Press release from Highland Horse Show, edited by World of Showjumping

Let’s Fly lived up to his name in the $32,000 Stoneleaf CSI3* 1.45m Jumper Classic on Friday at the Silo Ridge Masters, when the Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard guided the 9-year-old Dutch-bred gelding to a win from a 10-horse jump-off. 

Highland Horse Show features two weeks of elite show jumping and immersive entertainment in the idyllic Hudson Valley of New York. The Silo Ridge Masters CSI3* runs through October 5 before the Highlands Cup – featuring Major League Show Jumping – takes center stage October 8 through 12. 

“I had the time to win yesterday but got a little ahead of myself trying to go too fast and had one down. Today, I wanted to let him go at his own speed,” said Ballard of Let’s Fly (Fly x Phin Phin), a horse she has been developing for a year on behalf of owner Roaring Fork Farm. “He’s fast and a great turner. He gives me one billion percent every single time and today he gave me two.”

Let’s Fly, who crossed the timers in 38.33 seconds, is ultimately destined to be the mount of owner Djuna Lauder, who is currently focused on her studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Ballard said, “I get the opportunity to ride him, and I can’t wait to cheer her on when she’s back.”

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza piloted her own Summerhouse (Guidam Sohn x Indoctro) to within striking distance of the lead in 38.63 seconds but settled for second. Jonathan McCrea (USA) took third riding Chaccotilino PS (Chacco-Blue x Centadel) in 38.84 seconds for owner Windsor Show Stables.

When asked about her debut experience at the Silo Ridge Masters, Ballard noted, “This is what a boutique horse show is supposed to be like—it’s a great atmosphere. I watched it on TV last year and knew there was no way I was missing it this year. We do many circuits, but not many horse shows, so you have ones that are really special and this one tops the list,” she concluded.