Category Archives: Phelps Media Group

Phelps Media Group

United States Para-Equestrian Association Recognizes Para-Equestrian Horse Owners of 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Rebecca Hart and Kazan. All photos were taken at USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Thousand Oaks, CA – August 23, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to thank the owners of each horse that has been named to the nominated entry for the 2010 United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team.  These horses will have a chance to compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (2010 WEG).

As September approaches many equestrians are making their last preparations before their trip to Lexington, KY.  One of the Para-Equestrian Team members is Becca Hart who has been riding her own horse Norteassa and Kerri Sowers’ talented gelding Kazan over the last year.  Both horses have led Hart to the 2010 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and reserve championship titles.  At this point, the horse that Hart will be riding at the 2010 WEG has not been decided.  Hart and Kerri Sowers friendship began at Blue Hill Farm riding under Jessica and Missy Ransehousen.  Not long ago Hart was given the opportunity to ride Sowers’ horse Kazan while Norteassa was resting. Together Hart and Kazan have made a great team.  Sowers noted, “I have been very proud of Becca and Kazan.  Kazan has proven himself in competition time and time again over the years and always has his best performances when the competitive pressure is the greatest! I would like to wish Becca the best of luck competing at WEG regardless of which horse will be chosen.”

Continue reading United States Para-Equestrian Association Recognizes Para-Equestrian Horse Owners of 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Georgina Bloomberg and Fiedi 3 Soar to $30,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix Victory at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

Georgina Bloomberg and Fiedi 3 won the $30,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix Victory at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 22, 2010 – It was a beautiful and sunny Kentucky afternoon, for the final day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Today riders competed for top prizes during the jumper divisions in the new Indoor Ring at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park. The highlight event of the day was the $30,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix where Georgina Bloomberg and Fiedi 3 stole the show after completing an incredible double clear-effort with a blazing jump-off time of 40.83 seconds.

Today’s class featured a course designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England. The first round included an oxer-vertical double combination and a vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination, with numerous bending lines.

Six riders were able to show perfection over the technical first round track and advance to the short course.  For the shortened tiebreaker test, they began by jumping a wide oxer in the corner and then made a right turn to the double combination before galloping to the end of the ring to jump a single vertical. Next they made a left turn to another oxer and then had a long gallop to an oxer-vertical bending line. Riders finished by galloping home off the left lead over a tall, single vertical.

Continue reading Georgina Bloomberg and Fiedi 3 Soar to $30,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix Victory at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

Lauren Crooks and Cincinatti La Silla Win $50,000 CSI-W Hagyard Lexington Classic at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

Lauren Crooks and Cincinatti La Silla took top honors in the $50,000 CSI-W Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo By: Whitney Campbell/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 20, 2010 – Another incredible crowd turned out at the new Indoor Ring tonight, this time to watch riders compete for the top prize during the $50,000 CSI-W Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. It proved to be an interesting night when the first four riders all completed clear rounds to start, but as the class progressed no other combinations were able to duplicate the effort and join the jump-off. Lauren Crooks and Cincinnati La Silla led the victory gallop after they laid down the fastest clear effort over the short course, continuing their winning streak after taking the top prize in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Classic.

Tonight’s long and winding course was designed by Richard Jeffery. The first round course featured 16 jumping efforts and included a vertical-oxer-vertical triple combination, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a number of tall, single verticals. At first it looked as though the course was too simple when the first four riders to take to the track all posted clear efforts, but as the evening continued, the rails began to come down and no one else was able to advance to the short course.

The jump-off round began over a single oxer followed by a bending line to a single vertical. Riders then made a left turn to another wide oxer before jumping through the oxer-vertical double combination. Finally, the competitors made an inside turn and galloped to a tall vertical just before the finish line.

Continue reading Lauren Crooks and Cincinatti La Silla Win $50,000 CSI-W Hagyard Lexington Classic at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by CN Emanates the True Meaning of Horsemanship

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the 2009 $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Chicago Hunter Derby. Photo© 2009 Jennifer Wood.

Chicago, Illinois – August 20, 2010 – Two years ago, Chicago Equestrians for a Cause embarked on a mission that would prove to not only play an integral role in betterment of the sport of show hunters, but also in the movement to have hunter derbies that are structured so as to benefit one or more charitable organizations. In August of 2009, their vision became a reality as Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, welcomed this nation’s top exhibitors for the premiere $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Chicago Hunter Derby) Presented by CN.

Offering a trifecta of benefits, the 2010 Chicago Hunter Derby will contribute to (1) the progression of the sport, (2) the assistance of horsemen in need, and (3) the support of children with illnesses, as it is a member event of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series as well as a generous donor to both the USHJA Foundation and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Continue reading $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Presented by CN Emanates the True Meaning of Horsemanship

Todd Flettrich Earns a Spot on the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Todd Flettrich and Otto competing at the Selection Trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo © 2010 Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – August 18, 2010 – Todd Flettrich and his grand prix mount Otto were recently named to the United States Dressage Team that will compete this fall at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Following a fantastic two weekends of competition at the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions, Flettrich and Otto finished in second place in the grand prix championships, which were also held as the Team’s final Selection Trials.

Competing at the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, Flettrich and Otto placed third in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special on the first weekend of competition, held August 7th and 8th. The pair performed consistently, earning an overall 71.404% in the Grand Prix and a 69.917% in the Special.

On the final weekend of competition, Flettrich and Otto stepped up the competition and moved into second place in the overall standings. The duo showed in the Grand Prix on August 13th and scored a 69.787% to finish in second place and then went on to the Freestyle on August 15th to earn an impressive 75.600% for another second place finish.

