On the final day of the first week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Service the highlight event was the $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA International Hunter Derby. The final battle was between the Heritage Farm riders, with trainer Patricia Griffith taking home the win aboard Sienna with a total score of 380. Lillie Keenan garnered the second and third place honors with Monterrey and Kid Rock, respectively, while Matthew Metell placed fourth aboard Pioneer, and Allison Toffolon claimed fifth riding Class Action, all under the Heritage Farm banner.

Patricia Griffith and Sienna, owned by Lexi Maounis of Jupiter, FL, were the standout stars in Sunday’s event, leading the $10,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA International Hunter Derby from start to finish. During the first round they earned scores of 89 and 90 after taking all the high options, giving them a total of 179. When they returned for the handy round, the talented duo was ready to lay down a winning trip. Griffith and Sienna took all the inside turns and made the more difficult track look effortless. The judges rewarded their efforts with scores of 86 and 88, adding four high options and handiness points of 10 and 9 for a 201, and a grand total of 380.

“It’s always so much fun when I get to ride Sienna, she’s so great,” smiled Griffith after her win. “She’s like my big events partner. I’m never nervous because there’s nothing she can’t do, no course, no jump. It’s amazing to have a hunter that can make the tight inside equitation turns. She’s so rideable and so soft in her mouth, you literally just look and she turns. You pick up a canter and you basically just sit still and steer, the less you do, the better!”

Griffith’s pupil, Lillie Keenan, was right behind her, and after winning the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in 2011, she knew exactly what she needed to do to be at the top. Keenan, of New York, NY, and Monterrey were on Griffith’s heels in the first round, scoring an 84 and 84.5 with all the high options for a 176.5. During the handy round they executed flawless turns, a solid trot fence, and beautiful hand gallop. They received scores of 85 and 89, with high options, as well as 9 and 8 handy points for a 199, just two points away from Griffith’s handy round. Their two round total of 375.5 earned them the second place award.

Keenan also made a huge step up in the standings with her second mount, Kid Rock, also owned by Maounis. They were ranked seventh after the first round, having earned scores of 83 and 76 with four high options for a 167. The handy round proved to be their specialty as they flowed through the turns and showcased a striking hand gallop. Scores of 87 and 86 were announced, as well as additional points of 7 and 9 for handiness, bringing their second round total to 197, and grand total to 364 for the third place honors.

For more information about the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, please visit http://BrandywineValleySummerSeries.com.

Hunter Highlights: Wednesday – Sunday

Blue skies greeted competitors for the first day of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series horse shows presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS). The professional hunter divisions were the highlight in the Dixon Oval, where Patricia Griffith, Phoebe DeMott, Paul Mathews, and Sandy Ferrell all rode to top finishes with their talented mounts.

The First Year Green Working Hunters kicked off the competition in the Dixon Oval. Patricia Griffith and Sutherland, owned by Lyn Pedersen of Greenwich, CT, were the leaders, winning the first round with a score of 84, and also earning the top call in the under saddle class. Louise Serio and Casino, owned by Bridget Hallman of Oyster Bay, NY, were right behind Griffith, winning the second over fences class.

The Conformation Hunters were up next and it was Phoebe DeMott and Noble Blue, owned by Kristen Bowman of Lancaster, PA, that claimed two blue ribbons. They won the second over fences class and then went on to win the under saddle. The winner of the first over fences class was Trending, ridden by Lyman T. Whitehead and owned by Nina Winoker of Greenwich, CT.

Paul Mathews swept the Second Year Green/High Performance Hunter division aboard Carino, owned by Terry Morrison of Ann Arbor, MI. The pair scored a 79 during their first round, but came back with a score of 85 during their second round. They also earned the top call during the under saddle, claiming each of the division’s blue ribbon honors.

Wrapping up the hunters were the Performance 3’6″ Hunters. Sandy Ferrell and Say What, owned by Rodney Bross of Monkton, MD, topped the second over fences class with a score of 84. The winner of the first over fences class was Jennifer Bauersachs aboard Secret Life, owned by Lee Kellogg Sadrian of New York, NY.

Paul Mathews and Carino, owned by Terry Morrison of Ann Arbor, MI, were the stars Thursday at the Devon Show Grounds. With their lovely hunter rounds they earned the top call in each of the Second Year/High Performance Hunter classes. The pair also swept the classes Wednesday for the championship honors. Ashley Holtz of Wellington, FL, followed in the reserve position about finishing second in both classes aboard Summer Catch. With a clean sweep of the Second Year/High Performance Hunters, Mathews and Carino topped their week with the Grand Champion Hunter honors.

The First Year Green Working Hunters were the first to get underway Thursday morning with their final over fences class and handy class. Louise Serio and Casino, owned by Bridget Hallman of Oyster Bay, NY, took a strong lead early in the division with a score of 87 over the handy course. They also placed third in the first class with a score of 82. Their excellent placings coupled with a win Wednesday vaulted them to the top of the standings to take home the championship award. Patricia Griffith and Sutherland, owned by Lyn Pedersen of Greenwich, CT, had two first place finishes Wednesday as well as a third and fourth place finish to Thursday to pick up the division’s reserve championship.

The Conformation Hunters were next, and once again it was Phoebe DeMott and Noble Blue, owned by Kristen Bowman and Lancaster, PA, that were at the top of the standings. With a win in both over fences classes and two blue ribbons from Wednesday the pair earned the championship award. Following in reserve, Lyman T. Whitehead and Trending, owned by Nina Winoker of Greenwich, CT, earned a blue ribbon and three second place ribbons throughout the division.

Sandy Ferrell also took home a championship tricolor, winning the under saddle and an over fences class in the Performance 3’6″ Hunters with Say What, owned by Rodney Bross of Monkton, MD. The reserve championship went to Patricia Griffith riding Monte Cristo for owner Paula Kennedy of New Canaan, CT.

Excitement filled the Dixon Oval Thursday evening as the $1,000 Pennsylvania Horse Show Association’s Hunter Classic made its debut at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Corinthian and professional rider Melissa Morrill rode to the top of the leaderboard with a total score 161 to lead the lap of honor. Inspired and Amy Guth scored the second place award, while Christiane Schuman Campbell and Gulliver took home the third place prize.

Corinthian and Melissa Morrill’s smooth trip during the first round put them at the top of the field going into the second round, where their slick turns and handiness earned them an excellent score of 85, holding the lead with a total of 161.

Receiving the second place honors was Inspired, owned and ridden by Amy Guth of West Chester, PA. The duo turned in a solid first trip and followed up with an 83 in the handy, bringing their total to 152. Third place went to Christiane Schuman Campbell of Newton, PA aboard Gulliver. Their consistent first trip and score of 80 in the handy put them in third. Campbell also piloted her other mount More Than A Lot to a fourth place finish.

Earlier on Thursday in the Gold Ring, it was the Pre-Green Hunters that stole the limelight. Louise Serio piloted Bonaparte, owned by Annette Lauer of New York, NY, to a victory in the $1,000 Pre-Green Classic. They also took home the Pre-Green 3’3″ Hunter Reserve Championship behind Jennifer Bauersachs and Wink, owned by Lee Kellogg Sadrian of New York, NY. The Pre-Green 3′ Hunter Championship went to Serafino, ridden by Melissa Feller for Elisabeth McFadden of Long Valley, NJ, while Louise Serio and Willow, owned by Bryan Baldwin of Brandon, FL, took home the reserve championship. The new Small Hunter division rounded out the day with Lyman T. Whitehead and Felton, owned by Jean Bickley of Greenwich, CT, earning the championship award, while Celine Marlin Andrews of Valley Forge, PA, picked up the reserve championship.

Bridget Hallman, of Oyster Bay, NY, piloted Do Tell to victory in the three of the over fences classes for the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Hunter division on Friday. Their effort was good enough to take home the championship prize, while Ashley Kennedy Whitner of Middleburg, VA, and Larkspur followed with the reserve championship honors. At the conclusion of the Amateur-Owner divisions, Hallman and Do Tell were honored for their performance with the Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship for the second year in a row.

The Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters were first to compete in the Dixon Oval this morning. Stephanie Riggio and Moshi were the day’s big winners after taking top honors in one of the over fences class Thursday. On Friday, the talented duo placed first and second over fences, good enough for the division’s championship award. Lindsay Mutschler of Chadds Ford, PA, and Fielding were the winners of Friday’s handy round and earned the reserve championship prize.

Riggio continued her winning ways on Friday with her second mount Breitling. The pair won both of the day’s over fences classes as well as the under saddle to earn the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 18-35 Hunter Championship. Christiane Schuman and Campbell of Newtown, PA, followed with reserve championship aboard More Than A Lot. At the end of the day, Riggio and Breitling returned to the Dixon Oval for a second awards presentation, taking home the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Grand Championship.

The final division to wrap up the Amateur-Owner divisions featured the 3’3″ 36 and Over riders. Kelly Champion of Washington, NJ and All In were at the top of the standings to claim the championship prize. They placed first and second during Thursday’s over fences classes, and also won the under saddle class. The winner of Friday’s first over fences class was Lee Kellogg Sadrian of New York, NY, and Wink, which helped them earn the reserve championship.

Abigail Wagner and Luigi were the first to test during Saturday’s Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal and started out nicely, but had an unfortunate stop at one of the canter fences. Wagner maintained her composure and finished strong, their performance keeping them in the fourth place position. Lauren Fabiano and Aram VDL was the next to test and put in a solid performance with no major errors. Their consistent performance was good enough to move them from third to second place. Isabelle Caccamise tested in second aboard Topper. The duo’s test was smooth and fluid, with a bold hand gallop to fence eight, moving them up to the top of the class for the win. Lillie Keenan and Monterrey tested on top, but missed the lead change through the rollback, moving them down to third place.

After many solid trips and a competitive flat phase, it was Lauren Fabiano who was named winner of the ASPCA Maclay, aboard her young equitation mount Aram VDL. Despite her horse’s age and limited experience, the duo was exactly the package the judges were looking for in Saturday’s class. Taking home second place was Madeline Placey aboard Asten, with Julia Acierno and Aragon coming in third.

The Junior 16-17 Hunters were the first to compete in the Dixon Oval Saturday. After placing second in both of Friday’s over fences classes as well as the under saddle, Kathleen Fisher of West Chester, PA, and North Shore stepped it up in Saturday’s first over fences classes. They earned the top call with a score 83, which was good enough to also net them the championship honors. Following with the reserve championship were the handy winners, Taylor Willever of Pen Argyl, PA and Eloquence. At the conclusion of the Junior Hunter divisions, Fisher and North Shore were also presented with the Junior Hunter Grand Championship for their efforts this week.

The Small Junior 15 and Under Hunters were next, with Victoria Press of New York, NY, riding to both the championship and reserve championship awards. First, she piloted Photo Shoot to a first place finish Saturday, as well as two second place finishes Friday, claiming the championship award for owner Peakewood Pharm of Marshall, VA. Press and her second mount, Akinda won both over fences classes Friday and followed with the reserve championship honors.

The final division to compete was the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunters, where Maya Nayyar of New York, NY, rode to the top of the standings aboard Tenacious. The talented duo won Friday’s under saddle class, and also placed second in both over fences classes. The reserve championship went Lillie Keenan and C Coast Z, who won both of Saturday’s over fences classes with scores in the high 80s.

Following the conclusion of the Junior Hunter divisions, Allison Toffolon was named as the Best Child Rider, and also won the Equitation Style Award. Toffolon was the winner of the WIHS Equitation after earning scores of 88 and 87, and also received excellent scores in the Junior Hunters. Another special award at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series included the Barry G. Balmer Memorial Horsemanship Award. The first week’s award, the Romeo Sullivan Memorial Sportsmanship Award, went to Jennifer Bauersachs of Spring Hill Farm, who was chosen by her peers for the special honor.

The Adult Amateur Hunters were last to show in the Dixon Oval Saturday. After winning two over fences classes in the Adult Amateur 46 and Over Hunter division, Clementina Brown of Loxahatchee, FL, and Isis were awarded with the championship prize. Their efforts were also good enough to claim the Adult Amateur Hunter Grand Championship. The Marshall and Sterling Adult Hunter Classic was also held Saturday, and it was Hope Batchelor and Joy Ride, owned by Joanne Copeland of West Chester, PA, that earned the top call and blue ribbon prize.

Sunday morning kicked off with the Small Pony Hunters in the Gold Ring, where Francesca Dildabanian of New York, NY, piloted her own Sports Talk to the championship. The duo received two firsts and a second over fences, in addition to winning the under saddle. Garnering reserve honors with two firsts and a second over fences was Daisy Farish aboard Hillcrest’s Blue Halo, owned by Bill Schaub of Sanford, FL.

Next to show were the Medium Pony Hunters, with Francesca Dildabanian earning another championship award, this time aboard Sportster, an entry owned by Madison Goetzmann of Skaneatles, NY. The pair took home a first and two seconds over fences and won the under saddle class. Daisy Farish rode Sassafras Creek, owned by Bibby Hill of Reddick FL, to two first place finishes over fences, good for the Reserve Championship.

In the Large Pony Hunter division, it was Madison Goetzmann riding her own Happily Ever Laughter to the Large Pony Hunter Champion honors. The pair earned two blues, a second, and a third over fences in addition to their second in the hack. Happily Ever Laughter was also the recipient of the Grand Pony Hunter Championship for earning the most points out of all of the ponies in the regular pony hunter divisions.

To round out the pony divisions, the Green Pony Hunter competitors took their turn in front of the judge. Coming out on top was Daisy Farish and Charming, also owned by Bill Schaub. Their clean sweep of the division earned them the championship award, as well as the Grand Green Pony Hunter Championship title. Taking home reserve honors was Enchanted, a pony owned by Claire Campbell of Cochester, PA, with Lexi Dreisbach in the irons. The pair earned two seconds and a third over fences, with a second under saddle.

The Children’s Hunter exhibitors had a chance to showcase their skills in the Dixon Oval earlier on Sunday. Madison Goetzmann took home top honors in the THIS Children’s Medal with a solid first round and an impressive test. She was also awarded champion in the Children’s Hunter 14 and Under division and Grand Children’s Hunter Champion on Sirius Black, owned by Christina Gellos of Greenwich, CT. In addition, the duo won the NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic. The Children’s Hunter 15 – 17 Champion was awarded to Llanos, owned by Beatrice Fritsche of Clinton, NJ and shown by Holley Mihok.

Jumper Highlights: Wednesday – Friday

On Wednesday afternoon, the jumper divisions kicked off with the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Saly Glassman and GK Calluci, owned by Kindle Hill Affiliates of Gwynedd Valley, PA, rode to a double clear finish as the first to show over the course. They set the time to beat at 33.639 seconds, which held up for the second place honors. Glassman also completed a double clear effort with her second mount Cover Girl, also owned by Kindle Hill Affiliates, and their jump-off time of 33.75 took home the third place award. Victoria Press piloted Whisper, an entry owned by Heritage Farm of Katonah, NY, to a fourth place finish, with a fault-free time of 35.245. In the end it was Lillie Keenan of New York, NY who piloted Chansonette Farm’s Veronique to a faultless effort to win. They topped Glassman’s time by almost three seconds, breaking the beam at a speedy 30.838 seconds.

Next, the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers had a chance to test their skills on Kenny Krome’s challenging course. For the second time, it was Keenan who bested the class, this time aboard Zentina B. The duo went double clear with a time of 33.215 seconds. Not even half a second behind them was Saly Glassman once again, this time aboard Kindle Hill Affiliates’ Lorado 28. They crossed the finish line in 33.758 seconds, good enough for second place. Taking home the third place honors was Alex Matz and Jolly Mone, an entry owned by Trelawny Farm of Bedford, NY, finishing with a time of 35.29 seconds. Calgary, ridden and owned by Madeline Turner of Montclair, NJ, went clear and jumped off to a time of 39.268 seconds, earning her the fourth place ribbon.

To round out the evening, the Children/Adult Jumpers took their turn in the Dixon Oval during the NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Despite the challenging questions asked in this classic round, Angelena Daprato of Annandale, NJ was victorious aboard her ride Red Bull. The pair turned in two clean rounds, breaking the beam in 35.434 seconds, good for the win.

Following behind Daprato was Lucy Matz riding Umberto Ter Linden, an entry owned by Faith Stewart of Malvern, PA. They went double clear with a time of 38.064 seconds, earning them the second place ribbon. Less than three-tenths of a second separated second and third place, with Alexis Rappaport of Berwyn, PA and her own Valkenier, garnering the third place honors with their time of 38.305 seconds. Madeleine Jefferson piloted 2oodles, owned by Leigh Berman out of Bayertown, PA, to the fourth place finish stopping the clock at 38.448 seconds.

Thursday afternoon, the High and Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers took their turn in the Dixon Oval. Once again, Lillie Keenan of New York, NY won the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers aboard Zycarla Z, owned by Abigail Wexner from New Albany, OH, as well as the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers on Chansonette Farm LLC’s Zentina B. The Child/Adult Jumpers also concluded with the Marshall and Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Leslie A Schillat of Wayne, PA, took home top honors aboard Lady Liberty. Finally, the equitation riders were able to showcase their skills in the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Medal. Taking home the blue was Isabelle Caccamise of Westport, CT.

The jumper divisions concluded Friday night at the Devon Show Grounds. The  Dixon Oval’s challenging track allowed the best horse and rider combinations to rise to the top. The night kicked off with the High Junior/Amateur Owner Hall of Fame Jumper Classic, where Lillie Keenan piloted Zycarla Z, an entry owned by Abigail Wexner of New Albany, OH, to a double clear effort. They set the time to beat at a very speedy 33.553 seconds.

Although the other competitors tried their hardest to best Keenan’s time, she and Zycarla Z could not be beat. Their carefulness in the first round and bold ride in the jump-off proved to be exactly the strategy needed to win the class. The duo received top honors in the High Junior/Amateur Owner Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic and led the victory gallop around the Dixon Oval. Keenan also took home the second place award aboard Chansonette Farm LLC’s Veronieque, with a clear first round and just four faults in the jump off. Coming in third after finishing just nine-tenths of a second over the time allowed during the first round with all the rails in place was Saly Glassman of Gwynedd Valley, PA riding Kindle Hill Affiliates’ GK Calluci. Victoria Press and Whisper, an entry owned by Heritage Farm, Inc. of Katonah, NY, were the fastest of the four-faulters. Their time of 79.27 seconds in the first round earned them the fourth place award.

Keenan and Zycarla Z were also named Champion of the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division for the first week of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. In addition, Keenan earned Reserve Championship aboard her own Veronieque. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic Series is designed to give amateur-owner and junior riders an opportunity to compete at higher levels and serves as a proving ground for many riders who aspire to someday represent the United States in international competition. The Series culminates in the Year-End Championships at the Alltech National Horse Show in November.

In the NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Keenan once again found herself in the winner’s circle, this time aboard Chansonette Farm LLC’s Zentina B. Krome’s course proved to be difficult for many of the competitors throughout the course of the Classic, causing rails and stops for many, but Keenan and Zentina B emerged victorious. The duo was the first to go clear, and their speedy time of 33.636 seconds could not be beat by any of the other three competitors who made it into the jump-off. At the end of the night, Keenan and Zentina B were at the center of the Dixon Oval for their victory snapshot.

Taking home the second place honors with two clear rounds and a time of 34.253 was Jolly Mone, owned by Trelawny Farm, LLC out of Bedford, NY, with Alex Matz in the irons. Kindle Hill Affiliates’ Capadina and Saly Glassman received the third award for their double clear trips and jump off time of 35.749. Coming in fourth with a clear first round and two unfortunate rails in the jump-off was Lorado 28, a Kindle Hill Affiliates entry also ridden by Saly Glassman.

To round out her sweep of both jumper divisions, Keenan earned the Championship honors with Zentina B in the Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper division. Collecting the Reserve Champion award was Alex Matz and Jolly Mone.