Monthly Archives: April 2012

Breeds, Contributors/Press, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends 8th Annual Homecoming Event

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GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 23, 2012 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, will hold its annual Homecoming fundraising event, Sunday May 6, 2012 beginning at 4 pm.

The festivities will take place at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown, KY.

Tickets are $25; Old Friends members and shareholders and students with IDs are $15. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling (502) 863-1775.

Highlights of the event include:

–Sumptuous fare by Furlongs Catering/Staxx Barbecue;
–Live music by Lexington favorite Roger BonDurant;
–Guided farm tours;
–A yard sale of equine items – including framed horse racing photos, horse books, blankets, and saddle pads – will begin at noon and run until 5pm;
–Live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, jewelry, fine art, and more;
–A visit from the artists of Pottery Rowe of Louisville. They will be on site taking orders for beautiful raku pots. Guests can bring swatches of horse manes or tails for custom orders.
–Parking on site.

Continue reading Old Friends 8th Annual Homecoming Event →

Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classics – Something for Every Rider

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Nearly $300,000 in Prize Money Up for Grabs

JOHNS ISLAND, SC — April 15, 2012 — Still undecided on summer plans? Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, would like to tempt you: “Our summer events are bursting at the seams with great offerings! We’ve taken exhibitors’ horse show wish list and made them a reality!”

The Atlanta Summer Classics, held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA, is a USEF AA rated two-week event from June 13 through June 24. This year’s event will play host to the inaugural $25,000 Pony Hunter Derby Classic.

“This will be the first of two $25,000 pony events for the summer. We have some of the country’s best talent in our pony sections and I think it’s time they get rewarded for their efforts,” Bell said.

The second Pony Hunter Classic will be held in July at the Charleston Summer Classic. Both events will be open to all ponies, even nonmembers; however, they will need a valid USEF measurement card.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Kentucky Three-Day, Western/Reining

O’Connors Go Reining at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

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Lyle Lovett

It’s not just Gold Medal Reiners competing in the Alltech Arena this year – some of the world’s best Eventers are headed down the road to try their hand at Reining! Don’t miss our very own celebrity slide featuring Olympic Eventing riders David and Karen O’Connor, and Gina Miles alongside two-time Eclipse Award winning Jockey Chris McCarron on Saturday night at the World Freestyle Championship! Tickets are still on sale; purchase online today and your tickets can be picked up at the Alltech Arena Box Office. Hurry, seats are going fast!

Star-studded Friday…

The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup draws competitors from all over the country including WEG Gold Medal Team members Tom McCutcheon, Craig Schmersal, Tim McQuay and Shawn Flarida. They will be joined by country singer Lyle Lovett who performed at the closing ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Click here to buy your tickets online today!

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Fellers and Flexible Record First US Victory in 25 Years at Thrilling Rolex Finale

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FEI YouTube Channel: http://youtu.be/d2JtelPdJVE

On the podium at the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in 's-Hertogenbosch (NED) today, (L to R), runner-up, Switzerland's Steve Guerdat, winner USA's Rich Fellers and third-placed Pius Schwizer from Switzerland. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), 22 April 2012 – America’s Rich Fellers and the amazing Irish-bred stallion Flexible stormed to victory in a thrilling third-round jump-off at the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands today. Only Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat and his 11-year-old gelding, Nino des Buissonnets, were left to challenge the US partnership against the clock in the closing stages, but despite a superb effort, they had to yield to the pure determination of a horse and rider who, quite simply, never give up.

Flexible was all but written off twice during his career due to severe injury, but overcame the odds to return to the top of the sport each time. For the legion of fans who have followed the 16-year-old son of Cruising and his rider from Oregon (USA) who bought the chestnut stallion in Cavan, Ireland 10 years ago, today was a dream come true. Unorthodox in his movement and jumping style, and the oldest in the competition at 16 years of age, Flexible showed the same kind of spirit as his sire, Cruising, who was runner-up at the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 13 years ago in Gothenburg (SWE). Flexible was second at the same venue himself in 2008, and has competed at all of the last five Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Finals, but today it was his turn to stand under the spotlight. And the courageous stallion and his rider fought every inch of the way, bringing the packed stadium at the Brabanthalle in ‘s-Hertogenbosch to their feet in an emotional tribute after their incredible round in the jump-off, while it was Guerdat who stood second on the podium ahead of fellow-countryman Pius Schwizer in third.

Continue reading Fellers and Flexible Record First US Victory in 25 Years at Thrilling Rolex Finale →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

Fellers Ends 25 Year Drought and Wins the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final for the U.S.

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Fellers and Flexible (Susan J. Stickle/PhelpsSports.com)

‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – The 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final came to an exciting conclusion Sunday afternoon at the Indoor Barbant in the final competition, held over two rounds. Louis Koninck once again challenged riders over two stiff courses. However, a total of four rounds of competition were not enough to crown a winner of the 2012 Finals. Rich Fellers of the United States and Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat remained tied on one fault following the conclusion of the second round. They would need to return to the ring for a final jump-off to decide a winner.

When Fellers (Sherwood, OR) and Harry and Mollie Chapman’s Flexible entered the ring as the second combination in the jump-off the U.S. was amidst a 25 year drought of Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals winners.

No more.

