Category Archives: Jump Media

Lauren Kieffer’s Veronica Named Equis Best Presented Horse at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Lauren Kieffer and Veronica jogging at the second FEI Horse Inspection of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Betsy Whiteman.

Lexington, KY – USA’s Lauren Kieffer and her mount Veronica claimed the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI****, presented by Land Rover, in Lexington, KY, on their way to a second-place finish in front of a home crowd of 25,000 spectators.

The Ground Jury at the second FEI Horse Inspection of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, led by President Ernst Topp of Germany, evaluated the appearance of each horse and rider pair, including grooming, tack, behavior, jog attire, and interaction with the judges. They unanimously selected Kieffer and her 14-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (Pacific x Ferro) owned by Team Rebecca, LLC as “Best Presented”.

“Winning this award really comes down to the whole team,” said Kieffer. “It is not a one day project – my team has spent years and put a lot of work into making sure these horses are as healthy as possible.”

Kieffer gave special recognition to her head groom, Shannon Kinsley, who has been working by her side for more than two years.

“It is great to recognize the effort she puts into keeping the horses healthy and beautiful,” continued Kieffer.

Kieffer and Veronica were one of 54 combinations to return on day three of the event and face the final show jumping phase. Combined with their dressage and cross-country efforts, Kieffer and her mare earned a final score of 52.5, placed second overall, and were the top-placed representatives from the United States.

“I am thrilled with her. We went in with a goal to finish well and sometimes you need a little luck on your side, but she was really on form,” said Kieffer.

Veronica was also second at Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2014 with Kieffer in the irons after a long career together. Kieffer got the ride on the mare as a six-year-old after she was imported as a sale horse by Scott Keach and Sharn Wordley. She was sold to Team Rebecca, LLC as a mount for Karen O’Connor, but after an injury sidelined O’Connor, Kieffer took the ride over and has been partnered with the mare ever since.

“She has become a very seasoned mare with a lot of experience,” said Kieffer. “I want to keep her on form and pick away at little things, but we take it one event at a time.”

Kieffer was presented with a commemorative plaque by Cesar Hirsch, Founder of Equis Boutique, in recognition of the Best Presented Horse Award, as well as a set of Eventing Boots from Equis Boutique partner brand Kentucky Horsewear.

“The entire event was impeccably executed and is always a favorite of Equis Boutique,” said Hirsch of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “The Best Presented Horse Award has become a favorite across show jumping and eventing over the past year, and we were honored to present it for the second consecutive year at Rolex Kentucky.

“Lauren and Veronica were – without a doubt – deserving winners,” continued Hirsch. “It was a joy to watch them at the Horse Inspection, but even more thrilling to see them in action throughout the event.”

Contact: Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Phoebe Alwine Named Equis Boutique Children’s Jumper 15-17 Circuit Champion at WEF

Photo by Jump Media.

Wellington, Florida – Phoebe Alwine and Zenith Dance were named the Equis Boutique Children’s Jumper 15-17 Division Circuit Champion at the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), held from January 13 through April 3 in Wellington, FL.

Alwine and her 12-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding collected three championship titles and one reserve championship title throughout the 12-week WEF circuit. Alwine hails from Delray Beach, FL and rides under the direction of Jane Fennessy and Vinissa Blann at Carriage Hill Farms.

“I would like to say thank you so much to Equis Boutique for sponsoring this division,” said Alwine, 16. “I got to compete, improve, and build a bond with my horse. It’s so great, and there’s nothing else like it.”

Alwine had been predominately competing in hunter and equitation competition before entering the jumper ranks for the first time this season. She partnered with Zenith Dance, a former grand prix show jumping horse, in August to help her transition to the jumper ring and learn the ropes in rapid fashion.

“I wanted something to teach me how to do the real jumpers, and he is amazing and has taught me so much,” said Alwine of her mount. “He really teaches you how to ride the course and how to go fast. It definitely works because he is two seconds faster every time.”

Following her successes at WEF, Alwine plans to move up to the Modified Children’s and Low Junior Jumper divisions this summer. She has also set an immediate goal to qualify for the NAL Children’s Jumper Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA.

Equis Boutique presented the Children’s Jumper 15-17 division throughout WEF, and honored the following weekly champions:

Swiss Air, Grace Boston, Gray Smith Farm Hamptons, LLC
Camera Ready, Julia Tait, Fit To Print Farm
Aretina M, Sophia Zuckett, Stephanie Novas
Zenith Dance, Phoebe Alwine, Phoebe Alwine
Alanda, Sienna Partipilo, Sienna Partipilo
Zenith Dance, Phoebe Alwine, Phoebe Alwine
Venturesome, Cheyenne Considine, Cheyenne Considine
Venturesome, Cheyenne Considine, Cheyenne Considine
Zenith Dance, Phoebe Alwine, Phoebe Alwine
Capacabana, Robyn Hannigan, Robyn Hannigan
Metropolitan, Alessandra Pino, Synchronicity Group
Baby Guiness, Eliza Fauntleroy, Aubrey Cecil

Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress the horse and rider. Featured brands include Parlanti, Manfredi Equestrian, KASK Helmets, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, and Dy’on, as well as a variety of imported specialty bits and Official FEI and Just World International merchandise.

For more information on Equis LLC boutiques, please visit EquisBoutique.com. Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
Jump Media
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

WIHS Jumps to #7 in NARG Top 25 Rankings

Harrie Smolders and Emerald on their way to a win in the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington for the President’s Cup. © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2016 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) made another major jump in the standings in the North American Riders’ Group’s (NARG) yearly report of the top 25 horse shows in North America. A consistent presence in the NARG Top 25 since the report was created in 2012, WIHS is now the seventh-ranked horse show in North America, moving up an impressive seven places from last year.

NARG evaluations focus on the quality of the experience for competitors, including footing, stabling, and course design as well as the experience for spectators, such as hospitality, pace, marketing, and in-arena experience.

“WIHS wrapped its 57th year with one of the most successful events in its long history and, in the process, jumped from fourteenth to seventh in the rankings,” stated NARG. “This first-class venue has a unique atmosphere and an air of importance second to none. Organizers put in 150% to produce a celebratory week of equestrians at this nation’s capital, with great ceremony and abundant press coverage. The downtown D.C. neighborhood around the Verizon Center transforms into a festival of horses, drawing more than 26,000 fans.”

The report continued on to say, “Despite its space limitations, the downtown Washington location creates a magical experience for all participants. To compete at WIHS is worth some big city sacrifices, and since we began the NARG Top 25 many aspects have improved. Kudos to the management team, the sponsors, and to the city of Washington, D.C. for its ongoing assistance in managing the complex logistics of this extraordinary event.”

“The Washington International Horse Show is honored to be recognized as one of the best events in North America,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “This event has a lot of history, but we are continuously working to improve the experience for competitors and spectators alike. The broad visibility of the show brings equestrian competition to a whole new audience and it is important to attract the best riders and horses in the world.”

For WIHS Show Manager David Distler, refining the logistics of the show each year is very important. “There are constraints of hosting a horse show in a busy downtown district, but everyone at WIHS is committed to making the show as safe, convenient and fun as possible for all exhibitors,” said Distler. “This year we addressed footing issues and improved stabling. Given the restrictions, we do everything we can to make the show run smoothly and to give the horses and riders a great experience. We will continue to do everything we can to keep advancing, and we are extremely happy with our significant move up the NARG standings.”

The Washington International Horse Show has been a treasure on the North American calendar for 58 years, and celebrates its tradition and history while continuing to grow and exceed expectations each year. A goal of WIHS organizers every season is to appeal to a larger fan base and bring new spectators to the sport by providing exciting and innovative sporting entertainment. Among its advances, WIHS worked with SAP this year to develop an app that allowed the audience to judge the WIHS Equitation Finals along with the officials, bringing WIHS to the forefront of entertainment technology in the sport. The opportunity to earn points to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Finals, plus large prizes, also drew more international riders in 2015.

The 58th annual Washington International Horse Show returns October 25-30, 2016, to Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

For more information about the North American Riders Group, please visit www.narg.org. To read the complete NARG Top 25 of 2015 report, please visit http://www.narg.org/news/NARG-Top-25-of-2015-web.pdf.

About Washington International Horse Show, www.wihs.org

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington, the President’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is currently ranked #7 in the Top 25 Horse Shows by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.

Royal Horse Show Voted Top Indoor Event by North American Riders Group

Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Wellington, Florida – Toronto’s Royal Horse Show was ranked number one indoor horse show and top three overall when the North American Riders Group’s ‘Top 25 of 2015’ was revealed at its annual meeting on February 23 in Wellington, FL.

Used as a benchmark for competitions across the continent, the North American Riders Group’s (NARG) annual ranking employs a wide variety of criteria to assess show jumping events. Footing, Stabling, Jumps and Courses, Technical Aspects, Financial Aspects, Ceremony, and Marketing are all categories taken into consideration by independent evaluators.

Ranked number five in 2014, the Royal Horse Show has jumped up two placings for a spot in the top three against all shows in North America. Canadian events swept the top three with Spruce Meadows in Calgary, AB, once again earning the number one spot followed by Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC. In addition to being the number three event overall, the Royal Horse Show maintained its position as the best indoor event in North America.

“Now in its 93rd year, the staff knows how to put on an entertaining show that appeals to the public,” read the NARG ‘Top 25 of 2015’ report on the Royal Horse Show, entitled ‘Fit for a King’. “Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair each year and the Royal Horse Show, the highlight of the Fair, can be assured of sell-out crowds and a super-charged feel, creating an extraordinary atmosphere for top sport. As the top indoor event in North America in 2015, The Royal is truly an event fit for big prize money and show jumping royalty.”

The 2015 Royal Horse Show saw the debut of the $132,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto, won by two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward of the United States riding HH Azur for Double H Farm. 2002 World Champion Dermott Lennon of Ireland and Loughview Lou Lou finished second while 2015 Pan American Games contender Roberto Teran of Colombia placed third riding Woklahoma, underscoring the international caliber of competitors drawn to the annual Royal Horse Show. The Royal was one of only four Canadian events to be selected for the newly-formed Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, a qualifying event for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Final to be held in March in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“We are thrilled to retain our number one ranking as the premier indoor horse show in North America and proud to be recognized as the number three event overall by the North American Riders Group,” said Charlie Johnstone, CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “Thanks to our committees, volunteers, sponsors and fans whose continued support help make the Royal Horse Show a world-class event.”

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 4-13, 2016, at Exhibition Place in the heart of downtown Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Jump Media
Cell: (613) 292-5439
jward@jumpmediallc.com

Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows Are CSI Rated and Offer Under 25 Competitions

Mclain Ward and HH Azur competing at the 2015 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Photo by Jump Media.

North Salem, NY – The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will now offer even more for show jumpers as they have been classified as CSI-rated competitions by the The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The FEI classes will give riders the opportunity to gain valuable Longines FEI World Ranking points. Additionally, the Spring Horse Shows will feature Under 25 competitions, including a $15,000 U25 Grand Prix, sponsored by T&R Development, for up and coming jumper riders.

“Our team here at Old Salem Farm is always looking to stay out in front of what is up and coming for our sport,” said Old Salem Farm Trainer Frank Madden. “We feel the U25 competition is hugely important in the development of our young riders, and therefore important that we make it a priority to offer it at the Spring Shows.”

The first week of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows will run May 10-15 with a CSI2* classification and the second week, a CSI3*, will take place May 17-22 at the acclaimed Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY.

The 2016 schedule includes top competition for hunters, equitation riders and world-ranked jumper riders alike. Highlights planned for the celebrated grand prix field during the Spring Shows include:

– $130,000 Empire State Grand Prix
– $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix
– $35,000 New York Welcome Stake Grand Prix
– $35,000 North Salem Grand Prix
– $35,000 Speed Derby of North Salem
– $15,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby
– $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
– $15,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, sponsored by T&R Development

“The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows have attracted some of the most accomplished riders in show jumping and delivered top sport each year they have taken place. Now, we are proud to offer those riders more opportunities to gain world ranking points, as well as bring an even higher level of equestrian competition to Westchester County,” said Old Salem Farm Manager Alan Bietsch. “We have been working to deliver CSI-rated competition to the Spring Shows after witnessing the great success the American Gold Cup has enjoyed, and we are very excited that both weeks of competition will be sanctioned by the FEI in 2016.”

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature Premier rated hunters and USEF 5* and USEF 6* jumpers, and was most recently ranked on the North American Riders Group Top 25 List in 2014. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows feature over 130 hunter and jumper classes each week, bringing together top competitors, including Olympic show jumpers, from across the country. Old Salem Farm’s beautifully manicured grounds, a list of elite horses and riders, and fantastic social gatherings draw spectators from Westchester County and beyond to watch horses and ponies of every size compete for over $500,000 in prize money.

For more information on the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, including sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, VIP table reservations and available vendor space, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net/spring-shows.

About Old Salem Farm
Old Salem Farm, located just one hour north of New York City, is one of the best equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group since 2011. Host of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4*, and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena, and two all-weather footing rings. As a boarding and training facility, Old Salem Farm is second to none and home to top trainer Frank Madden. For more information, please visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call 914-669-5610.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
Jump Media
Cell: (518) 586-6258
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com

Daniel Bluman Opens International Division with a Win at 2015 Royal Horse Show

Bluman and Conconcreto Sancha LS. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Daniel Bluman of Colombia opened international show jumping competition with a win in the $20,000 International Jumper Power and Speed on Tuesday, November 10, at the Royal Horse Show®, held as part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.

Show jumping talent representing six nations – Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ireland, the United States, and New Zealand – arrived in Toronto for five days of fierce international competition. Bluman and Conconcreto Believe, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Ukato x Burggraaf) owned by Blue Star Investments, Alberto Simhon and Abraham Chehebar, topped a 19-horse starting field to score the first victory of the week. The pair turned in a time of 32.09 seconds for the win over a track set by British course designer Richard Jeffery.

“The first class of the week is usually a friendly one, but still has a very good purse,” said Bluman, 25. “If you have a horse that is naturally fast, you can let them go a little bit. That was the case with Believe; she is very careful and very, very fast. I saw the people go before me and they weren’t going crazy so I thought I wouldn’t intervene too much. It paid off, and I am happy to start with a win.”

Bluman is competing at the Royal Horse Show for the fourth time, and said, “I love Toronto. This show is a very prestigious indoor event here in North America, and I am always delighted to be invited to take part in the competition.”

Before Bluman clinched the victory, Reed Kessler of the United States had held the lead. She and Charity 33, owned by Kessler Show Stables, would eventually finish second with a time of 33.46 seconds while Ireland’s Conor Swail and Cita, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, took third place in a time of 34.42 seconds. Ten-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON and the appropriately named Heros took fourth in 34.76 seconds for owners AMMO Investments. Dermott Lennon of Ireland rounded out the top five aboard Fleur IV, owned by Canada’s Rebecca McGoldrick, in 35.24 seconds.

Having already scored one victory, Bluman has his sights set on Wednesday night’s feature event, the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto. The Royal Horse Show® was selected as one of only four Canadian events to be part of the newly formed Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

“This is a great new format,” said Bluman of the change. “Before, there were too many World Cup qualifiers, making it difficult for the riders to jump in all of them. I think it’s great to have fewer events with more prize money and bring the level up. You can see that this week; there are only 24 riders here, but if you look at those 24, you have the big guns here. Longines has been a great supporter of equestrian sport and we, as riders, are very thankful for that.”

The Royal Horse Show marks Bluman’s fifth Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League appearance so far this season. His goal is to qualify for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Final to be held from March 23 to 28 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“I’m in a qualifying spot, but it’s not over and I need to add more points,” said Bluman. “The idea is to go to World Cup Final this year. I’ve been building a string of horses for a very long time and finally now I have enough to go.”

Bluman plans to ride Conconcreto Believe in Wednesday night’s qualifier, explaining, “The characteristics of this venue fit her well and if the course is what I expect it will be, I think I could get a good ribbon.”

Conor Swail and Martha Louise
Conor Swail and Martha Louise

The $35,000 Jolera International Jumper Welcome was held Tuesday evening, and saw the final rider of the night come home with the win. Having settled for third earlier in the day, Swail tripped the timers in the fastest time, 58.17 seconds, to take the victory riding Martha Louise for owners Susan and Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, ON. Roberto Teran of Colombia placed second with a time of 59.30 riding Woklahoma for the ARK Partners LLC while Laura Kraut of the United States took third with a considerably slower time of 64.02 riding Andretti S for Stars & Stripes.

