Nora Jodrey and Mark Bone’s Cashmere Win USHJA Zone III Junior Equitation Finals

CULPEPER, VA (August 22, 2013) – The USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals returned to HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia this weekend and welcomed Nora Jodrey and Mark Bone’s Cashmere to the winner’s circle. Jodrey of Bethesda, Maryland trains with Virginia Edwards at Hidden Hollow Farm and topped a field of 29 competitors over a courses designed by Ken Krome of Westminster, Maryland.

Saturday marked the eighth year HITS Culpeper has hosted the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals. Qualified riders traveled from Washington, D.C., Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia for the popular final and competed in 3’ and 3’6” sections with one overall set of results. Riders competed in an over fences with the top 12 returning on the flat and a final test of the top riders.

After finishing the three phases on top, which included an 86 in the over fences, Jodrey was awarded a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, as well as a cooler donated by Gary Baker, among other prizes, for her win. “Nora is one of the most dedicated kids I have ever met,” said Edwards. “Whether it’s at the barn or in school, she is not afraid to work hard and today it paid off.”

Krome’s course included 11 obstacles and 13 jumping efforts, including a pair of double combinations at fence four and 11.One of the more technical elements presented by Krome was an option in the first line, which could either be ridden in a direct seven strides or a bending eight strides.

“Nora added the shape and did eight beautifully,” commented Edwards. “The course was great for this type of class. It is hard to design for two heights because it has to be tricky enough, but also safe enough. Ken did a great job.”

Edwards stars the Zone III Junior Equitation Finals on her calendar each year because of its proximity to her farm as well its similarities to the big equitation finals. “This encompasses a lot of the areas that we focus on all year, so I point my riders at it every year,” she said.

Behind Jodrey, Alyson Gurney of Washington D.C. was second in the irons of Heathfield Hunters’ The Golden Compass and scored a pair of custom leather half chaps, donated by Chuck Pinnel’s Custom Leather. Devan Graham of Chevy Chase, Maryland was third with her own Delorian. Graham won a show bridle, donated by Edwards’ Hidden Hollow Farm. Alexandra Gilbertson finished fourth on her own Luxurious and was awarded a leather show halter and lead shank, donated by The Tack Box. Ellie Williams of Woodbine, Maryland capped the top five with Lisa Boettner’s After FX.

For their participation in the annual final, each of the riders who finished in the top ten received a $75 gift certificate to Champion Saddlery, a selection of saddle pads, courtesy of Clifton Saddlery, as well as ribbon sashes and medals, donated by Tom Struzzieri.

All of the qualifiers for the class donned boutonnieres during competition, which were donated by Jonelle Mullen Stern and TuDane Farm. They also received gift bags from Dover Saddlery, as well as embroidered caps from H&R Embroidery. Trainers of the top three competitors were presented with cash awards equaling $300, $200 and $100, respectively. Additional sponsors included USHJA Zone III and Hazel River Farm.


©ESI Photography
Nora Jodrey and Cashmere jump their way to a USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals win at HITS Culpeper.


©ESI Photography
Pam Haviland and Tad Coffin present top honors to Nora Jodrey after that USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals.


©ESI Photography
Nora Jodrey, Alyson Gurney and Devan Graham bask in top-three glory after the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper.

 USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals
 

PlaceHorse                           Owner                                  Rider                   
1 Cashmere Mark Bone Nora Jodrey
2 The Golden Compass Heathfield Hunters Alyson Gurney
3 Delorian Devan Graham Devan Graham
4 Luxurious Alexandra Gilbertson Alexandra Gilbertson
5 After FX Lisa Boettner Ellie Williams
6 VDR Couleur's Boy Donald Stewart Kelsi Okun
7 Barley, Hops & Whey Stephanie Easler Emily Kocher
8 Maxim KJ Robinson, LLC Claire Thalhimer
9 Four O'Clock Phineas Carolyn Van Houten Elizabeth McKim
10 Carson Tyler Stewart Carilynn Peyton
11 Cosil Annie Diehl Annie Diehl
12 Lordanos Jeffrey Ayers Mackenzie Ennis