A Developing Jump-Off Strategy Pays Dividends for the Longtime Partnership
Among a competitive field of international athletes, Spencer Smith (USA) found his stride with Keeneland in the $116,500 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel CSI4* Grand Prix on Saturday during the second week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. The entire jump-off field left all the rails in place, turning the class into a race against the clock.
“I have such a good horse here with Keeneland,” Smith remarked of the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Carmena Z x Quattro 7). “I’m working on jump-off turns with him and getting better every round. He’s jumped a lot of Nations Cups and double clears but we haven’t gone so fast so we’re building on that every year.”
With five other extremely fast pairs to face over Meghan Rawlins’ short course, Smith tried not to compare his plan to others’ and trusted the partnership he’s built with Keeneland. With a few still to come after his round, he was able to retain his lead as the class came to a close.
“I was trying to ride my plan as best I could,” he explained. “I’m trying to push a little more to go faster because to beat these super fast riders you need to or else you’re always in the middle of the pack.”
Just behind Smith in second place was Charlise Casas (USA) aboard Kanny-Fee. Only four one-hundredths of a second behind her, Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) rounded out the all-American podium with Lorona.
While riding a horse like Keeneland, who is co-owned by Ashland Farms, Storm Ridge Capital, and Don Stewart, provides Smith with a great deal of confidence, he doesn’t take anything for granted. “I think every day is pressure,” he said about riding a horse of Keeneland’s caliber. “With these good horses it’s such a nice opportunity to ride them, so I have to make the most of it every time.”
Smith is on the front end of a long stint in Northern Michigan, dedicating several months of his summer to Traverse City Horse Shows. He plans to take advantage of all the highlights the schedule has to offer throughout the season.
“It’s such a great show,” he said of TCHS. “This is a great place to be in the summer. It’s beautiful. Amazing ground, amazing footing, great jumps, great management, nothing is better.”
Competition concludes for the week on Sunday with the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
Feature Photo: Spencer Smith (USA) and Keeneland clear the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel oxer on their way to victory in the $116,500 Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel CSI4* Grand Prix during week two of the Traverse City Spring Series. Photo © Natalie Suto Photography
