All posts by Associate Editor

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Megan Edrick and Cadence Triumph in $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix

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Megan Edrick and Cadence won the $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix. Photo © ManciniPhotos

Wellington, FL – December 1, 2011 – Megan Edrick and Cadence jumped to an exciting victory in the $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix CSI 2* at Equestrian Sport Production’s Holiday and Horses competition on Thursday afternoon. The win was Edrick’s fourth grand prix victory of the year with Cadence after topping a class in St. Louis this summer and recently earning back to back victories in Atlanta. The rider won her very first grand prix just last summer.

The $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener saw 46 entries in the first round of competition showing over a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio. Seventeen were able to clear the course without fault, and sixteen of those entries returned for the jump-off.

Andres Rodriguez was first to return over the short course and jumped clear and fast aboard Arao Enterprises’ Caballito, setting the time to beat at 38.08 seconds. Rodriguez and Caballito held the lead through fourteen rounds, almost securing a wire to wire victory, until Megan Edrick and Cadence entered the ring. Last to go in the order, Edrick and Cadence took over the top spot with a time of 37.84 seconds, pushing Rodriguez into second place.

Continue reading Megan Edrick and Cadence Triumph in $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener Grand Prix →

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Symposiums, Training/Clinics

Amerigo Sponsored Dressage Star Kyra Kyrklund Shines at NEDA Fall Symposium

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Kyra Kyrklund was the featured clinician at the NEDA Fall Symposium.

Buena Vista, VA (November 29, 2011) – World-renowned dressage trainer and rider Kyra Kyrklund, a Finnish dressage icon from West Sussex in the United Kingdom, was the featured clinician at the NEDA Fall Symposium at the UMass Hadley Farm in Hadley, Massachusetts. Kyrklund has competed in six Olympics and is proudly sponsored by Amerigo Saddles, sold in the United States by World Equestrian Brands, LLC.

“Every year NEDA brings top riders and trainers to their symposium and all of the dressage enthusiasts who attend the NEDA Fall Symposium are thrilled to be learning from the best of the best. Kyra is certainly is all that, and she is such an inspiration. It was a fantastic experience for everyone at the NEDA Symposium to be able to learn from one of the best in the world,” said Robin Moore, President of World Equestrian Brands. “Kyra is well known for her training methods and also for riding in Amerigo Saddles. At World Equestrian Brands we carry Amerigo and Amerigo Vega products and we are pleased to represent a product endorsed by Kyra.”

Kyrklund’s book, Dressage with Kyra, details Kyrklund’s unique training system, a system that has enabled her to accomplish a great deal in the dressage world. Kyrklund said she is always interested in developing better ways to communicate with horses, and she shared that knowledge with those attending the NEDA Symposium.

Continue reading Amerigo Sponsored Dressage Star Kyra Kyrklund Shines at NEDA Fall Symposium →

Rescue/Protection Sources

Unwanted Horse Coalition Media Roundup

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November 29, 2011 – Edition 26

UHC’s Operation Gelding Continues with More Clinics
The Unwanted Horse Coalition’s [UHC] Operation Gelding program has aided in gelding 276 stallions to date. The program, which was first launched in late August 2010, is able to continue aiding in the castration of stallions thanks to the support and seed money provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation [AAEP]. Operation Gelding is designed to offer funding assistance to organizations, associations, and events that wish to conduct a public gelding clinic under the name and guidelines of Operation Gelding. An organization that has completed an Operation Gelding clinic will receive funding of $50 per horse, $1,000 maximum, to aid in the costs associated with the clinic.
Read More…

Free Listings for Equine Care Facilities and Rescues on the Nation’s Largest Transactional Horse Website
The Unwanted Horse Coalition is joining forces with the Equine Network, the nation’s leading publisher of equine-related content, to help connect people looking for horses to rescue horses in need of homes through the new A Home for Every Horse Program. Rescue organizations can list their horses for free on Equine.com, the horse, trailer and horse property sale site that receives 2,865,600 unique annual visitors. Click here to find out how:
Read More…

