Barney’s Babes Crowned Gold in Non-Pro 1.10m Team Jumper Challenge Final
New to the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, for the 2024 season, the first Non-Pro 1.10m Jumper Challenge series came to a close on Saturday, August 10 after six weeks of competition. Five teams took to the first round of the final in hopes of making the top four and vying for a medal. Four teams returned for a second round, coming down to a head-to-head jump-off for gold. Ultimately, it was team Barney’s Babes who took the win.
With a drop score, Barney’s Babes stood on zero faults coming out of the second round, holding a tie with Team Hirt. The fate of Barney’s Babes stood in the hands of Sonia Talwar (Hoffman Estates, IL) as she jumped off against Team Hirt’s Ava Garvin (Empire, MI) for the win.
“My plan was to just cut as tight as I could for those inside turns. My horse has a big stride that definitely opens up even more in this ring,” said Talwar of her own 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Invicta. “I was just focused on doing those inside turns. I knew he had two rounds doing the same course, so I wanted to make sure he knew where he was going and be really direct with those slices; give him a little cluck off the ground and make sure he comes with me
Talwar and Invicta spoke the same language as they soared through the jump-off, ultimately crossing the timers slightly faster than Team Hirt’s representative.
Talwar’s performance secured gold for her team, Barney’s Babes, represented by Talwar alongside Barney Jacob (Lake Angelus, MI) and his own Deo Volente; Isabelle Ehman (Milton, GA) and Trending, owned by ThinksLikeAHorse; and Emily Ainslie (Venice, FL) and Neo, owned by Plain Bay Farm.
“I love the team format,” said Barney Jacob. “Before two weeks ago, I’d never done it and it was wonderful. I love meeting new people and being with my barn at Plain Bay is very exciting. At my age, every day is a blessing so I’m glad to be able to do it.”
Team Hirt took silver, represented by Ava Garvin and Hawai Balia NL, owned by Michael Williamson; Grace Briskey (Howell, MI) and Cadalena 2, owned by ANRO Sport Horses LLC; Vonda Povich (Miromar Lakes, FL) and Amite Des Douches, owned by Ashland Farms; and Alexa McVoy (Grand Haven, MI) and Peninsula Emerald Lass, owned by Melissa Hirt.
Team Plain Bay Babes, who have had a podium finish throughout the entire team challenge series, took home the bronze medal. The team finished on four faults over the two rounds represented by Lori Bidwell (Lexington, KY) and Nim, owned by Five O’Clock Farm; Breeze Kaye (Phoenix, AZ) and Ferry van de Hoogeweg, owned by Plain Bay Sales; Dorothy Cox (Athens, TX) and her own Blue Bella; and Laurel Walker (Copper Canyon, TX) and Conajita, owed by Dorothy Cox.
For many riders, the team challenge series was a first exposure to the team class format in the equestrian sport, allowing riders to better understand what formats are seen at the top of the sport.
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Barney’s Babes Crowned Gold in Non-Pro 1.10m Team Jumper Challenge Final – Traverse City Horse Shows
