Category Archives: Equinium Sports Mktg.

Dani the Wonder Horse Headlines September 2020 Issue of Wellington the Magazine

Wellington, FL (September 3, 2020) – Danash’s Northern Tempest, also known as Dani the Wonder Horse, logged her first ever magazine cover this September, with her spectacular coat and expressive profile gracing the front of this month’s issue of Wellington the Magazine. Accompanied by her rider, Laura Reece, the mare’s first cover in her hometown magazine also features a story on her success in the show ring and the confidence she’s inspired in Reece’s return to the saddle.

With such avant garde style and standout coat color, Dani’s alluring look has recently attracted the attention of some of the world’s top equestrian brands. From photo shoots to shows to scheduled appearances, Dani and Reece will have a bustling 2020, and are growing their exceptionally engaged Instagram following as more and more fans join the journey of Dani the Wonder Horse.

Follow Dani on Instagram (@danithewonderhorse) to keep up to date on all her shows and events, and check back on her website www.DaniTheWonderHorse.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Esparteiro Interagro’s Watchful Eye Graces Cover of Revista Horse

Cover of Revista Horse Brazil, June 2020. Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos.

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (July 10, 2020) – During a trying time in world history, the reflective eye of an Interagro Lusitano was chosen to grace the cover of one of Brazil’s largest equestrian magazines: Revista Horse. Esparteiro Interagro, an elegant mahogany bay stallion, was photographed by Tupa as a young horse, and his pensive, intelligent expression accurately reflects the breed standard of the Interagro Lusitano sport horse.

Esparteiro, who has since been exported to the United States to pursue a dressage career, exudes the conformation, beauty, and noble air of his sire, Perdigueiro (MAC). The famous gray stallion (Hábil (MV) x Fidalga (MAC)) was also a cover star for Revista Horse in August of 2017, and is one of Interagro’s most influential sires. His offspring, including Esparteiro, excel in many disciplines including dressage, jumping, working equitation, driving, and conformation/in hand classes.

With travel between Brazil and the United States still mired in coronavirus concerns, Interagro’s US agents have been observing pairs of horses via WhatsApp video to select ideal FEI and adult amateur prospects before arranging for shipping to South Florida. With horses currently on 4 continents, Interagro is no stranger to selling horses virtually, even before the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. A focus on integrity, quality, and trust between breeder, agent, and buyer has yielded much success in “sight unseen” sales via video, both in national and international auctions as well as one-on-one transactions.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Dave Thind Method ‘Improve Your Riding from Home’ Series Begins June 8

Walpole, MA, USA (June 5, 2020) – Join equestrians around the world for group class with biomechanics specialist, Dave Thind. Learn signature DTM and Feldenkrais movement techniques that improve your riding, all from the comfort of your home or barn and for half the cost, for a limited time. So that Dave can adequately supervise and assist you, only 24 spots are available per session, and the last two sessions sold out. Riders from the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Australia have registered for this particular class, aiming to improve their flexibility, position, and strength in the saddle as well as reduce bad habits and chronic pain.

In the event that this class fills or doesn’t work for your time zone, check out www.DaveThindMethod.com for other availability, including the start of a similar series on June 16 in French.

This limited time, half-price offer is a special outreach event to help riders continue their education from home while social distancing or getting back into the groove after a period of not riding. Now into their 5th week, students in the two May groups are incredibly enthusiastic and are reporting tremendous results. The two sold out classes are filled with wonderful riders from across the world, from beginner to International Grand Prix riders.

“I’m enjoying the class and found that last week’s lesson was very helpful in re-setting my asymmetry — I had to adjust my stirrups during the prior week because I was so crooked. I needed to do that to function, but after the class was able to go back to even stirrups. Personally, I find it helpful that I have to ‘show up’ for the group class even if I don’t ask many questions or participate directly. I tend to procrastinate and not get around to watching recorded videos,” stated May student Liz Morton.

For only $17.50 per class ($140) you can join the global DTM community of riders in June and July for a fun, relaxing, and informative series of 8 classes. All 8 sessions will be taught live by equestrian biomechanics specialist and German FN Certified “Trainer A”, Dave Thind. The 50-minute classes are followed by Community Q&A to address any issues or concerns in the group of riders of all levels from the US, Canada, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

When is it?
Class is held every Monday from June 8 through July 27, 5:00PM – 6:15PM EST*

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 7 at Midnight EST, or before if class fills. The session May sessions and overflow class both filled up with a waiting list, so book early to reserve your spot.

Riders that found themselves unable to ride as well as those who have been lucky enough to continue riding during this period have experienced outstanding results from Dave Thind Method’s series.

For more information on the Dave Thind Method, visit www.DaveThindMethod.com.

Media contact:
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Entries Open May 18 for All Schooling & Spring Competition at PBIEC

We are very busy preparing the Equestrian Village grounds at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for our upcoming schooling shows, set to take place May 22-24 and May 29-31. In order for your entry to be considered for competition, you must have a horse show issued back number. You will not be allowed to enter classes or order stalls until all the proper waivers are signed and a form of payment is established. A waiver is required for ALL Trainers, Riders, Owners, Grooms, etc.

In order to minimize the traffic in the show office, we are requesting that you fill out all four (4) forms online: Schooling Show Entry Blank, Schooling Show Waiver, the Spring & Summer Show Entry Blank, and the USEF Waiver & Release of Liability Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement. These forms and the revised ESP June Spring Series Prize List are now available online at PBIEC.com under the ‘Competitor’ tab.

Please note, if you are only planning to show in June and forgo filling out the two schooling show waivers, you will not be issued the back number until after the schooling shows are completed on Sunday, May 31st. Filling out all four forms will allow for the back number to be issued earlier. No charges will be processed until entries or stall reservations are accepted. The back number that is issued will be valid for the Summer Series through September.

Entries for all Spring shows officially open through the Show Grounds Live software on Monday, May 18th. To expedite your back number being issued, you can fill out paper entries and either scan and email to jglosson@equestriansport.com, or you can place them in an envelope and leave them at the Security Gate at 14440 Pierson Road. The show office at Equestrian Village (13500 S. Shore Blvd.) will be open by appointment only starting Tuesday, May 19th from 9am to 4pm. Please email Jenn Glosson at jglosson@equestriansport.com to set up an appointment for picking up back numbers. Jenn can also be reached at 561-313-5133.

We are working to streamline this process so exhibitors will not need to go to the show office, except to sign any missing forms and pick up back numbers one time only. With the allowance of electronic signatures, once you have your back number assigned then you can enter classes. Keep in mind there is a cap on the number of trips in each ring. Please plan your entire show understanding there may not be adds allowed. By having the class numbers ahead of time, we will be able to give riders a more accurate show time.

Again, we ask that you take the time to read through the ESP COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Procedures so you have a full understanding of what to expect here. To answer just a few questions that have been asked:

Yes, we will be taking temperatures of everyone entering the property. We ask everyone to get in the habit of checking your temperature in the morning to avoid surprises. We will have multiple places where your temperature will be checked either with a touch-less thermometer or a thermal camera system. Please allow a little extra time for this process.

Yes, everyone on the show grounds will require a facial covering. Riders while mounted will not be required to wear a facial covering, but should have access to one after getting off their horse. If a rider chooses to wear a mask in any class, there will be no point deductions from the judges.

Yes, we will be enforcing all of these protocols at the schooling shows in May. These two practice shows will also allow our staff to better enforce these rules and make modifications if necessary. This is new to all of us and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding in advance.

Yes, braiding is optional in all classes. Judges will be asked not to add or deduct any points for braiding choices. Braiders have taken a huge financial hit with the shut down and we did not want to exclude braiding for this reason.

No, we have no official answers on the 24-hour rule, jogging, confirmation, or model classes. We expect that information to be released soon and we will update our Prize List and COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Procedures by announcements and edition date on PBIEC.com.

We implore you all to make responsible decisions before coming to the show grounds. If you feel sick or have been exposed, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE SHOW, seek medical attention, and follow the CDC guidelines for quarantine procedures. As we continue to work with The Village of Wellington, Palm Beach County, and the State of Florida, we remind you all we share this responsibility together to demonstrate our industry can resume safely. Equestrian Sport Productions is dedicated to your safety, and will continue to constantly make adjustments to ensure everyone’s well-being. We again ask for your patience and understanding while we learn better ways to accomplish this along the way.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Faith Eventing Spring to Summer Cross Training during COVID-19

Genevieve Faith and Burned You Too.

Annandale, MN (April 24, 2020) – With spring on the horizon and the show season in limbo, Faith Eventing is applying the meaning behind their namesake to its training programs: having faith in the future. Earmarked by an upbeat outlook and a resolute conviction to her passion, Genevieve Faith, who founded Faith Eventing in 2015, is beginning to look towards the summer show season and preparing her own horses and clients’ for whatever June, July, and August may hold. While adhering to social distancing and the highest safety standards in her own home base and at client barns, Faith Eventing has begun a spring to summer cross training.

