Category Archives: Art/Photography

Art/Photography, Phelps Media Group

Suzie Burgess’s Life-Size Art to Be Featured at Temecula Valley National Horse Show

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Temecula, Calif. – Feb. 14, 2019 – With little more than two months until the first week of the flagship circuit, Nilforushan Equisport Events is ecstatic to announce that a series of exquisite life-size equestrian artworks from Suzie Burgess Art will adorn the VIP Tent at the Temecula Valley National Horse Show Series. A California-based painter renowned for her realistic depictions of horses, Burgess has graciously partnered with the Nilforushan management team to allow for a display of her beautiful pieces. Coupled with the thrilling sport and comfortable atmosphere that the Temecula Valley National Horse Shows foster, Burgess’s works will make the perfect addition to add to the appeal of the four-week long series.

“We are so thrilled to display Suzie’s incredible works inside of our VIP Tent at the upcoming horse show series. Much more than simply a way to enhance the venue, her equestrian works are captivating, and we expect them to be highlights and focal points of conversation, as they will surely draw eyes in the VIP space. I can’t wait for exhibitors and spectators to stand beside one of her life-size portraits and fall in love with them just as we have!” said Francie Nilforushan, one of the owners and managers of Nilforushan Equisport Events.

A lifelong horse lover, Burgess has transformed her passion into tangible results to become a growing name in the equestrian art sphere. Her masterpieces from various collections have been spotlighted at multiple showings on the West Coast, and her life-size portraits have most especially earned acclaim. An expert at completing realistic commissioned paintings as well as original work, Burgess is able to capture the intricacies of the equine spirit that can be enjoyed for lifetimes.

“My paintings enable the viewer to truly experience the horse on canvas. I paint these animals life-size, because I love being in their presence. Showing my work at Galway Downs is exciting to me because it’s a celebration of that mysterious connection we have with our horses, and what better place for these paintings to be viewed than around people who live and breathe that reality,” commented Suzie Burgess.

For more info please visit jump-nee.com or suzieburgessart.com.

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Enter Silver Charm’s Silver Anniversary Card Challenge

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Photo by Rick Capone.

It’s Silver Charm’s Silver Jubilee

On February 22nd dual-classic winner Silver Charm will turn 25, and we’d like you to help Old Friends celebrate this special milestone.

Silver Charm doesn’t care much for traditional gifts – shiny bling or etched keepsakes. But what better way to say Happy Birthday to a Hall of Famer than with a personalized greeting card?

Because we know all of his fans out there care enough to send the very best, we’re launching the Silver Charm Birthday Card Challenge!

Get out your construction paper, colored markers, Crayolas, finger paints, Black & Decker, or whatever artistic medium suits you best and create a birthday card befitting a Kentucky Derby Champion.

We will accept physical cards or those created in a digital format. A panel of Old Friends judges will award the best card in each category with an autographed picture of Silver Charm by Eclipse Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston.

Entries will be displayed and winners named at a special celebratory event at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown on Friday February 22nd from 1-4 pm.

The public is welcome to come and celebrate this very Silver Anniversary with us. Food and beverages will be served.

For more information: (502) 863-1775; www.oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Auctions, Racing

Hats Off to the Horses: Bint Marscay

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Honoring the life of our sweet BINT MARSCAY. Another gorgeous couture creation from Sally at MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. All proceeds benefit Old Friends. Special thanks to jockey Chris Landeros, his wife Shelby, and son Beckham for modeling. As always, thanks to chief photographer for Daily Racing Form and 6-time Eclipse Award winner, Barbara D. Livingston, for her stunning images. Auction ends Feb 11 at 8pm EST. These hats have raised over $35k for Old Friends!  Click to bid.

Click for more about this hat.

Click to learn about Bint Marscay.

Click to learn about the annual hat program.

