Category Archives: Jennifer Ward

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

David Marcus to Compete at Central Park Horse Show

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David Marcus and Don Kontes. Photo Credit – Sue Stickle, www.susanjstickle.com.

New York, New York – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON, will be among the world’s best riding at the 2014 Central Park Horse Show, presented by Rolex, to be held in the heart of New York City from September 18 to 21.

As part of the Central Park Horse Show, presented by Rolex, the Central Park Dressage Challenge, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, will see 13 Olympic-caliber dressage athletes facing off on the transformed Trump Rink in Central Park on Saturday night, September 20. Among those scheduled to compete are five-time Olympic gold medalist Isabell Werth of Germany and reigning World Equestrian Games team gold medalist Hans Peter Minderhoud of The Netherlands.

David Marcus, a 2012 Olympic Games veteran and a member of the Canadian Dressage Team for next week’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, has also received an invitation to compete.

“I am extremely honoured to have been asked to participate in the Central Park Horse Show in New York City,” says Marcus, 33. “I believe events such as this one are integral to the future of our sport, and it’s not often that we get to showcase dressage to a new and different audience.”

In the enviable position of having two top grand prix mounts, Marcus has elected to ride Don Kontes, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Deborah Kinzinger, in the inaugural event. His other mount, Chrevi’s Capital, also owned by Kinzinger, will be enjoying a rest following the World Equestrian Games.

“I am looking forward to bringing Don Kontes out for this show,” said Marcus. “He deserves a bit of the limelight now!”

Marcus made his grand prix debut at the beginning of 2012 and, six short months later, was competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. In 2013, he topped the North American World Cup League to qualify for the annual World Cup Final. In June, Marcus won the Grand Prix at CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage, the official test event for the 2015 Pan American Games, before being named to the Canadian Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service dressage training facility located one hour west of Toronto. For more information on David Marcus, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Winner Victoria Colvin Captures Chantilly

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Victoria Colvin guides Cesanna to victory in the CSI2* Global Champions Tour 1.35m speed competition in Chantilly, France. Photo by Sportfot.

Chantilly, France – Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL proudly represented the United States in the Global Champions Tour event in Chantilly, France, claiming two victories. The opportunity to compete in Chantilly, France, from July 24 to 27 was one of the prizes on offer to the winner of this year’s Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series (AFYRGPS), presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, held during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Comprised of four competitions held throughout the 12-week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, Colvin emerged victorious in the AFYRGPS over the more than 50 participants competing for increased prize money under FEI sanctioning. The AFYRGPS is open to riders of any nationality between the ages of 16 and 25, making 16-year-old Colvin one of the youngest competitors.

As part of her prize, Colvin was awarded entry to the CSI2* division of the Global Champions Tour at Chantilly and two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge, courtesy of event director Gérard Manzinali. Transportation for her winning mount, Don Juan, was generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte. In addition, Artisan Farms’ lead rider, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, lent Colvin a second horse, Cesanna, to compete.

Colvin proved on international soil why she was a deserving recipient of the prize, winning back-to-back 1.35m classes on Friday and Saturday in the CSI2* division with Cesanna, an 11-year-old grey Oldenburg mare (Cento x Centauer Z). Riding Don Juan, Colvin took a strong third place finish among a 96-horse starting field in Friday’s 1.40m competition.

“It was amazing; I never would have thought I would be able to go and show in Chantilly!” exclaimed Colvin.

Of her catch ride, Colvin noted, “They were very nice to let me use Cesanna. I went on Tuesday to ride her, and then I went to the show and showed her. She was really fun, straight-forward and easy. She is definitely a good speed horse, considering that both of the classes I won were speed classes. I just turned and went and she left!”

For an American rider who has never before competed in Europe, there were some adjustments to be made.

“I had to get used to it, first of all because I did not speak French,” related Colvin. “They don’t post the orders of go until the morning, and they don’t tell you the jump-off course until the end of the first round. And everyone was so calm! It is completely different than showing in the U.S. Next year, it will be easier if I get to go again.”

Competing in the AFYRGPS, which featured four events held in three different venues, helped prepare Colvin for the new experience.

“The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series got you acclimated to come to a new venue,” said Colvin who was accompanied by her parents, her trainer, Ken Berkley, and Don Juan’s owner, Karen Long Dwight. “There were a few Americans here, like Kalvin Dobbs and Adrienne Sternlicht, but also a lot of French people that I have never shown against. The show itself was amazing, and it was on grass. I really gained from the experience, because everything is so different. It was so much fun!”

Carlene and Andy Ziegler of Artisan Farms created and developed the AFYRGPS to provide a bridge between the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level, allowing up and coming riders to gain experience at the upper levels of show jumping sport while still competing against their peers.

“Tori’s success in Chantilly was so gratifying to us,” said Carlene Ziegler, who was in Chantilly to witness Colvin’s two victories. “It is a validation of what our Young Riders Series is all about. She works so hard, and to see Tori make so much of the opportunity that was presented to her was fantastic. We are sure this won’t be her last international competition!”

In four short years, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series has produced an elite list of champions including Reed Kessler of the United States (2011), Nayel Nassar of Egypt (2012), Chloe D. Reid of the United States (2013), and Colvin. All four riders are currently enjoying incredible success as their international careers advance.

The fifth annual Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series will be held during the 2015 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival from January 7 through March 29 in Wellington, FL.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping. Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

C-DAAP Grant Recipient Megan Lane Finishes in Top Ten at Aachen

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Photo by Susan Stickle, www.susanjstickle.com.

Aachen, Germany – Megan Lane of Loretto, ON enjoyed an impressive debut at the CHIO Aachen, considered by many to be the world’s most prestigious annual equestrian event, held from July 15-20 in Aachen, Germany.

Riding Caravella, her own 13-year-old Canadian-bred Dutch Warmblood mare, Lane placed ninth in the CDI4* division after achieving a score of 70.460% in the Grand Prix. She went on to contest the Grand Prix Special, where a second strong performance earned her a score of 70.235% for sixth place.

Only 23 years of age, Lane is one of five Canadian dressage riders who each received a $20,000 grant from the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP) in support of their 2014 international competition goals. Lane and Caravella have been named to the Canadian Dressage Team that will compete at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France, in August. It will mark Lane’s major games debut but it is not her first international appearance; previously, she and Caravella represented Canada on teams at the North American Junior and Young Riders’ Championships, earning medals several times over.

“The C-DAAP grant has been instrumental in covering the huge costs associated with training, travelling and competing throughout Europe,” said Lane, who is currently based in Rattingen, Germany, with her Canadian WEG teammates, Karen Pavicic and David Marcus. “I would probably not have been able to enter competitions before the WEG training camp, and certainly would not have had the opportunity to compete at the Aachen World Equestrian Festival if it were not for C-DAAP.”

Lane continued, “The timing of the C-DAAP grant was impeccable. I see the opportunity not only for myself gaining the experience, but also as an invaluable investment in Canadian dressage on the world stage.”

Lane will compete at CDI3* Verden, Germany from August 6-10 as a final preparation for WEG, which acts as the world championships for equestrian sport.

“The support from C-DAAP has been a monumental asset in my career because of the doors that it opens for me, allowing me to step into some of the biggest dressage shows in the world,” said Lane. “My goal at WEG is not simply to show up; I am there to be as competitive as possible and represent Canada to the best of my abilities and my horse’s abilities. Since neither my horse nor I have competed in Europe before, the opportunity to compete here beforehand is a key component to achieving this goal. I would sincerely like to thank Deborah Kinzinger and the supporters of C-DAAP who have worked tirelessly in many ways to positively affect our sport and build the future of dressage in Canada.”

The four other Canadian athletes to receive C-DAAP High Performance European Training and Competition Grants are: Brittany Fraser of New Glasgow, NS and All In, her nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding; Karen Pavicic of Surrey, BC and Don Daiquiri, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Pavicic and Jayne Essig; Belinda Trussell of Stouffville, ON and Anton, a 14-year-old German-bred gelding owned by Robyn Eames; and Chris Von Martels of Ridgetown, ON and Zilverstar, his 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

About the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP)

The Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP) is a donor-driven program dedicated to supporting and advancing Canada’s junior, young rider and high performance riders. The program solicits contributions and will award grants to eligible Canadian dressage riders.

C-DAAP’s goal is to provide supplemental funding to Canadian dressage athletes to off-set training, competitive and educational expenses incurred during their quest for excellence, thus creating a bridge to high level national and international competition.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

David Marcus Makes Aachen Debut

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David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital represented Canada at CDIO5* Aachen. Photo by Arnd Bronkhorst, www.arnd.nl.

Aachen, Germany – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON made his debut at the prestigious CDIO5* Aachen, Germany, held July 11 to 20.

Marcus was the sole Canadian representative invited to contest the CDIO5* division at Aachen. Riding Chrevi’s Capital for owner Deborah Miculinic Kinzinger, Marcus placed 28th in Thursday’s Grand Prix from an international starting field of 39 entries. The five-member panel of international judges awarded Marcus a score of 69.18%. The Grand Prix was won by Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath, who scored 82.30% riding the illustrious Totilas while Helen Langehanenberg, also of Germany, took second place with 81.22% aboard Damon Hill NRW. Adelinde Cornelissen of The Netherlands was the only other rider to break the 80% barrier, earning a score of 80.98% to take third place with the 17-year-old Jerich Parzival.

