Category Archives: Dressage

The Discipline of Riding Dressage

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Equestrian Assistance, EQUUS Foundation, Eventing/H.T., Events, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting, Western/Reining

The EQUUS Foundation and the USEF Launch America’s Favorite Equestrian

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WESTPORT, CT – December 17, 2010 – America’s Favorite Equestrian is an interactive fundraising effort presented jointly in partnership by The EQUUS Foundation and The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to raise funds to advance the equestrian sport on an annual basis.

Using mobile texting, you can vote to select America’s Favorite Equestrians and support The EQUUS Foundation with a $5 gift. 100% of all donations will be used to support charitable causes. A minimum of $10,000 in “sport welfare” grants will be awarded, with an additional $5,000 grant awarded to the equestrian discipline generating the most votes.

The objective is for the America’s Favorite Equestrians to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines/breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent “Hall of Fame”. The original intent was to launch the inaugural program in conjunction with the World Equestrian Games, which is why initially the eight disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining, and vaulting were selected. The affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation representing these disciplines selected the equestrians.  But, there were some logistics involved in establishing the mobile texting system and developing the website, which delayed the launch until December.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12751

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, Events, JRPR

Lusitanos Light Up the Season at West Palm Beach’s Waterfront Holiday HorseFest

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Cherri Reiber and the Lusitanos Zerbino Interagro and Visitor Interagro presented a tandem driving exhibition at the Fidelity Investments Holiday HorseFest. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

West Palm Beach, FL (December 17, 2010) – Two magnificent Lusitanos, driven in tandem by Cherri Reiber, kicked off the holiday season in style at Fidelity Investments Holiday HorseFest at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach’s downtown waterfront.  With more than four thousand spectators in attendance, the Lusitanos’ thrilling demonstration lit up the holiday show, which was presented as a fun and festive afternoon of show jumping, musical performances, pony rides, holiday fun, prize giveaways and a competition for the 2011 $1 Million Great Charity Challenge.

“The crowd really enjoyed the tandem driving exhibition and the two Lusitanos, Vistor Interagro and Zerbino Interagro, piloted by Reiber put on a fabulous performance,” said Peter Van Borst, the United States representative for Interagro Lusitanos, the largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano horses in the world. “Tandem driving is considered by driving aficionados to be one of the most difficult forms of the driving discipline due to the fact of minimal control over the lead horse. These two horses have only been working together for a few weeks, and despite the imposing venue Vistor Interagro and Zerbino Interagro put on a show that the crowd will remember for a long time.”

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12749

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR

Lipizzaner Stallions and Riders Perform Classical Dressage for the King of Bahrain

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Holly Johnson of JRPR and the Lipizzan stallion, Pluto Valdamora, also known as Pete. Pete was one of eight Lipizzans to be rescued from neglect and brought into the show to perform the courbette, the most difficult of the ‘airs above the ground’ maneuvers. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain (December 17, 2010) – Ten horses and eight riders braved a 16-hour plane ride to the Middle East this November to present the King of Bahrain with a demonstration of classical dressage. King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa staged the Bahrain Animal Production Show this month and brought in the Lipizzaner Stallion Show as the headliner. Also known as the Mara’ee, the agricultural show featured animal trainers, breeders and performers from around the world.

Holly Johnson, a marketing associate for JRPR, Inc, was one of the eight riders to perform in Bahrain. The 23-year-old joined the tour immediately after graduating from the University of Miami in May of 2009, and was thrilled to be asked to ride overseas. Johnson works as a marketing associate for Johnny Robb Public Relations (JRPR), an equestrian focused PR firm based in Wellington, Florida.

“Bahrain was quite an experience. We had to ride the stallions through hordes of people, as well as past camels, goats, donkeys and Arabian horses in full traditional dress. But the stallions are used to intimidating situations and were very well behaved, for the most part,” Johnson added with a laugh. “It was also wonderful to see all of the Lipizzans again since you get so attached to them when you’re all traveling and showing on the road.”

Continue reading Lipizzaner Stallions and Riders Perform Classical Dressage for the King of Bahrain →

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Dressage Radio Episode 82 by Back on Track – Australian team member Brett Parbery & young rider Endel Ots

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Australian hero Brett Parbery is back, this time as a guest co-host, and we welcome young rider Endel Ots as he prepares to spend a year with Hubertus Schmidt in Germany. Catch up with the latest episode right here.

Dressage Radio Episode 82 – Show Notes and Links:

  • Host: Chris Stafford
  • Guest Co-host: Brett Parbery
  • Photo Credit: PhelpsPhotos.com
  • Guest: Endel Ots is an upcoming talent who is spending a year in training with Hubertus Schmidt in Germany – www.otssunrisefarm.com
  • News: The next leg of the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup series took place at Olympia, London 14-15 December. For all information on the London fixture go to website www.olympiahorseshow.com.

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Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Jane Savoie, Training/Clinics

Motivation from Moshi no. 43, by Jane Savoie

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I just love show season. I’ve worked all summer long to get ready for the winter shows in Florida. There’s something about the camaraderie of the horses and the people that make a show feel like a special party.

Do you feel that way about showing?

Not everyone does. Some people get really stressed at shows. They know they’re being watched and judged, and it makes them squirm. That’s a natural reaction. We’re all conditioned to worry about what others think about us. And a show is the one place where you’re actually asking for someone to judge and openly “criticize” you.

If you’re trying to figure out what the judge is thinking about while he or she watches you, you’re creating a feedback loop that takes you out of the moment. Instead of concentrating on your ride, your mind has to make a full circle to think about what the judge is watching. As you try to see through the judge’s eyes, it’s hard to pay attention to what you and your horse are doing. WHEW! It’s confusing just to describe it!

Continue reading Motivation from Moshi no. 43, by Jane Savoie →

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Jane Savoie, Training/Clinics

News from Jane Savoie: Canter Questions Answered

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Over the next two months, I’m going to address some common canter questions. This month I’ll talk about the aids for the upward transition to the canter. Next month, we’ll look at the aids for the downward transition.

Question: What do I do with my outside leg to ask for the canter?

Answer: Swing your outside leg back once, and then bring it back to its normal position on the girth. Think of it as a spring-loaded action or a windshield wiper action.

If you wait for your horse to answer, he’s not listening to your leg aid. If he doesn’t canter right away, give him a little bump with your outside leg or tap him with the whip. (Carry your whip in the outside hand for the canter work so you can use it to reinforce your outside leg aid.) Then ask for the depart again.

As soon as he responds immediately to this quick aid, reward him.

You can teach him to canter by holding your outside leg back, but when you start doing half passes in the trot your horse might get confused. He won’t know whether to stay in the trot and go sideways for a half pass or pick up the canter. It’s easier to teach him to canter from an aid that only means canter depart, rather than to teach him to canter from that aid and then have to reschool him when you get to trot half passes.

Continue reading News from Jane Savoie: Canter Questions Answered →

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, JRPR, Products/Services, World Equestrian Games

Custom Saddlery Sponsors Dressage Rider and WEG Competitor Tina Konyot

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Tina Konyot, who represented the United States at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, rides her Dutch stallion, Calecto V, in the unique Icon Coda Mono Flap Dressage Saddle from Custom Saddlery.

Wellington, FL (December 16, 2010) – Custom Saddlery, makers of handcrafted custom-fit dressage, jumping and event saddles, is proud to announce they are sponsoring dressage rider Tina Konyot. Known for being a gifted rider, teacher and trainer, Konyot represented the United States at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games aboard her stallion Calecto V.

While talent, hard work and dedication are all part of Konyot’s winning style, her style also includes riding in a dressage saddle from Custom Saddlery. “Tina is riding in our Icon Coda Mono Flap Dressage Saddle,” said Cary Wallace, President and Master Saddle Fitter at Custom Saddlery. “The mono flap is unique and gives the rider very close contact with their horse. Tina will find she has increased communication through her seat due to our revolutionary tree.”

Wallace said the saddle is custom fit for Calecto V, and it features the Polyflex Tree that gives the ultimate flexibility for the horse. “The Polyflex Tree will also give Tina comfort and stability as well as increased flexibility and movement with Calecto,” he said.

Continue reading Custom Saddlery Sponsors Dressage Rider and WEG Competitor Tina Konyot →

Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Products/Services, USDF

Arenus Gears Up for 2011 as Presenting Sponsor for United States Dressage Federation

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Arenus was the Presenting Sponsor of the USDF Breeders Championships at Dressage at Devon. Rabiola, owned by Mary Alice Malone and Iron Spring Farm, won the USDF Mare Championship. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

St. Louis, MO (December 16, 2010) – Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce they will continue to be a Presenting Sponsor of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) during 2011. Arenus was a Presenting Sponsor for the Breeders Championship for the USDF throughout 2010 as well.

“Arenus is pleased to continue as a Presenting Sponsor of the USDF Breeders Championship,” said Simone Pophal, DVM, PhD, Arenus Business Manager. “We have developed a great partnership with the USDF and look forward to a fantastic 2011.“

Throughout 2010, Arenus served as a Presenting Sponsor for the Breeders Championship Series, including a presentation at Dressage at Devon. “We saw some amazing, beautiful and talented horses and it was our pleasure to take part in the 35th Annual Dressage at Devon,” said Melissa Bennington, Arenus Sales Specialist, North East US.

During Dressage at Devon, horses from Mary Alice Malone’s Iron Spring Farm took home several Breeders Championships, including the USDF Foal Championship won by Florence; the USDF Colt Championship won by El Paso ISF; and the USDF Mare Championship won by the famous Iron Spring Farm mare Rabiola, who also won more than 10 championships while at Dressage at Devon.

Continue reading Arenus Gears Up for 2011 as Presenting Sponsor for United States Dressage Federation →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI and Reem Acra Give Christmas Treat to Children from Inner City London Horse Charity

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Laura Bechtolsheimer (centre) and Shetland pony foal Minty with members of the Ebony Horse Club from Brixton during the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier, with Lisa Wells (far right), Reem Acra, Director of Special Events and Sponsorships (Photo: Phil Mingo/FEI)

London, 15 December 2010 – A group of children from one of London’s most disadvantaged boroughs got an early Christmas treat today (Wednesday 15 December), when they were invited by Hollywood fashion designer, Reem Acra, and the governing body for horse sport, the FEI, to attend one of the sport’s premier events in London.

The London International Horse Show at Olympia, venue for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage, is one of the most glamorous events on the FEI calendar and is attended by members of the British Royal family and other high profile celebrities.

Today, children from the Ebony Horse Club charity got a chance to experience some of that glamour – from one of the best seats in the house.

International fashion designer Reem Acra, new sponsor of the FEI World Cup Dressage, invited the children to experience the magic of world-class Dressage whilst enjoying dinner in the sponsor’s hospitality suite.

The group also met one of the UK’s leading Dressage riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, who recently won three silver medals at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Continue reading FEI and Reem Acra Give Christmas Treat to Children from Inner City London Horse Charity →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2010/2011 – Round 4, Olympia

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Adelinde Cornelissen celebrates her second successive win in the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series with Jerich Parzival at Olympia in London (GBR) tonight. Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI

CORNELISSEN AND PARZIVAL MAKE IT A DOUBLE AT OLYMPIA – HADDAD FORGES AHEAD IN THE RANKINGS by Louise Parkes

Olympia, London (GBR), 15 December 2010 – The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival secured a second resounding victory in the 2010/2011 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage series when heading the line-up at the fourth leg at Olympia in London, Great Britain, tonight.  The exciting atmosphere in the packed Grand Hall tested some of the equine competitor’s nerve-endings to the limit, but the Dutch duo rose to the challenge to create what Ground Jury President, Andrew Gardner of Great Britain, described as “a very whole picture – it was very complete with no issues, and there was brilliance in this test!” he said afterwards.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12727