Lexington, KY – October 12, 2015 – Equis Boutique, a luxury shopping experience for the discerning equestrian, awarded coveted “Best Presented Horse” honors to Molly Ashe and Balou’s Day Date this weekend after Thursday’s FEI Horse Inspection at Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Bourbon International CSI 3* in Lexington, KY.
Ashe and Balou’s Day Date, owned by Louisburg Farm, took part in FEI competition at Split Rock Jumping Tour’s second 3* event this year after its premiere show, the Lexington International CSI 3*, kicked off in May. In addition to the Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse Award”, Ashe and her 10-year-old Oldenburg Mare (Balou Du Rouet x Linda-Dolores) placed fifth in Sunday’s $100,000 CSI3* Grand Prix against a starting field of 36.
Molly Ashe and Balou’s Day Date accept the Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse” Award from Carolina Ceruti of Equis Boutique during the 2015 Bourbon International CSI 3* at Split Rock Jumping Tour.
Equis Boutique is the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equestrian brands to dress the horse and rider, including Parlanti, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, Dy’on, specialty imported bits, as well as Official FEI and Just World International merchandise. Continuing their dedication to excellence in all areas of horse sport, Equis Boutique has devoted their presence at North American horse shows to enhancing the importance and prestige of the FEI Horse Inspection.
Ashe’s award commended the overall turnout of both her and her horse after evaluation by the Split Rock Jumping Tour FEI Ground Jury, made up of Jenny Ross-Koning (USA), Bobby Murphy (USA), Leslie Brown (USA), and led by President Jonathan Taylor (CAN).
She and Balou’s Day Date were presented with a commemorative silver plate, as well as assorted products from Equis partner brands for the honor.
“This is a cool award because it’s really a shout-out to the caretakers of the horses,” said Ashe. “They don’t always get the appreciation or thanks that they deserve, so this is huge fun for the grooms.”
Balou’s Day Date is meticulously cared for by Louisburg Farm groom Ezequiel Remigio, who took her over at the end of the 2015 season in Florida. “You could see how proud he was to earn the award – she [Balou’s Day Date] can do no wrong in his eyes,” added Ashe.
Ashe and Balou’s Day Date picked up their fifth-place ribbon on Sunday over a big, difficult course from designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). “She’s a feisty little horse with a huge heart and I’m proud of her,” said Ashe. “She gives it her all every time out and she tried hard.”
The Bourbon International was the final horse show of 2015 for Ashe and Balou’s Day Date. The mare now gets a well-deserved break before Ashe’s string spends the winter competing in Florida. “We have done a lot this year and I think this winter Balou’s Day Date will do the 1.50m and 1.45m FEI classes at WEF – that seems to be her niche.”
Equis Boutique was founded in 2014 by FEI judges Elena Couttenye and Cesar Hirsch, and in addition to creating a mobile, one-stop shopping opportunity for high-end international riding apparel within the American market, they wanted Equis to elevate FEI Horse Inspections with a little friendly competition among owners, riders and grooms. From that idea, the Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse Award” was born and has been given at nearly ten horse shows across the U.S. so far this year. These shows include both weeks of the Split Rock Jumping Tour, as well as the 2015 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas, NV, and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“We started presenting this award in the spring of 2015 and each horse inspection gets more and more impressive,” said Hirsch. “It’s rewarding to see riders take pride in their mounts, and for the caretakers of these horses to get recognition for the hard work to keep them competition-ready and looking their best.”
Hirsch is excited to see the success of the Equis Boutique award spread and looks forward to presenting it again throughout the 2016 season beginning at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) this January. “Split Rock Jumping Tour is a creative new addition to the horse sport calendar and we were proud to be involved as sponsors,” said Hirsch. “It’s events like these that offer top competition, as well as a true quality experience for athletes and spectators, that fit perfectly with the mission of Equis Boutique.”
Equis Boutique made a successful debut season at WEF in Wellington, FL, and HITS Horse Shows in Ocala, FL, this winter, and has had a busy summer season at horse shows around the U.S. For a complete schedule of Equis Boutique locations, visit equisboutique.com/find-us.
For more information on Equis LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or find EquisBoutique on Facebook and Instagram! Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.
About Equis, LLC
Equis LLC delivers superior service in order to educate their consumers on the brands and products they offer and show the variety and quality of their made-to-order, customized products. By providing a unique shopping experience, Equis rises above your normal tack shop to offer only the best. “Live the Experience – A Boutique for the Discerning Equestrian.”