All posts by Associate Editor

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

Laura Kraut and Cedric Capture $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI 5*

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Laura Kraut and Cedric. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2011 – The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center experienced one of its biggest crowds ever on Saturday night as more than 7,000 spectators filled the stands to watch Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric race to victory in the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI 5* during week eleven of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Kraut and Cedric won two grand prix classes in a row earlier in the circuit with victories in the $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 2* during week four and the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 3*-W presented by Spy Coast Farm during week five. Tonight was the pair’s third and biggest grand prix victory of the WEF circuit to conclude a fantastic winter season.

Guilherme Jorge of Brazil designed the courses in the International Arena this week. In tonight’s class, forty entries jumped the first round course and 15 were able to go clean to advance to the jump-off. Nine were able to jump double clear, and Kraut and Cedric finished in a blazing 35.86 seconds to finish in first place.

Andres Rodriguez (VEN) rode Secret to the first clear round of the jump-off and set the standard with his speedy round in 37.10 seconds. The pair’s time held onto the lead for ten rounds before Kraut and Cedric entered the ring, eventually finishing in third place.

Continue reading Laura Kraut and Cedric Capture $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI 5* →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Eventing/H.T., Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Eventing Radio Episode 129 by Bit of Britain – Southern Pines Horse Trials Day Two

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Three days of live coverage from the Southern Pines Horse Trials at the Carolina Horse Park at Five Points. Chris provides coverage of the second day of the event. Take a listen….

Eventing Radio Episode 129 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

  • Show Host: Chris Stafford
  • Thank You: Thank you to the organizers of the Southern Pines Horse Trials for inviting us to cover the event live. Tune in live on Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 6 pm Eastern.
  • News: The Eventing Radio Show and HORSES IN THE MORNING show will be live from Rolex Kentucky 3DE: April 27 – May 1, 2011.

_________________________________________

Listen Now
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*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy

Miniature Therapy Horse on TIME /CNN list of “History’s 10 Most Courageous Animals”

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This week TIME /CNN published a list of history’s ten most courageous animals.

“Animals have often shown bravery in extraordinary circumstances. TIME takes a look at some of history’s most courageous animals.”

The Top 10 Heroic Animals included Bucephalus, the famed steed of Alexander the Great, Togo the sled dog who brought serum to save Nome when diphtheria broke out in 1925, Stubby the WW1 hero war dog who became a lifetime member of the American Legion and later became Georgetown University’s mascot, Simon the British cat known for her heroic voyage down China’s Yangtze River (her obituary appeared in TIME magazine in 1949), New Zealand’s Moko the dolphin and… a little Florida therapy horse named Magic.

Magic was also AARP’s 2010 Most Heroic Pet in America and on Newsweek/The Daily Beast Most Heroic Animals of 2010.

The tiny blue eyed mare works inside hospitals, assisted care programs, programs for Alzheimer’s patients, group homes and with patients in hospice care.  She also works with sheriff’s officers in high crime neighborhoods as part of a community outreach program and helps children with developmental delays and at risk and abused children.  From wearing tuxedos to a magical tea party for a child with a life ending illness to working with autistic children, Magic brings her special love where it is needed most.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13506

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011 – Round 10, ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), 26 March 2011

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Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival are pictured receiving their prize from Lisa Wells, Reem Acra. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

CORNELISSEN AND PARZIVAL SCOOP THEIR FIFTH VICTORY AT ‘S-HERTOGENBOSCH by Louise Parkes

The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival secured their fifth victory of the season when coming out on top at the last qualifying leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Western European League at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands this afternoon.  They now look sure-fire favourites to scoop the title at the final which takes place in Leipzig, Germany from 27 April to 1 May, and the Dutch rider said today, “Yes, we’re in pretty good shape!”

Germany’s Isabell Werth and Warum Nicht produced a wonderful test, but still had to settle for runner-up spot ahead of Dutchman Hans Peter Minderhoud whose mare, Exquis Nadine, was really on her toes.  And fourth place went to Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Responsible whose star has been steadily rising throughout the current season.

SET THE STANDARD
Catherine Haddad led the way at the halfway stage having set the standard with a score of 74.10 from the flashy chestnut Winymaro who seems to thrive in front of an audience.  And the American rider was smiling broadly as she left the arena to the strains of the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” in celebration of her 47th year.  Her score was immediately overtaken as the action re-started however, although Great Britain’s Richard Davison had to work hard for his mark of 77.025.  His 12 year old gelding, Artemis, decided some of the greenery surrounding the arena was extremely suspicious and never fully settled throughout his test.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13505

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Eventing/H.T., Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Eventing Radio Episode 128 by Bit of Britain – Southern Pines Horse Trials Day One

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Three days of live coverage from the Southern Pines Horse Trials at the Carolina Horse Park at Five Points. Chris provides coverage today of the early rounds of the event. Take a listen….

Eventing Radio Episode 128 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

  • Show Host: Chris Stafford
  • Thank You: Thank you to the organizers of the Southern Pines Horse Trials for inviting us to cover the event live. Tune in live on Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 6 pm Eastern.
  • News: The Eventing Radio Show and HORSES IN THE MORNING show will be live from Rolex Kentucky 3DE: April 27 – May 1, 2011.

_________________________________________

Listen Now
iTunes Subscribe Subscribe to Zune
Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Mary Katherine Shaughnessy and King Lear Bring the Championship Home in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over Section A

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Mary Katherine Shaughnessy and King Lear are the Camping World Adult Amateur 51 & Over, Section A champions during the eleventh week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – March 25, 2011 – The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued today with 12 rings of competition. The featured division in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring was the Camping World Adult Amateur 51 & Over Hunters Section A. Mary Katherine Shaughnessy of Wellington, FL, and King Lear, owned by Shamrock Ventures, rode to the championship.

