WOODSIDE, Calif. – West Palms Events has wrapped up the second week of the Silicon Valley Equestrian Festival at the Horse Park. Highlighted classes included the Grand Prix of Silicon Valley presented by EQ Consults, a USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby, CPHA Northern California Finals, and the Northern Equitation Tournament Final.
Congratulations to the top two finishers in our 2021 Woodside Trainer Incentive, Jill Hamilton and Nicole Norris! These two trainers will each receive a four-day, three-night Marriott Getaway Trip.
West Palms Events also celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Horse Park at Woodside, a charitable 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to advance horse sport, land stewardship, equestrian education, and community. Thank you to all who supported the Horse Park at Woodside Barn Challenge and Raffle.
Grand Prix of Silicon Valley presented by EQ Consults
Katie Harris and her own Macho-Blue PS topped the Grand Prix of Silicon Valley presented by EQ Consults. Katie was thrilled with her win on Macho. “The win felt unreal. When I landed and saw our time I almost wanted to cry,” she said. “I purchased Macho when he was five and something really clicked with him this year. He is so great.”
Katie and Macho navigated a challenging track designed by Anderson Lima of Brazil. “I have always loved Anderson’s courses, they flow really nicely,” Katie commented. “I competed in some of my first grand prix classes here at Woodside so it’s very exciting to come back here and win one.”
Alec Lawler and his own Condalou finished second and Daniel Zilla on Branscomb Farm LLC’s Chromatic BF rounded out the top three.
$5,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Hunter Derby
Eighteen-year-old Grace Belmont and her Quirin trained by Cassie Belmont came out on top of a field of nearly 45 riders in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Hunter Derby.
“I am so excited to win this class with Quirin. He is such a sweet boy and he always performs his best with me,” she commented. “My plan was to ride forward, and it worked out. Quirin and I have a great relationship, and he was great.”
Professional rider Chelsea Brittner took home the second place prize on Zenfield Farm’s Mattis, and Andrea Correll rounded out the top three aboard Erin Campany’s Glorious.
With her victory, Grace secured a $2,000 LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus. “It’s amazing to have an incentive to keep trying your hardest at every show,” Grace said. “Thanks to LEGISequine.com for putting on this program!”
Northern Equitation Tournament Final
Grace Belmont and her Quirin continued their winning streak with a first place finish in the Northern Equitation Tournament Final.
Grace received a beautiful Woodside Horse Shows tack trunk as a prize for her win. “The hardest part was when the judge asked us to lengthen the sitting trot,” said Grace. “There were a lot of great riders out there and I was thrilled to win.”
$10,000 1.40m Welcome Classic
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Alec Lawler of Meadow Grove Farm piloted his own Condalou to the win in the $10,000 1.40m Welcome Classic.
Official Show Photographer, Sara Shier Photography, captured the best moments of the rounds in every ring as well as some fun candids.
