The Tampa Bay Classic kicked off competition yesterday on the second leg of the Winter Equestrian Festival at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Three hunter divisions had classes on Wednesday and Thursday, and they rode for tricolor ribbons.
In the First Year Green Working Hunter division, Havens Schatt piloted Lavari for owner Tracy Scheriff to the championship. The elegant bay gelding earned fifth and sixth over fences and third under saddle on Wednesday. They returned today for a first and third over fences. “He was a little fresh yesterday after a week off, but today he came back ready to go,” Schatt said. Reserve champion in the division was Cosmo, ridden by Ken Smith for Susan Stanley.
Schatt mentioned that Lavari has shown definite improvement over the eight weeks of circuit so far. “Tracy rides him in the Amateur-Owner Hunters now,” she added. “He was so good at the beginning of circuit. It’s hard to keep that up every week, but he liked coming to a new place to show.”
Although the Green Conformation Hunter division was light on entries this week, it was still full of talent. Topping the list was Compliment, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Molly Ohrstrom. The flashy gelding won two over fences classes and was second and third in the remaining classes over jumps. Compliment also won the model class and was fourth under saddle. The reserve championship went to Cachet and Hunt Tosh, who rode for owner Lee Cesery.
“I enjoy coming to Tampa,” Stewart commented. “It’s much quieter and more laid-back. They have really improved the footing this year, which is great.”
The final championship awarded on Thursday was in the Second Year Green Hunters. Walking in for the presentation was a horse that has become quite accustomed to wearing fluttering ribbons on his bridle. Rio Renoir and Holly Orlando received three first place ribbons and a fifth over fences, as well as a sixth place under saddle. Reserve champion in the division was Music Street with Scott Stewart for Alexa Weisman.
This week was a different situation for Orlando and Rio Renoir. “In Palm Beach, I have all of my own horses showing with Old Salem, and I would just meet Rio at the ring,” Orlando explained. “I’ve never really been a part of Rio’s preparation. Usually everyone else does all the hard work, and I just get on and ride the great horse. This week, I got to ride him on Tuesday and yesterday morning. I went back to his stall and got him carrots. I got to pretend he was mine for the first few days this week. To be part of preparing him and still have him go well felt really good.”
It was a great chance for horse and rider to get to know each other better and bond. “He’s so sweet and funny,” Orlando said with a smile. “He has a great personality and is a winner. Rio’s groom, José, says that Rio’s his favorite horse, so I know he’s easy to take care of too. That big white star is really hard to resist. It was nice to get to know him better without his braids.”
The Pre-Green Hunters also wrapped up competition for the week. Champion in the Pre-Green 3’ Hunters was West Point, ridden and owned by Scott Stewart. Reserve champion was Tamara, ridden by Kate Conover for Andrea Van Sheltinga. In the Pre-Green 3’3” division, the championship went to Kiny and Ken Smith, who rode for Adeline Negre. The reserve champions were Secrets and Hunt Tosh. Tosh piloted Secrets for owner Bill Schaub.
The Tampa Bay Classic continues tomorrow with a championship presentation in the Regular Working Hunters. The Amateur-Owner and Adult Amateur Hunter riders begin their competition tomorrow as well.
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