Shaughnessy’s Shamrock Ventures purchased King Lear, a fifteen-year-old Trakehner gelding by Induc, last year. “He is really, really perfect! He never does anything wrong. I’d say that he has changed my life,” said Shaughnessy with a smile.

It has been a very special week for Shaughnessy. Not only was she champion during the same week that is sponsored by FTI Consulting, Inc. (her husband Dennis is the Chairman), but she also became a first-time grandmother two days ago. “I would like to add that I became a grandmother two days ago. My first grandchild! Her name is Avery. It’s been a big week!” beamed Shaughnessy.

Continue reading Mary Katherine Shaughnessy and King Lear Bring the Championship Home in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over Section A →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Specialize in Speed to Win $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic

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Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui won the $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic during week 11 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – March 25, 2011 – The highlight class today in the International Arena at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was the $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. Kent Farrington (USA) and Up Chiqui, owned by Farrington, Alex Boone, and William Dobbs, was the fastest through the timers for victory.

Week 11 of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival is sponsored by FTI Consulting Inc., and the week’s remaining feature events include the final Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and the feature event of the circuit, the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix on Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. The event will also be webcast live on the USEF Network, seen here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/FTIGrandPrix2011/.

Guilherme Jorge of Brazil is the course designer in the International Arena this week. The class was a speed format against the clock, and 41 of 13 entries were clear to lead the top of the ribbons. Farrington had the fastest time of the day in 61.38 seconds for the win. Ben Maher (GBR) and Lindsay Cook’s Oscar came the closest to that speedy time in 62.36 seconds for second place. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Little Emir crossed the timers in 63.21 seconds for third place.

Continue reading Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui Specialize in Speed to Win $31,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

Jim Kofford Wins Dressage under the Stars Finale sponsored by Phelps Media Group, Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm and The Dutta Corporation

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Jim Kofford as Batman. Photo Credit: Alyson Sanderford/PMG Photo

Wellington, FL – March 24, 2011 – Last night, the world famous Player’s Club hosted the grand finale of Dressage under the Stars, where at the end of the evening, Jim “Batman” Kofford was crowned the series champion.  During the evening, the winners from the previous weeks returned to compete for the 2011 championship including Chris Von Martels, Jim Kofford, Marcia Kulak, Dottie Morkis, and Emily Kannenstine. Judges for this week included Todd Flettrich, Ashley Holzer and Kelly Klein and the event was sponsored by Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm, the Dutta Corp. and Phelps Media Group.

Jim Kofford rode his Grand Prix mount, Rhett, as “Batman,” to the $2,500 cash top prize after completing two thrilling performances.  This is third year of the Wednesday night weekly event, held at the Players Club during the Palm Beach winter circuit.

“I am so excited to win,” Kofford stated after his performance still wearing his Batman mask.  “This is a great horse who loved this rowdy crowd and really got into it.  The second round was actually really fun to do and this whole event is great.  This horse is 11 years old and I think it was great practice for him, in a fun and relaxing environment.  Plus, under the lights adds another element for the horses and provided a great atmosphere to compete.”

Continue reading Jim Kofford Wins Dressage under the Stars Finale sponsored by Phelps Media Group, Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm and The Dutta Corporation →

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

Beezie Madden and Danny Boy Dash to Victory in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 11

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Beezie Madden and Danny Boy won the final $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup during week eleven at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – March 24, 2011 – The final round of the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series was held on Thursday afternoon with a victory for Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Danny Boy at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

Week 11 of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival is sponsored by FTI Consulting Inc. The week’s feature events will include the final Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and the feature event of the circuit, the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix on Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. The event will also be webcast live on the USEF Network, seen here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/FTIGrandPrix2011/.

Guilherme Jorge of Brazil is the course designer in the International Arena this week. A total of 41 competitors showed over the first round course and 11 qualified for the jump-off. With one competitor choosing not to return, ten jumped off against the clock.

Great Britain’s Nick Skelton and Big Star, owned by Beverly and Gary Widdowson, were first to attempt the short course and jumped clear in 40.48 seconds to blaze the leading time. Eight rounds followed but no one was able to jump without fault until the final competitors entered the ring.

Continue reading Beezie Madden and Danny Boy Dash to Victory in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 11 →

*Featured/Spotlights, Auctions, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Driving, Events, JRPR

Chester Weber Donates Carriage Ride to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Ball’s Live Auction and Bidding Is Expected to Be Fierce

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Ocala native Chester Weber is donating a carriage ride to the live auction at the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball, Friday, April 8th at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. (Photo courtesy of Live Oak Combined Driving)

Ocala, FL (March 24, 2011) – Ocala residents love their native son Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion, whose home base is Live Oak Stud in Ocala. Weber is known for his involvement in education and the arts in his hometown community and will be donating a carriage ride, pulled by his world-class combined driving team, to the live auction of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball, Friday, April 8th at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

“Chester’s generosity in donating this carriage ride is sincerely appreciated by the Ocala Orchestra Board of Directors and Membership. The carriage ride will be presented during our Live Auction program segment and is expected to bring some of the highest bidding of the evening,” said Cindy Van Heyde, Vice President of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Van Heyde said she expects fierce competition as bidders battle to win the carriage ride with Weber, a local celebrity as well as the United States’ leading combined driver. “Many of the people who will be attending the Symphony Ball are familiar with the annual driving event that Chester hosts at Live Oak Stud every March, and they appreciate the beauty of the farm and the sport of combined driving. I fully expect a very competitive bidding environment,” she said.

Continue reading Chester Weber Donates Carriage Ride to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Ball’s Live Auction and Bidding Is Expected to Be Fierce →