Continue reading Unwanted Horse Coalition Media Roundup →

Breeds, Wild Horse Sources

Park Service Puts Up Pryor Signage

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Climbs High, May 2011

Dear Supporters of the Pryor Wild Horse Herd;
I want to share the following letter (link below) we received this week from the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BCNRA) regarding signage which they have erected along the paved Park Highway. It alerts motorists that there are animals on the road. We appreciate your emails and letters encouraging this action by the BCNRA in response to the hit and run deaths of the band stallion, Admiral, and his yearling son, Climbs High (Kapitan is his BLM name) along the park highway last summer.

As you may recall, the driver of a truck, Adam Finn of Germantown TN, was intoxicated when he ran them down at 2 am on July 24th. His case is being heard in the Lander, WY U.S. District Court and, as yet, no decision has been reached. Mr. Finn drove away from the accident, but his truck broke down about a mile from the crime scene. Authorities found him still drunk in his truck the next morning.

Continue reading Park Service Puts Up Pryor Signage →

Community/Charity, Events, Phelps Media Group

Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance Announces WinterFest 2011 Sponsorship

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Wellington, FL – December 1, 2011 – The Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Wellington’s WinterFest 2011. Through this major sponsorship the Alliance is looking forward to the opportunity to bring holiday cheer, and support the community. Thousands attended the event last year to enjoy the musical performance of local musical celebrity, philanthropist and DIY Network television star “Vanilla Ice” who will return this year to once again entertain the crowds.

“We are very honored and happy to be able to support this event,” said Mat Forrest, Executive Director of the Alliance. “WinterFest provides a big boost to our community spirit and is a big part of what makes Wellington unique.”

The International Polo Club Palm Beach, The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and The City of Wellington have worked together to host this event, inviting local dignitaries such as Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and News Channel 5 Anchor Roxanne Stein. The event will kick off with the time-honored event of the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring the holiday sounds of local performing artists and the festive routines of local dance troupes.

Continue reading Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance Announces WinterFest 2011 Sponsorship →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Leslie Howard and Lennox Lewis 2 Triumph in $10,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Open Stake at ESP’s Holiday and Horses Competition

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Leslie Howard and Lennox Lewis 2 © ManciniPhotos

Wellington, FL – November 30, 2011 – Leslie Howard and her longtime mount Lennox Lewis 2 took home the first big win of the week at Equestrian Sport Production’s (ESP) 2011 Holiday and Horses competition. The show kicked off on Wednesday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, highlighting the exciting $10,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Open Stake class in the International Arena. Wellington Equestrian Realty has been a great supporter of equestrian sport and will be an official sponsor of the upcoming FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

ESP’s Holiday and Horses competition will continue through Sunday, December 4, with a full schedule of top hunter/jumper competition. Thursday will feature the $31,000 Holiday and Horses Opener, Friday will highlight the $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m FEI class, the $50,000 Holiday and Horses CSI 2*-W Grand Prix will be held under the lights on Saturday night, and a $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will conclude the competition on Sunday.

Today’s stake class saw 42 entries compete over a 1.40m course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio. Sixteen were able to clear the course without fault and those entries jumped off immediately following their rounds. The lead changed hands several times throughout the class, but it was the fastest clear round of Leslie Howard and Lennox Lewis 2, jumping 32nd in the order of go, that held on for the win. The pair stopped the clock in 33.452 seconds.

Continue reading Leslie Howard and Lennox Lewis 2 Triumph in $10,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Open Stake at ESP’s Holiday and Horses Competition →

Auctions, Benefits, Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Racing

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to The Derby” Online Auction of Kentucky Derby Hats Continues with a Chapeau Inspired by Breeders’ Cup Champion Prized

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Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 30, 2011 – “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” a charity auction of fashionable Kentucky Derby Hats, continues December 1st as bidding opens on “The Prized.”

