Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise Win $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Concluding Spring Spectacular II

 

 

Wayne, IL - June 14, 2015 - The final day of the Showplace Spring Spectacular II opened to grey skies and remnants of rain remaining from the previous night's storms, but that did not stop the strong jumper competition as the Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers took the limelight in the Grand Prix Ring at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Eleven horse and rider combinations faced off in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, presented by Upper Echelon Academy, but 15-year-old Giavanna Rinaldi took the win. The young talent broke the beam in an untouchable 31.191 seconds.

 

Hector Loyola designed a technical track for the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers today, with only five riders able to master his opening round. Although Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise were the first to return for the jump-off, the duo left no stone unturned as they set the pace at 31.191 seconds, setting a benchmark that would prove too difficult for any other competitors to parallel.

 

"I knew I had to set the pace, and I wanted to get it done early, so I knew there were some places where I could get it done because his stride is so big and he is so adjustable," Rinaldi explained. "Winning this Classic means so much to me because I have been working so hard with him, and he works so hard for me. We have really been clicking."

 

Hunter Holloway laid down a swift round, focusing on young mount VDL Bravo S' quick stride as she went against the clock. As they soared over the final oxer of the class, they tripped the timers in 32.984 seconds, good enough for the second place. Ironically, it was the Hays Investment Corporation, who is the owner of nearly all of the Holloway mounts, who sold Rinaldi G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise nearly four year ago.

 

"I tried him in Ocala and I fell in love with him instantly," Rinaldi said. "I just want to continue doing my best. I am so fortunate to have him, he is such a good horse for me."

 

Third place was awarded to High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper newcomer Louisa Brackett and Memphis Belle. Moving up from the Low and Medium Jumper divisions, Brackett took a shot at the raised heights, posting a clear short course in 33.176 seconds as the last of the five to post a double clear effort.

 

"I really liked the course today. I think Hector did a great job. There were some tricky parts, but I thought it was designed extremely well," Rinaldi said. "I think the last two weeks have gone well here at the Spring Spectacular, I am really happy with all of my horses, and I am so thankful for all of my trainers."

 

Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise

 

Rinaldi trains with Alex Jayne, Maggie Jayne and Hayley Rolfe out of Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois. Coincidentally, the Jayne's have a large stake in Upper Echelon Academy, the presenting sponsor of the $10,000 SJHOF High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, as Nate Rolfe, the Dean of Students at UEA, is married to Hayley Rolfe. Rinaldi's win brought the sponsorship full circle.

 

Formally started three years ago, the Upper Echelon Academy provides customized learning programs for students, mainly equestrians that are traveling for competitions, as well as students that travel to Wellington for the winter show circuit. It is in this way that the Academy is redefining what it means to be a student-athlete, with high-level tutors and owners who themselves have ties to the equestrian community available for students. 

$10,000 NAL/M&S Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Sponsored by Tapestry Farms

 

Caelinn Leahy and Bloesem

Thirty-six competitors lined the Grand Prix Ring for their shot at the top of the earnings in the $10,000 NAL/M&S Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Tapestry Farms. Today Caelinn Leahy would ride away victorious with Bloesem, as the fastest of only eight double clear efforts. She laid down a clean track as the second to return in the jump-off, blazing the trail in a mere 31.960 seconds.

 

"It was a lot of fun, she is a newer ride for me, and she is just a lot of fun. I am still learning her little quirks, but every show I feel like we are improving, and think she is even jumping better," Leahy said. "She is a very sensitive mare. I think that you have to take that into consideration. She needs a release, and she also jumps really big so you have to land softly and be aware of her antics."

 

Leahy made up time during the long galloping stretches, as well as with her efficiency in the rollbacks and turns.

 

"To the final two jumps I just let her go," Leahy said. "We turned really quickly after the Old Barrington oxer, and we have actually been working on our turns at home, so she turned on a dime to the wall."

 

Chelsea Babcock and Da Vinci took the second place with their clean jump-off time of 32.390 seconds, while Samantha Wagner and L'Etoile finished in the third place in 33.233 seconds.

 

"This was a phenomenal week. I was super happy with all my horses," Leahy smiled. "They are excelling, and they are just a lot of fun. I am learning something from them every day."

 

$5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic, Sponsored by Horseflight

 

Kristin Smith and Ophelia

 

Six riders were able to master the $5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Classic track, yet it was déjà vu as Kristin Smith and the 19-year-old Ophelia, owned by Jill Donaldson, took the victory in 34.850 seconds, flashing back to the 2014 Spring Spectacular II.

 

"She is awesome, she loves it here-she loves the footing, she's happy, and she loves her job," Smith smiled. "She is 19 years old, and you always know that you are going to get to the other side of the jumps. We are in sync, and I trust her completely, which means I can be as crazy as I want to be."

 

Indiana-native Smith began riding with Tammy Provost when she was 13 years old, but after taking a 15-year hiatus to have three children and work full time, Smith is thrilled to be back in the saddle and training with Provost.

 

"This is my favorite horse show," Smith said. "The ring is great, the footing is great, the courses are challenging. There were a lot of jumps out there, it was long, had a tight time allowed, and we were going against great exhibitors. It is always nice to be able to do so well in these classes, and to feel so appreciated as an exhibitor; you don't find that at any other shows. They really make you feel special here."

 

Smith is a full-time mother with three children to juggle, but she is thrilled that her 3-year-old daughter has caught horse fever.

 

"She is starting to do the lead line classes," Smith said excitedly. "She isn't showing here this year, but hopefully she will have her moment in the Grand Prix Ring this time next year. She loves it, and she is so excited to ride a pony every Sunday."

 

Emily Colella and Filibuster followed close behind, earning the second place with their double clear in 35.464 seconds. Holly Yeterian laid down the last of the double clears with Zero Point, stopping the clock in 44.614 seconds.

 

$5,000 NAL Children's Jumper Classic, Sponsored by Integrity Farm

 

Katy Hamilton and Sacha 12

 

Katy Hamilton and Sacha 12 took the win during the $5,000 NAL Children's Jumper Classic, stopping the clock at 38.138 seconds. MacKenzie Snider and Varina captured the second, just off her pace, finishing in 38.377 seconds. Third place was awarded to Ashley Falk and Boekit for their time of 38.866 seconds, posted without fault.

 

 $2,500 Low Children's/Adult Jumper Classic

 

Angela Swanson and The Superficial

 

It was Angela Swanson and The Superficial that took the win during the  $2,500 Low Children's/Adult Jumper Classic. They led the way with a time of 35.240 seconds to take the victory more than two seconds ahead of second place finisher Natalie Jayne and Aro. Anna Prall and Mister Pollite finished third in 38.818 seconds.

 

The Showplace Spring Spectacular II came to a conclusion today, but Showplace has added a third week to the schedule. This Tuesday, June 16, 2015, the long-anticipated hunter derby day will kick off the third week of the series. Riders can look forward to the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week. More prize money has been added to the schedule, including the $50,000 Wells Fargo Advisors Grand Prix. 

 

 

Wayne, IL - June 14, 2015 - The second week of exhibition came to a close today at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II, held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. The Adult Hunter classes and an array of Classics commanded the schedule throughout the hunter rings. A number of riders, including a mother-daughter pair, took advantage of the final day of competition by topping off the week with a couple of tricolors.

  

Split into three age groups, the Amateur Adult Hunters initiated the morning in Ring III with an open card, allowing riders of each portion to enter the ring as they please. The 50 and above age group wrapped up first, with Lindsay Ianello and her own mount Cornerstone claiming the champion honors over the 21 other exhibitors. The pair nearly swept the division, with three wins and one second place finish. Runner-up to Cornerstone was Insight, ridden and owned by Donna Struve.

 

Ianello, who bought Cornerstone in Florida last year, stated that, "It's all starting to come together for us. He is a different kind of horse than I have ever owned before, but we are starting to understand each other. He is an unbelievably talented and quiet horse. If I stay out of his way he will do very well."

 

In a heartwarming like-mother-like-daughter twist, Ianello's daughter, competing in the same division as her mother, but in the 18-35 age section, also impressed the judges to earn a high position on the cards. Jessica Ianello Brosche navigated her mount Pop Kulture, which she owns, to the reserve championship finish.

 

Brosche owns two horses, Astaire and Pop Kulture, a 5-year-old that she calls "Goose" at home, and put in good performances aboard both throughout the division. The two swapped places in a number of classes, but Brosche and Goose managed to edge out the competition, as well as her other mount, to earn enough points for the reserve championship.

 

Jessica Ianello Brosche and Pop Kulture

 

"It's a fun journey with him because I have to balance my home responsibilities and taking care of my children with riding," Brosche noted.