Otto is a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm. Flettrich and Otto have been very successful throughout the year competing in the United States, and recently had the opportunity to gain exposure on the world stage competing at CHIO Aachen in preparation for the Selection Trials.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=11918

National Horse Show Association of America Announces 2010 Dates and Locations for ASPCA Maclay Regionals

New York, NY – August 17, 2010 – The National Horse Show Association of America is pleased to announce the dates and locations for this year’s ASPCA Maclay Regional competitions. The horse shows’ qualifying classes determine which riders will compete in this year’s ASPCA Maclay National Championship, which will be held at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 127th National Horse Show on November 3-7, 2010.

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), Stacia Klein Madden in 1987, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2008 ASPCA Maclay National Championship winner was Jessica Springsteen of Colts Neck, NJ, and in 2009 Zazou Hoffman, of Santa Monica, CA, was named the winner.

Separate entry blanks for the ASPCA Maclay Regionals must be mailed to the National Horse Show. All other classes and stall requests should go directly to the host horse show.

Continue reading National Horse Show Association of America Announces 2010 Dates and Locations for ASPCA Maclay Regionals

Isabelle Caccamise Garners 2010 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals Gold Medal

Isabelle Caccamise and Better Than Good won Gold Medal at the 2010 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals. Photo By: Rebecca Walton.

Lexington, KY – August 15, 2010 – The last day of the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships was marked by a mix of sun and rain, but that did not slow down the exciting competition in the Covered Arena. The EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals was the last phase of the week, and after a two-horse hack-off it was Isabelle Caccamise and Better Than Good earning the Gold Medal and a $500 gift certificate from Oakcroft.

Over 180 ponies jumped the first course and the top 21 total ponies returned for the second round. The technical courses both consisted of short lines, bending lines, a hedge jump and an optional fence. Caccamise was at the top of the order for today’s second round and rode the tight turn to the stone line with ease and but chose the easier option to showcase her riding abilities. Victoria Colvin was ranked second and took the more difficult option. Both riders impressed the judges with their incredible skill and were invited back for the final test on the flat.

Continue reading Isabelle Caccamise Garners 2010 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals Gold Medal

Medium Pony Hunter Grand Championship Awarded to Meredith Darst and Highlands Make Believe at 2010 USEF Pony Finals

Meredith Darst and Highlands Make Believe earned the Medium Pony Hunter Grand Championship at the 2010 USEF Pony Finals. Photo By: Alyson Sanderford/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 13, 2010 – It was another hot day at the Kentucky Horse Park but that did not slow down the exciting competition at the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships. The top ponies and riders gathered at the Walnut Ring to showcase their talent. The pony action began with the Large Pony Hunter model and under saddle phases, and was followed soon after by Medium Pony Hunter over fences phase to determine the grand championship and reserve grand championship titles. The day rounded out with the second phase of the Individual Jumping, which included the Team Competition.

Meredith Darst and Highlands Make Believe, owned by Elizabeth Wenner of Garden City, NY, had an incredible round during the Medium Pony Hunter over fences phase that earned them a total of 259 points. Their excellent score helped them win the over fences phase and also moved them from 14th in the overall standings to first place overall. Their advancement in the standings with a 1006.25 total score garnered them the Medium Pony Hunter Grand Championship.

Continue reading Medium Pony Hunter Grand Championship Awarded to Meredith Darst and Highlands Make Believe at 2010 USEF Pony Finals

Welcoming Waters Ceremony for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to Be Held during Betsy Gala and World Cup Qualifier

Mac Cone and Ole. Winners of the 2009 $50,000 Hagyard World Cup Grand Prix, CSI2*-W Lexington, KY. Photo (c) 2009 Kenneth Kraus

Lexington, KY – August 9, 2010 – With only one month until the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) the Kentucky Horse Park is already preparing for the opening day.  On August 20, 2010, the Welcoming Waters Ceremony will take place in the new Indoor Ring. During the ceremony the nine regions being represented during WEG will present water to the First Lady of Kentucky Jane Beshear.  The Welcoming Waters Ceremony will be held prior to the $50,000 CSI-W Hagyard Lexington Classic World Cup Qualifier.  During the World Cup Qualifier, spectators can purchase a table at “The Betsy Gala” to watch international riders compete for the top prize.

The Welcoming Waters Ceremony will be a chance for each region to give a gift to First Lady Jane Beshear.  This offering symbolizes the equestrians from each region giving a gift to Kentucky for hosting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  The water will mimic the Olympic flame, which burns during the length of the Olympics.  Once the World Equestrian Games has concluded the water will be transported to Normandy, France where the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games will be taking place.

Continue reading Welcoming Waters Ceremony for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to Be Held during Betsy Gala and World Cup Qualifier

Crelido and Michael Morrissey Dash to Victory in $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix at Kentucky Summer Classic

Michael Morrissey and Crelido won the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus

Lexington, KY – August 7, 2010 – An incredible crowd turned out tonight at the Kentucky Horse Park to watch the nation’s best riders compete for the top prize during the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix at the Kentucky Summer Classic. The first round featured a long and demanding track that only five riders were able to complete without fault. The jump-off proved to be even more exciting when Michael Morrissey and Crelido beat Margie Engle aboard Indigo by just two-tenths of a second for the hard fought win.

Thirty-one riders competed over Dave Ballard’s first round course tonight in the new Indoor Ring at the Horse Park in Lexington. There were sixteen jumping efforts which included a liverpool fence, a double combination and a triple combination. The technical aspects of the course and tight time allowed proved difficult for many riders. Five riders were able to complete clear rounds, but only two riders had four-fault efforts while numerous other incurred faults from rails and time.

Continue reading Crelido and Michael Morrissey Dash to Victory in $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix at Kentucky Summer Classic