“I was really happy with my ride in the Grand Prix,” said Marcus, 33. “Every day Capital been getting a little bit better since he arrived here in Germany, and I thought the Grand Prix was one of the better tests that I have had with him.”

Having qualified to move forward to the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, July 19, Marcus pushed for more brilliance from Chrevi’s Capital, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg). As a result, a mistake in the passage-piaffe tour proved costly, with the pair being awarded a score of 67.84% for 26th place in the final standings. Rath and Totilas again emerged victorious with a score of 84.52%, followed by reigning Olympic champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro of Great Britain with 83.15% and Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW in third with 82.07%.

“Overall, I was really happy with the Grand Prix Special,” explained Marcus. “After watching the video of my Grand Prix test, I felt that I had room to take risks and I got a little bit too eager in the Grand Prix Special. I did take risks and pushed him for maximum, but, unfortunately, had a mistake which brought me down in the final placings. Having said that, when I watched the playback, I think the overall quality is the best it’s ever been.”

While Marcus competed in Europe in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, this marked his debut at CDIO5* Aachen, considered by many to be the best equestrian competition in the world.

“I definitely feel privileged to be here representing Canada,” said Marcus of the experience. “It’s been great, and it is an amazing horse show. It’s been a very exciting week.”

Competing at Aachen is part of Marcus’s preparation for the upcoming 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games taking place in Normandy, France, from August 23 to September 7.

“I think it was the right decision to come here; I really wanted to have an experience with Capital in a venue such as this with the quality of competition that is here,” said Marcus. “This division is filled with the top riders in the world, and I feel very fortunate to be within that group. I am really happy that we came, and I’ve been very happy with how Capital has handled himself here.

“Unfortunately, Deborah wasn’t able to join us at this show due to her son’s wedding, but we’ve been in communication throughout the week and I have really appreciated her support,” continued Marcus.

While disappointed to miss seeing Chrevi’s Capital compete in Aachen, owner Miculinic Kinzinger noted, “It is an honour that David and Capital were invited to compete in the CDIO5* division at Aachen. It was unfortunate that they had a mistake in the Grand Prix Special, but I applaud David for taking a chance; if it had worked, it would have been a phenomenal test. You don’t win medals by playing it safe!”

Following CDIO5* Aachen, Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital will compete at CDI3* Verden, also in Germany, from August 6 to 10. The pair is currently based in Germany with renowned trainer Jean Bemelmans while Marcus’s own personal trainer, Oded Shimoni, flies back and forth from his base in Wellington, FL to provide his expertise. Both Shimoni and Marcus’s partner, Australian grand prix rider Nicholas Fyffe, were on hand to support Marcus at CDIO5* Aachen.

Marcus first made his grand prix debut at the beginning of 2012 and, six short months later, was competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. In 2013, he topped the North American World Cup League. The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will mark his world championship debut.

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service dressage training facility located one hour west of Toronto. For more information on David Marcus, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Dressage, Jennifer Ward, World Equestrian Games

David Marcus Named to Canadian Team for World Equestrian Games

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David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital. Photo by Sue Stickle, www.susanjstickle.com.

Campbellville, Ontario – David Marcus of Campbellville, ON has been named to the Canadian Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, from August 23 to September 7.

Marcus will ride Chrevi’s Capital, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg) owned by Deborah Miculinic Kinzinger, at the World Equestrian Games. Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital made their major games debut at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“I’m honoured to once again be representing Canada at a major championship such as the World Equestrian Games,” said Marcus, 33. “This has been in our sights since the Olympics, and it has been a long road to get here. I am excited that it is now only weeks way!”

Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital departed for Germany on July 3 to further their training and competition goals. They are based with renowned trainer Jean Bemelmans at Gut Landfrieden in Ratingen, alongside fellow Canadian teammates Megan Lane and Karen Pavicic. Marcus’s own personal trainer, Oded Shimoni, will also fly back and forth from his base in Wellington, FL, to provide expertise.

“Everything went well; it is fairly easy for us to travel here,” explained Marcus of the trip overseas. “My stable in Campbellville is only 25 minutes from the Toronto airport. From there, it was a direct flight to Amsterdam, followed by a two-hour drive to where we are stabled at the training center of Jean Bemelmans. The trip went very smoothly for Capital; he is now a seasoned traveler and arrived in top form.”

