Asheville, NC— Majestic mountain views, blue sky, and the country’s most prestigious estate house as a back drop made for one very special Welcome to the Biltmore Estate Summer Classics and to the Lucky Sevens Jumper Stakes winner Andy Kocher aboard Optimistic, the 10 year-old Maida Clifton entry.
Zionsville, IN resident Allen Rheinheimer has the task of challenging an array of young and experienced pros in the jumper rings this first week of the series. The layout of 12 obstacles was a series of serpentine like turns over the full length of the grass arena and included 2 sets of combinations-8AB oxer in tall vertical out and a pair of tall verticals at 11AB. At a glance the course looked quite unassuming but it had a few tricks of the eye along the way to insure keeping both rider and horse thinking, such as the #5 oxer to #6 vertical line that “appeared” to head directly towards the road. An illusion that seem to catch several off guard in the first round.
Kocher was unable to walk the course prior to the start of the Welcome as he was still in the saddle on another mount competing in a hunter class. Trainer Dave Pellegrini took the stroll and compiled a mental map for the 24 year-old rider. “I just got here and Dave basically told me what to do and that’s what I did.” Andy replied when asked for an opinion of the course. Then both trainer and ride shared a hardy laugh as Pellegrini explained, “Well almost. Tell her about the slooowww 4” Andy chuckled a retort, “He told me that [referring to the combination at 8AB] but I just couldn’t help myself. It’s my competitive nature.” Their clear run stopped the clock at 90.08 seconds, well enough below the allotted 92 limit to ensure a spot in the jump off with only 4 other competitors to join them. As the saying goes, don’t let size fool you! Even a 5 rider finale can erupt into a cheering frenzy and literally stop traffic as noticed when vehicles beyond the arena unloaded amazed and enthused drivers-passengers roadside to watch fiery steeds almost float over the last 7 obstacles in less than 44 seconds. Veteran rider Roberto Teran, Sr set the bar with new mount High Five in a quick 41.316 clear run. Andy and his Optimistic partner followed with a stake raising clean ride of 39.071 seconds that in the end proved unbeatable and gave the pair a memorable first victory together.
Partnered a mere 5 weeks with the horse described as a “laid back boy who does cross rails and trail rides at home.” This afternoon’s event marks their first big win. “We did our first Grand Prix in Brownland recently and we’re coming together nicely.” Kocher remarked with a smile. When asked his insight of this new pair’s performance a beaming Pellegrini turned serious, “I think they were brilliant.” Then added with a smirk, “They could have been a bit more conservative, but Andy is very competitive and I think once he’s in there that nature just takes over. I trust both his and the horse’s judgment out there. I’m really proud of them both.” When asked about competing in this weekend’s Grand Prix the answer came in stereo, “Absolutely” from both trainer and rider. Dave finished up by saying, “We’re a three part team-coach, rider, and horse all the way.”
Second place went to Roberto Teran, Sr. and High Five owned by Luis Gutierrez with the second clear round time of 41.316. Following in third place Jennifer Urioste aboard Linda Urioste’s Rolls Royce finishing with 4 faults in 43.420. Fourth place went to Darren Finkelman riding the Hidden Trail Farm entry Ballare with 8 faults in 47.058 seconds and completing the top five was Michael Tokaruk in the irons of the youngster Ransom for owner Laura Regan finishing with 12 faults in a blazing 39.381 seconds.
Jumping action continued with the return of the popular Horseless Horse Show sponsored by Judy’s Tack of Germantown, TN. If you’ve not had the good fortune of witnessing such an event, this is a show where the younger riders do all the work while trainers, parents, and even the horses become spectators. Now visualize a course of 6 brightly colored jumps set in a basic hunter layout, a jump crew of 5 all under the age of 12, a field of 30 plus competitors ranging in age from 2 to 13 years-old, an “under saddle” round and complete it with the color commentary of an official show announcer, Susie Kocher. Ta -Da, you have the makings for comical mishaps and truly special moments that make horse-showing fun again. “We really look forward to doing this event at the Biltmore each year.”, began Jack Haines of Judy’s, “It’s become so popular we’re now considering expanding it to other events next season.”
Without a doubt one of the most impressive mounts had to be Brook Cole of Virginia who not only had a clear round but competed truly as her horse would, on all four hooves. She repeated this feat under the watchful eyes of the Under Saddle judging team of junior riders Elizabeth Porath and Lindsey Maxwell, executing perfect diagonals in the trot and flawless lead changes in her canter. Competitors gave it their best and the decision of a clear-cut winner proved too much of a challenge for the judges so they chose to award blue ribbons to all 30 exhibitors. “This is one of the reason we [Judy’s Tack] enjoy the Classic Company events, they’re always open to new ideas. After a long day at the rings this is just a fun way to unwind.” Commented Elizabeth “Red” Haines of Judy’s Tack, and added “The kids love it not to mention the parents who get the added bonus of exhausted children when bedtime comes!”
Also new this year Judy’s Tack hosted the first Golf Cart Funanza, which invited exhibitors to get creative in “remodeling” their carts to any summer time or horse related theme one could imagine up. The winning team was the Rheinheimer Family, who designed a Vanderbilt inspired buggy complete with a two legged steed trotting in front of the cart. Red and Jack presented the champions a $100 cash prize and large gift basket full of horse goodies. “The gives the adults a fun project to do with the kids. Coming up with a theme let’s their imaginations run wild. We can’t stop laughing long enough to try judging them!” Red said of the new event and confirmed they will sponsor it next year as well.
The Biltmore Estate Summer Classics continue through July 29th with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday each week. Classes begin daily at 8AM until approximately 4:30PM and the public is invited. Admission is required to the Biltmore grounds and may be purchased at the gates. Each Saturday evening will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper event. For more information or results on the Summer Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 828-225-6202.
Flashpoint Media Services, based in Harrodsburg, KY., is a comprehensive public relations firm specializing in the equestrian sports. For additional information contact Robbi Meisel, 859-734 3713, [email protected] or Cynthia Grisolia, 347-423 7322, [email protected].
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