Brave Horse Wraps Weeks V and VI, Prepares to Host Two Weeks of the Acclaimed Split Rock Jumping Tou
With the conclusion of Brave Horse weeks V and VI attention has now turned to preparing the show grounds to accommodate the competitors and spectators of the Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT). Significant enhancements underway at Brave Horse include the design and construction of a new front entrance on South County Line Road and a new dedicated Vendor Area adjacent to the main water feature of the 75 acre show grounds. he Grand Prix arena seating, hospitality tents and judges quarters are also currently being put into place. The FEI show jumping series Split Rock Jumping Tour 2* is September 28-October 1 and the 3* is October 4-8. Riders will compete for more than $450,000 in prize money during the two weeks of showing.
The award-winning Split Rock Jumping Tour was developed by grand prix rider Derek Braun of Lexington, Kentucky. Dubbed the Columbus International and presented in partnership with the Brave Horse Show Park, this is the tour's first event outside of Lexington.
"Our intent has always been to bring our unique show jumping experience to other locations and we have constantly been on the lookout for venues that would be the right fit to expand the tour,” said Braun. “I am thrilled to say that we have found a partner in Brave Horse who shares our values and our vision of how our sport should be presented.”
“We are thrilled to be working with the Split Rock Jumping Tour after our extraordinarily successful debut season at Brave Horse,” said Matt Harris, developer and owner of Brave Horse. “We share the same love of the sport and desire to present the best experience possible for competitors and spectators alike. This is an exciting partnership for our facility and we look forward to welcoming the competitors that come from across North America and from right here in our own backyard.”
More information on the Columbus International can be found here
Meet your favorite riders at The New Albany Classic
Before the SRJT action begins, Brave Horse owners and team members will be proudly supporting the 20th annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day at the New Albany home of Abigail and Les Wexner on September 24th. Brave Horse is the sponsor of the Rider Autograph Booth from 10:30am-11am during the family day activities. Guests will be able to meet and get autographs from their favorite grand prix riders before the opening ceremonies begin at noon. Proceeds from the event benefit The Center for Family Safety and Healing and can be purchased without fees at Equus Now! or online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information refer to www.thenewalbanyclassic.com
Beezie Madden and Sara Santisi at the 2016 New Albany Classic. Photography credit Lisa Hinson.
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Brave Horse Week VI
Week VI occurred over Labor Day weekend and included efforts to support the horse community impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Horse care items, feed, hay and other supplies were generously contributed by Brave Horse exhibitors to efforts being conducted by Bella Vista, Jen Nadalin, Equus Now!, Nancy Arledge, Blue Moon Transportation and Frank Libby and Hunter Vale Farm.
Brave Horse also accepted cash donations at the office and held several hurricane derbies with proceeds benefiting relief efforts. This quickly organized effort was a great reminder of how the horse community comes together in trying times to support one another and we congratulate and thank all of the riders, trainers, vendors and families who stepped up to help those who were impacted by Harvey.
In the final week of the Brave Horse season, Ohio State University Hunt Seat Team member and Hawthorne Hill rider Sara Santisi piloted her own Jackson to the win in the USHJA Hunter Derby.
Jackson, ridden by Sara Santisi of Dublin, Ohio, took the blue in the Derby. Photo by Winslow Photography.
In the special derbies, Alexa Manly of Hunters Court Farm rode Corduroy to the blue in the 2’ section and Empress Valley Farm rider Madison Fankhauser piloted Tombola to the 2’6” section win. Faith Ann Vergerio of Pennsylvania was named the Week VI New Albany Classic Rider Style award winner.
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Alexa Manly and Corduroy, 2’ Derby winners. Photo by Winslow Photography
Madison Fankhauser and Tombola, 2’6” Derby winners. Photo by Winslow Photography
New Albany Classic Rider Style Award Winner Faith Ann Vergerio. Photography credit Winslow Photography.
Week V
In top news for week V, Anneliese Kolaska’s Caesar Augustus emerged as the winner of the USHJA Hunter Derby. This is the third time Auggie took top honors with Willow Way’s Michaella Gerlacher aboard.
Michaella Gerlacher and Caesar Augustus, winners of the USHJA Hunter Derby. Photography credit Winslow Photography.