Post by -- SHOW MONGER on Sept 21, 2010 20:58:33 GMT -8
"Wellington Open Show"
Wellington, FL
Issue 4.
Wellington, FL
Issue 4.
I'm going to start this off by apologizing (which I do not to often, for the record) to all my wonderful gossip loving fans for posting this so late! I somehow managed to get a really bad bout of the flu after this show, and then with crappy internet access from my hotel room (yes, I am still in Florida) I just haven't had the time to post this. But never fear, I managed to get the air conditioning working and some more fluids in me to post the wonderful details we all love!
DRESSAGE
TRAINING LEVEL
Kadyn Stone had a great round, with his horse supple and round throughout the whole test. It wasn't surprising when he came in first place on his fluid moving mount. In second place was Skylar Bane on Intoxica were only two percent lower in their scores, the pair had a great round but just didn't move as elastically like Aftershock. It was a bout of bad luck for Nova Bente riding The Unforgiven, he was stiff and not wanting to canter today, just pinning his ears and trotting faster when Nova asked him to canter. The two managed to pick up third place, which surprised me with the display of attitude from the pony, I guess his movement made up for it (even if he was trotting rather than cantering at some parts).
FIRST LEVEL
The entries just seemed to double when we got to the first level tests. Alyson Cloer on Lukin Sky Blue were the pair to beat, turned out with an almost flawless test had them coming in first. It was quite shocking to see Grace Moselle on MT Arctic Low come in second place, she sat tall with quiet hands and didn't make a single error in the test. I guess maybe she could do dressage, but I still think she should stick it in the hunter ring where she seems to fit in the best. Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen was just behind her on BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium , the team had an effortless test that put them in third. I heard a rumor that fourth place winner Riley Tao-Songergaard is pretty close with Winter... him and his horse Antaendes had some late downward transitions but were still on top shape. Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Close But No Cigar had amazing extensions, but the horse didn't seem to be moving up to his usual standards. Crystal Greene on Contradanza came in sixth, the two just didn't seem to be as relaxed as they could have been, tense and on the muscle it just brought their score down from as high as it should have been. Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl seemed to be having quite a bit of issues with their extensions which threw them down in to seventh place. Our eighth place winner deserved to be there, miss Kaitlyn McHail on Velasco did not have it together, she kept trying to pull her horse together rather than push him, and evidently he wanted none of that. With a good haul down with his head, it threw them from placing any higher. Nova Bente didn't have much better luck on Switchblade, apparently the judges' tent was going to eat him. Nova seems to have a seat of glue as she sat on the gelding who leaped sideways. Cadre Noir ridden by Kadyn Stone pulled in tenth place, Cadre seemed to have the same thoughts as Nova's horse, but was spooking at every little thing possible.
SECOND LEVEL
Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium just kept getting better and better as the test went on. Their lateral movements were flawless and bang on every time, the same about their transitions. Enya Driscoll on American Graffiti were right behind her with a second place round. Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor fought hard, but were just behind Enya by simply one percent. Once again, Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Close But No Cigar were close to being in the top three again, but their downward transitions were just too on the forehand to really bring them up. But the movement from this horse was just amazing, I haven't seen that much effort from a horse in a long time. Skyler Bane on To Kill A Mockingbird had a phenomenal shoulder in to the left, but just didn't have the same consistency to the right, but still they managed to keep it together for fifth place. Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl definitely stepped up their game, her horse threw his heart in to it this time around (after a good, stern schooling in the warm up ring). Darcie O'Dwyer and her mare Athena were another pair to watch out for, the two marched their way in to seventh. Skyler Bane on Alice In Chains had probably the most uphill canter I've ever seen! Holy crap, this horse is going to be a pretty cool upper level horse one day. The judges' didn't seem to be as impressed as I was, setting her carelessly at eighth. Riley Tao-Sondergaard on Antaendes didn't seem to have the same luck that they did in the first level, they just need a bit more schooling at second level before they can really give everyone a run for their money. Lee Ji Hyori didn't have the most memorable performance on her horse Baloubet du Rouet, but I heard that once I saw them jumped I'd change my mind on the pair, they sat at tenth. I swore Crystal Greene on Contradanza looked like they were going to have the blue, but a spook that made them switch their leads and go of course bumped them down to eleventh.
THIRD LEVEL
Apparently Austin Cahors has dressage as their weak spot, yet they seemed to make quite an impact on the judges to step in to first place on her horse Black Magic Man. Right behind her was Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor, her horse round and soft as always. Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl climbed up the placings to snatch up the third ribbon. Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium fought hard, but he just didn't seem to pass Lucy. Jayden Ray on Dante Alighieri had a much better performance than last show, I couldn't really take my eyes off the pair and I wasn't too surprised when they snatched up fourth place. Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen came in to the ring once again on Close But No Cigar, her horse didn't seem to be enjoying the humidity and seemed tired by this time, but still managed to keep it together at fifth. Desiree Pearson walked out with seventh, but Witch Doctor seemed to live up to her name, the mares expression seemed far from happy, and after watching her in the warm up ring. It almost looked like the dressage version of Time Square... but not as nasty (yet). American Graffiti was super fresh, even though the horse was drenched from sweat in the heat, Enya Driscoll managed it well and contained her horse to come in eighth. Crystal Greene on Conversano Monotonous almost made their way to perfection once more, but tensing up and being spooky about the judge's tent threw them down in the percentages. Vince Black on Adeline just really need to give up on the whole trying to do dressage scheme of things, bracing against his hand and inverting around the mare just didn't want to perform to her usual standards. Selena Landon on Unexpected Twist just didn't have one of their best performances, trying their hardest just didn't seem to be good enough today as they dropped down to eleventh. Alaska Black seemed to be tired, not riding to the usual strength that she does, Chelsea Dagger wasn't in the best of moods either, spooking and shaking her head the whole time the two sat in twelfth place.
FOURTH LEVEL
After a long day of showing, Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Close But No Cigar had probably one of the highest scores of the day. They really stepped their game up from the last class, wowing almost all the crowd. Alaska Black on Ladies Man looked more up to came today, as they stole the red ribbon from everyone. Nova Bente on her drool worthy stallion Malach de Zion were pretty much perfection as always, but they still just couldn't meet up with Winter and Alaska. The charming black stallion seems to steal my heart every time I see him though (apparently not the judge's though). Crystal Greene on Conversano Monotonous were right behind Nova, and almost had it- but their collection just didn't seem to be as short as it could. Jamie Manlow on Slippery Rock had a great course, but just not enough to place any higher than fifth. Riley Tao-Sondergaard on Drommem On Kobenhavn (I really love trying to listen to the announcers say this guys name, and his horses, it's wonderful) came in sixth. Alaska Black on Chelsea Dagger just don't seem to be having a great day, the mare just seemed to drop even more in her mood, but I guess that's just mares for you. Olympian Carlee Peters seemed to bump Dekoder out of Grand Prix and down to the fourth level, I didn't really understand why until I noticed the stallion seemed to be moving a bit more still than usual, I could have sworn from the corner of my eye I saw him take a couple of off steps in the warm up. It still shocks me that she didn't come in a higher place, but I guess the judge's weren't too impressed as they set her in eighth.
PRIX ST GEORGES - GRAND PRIX
I was so excited when I saw that it was more than just Carlee Peters in this division. I was even more thrilled when I saw Riley Tao-Sondergaard on Drommen Om Koebenhavn snatch up the blue ribbon round. Desiree Pearson held her own, taking her two horses Road Sweeper and Druid (who were only apart by two percent). Both horses seemed to love their job, looking like a total dream to ride. Winter Van Der Westerhuyzen on BSB Close But No Cigar just seem to appear in every dressage division. The two walked out with the fourth place ribbon, this round just wasn't as good as their Fourth Level round. Carlee Peters on Finesse finally had some competition, it looks like she didn't think she'd have to really step up her game, and it showed as the judges' set her in sixth place. Crystal Greene on Conversano Monotonous just didn't seem to have it as together as they could, the coming right after Carlee in sixth place. Alaska Black on Ladies Man just didn't seem to impress the judges' once again, the two just make a good impression as they scraped up seventh.
HUNTERS
PONY HUNTER
Familiar face, Danielle Marks on her new pony, Remembering Sunday had the first place round. I wasn't too surprised when I saw her on a new pony, the chestnut was simply darling though. Following behind her in second place was Faith Morris on Mi Amor, my favorite pony seems to be behaving once more, and it better stay that way! Third place was Charlotte Stanberry, who seemed to be making a comeback on Crossfire Farm's Vanity Fair. I forgot how cool this pony was, with her knees snapped up as tightly as she could, and Charlotte poised over top of her in a perfect two point, staying out of the pony's way and letting her do her job. This pair held their own, and I was pleasantly surprised when she placed above the Pony Princesses (aka Danielle and Faith) on their ponies. I'm hoping that one day someone will actually beat one of those two and put them in their place. You guys don't understand how excited I will be when that day comes (and I know it will be very soon). In fourth was Faith Morris on Toy Soldier, who just doesn't seem to be jumping like he once did. Following behind was Danielle Marks on Kasanova, it seems like she always is on autopilot when she rides that pony, and the little mare wants nothing of it anymore. Last, but not least was Nova Bente on The Unforgiven. The two just didn't seem to have their usual performance, he seemed really distracted by everything going on around the ring. But it's the first big show that he's been too, I'm sure by next time they'll be clocking around and winning as usual.
WORKING HUNTER
My man (well, apparently Salem's from what I've heard) Everett Carter on The Nostradamus Prophecy had a great round which put them (not surprisingly) in first place. The red ribbon went to Jamie Manlow on Mickey Mouse. An almost flawless round between the pair, I'd definitely watch out in the upcoming shows for this pair. Enya Driscoll on her big, black warmblood Ladybird Ladybird had an amazing round, the competition is just getting higher and higher. The two settled at third place, and seemed quite pleased. BSB Wilkommen Auf Mysterium and Winter Van Der Westerhuzen had a beautiful round, settling at fourth place. I have to say, both of their names are quite a mouthful- it was amusing to hear the judge try and say it! Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl were close behind Winter in fifth, I seriously pity the judges. All of these rounds were close in the scores, I bet the smallest details were taken in to account for every rider. Alexander Fox on Two Step Flash were definitely on their game today, the two were in almost perfect form as they went around. Salem Tansen Tag You're It were in seventh, he definitely wasn't jumping as expressively as he always does. There was just something lacking around the pairs performance that kept them from placing any higher. Charlotte Stanbery Vanity Fair were a bit frightening, just the idea of a large pony in the three foots make me cringe. But the judges seemed to think differently, placing the pair in eighth. I really think Grace Moselle needs to give up on this MT Arctic Low horse, he doesn't jump well with his front end at all, and knocked down a rail. She says he's just slow and is a baby, but personally, I think differently. Riley Tao-Sondergaard on Southside Desperation had a near perfect round, and I was seriously expecting these two to have at least a third place round, but a surprise rail at the last fence threw them out of placing higher. Danielle Marks on September Lost looked like they meant business, after a couple shows of sitting out, the bay mare looked on top form. Until the third fence, she had no where near enough canter in the line, usually the mare would make a good effort, but instead she slammed on the breaks, sending little miss Marks flying in to the dirt and in to the jump.
OPEN HUNTER
Once again, the blue ribbon went to Everett Carter, but this time he was aboard The Great Gatsby. It's great to see him back on top again, especially with the bigger competition. He definitely gave Faith Morris a run for her money. She came in second on wonder horse, King Nothing (who did not stop in this class, may I add). Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl climb their way up the places, with another good solid round set them right behind Faith in third. A new face to the circuit, Dekker Morrison on Wisconsin Creek Dekker held their own at fourth, I was quite impressed by someone new to this circuit to do so well. After her earlier fall on September Lost, Danielle Marks seemed to regain herself to scrap up a fifth place, looking terribly disappointed It's OK, honey, you have to fall off your pedestal once and while, even though it happens to you a lot more often than others. Maybe it's time to take a step back and stick to the ponies? Enya Driscoll on Biloxi Blues, in my opinion should have placed higher than sixth. The two were solid through the whole course, but I guess the judges didn't think Biloxi Blues jumped as tidy as September Lost. Athena ridden by Darcie O'Dwyer were dangerusly close to beating Everett, but a late lead change threw the two off from doing any better than seventh. Alyson Cloer on Lukin Sky Blue returned to the circuit once more, having a good round for eighth place. I'm sure once they get back in to the swing of things they'll be pinning higher once again. Kadyn Stone on Velocity just didn't seem to be having a great day. The horse wanted to just rip down the lines, taking out a stride across the diaganol definitely threw them out from placing higher. But it looks like our tenth place winner, Kaitlyn McHail had a different issue. The two adding down two lines definitely wasn't a usual sight, and it wasn't surprising when she didn't place. Seriously, the two have been in the show ring long enough to know how to get down the lines on stride. I bet Blaise wanted to pull his hair out, and while we're on the topic of Blaise, let's just hope he recovers fast, the Grand Prix ring needs more competition.
REGULAR HUNTER
Can someone please get nicer horses than Faith Morris? I swear she doesn't even try, she just sits there perched on her darling horses almost knowing that no one stands a chance. She managed to snatch the first two spots with Carnegie and King Nothing. She seemed quite pleased that King Nothing was almost back to his usual, flawless performances. Alaska Black came right behind Faith in third on Ladies Man. Is it bad that I sat there wishing someone would have a better round than her just to see someone else win for once? Jamie Manlow on Livin' The Hilife had a great fourth place round, this pair is definitely coming along. Maybe, just maybe they'll be giving Faith a run for her money soon. Kadyn Stone on Velocity seemed to have a much better round from the Open hunter, and definitely seemed pleased with their fifth place. Renegade Lover and Gabby Moore came in sixth, and she looked like she couldn't be happier. The pair was definitely on it, and didn't seem phased by the intense Wellington competition. Salem Tansen on Alakazam just didn't seem to be up to their usual performances. It just seemed to look like there was something else on her mind, I wonder if it was a certain someone? I almost had a heart attack when I saw Grace Moselle aboard Ambitious, who is rumored to be owned by miss Danielle Marks. Now, the first thing that came to my mind was, why is she riding him? The moment I saw the powerful giant warmblood get going around the course, I quickly understood why. Grace was pretty much getting towed down the lines, and a couple of aggressive half halts later put them in eighth. Alaska Black on Chelsea Dagger have definitely had better rounds, this just wasn't one of their best. After a huge miss at an oxer, she buried her in deep and had the mare slid to a stop, putting them in ninth.
JUMPERS
LOW JUMPER
Kadyn Stone on Aftershock were the time to beat, sitting under the time allowed by a whole seven seconds. Kadyn definitely looked pleased at the blue ribbon that was handed to him, a definite improvement from his rides in the hunter ring. Coming close behind him was Faith Morris on Mi Amor- my little pony definitely seems to be getting her game face back on! Jumping her little heart out with her knees at her ears at every fence. Seriously, if she were two hands taller that would be my grand prix horse. It made me very, very excited when Charlotte Stanbery and Vanity Fair came in third place. The two rocked the course, and were merely two seconds behind Faith. A great third place round, with a very impressive jump off, may I add. Danielle Marks riding Remembering Sunday finally got set back in to fourth place, her pony may be darling, but it isn't about being cute in the jumper ring. Toy Soldier and Faith Morris were so close to kicking Danielle in to fifth, but were just unfortunately millaseconds behind her. Riley Tao-Sondergaard on Sie Mussen Jetzt (which may I add, I can't pronouce his last name or his horses name to save my life) were right behind Faith, and they snatched up a sixth place. I was seriously impressed by the two, I found that I just couldn't take my eyes off the pair. Grace Moselle on MT Arctic Low had a good round, the horse actually appeared to have a bit of poteintal in this class. She managed to get him going forward enough to take seventh place, and actually beat Danielle Marks on Kasanova who were just gunning it, but barely scrapped up eight place. Personally, I think her pony is done with her shit. Nova Bente on The Unforgiven were having a better round at ninth place, but the poor pony just really seemed to lack his normal enthusiasm. Alaska Black and Retro Vinyl didn't have good luck, with a couple of time faults and a rail, the pair was bumped down to tenth. I really don't know what's going on with Salem Tansen this show, once again I found myself watching as her and Alakazam just didn't have their usual perfect rounds as they just barely made eleventh. Carlee Peters and Devil's Timezone were in twelfth. There is actually nothing positive I can say about this round, I have no idea where she got this horse, or where she came from- but I hope she gets rid of her as fast as she got her. After stopping at almost every fence, I do give Carlee her ability to stick as the mare tried to rip the reins from her hands and bolt.
JUINOR/AMATEUR JUMPER
Everett Carter found himself with another blue ribbon in his hands after the J/A jumper, his round on The Bride Wore Black was efficient and quick. Skylar Bane on To Kill A Mocking Bird had another round with tight turns, but just weren't quick enough to top off Everett, but settled with the red ribbon. Once again, Skylar Bane had another fas time, but this time aboard Intoxica. Lukin Sky Blue ridden by Alyson Cloer found themselves in fourth after a good round, she seemed very pleased, and I don't blame her, I would be too! Kadyn Stone took fifth and sixth on his two horses, Cadre Noir and Velocity. I really like how he rides, it barely looks like he does anything up there and has probably the stillest hands I've ever seen. Justin Hyde on Adagio seemed to have a bit less luck, almost battling with the horse every stride for the first part of the course. He managed to settle him down and get his horse soft and responsive for a seventh place finish. It looks like Danielle Marks and September Lost just don't have what it takes anymore, the pair hit a rail and knocked them out of placing any higher at eighth. Enya Driscoll on Biloxi Blues were doing so well, until a surprise stop at the liver pool added on some faults, and a couple of time faults after that. I seriously want her lower leg though, I wish mine was that still when I jumped.
MODIFIED JUMPER
By the time the Modified Jumper rolled around, I think the heat actually went up a good ten degrees. It didn't seem to make a difference in the performance from Nova Bente on her new stallion, Morgenstern. The hot stallion was jumping great and moving quick, and Nova just sat there making the whole performance looking effortless. Justin Hyde on Adagio were right behind her, upping their performance from the J/A jumper in second place. Who would have thought that Kaitlyn McHail would actually move up from the J/A division? Her and her seasoned mount, Velasco came in third place. Dekker Morrison on Wisconsin Creek Dekker seemed to make it look easy with their fourth place round. Just seconds behind him was Faith Morris riding Carnegie, the pair was perfect and on top form as always in fifth place. In sixth place was Kadyn Stone on his big bay, Velocity. The mare seemed to be quite irritated in the warm up ring, but stepped her game up the moment she walked out in the ring. Enya Driscoll on Biloxi Blues were our seventh place winners, perched over her horse at every fence in a solid two point position. Riley Tao-Sondergaard on his quiet and handsome stallion, Drommem om Kobenhavn came in eighth, and he seemed very pleased by his stallions performance. I wasn't terribly impressed by the horse until I saw him jump, he's so careful and cute! Alyson Cloer and her very handsome bay Quarter Horse, Lukin Sky Blue came in ninth place. I was very impressed that this horse was a Quarter Horse, it could pass as a warmblood in my eyes any day! Miss Alaska Black on Retro Vinyl walked in looking like they were going to rock the course, but the pair took it surprisingly slower than usual, but were clear at tenth. Danielle Marks on her beast of a horse, Warwick definitely had a downfall from their last horse show. She definitely took Grace's advice to slow the hell down, but they've gone from one extreme to the other. Just barely cantering around, I felt like they weren't even going to make it over the jumps. Somehow she managed to turn in the wrong direction twice which is unusual, but who knows what's going on in her mind. The two just shaped up for eleventh place. Salem Tansen really wasn't having much luck today! I was disappointed when her and Incencio just came around in twelve, but with a couple time faults I wasn't too surprised. I hope they get their game up for the next show. In thirteenth was Lucy Scullvanger riding Miss Amelia Windsor, she maneuvered the big bay mare around effortlessly with a quick time, but two rails sadly threw them out of the top placings. The Bride Wore Black definitely didn't seem to be performing to her usual standards this class, Everett Carter was riding her hard to every fence. A couple of rails and time faults just threw them out, I hope the mare gets whatever crawled up her ass out. It seems that Ladies Man wasn't impressing the ladies too much, especially Alaska Black who was dealing with the energetic stallion. He just wanted to run through the jumps, rather than jump them.
MODIFIED SPEED JUMPER
It looks like Salem Tansen proved me wrong, stepping up her game in this division. Her and Incencio were back up to their usual standards of perfection, riding around the ring quick and efficiently leaving everyone behind in the dust with a blue ribbon in hand. A new face to the ring, Lee Ji Hyori held her own on her horse Baloubet Du Rouet, the two were just behind her and showing the Crossfire team that they weren't going to go down without a fight. After a hard class in the Modified, Alaska Black seemed to redeem and work the snot out of Ladies Man and got him on her aids and responding to the slightest half halt. The two improved their performance drastically to finish in third place. Faith Morris and her two darling horses clocked around without an issue like always, her time was just seconds faster on Carnegie, and shortly behind on King Nothing. She managed to take fourth and fifth away home with her, which wasn't too surprising. Kadyn Stone on Velocity had another great round, placing them in sixth. This horse is a super expressive jumper, and seems to love her job. Grace Moselle on Ambitious made another appearance, this time the fences were three inches bigger than the hunter division. I actually loved watching Grace ride a nice, broke horse that isn't trying to kill her all the time (I bet Blaise did too). I can definitely see this horse being a nice hunter when he isn't trying to haul his rider to every jump. Everett Carter on The Bride Wore Black didn't seem to have much of a better round this time, I'm hoping it's just a one show thing, with the two sitting in eighth. Natalia Filatov on her pretty little chestnut mare, Artisan's Nanon came around in ninth. The mare didn't move all that well, but she looks like she could jump to the moon! Olympian Carlee Peters on her... expressive mare Neveah have had better rounds to say the least. I think this mare should stick to the dressage ring, the whole jumping thing isn't really seeming to work out for her- the jumps themselves aren't the issue, it's the work in between the fences that were an issue. Justin Hyde on Adagio had another great round, but sadly just weren't as quick as they had been in the modified's. Falling a whole eleven spots from her previous division, Nova Bente had a bit of issues with Morgenstern this time around. The stallion seemed to be a bit spooky at something on the other side of the ring, causing a rail and a couple of time faults. Lucy Scullvanger on Miss Amelia Windsor seemed like they were going to be the time to beat, until two rails gave them faults that just didn't allow them to proceed in to the jump off. Right when I thought the division was over and I could go and grab a quick coffee before the Open started, but there was one more rider to my dismay. I thought they were kidding when I heard Kaitlyn McHail's name being called in to the ring, but they weren't. It wasn't all that surprising when she cantered up to the first fence, glanced over at Blaise, leaned forward, took her leg off and pulled. Of course, her saint horse Velasco slid on the breaks, and as gracefully as ever she slid right off her horse and landed on her feet. An accident? I think not, and Blaise seemed to agree as he screamed at her from the sidelines.
OPEN JUMPER
It finally cooled down a bit after the painfully long day by the time the Open Jumper came on. Although the weather seemed to cool down, the competition definitely hadn't. First place went to Nova Bente riding her beautiful stallion, Malach de Zion who jumped everything with inches to spare. Lee Ji Hyori on her horse Baloubet Du Rouet had another great round, these two really turned heads, especially for their first time out at such a big show. Enya Driscoll was on her mare Ladybird Ladybird, the two snatched the third place ribbon by merely seconds. Alaska Black was right behind her, fighting hard on her mare Chelsea Dagger, who had a great fast round but just couldn't catch up with the other three. There was definitely a better performance this time around from Gabriel Werth on Jericho, who jumped everything with style and ease. It was quite shocking to see Faith Morris in such a big division out of the hunter ring, sitting astride her new horse Rockefeller (yes, I know, does the girl need another horse?). The two came in sixth, it was nice to see her not come out with the blue like usual. Kadyn Stone on Flamboyant had a pretty good round, a couple awkward distances almost had them hit a rail, but his scopey horse snapped up the extra inches to make sure he stayed clean. Vince Black really just needs to give up, his round on Adeline was definitely interesting too say the least. Personally, I think he just needs to pat his saint horse on the neck and stick to dressage, even if that isn't his strongest point either. Selena Landon made a good come back on Unexpected Twist at eighth place, I hear she was in a car accident earlier? I could barely tell with how solid she rode her horse around, looking like she barely missed a day. Blaise's Olympic mount Freeze Frame was ridden by Carlee Peters, I didn't think Carlee could actually jump this big! Freeze Frame didn't seem to make his usual efforts, hitting a rail coming out of the triple combination. At eleventh place, it looks like Darcie O'Dwyer needs to work on the open water jumps, because her horse Athena didn't want to get anywhere near it until her third attempt. I had a text from an unknown sender before this divison, telling me to look out for a new comer on a big (apparently insane) grulla with a little blond girl sitting aboard. I couldn't figure out who this possibly could be until I saw Austin Cahors on Black Magic Man. Apparently Wellington was Austin's first competition back in the states since she spent last summer competing in Great Brittan. So of course, I was eager to watch this performance, but after this so said amazing jumper took a dive into her final fence, I believe that whoever sent me this either had a good taste for failure, or was mistaken that this would be something good. It wasn't surprising for them to come in twelfth place.
GRAND PRIX
Lee Ji Hyori definitely made quite the show, wowing the crowd with a first place round on her horse Balouet Du Rouet. The girl made it look so easy, her powerful horse cantering around looking like a total dream to ride. Selena Landon definitely was riding strong as ever, making her way up the ranks from the Open Jumper in to second place. After a less then graceful performance in the Open Jumper, Vince Black seemed to step his game up for the Grand prix. Him and his adorable mount Adeline came in third place, and he seemed quite pleased to be one place above Nova Bente on Malach de Zion. Nova seems to take her husband's obnoxious victories well, and I'm glad- I'd kick him where it hurts and tell him to shut up after awhile, but she just seems to smile and go along with it. Carson Valmonte on Private Lion definitely looked like they were taking it easy, wider turns with a slow pace. I've heard a shitload of rumors about him though, and if they're true... well, I don't know what to think! Alaska Black on Chelsea Dagger looked like they were going to fight hard to climb back on top and give Lee Ji Hyori a run for her money, but they just seemed to lose that determination when they went around the course. But Alaska settled quite contently at sixth, giving her mount a pat well done as they left the ring. Nova Bente came in once more, this time riding Blaise Garcia's Clockwork. Nova seemed to be having a bit of difficulty with the big gelding, but managed to keep him together to come in seventh. It seemed from that point on, every single round was far from clear. Austin Cahors on Black Magic Man made another appearance, this time the girl didn't go flying in to a jump, but knocked one over (yet, the pair seemed to take third place in their dressage class?). Justin Hyde and Belltella had a good round, but once again another rail and a round that was a couple seconds slower than Austin. Kadyn Stone riding Flamboyant definitely had a rough start to their round, but managed to clean it up by the end of the course. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough to get them any higher with an early rail and a couple time faults. I was sad to see when Jericho's performance seemed to go down, the stallion seemed to have a sudden burst of energy. Fighting hard with Gabriel Werth the whole way around, the two had a stop and a rail and threw them down to eleventh. I know it sounds horrible, but I was quite excited to see Faith Morris come in twelfth on Rockefeller. The horse didn't stop, but Faith just didn't seem to be riding up to her usual standards. A couple rails and she almost went off course twice threw her right out of the ball game- better luck next time, Faith! I wonder how Danielle feels, the girl who we never thought would leave the equitation ring made it up in the Grand Prix- I highly doubt we'll be seeing miss Marks here any time soon (or ever).
I think we're all glad for the Summer show season to finally start, because I sure as hell am. I was getting tired of the constant small show grounds, Wellington is one of my favorite places to be too! The competition was hot, and the weather didn't seem to be any cooler- not that it effected any of the riders, they all had their eyes on the prize this time around. I am definitely ready for the Summer season to unfold more, there's always something wonderful happening. I am ready for the next show, now that I'm rested and recovered, I'm just dying to hear what I've been missing in the small town of Addison within the last week. I am going to go down to the pool and work on my tan, until the next show, darlings.
SHOW MONGER