All posts by Associate Editor

Auctions, Breeds, Events, JRPR

The 2011 Interagro Collection Auction & 12th Annual Interagro Foal Auction Gives Buyers Unique Opportunity to Purchase Lusitano Fillies plus Last Foals from Famous Stallion Ofensor (MV)

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Dorus Interagro is one of the young horses presented for sale at the 2011 Interagro Collection Auction. (Photos courtesy of Tupa)

Itapira, Brazil (August 15, 2011) – Interagro Lusitanos, the largest exporter of Lusitano horses in the world, pioneered private auctions of Lusitano horses in Brazil 20 years ago, a tradition that continues today. The 2011 Interagro Collection Auction, which also features the 12th Annual Interagro Foal Auction, will not only give buyers the chance to purchase Lusitanos already being ridden under saddle, but will also give buyers the unique chance to purchase fillies, a remarkable opportunity as Interagro is not known for selling their mares.

“The auction, which will be held in Brazil at our family’s Interagro Lusitano Farm, will not only feature fillies for sale but will also be the last chance for buyers to purchase foals from Ofensor (MV), the most important Lusitano stallion in recent history. He passed away last April so this is a great opportunity to have one of his offspring,” said Cecilia Gonzaga, the daughter of Interagro founder Dr. Paulo Gonzaga, who manages the farm and its operations today. “The foal auction will also offer the first babies of Nirvana. We exported some young horses by him in private deals last year, but this will be the first time his foals will be available through auction.”

Interagro Lusitanos, the winner of the prestigious “Best Breeder of the Year” Award by ABPSL in 2009/2010, is well known for holding prestigious auctions both in the United States and Brazil. “Our 2011 auction will be held Saturday, August 27 in Brazil and will feature eight horses under saddle as well as three pairs of fillies and 10 pairs of colts,” Gonzaga said. “All of the adult horses in the auction have tested negative for piroplasmosis at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa, and are ready to be exported.  We will also have Global Trans Connection (GTC) available to help our clients with exporting their horses and providing estimates.”  More information on exporting and GTC can be found on Interagro’s website.

Continue reading The 2011 Interagro Collection Auction & 12th Annual Interagro Foal Auction Gives Buyers Unique Opportunity to Purchase Lusitano Fillies plus Last Foals from Famous Stallion Ofensor (MV) →

Awards, Community/Charity, Conferences, Media/Radio/TV Sources, WHIN

Country Music Singer/Songwriter Templeton Thompson to Perform and Receive a WHINNY Award

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August 15, 2011 – Nashville, TN – The Women’s Horse Industry Network has announced that well known singer songwriter, Templeton Thompson, has been awarded a WHINNY award. The WHINNY awards are given out to people in the country music industry with high visibility who help save horses and use their love of horses to promote the equine industry. Some of the winners include: Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Amy Nelson, Raelyn Nelson, Bonnie Gardner, Lacy J. Dalton and Mike and Martha Borchetta.

In addition to her love of music, Thompson has an intense passion for horses. Not only does she own and ride horses as often as she can, her love of horses shows up in the songs she sings & writes. Templeton’s mare Jane is a Breyer model & she and Templeton have performed at many horse events together across the country. “My horses are my inspiration, my healers & my teachers,” Templeton says.

Thompson may not be a household name to many but in the music industry she’s well known and well respected. She has written hits for many of country music’s top artists such as Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Sherrie’ Austin & Little Texas and her song “Settle Down Cinderella” is featured in the 20th Century Fox motion picture, Dr. Doolittle 3. She has released several albums on her own label & is now working on a new CD called “Icy Blue Heart.”

“We are really thrilled to give this WHINNY to Templeton. She’s got a very loyal following and her music about her love for horses reaches a worldwide audience. And, that definitely helps the equine industry overall,” states WHIN’s Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

Continue reading Country Music Singer/Songwriter Templeton Thompson to Perform and Receive a WHINNY Award →

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, JRPR

International Dressage Rider Cesar Parra Wraps Up Successful European Tour

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Piaffe-Performance Young Riders Medal on the Home Front

Dr. Cesar Parra and Grandioso, along with groom Jen Mandraccia, lined up during an awards ceremony in Germany. (Photo courtesy of Jose Alvarez)

Whitehouse Station, NJ (August 15, 2011) – International dressage rider and trainer Dr. Cesar Parra recently wrapped up his very successful European tour, returning to his Piaffe-Performance Farm in New Jersey with Michael and Sara Davis’s Grandioso and Dave and Taunia Reed’s Agastrofos.  Parra’s goal overseas was to prep himself and his horses for the show arena and gain training advice from the masters in Germany.  While Agastrofos’ time overseas was more focused on training than competition, there can be no doubt that Dr. Parra met his goal; he and Grandioso won four major competitions during their stay in Germany.  At Balve and Helmer Edelburg, the pair competed in the Prix St. Georges and S3, topping the field in classes of over 40 horses.

“I am so happy with Grandioso’s success here in Europe. I have always said, and known, that Grandioso is a very special horse,” Parra said. “Having shown in Germany for many years, I know how difficult it is to win a class here. Our time there was fantastic from a training perspective of course, but it has also given us more confidence in the ring.”

While Parra was winning overseas, the students at his Piaffe-Performance Farm were racking up the wins in Kentucky.  Chase Hickok and Dominique Cassavetis both medaled at the 2011 USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in Lexington.  Hickok took home the Individual Silver in the Young Rider Freestyle and the Individual Bronze in the Young Rider Team Test, while Cassavetis rode away as part of the Junior Gold Medal winning team from Region 1.  “Chase and Dominique did a fantastic job of representing Performance Farm,” said Parra.  “And senior trainer Katie Riley did an exemplary job of coaching them in my absence.  I could not have asked for a better outcome.”

Continue reading International Dressage Rider Cesar Parra Wraps Up Successful European Tour →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Vaulting

Le Mans Welcomes over 200 Vaulters for FEI Open European Vaulting Championships 2011

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Vaulting star Joanne Eccles (GBR), reigning Individual World and European Champion © Dirk Caremans/FEI

Lausanne (SUI), 16 August 2011 – The 15th FEI Open European Vaulting Championships for Seniors and Juniors will see over 200 athletes from 19 nations bidding for the medals tomorrow in Le Mans, France (17-21 August).

Reigning Individual World and European Champion Joanne Eccles (GBR) will be on a mission to retain her title against competition from 33 Female Individual Vaulters.

World and FEI World Cup Vaulting Champion Patric Looser (SUI) and European Champion Nicolas Andreani (FRA) will also be going head-to-head with 14 other Senior Male Athletes in the battle for this year’s European Vaulting Champion title.

In addition, eight Senior and 10 Junior Teams of seven Vaulters will compete at the Championship, along with 12 in the Pas de Deux.

Ten vaulters from South Africa, along with Junior Individual Male Lambert Leclezio from Mauritius, are also making the journey to this year’s FEI Open European Vaulting Championships, making it a truly international affair.

“Spectators in Le Mans will see highly impressive Athletes delivering powerful and original performances as Individuals, Teams and Pas de Deux,” said Ian Williams, Director Non-Olympics Sports at the FEI.

“We will see well-known Champions vying for the top spot and witness many more international Vaulters pushing themselves to the limit to come up through the ranks – it will be an extremely exciting Championship.”

Continue reading Le Mans Welcomes over 200 Vaulters for FEI Open European Vaulting Championships 2011 →

Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

Beezie Madden Breezes to Glory on New Horse

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Beezie Madden and Cortes C. Photo: Stefano Grasso/GCT

She is steady, accurate and very focused.  She has a great team around her and today it all came together.  USA rider Beezie Madden romped off to an emphatic win in the VDL Groep sponsored Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. Beezie claimed the win with a new team horse Cortes “C’ that she has only had for a few months.

This is just her second Global Champions Tour start this year and although Beezie has been competing on the Global Champions Tour since 2006, this is her finest result to date.

Course designing by Italian Uliano Vezzani was a delight for the spectators and riders.  The 15,000 spectators were not kept away by the wet conditions and stood shoulder-to-shoulder ringside and the stands were packed. The VIP marquee was buzzing with activity from the 500 or so guests all involved in the spirit of the competition.

Round two presented a completely unique track with many new fences added and nothing resembled from the first round.

Of the top eighteen combinations that travelled through to the second round, 12 were clear and it looked like too many at this stage.  Three riders on one time fault also went through along with the fastest three riders with four faults.

Continue reading Beezie Madden Breezes to Glory on New Horse →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Horse Shows by the Bay Raises Awareness for Several Charities

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Traverse City, MI – August 15, 2011 – Besides competing for prize money, awards, and points, or enjoying the surrounding Grand Traverse region, Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival exhibitors also found time to participate in several charity fundraisers held this season.

Held at the majestic Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, the five-week-long summer destination circuit provided not only a first-class venue for equestrian competition, it also served as a backdrop for philanthropy and raising awareness.

Support from Hampton Green Farm, the Jacobs Family/Deeridge Farm and MEIJER enabled three charities to receive monies raised throughout the series.

With two locations in Fruitport, MI and Wellington, FL, Hampton Green Farm was the sponsor of a special participant fundraising party held during the Dressage by the Bay FEI Freestyle event on July 1. Party proceeds plus the gate admission sales during the following Molon Excavating Kids’ Day served as a weekend of awareness for Leelanau and Grand Traverse County 4H. Children of all ages enjoyed K9 agility demos, pony rides, face painting, horseless blue ribbon jumping and activities hosted by 4H and Sunny Country 101.9 FM Radio.

Hampton Green Farm specializes in the breeding and development of the PRE horse here in America and in Spain, and also hosts various educational events for young equestrians nationwide.

Continue reading Horse Shows by the Bay Raises Awareness for Several Charities →

Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USEF

USEF Pony Finals Wrap-Up: August 10-14, 2011

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Sunday was the last day of the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships, and it began bright and early with exciting competition in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals brought the 2011 Pony Finals to an end. Leading the class from beginning to end with a solid two rounds over fences was Madison Goetzmann and Denmark to garner the championship prize.

The top 20 riders returned for the second round including nine medium ponies, four small ponies, and seven large ponies. Today’s courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and consisted of short lines, rollbacks, a halt, and a trot jump. Goetzmann was at the top of the order for today’s second round and executed another flawless trip making the lines look easy. Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY, and Denmark proved to be unbeatable, eventually earning them the Easter Sunday Memorial Trophy donated by Ms. Catherine A. Kaiser and Ms. Jennifer T. Pesko. Katherine Strauss of Southampton, NY, and Sumerland were originally ranked tenth during their first course; however, with an exceptional second round they earned the reserve championship honors. Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY, and Macy Grey were ranked eighth coming into the second round and earned the third place honors after an impressive round.

The judges were confident with their decision after the second round and the riders were not asked to return for a test phase. At the end of the day, Goetzman was named the 2011 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Winner aboard Denmark, while Strauss and Sumerland earned the reserve championship honors. Taking home third place honors was Deslauriers and Macy Grey, who performed excellent rounds during both phases of Sunday’s event.

Hunter Highlights: August 10-14

It was beautiful and sunny for the first day of the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tuesday, the top ponies and riders from across the nation gathered at the Walnut Ring for the Green Pony Hunters Model and Under Saddle, as well as the Regular Medium Pony Hunter Model. Throughout the year riders have worked diligently to qualify for this prestigious event and compete for the winning honors.

Continue reading USEF Pony Finals Wrap-Up: August 10-14, 2011 →

Championships, Competitions, Events, USEF, USEF, Vaulting

Stevens, McCormick, Woodside Vaulters Victorious at USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championships

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Woodside Vaulters (Courtesy of Woodside Vaulters).

Denver, CO – More than 300 top equestrian vaulters in the United States came together this weekend at the National Western Complex in Denver, CO for the USEF/AVA National Championships – and they did not disappoint.

The Woodside Vaulters of Woodside, CA, gained the top spot on the podium in the Team Championships. The A team consists of Katharine Wick, Gabe Aniello, Allysa Bonora, Tessa Divita, Kathryn Jaggers, Siddartha Kreaden, Katherine Salisbury. The team vaulted on Stanford, lunged by Julie Divita.

“Our team competition was especially good this year, at all levels, from the lowest levels to the highest level,” said Linda Bibbler, Vice President of Competitions for the American Vaulting Association (AVA). “I was happy to see such strong representation from all parts of the country. All together the quality of the individual vaulters, pas de deux, and teams was very high.”

The Woodside Vaulters continued to dominate with Patrick Stevens, the Men’s Individual National Champion, on Agado lunged by Julie Divita, and Giovanni lunged by Krista Mack. In 2007, Stevens was the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Champion in the Silver Men’s division, and in 2009 he was second. In 2010, Stevens finished sixth at the USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championships.

For the second year in a row, the Women’s Individual National Champion was Mary McCormick, one of America’s most decorated vaulters. McCormick, of Mt. Eden Vaulters, Saratoga, CA, vaulted on Sir Anthony Van Dyck (aka “Spike”) lunged by Carolyn Bland. McCormick was named USEF Vaulter of the Year in 2007 and 2009.

Next year, the AVA/USEF National Vaulting Championships will take place at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, August 1-5, 2012.

For more information about USEF Vaulting, visit: http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allVaulting.aspx.

Conferences, Events, FEI, Pan American Games

FEI and OIE to Host Joint Regional Conference on International Movement of Horses in South America

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Lausanne (SUI), 15 August 2011 – The FEI and the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) will jointly host a conference in Guadalajara (MEX) on 24 October focusing on modernising international movement of horses in South America.

The conference will also allow participants to attend the 16th Pan American Games, which are taking place in Guadalajara on 14-30 October.

With the mandate to improve animal health and welfare worldwide, the OIE is recognised as the reference standard-setting international organisation by the World Trade Organisation.

The current use of OIE standards allows the safe movement of horses while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers.

This unique conference will bring together a variety of experts from the OIE, the FEI, representatives from the public sector including Veterinary Services and all relevant stakeholders from the private sector.

Key areas that will be discussed include best approaches to safely moving horses internationally, in particular to competitions in compliance with international standards. An overview of the issues within the region’s growing equine horse industry will also be given.

Continue reading FEI and OIE to Host Joint Regional Conference on International Movement of Horses in South America →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Madison Goetzmann and Denmark Win 2011 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals

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Madison Goetzmann and Denmark. Photo by Shawn McMillen

Lexington, KY – The last day of the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships began bright and early with exciting competition in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals brought the 2011 Pony Finals to an end. Leading the class from beginning to end with a solid two rounds over fences was Madison Goetzmann and Denmark to garner the championship prize.

The top 20 riders returned for the second round including nine medium ponies, four small ponies, and seven large ponies. Today’s courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and consisted of short lines, rollbacks, a halt, and a trot jump. Goetzmann was at the top of the order for today’s second round and executed another flawless trip making the lines look easy. Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY, and Denmark proved to be unbeatable, eventually earning them the Easter Sunday Memorial Trophy donated by Catherine A. Kaiser and Jennifer T. Pesko. Katherine Strauss of Southampton, NY, and Sumerland were originally ranked tenth during their first course; however, with an exceptional second round they earned the reserve championship honors. Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY, and Macy Grey were ranked eighth coming into the second round and earned the third place honors after an impressive round.

Eleven-year-old Goetzmann has been riding Denmark for four years and this is her fourth Pony Finals competition. “He’s amazing, I was very excited,” she smiled. “I was definitely prepared and we have been practicing a lot. Patricia [Griffith] never lets me go to shows unprepared.”

Goetzmann’s trainer, Patricia Griffith of Heritage Farm, added, “The course looked easier than it rode. I knew she could do it, because she has ridden much harder courses. Whenever you need this pony, he is usually there. At Heritage Farm we really try to have no stone left unturned as far as preparation. What I do well, or I hope I do well, is try to teach them how to think for themselves and figure out how to get it done without me helping them all the time.”

Continue reading Madison Goetzmann and Denmark Win 2011 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals →