Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 18, 2018 – Holly Orlando and True Story, owned by Cathy Zicherman, rose to the occasion on Thursday afternoon to capture the tricolor in the Green Conformation Hunter division at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Despite unusually cold temperatures, the 2010 gelding was on his A game and bested the competitive field of entries.
Orlando piloted True Story to wins in two of the over fences classes, both of which earned scores of 86 from the judging panel. The dark bay Oldenburg’s quality build and expression secured him the blue ribbon in the model. Orlando has been bringing him along since he was a Pre-Green horse, and Thursday marked his second time showing over the 3’6” height.
Receiving reserve champion honors behind True Story was Transparency, ridden by Kelley Farmer and owned by Golden Oaks Farm, Inc. The talented pair was awarded an 84 over fences and an 88 in the handy round. The duo was also reserve champion during the first week of WEF.
Sandy Ferrell and Stephanie Bulger’s Hemingway walked away with the championship cooler in the Green 3’6” Hunter division, which was the first division of the day. Taking the reserve champion ribbon was Nicodemus Farms’ Gelato, ridden by Tori Colvin.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE:
Holly Orlando – Green Conformation Hunter division champion
On True Story:
“His [barn] name is Rowen and he is 7 years old. We have been bringing him up since the Pre-Greens. We have had him since he was 4. It’s only his second time showing in the 3’6”. He tries very hard and is very straightforward. He is super scopey and he has a great owner, Cathy [Zicherman], and a great trainer, Jenny Dunion.”
On Thursday’s performance:
“He was awesome. It was cold and breezy but he didn’t mind. In the first class, there were some shadows on the outside line so he took a little peek over there. For the most part, he was perfect.”
On her plans going forward:
“We are just gearing up for Week Six, WCHR week. He’ll have the week off next week in the paddock and we will go from there.”
Sandy Ferrell – Green 3’6” Hunter division champion
On her partnership with Hemingway:
“This is our fourth year having him. We bought him as a Baby Green horse and have just taken our time with him and here we are now doing the 3’6”! He’s just a God-given talent in every way, shape and form. He does everything so naturally, which makes my job very easy. He is a once-in-a-lifetime animal. There is no doubt about it. I’m very lucky to have the ride on him.”
On her plan for Hemingway:
“We’ll show every couple of weeks. We believe in not doing too much. He will definitely show this week and next week. Just like everyone else, we will do two weeks on and then we will take a week off. In the summer, hopefully we win enough to get into indoors.”
On the cold weather:
“He felt amazing. We’ve all kind of watched him grow up over the years and it has been so fun. [The cold] didn’t even phase him. If anything, it only made him better! He gets there and he gets in the zone. Luckily, he’s easy to get there. He is everyone’s dream horse, trust me. Every professional would love to ride him because he’s such an incredible feel.”