Cruciotti, Meredith, and Porter Come Out On Top at Summer In The Rockies Series II

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(
    [ID] => 8877
    [post_author] => 13
    [post_date] => 2017-06-21 09:35:13
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-06-21 13:35:13
    [post_content] => Kelli Cruciotti and Hadja van Orshof in their presentation ceremony with Marion Maybank; SIR Show Manager, Meg Krueger; COO of CHP, Jimmy Whitley of Holiday Inn, Jeremy Martin of Holiday Inn, Cindy Cruciotti, Auggie Cruciotti, Kelly Clevinger, Peter Wylde, and Alejo Valdivia. PC: Horse and Ryder Photography

Parker, CO - June 20, 2017 - Competition during week two of the Summer In The Rockies Series (SIR) concluded at The Colorado Horse Park (CHP) on Sunday, June 18, featuring top hunter, jumper, and equitation competition. The week brought a successful turnout of riders and spectators to the venue and saw yet another victory for Kelli Cruciotti, this time aboard mount Hadja van Orshof, in the $40,000 Holiday Inn Grand Prix, presented by Trapper's Chop House hosted on Saturday, June 17.

Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, and the 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Cabrio Van De Heffinck x Victory Van Orshof) owned by Cruciotti, bested the class of 19 horse and rider combinations and ended the night with the victory after a jump off time of 47.446 seconds.

Cruciotti commented, "I was impressed by the course, even when I first walked it. The walls that they've added and the hedges, it all made the course stunning. The course designer did an amazing job. The new jumps also look unbelievable. I've been riding here for fourteen years, and to see the positive change at the horse park is really exciting for our community and for the sport."

Of her mount, Cruciotti continued, "My horse jumped great all day. She really is unbelievable. I got her last year and she had about six months off this winter. This is only her second show back, so I think that the break was great for her."

When it came down to the jump-off, Cruciotti took a gamble and went for a quick clear trip. The only other entry to move forward to the jump-off round was Katharin Gualtieri, who finished in second place aboard Castalano.

"They gave you a lot of long gallop options," she said. "I wanted to use that to my advantage. I also had the opportunity to go second in the jump-off, and that's always kind of the driver's seat spot. I was really thrilled with how she jumped it."

Gualtieri of Morrison, CO, guided Castalano, owned by Sandwillow Farm, to second place after completing the jump-off track in 50.018 seconds. Third place was awarded to Paul Rohrbach of Parker, CO, piloting Camerino, owned by Wells Bridge Farm Inc., who finished with a time of 79.498 seconds and four faults in the first round.

Benjamin Meredith and Always Me. PC: Horse and Ryder Photography

Earlier in the week, Benjamin Meredith of Wellington, FL, won the $20,000 Welcome Stake, sponsored by Littleton Equine Medical Center, with his own Always Me, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood mare (Larino x Remember Me).

"My plan going in was to have a nice clean first round," said Meredith. "The jump-off really suited my mare. After watching the others go, I decided that there was time to be made up. I just had a crack at it and she responded in the best way possible."

Meredith has been riding Always Me for the past eight months. Prior to her time with him, the mare produced three foals and has only been jumping at this height for just over a year.

"She's twelve going on nine," Meredith continued. "Our goal with her is just to continue doing the bigger classes and we will see where that all goes."

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, MO, slid into second place after the jump-off with Emir D, owned by Helen Gilbert. Third place was captured by Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Hadja Van Orshof.

Jumper Highlights

The $5,000 Jumper Derby saw a victory for Sydney Luzicka of Albuquerque, NM, and her own St John 10:9, who bested thirteen rides in the class. Second place honors were presented to Ashley Shaw of Ellisville, MO, and Adico, owned by Andrew Kocher. Rounding out the top three was Lynsey Whitacre of Columbia, MO, piloting her own Zorzuela Leuze Z.

Haley Griffis of Larkspur, CO, and Cici's Angel, owned by Palmer Divide Ranch, won the $10,000 Griffis Residential High/Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic with a jump off time of 35.989 seconds. The second-place finish went to Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Igor, owned by Blair Cudmore, after completing the jump-off track in 37.209 seconds. Lynsey Whitacre of St. Joseph, MO, rounded out the top three with her own Barillo W, with a jump-off time of 38.033 seconds.


Sydney Luzicka and St. John 10:9 with Julie Betts and family in their presentation ceremony.

The $5,000 Ariat® NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Jamie Morris of Englewood, CO, and her own Zacca Zoeloe, after completing the jump-off track in 36.713 seconds. Second place was awarded to Emma Cullen of Berwyn, PA, aboard Grandy De Laubry, owned by 3 Seas, LLC, after the pair completed their jump-off in 39.059 seconds. Third place was captured by Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Southern Rose, owned by Blair Cudmore, on a jump-off time of 35.68 seconds and four faults.

The $4,000 Voltaire Designs Modified Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Jackie Smith Hassey of Phoenix, AZ, and Cassino, owned by Armando Hassey, take top honors after completing the short course in 36.726 seconds. Molly Faunce of Littleton, CO, and her own WT Chevelle finished in second place with a jump-off time of 38.82 seconds, while Shala McConnell of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Southern Eyes collected third place with a jump-off time of 42.152 seconds.

Haley Griffis and Cici's Angel in their presentation ceremony with Ian Griffis, Sue Griffis, and Maret Smith-Miller.

The $4,000 Osphos NAL/WIHS Children's Jumper Classic awarded the win to Emily Koehn of Castle Rock, CO, and her own Quaitana, with a jump-off time of 39.75 seconds. Stephany McConnell of Littleton, CO, and Leon D'Or, owned by James McConnell were presented with second place after completing the track in 39.986 seconds. Claire Lyons of Fort Lupton, CO, and her own MTM Cashew collected third place in the class with a jump-off time of 40.75 seconds.

Jacqueline Mains of Lakewood, CO, and her own Heartland topped the $4,000 Osphos NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic after securing the win with a jump-off time of 35.455 seconds. Carol Tucker of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Cha Cha Cha finished in second place with a jump-off time of 36.187 seconds, ahead of Katie Hess of Omaha, NE, and her own Khalifa, who completed the track in 37.34 seconds.

Victory in the $2,000 Holiday Inn Parker Low Children's Jumper Classic was awarded to Elizabeth Woods of Lincoln, NE, riding Don Giovanni LS, owned by Maria Long. Second place was awarded to Hannah Gibbs of Parker, CO, and Don Vegas, owned by Marjorie Martin, while third place honors were presented to Emery Volkert of Denver, CO, and All Inclusive, owned by Abigail Grace Kelley.

Roman Mezger of Greenwood Village, CO, and Quavel, owned by Erika Moore, finished atop the $2,000 Holiday Inn Parker Low Adult Jumper Classic ahead of Jocelyn Marra and her own Louis Louis, who collected second place honors in the class. Kai Devoglaer of Austin, TX, and MTM Yowza rounded out the top three finishers in the class.

The $2,000 Front Range Kubota Modified Children's/Adult Jumper Classic saw Hays Lanter of Snowmass Village, CO, and Wheels Up, owned by Eighteen Acres Farm, finish with top honors ahead of Rachel McLelland of Tijeras, NM, and Chamonix, owned by Elani Rager. Annabelle Szymanski of Englewood, CO, and her own Graefin rode to third place.

Hunter Highlights

On Thursday, June 15, Madelyn Porter of Ladue, MO, earned victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby riding Dragonfly's Cellestine, a 2010 Danish Warmblood gelding (Chellys Z x Anna), owned by Dragonfly Farms.

Porter came out on top of the handy round of competition, while the derby saw a total of 39 combinations take the first round. Commenting on her win, Porter said, "This is only his second derby, and he's just seven. He's still pretty green, so I just wanted to go in and get him some experience. We were on top but dropped down a few after the first round, but I was super proud of him."

She continued, "He exceed my expectations in the first round, so the second round was up in the air. We went in and did our best, and he was amazing. For such a young horse, he did so well."


Madelyn Porter and Dragonfly's Cellestine in their presentation ceremony. 

Coming off a resume-building season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, the pair plans to continue on in the Junior Hunter Divisions for the rest of the season.

Sarah Young of Spring Hill, KS, rode White Lightning, owned by Helen Gilbert, to second place in the class, while third place honors were awarded to Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, and Verity, owned by Mesa View Stables, LLC.

Jaden Porter of Ladue, MO, and Dragon Fly's Acerado, owned by Dragon Fly Farms, took champion accolades in the Marshall & Sterling Children's Hunter 13 & Under Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Ella Knight of Austin, TX, and MTM Muffin, owned by Knight.

