The $24,975.00 PJA Grand Prix was the featured event of the 47th annual PJA Jumper Show. The three day one ring all jumper show was held at the beautiful Swan Lake Stables show grounds just outside historic Gettysburg, Pa. As the temperatures reached 90 degrees, management waived jackets so the riders could comfortably negotiate the Skip Bailey designed course.
The course consisted of 13 numbered fences with three double combinations resulting in 16 jumping efforts, with broken lines and roll back turns, 10 horses of the original 27 were able to proceed to the jump off.
First to return was Manuel Torres on Christofolini, however an early miscommunication resulted in elimination. Next to go was Calisto 26 with Candice King riding and she finished with a 4 fault round in a time of 43.968. Sulu Rose-Reed was next in the ring riding Denali and jumped a fast clean round in a time of 43.340 to take the early lead. Alex Matz returned on the first of his two mounts riding Payback and finished just off the pace, with a clean round in a time of 43.349. Next to challenge was Jennifer Brennan aboard Mac and they went clear in a time of 43.665.
Lucy Matz was next to go aboard Cardella and had a great time of 41.308 but unfortunately with 4 faults. Talks Cheap and Grace Long were next in the order and jumped a clear round in 46.370. Moving up in the order, to give Alex more time for his second ride, was Taryn Nolte aboard For His Glory SE and they blazed the course with a clear ride in the new leading time of 41.523. Back on his second ride Cashew CR was Alex Matz putting in a real challenge but finished just off the pace with a clear round in a time of 42.212. Last to return was Amanda Forte aboard MHS Automatic and recorded the fastest time of the day but with 8 faults.
Taryn said that this was the second Grand Prix for For His Glory SE (For Pleasure X Darco) and she was over whelmed with excitement.