Champions Crowned at the 27th Edition of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals

 
Champions Crowned at the 27th Edition of the
Marshall & Sterling Insurance League
National Finals
The 27th Annual Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals have come to a close after a week of Champion Titles were captured by the best Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation riders in the League. Coming from near and far, riders and their mounts marched around the Grand Prix Stadium in hopes of going home with a ribbon at the prestigious finals. 
 
HITS Hunter 2’6” – Professional

The first Championship of the 2018 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals was named in the HITS Hunter 2’6’ Professional Division on Wednesday. Taking home the Champion sash and the custom fleece champion cooler was Sarah Stewart for her ride aboard SIROCCO, owned by Monica Oliver. With double blues in the Over Fences classes and a second in the Under Saddle for a total of 26 points, Stewart and Sirocco set the pace for the Grand Hunter Championship to be awarded later in the week. The Reserve Champion would be Katie Milton in the irons aboard DELICIOUS, owned by Nancy Mullady.
HITS Hunter 2’6” – Non-Professional

Nicole Boyle and CITY SMARTS, owned by Jennifer Katzman, would ride to the Champion title in the HITS Hunter 2’6” Non-Professional Division. With two first place ribbons from the Over Fences classes, Boyle was not to be beat. Taking home the Reserve Champion title was Katelyn Rezac, aboard Jai Smith Rezac’s, EASY LIVING.
HITS Hunter 2’
 
Boyle returned for the HITS Hunter 2’ Division and cleaned house, taking home both Champion and Reserve. With two firsts, Boyle would take home Champion aboard PREMONITION, owned by Jordyn Goldsmith. Boyle would be awarded a first and second place aboard Ava Pearlman’s EFFERVESCENT to take home Reserve.
Adequan Hunter

The standings in the Adequan hunters were close, separated by just one-half of a point. Justin Dye and MTM U CALL IT, owned by MTM Farm, would take home the Champion title with a blue ribbon finish in the Under Saddle coupled with a second and sixth Over Fences. Dottie Barnwell-Areson would join the Winner’s Circle aboard SKIP DAY, owned by Caroline Saunders for the Reserve Champion with a first place finish Over Fences second place in the Under Saddle. SKIP DAY was the Reserve Champion Overall in the Adequan Hunters with Barnwell-Areson at the Marshall & Sterling Top Ten Year-End Awards.
SmartPak Adult Working Hunter

Bonnie Asher rode to the Champion title in the SmartPak Adult Hunter Division aboard her own DENVER HTF with a total of 12 ½ points. This included second and sixth place finishes in the Over Fences classes and second place Under Saddle. Taking home the Reserve title was Meredith Maxwell aboard CLOONEY showing first and fifth place finishes in the Over Fences classes. Maxwell and CLOONEY also topped the field for the year as they were Champion of the SmartPak Adult Amateur Hunter division at the Marshall & Sterling Top Ten Year End Awards.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Small

Guiding her mount to a Championship title in the Children’s Working Hunter Pony - Small was Sammie Jackson and BLACK FORREST, owned by Sophie Hendriksen. A first and a second in the Over Fences and a second Under Saddle would secure the Championship title for Jackson, and the 22 point total put htem in the running for Reserve Grand Hunter Champion. Following in the Reserve spot for the division was Mia Bagnato aboard her own ORCHARD HILL’S DOUBLE GOLD.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Medium

Riding home as the newly crowned Champion of the Children’s Working Hunter Pony - Medium division was Ella Witt aboard MILO, owned by Tracy Lee Collins. Witt would take the title by just one point, with a first and a third in the Over Fences classes and a fifth Under Saddle. The Reserve would be awarded to Cady Ryan for her first and third place finishes in the division aboard the pony owned by Joe Currais, SALTWOOD TUSCANY. Ryan had another surprise coming later in the week as the judges also chose her for another special award.
Children’s Working Hunter Pony – Large

Ryan would follow up her Champion title in the Children’s Pony- Medium division with a  Champion title in the Children’s Hunter Pony – Large aboard MT Pockets, also owned by Joe Currais. Ryan received first and third place ribbons to secure the title. Nicole Golia would pick up the Reserve Champion title aboard ROYAL TREASURE, owned by Catrine Golia, with a first place Over Fences.
Children’s Working Hunter Horse – 14 and Under

In the Children’s Working Hunter Horse 14 and Under Section, Sophie Whidden would take home the Champion title. ZOFIA CAR, who is owned and shown by Whidden, was guided to a first in one Over Fences class and a first Under Saddle. Reserve would be awarded to Lucas Mejia Fanjul for his rides aboard his own GIOVANNI to a first place finish Over Fences  and a fifth place Under Saddle.
Children’s Working Hunter Horse – 15-17

Taking home the Championship title in the Children’s Working Hunter Horse 15-17 division was Hannah Jablons and her own PORTOFINO RAMIRO with a first place Over Fences and a second Under Saddle. The Reserve Champion title was awarded to Sarah Wolff and MOOSE TRACKS, owned by Black Ridge Farm.
 
$1,500 Neue Schule USA Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic

Some of the most competitive riders and their mounts joined us for the $1,500 Neue Schule Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic Thursday. The ladies in their shad bellies and men in their whites all showed up in hopes of taking home top honors in the Classic.

Taking home the blue ribbon was Caitlin Reitmeyer aboard WALLSTREET WAGER, owned by Melissa Reitmeyer. This team laid down scores of 83 in each of their rounds for an overall score of 166.5. In second place was Bianca Salituri riding Taegan Long’s AIR TIME to scores of 81 and 83 for an overall score of 164. Rounding out the top three placings was Cameron Scott’s ride aboard MADE IN THE SHADE, with scores of 82 and 81 equaling a two round total of 163.
$1,000 Novice Children’s Hunter Classic

The top three in the $1,000 Novice Children's Hunter Classic were all very close in score, being separated by just one point between each placing. Rezac would capture the blue ribbon aboard EASY LIVING as she was awarded a score of 86. Joining the Winner’s Circle to pick up the second place ribbon was Pearlman aboard her own BECKHAM with a score of 85. Rounding out the top three in the classic was Salituri and AIR TIME with a score of 84.
$1,000 Novice Adult Hunter Classic

Missy Palmisciano would dominate the field in the $1,000 Novice Adult Hunter Classic, taking home two of the top three placings. Palmisciano would show her own ARCONDO to a blue ribbon finish with a score of 85, and follow that for second place aboard another ride of her own, VIVALDIE, with a score of 84. To add to her Champion and Reserve placings in the Novice Adult Hunter Classic, Palmisciano was fourth Overall with VIVALDI and fifth with ARCONDO in the HITS Hunter 2 (2’6”) at the Marshall & Sterling Top Ten Year End Awards. Taking home the third place ribbon was Julie Stevenson aboard La Luna Partners’ entry LA LUNA’S ANGELINA with a score of 81.
 
$7,500 Children’s Jumper Classic

Taking home the champion title in the $7,500 Children’s Jumper Classic was Isabelle Gochtovtt aboard her own COROVANO. Gochtovtt set the bar high for the Classic as she was the first to go in the class and finished as the only competitor to jump clear. Annika Srivastava and the Glen View Stables’ entry ALIMIT, would finish in second place with a four fault time of 65.206. In third would be Maggie Fraley taking the reins aboard Caitlin Mae Weaver’s horse MAGIC STAR H, crossing the timers in a four fault time of 72.400.
$7,500 Adult Jumper Classic

Jumping to a first place finish in the $7,500 Adult Jumper Classic was Emily Throop in the irons aboard her own CARMEN 272 jumping double clear in a time of 35.984. Winning the red ribbon, aboard Honorway Farm LLC’s LEANDER, was Breanna Lewandowski in a time of 36.213. Capturing the third place ribbon was Lisa Spano aboard Alexandra Talmage’s entry of GIJANA in a time of 40.284.
$3,500 Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic

Juliet Matinho would ride SOLARA, owned by Veritas Farms LLC, to a blue ribbon finish in the $3,500 Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic, soaring to a double clear time of 32.732. Matinho held the lead by over five seconds with her lightning fast jump-off ride. Taking home the red ribbon was Jennifer Seidel aboard the Redfield Farm owned entry of EXITE in a time of 38.138. In third would be Kate Tifford aboard Sherry Gagliardi’s entry BOBALOUIE 7 in a time of 38.663.
$3,500 Modified Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
 
Cairo Morrison would ride Hannah Nelson’s horse EL DORADO to a blue ribbon finish in the $3,500 Modified Children's and Adult Jumper Classic as she crossed the timers in 31.222. Taking home the red ribbon was Emily Zyika aboard her own BEWITCHED in a time of 34.661, followed by the mount that is owned and shown by Isabella Padula, PERSEUS, as they jumped to a double clear time of 36.436 for a third place finish.
 
M&S 2’6” Adult Medal Final

Amy Benenson’s score of 85 in the Over Fences phase of the Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Adult Medal Final and a strong showing on the flat would be high enough for a first place finish in the 2’6” Adult Medal Final. Taking home the second place finish with a score of 84 Over Fences and equally consistent flat work was Alexis Rand. Lianna Reis would take home the yellow ribbon. 
M&S 2’6” Children’s Medal Final

Taking home top honors in the Marshall & Sterling 2’6” Children’s Medal Final was Maddy Falkowitz with a score of 84.75 Over Fences. Twelve riders would return for the second round, Falkowitz being one of them. A strong secodn round course would move Falkowitz up from her fourth place ranking in the first round to take the lead with a second round score of 86, for a 170.75. Second place was awarded to Carolyn Carpenter, receiving scores of 84 and 82 between her two rounds. Kayla Wilson would be awarded the third place ribbon for her rides, with scores of 83.5 and 82 in each of her respective phases.
Dover Saddlery Adult Medal Final

Kyle Regenye, a familiar face at the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals, was awarded the blue ribbon in the Dover Saddlery Adult Medal Final with the high scores from both rounds. Regenye’s first round score of 88 coupled with a 90 in the second round would take him right to the blue ribbon.

