Category Archives: Equinium Sports Mktg.

Championships, Dressage, Equinium Sports Mktg., USEF

Amy Speck-Kern Secures Invitation to Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships

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Amy Speck-Kern and Gerona.

Fairburn, GA (August 5, 2016) – Displaying the rhythm and impulsion indicative of an exceptional young dressage horse and worthy of comparison to The Knack’s rock ’n’ roll classic “My Sherona,” the elegant bay KWPN mare Gerona strutted to victory in both days of showing at Chattahoochee Hills Dressage, held July 16 & 17, 2016. With Amy Speck-Kern of Excel Dressage in the saddle, Gerona (Tango x Odessa x Junior STV) was awarded a 7.900 to top the FEI 5-Year-Old test on Sunday. Combined with the pair’s past score of 7.840 for a total of 7.870, the average landed them in the top 15 on the 2016 Markel/USEF 5-Year-Old Young Horse Championship Ranking List and secured them an invitation to compete against the nation’s top young horses at Lamplight Equestrian Center.

Despite being only recently imported to the United States, Gerona has proven her mettle and poise in the dressage arena. In the mare’s debut performance on US soil, Gerona and Speck-Kern scored a 7.840, securing their first qualifying score towards the Markel/USEF Young Horse National Dressage Championships. Speck-Kern, who operates Excel Dressage out of Loxahatchee, Florida, has had less than a month’s worth of preparation following the mare’s arrival and quarantine in the States in May, and was impressed with the young horse’s composure despite long hours in the trailer and a completely new environment at qualifying shows.

“Gerona showed us once again her talent and intelligence,” said Speck-Kern. “The judges were very complimentary of her gaits, especially her trot, which they awarded an 8.6. In the short time I’ve been riding her she has truly blown us away with her composure and brilliance in the arena, and I’m thrilled to have qualified her for the Young Horse Championships!”

Gerona is owned by the Hoog family, and Katie Hoog, who has been purchasing horses from The Netherlands since 2007, scouted the Ster PROK predicated mare on a buying excursion to Holland in March of 2016. In a pressure crunch of time and travel, the decision to purchase the mare was made from only a video and quick lunging session, but that was enough to seal the deal. As a 3-year-old, Gerona won her mare testing with an 82.5%.

“Her three gaits, excellent conformation, and beauty are what originally caught our attention as a potential FEI prospect,” said Hoog. “With the added bonuses of intelligence and character she has everything she needs to be a real contender in the Young Horse divisions. Amy has done a fantastic job getting her qualified in a limited timeframe, and we are looking forward to seeing her in the arena at Lamplight.”

Excel Dressage was founded by Speck-Kern in 2010 and offers training, showing, and sales of top caliber dressage horses. After beginning her career with Olympic Bronze Medalist Michael Poulin and “S” Judge Sharon Poulin, Speck-Kern’s naturally quiet and effective riding style and training method drew a strong international client base of competitive amateurs. Excel Dressage imports a select number of exceptional sales and show prospects each year, and Speck-Kern was also recently accepted into the prestigious USEF “r” program. With her sights set on eventually obtaining international judge accreditation and international show ring success, she offers a unique training viewpoint as both a rider and judge.

For more information, including up-to-date news and horses for sale, visit Excel Dressage’s website, visit them on Facebook, or contact them directly at amy.speckkern@gmail.com, +1 414 550 1176.

©2016 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA

Dressage, Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping

Germany Victorious in Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup; USA and France Tie for Second

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Germany’s Christian Ahlmann on course. Photos: Equinium Sports Marketing.

In a nail-biting double round class that had the packed Main Stadium on tenterhooks, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann, and Marcus Ehning rode four faultless rounds to keep the challengers from France and the USA at bay, ultimately securing Germany’s win in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup.

The first round saw clears from the USA and German Teams, leaving them tied for first going into the second round (of the four riders for each team, the highest faulted rider is dropped from the calculations). France finished the first round with just 4 faults, and the close race set the crowd on edge for round 2. Two clears from Christian Ahlmann and Marcus Ehning put Germany in striking position for the win, while the USA’s McLain Ward had an unusual 12 fault round that left the pressure on Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ following clear rounds from Lucy Davis and Laura Kraut.

