Melissa Feller and Mahoney Ride to Top Honors in Adequan Working Hunter Division at Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals
SAUGERTIES, NY (September 16, 2013) – Melissa Feller of Lincoln Park, New Jersey made another run for the top in the Adequan Working Hunter division during the 23rd annual Marshall & Sterling League Insurance National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson. She and Robert Beck’s Maverick rode to Reserve Champion honors last year and Feller returned in 2013, this time aboard Pamela Mahoney’s Mahoney, to take home Champion.
Feller piloted the nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding to win both over fences classes, which were spread over two days and complemented by an the under saddle on the first day. Despite coming off his first year of showing, Mahoney, who carries Feller in the pre-green division and his owner in the pre-adults during regular showing, conquered his first finals and the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium with ease.
“He is one of the more fun horses I get to ride,” said Feller. “His ears are always up and he’s ready to go.”
Feller piloted Mahoney to an 84 in the $650 Adequan Working Hunter to kick off the division and returned the next day to score an impressive 90 in the $1,000 Adequan Working Hunter Stake. “I thought he was good the first day, but he was even better the second day,” said Feller. “He seemed to really like being in the big ring and settled into a nice gallop throughout the whole course.”
Feller, who trains with Robert Beck, has frequented the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals and is always eager to rider in the Grand Prix Stadium at HITS-on-the-Hudson. This year, she got a double dose of big courses as she participated in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final as part of HITS Championship Weekend the week before Marshall & Sterling Finals. Feller finished eighth in the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final with with Elisabeth McFadden’s Serafino.
“It’s fun for the hunters to go in a big ring where the jumpers normally go,” said Feller. “All the courses in that ring were great and this week they really encouraged a smooth, consistent pace.”
Taking Reserve Champion honors in the Adequan Working Hunter was Brian Feigus of Colts Neck, New Jersey. He piloted Nicole Gillete’s Santo’s Wannabee to a win the under saddle and fourth place in both over fences classes to pick up enough points for Reserve Champion.
©ESI Photography
Melissa Feller and Mahoney on their way to a win in the Adequan Working Hunter division as part of Marshall & Sterling League Insurance National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson.
©ESI Photography
Joe Norick of Marshall & Sterling Insurance is joined by Kristen Vale and Shelly Nelson of HITS to present Melissa Feller and Mahoney with Champion honors in the Adequan Working Hunter division.
About Adequan
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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
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. Now celebrating their 22nd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order 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. 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 is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.