Megan Massaro and Lyle win $25,000 Horses Helping Horses Open Hunter Classic
Green Cove Springs, FL – Seventeen year old Megan Massaro of Summerfield, Florida riding Lyle a Warm Blood gelding for owner Mrs. Randolph Rinehart won the Horses Helping Horses $25,000 Hunter Classic presented by the Oakleaf Plantation at week four of the Jacksonville Winter Series.
The first round saw twenty-four top-flight rider-horse combinations taking on a 10 obstacle course, ranging in heights from 3’6 to 4’ by designer Allen Rheinheimer. Coming off of fence one the competitors had a long sweeping turn into the second fence providing a comfortable start for all. A nice bend back from three to four began the challenge of correct strides and proper lead changes needed for the curving lines into the remaining combinations. The panel of judges, comprised of Joey Darby, Julie Kennedy, and Karen Immerman scored each ride based upon performance and soundness with manners being emphasized.
A total of twenty-one riders competed at the 3’6 height, two at the 3’9 height and one at the 4’ height.
Veteran rider Hunt Tosh was first on course with Cachet, for owner Lee Cesery and set the standard to be matched with a score of 87. Massaro was fifth in the first round order, “I was really super nervous about going in tonight. I was comfortable with and trust Lyle; he’s just so fabulous. It was just me I was nervous about.” Megan’s first round score was a 93 and it would stand as the highest going into the second round.
Fourteen competitors, all from the 3’6 section, were asked to return for the soundness jog, from which twelve were invited back for the second and deciding round. A nine-jump course with some long distances and technical lines proved to be quite testing for even the seasoned riders. “The bending line was my worry. He tends to land to the right, but he landed perfectly. Such a good boy!” Megan commented with a smile. Their second round score was 82.5 giving them a winning total of 175.5.
The second position went to Hunt Tosh and Cachet for owner Lee Cesery with a combined total of 169. Third place honors went to Lavoisier with Lauren Hutchens in the irons for owner-sister Christy Hutchens finishing with a score of 164. Fourth place was awarded to owner-rider Kaleigh Senesac with Black Mail and a score of 162. Completing the top five was Holly Shepherd riding More for owners Dr. and Mrs. Ken Garber with a final score of 156.
“A generous portion of the proceeds from this evening’s event will be happily donated to the Horses Helping Horses program.” Bob Bell, president of Classic Co announced with a broad smile. Horses Helping Horses was an idea photographer Robbi Meisel suggested to Bob over lunch about a year ago. “A way to give something back to the horses most of us make a living from in some form or another.” is Meisel’s heartfelt belief. The first event was planned and debuted less than 4 months later at the Atlanta Summer Classics in Conyers, GA. Despite the short prep time the first annual Horses Helping Horses Grand Prix made approx $13,000 for the horses! Old Friends Equine Rescue of Midway, KY was chosen as the beneficiary not only for the selfless work they do but to fulfill a promise made to a special horse, Dallas aka Seabiscuit, who Robbi and Bob first met at the National Horse Show in New York 2003 and later assisted in Dallas’ own rescue from a track in California. Old Friends founder Michael Blowen made the long distance save possible from across the country. Tonight’s event is the kick off for Horses Helping Horses 2006 “expanded” program, more events, “for the horses”, will be occurring throughout the Classic Co season with the spotlighted events returning in June to the Atlanta Summer Series. “Including another $25,000 Hunter Classic! We want to build the senior horses at Old Friends a new barn!!” Bell said sternly with a smile. To learn more about Old Friends you can visit their web site at www.oldfriendsequine.org . Information and prize list for the Horses Helping Horses programs will soon be in the mail. Sponsorship opportunities for the Charity Grand Prix and Hunter Classic are still available, for more details on how to be involved contact Robbi Meisel at 859.734.3713 or email at [email protected].
Sunday, January 29th a complete day of fun begins at 9:30AM with pony rides, a petting zoo, special barn tours and even a free lunch for the kids provided by Winn Dixie until 1PM. Radio Disney will broadcast live from the event. Next at 11AM the annual Silent Auction benefiting the Jacksonville Zoo begins followed by the Outback Steakhouse luncheon at 11:30AM, tickets for the Outback lunch are available by calling the zoo at 904-757-4463 ext 200. The 1:00 hour will see the return of a spectator favorite, the Celebrity Ride featuring local TV, radio, politicians, and sports personalities mounting up on some of the talented horses from the show in a truly special exhibition guaranteed to entertain the crowds. The main event, the $35,000 Grand Prix of Jacksonville benefiting the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens starts at 2PM with a showcase of top ranked riders and horses trying to conquer course designer Allen Rheinheimer’s challenge for the big pay check.
The Jacksonville Winter Series continues until February 5th with classes Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 9AM until about 5PM except for special events mentioned on Saturday evenings. Admission to the shows are free, a $5 donation is requested for special events, which in turn is given to the series’ various charities. Following the Jacksonville Winter Series the Sunshine Circuit continues with three weeks of USEF AA rated competitions in Pensacola, Florida at the Escambia Equestrian Center. This portion of the circuit will be dedicated to the communities of the Gulf Coast so devastated by Hurricane Katrina with special guests from Gulfport and fund raising events to further aid those in need.
For more information or results on the 2006 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the show office at 904-284-9492.
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