Category Archives: Show Jumping

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping, Sydney Masters-Durieux

Teens, Amateurs & Pro Riders Joined Forces to Champion Step by Step Charity

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Hector Florentino pilots Stransky's Mission Ultimo to win $35,000 Welcome at Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by Ingrid Sabater

Grand Prix veteran Hector Florentino was the first member of “team” of international riders who champion the Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) in competition to put in fault-free and fast rounds at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The talented Dominican Rider piloted Stransky’s Mission Farm’s Ultimo to the blue ribbon and trophy in the $35,000 Welcome Open on day one of the two weeks of competitions at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky in the beginning of May.

“It’s great to come back to Kentucky and start off with a win,” said Florentino. “Last year, Ultimo and I put in 8 consecutive clean rounds in 4 grand prixs in Kentucky.   We placed 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.  Ultimo really likes this weather, this footing, the Kentucky Horse Park as an overall venue and horse show.   It would have been nice to have a little more sunshine the first week, but we will keep coming back to Kentucky.  For me, it is double the honor when I cannot only put in clean, fast rounds, but also represent Step by Step at the same time.   Every time we win, I know we are contributing to those kids with little or nothing, really making a difference in the life of someone who has nothing.”

Continue reading Teens, Amateurs & Pro Riders Joined Forces to Champion Step by Step Charity →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Peter Leone Blazes to Second in the $20,000 Speed Derby at Old Salem Spring Week Two

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Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino. Photo by The Book LLC.

Wellington, FL – May 24, 2012 – The second week at Old Salem Spring Horse Shows brought more good prizes for the Lionshare Farm Team. Peter Leone and Monica Carrera’s Lincourt Gino are consistently placing in the top of their classes. The plan-oriented Leone showcased Gino’s blazing fast speed to earn the second place prize in the $20,000 Speed Derby. The pair was fourth in the 1.40m Open Jumpers and 11th in the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix.

“Gino is careful and game and has a huge stride. He can also be short catty,” shared Leone. “He likes to take advantage of the big gallops.”

Leone was also in the money with his young horses, Graffiti and Wayfarer, placing third in the Six Year Olds with Graffiti, and had two top-ten placings in the 1.30m classes with both horses.

Continue reading Peter Leone Blazes to Second in the $20,000 Speed Derby at Old Salem Spring Week Two →

Championships, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Products/Services, Show Jumping

Phelps Media Group, Inc., International and PhelpsSports.com Support Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships

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Lexington, KY – Phelps Media Group, Inc., International and PhelpsSports.com will sponsor the Media Hospitality at the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). This is the second consecutive year that Phelps Media Group, Inc. has stepped up to support the NAJYRC, which will take place July 17-22, 2012 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

“We are grateful and appreciative of such continued support,” remarks USEF CEO John Long. “Without it, such a pivotal event would not be possible.”

Phelps Media Group, Inc., America’s leading equestrian public relations firm was founded by Olympian Mason Phelps, Jr. Known for ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, lightning fast media responses, and proven results, PMG has accumulated a star-studded roster of impressive clients in the equestrian world from coast-to-coast and internationally.

Continue reading Phelps Media Group, Inc., International and PhelpsSports.com Support Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships →

Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

League Leaders from Belgium First into the Ring in Rome

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At the Draw Press Conference for the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2012 in Rome (ITA) today: Rob Ehrens (Dutch Chef d’Equipe), Henk Nooren (French Chef d’Equipe), Otto Becker (German Chef d’Equipe), Rob Hoekstra (Chef d’Equipe Great Britain), Sophie Ruiz-Leimer (FEI Nations Cup Representative), Antonio Giovanonni (Rome CSIO Event Director), Robert Splaine (Irish Chef d’Equipe) and Stefano Scaccabarozzi (Italian Chef d’Equipe).

ROME (ITA), 24 May 2012 – The Belgian team, winners at La Baule, France two weeks ago, will be pathfinders as the second leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2012 series gets underway tomorrow at the Piazza di Siena in Rome (ITA).  Italian summer-time has definitely arrived, with temperatures reaching 24 degrees this afternoon.  And the heat is expected to rise even further tomorrow when the eight Top League Jumping nations battle for supremacy at the world-famous and much-loved CSIO which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Also in action will be the host nation which no longer competes in the Top League, but which is likely to put in a big effort when making a guest appearance in front of the home crowd.

