The Martin McAllister Team Jumps Into 2010
Horses and riders with Martin McAllister Training, led by Steve and Jenni McAllister, wrapped up a successful 2009 show year and jumped successfully into 2010. Before heading to Thermal for the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit, MMT celebrated its various year-end champions. Hallie Caraccoilo and Waldo were forces to be reckoned with in the Adult Amateur Jumpers throughout the year and they finished as reserve champions with PCHA. Marnco’s two horses, Glados and On The Town earned PCHA champion and reserve champion in the Amateur Owner Jumpers, as well as USHJA Zone 10 honors. Madeleine Holmes rode Carlo Carlando to a reserve champion finish in the LAHJA Low Children’s/ Adult Jumpers.
In the first three weeks of the Desert Circuit, MMT horses and riders showed they were primed to win right out the gate. Caraccoilo earned ribbons all three weeks with her two Adult Amateur Jumpers, Waldo and Dominick. She bought Waldo at the end of the 2008 Desert Circuit. “Jenni, Steve and I looked at a lot of horses before we found Waldo. He has just the sweetest disposition and he is so careful and quick to respond in the ring. I just love him!” said Caraccoilo of her four-legged partner. She hopes to keep steadily progressing while keeping her horses sound and happy. “I very much enjoy riding with Steve and Jenni. Their easy-going style, along with their ability to actually connect with each individual horse and rider in their program, makes going to the barn and riding everyday a rewarding experience in more ways than one.”
Christina Caruso, another amateur rider in the MMT program, piloted her Jinsara to ribbons in various Low Adult Jumper classes throughout the first three weeks of Thermal. Justine Pierret joined the team for the first half of the circuit and leased Majuscule, where the pair won a $1,000 Children’s/ Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, and earned top finishes in their other classes. Junior rider Brittany Albrecq recently joined the MMT team with her horse, Union Jack, which she purchased from the McAllisters last summer. Albrecq moved up to the 3'6" ranks and posted solid ribbons in several Children’s Jumper classes and the USEF Talent Search.
With the Desert Circuit on a one week break, Steve McAllister returned to the MMT home base at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center where another group of horses and riders were showing at Gold Coast 1. “Operating out of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center has been a great benefit to us,” stated McAllister. “It is a great facility, convenient for our clients, and there are a dozen good quality shows right on the property.”
Assistant trainer Kris DiCarlo diligently prepared everyone at home for Gold Coast 1, and the results were proof. Nicolas Rossi riding Monsieur (Alexandra Stewart, owner) and Katie King on her Ocean Passage both earned top ribbons in the Low Children’s/ Adult Amateur Jumpers. Marnye Langer rode her two horses, Glados and Juanita, to solid ribbons in the Junior-Amateur Owner and 1.35 meter jumpers in preparation for the second half of the Desert Circuit.
As the final three weeks of the HITS Desert Circuit gets underway, Jenni Martin-McAllister got the ride on Riptide (Scott King, owner) for the remaining grands prix of the circuit. In addition, during the off week McAllister was asked to serve as one of a select few demonstration riders for George Morris as he taught a two day teaching clinic for the USHJA Trainer Symposium and Trainer Certification Program. Morris had high praise for McAllister’s riding and her ability to adapt to whatever situation she found herself in.
For more information on the Martin McAllister Training program, results, and show schedule, visit their website at: http://www.martinmcallistertraining.com.