For more information: (502) 863-1775; www.oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Awards, Community/Charity, Polo

13th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Honors Equine Photographer Diana De Rosa

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LOS ANGELES – February 21, 2019 – Professional equine photographer Diana De Rosa from Long Island, New York was presented with the 13th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee title in the sport category at the prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow streamed Saturday, November 10, 2018.

The live online gala was attended by over 17,000 photography fans around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the industry’s most important event for black and white photography. The 13th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from Penguin Random House, London; Contrasto Galleria, Milan; Young & Rubicam, Lima; Harper’s Bazaar, UK; Victoria Film Festival, Canada; Aeroplastics Contemporary, Brussels; Silvan Faessler Fine Art, Zurich; Time Inc., London; Galerie Hubert Winter, Vienna; Conny Dietzschold Galleries, Cologne; and Fratelli Alinari Photography Museum in Florence who honored Spider Fellows with 692 coveted title awards and 952 nominees in 32 categories.

“Once again, another stunning collection of high-quality entries both professional and amateur. It’s always inspiring to see this classic medium being stretched into new and interesting directions,” said juror Marcel Wijnen, Creative Director at Anthem Worldwide/Marque Branding in Sydney. Cultural Heritage Consultant Andrea de Polo from Fratelli Alinari Photography Museum in Florence added, “The quality of work is incredible and for the jury selecting the best images is very hard work.”

“It’s an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 6,404 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Diana De Rosa’s Polo Power, an exceptional image entered in the sport category, represents black and white photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present her with the title of Nominee.”

De Rosa is a veteran equestrian journalist, who has traveled the world and has recorded equestrian history for over 35 years. A language major in college, De Rosa went on to run a riding school, then was editor of an equine magazine for 13 years, and eventually focused on her writing and photography.  She has over 1000 published stories and photos to her credit.

She is the past president of the American Horse Publications and is on the Executive Board of the Press Club of Long Island.

A long-time member of The International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, De Rosa has been one of the few journalists to be credentialed to cover the past eight Olympic Games (including being on assignment for USA Today for the 1992 Olympics).  She has also covered or been on staff at every World Equestrian Games, numerous Pan American Games and World Cups.

Besides being a writer & photographer, De Rosa also does PR. Some past and present clients include the Hampton Classic, National and Washington International Horse Shows, USA Equestrian Trust, Healthy Horse Boutique, Running Wild, DreamWorks, the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, and 20th Century Fox.

For ten years De Rosa co-hosted the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show for the local Hamptons’ TV Station WVVH.  She also does some radio reporting and voiceovers.  De Rosa enjoys bringing life to her many equestrian stories through her camera lens and keyboard.  For eight years until his death on October 11, 2004, she worked with the famed Christopher Reeve.

De Rosa is co-organizer of the EQUUS Film Festival, which takes place annually in New York City, with tour stops around the US, including the 2017 World Cup in Omaha, NE and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, NC. She also spent part of the 2017 winter taking photos for the Equestrians Got Talent, Althea and at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL, which is where she captured this polo power moment.

De Rosa is a part time actress and a SAG-AFTRA union member. She has performed in parodies, music videos, was a side-kick on a cooking show, appeared on The Food Network, featured on Gotham and Oceans 8 and much more. De Rosa is single and calls home Huntington, LI, NY.

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography. www.thespiderawards.com

CONTACT: Press Link/Diana De Rosa, dderosa1@optonline.net, 516-848-4867

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Wellington Schools Unite for the Great Charity Challenge

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Palm Beach Central High School’s chalk art creation from 2017’s GCC.

Ringside Chalk Art Festival and Special Performance Pairs Young Talent and Philanthropy

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2019 – At the heart of the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL has welcomed local elementary, middle, and high schools for the last seven years, showcasing their talents to thousands of spectators during the twelve-week season. With the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival underway, this year’s initiatives have been announced. Additional to each school being individually featured during the season, all 12 schools will unite for the 2019 Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), on Saturday, February 2.