The Green Hunter 3'3" Division saw Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, and Davidson, owned by Dana Vollbracht, take champion honors for their perfromances throughout the week, while reserve champion was presented to Amanda Thomas of Brentwood, MO, and Fabian, owned by Chloe Stix.

The Horseware® Ireland High Performance Hunter Division saw Sarah Young of Spring Hill, KS and White Lightning, owned by Helen Gilbert, ride to the division's top honors ahead of Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO, and Clapton, owned by Cullen Sport Horses, LLC, who finished with reserve champion honors.

Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, captured another tricolor ribbon during SIR II, this time aboard Up In Smoke, owned by Dana Vollbracht, in the USHJA Hunter 3' Division. Erin Cox of St Louis, MO, and Walter, owned by Katherine Murdoch, finished as reserve champions.

The USHJA Hunter 2'3" Division saw Mindy Cortez of Tulsa, OK, riding Cheers, owned by Eighteen Acres Farm, collect the division's champion honors. Reserve champion went to Amanda Thomas of Brentwood, MO, and Dubrovnik, owned by Indian Rock Farms, LLC.

Amanda Shaw of Ellisville, MO, and her own Contemporary finished atop the Mile High Golf Carts Amateur Owner Hunter 3'6" Division, earning champion accolades, while reserve champion was awarded to Elizabeth Hund of Denver, CO, and Argonaut, owned by Hund.

Shaw also finished atop the Trapper's Chop House Amateur Owner 3'3" Division with her own Primera, while Tessa Dejong of Golden, CO, and Spero, owned by Tali Dejong finished with reserve honors to conclude the weekend.

Jaden Olson of Parker, CO and Conradical, owned by Olson, were champions in the CWD Junior Hunter 3'3" Division, while reserve champion went to Elizabeth Woods of Lincoln, NE, riding her own Peroni.

The 2017 Summer in The Rockies Series will resume on Wednesday, June 21, with the start of the third consecutive week of competition. For more information on The Colorado Horse Park, please visit www.coloradohorsepark.com.

Kim Beaudoin for CHP
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Kelli Cruciotti and Hadja van Orshof in their presentation ceremony with Marion Maybank; SIR Show Manager, Meg Krueger; COO of CHP, Jimmy Whitley of Holiday Inn, Jeremy Martin of Holiday Inn, Cindy Cruciotti, Auggie Cruciotti, Kelly Clevinger, Peter Wylde, and Alejo Valdivia. PC: Horse and Ryder Photography

Parker, CO – June 20, 2017 – Competition during week two of the Summer In The Rockies Series (SIR) concluded at The Colorado Horse Park (CHP) on Sunday, June 18, featuring top hunter, jumper, and equitation competition. The week brought a successful turnout of riders and spectators to the venue and saw yet another victory for Kelli Cruciotti, this time aboard mount Hadja van Orshof, in the $40,000 Holiday Inn Grand Prix, presented by Trapper’s Chop House hosted on Saturday, June 17.

Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, and the 2007 Belgian Warmblood mare (Cabrio Van De Heffinck x Victory Van Orshof) owned by Cruciotti, bested the class of 19 horse and rider combinations and ended the night with the victory after a jump off time of 47.446 seconds.

Cruciotti commented, “I was impressed by the course, even when I first walked it. The walls that they’ve added and the hedges, it all made the course stunning. The course designer did an amazing job. The new jumps also look unbelievable. I’ve been riding here for fourteen years, and to see the positive change at the horse park is really exciting for our community and for the sport.”

Of her mount, Cruciotti continued, “My horse jumped great all day. She really is unbelievable. I got her last year and she had about six months off this winter. This is only her second show back, so I think that the break was great for her.”

When it came down to the jump-off, Cruciotti took a gamble and went for a quick clear trip. The only other entry to move forward to the jump-off round was Katharin Gualtieri, who finished in second place aboard Castalano.

“They gave you a lot of long gallop options,” she said. “I wanted to use that to my advantage. I also had the opportunity to go second in the jump-off, and that’s always kind of the driver’s seat spot. I was really thrilled with how she jumped it.”

Gualtieri of Morrison, CO, guided Castalano, owned by Sandwillow Farm, to second place after completing the jump-off track in 50.018 seconds. Third place was awarded to Paul Rohrbach of Parker, CO, piloting Camerino, owned by Wells Bridge Farm Inc., who finished with a time of 79.498 seconds and four faults in the first round.

