Team Timeless Win With Perfect 10s!

Robin and George with the line-up of celebrity riders and trainers.

A great time was had by all at ARIAT Jumping with the Stars! at the Midwest Horse Fair! A record Sunday crowd was there to cheer on their favorite celebrities smartly dressed in Ariat apparel and boots and Troxel helmets. John Flint from 96.3 Star Country, trained by Andi Bill from the Hoofer Riding Club was first on course and rode a very respectable course on Bailey. His on-air partner, Tammy Lee hosted with the judges. She said later  that she was so proud John, she got a little choked up. Three-time Olympic runner, Suzy Favor Hamilton coached by Pam Prince of Meinpferde Farm and  her horse, Iphicles made it clear just how much fun she was having. Kidd O’Shea from 99.1 WMYX demonstrated his natural talent, trained by Kathleen Caya from Cheska Farm, navigating Tyler around the course in a workmanlike way. Then Leigh Mills from NBC 15 on Stand By Me, wowed the judges and the crowd with a polished round,

Suzy Favor Hamilton beams after her ride.

earning perfect 10s! Her trainer, Stephanie Veloff Histed from Timeless Farm, called her a prodigy as she brimmed with pride. After the text votes, which counted for 30%, were tallied with the judges scores, counting for 70%, Leigh and Stephanie came out on top to win the trophy, Arc de Triomphe bridle and bragging rights. All the other riders and trainers received medals for their hard work, including Connie Kellie from the Connie and Fish Show on Z104 and 97.3 The Brew, who had to drop out due to a non-riding related injury and her trainer Kate Bomgaars Reuter from Newstone Farm. Olympic Gold Medalist Speedskater, Casey FitzRandolph and and his trainer, Carrie Zander from PrairieSun Stables had also dropped out due to Casey’s knee surgery, but were on hand to say hello to the crowd and help with the award ceremony.

ARIAT Jumping with the Stars! distinguished judges panel included jumper judge, horse show manager and announcer, Oliver Kennedy, University of Wisconsin Equestrian Team Coach and Hunter/Jumper trainer, Mark Aplin, and well-known Hunter/Jumper trainer, Ginny Dvorak.

Leigh Mills and Stand by Me.

The accomplished trio of hosts who led the event were Today’s TMJ4 Milwaukee Anchor and Reporter, George Mallet riding Dallas, generously donated for his use by Kathleen Caya and Cheska Farm, veteran radio personality and horse show announcer, Robin Ellis, and Tammy Lee from 96.3 Star Country.

During the award presentation Kylee Carolfi Malik introduced Jill Vance and her son, and Kade Vance. Kade’s life was saved at American Family Children’s Hospital in 2004 after injuries sustained in a serious car accident. Kade gave a touching “Thank You” to the participants and presented the trophy to Leigh Mills.

There’s still time to donate online on your favorite teams behalf to American Family Children’s Hospital! You have until Friday the April 23rd at 5:00 pm. To donate click here.

George, Leigh, Stephanie and Kidd.

John and Bailey on the same wavelength!

Casey FitzRandolph, Carrie Zander, Kate Bomgaars Reuter and Connie Kellie.

Trainer Profile: Kathleen Caya

Kathleen Caya

George Mallet, from Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee, describes Kathleen Caya as a very observant instructor. She’s that and so much more. Kathleen has been training at Cheska Farm in Waukesha for the last seven years. Cheska Farm is well-known for fine quality hunters and jumpers. Kathleen has done double duty for Ariat Jumping with the Stars! She took on Kidd O’Shea, from the Kidd and Elizabeth Show on 99.1 WMYX as her student. Kidd has been a really fast learner, he is doing so well for the short time he has been riding. It helps to be tall, thin and fit. It also helps to have someone like Kathleen on the ground, coaching you along.

Kidd, Hannah and Kathleen afer their first lesson.

Kathleen offered to bring the horse George would ride to host Ariat Jumping with the Stars! She would give him some lessons to make certain they were good to go on April 18th. It just so happened that George was trying to bring his newly adopted, off the track, racehorse, Brahma, to Wisconsin to start his new career. Kathleen helped him with the shipping and has been helping George and Brahma get it all together.

We look forward to seeing Kathleen and her students, Kidd and George at the Midwest Horse Fair!

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George and Brahma in a lesson with Kathleen.

George and Brahma: A Love Connection!

George Mallet, Anchor and Reporter  from Today’sTMJ4 in Milwaukee met Brahma on the day he was born. He was covering a story at a thoroughbred breeding farm. He never forgot that foal and followed his career for 5 years. When Brahma was to be retired from racing, George jumped at the chance to buy him and give him a great home. While prepping for his role as the mounted host of ARIAT Jumping with the Stars!, George met Kathleen Caya at Cheska Farm. Kathleen has been helping George and retraining Brahma in his transition from the racetrack.

Kidd and Kathleen- Contenders!

Check out Kidd from Kidd and Elizabeth in the Morning on 99.1 WMYX in Milwaukee and Kathleen Caya from Cheska Farm. This was Kidd’s fifth lesson!!! How can you not love that confidence?!!

Kathleen and Kidd Rock!

Kidd piloting Tyler at the posting trot.

Kidd O’Shea (of Kidd and Elizabeth in the Morning on 99.1 WMYX) is having a blast! Kidd is super confident  and game to learn to ride and jump. He and Kathleen Caya, at Cheska Farm, have advanced quickly, the name of the game for Ariat Jumping with the Stars! Kidd is soft with his hands and goes with the flow. He knows his diagonals and is steering!

Kidd's jumping position over the cross rails.

He is now riding Tyler, a change that worked out very well. Tyler is a quiet, 15-year-old Thoroughbred that knows his job. What a good boy! This team will be ready on April 18th. Look out!

Kathleen coaching Kidd on his approach to the line.