Category Archives: Phelps Media Group

Phelps Media Group

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Wilhelm Genn Repeats Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Victory with Van Gogh

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Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh. Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography.

Traverse City, Mich. – July 14, 2019 – The second week of the 2019 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, concluded Sunday with the second grand prix of the six-week series, the $50,000 Meijer Grand Prix of Michigan. As the fastest of only two double-clear combinations, Wilhelm Genn of Rheinland Farm in Warren, Ohio and Van Gogh emerged victorious to add a third major victory of the 2019 GLEF series to Genn’s growing list of accolades.

Jacob Pope and Last Word Champion $7,500 USHJA Outdoors National Hunter Derby

The final day of World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival brought a large pack of 43 horse-and-rider pairs to the Polk Family Main Hunter Ring to vie for first place in the $7,500 Outdoors USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Camping World and Gander Outdoors. Topping the field, Jacob Pope of Team Rakowsky in Wellington, Florida and Last Word ultimately led the lap of honor as the highest-scoring team thanks to two textbook rounds.

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

Championships, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Wilhelm Genn Adds to Great Lakes Equestrian Festival Success with Dirocco Blue

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Wilhelm Genn and Dirocco Blue. Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography.

Traverse City, Mich. – July 12, 2019 – The second week of the 2019 Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, reached its pinnacle thus far Friday afternoon as 28 horse-and-athlete pairs took to the Grand Prix Ring for a shot at the winning title in the $30,000 Ingram Family Welcome Stake. Although they incurred a single time fault, Wilhelm Genn of Rheinland Farm in Warren, Ohio and Dirocco Blue ultimately took home the victory, the second big win for Genn so far this season in Traverse City.

Maria Rasmussen and Victoria Colvin Claim WCHR Week Championships during Week II of Great Lakes Equestrian Festival

World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week began during Week II of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival with GLEF veterans Maria Rasmussen aboard Hobbs Lane and Victoria Colvin in the irons on Koala capturing the championships in the Wrenwood Farm Green Conformation Hunters and Performance 3’6″ Hunters, respectively.

Ashley Scofield Succeeds in First Equitation Tuesday of Great Lakes Equestrian Festival

The first of four Equitation Tuesdays during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival took place during Week II, with junior athletes displaying their mastery of proper form over fences and on the flat in the hopes of claiming top placings and valuable qualifying points towards this year’s year-end finals. One of the first winners in the popular series, Ashley Scofield and Watermark, claimed the win in the hotly-contested ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Horsemanship class.

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

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

NARG Is Back with Full Agenda, New Board Members, Renewed Position, Return of NARG Top 25

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Wellington, FL – June 4, 2019 – The North American Riders Group (NARG) is back on the show jumping scene with renewed intensity representing riders, owners, trainers, and their horses with a keen focus on improving our sport at a global level. After three meetings in 2019, the NARG Board has elected new members, submitted an updated position statement to the IJRC, and approved a proposal for the return of the NARG Top 25.

Who Is on Board?

After the first two meetings of 2019 in February and April, where several agenda items were discussed, the NARG Board agreed on a new Treasurer and invited three new members to join. Upon consent of all involved, the 2019 Officers and Board of Directors are: Mark Leone (USA)/President, Tiffany Foster (CAN)/Vice President, Lauren Hough (USA)/Treasurer, and Board: Kent Farrington (USA), Jimmy Torano (USA), Mark Samuel (CAN), Missy Clark (USA), Will Simpson (USA), Enrique Gonzalez (MEX), Andrew Welles (USA), Ben Asselin (CAN), and Eugenia Garza (MEX). Jennifer Markee remains as Executive Director.

NARG is grateful to all past Board Members whose contributions have given the organization the fundamentals needed to continue to serve the needs of the membership and represent North American riders, owners, and trainers. With a renewed sense of commitment and energy, NARG welcomes the three new board members.

Advocating for the Sport with an Updated Position Statement

Also on the agenda for the February meeting and a follow up meeting in April was updating and reinstating the NARG Position Statement to the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC). This includes key topics that are significantly important to the sport of show jumping today and in the future. The four page statement addressed the Blood Rule with solutions for revision in approach and rulings; adjusting the allocation of FEI Ranking Points for the AAA Category as well as the Nations Cup Final; the escalating costs of competing at FEI events in North America, particularly 2* shows; and the potential implementation of an FEI Course Designer Certificate of Capability.

The Return of the NARG Top 25

After a five-year break, NARG is pleased to announce the return of the NARG Top 25 in 2020. Taking this year to analyze six years of past reports, study the current show jumping landscape in North America, revamp the evaluation system, NARG web site and communication systems, discuss presentation methods and reach out for feedback from an evaluation panel in the sport, NARG will be well-prepared to present the next generation of the NARG Top 25. EqSol returns as not only producer of the NARG Top 25 report, as they were from 2010-2015, but the niche agency has agreed to take on the vision and mission of the entire project from concept to completion.

