Scott Coleman Pilots Franco to Win the $10,000 NAL Adult Jumper Final

Harrisburg, PA—October 23, 2004—Scott Coleman of Shrewsbury, NJ and his mount Franco turned in the only faultless round to win the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Adult Jumper Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA.

Coleman and Franco, owned by Coleman and Contemporary Motor Cars, bested a field of 32 entries over a challenging course designed by Pierre Jolicoeur. “The course was difficult,” said Coleman. “It was very technical with fences placed in the corners.”

Coleman and Franco made it look easy, going clean in a time of 67.709 seconds; but for the others, time was a factor. Hawkeye, owned and ridden by Riesa Laken, left all the rails up, but incurred a time fault, completing the course in 70.270 seconds for second place. Quest D’Or and Kris Hoffman Kennedy also had a time fault and their slightly slower time of 70.757 put them in third.

Other than the clock, the biggest problem was the third fence, a Liverpool placed near the in-gate. Fortunately for Coleman, Franco did not give it a second look.

“He is such an incredible horse,” said Coleman. “I had only one plan, to let the horse do his job. I usually interfere, but not today. He is so capable, careful and fast. Everyday, I say to myself that I am so fortunate to have him.”

Franco is also fortunate to have Coleman. The 14-year-old gelding was found pulling a cart in Argentina until he was purchased for $400 to begin his new career as a showhorse. “My wife is responsible for getting this horse,” Coleman said. “She found out about Franco and made sure no one was able see him until I had a chance to sit on him. I am so lucky to have her too.”

The Colemans dominated the NAL Finals winning both Adult classes. Just one day before Coleman had his Adult Jumper win, his wife Sharon captured the victory in the Adult Hunter Final, aboard her Hidden Treasure. “The NAL program is wonderful,” said Coleman. “It’s really fun to be able to look forward to going to indoors at the end of the year. It’s always a big treat to qualify.”

The North American League (NAL) runs season-long series in six hunter-jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information, a list of qualifying competitions and results, please see the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

Results: