Devon, PA – June 4, 2012 – For the third consecutive year, Jennifer Alfano guided Jersey Boy to the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of Devon’s winning title. The duo scored a 183 during the first round and followed it with a 212 during the handy round for a total of 395 points. Alfano and her top mounts proved unstoppable, securing championship prizes in their varying divisions, and consistently scoring the top honors. Their unbelievable success at the 2012 Devon Horse Show also included the High Performance Working Hunter Reserve Championship, Green Conformation Hunter Championship, as well as the Leading Lady Hunter Rider Award and the Devon Grand Hunter Championship.
Photo: Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby of Devon for the third year in a row. |
“He was really good the first round, but we were ranked third due to a light rub going into the second round,” Alfano explained. “Going back third into the handy, I knew we had to make up some ground. Jersey Boy was just awesome. I knew I had to take a shot. I did and he was perfect.”
“I knew she was a great horse, I just wasn’t sure she was that ready for Devon,” Alfano stated. “She doesn’t have a lot of miles under her belt. I wasn’t sure what to expect of her. She really surprised me over the two weeks. She walked right into the ring like she owned it, and she didn’t make a single mistake.”
“She is a really fun horse to ride, she is a beautiful jumper, has a big stride, and she doesn’t look at the jumps. I am so happy that she did so well. She has really come together, and I am excited to see what is in store for her next,” Alfano remarked.
Throughout the week Alfano also competed with her other top mounts, including Helen Lenahan’s Miss Lucy. They took home the High Performance Reserve Championship, earning the first and third place ribbons over fences. The division was extremely competitive, and even though Jersey Boy was awarded the first place ribbon in the over fences, it was Miss Lucy who caught the judges’ eyes consistently. Miss Lucy came in second during the High Performance Working Hunter Stake, with Jersey Boy picking up the third place award.
Alfano also guided Danny Robertshaw’s Lions Paw to excellent ribbons in the Regular Conformation Hunters. The team of SBS Farms proved unbeatable. For her excellent results in the professional hunter divisions, Alfano was presented with the Leading Lady Hunter Rider Award for the second year in a row. Alfano is looking forward to a week back in Buffalo; however, the team will be preparing for the upcoming Saratoga Classic Horse Show.
Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.