The pair are preparing to compete at the prestigious CDIO5* Aachen, Germany, from July 11 to 20 where Marcus will represent Canada as an individual. The opening Grand Prix test will be held on Thursday, July 17, followed by the Grand Prix Special on Saturday, July 19, and the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music on Sunday, July 20.

“This week has been about slowly building Capital up for Aachen,” said Marcus. “It is very exciting, especially because Aachen is going to be a very competitive this year with a lot of the top nations coming from around the world to compete. It’s almost going to be as competitive as the World Equestrian Games themselves!”

Marcus is able to train and compete in Europe thanks to the generous provision of his owner, Deborah Miculinic Kinzinger.

“Deborah has been incredibly supportive throughout this whole process, not only in allowing me to come on this European tour, but also in the lead-up and qualification process for the World Equestrian Games,” said Marcus graciously. “I greatly appreciate her support, without which I could not be doing what I am doing; riding this amazing horse and representing our country at our first World Equestrian Games.”

Marcus’s teammates for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are Megan Lane, Karen Pavicic and Belinda Trussell. Lane, Pavicic and Trussell all received High Performance European Training and Competition Grants from the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (C-DAAP) to off-set training and competition expenses.

Marcus made his grand prix debut at the beginning of 2012 and, six short months later, was competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. In 2013, he topped the North American World Cup League to qualify for the annual World Cup Final. At his last competition on Canadian soil in June, Marcus rode Chrevi’s Capital to victory in the Grand Prix at CDI-W CornerStone Spring Into Dressage, the official test event for the 2015 Pan American Games.

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service dressage training facility located one hour west of Toronto. For more information on David Marcus, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Angel Karolyi Wins Spruce Meadows Derby Rematch

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Angel Karolyi and Indiana 127 emerged victorious in a rematch for the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby title. Photo by Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, Alberta – Venezuela’s Angel Karolyi claimed redemption in a thrilling rematch versus Quentin Judge of the United States to win the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby at the CSI5* Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ tournament in Calgary, AB.

Two major derbies are held at Spruce Meadows each summer, with Karolyi and Judge last facing off in a two-man tie-breaker in the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup Derby on June 8. On that occasion, Judge emerged the victor.

Karolyi got his revenge in the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby, when he and Judge were yet again tied with a perfect score of zero faults after 30 challengers attempted two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios’s notoriously difficult derby track, which has remained unchanged for the past seven years.

In the first round, Karolyi negotiated the natural obstacles, including the dreaded devil’s dyke, to post a perfect score of zero aboard Indiana 127, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Indoctro x Voltaire) owned by Hollow Creek Farm. Six horses later, Judge managed the exact same feat riding HH Dark de la Hart to force a rematch.

In June, Karolyi had produced a fault-free jump-off effort, only to have Judge eclipse his time by more than two seconds. This time, Karolyi left nothing to chance, laying it all on the table with another clear effort in a blistering fast time of 38.13 seconds. Judge succumbed to the pressure, dropping two rails for eight faults, conceding victory to Karolyi.

“I had a feeling I was going to have to jump-off and when Quentin went clear, I thought, ‘Well, here we go again, buddy!’” said Karolyi. “Today, I chose a different tactic for the jump-off. At the ‘National’ tournament in June, I went a bit safe to be clear and Quentin was faster. This time, I thought, ‘if I lose, it’s not going to be because I went too slow!’”

The victor’s spoils included a $60,000 share of the prize money.

“I’m glad I finally got a win in an important class like this one,” said Karolyi, 27, who was recently named to the Venezuelan team for the upcoming 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, with his other top mount, Amigo. “It’s a very special win for me. It’s not only the biggest win of my career, but also with a horse that I really believed in.”

In addition to winning the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby, Karolyi and Indiana 127 opened the ‘North American’ tournament with a fifth place finish in the $33,500 1.45m AON Cup and placed fourth in Friday’s $50,000 1.50m Lafarge Cup.

“He is finally showing me this year that I was right in believing in him,” said Karolyi of Indiana 127, who he has been partnered with since the fall of 2012. “This horse impressed me at the beginning of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series when he produced a beautiful round and finished second to Quentin. This time, I’m just glad to be the winner.”

Karolyi will continue to compete in the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, which concludes with the CSI5* ‘Pan American’ tournament from July 10 to 13.

Karolyi was a member of the gold medal team for Venezuela at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, before representing his country at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games taking place August 31 to September 7 will mark his first World Championship appearance.