The crowd of nearly 30,000 was silent as Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum piloted Fibonacci 17 over the course, and exploded in excitement as the pair flew over the final Mercedes-Benz vertical without fault. With Ludger Beerbaum still to go, Germany’s victory was well in hand as Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ set onto the field. A clear round from her would tie the USA and Germany for first, but an unfortunate single fault at the Deutsche Bank water jump dropped America into second, where France’s fault free second round left them tied with the USA.

Germany’s jubilation was so pronounced at having won Aachen’s Nations Cup for the first time since 2008 that they seemed to forget that their fourth member, Ludger Beerbaum, had yet to go. As he and Casello rode onto the pitch, there was flurry of movement from Aachen’s tractors and ground crew to set up for the awards; no doubt they were eager to see Germany crowned. To the amusement of the crowd the announcer kindly asked the crew to allow Beerbaum to finish, while he and Casello waited patiently for their turn. Despite the round being inconsequential for the Nations Cup standings, the decorated German rider still needed to complete the course as Aachen’s CHIO is the final qualifier for the German Olympic Team.

Results for all classes and competitions during the CHIO Aachen 2016 can be found at: http://resulting.chioaachen.de/.

Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino
Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino

Anabel Balkenhol and Juan Matute Jr. Triumphant in Friday’s Dressage Competition at the CHIO Aachen 2016

Germany once again dominated in the second leg of the CDI4, the Grand Prix Special, following an impressive performance in the Grand Prix CDI4 earlier in the week. Anabel Balkenhol and 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding Dablino FRH rode a precise and fluent test to score a 75.471 and top the class. Hubertus Schmidt and the Trakehner stallion Imperio 3, who were victorious in the Grand Prix with a 76+ percent, finished second on 74.157.

Earlier in the day, Spain’s Juan Matute Jr and Quantico Ymas took top honors in the Under-25 Grand Prix, demonstrating all of the poise and elegance required for international Grand Prix competition and finishing on 71.349. Second place went to Belgium’s Laurence Roos and Fil Rouge with 70.558, and Germany’s Florine Keinbaum and Doktor Schiwago 3 ended on 70.4558 for third.

Wesel District Top Quadrille Championships

The Deutsche Bank Stadium’s dressage arena was filled with the sounds of pop and rock and roll music Friday afternoon as the Prize of the Handwerk Quadrille Championships showcased exceptional choreography, harmony, and style of its 6 competing teams. With an overall score of 19.5, the Wesel District Team, comprised of Lisa Behr, Sina Doller, Nathalie Overmann, and Petra Wolf, claimed victory with upbeat music and intricate pattern. Their closest challenger and second place finisher was the Aachen District, finishing on a 18.3.

In the Quadrille Championships, each team consists of four horse and rider pairs who perform a medium level Freestyle routine to individual choreography and music. It is an interesting and well received aspect of the CHIO Aachen, and emphasizes the overall theme of teamwork that is prevalent throughout the CHIO.

Lamaze Does It Again in the Prize of the North Rhine-Westphalia
Press release courtesy of CHIO Aachen

What a week for Canada’s Olympic gold medallist, Eric Lamaze and his Hanoverian mare, Fine Lady. First the pair won the Turkish-Airlines Prize of Europe on Wednesday, then they rode to victory in the Prize North Rhine-Westphalia, proving their incredible speed.

In the second round of the jumping competition, the pair was almost four seconds faster than the rest of the field. However, as far as Saturday’s Rolex Grand Prix is concerned, his fellow competitors can breathe easy as Fine Lady is already on the way to Rio: Lamaze confirmed Friday that he will be riding Fine Lady at the Olympic Games. He would never have imagined that himself when he took over the mare from the German squad member, Holger Wulschner, in 2014: “We actually thought she was a good reserve horse for me for 1.50 metre speed competitions. But then I jumped her in the bigger classes now and again as well. And whatever we demanded from her, she delivered. I don’t know if one can call it scope. But she really is bold! And when she has the right ground speed, she can jump anything.”

