Two weeks of successful competition have reached an end for the team from Wellington’s Happy Endings Farm.
The rising talent continued to shine during the Lake Placid Horse Show and I Love New York Horse Show, held June 25 through July 7. When they were not winning top championships throughout the divisions, the young riders of Happy Endings were able to enjoy all that the Lake Placid area has to offer — including their annual river ride along the Lake Placid Trail.
“It was a wonderful two weeks,” trainer Linda Smith said. “The kids were great, and we had a blast riding in the river and exploring the nature around the show grounds. I couldn’t have been happier with the trip, and after all, this is all about fun at the end of the day, and we all had a great time.”
During the first week of competition at the Lake Placid Horse Show, riders donned their jackets and breeches and made their way to the show ring. Katie Jacobs rode to the Children’s Hunter reserve championship with Jouet, owned by Deeridge Farm. They also picked up the third-place ribbon in the Children’s Classic for an exciting end to their first week.
Aboard Sorcerer’s Stone, owned by CMJ Sporthorse LLC, Jacobs continued her success, riding to a fourth-place finish in the THIS Medal. She then took the first-, second- and third-place ribbons over fences with Jemima Puddle Duck, owned by Redwood Farm LLC, in the Small/Medium Children’s Pony Hunters.
Mark Leone rode Violet, owned by Ramble On Farm, to the Small/Medium Children’s Pony Championship. They were awarded two second-place ribbons, as well as third place over fences for their finesse. Brother James Leone also captured a top win in the Walk/Trot Division, riding Sunday Sneakers, owned by Ashland Farms, to a blue ribbon finish. James had stiff competition though, as Natalia Torano rode her friend Avery Kelley’s pony, Farnley Romeo, to the first-place award in another Walk/Trot Division class. Taylor Ashe and her Carolina Shananigans made their successful walk-trot debut, winning top ribbons in each class as well.
During the I Love New York Horse Show, the riders at Happy Endings Farm continued to bring home prizes. Charlie Jacobs and Ranier, owned by CMJ Sporthorse LLC, took the championship in the Children’s 14 & Under Hunter Horse division, riding to two blue ribbons and second place over fences. Katie Jacobs took a class win aboard Jouet, but eventually, it was Charlie who took the division’s championship.
Sean Sweeney and Strawberry Kid, owned by Nina Montross, also showcased their talent during the second week of the show. Together they took the Short Stirrup Hunter Reserve Championship, jumping their way into the hearts of the judges.
Following their start to a wonderful summer season, the team from Wellington’s Happy Endings Farm will head across the nation for the remainder of the summer horse show season. Keep your eyes open for the rising stars at Horse Shows by the Bay, the Vermont Summer Festival and the Fieldstone Summer Showcase I and II. Stay up-to-date on the riders’ accomplishments by following Happy Endings Farm on Facebook. Learn more about the farm at www.happyendingsfarm.com.
ABOVE: Taylor Ashe, Avery Kelley and Natalia Torano aboard Rosebud during the Lake Placid river ride.
