Hunter Competition Concludes at Temecula Valley National Fall Series with Ashley Weiman and Sweet Romance Capturing Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

Temecula, Calif. – Oct. 24, 2021 – Amateur-Owner Hunters drew the curtain on the Temecula Valley National Fall Series, presented by Interactive Mortgage, taking to the Grand Hunter Arena for the last time in 2021. In hopes of claiming the final division tricolor in the combined Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” Hunters, riders and their respective mounts put forth their best efforts. Excited to take their turn in the spotlight, it was Ashley Weiman and Sweet Romance who posted the highest scores over the course of the weekend earning themselves the coveted championship title, while Anna Jacoby and Fiorella came in a close second capturing the reserve championship title.

Ashley Weiman and Sweet Romance

Competition in the combined division kicked off on Saturday with the two over fences rounds, the first of which was a classic round, and the under saddle. It was Weiman and Sweet Romance who led the division following the first three rounds. The co-owner and amateur rider for Romance Sport Horses, piloted the 7-year-old Warmblood mare, Sweet Romance to third and first place finishes in the first two over fences rounds, as one of only two consistent riders to hang onto two top three placings in the first day securing a solid lead. Their second place finish in the under saddle further extended the gap to second place.

Several riders sat near the leader in a closely-knit cluster for the second and third spots on the leaderboard. Jacoby’s fourth and second place finishes in the over fences along with her fourth place finish on the flat with her 8-year-old Holsteiner mare Fiorella aided in securing the second-highest number of points heading into Sunday’s championship crowning. Lexie Looker’s first place finish in the first over fences round with Dot Com secured her enough points to be in the running for the ribbons, while Julia Greenspan and Paperboy sat just behind them.

When the riders took to the ring for the final day of competition at the two-week series, the tricolor was anyone’s for the taking with two rounds remaining. Weiman was the first of the front runners to try her hand at the final over fences round. Her performance with her newly acquired mount produced a score of 85, taking the first blue ribbon of the day. The duo returned for their handy round eager to solidify her lead, and her efforts did not disappoint.

“That was the best handy round I have ever seen you do,” noted trainer Nick Haness as the pair walked away with a score of 87. Their efforts in Sunday’s final rounds were more than enough to secure the championship tricolor.

Anna Jacoby and Fiorella

Jacoby returned eager to improve upon her first day performances with Fiorella. The duo who also competed in the same division during Week I of the Temecula Valley National Fall Series laid down some of the highest scoring rounds of the division taking not only a second place ribbon in the over fences with a score of 84.5 but also a first place finish in the handy with a whopping score of 88. Their second day of division competition proved profitable enough for the pair to take the reserve champion title.

Anna Jacoby and Fiorella

Jacoby continued her successful streak taking the first place finish and lion’s share of the prize in the $1,000 Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” Hunter Classic, sponsored by Begonia Farms. Though Greenspan and Paperboy missed out on the division ribbons, she focused her talents for one last round, taking second place behind Jacoby, while Christina Campbell and her own 11-year-old Westphalian gelding, Authentic rounded out the top three.

Competition at the Temecula Valley National Fall Series, presented by Interactive Mortgage, came to a close today with the $1,000 Adult 1.15m Jumper Classic rounding out competition in the Grand Prix Arena.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE 

Ashley Weiman – Amateur-Owner 3’3″ and 3’6″ Hunter Divison Champion 

On Sweet Romance:
“Sweet Romance aka ‘Cannoli’ is the sweetest little guy who aims to please. He’s very spoiled and loves cookies.”

On her strategy for her rounds:
“I planned on getting a good canter and riding the course to the best of my ability.”

On Nilforushan Equisport Events:
“I love NEE [Nilforushan Equisport Events] because it’s so close to home. They have great jumps and prizes and everyone is so nice!”

On her plans with Sweet Romance:
“My future plans are to eventually compete in the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunter division and do some national derbies.”

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