Christian Coyle Wins $30,000 FarmVet Jumper Classic at Lake Placid Horse Shows

By Jumper News on 7 07America/Sao_Paulo July 07America/Sao_Paulo 2023

Lake Placid, New York, USA – July 06, 2023 – Christian Coyle (IRL) won the $30,000 FarmVet Jumper Classic on Thursday at the I Love New York Horse Show, the second week of the 2023 Lake Placid Horse Shows (LPHS), sponsored by Bainbridge Farms, LLC, and presented by Sea Shore Stables, LLC. Awarding more than $600,000 in prize money, the horse show continues through Sunday and is highlighted by the $75,000 Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Presented by Kadley Farms on Saturday and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship North on Sunday.

Celebrating 54 years of equestrian tradition, LPHS hosts competitions for riders of all levels and ages ranging from young children on polished ponies, to glistening hunters, to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Competition at the North Elba Showgrounds is held in four spectacular show rings – the Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field, the E.R. Mische Jumper Ring, the EquiJet Main Hunter Ring, and the Kovacs Williams Hunter Ring.

Coyle rode sixth of the 18 who reached the jump-off by riding fault-free over the 14-effort first-round course designed by Bernardo Costa Cabral of Portugal, course designer for this year’s FEI World Cup Finals. He and his mare, Ma Pomme de Tamerville, took the lead with a clean ride in 31.732 seconds over the eight-jump tiebreaker course. Winner of the first week’s Open Jumper Classic last year on Coco Mercedes, Coyle then watched as the final 12 entries tried and failed to beat his score.

Coming closest was Laura Chapot (USA), winner of the class last year on Diarado’s Flying Dutchman, who finished clean in 32.035 seconds on Chandon Blue for second place.

Then Coyle’s cousin, Jordan Coyle (IRL), finished third with a clean ride in 32.128 seconds on Centriko Volo.

“My plan was just to go as quick as I could possibly go,” Coyle said. “I knew it was going to take something special to win with a lot of good ones coming after us. I didn’t really think I would hold on. My horse is naturally fast, and right from the start I got a good stride to number one. I just kept going and everything kept showing up how I would like. Today proved to be my day. I really love riding in this big field here in Lake Placid!”

A USEF Heritage Competition, the LPHS shows are part of the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Awards Program and feature classes that are part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, North American League (NAL) and Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) series. Week 2 features the longstanding tradition of the horse show’s highly popular Doggie Costume Contest, sponsored by Man and Beast. All leashed dogs are invited to participate in the contest which is free of charge and contest participants receive free admission to the horse show that day! The competition takes place on Saturday, July 8 at 12:00 noon near the Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix Field. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. All canine contestants competing for ‘Top Dog’ receive special doggie treats!

The LPHS also offers superb shopping in the boutique vendor area. Local Adirondack artists, products, clothing and apparel are featured, as well as real estate, photography, a variety of equine-related shops, a booth with official Lake Placid Horse Shows commemorative sportswear and merchandise, and an assortment of dining options with culinary delights. Many special events also take place throughout the horse shows that are entertaining for the whole family.

There are endless activities to do away from the horse show while in the Lake Placid region, making it the ideal vacation spot for families coming to the horse shows. Outdoor activities include kayaking, tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, cycling, paddling, rock climbing, swimming, golf and so much more. The quaint town of Lake Placid also has a great variety of shops and a plethora of restaurants.

Located in the historic Olympic town of Lake Placid, New York, the annual Lake Placid Horse Shows (LPHS) offer two weeks of exciting equestrian competition in a setting no other horse show can match. The meticulously landscaped North Elba Showgrounds are surrounded by breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains. Action starts at 8:00 a.m. each show day with classes running until approximately 5:00 p.m. Admission is free on Tuesday, $8.00 per person per day Wednesday through Friday, and $10.00 per person per day on Saturday and Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.