Leg Jumps Into its Woodside Hunter/Jumper Shows
Equestrian News Release

Woodside, California. Langer Equestrian Group, Inc. jumped into its first two of seven USEF “A” rated hunter/jumper shows of the 2006 show season at the beautiful Horse Park at Woodside. The Woodside Spring Preview (April 27-30) and the Woodside Spring Classic (May 4-7) attracted record numbers of competitors to the recently upgraded horse show facility at the Horse Park at Woodside. “We worked with the Horse Park’s Board of Directors and staff to make changes to the show facility that the competitors really wanted,” explained LEG President and CEO Larry Langer. The result was newly configured hunter rings that met with overwhelming enthusiasm. “Every year that I come to these shows the facility gets better and better,” said John Bragg who had a number of horses and riders earn tri-color championships at the Woodside Spring Preview. Stacy Seibel captured both champion and reserve in the Adult Amateur Hunters 36-50 aboard her Soft Touch and Nariena respectively.

Hunter Ring 3 is now adjacent to Hunter Ring 2 in the newly designed Bay Arena Complex. Riders enjoy brand new footing and incredible views of the San Francisco Bay. “The arenas are fabulous,” commented hunter trainer Diane Yeager. “This is a night and day improvement and I love the hunter layout.” Yeager’s horses and riders showed their approval with multiple championships. Yeager is well known for developing young hunters, and two horses making their horse show debut were also honored with championships. Golden Prospect (Jenna Huang, owner), a five year old by All The Gold, was Pre Green Hunter champion at the Woodside Spring Classic. Twinkle Gorman’s four year old gelding Dylan was Baby Green Hunter champion. Gorman earned the championship in the Adult Amateur Hunters 50 & Over aboard her Wellington during the first week and reserve champion the second week.

Beverly Jovais was just as positive about the improvements. “This is a great location and my clients really like the shows. The shows offer classes for everyone and has good judges. The layout is fantastic and keeps getting better and better.” Jovais coached amateur rider Michele Tobin to the Amateur Equitation champion and reserve during the two weeks. Tobin returned to riding a year ago after a 20 year hiatus. Now she and her five year old daughter ride with Jovais. “I love Woodside. It is so convenient and beautiful,” said Tobin.

Jan Pearce has also supported the Woodside hunter/jumper shows as they have developed, and she applauded the improvements in the jumper rings as well. “We really like coming here because it is so close to home and lots of our people support these shows. The hunter rings are near one another and the jumper rings keep getting better,” stated Pearce. She coached Blake Gardiner and his Kioto to strong finishes in the Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers, and the pair also contested the two $3,500 Woodside Jumper Classics. Gardiner has been riding with Pearce since he was six and now he is in his first year as an amateur. “I’ve taught three generations of Blake’s family. His mom rides in the Adult Amateur Hunters and her granddaughter just started riding in our pony camp.” Pearce loves developing up and coming riders and eleven year old Grace Stayner earned her very first blue ribbon aboard her pony, Snowman. “I was pretty amazed when I heard my name in first for my hunter class,” said the fifth grader. “I have so much fun showing at Woodside.”

Fun was definitely the theme of the two weeks as competitors enjoyed glorious weather and lots of good competition. “This is the prettiest facility anywhere,” stated trainer Leslie Nelson. “My clients love showing here.” Mary Sances won the Adult Amateur Hunter Classic on Carlo Cantani the first week and Krystle Johnson was champion in the Adult Amateur Hunters 18-35 the same week riding Justinian.

Hunter/Jumper shows return to the Horse Park at Woodside for the three week Woodside Summer Series. The first week is a five day “A” rated show followed by two “AA” rated shows. In addition to top hunter prize money, jumpers can vie for the $10,000 Woodside Jumper Classic (Week 1), the $20,000 Bayfest Grand Prix (Week 2), and the Golden Gate Classic (Week 3). Prize lists, schedules, and complete results from the spring shows are online at langerequestrian.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: PhotoEngine.net