Steven Saumell would take home the second place ribbon with scores of 86 and 88 over the course of the two rounds. Moving up from her fifth place ranking after the first round to take home third place overall was Isabelle Greenbaum, receiving score of 84.5 and 84.
Regenye would also take home the Best Adult Rider Award. His father sat at the in-gate with Kristen Vale, Show Manager, reminiscing back to when Regenye won the Best Junior Rider Horse in 2012. “I have a picture of you and Kyle from when he won this award back in 2012,” said Regenye. “Now I’ll have two!” 
M&S Children’s Small/Medium Pony Medal Final

Emma Whidden would take home the win in the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Small/Medium Pony Medal Final with scores of 84 and 88. Second place honors were awarded to Aidan Brancaccio with scores of 85 and 82. Joining us in the Winner’s Circle to pick up the third place award was Rylynn Conway who received scores of 86 and 80 across her two rounds
M&S Children’s Large Pony Medal Final

Receiving the blue ribbon in the Marshall & Sterling Children’s Large Pony Medal Final was Camille Borres with a pair of 88 scores in each of her rounds. Taking home the red ribbon was Kathleen DeGenova with scores of 86.5 and 86 between her two rounds, followed by Shayna Rosenstrach with scores of 87 and 85. Fourth place was awarded to Jillian Ryan with scores of 86 and 85. Rounding out the top five would be Isabella David with scores of 85.25 and 85.
With the Children’s Pony divisions complete, it was time for the judges to choose the Best Rider on a Pony. After her Reserve Champion in the Children's Working Hunter Medium Pony and Champion in the Children's Working Hunter Large Pony Divisions it would be Cady Ryan rising to the top of all the pony exhibitors that joined us at the 2018 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals. The win was especially meaningful to Ryan as her older sister  Helen Ryan was awarded the same title in 2017.
Back-on-Track Children’s Medal Final
A field of 68 competitors would go “hoof to hoof” in the Back-on-Track Children’s Medal. After the first round, twelve would return for a second Over Fences round to determine the best of the best. Taking home top honors was Kenner Scalamandre with scores of 88 and 85.
Daphne Smith would take home the second place award with scores 85.75 and 86. Smith would also finish fourth in the Marshall & Sterling Top Ten Awards. Jumping to a third place finish was Isabel Rudaz with scores of 86 and 84.
M&S Junior Medal Final

Arielle LoGiudice would take home the top honors in the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final with a score of 82 in the first round and an 84 in the second round. LoGiudice was also the Reserve Champion Overall at the Marshall & Sterling Year-End Award Banquet for the Junior Medal.

In second place would be Fraley with scores of 77 and 78 between her two rounds. The third place ribbon would be awarded to Emma McEwen with a pair of 76 scores between her two rounds
M&S Junior/Amateur Horsemanship Final

Lauren Collins would ride to a blue ribbon finish in the Marshall & Sterling Junior and Amateur Horsemanship Final with a score of 87 Over Fences and a strong showing on the flat.

Second place would be awarded to Grey Schweitzer, followed by Abigail Lowin in third place. Taking home the fourth place ribbon was another rider by Fraley. Rounding out the top five was Olivia Cavaleri.
 
The final award to be presented was Best Junior Rider on a Horse. With his top scores in the Back-on-Track Children’s Medal, Kenner Scalamandre was the clear choice of the judges for this prestigious award.  
 
Grand Hunter Champion
SIROCCO, Owned by Monica Oliver

Reserve Grand Hunter Champion
BLACK FORREST, Owned by Sophie Hendriksen

Best Adult Rider
Kyle Regenye

Best Junior Rider - Horse
Kenner Scalamandre

Best Junior Rider - Pony
Cady Ryan
 
Congratulations to all exhibitors who joined us at the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals this year. The qualification period for the 2019 Finals, being held September 11-15, is underway. Riders must be active Marshall & Sterling Insurance League Members in order for points to count for the 2019 Finals. For more information on the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, visit HitsShows.com. Click here to join the League today and get on your way to the 2019 Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals!
 
 
It doesn't end with the Marshall & Sterling National Finals!
Don't miss out on new opportunities that are coming your way this fall! While the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals have come to a close at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York, the fun doesn't end there!
Join us for the HITS Indoor Championship in Syracuse, New York, October 24-28, at the brand new state-of-the-art New York State Fair Expo Center. If you love the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals, then you are sure to love the HITS Indoor Championship.

As part of the HITS Developmental Series, the HITS Indoor Championship plans to build upon the grassroots program, which will go hand-in-hand with the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League. At the HITS Indoor Championship, you can look forward to Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation classes for beginner and seasoned equestrians alike