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Hi Hopes Farm's Take Away Receives Marie Speed High Score Junior Hunter Perpetual Trophy at the 2009 Winter Equestrian Festival

Written by: Rebecca Walton
Client: Hi Hopes Farm LLC
Release Date: 2009-04-03

Wellington, FL -April 3, 2009 - Hi Hopes Farm's Take Way was the recipient of this year's Marie Speed High Score Junior Hunter Perpetual Trophy at the Winter Equestrian Festival. The award is presented to the junior hunter horse accumulating the most points throughout the twelve-week long horse show circuit. Take Away competed in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Years division with Alise Oken where the pair also garnered the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Year Circuit Championship award.

"This is a great honor," noted trainer Steve Heinecke. "Alise rode very consistently throughout the circuit and was champion or reserve champion every time she competed. Take Away and Alise make a great team and I think they have a lot more success to come."

Alise Oken also competed in the Small Junior Hunter 16 -17 Years division during week 12 of the Winter Equestrian Festival with In Style. The pair were awarded the reserve championship tricolor after placing second in the handy class and the stake class, third and fifth over fences, and fifth in the under saddle class.

Oken captured the Low Junior Jumper reserve championship prize with the ten-year-old warmblood Pedro as well. Oken and Pedro were forth in the division's first class and then went on to score the second place ribbon in the $10,000 Junior Jumper Classic.

Lucie Oken had excellent ribbons last week in the Large Pony Hunter division with Lands End Mad Hatter. The pair were awarded the blue ribbon in two of the over fences classes, were fourth in the conformation class, and fifth in the under saddle class.

Lucie Oken also competed with her new horse, Cool Blue, which she purchased last week. Lucie and Cool Blue competed in the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under division where they received the fourth place ribbon in the stake class, and the fifth place ribbon in the handy class and one of the over fences classes.

Hi Hopes Farm is based in Weddington, NC, and is owned by Marc and Celene Oken. Alise and Lucie Oken compete under the tutelage of top trainers Steve Heinecke and Jeff Wirthman. Hi Hopes Farm has completed their competition for the winter circuit and will now go on to compete at the Aiken Spring Horse Shows.

Photo Credit: Hi Hopes Farm's Take Away garnered the Marie Speed High Score Junior Hunter Perpetual Trophy at the 2009 Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo ©Kenneth Braddick. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.