| The Central California Classic Horse Show provided two excellent feature classes; on Saturday the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix of Paso Robles and on Fridaythe $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by San Marcos Training.
32 horse and rider combinations took to LD Hayes Grand Prix Arena, however it was Mandy Porter who raced to the top two places; a win with Abigail Weese’s Milano and second with Coral Reef Ranch’s Coral Reef Baloufino. Lindsay Archer and Rhys Farms, LLC’s Enita aimed for a steady and clear round to place them in third place. 11 horses made it to the jump off and only the top 3 managed a double clear round.
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Mandy Porter and Milano. Photograph © Grand Prix Photography
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“The course was great Marina (Course Designer) did a wonderful job this week,” said Mandy following her win. “Milano, what can I say? Actually all my horses were amazing and I am very fortunate to be able to ride these wonderful horses. This facility is fabulous, we love riding here and it is one of our favorite places to come. Thank you to West Palms Events and to Linda Starkman for providing Paso Robles Horse Park to have this great event.”
FEI Course Designer, Marina Azevedo, created the CWD Grand Prix of Paso Robles Presented by Travel Paso’s course. Marina, herself is an accomplished rider, and she competed internationally until 2000 including two years under the tutelage of Nelson Pessoa. Marina’s course reflected her understanding of the need to challenge and yet still provide encouragement and support to younger horses and riders at the same time.
“I have been course designing for West Palms Events for three years at Paso Robles Horse Park,” Marina explained. “Every year I see the management team making improvements to the show and to the footing, the grass fields and expanding the sand arenas. I see changes in the surrounding areas with the horse and rider in mind. I think it is important for the customer’s to feel that the management care about their needs.”
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CWD Grand Prix of Paso Robles Course. Designed by Marina Azevedo
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Mandy Porter and Milano. Photograph © Grand Prix Photography
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The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, was won by John French and Laura Wasserman’s Skyhawk. John also rode Hiller Farm LLC’s Center Court to second and Meadow Farm LLC’s Soldier to third place.
West Palms Events team would like to thank CWD and Travel Paso for their continued support and to San Marcos Training for presenting the USHJA International Hunter Derby. A huge thanks goes to all the trainers, riders, retailers and staff for helping make this a great event.
Premier Equine Center hosted a much appreciated complementary wine tasting event in conjunction with the USHJA International Hunter Derby and on Saturdayevening a further tasting event offering chilled wine and complimentary hors d’oeuvres which added to an excellent evening of equestrian sport.
The Central California Series continues November 1-5, 2017 with the Central California Fall Classic and the following week with the Central California Oak Tree Classic. We look forward to sharing further information, as we get closer to the event.
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| John French and Skyhawk. Photograph © Grand Prix Photography |
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John French and Skyhawk. Photograph © Grand Prix Photography
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Results for the CWD Grand Prix of Paso Robles:
USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by San Marcos Training:
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