The complete draw for the order-of-go is as follows:  1, Belgium; 2, Italy; 3, The Netherlands; 4, Switzerland; 5, Ireland; 6, Sweden; 7, Great Britain; 8, Germany; 9, France.

THE SAME TEAM

Italian Chef d’Equipe, Stefano Scaccabarozzi, confirmed today that he will be sending out the same team that won the FEI Nations Cup Promotional League leg in Lummen, Belgium earlier this month.

That was a tough 14-nation contest, but Juan Carlos Garcia (Bonzai van de Warande), Francesca Capponi (Stallone), Natale Chiaudani (Almero 12) and Luca Marziani (Wivina) proved toughest of all and, on form, could put plenty of pressure on the Top League sides tomorrow.

Continue reading League Leaders from Belgium First into the Ring in Rome →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Abigail McArdle Dominates High Junior Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

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Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 won the High Junior Jumper Championship during both weeks of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 22, 2012 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows proved to be hugely successful for young rider Abigail McArdle of Barrington Hills, IL, who dominated the High Junior Jumper division with her eight-year-old mare Cosma 20. The unstoppable duo captured the division’s championship award during the competition’s two consecutive weeks, and also won each of the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classics.

McArdle was thrilled with her new mount’s performance and commented, “It’s one thing to win a Junior Jumper class, but I think it takes it to a whole new level to be that consistent at that level on a new horse. I am really lucky; Cosma 20 is so talented and went clear in every first round that we jumped. She’s only eight, and I have really big hopes for her in the future.”

During the first week of the horse show, McArdle and Cosma 20 placed third during the first High Junior Jumper class with a four-fault effort in the jump-off. They then went on to a double clear victory during the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic, which netted them the division’s championship tricolor. The talented pair continued their winning ways the following week, with a victory in the first High Junior Jumper class, and another blue ribbon effort during the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic as the lone clear effort over Olaf Petersen Jr.’s challenging course. With two championship awards to their name, McArdle and Cosma 20 will now travel to the prestigious Devon Horse Show to compete against the country’s top horses and riders.

Continue reading Abigail McArdle Dominates High Junior Jumpers at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Charlotte Jacobs Donates $17,000 to Danny and Ron’s Rescue Following Saratoga Springs Horse Shows

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Charlotte Jacobs and Kachina won the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship at the Saratoga Springs Horse Show. Photo By: James Parker/Kathy Russell, The Book LLC

East Aurora, NY – May 22, 2012 – Young rider Charlotte Jacobs has kicked off the spring show season with big wins during the Saratoga Springs Horse Shows, competing in the jumper, equitation, and hunter rings. Over the past two weeks, Jacobs piloted her mounts to championship honors in the High and Low Junior Jumpers, as well as top finishes in the $25,000 Saratoga Cup Grand Prix and $25,000 David B. Wood Cup. Earning over $17,000 in prize money, Jacobs donated her winnings to Danny and Ron’s Rescue, a no kill rescue organization that has placed over 4196 dogs in loving homes.

During the first week of the Saratoga Springs Horse Show, Jacobs dominated the High and Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers divisions. She nabbed the Low Division Championship aboard Robin, and the both the championship and reserve championship awards in the High Division with Cyrina Z and Kachina, respectively. Jacobs then went on to compete in the $25,000 Saratoga Cup Grand Prix where she qualified for the jump-off and placed fourth and fifth on Karonda V. Schl’Hof CH and Cyrina Z, respectively.

Continue reading Charlotte Jacobs Donates $17,000 to Danny and Ron’s Rescue Following Saratoga Springs Horse Shows →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Eirin Bruheim and Tackeray Jump to Top Honors at Show Jumping Classic

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Eirin Bruheim and Tackeray won in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Show Jumper Classic. Photo By: Morgan German

Tomball, TX – May 22, 2012 – Eirin Bruheim of Nordic Lights Farm was very successful during her first competition aboard her newest mount, Tackeray. Purchased from Great Britain’s Ben Maher just a short time ago, Bruheim and Tackeray are already proving to be a great match, showing in their first competition during the Show Jumper Classic in Tyler, TX. The pair took winning honors in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, and later went on to place second during the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic.

