Category Archives: Community/Charity

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Products/Services, Show Jumping

Rodrigo Pessoa and Champ 163 Win Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award during Third Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival

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Champ 163 and Rodrigo Pessoa won the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award during the third week of the WEF. Melissa Bennington and Kristen Galvan, Sales Specialists for Arenus, presented Pessoa with the award. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 7, 2011) – Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa rode away as the winner of the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award aboard Champ 163 during the third week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Champ 163, owned by Legacy Stables LLC, finished ninth in the 1.50m Jumper Classic.

“Rodrigo is a legend in the show jumping world and it was a thrill to present him with the Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award,” said Melissa Bennington, northeast Sales Specialist for Arenus. “Rodrigo made history and broke a world record when he and Baloubet du Rouet won the World Cup Final three years in a row. Rodrigo has also competed and medaled in multiple Olympics and Pan Am Games and it was an honor to meet him and present him with the Arenus award.”

The Performance and Conditioning Award is sponsored by Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses, and is given to one horse during the show whose conditioning enhances its performance. Kristen Galvan, an Arenus Sales Specialist for the southeast, was also thrilled to meet Rodrigo. “It’s not often you get to meet someone who has made such an impact on the show jumping world,” she said.

Continue reading Rodrigo Pessoa and Champ 163 Win Arenus Performance and Conditioning Award during Third Week of the Winter Equestrian Festival →

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

Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival – Laura Kraut and Cedric Win The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award in Grand Prix

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Olympic stars Laura Kraut and Cedric won The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during the fourth week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Wellington, FL (February 8, 2011) – Winter Equestrian Festival veteran Laura Kraut, and her Gold Medal Olympic partner Cedric, not only cruised to victory in the $78,000 Adequan Grand Prix during the fourth week of WEF, but the pair also rode away with The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award. Sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, the award is presented to a horse with a successful performance due to their conditioning and fitness level.

Cedric, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Chambertin x Carolus Z and owned by Happy Hill Farm, proved he was fit and ready to be back in the winner’s circle when he bested 48 other entries to gallop away with the blue ribbon. Cedric, who competed with Kraut at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, recently enjoyed two months off and this class was his first return to the Grand Prix ring.

“Cedric is an amazing horse and The Sanctuary was thrilled to award Laura and Cedric with the Peak Performance Award. From his 2008 Olympic Gold Medal victory to his victory in this Grand Prix, Cedric has an extraordinary ability and is a great pleasure to watch. When he is galloping around the course it is easy to see that he is fit and well conditioned, which of course helps lead to his winning performance,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center. “We will be awarding six Peak Performance Awards during the Grand Prix’s at WEF and we want to congratulate Laura and Cedric on winning the first Peak Performance Award from The Sanctuary.”

Continue reading Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival – Laura Kraut and Cedric Win The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award in Grand Prix →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Equestrian Assistance, Eventing/H.T., FEI, USEA, USEF

USEF Helmet Rule Update: Executive Committee to Consider Changes Defining Application to Breed Competitions

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Steffen Peters wore a helmet during the Dressage Freestyle at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo by Shannon Brinkman/USEF Archive

Lexington, KY – The Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will meet to consider Extraordinary Rule Changes to clearly define the implementation of the Federation’s new helmet rule to breed competitions that offer dressage classes. The committee will meet later this month to discuss the changes, which will clarify the rule in the Andalusian, Arabian, Friesian and Morgan divisions of USEF Licensed Competitions.

To review the latest memo regarding the use of protective headgear for dressage, visit: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/HelmetMemo.pdf.

To reiterate the existing guidelines, please refer to the press release below, regarding the new helmet rules for dressage and eventing. To link directly to this press release online (for inclusion in an article), visit: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6569&star=true.

Lexington, KY – January 25, 2011 – The Board of Directors during this year’s United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting approved new helmet rules for riders in both eventing and dressage – just two weeks after dozens of stakeholders in equestrian sport met with the goal of improving rider safety across disciplines.

Continue reading USEF Helmet Rule Update: Executive Committee to Consider Changes Defining Application to Breed Competitions →

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR

Hope Greenfield Wins Everglades Dressage Adult Amateur High Score Award at Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI

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Hope Greenfield, of New Jersey, won the Everglades Dressage Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award with her horse Zuni at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI. Everglades Dressage Farm, and trainer Bethany Peslar of Wellington, sponsors the award. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 4, 2011) – The Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI may have been the biggest show of Hope Greenfield’s career, but that didn’t stop the New Jersey rider from earning the highest Adult Amateur score of the entire show. With a score of 69.714% in the USEF Second Level class aboard her Dutch horse Zuni, Greenfield rode away with the Everglades Dressage Overall High Score Adult Amateur Award at the show, sponsored by Everglades Dressage Farm and Bethany Peslar.

