All posts by Associate Editor

Victoria Colvin and Ariel Win Four of Five Classes for Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championship

Victoria Colvin and Ariel are the Martha Jolicoeur & Illustrated Properties Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under champions during the seventh week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 27, 2011 – As week 7 comes to a close here at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, which runs through April 3, looks back on another successful week of competition. The younger section of Small Junior Hunters, presented by Martha Jolicoeur and Illustrated Properties, awarded their championship early this morning in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring.

Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL, rode Ariel to the championship honor this weekend. Neither her, nor her mount, Ariel, are new to the championship winner’s circle. Scott Stewart, who also trains Colvin, owns Ariel, a six-year-old Brandenburg mare by Lancado.

The winning pair secured the tricolor honor this morning by winning a stunning four out of five classes in their division of nine entries. They placed fifth in the division’s remaining class.

Colvin, arguably one of the best and busiest young riders here in Wellington, keeps very busy showing everything from pony hunters to the junior equitation classes. Furthermore, she does it all successfully and stays focused throughout. Colvin will remain busy throughout the rest of circuit showing numerous horses and ponies as the weeks continue.

Continue reading Victoria Colvin and Ariel Win Four of Five Classes for Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter Championship

Arenus Sponsored Rider Shawn Flarida Appears on Horses in the Morning Radio Show

Shawn Flarida, NRHA's Four Million Dollar Rider, recently took to the airwaves on the Horse Radio Network’s “Horses in the Morning” radio show. (Photo courtesy of Waltenberry)

St. Louis, MO (February 28, 2011) – Shawn Flarida, an Arenus Ambassador and the first rider in history to become the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) Four Million Dollar Rider, recently took to the airwaves on the Horse Radio Network’s “Horses In The Morning” radio show. Flarida spoke with hosts Glenn the Geek and Jamie Jennings from his farm in Springfield, Ohio.

During the radio show, Glenn the Geek congratulated Flarida on the recent news that Flarida will be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame. “It’s such an honor,” Flarida said, “My peers are there, as well as my brother, and I have always wanted to be there with them.”

Flarida, who is an ambassador for the sport of reining, has a long list of accomplishments to his name including winning nine All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity Open Championships, five NRHA Futurity Open Championships, multiple NRHA Derby Championships, as well as individual and team gold medals at the World Equestrian Games.

Continue reading Arenus Sponsored Rider Shawn Flarida Appears on Horses in the Morning Radio Show

2011 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference May 4-7, 2011 in Orlando, Florida

SIGN UP NOW to take advantage of FREE registration to the 2011 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference/Animal Care Expo in Orlando, Florida from May 4-7, 2011!

Dear Homes for Horses Coalition Member:
It’s time to register and make arrangements for this year’s Homes for Horses Coalition Conference in Orlando, Florida!  This is the 5th annual HHC Conference and we are sure that this year’s event will continue to strengthen the foundation you and so many others have helped establish, to make HHC the leading horse advocacy coalition in the country.

HHC is unique when it comes to equine advocacy groups.  It is made up of actual horse owners who are involved in all aspects of the horse industry, and equine rescues and sanctuaries community caring for and finding good homes for America’s horses.  While there are other so-called “horse coalitions” who talk about horse welfare, none bring the hands-on involvement, experience and commitment that make HHC one of a kind!  With your continued involvement, we look forward to building on these accomplishments and making a difference to even more horses in 2011!

Continue reading 2011 Homes for Horses Coalition Conference May 4-7, 2011 in Orlando, Florida

Gulfport Winter III – Updates and Recaps

We had a great week in Gulfport again.  Incredible weather, giant party, and a bunch of horses for good competition.  We are setting all time records here in Gulfport.  Next week will be the biggest show we have ever produced on the Gulf Coast.

Please make sure you read the bottom paragraph if you are in Gulfport next week.  Important meetings and events.

So, this week again we hosted a USHJA National Hunter Classic.

Congrats to the winner The Admiral, Jamie Jarvis and show to the win by Will Roberts.

Continue reading Gulfport Winter III – Updates and Recaps

Mardi Gras Fun Highlights Third Week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Daniel Geitner & Living Color. ©Flashpoint Photography

No Worries for Devin Ryan in the $25,000 Adequan Grand Prix

Gulfport, MS — February 27, 2011 — Exhibitors at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics got a taste of Mardi Gras along with scrumptious local cuisines during week three, courtesy of the fine folks from Harrison County, who served well over 1200 pounds of crawfish (boiled right on the spot), 500 pounds of shrimp, 400 pounds of spiced blackened chicken, another 400 pounds of fried catfish, and more extras than a small army could consume. Friday evening’s party even had a mini Mardi Gras float that show co-chairman, Janet McCarroll, created with her golf cart to toss the infamous beads and special treats from. And to top the night off live music kept toes tapping. “Southern Hospitality” is this community’s heritage and one they relish sharing with exhibitors each year.

“’Tis the season!” laughed co-chairman Bob Bell, adding, “Every year this is the party we all anticipate most and every year Mike McMillan [Director of the Harrison Co grounds] just seems to outdo himself again. Great food and fun, that’s our reputation here.”  After having seconds or even thirds, many took to the dance floor swaying the night and extra calories away.

Continue reading Mardi Gras Fun Highlights Third Week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics

Tip of the Week: Fats – Yummy!

Many horses crave fats, just as we do.  However, not all fats are created equally.  “Good” fats are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) because they are essential to live and function optimally.

An indication that your horse is extremely deficient in EFAs is dry and/or itchy skin and a dull hair coat.   The brain and nervous system is composed primarily of fats.

The membrane of every cell in the body is made of fats.  Fats are used to balance the immune system and inflammatory response. They are needed for hormone synthesis and vitamin absorption.

Fats help protect organs, including the liver, kidneys, and skin from damage.   Fats provide long term energy during exercise.

No wonder the source and quality of the fats in the diet affects health and performance.  Fats are fragile and are easily destroyed in processing (heat) or if exposed to air without being protected (stabilized or chelated) to prevent oxidation.  Some “bad” fats, such as corn oil and mixed vegetable oils, are pro-inflammatory and can contribute to making muscles and joints sore.

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Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2010/2011 – Round 12, Gothenburg

Sweden's Angelica Augustsson, winner of the 12th leg of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Gothenburg, Sweden today is presented with her prize by Magali Dubois Vaucher, Rolex. Photo: Roland Thunholm/FEI.

A STAR IS BORN ON A SPECIAL DAY IN GOTHENBURG – AND HER NAME IS ANGELICA by Louise Parkes

Gothenburg (SWE), 27 February 2011 – Swedish hearts were bursting with pride as a bright young super-star was born in the Scandinavium Arena at Gothenburg, Sweden this afternoon where local girl Angelica Augustsson galloped to victory in the penultimate qualifying round of the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series.  There was an outpouring of emotion in the aftermath, and even hardened veteran Ludger Beerbaum, who slotted into third behind runner-up Edwina Alexander from Australia, expressed his amazement at having taken part in one of the most thrilling competitions seen on the international circuit in recent history.

“For any sport it is fantastic to see very talented up-and-coming young people, and what we saw today was the cream – it doesn’t come better than this, and we will remember today for a very long time,” said the German legend.

HIGH PRAISE
Dutch course designer Louis Konickx earned high praise from riders all weekend and produced another master-piece for today’s test which saw 12 through to the second-round jump-off.  With three home runners amongst them, the Swedish interest was always going to be strong, but pathfinders 21 year old Douglas Lindelow and the mare Talina left the door open when hitting the penultimate oxer while fellow-countryman, Peder Fredricson, was eliminated with H&M Arctic Aurora Borealis when they fell at the fifth fence on the new track. This rustic oxer had been the last in the opening round and as the 38 year old rider galloped down to it, the distance just refused to come up right – Fredricson asked for a long stand-off, the grey gelding tried to chip in an extra stride and the result was a crashing fall that left a muted atmosphere around the ring despite no apparent damage to either horse or rider.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13329

McLain Ward and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve Triumph in $78,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix

McLain Ward and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve won the $78,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix during week seven of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 26, 2011 – Saturday night at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival featured an exciting victory for McLain Ward (USA) and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve in the $78,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix. The class was held on a beautiful Florida evening under the lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Riders representing 12 different countries made up the international field this evening, showing over a course designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany. Thirty-seven entries began the class, and seven were able to jump clear in the first round. An exciting jump-off followed, as some of the best riders in the world battled for top honors. The United States took home the top three places with Olympians McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, and Margie Engle leading the class.

A father and daughter each riding for France, Marie and Michel Hecart, were the first two riders to jump clear over the first round course to advance to the jump-off. Marie rode Myself De Breve, owned by Haras De La Rogue, through the jump-off course with eight faults in 44.72 seconds to finish in sixth. Michel and Babbe Van’t Roosakker, also owned by Haras De La Rogue, immediately followed and jumped in 46.44 seconds with four faults at the last fence to place fourth.

Continue reading McLain Ward and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve Triumph in $78,000 Fidelity Investments CSI 2* Grand Prix

Phelps Media Group Honored with Business Excellence Award by Wellington Chamber

Wellington, FL – February 24, 2011 – Phelps Media Group, Inc., America’s most progressive and successful equestrian public relations firm, and a Wellington fixture for nearly a decade, has been awarded the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award. The award will be presented at the Chamber luncheon on March 16, 2011 at the Wanderer’s Club.

Launched in 2002 by Olympian Mason Phelps, Jr., Phelps Media Group began service to the equestrian industry with promotion of the National Horse Show, which was moved to Wellington following a one hundred year plus run at Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City. The PMG promotion of that event drew such record crowds to the show grounds in Wellington, that some were quoted as calling it the “Woodstock of horse shows.”

“It was amazing,” recalled President Mason Phelps. “There were so many people that weekend that we ran out of food, ran out of portable toilets and overwhelmed the roads leading into the equestrian complex. It was like Woodstock,” he laughed. The success of that promotion prompted Phelps to continue the PMG venture for other events. Word spread rapidly throughout the industry about this new company that offered ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, lightning fast media responses, and proven results. Since that time, Phelps Media Group, Inc. has rapidly accumulated an amazing number of impressive clients in the equestrian world from coast-to-coast and internationally.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13326

Healthy Horse Tip – As USEF NSAID Rules Change It’s Time to Go Organic

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to the equine, whether pet or athlete.

NSAIDs can contribute to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, which all may trigger bouts of laminitis.   Even short term NSAID use has the potential for renal (kidney) and liver toxicity, and may decrease a horse’s health and performance.

Research has shown that NSAIDs may also slow down the healing process of soft tissues.  This means that the patient using NSAIDs may look normal and not have pain evident, but the tissue is weaker longer and at a higher risk for re-injury during the extended healing period.

The USEF now requires an “NSAID Disclosure form” to be filed with the Steward/Technical Delegate if more than one NSAID is used during a competition or in the five days preceding a USEF competition.  The use of Bute and Banamine together is currently prohibited.  Starting December 1, 2011, the presence of only one NSAID will be allowed!  The seven NSAIDs currently allowed with quantitative restrictions are Bute, Banamine, Naproxen, Ketofen, Arquel, Equioxx, and topical Surpass.

Continue reading Healthy Horse Tip – As USEF NSAID Rules Change It’s Time to Go Organic