By Nancy Brannon; Photos by Lili Weik
Making up for lost time, Brownland Farm, Franklin, TN, offered three shows in October: Autumn Challenge (Oct. 7-11); Autumn Country (Oct. 14-18); and Autumn Classic (Oct. 21-15). Michelle Anderton of Brownland explained the prize money offered at each show: “Each week of the three week series has a thousand dollar prize money increase for the Grand Prix. The first week’s class was $30,000; the second week’s Grand Prix is $40,000; and the third week’s is $50,000. We also have the $25,000 Hunter Derby Finals during the third week.”
At the Autumn Challenge, Haley Gassel and her Iliano Van D’Abelendreef sailed over the huge course to win the $30,000 Brownland Autumn Challenge Grand Prix. Julia Curtis and Kennedy VD Rechri earned the Reserve Sash. Payton Beerbower and Allie Z rounded out the top three spots. David Jennings riding both Dazzle White and Dalton De La Fresniere took 4th and 5th, respectively.
Haley Gassel commented about the horse and her ride: “I recently acquired Iliano just a few months ago in June. He’s very fun to ride, but quite spicy and a little sensitive. I was last in the order of go, so I had five jump off rounds in front of me. My trainer (David Jennings) suggested getting off to adjust my saddle and his boots, and when I picked up his left front I noticed a sprung shoe. Inevitably I raced to the farrier stand, and didn’t get to watch any jump off rounds. I caught the tail end of the round before me, but I almost think it helped. I went in not knowing how fast the horses in front of me were, and just rode the ride I had planned to begin with—it paid off!”
Hidden Lane, with Tammy Provost in the irons, won the first week’s $7500 Brownland Hunter Derby, with 26 entries in the class. Kelly Mullen rode Cheryl Rubenstein’s Capisce to reserve. Capisce was Performance Working Hunter 3’6” Champion.
The $1,000 Brownland Pony Hunter Derby attracted ten entries with Emma Rupinski taking the top spot on Stonewall Top Call. Penten’s Dashwood and Emma Kate Greer were reserve.
Sophia Sisco and Good Boy were Champions in the Medium Pony Hunter division, taking firsts in four out of five classes. The pair also won the Pony Hunter Classic and the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal.
In the $7,500 Welcome Stake, Laura Linback and Skat 15 took the blue ribbon. Taking second and third places was Michael Tokaruk on My Lord Castnoo (2nd) and Cristiano (3rd). Michael had double wins on Lauren McCaulley’s Blue Sugar OTJ in the Meter 1.15 and Meter 1.20 Jumper classes.
Georgia Fant rode her pony Rosie in Leadline. Mother and coach Ashley Fant commented: “Rosie and a Georgia had fun early in the morning in the leadline class. It was not their first time doing the class, but it was their first time this year.”
Katherine DiMento and Nixon were Champions in Children’s Hunter 15-17. Trainer Ashley Fant bragged on her student: “Katherine DiMento has been leasing Nixon from me for a year and they moved up from Pre-Children’s to Children’s this past summer. Last week was their third show together in the Children’s division, and their first championship. They were reserve champion at their last show together - Atlanta Summerfest I in August.”
Brownland hosts were grateful for everyone cooperating to quell the spread of disease. “Thank you to everyone who has taken the USEF mask mandate seriously. Moving into our final week of showing for the 2020 season, we ask everyone who has been here a few weeks to remember the masks. Those of you just joining us, please follow the mandate. This isn’t political. This is an effort to preserve horse shows for the rest of the season, wherever you may be showing when you leave Brownland. The COVID numbers are going up in Tennessee, as they are in many other states. Please be respectful for everyone and just wear it!”
The Autumn Country Grand Prix upped the ante for the winner and attracted 27 contestants. With five coming back for the Jump Off, it was Kevin Mealiff riding Sarah Berg’s Quidams Rubenbos S Z to win the $40,000 Grand Prix. Richard Rinehart rode Allison Vinatieri’s La Dolce Vita VDL to second place. David Jennings’ rides aboard Dalton De La Fresniere and Cendatus PS earned third and fourth, respectively. And Bree Rosales and Voigtsdorfs Quonschbob rounded out the top five. Last show’s GP winners, Haley Gassel and Iliano Van D’Abelendreff, were sixth.
This show’s $7,500 Hunter Derby attracted 33 entries, with Brandon Gibson the winner on Spectrum Z. The pair were also Champion in Green Hunter 3’6”/3’9”. Belynda Bond and Norderney were second in the Hunter Derby.
Once again, Sophie Sisco and Good Boy won the $1,000 Brownland Pony Hunter Derby.
David Pellegrini of Eads, TN brought a slew of students to this show, concluding with three championships and four reserve championships. As Ever, ridden by Ella Trotz, was Junior Hunter 3’6” Champion and her sister, Calder Trotz riding Fate, was Reserve Champion. Bespoke, ridden by Jamie Sokoloff, was Children’s Hunter 15-17 Champion. Rochambeau, ridden by Kirsten Monmaney, was Modified Junior Hunter Champion. Margaret Weaver and Vuitton were A/O Hunter 3’3” Reserve Champions. Cassini Royale, ridden by Scottie Arnold, was Reserve Champion in Children’s Hunter 14 & Under and in Modified Junior Hunter.
Jason Schnelle’s multitude of students performed well. Rachel Sutton and Solo Con Te 2 were A/O Hunter 3’6” Combined Champions. Czar Castic, with Charles Shaffer riding, was Pre-Adult Hunter Champion, and Nicole Harris was USHJA Hunter 3’ Reserve Champion with her Girl Crush.
Phoebe Sheets coached to two Championships and two Reserve Championships. Kelly Mullen rode Capisce to Performance Working Hunter 3’6” Champion, and Holly Labry was A/O Hunter 3’3” Champion with Riverside. Tate Allen and Golden were Junior Hunter 3’3” Combined Reserve Champion, and Blue Moon, with Susan Ross aboard, was Adult Amateur 50 & Over Reserve Champion.
Autumn Classic
The $50,000 Music Country Grand Prix, which is usually the annual fundraiser for Saddle Up!, had to take place this year without the usual gathering of spectators in the pavilion. The 32nd annual Music Country Grand Prix Patrons Party, presented by Tractor Supply Company was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenging course was negotiated well with some precision riding. Kevin Mealiff piloted Oakland Ventures, LLC’s Marcos Van De Dude Heihoef to victory, followed very closely by second place finisher David Beisel and his Essence W. Rounding out the top four spots was Kevin Mealiff in third on All Gold Des Isles and fourth on the previous week’s $40,000 GP winner, Quidams Rubenbos SZ, owned by Sarah Berg.
Kevin Mealiff racked up in the $7,500 Welcome Stake 1.35m, taking Quidams Rubenbos SZ to first and Marcos Van De Oude Heihoef to second.
Kelly Mullen and Capisce finished the $25,000 Hunter Derby Finals in first place. Alliy Moyer and Hero finished in second, with Belynia Bond and Norderney in third.
Amy Krebs and Hopscotch won the $1,000 Pony Hunter Derby, with Caroline Alexander and All Inclusive in second.
Scottie Arnold and Cassini Royale earned the blue in the Wash/NAL Children’s Hunter Classic.
Full results of all three shows are posted at horseshowsonline.com. This concludes the 2020 show season for Brownland Farm.
Making up for lost time, Brownland Farm, Franklin, TN, offered three shows in October: Autumn Challenge (Oct. 7-11); Autumn Country (Oct. 14-18); and Autumn Classic (Oct. 21-15). Michelle Anderton of Brownland explained the prize money offered at each show: “Each week of the three week series has a thousand dollar prize money increase for the Grand Prix. The first week’s class was $30,000; the second week’s Grand Prix is $40,000; and the third week’s is $50,000. We also have the $25,000 Hunter Derby Finals during the third week.”
At the Autumn Challenge, Haley Gassel and her Iliano Van D’Abelendreef sailed over the huge course to win the $30,000 Brownland Autumn Challenge Grand Prix. Julia Curtis and Kennedy VD Rechri earned the Reserve Sash. Payton Beerbower and Allie Z rounded out the top three spots. David Jennings riding both Dazzle White and Dalton De La Fresniere took 4th and 5th, respectively.
Haley Gassel commented about the horse and her ride: “I recently acquired Iliano just a few months ago in June. He’s very fun to ride, but quite spicy and a little sensitive. I was last in the order of go, so I had five jump off rounds in front of me. My trainer (David Jennings) suggested getting off to adjust my saddle and his boots, and when I picked up his left front I noticed a sprung shoe. Inevitably I raced to the farrier stand, and didn’t get to watch any jump off rounds. I caught the tail end of the round before me, but I almost think it helped. I went in not knowing how fast the horses in front of me were, and just rode the ride I had planned to begin with—it paid off!”
Hidden Lane, with Tammy Provost in the irons, won the first week’s $7500 Brownland Hunter Derby, with 26 entries in the class. Kelly Mullen rode Cheryl Rubenstein’s Capisce to reserve. Capisce was Performance Working Hunter 3’6” Champion.
The $1,000 Brownland Pony Hunter Derby attracted ten entries with Emma Rupinski taking the top spot on Stonewall Top Call. Penten’s Dashwood and Emma Kate Greer were reserve.
Sophia Sisco and Good Boy were Champions in the Medium Pony Hunter division, taking firsts in four out of five classes. The pair also won the Pony Hunter Classic and the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal.
In the $7,500 Welcome Stake, Laura Linback and Skat 15 took the blue ribbon. Taking second and third places was Michael Tokaruk on My Lord Castnoo (2nd) and Cristiano (3rd). Michael had double wins on Lauren McCaulley’s Blue Sugar OTJ in the Meter 1.15 and Meter 1.20 Jumper classes.
Georgia Fant rode her pony Rosie in Leadline. Mother and coach Ashley Fant commented: “Rosie and a Georgia had fun early in the morning in the leadline class. It was not their first time doing the class, but it was their first time this year.”
Katherine DiMento and Nixon were Champions in Children’s Hunter 15-17. Trainer Ashley Fant bragged on her student: “Katherine DiMento has been leasing Nixon from me for a year and they moved up from Pre-Children’s to Children’s this past summer. Last week was their third show together in the Children’s division, and their first championship. They were reserve champion at their last show together - Atlanta Summerfest I in August.”
Brownland hosts were grateful for everyone cooperating to quell the spread of disease. “Thank you to everyone who has taken the USEF mask mandate seriously. Moving into our final week of showing for the 2020 season, we ask everyone who has been here a few weeks to remember the masks. Those of you just joining us, please follow the mandate. This isn’t political. This is an effort to preserve horse shows for the rest of the season, wherever you may be showing when you leave Brownland. The COVID numbers are going up in Tennessee, as they are in many other states. Please be respectful for everyone and just wear it!”
The Autumn Country Grand Prix upped the ante for the winner and attracted 27 contestants. With five coming back for the Jump Off, it was Kevin Mealiff riding Sarah Berg’s Quidams Rubenbos S Z to win the $40,000 Grand Prix. Richard Rinehart rode Allison Vinatieri’s La Dolce Vita VDL to second place. David Jennings’ rides aboard Dalton De La Fresniere and Cendatus PS earned third and fourth, respectively. And Bree Rosales and Voigtsdorfs Quonschbob rounded out the top five. Last show’s GP winners, Haley Gassel and Iliano Van D’Abelendreff, were sixth.
This show’s $7,500 Hunter Derby attracted 33 entries, with Brandon Gibson the winner on Spectrum Z. The pair were also Champion in Green Hunter 3’6”/3’9”. Belynda Bond and Norderney were second in the Hunter Derby.
Once again, Sophie Sisco and Good Boy won the $1,000 Brownland Pony Hunter Derby.
David Pellegrini of Eads, TN brought a slew of students to this show, concluding with three championships and four reserve championships. As Ever, ridden by Ella Trotz, was Junior Hunter 3’6” Champion and her sister, Calder Trotz riding Fate, was Reserve Champion. Bespoke, ridden by Jamie Sokoloff, was Children’s Hunter 15-17 Champion. Rochambeau, ridden by Kirsten Monmaney, was Modified Junior Hunter Champion. Margaret Weaver and Vuitton were A/O Hunter 3’3” Reserve Champions. Cassini Royale, ridden by Scottie Arnold, was Reserve Champion in Children’s Hunter 14 & Under and in Modified Junior Hunter.
Jason Schnelle’s multitude of students performed well. Rachel Sutton and Solo Con Te 2 were A/O Hunter 3’6” Combined Champions. Czar Castic, with Charles Shaffer riding, was Pre-Adult Hunter Champion, and Nicole Harris was USHJA Hunter 3’ Reserve Champion with her Girl Crush.
Phoebe Sheets coached to two Championships and two Reserve Championships. Kelly Mullen rode Capisce to Performance Working Hunter 3’6” Champion, and Holly Labry was A/O Hunter 3’3” Champion with Riverside. Tate Allen and Golden were Junior Hunter 3’3” Combined Reserve Champion, and Blue Moon, with Susan Ross aboard, was Adult Amateur 50 & Over Reserve Champion.
Autumn Classic
The $50,000 Music Country Grand Prix, which is usually the annual fundraiser for Saddle Up!, had to take place this year without the usual gathering of spectators in the pavilion. The 32nd annual Music Country Grand Prix Patrons Party, presented by Tractor Supply Company was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenging course was negotiated well with some precision riding. Kevin Mealiff piloted Oakland Ventures, LLC’s Marcos Van De Dude Heihoef to victory, followed very closely by second place finisher David Beisel and his Essence W. Rounding out the top four spots was Kevin Mealiff in third on All Gold Des Isles and fourth on the previous week’s $40,000 GP winner, Quidams Rubenbos SZ, owned by Sarah Berg.
Kevin Mealiff racked up in the $7,500 Welcome Stake 1.35m, taking Quidams Rubenbos SZ to first and Marcos Van De Oude Heihoef to second.
Kelly Mullen and Capisce finished the $25,000 Hunter Derby Finals in first place. Alliy Moyer and Hero finished in second, with Belynia Bond and Norderney in third.
Amy Krebs and Hopscotch won the $1,000 Pony Hunter Derby, with Caroline Alexander and All Inclusive in second.
Scottie Arnold and Cassini Royale earned the blue in the Wash/NAL Children’s Hunter Classic.
Full results of all three shows are posted at horseshowsonline.com. This concludes the 2020 show season for Brownland Farm.
