2/24/26 Wellington, FL - We've reached the mid-way point of our WEF season and the team momentum has yet to slow! Here are a few highlights from the week: Christina Padilla & Origenes Z, owned by Jasmine Becton, made this mares USA debut a special one, with a clear round and blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z finished 6th in the $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers AND 6th amongst a highly contested $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumper 18-35 class. Elodie Watrous & I Mose VLS put in their customary top placing performance, with a double clear and 4th place finish on the $1,500 1.20m Amateur Jumpers. Sharon Watrous & Greetings earned an 86 and 85 to finish 2nd and 4th over fences in the very competitive Low Adult Hunters. Jasmine Becton & My Girl put a solid performance down in the $1,500 1.10m Junior Jumpers 14 & Under for a double clear and 6th place finish. Elodie Watrous & Hero, secured an 8th place finish in the 1.30m Amateur Jumper Power and Speed. (Does he ever take a bad photo??) Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago took home 2nd, with Lady D close behind in 3rd in the 1.0m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over, later delivering a quick, double clear round with Lady D to take home 4th in the first 1.05m Amateur Jumper Classic 36 & Over. Not to be outdone, My Lady Carthago matched the energy, taking 7th and making it a banner day for the girl gang. See you next week!

2/24/26 - Mettawa, IL - Standout performances all around at Ledges this week, with the MHF North Show Team bringing home Champion/Reserve Champion Ribbons in 6 out of 6 divisions this weekend! Results include: Riley Boos & Bull Run's Testify made their partnership debut one to remember, storming into the week with a win in the .60 Puddle Jumper Classic, proving the match is already a powerful one. Riley Boos & Bull Run's Testify In her MHF debut and first ever horse show appearance, Mia Rittenhouse and Thumbelina set the tone in unforgettable fashion, riding to a beautifully earned Reserve Champion in the Short Stirrup Hunters and again in the Short Stirrup Equitation. A dream first outing, and the beginning of a very bright road ahead. In the Long Stirrup Division, Livvie Kinzelberg & Oliver claimed the Champion title in both the Hunter and Equitation divisions. . Gianna Belcher & Lollipop followed with Reserve Champion in both Hunter and Equitation Divisions, and a strong 3rd place in the Long Stirrup Classic, rounding out a standout division for the team. Samantha Wlazlo & Smitten Z delivered in the Beginner Adult Hunters, sweeping her divison for a Champion Ribbon AND winning the Beginner Adult Classic. Rounding out the weekend, Bennett Doran & Gregory stepped into a new height (2'6) with confidence, earning Reserve Champion of the Open Eq 17 & Under Division AND winning the coveted IHJA Mini Medal! Congratulations to all! Check out the galley of the weekend below.

3/1/26 Wellington, FL - As we enter the back half of the WEF show season, MHF riders are pressing on, with several "firsts" for our jumper ladies. Lauren Della Valle delivered a double dose of clear rounds in her move up to the 1.10m Schooling Jumpers, earning blue ribbons with My Lady Carthago and Lady D. She later earned 3rd place finish with My Lady Cathargo in their first $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over class together. Stepping into the Denemethy ring for the first time, Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z delivered, with a double clear and 4th place finish in the $1,500 1.10m Amateur Jumper 18-35 Power and Speed. Great first outing for Jasmine Becton and her newly imported mare, Origenes Z, delivering a double clear round in the .80m Low Child/Adult Amateur Training Jumpers. Federica Sciarra & Rio Bravo Abelina Z put down a great clear round for a blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Lei Schlitz & Cassini Royale put down a set of elegant, ribbon-earning rounds in the Adult Amateur Hunter 55 & Over. Sharon Watrous & Greetings close out the division on a high note, with an 84 and 2nd place finish in the Low Adult Hunters. See you at Week 10, the home stretch!

1/27/26 Mettawa, IL - MHF North's Show Team headed to Ledges "B" Show as winter tightened it's hold on the nation. Ever grateful for heated indoor arenas, the team brought home top honors all weekend, including: Nicholas Fink & Oliver, Champion Long Stirrup Adult Hunter Sharon Watrous & Altodetto FZ, Champions Limit Adult Hunter AND Equitation Bennett Doran & Gregary, Reserve Champions Beginner Children's Equitation (pictured right) Samantha Wlazlo & Smitten Z, Reserve Champion Beginner Adult Hunters (pictured left) Gianna Belcher & Lollipop, Champion Long Stirrup Children's Equitation Go team!!

2/20/2026, Wellington, FL - Staying dry and warm was the name of the game this week! But our MHF crew persevered with great results! Fearless leader, Freddle Vazquez & Hero started our week off with a double clear in the CDI2* $6,000 Chrome Horse Tequila 1.40m Two-Phase Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Cathargo took home 4th place in the 1.0m Amateur Jumpers 36 & Over Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z secured an 8th place finish in the $1500 1.10m Amateur Jumpers 18-35 Now for a well deserved week off from horse showing. See you back here soon for Week 7!

2/2/26 Wellington, FL - Our mighty team continued performing excellently at WEF this week even with some unusually cold weather blowing in towards the end of the week. Some highlights include: MHF South Program Director Katie Wood and Lucky Friday started us off with a 2nd and 3rd in the USHJA 2 Ft Hunters! In the 1.10m Schooling Jumpers, Katie Sonnenstein aboard Fortune RZ and Federica Sciarra aboard Abelina Z brought home blue ribbons! Lauren Della Valle & Lady D kicked off their new partnership with a double clear in the Low Child/Ault Amateur Training Jumpers and later the .90 Training Jumpers. Carolyn Lucky & Lucky Friday delivered a WINNING USHJA 2ft Hunter Round Not to be left out, Elodie Watrous & Hero showed us o=how it's done in the 1.30m amateur jumpers. New MHF Team Member Christina Padilla & VDL Kirado wasted no time making an impression with a 6th in the 1.40m Grand Prix at the Ridge. PC: Equinium Marketing Grace Albarran & Nabucco W delivered a gorgeous round in the Low Adult Hunters for 1st place! This pair also earned a 3rd later in the week! Lauren Della Valle continued putting in clear rounds with My Lady Cathargo in the 1.0m Amateur Jumper 36 & Over for the win and taking home Reserve Champion of the division later in the week! Elodie Watrous & I Mose VLS lit up the 1.20m Amateur Jumpers, taking home an impressive 2nd place ribbon! Brand new to the MHF Show Team, Jasmine Becton & My Girl flew around the 1.10m Junior Jumper 14 & Under, earning a 6th place ribbon! Lei Schlitz & Cassini Royale put in a stylish round in the Adult Amateurs 55 & Over, earning a respectable 80 and a 3rd place ribbon!

1/20/2026, Wellington, Fl - If Week One was defined by power and precision, Week Two unfolded with elegance and grace as MHF’s hunters took center stage. Week 2 Results Jodi Vazquez & Cassini Royale, scored in the 80s in the USHJA 3ft Hunters and setting the tone early in the week. Freddie Vazquez & Fortune R Z continued to bring home the blue ribbons with another clear round in the 1.15m Open Jumpers. With Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z following up that performance with a clear round and blue ribbon in the 1.0m Training Jumpers. Moving back to the hunter ring, Grace Albarron & Nabucco W showcased rhythm and polish in the Low Adult Hunters, posting scores in the 80s and finishing 7th and 8th in a deep competitive class. And Lindsay Streich & Highlighter showed off in the Grand Hunter Ring in the Adult Amateur Hunters 36-54. (Those knees! 😍). We'll take a little break and see you back here for Week 4!

1/11/2026, Wellington, FL - Each winter, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) draws the sport’s most accomplished riders, elite horses, and premier programs to Wellington, Florida for twelve weeks of top-tier international competition. Known for its depth of talent, electric atmosphere, and career-defining moments, WEF is where seasons are shaped and standards are set. This year, Messenger Hill opened the 2026 circuit with intention and momentum—laying a confident foundation for the weeks ahead. WEF 1 Results Carolyn Lucky & Lucky Friday kicked off their partnership with a successful first outing, putting in consistent rounds and picking up well deserved ribbons in the 2ft Junior/Amateur Hunters. Elodie Watrous came back from college for the weekend, and didn't miss a beat, laying down a solid double clear in the 1.30m Amateur Jumpers with Hero and coming back later in the week for an 8th place finish in the $15,000 NAL 1.35m Amateur Jumper Classic. A sharp, forward ride from Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthage earned a well-deserved 3rd place finish in the 1.0m Amateur Jumper 36 & Over and 4th place in the $1,595 1.05m Amateur Jumper Classic (36 & Over). Elodie Watrous & I Mose VLS stepped it up with a smooth, strong ride to take 5th in the $1,500 Adult Amateur Modified Jumper Power and Speed. Stay tuned for WEF 2 next week!

11/16/25, Wellington, FL - We are all (kind of) obsessed with Hero. And for good reason. With our fearless leader, Freddie Vazquez, in the irons, they were definitely the subject of some "Oh, who's that?" at the horse show this week. Here they are, earning 3rd place in the $1,000 CSI 3* Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Power and Speed on Thursday. Then delivering a tidy round in the $62,000 Arthramid CSI 3* Grand Prix Qualifier, earning their place in Sunday’s $120,000 Zycosan CSI 3* Grand Prix. And here they are in the GP on Sunday. 😍 "He always lives up to his name…. Who doesn’t need a Hero as you walk into the loneliest, most intimidating place in the WEF showgrounds, “The International Arena," says Freddie. "He has a way about him where confidence and calmness set in as you trot under the famous International Bridge and pick up the canter to head to that first fence! He’s truly a Super Hero! I'm so grateful to Joyride, always supportive friends, partners, and clients, for opportunities to sit on horses like this."

November 9, 2025, Wellington, FL - Pre-WEF Shows are underway at our beautiful Messenger Hill South location, Nature's Point. These next few shows are a warm up for the real goal of the year, the Winter Equestrian Festival. Horse and rider teams from all over the world will come to Wellington from January - March to decide who gets bragging rights, and who has homework for next year! Highlights of the week: Jodi Vazquez & Lola set the tone for the Florida season with a 1st and 2nd over fences in the USHJA 2’9” Hunters. Katie Sonnenstein & Fortune R Z were fortunate all week with quick rounds and top placings to earn themselves Champion of the 1.0m Junior Jumper division. Absolute perfection for this winning pair as Lauren Della Valle & My Lady Carthago earn top honors and Champion of the 1.0m Amateur Jumper division. Jodi Vazquez & Cassini Royale start the day on a high note, taking home the blue in the Warm-Up Hunters. Lindsay Streich & Highlight were the highlight of the Child/Adult Amateur Hunters, closing out the weekend as Champions of the division.

11/20/25 Mettawa, IL - Parents! You've been asking what brand of hairnet is the best and which spurs your kids really need so here is the whole list! Buy any of these items for the equestrian in your life and they'll be thrilled! HAIRNETS FOR ALL!: These " no knot" hairnets are the easiest to use. And when they inevitably become gross, they won't hurt the bank to just get a new one. Note: They come in all hair colors. Make sure you get the right color! .Crop: Just about any crop that you pick out on Amazon will do. But if you want a recommendation, this Huntley crop in size 18 in is nice. They come in a variety of colors but if you are thinking about taking it to a horse show, choose black. Spurs: If Lindsey keeps putting spurs on your kid to ride Sparky, she'd probably love for your child to come in with a pair of these spurs from Stubben ! They are her favorite spurs because they are effective, but round and soft. Don't forget to get spur straps! Gloves: These show gloves from Kunkle are the best bang for your buck. They are grippy and long-lasting. You can buy them at the link provided, or Lindsey can get them for you locally. Need more ideas? Email us at info@messengerhillfarm.com We LOVE to help people shop! 😉

11/19/25 Mettawa, IL - Our small, but mighty MHF North Show Team came home from the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association Awards Banquet with all the ribbons (and even a massive trophy!). Jayme Hoffberg & Edward Z — Champion Beginner Adult Hunter, Champion Beginner Adult Equitation, recipients of the Informant Perpetual Trophy for the most points in the Beginner Adult division, and Reserve Champion in the Low Hunters. Samantha Walzo & Smitten Z — Reserve Champion Limit Adult Hunter and 3rd in Beginner Adult Equitation. Isabella Pereira & Bull Runs Testify — 3rd in the Beginner Children’s Hunter. Bennett Doran & Thumbelina — 3rd in the Schooling 2ft Hunters and 4th in Limit Children’s Equitation. Congratulations to all!