North Salem, New York – Holly Orlando won every class in the Green Conformation Hunter Division aboard catch ride, William Hill, to earn the Grand Hunter Championship at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running through May 22 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Highlighting jumper action on the Grand Prix Field on Wednesday, Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Skara Glen’s Presence won the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m.
Orlando, who hails from Wellington, FL, had not sat on William Hill before Monday, but got the ride for his owners, the Hymowitz Family of Rose Hill Farm. The six-year-old Warmblood gelding is regularly piloted by Scott Stewart in the Green Conformation division, as well as owner Lilli Hymowitz in the Small Junior Hunter division.
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2016
Contact: Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jumpmediallc.com
Holly Orlando and William Hill Capture Grand Hunter Championship
at Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows
Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Presence Win $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40M
North Salem, New York – Holly Orlando won every class in the Green Conformation Hunter Division aboard catch ride, William Hill, to earn the Grand Hunter Championship at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, running through May 22 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Highlighting jumper action on the Grand Prix Field on Wednesday, Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Skara Glen’s Presence won the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m.
Orlando, who hails from Wellington, FL, had not sat on William Hill before Monday, but got the ride for his owners, the Hymowitz Family of Rose Hill Farm. The six-year-old Warmblood gelding is regularly piloted by Scott Stewart in the Green Conformation division, as well as owner Lilli Hymowitz in the Small Junior Hunter division.
Holly Orlando and William Hill. Photo by The Book LLC
“I was really lucky to get to ride him, without knowing much about him. All I know for sure is what a nice horse he is,” said Orlando. “He is a blast to ride, tries hard, and was perfectly prepared. He’s one of those horses that, as soon as you get on, you know you’re going to like.”
After only one school earlier in the week, Orlando kicked off the division by winning the model and under saddle on Tuesday before earning the top spot in all four classes over fences, including Wednesday’s handy round.
“Winning the model is always a nice place to start,” smiled Orlando. “Over fences, I loved that I could gallop along on him. I didn’t know that much about him for the handy, but I took a little bit of a shot at it and he sliced the trot jump and was scopey and game.”
Stewart imported William Hill during the summer of 2014 before the Hymowitz Family purchased him in Florida this February under the direction of trainer Jane Ehrhart.
“Scott brought him up and developed him before we purchased him, and he’s always been a calm cucumber,” said Ehrhart. “He’s a little bit of a shy horse, but he’s never scared of the ring and has always been really consistent for us. We are excited about him, and we were very lucky to have Holly take over the reins for the week.”
After leaving Old Salem Farm, Ehrhart plans for William Hill to head to Devon and then focus on qualifying for indoors this fall with both Scott and Lilli in the irons.
Patricia Griffith and Fetching, owned by Lexi Maounis, were reserve champions in the Green Conformation division. They picked up second place finishes behind Orlando in every class.
Wednesday’s hunter competition wrapped the divisions counting towards the $5,000 Leading Hunter Rider Award, which was presented to Louise Serio after her consistent performances throughout the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. This week alone, she collected 13 blue ribbons, all contributing to the 235 points that crowned her leading rider.
The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows offer more than $500,000 in divisions ranging from ponies and equitation to Under 25 and top FEI competition. General admission to Old Salem Farm is free Wednesday through Friday during the Spring Horse Shows. During the weekend of May 20-22, which features the $130,000 Empire State CSI 3* Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, on Sunday, May 22, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12. To purchase tickets for all show jumping events at the Spring Horse Shows, CLICK HERE.
Stay on top of all things Old Salem Farm this spring with all-day live streaming of the Grand Prix Field Friday through Sunday at www.oldsalemfarm.net.
Major events on the live stream include (times are subject to change):
Week 2
$35,000 Grand Prix of North Salem, brought to you by Great American Insurance, on Friday, May 20, 1 pm
$35,000 Speed Derby of North Salem on Saturday, May 21, 12 pm
$15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, T & R Development, on Saturday May 21, 1 pm
“ShowNet Time Allowed” Pre-Game Show, on Saturday, May 21, 1:30 pm
$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by The Gochman Family, on Saturday, May 21, 2 pm
“ShowNet Time Allowed” Pre-Game Show, on Sunday, May 22, 2 pm
$130,000 Empire State CSI 3* Grand Prix, presented by The Kincade Group, on Sunday, May 22, 2:30 pm
Old Salem Farm and Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows are also on Facebook, as well as on Twitter and Instagram as @oldsalemfarmny. Follow for an exclusive and behind-the-scenes look at the Old Salem Farm experience.
Full horse show results can be found at www.horseshowsonline.com.