Wellington, Fla. — Jan. 18, 2019 – Augusta D. Iwasaki rode Commentator to the championship ribbon in the Platinum Performance USEF Jumping Talent Search 2* on Friday morning during Week Two of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The Calabasas, CA native and the 10-year-old gelding, owned by Nybor Pferde GmbH & Co.KG, were consistent over fences and put in a smooth flat test to take the win.
The 14 obstacle course included a water jump and was designed by Danny Moore. Judges saw 25 competitors in the early hours of the day, as changing shadows and tight lines proved difficult for some, as the short six strides after the in-and-out tested the riders ability to get their horses back. The top 12 riders came back for the flat phase, where they were asked to demonstrate extended trot and canter, as well as counter canter.
The course was a nice track for Commentator, who recently switched over from the jumpers. This was only the second time Iwasaki has ridden him, she was thrilled to take away the win.
Coming in reserve were Sophie Gochman and Contelido, a 13-year-old gelding owned by Gochman SportHorses Llc. Just behind them in third was Elli Yeager with her own Copperfield 39.
Week Two of WEF continues through Sunday, January 20th, with the Maclay at 8 a.m. in ring 9, directly followed by the Dover Saddlery USEF Hunter Seat Medal.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
On Commentator:
“He actually isn’t mine, I’ve ridden him twice and have never shown him before. He’s with Stevie Macken and did big jumpers, so this is his first time ever doing equitation. He felt amazing, he’s so much fun to ride, so rangey and he has a huge stride and a lot of scope.”
On the course:
“I thought the course was really fun, I haven’t done many USETs, so it’s a little nerve racking but he was really really good.”