Galway Farm Completes the Winter Equestrian Festival with Circuit Championship

Lauren Prestopino and Gandalf took home the WEF Circuit Championship in the 1.0 m Amateur Jumpers 18-35. Photo by Sportfot

April 2, 2025 – Wellington, FL – Galway Farm of Long Grove, Illinois, wrapped up the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, this past week with a Circuit Championship. Rider and college student, Lauren Prestopino, 22, of Western Springs, Illinois, rode her ten-year-old gelding, Gandalf, to the top spot in the 1.0m Amateur Jumpers, riders 18-35 years of age, sponsored by BrainJuice. By earning the most prize money in the division during the 13 week circuit, Prestopino secured her first Circuit Championship and prize money to boot. Prestopino attended four weeks of the circuit, partly while on break from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, and also flew back and forth a few weekends. She has owned Gandalf for three years and this was her second time showing at WEF. Prestopino said she loves how willing her horse is to do anything and he gives her confidence when they compete.

Prestopino and Gandalf have been a team for three years. Photo Sportfot

“I always love going to WEF, “ said Prestopino. “I really had a great experience. I love watching everyone else (in the barn) show. It’s great to see riders from all over the world show too.”

The college student raved about riding at Galway Farm with trainer Lorrie Canady, commenting that she has improved so much in the last three years. Prestopino said the team at Galway is great from Sergio and the crew who take care of all the horses to the assistants Katrina Shulda and Grey Melnick who help with lessons and training rides.

The beautiful Galway Farm location in Wellington, Florida.

Galway Farm was in Wellington for the entire circuit, leasing a beautiful barn close to the horse show to work out of, which included a nice riding arena, turnout paddocks, wash stalls, beautiful stalls, and an airconditioned tack room and laundry room.

Other Galway riders came down for stretches at a time to show. Some tried or leased new horses and some riders worked on improving their skills on their own horses. The 13 weeks allows for plenty of ring time, giving riders experience on a weekly basis. While some riders fly back and forth for school or work commitments, some stay down the entire circuit or weeks at a time and home school or work remotely.

Galway Farm congratulates all their riders on a great circuit! Here are a few highlights!

Rachel Kane's Nvious 22 with Sarah Duhon aboard earned a championship in the Young Hunters week 12 and a reserve championship week 11. Photo by Sportfot

Rachel Kane's Reykjavík 18 and Dominique Mungen put in beautiful rounds in the adult equitation week 11 for the reserve championship. Photo by Sportfot.

Amelia Vandevender and Rio Z won a 3'3" Junior Hunter Class with a score of 85! Photo Sportfot

Kahlua and Amelia Vandevender won the Children's Hunter Under Saddle while Katrina Shulda earned a championship in the USHJA 3' Hunters aboard Kahlua. Amelia also earned great ribbons during World Championship Hunter Week, pictured (right) with MTM Jolly Rancher.

There’s plenty to see at the show from International Hunter Derbies to watching Olympic riders from around the world compete in Nation’s Cups and Grand Prixs. Shopping is a must with numerous equestrian-related vendors to visit.

Galway’s team heads to Aiken, South Carolina next to show before heading back to Long Grove.

For more information on Galway Farm contact Lorrie Canady at Galwayltd@aol.com.

#Findtheone: Horses for sale include Nvious 22, Kahlua, Reykjavík 18, and 24 Karot. Email for more info.

WEF 2025 Gallery

Left: Sadie Ruhanna and Airbender. Right: Amelia Vandevender and Cobain

Left: Katrina Shulda and 24 Karot. Right: June Knudson and Mariner

Left: June Knudson and Kensington. Right: Katrina Shulda and Nicholas the Third

Left: Noelle Sennett and All Eyes on Me Right: MaryBeth Canfield and Donnalaris.

Left: Chloe White and Ontario. Right: Amelia Vandevender and Corcovado.

Left: Gesinus B and Hallie Sabers. Right: Cold Crush and Maeve Schirff

Left: Course walk. Right: Sadie Ruhanna, Amelia Vandevender, and June Knudson.

Left: Middlemarch and June Knudson. Right: Eva Orlando and Speechless

Left: Noelle Sennett and Qalmar Van De Zandberg Right: Ladies' week! The gang!

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About Galway Farm

Galway Farm is conveniently located 20 miles  northwest of O'Hare Airport. The farm is a full-service hunter/jumper training and showing facility providing full training, boarding with turnout , and more. Lorrie Canady, trainer/owner, had the vision to start and operate an equestrian facility that could cater to the serious show rider but also be a place to help beginning riders get started in the sport. Galway Farm is a friendly, family-oriented facility that is a fun and safe environment for all. Canady has participated in major competitions throughout North America including Wellington, Florida; Ocala, Florida; Lake Placid, New York, and Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada.

Galway Farm prides itself on having quality show horses for sale and lease. Contact Lorrie Canady for your next winner and #Findtheone for you!