Posted May 13, 2006

Tucker, Say The Word & Pupple Label Have an Outrageous Night at Legacy Cup in 3' Pro Finals

Say The Word Shows His Style for Kristi Cardalico

“I was really excited,” said an ecstatic Cardalico after she won the Restricted 3’ Pro Finals and the Championship ribbon on Say the Word, who is owned by Far Niente. They had placed 4th in the 3’ Pro Finals which earned them $1,240 plus an additional $150 for being the top placed Restricted Pro rider.

Cardalico, who trains with Ashland Farms also made a point of thanking owners Ken and Emily for “giving me the opportunity to ride him.”

She recalls that a “very big grey horse” was the first horse she ever rode and that was when she was five years old. Now she rides lots of different horses but considers Say the Word one of the best.

“He can be a tiny bit lazy but when he gets in there and realizes it’s important he knows his job and rises to the occasion.”

While the riders were thrilled about winning they also were thankful to the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation for coming up with this innovative, high paying, exhibitor-friendly event.

“The Legacy Cup is great and gives everyone an equal opportunity to present at their level and the hunters need something like this,” said Payne.

Bielefeld was grateful to the AHJF and two if its founders. “We need to thank Louise (Serio) and (Geoff) Teall for promoting this type of event. It’s good for the hunters.”

“I think it is a really good class. It makes the hunters feel that much more important and it’s fun,” noted Cardalico. “Even if you don’t do as well as you want, it’s still a really fun class.”

Thanks also go to the sponsors. The 3’ Pro Finals was sponsored by Montoga/Geoff Teall and the winner was presented with the China Blue Trophy, presented each year by China Blue Farm. The 3’ Restricted Finals was sponsored by Ashland Farms and was given the Ashland Stables Perpetual Trophy. John and Stephanie Ingram sponsored the 3’ Pro Restricted Champion. Janet Read sponsored the Pre Green Incentive and the winner is honored with the Wedgewood Trophy for the Pre Green Incentive also presented by Janet Read.

The evening began at 6:00 with an elegant presentation recognizing the winners from the first leg of the 3’ Pro Finals. This was followed by the class which spectators could watch while either enjoying a full dinner in the Legacy Club or snacks in the Legacy Cup Rider’s Tent. Once the class was over the top riders then took a lap of honor followed by a group shot with the winners.

The AHJF is focusing on many aspects for the Legacy Cup. While its primary focus is to offer significant prize money, which is rare in hunter competitions, it is also important that the riders feel special with nice trophies and prizes as well as a special presentation ceremony in the ring.

The day began cold and damp and continued that way even through the evening but the concept behind the Legacy Cup gave everyone there a warm cozy feeling about the hunters and the goals behind this unique event.

Article and photos by Diana DeRosa