Source:   News Release

Highlights from Memorial Day Classic: Photo Essay

The Memorial Day Classic (May 23-27), as always, was a fabulous show filled with new memories and successes. Here’s a look at some of the fun memories riders shared with their horses this past weekend.

Olivia Esse on Valor and Rainland Wilrona

Olivia Esse enjoys her return to the show ring after taking time off for college Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Olivia Esse (Makoto Farms and Chris Pratt, trainers) had a successful show in the hunter and jumper arena. She was reserve champion in the 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunters, 18 thru 35 and winner of the $1,000 3’3” Amateur Owner Hunter Classic on Valor (Oscany Inc., owner). “I’ve had Valor for about seven years now. We got him when I started doing the junior hunters and I’ve had him ever since,” Olivia recounted.

Olivia is just getting back into the show ring after having a busy year in college on the East Coast. “I just got back from my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania. I’m a little rusty because I’ve been out of practice, but I’m really looking forward to doing some lower classes and just having fun this summer.” She was also champion in the Adult Amateur Jumpers 1.10M on Rainland Wilrona (Oscany Inc., owner).

Caitlin Disney on Gatsby

Caitlin Disney (Jeff Katz, trainer) grew up riding in Los Angeles and has a long history with the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. “I’m a horse show kid. I was raised around all of the big shows and I’ve been coming to LAEC since I was about five,” Caitlin commented. “I can remember riding horses in the Allen arena while my mom showed in the Amateur Owner Hunters.” Though she took a break from riding in high school and college, Caitlin’s love of riding was reignited in 2006 when she attended graduate school at the University of Southern California.

“I found out that USC had an equestrian team and that sort of brought me back into riding. I didn’t stay on the team, but it definitely lit the fuse again so I went to visit Jeff,” Caitlin remembered. “I was totally hooked. I bought Gatsby in November 2006 and my jumper two years later. It’s been nonstop ever since!” Caitlin has been training with Jeff Katz and Bud Wolf her whole life and can’t imagine being trained by anyone else. She and Gatsby placed first in the LAHJA/LA Saddlery Senior Medal Class and second in the Amateur Owner Hunters.

Kaitlyn Lovingfoss on Salt Water Taffy and Fine Design

Kaitlyn Lovingfoss focuses on the basics in the pony ring Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Kaitlyn Lovingfoss (Carolyn Culligan, trainer) was very excited to win multiple blue ribbons in her first year competing in the large ponies. “I was focusing on my spots and position,” she commented. “My goal was to have three good rounds today and I did.” Kaitlyn has been riding her large pony, Salt Water Taffy, for about two years. “We got her from Minnesota,” Kaitlyn explained. Her trainer, Carolyn, added, “I saw her online. I took one look and said we had to go see her, so we went. She's worked out very well for Kaitlyn.” Kaitlyn is qualified for the USEF Pony Finals for the first time and plans to travel to Kentucky to compete. She also placed second and third in the Low Children’s Hunters on her Fine Design.

Michelle Mallett on Orlando

Michelle Mallett (Elvenstar Farm, trainer) fought back valiantly from a difficult start to the show weekend. “I actually fell off on Friday, but my horse has been so good since then that I’ve definitely gotten my confidence back,” Michelle mentioned. She and Orlando (Elvenstar Farm, owner) got back into the swing of things and placed first in the PCHA Horsemanship Medal Class and the LEGIS National Children’s Medal Class. The 14-year-old enjoys the LEGIS League classes and elaborated, “I really like the LEGIS League classes and I hope that I get to do more of them. I love the LEGIS League courses because they’re always fun and I like how they incorporate work offs into the course.” This was Michelle’s first big show, and she was pleased with how the weekend turned out. “I placed second in my first 3’3” class ever, so I’m really happy with that and the whole show ended up being really successful for us.”

Marsha Kennedy on Gaviota and My Habit

Marsha Kennedy shows what Thoroughbreds can do Photo: Flying Horse Photography

For Marsha Kennedy (Michelle Pacyna, trainer), Thoroughbreds are the name of the game. She owns three, one of which is retired, and was thrilled when she found out about the Thoroughbred jumper classes being held at the Memorial Day Classic. “Usually I only bring one of them, but when I heard about the Thoroughbred classes, I brought both,” Marsha noted. “I’m so excited that the Jockey Club offers the Thoroughbred Incentive Program. It’s especially great that they offer these classes because Thoroughbreds were out of style for so long. It was wonderful to see more of them in the class today and I think we’re going to start seeing more and more as this program continues.”

Marsha was reserve champion in the Adult Amateur Jumpers 1.10M on her Gaviota and also notched several wins in the Thoroughbred Jumpers 1.00M and placed third in the $100 Thoroughbred Stake – 1.00M. On her horse My Habit, she placed second in the Thoroughbred Jumpers and fourth in the $100 Thoroughbred Stake. Gaviota is off the track and My Habit has excellent racing breeding. “My Habit is the son of Habitony and full brother to Best Pal, who to this day holds the record for purses of any California-bred racehorse,” Marsha said proudly. Best Pal was also an American Hall of Fame champion racehorse, three time California Horse of the Year, and runner-up in the 1991 Kentucky Derby.

