Bauersachs and Bodo Are Brilliant on Saturday at Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular

July 13, 2024 - Stillwater, NY

Jen Bauersachs rode Minturn Mile to victory in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.
Photo by Dashing Paws Photography
Bauersachs and Minturn Mile in their presentation with Angie Pomponio and Jesus Villalon.
Photo by Dashing Paws Photography
Alexis Bodo and Harry’s Chat Girl Z won the $25,000 Winslow Grand Prix.
Photo by Dashing Paws Photography
Alexis Bodo and Harry’s Chat Girl Z are honored in their winning presentation for the Winslow Grand Prix with Leann Kelly’s family and friends.
Photo by Dashing Paws Photography
Mimi Moulton and Tradition were the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champions.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography
In the $1,000 Non-Pro Hunter Derby, Maya Green and her own Best Jordan Do Feroleto took home the first-place prize.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

The 2024 Saratoga Women In Business (WIB) Spectacular continued on Saturday, July 13, with two highlight classes: the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the new $25,000 Winslow Grand Prix, named in memory of Leann Kelly. Jen Bauersachs of Frenchtown, NJ, led the derby victory gallop on Caroline Kellogg’s Minturn Mile, while Alexis Bodo and Harry’s Chat Girl Z, owned by Sweet Oak Farm, were fastest to win the grand prix.

The Saratoga WIB Spectacular, held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY, is the first-ever horse show created by women, operated by women, benefitting women’s health, and showcasing businesswomen throughout the equestrian industry and beyond.

The $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby was held in a “Hunt and Go” format, where the first half of the course is a hunter classic style, while the second half of the course is the handy portion.

Bauersachs and Minturn Mile had a score of 86 in the classic portion of the course and received 90 in the handy half for a total of 176. Second place went to Holly Orlando on Soane, owned by James Anderson with a total of 175. Halie Robinson rode Tangled Up In Blue, owned by 3P Equine Partners LLC, to third place on a total score of 169.

Minturn Mile (named after a popular ski run in Colorado) is known as “Kodiak” in the barn – because he’s a big teddy bear – and was imported from Germany two years ago to be an amateur hunter for Kellogg. “There was just something about him when we saw him in Europe,” said Bauersachs. “He rides so light in the bridle and has such a big stride. Everything can be so slow, and he’s so scopey that I thought he would be a good match for her.

“He’s not intended to be a derby horse for me, but it’s fun to do once in a while,” continued Bauersachs, who said this was only the second derby that Kodiak has done. “She’s not showing this week, so he’s not doing two divisions. It was fun to do this derby. I really enjoy riding him. He’s one of my favorites – if I can say that!”

Heading onto the course, Bauersachs felt that she rode slow to the first jump and had a slight rub but then continued with a smooth ride throughout the remainder of the ride.

“The lines rode nicely, and I liked the course,” she noted. “There was nothing trappy or tricky, but you had to show some scope and galloping. There were some turn options, which I always enjoy because I like to do that. I was able to do those turns, and he was also very good at that. The tricky part was getting the trot in time, but it all worked out.”

Bauersachs has been a regular at Saratoga Horse Shows, including when it was at a previous showground at the racetrack in Saratoga Springs. When she showed her groom the old showgrounds, she was surprised to see what a small space it occupied.

“It was only ten acres,” she remarked. “This current showground is really special. The footing is great here. They really care, and they do a great job. Patrick Rodes is always around. Adele really tries so hard, and it shows. It’s really appreciated, and I love coming here.”

Bodo Dominates Grand Prix

Alexis Bodo, who is based in Wellington, FL, and Nashville, TN, made the trip to Saratoga Horse Shows for the first time a winning one. She and Harry’s Chat Girl Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide mare by Houston x Chatman, were one of two in the jump-off. Although they had a rail, their time of 40.979 seconds was fast enough for the win.

Second place went to Grace Shipman on her own Di Dali, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Diero Lux N, who had four faults in the jump-off in 42.418 seconds. Bodo also picked up third place on her own Quotation, an eight-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding by Chacco-Blue and was fourth on Timeless, an eight-year-old Warmblood mare by Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve – “She’s the spicy one in the barn. Every time we put her in the spotlight, she steps up.” Both had fourth faults in the first round.

She said of Quotation, “I have owned the horse since he was two years old. He was developed in Europe and did all the young horse classes. I rode him in February there, and then we brought him over to the U.S. two months ago. He is a superstar. He’s one to watch for the future.”

Bodo felt that the grand prix course suited “Harriet” and used the class to smooth out the ride. “Harriet is always thinking forward, so I just have to put my leg on and hold against,” she said. “I liked that there were options in the jump-off.”

Bodo and Harriet have only been together for six weeks. “Sweet Oak Farm owns her, and they were nice enough to send her to me to keep developing her,” said Bodo, who jumped double clear with Harriet in the CSI2* grand prix in Tryon, NC. “She’s exceeded all expectations. We get along really well, and she’s my type, with energy and opinionated. We click really well together. I understand her, and she gets me.”

Bodo made the decision to make a tour of shows in the Northeast in order to attend horse shows where she could develop her younger horses.

“I think this is a great place to do it,” she confirmed. “The courses all week have been set appropriately for the class size and the competition. Everything walked really nicely and spot on. We heard a lot of good things about Saratoga. I’m originally from here, so it’s like coming back home for me.”

Bodo’s Coronation Farm is predominately a sales business that develops young hunters and derby horses to buy and sell, which “supports the show jumping,” said Bodo. “I do everything by myself and have some amazing sponsors and investors along the way.” Bodo also has several clients, including Parker Levy, who competes in the junior divisions and is indispensable to Bodo in the barn. “She’s like a mini barn manager,” she said with a smile.

Bodo appreciated that the Saratoga WIB Spectacular is an all-woman-run show. “It’s not something you’ve ever seen before,” she remarked. “Everyone is so friendly, respectful, patient, and organized here. No one is rushing you to go from ring to ring. They’re thoughtful and go above and beyond in the customer service department. We will definitely be coming back. It almost feels like being at home because it’s so relaxed. I cannot express how much we enjoy it here.”

Friends and family gathered at the show to remember and celebrate the life of Leann Kelly and were on hand to cheer the grand prix competitors.

The Saratoga Women In Business Spectacular concludes on Sunday, July 14, with a full schedule of competition including multiple grand championships.

Looking for horse show photos? Visit official photographer Dashing Paws Photography at www.DashingPaws.net to view all of your show proofs!

For more information on the Saratoga Horse Shows, visit www.saratogahorseshows.com.

About Saratoga Horse Shows

Now in its 26th year, Saratoga Horse Shows will offer nine USEF-rated competitions on the 2024 show calendar, along with an additional seven schooling show dates. Managed by Southbound Saratoga Management Group and held at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York, Saratoga Horse Shows is situated on more than 100 acres and located eight miles from downtown Saratoga Springs. With eight large arenas featuring state-of-the-art drainage and all-weather performance footing, permanent and tented stabling, and turnout paddocks, it is the ideal place to show during the spring and summer months. Visit www.saratogahorseshows.com to learn more.