With a ton of potential, the broad plan for the NARG Top 25 is slated to have a tremendously positive impact on our sport, athletes, and horses.

The energy behind these efforts is palpable. Together we will once again improve our sport. Want to participate? Have ideas? Contact Jen Markee at 516-428-4423.

Media Contact: Lenore Phillips
561-753-3389 | lrb@phelpsmediagroup.com

Awards, Phelps Media Group

Rotiyas Takes Best Young Horse Title to Conclude 2019 Devon Horse Show

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Devon, Pa. – June 2, 2019 – Concluding another spectacular year at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair was the presentation of the Best Young Horse and Leading Handler Award, both sponsored by Renaissance Farm, in the Dixon Oval. The prestigious award for Best Young Horse was selected from the ribbon winners of the in-hand classes throughout the day. This year, it was Susan Tice-Grossmann’s Rotiyas (Rosenthal-Touch of Class) and handler Richard Taylor who took home the top prize.

Rotiyas was the winner of the 3-Year-Old Other Than Thoroughbred – Stallions and Geldings class, sponsored by Renaissance Farm, earlier in the day and left a lasting impression on the judges to ultimately be named Best Young Horse of the 2019 Devon Horse Show and the recipient of the Kenneth Wheeler Perpetual Trophy, donated by B. J. Meeks.

The Leading Handler Award was presented to the handler who accrued the most points, based on ribbons won, throughout eligible classes during Sunday’s competition. Emily Anne Belin will etch her name on the Michael E. Grady Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by his friends, after handling Caberneigh (Cabardino N-Special), owned by Linda Mancini, to top finishes throughout the day. Caberneigh also finished as reserve Best Young Horse.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Championships, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Catherine Tyree Can’t Be Caught in $36,000 Devon Speed Derby CSI4* with BEC Lorenzo

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Catherine Tyree and BEC Lorenzo. Photo: The Book LLC.

Devon, Pa. – May 31, 2019 – Following Thursday night’s spectacular performances in the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon CSI4*, show jumping fans returned to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on Friday afternoon to watch as the USA’s Catherine Tyree of Chicago, Illinois captured her first professional win in the Dixon Oval with Mary Tyree’s BEC Lorenzo in the $36,000 Devon Speed Derby CSI4*, sponsored by GlycoGuard®.

Lindsay Maxwell and Kelly Tropin Start Strong in Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6″ Hunters

Friday at the Devon Horse Show hosted day one of competition for amateur-owner athletes and their mounts in the Dixon Oval. First up on the schedule was the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3’6″ Hunters, sponsored by Lugano Diamonds. Lindsay Maxwell and Kelly Tropin started the division off with their mounts by producing strong rounds to each win one of the over fences classes.

Helen Rich Claims Four-in-Hand Coaching Championship

Following the $36,000 Devon Speed Derby CSI4*, attention in the Dixon Oval shifted to the Four-in-Hand Coaching championship comprised of four unique classes held throughout the week. Helen Rich and her Brewster Park Drag accumulated the most points to earn the Coaching championship title and the Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bright Perpetual Trophy, donated by the officers and members of the 1972 Devon Horse Show committee, as well as the championship apron, sponsored by Misdee Wrigley Miller.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Devon Grand Hunter Championship Claimed by Victoria Colvin and Private Practice

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Devon, Pa. – May 29, 2019 – Wednesday at the Devon Horse Show and County Fair saw the return of the highly anticipated Ladies’ Day, along with the presentation of the Devon Grand Hunter Championship, sponsored by Hermès, in the Dixon Oval. Taking home the prestigious honors for 2019 was Victoria Colvin with Brad Wolff’s Private Practice. Colvin also claimed the coveted Leading Lady Rider award to complete the special day in addition to being awarded the Fourth Sally Deaver Murray Memorial Challenge Trophy with Private Practice after their beautiful rounds in the High Performance Working Hunter division.

Kevin Babington and Super Chilled Are Super Fast in $36,000 Devon International Speed Stake CSI4*

International show jumpers returned to the Dixon Oval on Wednesday to compete in the $36,000 Devon International Speed Stake CSI4*, sponsored by Herr’s Food. Local athlete Kevin Babington (IRL) of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania outpaced 16 combinations with Debra J. Wycoff’s Super Chilled to ride away with the win and the George T. Pew Jr. Memorial Perpetual Trophy in the one-round speed competition.

Susan Sisco and Ringfort Tinkaturk Top Ladies’ Side Saddle

The Ladies’ Side Saddle division took center stage following the hunters during Ladies’ Day at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The division featured an undersaddle and hunter hack competition, both sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott, as well as an over fences class, sponsored by Lugano Diamonds. Susan Sisco and Ringfort Tinkaturk ultimately took home the championship tricolor and the True Blue Challenge Trophy after earning first place in the undersaddle and in the hunter hack, and second over fences.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Championships, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Akuna Mattata Win $50k Jet Run Devon Welcome Stake CSI4*

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Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Akuna Mattata. Photo: The Book LLC.

Devon, Pa. – May 28, 2019 – The Dixon Oval welcomed its first international show jumping competition at the 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on Tuesday evening with the $50,000 Jet Run Devon Welcome Stake CSI4*, sponsored 5R Farms LLC – Helen Rich. After making their Devon debut in 2018 with multiple top placings, the United States’ Nicole Shahinian-Simpson and Silver Raven Farms’ Akuna Mattata returned to Devon, Pennsylvania all the way from California to take home their first win together and the Sylvester L. Quigley Memorial Challenge Trophy at the iconic venue, besting 25 other horses and athletes.

Scott Stewart Scores Back-to-Back Green Hunter Championships

Tuesday at Devon welcomed back top professional hunter athletes in the Dixon Oval as they vied for championship honors in their respective divisions. In the Green 3’6″ Hunters, it was Scott Stewart and Bikoff Equestrian LLC’s Cabrio who walked away with the first tricolor of the day, sponsored by Dr. Betsee Parker and Huntland Farm. The pair accumulated high placings in four over fences classes and in the undersaddle class, spanning two days of competition, to earn a total of 34 points for the James J. Piehler Memorial Challenge Trophy. Immediately following in the Green Conformation Hunters, Stewart dominated once again to win the championship, sponsored by Courtyard Marriott. This time aboard Gochman Sport Horse LLC’s Scandal, Stewart finished the division with a total of 39 points to claim the Just for Fun – Two for One Challenge Trophy.

P. J. Crowley Defends Single Horse Driving Championship Title

The Single Horse Driving championship finished out Tuesday evening with P. J. Crowley claiming the tricolor and taking home the championship apron, sponsored by Misdee Wrigley Miller, and Single Horse Driving Championship Challenge Trophy. Crowley’s Brewster Phaeton, owned by James and Kathleen Leo, earned first place in Tuesday’s Single Horse Pleasure Driving Turnout for the Witteveen Friesan Perpetual Trophy and second place in the Single Horse Scurry Driving competition to secure top honors for the second year in a row.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Championships, Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Pony, Show Jumping

Stephanie King Crowned Adult Amateur Jumper Champion with Co-Starr at Devon

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Stephanie King and Co-Starr. Photo: The Book LLC.

Devon, Pa. – May 27, 2019 – After two top finishes on Sunday and earlier in the day on Monday, Stephanie King of St. Augustine, Florida and her own Co-Starr rode away with the win in the $7,500 NAL/WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Classic, sponsored by Equifit, to secure the 2019 Adult Amateur Jumper championship, sponsored by Patriot Dealerships, with 25 points at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. Claiming the reserve championship with 15 points was Lexi Maounis and her own Roos.

Amanda Steege Starts Strong in Green 3’9″ Hunter Division with Lafitte De Muze

Monday marked the start of Senior Week at the 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, where professional hunter athletes kicked off competition in the Dixon Oval with the Green Hunter divisions. Leading the way in the Green 3’9″ Hunters, with a total of 18 entries, was Amanda Steege and Lafitte De Muze, who dominated both over fences classes to take home two Devon blues.

Rebekah Robinson Wins Single/Pair Pony Driving Championship

Memorial Day at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair concluded with the naming of the Single/Pair Pony Driving championship winner, sponsored by Patriot Dealerships, and the recipient of the Joseph M. Pierce Challenge Trophy, donated by Holly Ventures. Rebekah Robinson earned the tricolor with her Saylor Wagon, owned by Mrs. Collin F. McNeil, after accumulating 13 points throughout the division. Robinson claimed fifth place in the Single/Pair Pony – Pleasure Turnout and took home the top prize in the Single/Pair Pony – Scurry Driving competition on Monday evening in a blazing fast time of 54.949 seconds, outpacing the runner-up finisher by four full seconds.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Driving, Phelps Media Group

Historic Coaching Division to Return to Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

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Misdee Wrigley Miller won the Four-in-Hand Coaching championship on Friday at the Devon Horse Show.

Devon, Pa. – May 13, 2019 – The competitive sport of coaching, a time-honored Devon Horse Show and Country Fair tradition, allows spectators a unique glimpse into 19th century life. As one of the few venues where competitive coaching can be seen, Devon’s coaching division is open to entries driven to authentic road coach or park drag. Held in honor of Robert A. Weaver and John M. Seabrook, this division reminds us to reflect on the beauty and versatility of our equine athletes.

On Sunday, May 26, spectators can enjoy the grand Carriage Marathon down neighborhood streets, a parade of vintage vehicles on their way from St. David’s Church to the famed Dixon Oval. Terry Pickett from Metamora, Michigan will judge the horse division, while Kali Knickerbocker-Maher from Pittsford, New York will judge the ponies.

“For the community to come out and see the horses go along the route is a lot of fun; there is so much energy in the street,” said Wayne W. Grafton, chairman of the board for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. “Carriages will make their way down the stretch of road in two sections: the horse division first, followed by the pony, light commercial, and farmers divisions.”

Pinning for the best turnout and presentation of awards will take place in the historic Dixon Oval. Each exhibitor in the Carriage Marathon will receive a bronze plaque and six ribbons will be awarded in each division.

The Coaching Championship will take place on Friday, May 31, in the Dixon Oval and the trophy and champion ribbon will go to the coach having won the greatest number of points throughout their five days for the division.

Pickett will judge the coaching division and competitors will be judged on a variety of factors, including performance, manners, presentation and appointments. In coaching, the road coach is traditionally a more durable vehicle used for public transportation on a scheduled route. This is different than the park drag, which is the lighter and more elegant version of the former and was a private driven vehicle with seats on top.

Coaching competitors will be individually scored on the driver’s skill and turnout, the combination of the coach, horses, appointments, and the harness. In two of the classes, the skills portion will be objective, judged on time and the driver’s ability to navigate the course of cones with the fewest knockdowns. Turnout is subjective and variables include quality of turnout and horses, matching of the harness to the horses, groom’s livery, carriage lights, boots, safety equipment, and more.

For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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

Accolades Abound for Historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

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Photo By: Brenda Carpenter.

Devon, Pa. – April 23, 2019 – The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is known for its history and prestige across the country and each spring, the annual event unites a variety of riders, trainers, owners, and horse enthusiasts from a multitude of disciplines as they vie for a spot in the winner’s circle of the famed Dixon Oval. The team at the Devon Horse Show is honored to have been presented with several awards and titles this year that recognize the tireless dedication that has been put forth each year since its inception in 1896. The 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will run this year from May 23 – June 2.

The Devon Horse Show is proud to have been named the ‘Horse Show of the Year’ for 2019 by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame (NSHHF). The NSHHF is dedicated to honoring excellence by providing recognition, education, and appreciation for the achievements of the horseman and horses who have made the sport of show hunters so rich in history.

Boasting a ‘Premier’ Hunter rating by US Equestrian (USEF), the Devon Horse Show welcomes the foremost hunter riders each year as the event offers a range of hunter divisions for professionals, amateurs, juniors, and pony riders. In addition, the popular $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby is an exciting feature class that allows derby riders to showcase their talents in the Dixon Oval. Hunter competition is further highlighted with hunter breeding and pony hunter breeding classes.

The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) Chapter 15 also named the Devon Horse Show the ‘Hackney/Saddlebred Horse Show of the Year.’ The UPHA is based in Lexington, Kentucky and is an association composed of professional horsemen and horsewomen who are dedicated to improving the show horse industry and defining their professionalism within the industry.

Peter Doubleday, a notable figure in the equestrian community and renowned horse show announcer for over 40 years, has also been chosen to be inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. He brings a warm, familiar, and knowledgeable voice to top national and international horse shows as he broadcasts the competition. Induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is “bestowed annually upon select individuals whose contributions to the sport have set them apart and whose influence has had a significant impact on the sport of show jumping and the equestrian community.”

Perhaps most important, Doubleday serves as the dedicated manager of the Devon Horse Show. Doubleday will be honored at the Show Jumping Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony, which will occur during this year’s Devon Horse Show.

Another award that the Devon Horse Show has earned is the The Davey Award to Zer0 to 5ive for the launch of its all-new website. The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) reviews submissions from ad agencies, interactive agencies, production firms, in-house creative professionals, graphic designers, design firms, and public relations firms worldwide to select a winner. Entries are judged based on the “standard of excellence,” as defined by the AIVA. While the Devon Horse Show is deeply rooted in history, the team also strives to maintain a cutting-edge website and stay in tune with current technological advancements.

The team at the Devon Horse Show is thrilled to have been chosen for these awards and is thankful for all of the continued support from the equestrian community and local community throughout the years. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is excited to be approaching its 125th anniversary in 2021. Be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, which will run from May 23 – June 2, 2019!

To purchase tickets to the 2019 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, email tickets@devonhorseshow.org. For more information, visit www.DevonHorseShow.net.

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