Gemino’s speed proves unbeatable as Colvin closes Traverse City Spring III with another victory.
Victoria Colvin found herself in the winner’s circle once again on Sunday, this time in the jumper ring, capturing the $20,000 1.40-1.45 Jumper Classic to close Traverse City Spring III. With her longtime partner Gemino, owned by BMT Partners, she bested the impressive jump-off field and kept her winning streak alive for the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
“He is a very fast horse,” Colvin said of Gemino, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “I’ve been riding him for about six years now, so we know each other really well, and his favorite class is the jump-off.”
With a seasoned partner she knows well, Colvin kept Gemino’s preparation simple despite the horse arriving just in time for the week.
“We only did a small class earlier in the week, and we were just focused on doing this class,” she explained. “We’re going to prepare to do some FEI a little later on, but he jumped really well and the course was super fun.”
With six clear rounds over Andy Christiansen’s track, Colvin had the benefit of seeing rounds before her, including that of Kent Farrington who piloted Dolores PS to a very quick clear in the jump-off. Colvin was able to increase the speed with Gemino and navigate the rollbacks slightly quicker than Farrington, ending up more than a second faster. Farrington finished in second while Kevin Gallagher took third aboard Michigan.
“In the jump-off there were a lot of rollbacks, which I don’t normally do with him, but he was quite good at them,” she shared. “This is actually a really fun class for him, a first class to get started and warmed up. It’s a good class to get them warmed up before jumping the really big stuff. But it’s competitive enough, and it’s fast and fun. It was a really fun jump-off.”
Colvin was equally complimentary of Gemino—known as “George” around the barn—and her experience at Flintfields Horse Park.
“George is perfect, and this is a wonderful horse show,” she concluded. “I’ve been having fun. This weather is perfect. It’s a beautiful facility, and they have very fun classes.”
Traverse City Spring IV picks back up on Wednesday, welcoming another week of CSI4* competition to conclude the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
