The Aiken Summer Classic

Week 2 Wrap-Up

EMO Stables’ Sidenote Wins

$25,000 Marshall + Sterling

Classic Hunter Derby

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2025

Aiken, South Carolina

Media Contact: Lisa Davis Engel

Sidenote, owned by EMO Stables, and ridden by Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, won the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, including Non-Pro Rider Bonus, besting a field of thirty-two horse and rider teams. “Betty and Ernie [Oare] could not have been any happier!” said Shepherd. “It was a beautiful course with a really nice group of horses. Sidenote, for sure, came to the party today for all of us, and his little brother George [Curious George], was not far behind him with an average of 87 and a fourth place.”

Instagram, owned by Tammy Smith and ridden by Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, earned second place. Megan Odozynski’s Parker Road, ridden by Jennifer Alfano of Ocala, Florida, finished in third place, and Curious George, owned by EMO Stables and ridden by Shepherd, placed fourth.

Penny Worsham’s Scorpio, ridden by Mattie Worsham Thompson of Woodstock, Georgia, earned fifth and No Limit, owned by Pecan Lane Farm and ridden by Austin Cumming of Madison, Georgia, placed sixth. Margaret Russell’s Even Steven, ridden by Daniel Geitner, earned seventh place.

Cloud Atlas, owned and ridden by Ava Messer of Homewood, Alabama, earned eighth place and also won the $1,250 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.

Iquem Decames, owned by Julie Walley and ridden by Lauren Walley of Pleasonton, Texas, finished in ninth place and also won the $1,250 Marshall + Sterling 3’ Non-Pro Rider Bonus.

Liddy Strickland’s Bugatti, ridden by Austin Cumming, finished in tenth place and Freedom, owned by Rachel S. Miller and ridden by Jennifer Alfano, earned eleventh place. Caillou VL, owned by Fox View Farm and ridden by Madelyn Van Tiem of Hillsborough, North Carolina, wrapped up the class in twelfth place. 

Kathryn Jarriel of Collins, Georgia, and her own Ava, won the $750 Marshall + Sterling 3' Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Emma Harris of Bremen, Georgia, won the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3' Non-Pro Rider Bonus with her own Audubon.

Josie Evans of Covington, Georgia, and her own Hand Crafted won the $750 Marshall + Sterling 3'3" Non-Pro Rider Bonus, and Emma Henry of Vestavia, Alabama, won the $500 Marshall + Sterling 3'3" Non-Pro Rider Bonus with her own Lightning Colors.

Shepherd continued, “People work really hard all year long to come here. The time spent with their horses working toward this goal makes it special. Allowing riders to earn the free entry at the Gulf and Classic Company shows is great, and allowing anyone to enter for this class makes it even more exciting."

Shepherd added, "I would also like to thank Bob Bell and everybody at the Classic Company for all of their amazing help and support.”

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

EMO Stables' Betty and Ernie Oare and Sidenote join Bob Bell and Robin McPherson in the Marshall + Sterling's Winner's Circle.

About Marshall + Sterling

Marshall + Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of all Classic Hunter Derbies at all Gulf Coast and Classic shows.

Marshall + Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.

Marshall + Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses. With a client service and claims team second to none, one quick call to their office will provide you with instant answers.

Marshall + Sterling Insurance has been around for more than 100 years. Reach out to the company that stands the test of time. For more information, visit them online. 

Jackson Creek Stables’ Captain Jack Sparrow Wins $2,500 USHJA Pony Derby

Congratulations to Jackson Creek Stables’ Captain Jack Sparrow, ridden by Zava Jackson of Aiken, South Carolina, on winning the $2,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby with a score of 167. According to Zava, “His nickname is Jack, and sometimes we call him Jack Attack, because when he’s on it, he’s on it!” Jackson commented. “He’s very accurate. I just have to put him in the middle of the jump, and he goes autopilot.” 

“I thought the course was very good because it demonstrated a lot of different rollbacks and bending lines. It was a very long course, but the judge got to see what the ponies were able to do,” said Zava. “Jack loves to Derby-he just shines, and we had a great time,” she added.

