Category Archives: Phelps Media Group

Phelps Media Group

BREYER Releases GG Valentine & Heartbreaker Model Horses

GG Valentine and Heartbreaker. Photos: BREYER and Courtesy of the Client

Buffalo, NY – December 16, 2010 – Legendary mare GG Valentine has done it again.  This time not in the show ring, as she was retired from showing in 2007, but as a mother after having another legendary baby. Due to her incredible success both as a championship hunter and a fantastic broodmare, BREYER has released a new model horse of GG Valentine with the colt Heartbreaker. GG Valentine and her rider Jennifer Alfano were one of the leading hunter combinations in the nation from 2001 to 2007. In 2007 at the Devon Horse Show, GG Valentine was retired in a special ceremony, accompanied by Alfano, owner Barbara Kearney, and trainers Susie Schoellkopf, Emil Spadone and Sharon O’Neill.

GG Valentine’s third foal was born in February of 2010 and will be shown under the name Heartbreaker. The beautiful weanling is by Oh Star, a 2000 U.S. Olympic show jumping team alternate ridden by Todd Minikus. “The birth went perfectly,” noted Kearney. “GG was a perfect mother and he was full of himself for the first six months. He really enjoyed running around the field carrying his feed pale and learning to be a horse.” This is incredible mare and foal duo can now be yours by purchasing the replica BREYER horse and foal model at any local tack store or at www.breyerhorses.com.

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Celebration of Life Party to Honor Jay Matter

Jay Matter. Photo Credit: Kenneth Kraus

Wellington, FL – December 14, 2010 – The will be a celebration of life party honoring Jay Matter on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 7p.m. after the Grand Prix at the International Club at the WEF Showgrounds in Wellington, FL.  All who knew Jay are welcome to come out and enjoy the event.  Entertainment, food and beverages have already been donated; just bring yourselves and your best Jay stories.

Jay’s wife Dee Thomas said, “Jay didn’t want a memorial service; he wanted a party to celebrate all of the living he got to do.  Please come and celebrate Jay with us!”

Longtime friend Mary Moricoli commented, “As Jay always told everyone at parties, the veranda rules will be in effect.  Those who knew and loved Jay will know what we mean!  Jay was such a wonderful person, and was respected by so many.  We hope that everyone will come out and share their favorite stories of Jay so that we can all celebrate his life together.”

Please RSVP to this event on Facebook by clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=123194801077122.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Georgina Bloomberg’s Rider’s Closet at Pegasus Helps Riders in Need

Personal collection photo. TylerMarie Hylick of Glen Mills, Pa., proudly models some of the apparel she recently received from The Rider's Closet.

North Salem, NY – December 14, 2010 – Georgina Bloomberg’s charitable venture, The Rider’s Closet, is in the business of giving and receiving, not just during the holidays, but all year long. From therapeutic riding centers to pony clubs to collegiate equestrian teams, Bloomberg’s apparel exchange program has made a real difference for hundreds of equestrians who want to participate in competitive, scholastic or therapeutic riding but are unable to afford the gear.

Liz Olsezewski, founder of Horses Healing Hearts USA, a nonprofit in Lake Worth, Fla., which works with children of alcoholics and addicts, recently contacted The Rider’s Closet for a shipment of much-needed boots and clothing. After receiving the items, Olsezewski wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter that was signed by her riders. She noted that they “feel like true equestrians now and are feeling very proud.” This sentiment is echoed again and again in riders’ notes of appreciation to Bloomberg and The Rider’s Closet volunteers.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12721

SBS Farms’ Susan Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano Honored at USHJA Convention

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy. Photo © 2010 PMG

Buffalo, NY – December 14, 2010 – Susie Schoellkopf of SBS Farms at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in Buffalo, NY, was honored this past week at the USHJA Annual Meeting, which was held on December 6-9, 2011. Schoellkopf was given the President’s Distinguished Service Award at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner for the second year in a row.  SBS Farms’ Jennifer Alfano was also awarded at the dinner, as she earned The Rider Recognition Award for 2010.  This award is given for the most money won as a Hunter rider and her cash earnings were just above $400,000.

