The Cover Story! The July issue of Sidelines magazine features an article on our own Liza Towell Boyd: A Pony Life Tradition With Daughters Elle & Adeline.
Written by Kimberly Gatto with portraits by photographer Melissa Fuller, the article delves into Liza’s background and career as a junior and then talks about her role as a “Pony Mom” as she guides Elle and Adeline in their riding careers.
To read the article on the Sidelines website, please click here.
Hardin Towell and Boheme Du Moulin
Hardin Towell and Boheme Du Moulin sped to victory in an exciting 12-horse jump-off to capture the $20,000 C. Jarvis Insurance 1.40m National Grand Prix at the Split Rock Tour in Lexington, Kentucky.
The pair stopped the clock with a clear round in 36.13 seconds for the win on June 17th. Their bold jumping down the final line of a double combination seven strides to an oxer helped them edge Emma Sargent aboard Giolita with a time of 36.69. No one else came close to the top two without collecting faults, so Hardin enjoyed a well-earned victory in a competitive field of 47 starters.
The 2023 Split Rock Tour includes six cities and 12 shows throughout the country, from California to Florida.
Hardin Towell and Boheme Du Moulin
Elle Boyd and Loafer’s Lodge Melody
Devon Junior Weekend didn’t disappoint! With great riding and glorious weather, the Finally Farm juniors made their presence known at the historic and prestigious show, held May 25-27 in Devon, Pennsylvania.
Elle Boyd and Loafer’s Lodge Melody earned two fantastic scores of 88 over fences to take two red ribbons home from the Medium Pony Hunter section, one in the stake class. They also jumped to fourth in the Medium Pony Hunt Teams with their “Under The Sea” teammates.
Elizabeth and Lulu Wells with Heaven’s Gift
Lulu Wells and Heaven’s Gift contested the Large Pony Hunters, where they had great rounds, including a third in the stake class with a beautiful performance. They also trotted to sixth place under saddle and went on to capture fifth in the Large Pony Hunt Teams with “Avatar: The Way of Ponies.”
Adeline Boyd made her Devon debut aboard Baby Blue in the Small Ponies and posted super performances for her first time in the Wheeler Ring.
In the Dixon Oval, Mary Caroline Nolan rode her Bettina, Exclusive and Golden Years to excellent rounds in the hunters and equitation. She and Golden Years jumped to an impressive fourth place in the handy round of the Large Junior Hunter, 16-17, section.
Mary Caroline Nolan and Golden Years
Brunello and Liza Boyd with his National Show Hunter Hall of Fame plaque.
Finally Farm is thrilled to announce that Brunello has been inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in the class of 2023!
Co-owned by Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd, Brunello won the prestigious USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships three times, from 2013-2015 and still holds the record as the only horse to have won the coveted championship three consecutive years.
Brunello’s long list of accomplishments in the hunter ring includes High Performance Hunter championships and USHJA International Hunter Derby wins from the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida to the National Horse Show over the course of his decade-long show career.
Brunello, a Hanoverian gelding, was originally a jumper in Europe, but after being imported to the United States in 2007, he found his niche in the hunters. The timing was perfect, as the hunter derbies were ramping up, and Brunello became the ideal prototype of the derby horse for his incredible scope and jumping style. With Boyd aboard, Brunello placed third in the 2010 USHJA International Hunter Derby championships and second in 2012 before claiming their three titles.
With multiple USEF National Horse of the Year wins and many other derby victories, Brunello became the best-known hunter in the country, even becoming a Breyer horse model in 2016.
Today, Brunello, 25, is retired at Finally Farm in Camden, South Carolina, where he enjoys his days grazing in his field and being pampered in the barn. When Liza returned home from the induction ceremony at the Merion Cricket Club in Pennsylvania, she pulled “Ike” out of the field and put his bridle on for the photo op with his awards.
“Brunello hadn’t had a bridle on in years, and he pricked his ears and posed just as if he were in the show ring again,” said trainer Jack Towell with a smile. “He knew it was an important day!”
