Conyers, GA.—November 5, 2007—Some exhibitors might be a tad nervous kicking off a three-week, year-ending series on Halloween, the holiday best know for frights and tricks. But not Daniel Geitner, owner of DFG Stables, based in Aiken, SC. Geitner has enjoyed a week of nothing but treats, including multiple Championship and Reserve Champion ribbons and a wicked win in the $25,000 Ameriprise Financial Halloween Grand Prix aboard the Kyle Register-owned Trading Places.
Geitner’s week began with a Tri Color goodie in the Green Working Hunters with Derek Hirsch’s Don’t Call Me Monday and the reserve champion spot riding Ringo for owner Catherine Stumberg. From there he scored another double championship win in the Pre- Green 3’ Hunters with Ann Anastasio’s Theodore and Rebecca Cameron’s London. By Friday evening he had yet another delight with Kim Kuik’s Love Is Blind taking the Reserve Championship in the Pre-Green 3’3 Hunters. Always modest, Geitner’s first comments were about his clients, “It’s been a great week! Kimberly Quinn and Gershwin were Champions in the Amateur Owners Older division and second in their Classic. Annie Wise and Annabelle were champions in the Amateur Owners Younger division and won their classic. Everybody has done well!”
As the week drew to its close with the most anticipated class, a $25,000 Grand Prix, Daniel found himself taking on an international field of 19 competitors all vying for bragging rights and the big check. Providing this week’s jumper-course challenges was Zionsville, IN native Allen Rheinheimer, know best for taking advantage of the former Olympic arena’s full space in order to test both rider and horse’s physical prowess as well as the strength of their partnership. “I thought it was nice, really nice.” Daniel said of the 14-obstacle first round. “It was a long course, 98 seconds is a long way around there,” he added with a chuckle. No real surprises popped up on the first round, aside from the 3AB combination which consisted of a triple bar into a vertical that seem to trip up some of the younger equine competitors. The true test was one of endurance and confidence from which a mere nine would survive to take on the final round. Geitner qualified two of his three mounts, joining Trading Places the 8 year-old Argentine Warmblood was the 8 year-old Selle Francis mare Sympa [owned by Mrs. Charles Bostwick], who last year some doubted could handle the pressure of show jumping at this level. “She’s really maturing and starting to work with me more.” Daniel began, “She’s all professional! We have an understanding, as long as she thinks we’re doing it her way–that she’s the boss–then everyone is happy.” The boss went clear in 91.92 nearly seven seconds below the allotted time. Going next to last in the order, Trading Places exhibited the “growing confidence” Geitner sees in him with a clean first round time of 93.53 seconds. “He’s got a great mind. Biggest thing with him is that he doesn’t know what he can’t do! He’s always willing to try.” Geitner spoke of the youngster, “I have to remind him and myself that he is only 8.” Rheimheimer’s jump-off course consisting of seven obstacles was laid out in a series of turns, keeping the 3A element of the triple bar as well as the 10AB combination of oxers heading to the final wide oxer heading into the spectators. First to return was newlywed David Jennings of West Palm Beach, FL with Magnolia, the 6-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by wife Amy. Magnolia went clean in a quick 40.345, well under the 47-second limit. Three others tried to best Jennings time but failed until Geitner and Sympa. The mare shaved nearly a second off Magnolia’s time and took over the lead with an impressive 39.402. Jennings followed on his second mount, Topliner, a 7-year-old Warmblood gelding owned by Nora McDonald-Yaney but fell just short with a final time of 39.914. With only three horses remaining to challenge his lead Daniel returned to the schooling ring to prep Trading Places while the next competitor, Belynda Bond entered the ring. Not until crossing the end gate did Geitner learn her attempt had also failed.
Trading Places just hummed along with Geitner, right-left-right-left, as they took flight over the fences. “The turns could be tricky,” Daniel admitted, “sharp right, sharp left, and a long run to the last oxer right in front of the crowd.” Then typical of this horseman he added with a smile, “It was a lot of fun!” Heading toward the final fence the pair just “let it out,” jumping in at a slight angle to land across the timer in 38.689 clear. The sweet taste of victory was theirs. Proud “mom” Kyle Register was unable to cheer on “Kreme” (his pet name at home) in person due to a back injury earlier in the week that had her resting at the hotel, but Geitner’s phone call right after the win was a perfect medicine. “She’s delighted with him as always,” Geitner said wiggling his ear clear of the boisterous cheering on the other end of the phone and winked. Always a relaxed interview, Daniel concluded with a hearty laugh, “We’ve had some seconditis lately, it’s nice to break through here.”
Official results placed Geitner and Sympa in 2nd with a clear final time of 39.402. David Jennings riding Topliner to 3rd place with a clear time of 39.914. Fourth went to Roberto Teran aboard High Five for owner Luis Guiterrez in a clean time of 40.087, and completing the top five was David Jennings with Magnolia in a final clear time of 40.345. Indications from all point to a thrilling rematch this coming Sunday at 2pm.
Other notable victories for the first week of the Fall Series include junior rider Renee Huesca of Mt Pleasant, SC who partnered with Carrera (owned by Heather Hartenbach) won the ASPCA Maclay, the WIHS Jumper phase, and finished 2nd in the WIHS Equitation Classic. Renee also took the top spot in the NHJA NAL WIHS Childrens-Adult Jumper Classic with her own Ned Boy. In the younger age group, Lucille Oken of Charlotte, NC added to her season of collecting blue ribbons with best friends Hi Lite in the National Classic Equitation Small Pony section, Promise in the NHJL Medium-Large Pony Classic, and In Style for the Children’s 14 & Under Hunter Classic.
The Atlanta Fall Classics continue through November 18th with showing taking place Wednesday through Sunday. Classes begin daily at 8am until approximately 4:30pm and the public is invited. Admission is free and each Sunday will host an exciting $25,000 Grand Prix jumper classic at 2pm. For more information or results on the Fall Classics visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 770-602-2510.
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