The $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby, also held Tuesday evening, saw a win for Darcy Hayes riding Say When for owner Danielle Trudell Baran. The pair was awarded the Paddy Ann Burns Trophy in recognition of the achievement.

Erynn Ballard and Valentino Now, owned by MVB Group, accepted the Lorna Jean Guthrie Challenge Trophy, awarded to the high point horse following both the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby held Monday evening and the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby. Ballard and Valentino Now won Monday night’s $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby before placing second in Tuesday’s featured competition.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

To purchase Royal Horse Show tickets, please visit Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131553/986584.

Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Jump Media
Cell: (613) 292-5439
jward@jumpmediallc.com

Jill Henselwood Claims Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship

Jill Henselwood and Farfelu du Printemps. Photos by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON claimed the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday night, November 7, at the Royal Horse Show®, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in downtown Toronto, ON.

Riding Farfelu du Printemps, Henselwood entered the second and final phase of competition in the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship on Saturday evening with a perfect score of zero, having won Friday night’s opening round. The pair stayed consistent, jumping another clear round before facing off against the top six in a final jump-off. Despite having a rail down early on course, Henselwood held on the lead to win the 2015 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championship title.

“As soon as we started to jump and he could sense from me that it was serious he gave good efforts,” said Henselwood of the ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Action Breaker x Volume vd Gasthoeve) owned by John Madigan. “For this horse to get this title really means something in his resume, and starts to identify him as a top horse for Canada.”

Farfelu’s rail fell at the third fence in the final round, leaving on room for further error.

“I thought we were going to jump it, but made a mistake,” Henselwood said of her downed rail. “After that, I think Farfelu jumped everything else with a margin of another foot. I could feel the effort that he made; he didn’t want to make another mistake. He’s that kind of horse.”

Henselwood’s victory marked her second Greenhawk Canadian Championship title at the Royal Horse Show®, having also won in 2005 aboard Black Ice.

Mac Cone aboard Gasper van den Doorn
Mac Cone aboard Gasper van den Doorn

British course designer Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, Dorset set difficult tracks in all three rounds comprising the Canadian Championships, which saw Canadian Equestrian Team veterans rise to the challenge. With two beautifully executed rounds on Saturday night, Canadian Olympian Mac Cone, 63, of King City, ON, moved into the Reserve Champion position with a final score of 4.79 riding Gasper van den Doorn for owner Chadburn Holdings, Inc.

Another Canadian Olympian, Lisa Carlsen, 50, of Okotoks, AB, produced strong performances to finish third with 5.66 penalties aboard Worlds Judgement for owners WJ Partners. Susan Horn of Bolton, ON and Kingsland Farm’s Lillyfee placed fourth on 6.15 penalties, while Erynn Ballard of Tottenham, ON and Bart C posted 6.93 penalties to placed fifth for owner Jaybird Farm. Keean White of Rockwood, ON rounded out the top six aboard For Freedom Z, owned by Angelstone Partners, with 14.11 penalties.

Based on their results in the Canadian Championships, Henselwood and Cone secured the final two positions available in The Royal’s international show jumping division, which begins on Tuesday, November 10. They will join pre-qualified riders Carlsen, Ballard, Ian Millar of Perth, ON, Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, and Chris Sorensen of Caledon East, ON, in representing the Canadian flag.

Also highlighting the action on Saturday, Isabelle Lapierre of Breakeyville, QC and Cescha M dominated the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships, presented by Uplands Charitable Foundation. Lapierre and the eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Diamant de Semilly x Hera XXIV) owned by Ecuries de la Chaudiere, topped both phases of competition to top a starting field of 16 contenders.

“She will try every time,” said Lapierre, 36, who has been riding Cescha M for the past three years. “Even when I make a mistake, she’s there, and if she makes a mistake, she knows I’ll be there. We’re a good team.”

Lapierre set a goal to pilot Cescha M in the National Talent Squad Championships following a successful summer, explaining, “She’s a young horse, and they need mileage in the ring before doing the big classes. This is a good class for young riders, and also for riders like me trying to produce young horses.”

Lapierre also won the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships riding Diaka de Semilly, the half-sister of Cescha M’s sire, Diamant de Semilly.

“I won this 15 years ago with Diaka de Semilly and I knew talent ran in the family,” she said. “Both horses have what it takes to win, and that’s all because of their breeding.”

Another Quebec athlete, Billie Derouet of Bromont, took home the Reserve Championship in the Jump Canada National Talent Squad Championships aboard her own Bonaparte VP Wisebecq. Derouet placed second to Lapierre in Friday’s opening round of competition before taking third place in Round Two on Saturday.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

To purchase Royal Horse Show tickets, please visit Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131553/986584.

Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Jump Media
Cell: (613) 292-5439
jward@jumpmediallc.com

Top Riders Ready for International Show Jumping Competition at 2015 Royal Horse Show

Two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward, pictured riding Rothchild, will be back to defend his grand prix title at the 2015 Royal Horse Show. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Toronto, Ontario – Downtown Toronto will host some of the world’s most decorated equestrian athletes – both two-legged and four – during the 2015 Royal Horse Show, which runs November 6 to 15 as part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at Exhibition Place. International show jumpers from five different countries will converge in Toronto for top-level competition, highlighted by the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto as part of the newly founded FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

Show jumping action kicks off at the national level with the $100,000 Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships during opening weekend, November 6 and 7. Twenty-five Canadian riders, including Olympians Lisa Carlsen, Mac Cone, Jill Henselwood, Beth Underhill and defending champion Ian Millar, will vie for the coveted national title.

The highlight event of the international division takes place Wednesday, November 12, when the Royal Horse Show hosts the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Toronto. One of only four Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping events to be held on Canadian soil, the competition is a qualifying event for the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Goteborg, Sweden.

Friday, November 13 will showcase the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open, while Saturday afternoon brings family-friendly fun with horses and dogs teaming up for the $15,000 International Canine/Equine Challenge, presented by The Toronto Star. The 2015 Royal Horse Show closes out with the $75,000 Big Ben International Challenge, presented by Hudson’s Bay Company, on Saturday night, November 14.

Eight riders from the United States have been invited to travel to the Royal Horse Show. Most notably, two-time Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward of Brewster, NY is eyeing his third win in a row in Wednesday night’s featured grand prix event. Ward has won the grand prix at the Royal Horse Show six times and is the defending champion from both 2013 and 2014.

“The Royal is a first-class, traditional event in a beautiful city,” said Ward, who recently claimed the individual gold medal riding Rothchild at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. “The Royal always has a packed house, making the atmosphere great. You need an experienced horse that handles that situation well.”

This year, Ward plans to defend his title riding HH Azur, an up-and-coming superstar owned by Double H Farm. The pair recently competed at the mare’s first indoor event at the Los Angeles Masters, where Ward characterized her performance as “phenomenal”, and Ward is confident in their chances at the Royal Horse Show.

“The presence of FEI competition in North America has been transforming over the last few years and it’s in a better place now,” said Ward of the Royal Horse Show’s inclusion in the new Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. “It’s always an asset to have more World Cup qualifiers, and this league has certainly been competitive.”

Ward will be joined at the Royal Horse Show by fellow Americans Georgina Bloomberg, Leslie Howard, Charlie Jacobs, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, and Todd Minikus.

Rounding out the international field participating at the Royal Horse Show will be eight riders representing Belgium, Colombia, Ireland and New Zealand. Coming off a recent string of impressive wins, Ireland’s Conor Swail will return to the Royal Horse Show as a hot favourite.

“The Royal has always been a lucky show for me,” said Swail. “Every time I go there I have good success, but I also love the prestige and the huge crowds that come with the show. It’s extremely fun.”

Dermott Lennon will join Swail in representing Ireland. Twins Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts and Francois Mathy Jr. will represent Belgium, while Daniel Bluman and Roberto Teran will be flying the Colombian flag. New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley will be making his Royal Horse Show debut.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, the marquee event of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please visit http://www.royalfair.org/horse-show.

To purchase Royal Horse Show tickets, please visit Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131553/986584.

Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.

About The Royal
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. The 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Jump Media
Cell: (613) 292-5439
jward@jumpmediallc.com

Molly Ashe and Balou’s Day Date Receive Equis “Best Presented Horse Award”

Molly Ashe and Balou’s Day Date

Lexington, KY – Equis Boutique, a luxury shopping experience for the discerning equestrian, awarded coveted “Best Presented Horse” honors to Molly Ashe and Balou’s Day Date this weekend after Thursday’s FEI Horse Inspection at Split Rock Jumping Tour’s Bourbon International CSI 3* in Lexington, KY.

Ashe and Balou’s Day Date, owned by Louisburg Farm, took part in FEI competition at Split Rock Jumping Tour’s second 3* event this year after its premiere show, the Lexington International CSI 3*, kicked off in May. In addition to the Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse Award”, Ashe and her 10-year-old Oldenburg Mare (Balou Du Rouet x Linda-Dolores) placed fifth in Sunday’s $100,000 CSI3* Grand Prix against a starting field of 36.

Equis Boutique is the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equestrian brands to dress the horse and rider, including Parlanti, Anna Scarpati, Kingsland Equestrian, Kentucky Horsewear, Dy’on, specialty imported bits, as well as Official FEI and Just World International merchandise. Continuing their dedication to excellence in all areas of horse sport, Equis Boutique has devoted their presence at North American horse shows to enhancing the importance and prestige of the FEI Horse Inspection.

Ashe’s award commended the overall turnout of both her and her horse after evaluation by the Split Rock Jumping Tour FEI Ground Jury, made up of Jenny Ross-Koning (USA), Bobby Murphy (USA), Leslie Brown (USA), and led by President Jonathan Taylor (CAN).

She and Balou’s Day Date were presented with a commemorative silver plate, as well as assorted products from Equis partner brands for the honor.

“This is a cool award because it’s really a shout-out to the caretakers of the horses,” said Ashe. “They don’t always get the appreciation or thanks that they deserve, so this is huge fun for the grooms.”

Balou’s Day Date is meticulously cared for by Louisburg Farm groom Ezequiel Remigio, who took her over at the end of the 2015 season in Florida. “You could see how proud he was to earn the award – she [Balou’s Day Date] can do no wrong in his eyes,” added Ashe.

Ashe and Balou’s Day Date picked up their fifth-place ribbon on Sunday over a big, difficult course from designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA). “She’s a feisty little horse with a huge heart and I’m proud of her,” said Ashe. “She gives it her all every time out and she tried hard.”

The Bourbon International was the final horse show of 2015 for Ashe and Balou’s Day Date. The mare now gets a well-deserved break before Ashe’s string spends the winter competing in Florida. “We have done a lot this year and I think this winter Balou’s Day Date will do the 1.50m and 1.45m FEI classes at WEF – that seems to be her niche.”

Equis Boutique was founded in 2014 by FEI judges Elena Couttenye and Cesar Hirsch, and in addition to creating a mobile, one-stop shopping opportunity for high-end international riding apparel within the American market, they wanted Equis to elevate FEI Horse Inspections with a little friendly competition among owners, riders and grooms. From that idea, the Equis Boutique “Best Presented Horse Award” was born and has been given at nearly ten horse shows across the U.S. so far this year. These shows include both weeks of the Split Rock Jumping Tour, as well as the 2015 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas, NV and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“We started presenting this award in the spring of 2015 and each horse inspection gets more and more impressive,” said Hirsch. “It’s rewarding to see riders take pride in their mounts and for the caretakers of these horses to get recognition for the hard work to keep them competition-ready and looking their best.”

Hirsch is excited to see the success of the Equis Boutique award spread and looks forward to presenting it again throughout the 2016 season beginning at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) this January. “Split Rock Jumping Tour is a creative new addition to the horse sport calendar and we were proud to be involved as sponsors,” said Hirsch. “It’s events like these that offer top competition, as well as a true quality experience for athletes and spectators, that fit perfectly with the mission of Equis Boutique.”

Equis Boutique made a successful debut season at WEF in Wellington, FL and HITS Horse Shows in Ocala, FL this winter, and has had a busy summer season at horse shows around the U.S. For a complete schedule of Equis Boutique locations, visit equisboutique.com/find-us.

Contact: Lindsay Brock
Jump Media
Cell: (518) 586-6258
Lindsay@jumpmediallc.com