El Paso and Clara Saad
More ribbons were added to the Finally Farm banner during Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival with more riders and horses joining in the fun, January 16-20 in Wellington, Florida.
The Gordon sisters, of Statesville, North Carolina, traveled south to escape the cold and snow and were justly rewarded. Vistano ands Libbie Gordon received excellent ribbons in the 3’6” Small Junior, 15 and under, section. “She had a great first week on him,” said trainer Liza Boyd. “He’s still relatively green and wasn’t imported until last summer, so we’re still working on teaching him to be a hunter. He’s a great little horse and has come a long way this winter.”
“Physically, he’s getting stronger, too,” she added. “He became a hunter in June or July and has been a fun project. We see him as being a derby horse for her, and I’ll do him in the beginning. He’s game and scopey and has a great character. He really gallops and backs himself up to the jumps. They’ve had a lot of snow at home, so they haven’t gotten to do a ton of practicing. Libbie hadn’t jumped a course in a while before coming here, so she’ll have a fun circuit and keep progressing.”
Abby Gordon piloted her new mount Delightful to championship honors in a section of the Low Children’s Hunters. The pair impressed, with two blue ribbons over fences and second in the under saddle out of 41 entries. “She’s only done the ponies, and he’s overqualified for the Children’s, but we like for them to be this way,” said Liza, smiling. “Now, she’s going to move up and do the regular Children’s at the next show.”
Maggie Hill and Eclipse
Hamim Ourai and Annika Singh once again took blue ribbon honors in the Equitation 15-17 section. “She did really well, and now, in the second week, we’re getting to know her and her horses,” said Liza. “She’s a beautiful rider, and she’s fun to work with.”
Clara Saad and El Paso continued to gain great mileage and top ribbons in Low Children’s Hunters. “Clara and El Paso tied for Reserve Champion in a huge division this weekend at WEF- only his second show in the States. I think he likes it here,” said Clara’s mom on her Facebook page.
“I was really happy for her,” said Liza. “Clara only got to come these first two weeks, and they’re already headed home. She did a really good job, and the horse has come a long way in a short amount of time.”
Paige Miller and Shamrock made their debut together in the Low Adult Hunters during Week 2. “It was a fun first show for them, and they’re a great match for the future,” said Liza.
Maggie Hill had an exceptional show during WEF 2. In addition to claiming the 3’6” Small Junior Hunter, 16-17, tricolor with O’Ryan, Maggie guided Cassanto to excellent ribbons in the Large section and piloted Eclipse to top ribbons in the big equitation classes.
“Maggie and Eclipse really hit it off,” said Liza of their new addition, leased from Northrun. “She was second in the ASPCA Maclay and was fantastic. Everything was seamless. I want to say a huge thank you to Northrun for Eclipse, and Maggie’s going to be a competitive one in this division. He’s a wonderful horse.”
Monday “Fun Spa Day” with Elle, Liza and Adeline Boyd.
