Finally Farm Reins In Many Zone 4 Titles

Mary Caroline Nolan with O’Ryan and Kumano

The Finally Farm riders and horses concluded their 2020 show season with bountiful year-end awards in USHJA Zone 4.

Highlights included the USHJA Zone 4 Championships, held November 11-15 at the Aiken Zone 4 Finals North in Aiken, South Carolina.

“It was fun to show against new people and meet members of the Zone we didn’t know,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “I think fun for the kids, and with the Covid pandemic and with no real year-end championships, such as Pony Finals and indoors, this was a great experience. All the kids took photos with their ribbons, and it was especially nice for the younger kids. This was a great bonus!”

Elle Boyd and Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue celebrated one year together in style by winning the Medium Pony Hunter championship and Zone 4 Finals championship with consistent performances. Elle also guided Quicksilver Party Wave to the Children’s Pony Hunter Championship and Zone 4 Finals reserve championship. “This is one of our Green ponies that we’ve brought along for a few years,” said Liza of the 6-year-old Welsh (Land’s End Adagio—Misty Morns Lily Of The Valley). “He’ll move up to Geens next week when the new show season begins (December 1, 2020). This was a great accomplishment for Elle and a nice reward for her hard work.”

Zone 4 Medium Pony Hunter Champion Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue

Lourdes Low and new mount Sienna took championship honors their first time out in the Younger Children’s Hunters. “We’re excited to see what this new match can do!” said Liza, who also thanked Elizabeth Phillips for entrusting Finally Farm with the lease of Sienna, an 11-year-old Westphalian mare. “We’re grateful to have her, and they’re a great match right off the bat first. They will eventually move up to 3’3” Juniors for the rest of the year.”

Camilla Grover-Dodge rode her Jaguar to championships in the Younger Adult Amateur Hunters and Zone 4 Championships. The College of Charleston student has brought the green Dutch Warmblood along this year, and this was a fitting way to finish their season. “He’s a young horse she’s been producing, and he’s coming a long so nicely. They’ll go to Florida this winter and move up to the Amateur-Owners,” said Liza.

Lourdes Low and Sienna

Mary Caroline Nolan claimed both championship on O’Ryan and the reserve on Kumano in the 3’3” Junior Hunters in the Zone 4 Championships.

“It was a great show for her,” said Liza. “This was a year-end goal for her, and she worked so hard all year long. It was a fun way for her to wrap up the season with these two very special horses.”

Kasarr and Erin McGuire added another line item to their resume with victory in the Welcome Stake. “As always, Erin has a plan and thinks so far in advance and it paid off,” said Liza. “She’s methodical about planning what classes they’ll do and keeping him fit and prepared. I’m so proud of her as a horseman for continuing her success.”

Kassar loves his latest blue ribbon!

Gigi Moynihan Captures Third in ASPCA Maclay Final

Gigi Moynihan was thrilled with her third place in the ASPCA Maclay Finals.

Gigi Moynihan topped 254 horse-and-rider combinations for victory in the first round of the ASPCA Maclay National Championship and ultimately placed third overall after the flat and testing phases concluded. Her precise riding and beautiful style was well rewarded throughout the day, and after more than 12 hours of competition, trainer Hardin Towell proudly escorted her to center ring with Christy Johnson’s Quantico to receive her awards.

Gigi’s performances were only topped by winner Dominic Gibbs and second-placed Taylor Griffiths-Madden (the winner of this year’s Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final).

Held at the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Nov. 1, the last major equitation final of the year drew a record number of competitors. Course designer Bobby Murphy set a technical and beautiful course in the Alltech Arena that drew rave reviews.

As reported by Phelps Sports:

Faced with the tough job of ranking the multitude of riders seen throughout the day, judges Mark Jungherr and Emil Spadone ultimately settled on a final standby list of 24 juniors ahead of the second phase of the competition, the flat round.

Gigi Moynihan and Quantico

Thanks to her exemplary performance over fences that demonstrated correct, precise riding, Gigi Moynihan sat superior to her peers as the frontrunner following the challenging first fences round, leading ever since she tackled the pattern as the 36th in the start list. Behind Moynihan, the remainder of the top of the callback list included Gibbs, Taylor Griffiths-Madden, Mimi Gochman, Alexia Rule, Sophee Steckbeck, Ellie Ferrigno, Skylar Wireman, Chase Finizio, Hannah Dodd, Hannah Hoch and Zayna Rizvi.

