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OCALA, FL (February 4, 2013) – Patty Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania took little time to warm-up to the new Outside Course at HITS Ocala. Her first time competing in the dynamic ring turned up a win for her and Michelle Durpetti’s Kenya. They combined a pair of 86s to end the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix with a total score of 177 and the win.
The course, designed by Tucker Williams of Houston, Texas, welcomed both horse and rider to several options, utilized the bank in both directions and included some long galloping lines. According to Williams, the horses and riders are being introduced to a whole new concept of course design and are performing really well.
“It’s a great place to show off your horse,” said Williams. “Designing courses for the ring is like a jigsaw puzzle – it’s challenging to make it right, but the finished product is multifunctional and the horses and riders are really excelling.”
Williams will be designing at HITS Ocala and HITS Thermal this winter while showcasing is inventory of CCI Jumps at both shows as well.
Stovel and Kenya led a field of 34 today and were at the helm of an impressive top five. Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas was second with Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mackenzie’s To The Nines with a total score of 164, while Bedminster, New Jersey’s Amanda Steege was third aboard Susan Darragh’s Zidane with a final score of 161. Rounding out the top five was Helen Goddard of Lincroft, New Jersey with her own Blue Highway in fourth and Kendall Casaccio of Mermore, New Jersey in the irons of her own Wilhelm in fifth.
“Today’s course rode well and turned out very nice,” said Stovel. “The bank and all the options keep the class interesting. They add just enough difficulty to make the class fun.”
Stovel is no stranger to sitting atop Kenya as she sold the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood to his current owner and was asked to continue riding him. “He was great today,” she said. “We went early in the first round and he jumped really well. Then he did the Amateurs with Michelle in between rounds and came back for the second round and nailed it.”
Durpetti and Stovel believe Kenya has what it takes to be competitive in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final during HITS Championship Weekend this fall in Saugerties, New York and are pointing the gelding toward qualifying and competing in the big-money event.
©ESI Photography
Patty Stovel and Kenya ride to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala this weekend. Stovel, who used to Kenya and sold him to his current owner, is on her way to qualifying for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final this fall in Saugerties, New York.
©ESI Photography
Top honors are presented to Patty Stovel and Kenya after their win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Ocala.
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