Laura Kraut Wins the Stawag Prize for the USA
Press release courtesy of CHIO Aachen

Before the course was rebuilt for the Mercedes Benz Nations’ Cup, the STAWAG Prize, a competition against the clock, was held in the Main Stadium. Laura Kraut from the USA, the 2008 Olympic team gold medalist, reached the finish line in the fastest time, after knocking almost a second of her closest rival’s time with the Holstein-bred gelding, Confu.

She was followed by the two Irish riders, Jonathan Gordon with Fellini and Cian O’Connor with Calisto. Felix Haßmann and Cayenne of Germany finished fourth, while the team World Champion of 2010, Janne-Friederike Meyer, came fifth with Chuck and Christian Ahlmann was right behind her in sixth place with Cornado II.

©2016 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA

Dressage, Driving, Equinium Sports Mktg.

CHIO Aachen Wednesday Dressage Recap

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Hubertus Schmidt with Imperio.

Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt and the Trekhener stallion, Imperio, proved their regality in the Deutsche Bank Stadium during the first day of dressage competition at the CHIO Aachen, demonstrating elegance and power in the first leg of the CDI-4* to score a 76.043% and top the class. Fresh off a recent injury, the pair is on the long list for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In fact, all of the top placers in the CDI-4* are striving for a place on the German Olympic team: the two-time World Cup bronze medallist, Jessica Bredow-Werndl, came second with Unee BB (74.90). Anabel Balkenhol and Dablino came third with a score of 74.486 ahead of Fabienne Lütkemeier with D’Agostino (73.814) and Jenny Lang-Nobbe with Loverboy (72.700). The competitions in Aachen will ultimately decide who will represent Germany in Rio.

Michael Eilberg and Woodlander Farouche Claim Victory in Prize of the VUV Prix St. Georges

Rain and clouds could not dampen the first dressage competition of the CHIO Aachen 2016, which proved to be a battle of superstars and rising talent. Whereas the so-called Small Tour doesn’t usually attract a lot of attention at other shows, in Aachen’s Deutsche Bank Stadium one can admire the stars of tomorrow in these competitions. Wednesday’s Prize of the VUV – Vereinigte Unternehmerverbände Aachen – was no exception.

The elegant chestnut mare Woodlander Farouche, under the guidance of Michael Eilberg, put in a beautiful test to achieve a score of 76.368 percent, proving her mettle in the FEI levels. The British Hanoverian mare (Fuerst Heinrich x Woodlander Dornroschen) was the World Champion of the Five and Six-year-old Dressage Horses at the 2011 and 2012 World Breeding Championships in Verden, and has clearly hit her stride in the Prix St. Georges.

Jessica Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB. Photo: Equinium Sports Marketing
Jessica Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB. Photo: Equinium Sports Marketing

The 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding Santiago, piloted by German 2012 Olympic Team Silver medalist Dorothee Schneider, took reserve honors with a score of 75.263. Santiago was previously the winner of the Nuremberg Burg Cup Final, similar to the German Championships of the Young Dressage Horses.

The third and fourth place finishers were also German Champions as young horses. Third place went to the seven-year-old stallion, DSP Belantis, with the five-time Olympic gold medallist Isabell Werth (73.895 percent). Belantis placed second at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses in 2016.

Hubertus Schmidt and Escolar rode to fourth with a final score of 73.895%. The 7-year-old stallion showed experience and maturity beyond his years in the hands of the German Olympic Team Gold Medalist, and was also crowned the German Champion title twice as a 3-year-old and 4-year-old.

Sixth and seventh place also went to Germany: Suppenkasper with the team World Champion, Helen Langehanenberg (72.921 percent) and Geraldine with Ingrid Klimke (71.553). Incidentally, the latter, who is the daughter of the most successful dressage rider of all time, Dr. Reiner Klimke, is not only competing in the dressage arena in Aachen, but also in the DHL Prize of the eventers.

