Category Archives: JRPR

Johnny Robb

USEF’s Dressage Equipment and Attire Booklet Outlines Tota Comfort System for All Levels

TCS Combined noseband double bridle.

Wellington, FL (June 14, 2017) – The revolutionary Tota Comfort System combined noseband, new drop noseband, and the popular Andros Poll Relief headstall have been included in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)’s 2017 Dressage Attire and Equipment booklet, confirming its use for competition in the US. Approved for international competition through the Grand Prix by the FEI in January of 2016, the USEF’s evaluation more precisely breaks down the legal uses of the Tota Comfort System combined noseband and new drop noseband in national level competitions in the United States. The patent-pending, standard-shattering bridle design has redefined the traditional tack paradigm by removing torque on the poll, reducing pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial nerves, and delivering unmatched comfort for the horse in both competition and training.

The Dressage Attire and Equipment booklet released by the USEF is designed to assist exhibitors as well as USEF Dressage Technical Delegates, Judges and Stewards who officiate dressage classes at any federation licensed competition in the United States. In addition to dressage dress codes, a wealth of bits, and various other bridle designs, the Tota Comfort System combined noseband is depicted as legal for all levels, with the optional use of a throat latch. Full information on the FEI rules for the combined noseband when competing at the international level can be found in the FEI DRE-Rules 2017, page 48.

Further solidifying the Tota Comfort System’s growing legacy in the dressage competition arena in the United States, inclusion in this year’s USEF booklet provides greater clarity for riders as they strive to ensure the proper fit and function of their tack. While its origins and popularity in dressage are a natural extension of the bridle’s design and benefits, jumpers and eventers are also discovering the positive results of using the TCS noseband on their competition mounts.

The Tota Comfort System noseband creates stability in the jaw, reduces poll pressure, and alleviates stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ and facial nerves, delivering improved comfort for the horse and connection for the rider. With the goal of improving lightness and harmony in the contact the inspiration behind its inception, Olympians Ashley Holzer and Sue Blinks sought to eliminate unsteadiness in the mouth caused by traditional bridle designs. The unnecessary pressure applied to the poll, facial nerves, and TMJ left the horse uncomfortable, sometimes resulting in head shaking, open mouths, tension, an unwillingness to step into the hand, or leaning on the bit, detracting from overall performance. Holzer and Blinks brought their idea to Charles Tota of The Dressage Connection, and together the three devised a curved cheek piece and stabilizing chin strap that resolved pressure points and granted the horse comfort and relief in the jaw, TMJ, and poll. Soon after the TCS’s debut at the Grand Prix level with Holzer at the reins resulted in a major percentage point jump in their score, hundreds of riders have chosen to ride in the TCS noseband for the sake of their horse’s comfort whether in the arena or in everyday training.

Available as a complete bridle system or noseband attachment, the Tota Comfort System is offered exclusively through its website and retail partners.

For more information on the Tota Comfort System, visit their website at www.totacomfortsystem.com or via phone at 1-888-SNAFFLE.

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

Behind the Magic of the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders

Kelsey Temmen and Cookie at the North American Trick Riding Championships in Las Vegas, NV (Shannon Fox Photography)

Westphalia, MO (June 14, 2017) — TheraPlate, the Official Therapy Plate of US Equestrian, is proud to welcome professional trick riding team Trixie Chicks Trick Riders as the newest TheraPlate Brand Ambassadors. Based out of Westphalia, Missouri, these fearless women have made trick riding their full time careers, performing their daredevil acts and offering clinics and lessons across the continent. The horses that make these famous acts possible all benefit from the TheraPlate to stay in top condition for performance.

Founded by trick rider Shelby Epperson, the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders is currently owned by Kelsey Temmen, who has a Master of Education in Equestrian Education at William Woods University and was the 2016 International Trick Riding Open Champion, Calgary Stampede Canadian Trick Riding Competition Open Champion, and North American Trick Riding Championships Open Women’s Champion. Epperson graduated with a Bachelor in Agriculture Business-Enterprise Management with an emphasis in Animal Science.

Trick riding takes excellent riding skills to a new extreme. In addition to physical and mental agility on the part of the rider, working with a trusted equine partner is absolutely crucial for participation in this high-risk sport. The Trixie Chicks place a strong emphasis on maintaining the health and happiness of their eight performance horses, keeping them motivated and regularly rewarding them for a job well done. That’s how Temmen first discovered the benefits of using TheraPlate two years ago, while training her horses in Texas. “I wanted to give all of my boys a spa treatment before I headed back home to Missouri, so I found an equine rehab facility and took a pit stop to get them pampered,” explained Temmen. There was a TheraPlate at the facility, so Temmen and her horses gave it a try. “They loved it, and I knew we had to get them a TheraPlate of their own. These horses work their tails off to keep me safe and to do their best – it was the very least I could do for them!”

TheraPlate’s innovative therapy platforms offer a wealth of benefits for horses across the disciplines, helping them to stay sound and conditioned simply by standing on the platform. TheraPlate uses low-intensity, dynamic movement to stimulate muscle contraction and increase circulation. In the process, it reduces swelling, builds muscle mass, fosters healing, and helps to prevent injury.

“Every time we travel, we find more and more ways to incorporate the TheraPlate into our routine,” said Temmen. “When we are at an event we like to set up our TheraPlate for not only our use, but also for anyone at the event who would love to try it to see its benefits. We use it as a way to warm up and cool down our horses, but our favorite use is for recovery after a performance or the next morning. The horses absolutely melt in relaxation when they get on it!”

Shelby Epperson and Count at the Bulls, Barrels, & Broncs event in Verndale, MN (Alan Braunworth Photography)

When the Trixie Chicks are not at an event, they set up the TheraPlate in their barn for regular use between conditioning exercises and practices. Even their trick riding students like to lie on the platform at the end of the day. “I lay a towel down on it, and we use it for our own muscle soreness,” explained Temmen. “Sometimes it’s hard to get the kids off of it after a long day of practice — and the horses don’t appreciate having to wait their turn!”

Temmen reported that all eight horses in the Trixie Chicks program have benefited from their usage of the TheraPlate. “Trick riding can be extremely strenuous on the body. Some of our favorite benefits of using the TheraPlate include quicker recovery, reduced soreness, and overall relaxation. One of my trick riding horses tends to get a little nervous, and the TheraPlate helps give him a more consistent routine and the chance to relax pre- and post-performance.”

The Trixie Chicks will be traveling through more than 17 states and two countries this year. To find out where to catch one of their stunning performances or attend one of their clinics (and try out their TheraPlate platform in the process), check out their full schedule at www.trxchx.com.

In December, Temmen will defend her title at the North American Trick Riding Championships in Las Vegas. “I’m currently training new tricks and new horses to prepare for intense competition at the highest level available in the world right now,” she said. “I would be nowhere without these amazing animals, and I can’t thank TheraPlate enough for helping us take the best care of them possible!”

Based in Weatherford, Texas, TheraPlate Revolution offers therapy platforms for both horses and their human teammates. To learn more about how the innovative TheraPlate can improve horses’ health, or to arrange a no-obligation trial, visit www.theraplate.com or call toll-free (800) 922-3685 or direct (817) 629-5171.

Contact: Chip Kreiling
TheraPlate Revolution
(800) 920-3685
theraplate@gmail.com
www.theraplate.com

Drill Team National Championships at Jacksonville Equestrian Center Promises Exciting Performances

Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Jacksonville, FL (June 15, 2017) — This weekend, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is proud to host the Southeast Mounted Drill Team Association (SEMDTA) National Open Drill Team Championships – a competition full of exciting choreographed equine performances. This will be SEMDTA’s fourth National Championship, and the first one held at the expansive Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Florida. The event will be open to the public on June 16-17, and offers free parking and spectator admission.

Spectators can expect to see drill teams of all experience levels perform synchronized movements to music on their horses. An additional Theme Division will include costumes that correspond with teams’ music choices. The mounted competition will feature beautiful horses and talented riders with flags and costumes, who will compete in high-speed routines for National Championship titles.

According to the Linda Heusner, Executive Director of the Southeast Mounted Drill Team Association, participation is largely youth-based and the association offers youth, walk-trot, and 4-H/FFA divisions. The association offers adult and open divisions, as well. “This is mostly a youth sport, but we are beginning to get some adult teams to participate,” Heusner said.

The SEMDTA holds competitions throughout the year, offering classes in divisions such as Color Guard, Freestyle, Theme, and Rodeo. At this year’s National Championships, teams across age and class divisions will compete for awards and national titles.

“I am always looking for different venues to encourage teams from other states to come participate,” Heusner said. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center seemed the perfect choice for this year’s National Championships, with its expansive riding arenas, over 400 permanent stalls, a huge indoor coliseum that includes a 123,000 square foot arena, full RV hookups, riding trails, and plenty of additional space for venders and concessions.

Heusner’s love for drill team riding began when she worked with the Georgia Horse Council and organized drill team competitions. Even after leaving the council, she continued organizing the drill team events. “I have been with SEMDTA for about five years,” Heusner said. “I love doing it because I love the youth participating and coming together as a team. I have watched many young people grow up in drill, and I have made some great and long-lasting friendships through drill.

This weekend at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, a total of 61 horses and 58 riders will make up the 12 drill teams competing for National Championship titles. Competition begins at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 16, and is expected to last until about 5:00 pm on that day. The excitement will resume at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 17, and the show will conclude with an award ceremony at about 3:00 pm.

Other upcoming equestrian events at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center include the Summer Dressage Schooling Challenge Showposium from June 23-25, presented by the First Coast Classical Dressage Society. This event will include a Classical Dressage Clinic with judge Brian MacMahon and schooling show classes. After that, the facility will host an All-Breed Horse Show on July 15, open to a variety of equestrians.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center also offers non-equine-oriented amenities and plays host to exciting, family-friendly events throughout the year, utilizing every aspect of the expansive grounds for recreational and social events. With an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course, and other sporting facilities adjacent to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, it’s a popular destination all summer long.

Sprawling over 80 acres and easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center also features access to miles of hiking and riding trails and a picnic pavilion. For more information and to find out about the Southeast Mounted Drill Team Association’s National Championships and other upcoming events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call (904)-255-4215.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Debbie Stegner (904)-255-4215
dstegner@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221

Todd Minikus Racks Up More Top Finishes at Tryon Summer 1 CSI3*

Photo Courtesy of JRPR.

Tryon, NC (June 7, 2017) – Todd Minikus kicked off the 2017 Tryon Summer 1 CSI3* competition with a flurry of blue ribbons for top finishes on a fleet of horses at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina.

The talented bay mare Juju VDM opened up strong with Minikus at the helm, coming out on top with a blue ribbon in the Nutrena 1.4 Open Jumper class. Minikus also scored wins in Asheville BMW Center’s 1.2m Open Jumper class, turning in a sizzling first place ride aboard Mary Jane, owned by Musical Woods LLC, and placing third in the same class on KWPN mare Chablis S, owned by Los Establos SportHorses.

Demonstrating why he’s currently ranked second on the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) list of lifetime earners, Minikus added even more to his earnings by picking up additional prize money on Alice Lawaetz’s geldings Sancento and Incitatus, Alex Verlooy’s Carvelo Z, VDL Excel owned by the CoverBoy Group, and Minikus’ own I Dottori VD Richter. Minikus’ horse Exceptional outdid his previous week’s stack of reserve ribbons by cleaning up in the green hunter division, scoring four first place ribbons and some additional cash.

When not on the road competing, FEI Nations Cup veteran and U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist Todd Minikus offers sales and training services in his hometown, Wellington, Florida. Stay tuned for more triumphs at Tryon and check out where Team Minikus is next by following on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
www.toddminikus.com

Katherine Bateson-Chandler to Represent US in FEI Nations Cup Dressage in Denmark

Photo courtesy JRPR.

Wellington, FL (June 2, 2017) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler of Wellington, Florida is set to represent the United States in the FEI Nations Cup™ Dressage competition, which will take place this week in Uggerhalne, Denmark. The internationally successful Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer is competing aboard Alcazar, the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark.

“I’m really so honored to compete in this event. It’s always such a huge honor to represent one’s country in international competition, and especially to get the opportunity to ride alongside the best of the best. As a rider, it’s definitely one of those moments that you are constantly working toward,” Bateson-Chandler stated.

Additional riders on the U.S. team for Uggerhalne include Shelly Francis of Loxahatchee, Florida; Kathleen Raine of Murrieta, California; and Mette Rosencrantz of Topanga, California.

No stranger to high-stakes international competition, Bateson-Chandler’s past career achievements include being a member of the Silver medal-winning Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at the 2016 Lambertz Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen, and being part of Team USA at the 2016 CDIO3* Odense Nations Cup in Denmark.

Earlier this year, Bateson-Chandler made a brilliant comeback aboard her well-known mount Alcazar, who had spent the summer months recovering from a serious colic surgery that took place after the two competed together in Aachen, Germany in the 2016 World Equestrian Festival CHIO. After a successful and emotional reunion at the Adequan Global Dressage festival in Wellington, Florida this winter, the pair drew much attention with an unforgettable winning performance in the event’s CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle.

Aside from this year’s competition successes, Bateson-Chandler also added a new mount to her stable’s lineup – a six-year-old Oldenburg mare named Fine Time, who was secured for her by longtime sponsor Jane Forbes Clark. Bateson-Chandler also accepted an appointment to the new USEF Dressage Sport Committee, which is responsible for the sport’s development, organization, rules, and licensing changes.

Bateson-Chandler competes in Wellington, Florida during the winter months while training with U.S. Olympian Debbie McDonald. During the summer months, she and her horses travel to the United Kingdom to compete and train with acclaimed British Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hester.

Through her business, KBC Dressage, Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services to horses and riders across the U.S. and Europe, as well as prospect selection for clients. For more information, visit her on Facebook and on the web at www.kbcdressage.com.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
chandlercarlos@aol.com
908-391-9096

Crowds Flocked to Jacksonville Equestrian Center for Extreme Mustang Makeover

Photo courtesy of Christine Rose Photography.

Jacksonville, FL (May 26, 2017) – The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was packed with both people and horses for the facility’s first-ever Free Family Fun Day and the return of the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. Saturday, May 20, saw a crowd of approximately 200 gathered to enjoy the wild mustangs, a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, a vintage mustang car show, pony rides, a petting zoo, Gator Country 99.9 FM’s live radio show with prizes, and the nearby Olympic-sized swimming pool. The evening brought another crowd to the Jacksonville, Florida recreational facility for the popular Extreme Mustang Makeover Top Ten Freestyle Finale show.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover is a unique competitive event produced by the non-profit organization Mustang Heritage Foundation. Trainers are given 100 days to turn an American Mustang from wild to mild. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s beautiful facility was the perfect venue for trainers to compete for cash and prizes while displaying the trainability of American Mustangs in hopes of finding a suitable adopter for each Mustang entered. During the Top Ten Freestyle Finale, the trainer and Mustang pairs who scored highest in the weekend’s competition so far put it all on the line for the grand prize. Spectators cheered them on as they performed everything from standing in the saddle to mounted shooting to jumping obstacles.

Many of the Mustang trainers felt that the experience changed them just as much as it changed the Mustangs. “It made me start from scratch,” stated Ashley Mancuso, a trainer from Tallahassee, Florida. “I had to think about the communication I was giving to the horse because these Mustangs come to us never being touched before. So, everything they become is really what we are.”

This year’s Extreme Mustang Makeover champion, and winner of the $25,000 prize, was trainer Marsha Hartford-Sapp, who competed for her 8th consecutive year in this challenging event. She also won the champion title last year at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. “The learning process that I get from every horse motivates me,” she explained. “For me to have an avenue where I can learn so much as a trainer, and make myself better as a trainer, and help a horse at the same time, is really a phenomenal opportunity.”

