Category Archives: Breeds

Interagro Lusitanos Honored at Troféu Eficiência 2015

March 24, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Zepelim Interagro, winner of the 2015 Troféu Eficiência, competing at the Global Dressage Festival in 2015 (Photos courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos)

Baldor Interagro and Pia Aragão Sweep Small Tour at CDI3* Sao Paulo

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (March 22, 2016) – From national rankings to CDI victory, Interagro Lusitanos built upon its already decorated history of show ring success over a banner weekend in late March of 2016. Multiple Interagro horses were honored for their performances in 2015 at the Troféu Eficiência, a regionally focused, yearly ranking that encompasses the entire state of Sao Paulo, while Brazilian and Swedish rider Pia Aragão swept the Small Tour at a the CDI3* Sao Paulo with Baldor Interagro, demonstrating their prowess in the upper echelons of international dressage.

Organized and presented by the governing equestrian federation of the state of Sao Paulo, the Troféu Eficiência ranking encompasses six equestrian disciplines and a variety of categories and levels. For the dressage ranking, which incorporates a minimum of 4 competitions, scores from horse and rider partnerships are averaged and ranked over the course of the year, with the highest being honored and recognized as exceptional through the Troféu Eficiência. Of Troféu Eficiência 2015’s 13 categories, 11 were presented to Lusitanos. Of that 11, horses bred by Interagro won two of the rankings: the Grand Prix and 5-Year-Old Division, highlighting the range and talent of the farm’s equine athletes.

Zepelim Interagro, bred and owned by Interagro Lusitanos and ridden by Pia Aragão, was in the limelight during the ceremonies with the highest combined average in the Grand Prix division. The elegant grey stallion (Quinárius Interagro x Ordenada Interagro) has also earned the top Brazilian national ranking in the Grand Prix, and will be officially presented with the award in May. The partnership of Zepelim and Aragão is well known to the Troféu Eficiência, as in 2013 Aragão and Zepelim were presented with the Sao Paulo ranking for the Small Tour, and as a young horse the talented stallion won the prize as both a 5- and 6-year-old. Aragão has also been the recipient of the Troféu Eficiência ranking many times with various horses at various levels, including Baldor Interagro, Vade Mecum Interagro, and Nirvana Interagro. Finório Interagro (Quixote Interagro x Altamira Interagro), ridden by Sara Godoy for Haras Crystal, won the FEI 5-Year-Old division, highlighting the talented young horse’s skills in dressage.

*Baldor Interagro and Pia Aragão competing at the 2015 Global Dressage Festival*

“It is always an honor to win the Troféu Eficiência, and to be recognized for your accomplishments in this art and for your knowledge of the sport,” said Aragão. “Zepelim had a great year in 2015, scoring the highest in our Grand Prix Freestyle, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop him in 2016.” Aragão bookended the honor of receiving 2015’s Troféu Eficiência with three days of victory at the CDI3* Sao Paulo with Baldor Interagro. The pair swept the Small Tour with scores through 68% in the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I, and Intermediaire I Freestyle. Fresh off a long summer break, Baldor stepped right back into the show arena in winning form despite only 5 Small Tour starts in 2015 and a season of breeding in Brazil. “Because he had such a long time out of the international competition arena, he was a bit fresh and lost his concentration the first day,” said Aragão. “But in general he was fantastic to ride, with the mind, athleticism, and movement to be a competitor at this high level of dressage. My goals going forward are to build on this with the end result of increasing our scores and producing more wins.”

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, to view their horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com or follow them on Facebook. To organize a trip to Brazil or for any questions regarding sales or the logistics of importing horses to the US, contact their US Sales Representative, Peter van Borst at 817 368 5914.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Breeds, Community/Charity, Products/Services

Unicorns for HD Electricity: Desordeiro Interagro Stars in UK Commercial

March 21, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Desordeiro Interagro as the unicorn in the First Utility “HD Electricity” commercial (Courtesy of First Utility)

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (March 21, 2016) – When the silver screen calls for a unicorn, they look no further than the Interagro Lusitano. In a tongue-in-cheek ad for “HD Electricity,” a non-existent, superior power source derived from the conductivity of unicorn horns, the beauty, grace, and elegance of Desordeiro Interagro was selected to depict the mythical creature. First Utility electricity company ran the commercial in the United Kingdom, and the spot featured a herd of unicorns galloping down urban streets through flashes of light and fog to illustrate the satirical power of HD Electricity.

Desordeiro, an 8-year-old gelding by Perdigueiro (MAC) and out of Urzelina Interagro, was selected by an Argentinian based casting agency to depict the unicorn for First Utility based on his classical beauty and intelligence. The gray Lusitano was fitted with a stand in ‘horn,’ which was then altered digitally to become the iconic twisted horn of a unicorn on screen. The electric atmosphere of the set and movements and actions required specialized training in addition to a star with the athleticism, willing attitude, and unflappable disposition to truly bring the unicorn to life.

Trained through Prix St. Georges by Mauricio Delucchi of Delucchi Dressage, Desordeiro also was also schooled in a number of specific actions and movements by Delucchi’s wife, Paulina Morales. Morales also manages the equestrian estate of Haras Godiva in Uruguay, where Desordeiro lives and trains. “The shots of the horses galloping down the street required Desordeiro to learn to canter behind a car rigged with cameras, microphones and technicians, through very intimidating conditions,” said Delucchi. “He really illustrated his ‘bombproof’ nature, staying very calm despite the wind, noises, and commotion of the set.” The script of the commercial also called for Desordeiro to strike a number of poses for the camera, including tossing his head and mane, stopping, and standing despite action and other horses running all around him.

And like any true movie star, Desordeiro had his own stunt double. A similar looking horse was used in his place during a sequence where the herd of unicorns jumps a low obstacle in the street. “We chose to use the double for this scene to reduce the chance of injury for Desordeiro,” said Delucchi. “The jump was to be made on concrete in the dark, with special effects, fog, and lights flashing.” A dangerous situation, even for a unicorn.

With the good looks and temperament to play the mythical horse, Desordeiro also embodies the qualities and characteristics of the modern Interagro Lusitano, most notably trainability and athleticism. Founded in 1975, Interagro’s mission was to reconstruct and preserve the original lineages of the Lusitano horse, many of which were threatened in the aftermath of the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through this process, Interagro became the largest breeder of Lusitanos in the world, and the results of their meticulous selection and training programs have manifested the exceptional qualities of the Interagro horse. Interagro’s modern breeding program focuses on the preservation and improvement of the purest Lusitano lineages adapted to the needs and performance demanded by the FEI disciplines, without sacrificing the beauty, intelligence, talent, and incomparable rideability that make the Lusitano horse unique among all other horse breeds. Or in this case, make for an ideal unicorn by reflecting both their classical beauty and nearly magical temperament. “It definitely requires a special kind of horse to bring into this environment and not become overwhelmed,” said Delucchi. “But the commercial turned out fantastic, and was very popular, with over 300,000 views in two days.”

To watch the full First Utility “HD Electricity” commercial starring Desordeiro Interagro, go to http://stink.co/work/hd-electricity/ or for the shortened version on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo69sea6VHw.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992

Breeds, Dressage, Driving, Equinium Sports Mktg.

Arte Ecuestre: Interagro Lusitanos Featured in Multi-Discipline Equestrian Showcase

February 21, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Zamorim Interagro being piloted by Argentinian driving champion Carl Fatch at the Arte Ecuestre (Photo courtesy of Reid Buckley)

José Ignacio, Uruguay (February 20, 2016) – Against a backdrop of sweeping vistas and the Atlantic Ocean, a group of elite equines and their riders performed in a unique equestrian exhibition showcasing the beauty, diversity, and excitement of equestrian sport. The equestrian center and estate of Haras Godiva, and its owner Carolin Mallmann, have hosted the aptly named Arte Ecuestre for the past two years as an invitation only celebration of the horse through six equestrian presentations: a Gaucho exhibition, dressage exhibition, jumping exhibition, pas de deux, barrel racing, and a driving exhibition. An exceptional display of horsemanship and the athletic prowess of the equine, Arte Ecuestre acts as a catalyst to promote elite equestrian art through entertainment.

Held on January 13, 2016, Haras Godiva’s top horses and riders were selected to perform in each of the disciplines, and horses bred by Interagro Lusitanos were featured in both the dressage and driving portions of Arte Ecuestre. The dressage exhibition was presented by Mauricio Delucchi of Delucchi Dressage aboard Bailos Interagro (Noblíssimo Interagro x Dona (RC)) and Desordeiro Interagro (Perdigueiro (MAC) x Urzelina Interagro). Bailos Interagro, who is half-brother to the 2015 Working Equitation World Cup champion Xaveco Interagro, executed the Grand Prix movements under the guidance of Delucchi, while Desordeiro Interagro demonstrated Medium Level, which is equivalent to Third Level in the United States. Two other horses also performed a pas de deux, or ‘steps of two,’ a dressage freestyle featuring two horses and riders in a choreographed dance set to music. Zamorim Interagro (Quinarius Interagro x Mucuna Interagro), with Carl Fatch at the reins, performed a driving exhibition highlighting the precision, strength, and stamina required of driving horses. Fatch, who is the husband of Haras Godiva owner Carolin Mallmann, is an internationally renowned Argentinian driving champion, and Zamorim Interagro is half-brother to the successful Grand Prix dressage competitor, Zepelim Interagro.

Each of the 6 disciplines was well received by the 130 attendees, and following the exhibition, children and spectators were invited into the arena to get up close with the horses. Arte Ecuestre culminated in a cocktail hour and sunset celebration overlooking Haras Godiva’s stunning scenery. “The Arte Ecuestre is an important way for us to connect modern horse sport with the natural beauty of Uruguay and entertain our guests,” said Delucchi, who organizes the event with his wife, Paulina Morales. “The performances of Interagro’s horses are key for the exhibitions, as dressage and driving are very popular in South America and abroad. This year they were again very popular with our guests.”

Bred by Interagro Lusitanos of Itapira, Brazil, Zamorim, Bailos, and Desordeiro epitomize the qualities sought in the modern sport horse: athleticism, trainability, intelligence, and a willing temperament. With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Arte Ecuestre, visit Haras Godiva’s website or the Arte Ecuestre video produced by Studios Roff on Vimeo.

For more information on Interagro, the stud farm, horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit the Interagro website or follow them on social media.

Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
holly@equinium.com
954 205 7992
www.equinium.com

Breeds, Community/Charity

Meet the Newest Budweiser Clydesdale

January 31, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Budweiser is raising a glass to its newest Clydesdale horse Mac, its first foal of 2016 born Tuesday at 1:20 a.m.

To see him, Bud drinkers will have to giddy up over to the Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, home of more than 160 Clydesdale horses, a breed that originated in the mid-18th century in Scotland in Lanarkshire (aka Lanark). Its name is believed to be “inspired by” the river that runs through that area, the River Clyde, according to The Livestock Conservancy and the Clydesdale Horse Society. Historically used for pulling heavy cargo, they were brought to North America in the mid-19th century.

“The tradition of the Budweiser Clydesdales started in 1933 when they made their first-ever appearance as a gift from August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch to their father in celebration of the repeal of Prohibition,” Anheuser-Busch said in a statement. “Realizing the marketing potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York. The Clydesdales made a stop in Washington D.C. in April 1933 to reenact the delivery of one of the first cases of Budweiser to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”

Nowadays, Clydesdales are said to be primarily used for “breeding and show.” But no word on when Mac will appear in his first Super Bowl commercial.

Story by Olivia B. Waxman as published in Time

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Championships

The Amazing Feathered Horses Set to Show Off at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center

January 14, 2016 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of Gail Shrine.

Jacksonville, FL (January 13, 2016) – This weekend, gorgeous feathered horses are moving into the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The 80-acre equestrian paradise in Jacksonville, Florida will host the Gypsy Vanner National Championships and the FL Feathered Horse Classic on January 14-17. Gail Shrine, owner of the Feathered Horse Classic competition series, invites all horse lovers to come view these magnificent animals at the Gypsy Vanner National Championships and FL Feathered Horse Classic, which was founded a decade ago. The event is free to spectators.

Feathered horses, including the Gypsy Vanner breed, are noted for the “feathers” or the long hair that starts below the knees and hocks of the horses and flows around the hooves. These horses also have long, flowing manes and full tails to complete their unique look. Shrine said, “The horses at this show are the most exciting and beautiful horses anyone could ever see. With their fabulous long manes and tails and the famous feather around the hooves, the Gypsy Vanners stand out from any other breed there is. They have a genuine easy going temperament, and are known for being easy to train in all disciplines.”

With free admission and free parking, guests will be able to watch more than 125 horses from all over the United States compete in a variety of equestrian events, including halter, western pleasure, dressage, western dressage, hunter, liberty, driving, English pleasure, trail, and more.

