Pony Hunter section in the circuit standings after just a handful of shows together. “Daisy was bred, and is owned and loved by Bridget. Congrats to all involved!” said Liza.

Elle Boyd and Days Of Our Lives

“I’m so thankful to the horses and people involved in making this year at WEF so amazing,” said Liza. “Even though our circuit ended earlier than we expected, we will take home great memories and lots of wonderful experiences. Our new horse-and-rider partnerships gained great mileage for the remainder of the year, and our veterans made their marks again in the show ring. We look forward to continuing the show season when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, we’ll be home in Camden training, preparing and caring for our wonderful horses.”

Finally Farm Has a Fantastic February at WEF

Liza Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento

The Finally Farm team continued to earn accolades in the Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation and Ponies during the month of February on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington, Florida.

During WCHR Week 6, the Hunters took center stage throughout the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, including featured classes in the International Ring.

Once again, Liza Boyd qualified for the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, held under the lights on Saturday, February 15. Aboard Sherri Crawford’s Carento, she captured seventh place in two-round classic with a stellar second course. The pair qualified based on their reserve championship in the High Performance Hunter section, where they won the handy and placed third the stake, among other ribbons.

“I had to win the handy to have a chance to qualify for the class,” said Liza, who catch rode Carento for trainers Kitty and Johnny Barker. “This is a great horse who really rises to the occasion. It was a blast to ride him and I have to thank Sherri and Kitty and Johnny for the opportunity.”

Liza Boyd and Carento

Liza, who won the inaugural Hunter Spectacular in 1997 aboard her Junior Hunter Monday Morning, makes it a goal each year to compete in the class. “I love this class and riding under the lights,” she said. “It’s so much fun to get out in that ring and gallop around. I love the energy and atmosphere, and I think the horses do, too.”

Maggie Hill and Cassanto also represented Finally Farm in the Hunter Spectacular by virtue of their championship in the 3’6” Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section. Unfortunately, Cassanto enjoyed himself a bit too much in the first round, unseating Maggie with a few bucks after jumping beautifully over an oxer midway through the course. Maggie got up laughing, and the pair walked out of the ring together to much applause.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto - Photo credit: Photos © Sportfot, official photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Earlier in the day, Maggie rode the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Canto x Stefania) to a first, third, fourth and sixth-place finish for the championship. This was Maggie’s third year competing in the Hunter Spectacular, but her first time with Cassanto. The pair has been together for three years and has earned many championship ribbons from top horse shows.

“Yesterday, the second round was our favorite class, the handy. He was perfect and we won that,” said Maggie. “And for today, the International Arena is a beautiful ring; it’s one of the most fun rings to ride in and it’s so special for the hunters to go in there this week.

Elle Gibbs and Candid

Elle Gibbs also had a stellar week with Candid, earning the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, reserve championship. Elle also captured a prestigious WCHR High-Score Award for her victory in the handy, where she and Candid earned an 87.

Other impressive Hunter performances during this most competitive week were posted by: Gigi Manigault with Major Key and Bastille in the Amateur-Owners; Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunters; Kumano and Grace Ann Nolan in the Amateur-Owners; Ravello and Liza in the 3’6” Green Hunters; and Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Baby Blue in the Pony Hunters.

Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan

During Week 7, February 18-23, the accolades continued. Who’s It captured two tricolors, the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 36 and over, championship with owner Bridget Hallman, and the 3’9” Green Hunter championship with Liza in the irons. All told, Who’s It earned six blue ribbons during the week, making it a very special birthday week for Bridget to celebrate.

In addition, Elle rode Bridget’s pony Days Of Our Lives to the reserve championship in the Children’s Large Pony Hunters with a first and second over fences. Elle also won a class with Darling Clementine in the Medium Pony Hunter section and had great placings with the Small Pony Baby Blue for a banner show.

Bridget Hallman and Who’s It

Not to be outdone, younger sister Adeline Boyd also captured a reserve championship during Week 7 aboard Otis Spunkmeyer in the Walk-Trot section. She won the walk class and placed second in the walk-trot.

Mary Caroline Nolan was delighted to pick up the reserve championship in the Younger Children’s Hunters. She and the veteran O’Ryan showed their consistency, with a first, two seconds and a third. Sister Grace Ann also captured a reserve championship, taking the Low Adult Jumper, 18-35, tricolor with Malbay Dreamer. The pair topped the Classic with a super double-clear performance and a speedy and accurate jump-off, taking an impressive inside turn, that no one else could match.