This year’s event theme of “We Are the World” will focus on promoting unity and celebrate the cultural differences in our community. A Ringside Chalk Art Festival, honoring young talent and Palm Beach County philanthropy, will celebrate, inspire, and encourage the creative expressions of the students and their teachers while empowering the participants of the 2019 GCC.

From horse statue decorations to mini-jump creations, the 12 public schools in Wellington have showcased their diversity and imagination via annual projects at PBIEC over the years. The proposed initiative is available for students in first through 12th grades.

Each Wellington school will be provided with a 4-foot by 6-foot giant chalkboard and have three hours to bring their creation to life, showcasing what the several charitable causes represented that evening means to them. A panel of judges composed of Carolina King, President of the Wellington Art Society (WAS), Leslie Pfeiffer, WAS Development Chair, Laurie Snow Hein, Award winning Florida Artist, and Jen Hernandez, local business owner of Art Cellar will facilitate the judging process and present the awards. The GCC guarantees a minimum of a $1,000 donation to each school’s art department for participating.

Furthermore, the choirs of Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School, under the leadership of Mr. Scott Houchins and Mr. Bradford Chase, respectively, will join forces in an unprecedented performance that is sure to leave the public inspired.

The 2019 GCC will distribute $1+ million to local charities. This year’s event is sure to entertain adults and children alike, with riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, featuring the theme “We Are the World.”

“On behalf of Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners, we look forward to welcoming the 2019 participants of the GCC as well as the Wellington public schools. Highlighting the power of partnerships in creating true change, the talent and imagination of the students joining us will remind us all that anyone can indeed ‘be the change they wish to see in the world,'” stated Paige Bellissimo.

The GCC, founded in 2010 by the Bellissimo family of Equestrian Sport Productions, has distributed $12.2 million from the equestrian community to more than 230 non-profits in Palm Beach County over the last nine years. The Wellington PTA/PTO is the only group to receive an automatic admission into the event every year and has received well over $480,000 to date.

The GCC competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival will offer free General Admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 2, 2019, at 6:00 PM. Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414.

For the latest event information, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greatcharitychallenge.

Art/Photography, Racing

Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to Derby 2019 Begins

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“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to Derby” 2019 kicks off with a new chapeau honoring an Old Friends retiree.

For the 10th consecutive year, Maggie Mae Designs® and Old Friends are teaming up for an unparalleled online shopping experience. “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” is a unique Derby-hat fundraiser featuring one-of-a-kind couture Derby hats created by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® to benefit Old Friends.

This new hat pays tribute to King Congie, a stakes winner who resides at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, N.Y., and it uses the yellow and black racing-silk colors of former owners West Point Thoroughbreds.

King Congie’s career ended following an injury in 2012. In 2016 he was rescued from a livestock auction by the Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, and with the help of West Point Thoroughbreds was retired to Old Friends at Cabin Creek.

This lovely hat was created out of black dupioni silk with layers and layers of organza. It’s highlighted by a bold yellow under brim, which adds a vibrant, colorful effect when the wearer’s face is upturned, and it is adorned with a delicate rose sculpted out of alternating layers of yellow silk and chocolate organza.

The “King Congie” chapeau is up for bid from January 2nd through January 12th. All proceeds from the sale go to Old Friends.

To Bid: CLICK HERE.

Special thanks to the Stronach Group’s Acacia Courtney for graciously modeling this month’s selection, and to Connie Bush of Tiger Eye Photography for her stunning images of Acacia and King Congie.

To read more about King Congie, the horse, please CLICK HERE.

For more information: (502) 863-1775; www.oldfriendsequine.org; michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Polo

British Polo Days Charity Exhibition Gets a Dose of Casares’ Photographic Style

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Oxfordshire, UK (November 6, 2018) – The sport of kings got a taste of art this summer, as a host of celebrities, royalty, and some of the best handicapped polo players in the world descended on the Black Bears Polo Club outside of London for the 2018 British Polo Days. An unprecedented social and sporting event, the stage for this prestigious charity polo exhibition was set by a selection of artwork, including a large print of Adolfo Cambiaso’s cloned champion polo mare, Dolfina Cuartetera B09, donated by photographer Ramon Casares. Known for his dramatically illuminated and detailed artistic animal and equine portraits, Casares has been photographing horses and wildlife for famous polo teams and conservation societies around the world.

