The 30th Anniversary of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals came to a close in grand fashion. In these unusual times, HITS and the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League waived qualification requirements for the 2020 Finals and drew 1,836 class entries. Champions were awarded in 10 divisions and 15 featured Classics and Medal Finals.
HITS Hunter 2’6” – Professional
The week kicked-off with Emily Voorhees taking home the Champion title aboard Sea Salt in the HITS Working Hunter 2’6” Professional division with a total of 15 points. Reserve Champion, with 12 points was Brian Feigus and MTM Coconut.
HITS Hunter 2’6” – Non-Professional
There was a tie for Champion in the HITS Working Hunter 2’6” Non-Professional division. Amanda Zwaan piloted Chico and Michaela Howe rode Aria to a blue ribbon in each of the over fences classes, to share share the tri-color award.
HITS Hunter 2’
Kaylin Sculthorpe piloted Lover Boy to the Champion title in the HITS Working Hunter 2’ division, earning a total of 15 points. Reserve Champion was awarded to Jordyn Scelsa and Catch 22 with 12 points.
Adequan Hunter
In the Adequan Working Hunter division, Laura Beth Strong and Chando W put in a great performance to win one of the over fence classes and the under saddle for 20 points and the Champion title. With two seconds and a fourth, totaling 14 points, it was Sarah Stewart and Colour Magi who took home Reserve Champion.
SmartPak Adult Working Hunter
Elizabeth Chenelle and Easton would tie for Champion with Deanna Speranza and Speechless in the Adult Working Hunter division, each with a win over fences for 10 points. The Reserve Champion was awarded to Zwaan and Brooklyn with a second and fourth over fences for 8 points.
Children’s Working Hunter – 14 & Under
Out of a competitive field of Children’s Hunter Horses with riders 14 & under, it was Sydney Raidy and Aisha who bested the field winning both over fences classes and taking second in the under saddle for a total of 26 points and the Champion title. Maci Iddings and DIA were awarded the Reserve Champion title as they were second in each of the over fences classes for 12 points.
Sydney Raidy on Aisha. Photo by ESI.
Children’s Working Hunter – 15-17
In the Children’s Hunter Horse, with riders age 15-17, Leanne Daley and Daughtry claimed the Champion award. Bianca Salituri and Sonoma took the Reserve Champion title. While Daley and Salituri both had 16 points, Daley had more points over fences winning a class and breaking the tie.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Small
Capri Truesdale rode Maranatha Flash to the Champion title in the Children’s Hunter Small Pony as they won both over fence classes for 20 points. Reserve was awarded to Finley Baras and Goldhill’s Arresting Charm with 9 points.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Medium
Returning to the Winner’s Circle, was Raidy this time aboard Cloud Nine to take home the Champion title in the Children’s Hunter Medium Pony with 16 ½ points. Reserve Champion was awarded to Scelsa and Empire’s Strikes Blue.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Large
Winning the Champion title in the Children’s Hunter Large Pony was Anastasia Klyashtorny and I Spy a Rainbow with 14 points. The Reserve Champion sash was awarded to Charlotte Jumper and Last Laugh with 11 points.
Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic
For the second year in a row, Grace Reynolds and Up to Something secured top honors in the Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic. Reynolds scored an 83 in the first round and followed that up with an 86 for a two round total of 169. In second place were Gabriella Bifulco and Snow Patrol [163.75], and Lily Cosentino and Dexter took third [161.5].
Grace Reynolds on Up to Something. Photo by ESI.
Novice Children’s Hunter Classic
Ava Stavola and Casscanto took home the blue ribbon in the Novice Children’s Hunter Classic with a score of 85. Susan Leibovitz piloted Dior DN to second place [84], and Mary Gassib took third place with John [83].
Novice Adult Hunter Classic
First place in the Novice Adult Hunter Classic was awarded to Katherine Pearse and Bostonian with a score of 86. Nancy Mullady and Tibri High Hopes took second place [79], and Fillipa Primiero took third with Chevanelle [75].
$3,500 Children’s Jumper Classic
Madeline Birnbaum and Cencebel bested the field over a tough course in the $3,500 Children’s Jumper Classic. As the first to go, their four-fault score in a time of 69.186 could not be caught. Emma D’Emilia and River Cat galloped to second place [4-Faults, 73.259], and Sophia Choti and Chief were close behind to claim third [4-Faults, 74.249].
$3,500 Adult Jumper Classic
Winning the $3,500 Adult Jumper Classic was Alexandra Beyer and Lukanec, the last pair to compete in the jump-off. With just two time-faults in 46.923 and no jumping faults they claimed the blue ribbon. Emily Throop and Stakkato Pan took second [4-Faults, 44.215], and Catherine Sullivan took third place with Belladonna Z [4-Faults, 44.503].
$3,500 Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
Top honors in the $3,500 Low Children’s and Adult Jumper Classic went to Madelyn Sano and Aukland for their fault-free jump-off in 39.554. Dakota Banks and Fuerst Aphrodites R claimed second place [42.302], while Cassandra Beckmann took third with Giesela [2-Faults, 46.387].
$3,500 Modified Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
The last to jump-off in the $3,500 Modified Children’s and Adult Jumper Classic was Alanna Ryan and Fee. It was a “saving the best for last” situation as they crossed the timers in 41.928 for the victory. In second place were Maria Solomou and Dame [45.219], and in third place were Devon Owen and EZ to Spot [4-Faults, 35.700].
M&S 2’6” Adult Medal Final
Sally Gibb joined the Winner’s Circle for her score of 85 over fences and a strong flat test in the Marshall & Sterling 2’6″ Adult Medal Final. Monica Oliver won second place, while Amy Vodraska won third.
M&S 2’6” Children’s Medal Final
With scores of 88 and 84 for a total of 172 in the Marshall & Sterling 2’6″ Children’s Medal Final, it was Emma Whidden taking victory. In second place was Julia Wallach, and in third place was Sophie Rose.
Dover Saddlery Adult Medal Final
After two over fences phases and additional testing of the top two on the flat, Jessica Rosenwasser was crowned the winner in the Dover Saddlery Adult Medal Final with a two round total of 176 and lovely flat work. Elizabeth Chenelle took second place [176], and Jessica Oswald took third [164].
M&S Children’s Small/Medium Pony Medal Final
Scores of 86 and 83 totaling a 169 secured the blue ribbon for Kenzie Smith in the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Small/Medium Pony Medal Final. Jenna Bach secured the red ribbon [165], and Eliana Kline secured the yellow ribbon [164].
M&S Children’s Large Pony Medal Final
Ryan Goldsmith had the high score of 86 in the first round of the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Large Pony Medal Final and returned to score an 82 for a cumulative score of 168 for the win. Kaitlyn Linck secured second place [166.5], and Marguerite Foster secured third [163].
Pyranha Children’s Medal Final
A competitive field of riders were welcomed to the Grand Prix Stadium for the Pyranha Children’s Medal Final. Scoring an 85 in the first round and 84 in the second round, totaling a 169 for first place was Olivia Thomas. In second place rode Kara Scotti [163], and Marianna Banco took third place [161].
Olivia Thomas. Photo by ESI.
M&S Junior Medal Final
Sarah Tom won the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final with a score of 86 in the first round and 80 in the second round for a 166, tying with the second place rider. A ride-off of the top two on the flat pushed Tom to the top of the standings. Joey Roman secured second place ultimately [166], and in third place was Emma Covarrubias [165].
M&S Junior/Amateur Horsemanship Final
In the Marshall & Sterling Junior/Amateur Horsemanship Medal, the top twelve riders are called back for a flat phase. Taking home top honors was Jessica Carney, scoring an 85 over fences and maintaining the top spot with her strong flat work. Grey Schweitzer won second place, and Lauren Furman won third.
Additional Highlights:
- Grand Hunter Champion: Aisha – Sydney Raidy for Ask for the Moon, LLC
- Reserve Grand Hunter Champion – Tie: Chando W – Laura Beth Strong for Greta Helmbold; Maranatha Flash – Capri Truesdale for Rachel Agee
- Best Adult Rider: Lauren Furman
- Best Junior Rider – Horse: Sydney Raidy
- Best Junior Rider – Pony: Charlotte Jumper
Upon the conclusion of competition on Friday night, top riders were recognized at the Top Ten banquet. This year nationally ranked riders in the Top Ten, trainers, and family members joined in the Grand Prix Stadium for a drive-in style awards dinner. For a complete list of the Top Ten Riders in each divisions, click here.
Congratulations to all exhibitors who joined HITS at the 30th Anniversary of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals this year. The qualification for the 2021 Finals is already underway. Riders must be active Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Members in order for points to count for the 2021 Finals. For more information on the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, click here. To join the League today and get on your way to the 2021 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals, click here!
