Beth Underhill and Count Me In dominate at Caledon National CSI2*

Schomberg, Ontario’s Beth Underhill and Sandy Lupton’s Count Me In brought home two red ribbons during the Caledon National CSI2* at Caledon Equestrian Park last week.

The duo kicked things off on Thursday (May 16) with a big win in the $36,500 FEI Open Welcome – presented by RAM Equestrian, beating out an impressive staring field of 30 competitors. Conor Swail was second in the class riding Valentino D'Elte, with Ali Ramsay and Casino placing third.

Beth Underhill and Sandy Lupton’s Count Me accepting awards for the win of the $36,500 FEI Open Welcome – presented by RAM Equestrian pictured here with representatives Bob Northcott and Tanya Panczuk. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Underhill and Count Me In followed that up with victory two days later in the $72,000 FEI Grand Prix - presented by Case IH. The pair beat out a starting field of 25 for their second big win of the week to secure $27,125 in total prize money.

Beth Underhill and Count me In Negotiating the course. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Tottenham’s Erynn Ballard and Z Diamanty were second in the Grand Prix, with Ali Ramsey and Casino claiming their second white ribbon in three days.

Ireland’s Conor Swail won top prize in Sunday's $10,000 1.35m-1.40m Jumper Stake presented by Bruno Delgrange riding Pin Up De Hus Z. James Chawke and Skara Glen's Presence placed second in that class, while Amy Millar and Ericson rounded out the top three finishers.

Bruno Delgrange representative Wendy Good are on hand for class presentations to winners Conor Swail and Pin Up De Hus Z. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.

The week’s action wasn’t restricted to the Grand Prix Ring, with Caledon’s own William Dow and Vizegraf winning the 5-year-old jumper class – presented by Ride Every Stride Inc. Sydney Hewins and WKM Bit of a Pickle placed second, with Rachel Schnurr and her mount Jumping Jewel in third.

Luis Fernando Saenz and Ikonic PB took home top prize in the 6-year-old class, followed by Brennan McCullagh and WKM Alexander in second. Shawn Butler and BSH Matinee were third.

The 7-year-olds saw Sarah Johnstone and Stakkadera in first place, with Dannie Murphy and Haitie, and Hugh Graham and Quality Time 3E in second and third, respectively.

The 7-year-olds saw Sarah Johnstone and Stakkadera in first place (Far Left). Luis Fernando Saenz and Ikonic PB win the 6-year-old class (Centre) and William Dow aboard Vizegraf win the 5-year-old class all presented by Ride Every Stride Inc. PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography.

The 5, 6 and 7-year-old jumper classes, which were all sponsored by Ride Every Stride, are part of the lead up to the $25,000 Canadian Young Horse Championship – presented by Lothlorien Farm later in the season during the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament.

The class will be an open championship with no qualification and allows horse breeders and riders to showcase up and coming talent.

Ride Every Stride Inc’s mission is to be the industry leader in premium awards & apparel, custom branding, and team wear, says the company on its website. Visit www.rideeverystride.com for more info.

Over in the hunter rings, in the Beginner Children's Hunter Division – presented by Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn & Suites, it was Olivia Harris and Bellissimo earning champion honours, with Victoria Sawrantschuk and C'est La Vie in reserve.

Judy Hackam and Pacific Skye were champions in the Beginner Adult Amateur Hunter Over Fences division, also sponsored by Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn & Suites, with Stephanie Barton riding Ten Out Of Ten earning reserve champion honours.

Olivia Harris and Bellissimo (left) negotiating the course in the Beginner Children's Hunter Division – presented by Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn & Suites. Judy Hackam and Pacific Skye (right) are Champions of the Beginner Adult Amateur Hunter Over Fences division.

PC: Ben Radvanyi Photography

Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn & Suites, just 18 minute away from the park, offers Caledon Equestrian Park exhibitors a special rate. Visit www.bestwestern.com and search for the Orangeville location for more details.

Next on tap at Caledon Equestrian Park is the Classic @ Palgrave Phase 2 CSI3* from May 22-26, featuring the $40,000 FEI Speed Class-Presented by Pommies Cider and $100,000 FEI Grand Prix presented by RAM Equestrian.

Also be sure to check out all the family fun during Kids Day at the park on Saturday, May 25. That afternoon will also feature a free exhibitor reception hosted by Pommies Cider Co.