Category Archives: Disciplines

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summerfest Wrap-Up

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Tamino and Christina Jason. Steven G. Webb Photography

August 30th, 2011 – The second week of the Atlanta Summerfest show series concluded Sunday at Chatt Hills (Bouckaert Farms) in Fairburn, GA.  J. P. Godard and his Equus Events handled the managing duties during this second week of the two week long “A” rated series.  The facility, owned by Olympic 3 Day Eventer Carl Bouckeart, once again received rave reviews from exhibitors and it is no surprise why.  “We have had outstanding feedback this year for the event,” said manager J. P. Godard.  “Thanks to Carl Bouckaert, Ritch Temple, and all of the staff here at Chatt Hills for allowing us to put on the show at their beautiful facility. We are really looking forward to putting on more events here in the future.”  From the gorgeous architecture of the stabling to the fabulous footing to the thousands of acres to ride, Chatt Hills is one of the premiere facilities in the country and it’s conveniently local to the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta make it a prime stop on the horse show calendar for the hunter/jumper set.

Chatt Hills was the place to be Saturday evening as all of the “hustle and bustle” was taking place in the jumper ring with 18 horse rider teams turning out for the $5,000 Atlanta Summerfest Jumper Classic.  H. J. Wings and Things of Tyrone, GA provided an old fashioned cook out for exhibitors and spectators to enjoy on the hill as they watched the competition below.  The party was sponsored by the Atlanta Summerfest Hospitality Sponsors: Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club, Casey Whitaker, Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stable Inc., Harrison and Danielle Ford and Hillford Farm, Matt Martin and Windy Oaks Farm, and The Farm House.  7 out of the original field of 18 riders qualified their horses for the second round jump off over the J. P. Godard designed course.  In the end it was blue two weeks in a row for Aiken, SC’s Christina Jason as she guided her Tamino to the win with a clear effort and time of 38.753 blazing to the victory over Charles De Gunzburg’s Mambo De Lezeaux and Tryon, NC native Clayton Russell.  “It was a great two weeks of showing and I would like to thank Cathy and Daniel Geitner for giving me such great horses to ride,” said Jason. “Tamino was just great!”  Originally from Rochester, MI, Christina has been riding for the Geitner’s DFG Stables since last October and has already accumulated many top awards and championships in both the hunter and jumper ring.  Tamino is a 16 Hanoverian gelding in which Jason purchased from Vicky Miller in November of 2010.  Jason continued, “He took time off from November until May with his first show back being at the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club July show, so I am excited he rose to occasion tonight!”

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI Balkan Endurance Championships 2011 – Koprivshtitsa (BUL)

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DOUBLE GOLD FOR BRILLIANT BULGARIANS by Louise Parkes

Individual champion, Bulgaria's Miroslav Borshosh, celebrates his gold medal winning performance with Munir B. The partnership also took the Best Condition award. Photo: FEI/Radostina Genova.

Lausanne (SUI), 30 August 2011 – The host nation scooped team and individual gold at the FEI Balkan Endurance Championships 2011 staged at Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria last weekend. The Bulgarian side was the only finishers in the three-nation team contest, while Miroslav Borshosh produced an impressive and well-judged performance with his Arab gelding, Munir B, to emphatically claim the individual title.

Koprivshtitsa, which lies on the Topolnitsa River and in the Sredna Gora mountains, is well-known for its architecture. and for the folk-music festivals that ensure it is a very popular destination for tourists.  It is also home to a National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore which takes place every five years, attracting musicians, artists and craftsmen from across the country.  So visitors to these FEI Championships experienced an authentic take on Bulgarian culture and heritage.

The horses and riders were truly tested with an 86 kilometre course that started at 1,000 feet above sea level and rose a further 400 feet.  “The competitors did a great job,” said FEI Technical Delegate Bo Kjellgren (SWE) afterwards, “and the Bulgarian Federation was very much behind the event, giving it huge support.”

VERY TOUGH
Poland’s Dr Piotr Szpotanski, a highly-experienced FEI Veterinary Delegate, described the competition trail as “very tough”, but was surprised how well the horses coped with it.  “I found it frightening when I was driving the mountain trail in my car, but the horses seemed to find it much easier!” he said.  Rumours of wild mustangs running loose through the countryside, and even the occasional wolf prowling in the wilderness, didn’t deter the competitors from the task at hand.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Celebrates 50 Glorious Years

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Caroline Powell (NZL) and Lenamore will be defending their title at this week’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. (Photo: Kit Houghton/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 31 August 2011 – An all-star cast heads to this week’s Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR), second last leg of the HSBC FEI Classics 2011 (1-4 September).

It is a particularly special year for Burghley, as it is 50 years ago that the historic Lincolnshire estate hosted its first competition by invitation of the 1928 hurdling Olympic gold medallist, the Marquess of Exeter.

Since then, Burghley has hosted eight championships, including the first ever World Championships in 1966, and riders regularly vote it their favourite venue in L’Annee Hippique, the annual review of the equestrian year.

Not only does Burghley boast the beautiful backdrop of the magnificent Elizabethan house and deer park, but it is an event that has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, with its own irrigation system for the dedicated Cross Country track and all-weather warm-up arenas.

“Burghley has such charm,” explains five-times winner Mark Todd (NZL). “It is a magical place and I always feel excited when I come in through the gates.”

Besides Todd, eight other former Burghley winners have entered for this year’s golden jubilee, including Mary King (GBR), the current runaway leader of the HSBC FEI Classics.

Continue reading Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Celebrates 50 Glorious Years →

Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jacksonville Winter Series, Show Jumping

Tryon Fall Classic and Other Classic Co. Updates

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Just some updates and reminders.  The 21st Annual Tryon Fall Classic is three weeks away at Harmond Field, Sept. 23-25.  The highlight of the show will again be the Tri State Age Group Equitation Finals.  The top ten riders from the NCHJA, SCHJA and GHJA in 11 and Under, 12-14 and 15-17 will compete for a silver trophy for each age group.  A list of qualified riders is on our website home page at www.ClassicCompany.com and invitations have been mailed.  If you think you have qualified and are not on the list, please call Tissy at our home office.  By moving the show from FENCE, we have reduced the costs of production and we have lowered the stall and entry fees from last year.  We have also added several opportunity classes that do not require membership to either USEF or USHJA to compete.  For those of you who have not competed at Harmond Field, you will be very impressed by the stabling and footing in the show rings.  Carol and I are looking forward to seeing you at our annual event.  Please call our office for reservations: 843 768 5503.

The Atlanta Fall Classic I & II, Nov. 9-20, will have many new classes this year along with the annual finals for NCE and NHJL.  Qualified riders for NCE will be posted soon on our website.

We are well into the planning for the winter shows: Jacksonville Jan. 11-29, Pensacola Jan. 11-29.  Both circuits will offer USEF AA rated hunters and $25,000 Grand Prix classes each week.  More details on both will be available soon.

See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Auctions, Benefits, Breeds, Contributors/Press, Racing

Old Friends Day at River Downs Honors Appygolucky

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GEORGETOWN, KY – AUGUST 30, 2011 – Monday, Sept. 5 is Old Friends Day at River Downs racetrack in Cincinnati, OH.

Join us for an exciting day of racing as River Downs celebrates the careers of Ohio millionaire Catlaunch and recently retired fan favorite Eagle Time. The benefit will raise money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

In addition to the second running of the “Old Friends” race, the event, held from 11 AM – 5 PM, will feature a silent auction of select racing memorabilia. Featured items include a Moneigh by Old Friends retiree Danthebluegrassman and other unique collectibles. All proceeds will benefit Old Friends.

While at the track fans are invited to stop by the Old Friends booth and learn more about the organization and its many retired equine athletes.

The Old Friends benefit at River Downs began last year as a tribute to Appygolucky, an Old Friends retiree who was once considered the King of the Claimers at the River Downs. He also set the track record for a mile at Beulah Park, which still stands.

Appy passed away in 2009, but his legacy of helping fellow claiming horses lives on.

For additional information contact Vivien Morrison at val226@aol.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 retired racehorses.  Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR

Dressage Rider Caroline Roffman Takes Three for Three Tri-Colored Ribbons at the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships

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Caroline Roffman riding Bon Chance at the 2011 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships. (Photo compliments of PhelpsPhotos.com)

Wayne, IL (August 30, 2011) – On the same weekend that Hurricane Irene battered its way up the East Coast, dressage rider Caroline Roffman took the 2011 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships at the Lamplight Equestrian Center by storm. Roffman, of Wellington, Florida, rode away with three Reserve Championships aboard San City, Bon Chance, and Pie, once again solidifying her place in the dressage world as a successful trainer and competitor.

“San City was Reserve Champion in the Five-Year-Old division, Bon Chance tied for the Championship in the Six-Year-Olds, although because it is an American show the tie breaker goes to the American horse, and Pie finished as Reserve Champion in the Developing Horse Championships,” Roffman said. “What a weekend!”

Roffman was especially pleased with San City, a Hanoverian eventing stallion owned by Linda Crabtree, who made history in the Five-Year-Old Preliminary Test when he earned an 89% and a comment of “Wow” from judge Linda Zang.

“On the first day San City was amazing and he went above and beyond what he had ever done before,” Roffman said. “He really couldn’t have done any better. His 89% score was the highest ever given in the U.S. He was a little tired the second day, but I am still so proud of him.”

Continue reading Dressage Rider Caroline Roffman Takes Three for Three Tri-Colored Ribbons at the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships →

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, USEA

Richland Park CIC3* Win Boosts Davidson to Top of Adequan USEA Gold Cup Leaderboard

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Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. StockImageServices Photo

Mere seconds played a huge role in the final outcome of this year’s Richland Park CIC3* (Richland, Michigan), one of the final legs of the $20,000 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series.

Buck Davidson, riding Ballynoe Castle RM, and Jennie Brannigan, aboard Cambalda, had been neck-and-neck all weekend, jostling for a top position. The two riders began the event tied for second with 43.3, but after cross-country day, Davidson and ‘Reggie’ finished double-clear just a second under the optimum time over Ian Stark’s challenging course; Brannigan and ‘Ping’ also finished fault-free but were seven seconds under the optimum time. Both moved into a tie for the lead after overnight leader Phillip Dutton and Ben picked up a few time faults; they headed into show jumping Sunday morning knowing how incredibly close the standings were.

Final Results

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

Alltech National Horse Welcomes Sasco Creek Farm and Weeks Family as $50,000 Welcome Speed Sponsor

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Lexington, KY – August 29, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that Sasco Creek Farm and the Weeks family have graciously agreed to join forces with this year’s event as sponsors of the $50,000 Sasco Farm Welcome Speed Stake, presented by Mr. & Mrs. William H. Weeks and family.

The Alltech National Horse Show CSI-W 4* will be staged at the Alltech Arena at the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The $50,000 Sasco Creek Farm Welcome Speed Stake is the first class in an Open Jumper division that features fabulous prize money for the inaugural event, including the Saturday night main event, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Shoe Grand Prix.

As owner Bill Weeks points out, Sasco Creek Farm, located in Connecticut and also in Wellington, Florida, was purchased as the home base for his family of equestrian competitors, daughters Alexa and Whitney and wife, Olivia Weeks. “We built the barn for the girls so they could learn to take care of their own horses and train at home,” he said. “My wife and daughters grew up riding and over time I also fell in love with the sport.”

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Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Events, More/Other, USEF

Merrill Murray and Courageous Lord Earn Third Consecutive Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship

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Merrill Murray and Courageous Lord. Photo: Jen Corcoran/E Motion

Louisville, Kentucky – It’s an annual tradition in Louisville. Champions are crowned, history is made, dreams come true, and sterling silver trophies glisten under the lights of Freedom Hall. American Saddlebred Horses, Roadster Horses and Hackney and Harness Ponies compete to be called a World’s Champion, a World’s Champion of Champion, or the most desired title: a World’s Grand Champion.

On Saturday, it was a three-peat triumph for rider/trainer Merrill Murray, who celebrated his third – and final – $100,000 Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship victory atop the American Saddlebred gelding Courageous Lord.

The crowd cheered, clapped and whistled on Stake Night – the final night of the weeklong event – for Courageous Lord, clearly the fan favorite. After a crowd rousing victory pass, Murray thanked God, and his wife, blacksmiths, chiropractor, vet, farm owners, and fans of Courageous Lord. And mentioned the ride was no longer his.

The 10-year-old chestnut, trained by Murray, was sold to Peter and Lynn Via of Fox Grape Farms about a month ago. Murray announced after his grand performance, which included a work off, the ride now belongs to Dr. Owen Weaver.

In other stakes, Real Action, ridden by Peter Cowart, won the Three-Gaited Grand Championship, and Gabe Deknatel and The Daily Lottery repeated as champions in the Amateur Five-Gaited Championship.

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Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, Olympic Games, Para-Equestrian

One Year to Go to 2012 London Paralympic Games

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Marco Alves at the 2008 Paralympic Games where he won Brazil’s first Paralympic equestrian medal

Lausanne (SUI), 29 August 2011 – Today, 29 August 2011, marks the one-year countdown to next year’s Paralympic Games. A record number of 4,200 athletes from 150 countries are set to convene in London (GBR) between 29 August and 9 September 2012 and compete in 503 events in 21 sports.

For the XIV Paralympic Games and the fifth appearance of Para-Dressage on the programme – equestrian sport made its Paralympic debut at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 – there could not be a more fitting host nation. Great Britain has been a Para-Dressage power house when it comes to Paralympic, World and European events, taking team gold at every turn and pushing the level and quality of the sport to greater heights.

“We count ourselves as one of the luckiest International Federations in the family and feel our sport is coming home with the 2012 Paralympic Games, as Great Britain has such a strong tradition of equestrianism and para-equestrianism,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya commented. “The location of the equestrian events in Greenwich Park means we are at the heart of the Games and we are very proud to be given centre stage. We are really looking forward to the event and will be counting the days to what will be glorious Games.”

Sixty-eight competitors from 16 nations had made the trip to Atlanta, GA (USA) to compete on borrowed horses in the first Paralympic competition in 1996. In 2008 the number of competitors had increased to 78 and the number of nations had nearly doubled; the horses, no longer borrowed, flew in from all corners of the globe.

Continue reading One Year to Go to 2012 London Paralympic Games →