Headed into the flat, those top 12 high-scoring riders were sectioned off to compete against each other under saddle, while the latter half of the standby list rode in another section.

Excited to have made the top of the standings but with more tests to master, both sets of riders took to the Alltech Arena to compete in the flat phase of competition, during which they were challenged to show off their balance and strength via a series of directions from the judges that included all three gaits; working, extended and collected sitting trot; simple change of lead to the counter-canter in front of the judges and walking to the line on a long rein.

The leaderboard did not remain unchanged, as Gibbs leapfrogged up to the first spot, followed by Gochman, Griffiths-Madden, Steckbeck, Moynihan and Ferrigno, in that order. Kierstin Antoniadis and Natalie Jayne moved their way up the list the most, advancing to 10th and 11th, respectively, after previously holding the 13th and 16th spots.

Returning in reverse order of the judges’ preference, the top 25 contenders each displayed their skills over Murphy’s second course, which asked for a long approach to fence one at a hand gallop, two counter-canter fences, a triple combination and a forward 6-stride bending line. Not cutting any breaks for the qualified horse-and-rider challengers, the second jumping portion of the event served to further trim down Jungherr and Spadone’s ticket of premier performers.

Wanting one last look at four entries, the judges requested that Steckbeck, Moynihan, Griffiths-Madden and Gibbs, in that order, complete a final work-off. The test consisted of cantering fences 4 and 5, trotting fence 6, cantering the original fence 8C and 9, trotting fence 10 and hand galloping fence 12 before leaving the ring.

All four final contestants turned in valiant showings over the work-off track, leaving the judges the final job of separating the top contenders. The top 10 returned to the ring for the awards presentation and as the reserve champion was announced as Griffiths-Madden, who just weeks previously won the 2020 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, it became clear that Gibbs had clinched the coveted title following four rounds of textbook riding. The champion rider piloted Cent 15, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding he worked with Beacon Hill trainer Stacia-Klein Madden, a former Maclay National Championship winner herself, to transition from a jumper to a successful equitation horse.

Emil Spadone – Judge

On judging a larger field than usual:

“It was a long day. There were many more than usual and I think that the qualifying process was a little bit different this year. I think that they were all very excited; it was part of their dreams to show here so I think in that sense it was great. I think the course was challenging enough and, as I think you could see with the results out there, some people had a hard time. In general, the best riders rose to the top and they held their own the entire time. That top group was all excellent and Dominic was on Gigi’s tail the whole way. The flatwork kind of slowed Gigi down and then she could not get back in after that. In the last round, they all came in and we felt like they were close. There was a little room if someone maybe wanted to move up. They all held their own but there was not enough of a change for us to change our order.”

Mark Jungherr – Judge

On the top four:

“They were very close. We did have the option to make a change but we did not think that anyone took control enough to change the opinion from the second round. The top three were all a point to a point a half apart.

2020 ASPCA Maclay National Championship, presented by Chansonette Farm

1. Cent 15 / Dominic Gibbs

2. Mac One III / Taylor Griffiths-Madden

3. Quantico / Gigi Moynihan

4. Itteville / Sophee Steckbeck

5. Any Given Sunday / Alexia Rule

6. Hot Pants / Skylar Wireman

7. Charisma / Natalie Jayne

8. Quite Cassini / Skyler Fields

9. Fanta / Kierstin Antoniadis

10. Empire / Chase Finizio

A "Spooktacular" Time at Bruce's Field II

Finally Farm enjoyed the new fall season shows at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina in October, and they couldn’t have been more fun! In addition to adding more wins and accolades to the year’s collection, the riders spent some creative time preparing for the Halloween festivities.

And that hard work and left brain activity paid off with multiple wins!

Adeline Boyd captured the Individual Costume class victory riding Amy Nolan’s Little Boy Blue. “She was so proud of herself. It was her big win,” said mother and trainer Liza Boyd. “She rode the adorable green pony Elle showed, and Amy dressed him up with cobwebs and bats. It was so cute!”

Big sister Elle Boyd contested the group class with her friends. They dressed their ponies as Starbucks baristas and the kids were the frappacinos. Their amazing efforts resulted in the Group Costume Class victory!

“Then, Amy and Theresa Tolar who works for us, stayed up late and decorated the tack room, so we were one of the winners,'“ added Liza. “Theresa meets us at the horse shows now and rides and teaches. She lives in the Tryon area and has her own barn. She rode with us as a kid, and it’s fun having her back to help.”

The Finally Farm team also added a few new faces to the roster this fall, with students from the University of South Carolina and College of Charleston honing their skills with trainers Jack Towell and Liza in between classes and riding on their respective equestrian teams.

Joey Rose, of USC, rode Cassino to the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter championship, and Sydney DeGrazia, of USC, and her own Reveille Z put in consistent efforts to clinch the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter reserve championship honors. Sydney also won the Ariat Adult Medal aboard Reveille Z. In addition, Joey earned tricolor honors with championship honors aboard Cracker Jack in the Adult Amateur, 18-35, section, and Camilla Grover-Dodge, of CofC, took the reserve championship aboard Jaguar.

Joey Rose and Cassino received the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Grand Championship

“These kids come out and lesson a few times a week. It’s super fun to have them. They ride on their teams but come to Finally Farm since it’s close enough from Columbia and Charleston. When we show at Aiken, it’s so close that the kids from USC can come down and do ticketed warm-ups during the week and then show on the weekends,” said Liza.

Camilla Grover-Dodge and Jaguar and Joey Rose and Cracker Jack

Camilla, the newest arrival from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, comes from a successful eventing background. She trained with Phillip Dutton and Molly Kinnamon and won the Area II Training Young Riders Championships. Additionally, she became the youngest rider to win the Junior Olympics 1* eventing title and then won the 1* Eventing Individual and Team Gold medals for Area II at the 2015 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships.

“We welcome Camilla to the barn and look forward to helping her get back into the hunters and work with her Pre-Green Hunter,” said Liza.

Grace Ann Nolan also attends CofC and had a successful show at Aiken, winning multiple Children’s/Adult Jumper classes aboard Malbay Dreamer and Bolero D’Armanville, respectively.

Sister Mary Caroline Nolan took top ribbons with Cleopatra’s Smile and O’Ryan in the 3’3” Small Juniors and Kumano in the 3’3” Large Junior Hunters.

Gigi Manigault, who will attend USC next year, topped the Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic riding Walk-Off. They also earned top ribbons in the section.

In the Adult Amateur Hunter, 50 and over, section, Amy Nolan rode Sampson to the reserve championship with two blue ribbons over fences among other excellent placings.

Elle Boyd continued her Medium Pony Hunter tricolor streak with Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue. The pair earned three firsts and two seconds in the section to dominate over a competitive field. Elle and “Darla” also placed third in Pony Hunter Classic, and Elle was second aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives.

“It was a great horse show, and the management did such a wonderful job with the social distancing, yet having parties and allowing us all to enjoy life back to “almost” normal,” said Liza with a smile.

Adeline Boyd wins the Individual Costume Class with judges Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw and mom Liza.

Cassino and Joey Rose were champions in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters.

Sydney DeGrazia and Reveille Z earned the reserve championship in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters.

Honorable mention in the Costume Class went to Grace Ann “Carole Baskins” Nolan and Malbay Dreamer.

Adeline Boyd and Little Boy Blue

Triumphant Times at Tryon For Finally Farm

Liza Boyd and The Nolan Family’s Ferrari

From the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby to the Pre-Children’s Hunters, the Finally Farm team earned top ribbons during the Tryon Fall 3 and 4 Horse Shows in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Finally Farm welcomed Ferrari to the farm this month, and he arrived with a bang, winning the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby with Liza Boyd aboard.

Invite Only takes blues at Tryon

“We purchased him sight unseen though Hardin for Mary Caroline Nolan,” said Liza. “We bought him to be a Junior Hunter. He was one of the Bluman’s jumpers, and Michael and Lourdes Morrissey took him to Traverse City over the summer and turned him into a hunter. Lourdes did a great job. Obviously, he has the scope and maturity for the derbies. Hardin tried him for us, and the Nolans bought him. Mary Caroline will start showing him in November.”

Another highlight at Tryon was Alex Dastjerdi earning the championship in the Pre-Children’s Hunters aboard Invite Only in a competitive field of 15. “It was great that she wrapped up the year with such great rides,” said Liza. “It was also her last show with him and nice way to finish up her time with him.”

Alison Thorpe was champion on Justified in the Adult Hunters despite the inclement weather, taking first or second in all of the jumping classes. “It’s always fun for them, and this jumper turned hunter mare is great,” said Liza. “Alison doesn’t get to show as much as others, but she practices a lot, and they’re a such a cute pair. It’s great fun for her to step right in there and be champion.”

Alison Thorpe and Justified

Elle Boyd had a good two weeks and earned championships both weeks on her Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue, while Elle Gibbs and Candid put in consistent performances during Tryon, earning top placings and the reserve championship honors in the Large Juniors.

Liza sporting her new lucky shadbelly courtesy of @charlesancona winning the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby aboard The Nolan Family’s Ferrari! Thanks to our team of sponsors, staff, and owners for keeping our team in top shape! #ariat #cwd #icehorse#irhhelmets #mdcstirrups#proelitefeed #platinumperformance#ruespari #successequestrian #equifit#charlesancona

Liza Boyd and Ferrari Cruise to $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Win

Liza Boyd and Ferrari - Sportfot

Liza Boyd (Camden, SC) and Ferrari claimed the win in the $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Tryon International Hunter Derby, adding a handy round score of 202 to a 181 first-round result in order to receive 383 points total.

With 379 points to earn second, Victoria Colvin (Loxahatchee, FL) guided William Lyles’ Avatar Z, the 2012 Zangersheide stallion (Arko III x Chang Lee van Berken Broeck), to a handy round score of 204, while Danielle Torano (Wellington, FL) achieved the podium with Faldo II, Jimmy Torano’s 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Baltic VDL x Rienaldine), after producing a total score of 378.5 over the Lewis Pack (USA) course design.

From placing in Grand Prix competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) to scoring big in the Grand Hunter Ring at TIEC, Boyd revealed that the 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Thunder van de Zuutehoeve x Sipora) is actually very new to the Hunters, and was purchased for a client sight-unseen as a Junior Hunter prospect.

“Ferrari is amazing. He just became a Hunter right after COVID-19 hit. At the end of WEF, he got a ribbon in a Grand Prix with Ilan Bluman. After that, Michael Morrissey and his wife, Lourdes, bought him and turned him into a Hunter.” After a few national derbies under his belt, “my brother, Hardin Towell, saw him and tried him. We actually bought him for our client sight-unseen. It was a little scary! He actually just came up to me and said, ‘Finally, you listen to me!’ He’s the one who told us to buy him. It’s fun because it’s a family affair. Even though my brother is a Jumper, he loves the Hunters and sells a lot of top Hunters.”

Liza Boyd and Ferrari - Sportfot

In the future, Boyd explained, Ferrari will be a Junior Hunter mount for owner Mary Caroline Nolan, and she’s only made slight adjustments to his training since taking over the reins. The biggest change she’s made, she admitted, has to do with equipment for both herself and Ferrari:

“I have to give all of the credit to Lourdes and Michael Morressy,” she emphasized. “They really spent the time with him during COVID-19 and were methodical about transitioning him. The only thing I changed from what Lourdes did was put Brunello’s bit on him. It may be lucky! I get a little superstitious, so I wanted to use his bit.” Tack wasn’t the only thing that might’ve brought her some luck, Boyd mused. “I actually just started being sponsored by Charles Ancona, and today was the first day I used their new shadbelly. It’s always a little bit nerve wracking riding in something new, and it proved to be very lucky!”

Boyd said she felt some pressure heading into the Handy round, and made some last-minute adjustments to her plan based on what she saw happening in the ring: “I always look at the Handy sort of like a jump-off, as far as who went before you, who went double-clear, and how fast they go,” she detailed.

“I changed my plan a little bit right before I walked in. I was going to not risk the high option at the last in-and-out, but then after Tori [Colvin] put such a nice round in, I had to go and do that. I was surprised at how much the horse followed my eye and trusted me, because it’s such a new partnership. I think with all those years with different riders, he really comes off of your aids and is so good on the flat,” she analyzed. “That’s what we need for the Hunters: they have to be rideable, capable, and brave. Clearly, he’s quite brave from all of his Jumper miles. I think he’s found his calling in life! I have to thank the Nolans for giving me the time to produce him and get him ready to be a Junior Hunter.”

Boyd, who has been sticking to regional show venues for safety in uncertain times, reported that she has gained a new appreciation for flatwork and switching up her routine between shows. “I’d say a positive thing about COVID is I’ve gotten better with my flatwork. Because of that, my horses are more rideable and mentally, they’re happier. They’ve done a lot of trail rides and a lot of flatwork, so it’s been good going back to basics. If anything, I’ve learned through COVID that you have to stay on top of your flatwork. Horse shows can kind of get in the way of that. You really have to go back and reset both you and your horse’s flatwork.”

Special thanks to the Tryon International Equestrian Center for the press release.

Tricolors at Tryon August 2

O’Ryan and Mary Caroline Nolan

The Finally Farm team traveled north for the Tryon August 2 Horse Show in Mill Spring, North Carolina, and returned to Camden with multiple championships and lots of great performances in the books, August 13-18.

O’Ryan did what he does does best—taking championship honors with Mary Caroline Nolan in the 3’3” Junior Hunters.

Paige Miller and Shamrock won three of their four over fences class in the Adult Hunters and captured the championship.

Elle Boyd made her presence known in the pony sections. Aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives she earned the championship in the Large Pony Hunters. She also guided Ginger Rogers to the Children’s Pony Hunter title and was reserve champion in the Mediums with Sunset’s Sparkle

Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off scored wins in the 3’3” Green Hunters with Liza Boyd and with Gigi in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters. A bonus was their impressive victory in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic.

Additional class winners this week included Bolero D’Armanville and Grace Ann Nolan in the 1.10m Adult Amateur Jumpers, Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann in the Low Adult Jumpers, Candid and Elle Gibbs in the Modified Junior Hunters, Kumano and Mary Caroline Nolan in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section, Cleopatra’s Smile and Cassico in the Performance Hunters with Liza Boyd, Continue and Lourdes Low in the '3’3” Junior Hunters, Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller in the Children’s Pony Hunters and Fieona and Kelly Maloney in the .80m Jumpers.

Congratulations to all!

Paige Miller and Shamrock

A Bountiful Blowing Rock

The summer of 2020 brought some challenges, but The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show endured for its 97th year , allowing the Finally Farm team a sense of normalcy. With wins, championships and grand championships throughout the two weeks in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, July 21-August 2.

Special award winners included:

Wells Fargo Leading Open Jumper Bonus – Erin McGuire

Wells Fargo Rider Bonus Award – Liza Boyd

Cymraeg Rain Beau Memorial Trophy Best Child Rider Pony Week 1 – Elle Boyd

Diane Ward Memorial Trophy Winner USHJA International Hunter Derby - Cassico, owned by Rebekah Warren and ridden by Liza Boyd

Jim Breedlove Memorial Trophy Most Money Won Open Jumper - Kasarr owned by Erin McGuire

Charles Lingle Memorial Trophy – Liza Boyd

Bill Rube Style Award Week 1 – Gigi Manigault

NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic - Curuba and Amy Nolan

Circuit Champion Low Children’s/Adult Jumper – Malbay Dreamer owned and ridden by Grace Ann Nolan

Circuit Champion Special Hunter - Hakuna Matata and Mckenzie Miller

Circuit Champion Large Pony Hunter - Days Of Our Lives owned by Bridget Hallman and ridden by Elle Boyd

Most Workmanlike Tack Room - Finally Farm

Show Champions and Reserves included – Kumano and Mary Caroline Nolan (Children’s Hunters), Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann Nolan (Low Adult Jumper), Mckenzie Miller (BRCHS Special Equitation 12 & Under), Candid and Elle Gibbs (Junior Hunters), Elegance and Elle Boyd (Medium Ponies), O’Ryan and Mary Caroline Nolan (3’3” Junior Hunters), Walk-Off and Gigi Manigault (Adult Amateur Hunters), Cleopatra’s Smile and Liza Boyd.

Erin McGuire and Kasarr

There were many special moments at this year’s show, and one was a tribute to the Towell family’s dear friend Jim Breedlove who passed away earlier this year. The Towells donated the Leading Open Jumper Rider Trophy in his memory and student Erin McGuire took the inaugural honors.

“Jim was my dad and mom’s great friend,” said Liza Boyd. “He was like an adopted grandfather to us and father to my dad. It was meaningful that Erin won that, and I think Erin said she rode for second the second week in the mini prix because she knew she could win Jim’s trophy. She could have tried to win the class, but she decided to be safe and earn the leading money-won award for Jim. That meant a lot to Erin. My dad, Vick Russell and Johnny Barker stood up and talked about him during the ceremony. They wore some of his old cowboy boots and spread his ashes around the ring. He wanted his ashes at Blowing Rock.”

Jack Towell presents the Jim Breedlove Memorial Trophy to Erin McGuire

Another memorable moment was when Liza topped the USHJA International Hunter Derby with Rebekah Warren’s Cassico. “I feel like at this point that might be my big highlight of 2020,” said Liza of the challenging show season brought on by COVID-19. “Right when we were walking the course we found out that Pony Finals were canceled. So, we knew this might be our Derby Finals. (The USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships in Kentucky were later canceled).

Liza Boyd and Cassico

“Hunt Tosh and Daniel Geitner made me work for the win and go for it,” added Liza. “It was our regional finals you could say. The horse felt great, and he was really ready to go and prepared for Derby Finals, so I was glad we got to have our own final at Blowing Rock. Competing in the evening, it also felt like a special win. There was so much energy and you could feel the crowd of owners and trainers there, cheering everyone on.”

Liza noted that Blowing Rock represents so much family and history behind it. “My dad grew up showing here as a kid. We all grew up spending July here. We had a great show, and it was a wonderful way to make the best out of 2020 with more great memories.”

Dear Brunello: You Gave Me the Confidence I Never Knew I Needed

LETTER TO MY HORSE · JULY 15, 2020

Originally published on NoelleFloyd.com

Brunello,

If the world was coming to an end, you’re the horse I’d want to ride. You taught me to be a strong competitor, and how to get to the top (and stay at the top). You put me on the map as a professional, and gave me the confidence I never knew I needed. You were there for me after I had my two girls, and when I came back from my pregnancies you were my rock – even when my pants were too tight, I could hop back on you and not question myself at all. Through every injury, through every illness – you’ve always shown up for me.

Brunello and Liza Boyd with their fans and friends - Photo by Tricia Booker

You’re a softie with a bad boy personality (other than the time you tried to slam Jersey Boy during the World Equestrian Games – then you were just a bad boy), and you never let me get greedy.

You knew when to peak, but I knew that I couldn’t ask you to peak all the time. You weren’t going to be the horse to win every smaller derby, but you always knew when, and how, to rise to the occasion. We didn’t like to do things traditionally, from our annual pre-Derby Finals 1.30m class (during which we always made up our own courses) to my dad’s Derby-morning rides. You taught us both that less is more, and to trust my instincts and training methods. Your confidence was infectious.

The last year we won the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, I didn’t think you could have gone any better than you did during our two wins prior. I was so nervous the last year that we won – I really wanted to win for you. We had won for me and we had won for my dad, but that last win was for you, Ike. You went in there and put on such a show, and I just stayed out of your way. A five-year-old could have been on you, and you still would have won that day.

For me, your Breyer horse presentation in Tryon will always stand out as your retirement “ceremony.” While it wasn’t official, it just felt right. I wanted you to finish a winner, and during our last class together, a $50,000 derby in Tryon, I just knew. There was nothing fancy about it, and I didn’t even say it was our last time showing, but I knew in my heart that you were ready to be done.

The frustrating part is that every time I try another horse, I’m too picky. The way that you could jump those oxers with such ease, in such perfect style, so slowly, using every part of your bascule, with your knees up and your hind end following through – I know that I’ll never find another horse like you. Although there aren’t many horses that can jump those big jumps that well, you jumped them so fluidly, and it felt so easy.

Brunello and Liza Boyd - Photo by Sportfot

I’m not sure what your career would have been if the derbies hadn’t come along. The 3’6” was easy for you, and you weren’t going to be the flashiest, fanciest junior hunter on the scene. You evolved with the derbies – you started doing them as soon as they began. The same year you were imported, we were champion in the 4’ division at all of the indoors. While I knew you were a nice horse, I realized you were different once we started galloping down to those big 4’ oxers – I remember thinking to myself, “this feeling is like no other.” You always shined in the night classes, when you felt the pressure. As my dad used to say, you were like Robin Hood – you made the shot when it counted, and you always wanted to win.

Brunello and his fans - Photo by Tricia Booker

I wish I could say that you were hard to ride and that this was all me, but you’re just so, so easy. I never worried about a swap or a late lead change and I have to say, these derbies are just a bit more challenging without you. There was no course that was too hard, no jump that was too big or spooky, no lighting that was too trappy. If anything, you didn’t like day derbies because the environment was too dull – so I just stopped doing those classes with you. As I’ve learned as I try to find another horse like you, there are derby horses, and then there are championship horses.

So thank you Ike, for teaching me how to truly rely on a horse, and for teaching me what it truly means to be a champion.

Liza Towell Boyd

Finally Farm is On Fire at Tryon Summer 5

Elle Boyd and Sunset’s Sparkle

The only thing hotter than the North Carolina heat was Elle Boyd at the Tryon Summer 5 Horse Show! Held from July 8-12 in Mill Spring, the venue of the Tryon International Equestrian Center continued to bring good fortune to the Finally Farm team.

Elle was on fire in the pony hunters. She earned championship honors on her own Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue and reserve on Sunset Farm’s Sunset’s Sparkle in the Medium Pony Hunters and was a class winner on Elegance in the same section. Elle also claimed the Small Pony Hunter reserve championship on her own Baby Blue and won the Medium/Large Pony Hunter Classic aboard Bridget Hallman’s Days Of Our Lives.

“We spy a Liza mini me!” proclaimed Finally Farm’s Instagram page afterward.

“She had such a great show,” said trainer and mom Liza Boyd proudly. “She got catch rides from Brooke Kemper and Robin Greenwood that went wonderfully. I was a bit worried because she’d never done three ponies in a division, but she managed it well. Brooke and Robin did a great job and taught her great things. We’re very appreciative of them giving Elle these opportunities on these ponies that are available for lease.”

Liza noted that the Tryon show management did well with its Covid-19 protocol. “We felt safe, and there was enough space so everyone was able to stay apart. Everyone is wearing masks and complying with the social distancing rules. I really felt they did a great job. As a bonus, we’re all going to have great skin wearing those gaiters and protecting our faces and necks at the same time!”

Paige Miller and Shamrock

Tryon’s cross-country field was available for riders, and Liza said they enjoyed trail riding and going down to the lake when they were done showing.

Paige Miller and Shamrock moved up to the 3’ Adult Amateurs, and in addition to earning ribbons in the 36-49 section, the pair topped the card in the NAL Adult Hunter Classic. “I’m so proud of her. It’s so exciting to see their partnership really maturing.”

Paige’s daughter McKenzie Miller wasn’t to be outdone. She won two classes in the Children’s Pony Hunter section to claim the reserve championship riding Hakuna Matata. It was a clean sweep of the triclolors for Finally Farm, as Olivia Loheac and Honor Roll captured the championship with two class wins, as well.

“This was Olivia’s first time moving from Short Stirrup to Children’s Pony, and she was amazing,” said Liza. “She rides with Jeanne Smith of Clear View Farm, who has given her such a great foundation. Because of our relationship with her dad Steve Loheac, who is our shipper, Olivia shows with us sometimes.”

Olivia Loheac with Honor Roll and McKenzie Miller with Hakuna Matata

Gigi Manigault also enjoyed a first-time experience at Tryon when her new horse, Walk-Off, made his debut with Finally Farm. With Liza aboard, Walk-Off earned the 3’3” Green Hunter Championship with two blue ribbons over fences. “We bought him from Kyle Dewar. He’s 6 and eligible for the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive,” said Liza. “He’s a horse for Gigi to bring up, and she’ll be able to show him in the Adults quickly. Congratulations to her on such a great start!”

Liza also piloted Finally Farm’s Family Style to the reserve championship in the same section, for a sweep of the tricolor ribbons.

The Nolan girls, Grace Ann and Mary Caroline, collected armfuls of ribbons in the hunter and jumper classes. Grace Ann moved up to the 1.10m Adult Amateur Jumpers with Bolero D’Armanville and earned excellent placings, including second in the NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic. Aboard her other horse Malbay Dreamer, Grace Ann took second in the competitive Low Adult Amateur Jumper Stake. “It was fun for her to get to show in the big stadium,” said Liza. “And she now knows ‘Armani’ well enough to not only go clear but also fast. They’ve established a good relationship together.”

Grace Ann Nolan with Bolero D’Armanville and Malbay Dreamer

With Grace Ann going off to the College of Charleston this fall, she handed the reins of the hunter Kumano to her little sister. Mary Caroline took the transition in stride, winning the reserve championship in the Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, section in their first outing. “That was fun. It looks like they will be a good match,” said Liza smiling. “I’m excited for her.”

Mary Caroline also put in great performances on Cleopatra’s Smile and O’Ryan in the 3’3” Junior Hunters for a super successful week of showing.

Mary Caroline Nolan and Kumano

Rebekah Warren was right up there in the ribbons with Cassico in the 3’3” Amateur-Owner Hunters, with two second places over fences.

Elle Gibbs moved up to the 3’6” Junior Hunters with Candid and was second in the handy.

Lourdes Low also secured an impressive second place of her own in the SCHJA Governor’s Cup and won a Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, class riding Continue.

After a break from the show ring to raise a family, Lucinda Stewart returned to Finally Farm now that her boys are in college. “She rode with us a million years ago,” said Liza laughing. “Now, she’s getting back into riding again. She met us at the horse show and did the jumpers with Game On. She even won a .90m class of 27! It’s super fun to have her back at the farm.”

Liza also congratulated her brother, Hardin, for winning the $25,000 Jumper Classic on Sunday aboard Billy Manjaro. “There were a lot clean, and he went so fast,” she said. “I was watching thinking, ‘I would never go that fast!’ I think you have to when there are that many good horses and riders. I will take some credit, though! After the class he came by and said, ‘By the way, I borrowed one of your steel gag bits for the jump-off, and I’m keeping it.’ I said, ‘That’s fine! If it was good luck, then go for it!’”

Hardin Towell and Billy Manjaro Stride to $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic Win

Hardin Towell and Billy Manjaro

Mill Spring, NC – July 13, 2020 – Jack Hardin Towell (Camden, SC) and Billy Manjaro left out a few strides in the jump-off to take the $25,000 Sunday Jumper Classic win at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) to wrap up Tryon Summer 5 competition, stopping the clock at 27.795 seconds.

Dena Sienne, the 2008 Dutch Warmblood mare (Van Gogh x Animo) owned by Waldman Horses BV and piloted by Roberto Teran Tafur (Wellington, FL), claimed second on a time of 28.393 seconds, while third went to Kristen VanderVeen (Wellington, FL) aboard Bull Run’s Prince of Peace, the Bull Run Jumpers Six LLC owned 2009 Holsteiner gelding (Cardenio x Contender), clearing the short course in 29.001 seconds.

Towell and the 2010 British Warmblood stallion (Animo x Cevin Z) owned by Whiterock Farm LTD. left not one, but two strides out to fly into first place, Towell explained: “He has such a big stride. In the first round, there was an eight-stride line and I did six strides there in the jump-off. I think I was the only person to do it in six, which was a little bit crazy, but the horse has such a big stride.”

Having inherited the ride on Billy Manjaro from business partner Darragh Kenny, Towell detailed that he’s only a month back into showing following surgery for a broken foot.

“I broke my foot and had surgery in December. So, then, it’s been about a month that I’ve been back showing [after COVID-19 shutdowns] and I’ve been close, but I haven’t really won anything.” Towell admitted. “I am quite competitive, and I have been a little bit upset. So, today, I [know] I’m taking next week off, and decided to just go as fast as I can and maybe the luck will be on my side.”

Though he chose not to compete under the lights with Billy Manjaro just yet, because they’re still getting to know each other, “he has all the ability in the world,” Towell said of his mount. “He’s just a bit green. Hopefully, by the end of this year [we’ll compete at the Grand Prix level.] He has all the scope and jump and everything, so I’m going to keep going how I’m going and see where it ends up.”

Towell is a longtime competitor at the venue and spent the last three weeks at TIEC. He noted that showing at TIEC “is like coming home” because he grew up in the Carolinas: “I love showing here. I grew up around this area, so it’s like coming home. I grew up showing here 20 years ago, so it’s always nice to come back. The footing is great.

“Like I said, I’ve been here three weeks and have been quite close to winning a couple big classes. Last night [in the $73,000 JTWG Inc. Grand Prix CSI 2*], I was clean in the first round and rode poorly in the jump-off, so it was nice to kind of finish my time here [with a win],” Towell concluded. “I look forward to coming back here in the fall!”