Hilltop News
Don Principe traveled along with Sternlicht for the long trip out to Chicago. Two open shows were being held the same weekend as the Young Horse Championships and we took advantage of that scheduling to finish off Don Principe’s qualifiers for the USDF Regional Championships. In their first test on Thursday, he and Michael laid down a very harmonious and correct test in the Intermediaire B and were rewarded with a 70%. On Friday, Don Principe and Michael Bragdell competed in their 2nd Grand Prix and finished in 1st place with a 65.5% even with an error of course factored in. On Sunday, they were back on ‘track’ and continued their winning streak, earning a 68.6% from judge Natalie Lamping in Sunday’s Grand Prix. These scores finished off Michael’s USDF Gold Medal – congratulations! It was a perfect end to a wonderful weekend and very special to have Maryanna and Wendell Haymon there to celebrate with us.
Stallion News
Hilltop Archives
It is with great sadness that Jane MacElree and Hilltop Farm share the news that on Monday, August 23rd Cabana Boy was humanely euthanized following a catastrophic injury while in turnout. Cabana Boy’s well-being, comfort, and quality of life were the focus of each discussion and decision and a team of veterinarians was consulted to discuss all possible options and outcomes.
Chris Hickey and Cabana Boy added another national title to their resume by winning the 2009 USEF National Developing Horse Dressage Championship on August 21-23. The past two years, Chris and Cabana had traveled to Kentucky to compete in and win the 5 Year Old and 6 Year Old National Young Horse Dressage Championships, making them the first pair to win all three.
Hilltop Articles & Interviews
The phone rings at Hilltop Farm and breeding manager Natalie DiBerardinis answers. Just as she suspected, it is a mare owner looking for advice. Which stallion would be a good match for her mare, the caller asks anxiously. With scientific advances in artificial insemination, the choices for a perfect partner have never been greater, but that doesn't mean the selection process is any simpler. DiBerardinis asks the owner a few questions about her mare and suggests she complete Hilltop's online questionnaire. After reading it, she and the caller will talk again to discuss the options.
A Sport Horse Handler, whether at a show, inspection or exhibition, constantly strives for that 'magical moment' as he guides a horse in hand around the arena, often negotiating a large triangle formed from flower pots and jump poles. Together the two lift off and eat up the ground, matching stride for stride -- the horse seeming to float, to collect and extend on his own, all in perfect rhythm. The handler is as discreet as possible so that all attention focuses on the horse looking his best.
