Lexington, KY – December 8, 2015 – After a year and a half competing in Europe and working with Emile and Paul Hendrix in the Netherlands, Lauren Hester brought new knowledge, experience, and her string of horses back to southern California in September 2014. Just over a year has passed, not only with remarkable results but with a recent move from Rancho Santa Fe, CA to Lexington, KY. Along with her family, horses, dogs, cats and all their trimmings, Lauren is now based in bluegrass country. With acres of pastures and places to ride, brand new arenas – indoor and outdoor – and new horse shows to explore, 2015 will close her West Coast-based career and 2016 will open an East Coast adventure.
Lauren Hester and Daister L. Photo by ESI
Horse Show Highlights
Upon returning from Europe, Lauren hit the California show circuit in November 2014 heading to the HITS Thermal National Sunshine Series where she and Abigail placed 6th in a field of 63 in the Sunshine Welcome Grand Prix.
Her show season continued in February and March, with the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit, after which she traveled to Europe to look for new prospects and a replacement for Abigail, who was then recovering from surgery. She immediately clicked with a 9-year-old mare named Clueless P (Chloe), who looks very much like her mare Warinde B (Ella), a nice addition to the bay mares at Hester Equestrian.
While there, she and Paul Hendrix put the 2-year-old colts and the 3-year-old fillies through their first free jump. Very pleased with their progress, the two fillies have been sent to another facility to be broken under saddle and started in training. The two colts, also making outstanding progress, will follow them next year.
After finishing the Desert Circuit with notable successes, particularly with her
six-year-old Lorstakov (Ralph), Lauren gave the horses a break while preparing for a busy May. Beginning the month at the Del Mar National Horse Show, Lauren and Warinde B finished 8th out of 29 competitors in the $100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, and 9th in the $25,000 Surfside Grand Prix. At Showpark Ranch & Coast, Lauren and Wender were one of only five clear rounds to finish 4th in the $25,000 Markel Insurance 1.40m Grand Prix.
Lauren Hester and Warinde B at the 2015 Del Mar National
At the end of the month Lauren competed in the LA Saddlery Grand Prix, the first high performance show jumping event held at the new Paso Robles Horse Park. Lauren and Warinde B were the last of an accomplished group of competitors to go, and with the only double clear round clinched the win. And to add to the excitement of the sponsors, she did it dressed in fashionable LA Saddlery attire!
To round out the Central California Classic at Paso Robles, the second week ended with the CWD Grand Prix. Lauren executed the course flawlessly, with clear rounds on both Warinde B and Arly, a catch ride given to Lauren by Enrique Gonzales of E2 Stables. In the jump-off, Lauren and Warinde B set a pace that couldn’t be caught throughout the jump off. Making history together, this pair won the first two Grands Prix events at Paso Robles Horse Park.
Hilaur Farm Opens In Lexington
Winding up her 2015 West Coast show circuit with the Showpark Summer Festival in July, and a second place in the GGT-Footing Grand Prix Series, Lauren set her sights on Lexington, Kentucky, where she and her family were planning a move from their 4-acre facility to 102 acres. Finding a beautiful location nestled among old horse farms on the iconic Russell Cave Road, only minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park, the Hesters purchased what is now Hilaur Farm, named for Lauren and her sister, Hilary.
After their move this past September, Lauren and her family immediately began building and remodeling projects that will make this an ideal year-round facility for Hester Equestrian plus more. A brand new 8-stall barn adjacent to the new indoor ring with full use of the new European walker and new outdoor arena, 16 gorgeous grass turnouts, plus a large apartment rental option, will be available in the Spring of 2016.
The recently fenced 150 x 250 outdoor arena and a 100 x 200 indoor arena both feature GGT footing. And with a six horse 72′ European walker and round pen now complete, Hilaur Farm will be equipped for any season.
With distinct attention to detail, from the main entrance pillars to the new stall doors that let the horses’ heads hang out, the new wash stall, beautifully decorated offices, plus tack and laundry rooms, the 18-stall main barn at Hilaur Farms is already in full use, complete with a pair of enthusiastic Australian shepherd puppies that eagerly greet all visitors!
The horses have settled in comfortably, an outstanding staff is in place, and Lauren has already taken horses to the new Tryon International Equestrian Center in September, where Wender won two 1.35m classes and ended up 1.35m champion, Chloe was second in the 1.40m, and Lorstakov performed beautifully, placing every day in the young horse classes.
Most recently in the Atlanta Fall Classic held in the Olympic venue in Roswell, Georgia, Chloe won the 1.40m on the first day of week one, was fourth in the $7500 Welcome Class, and placed third in the Grand Prix. Wender was third in the 1.40m class on day one, sixth in the $7500 Welcome Class, and in week two he won the 1.40m and placed seventh in the $7500 Welcome Class. Ralph placed in all of his 1.30m open classes and put in his best jumping performances to date.
As the winter approaches, Lauren will be preparing for new adventures as she plans her show schedule. She will also be available to coach and train a select group of clients.
The Hesters, Hester Equestrian and Hilaur Farm wish all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to a fabulous 2016.
For more information, please contact Hester Equestrian at (858)735-8276 or online.