Parker, Colorado. Mexico City. That’s how far Armando Hassey came to compete in the Colorado Circuit held over the next four weeks at the Colorado Horse Park. “We come here almost every year,” Hassey said. “ The show, the grounds, the people, the classes – everything here is very nice. We love it.”
Hassey brought five horses to show during the Circuit, which runs from June 28 - July 23. Hassey claimed the top two prizes in the Junior/ Amateur Owner Jumper Classic with Canada and Lauro. “I was clean with the first horse but I had a time fault,” he said. “That made me go faster on the second horse.”
Hassey was pleased with his rounds during the first week of the circuit, and is looking forward to the remaining three weeks during which he plans to show his three jumpers in the Grand Prix classes. “This was just a warm-up for us. And it was very good.” He also earned 3rd and 4th place spots in the Open Jumpers with LaRoche and Canada.
Another pair off to a good start was Marlena Carlson and her new horse A Thousand Words. This was the second show in as many weeks for the duo, who were not only champions in the Adult Amateur Hunters 36-49, but the pair also took home the blue in the Marshall & Sterling Hunter Classic.
“I’ve only had him about two weeks,” Carlson said. “I first showed him last week. This week, I just thought about relaxing and having a good time.” Rocko, as he is known around the barn, is gaining a reputation as a “land shark” who nips at passers-by. Carlson doesn’t care as long as he continues to perform well in the show ring. “I’m just so glad that Michael (Dennehy) found this great horse for me.”
Another relatively new pair topped the Marshall & Sterling Jumper Classic. Jennifer Betts rode Raphael, a horse she is leasing for the summer from Blair Cudmore, to the top spot. “Being a student (at Penn State), I didn’t have a horse to show even though I ride during the school year,” Betts said. “I am really excited to have the opportunity to show this horse over the summer. And it’s really exciting to win!”
Betts, who trains with Jodi Kennedy, noted the courses for the Adult Amateur Jumpers were challenging and posed a lot of questions. The jump-offs were especially good as they allowed riders numerous options with regard to turning and speed.
The Colorado Circuit Preview (June 29-July 2) kicked off the first of four weeks of top notch hunter/jumper competition of the four week Colorado Summer Circuit. Horses and riders from more than fifteen U.S. states, Mexico and Canada regularly attend the Colorado Summer Circuit at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado.
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