Marsha herself has a rich history with regard to horses. “My grandfather rode in the U.S. Cavalry so he used to tell me great stories. I got to see his whole uniform, down to the feedbag and everything,” Marsha enumerated. “I remember that I started sneaking quarters out of my dad’s change jar to save up so I could rent and ride horses.”

Though she owns all Thoroughbreds now, Marsha’s first horse was unique. “The first horse I ever got was one of the Clydesdales from Budweiser,” Marsha related. “One of our friends was a brewmaster there and they didn’t take all of the horses when they consolidated facilities, so we got Junior.”

After taking a break from riding to start a family, Marsha got back into riding and now keeps her horses at her home in the Santa Rosa Valley. “I like the Thoroughbred mind,” Marsha said. “They are a harder horse for some people to ride, but I really like how quick and alert they are and how much they want to please you. I really hope these classes can get people excited about Thoroughbreds again, because they are a fantastic breed and deserve to be in the show ring.”

Maria Pacifico on Hearts of Blu

Maria Pacifico and Hearts Of Blu are anything but blue at Memorial Day Classic Photo: Flying Horse Photography

The LEGIS League is designed to encourage and enhance the competition level of Children's and Adult riders by providing the opportunity to qualify for prestigious regional and national finals competition. The League offers classes for a wide range of riders, including the LEGIS Mini Medal, an entry level medal set at 2'. It was the first medal for Maria Pacifico (Patrick Spanton, trainer), so it was particularly exciting for her when she won it. “I'm really happy,” she remarked. “I wasn't that nervous; I think I worried enough yesterday about my classes that I stayed calm today. I mostly focused on getting my strides on my fat, lazy horse. We call him Bubba and he's a really good boy, but he is lazy. I just got him in January, and I hope to move up to the 3' medals next year with him.” Maria had a great show in general, winning the championship in Short Stirrup and first place in the MDC Mini Hunter Classic as well as placing third in the CPHA Horsemanship Medal.

Kacie Lehner on Savoy

For Kacie Lehner (Jeff Katz, trainer), it was love at first sight with Savoy. “I’ve known Savoy since he was born and even bottle fed him as a baby,” Kacie recounted. “I’ve ridden him since he was broke and I just absolutely love him.” The pair were champion in the 3’6” Performance Hunters and placed second in the $1,000 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunter Classic. “We just moved him up to the Amateur Owner Hunters this year and have had a fantastic show year so far. He’s learning a lot and really coming into his own, which is very exciting.” Kacie works hard to balance her career and her love of riding, but hopes to continue to fit in showing when she can. “I would love to go back east and show Savoy if I can find the time and money for it,” Kacie said. “Even if I don't, hopefully this summer we’ll muster up the courage to do a derby.”

Kelli Byer on Annestasia and Bonbini

Kelli Byer racks up the wins on the grass field Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Sixteen-year-old Kelli Byer (Erin Isom, trainer) made an impression in the jumper classes on the grass field. She and Annestasia (Karen Hao, owner) won blue ribbons in the $250 Low Junior-Amateur/Owner 1.30M Jumpers and the $1,500 Low Junior-Amateur Owner Jumper Classic. “Annestasia has a lot of scope and a really long stride, so that’s convenient in the jump off,” Kelli described. “She’s really unorthodox because she doesn’t put her head down at all. She’s kind of difficult to ride, but I forgive it because she’s so talented.” Kelli has been riding Annestasia for a little over a year and was gratified by the wins. “It’s definitely special to me because I’ve been working with her a long time to get to this level,” Kelli said. “She started in the 1.00M and I’m happy that we’ve been able to work up to the 1.35M level as a team.” Kelli also was reserve champion in the 1.15M Jumpers and won the $500 1.10M Jumper Classic on Bonbini (Marlene Butterworth, owner).

Alyce Bittar on Beirut B

Alyce Bittar is following in her father's footsteps Photo: Flying Horse Photography

At just twelve years old, Alyce Bittar (Rebecca Bruce, trainer) is already notching wins in the Low Child-Ad/Am Jumpers .80M and Low Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Classic aboard Beirut B (Georges Bittar, owner). Beirut is owned by her father, who has been riding for many years. “I’ve been riding ever since I was very little, “Alyce said. “My dad is my role model and I’m happy that he brought me into horses and that it’s a passion we can share together.”

She hopes to keep improving and eventually become a veterinarian and Olympic rider.