Maggie Hill’s Ravello, with Liza in the irons, earned the reserve championship in the 3’6” Green Hunters with a win in the handy and second in the stake. They also took top honors in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive as icing on a great week. With Maggie aboard later in the week, Ravello also earned excellent ribbons in every Small Junior, 16-17. class.

Gigi Manigault and Major Key

During Week 8, February 25-March 1, the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was a feature event, and once again Liza and Carento galloped to a top 10 finish. The pair placed second in the Classic Round, picked up seventh in the Handy and finished fifth overall out of 56 competitors.

Everglow, piloted by Liza in the High Performance and by Caroline Blake in the Large Junior, 16-17, section, picked up a variety of impressive ribbons in both sections, including a blue in the High Performance handy.

The Children’s Hunters also collected a variety of ribbons for Finally Farm. Lourdes Low and Continue made their presence known in the Younger Children’s Hunters, taking top ribbons over fences, and Alex Dastjerdi rode Invite Only to excellent placings in the Low Children’s Hunters. Aisha, ridden by Sydney Raidy, jumped to excellent ribbons in the Younger Children’s Hunters, as well.

Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue

Elle enjoyed another catch ride, this time aboard Quicksilver Party Wave. The duo earned a second and fifth over fences in a competitive section of 29 ponies.

Please enjoy our fun photo gallery of competition and candids from February!

Success Continues For Finally Farm at WEF

Gigi Manigault and Major Key

Weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit brought continued success for Finally Farm riders and horses, January 14-February 2, in Wellington, Florida.

Highlights included Gigi Manigault’s return to the show ring during Week 3 with her mounts Major Key and Bastille. Gigi started out strongly, winning a class on Bastille.

“It’s great for her to be in the amateur ring and doing so well,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She’s at a new school this year and balancing a lot, so I’m super impressed that she walked right into 3’6” Amateurs and get great ribbons. Her horses are going beautifully, and she came down and rode great. Fortunately, she also has a nice practice horse named Big Bang, and she showed him in the 3’3” Performance Hunters on Thursday, which is always helpful. I give him a lot of credit for helping her become prepared.”

Clemens returned to the show ring after a significant break and jumped to two red ribbons in the High Performance section Week 3 and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Week 4, where he placed ninth out of 61.

“He was a little rusty the first week, but the following week we did the High Performance Hunters and he was great. We haven’t jumped that big in two years, so I was really pleased,” said Liza.

Clemens, owned by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm, last competed at the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships and then spent time off recovering from an injury.

“It was great to show him again and figure out what we need to work on,” she noted. “You don’t really know your homework until you get back into the show ring. So, now I know we need to work on trot jumps; we haven’t done many trot jumps, so I’ll focus on improving them and go from there. He’s jumping really well, and I’m so happy to have him back!”

Grace Ann Nolan continued to hone her skills and accrue ribbons aboard her hunters and jumpers. She and Malbay Dreamer captured the Week 3 Low Adult Amateur Jumper, 18-35, championship and she received excellent ribbons on Kumano in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section and with Sonoma in the Adult Amateurs.

“Grace Ann is really getting nicely into the swing of things in both rings,” said Liza. “She’s riding great.”

Mary Caroline Nolan and Stallone

Similarly, sister Mary Caroline Nolan earned ribbons on O’Ryan in the Younger Children’s Hunters and Timoteo in the 3’ USHJA Hunters and Stallone in the 3’3” Junior Hunters. “She was really impressive in the Rost Arena,” said Liza. “The 3’3” courses were the same at the 3’6", so she’s learning how to ride the handles, angling the jumps and all of the technicalities. She hadn’t done the hands since she was on ponies, so it’s been a super experience for her.”

Maggie Hill continued to fine-tune her relationship with the 3’6” Green Hunter Ravello. The pair earned ribbons in the Junior Hunters during Weeks 2 and 3 before Maggie brought out her veteran Cassanto to capture the 3’6” Large Junior, 16-17, reserve championship during Week 4. Ravello was also 3’6” Green Hunter reserve champion with Liza during Week 2.

