Parker, Colorado - Rain and uncommonly cool weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the competitors at the Colorado Circuit Opener held at the Colorado Horse Park July 5-9. In fact for amateur rider Armando Hassey, the conditions were just fine. Coming off a big week during the Circuit Preview, Hassey bested a field of top professionals to win the first of three Grand Prix competitions to be held during this year’s summer circuit at the Colorado Horse Park.

In addition to his winning ride aboard the nine-year-old mare Canada, Hassey also finished third on Lauro and seventh with La Roche. He credits his continued success to the ongoing support he receives from his family noting that they ride together frequently.

Paul Rohrbach, aboard RJR Farm’s Jack of Hearts, topped the Open Jumpers, a class that fielded 19 entries. “I’ve had Jack for about two-and-a-half years now but this is really his first full season because he’s been plagued by injuries,” Rohrbach said. “He really is a nice horse – very clean-minded. We did well earlier in the season in a few Futures and 1.45 meter classes, but this was his first major win in a pretty competitive class.”

Rohrbach noted that despite the problems caused by the weather, the jumper courses continued to be challenging and fair. Moreover, the show and the facility did a very good job in maintaining safe footing under difficult circumstances.

The stormy weather broke in time for the $5,000 Working Hunter Classic where Colorado professional Keiri Kaneps was victorious aboard her six-year-old mare Brescia, a horse that Kaneps claims is the horse of her dreams.

“We’ve been working hard this season. I’ve been lucky to have great help and support from Michael Dennehy and my husband Vic.” Kaneps commented that it was fun to have a big hunter classic such as the one held during the Opener. “It’s nice to let the hunters shine and be able to earn some real money as well. I wish there were more classes like that,” she added.

In the Junior Hunter Classic, Just Kidding and Lindsey Sceats took top honors and in the Amateur/Owner Hunter Classic the winner was Susan Miles aboard her Milestone.

On the equitation cards, Kelsie Brittan was the winner of the USEF Pony Medal and Kerrie Nelson topped the ASPCA Maclay Medal. Katie Hurrell won both the Show Circuit Magazine Childrens Medal and the CHJA Junior Medal. And for the adults, Anne League was the winner of the USEF Adult Equitation Class and Marsha Peterson took home first in the Ariat Adult Medal.

The showing continues this week and next at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker. Complete results and schedules are available online at www.langerequestrian.com.