All posts by Associate Editor

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events

Breyer’s 22nd BreyerFest Brings Fairy Tales and Horses Together

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Where Equine Fantasies and Fairy Tales Connect Kids with the Horse World

(Pequannock, NJ – July 12, 2011) – Equine fantasies and fairy tales will come true for more than 6,000 Breyer fans and horse lovers when BreyerFest, the annual horse fair and model horse collector festival hosted by Breyer Animal Creations, prances into Lexington, KY for its 22nd consecutive festival at the Kentucky Horse Park. BreyerFest will be held Fri.-Sun., July 15th-17th, rain or shine. The three-day family festival features nationally known equine entertainers, a trade show, petting zoo, free pony rides, fine Artisans’ Gallery, model horse customizing workshops, a free craft & activity tent, dog agility and more! Most importantly, BreyerFest is a place where kids and horses can connect.

Matt McLaughlin’s Pecos has claimed the coveted spot as the 2011 BreyerFest Celebration Horse, the horse whose Breyer portrait model comes with each three-day ticket. Pecos is a gorgeous Andalusian stallion descended from the Champion of Champions Legionario III of Spain (also honored as a Breyer model). They will perform their signature garrocha act daily.

Also performing daily will be the Awesome Aussie Guy McLean, dubbed the “Steve Irwin of horses.” He has brought his four Australian-bred horses out of the Outback and into America dazzling crowds with their mesmerizing performances. Mark & Dusty will prove to you that there is no limit to what you can teach your horse to do. Mark Peterson and Dusty have traveled the country showcasing Dusty’s astonishing ability to learn new tricks and skills on command! The All American Cowgirl Chicks, a team of daredevil, trick riders whose performance partners are rescue horses and rehabilitated mustangs, will dazzle audiences delivering thrills and chills as well as demonstrating the importance of equine rescue and rehabilitation.

Continue reading Breyer’s 22nd BreyerFest Brings Fairy Tales and Horses Together →

Competitions, Diana de Rosa, Eventing/H.T., Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Relive Southern Eighths/Nikon Three-Day on YouTube

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The inaugural Southern Eighths/Nikon Three-Day Event is over but reliving all the action is now possible thanks to a creative video produced by nFocus Pictures and visible on Southern Eighths’ YouTube channel. This video showcases Long Format Eventing at the amateur level but with the finesse of a major event at one of the nicest facilities in the nation.  If you are a horse lover, have a passion for Eventing or are simply curious to get a peek behind the scenes at the 2011 Southern Eighths/Nikon Three-Day Event then settle into your seats and fasten your seatbelts for  an amazing 10-minute ride by going to http://www.youtube.com/user/So8ths.

You’ll get a chance to watch not just the competition but all the behind-the-scenes action, from the early morning walks on foot and horseback, to the care of the animals and the educational clinics.  You’ll get to see the riders testing their dressage skills.  As the competitors negotiate a cross-country course designed by FEI Course Designer Tremaine Cooper, you’ll experience the variety of jumps on the cross country course, from the water obstacle to the banks, ditches, brush and log jumps.  Then on the final day watch as horses and riders complete the last phase of the three-day by negotiating the colorful show jumping fences nestled into the Southern Eighths Farm countryside.  Combine that all in one video photographed on the amazing Southern Eighths facilities and this will be a ride you don’t want to miss.

Southern Eighths Farm is a premier Long Format equestrian training center located in Chesterfield, South Carolina – the “Heart of the Carolinas.” It is a horse lover’s playground with a steeplechase track, multiple cross country and show jumping venues, dressage rings, a derby course and miles of groomed trails. These facilities in addition to a modern guest barn and large covered arena provide all the amenities a rider needs to hone their equestrian skills. The farm hosts a USEA recognized Long Format event May 3-6, 2012 as well as two “Jump Fests” in the spring and fall. There are also equestrian get away weekends where small groups can experience a “tailored training” approach. For more information visit www.So8ths.com, call (843) 623-5005 or email info@so8ths.com. To view photos from the event go to www.tinyurl.com/southerneighths and click on the Heart of the Carolinas album.

CONTACT:  Press Link/Diana De Rosa – 516-848-4867 – dderosa1@optonline.net
PHOTOS:  www.tinyurl.com/southerneighths WEB SITE:  www.so8ths.com
FACEBOOK:  http://facebook.dj/fans_southern_eighths_farm/ (like us!)

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events

CDI Brings the Start of the Olympic Qualifying Road for International Dressage Rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard

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Luis Reteguiz-Denizard and his KWPN gelding, Nalando, recently began the journey to reach the 2012 Olympics in London. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Palm City, Florida (July 2011) – Competing in the Capital Dressage Classic CDI 3* in Raleigh, North Carolina proved to be a successful  show for international dressage rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard and his KWPN gelding, Nalando. The trip from Florida to the Carolinas was well worth it for Denizard and Nalando as they received the start of their FEI minimum eligibility standard (MES) scores that will be considered for the 2012 London Olympics in the FEI Grand Prix.

Representing Puerto Rico both Denizard and Nalando earned a 65.3% from Elizabeth McMullen, an FEI 5* judge, and also received an overall average score of 64.3% from a panel of five judges. The pair will look to compete in additional CDIs that will assist in sending the hopeful pair to the 2012 Olympics in London next summer. “I was really pleased with both tests. Nalando felt terrific and the scores we earned will help fulfill the FEI requirements for the Olympics. These scores are what the Puerto Rican Equestrian Federation and Olympic Selection Committee base their selections on,” said Denizard. “I have so many goals that I would like to accomplish with my horses but making the Olympics would be at the top of my list.”

Denizard, born and educated in the United States, is proud to compete in the United States for Puerto Rico. “Nalando and I competed in our first international competition at the 2007 Pan Am Games as the first dressage representative for Puerto Rico in Rio de Janeiro. That was a very exciting time for us and we are looking forward to compete again this year. I feel proud to represent Puerto Rico as an American citizen, the Puerto Rico Olympic autonomy allows me to do so. My dream is to hold both flags, representing both countries that have helped me reach my goals,” added Denizard. “Nalando is much stronger in the Grand Prix movements and has many more competitions under his ‘girth’ now.”

Continue reading CDI Brings the Start of the Olympic Qualifying Road for International Dressage Rider Luis Reteguiz-Denizard →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Dressage, Events

Sutton Sisters to Represent Canada at NAJYRC

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Anneka and Kristin Sutton will be the first ever sisters to both make it on a Junior/Young Rider Dressage Team, despite their mother’s early wish of never wanting to involve her daughters in riding.

The Suttons’ local paper, The Ayr News, recently reported their story and began the article noting, “When Blandford-Blenheim resident Gabriele Sutton came to Canada from Germany to marry Steve Sutton and start a family, she swore her children would never become serious horse riders.”

Now over 20+ years later they’ve done just that.  Kristin, 19, Anneka, 17 and Mariah, 15 all began the season vying to make the Canadian National Team which will compete in Lexington, KY at the annual 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. Presented by Gotham North, these Championships will be held July 25–31, 2011 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Mariah did her best but with a new horse and as the youngest of the sisters, she’ll be there to lend a helping hand and learn the ropes for when she accomplishes that same goal.   “I’m proud of my sisters and their horses, and hope to be in Anneka’s position next year,” said the teenager.

Continue reading Sutton Sisters to Represent Canada at NAJYRC →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Fundraisers, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

JustWorld International Brings Fun and Fundraising to Bromont

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Defending Grand Prix champion Yann Candele competing in the JustWorld Horseless Horse Show at L’International Bromont. Photo credit – Debra Jamroz

July 13, 2011 – Bromont, Quebec – JustWorld International will once again partner with the annual L’International Bromont, bringing fun and fundraising to the two-week show jumping tournament held July 20-24 and July 27-31 in Bromont, Quebec.

The humanitarian organization will kick off its first of three fundraising efforts on Saturday, July 23, with the popular JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show, scheduled to take place at 5 p.m., immediately following the Speed Derby.  Competitors will race around a course of obstacles on foot, trying to leave the jumps in place while finishing in the fastest time.  For a $10 entry fee, participants can choose to compete in the Short Stirrup Jumpers, Children’s Jumpers, Pairs Class, Team Relay Race and Puissance (High Bar) Competition.

On Monday, July 25, the JustWorld International Benefit Golf Tournament will take place at the Chateau Bromont Golf Course.  The tee-off time is 11 a.m. and games will be played in a cross-over format to minimize delays.  The inscription fee for the golf tournament is $200 per person, with a portion going to support JustWorld’s humanitarian projects.  The fee includes a golf cart rental and the JustWorld dinner at Auberge Chateau Bromont.  In addition, all participants will receive a leather golf belt courtesy of Landes Belts.

While the golfers take to the course, other family members are welcome to swim in the pool or play volleyball at Auberge Chateau Bromont.

Continue reading JustWorld International Brings Fun and Fundraising to Bromont →

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

SBS Farms Garners Multiple Tricolors at I Love New York Horse Show

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Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy. Photo Credit: James Parker/Kathy Russell, The Book LLC.

Buffalo, NY – July 11, 2011 – SBS Farms had an excellent week of competition at the I Love New York Horse Show in Lake Placid, NY from July 5-10, 2011. Trainer Susie Schoellkopf and professional rider Jennifer Alfano led all of the horses and students to top ribbons in their respective divisions. Alfano had a successful week of competition earning multiple tricolors and top ribbons with several different mounts. Alfano and Miss Lucy swept the Second Year Green Working Hunter Division, earning the championship honors and secured the Grand Hunter Championship title.

Alfano kicked off the week earning blue ribbons in all five classes of the Second Year Green Working Hunter Division with Miss Lucy. Alfano and Helen Lenahan’s Miss Lucy garnered the championship prize for their impressive rounds throughout the division and the duo was presented with the Grand Hunter Championship title. Alfano also finished in the top ten during the USHJA National Hunter Derby with Miss Lucy. Susie Schoellkopf’s Jersey Boy took home the reserve championship honors in the High Performance Working Hunter Division with Alfano in the irons. The pair picked up two blue ribbons, a red ribbon, and two yellow ribbons throughout the division.

“Miss Lucy was great. She went really well all week. She was really nice and relaxed and just went really well,” noted Alfano. “The division was huge but she went so well she would have won no matter how many were in it, I think. Jersey Boy was also really good this week and just went great.”

The success continued for Alfano, earning the championship honors in the First Year Green Working Hunter Division with her mount Michigan Avenue. The duo earned three first place ribbons, a second place ribbon, and a third place ribbon to secure the championship title. Alfano also took home a reserve championship tricolor with Billie Steffee’s Gilden in the First Green Working Hunter Division.

Continue reading SBS Farms Garners Multiple Tricolors at I Love New York Horse Show →

Community/Charity, Conferences, Products/Services, WHIN

WHIA Partners with Equine Resources International, LLC

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Nashville, TN – July 14, 2011 – The Women’s Horse Industry Association is pleased to announce that a partnership has been formed between the WHIA and Equine Resources International, LLC.

Equine Resources International (ERI) is one of the premiere marketing communications companies servicing the equine industry. Formed by well-known entrepreneur, Lua Oas Southard, the company has had over the years an illustrious list of clients, including current clients Pfizer Animal Health and the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA). Southard has won numerous awards for her work including being named 2010/2011 Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW).

ERI will work on behalf of the WHIA to bring in sponsors for the groups upcoming charity benefit and awards program called “Rhythm & Hooves”. The event will be held in conjunction with the WHIA’s annual networking conference in Nashville October 6-8 at the Radisson Hotel Opryland. It will benefit several equine charities including the Cloud Foundation, The Equestrian Aid Foundation and NetPosse.com. Awards called the “Whinnys” will be given out to music industry professionals who have used their high visibility to promote saving horses and the equine industry in general.

“The WHIA is delighted to partner with Lua and her staff at ERI,” said Catherine Masters, Executive Director for the WHIA.  “Lua and ERI has been a supporting member of our group since it began and they understand our desire to promote the equine industry. Her expertise and connections will help us make this event something that will grow bigger and better each year.”

Continue reading WHIA Partners with Equine Resources International, LLC →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North

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Lexington, KY – With the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) set to begin in just under two weeks, excitement is in the air at the Kentucky Horse Park. These championships will host the best Juniors and Young Riders in North America as they vie for team and individual championship honors July 27-31.

The 2011 championships will once again feature junior and young riders divisions in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping.  For the first time, the sport of reining will feature two championships, with a junior championship being added. Another exciting feature this year is the introduction of the endurance championships.

Nominated Entries are in from across North America and the competition looks to be of the highest caliber.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still available; please join Adequan, Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, United States Dressage Federation, U.S. Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, Howard Simpson, Ariat International, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, WISE Equestrian, Dever Inc., Equisure, American Quarter Horse Association, Sallee Horse Vans, Griffin Gate Marriott, Hodges Badge Company, Spy Coast Farm, EquiFit, and the rest of our sponsors, donors and friends in support of this wonderful event. Please contact Scott Carling for information regarding sponsorship (all contact information is listed below).

Continue reading Hospitality Options and More: The Clock Is Ticking toward the 2011 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North →

Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Round 5, Draw Report

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IRISH FIRST INTO THE RING AT AACHEN by Louise Parkes

The draw for the fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 took place in Aachen (GER) this evening. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Aachen (GER), 13 July 2011 – The Irish will be first to go in tomorrow’s fifth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 following the draw which took place at the German venue this afternoon.  The wet weather has failed to dampen spirits at the Soers Arena, and the draw press conference was a lively affair, although some of the team managers arrived a little late.

“I think we need a new rule – that when the Chef isn’t there we shouldn’t do the draw!” joked Ireland’s Robert Splaine whose face dropped when he realised that, in his absence, his team had been pulled out of the hat as pathfinders for tomorrow.  For once this season it seems the defending series champions from France may have fortune on their side, as they will be last to go of the eight competing nations.

The starting order is as follows: 1, Ireland; 2, Great Britain; 3, The Netherlands; 4, USA; 5, Denmark; 6, Germany; 7, Belgium; 8, France.

LESS THAN A WEEK
It is less than a week since the fourth round of the series at Falsterbo in Sweden where this week’s hosts from Germany came out on top.  The German team went to the Swedish fixture determined to improve their position on the leaderboard, and succeeded by promoting themselves to third place following a great effort from a very strong team.

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Round 5, Draw Report →

Championships, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Entries for the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast Close Today and Marks the Return of the Event to Saugerties

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©Lili Weik Photography. Danielle Cooper and Frank Madden enjoy a moment in the winner's circle after Amalfi and Cooper were named the 2009 Grand Champion.

Saugerties, NY (July 13, 2011) – Junior riders will make an anticipated return to Saugerties, New York this summer to compete in the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast. The three-day event will kick off August 1 and entries must be post-marked by today.

Young talent from all corners of the country will meet at the HITS-on-the-Hudson show grounds to compete for almost $50,000 in prize money as well as a chance to earn a wild card spot in the first ever Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, coming to Saugerties this fall. The Champion Rider from each of the four sections of the Junior Hunter Final will be given a Wild Card berth in the inaugural Hunter Prix Final – a chance to compete for a record-breaking $150,000 winner’s purse.

The Championship features competition for Small Juniors 15 and Under, Large Juniors 15 and Under, Small Juniors 16-17, and Large Juniors 16-17 in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium at HITS-on-the-Hudson.

The Championships will also feature the prestigious USHJA/Essex Classics Hunterdon Equitation Cup Classic. Since its inception, the Hunterdon Cup has grown in importance and has become one of the most coveted titles for junior equitation riders. Equitation classes will consist of the USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal, the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class and the WIHS Equitation Classic.

HITS will roll out the red carpet for the championships and will treat these up-and-coming equestrian stars VIP treatment with gourmet catering. Giuseppe Napoli, Executive Chef at the new Diamond Mills Hotel scheduled to open in Saugerties this fall, will spearhead the catering efforts.

Continue reading Entries for the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast Close Today and Marks the Return of the Event to Saugerties →