Maggie Hill and Ravello

“Maggie went from O’Ryan who’s a steady eddy and knew everything, to a first year Small Junior, so she’s learning to adapt to his ways,” said Liza. “It can be overwhelming down here, and some days the young horses are good and some days green. He’s teaching her that next level of learning and how to manage a young one.”

Ellle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue won a class during Week 2 in the Medium Pony Hunters and continued the momentum with excellent ribbons during Week 3. “It was her first blue with ‘Darla’ at WEF, which was great,” said Liza. “The numbers are so big down here, with 35 in the division, that it was exciting for her to win. She’s working so hard.

Elle and Adeline Boyd with Baby Blue

“It’s nice for her to be able to have her a Small Pony Baby Blue go in the ring first and navigate the course,” added Liza. “Darla is great and teaching Elle so much. Darla has more ‘go’ than Baby Blye, so Elle is learning how to ride both types. She sits quieter on Darla and use a lot of leg on Baby Blue.”

Maggie Hill and her For Side VDL have racked up some impressive ribbons in the equitation ring so far, including second Overall in the WIHS, with second in both the Hunter and Jumper phases during Week 2. “That’s a young horse she produced, so it’s been fun to see him coming along so well,” said Liza.

Likewise, Bridget Hallman and her Green Hunters have been impressive at WEF. Bridget won an Amateur-Owner class during Week 2 on Who’s It and also earned many great ribbons thus far.

“She’s riding great,” said Liza of Bridget. “She was super smooth in the class she won. She’s had Who’s It about a year, and they’re such a good match.”

Liza has also earned top prizes aboard Bridget’s Halston in the High Performance Conformation Hunters, with scores in the high 80s throughout the circuit.

Cassanto Named The Chronicle of the Horse Overall Horse of the Year

After an incredible 2019 show season that culminated with the United States Equestrian Federation Grand Junior Hunter, 16-17, Horse of the Year title, Cassanto was named The Chronicle of the Horse 2019 Overall Horse of the Year and the Show Hunter Horse of the Year.

A Wonderful WEF 1 For Finally Farm

Candid displays the ribbons he won with Elle Gibbs during WEF 1.

Finally Farm found much success as the Winter Equestrian Festival got underway during WEF 1, held January 8-12 in Wellington, Florida.

Elle Gibbs and Candid made their presence known in the Junior Hunter, 3’3”, 15 and under, section as they continued to get to know one another. This was Elle’s second show with the lovely hunter she’s leasing from Jennifer Alfano, and the pair won the Handy with a score of 87 and placed second over fences with an 85 out of a field of 27 for a fantastic start to WEF.

Elle Gibbs and Candid

“Thank you so much Finally Farm for making my first show in Wellington amazing!” said Elle on her Instagram feed.

“Elle was great, and I want to thank to Jen and Lane Change Farm for putting this match together,” said trainer Liza Boyd, “Elle also got good ribbons on Game Plan (scores of 80 and 84) in the same division, and he’s available for sale in Wellington and is ready to win for another junior or amateur rider.”

Liza also made an impression herself aboard Candid and Game Plan, taking second with Candid in the 3’3” Performance Handy out of 66 entries and second out of 66 with Game Plan in a 3’3” Performance Hunter over fences class. “I showed Candid in one class in Aiken last month,” said Liza. “I watched him for so long with Jen, so it was fun to ride one that my friend produced. I’ve seen him come along in the Pre-Greens and all the way up, so to show him is especially rewarding.”

The Nolan sisters also started off strongly in Florida with great performances and blue ribbons.

“We both had an amazing first week at WEF!” they said in their Instagram feed. “MC (first time showing at WEF ever) got top ribbons In the Children’s with O’Ryan and Timoteo and won the 3’3” Junior hack with Stallone! GA won the Low Adult Jumper class with Malbay Dreamer, and had great rounds with Sonoma in the Younger Adults that led to good ribbons.”

Mary Caroline Nolan and Stallone

Mary Caroline made her debut with Stallone and showed in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and under, section. The pair won the competitive under saddle class for their first WEF blue. “She’s leasing him from Don Stewart and Ashland Farm and will do the 3’3” medals and juniors. She also did well on O’Ryan in the Children’s Hunters and will move up next week to 3’3” juniors.”

Grace Ann rocked it in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper, 18-35, section, taking an impressive victory aboard Malbay Dreamer. The pair also placed ninth in the Classic. Grace Ann also guided Sonoma to consistent placings in a section of the Younger Adult Amateur Hunters for a nice week in the jumper and hunter rings.

