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Day 4 - Thursday March 20
Alfano and Jersey Boy Handily Win the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
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Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano have won just about every major USHJA International Hunter Derby title in the country, including the national championship in 2012.
But during the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show's $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presentd by Max Bowl Center, spectators were treated to a very special performance. Jersey Boy and Alfano jumped to scores of 96 and 92 in the Handy Hunter Round to claim the victory today in Katy, Texas.
"He was unbelievable. Every jump was higher than the last one," said Alfano of the Handy. "He just kept going higher and higher, and he was having the time of his life out there today. This could have been one of his best ones ever, I think."
SBS Farms' Jersey Boy, nicknamed Lewis, traveled to Pin Oak from HITS Ocala in Florida where he had a light show schedule of one outing in the High Performance.
"He was fresh," said Alfano laughing. "His last derby was last September in Chicago. And I didn’t show him here this week. I just brought him out of the box and right into the derby. I think he’s fresh and happy, and he couldn’t have been better."
In the Classic Hunter Round, Alfano and Lewis placed second to Peter Pletcher and CR Beethoven, and the two switched places in the final standings.
"He was great in the first round. He had two very light rubs," said Alfano. "He just felt a little like he hasn’t shown. And it was funny. That was his practice, then he was like, ‘Oh! I’m in a derby!' And he came back in Round 2 like gangbusters."
Alfano's goal this year with Lewis is to continue showing in select derbies with an eye on the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Kentucky in August.
"He’s as strong and fit as ever," she said. "He just keeps getting better. He’s only 13 this year, but everyone thinks he’s older because he’s been doing it for so long. Everyone thinks he’s an old guy, but he's not!"
Alfano also placed fourth aboard Billie Steffee's Maggie May, who was also the High Performance Hunter champion this week.
"She went beautifully, and I actually have a new horse I bought a week ago named Miramar. He showed in his first hunter class on Wednesday and did the derby today and was ninth. And he’s only 6 years old, so I’m thrilled with him. It was an awesome day, and I want to thank Shane George for all of his help here with my horses."
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Pletcher's Luck Holds at Pin Oak
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Peter Pletcher and Johnnie Martin-Carey's Luck are nearly unbeatable in the USHJA National Hunter Derby classes. With today's blue ribbon, Pletcher and Luck now have five Pin Oak derbies to their credit over the past five years.
Pletcher, of PJP Farms in Magnolia, Texas, topped the Classic Round with Luck and returned last in the Handy Round hoping to retain the lead. His score of 94 did just that.
"He’s been a partner for a while now. I know I can count on him," said Pletcher of Luck. "I had a little rub early, and I thought, 'Now I’m really going to have to try to make the inside turn there.' And he always tries. If I get him anywhere in the vicinity, he’s going to get across from one side to the other. You can fall back on him in times like that."
Martin-Carey was on hand to watch her 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, the 2013 and 2014 USHJA National Hunter Derby National Horse of the Year.
"I just keep thinking, 'How many times can Peter do this?' said Martin-Carey smiling. "The Handy Round, it was so Peter. He always pushes the envelope, and everyone else was so good that he had to.
"He’s an amazing rider," she added. "Luck lives in Dallas with me, and Stacie Goodson keeps him going. He hadn’t jumped 2’ in four months, and I brought him here and Peter got on him and made him look so good."
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Aredondo is Awesome in Working Equitation
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In today's All-Breed Working Equitation competition, presented by Haras Dos Cavaleiros, riders contested the Ease of Handling phase, which included a vareity of obstacles that demonstrated the horse's rideablity.
In the Advanced Level, Raul Aredondo and Aire, owned by Graciela Ramirez, claimed the blue ribbon with an accurate and rhythmic performance. Strong points included the bell ringing, opening the gate and the pole bending.
Aire is a 7-year-old stallion bred by Lusitano breeder Haras Dos Cavaleiros.
Aredondo was very pleased with his performance today, which he described as better than yesterday's dressage phase where they placed third. He said Aire was calmer and more focused on his job.
"Because it was raining yesterday and the climate was so horrible, it wasn't my best performance," said Aredondo.
When asked what the blue ribbon meant to him, he said, "This was one small step in advancing and a great satisfaction because the horse is better than me. He’s my workmate, and I love him very much."
In a touching surprise, after the Advanced Level concluded, competitor Randy Byers jumped aboard his horse Carbon and performed a musical freestyle during which he asked yesterday's Dressage Phase winner Lisa Marie Harding for her hand in marriage. She said yes!
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Benjamin is Best in UPHA Cup
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Trainer Barbe Smith had a premonition. She told Joan Benjamin: "You're going to be on fire. I know you are."
Benjamin, 14, carried that confidence into the ring tonight and clinched the blue ribbon in the UPHA Challenge Cup aboard CH Gypsy Allure.
It was Benjamin's first show of the season, her first class and her first appearance at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.
After the ring work, Benjamin was called to test first. She performed a lovely work-off, with an especially accurate serpentine, that caught the judge's eye.
"She’s been great at getting started. She's only riding out of Academy for a year, and she’s been phenomenal," said Smith, of Cascade Stables. "She was real aggressive tonight. That particular class is mainly for horsemanship and not sitting there looking pretty, and she rode hard and was really outstanding."
Benjamin, an eighth-grader from New Orleans, Louisiana, has been riding and showing Gypsy for just over a year and is focusing on the equitation. With this class win, she's well on the way to qualifying for the UPHA Challenge Cup Finals at the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City, Missouri this fall.
"The win is just great. Barbe said it was going to be a good season this year, and she’s right," said Benjamin. "It’s exciting and fun to be here and to get recognized. It’s been wonderful."
She described Gypsy as a serious competitor with a sassy demeanor. "She has a very colorful personality, but she's very sweet, and I love her," she added.
Special thanks to show photographer Casey McBride Photography
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Stay Tuned for Tomorrow's Coverage
Look for coverage of the $30,000 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix! Other featured events include the All-Breed Working Equitation Speed Phase, the American Saddlebred Championships and a variety of pony, children's and junior hunter and jumper classes.
WEEK I TITLE SPONSORS
We are thankful to our returning Week I Title Sponsors. For two years in a row, Haras Dos Cavaleiros and Carnan Properites, have come together in support of Pin Oak. We appreciate the international flair Haras Enterprises brings to the show through IALHA competition and the emerging discipline of Working Equitation.
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WEEK II TITLE SPONSORS
It has been the good luck of Pin Oak to have Irish Day Farm as a Title Sponsor for three consecutive years. The owners, Katie Lambert Boone and Hans Boone, and the clients of IDF have joined forces to make it a three-peat in their support of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and the charities we benefit.
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Pin Oak Charity Horse Show I
Featured Events For March 18-22
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$30,000 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix (Saturday)
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All-Breed Working Equitation Championships (Saturday)
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Andalusian High-Point Awards (Saturday)
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American Saddlebred Stake Classes (Saturday)
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Pin Oak Equitation Championship (Sunday)
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Saddle Seat Equitation Championship (Sunday)
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Junior and Pony Hunter Championships (Sunday)
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Exciting Grand Prix Events for 2015
In our 70th year, we look forward to our Grand Prix events and ringside social fun!
Sponsors will enjoy ringside receptions for the Week I Hotze Health and Wellness on March 19 and Week II Superior Energy Grand Prix on March 26.
Our Grand Prix Saturday Nights are shaping up to be incredible this year with special entertainment prior to the competition each Saturday Night to honor our 70 year tradition of excellence and legacy of giving and divine ringside galas.
March 21: Ringside Gala Dinner featuring the $30,000 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix with pre-competiton entertainment of Lead Line, Carriage Presentation, Houston Highlander Pipe Band, Catalena Cowgirls, and our Week I Honored Hero Salute to Julianna Lynn.
March 28: Wells Fargo - The Private Bank Gala Dinner featuring the $30,000 Walter Oil & Gas Grand Prix has an entertainment line up that includes a special performance by Purple Songs Can Fly from the Texas Children's Cancer Center, the famed Wells Fargo Stagecoach to carry our Week II Honored Hero - Abigail Gonzalez, as well as the Houston Highlander Pipe Band and the Catalena Cowgirls.
Week I $25,000 Grand Prix Sponsor
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Week I $30,000 Grand Prix Sponsor
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Week II $25,000 Grand Prix Sponsor
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Week II $30,000 Grand Prix Sponsor
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Special Sponsor Functions
Wednesday - Saturday - 11:30 am-1:30pm – Sponsors’ Luncheon, Ringside Sponsors’ Club, with delicious food prepared by Two Forks Catering, the Official Caterer of Pin Oak.
Wednesday-Friday evenings 6:30 – end of show, the Sponsor's Club will host Wine featured by Messina Hof, beer, signature drinks and light dinner food through the end of the performance (around 9:30 pm). Key events in the Sponsor's Club are:
Tuesday Night – 5:00 pm Haras Dos Cavalieros Ringside Reception Tapas and Beverages
Wednesday Night - 6:30 pm -9:30 pm Opening Night of Pin Oak Reception – “Boots & Bourbon” Ringside in the Sponsor’s Club, light bites and beverages.
Thursday Late Afternoon - 4 pm $25,000 Hotze Health and Wellness Grand Prix Reception. Regular Sponsor Club resumes at 6:30 pm
Friday Afternoon- Derby Day!
11:00 am-12:30 pm Derby Luncheon during the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby in the Valobra Outside Ring Pavilion
2 pm –$25,000 Max Bowl Center USHJA International Hunter Derby Champagne Reception in the Valobra Outside Ring Pavilion.
Friday Night - 6:30 pm “Vintage Night” - Meet the Riders and Pin Oak Club Members and Sponsor reception. We will toast our founding year of 1945 and salute our veterans.
Saturday Afternoon-Evening - 3:30 pm - Breed Championships and 5:30pm- 9pm
$30,000 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix and Ringside Dinner hosted by Bluebonnet Farm.
Sunday Brunch – Enjoy a ringside brunch from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Sponsors’ Club
Thank you to Wells Fargo - The Private Bank for sponsoring the Week II Grand Prix Gala Dinner and making it possible for all to enjoy the Wells Fargo Stagecoach!
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2015 SPONSORS' GUIDE
The 2015 Sponsors' Guide is available online to view or download. For our Sponsors, it is all you need to know to enjoy Pin Oak to the fullest! We thank each and every sponsor for their support and look forward to seeing all of our sponsors in the 2015 Sponsors' Club! CLICK HERE for PDF.
LIVE STREAM of HUNTER / JUMPER EVENTS!
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IDK Media Group – Streaming your Imagination
IDK Media Group is sponsoring the LIVE Video streams for the 70th Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. They will provide coverage for the Grand Prix and Welcome Stake’s, National and International Derbies and other hunter jumper classes from select rings.
IDKMediaGroup is excited to work with Pin Oak Charity Horse Show to provide streaming and video services to its competitors, sponsors, owners, parents and followers. Live Stream will be available through http://www.idkmediagroup.com/IDKMGvideoplayer
During the show, go to the link or scan the QR Code.
SHOWCASE your barn or business to reach the lucrative equestrian market! Advertising opportunities for this years IDKMediaGroup-Pin Oak video player are still available. Contact them at horse@idkmediagroup.com or Ask for Jacob at 603-465-1920.
IDKMedia group partners with many Industry leaders in platform support, streaming software, replication networks, as well as marketing and advertising firms to position their video content for world wide distribution.
IDKMediaGroup Wishes every rider the very best of luck!
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LIVE STREAM for ASB and IALHA COMPETITION
American Saddlebreds as well as Andalusian and Lusitano exhbitors showing in the Irish Day Farm Ring will be LIVE STREAMED by EventMix thanks to breed show supporters from March 18 - March 22.
Access to the live streaming is through www.eventmixlive.com FREE of charge. Live streaming advertising is available. Please contact Event Mix Promotions if you are interested in advertising.
Exhibitors you can order videos of your classes prior to the show on line at www.eventmixpromotions.com.
Exciting news for our breed show which culminates with Breed Championships on March 21, 4 PM. Our thanks to Bluebonnet Farm for once again sponsoring the Breed Championship Party that opens at 3:30 PM in the Sponsors' Club.
Looking forward to outstanding competition again this year!
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Michael Vermass (above) of San Antonio TX was the IALHA Professional Horseman of the Year in 2014 as well as Pin Oak Champion for many consecutive years. American Saddlebred competition in 2014 was most exciting and 2015 is looking to be a stellar year! Photo Credits: Casey McBride and Tricia Booker Photography
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A Gift for Pin Oak Exhibitors!
ATTENTION ALL EXHIBITORS!
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR $25 REWARD FROM CHARLOTTE'S SADDLERY
Our thanks to Charlotte's Saddlery, Sponsor of the Week I $5,000 Pre-Green Super Stakes and Pin Oak Club Partner, for this wondeful gift.
Trot over to Charlotte's today to get ready for Pin Oak!
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Derbies Anyone?
Pin Oak 2015 is thrilled to host more Hunter Derbies thanks to the generosity of our Derby Sponsors. Week I, all will enjoy "Derby Day" on Friday, March 20.
The day will open with the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by the Holstead Family and PJP Farm followed by the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Max Bowl Center.
Week II finds Derby competitors taking to the ring on March 26 for the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Georgia Carter and John Brown. The $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby presented by Valobra complete with ringside dinner and Hatter Derby is slated for March 27.
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Week I $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Sponsor
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Ladies, and Gents, don your magnificent chapeau and join the 2015 Hatter Derby, March 27th!
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Week II $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Sponsor
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VOLUNTEERS - the other Pin Oak Champions!
Calling all volunteers! We need you to help make the 70th Pin Oak Charity Horse Show happen. The gift of your time and all talents is needed.
Please sign up on Volunteer Spot to join the Volunteer Circle of Champions or contact Jenny Conaway, jennyconaway@pinoak.org for more information.
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Get the Pin Oak App!
Get the Pin Oak App powered by Enertrade Electric! Put all things Pin Oak at your fingertips. Stabling will be loaded soon and Ring Schedules as the show nears. FREE Download for iPhone or Android devices!
We thank our App Sponsor, Enertrade Electric, Lucky Winged Solutions, and PWL Studio.
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A 70 year mission to help children!
For 70 years, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show has had a unique focus. Through its world-class horse show, to give back to the community by helping support the healing of sick children. As the first donor to Texas Children's Hospital we are proud of our legacy of giving that spans decades. Join us in 2015 to benefit:
Texas Children's Hospital - Main, West, and the future Woodlands Campus
Ronald McDonald House Houston - Family Rooms inside of Texas Children's
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance in Texas Children's Cancer Center
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