Bit O' Straw Hunters and Adequan Champions Showcase Style & Finesse at the Marshall & Sterling Finals

Emily Irene and Take Five make a Classic Coupling in the Bit 'O Straw Hunter Classic at Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals

 Saugerties, NY (September 12, 2014) – The Marshall & Sterling Insurance League

 National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson continues, framed by lovely skies, picturesque views, with a hint of autumn in the air, riders nevertheless battled it out for top honors and recognition after a year of qualifying events and heated competition. Thursday classes resumed in the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium, where sixty two horses and riders showcased their talent in the 24th annual Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals Bit ‘O Straw Hunter Classic.  

The class has become a favorite of competitors nationwide--and yesterday the year’s top contenders displayed the finesse and style that won them a spot in the finals. Riders from all over came to compete in the class and 12 were called back for a second round. Emily Irene who rides with Heritage Stables in Randolph, New Jersey, riding Hope Leeper’s lovely dark hunter Take Five, with scores of 83 in the first round and 84 in the second, for a combined total of 167.

©ESI Photography

The talented Emily Irene and scopey Take Five shine on their way to winning in the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw

Hunter Classic during Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals.

 

Second was Corina Grizib on Gleneayre Farm’s Second Thoughts, with scores of 81 and 83 for a total of 164. Third went to Kimberly Schultz riding her own Beyond Measure, scoring 77 and 85 over fences, for a combined 162.   Rounding out the top five was My Oliver Twist,  ridden and owned by Julie Pignataro, with a two-round total of 161 and Ellen Greiner riding her own Coastland, followed closely behind with 160.

 

©ESI Photography

  Joe Norick of Marshall & Sterling Insurance and Kristen Vale of HITS present Emily and Take Five with top honors after winning the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic.

$1,500 Bit O' Straw Hunter Classic

Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn Do The Right Thing and Win In the Adequan Working Hunter Division at Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals

It was a close race between the top two, but Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn Edged out Brian Feigus and Vi Vi Velour, with  firsts in both Adequan Hunter over fence classes,  cashing in on the $650 and $1000 Stake money with scores of 80 in the first round and 79 in the second. They returned for fourth in the $350 under saddle class, bringing  home the  prestigious championship for owner Susan Huyett.

©ESI Photography Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn show their winning style in the Adequan

Working Hunter division as part of Marshall & Sterling League Insurance National Finals at

HITS-on-the-Hudson.

 

Taking Reserve Champion was Vi Vi Velour, owned by Laura Feigus and ridden by Brian Feigus, both from of Colts Neck, New Jersey.  The pair placed second in the $650 over fences class with a score of 79 and third in the $1000 stake, finishing second again with an elegant under saddle performance. This was also Brian's second year taking Reserve in the Adequan, as last year he rode Nicole Gillete’s Santo’s Wannabee to the same honors.

 

©ESI Photography Joe Norick of Marshall & Sterling Insurance  presents Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn with winning honors in the Adequan Working Hunter division.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals continued today and throughout the weekend, showcasing Jumpers, Adults,  Juniors and  pony jocks--as they gear up for tough competition in the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix ring.  Stay tuned!  For full Marshall & Sterling results please click here.

 

They Came for the competition and facilities

 

         Stayed for year-end awards and festivities

 

              Took home the ribbons and unforgettable memories

 

       Marshall & Sterling Finals, Fall 2014

About Adequan

Adequan is the leader in equine degenerative joint disease treatment. Available only through a veterinarian, this injection treatment is the only one of its kind that is FDA- approved. Backed by a 20-year safety record and numerous studies, Adequan is clinically proven to relieve symptoms and underlying causes of equine non-infectious degenerative joint disease. In 2012, Adequan launched a new campaign – “There is No Generic Adequan”.   This campaign focuses on educating the horse owner on the benefits of using FDA-approved treatments that are indicated for use with joint related problems. There is a lot of confusion in the marketplace when it comes to understanding the importance of using medications that are supported by scientific research and are safe and effective when used at the approved dose. Visit, nogenericadequan.com for more information.

 

About The Marshall & Sterling League   Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 23rd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League have the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

 The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864 and among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion acehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and licensed in all 50 states and U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

 

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