By LEG Up News/Brooke Goddard for West Palms
West Palms Events wrapped up the first of two weeks of competition at the Horse Park at Woodside with the Silicon Valley Equestrian Festival. Highlighted classes from week one included the Woodside Grand Prix presented by EQ Consults, a USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby presented by Rose Hill Stables, and the Round Meadow Farm Open Equitation Challenge.
Professional rider Karrie Rufer and Morning Star Sporthorse LLC’s Stern dei Folletti topped the Woodside Grand Prix presented by EQ Consults. Karrie continued her winning streak that started earlier this summer at the Woodside Circuit Opener with Mr. Europe.
Over 25 horse and rider pairs navigated a technical first-round track designed by Nick Granat with only two riders going clear: 16-year-old Zoe Brown and Karrie. “Zoe was really fast and put a lot of pressure on me in the jump-off,” Karrie said. “I wanted to take some chances and see how my horse answered some of the questions that I was asking. My horse was amazing.”
Zoe Brown and Harley Brown Equestrian’s Valiant finished in second and Olivia Brown on Alessandra Volpi’s Stratos rounded out the top three.
The LEGIS Rider Bonus Program rewards riders who win multiple grand prix or hunter derby classes on the same horse. If Karrie clinches another grand prix win aboard Stern dei Folletti or Mr. Europe this week, she will earn a LEGIS Jumper Rider Bonus.
You can visit the “programs” tab on langershows.com to view the standings and learn more about the LEGIS Rider Bonus Program.
USHJA National Hunt & Go Hunter Derby presented by Rose Hill Stables
Sixteen-year-old Noah Nelson and Hiller Farms LLC’s Center Court trained by Leslie Pinkerton-Nelson sealed the win in the USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby presented by Rose Hill Stables.
“It was my first derby win and a dream come true to win this class,” Noah said. “My mom who is also my trainer has taught me everything I know and I am so thankful to her. I was speechless when I came out and we heard the scores. I felt like I was on top of the world.”
Professional rider Travis Root took home the second place prize on Julia Darling’s Glow Up and the third place prize aboard Judith Hasko’s Bourbon de Mars, both trained by Millennium Farm.
With this victory under his belt, Noah is now in contention for a LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus if he rides Center Court to another hunter derby win during the 2021 West Palms Woodside Shows.
Round Meadow Farm Open Equitation Challenge
Aya Clear and Fordville Farm’s Laviosa won the Round Meadow Farm Open Equitation Challenge. For her win, Aya received a beautiful wood grooming box.
Official Show Photographer, Sara Shier Photography, captured the best moments of the rounds in every ring as well as some fun candids.