Finley Burger on Smart Bob

Finley Burger (Kasey Ament, trainer) earned ribbons all week in the equitation classes, but the capper of the show was when her smooth, well-executed work off test earned her the win in the Onondarka Medal Class. “I'm so happy," she said. "I've been trying to qualify for that one for a while so I'm really glad I won. I just wanted to put in a solid ride, so I was happy with how I rode and then I ended up first! I rode in the Onondarka Medal Finals last year and it was really fun, so I'm looking forward to doing it again this year.” Thirteen-year-old Finley, who shows as a twelve-year-old, just started riding her Smart Bob last year and started doing the 3' and 3'3" medals, and before that she showed ponies. Although she occasionally shows in the jumpers for practice, she and her horse prefer the equitation.

Trent McGee on Super Mario

Super Mario lives up to his name Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Ten-year-old Trent McGee (Tommi Clark, trainer) has no fear. His mother's heart might be in her throat while she watches him rip around the jumper courses on his Super Mario--a large pony that lives up to its name--but Trent is all business. While Tommi urged him on from the sidelines, Trent made short work of the Low Child-Adult Jumpers 1.00M course, then went even faster and took even tighter turns for the jump off round and no one was able to catch him. “Super Mario has been stopping, so I was supposed to hold the right rein and use my left spur because he wants to run out to the left," Trent explained. "He's a very tight turner and I'm supposed to stay with his strengths, so I took a really tight track. It can be a little intimidating riding against the horses because they're so fast and have such a big stride, but they can't catch Super Mario in the turns.” Trent and Super Mario also had wins in the .85M Jumpers, .90M Jumpers, and Low Child-Adult Jumpers .90M.

Trent, who goes to St. Paul's First Lutheran in North Hollywood, has only been doing jumpers for a couple of months, but he's hooked, leaving the hunters behind. He and Super Mario are qualified for the USEF Pony Finals and will head to Kentucky this summer to compete there.

Other Highlights

Ashlee Bond brings Cadett 7 back to the show ring and wins Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Memorial Day Classic always draws some very accomplished riders. If you missed our daily coverage of the show, visit the LEG Up News website. A few of the highlights of the show included Ashlee Bond and Cadett 7 (Little Valley Farms, owner), who claimed first prize in the $5,000 Open Welcome Stake 1.40M. The class was Cadett’s first class back since Thermal, as he had been off due to an injury. He obviously showed he was back in showing form with the win.

Jenni Martin-McAllister and LEGIS Venice (LEGISequine.com, owner) rocked the $7,500 Allon 1.35M Jumper Classic and rode a beautiful, clear round. She and Venice faced off against Kristin Hardin and Bert (Emily Cohodes, owner) in the jump off and laid down a fast, clear jump off for the win.

Team Elvenstar rode phenomenally in the Memorial Day Classic Equitation Challenge. Their team, Maroon 3, consisted of junior Sydney Hutchins, amateur Morgan Geller, and professional Katie Gardner. The difficult class featured a course full of rollbacks and a work off without stirrups. Maroon 3 proved they were up to the challenge and Katie Gardner and Morgan Geller won for the second year in a row. Katie won another trip to Maui courtesy of the LEG Maui Trainer Incentive, and Morgan and Sydney both won beach bikes.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby featured not only great riding, but also the annual fundraiser for After the Finish Line, a charitable organization for off-the-track Thoroughbreds. The exciting derby was capped with a spectacular rounds from Jenny Karazissis aboard Jamestown (Nina Vogel, owner), and the pair took the lead and the blue ribbon.

Susie Artes and Zamiro put in the only fault-free round in the $30,000 Memorial Day Grand Prix Photo: Flying Horse Photography

Susie Artes rode the only clear round in the $30,000 Memorial Day Grand Prix aboard Zamiro (Alix Fargo, owner) and notched another grand prix win on this fabulous horse. Danny Foster (CAN) set a difficult course that only Susie could navigate clear and within the time allowed. The exciting grand prix featured many well known riders, such as Rusty Stewart and Ashley Bond, as well as newcomers Derek Chang and Gavin Brodin. Jenni Martin-McAllister and Justin Resnik both went clear but unfortunately had time faults. The win was a great precursor to Susie’s first bid for the World Cup Finals aboard Zamiro.

On Monday morning, exhibitors were treated to breakfast and the $3,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Katie Gardner continued her winning streak and won the class aboard Maldini (Star Lane Farms, Inc., owner). The win was particularly impressive since it was Maldini’s first hunter derby, and the second year in a row Katie won both the Memorial Day Classic Equitation Challenge and the $3,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Horse showing returns to LAEC with Gold Coast 4 (June 14-16), while the Verdugo Hills Show Series at Hansen Dam Equestrian Center continues June 1-2 with Verdugo Hills 5. The Northern California series continues with Woodside Circuit Opener (June 19-23) and Bay Area Summer Festival (June 26-30). The Colorado show season continues at its new location, the Norris Penrose Event Center, with the LEG Summer Festival Preview (June 24-26), offering $40 class credit for up to three classes per horse.

For more information on Memorial Day Classic, including a prize list, schedule, and complete results, visit the newly redesigned LEG website.

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