Benjamin Meredith and Always Me. PC: Horse and Ryder Photography

Earlier in the week, Benjamin Meredith of Wellington, FL, won the $20,000 Welcome Stake, sponsored by Littleton Equine Medical Center, with his own Always Me, a 2005 Dutch Warmblood mare (Larino x Remember Me).

“My plan going in was to have a nice clean first round,” said Meredith. “The jump-off really suited my mare. After watching the others go, I decided that there was time to be made up. I just had a crack at it and she responded in the best way possible.”

Meredith has been riding Always Me for the past eight months. Prior to her time with him, the mare produced three foals and has only been jumping at this height for just over a year.

“She’s twelve going on nine,” Meredith continued. “Our goal with her is just to continue doing the bigger classes and we will see where that all goes.”

Shannon Hicks of Lake St. Louis, MO, slid into second place after the jump-off with Emir D, owned by Helen Gilbert. Third place was captured by Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Hadja Van Orshof.

Jumper Highlights

The $5,000 Jumper Derby saw a victory for Sydney Luzicka of Albuquerque, NM, and her own St John 10:9, who bested thirteen rides in the class. Second place honors were presented to Ashley Shaw of Ellisville, MO, and Adico, owned by Andrew Kocher. Rounding out the top three was Lynsey Whitacre of Columbia, MO, piloting her own Zorzuela Leuze Z.

Haley Griffis of Larkspur, CO, and Cici’s Angel, owned by Palmer Divide Ranch, won the $10,000 Griffis Residential High/Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic with a jump off time of 35.989 seconds. The second-place finish went to Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Igor, owned by Blair Cudmore, after completing the jump-off track in 37.209 seconds. Lynsey Whitacre of St. Joseph, MO, rounded out the top three with her own Barillo W, with a jump-off time of 38.033 seconds.

Sydney Luzicka and St. John 10:9 with Julie Betts and family in their presentation ceremony.

The $5,000 Ariat® NAL Low Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Jamie Morris of Englewood, CO, and her own Zacca Zoeloe, after completing the jump-off track in 36.713 seconds. Second place was awarded to Emma Cullen of Berwyn, PA, aboard Grandy De Laubry, owned by 3 Seas, LLC, after the pair completed their jump-off in 39.059 seconds. Third place was captured by Brooke Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and Southern Rose, owned by Blair Cudmore, on a jump-off time of 35.68 seconds and four faults.

The $4,000 Voltaire Designs Modified Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic saw Jackie Smith Hassey of Phoenix, AZ, and Cassino, owned by Armando Hassey, take top honors after completing the short course in 36.726 seconds. Molly Faunce of Littleton, CO, and her own WT Chevelle finished in second place with a jump-off time of 38.82 seconds, while Shala McConnell of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Southern Eyes collected third place with a jump-off time of 42.152 seconds.

Haley Griffis and Cici’s Angel in their presentation ceremony with Ian Griffis, Sue Griffis, and Maret Smith-Miller.

The $4,000 Osphos NAL/WIHS Children’s Jumper Classic awarded the win to Emily Koehn of Castle Rock, CO, and her own Quaitana, with a jump-off time of 39.75 seconds. Stephany McConnell of Littleton, CO, and Leon D’Or, owned by James McConnell were presented with second place after completing the track in 39.986 seconds. Claire Lyons of Fort Lupton, CO, and her own MTM Cashew collected third place in the class with a jump-off time of 40.75 seconds.

Jacqueline Mains of Lakewood, CO, and her own Heartland topped the $4,000 Osphos NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic after securing the win with a jump-off time of 35.455 seconds. Carol Tucker of Elizabeth, CO, and her own Cha Cha Cha finished in second place with a jump-off time of 36.187 seconds, ahead of Katie Hess of Omaha, NE, and her own Khalifa, who completed the track in 37.34 seconds.

Victory in the $2,000 Holiday Inn Parker Low Children’s Jumper Classic was awarded to Elizabeth Woods of Lincoln, NE, riding Don Giovanni LS, owned by Maria Long. Second place was awarded to Hannah Gibbs of Parker, CO, and Don Vegas, owned by Marjorie Martin, while third place honors were presented to Emery Volkert of Denver, CO, and All Inclusive, owned by Abigail Grace Kelley.

