Natalya Jarczyk Brings Home the Blue in the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic at HITS Ocala

OCALA, FL (March 1, 2011)—The crowd was red hot on Saturday night at HITS Post Time Farm as Natalya Jarczyk and her own Frivole Des Pres captured the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic. Exhibitors, family and friends filled the stands and The Overlook VIP Club to support one of HITS Ocala's most coveted events.

The $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic is one of the most anticipated events of the Ocala season, as Child and Adult riders go head-to-head to showcase their talent under the lights of the Grand Prix ring. Cody's Original Roadhouse, an official HITS VIP Restaurant, was on hand serving complimentary food to spectators at The Overlook Club, to make for an extraordinary evening.

Jarczyk, 15, of Orange Park, Florida, was one 67 riders to take the field on a course designed by acclaimed Course Designer Jose "Pepe" Gamarra, who is originally from La Paz, Bolivia and now resides in Ellenton, Florida.

"It was so much fun!" exclaimed Jarczyk, who won on her 18-year-old, Selle Francais mare. "She really saved me out there. She's the best. The triple in the first round was really tough and a lot people were having trouble with that. In that combination, I added two strides in the one and she was so careful." Jarczyk and Frivole Des Pres have been showing together since August 2009, and recently moved up to the Children's Jumper High division.

The crowd cheered the final 21 riders who returned for the jump-off, round after round. Jarczyk secured the win with a fault-free ride in 28.645 seconds.

"We were just going for it," Jarczyk explained. "I decided to run and try my best, but I knew she could do it."

Second place was awarded to Abby Bertelson of Weston, Massachusetts and Rebecca Margolis' Bantry Bay. Third place went to Ashley Foster of Brookville, Maryland and Fox Meadow Farm's Jordy, as Lisa Balaz aboard her own Komanche de Fortenis and Melissa Woodson aboard her own Spring Heeled Jack, rounded out the top five, respectively.

The 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. As of March 1, 2011, the League has 1,536 members and an anticipated 1,300 Marshall & Sterling member events. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the League and will culminate in the National Finals taking place September 15-18 at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is 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 racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling has been recognized by IIABA as one of the nation's top "Best Practice Agencies." The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Marshall & Sterling Insurance at 800-836-3046.

© ESI Photography.
Natalya Jarczyk and Frivole Des Pres on course in the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic.


© ESI Photography.
HITS' Joe Calcagno and Lisa Engel present the awards to Natalya Jarczyk and Frivole Des Pres in the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic.

$15,000 Marshall & Sterling Child/Adult Jumper Classic