KBS Apple Juice and Aidan Kennedy Keep It Crisp in the 1.25m - 1.30m Open Welcome at Fieldstone Spring Festival II
- rsherer44
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Halifax, MA - May 15, 2025 – The Fieldstone Spring Festival II welcomed competitors back to the Grand Prix ring on Thursday for the 1.25m - 1.30m Open Welcome, a class that tested precision and power across a technical course filled with bending lines, combinations, and even a liverpool. The jump-off challenged riders to shave time with bold inside turns, and only one horse-and-rider pair managed to deliver a double clear round. That team was Aidan Kennedy and KBS Apple Juice, who clinched the win with a smooth, forward ride that combined pace and balance. The pair's tidy turns and need for speed gave them the fastest clear finish of the day at a quick 37.106.
“My plan with her was to keep everything really soft and forward,” said Kennedy. “The course was quite open, so I just tried to keep her in front of my leg, and then be quick on the turns so I didn’t lose any time.”
He highlighted the unique relationship he shares with KBS Apple Juice. The mare came from his cousin in Ireland, where she was bred and campaigned for ten years before joining Kennedy’s string as an investment horse through sponsor C Squared Equine Ventures, LLC. “Since we brought her over around Christmas, she’s been great. We were jumping in the Mediums in Florida and now she’s going super at Fieldstone,” he said.
Kennedy, who has been showing at Fieldstone since he was 8 years old, shared his appreciation for the venue’s continued improvements and its role in his riding career. “I’ve been coming here since I started riding,” he said. “It’s always been a favorite for me, and now with the new Grand Prix ring, it’s better than ever. From a rider’s perspective, the footing makes a huge difference – it’s super fun to jump in and really lets the horses perform their best.”
The fastest 4-fault effort belonged to Eleanor Pieters and Wikarla Van Den Bosrand Z, who cleared the course in 38.127 seconds for the second place prize. Madison Brayman and Constellation placed third with a 4-fault effort in just 39.917 seconds.
Competition at Fieldstone Spring Festival II continues through Sunday, culminating in the week’s premier event: the $20,000 Grand Prix. Riders and spectators can also look forward to featured classes like the NEHC Junior Medal Finals, the $2500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, and more top-level competition. For live updates and full results, follow Fieldstone Show Park on social media or visit FieldstoneShowPark.com.