“I was thrilled with how my horse went. The whole weekend was really wonderful,” Greenfield said. “This is my first season to come to Florida and it is a big deal for me. It is much more competitive than what I am used to and this was, by far, the biggest show I have ever shown in.”

Greenfield said she has owned Zuni for a year-and-a-half and bought him because she thought he was a “nifty” horse. She trains with Lauren Sammis and last year sent Zuni to Florida with Sammis. “He’s a nice young horse that I wanted to start correctly so I sent him to Florida last year although I didn’t come down except for a few visits,” Greenfield said. “Zuni is a really fun horse and I was pleased with how he went during the show. I haven’t competed him since June or July so it was a great return to the show ring.”

Continue reading Hope Greenfield Wins Everglades Dressage Adult Amateur High Score Award at Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Events, Fundraisers, Polo, Show Jumping, Western/Reining

EAF Tetrathlon Raises More Than $100,000 for Equestrians in Need

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Winning Team FarmVet: Christian Currey, Ashley Holzer, Candice King, Whistle Uys. All photos (c) Phelps Photos

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Presenting sponsor FarmVet edged out Team MeadowView to win the 2011 Sidelines Tetrathlon Presented by FarmVet on Jan. 30, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. More than 500 people came together for an evening of friendly competition, great food and exceptional auction items, to raise more than $100,000 to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF). The EAF helps equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries during their time of need. The event was managed by Sean O’Keefe Events, which specializes in developing signature events for nonprofit organizations.

“It’s been more than three years since the last Sidelines Triathlon and we’ve successfully brought it back to a higher level of competition by adding the all-American sport of reining,” said R. Scot Evans, president of the EAF. “With the overwhelming support from the community for the vision of Sean O’Keefe of Sean O’Keefe Events, we were given the resources to create a fun-filled evening that also successfully raised necessary funds for those in the horse world who need our help.”

Tetrathlon Competition

Master of Ceremonies Brian Lookabill added commentary to the competition, which included dressage, show jumping, polo, and reining. Riders showed world-class talent as they performed in disciplines not their own.

Continue reading EAF Tetrathlon Raises More Than $100,000 for Equestrians in Need →

Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Events, JRPR

Lusitano Trainer Wins Premier Sportsmanship Award at International Horse Sport Palm Beach Dressage Show

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Lusitano trainer and competitor Cherri Reiber, shown aboard her Lusitano Sargon Interagro, won the Premier Sportsmanship Award at the International Horse Sport Palm Beach Dressage Show. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 4, 2011) – Dressage rider and trainer Cherri Reiber, who represented the United States at the 2000 World Cup, proved that she is not only a world-class athlete but also a good sport when she won the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the International Horse Sport Palm Beach Dressage Premier Show. Sponsored by Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, the Premier Sportsmanship Award is awarded to a rider who displays a high level of sportsmanship during a show.

Reiber, who is well known for training and competing Lusitanos, has proven she is unflappable under pressure while at a horse show, which helped Reiber clinch the sportsmanship award. Thanks to being a great sport, Reiber, who twice made it to the Olympic selection trials, rode away with a pair of German-designed Roeckl gloves from Premier Equestrian.

“Sportsmanship is very important in the show world and I am definitely honored to have been awarded the Premier Sportsmanship Award,” Reiber said, adding that she is also looking forward to presenting a Lusitano demonstration on February 19th for The Lusitano Collection at the Winter Equestrian Festival. “I was also pleased with how my new Lusitano, Sargon Interagro, did at the show. I just got him in June so we are still getting to know each other.”

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

Steffen Peters Fans Can Enjoy an Intimate Moment with the Dressage Star Thanks to a Custom Saddlery Video Interview

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Carol Cohen interviews Steffen Peters during the first Custom Moment. To view the “Custom Moment” video with Peters, visit www.mysaddle.com. (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (February 3, 2011) – Fans of World Equestrian Games Bronze Medalist Steffen Peters can now enjoy an intimate moment with the dressage star thanks to a “Custom Moment” video by Custom Saddlery. In the video produced for Custom Saddlery, makers of handcrafted custom-fit dressage, jumping and event saddles and an official sponsor of the United States Dressage Federation, Peters is interviewed and shares everything from what he eats for breakfast to whether or not he likes dogs.