Continue reading Fellers Ends 25 Year Drought and Wins the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final for the U.S. →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI, USEF

US Riders Produce Upbeat Freestyles at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final

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Jan Ebeling and Rafalca (Susan J. Stickle/ PhelpsSports.com)

‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands – The United States’ two representatives produced solid, fun Freestyle tests this afternoon at the Indoor Brabant in the final round of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final. Jan Ebeling and Shawna Harding utilized the lessons learned in Friday’s Grand Prix to produced better performances; both riders witnessed improved marks from the Grand Prix to the Freestyle.

Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) put the mistakes of the previous day behind him and displayed an improved rhythm to score 69.875 for 15th place. Riding Amy Ebeling’s Oldenburg mare, Rafalca, Ebeling stayed perfectly in tune with the up-tempo music throughout his ride. The pair had a dramatic finish to their test with piaffe on the centerline and culminating with one-handed piaffe into the salute. A slight spook following the two-time changes performed on the rail was one of few mistakes in a pleasing effort.

“I’m very happy with my test today; there were little mistakes in the twos but that’s difficult on the rail there; there was a little spook. But it’s not an Operating Room in there; it’s a live arena. And we got more exposure and next time we’ll be better.”

Continue reading US Riders Produce Upbeat Freestyles at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Cornelissen and Parzival Clinch Back-to-Back Reem Acra Titles in Style

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FEI YouTube Channel: http://youtu.be/Zpg21UEWx20

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival claimed the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title for the second year in a row. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

s’-Hertogenbosch (NED), 21 April 2012 – Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival, the defending champions from The Netherlands, clinched the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title for the second consecutive season when topping the Freestyle on home turf in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) today. But Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg really pressurised the dominant Dutch duo with a spectacular performance that left them a close second, while Italy’s Valentina Truppa was a huge hit with the packed stadium of spectators when finishing third with Ermo del Castegno.

As Ground Jury President, The Netherlands‘ Ghislain Fouarge, later confirmed the level of competition at the Brabanthalle was much improved in today’s decider. “The judges were a bit disappointed after yesterday’s Grand Prix, and Adelinde was not at her best, but it was completely different today,” he said. A score of 86.250 clinched the title for Cornelissen, who went fourth from last in the field of 18 starters, and that put her just over a single point ahead of runner-up Langehanenberg.

Continue reading Cornelissen and Parzival Clinch Back-to-Back Reem Acra Titles in Style →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Eventing/H.T., Events, Kentucky Three-Day, Western/Reining

First Horses Have Arrived!

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The first horses arrived today from overseas! This year marks one of the largest groups of foreign competitors at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event! They unloaded early this morning are already making themselves right at home here at the Kentucky Horse Park – check out more photos on our Facebook page!

Click here to visit us on Facebook for more photos!

The 2012 draw order has been posted online! Log on today and check it out!

Click here to check out the 2012 draw order!

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Weishaupt Wins Second Leg, but Schwizer Heads Rolex Leaderboard Going into Sunday’s Final

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FEI YouTube Channel: http://youtu.be/WCejiOhGoIw

Philip Weishaupt on the way to victory in the second leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final. (Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton)

Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt won tonight’s second leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final at ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED) in a thrilling three-way jump-off against the clock. But it is runner-up, Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, who holds the advantage going into Sunday’s final competition which will decide the fate of the 2011/2012 title.

As the going got tough this evening, the cream rose to the top, and clear rounds proved very elusive indeed. Weishaupt’s fellow-countryman, Marco Kutscher, was the only other starter to find the key to the course set by Louis Konickx, but reigning Olympic champion, Canada’s Eric Lamaze, was unlucky to miss out on the final barrage when stopping the clock just 500ths of a second off the pace for a single first-round time penalty to finish fourth and is in serious contention going into the closing stages.

Continue reading Weishaupt Wins Second Leg, but Schwizer Heads Rolex Leaderboard Going into Sunday’s Final →

Awards, Contributors/Press, FEI, FEI, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Show Jumping

Jumping Verona Wins Rolex FEI World Cup Press Office Award for 2011/2012

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Left to right: Grania Willis (Director of Press Relations, FEI), Anthony Schaub (from Rolex), Caterina Vagnozzi (Jumping Verona Press Officer), Eleonora Ottaviani (Jumping Verona Event Director) and Magali Dubois Vaucher (of Rolex). Image: Kit Houghton/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 21 April 2012 – Jumping Verona has won the Best Press Office award for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2011/2012 as voted by journalists and photographers covering the series’ 12 Western European League qualifiers.

The Best Press Office award was introduced at the start of the Rolex FEI World Cup 2010/2011 season to celebrate the hard work of the event organising teams. Press offices were judged on several key media services, including on-site and online media services, press conferences and swift information supply throughout the qualifiers.

The Jumping Verona media team numbers eight, and is led by Caterina Vagnozzi. Caterina has been press officer of Jumping Verona, which hosted the fourth qualifier of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2011/2012 series, since 2003. She has also been press officer at the Rome CSIO for the past 23 years, was Press Officer at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome in 1998, and at all the Pavarotti International Horse Shows at Modena.

Continue reading Jumping Verona Wins Rolex FEI World Cup Press Office Award for 2011/2012 →