WEF Week 1 Newsletter

- Monday, January 16th, 2023 -

We’re back in Wellington! Our Florida barn has been buzzing with action, full of new and familiar faces, as our students and staff prepared for WEF Week One. The new year has brought new courses and new horses, all of which our students handled in stride.

Early in the week, Joey Roman and Cascatero secured their spot at the top of the leaderboard in the Large Junior Hunters 16-17 division, where the pair took first and second place in the over fences rounds, earning Cascatero the title of Reserve Champion.

Joey Roman & Cascatero

Reserve Champion - Large Junior Hunter 16-17

On Friday, we battled both wind and rain to watch Joe Craver and Franco take third place in the Platinum Performance / USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2*. Sofia Moskowitz and Dark Night DC, her new mount, took third overall in the WIHS, while Caroline Mirts and Independence M (also new), took fifth. Of notable mention were Emma Blumenkrantz and Indiana Jones, who earned second place in the WIHS Hunter phase.

Over the weekend, we put on our parkas and persevered despite some chilly temps! But the weather proved to be no match for our riders; on Saturday, Lillian Soroken and Hanakara, her new mount for 2023, took first place in the Children’s Jumper 15-17…twice! Their first place finishes earned Hanakara the title of Champion for the second week in a row. Caroline Mirts and Kempo Caretino Boy finished not far behind in fifth, as did Sara Aberle and La Rubia, who also took fifth in the second round.

Lillian Soroken & Hanakara

Champion - Children’s Jumper 15-17

Sunday saw six of our students compete in the $10,000 NAL Low Junior Classic against a field of nearly 80 entries. Despite some stiff competition and frigid weather, both Joey Roman and Rylynn Conway successfully rode to double-clear efforts on their new mounts, Berlin and Escada, finishing just outside the ribbons. Over in the eq ring, Emma Blumenkrantz and Eres Tu took third in section A of the ASPCA Maclay, while Sofia Moskowitz and Dark Night DC, took third in section B. Later in the Dover Saddlery / USEF Hunter Seat Medal, Reese Merna and Trouvaille took second in section A, while Sofia Moskowitz and Dark Night DC ribboned yet again, taking home third from section B.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars! On February 20th, join the Beacon Hill Team at the Strides for Hope 5K Fundraiser in support of the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Our students and staff will be participating in the fun run — sign up to be a member of our team here: Strides for Hope 5K Registration

Take a look at more scenes from WEF week one below!