 

Mother and daughter have been riding together since Jessica's childhood, and have travelled the show circuit around the country for a number of years. The Ianellos are based out of Illinois, and as such "love the Showplace and Pat Boyle shows," but they can also be found in Ocala, Florida for the winter HITS equestrian circuit training with Scott and Josie Gentry of HBG Equine. Strangely enough, the reserve champion, Donna Struve, shares a stable with the Gentrys. Both HBG Equine and Struve's Tapestry Farm are located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

 

Both riders give all credit for their successes to the Gentrys, claiming that "our show careers started when we started riding with Scott and Josie's; that's when things took off and the competition aspect of our riding careers began. It has been nothing but great since then."

 

Clearly the move to HBG Equine has proved to be a smart one for the Ianellos, as they proved their skill and love of the equestrian sport today, both in and out of the show ring.

 

"We share this passion for horses, and have been doing this together for a very long time. It's a wonderful thing to share," mother and daughter both mimed.

 

Finishing just ahead of the younger Ianello in the Amateur Adults was Rachel Boggus and her horse Favourite. Boggus and Favourite were also champions of the division last week, and managed to defend their title during the second week of the series on not only the Amateur Adult card, but the $1,000 NAL Adult Hunter Classic, as well. Coincidentally, the duo garnered identical scores from the judges both weeks, earning a pair of 85 scores in two Classic rounds for the top score of 170 two weeks in a row.

 

Rachel Boggus and Favourite

 

In the middle age division, for competitors 36 to 49 years old, a group of four pairs seemed to dominate the classes, consistently swapping places and trying to one-up each other, but it was Julie Metcalfe aboard her own Be Boulder who ultimately topped the leader board. Claire Simpson and Eyecandy, which she also owns herself, worked their way to the reserve with two third place finishes over fences yesterday, and a first and fourth over fences this morning. Also putting in solid rounds were the pairs of Dana Brawley and Brawley Farms Inc's Caymus and Katherine Donovan in the irons aboard Anne Donovan's Cullen.

 

Next door in Ring IV, Bailey Andrews and Margaret Papka's Langdon Street, another Gentry-trained team, were busy riding to the victory in the $500 WIHS Adult Hunter Classic. Andrews was coming off a successful day yesterday, having won the $500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter Classic with the same horse.

 

"He's perfect," Andrews said of the horse, which she leases. "I don't do it alone," Andrews continued, thanking not only the horse, but her supporters and trainers, as well. Originally from New England, she just recently moved to Wisconsin and now trains with Scott Gentry. The duo plans to return next week for the final installment of the Showplace three-week series in the same divisions.

 

Bailey Andrews and Langdon Street

 

Four rings hosted a multitude of other Classic rounds throughout the day, with seven more champions crowned before day's end. One of the two remaining sponsored Classics of the day, the $1,000 Pony Classic sponsored by Littlewood Farm and the Markman Family, allowed ponies of all three size-based divisions, with Elizabeth Woods and her own Hidden Springs Woodstar walking away with the top prize, and Hannah Hoch and Anisette, her own pony, claiming second over the 15 other riders. 

 

Barrington Saddlery sponsored the $1,000 Short Stirrup Hunter Classic, giving away the largest portion of the prize money to champion Elodie Watrous and Lanes End's Shimmer. Watrous also rode her way to the reserve championship aboard Bill Schaub's Sugarbrook Game Plan.

 

Elodie Watrous and Shimmer

 

Underway, down the hill in Ring VI, was the $1,000 Child/Pony Hunter Classic, and Catherine Kramer with the ride aboard C and J Farm's Brighton's Sketch ended up on top of the judges' cards. Following the completion of the Pony divisions, the $1,000 Green Pony Hunter Classic rounded out the ring, with the tricolors going to Giavanna Rinaldi aboard Emily Elek-Burtard's Top That.

 

With 21 entries, the $1,000 Modified Childrens Hunter Classic was one of the largest of the day, but the competition fell in comparison to the pair of Lanie Bricker and her horse Charlie Brown. Second to them was Elle McAndrew, the rider and owner of Cartier. Following that, the adults took to the ring for the final two Classics. Anne Waldo and Roc All Night won the $1000 Modified Adult Classic, while Margaret O'Meara navigated the chestnut gelding Solitaire, owned by Woodland way, Inc., to the top placing in the $1000 Amateur Owner Classic.

 

The Showplace Spring Spectacular will continue next week with the final week of the three-part series.

This Tuesday, June 16, 2015, the long-anticipated hunter derby day will kick off the third week of the series. Riders can look forward to the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week. More prize money has been added to the schedule, including the $50,000 Wells Fargo Advisors Grand Prix. 

 

For more information on Showplace Productions or upcoming shows, please visit www.Showplaceproductions.com.