Posted Feb 12, 2006

Addison Phillips Scores Another Division Sweep in Junior Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL – February 12, 2006 – The Kilkenny/ICH Internationale wrapped up competition today for the third week of the 2006 Winter Equestrian Festival. The day was full of classes, with some rings running into the early evening.

The Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division is always very competitive with many of the nation’s top young riders on very fancy horses. A new name to this age group, although not a new name to the winner’s circle, is 16 year old Addison Phillips of New York, New York. On her two mounts, Who’s On First and Socrates, Phillips swept the championship ribbons. “I definitely think it’s a lot more competitive in the older division,” Phillips revealed. Everyone who is in it has been doing it a lot longer, and I think that really raises the competition. I would say it’s more challenging.” Phillips enjoys showing in a new division and stated, “Almost everyone is new for me, because they’ve been here one year longer than me. It’s nice to have new faces and new horses.”

Who’s on First scored two firsts and a second place over fences while Socrates finished with the top call in two over fences classes. Who’s On First finished with the championship and Socrates was reserve champion. Who’s On First improved on the first week’s finish of a reserve championship. Phillips also piloted L’Azure to the reserve championship in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division. Champion in that division was Cool Blue, ridden and owned by Alexandra Stathis.

In addition to winning in the hunters, Phillips has become a force to be reckoned with in the jumper divisions. For the first time this year, Phillips competed in the grand prix competitions at WEF during the first two weeks. She even finished second in the WEF Challenge Cup Round One. The double duty keeps her very busy, but Phillips has found a way to be at the top of her game in each discipline. “I’m in completely different modes when I’m doing both jumpers and hunters,” she explained. “I don’t even really compare it. I’m in one zone there and in one zone here. They’re both, in their own way, challenging.”

While both may still be challenging, there is still a big difference between the two. With a laugh she said, “The jumps look a little smaller!” She added, “I definitely think this is more relaxing.Just the way hunters go, I’m more relaxed. I’m in the half seat and looping the reins. In the jumper ring, I’m holding my breath the whole way around!”

Megan Schall and Jazz Dance Away with Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

In a similar situation today, Megan Schall of Minnesota moved up into the Amateur-Owner 18-35 division for the first time. After success in the junior ring, Schall and her equine partner Jazz competed at WEF for the first time this year. A big difference for Schall was the daily schedule. “It was definitely weird at first, going first thing in the morning after being in the last class last year,” she noted. “It’s been fun and it’s a good division. Everyone’s really nice.” After her win, she commented, “This is my first week showing here. I flew in late Thursday night from school. I was just hoping to ride well and be consistent. We were trying to prepare for next week and hoping to do well for that. It was a great surprise.”

Jazz won an over fences class on Saturday and came back today to receive first and second over fences and second in the under saddle class. The reserve championship went to Double Cinco, ridden by Rowlanda Blue Stephanos and owned by Pamela Allardice.

Schall attends McAllister College in St. Paul, Minnesota while Jazz resides at trainer Tommy Serio’s Summerfield Farm in Virginia for most of the year. “I ride mostly at shows,” Schall said. “I live in Minnesota, so there’s a lot of traveling back and forth to ride. Last year, I mostly showed and then would go to the farm when they had a break.” While Schall does not get to ride Jazz every day, she is confident in his program. “The whole Summerfield crew has been great. They keep him going when I’m not here,” she pointed out. “They keep everything consistent. Everything’s not changing every week, so when I come back I know that Jazz is in the right place and he’s ready to go. It’s really helpful.”

About Jazz, Schall effused, “He’s great to ride and is so fun. He’s got a really big, smooth canter. He always does what you ask and gives 100% all of the time. He’s just awesome and I love him. I’ve never ridden a horse like Jazz and I don’t think I ever will.”

In Section B of the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters, North Country and Avery Dimmig scored their second straight championship after an amazing performance over the past two days. North Country jumped to three first place ribbons and a second place for the championship. Reserve champion was Roundabout, ridden by Morgan Trexler and owned by Windswept Inc.

Additional Championships:

Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter:

• Champion – Tobasco, Jennifer Waxman, Dunwalke LLC
• Reserve Champion – Folklore, Alexandra Arute, Olympic Dreams

Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter:

• Champion – Saloon, Jennifer Waxman, Whitney Roper
• Reserve Champion – Swept Away, Amanda Cohen

The 34th Annual Winter Equestrian Festival continues next Wednesday through Sunday, February 15-19 in the Bainbridge Florida Classic presented by the Palm Beach Post. Hunters take the main stage with competition on the big grass field of the Internationale Arena.

Photo Credit: Socrates and Addison Phillips, reserve champions in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters at Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Jennifer Wood.