USA’s Jennifer Gates has purchased the 9 year old gelding New York at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. New York was ridden successfully by Juan Pablo Gnecco from OnlyJumpers.com and will now be ridden by Jennifer’s trainer, Hardin Towell.
“I love New York!”, said Jennifer Gates. “I am excited to have him be part of our team. Hardin and I watched New York compete with Juan Pablo all last year in California and Canada and we always loved the way he jumped. New York jumped his first Grand Prix’s when I was also jumping my first International Grand Prix’s. Many times we found ourselves together in award ceremonies, so we got to know him well! He is really great!”
New York, formerly known as Eurocommerce New York, was purchased a year ago by Juan Pablo Gnecco, Colombian rider. Juan Pablo and New York started their partnership in May on 1.30 classes and finished the year jumping 1.60 successfully. The pair placed 13 times in Grand Prix and FEI Ranking classes. They won two International Grand Prix competitions, one in Thermal, and one in Sacramento, California and placed 2nd in a World Cup Qualifier at 1.60m.
“It was an exciting year with New York.” Said Juan Pablo. “I bought New York in an auction as a 1.30 young horse, but the first time I rode him I knew he was a special one, for the bigger classes. It was exciting to move up and win with him at the Grand Prix level.”
New York is a son of KWPN’s number one stallion, Verdi, Olympic and European Championship medalist ridden by Michael van der Vleuten. New York was successful as a young horse at the Eurocommerce Stables ridden by Gerco Schroeder.
“New York’s name as a foal was Bon Ami, and this is exactly what he was for me: a good friend that helped me win”, said Juan Pablo. “It is always hard to say good bye to a great friend and a special horse, but I know that Jenn and Hardin will take good care of him. I am excited to see New York have a successful career with them and will enjoy watching him in the ring.”
Source: Only Jumpers