Winner’s Circle
World Cup Final Qualifier
Sometimes a small class can
actually turn out to be a big one, in
more ways than one, and the final West
Coast World Cup qualifier proved to be
just one of those. Only twelve horse/
rider combinations turned out for this
class, but that did not deter the Oaks
Blenheim staff from presenting this
class like it was the biggest one for the
year.
The facility was immaculately turned
out, clean as a whistle, beautiful VIP
setting, great food, giant ribbons and
awards, announcing at its best and
Keri, laughing after the ride. “It is great took the very fast track, finding the
the spectators that showed up put the
fun but it makes me so nervous at the elusive forward ride every single
finishing touches on a fun filled exciting
same time! I love every minute of it but jump, never missing. Very fast, leaving
evening. One would have thought, by
now I have to focus up for the jump
the participation of the crowd, that the
off. Isn’t it crazy what we do, and aren’t
actual World Cup Final was happening
we just so lucky to get to do this.”
right here in San Juan Capistrano. It
Carino and Guy Thomas, for Equinity,
had all the makings of a final run for
LLC, came to the ring smiling while his
the points, and it was not to disappoint
dad, Butch, paced around and fidgeted
the crowd, riders and owners, nor the
at the back gate. Butch was as much
horse show staff.
fun to watch in this class as Guy was,
Richard Spooner on Cristallo, for
you really didn’t know which one you
Show Jumping Syndications, was the
wanted to keep your eye on the most.
first of the clear rounds. This horse
Always a staunch supporter of the
jumped amazing under the lights, as
young professionals getting into the
though he was thinking it was child’s
ring, Butch just about wears a hole in everything up in a time of 32.08, he set
play and easily done. That round set
the ground when it is Guy in there. He the pace for the others to catch. What
the pace for the rest of the class and
a treat to see Richard in a jump-off, he
it would be awhile before that clear
is always on the hunt for the fastest
round was challenged with another
clear of the class.
fault free trip.
Keri Potter went even faster and also
Mandy Porter and Summer, owned by
found the forward ride to everything.
Wild Turkey Farm, are absolutely one
Riding Rockford, she never missed a
of the favorites. There is something
beat and traveled this shortened course
about this horse that everyone seems
on a huge open stride the entire way.
to really respect and appreciate. When
Clear in 30.71 for the lead, taking over
these two enter the ring, the rest of the
Spooner’s fast trip.
professionals turn ringside and watch
Guy Thomas returned to jump and
to see how they navigate the course.
his dad, Butch, returned to ring side
That in itself is something to be proud
had nothing to worry about this trip, and the pace location again. With a cell
of..when the peers of our sport take a
Guy rode fantastically and the horse phone pasted to his ear, he rode just
moment to watch!!
jumped super for a clear round. about every single jump with Guy. You
Rockford 1, owned and ridden by
Richard Spooner returned again, this would almost think he was in the saddle
Keri Potter, was on top of his game
time on Ace for S&B LLC. Finding his too, good thing there is not room
for this class. Zipping into the ring,
way around the jumps and leaving them enough for two up there or I am sure
his expression is as fun to watch as his
all up, again, Richard now had two in we would have seen Butch on Carlos
jump. He pins his ears, snarls his nose,
the jump off and two shots at the win. with Guy. He is just so proud of Guy
pokes his head out in front of him and
Planning on traveling and competing in and the great rider he is turning into, as
jumps way up, flipping his tail end way
Europe for the summer, Richard is not
high at each of the oxers. The course
planning to do the World Cup Final so
was easy for him and he bounced
points for him were not a factor in this
around like he knew this was going to
Opposite Page: Indio
class. Top To Bottom :
be his class.
The jump-off was a great one and the
Jason McArdle, Keri Potter & Joie Gatlin;
“I don’t know why I do this,” said
Cristallo & Richard Spooner; Guy Thomas
crowd loved it! Richard, on Cristallo,
and Carino
40
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