Category Archives: Phelps Media Group

Phelps Media Group

Global Champions Tour, Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Highlights from GCL Super Cup and LGCT Super Grand Prix on Horse & Country TV

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Ben Maher and Explosion W. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

Prague, Czech Republic – Nov. 29, 2019 – Show jumping fans will be able to enjoy an exciting evening of thrilling sport Saturday as Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) will air highlights of both the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup and the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix back-to-back on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Hosted in the historic Czech capital Prague, also known as “the city of spires”, the awe-inspiring championship format saw top competition over four days in the O2 Arena with over 14,000 spectators. From dramatic entrances to dazzling pyrotechnic shows and top entertainment, the Global Champions Prague Playoffs was one of the year’s most thrilling equestrian events.

With a €6.4 million purse on the line, the GCL Super Cup was an intense battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. At the end of the four rounds of action, it was the Shanghai Swans who delivered stand-out performances to walk away with the lion’s share. The winning team was made up by Sweden’s Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K, Germany’s Daniel Deusser on Jasmien vd Bisschop, and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer on Cortney Cox. The full roster of the Shanghai Swans team included Shane Sweetnam, Kim Emmen, and Alexandra Thornton.

“The pressure was on and it was really exciting competition,” Fredricson said. “It was three riders on each team with no drop score – so much could happen. The best horses are here with the best riders, and it was two big courses. It was hard work but we’re finally in the spot we wanted. I didn’t believe it!”

Don’t miss the exciting action of the GCL Super Cup and find out how the other top teams including the Paris Panthers, Cannes Stars, Madrid in Motion, and Monaco Aces performed at the penultimate conclusion of the tour’s season.

Following the highlights from the GCL Super Cup and kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EST on Saturday will be the epic individual finale, the €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix. The competitors earned an invitation to compete in the class in Prague if they won one of the grand prix events earlier in the series or they had the chance to qualify by placing second or third in grand prix events throughout the year. The pressure was on during the LGCT Super Grand Prix as 18 world-class combinations navigated two rounds of a challenging course with the results still up for grabs until the last rider cleared the final fence.

It was Great Britain’s Ben Maher who proved to be unstoppable once again with his talented stallion, Explosion W. The pair won the league’s overall championship last year after solidifying the win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* and they have continued to dominate the series winning the overall 2019 LGCT championship for a second consecutive year after their stand out performance at the LGCT Grand Prix of New York CSI5* in September.

“[It was] amazing sport with top horses and riders in the world,” Maher said. “It is an amazing feeling to be able to win here with this horse and the people who are around me to make this possible. [He’s] magic. No words can explain him – what he has done over the past two years and how he has learned. He proved how good he is tonight.”

Joining Maher on the podium was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Balou du Reventon in second place while Martin Fuchs of Switzerland rode Clooney 51 into third.

If you missed any of the action from Prague or just want to relive the spectacular performances, join H&C TV to watch the exciting highlights!

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Breeds, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Western/Reining

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit Extends Dates and Adds Prize Money

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Madison Nirenstein and No Doubt Im Trouble, 2018 Amateur Showmanship at Halter circuit champions. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – Oct. 4, 2019 – Save the date! Back for its next chapter, the popular Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit will return to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds better than ever thanks to the growing popularity of the event. Due to an increase in exhibitor interest, the horse show has added an extra day of competition, with the 2019 installment beginning Friday, December 27 and concluding Tuesday, Dec. 31, and the prize money pot has increased to $50,000 shared between both the Gold Coast and Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Circuits. Over the course of five days of competition in five rings, Quarter Horses and Paints of multiple disciplines will demonstrate their skills to celebrate the excellence and versatility of the breeds.

In 2018, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit was again named one of the top 10 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows in the country, this time successfully operating as the sixth largest AQHA show in the nation. Approved by the AQHA, American Paint Horse Association (APHA), and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA), the competition is consistently one of the highest-ranked events of its caliber, and attracts exhibitors from coast to coast. The 2018 installment saw competitors from as far away as New Hampshire, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Texas, and Colorado.