J.L Bean, owned and ridden by Sophie Stofko of Charleston, South Carolina, finished in second place with a score of 158, and Ted Lasso, owned by Penelope Sugg and ridden by Logan Mozingo, also of Charleston, earned a third-place finish with their score of 156.

Universal Sound, owned by Jackson Creek Stables, LLC and ridden by Karma Jackson of Aiken, finished in fourth place with a score of 155. According to Karma’s mother, Amber, horse showing is a family affair. “Karma warms up her sister Zava and brings her to the ingate where I’ll shine the boots.”

Fifth place was awarded to Glynmagic Sun Chaser, owned by Ivey Hair and ridden by Emma McKee of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, who earned an overall score of 143. Quicksilver Bells, owned and ridden by Logan Mozingo, finished in sixth place with a score of 142.

Zava has been riding Jack for about 3 years. Zava’s mother, Amber Asbell-Jackson, also trains Zava and said, “A client of mine, Geoffrey Marlow, had leased some ponies from us and had purchased Jack from the Guidry family. He gifted him to Zava because he thought their personalities would match perfectly, and he was so right! We are so grateful to the Marlows for the incredible opportunity to have Jack,” said Amber.

Under Amber’s watchful eye, the pair started in cross rails and went on to Pony Finals last year. 

Zava added, “Jack is a perfect pony.” According to Zava, she and Jack try roping a cow bail and have started learning how to drive. “I still have to get a harness, but I can stand behind him and walk around.” Zava added, "Jack loves treats, especially gummy clusters. He even knows where the food truck is and what it is. He’ll stick his nose into the food truck for treats and snacks. He even eats Girl Scout cookies,” she added.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

Zava Jackson and Captain Jack Sparrow join Bob Bell and Robin McPherson in the Winner's Circle.

$500 2’6” Jr/Amateur Hunter Derby 

sponsored by Braemer Road

Athena, owned by Sister Act, LLC and ridden by Hope Murph of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, won the $500 2’6” Jr/Am Hunter Derby, sponsored by Braemer Road, besting a field of thirteen horse and rider teams.

Murph commented, “I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in the 2’6” Derby with Athena. I truly could not have done it without the amazing support of my trainers, Natasha Vitkovic and Hope King, whose guidance, constant support, and belief in me mean the world to me. Additionally, a huge thank you to Athena’s owners, Alex Zulia, for trusting me with such a special horse and who truly has made this possible for me. I am so thankful to be a part of this team.”

Owner, Alex Zulia of Sister Act, LLC, added, “We are thankful to Braemer Road for sponsoring such a fun class. I drove horses here from Charleston this morning just to watch Athena and Hope show today. Bob Bell always goes out of his way to keep the hunter tradition alive here in the Southeast, and the hospitality and trophy presentations, and offerings are wonderful. I’d also like to thank the Aiken Horse Park Foundation for continuing to support such great top sport here in Aiken. It’s always been a dream of ours to show here, and to be a part of it is just next level.”

Second place was awarded to Viera, owned by Deep South Sport Horses, LLC, and ridden by Abigail Flattich of Statesboro, Georgia. First Crush, owned and ridden by Corinne Carpenter of Fairhope, Alabama, earned third place, and Pennyless Farm’s Pidarco De Valdespino, ridden by Sydni Therrien of Haddam, Connecticut, finished in fourth. Fifth place was awarded to Moontide, owned and ridden by Ramey Haley of Fairhope, Alabama. Fairfield Farms, LLC’s Nough Said, ridden by Anne Berg of Bahama, North Carolina, finished in sixth place, and Little Sugaree, owned by Carson Douglas, and ridden by Linley Johnson of Savannah, Georgia, earned a seventh place finish.

Sky High’s Corvette, owned and ridden by Palin Sandow of St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, placed eighth, and Checkpoint Charly, owned and ridden by Misty Spears of Roswell, Georgia, finished in ninth place. GC Ponies, LLC’s Ferrari, ridden by Jojo Howland of St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, placed tenth, and Fyntastic, owned and ridden by Adelaide Ende of Delray Beach, Florida, earned eleventh place. Harbour, owned and ridden by Sophia Bosarge of Fairhope, Alabama, wrapped up the class with a twelfth-place ribbon.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

Athena, owned by Sister Act, LLC and ridden by Hope Murph, join Robin McPherson in the Winner's Circle.

