BRAVE HORSE WEEK I 2017
Horses, riders and spectators descended upon Brave Horse Show Park for the first week of the Brave Horse Series at the 75 acre new showgrounds located in Greater Columbus. From short stirrup riders to the hunter derby competitors, all appreciated the beauty of the showgrounds and the quality of the footing, especially as the inevitable heavy spring rains made a brief appearance on Friday. The choice to use Footing First material in the arenas was made to insure the safety of the equine athlete in all conditions and the competition was able to proceed as planned, even with the rain.
Presiding over the showgrounds was a recently installed large horse sculpture crafted from wire by renowned artist, Peter Busby. Situated in the center of the showgrounds next to a large pond with a fountain, the iconic mare became the go-to destination for family and competitor photo opportunities throughout the weekend.
The distinctive new Brave Horse ribbons and prizes were proudly placed on display at stall fronts and barn entrances throughout the showgrounds. “It is really gratifying to see how much the competitors appreciate what we’ve done to make showing at Brave Horse a unique and enjoyable experience,” said owner and developer, Matt Harris. “From the new show office to the new footing and spectator seating areas right down to the ribbons and prizes that are awarded, we wanted to reinforce our respect for the sport and those who so passionately pursue it and most importantly, to celebrate the horses that make it all possible.”
Michaella Gerlacher aboard USHJA National Hunter Derby winner, Caesar Augustus
Notable wins from Brave Horse week I included the USHJA National Hunter Derby winner Caesar Augustus, owned by Anneliese Kolaska and piloted by Willow Way rider Michaella Gerlacher.
Alexander Alston aboard Steel the Dream
In the Children’s Hunter 3’ division, Steel the Dream, owned by Juanita Furuta and ridden by Alexander Alston, took tri-color honors winning all three rounds Over Fences and taking second in the Under Saddle. Thirteen-year-old Alston has ridden with Lindsay Yinger Show Stables since he was 6 and has had the ride on “Teddy” since he was acquired by Furuta this past winter.
Maria Moore aboard Whacumean
In national medal competition, Stealaway rider Maria Moore won both the ASPCA Maclay and the USEF Hunter Seat Medal classes with Whacumean, Willow Way Rider Anneliese Kolaska won the THIS medal aboard Herr Drosselmeyer and Empress Valley Farm rider Madison Fankhauser took the WIHS/NAL Hunter Classic with Legacy.
Highlights in the jumper ring include Catherine Eisenbrown piloted her own Off The Reservation to top honors in the .80m division while Lindsay Yinger took the 90m honors aboard Dorthy Cambell’s Berrymare. The Intermediate Children’s/Adult Jumper Champion was Momentous, ridden by Charlotte Oulanoff for Denise Phillips while the Low Children’s/Adult Jumper championship was claimed by Nina Du Reverdy with Jenna Howard as the owner/rider.
All Photography by Winslow Photography.