Hilltop News
After such a long, cold winter we were thrilled to see the arrival of spring and the first horse show of the season at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. The VADA/NOVA Spring Dressage Show was held April 4-5 and Michael had an excellent start with Iris Aberbach’s Boxster A (Bugatti-Weltbekannt) and our own Qredit Hilltop (Quaterback-Dream of Glory). Boxster won both his Prix St. Georges Open classes with scores of 71.447% and 71.776% and was the High-Score winner for Prix St. Georges. Qredit made his FEI debut in the FEI Test of Choice Classes, also doing the Prix St. Georges test. He won both days and earned a great score of 71.25% on Saturday. Both of these horses are US-bred and Michael started both of them, so seeing their success and the potential to come is especially rewarding.
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.
Once again we made the long drive out to the beautiful Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL for the Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships. Michael qualified two horses for the Championships this year.
Hilltop Articles & Interviews
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.
Whether you are learning about showing your horse in hand or just looking for some tips, this excerpt from the 2015 USDF Sport Horse Breeders/Handlers Seminar is for you – Showing Sport Horses In Hand with Michael Bragdell.
