All posts by Associate Editor

Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper aboard Kenya

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©ESI Photography. Patty Stovel and Kenya in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at Culpeper

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Patty Stovel and Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya gained the momentum they needed in Culpeper to capture Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight a week of tough competition in the hunter rings of the Winston National at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

The duo’s latest victory marks their third triumph in a Devoucoux class this summer as they topped the field of 22 that showed over course designer Rian Beals’ first-round course. “Kenya is getting better as the summer goes on and that is a good thing,” said Stovel. “I am very fortunate to have a great owner who let us take our time with this horse.”

The last time the duo showed at HITS Culpeper they scored the blue at the Cavalier Classic in the featured class for hunters. Then, a few weeks ago, they struck glory again topping 70 starters at the NY Horse & Pony Show at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York proving they are one of the teams to beat in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

Going into the weekend, Stovel and Kenya were eighth in the current Rider Rankings for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final with 224 points. Saturday’s win will help to push them into the top five with only two qualifiers left before the big weekend on September 10-11 in Saugerties.

“I have said it before. This horse can win on any given day!” said Stovel. “There will be some great horses and great riders there and I am sure hoping that we are up for the challenge.”

Continue reading Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper aboard Kenya →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Kyle Is King of the Rockies

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Kyle King of Ocala, FL, and Capone I won the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix on August 20 at the Rocky Mountain Classic I in Calgary, AB. Photo credit - Cansport

Calgary, Alberta – Kyle King of Ocala, FL, kicked off the three-week Rocky Mountain Classic show jumping series by winning the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix on Saturday, August 20. The Rocky Mountain Classic show jumping tournaments are taking place at Anderson Ranch in Calgary, AB.

Course designer Werner Deeg of Germany ensured a thrilling jump-off when 10 of the 29 starters jumped his first round track clear to advance to the jump-off. King was the first rider through the gate with Capone I, and set a target time of 39.95 seconds that would prove unbeatable. In fact, King proved to be his own toughest competition when his other jump-off mount, Valentino, was clear in a time of 41.10 seconds for second place. Rocky Mountain tournament organizer, John Anderson of Calgary, AB, took third place with a time of 41.61 seconds riding Terrific.

“I went first and was a little conservative, but it turned out to be fine,” said King, who has been based at Anderson Ranch this summer. “They all had to chase me and it worked out. I had the class by a full second.”

For King and Capone I, the $50,000 CSI2* G2 Financial Group Grand Prix marked the pair’s first competition since winning the $125,000 CN World Cup Grand Prix during the Spruce Meadows “Continental” Tournament in June.

“It was great for Capone because it was challenging enough, but it wasn’t so huge and he didn’t have to try too hard,” said King of the 15-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Contender. “He jumped solid and was right on form.”

Continue reading Kyle Is King of the Rockies →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, FEI, USEF

Dancer, Wrigley-Miller and Yoder Set to Drive in Their First FEI World Pair Driving Championship

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Joe Yoder winning the 2011 National Championship (Photo by Picsofyou.com)

Lexington, KY – The 2011 FEI World Pair Driving Championship get underway this week in Conty, France, and three American drivers are set to make their International Championships debut. Led by Chef d’Equipe Chester Weber and Coach Michael Freund, the U.S. will be represented by Katherin Dancer, Misdee Wrigley-Miller and Joe Yoder. These three drivers drove as a team at Reisenbeck CAI in July and earned valuable international experience which Weber believes will serve them well going into the World Championship.

Dancer, a German expatriate now lives in California where she runs a riding program – she drives a team of Warmblood horses and comes off a strong spring which featured a third place finish at the USEF National Pair Driving Championships at the Live Oak CDE in March. She is guided by her husband Scott, who serves as her navigator.

Wrigley-Miller is also driving on her first international team, but she is also hugely successful in the Saddlebred world. She drives a promising group of young warmbloods and with her pair, Wrigley-Miller had top finishes at the Live Oak CDE, Sunshine State CDE and at the German National Championships. She also competed at Great Britain’s Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2010.

She has one of the best navigators in the world, Dutch superstar Koos de Ronde, on her carriage for the marathon.

“We made that decision earlier in the year,” said Weber. “It seems to be going quite well. There was a small injury to one of her best marathon horses – but that horse is back for the World Championships and we are excited about that.”

Continue reading Dancer, Wrigley-Miller and Yoder Set to Drive in Their First FEI World Pair Driving Championship →

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

Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper

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© ESI Photography. Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome on course during the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome rose to the top when she won the blue in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals on Saturday night at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida is a seasoned equitation rider and trains under the tutelage of her aunt, Ginny Edwards at Hidden Hollow Farm. In all, 33 riders navigated course designer Jerry Dougherty’s route, and 12 of the top riders were invited back to show on the flat. After the flat phase, the top four were brought back for additional testing over fences, after which, Edwards emerged as the winner.

“I got this horse back in March and he’s been such a great ride,” said Jennie Edwards. “I’ve learned so much on him already. This is one of the most important events I look forward to each year, so winning it was just great. I couldn’t believe when it happened.”

For her efforts, Jennie Edwards won a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, and a cooler donated by Gary Baker, while Ginny Edwards won a $300 trainer award for helping to guide her student to the crown.

“My goals this year were to qualify for the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals, the regional ASPCA Maclay Finals and this Final,” added Edwards. “I’ve been able to do all of that so far, so this year has been really successful for me. I’m very lucky to have my aunt as my trainer – she is so caring and hardworking, and it made the win a lot more special with her there.”

Continue reading Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equus Events Inaugural Atlanta Summerfest Kicks Off to Rave Reviews

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Snook and Christina Jason jumping. Picture copyright Steven G. Webb photography

August 21st, 2010 – Equus Events has just wrapped up its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Chatt Hills (Bouckaert Farms) in Fairburn, GA.  The show, a USEF “A” sanctioned event took place August 18-21 and was managed by Aiken, SC’s Equus Events Inc. and show manager J. P. Godard.  “We are unbelievably excited about this new show series,” boasted Godard.  “This facility is outstanding and I am really looking forward to the future and all of the potential we have here.”  Well known in the eventing world, Chatt Hills will host the 2011 USEA American Eventing Championships in just over a week and Godard is excited to introduce it to the hunter and jumper world.  The facility boasts an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands with ample room to ride located along the Chattahoochee River.  From excellent footing to exceptional stabling, this place really has it all!  During the week, exhibitors and spectators were treated to daily hospitality all sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors; Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club, Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stable Inc., Matt Martin and Windy Oaks Farm, Casey Whitaker, and The Farm House.

The hunter ring was featured Friday evening during a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic.  Julie Curtain and Donna Bassinger’s Miramax took top honors in that class topping the field of 14 just edging out another of Curtain’s mounts, Gregg Burrows’s Vince.  Junior rider Alexa Boggio took rounded out the top three with her Alamo.

The jumpers were the highlight in Saturday evening’s Chattahoochee Hills $5,000 Jumper Classic.  Exhibitors and spectators were treated to an exhibitor’s party sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors during the class.  Five horse/rider combinations advanced to the jump off over the J. P. Godard designed course.  In the end it was Aiken, SC young professional Christina Jason and CDS Stable’s Snook who took home the blue in a time of 36.819 just edging out Mary Kate Dillon’s Utharo and Glenn Hartigan’s time of 36.825.  Highridge Farm’s entry Uranda and rider Susie Fried took home third.  “The show grounds is beautiful!” quoted Jason.  “It was a fun, fast class and Snook was absolutely perfect … I had a great time!”

Another Aiken, SC rider rose to the top on Sunday in the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic.  This time it was Heather Crespo and her Fritz R.B who took home the blue in the class.  The action continues this week with the Atlanta Summerfest II starting up on Thursday August 25th.  For complete horse show results or this week’s schedule of events please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Hagyard Challenge Series Continues to Be Led by McLain Ward

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McLain Ward placed first and second in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to take over the lead in the Hagyard Challenge Series standings. Photo: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – August 22, 2011 – McLain Ward continues to hold the lead in the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series after claiming the first and second place honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. The talented rider completed double clear rounds aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to earn valuable points towards the $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus.

