By Nancy Brannon; Photos by Nancy & Tommy Brannon
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Brownland Farm Horse Shows started the month of June 2019 with the 31st annual $50,000 Music Country Grand Prix, a fundraiser for Saddle Up! The class was Saturday’s main event in the Nashville Classic horse show, May 29 – June 2, 2019. Thirty entries vied for the top prize of $15,000, but it came down to the last horse to go in the jump-off to decide the victor. It was evident to David Jennings, who with Caddie R had just put in a second clear round in 45.090 seconds, that he had won the blue and the $15,000 cash prize. A raised hand in victory signaled his thrill with the win!
It had been a tough course with many a rail down – from even the best of riders and horses – that narrowed down the field to a handful of call backs for the jump-off. Last year’s winners, Louise Graves and Zavira, were among those with rails down, so they did not come back for the jump-off.
Among those returning for the jump-off was Haley Gassel on her Quite Dark 2. The pair put in another clear round, but with not quite as fast a time as Jennings’ (45.832). Yet, second place and the $11,000 cash prize was a very respectable finish for the young rider’s efforts.
Grant Seger and Dr. J were third. Lisa Goldman-Smolen racked up four places and $7500 in prize money, taking 4th on Sovereign, 9th on Hindsight, 10th on As Di Sogrand, and 12th on Nike. Callie Schott and Christiaan were 5th, with Shannon Clifford and Diamond placing 6th. Frank Owens claimed 7th and 8th places on Ambienta S and Malibu, respectively. Young rider favorite Mattie Hatcher and Sebastian placed 11th.
The one casualty of the day was Vicky Miller, whose horse Baal Berith just could not make the leap over the imposing wall, taking out the top third of it and launching Vicky into the air for a crash landing. Eventually the ambulance drove into the arena to carry Vicky to medical treatment.
The event was well attended, with over 500 people out to enjoy the afternoon at the show. The VIP tent was filled to capacity and the Grand Prix raised over $200,000 this year to support Saddle Up!
A silent auction raised additional funds for Saddle Up! and offered a wide range of items from vacation packages to a Kenny Chesney autographed electric guitar and an Eric Church autographed acoustic guitar, restaurant deals, horse-themed items, plants, and a Tennessee Titans Ultimate Game Day package.
As a prelude to the Grand Prix, Saddle Up! riders showed their skills as they were led into the ring.
Three Lead Line entries were judged on their “equitation” style. As it turns out, there was a three-way tie for first place, with all receiving blue ribbons.
The show continued on Sunday with several Classics to wrap up the Nashville Classic horse show.
Find out more about Saddle Up! at: https://www.saddleupnashville.org/and the Music Country Grand Prix at: https://www.musiccountrygrandprix.com/.
[View More Photos]
Brownland Farm Horse Shows started the month of June 2019 with the 31st annual $50,000 Music Country Grand Prix, a fundraiser for Saddle Up! The class was Saturday’s main event in the Nashville Classic horse show, May 29 – June 2, 2019. Thirty entries vied for the top prize of $15,000, but it came down to the last horse to go in the jump-off to decide the victor. It was evident to David Jennings, who with Caddie R had just put in a second clear round in 45.090 seconds, that he had won the blue and the $15,000 cash prize. A raised hand in victory signaled his thrill with the win!
It had been a tough course with many a rail down – from even the best of riders and horses – that narrowed down the field to a handful of call backs for the jump-off. Last year’s winners, Louise Graves and Zavira, were among those with rails down, so they did not come back for the jump-off.
Among those returning for the jump-off was Haley Gassel on her Quite Dark 2. The pair put in another clear round, but with not quite as fast a time as Jennings’ (45.832). Yet, second place and the $11,000 cash prize was a very respectable finish for the young rider’s efforts.
Grant Seger and Dr. J were third. Lisa Goldman-Smolen racked up four places and $7500 in prize money, taking 4th on Sovereign, 9th on Hindsight, 10th on As Di Sogrand, and 12th on Nike. Callie Schott and Christiaan were 5th, with Shannon Clifford and Diamond placing 6th. Frank Owens claimed 7th and 8th places on Ambienta S and Malibu, respectively. Young rider favorite Mattie Hatcher and Sebastian placed 11th.
The one casualty of the day was Vicky Miller, whose horse Baal Berith just could not make the leap over the imposing wall, taking out the top third of it and launching Vicky into the air for a crash landing. Eventually the ambulance drove into the arena to carry Vicky to medical treatment.
The event was well attended, with over 500 people out to enjoy the afternoon at the show. The VIP tent was filled to capacity and the Grand Prix raised over $200,000 this year to support Saddle Up!
A silent auction raised additional funds for Saddle Up! and offered a wide range of items from vacation packages to a Kenny Chesney autographed electric guitar and an Eric Church autographed acoustic guitar, restaurant deals, horse-themed items, plants, and a Tennessee Titans Ultimate Game Day package.
As a prelude to the Grand Prix, Saddle Up! riders showed their skills as they were led into the ring.
Three Lead Line entries were judged on their “equitation” style. As it turns out, there was a three-way tie for first place, with all receiving blue ribbons.
The show continued on Sunday with several Classics to wrap up the Nashville Classic horse show.
Find out more about Saddle Up! at: https://www.saddleupnashville.org/and the Music Country Grand Prix at: https://www.musiccountrygrandprix.com/.
