Source:  News Release

Cookie Monster Leaves Only Crumbs in the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix

Ryan Genn and Cookie Monster fly to the lead in the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix  Photo:  Shawn McMillen Photography

Ryan Genn may show as an amateur, but he rode like a pro in the $30,000 Pin Oak Grand Prix on Saturday night in front of a packed house. He posted the first clear round of the night on Cookie Monster and never looked back. Conrad Homfeld’s course required adjustability, a prompt pace, and an efficient track. Tracy Fenney tried to get two in the jump off, but aboard MTM Centano (MTM Farm, owner), she stopped the timers just .05 seconds over the time allowed for a costly single time fault. Three horses left all the jumps up but acquired time faults. Tracy found the correct formula with MTM Timon (MTM Farm, owner), as did Bryn Sadler with Bon Giorno (Showcase 81, LLC, owner).

In the jump-off, Ryan led off and made the other two chase him. He jumped fault free and laid down the fastest time of 46.090. Tracy made a valiant attempt, but a rail and slower time relegated her to second. Bryn rode a more cautious track and garnered seven faults to finish in third.

This was a particularly thrilling win for Ryan. “This is only my second grand prix win,” said the 21-year-old rider. “It is just the best feeling.” Ryan is part of the winning Genn family based out of Ohio and captained by Wilhelm, originally from Germany. While older brother Theo decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, Ryan chose a different path, although it wasn’t without a lot of soul searching. “I talked to a lot of people and did a lot of thinking. Then one day I was talking to a friend and she told me about SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). It sounded interesting and I met with the coach.” The fit seemed perfect and Ryan made the decision to pursue a college degree. “I don’t mind being a freshman at 21. I’ve grown a lot, so I am ready to get a lot out of school.” And getting a lot he is. Ryan joined the equestrian team where he made his debut in equitation. “I had never done equitation before, but my experience riding so many different horses because of my family has really paid off.” He is hoping he can help his school qualify for the IHSA Zone Finals and then Nationals.

Ryan’s parents could not be more proud of their son’s choice, and they pledged to keep a horse for him to ride and show. “I ride Cookie Monster when Ryan is at school, and then he flies in to show,” explained Wilhelm. Wilhelm first spotted the now nine-year-old gelding in Germany and had no idea he was 18 hands tall until the groom brought him out of the stall. No matter what he set to test the horse, Cookie Monster just kept answering the questions and Wilhelm knew the horse was for him. After bringing Cookie Monster along, Wilhelm knew he would be the ideal horse for Ryan.

“He is perfect,” said Ryan. “He is a big, lazy horse, but as he gets more experience he is firing up more. He doesn’t spook and he has an amazing mind.” Ryan really enjoys Pin Oak, and winning in front a big crowd was especially exciting, plus he really likes Conrad Homfeld’s courses. “Conrad is my favorite builder. He makes you practice rideability – collection to loose. You have be able to flow around Conrad’s courses, and he pays attention to every detail.”

In the jump off, Wilhelm’s advice to his youngest son was simple. “Make them chase you,” he told him. Ryan took the advice to heart and his clean, fast round put the pressure on and resulted in the win.

Ryan looks forward to returning to the second week of Pin Oak, but in the meantime he is jetting back to school where the next term of classes is beginning.

Tiago Enresto and Amuleto Vo dominate the Working Equitation Photo: Shawn McMillen Photography

The relatively new Working Equitation Division at Pin Oak was almost as popular as the grand prix. Modeled after classes held in Spain and South America, Carmina Zamorano Gonzalez of Haras dos Cavaleiros championed bringing the exciting event to the United States and featuring it at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. Linda Graham, a long time Pin Oak supporter and a member of the Board of Directors for the past year, has a great appreciation for Working Equitation and shows her horse, Amuleto Vo in the Andalusian classes. Linda’s trainer Tiago Enresto piloted Amuleto Vo to wins in all four  of their Working Equitation classes and the Championship. When it was Linda's turn, she and Amuleto Vo topped both the Andalusian Native Tack & Attire Amateur and Championship classes, plus they did well in Andalusian English Show Hack Open and Amateur.

Although any breed of horse using any kind of tack can show in Working Equitation, the Spanish bred horses seem to excel. The division comprises three phases. The competition begins with a Dressage test, and then two different Obstacles competitions. In the Speed Obstacles, horses are judged not only on their accuracy of maneuvering through the obstacles, but also the speed at which they accomplish the challenges.

A large crowd gathered ringside to watch the horses navigate the Obstacles course, which included cantering through tightly set poles, demonstrating fluid flying changes, and picking up a spear standing in a barrel, spearing a ring, and then placing the spear back in a second barrel, all performed at the canter.

The grand prix audience was treated to a musical demonstration of a high level horse and rider performing an intricate routine set to music. Carrying a long wooden spear, the rider planted the tip in the ground and cantered a pirouette and then doubled back under the spear to reverse direction. It was quite a feat of horsemanship, control, and skill. The audience rewarded the pair with thunderous applause.

Linda is enthusiastic about the popularity of Working Equitation and enjoys supporting Pin Oak Charity. "When I was a little girl, my parents would drop me off at the show and I would sneak in to the stable area because I wanted to be around the people who were showing. I didn’t want to sit in the stands.” That early passion resulted in going on to purchase a horse, riding, and showing, and then a position on the Pin Oak board. “I figure I have more than paid for all my sneaking in as a child,” said Linda with a laugh of her volunteer time to this worthwhile charity that benefits children throughout the Houston area.

Because of the Easter holiday this year, the second week of Pin Oak resumed on Tuesday and ends on Saturday with more hunter/jumper action. Although Ryan Genn will miss the first grand prix because of school, you can be sure that he, Cookie Monster, and other great riders will be together on Friday night for the feature class. Watch for our continuing coverage!

Visit the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show website for more information.

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