Riders from across Canada, the United States and Europe were out in full force this week with their top mounts for this final outdoor show of the 2006 season. Mother Nature tested spectators and competitors alike with weather from both ends of the spectrum, from sun and clouds to the occasional shower and heavy rain during this first official weekend of autumn. Frankie Chesler-Ortiz and her husband Juan Ortiz were among the many riders vying for their share of the prize money here at the Tournament of Champions held at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario. Under the watchful eye of show manager Craig Collins, the Caledon Equestrian Park is operated with the precision of a well oiled machine. Home to over fifteen different prominent equestrian events in Canada throughout the year, the show grounds boasts stalls for almost a thousand horses and features five meticulously groomed all weather footing rings for riders to compete in.
This week found the Sher-Al Family success in both the young horse division as well as in the grand prix ring. Frankie Chesler-Ortiz a short listed rider on the Canadian Show Jumping team, was successful in two different show rings, as was her husband, here at the Tournament of Champions, finishing third in the Six Year Old Canadian Championships aboard her Dutch Warmblood gelding Aslan as well as capturing a fifth place finish in the $50,000 Jumper Classic with her eight year old Dutch Warmblood gelding Ranville (Calvados X Concord), coarse designed by Robert Ellis of Great Britain. A demanding Jumper Classic tested riders ability to think quick on their feet and to navigate over each obstacle with good form and quick speed. “Ranville has grown into a sharp and competitive mount for me and I am so glad that he is willing to learn every time we enter the ring, whether it be to practice or to compete, he is always ready to cross the timers and take on the challenge.” On the final day of the Tournament, Chesler-Ortiz was to compete with Ranville as well as her nine year old Dutch Warmblood mare Picolien Zeldenrust in the $100,000 World Cup Qualifier/Canadian Championship Final but with the heavy rain and muddy footing, she decided to withdraw from the competition.
Frankie’s spouse Juan Ortiz, a short listed member of the Venezuelan Equestrian Team, completed the young horse division on a high note capturing Reserve Champion in the 5 Year Old Canadian Championships with his mare For Rosa’s Pleasure. “I am so proud of her development during this past season,” Ortiz remarked. “She is a very intelligent mare and I expect many great things from her in the years to come.” On Saturday afternoon in the grand prix ring, Juan Ortiz rode strong with a sixth place finish in the $25,000 Jumper Speed Derby aboard Natural Dream, owned by Grande Farms a breading and training facility in Orangeville owned and operated by Dale Hawerchuck an NHL Hall of Famer and his wife Crystal.
This is definitely a spectator friendly show with The Family Village offering a shopping area with many unique venders, the DogSmart Performing dog show featuring an exhilarating Canine Grand Prix, the Home Depot Kids Workshop area, Birds of Prey exhibit, face painting and the always entertaining Ken Jen Petting Zoo. Next week the Sher-Al Family will be traveling to the $100,000 Invitational Grand Prix in Culpepper, Virginia and then on to the $80,000 New Albany Classic in Albany, New York.
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