Roman Mezger of Greenwood Village, CO, and Quavel, owned by Erika Moore, finished atop the $2,000 Holiday Inn Parker Low Adult Jumper Classic ahead of Jocelyn Marra and her own Louis Louis, who collected second place honors in the class. Kai Devoglaer of Austin, TX, and MTM Yowza rounded out the top three finishers in the class.

The $2,000 Front Range Kubota Modified Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic saw Hays Lanter of Snowmass Village, CO, and Wheels Up, owned by Eighteen Acres Farm, finish with top honors ahead of Rachel McLelland of Tijeras, NM, and Chamonix, owned by Elani Rager. Annabelle Szymanski of Englewood, CO, and her own Graefin rode to third place.

Hunter Highlights

On Thursday, June 15, Madelyn Porter of Ladue, MO, earned victory in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby riding Dragonfly’s Cellestine, a 2010 Danish Warmblood gelding (Chellys Z x Anna), owned by Dragonfly Farms.

Porter came out on top of the handy round of competition, while the derby saw a total of 39 combinations take the first round. Commenting on her win, Porter said, “This is only his second derby, and he’s just seven. He’s still pretty green, so I just wanted to go in and get him some experience. We were on top but dropped down a few after the first round, but I was super proud of him.”

She continued, “He exceed my expectations in the first round, so the second round was up in the air. We went in and did our best, and he was amazing. For such a young horse, he did so well.”

Madelyn Porter and Dragonfly’s Cellestine in their presentation ceremony.

Coming off a resume-building season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, the pair plans to continue on in the Junior Hunter Divisions for the rest of the season.

Sarah Young of Spring Hill, KS, rode White Lightning, owned by Helen Gilbert, to second place in the class, while third place honors were awarded to Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, and Verity, owned by Mesa View Stables, LLC.

Jaden Porter of Ladue, MO, and Dragon Fly’s Acerado, owned by Dragon Fly Farms, took champion accolades in the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Hunter 13 & Under Division. Reserve champion was awarded to Ella Knight of Austin, TX, and MTM Muffin, owned by Knight.

The Green Hunter 3’3″ Division saw Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, and Davidson, owned by Dana Vollbracht, take champion honors for their perfromances throughout the week, while reserve champion was presented to Amanda Thomas of Brentwood, MO, and Fabian, owned by Chloe Stix.

The Horseware® Ireland High Performance Hunter Division saw Sarah Young of Spring Hill, KS and White Lightning, owned by Helen Gilbert, ride to the division’s top honors ahead of Kelli Cruciotti of Elizabeth, CO, and Clapton, owned by Cullen Sport Horses, LLC, who finished with reserve champion honors.

Amberlee Wentz of Colorado Springs, CO, captured another tricolor ribbon during SIR II, this time aboard Up In Smoke, owned by Dana Vollbracht, in the USHJA Hunter 3′ Division. Erin Cox of St Louis, MO, and Walter, owned by Katherine Murdoch, finished as reserve champions.

The USHJA Hunter 2’3″ Division saw Mindy Cortez of Tulsa, OK, riding Cheers, owned by Eighteen Acres Farm, collect the division’s champion honors. Reserve champion went to Amanda Thomas of Brentwood, MO, and Dubrovnik, owned by Indian Rock Farms, LLC.

Amanda Shaw of Ellisville, MO, and her own Contemporary finished atop the Mile High Golf Carts Amateur Owner Hunter 3’6″ Division, earning champion accolades, while reserve champion was awarded to Elizabeth Hund of Denver, CO, and Argonaut, owned by Hund.

Shaw also finished atop the Trapper’s Chop House Amateur Owner 3’3″ Division with her own Primera, while Tessa Dejong of Golden, CO, and Spero, owned by Tali Dejong finished with reserve honors to conclude the weekend.

Jaden Olson of Parker, CO and Conradical, owned by Olson, were champions in the CWD Junior Hunter 3’3″ Division, while reserve champion went to Elizabeth Woods of Lincoln, NE, riding her own Peroni.

The 2017 Summer in The Rockies Series will resume on Wednesday, June 21, with the start of the third consecutive week of competition. For more information on The Colorado Horse Park, please visit www.coloradohorsepark.com.

Kim Beaudoin for CHP