Tyler, TX – November 3, 2009 – Tracy Fenney earned top honors in the $25,000 Grand Prix of Dallas on Sunday riding MTM Centano, owned by MTM Farm. Sunday’s victory marks Fenney’s third consecutive Dallas Harvest Grand Prix win, as well as her eighth time winning the class overall. The 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show concluded on Sunday following a successful week of competition at the Texas Rose Horse Park in beautiful Tyler, TX.

The Dallas Harvest Horse Show is a very active supporter of Habitat for Horses, one of the largest equine protection organizations in the country. Sunday’s Grand Prix class was held to benefit the organization, along with Saturday night’s silent auction and Team Calcutta. So far the horse show has raised over $12,000 to benefit Habitat for Horses’ excellent cause, and several more large ticket items are pending.

Habitat for Horses catered a special lunch Sunday afternoon as exhibitors and spectators watched the $25,000 Grand Prix of Dallas under clear, blue skies. The week’s jumper courses were designed by Conrad Homfeld, and a class of 18 entries came out to compete. Just seven of the original entries cleared the first round course earning the chance to jump off, and Tracy Fenney and MTM Centano laid down the fastest clear round in a time of 37.794 seconds to win the class. Martien Van Der Hoven was a very close second, clearing the shortened course in 38.576 seconds with Southbound. Samuel Parot earned the third place honors with a clear round in 38.621 seconds aboard 3M Laredo and Tony Font rode Carmen to the fourth place honors with the only other clear jump-off round in a time of 42.017 seconds. Chris Nelson and Inside out earned fifth place with the fastest four-fault jump-off round in 38.334 seconds.

Not only did Sunday’s win mark Tracy Fenney’s eighth Dallas Harvest Grand Prix victory, it also marked her eighth grand prix win with MTM Centano this year. Fenney has had MTM Centano for almost four years, and has been very successful with the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “We got him when he was five and he has been a very good horse,” she stated. “He is really big and he takes really big strides. I treat him like he’s a little horse and do tight turns. He is so big and strong that he can handle a lot of things that a lot of other horses cannot.”

“For a big horse he has a lot of blood in him,” Fenney noted. “He carries a lot of motor and he is actually kind of a nervous horse. He seems easy going; when you watch him go he looks like a big hunter, but when you ride him it feels like he has a bomb inside. He is like a big ball of energy.”

Fenney acknowledged that she thought the course was going to be hard when she first walked it. “The course today was great; I always just think that it is going to be hard,” she laughed. “I overrode my first horse and then kind of calmed down and then rode that one. Conrad said that he wanted like six clean and he got seven, so it was good.”

“For the jump-off the other ones went pretty fast and I knew that they were all slowing down in the first line in eight, but I knew that I could do seven and he turns well enough everywhere else,” Fenney continued. “I was a little nervous to the in-and-out just because it is coming home and they have already been rolling along. It is kind of a big vertical and you had to be careful there. I know I left one stride out, but that is where I said he has enough of that blood in him that he can do it and he just balled up together and power housed over it.”

Fenney was thrilled to get another exciting win in front of her hometown crowd. “It is nice because it is kind of our home town and they do such a nice event here and put on a great horse show,” she smiled. “They really make it an event instead of just another class, so it is fun. It is such a beautiful day and this was definitely a good way to end the show.”

Following the Grand Prix, the jumper ring hosted a $2,500 Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Classic. Only two pairs were able to clear the first round course to jump off, and Lene Bruheim finished on top aboard NLF Valhall, owned by older sister Eirin Bruheim. Beth Von Brecht rode Ulona to the second place finish.

Competition got underway in the morning with the EMO “Z” Cup Equitation Final and Kathryn Thompson was the winner riding Thelwell, owned by Brita Wallace of Austin, TX.

A special awards presentation and parade of champions was also held Sunday morning prior to the Grand Prix. Southbound Show Management and The Dallas Harvest Horse Show were selected as the presenting horse show for the 2009 South Central Region Year-End World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Awards, and had the honor of presenting those awards on Sunday. Top rider awards were presented to Courtney Calcagnini in the professionals, Gayle Cox in the amateur-owners, Jessica Zienkievicz in the adult amateurs, Caroline Gibson in the juniors, Taylor Reid in the children’s, and Peyton Escher in the ponies.

Sunday’s competition concluded another great year at the Dallas Harvest Horse Show. For more information, please visit www.southboundsshows.com.

For more information on Habitat for Horses please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.

Jumpers Highlights – Thursday through Saturday

Jumper competition at the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show kicked off on Thursday with the $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake at the Texas Rose Horse Park. The most prestigious ‘AA’ rated horse show in Texas, The Dallas Harvest Horse Show features three star jumper competition. The show is a very active supporter and contributor for Habitat for Horses, one of the largest equine protection organizations in the country, and featured some of the top horses and riders in the country in competition through November 1.

Conrad Homfeld was the course designer for the week and set a challenging track in the jumper ring for Thursday’s classes. In the $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake, four entries jumped clear over the first round course to jump-off, and it was Chris Nelson and Inside Out who cleared the shortened course in the fastest time of 40.694 seconds for the win. Kari Martin rode Solinus to second place with double clear rounds and a jump-off time of 41.987 seconds. Frank Owens rode Lucio 18, owned by DS Holdings LLC, to third place with the only other double clear in 42.838 seconds. Chris Nelson also took the fourth place honors after riding Argentina, owned by Hays Investment Corp., to an eight-fault jump-off round in 39.574 seconds.

Welcome Stake winner Chris Nelson is a 19-year-old rider and trainer from Flower Mound, Texas. Nelson’s mount in the class, Inside Out, is an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Lazy Creek Ranch Holdings, LLC. Nelson explained that Inside Out began competing at the grand prix level as a five-year old, and has since won six grand prix, all with Nelson in the irons.

Earlier in the afternoon, the 1.25m Jumpers competed with the top honors going to Martien Van Der Hoeven and his mount Rosaria, owned by Cassandra Shipp of Guelph, Ontario. Four of the original entries went clear over the first round course to jump-off, and Van Der Hoeven and Rosaria went double clear in the fastest time of 41.697 seconds to win the class. Van Der Hoeven also took home the second place honors riding Uno, owned by Maggie Hines of Wichita Falls, Texas, to a double clear in 46.164 seconds. Jordan Seigel had the only other clear jump-off round in 47.152 seconds riding Thomas 12, owned by Nicole Stufflebeme of Colleyville, Texas, to earn third place. Russell Frey and CR Aryenne, owned by Gage Brett of Dallas, Texas, finished in fourth.

The sun was shining at the scenic Texas Rose Horse Park on Friday as the jumper ring hosted division championships and an exciting $5,000 Jumper Classic. Course designer Conrad Homfeld set the tracks for Friday’s classes and 15 entries came out for the $5,000 Jumper Classic, which was the feature event of the afternoon with fences set at 1.25m in height.

Eight entries jumped clear over the first round course to jump off, and just four jumped clear over the shortened course to finish on top. The class was held in a Table II, 2a/b format, meaning that the riders had the option to either jump off immediately following their round or wait to jump off at the end of the class. Most of the riders chose the (b) option and Martien Van Der Hoeven and Uno were the first to complete a clear jump-off round in 42.259 seconds to eventually have the third fastest time. Megan Haag and Accra followed with another double clear and their time of 42.303 seconds finished in fourth. Tracy Fenney and Tenfold were next to clear the first round course and head straight for the jump-off, and the pair cleared the shortened course with ease, racing across the finish line in the fastest time of 37.519 seconds. Kimberly Brunson and MTM Patent Pending chose the (a) option to jump off at the end of the first round, and their double clear in 38.947 seconds earned the second place honors.

Class winners Tracy Fenney and Tenfold won the same $5,000 Jumper Classic last year at the 2008 Dallas Harvest Horse Show, and Fenney explained that the 12-year-old gelding is very consistent. Tenfold is owned by Hunter Farms LLC of Bloussardi, LA, and was originally imported from Europe as a five-year-old.

Along with the $5,000 Jumper Classic, the championship honors were awarded in several jumper divisions following the first few days of competition. The 1.30m Jumper championship was awarded to Jordan Siegel and CR Fantasia, owned by Greg Billings of Westlake, TX. Siegel also rode The New Yorker, owned by Christine Biederman of Dallas, TX, to a three way tie for the reserve championship along with Jessica Law of Cypress, TX on her own Sangria, and Megan Haag riding Mr. Nobody for Five-H Partners of The Woodlands, TX.

The 1.25m Jumper championship was awarded to another Jordan Siegel ride Thomas 12, owned by Nicole Stufflebeme of Colleyville, TX. Martien Van Der Hoeven rode Rosaria, owned by Cassandra Shipp of Guelph, ON, to the reserve championship.

Finally, the 1.15m Jumpers awarded their division championship in the morning with the top honors going to Martien Van Der Hoeven and his mount Edward, owned by Deborah Roy of Falmouth, Nova Scotia. The division had a tie for the reserve championship between Jana Rodes riding Blast and Jessica Nilsen riding Indian Creek’s Coraggio.

The Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers showed at the Dallas Harvest Horse Show on Saturday afternoon, and Dani Beavers and her horse Sweetness were the class winners after completing the fastest jump-off round over course designer Conrad Homfeld’s technical track.

Sixteen entries showed in Saturday’s Junior/AO Jumper class, and out of those original entries, eight went clear over the first round course to jump off. Dani Beavers and Sweetness were the third pair to attempt the shortened course, but their time of 38.988 seconds was the fastest within the 49-second time allowed, and held on to first place through the completion of the class. Caroline Beecherl and CR Gardenia followed with their clear jump-off round in 39.109 seconds, but were just off the mark to finish in second place. Nigel Potts went next with Opportunity Knocks and was also double clear, but just over a second slower in a time of 41.302 seconds to take third place.

Class winner Dani Beavers is 18 years old from Argyle, TX, and trains with Matt Cyphert of Woodhill Farm. Beavers began riding at the age of five and has now been training with Cyphert for a year and a half. Beavers won Saturday’s class aboard Sweetness, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding that she has owned for three years.

Hunter Highlights – Thursday through Sunday

The professional hunter divisions and the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions completed their second day of competition at the Dallas Harvest Horse Show on Thursday. The top finisher was James Hensen and Castlewellan, who had a clean sweep during the Green Conformation Hunter division and claimed the championship tricolor. Later in the day the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions showed in the Main Hunter Ring, and it was Emily Woodall and Fun One that took home the Overall Amateur-Owner Championship trophy.

The Green Conformation Hunters were the second division to compete on Thursday at the Dallas Harvest Hose Show. Hensen and Castlewellan, owned by Dr. Susan Bradley of Dallas, TX, claimed all of the division’s blue ribbons and earned the championship award for their excellent performance. The reserve championship honors were presented to Robert Allison for his ride aboard Ascot, owned by Monica Algarra of Dallas, TX.

Castlewellan is six-year-old Mecklenburg, and his owner shows him in the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions. Next year, Hensen will continue showing him in the Green Conformation Hunters as a Second Year horse, and he also hopes to show him in the Hunter Derby classes.

The next division of the day was the Regular Working Hunters, where the championship award went to Martien Van Der Hoeven and Celano, owned by Cassandra Ship of Guelph, ON. Also earning top ribbons was Courtney Calcagnini and Curtain Call, owned by Shannon Reid of Pilot Point, TX, who earned the reserve championship prize.

The first division to compete on Thursday was the Green Hunters. Will Roberts and Dubari, owned by Gayle Cox of Adkins, TX, were the winners of the championship prize, while Tracy Fenney and Clooney, owned by Tope Line Sporthorse of Cypress, TX, followed with the reserve championship honors.

The Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Hunters competed after the completion of the professional hunter divisions. The top honors and the championship tricolor were awarded to Jana Rodes, of Argyle, TX, and Dress Up. The reserve championship prize went to Gayle Cox of Adkins, TX, for her ride aboard Dubari.

The final division of the day was the Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunters. Emily Woodall, of New Caney, TX, and Fun One walked away with the championship prize, and also claimed the Overall Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship trophy. The Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter Reserve Championship went to Erin Walker, of San Antonio, TX, and Sahalee.

Friday marked the third day of competition at the Dallas Harvest Horse Show, and all of the top hunter riders came to compete during the $10,000 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby. There were 37 riders in the class, but it was Courtney Calcagnini and Curtain Call that out shone the competition at the Texas Rose Horse Park. The pair earned a first round score of 197 and advanced to the handy round in the lead position. They then took home the blue ribbon after they earned a two round total of 390.

Patrick Rodes designed Friday’s courses in the Main Hunter Ring. The first round included 12 obstacles, which featured larger options and inside options. The top twelve riders from the first round were called back for the handy round, which had two trot fences and required riders to walk over a log at the end of the course. The most difficult fence proved to be the first trot fence, which had a fence after it that many horses spooked at in the dark.

Peter Pletcher and Westview, owned by Eva Bisso of Tomball, TX, made the biggest jump of the day in the standings during the handy round after returning eleventh in the order. The pair had a first round score 173.5, but after a brilliant handy round the judges rewarded the duo with a score of 181 for a two round total 354.5 to take home the third place ribbon.

Pletcher had difficulties with his second mount, Rio’s Echo, owned by Patricia Turen, when they returned in the third place position. The pair had an excellent first round, choosing all the difficult options to earn a score of 188.5. They were on their way to another good score after they took a unique inside route to the sixth fence, but after the trot jump they pulled a rail and moved to the bottom of the standings.

The night’s second place finisher was Tracy Fenney, who was aboard Clooney, owned by Top Line Sporthorse International, of Cypress, TX. The pair had a first round score of 189.5 and picked up an excellent pace as they entered the ring for the handy round. They chose all the difficult options and took all the inside turns to earn a second round score of 182. Their total of 371.5 easily held their second place standing for the red ribbon.

The final combination to compete over the handy course was Calcagnini and Curtain Call, owned by Shannon Reid of Pilot Point, TX. The duo entered the ring with confidence and easily soared over the higher options, and made the difficult turns look smooth and efficient. Their first round score of 193 was beat by their second round score. The judges each awarded the pair a raw score of 90, with the first pair of judges adding nine points and the second pair adding eight points, for a total of 197. Calcagnini and Curtain Call finished with a two round score of 390 to take home the top prize and lead the victory gallop.

This year Calcagnini competed at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals with Curtain Call where the pair made the top twelve. She plans to continue showing the 10-year-old gelding in the Regular Working Hunter division and USHJA International Hunter Derby classes with the hopes to return to the finals again.

Friday evening the Dallas Harvest Horse Show hosted the Hunter Derby Benefit Reception, sponsored by CSC Farm and the Reid Family. The event was held ringside during the 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby, and exhibitors could purchase tickets to benefit Habitat for Horses. Habitat is an equine protection organization that has been in operation for the past 11 years fulfilling its mission to assist distressed horses, and provide a safe and secure home while rehabilitating them for adoption.

The best junior riders in the south vied for top honors in the equitation classes during the fourth day of the Dallas Harvest Horse Show on Saturday. The top call during the day’s USEF/Pessoa Medal went to Blythe Taylor and Cheryllow Z, who had an excellent first round and then went on to master the test. The ASPCA Maclay class was next, and the blue ribbon was presented to Megan Bifano for her rider aboard CR Andiamo.

For the USEF/Pessoa Medal, riders began by completing an over fences portion that included bending lines, tight rollbacks, and a two stride. The top four competitors were then called back to complete the test. For the test, riders cantered a vertical, completed three simple changes down the quarter line, counter cantered a vertical on the diagonal, and made a tight rollback to a large oxer.

Blythe Taylor, of Tulsa, OK, and Cheryllow Z had the best overall performance and earned the blue ribbon. Kathryn Thompson placed second during the competition with Thelwell, owned by Brita Wallace of Austin, TX. The third place prize was presented to Paige Brodbeck, of Carrollton,TX and Lavasco, while Dani Beavers and Benjamin Moore, owned by Claire Hyde of Dallas, TX, took home the fourth place honors.

The ASPCA Maclay class was the next to compete in the Main Hunter Ring. Riders began by competing over a difficult course that included 10 obstacles and many tight turns. They were then invited back to complete a flat phase and were awarded prizes.

The top call during the ASPCA Maclay class went to Megan Bifano, of Austin, TX, who was riding her top mount, CR Andiamo. Taylor Reid, of Pilot Point, TX, took home the second place prize with Ovation, while the third place ribbon was awarded to Thompson and Thelwell.

Sunday marked the conclusion of the Dallas Harvest Horse Show at the picturesque Texas Rose Horse Park and the Junior Hunter divisions wrapped-up their second day of competition in the Main Hunter Ring. The top award was presented to Caroline Gibson, who swept the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division with Primetime to earn the Grand Hunter Championship. Primetime is owned by Shadyside Farm in Magnolia, TX. The Large Junior 16-17 Hunter reserve championship honors went to Jessica Bass, of Boerne, TX, for her ride board Curiosity Shop.

Gibson has been riding Primetime for five years, and she was thrilled to earn the Grand Hunter Championship with him. Gibson and Primetime competed in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Friday, and she was the only junior to earn a ribbon, placing tenth in the standings.

Earlier in the day Gibson earned her first championship tricolor during the Small Junior Hunter division with Holiday, owned by Laura Beckworth, of Magnolia, TX. The division’s reserve championship prize was presented to Taylor Reid, of Pilot Point, TX, and Day Dream.

Sixteen-year-old Gibson and her family train with Peter Pletcher at his farm in Magnolia, Texas. Holiday is owned by Gibson’s aunt, who shows him in the Adult Amateur Hunters.

The Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division also completed their second day of competition in the Main Hunter Ring. Audrey Watkins of Flower Mound, TX, and Neander earned the championship award. Carson Gibson and Caden, owned by Shadyside Farm of Magnolia, TX, took home the reserve championship honors for their excellent performance.