For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Marty Bauman – 508-878-2394, Marty@Classic-Communications.com

Lake Placid, NY – July 4, 2025 – Vanessa Hood (ISR) won the $32,000 FEI 3* Speed Class presented by Purina Animal Nutrition, Friday’s featured class at the I Love New York Horse Show, Week 2 of the 2025 Lake Placid Horse Shows (LPHS), Sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, LLC, and Presented by Sea Shore Stables, LLC. Hood claimed the win over a 19-horse field at the newly renovated North Elba Showgrounds. The horse shows, sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), continue through Sunday, July 6.

Only eight entries were able to ride clean over the 15-effort one-round course designed by Alan Wade (IRL). Riding seventh in the order, Philip McGuane (IRL) took the lead when he rode My Lady Van De Krekel, Evergate Stables LLC’s 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, to a clean ride in 68.94 seconds. McGuane’s lead held for 10 rides until Brian Moggre (USA) finished clean in 68.76 seconds on Qatar Van D’Oude Pastory, McLain Ward’s 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. Riding last, Hood blazed over the course on Take Two LLC’s 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cascalretto, finishing clean in 68.38 seconds to earn the win. 

Vanessa Hood (ISR) and Cascalretto © KindMedia

Moggre finished second and McGuane third, followed by Beat Mandli (SUI) who finished clean in 69.64 seconds on Grant Road Partners LLC’s 10-year-old Italian Sport Horse mare Kay Grey.

“I actually got to talk with Philip about his round, and he said he maybe had done one too many strides. This is such a big ring that you can get lost, so I just told myself to be efficient and stick with my plan,” Hood said. “He’s a fast horse, and he just needs me to stay with him and give him what he needs.

 “I first came here maybe 25 years ago,” she added. “It’s always been an iconic show, and it’s great to see the new rings. It’s a huge improvement, and I see a bright future for Lake Placid.”

Bluman and Phelina De Septon © KindMedia

Fine By Me, owned by Jeanine Cash and shown by Caitlin Venezia White, took top honors in the Open Division of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Perfect Products. Fine By Me, who showed in the Performance 3’3” division, had scores of 92.00 in both rounds for a total of 184.00 to take the win. Placing second with a two-round total of 182.00, was Imperial’s High Altitude, owned by Debbie Bianco and shown by Michael Desiderio. Third went to Sakura, owned by Beyaert Farm and shown by Caitlin Boyle. They had a two-round score of 179.00.

The Junior/Amateur Division was won by Lagerfield, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and shown by Kenzie Smith. They had a two-round score of 173.00. Mirage, also owned by Rossetter and shown by Smith, placed second with a two-round score of 170.00. Third went to Charolette, owned and shown by Victoria Valiquette. They had a two-round score of 169.00.

L: Caitlin Venezia White and Fine By Me. R: Kenzie Smith and Lagerfeld. © KindMedia

Located in the historic Olympic town of Lake Placid, NY, the annual LPHS offer two weeks of exciting equestrian competition in a setting no other horse show can match, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains and the chance to enjoy countless activities that help make the Lake Placid Horse Shows, “The Best Two Weeks of a Horseman’s Summer!” LPHS hosts competitions for riders of all levels and ages ranging from young children on polished ponies, to glistening hunters, to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Each show day, LPHS action starts at 8:00 a.m., with classes running simultaneously in four spectacular, new show rings.

Competition continues throughout the week with many familiar features and a new FEI CSI3* division. FEI highlights for the I Love New York Horse Show (July 1-6) include Wednesday’s $5,000 Purina 3* Two-Phase, Thursday’s $45,000 Wölffer Estate 3* Welcome Stake, Friday’s $32,000 Speed Class presented by Purina Animal Nutrition, and Saturday’s $100,000 Richard Feldman Memorial Grand Prix CSI3*. 

Exhibitors in every division are competing on newly renovated showgrounds, which include reconstructed show rings with state-of-the-art all-weather footing installed by Travis Gould and his JTWG, Inc. team, who are working closely with horse show manager Allen Rheinheimer. Improvements have also been made to the stabling and schooling areas, with more to come as part of a multi-year plan. Highlights include a resurfaced all-weather grand prix ring, an expanded Jumper 2 Ring, two new hunter rings and a dedicated FEI exercise ring.

Fun Activities at the Horse Show
With a variety of things to do for the entire family both on and off the showgrounds, it’s no wonder that Lake Placid is home to one of exhibitors’ favorite shows in the U.S. There is also a lot for spectators to enjoy with superb shopping in the boutique vendor area featuring local Adirondack artists, products, clothing and apparel, as well as real estate, photography, a variety of equine-related shops, official Lake Placid Horse Shows commemorative sportswear and merchandise, and an assortment of dining options. The horse shows also host their Best Dressed Barns competition sponsored by KindMedia.

The highly popular Doggie Costume Contest, sponsored by Man and Beast, is returning for its 32nd year on Saturday, July 5, at 12:00 noon! Everyone in town is invited to bring a leashed dog in costume to participate free of charge, with free admission to the horse show that day for those participating in the doggie contest!

Admission to the horse shows is $6.00 per person per day Wednesday through Friday and $10.00 per person per day on Saturday and Sunday.

Fun Activities in Lake Placid

There are endless activities to do away from the horse show while in the Lake Placid region, making it the ideal vacation spot for families coming to the horse shows. Outdoor activities include kayaking, tubing, hiking, fishing, boating, cycling, paddling, rock climbing, swimming, golf and so much more. The quaint town of Lake Placid also has a wide variety of shops and a plethora of restaurants, and the Fourth of July celebrations are famous in Lake Placid with a parade down Main Street followed by electrifying fireworks over Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is a horse show that the whole family can enjoy!

Upcoming events during the second week’s I Love New York Horse Show include:

Thursday, July 3 – $45,000 Wölffer Estate FEI 3* Welcome Stake; 1.40m Speed Challenge; 1.30m Open Jumper Class; Young Jumpers 6 & 7 Yr. Olds; Capri Pants 1.20m Amateur Jumper Class; $1,000 Green Hunter Incentive 3’-3’3”; Dover Saddlery USEF Hunter Seat Medal; ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay; Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal; NEHC Junior Hunt Seat; Various Hunter & Jumper Classes

Friday, July 4 – $32,000 FEI 3* Speed Class presented by Purina Animal Nutrition; $5,000 1.25m Jumper Classic; $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Perfect Products; THIS National Children’s Medal Classes; Various Hunter & Jumper Classes

Saturday, July 5 – Kathy Scholl Equitation Classic; $5,000 Great American Insurance Group 1.35m Jumper Stake; $5,000 1.25m Junior Jumper Classic; $5,000 Cambria Lake Placid 1.25m Amateur Jumper Classic; Ariat Adult Medal, USEF Adult Equitation; NAL Children’s Hunter Classic; Marshall & Sterling USEF Pony Equitation – Small, Medium and Large; The Clothes Horse Parade of Champions (3:40 PM); $100,000 FEI 3* Richard Feldman Memorial Grand Prix (4:00 PM); Various Hunter & Jumper Classes

Sunday, July 6 – $10,000 Crowne Plaza Lake Placid 1.35m SJHOF Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic; $15,000 Eastern Hay 1.45m SJHOF Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic; $25,000 Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism 1.45m Jumper Classic; $5,000 1.15m Junior Jumper Classic presented by The Hooker Family; NAL/WIHS Amateur Jumper Classic; NAL Adult Amateur Hunter Classic presented by Essex Classics; WIHS Pony Equitation; Various Hunter & Jumper Classes

Many sponsors and supporters have joined with LPHS to undertake this significant effort to upgrade the showgrounds and invest in the future of the LPHS. This joint effort of dedicated equestrians, the Town of North Elba, and local Lake Placid supporters will continue to foster equestrian excellence, family fun and community bonds in the heart of the picturesque Adirondacks. LPHS would like to thank our partners who have joined us in this effort, including The Bainbridge Companies LLC, Sea Shore Stables LLC, Cambria Hotel Lake Placid, Charles Ancona, Classic Communications, ClipMyHorse, Community Bank NA, Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, Eastern Hay, Empire Merchants North/1800 Tequila, Essex Classics, FarmVet, Inc., Great American Insurance Group, Hampton Inn, Hollow Brook Wealth Management, Horseflight, JTWG, Inc., K&L Ribbon Wreaths, KindMedia, Lake Placid Flower & Gift Co., Lukens Horse Transportation, Inc., Marina Samad, Mirror Lake Inn/The Cottage Café, Mrs. Pastures Cookies, Perfect Products, Purina Animal Nutrition, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Saratoga, Saratoga Horseworks, Show Jumps LLC, STX, The Clothes Horse, The Hooker Family, W&B Golf Carts, Wölffer Estate Vineyard

LPHSA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that runs the Lake Placid Horse Show, a hallmark of the summer equestrian season which presents two weeks of world-class competition at the historic North Elba Showgrounds in Lake Placid, New York. Attracting top riders and horses from across the globe, the shows feature prestigious hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, including FEI-rated events. Steeped in tradition and set against the stunning backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, the Lake Placid Horse Show, a USEF Heritage competition, offers a unique blend of high-level equestrian sport and family-friendly entertainment, contributing significantly to the region’s economy and community spirit. All donations are tax-deductible (TIN: 82-5074078). Further information for exhibitors, spectators, sponsors, and donors is available at www.lakeplacidhorseshows.org or by calling 518-523-9625.