Devon, PA – July 11, 2012 - For the second time this year, Louise Serio piloted the five-year-old gelding Corvine to a National Hunter Derby victory. During their first derby at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Serio and Corvine held the leading score from start to finish, and during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series’ $5,000 Get Real Get RAW USHJA National Hunter Derby they did it again. Winning Saturday night’s first round with a score of 92 and following with a score of 87 in the handy round, a grand total of 179 captured the victory for the talented young mount. Kristy McCormack was only two points away, riding Sundance to a total score of 177 for second place, while Serio’s second mount Black Jax picked up the third place honors.
A young age and lack of experience are proving not to be an issue for Serio and Corvine, an entry owned by Timothy Wickes of Unionville, PA. Taking home the blue in their first derby appearance, they continued their winning ways Saturday night. Although they were the first to show, the judges awarded the talented duo a score of 92 for their smooth and flowing first round, setting a difficult bar for the other competitors to match. When Serio and Corvine returned on top for the handy round, they laid down another excellent trip, making the inside track and high options look effortless. With a score of 87 their total reached 179, which would capture the winning title.
“Corvine is just awesome, he just totally gets it, and he always rises to the occasion,” smiled Serio after leading the victory gallop. “The more he has to think about it the better he does. He is naturally very well balanced, so when you ask for something like a tight turn his hind end is always under him and he's always ready to look and turn. He's scopey and jumps in such good style that he can handle if it is a little deep or long.”
Kristy McCormack and Sundance, owned by Meredith Lipke of Buffalo, NY, did not let Serio win without a serious challenge. They earned a solid score of 87 in the first round, and returned with bold handy round that was rewarded with a score of 90, bringing their total to 177, just two points away from Serio for the second place honors.
Serio also earned the third place honors with her second mount Black Jax, owned by Ann Nelligan of Newtown Square, PA. They had a first round score of 88, and used the inside turns to match that score in the handy round for a total of 176 and the third place prize. McCormack’s second mount Accomplice, also owned by Lipke, claimed the fourth place honors with scores of 82 and 86. Serio’s third and final mount was Bonaparte, owned by Annette Lauer of New York, NY, and they were second in the first round with a 87, but some minor errors in the handy earned a 77 for a 164.5 total and the fifth place award.
Red, white and blue was the theme at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series as the nation’s top horses and riders celebrated Independence Day at the historic Devon Show Grounds. Louise Serio and Aate, owned by Jennifer Burger of Buffalo, NY, were on top of their game in the First Year Green/High Performance Working Hunters. They received scores of 85 and 86 to win both over fences class. Serio’s second mount Eloquence, owned by Taylor Willever of Pen Argyl, PA, followed with a win in the under saddle and a second place finish in the second over fences class.
The Pre-Green 3’ Hunters kicked off the day’s competition in the Dixon Oval. The victory in the first over fences class went to Ransom, ridden by Bill Schaub and owned by Visse Wedell of North Salem, NY. Katie Cooper and Sandlot, owned by Cherry Knoll Farm of West Grove, PA, picked up the second place honors in the first class, and then stepped up to take home the win in the second class.
Louise Serio’s reign continued in the Pre-Green 3’3” Hunters. She won the first class with a score of 86 aboard Corvine, owned by Timothy Wickes of Unionville, PA. In the second class, Serio claimed the blue ribbon with a score of 86 riding last week’s champion, Bonaparte, owned by Annette Lauer of New York, NY.
The Ariat Adult Medal was next, with Katherine Klinicki of Phoenixville, PA, earning the top call riding Joint Investment. The Adult Hunter divisions wrapped up the day, with the Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter division taking center stage first. In the first over fences class, the victory went to Rachel Samuels and Espor, owned by Liz Durkin of Essex Fells, NJ. Hope Batchelor and Joy Ride, owned by Joanne Copeland of West Chester, PA, took home the blue ribbon in the second class.
The Adult Amateur 36-45 Hunters were the next division to take their turn in the Dixon Oval. Riding to victory in the first class was Bridget Hallman of Oyster Bay, NY, aboard Constellation. Megan Batty of Chester Springs, PA, picked up the first place honors in the second class with Constantine HTF. Later in the Adult Amateur 46 & Over Hunters, Clementina Brown of Loxahatchee, FL, and Isis could not be beat, earning scores of 85 and 82 for the win in both over fences classes.
The NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic was the last event of the day, and in the end it was Leanne McMenamin of Wayne, PA, and The Senator that rose to the occasion for the top call. Chrissy Ott of Newton, PA, and Tupelo claimed the second place prize, while Sarah Cabot and Carentino, owned by Anne Holman of Rehoboth, MA, earned the third place honors.
Soaring temperatures greeted the Adult Amateur Hunters on Thursday in the Dixon Oval, but that did not stop the best horse and rider combinations from rising to the top. The Adult Amateur 46 & Over Hunters were up first, and it was Clementina Brown of Loxahatchee, FL, and Isis at the top of the standings. After winning both of Thursday’s over fences classes they also won Thursday’s under saddle class, earning the division’s championship title. Combined with their championship title from last week the talented duo took home the Circuit Championship, as well as the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Championship. Following with the Adult Amateur 46 & Over Hunters Reserve Championship was Elizabeth Frankel of West Chester, PA, and Utopia.
The Adult Amateur 36-45 Hunters were up next and this time it was Megan Batty of Chester Springs, PA, and Constantine HTF taking home top honors. With two blue ribbons they returned to the center of the ring for the championship prize. Following with the reserve championship honors was last week’s champions, Bridget Hallman of Oyster Bay, NY, and Constellation. After two weeks of solid performances they won the Circuit Championship title.
The Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunters were hotly contested, requiring a hack-off for the championship honors. In the end it was Rachel Samuels and Espor, owned by Liz Durkin of Essex Fells, NJ who went home with the top tricolor. Hope Batchelor and Joy Ride, owned by Joanne Copeland of West Chester, PA, claimed their second reserve championship at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. After two weeks of top performance, Batchelor and Joy Ride also earned the Circuit Championship.
The Pre-Green 3’ Hunter division kicked off the day’s competition, with Louise Serio and Willow, owned by Bryan Baldwin of Brandon, FL, toping the group. Serio and Willow won both of Friday’s over fences classes, which was good enough to claim the championship honors, as well as the Pre-Green 3’ Hunter Circuit Championship. Following with the reserve championship honors was Katie Cooper and Sandlot, owned by Cherry Knoll Farm of West Grove, PA.
Serio continued her winning ways in the Pre-Green 3’3” Hunters, earning the championship honors with Corvine and the reserve championship aboard Bonaparte. Each horse had two wins to their name, and Corvine’s performance also captured the Pre-Green Hunter Grand Championship for owner Timothy Wickes of Unionville, PA. Bonaparte, owned by Annette Lauer of New York, NY, was last week’s champion, and his effort over the last two weeks won the Pre-Green 3’3” Hunter Circuit Championship.
The final professional division of the day was the First Year Green/High Performance Working Hunters. With three first place ribbons, Serio and Aate, owned by Jennifer Burger of Buffalo, NY, were awarded the championship honors, as well as the First Year Green Working Hunter Circuit Championship. Serio and her second mount Eloquence, owned by Taylor Willever of Pen Argyl, PA, also picked up a win, and they were presented with the reserve championship tricolor.
With an early start to Friday’s event, the riders at Brandywine Valley Summer Series were able to beat the heat at the Devon Show Grounds. The Small Hunter division was in the Dixon Oval with leading competitors taking to the arena. Earning the top call in the under saddle was Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Mills, MD, with Color Me Blue, who also won Thursday’s over fences class. The duo’s performance was rewarded with the championship award, and have two weeks of excellent efforts they also won the Circuit Championship. Celine Marlin Andrews of Valley Forge, PA, followed with the reserve championship aboard Diva SCF.