“The Prized” hat is the second chapeau to go on the virtual block in this six-month-long auction, which kicked off November 1st.

Proceeds from this exclusive event benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in central Kentucky, and features beautiful hats handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs.

Each of the six unique designs are inspired by one of the pensioned racehorses at Old Friends, and a new hat will be offered for bid each month leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, held in 2012 on May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

Continue reading “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to The Derby” Online Auction of Kentucky Derby Hats Continues with a Chapeau Inspired by Breeders’ Cup Champion Prized →

Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

George H. Morris Clinic at Canterbury Farm Proves Inspirational for All

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Photos By: Phelps Media Group, Inc.

Hampshire, IL – November 29, 2011 – World-renowned trainer, rider, and Chef d’Equipe of the United States Show Jumping Team, George H. Morris, conducted his annual clinic at Canterbury Farm over Thanksgiving weekend. Riders from across the nation gathered for the event to experience his expertise and invaluable knowledge first-hand. Chicago-based trainer Diane Carney of Telluride Farm, which is based out of Canterbury Farm, organized the entire event, and has for over twenty years.

A world-renowned horseman, Morris has played a crucial role, not only in the growth of countless prestigious horses and riders, but also in the development of the current equestrian sport. He has often been referred to as the “founding father” of hunt seat equitation. Second to none, his teachings, technique, and style are admired around the world. His clinics are a rare and exceptional opportunity for riders of all levels and ages to learn from the finest, and according to Morris, the clinic held at Canterbury Farm achieved just that.

Continue reading George H. Morris Clinic at Canterbury Farm Proves Inspirational for All →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, FEI, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy Win Ericsson Grand Prix at CSIO-W Buenos Aires

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Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy won the Ericsson Grand Prix at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires. Photo By: Haras El Capricho

Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 29, 2011 – Delaware North Companies and Boston Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs had great success at the CSIO-W Buenos Aires in Argentina held November 23-27, 2011 at Haras El Capricho, The talented amateur rider won three classes for his family’s Deeridge Farm, including the Ericsson Grand Prix aboard Leap of Joy, and the Nissan International Speed Derby with Flaming Star. He traveled to the event as a member of the United States Show Jumping Team competing in the FEI Nations Cup, which eventually earned the fifth place honors.

On Sunday, Jacobs topped off a great week by claiming the victory in the Ericsson Grand Prix with Leap of Joy. The pair completed a clear first round, and was the first to return for the four-horse jump-off. Once again they left all the fences standing, setting the unbeatable pace at 43.77 seconds. Canada’s Angela Lawrence came the closest to catching Jacobs, finishing second after crossing the finish line without fault riding Utan. Their time of 44.84 seconds was over a second off of the winning pace set by Jacobs.

Continue reading Charlie Jacobs and Leap of Joy Win Ericsson Grand Prix at CSIO-W Buenos Aires →

Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, USEF

USEF to Send Full Team to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship

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Lexington, KY – For the first time the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will send a full team and support staff to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship. The 120km race will run on December 10, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  There will be over 35 countries represented by 150 riders between the ages of 14-21. The event is sponsored by HH Sheik Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayan and organized by Adnan Al Nuaimi and his staff. The team and the traveling reserve horse named to the definite entry are as follows in ranked order:

Name (Age, Hometown)

Kelsey Russell (16, Williston, FL) on Valerie Kanavy’s Gold Raven
Gold Raven is a 10-year-old Arabian mare

Kelsey Kimbler (18, Aberdeen, SD) on Kirsten Kimbler’s Cody Canuck
Cody Canuck is a 14-year-old Arabian gelding

Steven Hay (21, Port Matilda, PA) on Natalie Muzzio’s Khalil Asam
Khalil Asam is a 10-year-old Arabian gelding

Kyle Gibbon (21, Kingsland, GA) on Stephen Rojek’s Misu Koran
Misu Koran is a 16-year-old Arabian gelding

Continue reading USEF to Send Full Team to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship →