Maggie Hill, Equitation 15-Year-Old Champion
In addition to Liza Boyd’s thrilling win in the WCHR Pro Finals for the second consecutive year (see Liza Boyd Repeats $10,000 WCHR Pro Finals Victory published in the News October 6), the Finally Farm team had a banner show at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Maggie Hill
Maggie Hill started the momentum during Equitation Weekend when she captured the Equitation 15-Year-Old championship aboard Charmeur. Maggie also placed fifth in the THIS Medal Final in a competitive field.
“Her goal all year was to do the THIS Finals and the 3’3” equitation finals on the fall indoor circuit on her young equitation horse. It’s nice that the plan worked out,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “She also placed in the top 20 in the USHJA Jumping Seat Medal Final, which was a great class with 130 entries.”
Liza especially liked the format of the USHJA Jumping Seat Medal, which is based on the USEF Talent Search. Riders contest flat, gymnastics and jumping phases.
“The gymnastics phase had a lot of cavaletti and bounces, and I think that helps trainers go back and remember the basic foundations as they prepare their students,” said Liza. “Sometimes we focus too much on jumping courses, and the gymnastics help a rider focus on position and the training of the horse.”
Alberto Ramirez and Cassanto
In the Hunters, Maggie also showed her prowess. She earned the Small Junior, 15 and under, championship aboard O’Ryan and received top ribbons aboard Cassanto. Thanks to Cassanto’s beautiful shine and condition, our own Alberto Ramirez received the Shapley’s Award.
Liza was especially grateful to see 16-year-old O’Ryan continue his winning ways, showing brilliance and freshness in the ring on the way to championship honors.
“I’m really proud of our program,” she said. “To keep these aged horses going and enjoying their jobs is very meaningful. You don’t see that as often any more. O’Ryan just seems to get better with age, so to me that says we’re doing it right. We have a great team, with veterinarian Diane Scheireck, barn manager Katie Wood who does the flatwork and trail rides. O’Ryan has nothing more to prove, but yet he keeps giving back to all of us and loves the shows. It’s so nice to start out the indoor season and gain confidence.”
Maggie Hill, center, WCHR Southeast Regional Junior Champion
Maggie was also third overall in the WCHR National Junior standings and won the WCHR Southeast Regional title. WCHR.
Libbie Gordon and Shamrock earned great ribbons in the 3’6” Large Junior Hunters during their first Capital Challenge together. They earned a second in the handy and sixth in the WCHR Challenge.
LIbbie Gordon and Shamrock
“It’s fun to see a horse you brought as a young horse come along and be such a solid Junior Hunter,” said Liza. “Libbie rode great. I also want to congratulate her on her new Small Junior Hunter Vistano. We’re excited for that new partnership.”
Sister Abbie Gordon also got some ribbons on Show Me Love out of 41 Medium Pony Hunters and had great rounds aboard her new Large Pony, Nominee.
Gigi Manigualt and Bastille took home ribbons from the 3’3” Juniors Hunters in a competitive field during her first Capital Challenge.
Liz Devor and her own Sawyer earned fantastic ribbons at Capital Challenge in the Adult Amateurs, including fifth in the WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge.
“It was fun watching him go around the ring after the many years she’s spent bringing him along,” said Liza of Liz. “She brought him here for me to show in the past and was dedicated to the process of training him. It’s gratifying to watch him do what we always hoped he’d do, but that doesn’t always happen. It takes a lot of dedication, hard work and patience to bring one along. But now it’s so fun to see him be a true amateur horse.”
Liz Devor and Sawyer
Elly Ficca and Cleopatra’s Smile captured some impressive ribbons in the Small Junior, 16-17, section. “She’s well prepared,” said Liza. “She has all three indoors heading her way, so she’s off to a good start and it was great exposure to riding in an indoor.”
Elle Boyd with Jack Towell
Elle Boyd made her debut at indoors in the Small Pony Hunters aboard Hershey’s Kiss.
“She didn’t get any ribbons but the learning and mileage was so valuable,” said Liza. “In one class, she petered out to the first jump and the pony stopped. Elle kicked her on and finished really well. When she came out of the ring, she said, ‘She taught me a lesson. I was going too slow.’ I thought that was so cute! Most kids would be crying or mad at the pony, but she has such a good attitude. For me, that’s better than a ribbon! She also remembered her courses and was brave. It was a great first experience for her. at indoors.”
