Category Archives: Show Jumping

Top Professional Hunter Riders Gear Up for the Alltech National Horse Show

Maggie Jayne and Bella Blue Sweep Regular Working Hunters and $1,000 Open Hunter Classic at Showplace Fall Classic last year.

Lexington, KY – September 30, 2011 – The weeks are growing increasingly closer until the much anticipated Alltech National Horse Show makes its debut at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. During this prestigious competition, many of the top professional hunter riders will show against one another to earn the top honors in their respective divisions. Some of this year’s big names include professional riders such as Maggie Jayne, Archie Cox, Jennifer Alfano and many more. The Alltech National Horse Show will be held November 2-6, 2011, at the beautiful Alltech Arena.

“I’m excited for the Alltech National Horse Show this year,” said Maggie Jayne. “It is a great arena, and I feel like they are really going to make it special. The location is also perfect considering that it gives everyone a fair chance to make it out there. Its central location is ideal. The great thing about the Alltech Arena is the climate control, that factor is huge!,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t realize how that can make everything that much better.”

California-based trainer, Archie Cox, will be coaching his students as they compete during the ASPCA Maclay National Finals. “I have three or four students in the Maclay Finals, and we are all looking forward to the upcoming event,” Cox described. “It is pretty exciting to get to show there, especially since I have never shown in Kentucky personally, so I’m anxious to compete at the Kentucky Horse Park for the first time.”

Although Cox has never shown in Kentucky prior to the upcoming National Horse Show, many of the top professional hunter riders have competed at the Kentucky Horse Park for the spring and summer series and have an idea of what it truly offers. “I am excited and glad that the show has found a home in Kentucky,” expressed Jennifer Alfano of SBS Farms. “It is a place where we all love going and showing, and I think it is going to be great.”

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Hayley Barnhill Wins North American Equitation Championships at Capital Challenge

Hayley Barnhill and Asparagus

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 2, 2011 – Hayley Barnhill, of Collierville, TN, earned an exciting victory today as she topped the North American Equitation Championships at Capital Challenge. Barnhill’s win was followed by a top finish for Pilar Flournoy, of Topanga, CA, in the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals. The day concluded with the North American Amateur Equitation Championships with a victory for Adrienne Dixon, of Hillsborough, CA. This weekend’s equitation competition at the Show Place Arena was presented by BigEq.com. The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will continue through October 9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Sunday’s competition began with the North American Equitation Championships with two rounds of competition. Nearly eighty competitors started out the day over fences, but the field was sharply narrowed to only twenty who were invited back for a second round. Riding Cayla Richards’ Asparagus, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Hayley Barnhill posted scores of 90.20 and 90.05 for a two-round winning total of 180.25.

“I’m very excited!” Barnhill beamed after her win. “It was a last minute thing to get to come here, and I love this horse show. I was second in this class last year; I was so close, so it is nice to win it.”

Yesterday’s flat winner, Morgan Geller, rode her gelding Fabricio to second place. Sarah Milliren and War Eagle, owned by Don Stewart, finished third. Conor Perrin and Nat King Cole earned fourth place honors. Alicia Gasser rode Schubert, owned by KMG Equestrian, to fifth place and Oliva Esse guided Oscany, Inc.’s Fernway Park into the sixth position.

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The Final Round of America’s Favorite Equestrian Is Underway. Vote for Your Favorite!

WESTPORT, CT – October 1, 2011 – The results of Round 4 of America’s Favorite Equestrian are in. Three equestrians in each of the eight disciplines that participated in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have moved onto the Final Round.

“America’s Favorite Equestrian is an innovative and contemporary concept designed to engage the equestrian community,” said John Long, CEO, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). “It is an exciting project to be a part of because the proceeds benefit so many worthy causes supported by The EQUUS Foundation.”

“Like any new program, getting the word out is always a challenge”, said Lynn Coakley, President, The EQUUS Foundation. “We hope that the America’s Favorite Equestrian program will help us build grass roots support within the equestrian community to improve the quality of life of horses and promote the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need. A $5 donation multiplied by the many who already know the magical and powerful impact of horses in our lives will go a long way.”

Who Will Win?
Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America’s Favorite Equestrians will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.

This is it! Keep Voting! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to insure that your favorite is America’s favorite. Click here to see the equestrian entries and to vote.

Continue reading The Final Round of America’s Favorite Equestrian Is Underway. Vote for Your Favorite!

Classic Company Launching New Winter Circuit for 2012

Terry Brown and 2006 Horse of the Year Sequel. Photo © Flashpoint Photography

October 1, 2011 – Pensacola, FL – If you’re looking for a change from the same ole same ole in your winter showing plans, Classic Company president Bob Bell has the answer to your dilemma: three weeks of USEF AA rated Hunter/Jumper classes in Pensacola, FL at the Escambia County Equestrian Center from January 11th through the 29th.

This isn’t the first time Classic Company has visited Pensacola. Following hurricane Katrina’s visit in 2005 to the Gulf Coast and the damages at the Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport, the 2006 Gulf Coast Winter Classics were invited by the Pensacola community to hold an abbreviated version of the annual winter circuit at the Escambia locale, rather than be forced to cancel the event altogether. “The facility, the staff, and the surrounding community were all so welcoming to us,” Bell said, “and our three weeks in Pensacola were simply wonderful. I’ve never forgotten their hospitality or how much exhibitors enjoyed the series, so when I learned of some open dates in their calendar my idea of new winter option became a reality.” Since Classic Company’s last visit, the facility has undergone a million dollar renovation along with new footing in the hunter rings.

The Pensacola series will offer an AA schedule similar to its larger sibling, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, which will kick off six weeks of exciting equestrian action in Gulfport, MS on February 8th and continue through March 18th.  Each week in Pensacola will feature a $25,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix and the USHJA National Hunter Classic along with an array of rated classes for both hunters and jumpers. And for those riders just starting out, the popular Opportunity Classes will be offered to provide a fun experience and introduction to horse showing.

Exhibitors can also count on some wonderful social gatherings during the three weeks. “We have a reputation here at Classic for throwing great parties and the Pensacola event will not be deprived of that!” Bell teased.

Prize list for both the Pensacola Series and the Gulf Coast Classics will be available in mid-November. For early reservations or additional information, please call the office at 843-768-5503 or visit us on the web at www.classiccompany.com and for great hotel or condo rates, contact www.equestriantravel.com.

Three Hundred Days to London 2012

Lausanne (SUI), 1 October 2011 – Today, 1 October 2011, marks 300 days to go to the 2012 London Olympic Games where equestrian sport will celebrate its centenary on the Olympic Programme.

So far, teams and individual riders from 18 nations have qualified to compete in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing.

Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Ukraine and the USA will compete alongside host nation Great Britain.

To date, Germany and Sweden join host nation Great Britain in having qualified teams in all three disciplines.

In just two weeks, eyes will be turning to the 16th Pan-American Games (14 to 29 October) in Guadalajara (MEX), which will host team qualifiers for FEI Olympic Groups D (North America) and E (South and Central America). Two nations from these groups which have not yet qualified will be able to secure their spot in Eventing and Dressage and three teams will qualify in Jumping.

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Nine Olympians Highlight Open Jumper Division at Alltech National Horse Show

Laura Kraut. Photos © Erin Cowgill

Lexington, KY – September 30, 2011 – Nine Olympic veterans, including four gold medalists, highlight the talented roster of riders scheduled to compete at this year’s Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2-6, 2011.

This year’s debut event in Kentucky, designated a CSI-W 4*, will feature a big money Open Jumper division with over $370,000 in prize money, including the main event, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifier, on Saturday night. All in all, over $600,000 in prize money is up for grabs in November. “That brings this show on par or better than any show in North America, or any indoor show anywhere in the world,” noted show manager Hugh Kincannon.

American Olympians McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Joe Fargis, Margie Engle and Todd Minikus will lead a stellar field of riders, representing eight different nations at this year’s show.

Currently ranked number two in the Rolex World Rankings, two-time Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward will be joined by his Athens and Hong Kong teammate Laura Kraut. Joining this dynamic duo is veteran rider Joe Fargis who secured Olympic Gold in Los Angeles in 1984. Margie Engle and Lauren Hough, members of the United States Olympic team at Sydney, Australia are also scheduled to compete in Lexington.

Engle and Ward are currently ranked one-two on the list of all time grand prix wins in North America.

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Thunderbird Raises $11,607 for JustWorld International

Jane, Laura, George and Laura Jane Tidball all competed in the Family Extravaganza Equitation Class to help raise $11,607 for JustWorld International. Photo Courtesy of Thunderbird Show Park

September 27, 2011 – Langley, British Columbia – Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, raised $11,607 in support of JustWorld International during its recent Summer Classic and Summer Festival tournaments.

JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children.  Thunderbird Show Park identified JustWorld’s Cambodia Rice for Families Project at Stung Mein Chey in Cambodia as the project it wanted to raise funds for.  Setting a target of $9,000, Thunderbird far exceeded its fundraising goal by bringing in $11,607 from its various fundraising activities.  The money will go directly to the project, giving families in the Stung Mein Chey garbage dump a 5 kg bag of rice each month, helping to reduce the need for children to gather food scraps or to earn money by picking through trash.

Thunderbird held several fundraising and awareness events over the course of the Summer Classic tournament from August 17-21 and the Summer Festival tournament from August 24-28.  JustWorld’s signature Horseless Horse Show, which sees people compete on foot over miniature jumps, was held on Friday, August 19, much to the delight of the crowd.  A silent auction, which raised more than $4,000 in support of JustWorld, was also held the same day during the $50,000 Dianne Tidball Legacy Grand Prix.

During the second week of competition, the fun-filled Groom’s Class took the spotlight in the grand prix ring on Thursday, August 25.  Thunderbird Show Park matched the groom’s cash donations to help raise more than $600 for JustWorld’s project sites.

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McLain Ward Wins 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series’ $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus

McLain Ward, winner of the Hagyard Challenge Series' $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus. Photo By: Shawn McMillen

Lexington, KY – September 29, 2011 – On Friday, September 23, McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, was presented with a check for $45,000 after earning the most points during the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series. The Hagyard Challenge Series is a show jumping competition that is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, throughout the summer months. Composed of seven grand prix events, the Hagyard Challenge Series concluded on September 23 with the $50,000 CSI-W Lexington Grand Prix. Ward stormed to victory during the event aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve with the fastest double clear effort.

Earlier this year, Ward claimed the first and second place honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show riding Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas, respectively. His stellar performances during each competition scored him the highest number of points for the Leading Rider Bonus.

“I think it is wonderful to have the Rider Bonus,” commented Ward. “It is a reward for consistency, which is something I always strive towards. Hagyard and the Kentucky Horse Shows have great events, and I think there is a lot of quality throughout the Series.”

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: presenting sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra 200, Wyatt Equine Law Group, Johnson Horse Transportation, Chase, and J. P. Morgan.

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North American Equitation Championship Weekend Presented by Big Eq.com to Begin 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show

Victoria Birdsall won last year's North American Equitation Championships

Upper Marlboro, MD – September 28, 2011 – The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show kicks off this Saturday, October 1, 2011, with its North American Equitation Championship Weekend presented by BigEq.com. Running through October 9, the 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will feature many of the nation’s best horses and riders in a week of exceptional equestrian competition held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The equitation weekend will host many exciting classes, including the finals for the 2011 Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal series.

Bigeq.com is the premier website for buying and selling hunters, jumpers, equitation horses and ponies. The website sponsors the Capital Challenge equitation weekend each year and is proud to support the show and its exhibitors. The North American Equitation Championship Weekend presented by BigEq.com will feature the North American Equitation Championships, THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, and the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships.

Also featured over the weekend will be the 17-Year-Old Equitation, 16-Year-Old Equitation, 15-Year-Old Equitation, 13 & 14-Year-Old Equitation, 12 & Under Equitation, and Open Equitation 3’ and 3’6” divisions.

The Prince George’s Equestrian Center is a fantastic facility for both horse and rider, featuring indoor and outdoor rings and excellent stabling. Manager Oliver Kennedy looks forward to welcoming horse show participants and anticipates another fantastic year at the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

Kennedy stated, “Capital Challenge is a great opportunity for riders to show their horses in a fun and welcoming environment. The facility provides the experience of showing both indoors and outdoors, and there is always plenty of space to ride and school. We strive to give horses and riders the best experience available, and there is nothing better than showing at Capital Challenge in the fall.”

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Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships

Michael Hughes won the 2011 ASPCA Maclay Region 1 "Northeast" Championship. Photo © 2011 Anne Gittins.

Wellington, FL – September 28, 2011 – This weekend concluded the 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships with the final competitions held for Regions 1, 2, and 4. Championship honors were awarded to Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree for their incredible rides in each of their respective regions. The talented riders also earned an invitation to the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, KY, to compete for the top spot among the nation’s best junior riders with the 2011 ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery.

The Region 1 “Northeast” Championships were judged by Jimmy Torano and Jimmy Lee at the Grand Fall Classic in Westbrook, CT. Michael Hughes of Morriston, FL, caught their attention with his smooth and precise ride aboard Co Co Pop, winning top honors without entering the ring for additional testing. Hughes showed against 60 of the top juniors in the Northeast states of CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT. Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, NY, finished in reserve for the second consecutive year.

“This weekend really went amazing,” said Hughes. “The first round went really well, the course was straightforward, and when it came to the flat phase, I know that Co Co Pop would really excel, so we were able to stay strong.”

Region 2 “East” Championship was held on Saturday, September 24 for the states of NJ, NY, and PA at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. Judged by Rita Timpanaro and Chrystine Tauber, top honors were awarded to Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, aboard Catherine Cowie’s Vidarco. Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD rode to the reserve honors.

Continue reading Michael Hughes, Lillie Keenan, and Catherine Tyree Top 2011 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships