Wellington, FL - Hunters wrapped up their first week of competition at the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. The 12-week circuit began on Wednesday and concludes on April 4, 2010.
It was a clean sweep this weekend for Glen Senk, of Philadelphia, PA. Senk competed with three horses this weekend and emerged victorious in every single class in section B of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Older division. Senk was champion on Fashion Farm's Declaration, winning three out of the four classes over fences, and placing fifth in the under saddle. Senk won the other over fences class on Highland Park, and the under saddle with Proof, both of whom are owned by Fashion Farm.
This was only the third time that Senk has shown Declaration, a seven-year-old gelding, but the duo clicked right away, earning the division's high scores of 85 and 87 today. Senk has owned Declaration for about two years, but Senk's trainer Scott Stewart spent last year showing Declaration in the First Year Green and Regular Conformation divisions.
Senk describes Declaration as a "big pony." He added, "He's dead quiet, goes in a rubber snaffle, and only needs to jump a few fences to get ready for the class." Senk praised his beautiful bay gelding for his quiet demeanor, commenting, "You just have to get his engine going, and keep him straight, and there's absolutely nothing else you have to do."
While he is a delight to ride, Declaration, who was gelded right after Senk purchased him, still has some stallion-like tendencies in the barn. "If he likes you he's very sweet, if he doesn't like you, he's not so sweet," Senk acknowledged with a grin. Although he is a big horse, Senk says Declaration is a very "sensitive horse, who needs you to love on him and be very gentle with him."
The heavy rain this morning was the first true test for the new footing, which was installed in the E.R. Mische Hunter Ring. The footing includes fiber and felt from GGT, materials from Bart Poels, and was installed by Equestrian Services International (ESI).
While many riders got soaked this morning, the rain did not faze the new footing. Senk was very grateful for the new footing in the hunter rings, noting, "It is perfect. I love my horses more than anything, and the most important thing to me is the footing. This is such a gift because it will keep our horses sound, healthy, and happy." Senk raved about riding on the world-class footing when he compared jumping on it to "landing on cotton balls."
Senk was a WEF Circuit Champion in this division last year, but his goal for this year is to have fun. "Whatever happens, happens," Senk smiled.
Glen Senk and Declaration receive their championship ribbon in the morning rain
The reserve champion in the Camping World Adult Amateur 51 & Over Section B was Liana, owned by Carol and Jan O'Donnell, and ridden by Jan O'Donnell.
For full results, please visit www.shownet.biz or www.equestriansport.com.
The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 13 through April 4. WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are "AA" rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $5.5 million in prize money will be awarded.
WEF is proud to be supported by their title sponsor, FTI Consulting, Inc. FTI Consulting, Inc. exists to help companies and their stakeholders protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex economic, legal and regulatory environment. FTI is the trusted advisor entrenched in many of the game-changing events that make headlines, move markets and create business history. For more information, please visit www.fticonsulting.com.
During the 12 weeks of WEF, "Saturday Night Lights" headlines the entertainment each Saturday night where spectators not only enjoy the Grand Prix class, but a street carnival, live music, and numerous dining options with box seats, sports bars, and the famed Tiki Hut for front row fun.
Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.
Photo Credit: Glen Senk and Declaration are awarded the championship in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Older Section B at the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © 2010 Randi Muster/Mustphoto, Inc., Official Sport Photographer of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.
