For Immediate Release:
Media Contact: Brenda Mueller
312-715-7433 Brenda@ChicagoEquestrian.com
Article by: Brenda Mueller for ChicagoEquestrian.com
Caitlin Shiels rode Michelle Durpetti’s Kenya to a third place finish in the USHJA National Hunter Derby at Spring Spectacular. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Canterbury Farm Begins Busy Summer with Celebration
Spring Spectacular Adds Victories to Canterbury Farm Banner
Hampshire, IL – July 7, 2014 –Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, IL began their busy show season by celebrating 30 years in business with renowned rider and trainer Patty Stovel and an anniversary bash. Stovel gave a two-day clinic and Canterbury’s owners; Jim, Marcia and Greg Franklin, hosted the party.
Michelle Durpetti Events organized a great party with sponsors Gene & Georgetti and Merritt Equine & Associates.Vendors for the celebration included JMK Designs, selling trendy jewelry and Equestrianista Apparel was on site selling equestrian inspired clothing designs. There was plenty of Cotton Candy on hand from Spin Spun, Face painting and a photo booth from Shutterbooth Chicago. Delicious catering was provided from Kevin’s Creative Catering.
Guests at the BBQ were treated to special edition 30th anniversary Canterbury Farm hats as a giveaway and participants in Stovel’s Clinic took home special edition saddle pads acknowledging sponsors of the summer clinic series.
“Patty is an amazing horsewoman, and I was thrilled to welcome her to Chicago for this clinic,” said trainer Greg Franklin. “I’m confident that everyone who rode in or audited the weekend walked away with new insights and a better understanding of horses. We are grateful to her for her time, and look forward to working with her again soon.”
Greg Franklin with Patty Stovel
“It was such a pleasure and a privilege to spend two days riding with and learning from Patty,” said customer Michelle Durpetti. “I have had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last few years and admire and respect her horsemanship and her great humanity. It was a challenging clinic, yet still fun and at the end I felt really great about my riding, and like I knew my horses a little better – which is what clinics should be about – learning and fun!”
Owner Marcia Franklin added, “It was such a pleasure to host this event as a thank you to the customers past and present who have allowed us to do what we love. It was wonderful to have Patty Stovel join us, and to end Saturday with such a delightful party. The sponsors were so generous with their support and we were thrilled to be able to say a big thank you to everyone for their continued support of Canterbury Farm.”
From celebration on to showing, Canterbury Farm packed up and moved into Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, for three weeks of Showplace’s Spring Spectacular. Canterbury Farm and Michelle Durpetti Events support the show with their generous sponsorship. Canterbury Farm, along with Michelle Durpetti Events and Brookwood Farm sponsored the Derby Day Luncheon. Events in the main hunter ring include a USHJA National Hunter Derby and the USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Caitlin Shiels and Granted Wish. Photo by TS Photo
“Canterbury is happy to support such a great three weeks of horse showing during Spring Spectacular and we are especially proud to be a part of the Derby Day by sponsoring the luncheon. Michelle (of Michelle Durpetti Events) and her team always create a beautiful setting in the pavilion with great food and, of course, Showplace brings great course designers and with some of the top horses and riders in the country, it is an exciting day to be a spectator! We were thrilled with our success in both derbies and look forward to next year.”
Spring Spectacular
During week one, Erica Halstead aboard Franklin’s Hillcrest Songbird won the Short Stirrup Classic and were Champion in the Short Stirrup division. This was Erica’s very first horse show.
Erica Halstead and Hillcrest Songbird. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Young rider, Natalie Jayne showed Hillcrest Songbird to the Championship in the Large Pony Hunters.
Marisa Malivitis and S and L Downtown rode to the third place ribbon in the Modified Children’s Jumper Classic.
During week two, Caitlyn Shiels piloted Michelle Durpetti’s Small Enchantment to the Reserve Championship in the Regular Conformation Hunters.
Jodi Krugman and Durpetti’s Kenya made their debut in the Modified Adult hunters with a win in the under saddle and a blue in the over fences to win the Reserve Championship in the division.
Sian Walker with Victorie R placed 4th in the $1,500 Marshall and Sterling Adult Jumper Classic. Sian is new to Chicago and Canterbury is thrilled to have her as part of the team!
Marisa Malivitis and S and L Downtown had a win in the Modified Childrens Jumper division and were Reserve Champion. The pair also placed second in the Modified Children’s Jumper Classic.
Natalie Jayne and Hillcrest Songbird were Reserve Champion in the Large Pony hunters this week.
Helen Lindsay and her Granted Wish rode to the Reserve Championship in the Amateur Adult Hunters 18-35 with a win over fences and under saddle.
Jocelyn Miller and Amira captured a third place ribbon in the IHJA Adult Medal. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
The last week of Spring Spectacular included the special day of hunter derbies.
Kenya, owned by Michelle Durpetti and ridden by Caitlyn Shiels placed third in the $10,000 USHJA National Derby.
Small Enchantment with Caitlin Shiels. Photo by TS Photo
Granted Wish, owned by Helen Lindsay and also ridden by Shiels, placed 6th overall in the $25,000 USHJA International Derby and Michelle Durpetti’s Small Enchantment finished 12th overall with Shiels.
Rider Abby Lundergan and Swanky, won an over fences and placed second under saddle for the Reserve Championship in Maiden Equitation.
Maddie Pogorzelski and Cydell. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
Maddie Pogorzelski and Marcia Franklin’s Cydelle took a fourth in the IHJA Children’s Mini Medal among other ribbons including a win over fences in the Novice Childrens hunters.
Sian Walker and Victorie R captured the third place spot in the $7,500 NAL Adult Jumper Classic.
Margo Lyons and Kadence Darco, owned by Margo and Greg Franklin, won the Modified Adult Hunter Classic and were champion of the division. This was Margo and Kadence Darco’s first show together, and this 4-year-old mare is already showing us how very special she is!
Michelle Durpetti and Lukay W. Photo by Andrew Ryback
Michelle Durpetti and Lukay W reserve champion of the Adult Equitation and fourth in the IHJA Adult Medal.
Natalie Jayne again rode Franklin’s Hillcrest Songbird to the Reserve Championship in the Large Pony Hunters.
“Overall, we are so proud of our riders and our horses and what they accomplished these three weeks!” stated rider, Caitlyn Shiels.
“We look forward to continuing our show season this summer with both local and out of state shows,” said Greg Franklin.
Canterbury Farm is a full service facility offering lessons, training, boarding, sales and showing located at 14N200 Thurnau Rd, Hampshire, IL 60140.
Watch for more updates as the Canterbury show season continues. For more information on Canterbury Farm, please visit www.Canterburyfarmchicago.com
-Photos may only be used in relation to this release.-