Fantastic Results from the 2020 Boneo Classic

With the generous support of naming rights sponsor Homes & Acreage, Boneo Park hosted the outstanding event that was the 2020 Boneo Classic from the 23rd to the 26th of January. Once again our team was thrilled to be able to compete at this gorgeous venue; enjoying its world-class facilities, immaculate competition surfaces and beautiful surroundings.

At this year’s event Team Performance fielded three combinations: in the CDI 3*** Big Tour were Luxor 118 (DE) with Kate Farrell and Larenso (DK) with Riley Alexander, and in the 4YO Young Horse Class Aber Fontaine MI with our Performance Coach John Thompson. This was also the first time Kate, John and Riley have competed side-by-side in the Big Tour field (John being partnered with JHTequine’s handsome JHT Chemistry), which was an absolute pleasure to watch.

A stand out highlight of the event for Team Performance was Riley and Larenso’s test in the IRT Grand Prix Freestyle; finishing in first place on a score of 72.77%, just ahead of John and JHT Chemistry, who placed second with a superb score of 72.695% (a fantastic result for our Performance Coach and his talented 8-year-old stallion in their first CDI Big Tour debut).

Riley and Larenso’s victory also marks their first win at CDI Big Tour level. Needless to say, we are exceptionally proud of them both!

This season is a particularly special one for Kate and Luxor; marking their tenth year training and competing together. Kate treasures every ride with her exceptional equine partner and at the Boneo Classic, they made every moment count. Although their performance did not yield their highest scores to date, each of their tests were beautifully presented and were, as always, breathtaking to behold.

Under John’s superb guidance in the 4YO Young Horse Class, Aber Fontaine MI showcased brilliance in both rounds of the competition, finishing in second place overall with scores of 77.2 and 73.6. With experience comes finesse and Fontaine certainly shows the potential to excel above and beyond as he matures.

We owe a very special thank you to John, his fiancé Holly and JHTequine’s performance groom Kerry for their unfathomable support and invaluable expertise throughout the event.

To Ashlee Macdonald, our borrowed super groom, thank you for taking superlative care of the entire team – we were very lucky to have you with us!

Our sincere gratitude must also go to each and every class sponsor, naming rights sponsor Homes & Acreage and, of course, the incredible team led by Fiona Selby at Boneo Park for making the event such a memorable and rewarding experience.