Day 1 Results at Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships

Alice Tarjan and Serenade MF. Photo: Emma Miller/Phelps Media Group

Wayne, Ill. - Aug. 24, 2017 - The first divisions of the Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships took to the ring on a beautiful day at the Lamplight Equestrian Center Thursday, Aug. 24. 

The 4-year-old division kicked off the opening day of the national championships and Alice Tarjan of Frenchtown, New Jersey, dominated the class placing first and second in the preliminary test. Tarjan rode her black Hanoverian mare, Serenade MF (Sir Donnerhall-Duet MF, Don Principe), bred by Maryanna Haymon, to the win with a score of 8.44. She followed close behind with her German-bred Oldenburg mare, Fairouz (Franziskus-Diva, Don Frederico) on a score of 8.06. Rounding out the top three was Kimberly Dougherty on her Oldenburg mare Celebration (Coer D'Amour-Rhythm-N-Blues, Rosenthal) with a 7.99. 

The judges awarded Serenade MF high marks for her expressive, uphill trot, ground-covering walk and active canter. Their general impression was a positive one as they recognized the mare's trainable qualities and forward gaits. Tarjan's other mount, Fairouz, was rewarded for her light-footed, active trot, which the judges believed to be the main highlight. Her clear, rhythmic walk, as well as overall rideability and obedience, earned her high marks to slide into second place.

Alyssa Doverspike and her Hanoverian gelding, Darius 555 (Don Darius-Barcelona, Boss) made the three-day trip from Wildomar, California, well worth it after winning Thursday's 5-year-old preliminary test with a 7.76. Doverspike is a full time groom for her trainers David Wightman and Kathleen Raine of Adventure Farms and she attributes her success to knowing Darius' personality inside and out as she is very hands-on in his daily care. The pair earned the highest mark of 8.8 for their walk from the judges who were pleased with his clear rhythm and shoulder freedom. 

Angela Jackson of Henderson, Kentucky, and Craig Stanley of Madera, California, tied for second place in the 5-year-old preliminary test with a score of 7.72. Jackson rode Julie Cook's Hanoverian gelding Sandeman (Sir Donnerhall I-Flora, Florencio I). Stanley returned to Lamplight Equestrian Center on his homebred KWPN gelding Habanero CWS (Idocus-Caliente DG, OO Seven) as the pair won the 4-Year-Old Young Horse National Championship in 2016.

During the Developing Prix St. Georges division, Carly Taylor-Smith saved the best for last and rode Nikki Taylor-Smith's 7-year-old Oldenburg gelding Rosalut NHF (Rosenthal-Legacy, Salut) to win with a 70.439 percent. The pair has had success throughout their young horse career as they won the 4-Year-Old Young Horse National Championship in 2014 and the 5-Year-Old Young Horse National Championship in 2015.

Nora Batchelder of Williston, Florida, earned a 69.298 percent and placed second on her 8-year-old Hanoverian mare Fifi MLW (Fidertanz-Wolkenstanza MLW, Wolkentanz I). Endel Ots rounded out the top three aboard Max Ot's 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Lucky Strike (Lord Laurie-Heidi, His Highness) with a score of 68.597 percent.

For results and starting times, visit www.foxvillage.com. For more information about Lamplight Equestrian Center, visit www.lamplightequestriancenter.com. Live streaming will be available on the USEF Network. The Developing Grand Prix division will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.

Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championship Results

4-Year-Old Preliminary Test:

1. Alice Tarjan / Serenade MF / 8.44
2. Alice Tarjan / Fairouz / 8.06
3. Kimberly Dougherty / Celebration / 7.99
4. Carlos Santos / Inferno M / 7.88
5. Michael Bragdell / SenSation HW / 7.64
6. Michael Bragdell / Debonair MF / 7.5

5-Year-Old Preliminary Test:

1. Alyssa Doverspike / Darius 555 / 7.76
2. Angela Jackson / Sandeman / 7.72
2. Craig Stanley / Habanero CWS / 7.72
4. Birthe Laufer / Furstentusch N / 7.66
5. Judy Kelly / Quintess / 7.6
6. David Wightman / Hotshot / 7.48

Prix St. Georges Test:

1. Carly Taylor-Smith / Rosalut NHF / 70.439
2. Nora Batchelder / Fifi MLW / 69.298
3. Endel Ots / Lucky Strike / 68.597
4. Anna Stovall / Frankie / 68.421
5. Nora Batchelder / Faro SQF / 68.246
6. Kelli Mardell / Hemmingway / 67.588

FROM THE WINNER'S CIRCLE

Alice Tarjan - 4-Year-Old Preliminary Test winner

On Serenade:

"I bought her as a foal. As a yearling, she was so tiny and had a hunter way of going, but she got better and better after I returned from Florida this year. By the time Devon rolled around, I was convinced she was a really super horse. Serenade has no weaknesses other than the fact that she cribs. She has a super walk, trot and canter. She never tells you that she doesn't want to play ball. You can trail ride her or put a kid on her and walk around with a cotton lead rope wherever you want. That horse is the whole package." 

On her tests:

"Serenade didn't feel as great when we got here Tuesday. She's not spooky but she gets a little backed-off and behind the leg, which messes with the connection. Yesterday it was still a little bit of an issue, so I was hoping by today she would be settled. I got on her today and the warm-up felt great. She understands her job in the ring. She's young, but the balance is coming along. I was really pleased with her. She's very rideable and trainable. My other horse, Fairouz, is a really solid horse too. The right canter needs a lot of development. We just need a little bit more time to be able to show it." 

Craig Stanley -5-Year-Old Preliminary Test second place tie

On Habanero CWS:

"It's special to be able to come here - this is my sixth time and to be here on a homebred is even more special. I thought he did really well today. He was with me. He was my first foal out of Caliente DG, who competed here for 3 years herself. I'm really happy I could make it with her first baby."