Maddy Thatcher and PLF's Celine Jump to Success in the $10,000 Low A/O Classic

Date: February 17, 2021

By: Anna Zygadlo

MAC Sports International, LLC

Photo By Sportfot

To top off Week 5 of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Madeline Thatcher and Celine, Pony Lane Farm’s 11-year-old mare by Catoki, jumped double clear to a speedy second place in the $10,000 NAL Low Amateur Owner Jumper Classic.

Recently partnered with trainer Steve Schaefer of Bellis Show Jumping, Madeline was thrilled to see the results of their hard work pay off. In preparation for the classic, Maddy and Celine focused on schooling for straightness and quality of canter. Madeline would like to thank Steve for his expertise, in which they developed a winning plan together during the course walk on Sunday. Following his advice, Madeline turned early in the jump off after the in and out, steering Celine inside to the next jump to save strides and focus on their goal for straightness. Madeline described the course for last week’s Low Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, designed by Catsy Cruz of Mexico, as “technical, but still rideable.”

Madeline looks forward to future success with the partnership of Pony Lane Farm and Bellis Show Jumping. She is excited and motivated for the coming weeks at this year’s WEF circuit In Wellington, Florida aboard Celine and her other mounts, Louisiana, Summer Place, and Like I Said.