Chrislar Farm Hosts UPHA 14 Winter Tournament 2006
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Chris and Larry Cassenti’s Chrislar Farm in Rowley, Mass., hosted one in a series of UPHA Winter Tournaments on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. The facility was festively decorated inside and out for the upcoming holidays.
The UPHA Winter Tournaments are winter “schooling” horse shows. The Tournaments were originally organized by the UPHA in Kentucky to promote Saddle Seat riding across the country, primarily with Saddlebreds and Morgans. With the increased interest and expansion over the last few years in each breed division to include other disciplines, the Association rallied to the wants and needs of the instructors, trainers and exhibitors and expanded their tournament classes to include hunt seat pleasure and hunt seat equitation classes.
The UPHA 14 Chapter consists of the professional membership in the New England area where one day each month from November to March, a trainer will donate the use of their indoor facility to accommodate the day of showing. Other participating instructors and trainers attend with their students of all levels, preparing them for larger show competition, sharpening their skills or to give them a “feel” for what competition is like.
Competition began at 11 a.m. with a coffee break, lunch break and a demonstration of proper equitation riding and show ring attire. Chrislar’s Gaetana D’Alesio-Spina, riding HVK Hot Ember, and Emily Lloyd, riding Merriehill Wish Me Well, were all decked out in their fine riding apparel and put on quite a performance for the audience. They demonstrated proper Saddle Seat equitation and gave a classic pleasure performance. Their synchronized riding displayed their ability to place themselves effectively in the show ring, performing intricate transitions at each gait. Chris Cassenti explained to the audience what was taking place and what they should be looking for in a fine equitation and pleasure rider.
According to Tournament Secretary Sarah Lettre, Wright-Way Stables, Augusta, Maine, “Chrislar’s location is convenient and welcoming and attracts many UPHA 14 instructors and trainers from the New England area who are always graciously accommodated for a day of winter showing.”
Lettre added, “This location is perfect for everyone since the farm is located just off I-95. The Chrislar staff and clients go all out for everyone who attends, serving a large variety of hot dishes and wonderful foods for all to enjoy.”
Sherrie Lampropoulos, of Northgate, Newton, N.H., donated her services to officiate as the judge for a day, which turned out to be seasonally cool and quite busy. Chrislar’s Kevin Solimine donated his professional announcing services for the event. Chrislar’s Colleen D’Alessandro did a terrific job as ring mistress and ribbon person for the day. Sarah O’Connell pulled the event together with the help of Lynne Pomerleau and Cathy Carruccio, with Jackie Medico and Vicki McKillop efficiently moving riders in and out of the ring the day of the Tournament.
In addition to the Chrislar trainer/instructors and students, other farms participating in the event were: After Thought Farm, Kim Ann Timmons; HMA Enterprises, Hillary MacDonald; High Tail Acres, Dawn Deltorchio and Darla Deltorchio-Wright; S&S Stables, Susan Casper; Wright Way Stables, Sarah and John Lettre; Taylor River Farm, Kristen Farley and Becky Fish; Phoenix Stable, Lindsey Westover; DarCol Stable, Darlene DeBlois and Joy Ruma; LM Turner Stables, Jessica Savenelli; RMD Stables, Deb Black; and Boston Show Horses. Tournament Secretary Lettre reported that this was one of the largest Tournaments ever with 87 exhibitors.
Upcoming Tournaments are scheduled for Jan. 14, 2007 at High Tail Acres, Newbury, Mass.; Feb. 11, 2007 at Phoenix Stables, Hopkington, N.H.; and the final Tournament is scheduled for March 11, 2007 at S&S Stables, Rye, N.H.
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