World Champion Exell Heads the Field Following Prize of the Fa. Horsch, der Entsorger

As usual, the CAIO of the four-in-hand drivers, the Prize of Fa. Horsch, Der Entsorger, kicked off Wednesday with the dressage in the Driving Stadium. As with the dressage riders, accuracy, elegance and obedience are demanded of the masters of the carriages. After the first of three disciplines – the Marathon, the cross-country course of the drivers, and cones phase follow – the Australian driver, Boyd Exell, who has, among many other titles, already won the CAIO Aachen five times in the past, heads the field. Exell is namely also a many-time World Champion and World Cup winner and as the first driver ever was additionally distinguished by the FEI with the “Reem Acra Best Athlete Award” in 2015. In 2016, he is on course to claim his sixth victory at the Soers. The mode of the driving competition is similar to that of the eventing: the winner is the participant who has collected the least minus points after the final competition. After the dressage, Exell will set off on the Marathon course with 34.05 minus points.

The Dutch driver, Ijsbrand Chardon, is close at his heels on a score of 40.83 minus – a familiar situation for himself and Exell; they are more or less permanent rivals – whereby Chardon succeeded in securing the title in the World Cup Final this year after beating Exell. It is going to be exciting to see how the duel at the Soers ends this time round.

The American driver, Chester Weber, currently lies in third place, who was the first American to win in Aachen ever in 2013. His interim result is 43.33 minus points.

The best German driver after the dressage is Christoph Sandmann in seventh place (51.46).

©2016 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA

Dressage, Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Vaulting

Horse and Symphony, Opening Ceremonies, and Show Jumping Kick Off CHIO Aachen 2016

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Traditionally dressed Swedish dancers and a painted Norwegian Fjord. Photos are property of Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC.

Aachen, Germany (July 13, 2016) – The king and queen of Sweden paraded into the main stadium of the CHIO Aachen Tuesday evening in grand style, accompanied by the Royal Fire Brigade of Malmo and a phalanx of mounted guards from the Swedish Royal Stables. Following a welcome to the participating nations, presented by Icelandic ponies and their riders bearing flags, Her Majesty Queen Silvia delivered the inaugural speech, officially declaring the CHIO Aachen 2016 open. With a roar of approval from the crowd the Opening Ceremony was underway, a spectacular showcase that highlighted the unique history and culture of Sweden and the equestrian roots of the CHIO Aachen.

Sweden, as the partner nation of the CHIO Aachen, presented a fabulous tribute to its equestrian, cultural, and musical traditions to a packed house at the Aachen Soers Main Stadium in a dazzling spectacle to set the mood for the week’s competition. Beginning with the middle ages, where knights from Sweden and Germany went to battle and Vikings rode again over the international show jumping field, the ceremony also included a display of midsummer songs and dances, the presentation of the Dalecarlia Horse, Wangen Trotters Quadrille, a presentation of Swedish competitors, a tribute to the storybook characters of Astrid Lindgren, and the musical stylings of both ABBA and pop sensation Mans Zelmerlow, who concluded the evening with an impressive concert framed by a spectacular sunset.

Earlier in the week, the Prize of the Sparkasse was presented to the top FEI vaulters, and a spectacular showcase of music and equestrianism took place in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. Dubbed Pferd & Sinfonie, or Horse and Symphony, the show featured equestrian exhibitions ranging from wild west rough riders, dressage quadrilles, jumping, vaulting, and breed presentations all set to the sounds of a live orchestra, playing above the arena. In addition to traditional classical pieces, the concert set horses dancing to the tunes of mainstream movies and music including ABBA, The Pirates of the Caribbean, Forrest Gump, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Superman, and The Lion King.

The Klimkes’ pas de deux
The Klimkes’ pas de deux

Tuesday’s early mix of sun and clouds persisted throughout the day and into the Opening Ceremonies, and the first show jumping contests were held in the main stadium beginning with the STAWAG Eroffnungsspringen, a 1.45m open jumper class which was topped by Italy’s Emanuele Gaudiano aboard his 11-year-old gelding, Kentucky v. Neerhof Z. The pair rode to a lead of almost four seconds over Germany’s Maurice Tebbel, the former Junior European Champion. German Olympic candidates Ludger Beerbaum, Daniel Deusser, Christan Ahlmann, Marcus Ehning, and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum used the STAWAG Open Jumping class as a warm up.