After last Friday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, Canada’s Yann Candele has moved into the second place position, trailing Ward by just 20 points. Candele took home the winning prize aboard Azzaro during the prestigious event, and also placed fifth and sixth with Carlotta Singular La Magnifiqua and Ariana, respectively. Fellow Canadian Ian Millar has slipped to the third position, having ridden Instyle and Star Power to fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively, during both of the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic competitions during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

The Hagyard Challenge Series features seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $45,000 Leading Rider Award, presented after the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier held on September 23, 2011, during the Kentucky National Horse Show.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: presenting sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra 200, Wyatt Equine Law Group, Johnson Horse Transportation, Chase, and J. P. Morgan.

Continue reading Hagyard Challenge Series Continues to Be Led by McLain Ward →

Community/Charity, Eventing/H.T., Phelps Media Group

Bruce Duchossois and ACE Private Risk Services Make $20,000 Donation to USET Foundation in Memory of Horses Lost

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Bob Courtemanche (Division President ACE Group Private Risk Services) hands the donation in honor of the fallen event horses to Bruce Duchossois, co-chair of the USET Foundation's Development Committee, flanked by Boyd Martin and Kirk James (COO Hub International) and Phillip and Evie Dutton. Photo: Lauren R. Giannini.

Gladstone, NJ – August 22 2011 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is honored to announce that USET Foundation Trustee Bruce Duchossois and ACE Private Risk Services have made a generous donation to the organization following the tragedy at True Prospect Farm. On May 31, fire destroyed the barn rented by international event rider Boyd Martin from Phillip Dutton of West Grove, PA. Of the 11 horses stabled in the wood and stone bank barn, six perished in the blaze.

In the aftermath of the fire, the entire eventing community rallied. Bruce Duchossois, who competes in the Amateur-Owner hunters, has owned several of Dutton’s top three-day horses, including Connaught. Dutton, who earned Olympic Team Gold in 1996 riding for Australia, became an American citizen in 2006. In 2007, he earned Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver riding for the USA. In 2008 he piloted Connaught to first place in the prestigious four-star Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event. About five years ago Duchossois became partners with Dutton in the ownership of True Prospect Farm.

Duchossois learned that ACE Private Risk Services, the high-net worth personal lines company of global insurance carrier, the ACE Group – who settled the claim quickly and gracefully – planned to make a donation in honor of the six horses. Several of those horses were being considered to represent the USA for the 2011 Pan American Games and now would never have a chance to prove themselves. Duchossois happens to be co-chair of the USET Foundation’s Development Committee, which raises funds for the USA’s elite equestrian athletes. He was involved to the nth degree with the horses and people at True Prospect Farm and with the USET Foundation. He offered to match whatever amount ACE Private Risk Services donated to the USET Foundation.

“I think that what ACE Private Risk Services is doing is phenomenal,” said Duchossois. “Insurance – you can’t live with it, you can’t live without it – and what these ACE people have done really is above and beyond. It was a beautiful old stone barn, and the horses – well, they were priceless. To settle the way they did and then to come back and make a donation to the USET Foundation in the memory of the horses – well, it’s unheard of. It opens eyes that they are good people and that they want to give back. I was blown away.”

Continue reading Bruce Duchossois and ACE Private Risk Services Make $20,000 Donation to USET Foundation in Memory of Horses Lost →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI World Endurance Championships For Young Horses 2011, Compiegne (FRA)

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BAHRAIN AND UAE TAKE YOUNG ENDURANCE HORSE TITLES by Louise Parkes

Salman Isa Al Radhi from Bahrain steered Persepolia Larzac to win the 8 Year Old title at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses 2011. Photo: FEI/Gilly Wheeler.

Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011 – Horse and rider combinations from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates claimed the titles at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses which took place at Compiegne in France last Friday. Over testing courses, and in intense heat, it was Bahrain’s Salman Isa Al Radhi and Persepolia Larzac who returned the quickest time in the 8 Year Old division, while the UAE’s Shames Sd Sn Al Marri produced a strong ride with Qatar La Majorie to win the 7 Year Old competition.

Endurance riding only developed into a competitive sport in the 1950s and arrived in Europe during the following decade. In 1982 it became an FEI-approved discipline, and gradually the number of events increased. In 1998 the World Championships were staged in the United Arab Emirates, with competitors from 47 Federations taking part, and this proved the catalyst for an explosion of growth in participation over the following years.

This year’s FEI World Championships for Young Endurance Horses attracted competitors from 20 countries – Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.

8 Year Olds
Of the 27 starters in the 8 Year Old Championship, a total of 14 were representing France, but the host nation had to settle for silver medal position when Bahrain’s Al Radhi completed the 160 km course with an average speed of 19.442 kmh. Al Radhi, who only joined the Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain in 2011, was delighted with the performance of his mare Persepolia Larzac.  “From the third loop I could feel her speed.  I rode her in a 160km race in Germany this year and came fifth, but this is my first time in Compiegne,” he explained.

Continue reading FEI World Endurance Championships For Young Horses 2011, Compiegne (FRA) →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, FEI, Olympic Games

Who Will Make History at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships?

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Kristina Cook leads Great Britain to Gold at HSBC FEI European Championships 2009 in Fontainebleau (FRA). Image: Kit Houghton/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011 – The hand of history will be resting heavily on some of the 71 riders heading for this week’s HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship in Luhmühlen (GER) on 25-28 August, as anticipation mounts for what promises to be an enthralling competition.

Host nation Germany, the reigning Olympic Champions, were World Champions in 2006, and their superstar rider Michael Jung (GER) is widely tipped for yet more individual honours. But they are making no secret of their longing to win European team gold on home ground for the first time – they had to settle for silver last time in Luhmühlen in 1999.

German team trainers Hans Melzer and Christopher Bartle have some of the world’s most talented and experienced riders from which to choose a dozen representatives – the home side is allowed 12 places.

Most notable among them are the World Champion Jung, riding his fabulous horse La Biosthetique Sam, and a quartet of Olympic gold medallists: Ingrid Klimke, Frank Ostholt, Peter Thomsen and dual CCI4* winner Andreas Dibowski.

Add to that mix former Pau CCI4* winner Dirk Schrade and Luhmühlen CCI4* runner-up Sandra Auffarth, who has been taking the circuit by storm, plus a host of other consistently successful competitors, and German supporters could well be celebrating by Sunday evening.

Continue reading Who Will Make History at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships? →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

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Why is there so much controversy regarding vaccines and possible reactions in the news these days?  That is because in some cases the cons outweigh the pros; because medicine is not an exact science; and because not all pathogens and not all immune systems are the same.

It is true that vaccinations have helped eliminate, or at least minimize, some fatal diseases in people and animals.  However, it is also true that vaccination reactions can cause harm, both short term and long term, and even result in the death of the patient.

Fortunately, most vaccine reactions are transitory and not life threatening; such as fever, swelling, and pain at the injection site.  Unfortunately, some vaccine reactions can worsen an existing condition, trigger a pre-existing condition, create a permanent problem, or result in the death of the horse.

If your horse has a history of vaccine reactions or other medical conditions (laminitis, allergies, auto-immune conditions, Cushing’s/IR, kidney or liver dysfunction), you may consider doing a titer test before vaccinating.  A titer test requires taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory to measure the level of anti-bodies for a specific disease in that patient’s blood.

The titer indicates the level of anti-bodies either from exposure to that disease or as the result of a previous vaccination.  If the titer is high enough, one would assume the horse has protection against that disease and doesn’t need to be vaccinated at that time.  If the titer is low, a “booster” vaccination may be indicated.   The only disadvantage to tittering is the cost and the time to have the test done.  The advantage of not over vaccinating may be preventing your horse’s death.

This tip was brought to you by KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar and the weekly tips.