Telluride Farm Takes Top Honors at ‘North American’ Tournament in Spruce Meadows

Written by: Jenny Ross
Client: Diane Carney and Telluride Farm
Release Date: 2008-07-08

Calgary, AB, CAN – June 8, 2008 – Telluride Farm continued its winning ways this past week at the ‘North American’ Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After taking home top ribbons the week before at the ‘Canada One’ Tournament, the riders at Telluride Farm rode consistently well and came away with impressive placings. The students of Telluride Farm train with Diane Carney of Hampshire, IL.

In the 1.15m junior/amateur jumper division, Stephanie Pearson of Wheaton, IL, executed a double clear round and rode her way to second place with her mount Sympathico III. She also piloted Don Stewart’s horse Wild Cat to the fifth place ribbon.

Caitie Hope, who resides in Barrington, IL, took third place in the 1.30m junior/amateur jumpers with La Paz and was one of three clear out of 40 starting entries. The pair also captured first place in the 1.30m junior jumpers on Thursday, July 3, and earned fifth place over the weekend.

In addition, Hope led Jennifer Hauser’s horse Corrato to the victory in the 1.20m junior jumpers. Out of 40 exhibitors, she was the only rider to successfully complete the course with two double clear rounds. Later in the week, she guided Corrato to an eighth place finish in the 1.30m class.

“A great week at Spruce Meadows, again!” smiled Carney. “The 1.30m was held in the ‘All Canada’ ring, which is hilly and considered the next step to the international ring. Both Stephanie and Caitie had tough courses and galloping jump-offs. Their balance and timing from the hunter derby classes definitely paid off at Spruce Meadows.”

“I am so proud of my students,” she added. “Hannah Gorman was solid throughout the two weeks of competition, and she rode beautifully in the 1.10m junior jumpers. She had an excellent show as well.”

“The process of going to Spruce Meadows involves ongoing training and preparation,” stated Carney. “We are fortunate enough to have access to Greg Franklin’s Canterbury Farm, which has all of the natural elements that appear at Spruce Meadows, like the open water and the grob. It’s great that my students can practice over these obstacles to prepare for international competition.”

“It is very rewarding for me to see my students do so well. It’s exciting to set a course and map it out, and then watch them hit the target. It’s a privilege to have customers that understand what it takes to do well at the international level.”

Carney has been both an active participant and influential trainer in the hunter and jumper community for many years. Her contributions to the industry extend to the many clinics that she teaches every year, in addition to those that she hosts annually for U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe George H. Morris and top hunter/jumper trainer Don Stewart Jr.

Photo: Caitie Hope and La Paz. Photo © 2008 Jennifer Wood. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.