Wellington, FL – March 1, 2004 – “It was a great week. We were super, super excited about it,” said Ken Smith when the hunter championships for Week 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, were tallied and his Ashland Farms chalked up six titles.

Ken and his wife of 12 years, Emily Smith, have owned and operated their training business in Wellington for 11 years. Both formerly worked for Howard Lewis in Cleveland before moving to Florida and launching Ashland Farms in 1993. During last week’s PDP Capital Wellington Masters, February 25-29, the Smiths brought 50 of their clients’ horses to the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds to compete. Ken also took on additional training and riding duties for outside clients while at the show.

The six championships, as well as the feat of getting so many horses and riders to the rings, was the result of a tremendous team effort. “Everybody that works for us, all 10 of the grooms, and Carly Kaber our barn manager, and trainer David Nation who is our partner, everybody is great at keeping it together and being organized,” said Emily. “All the riders tried hard for us and themselves.”

The Ashland Farms winners were:

• Small Pony Hunter Champion – Strike A Pose ridden by Jennifer Waxman and owned by Whitney Roper. “Jennifer just got him at the National Horse Show this year where she was champion with him,” said Emily. “Strike A Pose is 20 years old and he’s just been so much fun to have. Jennifer rides him beautifully.” Ten-year-old Jennifer has been riding with Ashland Farms for two-and-a-half years. “She is a very good student and follows directions beautifully,” Emily noted.
• Large Pony Hunter Champion – American Dreams owned and ridden by Jennifer Waxman. “This is a very green pony, so this is a very big accomplishment for Jennifer and the pony this week,” said Emily. “They’re really getting along well with each other.”
• Children’s Working Hunter 14 & Under Champion – Miracle owned and ridden by Christy Russo. Russo has owned the 10-year-old German warmblood mare for a year. “They’ve really clicked this year,” noted Emily. “Miracle is just an amazing horse.”
• Children’s Working Hunter 14 & Under Champion – Westcliffe owned and ridden by Christy Russo. “This pair just started showing together the first week of circuit this year,” explained Emily. “We acquired Westcliffe at indoors. He is so elegant. They’re really putting it together.”
• Adult Amateur Working Hunter 36-50 Champion – See For Yourself owned and ridden by Victoria Watters who trains with Ashland Farms’ David Nation.
• Regular Working Hunter Champion – Storyline ridden by Ken Smith and owned by Henrietta Armstrong. “We bought him this summer,” said Emily. “’Story’ just started doing the Working Hunters – the 4’ courses – during this year’s World Championship Hunter Rider week, so this is only his second time doing it. He’s great at it.”

“We have such a great group of clients that are so supportive of their sport,” Emily summed up.

“It took a lot of hard work, for sure, because it’s hard this time of year, near the end of the circuit to keep horses and riders motivated,” said Ken. “Everybody came through this week, which was great.”

For complete results, visit www.stadiumjumping.com

2004 WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Show days for the 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival are Wednesday through Sunday. Gates open at 8:00 am. Ticket Prices: Wednesdays are free to everyone; Children 12 and under are admitted free every day; Young Adults 13 to 18 and Seniors are $5 on Thursday through Sunday; Adults are $5 on Thursday and Friday, $10 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club is located on Pierson Road off South Shore Boulevard. For additional information, visit www.stadiumjumping.com or call 561-793-5867.