As an experienced Intermediate/CCI-3-star competitor, Faith has built relationships with owners and trainers between her training and teaching schedule in Minnesota and Florida. Her philosophy focuses on accentuating a horse’s strong points while providing support and confidence in new or problematic areas, which has yielded success in all three phases. Her own horses include those she has trained herself through the FEI divisions, and she specializes in troubleshooting issues with young, green, or rehabbing horses, as well as those just transitioning to eventing, new disciplines, or coming off the track. Her own mare, Burned You Too (aka Maggie) came to Faith as a 4-year-old off the track and has developed into an exceptional Advanced eventing prospect.

With COVID-19 looming over all human and horse interactions, Faith has revamped her training structure to include video and other digital mediums to stay in touch with clients, as well as training packages to provide the most value. Tune ups, maintenance rides, or progressive training in dressage, show jumping, or cross country: Faith Eventing’s menu of training options has something for any horse.

“We’ve already been essentially quarantined for the past month at my barn,” said Faith. “While haul-in lessons aren’t really viable, I’ve made a point of being extra careful when riding at any 3rd party barns, bringing new horses in for training, or just riding in general as now is not a good time to take up hospital resources. But keeping the horses fit and happy is an important part of the balance; whether it’s just to stretch their legs or to work in the indoor as they’ve been cooped up all winter, it’s great for their mental and physical health. We are looking forward to getting back to the wide-open spaces.”

Based out of Annandale, Minnesota, Genevieve Faith has racked up an impressive list of success as an aspiring international eventer. Founding Faith Eventing in 2014, she purchased her main campaign horse, Burned You Too (aka Maggie) as a 4-year-old and trained the mare herself, with direction from Olympic and international equestrians. Genevieve was a working student for 1988 Olympian Jane Sleeper in 2014, and was also part of the Junior Development Rider Program (JDRP) with Olympian Becky Holder from 2011 to 2016. Genevieve has studied and trained with William Fox-Pitt, Janet Foy, Kama Godek, Lucinda Green, J. P. Sheffield, Leslie Law, Jon Holling, Alison Springer, Holly Payne-Caravella, Tik Manyard, Bobby Meyeroff, Natalia Martin, and Rachel McDonough. She and Maggie have competed through the Intermediate Level with plans to make her Advanced debut in 2020. With a steady clientele of owners and students, Genevieve splits her time between Minnesota and Ocala, Florida.

For more information on Faith Eventing, visit www.FaithEventing.com.

Media contact:
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Final Turf Tour of 2020 Ends with Last to Go Victory; Finale Week Cancelled

Luis Larrazabal and Caristina. Photo property of Equinium/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (March 27, 2020) – Despite the omnipresent cloud of coronavirus concerns darkening an otherwise sunny and crisp Florida spring, the last days of competition on the 2020 Turf Tour did not disappoint. Adhering to strict protocols, social distancing, and sanitization procedures recommended by both the USEF and CDC, The Ridge’s home farm on Palm Beach Point Boulevard in Wellington hosted two rings of show jumping at what would be the final chance for riders to jump for the 2020 Leading Rider Award. With a tricked-out golf cart presented by Iron Horse Transit as the prize, the Turf Tour’s Leading Rider rankings were a close race between a handful of riders determined to win and prove the resiliency and perseverance of the equestrian athlete.

The $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix was a hotly contested class, and has been all of 2020, with some riders bringing multiple horses to boost their numbers on the leaderboard. The course, set by Olympic designer Leopoldo Palacios, offered options for competitive rides and a dramatic final bending line in the jump-off: a challenging, angled gallop from the Prestige Italia oxer to the Hygain Feed vertical.

With just 20 points separating him from the pinnacle, Luis Larrazabal of Venezuela and the dapple grey mare Caristina flew around the immaculate grass Grand Prix field. As the last to go of the day, they galloped to victory with a jump off time of 31.146. His double clear effort was contested by three others: Samuel Perot and Boogie Woogie (32.220), Kristian Skovrider and Lykkehoejs Cassander (33.989), and Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh (34.955). The last week’s Grand Prix victory makes bookend wins for Larrazabal and Caristina this season, as the pair was also the first winners of the of the Grand Prix during Turf Tour 1 (January 8-10).

Brazil’s Thiago Rhavy and Salamandra Baloubina were victorious in the week’s second headline class, the $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. Edging out speedy Stella Manship and her Quarto Mail by only two hundredths of a second, Rhavy came out on top in the jump-off on a time of 30.730 to Manship’s 30.919.

After following the developing plot of the coronavirus, with a heavy heart, the Turf Tour’s organizers announced that they would be cancelling the last event of the season, Finale week at Black Watch Farm. Despite all the extra protocols taken to ensure the health and safety of all their horses, riders, owners, spectators, and staff, the next Turf Tour event is planned to commence January 2021, with lots of new venue additions, sponsors, and all the atmosphere and competition that has made the Turf Tour a staple in Wellington’s show season.

“We are in uncharted waters with this virus and the impact on equestrian events and the entire industry,” said George D’Ambrosio, co-founder of the Turf Tour. “Erring on the side of caution will be our decision in such a situation, and we can’t thank our supporters and riders enough for bringing their horses to show with us. We wish everyone a safe and healthy spring, so we can all get back in the saddle again ASAP.”

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For more info, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Turf Tour 2020 Announcement: Updated Schedule & Statement on Coronavirus + USEF Cancellations

Wellington, FL (March 14, 2020) – The Wellington Turf Tour intends to continue holding its series of horse shows with elevated sanitation procedures and strict adherence to CDC and other recommended guidelines. The above proposed schedule will begin Turf Tour 11 (March 18-20) through the Turf Tour Finale (March 28), with approval from the USEF. Official schedules and information will be posted and distributed when they become available, with final decisions to be made early next week.

Statement from the 2020 Wellington Turf Tour managing directors, Nona Garson & George D’Ambrosio:

“We understand this is a time to be very careful with everyone’s health and we are taking the situation very seriously.

We will continue to inform you via emails and on our social media platforms as decisions are made and guidelines are released from health officials.

Please note, if we do host the horse show, we will follow the CDC, Federal, State, and Local guidelines at that time.

We have amped up our sanitization of all human areas of the farm, and we have been assured by numerous veterinarians that horses cannot carry nor can they transmit the current Corona threat.

This is an evolving situation and we would like to reserve the right to make our final decision on hosting the horse show closer to the start of the horse show.

Thank you for your continued support of our horse shows.”

Visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com or follow the Turf Tour on Instagram (@ridgeshowjumping) and Facebook (@theridgeatwellington) for more information.

Media contact:
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Bond Brings Grand Prix Winning Streak to Turf Tour 9

Ashlee Bond and Semilly F (Photo by Romeo Ghete)

Wellington, FL (March 10, 2020) – Ashlee Bond’s 1-2 finish in Friday’s $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix was just a taste of excellence to be put forth by the Israeli rider during week 9. Making the most of the Turf Tour’s exceptional grass field set at To-Kalon Farm March 4-6, Bond bounded to first and second aboard Semilly F and Imagine, before going on to win the $401,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday night with Donatello. Designed as a show for all levels of equestrians, the Turf Tour’s utopian atmosphere and gorgeous venues make it an ideal place to train, progress, and develop horse and rider relationships to their maximum potential.

“I love how you can go show at a different location weekly [on the Turf Tour] and go into different arenas in a beautiful and relaxed environment,” said Bond. “I think it’s really important to have shows like this as it is super beneficial for horses and riders to get in the ring without pressure. It’s also good for their minds. Training in a show environment is not something you get to do often enough like in Europe and I think it’s so important.”

Bond’s winning streak began during Turf Tour 8 @ Black Watch Farm, where she was victorious in that week’s $15,000 Turf Tour Grand Prix with Ace of Hearts. Going on to victory in Turf Tour 9’s Grand Prix, she finished on a jump off time of 37.004 with Semilly F. Aboard Imagine, a mare she began riding as a 6-year-old, the pair made their 1.40m show debut on Friday with a double clear and second place effort in a time less than a second behind Semilly F’s: 37.057 seconds. Third went to Irishman Riley Mackillop and Amigo, coming home in the jump-off on a time of 37.687, while fourth went to the USA’s Lauren Hough and Gemino, putting in a double clear and jump off time of 39.475.

Turf Tour 9’s courses at beautiful To-Kalon Farm, referred to as Wellington’s Napa Valley, were set by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios, and featured a number of tests for both horse and rider. In the Grand Prix’s design, a triple bar followed immediately by two one-stride verticals tested the ability to collect and jump quickly after a wide-spanning oxer. Another challenge was a zig zag line featuring the Prestige Italia vertical, oxer to vertical double, and the bicycle skinny, a test of agility and athleticism. And finally, the last oxer in both the first round and the jump off was just a few inches wider than the other oxers in the field, requiring muscle memory override.

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

To-Kalon Turf Tour Crowns Rising Star Luis Larrazabal

Luis Larrazabal and Thalys Z. Photo property of Equinium/The Ridge at Wellington.

Wellington, FL (March 5, 2020) – An already tight race for 2020 Turf Tour Leading Rider honors became just a touch more competitive as Luis Larrazabal and Thalys Z scored another victory, winning Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. Larrazabal is currently the Turf Tour’s points leader, with a number of top competitors nipping at his heels to win the Leading Rider title and a gorgeous golf cart presented by the show’s official horse carrier, Iron Horse Transit. With only 3 more weeks of Turf Tour competition to go, plus the Saturday March 28 Finale presented by Wellington National Golf Course, the battle for 2020 Leading Rider is sure to heat up under the Florida sun.

Larrazabal and Thalys Z jumped an impressive double clear round in the Grand Prix last week at Black Watch Farm, and continued to show top form at To-Kalon. The pair executed a nearly perfect jump off, taking tight inside turns and leaving out a few strides to clinch victory with a time of 39.335 seconds.

Chelsea Moss rode Stormfront Stables’ Ravena Is La Silla to second with a 41. 235, while third went to Rebecca Conway and Stakatistaa with 43.146. Running in Ring 2, tandem with Ring 1, are all levels and divisions of Level 2 Jumpers on the grass, from the .80m-1.2m. Points for the Leading Rider Award are accrued from results in the 1.20-1.25m, the $5,000 1.30 Rising Star Classic, and the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix.

“The Rising Star Jumper Classic, which is held every Wednesday during the Florida season, is meant to serve as a soft introduction to the higher classes,” said Nona Garson, co-founder of The Ridge Turf Tour and US Olympian. “It’s a stepping off point, with options to challenge a horse or build its confidence. All of our classes aim to serve that purpose: allowing horses and riders to develop in new environments, on different but ideal footing, and under less stressful circumstances. All levels are welcome, and the providing riders the option to train horses while also showing is our goal, along with generous prize money and exceptional atmosphere.”

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Ashlee Bond Adds New Blood to Turf Tour Grand Prix

Ashlee Bond and Ace of Hearts (Photo by Romeo Ghete)

Wellington, FL (March 3, 2020) – The final week of February brought cool weather and great competition on the grass to Black Watch Farm. The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour Week 8 saw debutant attendees and show regulars in the winner’s circle, while attendees enjoyed complimentary mini Moët & Chandons, hospitality, and superb turf footing for all levels of show jumping. Turf Tour Week 9 continues at To-Kalon Farm March 4-6, with a complimentary, open to the public wine tasting courtesy of To-Kalon’s owner Jeremy Nickel, magnums of wine for select class winners, and all the atmosphere and competition the Turf Tour is known for.

A field of 26 riders faced off on Friday for the $15,000 1.40m Turf Tour Grand Prix over a course designed by Mexico’s Oscar Soberon. Israel’s Ashlee Bond logged her first Turf Tour Grand Prix victory aboard Ace of Hearts with a jump off time of 32.315. Jordan Coyle and Stella Manship’s Chuckles finished second on 33.983, with Sloan Coles and Coldplay in third with a time of 35.510. The competition included some of the world’s top ranked riders, including Daniel Bluman and Lauren Hough. Bond, who also finished fifth aboard Donatello, rode for the first time at the 2020 Turf Tour during week 7 and stated that the show’s unique venues and training atmosphere was a huge boon for riders: “I love how you can go show at a different location weekly [on the Turf Tour] and go into different arenas in a beautiful and relaxed environment,” said Bond. “I think it’s really important to have shows like this as it is super beneficial for horses and riders to get in the ring without pressure. It’s also good for their minds. Training in a show environment is not something you get to do often enough like in Europe and I think it’s so important.”

An inclement weather forecast on Wednesday prompted a schedule change to hold February 26th’s classes on the 27th. Thursday’s chilly temperatures and abundant sunshine set the stage for Stella Manship to claim another win on the Turf Tour. The winner of week 7’s Turf Tour Grand Prix aboard Quarto Mail, Manship once again galloped to victory with the bay gelding at Black Watch’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. Riding against a competitive field, Manship and Quarto Mail turned on the nitrous in the jump-off to finish on a time of 34.703. Her colleague Jordan Coyle rode Warnike to second in 35.681, and the speedy Kyla Makhloghi and Hurry Up B took third with 37.909.

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For full schedules and prizelists, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.