25 January 2012 – The Rolex One to Watch for January 2012 is jointly awarded to René Tebbel (GER) and Shalva Gachechiladze (GEO). The pair both jumped from number 304 to 238 during December – a move up the Rolex Rankings of 66 places.
Based in Emsbüren, Germany, 42-year-old René Tebbel had a very successful young riding career, winning gold at the German Junior Championships in 1986 and again at the European Junior Championships the following year. Tebbel went on to win team silver at the 1990 World Cup, and his victories did not end there.
Tebbel won gold in the German Championships in 2005 riding Source Homme, and won again in 2006 and 2007 riding Coup de Coeur. As well as his successes at the German Championships, Tebbel has also earned numerous first and second place rankings at various Grand Prix events with horses Radiator, Farina and Levien of Cabanes. Tebbel also trains his two children, Maurice and Justine, who are amongst the best young riders in Germany for their age groups.
(Wellington, Florida, January 25, 2012) Devoucoux fielded a strong team of riders for the Pro DerbyCross competition held on Friday January 20, 2012 during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington Florida. The Professional Riders Organization produced this innovative competition, in which teams compete individually against the clock over a hybrid course of cross-country and show jumping obstacles. All proceeds benefited Operation Homefront, an organization providing emergency financial relief for U.S. service members and their families as well as Wounded Warriors during their recovery.
Wellington, FL – January 23, 2012 – Week two has come to a close at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, and with a successful week of competition, the exhibitors, spectators, and show management are looking forward to week three.
As I continue flying back and forth from Jacksonville to Pensacola I am very pleased to report that all is well in east and west Florida. Both circuits are lighter than expected but the weather has been fantastic; the classes have had top horses competing and the Grand Prix events have had spectators each week on the mild winter Saturday nights.