Tori Colvin and El Primero with trainer Jack Towell
Bryan Baldwin’s El Primero continued to impress the judges during this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival circuit, and scored a 96 in the Handy to claim the blue ribbon in the $25,000. USHJA 2* International Hunter Derby on March 11.
Superstar junior rider turned consummate professional Victoria Colvin and El Primero leapfrogged up the standings with a brilliant Handy Round to seal the deal on their victory.
El Primero, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Numero Uno, owned by Meralex Farm Inc., scored 89.25 in the Classic Round for a total of 185.25 and the top spot.
Andy Christiansen, Jr. built a stunning two-round track on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village for 44 hopeful pairs. Second place went to Greg Crolick and Chappy, who combined a 91 and 93 for a 184 final score, and third went to Jennifer Hannan and Mindful on a 183 after tallying a pair of 91.5s.
“The course was very flowing and beautiful,” said Colvin, 26. “Primo started out great. He jumped the first high option wonderfully, as well the first half of the course. He felt fantastic in the handy portion and was very tidy.”
El Primero and Tori Colvin
Great partnerships aren’t built overnight and when asked about Primo, Calvin was beaming, “I have been riding Primo for almost five years now, so we obviously know each other quite well. He’s the absolute best horse, never spooks and you know he’ll just go right into the arena, march around and try very hard to win. He always tries so hard and gives it his all.” She continued to say, “he is a great derby and one of the most fun horses to ride.
“I’m very thankful for Primo’s owner Bryan Baldwin and for everyone surrounding him,” added Colvin, including trainers Jack Towell and Liza Boyd of Finally Farm and Meralex Farm’s barn manager Nanci Snyder and rider/trainer Dinette Neuteboom and their staffs. “We couldn’t do it without a great team behind this horse.”
Hardin Towell and Boheme Du Moulin
After a bountiful few weeks with the hunters culminating during WCHR Week 6, it was time to put more focus on the jumpers for WEF 7 and 8 in Wellington, Florida.
Lourdes Low and her new mount Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z continued to build their partnership. They placed third in the NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper 15-17 Classic out of 27 during Week 7 and earned other nice ribbons as they gained more confidence in the 1.10-1.15m classes.
Lourdes Low and Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z
Meredith Huddle and her jumpers, MTM Axel and Verdico Imperio Egipcio, earned ribbons in their classes, as well. Meredith picked up a sixth in the Low Adult Amateur Jumper Classic out of 23 with an excellent ride.
During WEF 8, Hardin Towell made his presence known. Aboard Boheme Du Moulin, he rode a blazing jump-off to finish second in the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors National Grand Prix! The pair also placed fifth in the $25,000 ProElite Jumper Classic for a banner week of jumping.
Hardin and Jack Towell
Grace Ann Nolan and D Kaouette De Raygade earned ribbons together in the Low Adult Amateur Jumpers, with a highlight being their fourth place out of 27 in a jump-off class. “This is Grace Ann’s first time showing the mare, and they’re a really good match,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “We’re super excited for their future together.”
George Kelly and Loafer’s Lodge Melody joined forces to win ribbons in the Equitation, 11 and under, section and in the Children’s Small/Medium Pony Hunters. Their excellent performances resulted in two thirds out of 29 over fences. “George is leasing Melody now, and we’re thrilled,” said Liza. “Elle brought her along and showed her last year in her green year, and now it’s time for Melody to each a new kid. George immediately clicked with her, and we love that she stayed in the barn. When we get home in the spring, they’ll move up to the Medium Ponies.”
Frances Kelly and Girl On Fire added more ribbons to the Kelly family’s collection with super placings in the Small Pony Hunters and the medal classes. “Frances finished up her time at WEF with a great score in her handy class,” said Liza. “I think for an 8-year-old in her first year showing at WEF, Frances did a great job and learned so much. She got nice ribbons in the WIHS and USEF Pony Medals and got classic ribbons. You could see how she got better every week. She’s going to go back home with so much confidence and is so much more advanced than when she came.”
Elle Boyd and Amira Kettaneh added more valuable mileage to Sydney’s resume, including a victory in the Medium Green Ponies as well as other top ribbons in the regular Mediums and the championship during Week 9. “The last two weeks Amira has been helping us, and he was champion in the Greens this week,” said Liza. “Fortunately for us, Amira is petite and rides great. She rides with Heritage and is so sophisticated in her riding. I want to thank her and Heritage for their help!”
Modern Music and Mckenzie Miller won a class and placed third out of 33 in the Low Children’s Hunters, for a well-earned reward for Mckenzie’s hard work in the saddle.
Why and Charlotte Warren
Why and Charlotte Warren won a Low Adult Amateur Hunter over fences class and earned ribbons in every class in the competitive 35-horse division to claim a reserve championship. The pair continue to get better and better each week.
Camryn Cass and Catchphrase continued to collect great placings in the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 16-17, section during these three weeks. A highlight was their great score in the handy during Week 9, where they placed fourth in a competitive division of 19.
Golden Years and Mary Caroline Nolan finished up their WEF circuit with great ribbons in the 3’6” Large Junior Hunters and rode Kumano to excellent ribbons in the equitation and medal classes.
“She’s been working really hard on her position this winter. Jack has been great in giving her pointers from the judge’s perspective and fine-tuning small things to help her create a seamless connection and flow,” said Liza. “She’s really listened to him, and worked hard on her flatwork, too. It’s all carried over to the hunters, and Golden Years went better than ever. I’m really proud of how hard she’s worked. She looks sharp and is really doing all of the technical equitation courses so well, and her position and control has improved.”
Creekside and Gigi Manigault
Gigi Manigualt finished up reserve champion in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner, 18-35, section with Creekside during Week 9. “It’s so competitive down here with great horses and riders, so it was super exciting for her to end up so well,” added Liza. “She attends the University of South Carolina and balances school and showing. She’s done a great job at both!”
Lulu Wells and her two mounts, Heaven’s Gift and Fiat, added more accolades to their records. Aboard Fiat, Lulu earned great ribbons in the equitation and the Children’s Hunters. “He’s a great all-around horse,” said Liza. “He does it all and does it well, and I think that’s helped her riding so much. She’s gotten called back in the THIS Medal and nice ribbons. He’s super consistent and the perfect first horse to get in all of the rings. This week they won the Classic with scores of 84 and 86. We were thrilled!”
Elle Boyd and Kensi with their cheering squad!
The Finally Farm team enjoyed a successful and memorable WCHR Week during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit in Wellington. So many highlights, including Elle Boyd’s first tricolor competing in the International Ring and Liza Boyd piloting Drumroll to a great performance in the $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular! We hope you enjoy this photo montage of our great week!
With some horses and riders taking breaks and others ramping up their winter showing, Finally Farm continued to find success in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings during WEF 3 and 4, which concluded on February 5 in Wellington, Florida.
The Nolan sisters continued to shine in all three rings. Mary Caroline enjoyed top ribbons in the Small Junior 3’6”, 16-17, with her stylish jumper Bettina, who rarely takes a bad photo (see the incredible photos in the gallery of the gray horse!). She also clinched the reserve championship in the Equitation 15-17 section out of more than 45 riders aboard Exclusive.
Miami Bass and Grace Ann Nolan
Grace Ann continued to forge a partnership with her new jumper Miami Bass, moving up to the Modified Adult Amateur Jumpers where she ribboned, including a top 10 finish in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic.
Likewise, sisters Elle and Adeline Boyd shared the spotlight with their ponies. Elle topped the WIHS Pony Equitation class during WEF 3 and rode Loafer’s Lodge Melody and Sydney to excellent placings in the Medium Ponies during WEF 3 and 4. Adeline and Baby Blue added a tricolor to their collection during WEF 4, after a class win and numerous second places.
Elle also piloted her new mount, Home Town, to ribbons in the Younger Children’s Hunters during their debut together. Elle and Kensi continued winning in the Junior Hunter, 3’3” 15 and under, section, as well.
Gigi Manigault was great in the Amatuer-Owner Hunters, riding Creekside to ribbons in the 3’3” and Walk-Off in the 3’6” younger section. Gigi and Wizzard Of Odds added more equitation accolades, with great rounds.
Walk-Off and Gigi Manigault
MTM Axel and Meredith Huddle jumped double clear in multiple classes and placed second in a very competitive Adult Amateur Jumper, 36 and over, class.
During WEF 4, Fiat and LuLu Wells earned top ribbons in the Younger Children’s Hunters, and LuLu piloted Heaven’s Gift to high-scoring rounds in the Large Ponies.
Catchphrase and Camryn Cass continued their winning ways in the Junior Hunter 3’3”, 16-17 section, with other top ribbons for a stellar WEF 4.
Rebekah Warren was a busy rider during WEF 3 and 4, riding her Hunters Cassico and MTM Hand Him Over in the Amateur-Owners and Ultirate Z in the Adult Amateur Jumper, 50 and over, section.
Why and Charlotte Warren made their WEF debut a colorful one, winning a variety of ribbons in the Low Adult Hunters.
Trainer Liza Boyd wasn’t without her own accolades. She piloted Sterling Malnik’s Primrose to the Green Hunter 3’6” championship for trainer Bill Schaub. Primrose also placed second in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive stake for a nice paycheck.
Sterling Malnik’s Primrose and Liza Boyd
Giorgio and Lourdes Low
Lourdes Low and Giorgio continued to solidify their partnership and jumped double clear for fifth place in the 15-17 Children’s Jumper Classic.
Kensi and Elle Boyd earned the 3’3” Junior Hunter, 15 and Under, championship at WEF 2.
Finally Farm made a smooth transition from WEF 1 to 2, January 17-22, with continued progress, ribbons with new and established partnerships.
Bettina shined brightly for trainer Liza Boyd and owner/rider Mary Caroline Nolan. Liza and Bettina earned the Performance Hunter 3’6” championship with three of the four blue ribbons over fences. Then, Mary Caroline took the reins and earned ribbons in the Small Junior 3’6” section.
MC also piloted Golden Years in the 3’6” Junior Hunters, winning the Large section reserve championship.
“Last year was their first year at 3’6”, so there was a learning curve,” said Liza. “This year, they have so many miles after going to Devon and the fall indoors. They also won a class at Washington. I have to give credit to assistant trainer Olivia Murray, who knows how to keep him happy and flats him beautifully. I’m excited for her; it’s a great start for the circuit. She has two solid junior hunters and rides Exclusive in the equitation, hunters and derbies. He’s a great all-around horse we lease from North Run. Because of him, she rides the others so well, and he gives her confidence and is such a great teacher.”
Kensi and Elle Boyd moved into the Junior Hunters and have continued their winning ways after doing well in the Children’s Hunters last year. During WEF 2, they earned the Junior Hunter 3’3”, 15 and under, championship after winning the stake and taking other top ribbons.
“That’s been fun for Elle,” said Liza. “She did so well last year in the 3’ and having that big win at the Capital Challenge in the WCHR Children’s Hunter Challenge. The mare is super game and a great horse to move up to 3’3”. And, she can do her in some equitation classes. We’re looking forward to a great year in the 3’3”.”
Younger sister Adeline Boyd made her debut in the jumper ring with Star Struck, a new Medium pony for Adeline that’s owned by Patchwork Farm. The pair contested the new Itty Bitty Jumpers (.60-.65m) that’s a great start for riders looking to try out the jumpers.
“The first day she did the outside turns and then on Friday she did the inside turns and was second,” said Liza smiling. “This division is really teaching her to sit up and keep her reins short. I see a huge improvement. She’s riding Baby Blue a lot better after doing the jumpers.”
Liza said that doing the jumpers is also teaching Adeline to memorize the courses and is a way for her to learn the different jumper formats, the 45-second countdown clock and how to make sure she goes through the start and finish timers. “This educates the kids in so many ways, and it’s super fun to see her and her friends have so much fun. A lot of the professionals give a big sigh of relief after training over on Pony Island. Over there, every round is scored, so it’s nice for the kids to go and have fun without getting a score. Hardin got really into this, too, and has had fun training Adeline.”
George Kelly and Glassview’s Party Boy joined Adeline in the Itty Bitty Jumpers and earned ribbons as well.
Lulu Wells and Fiat earned their second consecutive Children’s Hunter, 14 and under, reserve championship during WEF 2.
Fiat and Lulu Wells continued to make their mark in the Younger Children’s Hunters, winning a class and earning the reserve championship.
Walk-Off and Gigi Manigualt won the Amateur-Owner 3’6”, 18-35, stake class and earned other great ribbons, and Gigi piloted Wizzard Of Odds to excellent ribbons in the Ariat Adult Medal and the NHS Adult Medal.
“By day 2 she was on it and got an 88,” said Liza of Gigi’s return to WEF. “And she and Creekside, now with a year into their partnership, are gelling together and got nice ribbons. She’s learning to take it to the next level and be handy, and it’s so nice to see they’ve grown and trust each other. Wizzard Of Odds is a wonderful horse, which is great for her to practice on and do the turns. That certainly helps her be more prepared for the hunters.”
Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z and Lourdes Low moved up to the 1.10m/1.15m Children’s Jumpers and jumped double-clear for sixth in Saturday’s jump-off class at WEF 2.
Lourdes Low and Giorgio JW VD Moerhoeve Z started their new partnership with ribbons in the Children’s Jumpers, 15-17, section.
“We welcomed her new horse here,” said Liza. “Lourdes had a successful year with Sienna last year, and now she’s only focusing on the jumpers. She’s going to ride in college on a team, so we felt preparing her in the jumpers was good to do. The first week she did the 1.0m but quickly moved up to 1.10m. I can see them getting stronger together, and they’re going to be a fun pair to watch.”
Rebekah Warren and Ultirate Z had great rounds in the Older Adult Amateur section. In addition, she’s taking over the rider on her MTM Hand Him Over, the horse that Liza rode to much success in the USHJA International Hunter Derbies.
Meredith Huddle and MTM Axel placed seventh in the $10,000 1.15m Adult Jumper Classic during WEF 2.
Fellow Adult Amateur Meredith Huddle has MTM Axel in the Adult Jumpers, and they’re getting to know one another and picking up ribbons along the way.
“It’s really exciting for Meredith,” said Liza. “Now, she’s going clear and fast on both of her horses. It’s a hard division. It’s technical down here. Axel is a great teacher for her, and her other horse, Money Penny, is coming back and she’s building her back up. We’re looking forward to an exciting season down here.”
Camryn Cass is making her presence known in the 3’3” Junior Hunters with Catchphrase. During WEF 2 they picked up an impressive second place in the stake in the 16-17 section. They also earned top ribbons during WEF 1.
George and Frances Kelly joined Finally Farm at WEF for the first time, and it’s a logical step for the family. Frances is showing Girl On Fire, and George has Glassview’s Party Boy.
“George and Frances’ mother, Callie Glass, rode with us as a junior, and when I aged out she showed Monday Morning down here one week and that helped get him sold,” said Liza. “We were great friends and kept up over the years. She stopped riding and had kids, and it’s fun to have her back with her kids. Adeline and Frances are best friends. They’re both 8 years old, and it’s really helpful for me because at the end of the day Callie takes them to dinner and they do fun activities.
“Frances has impressed me. She’s fun to teach and tries hard,” said Liza. “I told her the competition is hard and she’d be lucky to get a ribbon down here the first year. But she stepped up and got ribbons, even in the classic! George is 10 and showing a pony in Children’s ponies. WEF 2 we skipped that and did the Itty Bitty Jumpers. I see him having a jumper in the future. He had a lesson with Hardin and is taking polo lessons, too. I could tell watching him do the jumpers that he’s sharp and thinks quickly. By the second day he was doing the inside turns great. It’s a great place for him to learn balance and track, and having Hardin helping him and Adeline is great. It’s only going to make him a better handy hunter rider when he gets a division pony.”
Golden Years and Mary Caroline Nolan
Finally Farm traveled to Wellington, Florida, in January to spend the winter riding. training and showing. Our beautiful stables located just off the show grounds allows us to prepare with ample turnout, a lovely ring, a huge grass polo field and a round pen for preparation.
Even though we had new partnerships and some who had taken a break from showing, our results from WEF 1 were awesome and provided a great hint at what’s to come.
Elle Boyd made a clean sweep of the Small Green Pony section on two catch rides, earning the championship with Cornerstone Equestrian LLC’s First Dibbs and the reserve with Amanda Lyerly’s Charlie Brown.
“First Dibbs is with trainer Kelly Mullen, whom I rode for when she was hurt this past summer,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She said she had a Green Pony that would be great for Elle to ride this winter. Elle has had lessons with Kelly, which has been great. It’s hard to train your own children, so it’s nice for own kids to hear the same thing maybe worded differently. Elle will keep showing First Dibbs during the circuit.”
Sydney and Elle Boyd
Elle also piloted Sydney in the Medium Green and Regular Green sections, winning two classes and earning great ribbon for a reserve championship.
“Sydney is a recent import, and we found him through a connection of my brother Hardin,” said Liza. “He has good contacts over there, and when we were in Europe looking at horses we heard about this pony. We got him this winter, and his first show was in Aiken in December in the Greens. He won two Green Pony classes the first day, and I’m so proud of him. He’s a nice ride for Elle, really soft and how she likes to ride. Right now we’re working on teaching him the handy classes. He showed as jumper in Europe, but it’s different here. He’s really smart, a quick learner and we’re excited about his future.”
LuLu Wells also collected impressive ribbons in the Pony Hunters with her Heaven’s Gift, and she made an impressive start to her career on horses aboard Fiat. The pair earned top ribbons in every class in the Younger Children’s Hunters and captured the reserve championship.
Carousel and Ashley Neudorff looking picturesque in the Adult Hunters in the Grand Hunter Ring.
“This is another new partnership. Lily Epstein had him last year and had success,” said Liza. “He’s a great first horse for LuLu, who still has the large pony whom she had so much success with last year. Fiat is a great teacher. She spent a lot of time taking lessons on him in December, and she and Elle practiced the equitation tests together. Fiat knows it all, and he can easily cross over to the hunters, equitation and even the jumpers. It’s been fun to see LuLu’s progress. She came to us on a Medium Pony, and in the blink of an eye she’s on a horse.”
Modern Music and McKenzie Miller were impressive in the Low Children’s Hunters. In a section with more than 50+ entries, she won a class and placed second for a reserve championship.
“It’s exciting for her. She’s worked hard and done a lot of lessons this winter,” said Liza. “She’s had the horse a year and knows him well. I have to give [assistant trainer] Theresa Tolar credit. She knows that horse and his prep, and he’s set up really well for McKenzie. She and her mother are so dedicated. I appreciate their commitment to get here and show, and it’s nice for her to reap the benefits in the ring.”
Ashley Neudorff enjoyed her first week at WEF with ribbons in the Adult Amateur, 36-49 section, and Liza rode to her Carousel to top ribbons in huge USHJA 3’ Hunter section.
“I’m super proud of her and the horse,” said Liza. “They walked straight into the Grand Hunter ring. She didn’t get to show much last summer, so to do that was a big step. He’s really matured. I showed him in the Green Hunter Incentive Championships and was sixth overall, and he had a top finish two years ago, too, with Patricia Griffith. It’s nice to see a horse come up the pipeline with pros, and now she’s reaping the benefits. He’s quite a made horse now who had a great foundation with Patricia and myself bringing him along.”
Over in the Jumper rings, MTM Axel and Meredith Huddle picked up a second in the competitive older Adult Amateur Jumpers and earned other great ribbons. And Malbay Dreamer and Grace Ann Nolan continued their winning ways in the Low Adult Jumper, 18-35, section with 40+ entries.
