New Partnership for Jennifer Waxman and Tuscany Brings Championship Honors in Medium Pony Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL - March 6, 2005 - The hunters finished their fifth week of competition today in the Cosequin Wellington Open during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The Medium Pony Hunter division had 43 entries this weekend and was one of the most competitive divisions at the horse show.

The best pony out of that division was Tuscany, ridden by Jennifer Waxman and owned by Caroline Spogli. Waxman rode the fancy bay pony to wins in both over fences classes yesterday and was third in the under saddle. They finished up with third and sixth in the remaining over fences classes to win the championship over Showdown and Ashley Toffolon, who rode for Hannah G. Cutt.

The ride on Tuscany is new for Waxman, who only started riding the pony at the beginning of WEF. Waxman is leasing Tuscany this year and also rides another medium pony, Harry Winston, and a large pony, American Dreams. The ride on Tuscany was a change for Waxman. She explained, “He goes more like a horse than a pony, which is different from my other ponies. They really go like ponies with short strides, but he has an enormous stride.”

The difference between Tuscany and her other ponies was not a setback for Waxman, as they garnered championship honors in their first show together at the Nutrena/Western Hay Wellington Classic, the first week of WEF. Waxman elaborated, “The first time I rode him it was hard, but it’s just an adjustment. I’m getting more used to it now.” Waxman acknowledged her support group when she talked about her win today. “I want to thank Ken and Emily Smith for helping me and my mom and dad for supporting me.” Waxman and Tuscany will defend their title next week at the final WEF show in Wellington, the CN Finale. They will also compete in Tampa, when WEF moves to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center from March 23-April 2.

The Amateur-Owner 18-35 division was split into two sections this week. Champion in Section B was Priceless and Clara Lindner, who rode for All Seasons Farm. The duo placed first and second in their over fences classes yesterday and won their under saddle class today for the win over Tribute and Krista Weisman. It was a good weekend for Lindner, who has shown four out of the five weeks, but won her first championship today. Priceless won the WEF Circuit Championship in this division last year.

Lindner was very happy with her win today, and commented, “He felt really good this weekend.” Lindner is especially pleased that she has been able to balance her education and showing schedule. She attends Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, but travels down on the weekends to compete in Wellington. The new schedule was difficult to adjust to at first, and Lindner mentioned, “We’ve been a little on and off all circuit because this is my first year at college.”

However, Lindner does believe that the arrangement will work out. “It’s been harder, but it feels like everything finally came together this week.” Lindner will compete next week in Wellington and will move on to Tampa for one week of competition.

The ASPCA Maclay was held this morning, giving junior riders one of their last chances to qualify for the WEF Equitation Championship for the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch trophy on Saturday, March 12. Sloane Coles won Section A of the Maclay over Tracey Mack and Julie Welles. Josephine Nash was on called on top in Section B, while Whitney Weeks was second and Jack Hardin Towell Jr. was third.

Jack Hardin Towell Jr. moved up to capture the win in the A section of the USEF Hunter Seat Medal. He triumphed over Natalie Johnson and Katherine Newman. Whitney Weeks also improved on her Maclay placing and won the B Section of the medal, while Catherine Wright was second and Caroline Oks was third.

The final week of competition in Wellington concludes with the CN Finale from March 9-13. WEF will pick up again in Tampa at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on the Florida State Fairgrounds from March 23-27 in the Tampa Bay Classic and from March 29- April 2 in the Tournament of Champions.

Photo Credit: Tuscany and Jennifer Waxman, champions in the Medium Pony Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Randi Muster.