Earlier in the day, Louise Serio piloted Rock Star, owned by Jennifer Burger of Buffalo, NY, to the championship honors in the hotly contested Performance 3’3” Hunter division. With 16 entries, Serio and Rock Star earned scores of 86 and 87 over fences for two blue ribbons. Earning the second place honors in the under saddle and Friday’s first over fences class was Barbara Ann Merryman and Eastwood, owned by Steeple Chase Farm of Greenwich, CT, for the reserve championship.
In the Gold Ring, it was the Children’s Hunters that were the main event. Kristen Bowman of Lancaster, PA, and Noble Blue were at the top of the standings for the Children’s 14 & Under Hunters, earning the championship honors, as well as the division’s Circuit Championship and the Children’s Hunter Grand Championship. The Children’s 14 & Under Hunter reserve championship went to Tyler St. Bernard and Tesoro, owned by Dayna Jodzio of Pipersville, PA. The Children’s 15-17 Hunters were next and it was Maggie Pollard of Warrenton, VA, and Azuro 105 who took home the championship prize, as well as the Circuit Championship. Barn mate Kathryn Maginnis of Centreville, VA, and Fargo followed with the reserve championship.
On Saturday, the competition got underway at 7 a.m. at the Devon Show Grounds, beginning with the Amateur-Owner Hunters. Lindsay Mutschler of Chadds Ford, PA, and Fielding took home two blue ribbons this week, as well as a red ribbon, which was good enough for the championship award. This is their second week at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, and they were also presented with the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter Circuit Championship for their consistent efforts in the ring.
Bridget Hallman of Oyster Bay, NY, and her talented mount Do Tell were also at the top standings this week in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, earning two wins over fences for the reserve championship. The champions from last week were also the winners of the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Hunter Circuit Championship.
The Amateur-Owner 3’3” 18-35 Hunters began their first day of competition next, and it was Jane Maguire of Ft. Washington, PA, and Nickleback that led the way. The talented duo took home a blue and red ribbon for their efforts in the over fences classes. The winner of the second class was Katie Nelligan of Newtown Square, PA, and Black Jax.
Next in the Dixon Oval was the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 36 and Over Hunters with Tina Furey of New Canaan, CT, and French Kiss dominating the competition. With scores of 86 and 85, Furey took home the victory in each of the over fences classes. Susan Kelly of Allentown, PA, and Enticing followed with second place in the first class, while the red ribbon in the second class went to Blair Balmer of Wayne, PA, and Black Tie.
Several other special presentations have been made during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Jennifer Burger’s Aate took home the Grand Champion Professional Hunter title while his rider, Louise Serio, earned the Leading Hunter Rider Award as well as the Leading Lady Rider Award. Tyler Weith followed with the Leading Gentleman Rider Award, and the Supreme Professional Hunter Circuit Championship went to Carino, owned by Terry Morrison and ridden by Paul Mathews. Finally, the Barry G. Balmer Memorial Horsemanship Award was presented to Lizzy Traband for her demonstration of sportsmanship and horsemanship.
On the final day of the Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS), the Junior Hunter and Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter divisions wrapped up their competition. It was a great weekend for Lillie Keenan and Avalon, an entry owned by Visse Wedell of North Salem, NY, and trained by Bill Schaub of Over the Hill. The pair tackled the Large 15 & Under Junior Hunter division, and proved to be a dominating force as they picked up three first place ribbons, a second place ribbon, and a third place ribbon. Not only did they win the Large 15 & Under Junior Hunter Championship, but they also claimed the division\'s Circuit Championship and the Junior Hunter Grand Championship. Following with the win in the handy class was Kendall Burdette and Wilco, owned by, Caren Seidle of Wayne, PA, to earn the reserve championship.
Earlier in the day, Barbara Ann Merryman and Lilly, owned by Kimberly Stewart of Jefferson, MD, were named champions of the Large 16-17 Junior Hunter division. The pair earned two first place ribbons as well as two second place ribbons for the special honor. At the end of the day Merryman was also named Best Child Rider on a Horse. A first, second, and third place ribbon for Kathleen Fisher of West Chester, PA, and North Shore was good enough for the reserve championship. The pair was also last week’s Junior Hunter Grand Champions, and took home the division's Circuit Championship.
