Special to the Horsetrader
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Horse shows may not yet be all the way back from their pre-pandemic experiences, but they sure have come a long way from where they were last spring.
Even with lingering social restrictions that seem to loosen by the month, the chance to again compete in glorious settings reminds exhibitors, supporters and fans that normalcy is advancing like a competitor through a jump-off.
At the recent Blenheim Spring Classic IV $25,000 1.45m Grand Prix, sponsored by Markel Insurance and LSI, Nicole Haunert of Encinitas and Concolue clinched the win as the only pair among six in the jump-off to go clean in a class of 13 that enlivened the Oaks International Grand Prix Field with their attempts to master Brazilian course designer Guilherme Jorge’s welcoming, 16-effort track.
Simon Shroeder of Laguna Beach finished second on Alie B, owned by Rebecca Lewis, as the fastest of the faulters in 41.834 seconds. Zume Gallaher of Windsor rode Blue Gate Stables’s Edita to third with a time of 43.114 and, like Shroeder, had four faults.
In addition to the lion’s share of the prize pool, Haunert received a Shady Lady Neck Scarf courtesy of Shady Lady Sun Protection. As the owners of Concolue, Cherokee Show Horses was given a gift certificate and frame from Topline Design Ribbon Wreaths.
“He is getting faster but he is still green in the jump-off,” Haunert said. “I thought let’s tighten the turns a little bit and not take too many chances because I wanted to be double-clean. He was wonderful, and I was thrilled.”
Haunert has had the ride on the 9-year-old Warmblood gelding after his owners purchased him two years ago. She plans on bringing him to the Showpark Ranch & Coast Classic May 11-16 at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park to continue her successes in the jumper arena and compete in another Markel Insurance Jumper Series qualifying event.
More online: https://bit.ly/105AHJ
Leave a Comment
All fields must be filled in to leave a message.