Spain’s young talent led in the second class of the day, the Spakassen Youngster’s Cup. Featuring 7- and 8-year-old horses jumping 1.40m, the class served as a qualifier for the Sparkassen Youngster’s Cup Finale, to be held on Saturday, July 16. Sergio Alvarez Moya of Spain and the 8-year-old French bred mare Unicstar de l’Aumone proved unbeatable, securing the win with a lead of two seconds. The electric atmosphere and international caliber competition of the CHIO was a true test for the young horses, giving them experience towards future competition.

The CHIO Aachen continues Wednesday and Thursday:

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Main Stadium:

Prize of Handwerks – 1.45m Jumping Competition at 11:30am
Prize of Europe, presented by Turkish Airlines – 1.55m Jumping competition with jump off, Qualifier for the Prize of the AachenMunchener and Rolex Grand Prix (Grand Prix of Aachen) at 1:45pm
Prize of StadteRegion Aachen – 1.50m two phase jumping competition at 5:30pm

A bridleless dressage presentation set to the music of Forrest Gump
A bridleless dressage presentation set to the music of Forrest Gump

Deutsche Bank Stadium:

Prix St. Georges at 3:30pm
Grand Prix de Dressage CDI 4* at 6pm

Driving Stadium:

Prize of Fa. Horsch, Der Entsorger FEI Dressage Test 11

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Driving Stadium:

Prize of Martello Immobilemanament FEI Dressage Test 8 at 10pm

Deutsche Bank Stadium:

Prize of Family Tesch – Grand Prix CDIO Nations Cup Qualifier at 10am

Main Stadium:

Prize of Familie Muter – Deutschland’s U25 Sprinkpokal der Stiftung Deutscher Spitzenpferdesport Jumping Competition at 12:30pm
Sparkassen Youngsters Cup 1.40m Finale Qualifier at 2pm
STAWAG Prize – 1.50m Prize of the AachenMunchener Qualifying competition at 4:30m
Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup Round 1 Team Jumping Qualifier at 6:30
Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup Round 2 Team Jumping Qualifier at 9:50

©2016 Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC | Wellington, Florida USA

Breeds, Championships, Dressage, Equinium Sports Mktg.

Interagro Lusitanos Capture Top Honors at Sao Paulo CDI-3*

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Fellini Interagro (Photo courtesy of Tupa)

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (June 20, 2016) – April, May, and June have seen nothing but victory for Interagro Lusitanos of Brazil, with their team of horses and riders topping national and international classes in a variety of disciplines including working equitation, stallion licensing tests, and FEI dressage. Back to back, nearly weekly wins over the past few months are the most recent in a string of accolades won that have already made 2016 a banner year for the Brazilian-based stud farm. With the breeding season just beginning, Interagro’s living legacy for the modern Lusitano sporthorse continues to blossom in the competition arena and set the standard for the Portuguese breed on the world stage.

Baldor Interagro (Ofensor (MV) x Quinata Interagro) swept the Small Tour during the Sao Paulo CDI-3, held June 2-5, 2016, exemplifying the grace, athleticism, and poise required to compete and win in the upper echelons of dressage. Ridden and trained by Pia Aragao, the victory marks the gray stallion’s second sweep of the Small Tour classes, as the pair topped Sao Paulo’s first CDI-3 in March of 2016. In addition to his athletic ability and intelligence, Aragao, who has trained the stallion since 2010, cites Baldor’s presence and attitude as one of his biggest strengths: “This horse enjoys the spotlight, and when he enters the arena his beauty and personality are hard to miss! Nothing is difficult for him and I’m really looking forward to moving him to the Grand Prix. Collection is his forte, typical of the Lusitano, and I think he will be even more successful when he can really collect for the piaffe and passage.”

The pair received a personal best score of 72.350% in their freestyle, which includes up-beat, popular music from the hit show Glee. “The degree of difficulty in our freestyle is quite high, especially a line of two-tempis on the centerline that are bookended by pirouettes,” said Aragao. “The changes have to be perfectly straight for the judges, and while we had a lot that could be improved upon, I was thrilled with his rideability and our overall performance.”

Baldor Interagro ridden by Pia Aragao (Photo courtesy of Martina Brandes)
Baldor Interagro ridden by Pia Aragao (Photo courtesy of Martina Brandes)

Interagro’s prowess in the dressage arena also extends to the FEI Young Horse divisions, where the elegant black stallion, Fellini Interagro (Nirvana Interagro x Batina Interagro), has been racking up impressive scores in the 6-Year-Old classes. Fellini, also ridden and trained by Aragao, topped both of his classes with final scores of 7.14 and 7.50 at the Brazilian Dressage Championships, held in tandem with the Sao Paulo CDI-3*. In May, the pair took top honors in the FEI Six-Year-Old division at the CAN National Dressage in Sao Paulo with scores of 8.20 and 7.18.

Following his wins in May and leading up to his recent success at the Brazilian Championships, Fellini added a few more accolades to his brief but decorated show career at the International Lusitano Show in Tatui, Sao Paulo, Brazil: he and four other Interagro stallions were approved by the ABPSL Stud Book. Two of the stallions, Caudilho Interagro and Ditador Interagro, were presented for licensing by internationally renowned Portuguese trainer and competitor Jorge Sousa, and all of the stallions and their handlers spent a week in preparation with Sousa for the International Lusitano Show. Caudilho Interagro and Gladiador Interagro topped the field with scores of 75 and 74.5, with Fellini just a hairsbreadth away with a score of 74. Ditador Interagro and Empreiteiro Interagro were also licensed with scores of 72 and 68.5. Fellini wrapped up the International Lusitano Show by winning the FEI 6-Year-Old class with a 7.52, a victory that names him the 2016 6-Year- Old Champion of the State of Sao Paulo.

Sired by one of Interagro’s most successful Grand Prix dressage competitors, Fellini inherited Nirvana Interagro’s temperament, conformation, and exceptional gaits, which give him a winning edge in the show ring. “He has no weakness in his gaits,” stated Aragao. “His uphill canter and freedom through the shoulder are what make him standout as a dressage prospect and future breeding stallion. He and Nirvana are also very similar in their personality: very intelligent, easy to work with, and true performers. They love attention, both in and out of the show ring.” With Fellini schooling 3- and 4- tempis, as well as working pirouettes, Aragao plans to continue to develop the young stallion up the levels to the FEI.

Also in May, Aragao was recognized for her success in 2015 aboard another Interagro stallion, Zepelim Interagro. The pair was awarded the prestigious Special Senior Top honors from the Premio Brasil Hipismo 2015 for their performances at the Grand Prix level.

With waves being made in the dressage arena, Interagro’s working equitation accolades also continued to grow. Following Xaveco Interagro’s clinching of the Working Equitation World Cup at the end of 2015 and a week of preparation with Jorge Sousa, the second phase of the 2016 Brazilian Working Equitation Championship saw Feitor Interagro, ridden by Alexandre Souza, dominate the Young Horse B division, while Gotico Interagro and Divisadero Interagro, both ridden by Johnny Miranda, secured reserve champion in the Young Horse A and Intermediate division. Based in the daily activities and tasks required by working horses, the discipline was created with the objective of enhancing the equestrian techniques utilized by horses and riders in various aspects of ranch and field work. Blending power, agility, and rideability, many of the traits that make Interagro’s Lusitanos successful as sporthorses also cross over to working equitation.

Interagro’s success in the national and international show ring is a testament to their breeding program, a legacy over 40 years in the making. Established by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga in 1975, Interagro’s mission 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, Interagro evolved the exceptional qualities of the Lusitano breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, giving rise to a modern Lusitano sporthorse that excels in the FEI disciplines. Today their legacy continues as their horses compete across four continents.

For more information on the Lusitano bloodlines, Interagro’s breeding program, or horses for sale, visit Interagro’s website.

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

Art/Photography, Equinium Sports Mktg.

