Clear blue skies and a warm summer breeze welcomed riders to the EMG Equestrian Festival in Palgrave, Ontario for this fifth week of summer showing. Frankie Chesler-Ortiz aboard her eleven-year-old Dutch Warmblood, VDL Nuit de Pomme, captured first place in the $25,000 Grand Prix against many other top riders competing here today.
Eighteen horse and rider combinations tried their hand at the class designed by well renowned British course designer Richard Jeffrey who has challenged many riders across North America and Europe. A technical but fun class contained some twists and turns that caught many off guard, particularly the five and a half strides between the water jump and a very tall vertical. “The question that was on a lot of the riders minds was: should I push my horse for a long five strides or a short six strides”, Chesler-Ortiz commented, “if you made the wrong choice - it costs you a rail and a place in the jump off.” The triple combination, also a problem for a few, a scopy oxer, oxer, vertical tested horse and rider ability to stay calm under pressure, but caught many on the second and third elements of the combination.
Of the eighteen competing for the win, only two riders managed to qualify for the jump-off, Eric Lamaze of Schomberg, Ontario aboard Lorrain Z and Frankie Chesler-Ortiz of Orangeville, Ontario with VDL Nuit de Pomme. At the start of the jump-off Lamaze assessed the situation and charted his course for the fastest time possible. He took to the ring and achieved a great time but nicked a rail near the end and finished with four faults. Chesler-Ortiz entered with the understanding that a clear round and a good time could win the class. After passing through the timers she had her eyes clear on the task at hand and managed to complete the class clear and with time to spare - claiming first place. “I am so happy about today’s class” Chesler-Ortiz remarked. “VDL Nuit de Pomme was sharp, quick and showed so much heart today, I am so proud of him and look forward to next weeks class. Equestrian Management Group (EMG) horse show organizer Craig Collins has once again outdone himself and should be congratulated for another great show season.”
The show continues on next week in Palgrave with the $100,000 Sunday Grand Prix and then will move north to Collingwood, Ontario.
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