Under the direction and show management services of An Equine Production, the 2018 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit showcased more than 11,000 total entries in 2018, up from the 2017 event. Of that incredible total, 8,450 horses represented AQHA entries, while the remainder consisted of non-AQHA exhibitors. In 2019, the show is excited to feature leveled HUS and WP to enhance its new schedule, plus new jackpots paid on circuit points. No additional entry fee is required, and each class will be paid after the Circuit and Reserve Circuit award winners are determined.

In addition to serving as the ideal setting to welcome in the new year, exhibitors can expect a number of much-anticipated improvements highlighted by some of the best all-weather footing in the country, as well as extensive and well-planned drainage systems installed in all of the outdoor rings at the Florida State Fairgrounds to ensure perfect footing regardless of the conditions. The state-of-the-art facility further offers ample riding and lunging spaces.

With five days of competition under numerous judges, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit presents exhibitors with opportunities to earn valuable year-end points and exciting prizes in the beautiful Florida weather. There is also a multitude of activities outside of the show as the Florida State Fairgrounds sits in close proximity to all of the major theme parks and provides easy access to various beach and fishing sites.

For additional information on the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit, please visit flgoldcoastcircuit.com.

Media Contact: Elaine Wessel
(561) 753-3389 | ew@phelpsmediagroup.com

Championships, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Callan Solem Continues Streak to Win $5,000 Speed Stake with VDL Wizard

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Callan Solem and VDL Wizard.

Devon, Pa. – Sept. 13, 2019 – Highlighting the day at the 2019 Devon Fall Classic was the $5,000 Speed Stake, with 27 competitors vying for the lion’s share of prize money. Hosted at the iconic Dixon Oval, horse-and-rider combinations were pressured to produce a clear round with the fastest time. Ultimately, Callan Solem and VDL Wizard emerged victorious to take home the coveted Devon Blue at the end of the competitive speed class.

Amanda Dobbs and MJ Claim Championship Title in Thoroughbred Jumper Division

A fall feel in the air, cool temperatures, and a light breeze set the stage for jumper competition Friday morning at the Devon Fall Classic. Midway through the day, Thoroughbred Jumpers took to the Dixon Oval, which was lined with festive pumpkins and cornstalks. Several entries made an appearance over the two days of Thoroughbred competition but ultimately, it was Amanda Dobbs and MJ who took the overall championship title.

For more information, visit www.devonhorseshow.net/fall-classic/.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
info@phelpsmediagroup.com

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Callan Solem and Imogen De Regor Start Out Strong at Devon Fall Classic

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Callan Solem and Imogen De Regor.

Devon, Pa. – Sept. 12, 2019 – The 2019 Devon Fall Classic returned on Thursday, with a large number of entries entering the iconic Dixon Oval to try their hand in a vast selection of jumper classes. The highlight of the day’s events was the $5,000 Welcome Jumper Stake, with Callan Solem aboard Collin and Virginia McNeil’s Imogen De Regor claiming the top spot ahead of the field of competitors.

Taryn Nolte and Pablo Mejia Capture Wins in the Young Horse Jumpers

Thursday also saw up-and-coming horses competing in the 6-Year-Old Jumpers and 7-Year-Old Jumpers. Taking to the ring first, it was Taryn Nolte and New Normandy Farm’s Domino Normandy who captured the win in the 6-Year-Old division. Following, Pablo Mejia and his own Don’t Worry VH Scheefkasteel Z produced a clean and clear round to take the top placing in the 7-Year-Olds.

For more information, visit www.devonhorseshow.net/fall-classic/.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
info@phelpsmediagroup.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Karie Jane Pearson and Addison Reed Earn Blue to Conclude Southeast Medal Finals

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Karie Jane Pearson and Enamored.

Tampa, Fla. – September 1, 2019 – The 2019 Southeast Medal Finals concluded Sunday, September 1, with horses and riders returning to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center to vie for championship titles. The Medal Finals classes kicked off the morning, drawing a competitive field of adult and junior riders to the Lykes Indoor Arena. In the Adult Medal Finals, it was Karie Jane Pearson and Enamored that came out on top to claim the leading title. Addison Reed and Windsor rode away with the Junior Medal Finals win, sponsored by Up Country.

