Lynn Garland and the staff at Swan Lake stables really outdid themselves with a brilliant horse show this past weekend. The rated ‘Just Jumpers’ series has become increasingly popular and this year even drew barns from several states both north and south of Littlestown Pennsylvania. What impresses me so much about Lynn’s shows is the constant attention to detail. From veteran show secretary, Beverly Abbott’s efficient and pleasant demeanor to Swan Lake Stable’s Owner; Mary Bast’s energetic announcing. Everything is done for the exhibitors and for the well being of the horses. The footing is simply superb, in their Olympic size indoor; the Euro felt is so well maintained it feels as if you are riding on air. The jumps are the best quality with good course designing, Alan Lohman combined technical turns with many options that lead to some exciting jump offs. The decorations added a holiday cheer and the hospitality table combined with fireside heaters were spectator friendly and welcoming. In fact there was hardly a class that did not have the rail filled with spectators watching.
The main event was the $1,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic. 12 riders vied for the top spot and the sharp turns and well ridden angles really were top notch. When the dust settled it was Marie Farley on ‘Rode to Bodie,’ her dark bay TB gelding,who took the top spot. Going first she opted to stay in and lead the pack from the start with an incredible turn after a style jump with imposing brick standards. Marie, who rides with her mother; well known Maryland trainer Catherine Farley has made the move to horses after a successful pony jumper career on her chestnut ‘First Class’ with whom she represented Zone 3 in the USEF National pony jumper finals. Catherine is no stranger to success in the Children’s and Adult Jumpers , she trained Leanne Smith and Cool Breeze to the National Marshall and Sterling finals win in 2000 and several years earlier coached ‘Twist of Fate’ and Jessica Lewis to two back to back Marshall and Sterling finals wins, when they were held at the Capital Center during the Washington International Horse Show
Melissa Marineau is always the epitome of cool collected grace when she enters the ring, nothing seems to faze the Baltimore rider, and her elegant Texas bred TB gelding ‘Justifiable.’ Melissa added one more inside turn than Marie and with graceful equitation and a strong gallop slipped through the timers just behind Marie’s time to take second place. Melissa actually rode with Catherine Farley for some time, and together they started ‘Justifiable’ and with Melissa’s incredible work ethic they took the 2005 USEF Zone 3 Adult Jumper Reserve Championship title. While a career move made the trip to Upper Marlboro too long a commute , Melissa was reunited with her trainer form her junior years, Kenny Krome. Moving to K-2 Show stables also meant a leap into the A/O jumper ranks for Melissa and Justin, and a win in the $2,500 JR/AO jumper classic at Swan Lake’s June 2006 horse show as well as placings in the A/O jumpers at Culpeper, Quentin, and Loudoun. Melissa has decided to return toe the Adult jumpers with her partner of many years and that paid off with her second place finish on Sunday.
Rounding out the top three was Heather Theunissen and her 6 year old Dutch Warm blood mare, ‘Double Dutch.’ The pretty bay mare got her name from the simple fact that both she and her owner are from Holland, hence ‘Double Dutch.’ The Sweet Briar College student lives in Rockville, Maryland and during her winter and summer breaks rides under the tutelage of Poolesville Based trainer Alan Lohman. Heather, who is studying equestrian studies at Sweet Briar, has an excellent partnership with her young mare. Her confident and collected rides abroad her scopey horse were met with even good jumping efforts and a clean solid round. Alan’s dedication to his student is evident in his positive and
encouraging training style and Heather and her mare exemplified that with an elegant and precise two rounds.
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