In the Small Junior Hunters it was Taylor Willever and Symphony, owned by Alexandra Garrity of Flemington, NJ, who jumped to the top of the standings. The pair earned two first place ribbons over fences, as well as two second place ribbons, and a third place ribbon in the under saddle for the championship award. Lillie Keenan and Chromeo, owned by Peakewood Pharm, took home the reserve championship honors after winning an over fences class and the under saddle class. Their efforts also garnered the Small Junior Hunter Circuit Championship.
The Amateur-Owner 36 & Over 3’3” Hunters were the first to compete in the Dixon Oval this morning. With two wins over fences and a second place finish in the handy class, the championship honors went to Tina Furey of New Canaan, CT, and French Kiss. Their efforts over the last two weeks also captured the Circuit Championship, and at the end of the day they returned to the ring for the Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter Grand Championship. Blair Balmer of Wayne, PA, and Black Tie were the winners of the handy round, and took home the division’s reserve championship award.
In the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunters, Jane Maguire of Ft. Washington, PA, and Nickleback, continued their winning ways, taking the blue in the first over fences class, as well as a red ribbon in the handy. Their efforts were awarded with the division’s championship award. The winner of the handy round was Christiane Schuman Campbell and More Than a Lot, owned by Elizabeth Gingrich of Perkasie, PA. They took home this week’s reserve championship, as well as the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’3” Hunter Circuit Championship.
The Pony Hunter competitors were glad to see an end to the heat wave as they took center stage in the Gold Ring on Sunday. The morning kicked off with the Large Pony Hunter division, where Barbara Ann Merryman and For the Love just could not be beat. The duo swept the division, bringing home blues in all four over fences classes as well as the flat. They were also awarded with the Circuit Championship for their impressive performances this week. For the Love is a pony owned by Alexandra Crown out of New York, NY. Mia Latran of Newtown Square, PA piloted Major League to reserve honors with four second places over fences and a third in the hack.
Next to show in the Gold Ring were the medium ponies. Garnering the Medium Pony Hunter Champion and Circuit Champion honors was Sassafras Creek, a Bibby Hill entry with Daisy Farish in the irons. Their three wins over fences this weekend secured them both championship awards for week two of Brandywine. Farish and Sassafras Creek also found success in the Pony Hunter Classic, where they earned a first round score of 85 and a second round score of 82 for a total of 167, good enough for the blue. Not far behind them was Coco Fath and Highlands Heaven Sent, an entry owned by Peakewood Pharm, Inc. of Marshall, VA. The pair earned a first, second, and third over fences in addition to a second in the under saddle, good for reserve honors.
Rounding out the regular pony hunter divisions were the small ponies, where Coco Fath and Red Robin, a Heritage Farm, Inc. of Katonah, NY entry, were victorious. The duo earned three first place ribbons and a third place ribbon over fences, plus a blue in the under saddle, good for division champion. Red Robin was also awarded the Circuit Champion title, as well as Grand Pony Hunter Champion. Ava Leraris rode Star Command to a reserve finish for Pretty Penny Farm with a first, second, and third over fences and a third in the under saddle.
Finally, the Green Pony Hunters took their turn in front of the judge, and Farish once again found herself in the winner’s circle with both of her mounts. Taking championship honors with two wins and a second over fences, plus a second under saddle, was Prada, an entry owned by David Scheffenacker and ridden by Farish. Farish also piloted Charming, an entry owned by Bill Schaub of Sanford, FL, to two firsts and a second over fences, in addition to a first in the hack, good for reserve champion. Charming was also awarded with the Small Pony Hunter Circuit Champion cooler for their consistency over the two weeks of Brandywine.
A number of special presentations were made at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Leah Toscano was presented with the Equitation Style Award for her outstanding performance in the USEF Pony Medal on Saturday. In addition to her many other accolades in the pony ring this weekend, Daisy Farish also earned the Best Child Rider on a Pony Award.
Blue skies welcomed the Pennsylvania natives as they took center stage at the Brass Ring Horse Show, a local competition included with the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Riders from the surrounding area gathered for a chance to compete at the prestigious Devon Horse Show Grounds on Monday.
The equitation competitors were the first to be seen this morning in the historic Dixon Oval. Avery Cox of Doylestown, PA and Port of Call emerged victorious in the Equitation 14 to 17 division, garnering championship honors. After working hard this past year on improving her equitation on the flat, this young rider won the walk/trot flat class and took home a third in the over fences. Earning the reserve champion award was Megan Gehret out of Eagleville, PA, riding Rembrandt.
The Novice Equitation division proved to be very competitive, ending in a hack off between Katie Diaz and Jenny Miller for championship and reserve titles. Both competitors earned a first and a second on the flat, but in the end, it was Katie Diaz of Doylestown, PA who came out on top. This talented rider’s skills were evident to the judge when she was awarded the tricolor after the hack off. Jenny Miller aboard Music Man received the reserve award for her efforts in the division.
In the Pre-Children’s Hunter Horse division, Kerra Goldstein and Krystall of Berwyn, PA claimed the championship honors after winning both over fences classes. Taking home reserve was Avery Cox aboard Port of Call, a duo that had already received a tricolor earlier in the equitation.
Goldstein and Krystall were also announced as the two-round Children’s Hunter Championship winners for their impressive scores of 76 and 83 in the two rounds of the classic. Their total score of 159 points set her ahead of the nearly 40 entries in the class. The win earned them a wooden tack trunk, embroidered show scrim, and many other exciting prizes.
The Children’s Hunter exhibitors were the last of the junior riders to compete in the Dixon Oval. Alexandra Bukowski of Wapwallopen, PA and One More Time jumped to the top of the standings in the Childrens Hunter Horse division to cinch top honors. The talented duo received a first and fourth over fences in addition to a first under saddle, earning them the championship tricolor. Bukowski was also named Best Child Rider at the Gold Ring Horse Show. Gabrielle Calvert rode Davy Crockett to a reserve championship finish in the division.
In the Low Hunter division, Master Plan claimed the championship tricolor with Susan Sisco in the irons. The pair won the under saddle as well as an over fences class. Capital Blue and Rachael Tennyson-Gallagher took home a first and third in the over fences, good enough for the reserve championship.
Jumper Highlights: Wednesday – Friday
A warm breeze welcomed the jumper competitors in the Gold Ring Wednesday. The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper exhibitors were the first to showcase their skills this week. The class proved to be very challenging, with only two horse and riders advancing to the jump off. In the end, it was Chelsea Babcock of Endicott, NY and her own Caiza who took home the win. The duo had a clear first round and just one heartbreaking rail at the second to last jump to earn them the blue ribbon. Taryn Nolte of Blue Bell, PA aboard Fantastiek put in a clear effort in the first round but had two unfortunate stops at the double combination, putting them in second.
The Child/Adult Jumpers were the last to see in the Gold Ring. The class was held as an optimum time class; competitors would be required to go clean in the first round in order to progress to the jump-off where they would attempt to jump-off close to 40.000 seconds. 2oodles, a pony owned by Leigh Berman of Bayertown, PA and shown by Madeleine Jefferson emerged victorious. The duo went double clear and stopped the clock at 39.891 seconds, an impressive .109 seconds below the optimum time. Coming in second with two clear rounds and a time of 40.516 seconds was Valkenier with rider and owner Alexis Rappaport of Berwyn, PA. Leon with Stacey Walsh of Douglassville, PA in the irons turned in two clear rounds with a time of 38.477 to put them in third. Also putting in double clear efforts were Red Bull and Angelena Daprato, as well as Orlando and Hope Batchelor.
The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers and NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic took center stage in the Gold Ring Thursday afternoon. Molly Wolfe aboard ZZ Top’s double clear effort in Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers garnered a blue ribbon, while Autumn Janesky and Peper Gold followed with a win in the NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic.