The President’s Distinguished Service Awards were developed in 2006 to acknowledge and honor the dedication and service of volunteer members to both the USHJA and the sport. 2010 marked the second year for Schoellkopf to win the USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Award, as she was also the recipient of this award in 2009. Schoellkopf is the chair of the Open Hunter Task Force and a member of the Hunter Restructure Committee, the Hunter Zone Council, the High Performance Hunter Committee, and the Junior Hunter Task Force. She is also on the USEF Drugs and Medication committee and serves as chair of the Zone 2 Hunter Committee.

Continue reading SBS Farms’ Susan Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano Honored at USHJA Convention

Linda Andrisani to Lead Judging Clinic at Kentucky Horse Park

Linda Andrisani will be conducting a judging clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.

Lexington, KY – December 14, 2010 – The Kentucky Hunter/Jumper Association, in conjunction with the USHJA and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, is conducting an educational judging clinic with Linda Andrisani on Saturday, January 22, 2011. This exciting event will take place in the New Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Linda Andrisani will give live commentary and scoring for a 3′ hunter division as well as 3′ equitation and 3’6″ medal classes.  This clinic is open to the public, with substantial discounts for early entries as well as KHJA members. ($50.00 KHJA members, $75.00 pre-entry, $100.00 at the door.)

The clinic will run on Saturday, January 22nd from 10:00am to 4:00pm (9:30 registration) and will include a lunch buffet.  Linda Andrisani will provide her perspective and technique of judging hunter and equitation rounds to professionals, clients and riders of all interest and skill levels.  The clinic will be conducted in a warm, elegant, comfortable, indoor horse show setting.  There will be an open question and answer session after each section.

Linda Andrisani is a legendary hunter judge with 25 years judging experience and the author of the DVD, “From the Judge’s Eye”.  She will provide insight and knowledge about showing horses, both broad in concept and trivial in the details. This is valuable information which will be helpful to all riders, professionals, and even children and amateurs. Come join some of the nicest people and horses in the Midwest and learn something!  Fabulous accommodations and dining in the Lexington area.  Contact Trena Kerr 859-250-5473 or Elaine Schott 859-489-0481; RMFHorses@aol.com for more information.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Gay Polo League to Donate 50 Percent of General Admission Ticket Sales to Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

Wellington, FL – December 13, 2010 – The Gay Polo League (GPL), the world’s only polo league for Gay, Lesbian Bisexual or Transgendered (GLBT) players, will return to Wellington in April of 2011 to host their second International Gay Polo Tournament.  The event will be held on Saturday April 2, 2011 at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington, FL.  This year, half of the money raised from general admission tickets sold will go to support the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

The GPL is a United States Polo Association (USPA) official club and consists of all levels of polo players, from beginners to professionals. The USPA rates polo players based upon athletic abilities, playing skills, and tournament play time. Beginning at the lowest level “C”, players move up as they acquire knowledge and refine techniques, eventually getting to “B”, “A”, and then 0- 10, respectively. “A 10” is that coveted rating, and is only held by a few players in the world. Those players who established themselves as the best in the world are awarded with the “A 10” rating. Members of all different levels are seen throughout the GPL, as the only skill required for club members is to have a passion for the sport of polo.

After last year’s Gay Polo Tournament, The Village of Wellington (pop. 55,584) amended its Equal Employment Opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” in Village employment. The policy covers the Village’s 258 employees.

Continue reading Gay Polo League to Donate 50 Percent of General Admission Ticket Sales to Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

Gene Mische – A Legend Passes

Stadium Jumping CEO Eugene R. Mische passed away on Friday at the age of 79. ©Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.

