The scorching California sun was no match for Canadian Jill Henselwood’s cool composure in the $150,000 HITS Grand Prix of the Desert held Sunday, March 12, in Indio, CA.
With the help of the black Dutch Warmblood gelding, Black Ice, Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON, kept things on ice, making their incredible win appear effortless. The highlight of the final week of competition on the 2006 HITS Desert Circuit, competitors were well aware that this event would challenge their skills and the aptitude of their horses. Course designer, Olympic Gold Medallist Conrad Homfeld, tested the competitors with an array of technically difficult turns and striding.
Twenty-two riders took their shot at this difficult obstacle course before even a four-fault round was recorded. It was an exciting moment when another Canadian, John Pearce of Stouffville, ON, posted what appeared to be a clear round on Archie Bunker, but their time of 81.84 seconds was just over the time allowed of 81 seconds, giving Pearce a single fault to move into the lead. Following Pearce’s performance with his eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding, defending champions Richard Spooner and Ezrah came close to a repeat performance, but lowered one fence.
With Black Ice’s large stride and a well thought out plan of attack, Henselwood expertly guided Stacie Ryan’s Black Ice (Indoctro) to victory, topping a field of 38 competitors. Surprisingly, the 12-year-old Black Ice is relatively new to the Grand Prix level, so it is evident that tactful riding can be credited for this important victory.
“I must say, I think Black Ice is really starting to get comfortable with being a top grand prix horse and it’s starting to show. I’m going to Europe to compete for the next couple of months and I was on the fence as to whether Black Ice should come along…after today it’s a definite yes. I think he’s ready to give it a
go,” says Henselwood of Black Ice, with whom she won the 2005 Canadian Show Jumping Championships.
Adding to the day’s success, Henselwood’s student, Kim Farlinger of Annan, ON, finished in eighth position riding del Destino.
About Jump Canada
Jump Canada is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for all hunter, equitation and jumper activities in Canada from the grass roots to the international level. Jump Canada is governed by a board of directors, the majority of whom are elected by the stakeholders in the sport. For more information regarding Jump Canada programs and activities, visit www.jumpcanada.ca.
$150,000 HITS Grand Prix of the Desert
1 – Jill Henselwood, Oxford Mills, ON - Black Ice
2 – John Pearce, Stouffville, ON - Archie Bunker
3 –Richard Spooner - Ezrah
4 –Rich Fellers – McGuinness
5 –Keri Kampsen – Ratina 79
6 –Paul Rohrbach – Shiraz
7 –Mandy Porter – Summer
8 –Kim Farlinger, Annan, ON – del Destino
You must be logged in to post a comment.