Category Archives: Community/Charity

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation

Mahala Rummell and Stoney Creek Win the Blue Ribbon and a New Saddle in Beval Palm Beach Adult Medal Finals

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Mahala Rummell and Stoney Creek win the Beval Palm Beach Adult Medal Finals during the twelfth week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – April 3, 2011 – In a great ending to the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, the Beval Palm Beach Adult Medal held its circuit finals in the prestigious International Field. Sixteen entries competed for the win today, with the lucky blue ribbon winner being awarded a new saddle. Mahala Rummell came out the victor in the prestigious culmination of the circuit’s adult medal class.

Rummell, who rides with Stacia Madden, was aboard her own mount Stoney Creek, a twelve-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding, for the win. This being Rummell’s first season out of the juniors, she was lucky enough to still own her junior equitation horse, Stoney Creek, to ride in the class. “He’s so good at it,” beamed Rummell. “He does all the testing so well, and he’s beautiful on the flat. He’s super!”

Today’s course being in the International Arena gave riders an extra advantage with the added space and size of the ring. “I thought the course was nice,” said Rummell. “There was a lot of space to gallop, but there were also lines where you could leave out a stride or add a stride depending on your horse. There were a lot of nice single jumps too.”

Continue reading Mahala Rummell and Stoney Creek Win the Blue Ribbon and a New Saddle in Beval Palm Beach Adult Medal Finals →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Show Jumping

Horn and Lamotte Speed to Win Adult Modified and Masters Jumper Classes at The Stadium

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Susan Horn and Phenix de Coquerie. Photos © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – April 2, 2011 – It was an exciting day at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s derby field, The Stadium. In a rare opportunity, Modified Adult Jumper riders and Masters Jumper riders were given the chance to show on The Stadium’s derby field over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio from Red Hook, New York. Susan Horn rode the Kingsfield Farm entry Phenix De Coquerie to the win in the $1,500 Paddock Cakes Adult Modified Jumpers, and Elizabeth Lamotte rode her own mount, Katharine, to the win in the $1,500 Masters Jumpers.

Running through Sunday, April 3, the remaining feature events include the Finals for the Adequan Young Jumpers.

Besting a field of sixteen entries in the Table A Speed format class, Horn and Phenix De Coquerie flew through the timers with a clean round in 72.776 seconds. Of the sixteen entries, only five were clear, but none were fast enough to catch Horn, who hails from King City, Ontario, Canada.

Continue reading Horn and Lamotte Speed to Win Adult Modified and Masters Jumper Classes at The Stadium →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, EQUUS Foundation, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

The Results Are In for Round 1 of America’s Favorite Equestrian!

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WELLINGTON, FL – April 1, 2011 – The results of Round 1 of America’s Favorite Equestrian are in. Six equestrians in each of the eight disciplines that participated in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have moved onto Round 2.

America’s Favorite Equestrians Round 2:

Dressage: Todd Flettrich, Courtney King-Dye, Debbie McDonald, Leslie Morse, Steffen Peters, Guenter Seidel
Driving: Tucker Johnson, Fred Merriam, Lisa Singer, Suzy Stafford, Rochelle Temple, Chester Weber
Endurance: Garrett Ford, Becky Hart, Dave Rabe, Robert Ribley, Julie Suhr, Bill Wilson
Eventing: Tiana Coudray, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Karen O’Connor, Kimberly Severson, James C. Wofford
Jumping: Margie Engle, Joe Fargis, Laura Kraut, Anne Kursinski, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward
Para-Dressage: Jennifer Baker, Robin Brueckmann, Laura Goldman, Mary Jordan, Susan Treabess, Jonathan Wentz
Reining: Casey Deary, Andrea Fappani, Shawn Flarida, Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Randy Paul
Vaulting: Megan Benjamin, Ali Divita, Kenny Geisler, Devon Maitozo, Mary McCormick, Katherine Wick

Continue reading The Results Are In for Round 1 of America’s Favorite Equestrian! →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show Thanks Generous Sponsors

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The Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Katy, TX – April 1, 2011 -The Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show is just a few days away, and this prestigious hunter/jumper event would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. The competition offers over $250,000 in prize money, with an unprecedented $150,000 in hunter prize money. This exciting weeklong event will get underway on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, and run through April 10, 2011 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in beautiful Katy, Texas. This unique hunter/jumper event draws the top competitors to Texas from around the country and benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

This year’s incredible sponsors of the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show include:

Carole and Jim Looke Family Fund for the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Claudine & George Pletcher for the $25,000 Pre-Green Classic
Seashore Acres for the $25,000 Spring Gathering Grand Prix
Grand Prix Stables and Chris Nelson for the $20,000 National Hunter Classic
PJP Farm for the $18,000 Green Hunter Divisions
Roger & Jamie Jarvis for the $10,000 High Performance Working Hunter Division
Steeple Chase Farm for the $9,000 Amateur – Owner Working Hunter Divisions
Hobby Family Foundation for the $8,000 Junior Hunter Divisions
Wise Family Foundation for the $8,000 Conformation Hunter Division
John & Kristi Schiller for the $5,000 Pony Hunter Divisions
Eric & Nancy Littlejohn for the $5,000 Junior Hunter Classic
Kate & Steve Gibson of Shady Side Farm for the $5,000 Amateur-Owner Classic

Continue reading Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show Thanks Generous Sponsors →

Community/Charity, Dressage, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance

Palm Beach Dressage Derby – March 3

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Mary Phelps introduces Courtney King-Dye with Lendon Gray

The fourth annual Palm Beach Dressage Derby reception to benefit the EAF offered guests some surprises this year. We were honored to have special guest Courtney King-Dye there to say a few words on the one-year anniversary of her accident.

Excerpt from Courtney’s blog: ‘I’m speaking at the EAF fundraiser at the Palm Beach Derby, which is a great cause I’m all too familiar with now. I’ve been so lucky to have absorbed so much caring, but I know not everyone is so lucky simply because not so many people know. It’s very touching that the horse community supports each other in rough times. This is a way we can offer support even if we don’t know someone.’

ShoClothes sponsored a fun fashion show of the Alessandro Albanese clothing line. One of the six outfits was auctioned during the evening and was so popular, not one, but two were sold! Thanks to Michelle Hundt of ShoClothes and Alessandro Albanese for adding a touch of style to the party!

See all the coverage and more photos here.

From Equestrian Aid Foundation

Auctions, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Driving, Events, Fundraisers, JRPR

Chester Weber Donates Signed Winning Ribbon from WEG to Raise Money for Humane Society

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Chester Weber, here with teammates James Fairclough and Tucker Johnson, has donated his signed winning 2010 WEG ribbon to a fundraising event that will auction the ribbon on eBay and donate the proceeds to the Humane Society. The deadline for the auction is April 5th. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)

Bid on Ribbon on eBay through April 5

Ocala, FL (March 31, 2011) – Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion who has competed for the U.S. in three World Equestrian Games, is bidding farewell to his 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Silver Medal ribbon. Weber has donated his signed winning WEG ribbon to a fund raising event that will auction the ribbon on eBay and donate the proceeds to the Humane Society of Marion Country, Florida.

Weber, who recently won the FEI Horse Team division at CAI Live Oak, said it’s not difficult to say goodbye to the ribbon when it benefits a worthwhile charity. “I’m a big supporter of animals and the Humane Society is a wonderful organization,” Weber said. “If the ribbon can help support what they do, then that’s much better than having the ribbon hanging on my wall.”

Weber’s Silver Medal ribbon is currently on eBay and bidding will continue through April 5th. Diane Charipar, of Ocala, Florida, is spearheading the fundraising event and is thrilled that Weber donated the ribbon. “A mutual friend told Chester about this venture and with incredible generosity he offered his signed WEG Four-In-Hand Team driving ribbon,” Charipar said, adding that she has sold thousands of ribbons on eBay and donated the money to the Humane Society.

Continue reading Chester Weber Donates Signed Winning Ribbon from WEG to Raise Money for Humane Society →

Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, USEF

Connemara Stars on “Martha Stewart Show”

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Greystone's Adirondack A'Herne, also known as "Harry.”

New York City – Former United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) member and breeder Cindy Fletcher is the proud owner of Greystone’s Adirondack A’Herne, also known as “Harry,” an 18-year-old bay Connemara stallion who appeared this month on stage at the “Martha Stewart Show.”

