courtesy of Blenheim EquiSports • by Emily Randolph • photos: McCool Photography
The Blenheim Red, White & Blue Classic concluded in winning fashion for Devi Ferreira, who earned victory in the $10,000 Markel Insurance 1.35m Open Jumper Classic on Saturday, July 2.
Ferreira and her winning mount, Siegfried 68, were one of 13 entries to contest the first-round course designed by Manuel Esparza and set in the Grand Looke Arena at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA. From the starting field, five entries jumped without fault to return for the jump-off round.
Ferreira and Siegfried 68 were the second to come back for the short course, and they crossed the finish in what would prove to be an uncatchable 31.727 seconds. Second place with a double-clear time of 33.207 seconds went to Skylar Wireman and Centenario, owned by Pam Stewart. Rounding out the top three were Hillary Ridland and Wonder Kid, owned by Mary Frances Looke.
“I thought it really was a good course for my horse because he’s pretty good at just running. There were a lot of areas to just gallop, and I think he did very well today,” said Ferreira of the 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by Ixchel Mosley.
Siegfried 68, or “Ziggy” as he is known in the barn, was previously ridden successfully by Ferreira’s older sister, Quinn, before Ferreira took over the ride.
“He got passed down to me,” explained Ferreira, 17. “We’ve had him since he was six. He’s just amazing, and I’m so grateful to have him.”
For the win, Ferreira was presented with an $80 gift certificate to Riderzon and a Blenheim EquiSports tack room pillow.
The class marked the sixth event in the 2022 Markel Insurance 1.35m Jumper Series. The series is comprised of 12 events held throughout the Blenheim EquiSports 2022 horse show season, each providing horses and riders the opportunity to compete regularly in $10,000 – $20,000 Open Jumper events featuring various formats. The series will conclude with a $20,000 1.35m Open Jumper Classic during September’s International Jumping Festival, at which time the Leading Lady and Leading Gentleman from throughout the series will be presented with cash bonuses and additional prizes.
Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long. Find out more at www.ThePlaceToJump.com.