“That was a big win in the meter jumpers!” said Liza enthusiastically. “The Nolan sisters are down here all three months and will be going to school, so they’re going to get a lot of great experience being here the entire time.”

Finally Farm also welcomed University of South Carolina student Josephine Rose to the family during WEF 1, where she earned excellent ribbons aboard Cassino in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter, 18-35, section. “She’s on the riding team and USC and rode with Jennifer Edwards of Belleame Farm in Ohio before she moved here. We’re thrilled to welcome her and to have her in the barn. I noticed her at the. Washington International last fall when she won the stake class in Large Juniors. They’re a really good match, and it’s been fun to get to know them both.”

Paige Miller and her partner Shamrock jumped to great ribbons in a tough Low Adult Hunter section. “She rode so well,” said Liza, adding, “She’s had him a year now, and they’ve really bonded and know each. It’s fun to see how far they’ve come over the past year and how much more technical her rides have become.”

Likewise, Paige’s daughter Mckenzie Miller, 10, has also made impressive strides over the past year. She moved up to the Small/Medium Children’s Pony Hunters from the Short Stirrup with Hakuna Matata. “It was so exciting for her! She got two ninths, and she’s getting so consistent. Last year at this time she was riding Otis Spunkmeyer around the crossrails, so she’s come a long way. It’s also fun for Elle to have a pony friend here. They study courses together, ride to the ring together and have fun. have someone her age in the barn,” said Liza.

Elle Boyd continued to produce excellent performances in the Pony Hunters. This week she rode Baby Blue and A Dream Come True in the Smalls and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue in the Mediums, earning top ribbons on all three “She was really consistent, and I’m so proud of her,” said Liza. “I want to thank DK-USA Sporthorse LLC for A Dream Come True. We really love him. He and Baby Blue are both 16, and I’ve learned that’s an awesome age for Small Ponies! What great teachers they are, and Elle’s learning so much. She was also fifth in the USEF Pony Medal on Friday. It’s nice to have ponies that know their jobs.”

Mary Caroline’s Willy Wonka is outgrown and available for lease!

Elle also catch rode Mary Caroline’s pony Willy Wonka to ribbons in the Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunters. “Willy Wonka just came off a lease and is available for lease or sale,” noted Liza. “He’s another great Small Pony and teacher.”

Over in the Equitation Ring, Maggie Hill captured thirds in sections of the Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal and in the ASPCA Maclay aboard For Side VDL under the watchful eyes of Northrun and Finally Farm trainers.

Bridget Hallman’s Halston also jumped to impressive performances with Bridget and Liza, including a red ribbon in the High Performance Conformation Hunters.

“We’re glad to be here and settled in,” said Liza. “And I’m happy we’re off to a good start! We’re looking forward to a great season!”

O’Ryan enjoys his accomplishments during WEF 1!

December Firsts For Finally Farm

Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan

Finally Farm wrapped up the year not with endings but with beginnings!

“There were a lot of firsts at the Aiken December Classic,” said trainer Liza Boyd of the 2019-2020 show season kick-off competition held at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

Many new partnerships made their show ring debuts together, including 13-year-old Mary Caroline Nolan and O’Ryan.

“She’s the new rider of O’Ryan and one lucky girl,” said Liza of Maggie Hill’s former star Junior Hunter. “Mary Caroline was riding a large pony last summer at the USEF Pony Finals, so she’s not ridden horses that long. She was champion on O’Ryan and reserve on Timoteo in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section. It was a great start for them, and we’re thrilled to keep him in the barn and watch him bring on another kid.”

Mary Caroline’s sister Grace Ann Nolan made her show ring debut in the Amateurs, as did Gigi Manigault. Both made a seamless transition and continued their winning ways.

Grace Ann rode Malbay Dreamer to two seconds in the Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers for the reserve championship and also received excellent ribbons on Sonoma in the Adult Amateur Hunters to earn a second reserve championship.

Gigi guided Major Key to top ribbons in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, including a blue over fences and second place in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. She also piloted new mount Big Bang to ribbons in the 3’3” Performance Hunters.

Elle Gibbs with Candid and Game Plan

“Sometimes kids are like, ‘This is my last junior year, and my career is over!’ But, really, it’s just beginning,” said Liza. “After all these years of showing, Gigi had no idea that she had more opportunities as an amateur. She and Grace can do the Amateurs, the Adults, Derbies and so much more.”