Laura Gaither and Hop Mouche

Win the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Grand Prix

Laura Gaither of Bahama, North Carolina piloted Dalastar, LLC’s Hop Mouche to the win in the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Grand Prix at the Aiken Summer Classic, besting a field of eighteen horse and rider teams.

According to Gaither, “The beginning of the show was a bit of a disaster for us. He is very quiet and lazy at home, and at the show here, he was being wild and spooky. In the Welcome, he actually spooked really hard and ran sideways at the first jump, then was a little frazzled. I actually questioned if I should do the Grand Prix. I decided to give him a five-minute lunge that morning, and he bucked about fifty times, which was enough to take the edge off, and then he was perfect in the ring.”

Only five would advance to the jump-off round, with a time allowed set at 48 seconds. First to go in the order was Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Diane Halpin’s Geronimo SCF. The pair earned four jump faults in a time of 41.462 seconds. Gaither and Hop Mouche followed and turned in the first clear jump-off round in a time of 38.644 seconds.

Gaither said, “It was a challenging track for sure. There wasn’t a lot of time to take a deep breath, anywhere.”

Rosalie Midyette and her own Fernet MH were up next and earned eight jump faults in a time of 38.050 seconds. With Emma Irwin withdrawing Kimberlee Farm’s Concardus from the jump-off, Midyette and her own Luigi Van De Kornelishoeve were last to go. The pair earned eight jump faults in a time of 36.075 seconds, securing the win for Gaither, second place to Chopping, and third and fourth placings for her and Luigi Van De Kornelishoeve, and Fernet MH, respectively.

Gaither said, “My strategy was to be just fast enough but not push him. I was lucky that I found every jump out of stride, and I never really changed my rhythm. Hop Mouche [Smooch], is a really careful horse and always wants to go clean. I’ve only had him for about two months.”

Gaither continued, “My friend Caren Gadigan-Keefe and I own him in a partnership. He is only eight years old, so he is still a little green, but was wonderfully produced by his last owner, Hayle Mariano. He is a very different ride than I’m used to, but he has so much heart. It’s nice to know that if I bring my A game, my horse is going to try just as hard.

When I started looking for a horse, I called my friend Willie Tynan to see if he knew of anything. He told me that he knew the perfect horse for me, and he really is! He was the third horse I sat on, and I knew he was the one right away.”

Sixth place was awarded to Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina, and November Hill’s Jalanne as the fastest four-fault first round. Gaither returned for a seventh with her own Carnlea Premier, and Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, Alabama, finished in eighth with Loretta Patterson’s HJ Hercules.

Mario Garcia of Lake Worth, Florida, in the irons of his own Blake, earned a ninth place, and Isabelle Song of Charlotte, North Carolina, placed tenth with her own Verdison. Emma Irwin and Rosalie Midyette’s Las Vegas finished in eleventh place, and Brian Gjetley of Aiken, South Carolina, wrapped up the class in twelfth place aboard his own Chaccozin.

Gaither commented, “I really want to express my gratitude toward Caren. I did a two-year payment plan with my other horse, Carnlea Premier. She is starting to get a little older, so I have to pick and choose which classes I do with her. Caren wanted to invest in my future and find a horse that I can take my time with and develop for bigger classes one day. I’ve never had someone believe in and support me and my dreams this way. She really loves the horses and is having so much fun in the sport of show jumping. It's incredible to have someone like that on your team.”

“I’d like to thank my Assistant Trainer, Maddie Van Tiem, and my behind-the-scenes people, Pedro Camacho and Audrey Rappaport. We had horses in the first class in every single ring, and they helped get everything done! They are truly the MVPs,” she added.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com.

About EMO/Marshall + Sterling

The EMO Agency is part of the Marshall + Sterling Insurance family. While the EMO name has changed, the service and staff you rely on have not!

Marshall + Sterling Insurance specializes in personalized plans that encompass a full range of extensive coverage options uniquely tailored to fit your distinctive needs.

Marshall + Sterling’s Equisport Division was created by insurance professionals to meet the demands of horse owners from competing professionals, dedicated amateurs, and those who just plain love horses. With a client service and claims team second to none, one quick call to their office will provide you with instant answers.

Marshall + Sterling Insurance has been around for more than 100 years. Reach out to the company that stands the test of time. For more information, visit them online. 

About The Clothes Horse

The Clothes Horse is an Official Awards Sponsor of the Classic and Gulf Coast Winter Classic horse shows.. The Clothes Horse has been manufacturing custom-made horse blankets, tack room drapes, and trunk covers since 1972.  

The Clothes Horse now makes items for some of the most prestigious show barns and horse shows in the country, as well as for private horse owners nationwide. The Clothes Horse has grown to be the manufacturer of the most elegant and well-crafted horse products available. Visit them at www.theclotheshorse.com. 

$7,500 Aiken Summer Classic Welcome

Waylon Roberts and CS Carrera, owned by Sher E. Schwartz, won the $7,500 Aiken Summer Classic Welcome, besting a field of eighteen horse and rider teams.

Only three advanced to a second round opportunity, with a time allowed set at 45 seconds. Brian Gjetley and his own Chaccozin were the first to tackle the second round course. The pair posted a clear round in a time of 35.111 seconds and set the new time to beat.

Roberts and CS Carrera were the next to advance to a second round and posted a clear round in a time of 32.212 seconds and took the lead.

Florian Ferry and Deborah Gannon’s Elboy D were the last horse and rider team to advance to a second round. The pair turned in a clear round, but their time of 33.681 seconds wasn’t fast enough to beat Roberts, which secured them the second place and awarded the win to Roberts and CS Carrera. 

Roberts said, “ It was a good, fair course and technical enough. Carrera jumped super well and saved my skin down the outside line that caused some problems today. We love having Classic Company come to Aiken to give us another opportunity to show at Bruce’s Field."

“We were glad for the win today since we can’t compete in the Grand Prix this week, because I am eventing at Stableview, which is another reason we love being based year-round in Aiken,” he added.

Third place was awarded to Gjetley and Chaccozin. Rosalie Midyette and her own Fernet MH finished in fourth, and Laura Gaither and Carnlea Premier earned fifth place.

Isabelle Song and Verdison finished in sixth place, and Mario Garcia and Blake took seventh. Will Baker and Savvy Group’s C2C Savvy finished in eighth place.

For more information, please visit horseshowsonline.com

Waylon Roberts and CS Carrera, owned by Sher E. Schwartz, in the Winners' Circle.

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter Division

Champions

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35

Kabrio, owned by Caroline Berg and ridden by Jane McCrae Sanders, was awarded Champion. Pidarco De Valdespin, owned by Pennyless Farm and ridden by Sydni Therrien, was Reserve Champion.

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49

Protokol, owned and ridden by Jennifer Morris, was awarded Champion for the second week in a row, and Iced Z, owned and ridden by Hilary Baylor, was Reserve Champion.

Perfect Products Adult Amateur Hunter 50+ 

Party Started, owned and ridden by Tricia Barr, was awarded Champion for a second week in a row. Private Pilot, owned and ridden by Missy Yoder was Reserve Champion.

About Perfect Products

Perfect Products’ company mission is to offer formulas that help support your horse’s mental focus and athletic potential when it counts. 

Don’t get caught by surprise when you enter the ring! Prepare your horse mentally and physically with Perfect Products’ show-safe line of nutraceuticals. 

From the calming support you trust from Perfect Prep to their effective line of gastric, joint, muscle, and soundness solutions, Perfect Products supports your horse’s performance when it counts.

Ask for Perfect Products formulas at the retailers here at the show or find out more information online. Enter the ring confidently with Perfect Products.

The Tradition Continues

Congratulations to the Aiken Summer Classic Circuit Champions

Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, said, “The Circuit Championships here at Aiken are very special to us. This tradition began at the first horse show the Classic Company produced on John’s Island, years ago. Despite moving venues, the tradition continues. Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic two weeks at Bruce’s Field. This is the last show of our 20205 season, and we hope to see you all in Gulfport at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic, February 12th through March 22nd. Thank you for supporting our shows!”

Grand Green Hunter 3’6”/3’9”:

The Sit Down Trophy

Daylight, owned and ridden by Daniel Geitner

Grand High Performance Hunter Champion: The Marie Reynolds Trophy

Bugatti, owned by Liddy Strickland and ridden by Austin Cumming

Grand Green Hunter 3’/3’3”: The Beverly Finkle Trophy

El Porvenir Zara, owned by EMO Stables and ridden by Holly Shepherd

Grand Pony Champion: The Keith Nichols Trophy

Universal Sound, owned by Jackson Creek Stables and ridden by Zava Jackson

Grand Hunter Champion

The James Vaughan Trophy

Chivalrous, owned by Firstlee Farm and ridden by Lillian Geitner

Grand Hunter 3'6"

The Seabrook Trophy

Chery Blue, owned by T.M.Hills Farm International, Corporation, and ridden by Dominique Gonzalez 

Grand Large Jr. Hunter 3'6'

The Hummel Trophy

The Witcher, owned by Townsend Farms PKP Holdings, LLC and ridden by Lillian Geitner

Grand Jr.Hunter 3'3"

The Rave Trophy

Post Script, owned and ridden by Cate Urquhart

Grand Small Jr. Hunter 3'3"

The Sweet Surprise Trophy

Chivalrous, owned by Firstlee Farm and ridden by Lillian Geitner

Grand Children's Hunter Champion

The Trick or Treat Trophy

Daily Planet, owned and ridden by Marlene Holland

Grand Adult Hunter Champion

The Hillbright Trophy

Protokol, owned and ridden by Jennifer Morris

Grand A/O 3'3" Hunter

The Tormoline Trophy

Iconic RW, owned by Top Venture West and ridden by Sarah Berkowitz

Grand Jr. AM 1.10 m Jumper

The St. Charles Place Trophy

Cailan WEF, owned by Elizabeth Patrick and ridden by Kerry Kelly Gridley 

Picture Perfect Winner of the Week

Sponsored by

Perfect Products

The Perfect Products Picture-Perfect Winner of the Week was Betty Oare and EMO Stables' Sidenote.

Each week of the Aiken Summer Classics, the best photo will be chosen as a finalist for the overall winner of the Perfect Products Picture-Perfect contest and will receive a special prize from our sponsor, Perfect Products.

Stay tuned for the Aiken Summer Classic Overall Picture Perfect Winner sponsored by Perfect Products!

Save the Date!

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic 2026

February 12th- March 22nd

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is the home of the No Entry Fee Grand Prix!

Come experience the beautiful grass grand prix field, newly resurfaced hunter arenas, permanent stabling, and just a short drive to the beautiful Gulf Coast of Mississippi!

Come see why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

We can’t wait to see you at the ring! Click here to sign up for the prize list.

Classic Company Southern Hospitality

Everyone was treated to a complimentary ringside breakfast during the $25,000 Marshall + Sterling Classic Hunter Derby, thanks to the generosity of EMO Stables and Betty and Ernie Oare.

Everyone loved the Week 2 Exhibitor party, thanks to our sponsor, Accolade and Loretta Patterson.

“Thank you, Accolade, for your sponsorship of the fantastic exhibitor party! 

About the Classic Company

The Classic Company's philosophy is to offer an event for every level of rider and horse. From Lead Line to Olympic level Grand Prix competition, from seasoned veteran horse and rider team to a first-time horse show experience, the Classic Company offers competition that provides the competitor substantial prize money, award-winning facilities and courses, quality competition and the best customer service in the industry. 

Service is what sets the Classic Company apart from other horse show companies. The Classic Company provides champion service from in-gates to show office at all its venues. Top competition with an emphasis on southern hospitality is their hallmark and the reason thousands prefer to compete at Classic Company produced events each year. 

Sidelines Magazine is the Official Equestrian Lifestyle Magazine of the Gulf Coast and Classic Companies.

The Classic Company, Ltd. | PO Box 1311 | Johns Island, SC 29457 US

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