Bruheim and Tackeray began the week in the 1.25m Open Jumpers, where they placed third with a double clear effort. Proving that they were ready for a challenged they moved up to the High Junior/Amateur-Owner division, where a fault free round earned them a blue ribbon prize, as well as the third place honors. They concluded on a high note in the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic, where they finished in the second place position.

“This was my first show on Tackeray and he was amazing,” smiled Bruheim. “He was fast and double clean in our first class, so we decided to the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers together I could not be happier! He amazed me again on the last day with his excellent finish in the $5,000 EMO Jumper Classic.”

Continue reading Eirin Bruheim and Tackeray Jump to Top Honors at Show Jumping Classic →

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover Take Home Win in $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix

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Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover. Photo by Shawn McMillen

May 21st ~ 2012, Conyers, GA – Yesterday marked the conclusion of the 9th annual Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show.  The event took place at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA and saw a record number of participants this year.  “We are beyond thrilled with the turnout,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.  Godard, based out of his hometown of Aiken, SC, and his Equus Events have produced the show for the past nine years.  “I have to thank all of our exhibitors, staff, and sponsors for their continued support of Equus Events and the Atlanta Spring Challenge Horse Show; it is a team effort and without that support it is tough to grow in this economy. We have managed to build this event up the past 9 years and I am really looking forward to going all out for our 10th anniversary next year!”

The much anticipated $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix took place Saturday evening under the lights in the International Arena with 38 horse rider teams competing and a huge crowd set to cheer them on.  Olympic silver medalist Michel Vaillancourt designed a course that was challenging giving many riders some tricky spots to contest with.  The final jump, the Fenwick oxer #13, proved to be one of the more problematic spots as 9 riders had that final rail down in the first round.  After the initial round, 11 horses and riders graduated to the jump off including 2 entries for Ocala, FL based riders Aaron Vale and Sharn Wordley.  With only 4 clean, Aaron Vale and Carmen Rojas Admiral Clover soared to the win with a time of 40.648 just edging out Vale’s second jump off qualifier Tibor owned by Bonnie Smith.  Megan Edrick, also hailing from Ocala, FL, took home the third place ribbon with the Procedures, Inc. owned entry of Cadence while Sharn Wordley and his Cederick rounded out the top 4 spots.

Continue reading Aaron Vale and Admiral Clover Take Home Win in $25,000 Atlanta Spring Challenge Grand Prix →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Taylor Harris Insurance $200,000 Triple Crown Challenge Set for Debut at Devon Horse Show on May 31

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Middleburg, VA – May 21, 2012 – The first leg of the all new Taylor Harris Insurance Services $200,000 Triple Crown Challenge, America’s richest rider bonus, is set for lift off just days from now at the legendary Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

This unique challenge offers a spectacular $200,000 top prize for any show jumping rider that can put together back to back to back wins on the same horse at three of the nation’s most prestigious grand prix events.

The first event of the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge, the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon, takes place in Devon, Pennsylvania, on Thursday evening, May 31, 2012. Rider registration is required; forms are available in the Devon Horse Show Office.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Reed Kessler Claims 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series Lead

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Reed Kessler leads the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series Leading Rider Standings (pictured with Cylana). Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – May 21, 2012 – Young rider Reed Kessler of Lexington, KY, not only leads the U.S. Show Jumping Team Long List, but she has now claimed the top spot in the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2012 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Hagyard Challenge Series offers a $50,000 Leading Rider Award. The rider accumulating the most points throughout the series will be presented with the bonus during the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier at the Kentucky National Horse Show in September.

On Thursday, May 17th, Kessler piloted Cylana to a second place finish in the $32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Spring Classic, and also nabbed the fifth place award with her second mount, Mika. The previous week, Kessler and Mike were also fifth during the $50,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, and the 17-year-old rider has jumped to the top of the Leading Rider Standings.

Continue reading Reed Kessler Claims 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series Lead →