The 2019 show jumping season is underway at Caledon Equestrian Park

The first week of show jumping action at Caledon Equestrian Park is in the books, and despite delayed spring temperatures it’s been a great start to the 2019 season.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle kicked things off at the Classic @ Palgrave Phase 1 by winning the first big class of the season in the $10,000 Open Welcome – presented by Antares Sellier on Friday (May 10).

Daniel and Tienna Handle the Antares Jump on course with ease. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

Anne Birkhoff of Antares Sellier Present Daniel and Tienna with winning awards for their victory of the $10,000 Open Welcome presented by Antares Sellier. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

Coyle bested a field of 37 competitors riding Ariel Grange’s Tienna. James Chawke and Koss Van

Heiste were second, with Ali Ramsay riding Bonita VH Keizershof Z placing third.

Tienna and Coyle won their second red ribbon of the week in the $25,000 Grand Prix – presented by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals on Sunday (May 12), followed by Julia Madigan and Farfelu Du Printemps in second. Canadian Olympic team 2008 silver medalist Jill Henselwood rounded out the Grand Prix’s top three riding Eblesse.

Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Representative Patti Hanco congratulate Daniel Coyle and Tienna for their second big win of the week. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

The first phase of the Classic @ Palgrave also saw Hyde Moffatt claim top prize in the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix – presented by Equestrian Fashion Outfitters while riding Ariel Grange’s Khaleesi on Saturday. James Chawke earned his second blue ribbon of the weekend, placing second riding Pin Up De Hus Z. Greg Kuti and his mount Aces High were third.

Hyde Moffatt pilots Khaleesi for the win of the $10,000 Modified Grand Prix presented by Equestrian Fashion Outfitters. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

It was a great week of competition over in the pony rings as well, with Ainsley Rogers and Hillin Eira earning Champion honours, and Beatrice Sutcliffe riding Wray Acres Amythest in reserve in the small pony division – presented by Hampton Inn in Bolton.

Pony Hunter Champions Dayz of May/Tatum Horan (Top). Ainsley Rogers/Hillin Eira (Bottom Left) and Kilby Brunner Deforest riding Miss Daisy (Bottom Right). PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

Don’t forget that Hampton Inn Bolton offers Caledon Park exhibitors special equestrian rates. Visit www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com and search “Bolton” for more information.

In the medium pony hunter division – presented by Running Fox, Kilby Brunner Deforest riding Miss Daisy was named Champion, with Kailey Kaiser and Kiss Me Kate earning Reserve Champion honours.

Running Fox, located 19815 Airport Road in Caledon, offers “premier tack and fittings for the discerning equestrian. Superior craftsmanship and attention to detail using only the finest leather and materials make our equine apparel sought after by top professionals and amateurs alike.” Visit www.runningfoc.com for more info.

Lastly, in the large pony hunter – presented by Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers Ltd. (HEP), Tatum Horan piloted Dayz of May for the Champion win, and Julia Arnold riding Gavin Pendragon took home the reserve.

Visit www.hep.ca for more info, or check out Henry Equestrian’s handy quoting tool available to exhibitors in the Caledon Equestrian Park show office.

Caledon Equestrian Park would like to thank everyone who helped make Mother’s Day a happy one for moms and families attending the park’s annual Mother’s Day event and took part in the Mother’s Day Gift Giveaway, in partnership with Ride Every Stride Inc. (www.rideeverystride.com)

Happening this week at the park is the Caledon National CSI2*, the first FEI show of the 2019 season featuring the $72,000 FEI Grand Prix on Saturday (May 18) presented by CASE IH. Also on tap is the $36,500 FEI Open Welcome – presented by RAM Equestrian on Thursday, and the 10,000 1.35m-1.40m Jumper Stake – presented by Bruno Delgrange on Sunday.

Parents should also mark May 25 on their calendars for “Kids Day” at the park. As always, admission is free and it’s always a family fun-filled day for all. Movie Nights are back again this year coined with “Pommies and Popcorn” starting in July. Stay tuned for show schedules and more details.