Maggie Hill also made a show ring debut aboard her new Junior Hunter Ravello. “This was their first time at the 3’6” and her first time showing him. He was champion in 3’6” Greens with me and champion in Junior Hunters with her. It was fun to show him at the bigger height. We jumped him a little bigger in the schooling area, and he showed some real scope in the handy. He’s little, but he has some power, so it will be fun to see where he goes and for Maggie to grow with him.”

Elle Gibbs leased Jennifer Alfano’s Candid for the year, and they began their Junior Hunter partnership at Aiken. She earned the championship with Candid and reserve with Game Plan.

“We are so excited for this duo,” said Liza. “Candid has had a lot of great years with Jen, and he’s ready to be a Junior Hunter. We’re very excited to have him in the barn with Elle. They were a good match right from the beginning, and he quite likes her. He’s a quiet horse, but he can take a minute to get in front of leg on the flat. But she figured that out right away. He’s also a little shy in the barn, so she spent time with him and got to know him, and he fits right in.”

Liza also had reason to smile at Aiken as her derby mount Clemens, owned by Finally Farm and Westerly Farm, returned to the show ring after time off for an injury. “He could have come back in August, but at that point there was nothing left for him to do the rest of the year so we waited until the new year,” she said. “Our game plan was to get a show under his belt at 3’3” before the Winter Equestrian Festival (in Florida). We’ll gear him back up and have him ready for WEF 4.”

Liza and Clemens took the victory in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby to punctuate their return. “I’m so glad to have him back; he feels great,” she said. “The last time he was shown was the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships when he was second. I did one ticketed warm-up and one 3’6” Performance class and then did the National Derby. It was a great class for all types of horses. It was held in the late afternoon/early evening and it was great to get him back in the ring and good for him to be under pressure again at an event with some atmosphere.”

Liza also guided For Side VDL to seventh in the National Derby. “We did that class also for the time of day. He’s a Hunter/Equitation horse and is always good in the handy round. Maggie wants to save her Medal/Maclay classes for later in the year, so it was good for him to get the experience and a good ribbon.”

Erin McGuire and Kassar entered their eighth show season together and continued their top performances. The pair placed second in Open Jumper Welcome and t he were second in the $10,000 Dietrich Insurance Classic for a nice payday.

“She was awesome. Jack (Towell) was really proud of her,” said Liza. “There were 13 clear in the prix, and she rode great and was super fast. She does such a good job managing that horse and picks and chooses and peaks him at the right times. She won’t show again for a while—maybe a little in the winter and get back going when we get home from WEF in the spring. She does a great job of keeping him fit and happy.”

Liza’s daughter Elle had ample success in the ponies with A Dream Come True, Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and Baby Blue. Elle and DK-USA Sporthorse LLC’s A Dream Come True captured the reserve championship in the Small Pony Hunters with help from trainer Rachel Kennedy, as well.

Elle Boyd and Rachel Kennedy with A Dream Come True

A Dream Come True is Elle’s newest ride. “I think that we have him and Baby Blue for the. Smalls this year,” said Liza. “I’m so excited for Elle. There’s nothing better than these veteran ponies to teach riders. He has a great personality and is really great in the handy classes. She went for it in the handy with him. Before, she would go around, and now she’s doing the inside turns and he’s teaching her a lot about landing the leads and doing the inside turns.”

Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller earned the reserve championship in the Short Stirrup section. Mckenzie was riding Otis Spunkmeyer around crossrails last year, and now she’s taking lessons with Elle and learning the technicalities,” said Liza. “She’s come a long way really quickly.”

Finally Farm also welcomed Invite Only and 15-year-old Alex Dastjerdi to the family. The pair earned ribbons in the Pre-Children’s and medal classes. “Congratulations on your new horse leased from Amanda Lyerly!” said Liza. “We look forward to your future in 2020!”

Kelly Maloney and Oakmont Stables LLC’s Corona 93 galloped to impressive placings in the High Adult Jumpers as they got to know one another. “Kelly has one of Hardin’s old grand prix horses because her horse is injured. We’re wishing her a good Florida season with this fun mare.”

Bridget Hallman’s Halston making 2020 already a winning year!