In the Adult Medal Finals, sponsored by Dover Saddlery, the technical eight-obstacle course offered riders the chance to showcase their handiness and adjustability through rollback turns, an in-and-out combination and opportunities to take an inside track. After the first round, Dorian Cieslak led the class riding her own Fellow Van’t Polderhof with a score of 84. Pearson followed close behind with their score of 80. Also in contention for the top spot was the third place rider Jennifer Giraldin riding her own Quesnel with a score of 78.

For the work-off round, the judges elected to challenge riders to a shortened course, asking them to demonstrate rollback turns and showcase their skills over a trot fence. With first place honors up for grabs, Pearson impressed the judges enough to move up into the top spot. Second place was ultimately awarded to Morgan Mulcahy riding her own Centara. Ceislak and Fellow Van’t Polderhof rounded out the top three.

Pearson and Enamored, an 18-year-old Westphalian Warmblood mare, have been paired together for two years. Prior to competing in the equitation divisions, Enamored was a seasoned jumper mount. Pearson recently started competing with the mare in both equitation and hunter divisions, and their transition to the new rings is clearly paying off.

Earlier in the day, the junior riders took center stage for the Junior Medal Finals, sponsored by Up Country. Following a competitive first round, Madison Ryan and Caprio owned by Jai Smith Rezac, sat in the lead with their score of 86. Reed and Windsor, owned by Bailey Tims, sat close behind in second with a score of 85, followed by Paige Moose in third riding her own Quintilus to a score of 83.

The judges invited all riders back to the arena to challenge them over a shortened track. Riders were asked to tackle a course of just four fences with technical rollback turns, as well as a trot fence, and return to the gate showcasing a sitting trot. The second round could lend any of the top three riders the leading title, but ultimately it was Reed that impressed the judges the most to move up and earn first place. Moose and Quintilus would finish the class in second place, with Ryan and Caprio rounding out the top three.

Sunday’s finals concluded the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals. Horses and riders enjoyed a weekend of competition and camaraderie, with many new champions crowned, and those hoping to enter next year have a whole year of qualifying possibilities ahead of them prior to the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Kasey Parker and Hamlet Claim Jumper Final Win at Southeast Medal Finals

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Kasey Parker and Hamlet.

Tampa, Fla. – August 31, 2019 – Jumper competitors took center stage in the Grand Prix arena during the second day of the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF). Riders competed in a Nation’s Cup format for the 0.85m Jumper Final, sponsored by Tenney’s Custom Saddlery, aiming to remain clear over two rounds of competition. Riders that remained on a zero fault score over the course of the two rounds were invited to the final jump-off to decide the top placings. Ultimately, it was Kasey Parker and Hamlet, owned by Rachel Williams, that earned first place.

For the first round, 18 competitors took the arena with only six managing to complete a fault-free round within the time allowed. Clear riders included Parker, Rebecca Holcomb, Stephanie Welborne, Janice Brodkin, Gretchen Swanson, and Stephanie Engler. Following the second round, just four horse-and-athlete combinations remained fault-free in order to advance to the jump-off.

The pathfinder for the jump-off course was Swanson riding Broadway Joe, owned by Peggy Stevens. The pair completed a clear effort in 39.377 seconds to set the pace for the competitors that followed. Engler and her own Conquistadora attempted to take over the lead, but were just short with a fault-free time of 40.489 seconds. As the second-to-last competitor to tackle the jump-off, Parker and Hamlet entered the Grand Prix arena determined to take the win. The pair completed a swift, clean effort three seconds faster than the leading time to claim the top spot in 36.483 seconds.

The final competitor for the jump-off, Brodkin and Aber-Ka-Dabra, had an unfortunate rail on course, finishing on 4 total faults in 41.99 seconds. Parker’s quick clear effort was enough to hold her lead, ultimately garnering her the first-place honors. Second place was awarded to Swanson aboard Broadway Joe, with Engler and Conquistadora rounding out the top three.

Parker, a 24-year-old based out of Sanford, Florida, trains with Peggy Stevens at Brookmore Farms. She has had the ride on Hamlet, an 18-year-old Thoroughbred Warmblood gelding, for five years while his owner, Williams, has been away at veterinary school. This year marks Parker’s second year in a row returning to competition at the Southeast Medal Finals.