As a family, the Cambiasos of La Dolfina Polo Team hosted the La Dolfina Sunset Polo and Gala during the Polo Days. Designed to raise funds and awareness for Prince Harry of England’s charity Sentebale, which supports mental health and well-being of children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana, the Polo Days exhibition featured some of the top players and patrons of polo in the world, including Pelon Stirling and Juan Martin Nero, ten goal handicapped players of La Dolfina Polo Team, Cambiaso’s patron Bob Jornayvaz, young talent in the form of Cambiaso’s son and daughter, Poroto and Mia, Prince Harry himself, and a slew of famous spectators including the newest member of the house of Windsor Meghan Markle and tennis superstar Serena Williams. The two exhibition games were also highlighted by exclusive parties and a large fireworks show.

Casares’ contribution of a fine art print of Cuartetera 09 scratches the surface of the artist’s support of both humanitarian causes and wildlife conservation. In addition to portraits of some of the world’s top polo and sport horses, his rescued wildlife series BROKEN highlights both rare and common rehabilitated species on multiple continents. The intimate portraits and stories behind each animal provide a captivating look at the power, fragility, and complexity of nature.

Building on influences from his background as a native of Argentina and career as an exotic animal caregiver at the country’s largest zoo, Casares expanded his photographic talents to include all species of creature, from human and equine to possum and crocodile. He has photographed animals from nearly every phylum, class, and order in the animal kingdom. With Casares Fine Art Photography appearing across the globe and garnering international acclaim, his images have captured the imagination of audiences at major media outlets and international art shows.

But despite his passion for the horses and traditional commissioned work, Casares’ portrait style images of nature’s rarest and most common species are the artist’s true accomplishment and calling card along with his trademark style devoid of background distractions and illuminated to detail each whisker, feather, or scale. Casares captures an essence with each image that underscores his own passion and vision as a photographer and conservationist. As a former keeper for the Buenos Aires Zoo, Casares was witness to the beauty, ferocity, and fragility of the animal kingdom firsthand. During the evolution of his photographic career, he began to visit wildlife rescues to document the plight of their patients. Realizing his images could generate support and awareness for those injured and recuperating commonplace species, as well as those who are in danger of extinction, Casares embarked on a mission to unite his talent for photography with his passion for conservation. Broken was the result.

Combining Casares’ distinctive artistic style and the plight of rescued animals, Broken is the final product of 3 years’ worth of photography, the resilience of each animal, and the selfless efforts of their rescuers. In the oversized fine art book, the saga of each animal is told beside their stunning and emotionally evocative images with the goal of bringing awareness to their struggle and rehabilitation. An ever-growing endeavor, Casares intends to expand the Broken: Rescued Wildlife Fine Art Project to multiple countries and continents to maximize awareness and resources for endangered wildlife.

For more information on Casares Fine Art Photography, visit www.RamonCasares.net.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, World Equestrian Games

EQUUS Film Festival to Showcase a Host of Equestrian Films at World Equestrian Games

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Tryon, NC – September 4, 2018 – The World Equine Expo™ (WEE) and the EQUUS Film Festival (EFF) presented by Mustang Leadership Partners are working together to bring a new experience for those attending this year’s FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018 from September 11-23 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Western North Carolina.

For the first time ever, equestrian-themed movies will be added into the mix of entertainment and activities at WEG, giving those from near and far the opportunity to watch films they may never have had the chance to see, ranging from documentaries to feature-length productions. From noon until 5:00 p.m. EST every day, beginning on the 11th and continuing through the 23rd, a variety of films, many related to the eight FEI disciplines showcased at WEG, will be featured in the all new EQUUS Theater located near Legends Plaza as part of the World Equine Expo™, thanks to presenting sponsor, Mustang Leadership Partners.

Evening programs will run from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. EST on all days except for September 11, 17, and 23.

A Sampling of the Films

The EFF will offer the opportunity for spectators and attendees a chance to not only see the top competitors vie for medals at this prestigious event, but enjoy a variety of movies about horses from all around the world.

Endurance riders will be featured in All the Wild Horses, highlighting an intense cross-country race that takes place in Mongolia. Enthusiasts of the sport of Driving will appreciate The Caravan, showcasing the journey of a five-month carriage trek across America. Dressage fans will enjoy learning the true story of Totilas, following this iconic athlete’s journey after his 2010 WEG Gold medal victory.

For those interested in Reining and Para-Dressage, It’s Reining and Para Reining will give an insider’s view of these fascinating and heart-warming disciplines. Eventers will want to see Riding High, which dives into the robust history of Eventing in Australia. Vaulters will love The Horse Dancer, a feature-film about the discipline Vaulting, starring two of the Canadian Vaulting team horses.

Harry and Snowman has become an instant classic and will be a thrill for fans of Jumping, as the story about the horse who after being saved from the slaughterhouse became a world champion, and Desert Flight, a love letter to the sport.

There will also be films for polo fans, because The Four Horsemen will get to the heart of the sport.

While this is only a sampling of the many films being shown, it doesn’t matter what discipline you enjoy because the 100+ films in 84 hours over the 13 days will appeal to any audience.

Thinking outside the Box

With the goal of creating a unique experience at a World Equestrian Games, leadership is thinking outside the box and incorporating new and different opportunities. Knowing that the six-year-old EQUUS Film Festival is all about national and international horse films, they invited founder, Lisa Diersen, and Co-Organizer, Diana De Rosa, to map out a plan to include horse films designed to entertain an audience that will be coming from all over the world.

Not only will those attending have the opportunity to witness fabulous films but also get a chance to meet over 35 of the filmmakers and equine movie stars up close and personal. In addition to the films, there will be filmmaker and Q&A panels on the Coca-Cola Stage and meet & greets outside the theater. Some of those attending will also be doing demonstrations.

“Misty was the first horse movie I fell in love with as a child and my love for horse films has never stopped. I feel honored to be able to share my passion with the world at this amazing event. Our filmmakers work tirelessly creating the wonderful films that we have in the EQUUS Film Festival collection. By bringing our equine movie star horses along with EFF authors and artists to the world stage in Tryon, the dream of sharing horse movies with the world is coming true! I’m grateful for my amazing EFF Co-Organizer Diana De Rosa and our EFF team; thank you all for helping to make this happen,” commented Diersen.

“As an equine journalist, I’ve covered eight Olympic Games and every World Equestrian Games and this will be my ninth. I join Lisa noting how excited we are for the over half million expected attendees to have the chance to see so many wonderful horse films,” added De Rosa.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the EQUUS Film Festival to the programming of the World Equine Expo during the inaugural year,” said Paige Bellissimo, Director of the World Equine Expo™. “The films and stories are inspirational and moving, aligning perfectly with what we’re showcasing at Tryon International Equestrian Center during the World Equine Expo as well as during the FEI World Equestrian Games. There’s an element to film that people are passionate about and integrating the love for horses and equestrian sport will be a welcomed addition to what we anticipate will be a fantastic Expo.”

Presenting Sponsor Mustang Leadership Partners

With the support of presenting sponsor, Mustang Leadership Partners, films at the ninth World Equestrian Games have become a reality, as they will be the key sponsor for the building of the EQUUS Theater where the films will be shown.

The Mustang Leadership Partners is part of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Tennessee’s first all-girls public charter school, which Sue Anne Wells founded in 2009. Realizing the powerful leadership lessons that mustangs can provide, Wells decided to launch an equestrian program. The students meet two hours each week and are challenged to make connections between their work with mustangs and their own lives. Wells will be at WEG with four mustangs and ten girls from the Academy.

Wells made the decision to become presenting sponsor after her film, When the Dust Settles, was shown at the Festival in 2017 where it won both the Wild Horse Full Length Documentary and Best of Festival about Wild Horses WINNIE Awards. This film shows the parallel struggles and triumphs that mustangs and disadvantaged girls from inner city Chattanooga have faced in their lives. It gave Wells a chance to realize that not only did she have a wonderful platform to showcase her film, but so did all the other hardworking filmmakers.

“Horses have become such a meaningful and essential part of these girls’ lives; seeing films that honor these animals will be life changing for them,” remarked Wells. “We all will enthusiastically celebrate the filmmakers who come from parts unknown to share their films with the World Equestrian Games’ audience.”

It’s Not Too Late to Watch World Class Competition and See a Host of Horse Films

If you haven’t already put this year’s FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 on your schedule, here’s your chance to not only watch the top equestrians in the world but also be entertained by some of the best horsemen. And in between be sure to stop at the EQUUS Theater to not only enjoy excellent films but to support the passionate work of the many filmmakers. Knowing you are taking the time to watch their film makes all the long hours and hard work worth it.

For a complete list of films being shown, the filmmakers and talent coming to support their films and those doing demonstrations, go to www.equusfilmfestival.net. For more about the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018, visit www.Tryon2018.com and http://www.fei.org/tryon-2018.

ABOUT THE EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL

Founded in 2013 by director Lisa Diersen and adding Diana De Rosa as co-organizer in 2015, the EQUUS Film Festival has grown into the “don’t miss” equestrian film industry event. In 2017, over 80 films were shown with the opportunity to win coveted WINNIE Awards for being the best in the herd, including Equestrian Art Film, Director, Documentary, Commercial, International, Music Video, People’s Choice and Best of Festival. EQUUS has also created WINNIE Award categories for Literature and Art, which has rounded out its commitment to being the home to the storytellers of the horse world.

Contact: Press Link
Phone: 516-848-4867
Email: dderosa1@optonline.net

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, World Equestrian Games

EQUUS Film Festival at World Equine Expo to Feature Inspiring and Educational Films

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TRYON, NC, USA – August 23, 2018 – The World Equine Expo™, hosted September 11-23, 2018 alongside the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG) at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), is set to host an abundance of diverse programming including a highlight piece featuring the Equus Film Festival, presented by the Mustang Leadership Partners, LLC. Access to the World Equine Expo™ and all programming is included with any WEG competition ticket, but Grounds Passes, which offer access to the general public facility grounds, can be purchased individually at www.Tryon2018.com for $20 per adult and $10 for children 3-12 years old, with free admission for children 2 years old and younger.

The EQUUS Film Festival, presented by Mustang Leadership Partners, LLC, will take place over the two weeks of the World Equine Expo™ airing inspiring, heart-warming, and informative films screened throughout each day. The festival will showcase films from 12:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. every hour, and then Featured Films will air each night from 6:00p.m. to 8:30p.m.

The Coca-Cola® Stage will also host an EQUUS Filmmakers Q&A each morning at 10:00a.m. and again at 5:00p.m. to discuss films aired throughout the day and featured films set to play each evening.

View the schedule of featured films and descriptions for each week below.

Week 1 Featured Films:

Wed. Sept. 12th: “Down the Fence” – 94 min – Each year, horse trainers journey to Reno, Nevada to compete for one of the most challenging equestrian championships in the world. For the trainers, winning means putting food on the table and hay in the barn for another year. For the world, it means another year of survival for a culture at risk and the continued refinement of the art of vaquero-style horsemanship that dates back to the first Spanish missions in California.