Shot on location at Carol Cohen’s Two Swans Farm in Wellington, Florida, Peters shows off his sense of humor during the “Custom Moment” interview with Cohen. The video appears on the Custom Saddlery website, www.mysaddle.com, and on the Dressage-News.com website, www.dressage-news.com.

Cohen, who admits to being a Peters fan, shows her knack for interviewing and gets the dressage star to laugh and enjoy the moment. “The Custom Moment really is a personal look at the lives of our famous dressage riders,” Cohen said. “Interviewing Steffen was a great experience and he was really fantastic, relaxed, funny and completely approachable. Steffen has been coming to my farm to teach clinics for many years and I always enjoy the time I get to spend with him.”

Continue reading Steffen Peters Fans Can Enjoy an Intimate Moment with the Dressage Star Thanks to a Custom Saddlery Video Interview →

Awards, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events, Phelps Media Group

USET Foundation Recognizes Loyal and Generous Supporters

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USET Foundation President Jane Forbes Clark with the 25 Year Award recipients from the Gold Medal Club. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Wellington, FL – February 3, 2011 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to recognize the generous support of their Gold Medal Club (GMC) members. The Gold Medal club is the lifeblood of the USET Foundation, accounting for nearly 80% of individual contributions each year, and is comprised of members who contribute a minimum of $1,000 or more annually. On Friday, January 28, 2011, the Board of Trustees hosted a cocktail reception recognizing GMC Members that have made the USET Foundation a priority in their charitable giving for 10, 15, 25 and 30 years.

The GMC members have been a vital and essential source of support to the U.S. equestrian teams. For the last 10 years, the following GMC members have continued to generously support the USET Foundation: The Chronicle of the Horse, Suzanne Dansby Bollman, Brendan & Wendy Furlong, Elizabeth L. Johnson, Deborah Anne Levy, Mr. & Mrs. Southwood Morcott, Mr. & Mrs. J. David Page, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Rosalie & Bethany Peslar, Frank J. Ponzio, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Segal, H. Donnan Sharp, Gretchen Wallerich and Nancy Hamill Winter.

Receiving the 15 Year Award was the California Dressage Society, Armand & Alison Leone, Robert V. Lindsay, Mr. & Mrs. Walter McPhail, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Parsky, Mr. & Mrs. Mark P. Piwowar and Mr. & Mrs. Eric L. Straus.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group, Polo

Polo Patrons Join the Fight against Breast Cancer at the 10th Annual Challenge of the Americas

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Team International from the 2010 Challenge of the Americas Photo Credit: Susan Stickle

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2011 – Featuring more exciting equestrian performances than ever before, the Tenth Annual Challenge of the Americas will return to Wellington, FL, on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the beautiful International Polo Club Palm Beach. The evening will get underway at 5:00 p.m. and feature musical dressage team quadrilles and a new and exciting four on four polo challenge.  Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach the event will benefit Play for P.I.N.K (PFP), a partner of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Play for P.I.N.K, which stands for Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, and Knowledge, is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer.  PFP does this by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, shopping benefits, spa days and wine tastings.  PFPs commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to their partner The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Since 1996, PFP has donated $18,750,000 to BCRF.  Play for P.I.N.K and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation are proud to share the same vision: Find prevention and a cure in our lifetime.

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Jennifer Ward, Products/Services

Beval Saddlery Partners with JustWorld International as Official Retailer

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JustWorld signature products are available for purchase at Beval Saddlery.

January 31, 2011 – Wellington, Florida – Beval Saddlery has partnered with JustWorld International to carry the non-profit’s line of signature products.  JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children.

Beval will carry JustWorld signature products at its three permanent retail locations in Gladstone, NJ, New Canaan, CT, and North Salem, NY, as well as on-line at www.beval.com.  In addition, all merchandise is available in Beval’s 2,000 square foot retail boutique on-site at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds in Wellington, FL.

“JustWorld has a wide variety of merchandise, and it made sense to consolidate and have it easily available for purchase in a retail location,” said Mark Walter, Owner and President of Beval Saddlery.  “I admire what Jessica has done with the organization, and the Newman family have been long time customers, so it was a natural fit.  We are thrilled to be involved with JustWorld and to try to help out.”

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