Green Cove Springs, FL—FEB 9 2007— Heading into the final days of this year’s Jacksonville Winter Series the event debuted it’s first $5000 Equitation Classic. 14 year-old Laura Pfeiffer of Temperance, MI and 6 year-old Warmblood gelding Captain showed that even young partners could be tough competitors.
Laura and Captain, both trained by her aunt-respected veteran Polly Howard began the first round against 12 determined horse-rider combinations on a course by international designer Michel Vaillancourt. “Often I see courses that are too twisty for equitation so when I build for them I always tried to force them show the ability to collect and balance a horse and not always gallop and leave out a stride.” Michel shared the rationale behind tonight’s layout. “I don’t give them to much option (referring to hand gallops) usually when I want them to that part of a course I set it up to not so much add a stride but to collect the horse. I just make it almost a normal to slightly short but I don’t go to the half {stride} because that would open up the option to leave one out.” The 12 obstacle course provided just the test he wanted, offering technical bends and sweeping turns ensuring the panel of 3 judges; John Roper, Chris Wynne, and Woody Dykers would see the best and worst of each rider.
“This was a really nice class”, winning trainer Polly Howard began, “the course was good, everywhere there was a decision to be made and I think it was a good testing.” Polly expressed how pleased she was with both Laura and Captain’s performance, explaining the challenges of teaching this young horse about the margins and feeling comfortable working in the indoor arena atmosphere both feats accomplished in a week’s time. “It was an interesting course, harder than I expected.” began Laura, the event’s winner, “The lines! You had to ride them just right or you weren’t going to get them.” Regarding her partner of a mere 5 months she said, “He’s young. We’re either going to have a good day or not so good day.” she finished with a bright smile. Despite her young age this rider fully grasps competing requires a lot of hard and consistent work whether you win or not. She admits that while being home schooled may provide more time in the saddle than some of her competitors, but is quick to explain that doesn’t mean an advantage, “It comes down to how much effort you put into it {learning}, so extra is good but only if you really use it.” Being one of only 4 riders called back for testing speaks volumes as to how this rider’s efforts pay off. After wrapping up their time in Green Cove Springs the pair will take a small break before heading on to competition in Ocala. Laura has a strong focus on goals for the near and distant future beginning with a return to the ASPCA Maclay Finals, which she has qualified for the last 3 years, competing in her first Grand Prix and eventually the Olympics.
In the equitation classic, 2nd place went to Kacey McCann riding Mosquito Mounds Thunder for owner Angenita Grande. 3rd place to owner-rider Emily Gardner and Podest and 4th to Piece of Art partnered with Hayden Warmington for owner Ruth (Sunny) Stevens. All three competitors are trained by Donald Stewart of Ocala, Florida known for consistently being in the top realms of National Equitation events.
The $5000 Equitation Classic was presented by Equis Productions of East Moline, Il and owner Jessie Nelson Collins, whose video company is making their own debut at the Winter Series, said of the equitation classic, “It’s really nice to see the future Grand Prix and Maclay riders show off their talents at such a beautiful facility with such a committed show management that stands behind the future of our sport.” Participants also shared her enthusiasm and appreciation of this evening’s event.
The Jacksonville Finale continues with the thrilling $25,000 Jacksonville Finale Grand Prix Saturday evening at 7PM as well as the naming of the $10,000 Oakleaf Plantation High Point Grand Prix Rider, presented to the top rider, calculated by earned points, of the four-week series. For more information or results on the 2007 Winter Series please visit www.classiccompany.com .
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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