Thurs. Sept. 13th: “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem” – 70 min – The French equine artist and theatrical genius Bartabas presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem. Horses and riders from the formidable Academie Equestre de Versailles join forces with the Musiciens du Louvre, conducted by Marc Minkowski, the Salzburger Bachchor and ”an excellent quartet of soloists.” An absolute highlight of Salzburg’s Mozart Week with ”highest art of sound and riding.”

Fri. Sept. 14th: “The Story of Totilas” – 83 min – The most-talked about horse in the world came, saw, and conquered the Dressage world with his rider Edward Gal. Together they won the heart of millions all over the world, winning three titles at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ and setting multiple record scores in Kentucky in 2010.

Sat. Sept. 15th: “Healing with Horses” – 17 min – A documentary about a local mission with a global message, using vaulting horses to help with the healing process.

“When the Dust Settles” – 45 mins – The film shows how the struggles of wild horses mirror those of disadvantaged girls, resulting in an earned trust when they’re given an opportunity to prove their worthiness to the world.

Sun. Sept. 16th: “All the Wild Horses” – 90 min – “All the Wild Horses” follows five international riders from the USA, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, and the UK as they compete in the Mongol Derby horse race in Mongolia. This multi-horse, multi-station race over a 1000 kilometers of Mongolian steppe is the longest and toughest horse race on the planet. The riders are out on their own and navigate with GPS from horse station to horse station, where they change their horses every 40 kilometers.

Week 2 Featured Films:

Tues. Sept. 18th: “The Horse Dancer” – 114 min – When one of America’s most promising young gymnasts, Samantha Wick, is cut from the Olympic team, she decides to follow her dreams of horseback riding by joining a girl’s horse camp. With financial troubles threatening to shut the camp down, Samantha uses her gymnastic prowess to start an equestrian vaulting (“horse-dancing”) team to raise money and save the camp!

Wed. Sept. 19th: “Li’L Herc A Horse” – 7 min – “Li’l Herc”: The Power of Kindness shares how Li’l Herc helps ‘Marie’ heal from a difficult time in her life due to a lifelong illness. Because she is unable to run and play or even go to school, Marie feels “different” than other kids, and worries things may never change for her. “Li’l Herc” is based on Hercules, the real-life Lusitano bay colt. Li’l Herc is brought into Marie’s life by Frida to help Marie overcome her sadness and frustration.

“The Wild Ponies of Chincoteague” – 59 min – The ponies swam free of the sinking ship and reached the New World. Decedents of that lost band live today, wild and free, on the barrier island, Assateague, Virginia. The local fire company owns the herd now. To keep the population in check foals are auctioned each year. Sabrina Dobbins made a winning bid and took a pony home. For Sabrina it was a pivotal moment.

Thurs. Sept. 20th: “Golden Genes” – 53 min – Show jumping horses bred in the Netherlands are some of the best in the world. It is no coincidence that foreign riders won gold and silver medals in the Olympic Games of 2008 on Dutch horses. This is big business and passionate breeders have everything they need available in the Netherlands.

Fri. Sept. 21st: “Harry & Snowman” – 84 min – Dutch immigrant, Harry deLeyer, journeyed to the United States after World War II and developed a transformative relationship with a broken-down Amish plow horse he rescued off a slaughter truck bound for the glue factory. Harry paid 80 dollars for the horse and named him Snowman. In less than two years, Harry & Snowman went on to win the triple crown of show jumping, beating the nation’s blue bloods. They became famous and traveled around the world together. Their chance meeting at a Pennsylvania horse auction saved them both and crafted a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Eighty-six-year-old Harry tells their Cinderella love story firsthand, as he continues to train on today’s show jumping circuit.

Sat. Sept. 22nd: “The Caravan” – 110 min – An inside look aboard The Caravan where adventurers grapple with route-finding, mother nature & group dynamics in an epic horse-drawn experience across America. The film follows carriage drivers & horse riders who alter their lives for a five-month pilgrimage. Aged from 11 to 80, they travel from California to Florida over 2,500 miles. Gerard Paagman leads the group with his team of Friesian horses.

For more information and descriptions on all of the EQUUS Films and Featured Films, click here.

Learn more at www.Tryon.com.

Art/Photography, Breeds, Equinium Sports Mktg., Publications/Media

Interagro Lusitanos Exemplify the Iberian Horse in Spectacular Volume

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Photo courtesy of Gabriele Boiselle.

Itapira, SP, Brazil (July 31, 2018) – Interagro’s generations of Lusitano sporthorses are no strangers to the limelight: Interagro’s breeding stallions, brood mares, foals, yearlings, and competition horses have been featured on the covers of books, magazines, and calendars since the farm’s founding in 1975. As one of the most visually appealing equine breeds, the Lusitano and its Iberian counterparts are the focus of equestrian photographer Gabriele Boiselle’s latest volume, Andalusians & Lusitanos, which documents the breeds’ history, culture, tradition, and beauty within its nearly 300 pages. Interagro’s Brazilian stud and training center, along with the mares, foals, and stallions that call it home, earned it the prestige of being one of the featured Iberian strongholds Boiselle chose to represent the Puro Sangue Lusitano.

The Interagro Lusitano has been spotlighted on the pages of mainstream publications like Allure as well as equestrian publications like Dressage Today and Horseback Magazine. The beauty, history, and tradition of Interagro, as well as the international success of its horses, marks the farm and its equines as a unique mix of modern and classic. Boiselle depicts one of its exported stallions, Zero Interagro, currently performing upper level dressage in the US, as well as the mares and foals that roam Interagro’s 1,300 acres, a few of its foundation stallions standing in Brazil, and its competitive four-in-hand team of buckskin Lusitanos, who were recently featured on the cover of the German driving magazine, Pferd and Wagon. The black stallion Nordeste (SS), one of the most influential stallions in Interagro’s breeding program, also receives a full page spread depicting his beauty and nobility. Nordeste, who is currently retired from training but still actively breeding at Interagro, turned 24 years old this past March and exemplifies the qualities sought after by the Portuguese breeders, and has passed on his exceptional traits to hundreds of Interagro sporthorse athletes.

“The Iberian horse has always fascinated and inspired me,” said Boiselle. “I have traveled the world looking for special horses to capture the beauty and nobility of the breed.”

A synopsis of the volume reads: The book is intended as a tribute to the Iberian horse. Whether Pura Raza Española or Puro Sangue Lusitano, there is something very special about all of them because they exude that incredible magic of a royal baroque horse: compact elegance and fiery temperament. Those magnificent big eyes reflect the unique character and enormous confidence of these noble horses. For centuries they have been enchanting human beings with their exuberance, their long, flowing manes and their majestic appearance. Anyone who has ever been to the “Feria del Caballo” in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), or the “Feira Nacional do Cavalo” in Golegã (Portugal) begins to realise that what they see here is much more than beautiful horses, in fact they are looking at a complete riding culture which extends back over centuries and is still well preserved today. There is nowhere else in the world where the tradition of horse breeding is as well nurtured and preserved as in Portugal and Spain, particularly in Andalusia. For many years I have felt a strong attraction towards Iberian horses, so I visit the studs frequently and many of the breeders have become good friends. It is always a great honour for me to photograph their horses and to join them in appreciation of their sheer beauty.

With over 40 years of experience breeding, training, and exporting Lusitanos, Interagro’s mission is to preserve the exceptional bloodlines and qualities of the breed while showcasing their talent, beauty, and intelligence, especially in the FEI and sport horse disciplines. Established in 1975 by Dr. Paulo Gavião Gonzaga, Interagro’s initial vision was to preserve and restore the original foundational Lusitano bloodlines and lineages, many of which were in danger of extinction following the Portuguese Revolution of 1974. Through meticulous breeding, exceptional care, and world-class training, the Interagro Lusitanos of today continue that legacy as they compete across four continents.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992