Liza took a side trip to Wellington during the holiday season to give Bridget Hallman lessons and show her horses during pre-circuit. “I hadn’t seen her since the Washington International in October. Halston was champion in the Conformation division and Who’s It was champion in the 3’6”/3’9” Greens. We had a lot of fun!”

Maggie Hill and Cassanto Continue Winning Streak at the National Horse Show

Maggie Hill and Cassanto concluded what could only be a dream season when they captured the Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the National Horse Show. They were featured in a Phelps Sports Press Release on November 1, 2019, below:

Lexington, Kentucky - November 1, 2019 - The penultimate day of hunter competition at the 2019 National Horse Show kicked off Friday, November 1 with small and large Junior Hunters returning to the Alltech arena promptly at 7 a.m. Following the under saddle classes, horse-and-rider combinations were seen one last time for their respective stake rounds, serving as a final chance to garner precious points toward the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Championship. Stealing the show with spectacular performances was Maggie Hill and Cassanto, who accumulated a whopping 32 points to claim the coveted overall title and the Huntland Perpetual Cup.

Acquiring their points in the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, division, Hill and Cassanto topped the ranks of every over fences class in the division, also earning third on the flat. Following the presentation of her championship, Hill and Cassanto were called back to the winner’s circle to receive the Inclusive Perpetual Cup, an award given by the judges for the best performance in the stake round. The awards did not stop there for Hill and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, as the ringmaster bestowed a third medal around her neck for the highest of Junior Hunter honors, the Overall Junior Hunter Grand Championship of the 136th National Horse Show.

Maggie Hill and Cassanto

Hill and Cassanto have already had a record year together. The pair have been partnered together for two years and, although their partnership took some time to develop, they have taken the hunter world by storm ever since.

In 2019 alone, Hill and Cassanto have earned championship honors at the Devon Horse Show, Junior Hunter Finals, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show. Hill was thrilled to wrap up her stellar season with Cassanto by claiming the overall championship title at the 136th National Horse Show before preparing for the ASPCA Maclay Finals on Sunday, November 3.

Maggie Hill – Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champion

On the stake round:

“[Cassanto] felt amazing, as per usual. He likes cold weather so he felt a little up and excited, which was fun for me. Cassanto and I really like the stake rounds because I like when the pressure is on and he just rises to the occasion. If I do well then he is good!”

On her partnership with Cassanto:

“I have been with him for about two years. I started doing the 3’6” Junior Hunters on him and last year was a bit touch and go, just because it was my first year in the 3’6”. Over the course of the Winter Equestrian Festival we were able to build our relationship and this year at indoors and Devon it has just been solidified. At Devon this year and last year he has been amazing. He is a horse of a lifetime and I really honestly cannot say enough good things about him. He has been amazing. I have no words, he has given me more in this junior year than I could have ever asked for. He was champion at Devon, Junior Hunter Finals, Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show and now champion here! I cannot believe it and I couldn’t have asked for more from an animal.”

On being Overall Junior Hunter Grand Champion at the National Horse Show:

“It means everything. I think I have seen over the years people like Devon Seek and Brian Moggre win this and I have really looked up to those people. It is an honor to have that in my resume as well now because I love this sport and I would really love to use it as a career. To accomplish another milestone is an important thing.”

On her rides:

“I am very happy now! I am just looking at Maclay Finals because I have not been as consistent in the equitation and I really would like to be. I am always looking at ways I can improve so now I just need to conquer the equitation.”

On competing at the National Horse Show:

“This is a fun horse show! I love this ring because it almost rides like Devon, it is really forward and you can show off your horse, the jumps come up nice and you can get a big stride to keep around the whole course. It is cold but it is nice inside! The show run so well, everything is on time and I love this show. It is a wonderful way to end the year!”

On what is next for Cassanto:

“I think Cassanto is excited for his paddock. Hopefully we will compete at WEF but we will see what his owner wants to do. It has been an amazing year and I am so thankful. He has earned a break! He loves bananas, donuts and peanut butter so he has lots of those waiting back at the barn for him.”

On Cassanto’s personality:

“He has the best personality. He is such a smush. He knows when you are in the barn and he knickers to you. I love being with him. Out of all of the horses we just click and I think that is why last year, when it was a little touch and go, he stuck with me and held my hand. Out of all of the horses in the world we are probably the most similar in personality so it is really fun to just be with him. I love every second with him. He is so demanding and funny!”