December 3, 2010 – Legendary horseman Eugene “Gene” Mische, the founder of Stadium Jumping, Inc., passed away on Friday evening, following a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 26, 1931, Mische, more than any horseman in history, changed the face of horse sports in the United States.

He was 79 years old.

Mische recently celebrated over 60 years in the equestrian industry and over the course of his stellar career managed the most prestigious shows in America including the Budweiser American Invitational, American Grand Prix Association National Jumper Championship, New Albany Classic, Lake Placid and I Love New York Shows, Charlotte Jumper Classic, the American Gold Cup, USEF National Jumper Championships, and the National Horse Show. Other Stadium Jumping Inc. productions included the Olympic Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2000 and 2004, and the World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials in 2002 and 2006.

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Kentucky Fall Classic Wrap-Up: November 11-14, 2010

Chris Payne and Clooney claimed the championship honors during the Pre-Green 3' division at the Kentucky Fall Classic. Photo By: Holly Whiteman.

Lexington, KY – November 17, 2010 – It was a weekend full of gorgeous and unseasonably warm weather for the Kentucky Fall Classic. The event was held in the New Alltech Indoor Arena November 11-14, 2010 and featured the areas top hunters and jumpers.

Alliy Moyer took home both the champion and reserve champion honors in the Junior Hunter division. She showed Safari to the championship prize and was awarded the reserve championship tricolor for her ride aboard Momentus.

Later in the day, Susan Moriconi was awarded the championship prize in the Adult Amateur Hunter division on her horse, Liberty. Anne Molnar took home the reserve championship prize for her ride aboard Apriol.

Continue reading Kentucky Fall Classic Wrap-Up: November 11-14, 2010

Ken and Arle Adams Make Record-Breaking $5 Million Gift to USET Foundation

George Morris, Jane Forbes Clark, Arle Adams, Ken Adams. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.

Gladstone, New Jersey – November 10, 2010 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is honored to announce a $5 million endowment bequest from Ken and Arle Adams of Wellington, Florida. This gift will mark the creation of the Ken and Arle Adams International Competition and Training Grant Fund. Providing an annual grant, the fund will add supplemental funding to the three Olympic disciplines’ High Performance programs: dressage, eventing, and show jumping. These funds further augment the international competition and training plans that repeatedly generate Olympic and World Championship medal winning performances. Grants of such generous nature are what allow the United States of America to remain at the top of the international equestrian sport.

“This extraordinary gift will be the largest gift ever made to the USET Foundation, and the Foundation is so grateful to Ken and Arle for their generosity. Leaving a dynamic legacy that will forever bear their name, the Adams’ gift will be a determining factor in this country’s ability to medal consistently in international championships in the future,” remarked Jane Forbes Clark, USET Foundation President and CEO.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12536

Jennifer Alfano of SBS Farms Awarded Leading Hunter Rider Title at 127th National Horse Show

SBS Farms' Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano at National Horse Show Photo Credit: Lauren Fisher/PMG

Buffalo, NY – November 8, 2010 – SBS Farms had a fantastic competition at the 127th National Horse Show under the direction of renowned horsewoman Susan B. Schoellkopf. SBS Farms’ rider and head trainer Jennifer Alfano rode to numerous accolades aboard her top mounts, while student Meredith Lipke showed her horses to top ribbons as well. The riders were thrilled with their week of competition in Syracuse, NY, and were elated with their conclusion of the Indoor circuit.

Alfano showed SBS Farms’ gelding Jersey Boy to the reserve championship in the Regular Working Hunter division after two days of success in the War Memorial Arena. They won the handy round and were also awarded two thirds over fences and second place in the under saddle.   Alfano and Jersey Boy also participated in the $50,000 NHS Hunter Classic to honor legendary horseman, Charlie Weaver and were awarded fifth place honors for their efforts.

Continue reading Jennifer Alfano of SBS Farms Awarded Leading Hunter Rider Title at 127th National Horse Show