Raw Horse Project Brings Unique Exposé on Spirit of the Equine to HH President of UAE Polo Cup

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Photography credited to Sebastiano Vitale.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (May 27, 2016) – Set among the sport and spectacle of the most prestigious polo tournament in the Middle East, The Raw Horse Project’s collection of unique equestrian images brought an artistic and philosophical element to the HH President of UAE Polo Cup, held in the beginning of 2016 at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi. A perfect complement to the region’s passion for equestrian sport, The Project’s exhibition was framed by the elegant Arabic architecture of the VIP and Hospitality sections and hosted prominent visitors including celebrities, sheiks, members of the royal family, and other prestigious guests.

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the HH President of UAE Polo Cup is held in the name of the UAE’s president and features two weeks of tournament competition culminating in the Grand Final. Known as the most exclusive and state-of-the-art polo experience in the UAE, the event also serves as a ‘must attend’ sporting and lifestyle event in the Emirate. While the qualifying matches are closed to the public, the Final welcomed all spectators to enjoy its unique combination of international polo and entertainment, including a juxtaposition of medieval falconry followed by aerial displays and choreography by military jets over the lush green fields of the historic polo club.

As a visual hymn to the relationship between horse and human, The Raw Horse depicts the sheer beauty, peace, and freedom of the equine. The images range from impressionistic to precise, and compose an optic allegory of the horse, portraying the equine as a metaphor of the ancestral human feelings of peace, nobility, fear, freedom, vivacity, sadness, and love. The limited edition fine art prints are featured in a select number of galleries from Shanghai to Los Angeles, and include a series of photographic objects and sculpture intended for collectors and private galleries. Following its debut in the Middle East, The Raw Horse Project will add Abu Dhabi to its list of local galleries, and received special interest to collaborate on projects for the Royal Family by the Prince of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

RawHorse2Equestrian culture in the UAE focuses on the Sheiks and their families, who are the primary sponsors the events and owners of the venues and horses. The strong connection to religion, nature, landscape, and animals defines the atmosphere and passion for equestrian sports in this part of the world. High levels of disposable income, advancing technology, and a true enjoyment of the sport combine with traditional values and a deep bond with the natural world to make the Middle East a rapidly expanding and international caliber destination for equestrian sport. Racing and endurance riding are the preferred and featured disciplines, due in large part to the legacy of the sport and the Arabian horses that have been selectively bred and competed in the region for millennia. But the infusion of western and Spanish breeds, as well as the disciplines in which they excel, are making their mark on the Middle East’s growing equestrian demographics.

The brainchild of Italian photographer Sebastiano Vitale, The Raw Horse Project brought the spirit of the horse to Asia in 2015, where it was featured at multiple exhibitions across China to resounding approval. Following the first two exhibitions at museums in Beijing and Shanghai, the collection was invited to participate in numerous equestrian events across the country, from Cavalia’s Asian tour and the Longines Global Champions Tour Hong Kong to Dalian Beach Polo.

The primal poetry of The Raw Horse caught the attention of Cavalia creator and co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, Normand Latourelle. Vitale and his photography were selected to join the Cavalia Asian tour, based in Shanghai, and featured limited edition Raw Horse prints on display in the fantastic Cavalia show tent erected adjacent to the China Art Museum.

RawHorse3Vitale, who is based mainly out of the United States in winter and spring, also commissions a select number of private shoots for clients per year. His portfolio of work includes some of the biggest names in entertainment and equestrianism, including T.E.A.M. Israel’s equestrian team in Wellington, Florida, and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, his wife, Shirley, and their Polish bred Arabians. Vitale’s photography has been featured in numerous mainstream and equestrian magazines, and his background includes more than 15 years of experience in art, mass communication, and visual journalism, creating campaigns for FIAT, the Olympic Games, RAI, and Atlanta International Airport.

For more information on The Raw Horse or Sebastiano Vitale, visit www.therawhorse.com or contact Equinium Sports Marketing: www.equinium.com, holly@equinium.com, +1 954 205 7992.

Breeds, Dressage, Equinium Sports Mktg.

Interagro Lusitanos Honored at Troféu Eficiência 2015

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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
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

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Leopoldo Palacios Jugo Brings World-Class Course Designs to Turf Tour Week 11

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Photo courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington.

Leopoldo Palacios Jugo, one of the most respected course designers in international show jumping, will be laying the courses for Week 11’s competition on the Turf Tour, held at the International Polo Club! Don’t miss your chance to ride over his spectacular designs, and enjoy the unique and competitive atmosphere of the Turf Tour. Palacios has served as course designer for some of the most prestigious competitions in the world, including the Olympics, Pan Am Games, World Equestrian Games, and is known for his ability to present optimum technical sport conditions in combination with artistic presentation.

Palacios will design for the Turf Tour’s 1.30-1.35m, Low, Medium, and High Schooling, and Young Horse divisions on Wednesday, and the $15,000 Grand Prix, Child/Adult Jumper Classic, and Junior Amateur Owner Classic.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ride over Olympic caliber designs at the spectacular International Polo Club!

For those interested in entering the Turf Tour competition or any of the events hosted by The Ridge at Wellington, contact RidgeShows@aol.com, 908 500 0996, or view a full prize list online. Farms or individuals seeking information on sponsorship, packages for upcoming events, or with any other questions regarding the event, please call 908 500 0996.

The Ridge also hosts a USEF Rated Equitation show each Tuesday during the winter show season, and its Palm Beach Series hunter and equitation show occurs one weekend each month at the farm. For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport offers a door-to-door horse shuttle to each of the Turf Tour venues, the including the Hunter Derby. To schedule pick up, contact them at 954 415 7217.

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

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Beat Mandli and Clementine Goutal Top 1.30-1.35m during Turf Tour Week 9

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Beat Mandli on course at The Wanderer’s Club (Photo courtesy of Equinium Sports Marketing/The Ridge at Wellington)

Wellington, Florida (March 3, 2016) – With the elegant backdrop of The Wanderer’s Club setting the stage for the first day of Week 9’s competition, the two grass arenas of the Turf Tour hosted Wednesday’s divisions, two 1.30-1.35m classes and Low, Medium, and High Schooling jumpers. Adjacent to the rolling golf course and overlooked by the Wanderer’s clubhouse, the unique and beautiful venue is a spectacular addition to the Turf Tour’s already varied schedule, and hosted some of the biggest names in show jumping as they raced against the clock over the springy, natural footing.

Navigating the two courses of brilliant jumps laid out by designer Nick Granat, Swiss Olympian Beat Mandli took first and second place over the red course of the 1.30-1.35m with Celina and Uepind de Brekka, finishing on blisteringly fast jump off times of 38.874 and 40.512. Over the green course, Clementine Goutal and Caballito proved unbeatable in the jump off, with a final time of 32.874. She was tailed closely by Laruen Crooks and C’est Ci Bon 4, who rode to a jump off time of 33.421. Olympian Ben Maher and Jane Clark’s Tic Tac set an initial first round double clear in 44.126 seconds over the green course, which was favored heavily by Wednesday’s competitors. The jump offs over both courses were challenging but based in strong basics, a reflection of the Tour’s mission of cultivating young and developing athletes, both human and equine.

The second arena at The Wanderer’s Club featured High, Medium, and Low Schooling Jumpers over two courses that ran concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m. The laid back, ‘show when you like’ atmosphere was especially apparent at The Wanderer’s, as horses and riders arrived, warmed up, and showed at their leisure, enjoying the Meadowbrook Horse Transport shuttle to take them door-to-door, as well as complimentary lunch and snacks provided for all riders, grooms, owners, and spectators. “It’s a really unique way to do things,” said Olympian Nona Garson, who organizes and runs the Turf Tour with Craig Bergman and George D’Ambrosio. “Riders can sharpen their skills riding against Olympians on exceptional footing and over expertly designed courses, but all at their own pace and in a beautiful setting. Our headline class, the $15,000 Grand Prix, kicks off Friday, March 4 at 8am, and post entries are always welcome for both arenas.”

For more information, visit www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow The Ridge at Wellington on Facebook.

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

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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