Zone 5 takes the podium. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography
The Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships for Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6 highlight the third and final week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, at Flintfields Horse Park. After qualifying competition opened for juniors and amateurs at 1.30m-1.35m and 1.40m-1.45m heights on Wednesday, riders were challenged across a speed course on Thursday to determine overall team placings.
The difference between taking home gold or silver came down to the team’s final rider at the 1.40m/1.45m height,17-year-old Izzy Beisel. Beisel ended up the only rider to jump clear at the higher height.
“At first, my strategy was to not keep track of the scores, that way I didn’t put all the pressure on myself. Then I heard the announcer say, ‘oh, if she goes clear, you’ll get team gold,’” said Beisel.
The Zone 5 team featured Izzy Beisel and Vegas H, Lilly Yinger and Christiaan, Alina Zappone and Jack The Ripper 111, and Jessica Lobmiller and Frere D’Arme.
Beisel’s win-determining mount was 11-year-old Hanoverian Gelding, Vegas H, owned by Courtney Berling and Izzy’s father, David Beisel.
“He’s pretty cool; he’s a big snuggle bug and a treat monster,” said Izzy. “I’ve been riding him since 2019. My dad was actually getting him ready to be his grand prix horse, but I would do him in the 1.15m children’s jumpers and go cruise around when we first started.
“It’s been special to ride him for this long; we know each other inside and out and he’s been pretty awesome,” continued Izzy. “I would also like to say I’m so thankful to Courtney Berling who partnered my dad with him.”
Riding for both themselves and their teams this week, riders are experiencing added pressure, conditioning them for possible future senior team opportunities.
“It’s definitely a different version of pressure,” said Izzy. “People talk about equitation finals, but that’s only a you thing. In this situation, you don’t want to let anyone down. It’s a whole different kind of pressure that gets you ready for other team settings too.”
Thursday’s championship was a clean sweep for Zone 5 riders, with the silver and bronze medals also going to Zone 5 teams. Silver was won by Ashley Stumm one Lagergeld, Allison Orth riding Constakko’s Boy, Rebecca Gutstein on Masoranta and Molly Kindness aboard HJ Blind Date.
The bronze medal went to Isabelle Collister with Thalia SR Z, Maya Rahaim on Japan HS, Izzy Beisel on her second mount Diaz Barbotiere and Caitlin Creel riding HH Motown.
Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships athletes will have the opportunity to vie for individual medals on Saturday.
Part of the USHJA Emerging Jumper Program, the Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships are open to professionals, juniors and amateurs, offering team and individual competition and an opportunity to qualify for continued education with top national and international industry experts. The championships are held regionally and have called Traverse City Horse Shows home once again this year.
For full results, click here.
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