Jivago and Lauren Bass Brave the Weather and Win in Second Year Green at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL- March 10, 2005 - Entries dropped dramatically this week after rain all day on Wednesday caused the cancellation of afternoon classes in the CN Finale at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Although there were less people showing, the competition was tough, with some of the best hunters in the country still showing. This week marks the end of WEF in Wellington, and competition will continue in Tampa, FL, on March 23-27 and March 29- April 2.

The Second Year Green Working Hunters did compete in their two over fences classes yesterday, before the decision was made to cancel the show for the day. The weather cleared this morning and in the sunshine, the tricolor was awarded to Jivago and Lauren Bass. Seduced and Jennifer Bauersachs, riding for Lee Kellogg, were reserve champions.

Despite a steady downpour, Jivago and Bass rode for first and second place ribbons yesterday. They won the under saddle class and finished up with a third and fourth in the remaining over fences classes. Jivago also shows with owner Candace Lubar in the Children’s Hunters. Bass mentioned, “He was wonderful in the rain. It was actually really easy showing yesterday and the footing was really good. I know now when his owner has to show him in the rain, he’ll be really good for her!”

The championship in the last week at Wellington was the culmination of hard work and determination for the pair, with the help of trainer Lainie Wimberley. “I’ve been showing him all circuit and this was his best week. As the circuit went on, he started to understand his job a little bit more,” Bass explained.

The adorable bay gelding is eight years old and showed lightly last year in the First Year Green Hunters. “He was a still a little bit green starting off the circuit, but he improved every week. Just out of greenness, we’d have a couple mistakes in the beginning, but he’s just really getting with it now,” said Bass. Jivago will not show in Tampa, but Bass’ goal is to qualify for the Devon Horse Show in May. This week showed that the duo should be one to watch this year.

The Regular Working Hunters had all their classes on the schedule for today. They competed in three over fences classes and the under saddle and the championship was hotly contested. Amanda Lyerly rode Coast to Coast to the tricolor for the Fashion Farm over Megan Schall’s Jazz and Tommy Serio. Both had two first place ribbons and two second place ribbons today. However, Coast to Coast had his two blues in over fences classes, which gave him the edge over Jazz and Serio.

Lyerly works for Louise Serio and the charming chestnut has been in their barn for over two years. They have shown throughout the circuit, but this was their first championship. “He’s been great all circuit and he’s won a class here and there, but was good in every class today and it kind of all came together,” Lyerly said.

Lyerly also revealed that she was a little worried, since the rain kept the horses inside all day on Wednesday. “I was a little nervous that they might all be fresh. Plus, it was cold today!” she said with a smile. Lyerly had no need to worry, as Coast to Coast put in solid rounds this morning. “He was very laid-back and he’s really easy to get to the ring,” she acknowledged.

Coast to Coast will continue his career with owner Glen Senk in the Amateur Hunters, now that WEF is finished. “It’s probably my last show on him, so it was great way to end,” Lyerly remarked.

A new name was added to the list of qualifiers for the WEF Equitation Championship class on Saturday, March 12. The special equitation class is held in honor of R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch and features a unique format where junior riders walk the course, school their horses and show without supervision from their trainers. In the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section A, Cassie Herman came away with the win and the chance to compete in the special class. She won over Catherine Wright and Hillary Dobbs. The winner of Section B was Julia Shand, who is already qualified. Second place went to Amelia McArdle and Caroline Oks was third.

Tomorrow’s action will include the championships for the First Year Green and Adult Amateur 51 & Over Hunters, as well as the WIHS Equitation Classic, USEF Talent Search and ASPCA Maclay classes, which are the last chances for juniors to qualify for Saturday.

Photo Credit: Jivago and Lauren Bass, champions in Second Year Green Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Randi Muster.