Craig Schmersal & Sparkling Wave Win $15k Added Open Derby at High Roller Reining Classic

Photo Credit: Craig Schmersal was aboard Sparkling Wave to earn highest score of the High Roller Reining Classic, a 225.00, and take home the $15,000 Added Open Derby championship. By: John O’Hara.

Las Vegas, NV – September 12, 2009 – Today marked the final day of competition at the High Roller Reining Classic, held at the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Equestrian Center. The High Roller Reining Classic is the international “crown jewel” of western riding competition, and features over $200,000 in added money and prizes. All of the horse and rider combinations were in top form as they tried to secure the win in the $15,000 Added Open Derby, and with thirty-seven riders in the class it would take a very high score to earn the blue ribbon. Today was also the final day that six-year-old Sparkling Wave would be eligible to compete in a derby event, so rider Craig Schmersal decided to make sure “Sparky” left his mark in Las Vegas. The pair had incredibly fast circles and sharp stops, and the judges honored their excellent pattern with the highest score of the show, a 225.00 to earn the day’s victory.

The competitors had to complete pattern nine, which begins by having the riders run into the arena, complete a sliding stop and back-up, followed by four spins to the right and four spins to the left. The exhibitors then have to begin with their fast circles on the right lead, and continue with a small, slow circle and a complete a change of lead in a figure eight pattern. Next riders complete two large, fast circles on the left lead and make another figure eight. Finally riders complete three stops, including two rollbacks, and finish the pattern by dismounting and dropping bridle to the judge. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=7987

Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, High Roller Reining Classic, Reining

3’3″ Hunter Derby Highlights Sat.’s Events at 2009 Marshall & Sterling League Nat’l Finals

©Lili Weik Photography. HITS’ Kristen Vale joins Heather Ann Cahill for the win shot after the $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3’3″ Hunter Derby.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 14, 2009) — The $5,000 Marshall & Sterling 3’3″ Hunter Derby made its debut during the 2009 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals on Saturday and crowned its inaugural winner when Heather Ann Cahill piloted Hullabaloo to the blue at HITS-on-the-Hudson, in Saugerties, New York.

Cahill (Bedminster, New Jersey) had the highest score in both the first and second rounds of the popular class that featured 51 starters in the first round and an additional 12 that came back for the handy round on a course set by Jerry Dougherty. “I couldn’t be happier that this class was offered at the Finals,” said Cahill. “The numbers speak for themselves. There were more than 50 horses that competed and everyone had a great time.”

Hullabaloo, is owned by Elizabeth Kalaris and is a relatively new ride for Cahill. “He is one of the best horses that I have ever had the privilege to ride,” she said. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=7985

Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, hunter/jumper, Marshall & Sterling League National Finals

Jumping for Joy! Action at 2009 Marshall & Sterling League Finals Shifts into High Gear

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 12, 2009) — HITS-on-the-Hudson was jumping on Friday when Alexa Adelson (Scarborough, New York) posted the fastest double-clear round aboard Vorst to win the blue in the $2,500 Children’s Jumper during the Marshall & Sterling National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

Course Designer Jerry Dougherty trimmed a field of 38 starters to a field of seven that moved into the jump-off round. “It was a really fun course and to have seven come back for the jump-off seemed to make it just right,” said Adelson. “The hardest part of the jump-off was going to be the first turn. I took it real tight and galloped to the next jump and I think that made the difference.”

Adelson is 17 and runs Cross Country at The Hackley School just outside of New York City when she is not at the barn training. “I just want to thank my trainer Simonetta Meisels and a foundation that I belong to called Just World International. I have a great group that supports me.” Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=7983

Tags: equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, HITS, hunter/jumper