Earlier in the day, pony riders had their time to shine in the Stampede covered arena for the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic. Ultimately, it was Susannah Morrell riding CYR Point Pulitzer Prize, owned by CYR Point Stable, that took home top honors. Finishing in second place was Bailey Benner riding Brighton Paragon, owned by Keith Alaimo, with Lilly Mack and her own Special Agent rounding out the top three. Morrell and CYR Point Pulitzer Prize also took home the championship honors in the Pony Hunter division, sweeping all three classes.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Addison Reed and Lauren Carpenter Kick Off Southeast Medal Finals in Winning Fashion

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Addison Reed and Windsor.

Tampa, Fla. – August 30, 2019 – The 2019 Southeast Medal Finals kicked off its third year at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida, drawing a crowd of qualified horses and riders to compete for year-end finals titles. The prestigious competition presented many opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and get experience in the ring prior to Saturday’s finals. Junior riders Addison Reed and Lauren Carpenter nabbed the win in the CWD $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular and $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular, respectively.

Reed took to the Stampede arena aboard Windsor, a mount that she only started riding Friday morning. She often catch rides various mounts for her trainer, Jamie Stryker, and she plans to continue the weekend riding Windsor in the Junior Hunter division. In the classic round of the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, Reed and Windsor, owned by Bailey Tims, rode to a class-topping score of 80 to take the early lead.

Heading into the handy round, Reed’s trainer, Stryker, sat in second place aboard Quintilus, owned by Paige Moose, with a score of 81. Sophie Baron and Trident, owned by Stryker, sat in third place with a score of 68. Coming back for the handy round, Jessica Cross and Varina, owned by Waters Edge Stable, moved up in the ranks with a handy score of 83 for an overall total of 148.

As the second-to-last pair to enter the ring, Stryker and Quintilus earned a score of 78, enough to take the lead from Cross and Varina. As the final competitors to tackle the handy round, Reed and Windsor remained consistent, earning a score of 83 for a total overall score of 163 to clinch the win. Second place was ultimately awarded to Stryker and Quintilus, and Cross and Varina rounded out the top three.

Following the $3,000 3’0 Hunter Spectacular, competitors took to the Stampede arena for the $1,000 2’6” Hunter Spectacular. The class winner, Carpenter and her mount Bellini sat in the lead after their classic round received a score of 82. As the final pair to enter the arena, Carpenter and Bellini came back strong in the handy to earn a score of 81, ultimately clinching the blue ribbon.

Second place was awarded to Mia O’Brien aboard her own mount Dom Perignon after earning two scores of 80 for an overall total of 160. Rounding out the top three was Gina Zambrano riding her own Azalea Decor to scores of 77 and 65 for an overall total of 142.

For more information about the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

2019 Southeast Medal Finals Adds NEW Poles Medal Final

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Tampa, Fla. – August 16, 2019 – Entries are filling fast for the 2019 Southeast Medal Finals, held in just a few weeks from August 30 to September 1. This year’s exciting competition will return to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. Classes are available for all levels and ages, and entries can be mailed in or submitted online through HorseShowsOnline.

New to this year, competition will feature a Poles Medal Final, presented by MCF Equestrian, held Sunday, September 1. The Poles Medal Final is open to qualified beginner junior and non-professional adult riders who have not shown over anything higher than cross rails. Be sure to submit your entries for this exciting addition.

The Southeast Medal Finals will offer hunter, jumper, and equitation competition for all levels and ages. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience.

For questions regarding this year’s Southeast Medal Finals or to submit stall counts, call (352) 397-9315 or email semedalfinals@gmail.com.

For additional information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Awards, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

USET Foundation Presents 2019 Maxine Beard Award to Sophie Gochman

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Sophie Gochman and Carola BH. Photo by: Lindsay Brock/Jump Media.

Gladstone, N.J. – Aug. 8, 2019 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is excited to announce this year’s recipient of the coveted Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award is Sophie Gochman of New York City, New York. At just 16 years old, the accomplished athlete will be adding this prestigious award to her growing list of achievements.

The presentation of the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award takes place at the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) each year.

Gochman earned the award after being the highest placing United States Young Rider at the 2019 NAYC in the Individual Show Jumping Final, held this year from August 1 to August 4 at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York. Gochman’s sister, Mimi Gochman, took home the gold medal in the junior division.

With the ongoing mission to support and further the level of America’s developing horses and athletes, the USET Foundation Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award was established to elevate athletes’ opportunities on their journey to equestrian excellence.

“It was a great week for the Gochman family!” said Sophie. “I think we’re both just really grateful for our parents, who supported us, our trainer Ken Berkley, everyone at our Baxter Hill Farm, and [Zone 2 Chef d’Equipe] Ralph Caristo. I don’t think many sister pairs have won gold medals at NAYC, so it’s pretty cool that we got to do that.”

Sophie rode Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Carola BH, a 12-year-old KWPN mare, to earn a spot on the podium wearing the gold medal after her incredible performances over the course of a few days.

“This week was a bit of nail-biter for me because it was so close between me and Sam [Walker],” Sophie said. “But [Carola BH] is the best horse in the world, and she kept getting better and better. It was great for it to all come together. To win at NAYC and get to do that victory gallop is such an honor. I’m just so thankful for [Carola BH]. We’ve created such a bond at this point that I just think it and she does it for me. She puts her heart into every single round.”

The top U.S. athletes were selected to go to compete in the 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final in Opglabbeek, Belgium this September, so Sophie will be venturing to Europe shortly alongside bronze medalist Natalie Dean, and is hoping for further success with the United States Young Rider Teams.

As the winner of this immense honor, Sophie will also receive a trip to a senior FEI Nations Cup Show Jumping competition. This will give the young athlete a look at a major international competition, including the chance to observe operations in the horse show office, stabling area, veterinary inspections, and schooling rings. Sophie will also walk and discuss each course and have the chance to strategize with U.S. team riders and the chef d’equipe.

Sophie expressed, “I am looking forward to learning from some of the best riders in the world, and I hope that the lessons I learn from observing a senior Nations Cup will not only better my riding, but also my horsemanship.”

Sophie acknowledged how having the support of the USET Foundation has benefited her as she continues on her path toward competing for the United States at the highest level of the sport.

“It’s such an honor to receive the Maxine Beard Award,” Sophie concluded. “It means a lot to me to have the support of the USET Foundation because it’s so important to invest in young riders as they’re the future of the sport.”

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Welcomes FEI Athletes for Week IV CSI2* Competition

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Santiago Lambre and Dingeman at GLEF in 2017.

Traverse City, Mich. – July 24, 2019 – International competition continues for the fourth week of the 2019 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, with the second FEI-rated week of the series. Week IV touts a CSI2* rating and offers a number of chances for contenders to rack up prize money earnings.

In total, 49 partnerships representing six nations will compete. Contenders hail from Israel, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and the home nation of the United States, which boasts the greatest number of athletes. American exhibitors will include well-known names such as Molly Ashe Cawley, Schuyler Riley, Andrew Welles, and Ali Wolff, while Tomas Yofre will compete as the only Argentinian entry and Sydney Shulman will serve as the sole Israeli flag bearer.

One of the heavy hitters returning to GLEF during Week IV is Santiago Lambre of Mexico with his mounts Diathago, Chapiletto, and Ibabco. In Lambre’s GLEF debut in 2017, he took home three back-to-back FEI wins throughout Weeks III and Week IV in the $50,000 Great Lakes Grand Prix CSI2*, $35,000 Welcome Stake CSI2*, and the Amalaya Investments $50,000 Flintfields Farm Grand Prix CSI2*. Ireland Willie Tynan will aim to repeat another grand prix win after topping the $71,200 North Face Farm Grand Prix CSI2* during Week III riding Fancy Girl.

FEI competition begins Thursday in the Grand Prix Ring with the $1,000 1.40 Jumper CSI2*, and will resume Friday with the $35,700 Devoucoux Welcome Stake CSI2* in the afternoon. The highlight event of the week, the $71,200 Flintfields Farm Grand Prix CSI2*, will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The 2019 GLEF will feature two more weeks of internationally-ranked competition to conclude the six-week circuit. Weeks V and VI will both boast a prestigious CSI3* rating.

For more information, please visit greatlakesequestrianfestival.com.

Media Contact: Elaine Wessel
(561) 753-3389 | ew@phelpsmediagroup.com