“Everyone is welcome to the Gypsy Vanner National Championships on Thursday the 14th and FL Feathered Horse Championships on January 15-17. The best of the best are at the Jacksonville, Florida show each year!” Shrine announced. “Competitors come from all over the United States, and spectators come from all over the world. We have guests from Dubai, England, New Zealand, and Australia that attend looking for the best quality Gypsy Vanners.”

Visitors will be welcome to walk through the stabling area to see the spectacularly decorated stalls and interact with some of the owners of the horses. “These are the nicest owners one could come across,” commented Shrine. She continued, “The owners and exhibitors love to have spectators cheer them on in the ring.”

This will be the Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s fifth year hosting the FL Feathered Horse Classic and the second year hosting the Gypsy Vanner National Championship. Shrine said, “The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is one of the best facilities we use during our yearly series, which is six shows throughout the United States and the National Championship. The staff at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is very easy to work with and helpful with all situations. The indoor arena is outstanding with lots of ‘WOW factor,’ and is always in top condition. We love the facility and will continue this tradition of celebrating the Champions of the Breed here each year.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a multifaceted facility on an easily accessible site off major highways in Jacksonville, Florida. Equine amenities include an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a part of a recreational park that includes picnic pavilions, a gymnasium, and an Olympic-size indoor pool. For more information, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-255-4227.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-255-4227
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221

Awards, Breeds, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

WBFSH Rolex Award Ceremony 2015 in Geneva

December 13, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin. Photos: Ridehesten.com.

The world’s leading breeders gathered in the city of Geneva Saturday night to be honoured for their extraordinary breeding products. The winners of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Rolex Breeder Rankings in dressage, show jumping and eventing received their WBFSH diplomas presented by Jan Pedersen, president of the WBFSH, and an exquisite Rolex watch presented by Laurent Delanney of Rolex.

Dutch breeders Martje and Joop Hanse won the dressage prize for the third consecutive year whilst Belgian breeder Willy Taets won the show jumping prize for the second year in a row.

Please visit the WBFSH website to read the individual portraits of the winning breeders.

The award winners are:

Martje and Joop Hanse, the Netherlands for breeding the No. 1 dressage horse Valegro by Negro/Gerswin

Willy Taets, Belgium for breeding the No. 1 show jumping horse Hello Sanctos by Quasimodo vd Molendreef/Nabab de Reve

Rolf Lück, Germany for breeding the No. 1 eventing horse Horseware Hale Bob by Ituango xx/Carismo

For further information, please contact:

Xavier Libbrecht
Tel: +33 (6) 80 14 41 83
Email: xavierlibbrecht1@gmail.com

Thomas Bach Jensen
Tel: +45 2033 8683
Email: tbj@wbfsh.org

Awards, Breeds, Championships, JRPR

Valerie Daidah and Var Capture Vita Flex Victory Pass Award

October 14, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Valerie Daidah and Var (Photo courtesy of Avalon Photography LLC)

Burbank, CA (October 14, 2015) – Valerie Daidah and Var took the 2015 International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) Friesian World & Grand National Championship Horse Show by storm, claiming nine championship titles and the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award. Daidah and Var, a 17-year-old Friesian gelding (Reitse x Seitse) imported from the Netherlands, displayed their winning talents during the national championships held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, California this month.

Vita Flex, a leading producer of horse performance supplements, holds excellent performances in the show ring in high prestige. The company has presented the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award at several recent national championship breed shows to reward special combinations of horse and human who cross the fine line between good and great.

This horse and driver combination of Daidah and Var caught the eye of the judges and show committee at the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships during one of their astounding nine national championship victories. Daidah and Var earned the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award for their performance in the World Champion Friesian Carriage Pleasure Driving Working Single Masters ATD class. Along with the championship title, they received the Vita Flex Victory Pass Award neck sash and a Vita Flex prize bucket that was comprised of many of the company’s top products. This included the Lactanase® supplement, which provides ingredients that support the production of cellular energy, making this supplement extremely popular for high performance horses. The prize also included the AccuLytes™ Balanced Electrolyte Formula, which replenishes electrolytes that are often lost during long trailer rides, stressful situations, and exercise.

Vita Flex was pleased to present this prize to Daidah and Var, as they bested the competition during the Friesian World & Grand National Championship Horse Show. Some of their other winning performances in World Champion Friesian Carriage Country Pleasure Driving classes came in the divisions Reinsmanship, Amateur Driver, Concours d’ Elegance, Driven Dressage, Turnout-Single, Costume, and Multiple Hitch-Tandem.

As the champions of the Turnout-Single division, Daidah and Var won the Richard Snavely Memorial Pleasure Turnout Single Open Perpetual Trophy, which is presented in memory of Richard Snavely. Winning this trophy had sentimental significance for Daidah. “Richard was a dear friend of mine,” she explained. “Just three years ago, I lost a horse that he trained that I used to compete with.”

Daidah and Var were also honored with the Anita Mellott Memorial Driving High Point Perpetual Trophy, for accumulating the highest number of driving points during the entirety of the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships. “It was awesome. I am so proud of Var,” she reflected.

This year, Daidah and Var appeared at the championships for the first time since 2010, making what Daidah described as a “comeback” of sorts. In 2010, Var earned the prestigious titles of USEF Friesian Driving Horse of the Year, IFSHA High Point Driving Horse, and the Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) Performance Driving Award.

When asked to describe her champion partner Var, Daidah explained, “He is sweet and loving and a bit of a goofball. He slaps his lips and puts his tongue out when he wants a treat.” Some of that personality certainly helped the pair earn their winning title in the costume class, where Var was a winged horse. “I had flamed leg wraps on him and flamed mane extensions. I was wearing a devil costume and I had flames on the carriage,” said Daidah, smiling with fondness for her Friesian partner.

Vita Flex provides riders, trainers, and owners with advanced supplements specifically created for equine athletes to help keep horses in peak health. Vita Flex® products include health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance supplements, topical ointments, vitamins, and minerals. For more information about Vita Flex and its line of superior horse products, visit www.vitaflex.com or call (800) 848–2359.

Contact: Katie Stevenson
kstevenson@central.com
www.vitaflex.com
(602) 281-3872

Awards, Breeds, JRPR

Judith Von Duyke and Canadian Justina Win World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award

October 3, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Judith Von Duyke and Canadian Justina (photo courtesy of Don Stine Equine Sports Photography)

Raleigh, NC (October 2, 2015) — World Equestrian Brands – the United States distributer of the top tack and equipment brands Equilibrium, E. A. Mattes, Vespucci, and Amerigo – travels to prestigious horse shows across the country to commend competitors for using functional tack combined with attractive, correct presentation. The company is known for giving out great prizes for competitors’ efforts. At the 2015 Sport Horse National Arabian and Half Arabian Championship Horse Show, Judith Von Duyke won and was reserve in two championship classes respectively, but also the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award.

Von Duyke secured the win in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout class among a field of nine competitors with Canadian Justina (Canadian Love X HL Justaglitter (The Chief Justice)), a seventeen-year-old Arabian mare owned and trained by her daughter, Sarah Vas of Winfield Farm & Forge of Grafton, Ohio. Justina was broke to drive as a nine-year-old and she’s secured many national titles with Vas at the reins as well as with Winfield Farm’s assistant trainer, Stephanie Brown. Although a life-long horsewoman, Von Duyke has only been driving intermittently since April of this year. Von Duyke only had about four solid months of carriage instruction under her daughter’s tutelage when she drove through the in gate at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals.

Von Duyke was happy to have remembered her training as she entered the arena. “I was most worried about making mistakes, but all of the safety instruction and hours of practice culminated in my not only doing well in my classes, but also enjoying the experience,” she said.

Although Von Duyke didn’t start riding until she was in her teens, as a child she loved to pet the milkman’s horse in front of her home. Finally, at the age of 27, she was able to own her first horse.

“Actually, it was a pony,” she laughed. “From there, I have been involved in breeding, riding, horse show announcing, competing, and enjoying the ‘ride’ as I experience the horse world with my daughter, Sarah, as she pursues her professional equestrian career.”

Von Duyke claimed the championship in the Carriage Pleasure Driving Turnout class and reserve championship in the Carriage Pleasure Working class, where she was second in a field of twelve competitors. Having the best tack when competing is as important to Von Duyke as it is to World Equestrian Brands. The judges and show committee at Arabian Sport Horse Nationals noticed Von Duyke and Justina’s impeccable presentation and quality tack, and chose the pair to receive the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award. Von Duyke’s trainer and daughter agreed that a well-fitted harness and saddle is important to success.

Vas, who rides as well as drives, pointed out that Arabians are known for being difficult to fit saddles to, based on their compact rib cages, short coupling, and wide shoulders. Vas has used E. A. Mattes pads (offered by World Equestrian Brands) to help her saddles fit correctly with great results, saying that they are well crafted and easy to care for.

World Equestrian Brands is a leading U.S. distributor of world-class, high performance tack and products. Winners of the World Equestrian Brands Tack Matters Award, chosen by show officials and USEF judges for superior attention to the detail of the competitors’ tack, are presented with an item from one of the popular brands World Equestrian Brands carries – Amerigo, Vespucci, E. A. Mattes, or Equilibrium – as well as a neck ribbon.

World Equestrian Brands is happy to recognize Von Duyke’s dedication to top-quality tack. For more information about World Equestrian Brands and the products it offers to make horses and riders look and feel like champions, visit www.worldequestrianbrands.com.

Robin Moore
World Equestrian Brands
540-264-0154
rmoore@worldequestrianbrands.com
www.worldequestrianbrands.com

Awards, Breeds, JRPR

Urban Legend+++// Is Champion at 2015 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals

October 3, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Urban Legend+++//, owned and competed by Amy Kerr (in carriage) (Photo courtesy of Don Stine Equine Sports Photography)

Raleigh, NC (October 2, 2015) – After a dangerous carriage driving accident, Amy Kerr of New Tripoli, Pennsylvania never expected to drive again. With her own self-trained Half-Arabian gelding, though, she once again took the reins and drove to a national championship, a reserve national championship, and seven top ten placings at the recent 2015 Sport Horse National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show held at the Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As Kerr’s super-fit Half-Arabian gelding Urban Legend+++// showed his talent in front of the carriage and also under saddle, his physical ability stood out to the show committee and judges. Urban Legend+++// was chosen as the winner of the TheraPlate Peak Performance Award. The award, presented by TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms (the Official Therapy Plate of the United States Equestrian Federation), perfectly highlighted a successful weekend for Kerr and her horse at the Arabian national championships.

TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms, a company based in Weatherford, Texas, offers easy-to-use products for horses, humans, and other animals. Standing on the platforms can provide benefits such as relieving pain in users, speeding healing from injuries, and – as the Peak Performance Award is named – achieving ideal fitness to enter the show ring in top form.

Urban Legend+++//, known as Bandit, is an 11-year-old Buckskin Quarab and Pinto cross sired by the cremello Quarter Horse stallion True Blue McCue and bred by Wendy Bockman. Kerr purchased Bandit’s dam, a bay Arabian mare named WA Muzel (by Muzcat), while WA Muzel was three months in foal. On July 5, 2004, Bandit’s journey began with his one-and-only owner. “He was my first baby,” said Kerr. “I’m proud to say I have done all of the training on Bandit. No one else has touched him as far as training goes, so for better or worse he is a reflection of myself.”

It is quite the reflection of a superb horse-and-rider partnership, as the pair captured the National Championship in the A/HA/AA Carriage Pleasure Driving Working class and the National Reserve Championship in A/HA/AA Carriage Pleasure Driving Drive & Ride. Bandit also earned several Top Ten placings throughout the competition.

As Kerr has been dedicated to training Bandit as her winning partner, TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms is dedicated to helping horses achieve and maintain the body condition needed for health, success, and comfort. The company is happy to congratulate Kerr and Bandit on achieving such impressive fitness.

Bandit helped his owner, who had given up driving after a carriage accident with a former horse, gain the confidence needed to win at the prestigious Arabian Sport Horse Nationals. “The memory of the accident will always be in the back of my mind,” said Kerr. Kerr wasn’t sure she even wanted to teach her horse how to drive, but eventually she took a step forward and began ground driving him. “If you would have told me when he was first born that the two of us would have come this far, I probably would have told you what a tall tale you are telling. Honestly, he’s truly my once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind, jack-of-all-trades horse. He’s always willing to try his heart out for me, lets me do just about anything to him, and puts up with my silly ideas.”

Kerr works hard to keep Bandit fit, and appreciated being recognized for her efforts with the TheraPlate Peak Performance Award. “Between my half-lease and me, Bandit gets worked about five to six days a week. It could be driving one day and jumping the next, but we try to keep his mind fresh by doing new things. I always try to finish his workout with a little trail ride around the barn pastures. Bandit is on an every-other-day turnout schedule with his stable mates, and I think letting him go out and ‘be a horse’ keeps him mentally happy,” she said.

The TheraPlate Peak Performance Award distinguishes horses like Urban Legend+++// that stand out from the crowd, exemplifying the most pristine fitness and athletic ability of their breed. TheraPlate Revolution Therapy Platforms offers both horses and people the chance to reach their absolute best athletic ability through health and body conditioning. Each TheraPlate platform can improve circulation, bone density, and muscle mass, as well as reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.

For more about the TheraPlate therapy platforms, visit www.theraplate.com or call (800) 920-3685.

Contact: Chip Kreiling
TheraPlate Revolution
theraplate@gmail.com
www.theraplate.com

Breeds, Championships, Dressage, JRPR

Zopatti and Uwannabeme WH Win Two National Championship Titles at AHA Sport Horse Nationals

September 29, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

John Zopatti and National Champion partner, Uwannabeme WH (Photo courtesy of Bob Tarr).

Pinehurst, NC (September 29, 2015) – USDF Gold Medalist John Zopatti and KWPN-Half Arabian gelding Uwannabeme WH had lofty goals for the 2015 competition season. Their hard work and clever planning culminated in two national championship titles at the 2015 AHA Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show. Zopatti and Uwannabeme WH won both the Second and Third Level Championship for Arabians, Half-Arabians, and Anglo-Arabians at the Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Zopatti, a four-time Gold Coast Dressage Association Trainer of the Year, began working with the talented gelding in February 2015. Over the summer, Uwannabeme WH, or “Slim” as he is affectionately called, went into full training at Zopatti’s summer base – Gavilan Farm in Hoffman, North Carolina. Slim’s owner, Loxahatchee, Florida native Johnny Robb, thought the horse would benefit from training in the same area where the Sport Horse Nationals would be held.

Robb also competed with Slim at the 2015 Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Show. The pair spent some time bonding in the in-hand division, where Robb and Slim earned a top-ten finish in the Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Sport Horse Geldings In-Hand Dressage Type Amateur to Handle Championship class.

Despite the hubbub of a national championship competition, Slim set about handling his business like the champion he is. Zopatti was proud with Slim’s performance over the course of the competition, particularly in the Third Level class where the horse gave an accurate and submissive performance, scoring an impressive 75.513% to best the class of 25 horses. “The same confidence that he shows at home, he is starting to bring to the horse show now,” said Zopatti.

“This was my first year at the Arabian Nationals. It was quite a different experience going to these Sport Horse Nationals,” said Zopatti. “The prizes that they give you – the statues and the ribbons – are really cool. They laid the roses across his withers and they have these ribbons that went from his head to the ground. I have to say, it was a really great experience.”

Earlier this year, Zopatti was named National Champion in the Open Dressage Show Hack division at the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IAHLA) National Championships, which was his first breed show championship. He bested the field of sixteen riders aboard Johnny Robb’s Zerbino Interagro, a twelve-year-old Lusitano gelding. Proving himself a talented rider for dressage horses of all breeds, Zopatti is becoming accustomed to winning the roses. “This was the year of breed shows for me,” Zopatti exclaims. “I had never done one before in my life. It is quite a different experience to have all different disciplines simultaneously competing at the show.”

At the 2015 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals, Slim caught the eye of spectators with his extravagant movement, causing many people to ask Robb and Zopatti about the horse’s breeding. Slim is out of a Dutch Warmblood mare and sired by the renowned Arabian stallion, Baske Afire. “We would say he was a Dutch-cross, but many people thought that meant he was a Dutch Harness horse. By the end of the horse show, I learned to say Dutch Warmblood cross,” said Zopatti.

Slim is now enjoying a well-deserved vacation in the paddock. After his rest, he will be getting back to training. “His real strength is in the FEI work,” commented Zopatti, who hopes to continue to develop the horse’s confidence and possibly begin showing the Prix St. Georges and small tour dressage in the 2016 show season in Wellington, Florida. “He is already scoring in the 70s at Fourth Level and showing real promise for all the FEI level movements,” Zopatti added.

To learn more about John Zopatti, visit www.johnzopatti.com or call 561-722-7555.

Contact: John Zopatti
www.johnzopatti.com
561-722-7555

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