Hartford-Sapp won this year with the mare Chason Dreams. “I am so proud of this exceptional mare, who was nothing short of remarkable the whole weekend! She made my heart swell in the freestyle with how brave she was in the crowds and noise, and how much she tried for me.” Hartford-Sapp went on to say that Chason Dreams won another big prize by being adopted by her new owner, Cynthia Smoot, at the auction held directly after the Top Ten Freestyle Finals. “Cynthia was able to meet Dream on Friday before the competition, and their energy together was fabulous! I am so excited for the partnership, and I am beyond honored to be asked to continue training Dream for her new owner.” Hartford-Sapp is the owner and head trainer at Southern Oaks Equestrian Center in Tallahassee.

Photo courtesy of JRPR

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was thrilled to host the Extreme Mustang Makeover to help bring awareness to the public about wild Mustangs and Mustang adoption. This year, even more people in the local community had a chance to meet the Mustangs as part of the Free Family Fun Day that the facility held in conjunction with the event.

Many Family Fun Day attendees enjoyed the chance to meet a different kind of Mustang, as the Jacksonville Mustang Car Club brought a bright array of unique Mustang vehicles to the grounds. Kids spent the day riding ponies, petting farm animals, jumping in a bounce house, and getting their faces painted. Lucky families went home with prizes distributed by Gator Country 99.9 FM, including buy-one-get-one-free horseback riding coupons for the nearby Diamond D ranch, concert tickets, and tickets to the Extreme Mustang Makeover Top Ten Freestyle Final.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is known as a family-favorite destination for equestrian and recreational events all year long. The 80-acre facility is easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, and features an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

For more information and to find out about other exciting upcoming events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call (904)-255-4215.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Debbie Stegner (904)-255-4215
dstegner@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221

Kasey Perry-Glass Wins US Dressage National Grand Prix Championship

Kasey Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Gladstone, NJ (May 25, 2017) — Triple Crown® Nutrition, Inc., is proud to congratulate U.S. Olympic Dressage Team Bronze Medalist Kasey Perry-Glass for her most recent accomplishment – claiming the overall U.S. Dressage National Grand Prix Championship title at The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey this past weekend. As the official feed sponsor of the U.S. Dressage Team, Triple Crown is a longtime supporter of equestrian sports and the advancement of U.S. dressage. Dedicated to providing the utmost superiority in nutrition, Triple Crown continually fuels top-level equine athletes.

At the Festival of Champions at Gladstone’s historically beautiful Hamilton Farm, Perry-Glass and her Olympic partner Goerklintgaards Dublet kicked off the weekend by earning first place in the FEI Grand Prix with 73.7% on Thursday, May 18. After a challenging Grand Prix Special on Friday, they rose to the occasion, finishing second in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle on Sunday, May 21 with 73.325%. It was just what they needed to push their cumulative score to the top to earn them the title of the 2017 U.S. Dressage National Grand Prix Champion.

“I’m proud of him,” Perry-Glass said of the 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding (Diamond Hit x La Costa, Olympic Ferro), owned by her mother Diane Perry. Perry-Glass acknowledged that the weekend didn’t showcase their best personal performances, although they still outscored all of their talented competitors and led the victory pass round with Dublet sporting the blue blanket and tri-colored ribbon. “This was only our second year at Grand Prix. Our first year was kind of a whirlwind.”

Their first two years at the Grand Prix level have certainly included more than a typical horse and rider’s – Perry-Glass and Dublet’s accomplishments include winning the Grand Prix at the 2015 Palm Beach Dressage Derby, coming in second at the 2016 CDI-W Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida and, most notably, helping the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team to the Bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As a competitor at the top of her sport, Perry-Glass knows the importance of proper nutrition for her equine partners. She has been using Triple Crown products for the past four years. “I was working with a nutritionist who highly recommended Triple Crown because of their reputation, the quality of feed, and the science behind it. I began feeding it, and immediately noticed a big difference in my horses’ performance, weight, coats, and their overall health, so that’s why I stuck with it,” says Perry-Glass. She is currently feeding Dublet the Triple Crown Training feed, the 30% Ration Balancer, and the Alfa-Lox® Forage and will take her Triple Crown feed with her to Europe this summer to assure continuity in Dublet’s diet.

Perry-Glass understands the impact that nutrition has on performance perhaps even better than most, as she is not only an equine professional, but also an avid athlete in her spare time – particularly as a runner. “As a professional and also as an athlete myself, I feel that nutrition plays a huge part in performance and training. If you don’t fuel your body or the horse’s body correctly, it can affect everything – mood, stamina, and energy. I really believe that having a quality feed is just so important.”

Contact: Kelly Payne
kpayne@triplecrownfeed.com
800-451-9916
www.triplecrownfeed.com

Todd Minikus Continues His Winning Ways at Kentucky Spring Classic

Photo Courtesy of JRPR.

Lexington, KY (May 23, 2017) – It was a rewind of the previous week at the Kentucky Horse Park with Todd Minikus in the money and in the top ribbons again on multiple mounts at the 2017 Kentucky Spring Classic, May 17-22. Minikus again started early with an impressive first place win after an outstanding go on Alex Verlooy’s Carvelo Z in the 135m class.

Once again Minikus was on the move riding a bevy of horses. He piloted Elarina owned by the CoverBoy Group to top placings in both the 7-year-old jumping classes. Minikus wrapped up the weekend with a series of successes on clients’ horses as well as a few of his own, including the 8-year-old bay mare JuJu VDM and 9-year-old I Dottori VD Richter owned in partnership with Brems Sport Horses, the striking bay gelding, VDL Excel owned by the CoverBoy Group, and Alice Lawaetz’s chestnut gelding Incitatus — all finishing in the money for their primo performances in the jumper ring.

And Minikus’ own bay gelding Exceptional continued demonstrate his promise in the hunter ring by earning three second place ribbons in Green Hunter 3’3’ classes. “He is going to make someone an outstanding hunter mount,” Minikus said of Exceptional. “He really lives up to his name and he just a fun horse to show.”

Next Team Minikus heads south to Tryon International Equestrian Center, North Carolina, to get the jump on summer circuit.

When not competing nationally and internationally, Todd Minikus offers sales and training services in Wellington, Florida. Minikus, a FEI Nations Cup veteran, is also a U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist. Be a part of the action by following Team Minikus on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
www.toddminikus.com

US Combined Driving Champion Chester Weber Announces European Tournament Schedule

Photo courtesy of Marie De Ronde-Oudemans.

Ocala, Florida (May 19, 2017) — Chester Weber, 14-time USEF National Combined Driving Champion, is taking his show on the road – or, more accurately, across the Atlantic – to spend over four months competing in Europe with Jane Clark’s and Weber’s four-in-hand KWPN team.

No stranger to international success, Weber has three World Equestrian Games Silver Medals under his belt and made history in 2012 by becoming the first American to win an Individual Silver Medal in the Four-In-Hand FEI World Driving Championships. He won England’s Royal Windsor CAI3* two years in a row and was congratulated personally by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2014, Weber made the record books again as the first American to win the Four-In-Hand division at the CHIO Aachen. Weber made another trip to the International winner’s podium in the summer of 2016, when he took top honors at the CAI3* tournament in Drebkau, Germany, and later took third overall at the CAIO4* of the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany. He then rounded out his tournament schedule by finishing fourth individually at the 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand in Breda, the Netherlands.

“Europe is not only where the world’s top drivers often come from, but it is also where the heart of the sport lies,” Weber said. “If you want to break into the top five in the world rankings, you have to go there to compete against the other teams in the top five.”

Never afraid to test his skills against his peers at the top of the sport, Weber is eagerly anticipating his annual trip to compete in Europe. This summer’s European tour will serve him and his equine team as ongoing preparation for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

“We have a couple new horses on the team this year that we feel pretty bullish about, but our big goal right now is preparing the horses for the World Equestrian Games, so that’s what this summer’s about,” Weber stated.

Weber knows that being a top contender in Europe will depend not only on his horses’ fitness, but also on himself and his entire team. Weber and his staff have been dedicated to keeping themselves in as peak athletic condition as their horses are. “We take our preparation for Europe very seriously – not only the horses, but the entire team,” said Weber.

Weber and Jane Clark’s team of KWPN horses will depart the United States on May 27, and return in early September. Weber will be staying in the U.S. a bit longer than the horses, as his wife just delivered a baby boy, Hugo Wyatt Weber, on May 16. The family will enjoy some quality family time with the newest addition to Team Weber while the horses and the rest of his team settle into their stable in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as their home away from home while abroad.

Team Weber will kick off the summer European tour in Saumur, France at the Saumur CAIO4* from June 7-11, where Weber won first place in 2014. Weber’s European schedule includes competitions in France, Germany, and The Netherlands, as follows:

  • June 7-11, Saumur CAIO4* — France
  • June 22-25, Riesenbeck CAI3* — Germany
  • July 19-23, World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, Germany
  • August 3-6, Beekbergen CAI3* — The Netherlands
  • September 8-10, Breda CAIO4* World Driving Championships – The Netherlands

This year, Weber’s team includes some younger horses that will be touring Europe for their first time. These newer horses have been proving themselves in their latest U.S. competitions, keeping Team Weber’s dressage scores in the mid-30s. Weber is confident that his team has now hit its stride and is ready to dazzle the judges and fans in Europe.

Weber, who continues to be a leading figure in the international world of four-in-hand combined driving, is also dedicated to promoting the equestrian sport wherever his travels lead him. For Team Weber updates, results, photos, and combined driving news, follow Chester Weber on his official Facebook page, Instagram @ChesterWeber, or visit www.chesterweber.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Todd Minikus Starts Off Kentucky Spring Horse Show with Victories and Multiple Horses

Sancento, ridden by Todd Minikus, goes clear in his very first Grand Prix. (Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography)

Lexington, KY (May 16, 2017) — Todd Minikus’ feet barely hit the ground between stirrup irons at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show in Lexington, May 10-14. Minikus competed on a dozen horses over the weekend making a lot of owners happy with top finishes on several horses. Alex Verlooy’s Carvelo Z took the blue in the 135m leading the Minikus jumper charge.  Minikus also finished in the money with eight others including Alice Lawaetz’s handsome bay gelding, Incitatus and her fiery chestnut, Sancento, along with four horses owned by The Coverboy Group — Coverboy, VDL Excel, Eldorado VDL, and Elarina — and Chablis S owned by Los Establos Sport Horses.

As he did at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival this year, Minikus found a few spare minutes to campaign in the hunter rings, as well. Minikus’ own bay gelding Exceptional lived up to his name by earning first place in the Young Hunter 3” & 3’3 class.

Always quick to credit his team, Minikus shared, “I’ve got 12 horses up here and I’m just riding all day. I’ve got my staff with me and they are doing a great job. They are all hustling.”

Though Minikus is a seasoned competitor with well over 100 Grand Prix wins under his belt, his equine partners were a bit newer to the scene. “The highlight of the week was when Alice Lawaetz’s horse, Sancento, jumped clear in his very first Grand Prix. We were very excited about that,” said Minikus. “Hopefully this weather cooperates so we can just keep on moving these young horses up,” commented Minikus.

Minikus is now focusing on the upcoming Kentucky Spring Classic, which runs May 17-24 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Team Minikus will then get the jump on summer competition at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina.

When not competing nationally and internationally, Todd Minikus offers sales and training services in Wellington, Florida. Minikus, a FEI Nations Cup veteran, is also a U.S. Pan American Games Team Bronze Medalist. Follow the excitement of Team Minikus on Facebook and Instagram @Todd_Minikus, or visit www.ToddMinikusShowJumping.com.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
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