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| Havens Schatt and Bacardi were the Sofscape Pavers Baby Green Hunter champions during the second week at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot, Official Sport Photographer of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, www.sportfot.com. |
Brooke Bidgood for Equestrian Sport Productions
Wellington, FL - January 20, 2011 - The second week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Equine Couture and Tuff Rider, is underway. Competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center began on January 12, and will run through April 3. Among many other championships awarded in the professional hunter divisions today, the Sofscape Pavers Baby Green Hunter division also awarded their championship.
Havens Schatt, riding Split Rock Farm's entry, Bacardi, was the Sofscape Pavers Baby Green Hunter champion this week.
Bacardi secured the championship by winning two classes and placing third, second and sixth in the remaining three classes.
Bacardi, a five-year-old Warmblood gelding by Casco, was recently purchased in Europe by Derek Braun's Split Rock Farm, Inc. While Bacardi has only just begun showing, he has clearly found his niche in the hunter ring.
Not only was this the first time that Schatt had shown Bacardi, but she had only begun riding him on Tuesday of this week. "He's very green, but he tries really hard," said Schatt.
Neck and neck with Schatt and Bacardi was Poker Face, ridden by Jennifer Bliss. He was a close reserve champion. Poker Face won one class, was second in two classes, and also placed fourth and fifth in the remaining classes.
While many horses entered in the baby green division struggle due to their young age and lack of knowledge in the show ring, Bacardi seemed to pick it right up. "His improvement from the first class to the last class this week was amazing," stated Schatt. "The last class this week he went around like a made horse, just loop the reins and gallop the course."
Bacardi's owners, Derek and Gwen Braun from Split Rock Farm, were also thrilled with the success their horse had his first week of showing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Competition continues tomorrow in the amateur and junior hunter divisions at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Among other championships, the Adult Amateur Hunters 3'3" will be awarded their tricolor honors in the Rost Arena. Stay tuned for more hunter action and awards throughout the weekend.
For full results please visit www.showgroundslive.com or for more information, visit www.equestriansport.com.
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