All posts by Associate Editor

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

Beezie Madden Scores Second Win of the Week with Prima in $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby

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Beezie Madden and Prima jumping out of the Devils' Dyke. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2011 – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden scored her second win this week at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby. She and Prima, owned by Neapolitan Holding Co., LLC, were the fastest over a challenging derby course on the grass field at The Stadium.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s sixth week concluded today and was sponsored by Fidelity Investments. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

There were 22 entries in today’s derby, and the course was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. It featured a step bank, open water, liverpools, Devil’s Dyke, and a triple option jump through a “maze” of hedges. The format was Table C, where rails down were converted into added seconds for a final time.

Madden and Prima, a 12-year-old KWPN mare by Kigali x Nimmerdor, went ninth in the order and were lightning fast through most of the course. With a huge, open stride, Madden barely pulled on the reins and made the trip look smooth and easy. They had no faults for a final time of 122.81 seconds for the win.

Continue reading Beezie Madden Scores Second Win of the Week with Prima in $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby →

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulfport Winter Classic Offers “Lagniappe” for All!

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Holly Shepherd & Figaro B. ©Flashpoint Photography

Gulfport, MS — Feb 20, 2011 — A Cajun expression Lagniappe (lan-yap), “small extra gift”, describes best what Mother Nature left as a token on her visit to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Not only did temps continue to heat up, but so did the rivalry for supremacy in both the Hunter and Jumper divisions.

Beginning in the Hunter Divisions where for the second week several of the top horse-rider combinations turned in stellar performances. Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL rode Figaro B for owner Linda Bobrik to the Championship in the 1st Year Green Working and top place in the USHJA Hunter Classic, while Hillsboro, VA based Tom Brennan picked up the tri colors in the 2nd Year Green Working aboard Lynn Rice’s Purple Heart. And taking the Championship title in the High Performance Hunters for week two was Cincinnati, OH resident Sarah Mechlin paired with Olivia Weaver’s agreeable horse Yes Indeed.

Over in the jumper rings the theme was “Les Bon Temps Rouler”, let the good times roll, and in Friday afternoon’s Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH kept on enjoying the good times with his mount Copyright 3 taking the victory.

Continue reading Gulfport Winter Classic Offers “Lagniappe” for All! →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Helping Our Horses with Stress!

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We all know about stress in people, but what about our horses?  Horses were meant to be herd animals, wandering around the land, and grazing over 20 hours a day.

They are a “flight or fight” animal meaning fear or threat causes physiological changes (adrenaline, cortisone, increased heart rate, and increased blood to muscles) causing them to run away or fight by biting, kicking, rearing, and striking.  Yet we “break” them to behave how we want which conflicts with their natural instinct.

We confine them to stalls and paddocks, oftentimes with horses as stablemates they may not choose if given the choice.  Many show and race horses only get to exercise an hour a day and even then we control them during that time.

We feed meals of hay and high concentrated grains giving them lots of energy while only keeping them busy a few hours a day.  We expect them to walk onto trailers, which are moving, confining, noisy, and unnatural objects to be feared.  All these factors contribute to their stress.

Continue reading Tip of the Week – Helping Our Horses with Stress! →

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

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011 – Round 8, Neumunster

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Germany's Ulla Salzgeber, winning rider at the eighth leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series in Neumunster, Germany today riding Herzuf's Erbe is presented with the trophy by Lisa Wells, Reem Acra.

SALZGEBER SWEEPS TO VICTORY IN NEUMUNSTER AS GERMAN RIDERS DOMINATE ONCE AGAIN by Louise Parkes

Neumunster (GER), 20 February 2011 – Ulla Salzgeber and Herzuf’s Erbe swept to their second victory in the Western European League of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series in Neumunster, Germany today where fellow-Germans Isabell Werth and Helen Langehanenberg slotted into second and third places.  Salzgeber has been in formidable form all season, placing herself in a prominent position on the leaderboard when winning the Central European League qualifier at Kaposvar in Hungary last October before coming out to win again at Frankfurt, Germany in December.  And the 52 year old rider did it in style once more today, getting the edge over Werth with a performance that oozed professionalism, confidence, control and harmony and which restored her to pole position on the league table ahead of the final two qualifying rounds.

The Holstenhalle in Neumunster is an atmospheric venue that buzzes with the excitement of its informed and enthusiastic audience, so horses are tested to the limit.  Despite the tension however, the 15 starters however produced work of the highest calibre. “We all love to work as a judge and to see spectators close to the riders,” said Ground Jury President Gary Rockwell afterwards. “But in Neumünster the atmosphere is extraordinary – you can feel the electricity and the enthusiasm for each competitor – it’s a lot of pressure!” he pointed out.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13281

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Louise Serio and Castle Rock Claim Victory in WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular

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Louise Serio and Castle Rock won the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2011 – Louise Serio and Castle Rock earned a victory in the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular on Friday evening at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival following two beautiful rounds of competition. After two weeks of qualifying competition, only the top horses and riders had the opportunity to compete in a fantastic class held under the bright lights of the impressive International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Ken Krome of Maryland designed the course for this evening’s class. A total of 25 entries began the competition in round one and the top eight were then invited to return for a second round course. Finishing in first place, Louise Serio of Kennett Square, PA, rode Bryan Baldwin’s Castle Rock to the win with her two round total of 177.62. The pair finished round one in third place with a score of 87.12, and then earned the class high score of 90.50 in round two to move to the top of the field.

Scott Stewart and Krista Weisman’s Reality held on to their second place position in both rounds one and two, earning an 88.50 and an 88.37 for a total score of 176.87.

Continue reading Louise Serio and Castle Rock Claim Victory in WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular →

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

Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Master the Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6

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Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 18, 2011 – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, rode Abigail Wexner’s Mademoiselle to victory in the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 today at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The grand prix was held on the grass at The Stadium, and riders and spectators alike enjoyed the beautiful weather and change of scenery at the venue.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s sixth week of competition continues through Sunday, February 20. Week six, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, will feature the FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Saturday afternoon, and the $50,000 G&C Farm Palm Beach Jumping Derby on Sunday at 3 p.m. at The Stadium. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

There were 29 entries in today’s class, and the course was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. The course was set on the grass field at The Stadium and had 14 numbered obstacles with a triple and a double combination. There were nine clear rounds, and they advanced to the jump-off to compete for time.

Continue reading Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle Master the Field in $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Events

Canterbury Showplace USDF/USEF May Days Qualifier Show Sponsor Opportunities

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Be included with this year’s Canterbury May Day Qualifier Dressage Show, May 14-15, 2011 in Newberry, Florida!

Set in the beautiful horse country of north central Florida, this special show will host some of the south’s finest competition riders and horses. Canterbury Showplace has been at this for 6 years now and each show has grown bigger and better than ever. This year with the help of our sponsors they are holding the $1000.00 Freestyle Challenge under the lights on Saturday evening. They are also advertising it to the community to raise awareness about the sport of dressage. There will be an evening program printed for the spectators who can pick their favorite horse and rider combo and cheer them on. The Musical free styles are the “creative” portion of the daily scheduled dressage rides and this year they are hosting about 2 hours of this beautiful performance.

Can you be a participant either by; 1) coming and riding, or 2) perhaps sponsoring a division or 3) becoming a Bronze, Silver or Gold sponsor. See below for the benefits for each level. This is a unique and fun show that people look forward to every year. Last year Canterbury ran 3 rings both days. Their goal is 4 this year. With the new $2100.00 Classics on Sunday, sponsored by Fleet Footing, people will have added oppor­tunity to win a bit of prize money which brings even more folks to the show!

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Become part of the exciting world of dressage competitions!

This dynamic sport is one of the fastest growing segments in the horse industry. Your company, product or service will be pre-targeted to an upscale equestrian market.

The competition runs over three days and brings people from all over the southeast. Many of them will need products or services that you have to offer. Decide to enjoy the weekend and boost your identity by becoming a sponsor.

$150.00 Division Sponsor-1/4 page ad in program, announcements

$300.00 Bronze Level- 1/2 page ad in program, banner on ring, public announcements (PA) mentions throughout the day, promotional booth for one day.

$500.00 Silver Level-Full page ad in program, banner on holding pen, PA mentions, booth space for promotions for the 3 days, listed on website.

$1000.00 Gold Level-banner on ring, PA mentions, booth space for promotions, listed on website and your business linked to Canterbury website for a full year, a one year’s sign space rental FREE (value 425.00 for a 4 X 8 space) you provide banner or sign

Please contact Wendy Low at email canterburyshows@bellsouth.net or 352-472-6758 or just complete the form below and mail to 3520 SW 162  St. Archer, FL 32618. Make check to Canterbury Showplace, Inc.

Estimated Demographics:

Attendees-150 horses

Each horse brings in approximately 3.5 people

Household Income averages 75K and upwards

Each family owns a 3/4 ton truck

Each family owns a 2-8 horse trailer

Business Name____________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip____________________________________________________

Email/Phone______________________________________________________

URL www.________________________________________________________

Contact Person_____________________________________

See more info & fill out the form at the Canterbury Showplace PDF

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

Largest Grand Prix Ever at HITS Ocala Won by Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui

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© ESI Photography. Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui on course in Thursday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health.

OCALA, FL (February 18, 2011) — Yesterday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, was the largest Grand Prix starting field ever at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. One of today’s brightest stars in show jumping, Kent Farrington riding Up Chiqui, owned by Alex Boone, William Dobbs and Farrington, beat out 48 starters to take the top prize in the class.

Thursday’s course was designed by Jack Robson of Coronado, California and saw only five teams return for the jump-off. “It was an intelligent course,” said Farrington. “Since the class was so big, it really sorted us out and we didn’t have too many in the jump-off. The bending line to the triple combination posed somewhat of a challenge since it was going away from the gate.”

In the jump-off, Farrington overcame the Great American Time to Beat, held by second-place finishers Andres Rodriguez and Larkanaro, owned by Rodriguez and Andreas Olivares, by less than a second. “He’s a speed specialist,” said Farrington, of his horse. “Going fast in the jump-off is one of our strongest points and today it really mattered with everyone having such fast times.”

Continue reading Largest Grand Prix Ever at HITS Ocala Won by Kent Farrington and Up Chiqui →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Phelps Media Group

Pinata Ponies to Help the Horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue

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February 18, 2011 — Wellington, FL — Each week a special Pinata Pony will be around the show grounds in Wellington. Tickets are sold for the Pinata Pony; the proceeds will benefit the horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue. You can participate by contacting or visiting the vendor who has the pony and is supplying the major gift in the pony. The pony is filled with goodies and a special item.

This week the pony is at Michelle Farmer’s store at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  Michelle has donated one of her unique necklaces, the “Kathryn” shown here with 14kt gold, rust leather and white baroque pearls, valued at $400.

Participation tickets are $10 each. For more information on Michelle Farmer’s designs you can visit www.michellefarmer.com. For directions to Michelle’s store, where tickets can be purchased please contact 516 769 3365 or email michelle@michellefarmer.com.

Each week the location of the new Pinata Pony will be listed on the website of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue at www.PTHR.org. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the rescue. This week you have the opportunity to not only help the horses but also receive a beautiful one of a kind necklace, along with a pony full of goodies… that is if you can bear to break open the pretty little pony. Michelle has picked out a beautiful pony this week.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Scott Stewart Garners Multiple Championship Wins in WCHR Hunter Week

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Scott Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division during week six at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, earning the championship aboard Inclusive. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 17, 2011 – The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued on Thursday with World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) hunter competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All of the rated professional hunter divisions concluded today and awarded championship honors for week six. Champion and reserve champion horses will qualify to compete in the WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular on Friday evening, showcasing the hunters on an international stage.

No surprise as a qualifier for Friday night’s classic, four-time WCHR Professional Champion Scott Stewart earned multiple championship awards today with his string of talented horses. Stewart dominated the First Year Green Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Inclusive and the reserve championship aboard Reality, owned by Krista Weisman. Inclusive, an eight-year-old Warmblood gelding, finished first in both classes over fences today and earned first and second place ribbons on Wednesday. Reality, an eight-year-old Mecklenberg stallion by D’Olympic, earned second in both classes today and placed third on Wednesday.

Stewart first rode Inclusive to victory in the Future Hunter division at the 2010 Capital Challenge Horse Show this past fall and expects great things from the horse this year. Along with showing in the First Years with Stewart, Inclusive also competes in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division with rider Victoria Colvin and has earned championship honors with both riders.

Continue reading Scott Stewart Garners Multiple Championship Wins in WCHR Hunter Week →