Maggie Hill and Cassanto
The Finally Farm team continued on collecting accolades on the East Coast fall indoor circuit, with shows in October at the Pennsylvania National in Harrisburg and at the Washington International in downtown Washington, D.C.
Maggie Hill rose to the occasion at Harrisburg, taking the reserve championship aboard Cassanto in the Large Junior, 15 and under, section.
“Maggie had to win the stake on the final day to be reserve champion, and she went last in the class,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “So, it’s always fun when the pressure is on. She’s gotten so good at being in that position, and she makes the shot when it counts. I was really proud of her there.”
Maggie Hill and Cassanto
Maggie also rode her veteran O’Ryan to good ribbons in the Small Juniors. “It was nice she could go in on him first before Cassanto and get a feel for the ring and the courses,” said Liza. “She’s come a long one way after just one year with these two horses. I’m so proud of her. She was very consistent on him in every single class.
“This was her first year ever doing the 3’6” Juniors,” Liza added. “She won a class last year here in the 3’3’ on Coco Chanel and then got nervous. What a difference this year has made in her riding and her confidence in the show ring.”
Abigail Gordon and Nominee
Elly Ficca and her lovely gray Cleopatra’s Smile collected ribbons and jogs at Harrisburg in their first appearance together at indoors in the 3’6” Juniors.
“She rode really well, and she’s well prepared well for Washington and the National,” saiid Liza of Elly, who earned nice ribbons at Washington including a fourth over fences.
The Gordon sisters both took new mounts to indoors this year and are gaining great experience.
After earning an eighth at Harrisburg along with some jogs, Abigail and Nominee turned in some excellent performances at Washington, with the highlight being second in the Large Pony Hunter Stake class.
Libbie Gordon and Shamrock
Likewise, Libbie jumped to impressive performances at Washington, including a second and fourth over fences aboard Shamrock in the Large Junior Hunters for a memorable show.