Previous to his Martha Stewart stardom, Harry has made his mark in the show ring, winning more than 50 champion or reserve champion driving titles and numerous year-end awards. Harry now serves as an ambassador of sorts for the breed, representing Connemara ponies at both the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games as well as Equine Affairs in Massachusetts.

Named for the region in western Ireland where the breed originated, Connemara ponies are agile creatures renowned for their versatility and gentle, willing dispositions. The sure-footed breed has great stamina and adaptability, and traditionally was used to pull carts loaded with seaweed from the shore up to the potato fields. However, the multifaceted animals are also skilled at just about anything a pony can do – jumping, dressage, driving and long-distance running.

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, JRPR, Products/Services

Olympic Dressage Rider Steffen Peters Joins Arenus as Official Arenus Ambassador

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Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce that Olympian and international dressage rider Steffen Peters is now an official Arenus Ambassador. (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

St. Louis, MO (March 31, 2011) – Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce that Olympic Dressage rider Steffen Peters has joined Arenus as an official Arenus Ambassador. Peters, who is fresh off a staggering victory at the World Dressage Masters in Palm Beach, Florida, exemplifies talent and horsemanship.  Scoring an impressive 84.550% in the Grand Prix freestyle, Peters and his mount Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki, continued a winning streak that has made Americans proud over the past years.  Peters made history at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky when he rode Ravel to the bronze medal in the Grand Prix Special.

Peters, a native of Germany, became a United States citizen in 1992. He competed on his first U.S. team during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when the team took home the bronze medal. At the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Peters and Ravel helped the U.S. team capture the bronze medal. At the 2008 Olympics, Peters and Ravel finished fourth but set the dressage ring on fire a year later when they won the FEI Rolex World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Peters and Ravel then went on to sweep the Grand Prix, the Special and the Freestyle at Aachen, a feat never before mastered by an American rider.

Continue reading Olympic Dressage Rider Steffen Peters Joins Arenus as Official Arenus Ambassador →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #12, by Claire Dorotik

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NO SECRET SO CLOSE is the story of a the most unthinkable betrayal humanly possible — at only 24 years old, Claire Dorotik’s father has been murdered, her mother arrested, and now, in a sinister twist of fate, Claire’s mother points the finger at Claire, accusing her of killing her own father. Battling the feelings of loss, abandonment, terror, and dissociation, and also learning about them, Claire struggles to stay in her master’s program for psychotherapy. However, when Claire’s brothers also betray her and side with her mother, Claire is left all alone to care for the 18 horses she and her mother owned. As the story unfolds, what is revealed is the horses’ amazing capacity for empathy in the face of human trauma, and the almost psychic ability to provide the author with what had been taken from her. Arising from these horrifying circumstances, the most unthinkable heroes — the horses — show Claire that life is still worth living.

Excerpt #12 from NO SECRET SO CLOSE:

I don’t think I’ll ever stop replaying that day in my mind. As if I could somehow make it come out differently.  Makes no sense, of course, but I couldn’t stop the endless spooling of memory. If I could, I’d have to let go, I guess of wishing I could have prevented it.

I paid the toll and entered the 405 freeway headed for home looking down at the speedometer, I saw I was going too fast.  I’d stayed longer than I wanted to at my aunt’s house, and it was getting late now. The weekend with her had helped clear my head as it always did. Lately I’d been too busy to think. Only one semester away from receiving my undergraduate degree, I was already two semesters into my graduate program. That’s just the way things were: Up at five a.m. to train clients at the gym three days a week, followed by a rushed car ride to school the five jumpers I was training before it was too dark to ride, then a quick run down to the lake and back home by nine p.m. The other two days were back-to-back classes.

Continue reading NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #12, by Claire Dorotik →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Dressage, EQUUS Foundation, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group

Only Four Days to Vote for America’s Favorite Para-Dressage Equestrian

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Thousand Oaks, CA – March 28, 2011 – In celebration of the eight disciplines competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, The EQUUS Foundation (in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation) established the America’s Favorite Equestrian program.  On March 31, 2011 two Para-Dressage athletes will be eliminated and the top six Para-Dressage riders will move on to round two.  It is up to every person to vote for his or her favorite Para-Equestrian.

These are the eight equestrians listed presently with their rider number in parenthesis.

Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)

Continue reading Only Four Days to Vote for America’s Favorite Para-Dressage Equestrian →