Malbay Dreamer pick up where he left off with a win in the Low Adult Jumpers with Grace Ann Nolan! Fun fact: “Scooby” and GA won the Low Adult Jumper circuit championship at WEF 2020 and reserve circuit championship 2021!
“She’s been doing him in the 1.0m jumpers, and she’ll move back up to the 1.10m,” said Liza. “With her other mare, Miami Bass, Grace Ann is moving up to the 1.15m. This is a young mare we got from Ilan Ferder this summer. She and Grace Ann are coming up the ranks together, and she’s a lovely mare. They have a big future ahead of them.”
This year, we have a great team, and I’m so happy because we’re never holding up the show,” said Liza with a smile. “We are well staffed with great people. Theresa Tolar shows and gives lessons, and she’s great with the kids. We have a farm off property this year, just out the back gate. It has a great ring and paddocks and a huge grass polo field that we can use during the day. It’s so good for the horses’ minds, and physically getting them on the soft turf is so great for their mentality.
“We have a great group of pony kids, and the Kelly family is a new addition this year,” added Liza. “Theresa comes back to the farm and has a round pen and gvies them lessons with no reins and stirrups to build their strength and balance. It’s so nice to have access to that, and we’re so fortunate to have so many types of trainers here.
Frances Kelly with Girl On Fire and Adeline Boyd with Baby Blue showed off their ribbons from the Small Pony Hunters at WEF 1.
“Olivia Murray is a graduate from SCAD and did the IHSA program. I’m so impressed with the knowledge base she learned at SCAD,” added Liza. “She’s so updated on equine injuries and medication rules and ground work, such as longeing and using side reins correctly. I’m so impressed with that riding program that gave her such a great foundation. Her flatwork is really good, and I think that has a lot to do with the IHSA program. Olivia gives really good flat lessons and is excellent at prepping the horses for the show. She’s a light and supple rider, and so I feel lucky to have her.”
In addition, Randi Button, who has been with Finally Farm on and off, is back. “She’s Jack’s right-hand person. She doesn’t miss a beat and helps the vet and pops back and forth from the barn to the show and monitors and watches over everything,” said Liza. “We have so many eyes on the horses and such a great staff. We couldn’t do it without them. Our success in the show ring doesn’t happen without the team. Carlos Ramirez is back with us again and holds onto that knowledge that Alberto taught him, along with that commitment to the animals.”
2024
Liza Boyd rides Crooner Brimbelles Z to the Reserve Championship in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships!
2023
Brunello inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame!
Mary Caroline Nolan and Bettina place fourth overall at the Adequate/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships - East
2022
Jack Towell received the WCHR Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award during the Capital Challenge Horse Show!
Elle Boyd rides Kensi to victory in the WCHR Children’s Hunter Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show!
Liza Boyd pilots Guess Who to the Grand Green and Grand Hunter championships at the Capital Challenge Horse Show!
Liza Boyd rides Rebekah Warren’s MTM Hand Him Over to sixth in the $252,505 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship!
Mary Caroline Nolan’s Bettina receives the Best Mare Award in the 3’6”/3’9” USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship with Liza Boyd in the irons!
Elle Boyd earns the Best Child Rider on a Pony Award at the Aiken Charity Horse Shows!
2021
Liza Boyd rides Rebekah Warren’s Cassico to third place in the $311,740 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship!
Elle Boyd rides Betsee Parker’s Medium Pony Baroness Of Lochiel to victory in the USEF Pony Finals! Elle also guides Jill Shulman’s Secret Crush to the Small Pony Reserve Championship!
Liza Boyd and Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off jump to victory in the $25,000 Aiken Spring Charity Hunter Classic!
Elle Boyd rides Sugarbrook Pink-N-Blue to blue in the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby at the Aiken Charity Horse Show.
Liza Boyd captures the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt and Go at WEF 12 with Sherry Crawford’s Carento!
Liza Boyd rides Gigi Manigault’s Walk-Off to second in the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular!
Ned Towell establishes Wateree Hounds in Camden, South Carolina, with co-founders Lea Edwards and Vince Paschal.