The first jumper division to be seen was the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, where Molly Wolfe of Owings Mills, MD and her own ZZ Top jumped-off to the win. The duo was the first to show over the track, where they turned in double clear rounds and a very speedy jump-off time of 29.332 seconds, nearly three seconds faster than the second place finisher. Taking home the red ribbon with two fault free trips and a jump-off time of 32.104 seconds was Khyron with owner Stacey Davis of Princeton, NJ in the irons. Kendall Casaccio and Love Actually, an entry owned by Laura King of Irvington, NY, jumped off to a time of 36.489 seconds. They were the final double clear duo in the class, good for third place.
The NAL/WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic closed out the afternoon in the Gold Ring. The course proved to be a challenge to many. The two combinations, multiple bending lines, and inside turn options left little room for error. Madeline Jefferson and 2oodles, a pony owned by Leigh Berman of Bayertown, PA, were the first pair to go double clear. They set the bar high with a quick jump-off time of 40.755 seconds, which would eventually land them in second place. After seeing Jefferson’s time to beat, Autumn Janesky and Peper Gold knew they would have to go clear in both rounds and put in a very speedy jump-off time to best Jefferson. This skilled duo rose to the occasion, turning in two clear rounds with an impressive short course. They made all the inside turns and sliced the jumps whenever possible to leave out strides and shave off seconds from their time. Janesky and Peper Gold stopped the clock at a mere 37.635 seconds, launching them into first place. Peper Gold is owned by Angelstone Farms out of Rockwood, Ontario.
Following in Janesky’s footsteps proved to be a challenge. Only one other rider managed to finish double clear, but she could not beat Janesky’s outstanding jump-off time. Riding into third place with a time of 44.340 seconds was Margretta Willemin and Kobus, an entry of Cassie Plumb from Unionville, PA.
It was a beautiful evening as the jumper riders took center stage Friday evening at the prestigious Devon Show Grounds. The $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was the night’s highlight event, and following the two-horse jump-off it was Molly Wolfe and ZZ Top leading the victory gallop. Earlier, Leslie Schillat and Lady Liberty produced the lone clear effort to win the Marshall and Sterling Children’s Adult/Jumper Classic.
Friday night’s technical track in the $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic yielded only two clear efforts. The first came from Stacey Davis of Princeton, NJ, aboard Red Oak Beau, but multiple errors over the short course proved costly and they claimed the second place honors. Molly Wolfe of Owings Mills, MD, and ZZ Top were the next to advance and they were very quick, but as they made a tight rollback they added four faults to their score. As the leaders of the short course they took home the day’s top prize. Davis and her second mount, Khyron were the fastest of the four faulters, claiming the third place award.
Wolfe claimed multiple awards in addition to her individual win. She was named the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Champion, the High Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Circuit Champion, and the Supreme Jumper Circuit Champion, as well as earning the style award. 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.
The Marshall and Sterling Children’s Adult/Jumper Classic was the first event this evening. Three riders were able to master the first track, which included two double combinations. Autumn Janesky and Peper Gold, owned by Angelstone Farms of Rockwood, Ontario, were the first to advance to the short course with a clear first round. As they sliced the turn to the last bending line they lowered the height of a single vertical. The duo’s four fault score in 30.146 seconds was good enough for the third place honors. Leslie Schillat of Wayne, PA, and Lady Liberty were next. In an attempt to leave the vertical up they took a longer track to the fence, but it proved effective at they crossed the finish line in a slower 33.821 seconds with all the rails in tact. Angelena Daprato of Annandale, NJ, and Red Bull were the last to challenge, and they made a good effort, but as they galloped through the turns they took down the back rail of the oxer in the combination for four faults. They did clock in with the fastest time, breaking the beam at 28.496 seconds for the second place award, while Schillat led the victory gallop.
Later this evening, Madeleine Jefferson and the talented pony 2oodles, owned by Leigh Berman of Bayertown, PA, returned to center ring for the Children’s/Adult Jumpers championship presentation. The duo also captured the Circuit Championship, as well as the award for the Leading Thoroughbred Jumper. The night’s third place finishers, Janesky and Peper Gold, followed with the reserve championship for their efforts this week.