For more information on Angel Karolyi and Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

David Marcus Claims CDI-W CornerStone Grand Prix

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David Marcus won the $5,000 Grand Prix riding Chrevi’s Capital at the CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage. Photo by Candid Shot Photography.

Palgrave, Ontario – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON scored victory in his first competition on Canadian soil this season, winning the Grand Prix at CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage. The official test event for the 2015 Pan American Games, CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage was held June 5 to 8 at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON.

Marcus and his 2012 Olympic mount, Chrevi’s Capital, topped a starting field of 14 entries to win the $5,000 Grand Prix, presented by Butternut Ridge, with a score of 69.98%. Close behind was fellow Canadian, Megan Lane, who scored 69.90% to place second riding Caravella.

In addition to winning, Marcus also fulfilled the Canadian selection criteria for the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held in Normandy, France, at the end of August. Riders needed to achieve four scores over 68% in the Grand Prix in CDI competition, one of which must have been in May or June of 2014. With their respective scores, Marcus and Lane have become the first two Canadian athletes to successfully fulfill the criteria.

“It was a great day for us,” said Marcus, whose mount, Chrevi’s Capital, is a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg) owned by Deborah Miculinic Kinzinger of Butternut Ridge. “I have been concentrating on preparing the Grand Prix coming into this competition. For us, this Grand Prix score was an important part of fulfilling the final phase of our WEG criteria, so that has been a real focus and I’m really pleased with how it went. I couldn’t have asked for more than what Capital produced yesterday. I thought that Capital and I put in a clean, harmonious, correct, powerful test, and that is exactly what I was looking for.”

Marcus added, “This puts us one step closer to representing Canada at WEG, and I am very excited about that. It was also the first competition that Butternut Ridge has sponsored. I want to sincerely thank my owner, Deborah, not only for her support of me and her horses that I ride, but of this class as well.”

A stone bruise resulting from a rock becoming wedged in Chrevi’s Capital’s shoe prevented the pair from competing in the $12,000 Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Butternut Ridge.

“Coming off our success in the grand prix, I was really looking forward to competing in the Freestyle, especially as it’s an incredible show and the competition was being sponsored by Deborah’s own Butternut Ridge,” said a disappointed Marcus. “The good news is that it’s very minor, and Capital will be completely fine. That’s life with horses!”

Marcus has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the upper echelons of dressage sport since making his debut at the Olympic-level of grand prix at the beginning of 2012. Six short months later, he found himself competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games and, in 2013, topped the North American World Cup League. Now, he’s on track to compete at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“The next step on our journey is to head to Europe at the beginning of July where we plan to compete at the prestigious CHIO Aachen in Germany,” explained Marcus, 33.

Marcus also has a view to competing in next year’s Pan American Games, hosted by Toronto. Competing in the Pan Am test event gave Marcus an opportunity to experience the newly rebuilt venue one year in advance.

“I think what they’ve done so far is truly world-class,” praised Marcus, who operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service training facility, in Campbellville, ON. “The footing that they’ve installed in the competition arena is second to none. I can’t wait to see what the next phase will be, as the Pan Am Games are definitely one of my competition goals.”

Marcus also brought his developing mount, Don Altena, to compete in the FEI Six-Year-Old division at CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage, marking the horse’s first CDI-sanctioned competition and only the third competition of his career.

“Don Altena is going to be a very interesting grand prix horse for the future,” said Marcus of the six-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wonderboy x El Corona) also owned by Miculnic Kinzinger. “The Six-Year-Old classes are a nice way to get experience for him, at a level he is comfortable competing at, against horses his own age. I was very pleased with his result in the FEI Six-Year-Old Final, where we scored over 72%. Overall, he was exactly the same in the competition ring as he is at home, and I think that’s a very important trait that will serve him well in the future.”

Marcus also coached several other competitors to success at CornerStone Spring into Dressage including Maya Markowski who rode two horses in the CDI Small Tour division and Sarah Pfaff who had two horses in the National Small Tour division. Marcus’s partner, Nicholas Fyffe of Australia, also competed at Fourth Level, enjoying a win with Faisan AT.

His own trainer, Oded Shimoni, flew to Toronto from his base in Wellington, FL to coach Marcus at the event.

“I would like to thank Oded for his help and support this weekend and Nicholas who, especially in the lead-up to this show, set aside time every day to focus on watching Capital and me in our training,” concluded Marcus. “That was a real benefit coming into this competition.”

With a big win and qualification for the World Equestrian Games under his belt, it was ‘mission accomplished’ for Marcus at the CDI-W CornerStone Spring into Dressage competition!

For more information on David Marcus, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Jaclyn Duff Scores First FEI Victory at Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park

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Jaclyn Duff scored the first FEI victory of her career, winning the $35,000 CSI2* Sierra Excavating Enterprises Cup with Stakkarus at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park. Photo by Shoot Photographic, www.ShootPhoto.ca.

Palgrave, Ontario – Jaclyn Duff of Edmonton, AB, celebrated the first FEI victory of her young career by winning the $35,000 CSI2* Sierra Excavating Enterprises Cup on Saturday, May 24, at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON.

The $35,000 CSI2* Sierra Excavating Enterprises Cup was the highlight event of the CSI2* Caledon National held May 21 to 25, which marked the second tournament of the season held at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park. Next year, the Park will host the equestrian events for the 2015 Pan American Games.

An international starting field challenged Saturday’s feature with riders representing Colombia, Ireland and Russia all figuring in the top 10. In the end, however, a three-way jump-off showcased top up-and-coming Canadian talent. Chris Sorensen, 31, of Caledon, ON, was the first to post a clear round over the clever track set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Toronto’s Jordan Macpherson, 24, followed suit and, as the last to go, Duff, 27, added her name to the jump-off list.

Leading off the tie-breaker, Sorensen and Wriomf, his 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, set the time to beat with a clear round in 39.39 seconds. Always fast, Macpherson bettered the time by crossing the timers in 37.06 but at the expense of a rail down with Piccobello du Val de Geer, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by JEM Stables Inc. Duff had the advantage of being the last to go and, riding Stakkarus, left all the jumps in place in a time of 38.37 seconds to score her first victory at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) level.

“Leopoldo designed a great track; it was very technical and time allowed was very tight,” explained Duff, a student at the University of Alberta. “I had the advantage of having already gone with my first horse, As Di Azurro, and had two rails and a time fault. I drew last in the order with Stakkarus, which is an awesome spot to be in! I was planning to jump clear and if I had a time fault, that was okay because my horse is new to this level and I’m pretty new as well. I jumped the first three jumps and he felt amazing; I managed to get in under the time allowed and jump clean!”

Duff, who has been training with Canadian Olympic team silver medalist Jill Henselwood in Oxford Mills, ON for the past two years, continued, “My strategy for the jump-off was to go double clear. My horse is naturally quick. He jumped really well and was super amazing!”

Duff has also been partnered with Stakkarus for two years, having purchased the 10-year-old chestnut Oldenburg stallion during the 2012 Spruce Meadows Summer Series in Calgary, AB, from Brazilian rider Eduardo Menezes.

“He’s very quirky,” described Duff. “He’s a red head! Little things set him off and make him wired and crazy, but that’s also one of his best qualities because when you go back for a jump-off, he’s so game.”

Duff has enjoyed a successful career to date, winning the CET Medal Final at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show in 2003 and earning a team silver medal for Alberta at the 2007 North American Young Riders’ Championship. In 2012, she was named the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Champion, a means of recognizing riders with the potential to become future members of the Canadian Show Jumping Team. Proving the program’s success, Duff has stepped into the international leagues with her victory in the $35,000 CSI2* Sierra Excavating Enterprises Cup. The fact that she did it at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park only made the win sweeter for Duff.

“It’s beautiful; they did an amazing job with it,” said Duff of the newly-rebuilt equestrian facility. “The footing is amazing; my horses jumped great both weeks. I can’t wait for the Pan Ams to be here!”

While a new face was in the winner’s circle for the $35,000 CSI2* Sierra Excavating Enterprises Cup, it was Canadian Equestrian Team veteran and Caledon’s own Yann Candele who led the victory gallop following Thursday’s $35,000 Alberta Premium Open Welcome. A total of 11 horses found their way to a clear round over Palacios’s opening round track with six again jumping clear in the jump-off.

With a reputation for being a true speed demon, Candele skillfully guided Brooklyn Blues to the win for owner Carol Sollak of Wellington, FL. The tiny 10-year-old Oldenburg mare turned in a time of 33.43 seconds that none could touch. Ian Millar, winner of last week’s $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Grand Prix, came closest, clocking in at 35.15 seconds with Baranus while Sorensen took third and fourth with Wriomf and Recadis-B respectively. Henselwood has a star in the making with the nine-year-old stallion Quidam Blue earning fifth position while Calgary’s Vanessa Mannix, 24, rounded out the double-clear efforts with Rubens LS La Silla.

The CSI2* Caledon National held May 21 to 25 marked the second of five weeks of FEI-sanctioned competition to be held at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in 2014. Produced by Equestrian Management Group (EMG), increased prize money and opportunities to earn valuable FEI World Ranking points have attracted show jumping athletes from around the globe to Palgrave, ON. Both the CSI2* Classic @ Palgrave Phase I, which was held May 14 to 18, and the CSI2* Caledon National are qualifiers for the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties on September 7.

For more information on the 2014 Equestrian Management Group competition schedule, including a full listing of hunter, jumper and equitation divisions, please visit www.equiman.com.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

FEI, Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Eric Lamaze Claims Grand Prix of La Baule, France

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Eric Lamaze riding Powerplay. Photo by NoelleFloyd.com.

La Baule, France – Canadian Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze rode Artisan Farms LLC’s Powerplay to victory in the €200,000 Grand Prix of La Baule on Sunday, May 18, in France.

It was an extremely emotional win for Lamaze, who won the CSIO5* La Baule event, the highest ranking on the international show jumping calendar, on one other occasion in his career, in 2011 with the magnificent Hickstead.

“This is the first five-star grand prix that I’ve won since Hickstead,” said Lamaze, who was smiling from ear to ear as tears rolled down his cheeks.  “It is super exciting to win this grand prix.  It’s a grand prix that I’ve won before; I know what it feels like to win in La Baule!”

Fifty of the best horses and riders in the world attempted the €200,000 Grand Prix of La Baule with nine jumping the first round clear to advance to the jump-off.  Lamaze, who was eighth to return, set off at a full gallop, skillfully encouraging Powerplay across the ground and making tight turns back to the obstacles.  He raced through the timers in 35.83 seconds to easily eclipse the time of 37.53 set by Abdelkebir Ouaddar of Morocco riding Quickly de Kreisker.  France’s own Patrice Delaveau placed third with a time of 37.60 seconds with Carinjo HDC.

Powerplay stepped into big shoes by claiming the La Baule victory.  Acquired by Artisan Farms LLC last spring from Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer, Lamaze has been riding the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Casall x Limbus) for almost one full year.

“I’ve never asked Powerplay to do something like this and to go so fast,” explained Lamaze, who in a spur of the moment display of delight, leapt off the podium during the awards presentation to spray the supportive audience with celebratory champagne.  “Last year was a learning year with the horse.  I’ve really taken my time with him and been respectful of how careful he is.  He’s not a super-fast horse, but sometimes when you get to know a horse, you know when you can take risks.

“Today, it felt like it was time to be competitive.  It felt like the time was right for me to ask him to do this.”

La Baule marked the third five-star grand prix in a row that Powerplay has jumped clear, having placed sixth in the €300,000 CSI5* Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Antwerp, Belgium, with one time fault and been clear in the opening round of the €300,000 CSI5* Global Champions Tour Grand Prix two weeks ago in Madrid, Spain.

“We are so thankful to Carlene and Andy Ziegler of Artisan Farms for giving us this opportunity,” said Lamaze, who competes alongside fellow Canadian Olympian Tiffany Foster as an Artisan Farms sponsored rider.

Earlier in the day, Foster was double clear to place fifth in the €24,000 1.45m Prix Laiterie De Montaigu riding Melody des Hayettes Z and, on Thursday, placed sixth behind Lamaze and Zigali P S in the €27,500 Prix du Conseil Général with Victor.  Lamaze and Foster are both based full-time with Artisan Farms in Vrasene, Belgium, and Wellington, Florida.

Next up is CSIO5* Rome, Italy (May 22-25), where Lamaze also won the Grand Prix in 2011 with Hickstead.  Zigali P S, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Kigali x STB-H Palfrenier) acquired by Artisan Farms in November, will start in the Grand Prix of Rome.  Zigali P S was named the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Overall Series Award as the Leading Money Winner at the highly competitive 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Following the CSI5* Global Champions Tour in Hamburg, Germany (May 28 – June 1), Lamaze returns home to Canada for the Spruce Meadows Summer Series in Calgary, AB.

Lamaze’s main focus this year is the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy, France, at the end of August.  The 2010 WEG Individual Bronze Medalist with Hickstead, Lamaze will decide between Powerplay and Zigali P S for this year’s WEG competition, which will mark his sixth consecutive WEG appearance.  Described by Lamaze as “a true championship horse”, Powerplay has competed in Nations’ Cup competition on four occasions since being acquired by Artisan Farms in May of 2013, including anchoring the victorious Canadian team in Wellington, FL.

For more information on Eric Lamaze, please visit www.torreypinesstable.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Dressage, Jennifer Ward

David Marcus Wraps Up Winter Season in Wellington

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David Marcus, pictured with Chrevi’s Capital, concluded his winter competition season by competing in the CDI5* Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 12. Photo by Starting Gate Communications.

Wellington, Florida – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON, concluded his winter season in Wellington, FL, by competing in the CDI5* Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 12 held March 25-30.

Riding Chrevi’s Capital, a 14-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg) owned by Deborah Kinzinger, Marcus contested the Grand Prix on Thursday to earn a score of 69.90% before performing his Grand Prix Freestyle in front of a packed house on Friday night.  Riding to music by Annie Lennox and The Eurhythmics, Marcus was awarded a score of 72.90% by the five-member panel of international judges.

“Overall, we had a really great season,” said Marcus, who is currently the top Canadian in the FEI World Rankings with his 2012 London Olympic mount.  “Capital missed a few shows in the middle of the season due to a minor issue that, unfortunately, took us out of the Nations’ Cup competition.  I am really happy that, even after being out of the show ring for almost two months, he came to the five-star and showed the professionalism and consistency that he’s become known for.”

Marcus continued, “For the Freestyle, we tried a new program with new music, and I think the choreography really suited him.  We received positive feedback from the judges, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop and polish it over time.  Even without changing anything in the horse’s performance, I think if I practice it more and perfect the timing, there are more points still to be had.  Of course, I’m a competitor and I always want higher scores, and I think Capital is more than capable of earning them.”

Held concurrently with the CDI5* competition, Marcus contested the CDI3* grand prix division of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Week 12 with Don Kontes, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding also owned by Kinzinger.

This winter, Marcus began training with Oded Shimoni.  Having formerly trained with Robert Dover, Marcus found it to be a smooth transition, explaining, “With Robert’s new position as the coach of the U.S. Team, I switched to train with Oded, whom I have known for years.  We have all been based out of Stillpoint Farm together, so it was an easy transition because he knew me and was already familiar with my horses from having spent many winters together.  Oded has a real talent for bringing out the piaffe and passage in the horses and improving their overall quality, throughness and way of going, and that was really helpful this season.”

Marcus will continue to train with Shimoni for the month of April and, after returning to his home base in Canada, will meet up with the Israeli trainer at competitions throughout the spring.  Next up on Marcus’s competition calendar is CDI3* Lexington, KY, from May 22-25 followed by CDI-W CornerStone Spring Into Dressage in Palgrave, ON, from June 6-8.  Held at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park, the CornerStone Spring into Dressage competition will act as a test event for the 2015 Pan American Games.

“Following the spring tour, our tentative plan is to go to Europe for the months of July and August, and hopefully be competing at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy at the end of August,” said Marcus.

Making is all possible is owner Deborah Kinzinger, who not only supports Marcus but also recently founded the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program (CDAAP) to help fund Canadian junior, young rider, and high performance athletes as they strive to compete on the world stage.

“I want to thank Deborah for all of her incredible support,” said Marcus of the 2013 Dressage Canada “Owner of the Year”.  “Not only does she sponsor me personally, but she also founded CDAAP to help support the sport in Canada as a whole.  The implications are huge for the Canadian Dressage Team and our ability to go to Europe with more funding than we have ever had before.”

Marcus continued, “I also want to say thank you to our amazing team – they allow us to focus our time on showing while they are managing everything so beautifully at home – and to all of my sponsors for their support, including EquineLUX saddle pads, Neue Schule bits, SSG Gloves and Trilogy Performance Saddlery.”

Marcus and his partner, Nicholas Fyffe, had a total of 18 horses in full training during the 2014 season between their own competitive mounts and those of their students.  Most notably, Maya Markowski was a member of the Canadian Team for the Nations’ Cup competition in February while another student, Pam Davies, successfully moved from Third Level up to Prix St. Georges in just one season.

“We enjoyed great success with all of our students, including those competing at the lower levels,” said Marcus.  “I was also able to show my young horse, Don Altena, in the FEI Six-Year-Old tests with scores in the mid-70s.  We are very excited about his progress and the aptitude that he is showing for the grand prix movements.”

For Marcus, there is no doubt that he will be returning to Wellington next year.

“There is no comparison to the level of sport that is now offered here in Wellington,” said Marcus, 33.  “If we consider the quality of horses in this weekend’s CDI5* competition, it was great sport.  The stands were full and the stables were overflowing with horses.  The percentage of growth from last year to this year has been huge.  The prize money is a huge draw, and that’s something that is fairly new to our sport compared to the jumpers.  Everyone is really enjoying it, and looking forward to seeing the future growth.  Having this great circuit here in Wellington has made dressage more attractive to the sponsors and to the fans and, as it continues to grow, I believe more people will start investing into our sport, which will be great for dressage in North America.”

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service training facility, in Campbellville, ON.  For more information, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca