The 2017 Rolex Central Park Horse Show held Sept. 20-24 dazzled spectators in the heart of New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumping, eventing and hunter riders vying for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
In its fourth year, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show featured five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and arena eventing to hunter riders and show jumping. Central Park Family Day, presented by Mars Incorporated, a free event open to the public and designed to promote the benefits of child-pet interaction, featured dog agility demonstrations, performances by the Pompeyo family from America’s Got Talent and multiple opportunities for the public to interact with both dogs and horses.
Aljassimya Farm presented the third annual U.S. Open Arabian competition, showcasing the beauty and athleticism of one of the world’s oldest breeds. Classes throughout the night included under saddle competition featuring Hunter Pleasure Pro/Am, Western Pleasure Pro/Am and Country English Pleasure Pro/AM, as well as in-hand and halter competition. The Arabian Mounted Native Costume class featured horses and riders galloping in traditional dress used centuries ago. Classes alternated between performance classes and in-hand competition. In-hand competition saw junior and senior mares and stallions presented to a panel of judges. Gold, silver and bronze medal champions for each division were honored throughout the evening.
Show jumping was highlighted by the U.S. Open $216,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, captured by current world number one rider Kent Farrington aboard Creedance. The U.S. Open $25,000 Hollow Creek Farm U25 Grand Prix saw Jennifer Gates guide Alex to victory, while Hardin Towell’s win in the U.S. Open $40,000 CSX FEI Speed Class aboard Lucifer V kicked-off FEI competition. A crowd favorite, the U.S. Open $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Puissance competition saw Emanuel Andrade, Kama Godek and Todd Minikus split the victory three ways after each cleared the traditional brick wall at a height of 6’9” inches. The $5,000 1.20m Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Class was topped by Mimi Gochman aboard Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s entry Avoloma BH.
U.S. Open Hunter competition at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show was presented by the Gochman Family and Dr. Betsee Parker, and featured the $1,000 Pony Hunter Classic, which earned Annabelle Bozzuto a victory aboard Our Song, owned by Robin Bozzutto, as well as the $2,500 Junior/Amateur Owner Classic, which saw Stella Styslinger and Cassanto ride to the top of the field with a score of 83. The U.S. Open $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family and Dr. Betsee Parker, saw Liza Boyd and O’Ryan return to the Wollman Rink this year to claim the winning round by half a point after finishing in second place last year.
Arena eventing jumped into the Wollman Rink for the first time this year and was a sellout crowd favorite, featured in the U.S. Open $50,000 Arena Eventing, presented by the Fite Group Luxury Homes. Many of the world’s top three-day event riders tested a tough and technical track set by Capt. Mark Phillips in the Wollman Rink, but ultimately Ryan Wood and Dominic Schramm topped the class, besting 22 other riders to capture the win in the inaugural event.
The Rolex Central Park Horse Show is hosted in the heart of New York City in Central Park and is managed by International Equestrian Group, led by Wellington’s Mark and Katherine Bellissimo.
For more information about the show, visit centralparkhorseshow.com.
