Category Archives: Publications/Media

Art/Photography, Breeds, Publications/Media

Fellini Interagro Graces Fall Cover of Equine America

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Wellington, FL (December 12, 2019) – Lusitano stallion and FEI dressage competitor Fellini Interagro was the latest face of the 2019 fall issue of Equine America, a magazine dedicated to documenting the progress of American equestrianism. Fellini, who was born, bred, and is currently standing in Brazil, was photographed during his 2018 FEI tour of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The jet black stallion’s portrait was created by the discerning eye of artist, photographer, and conservationist Ramon Casares.

Known for his chiaroscuro images of equines and rehabilitated wildlife, Casares’ image of Fellini accents his use of light, shadow, and texture to conjure an ultra-detailed, engaging image. Fellini’s Casares cover was accented by Equine America‘s story on Lusitanos in the United States; Interagro is the world’s largest breeder and exporter of Lusitano sporthorses, with over 300 exported to the US in the past 30 years.

Fellini debuted internationally in the Small Tour at the 2018 Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida and represents a blending of two of the most proven and decorated dressage bloodlines in Interagro’s breeding program (Nirvana Interagro x Ofensor (MV)). His return to Brazil to contribute to Interagro’s famed breeding program, and subsequently the quality of future Lusitano generations to be imported to the US, has resulted in a first crop of foals on the ground in the summer of 2018, including Oblata Interagro, a buckskin filly out of the talented Carmelita Interagro. Oblata was sold during the 2019 Interagro Yearling Auction this past summer.

Fellini’s portrait from Casares follows in a long line of rescued wildlife and sport horse portraits that have defined the photographer’s work. 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. Casares’ portrait style images of nature’s rarest and most common species are the artist’s true accomplishment and calling card. His trademark style is devoid of background distractions and illuminated to detail each whisker, feather, or scale. Realizing his images could generate support and awareness for 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.

Equine America (EQ AM) is dedicated to expanding awareness of all America has to offer in horse sport. The magazine was founded in 2018 by a disabled combat veteran who medically retired from the U.S. Army after 17 years of service as a helicopter pilot and JAG attorney. The publication’s content focuses on a patriotic spirit positively infused into EQ AM’s pages.

For more information in Equine America (EQ AM), visit their website: www.eq-am.com.

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:
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Dressage, Driving, Publications/Media, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Olympia Announces Live TV and Streaming Schedule

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Olympia, The London International Horse Show announced the live TV broadcast and streaming schedule which will take the Show out beyond the four walls of the Olympia halls. High viewing demand is anticipated for the Show which has eight of the world’s top ten show jumpers lined up to compete including British number ones and Olympic Gold medalists Ben Maher (jumping) and Charlotte Dujardin (dressage). Olympia continues to be the most watched show jumping event in the UK.

Olympia Show Director, Simon-Brooks Ward, said: “We are grateful for the BBC’s continued support of the Show. Over the years their coverage has provided an important platform for equestrian sport in the country and is not only hugely beneficial for the Show but for equestrian sport as a whole.

“This year the competition is shaping up to be better than ever and we hope the extensive viewing opportunities on offer will allow fans from around the world to be involved in what is truly a festive equestrian extravaganza.”

Live Coverage

In the UK, the BBC will be showing over 14 hours of live coverage on BBC Two and on their online platforms including the Red Button.

For those wanting to watch live from outside the UK:

All FEI World Cup™ classes can be viewed internationally on FEI TV.

In the US and Canada the full programme of classes with the exception of the FEI World Cup™ classes will be available on Horse & Country TV.

In Scandinavia, the full programme of classes, with the exception of the FEI World Cup™ classes will be shown on Riders Live TV.

To purchase tickets for Olympia, please visit www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Global Champions Tour, Phelps Media Group, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Highlights from GCL Super Cup and LGCT Super Grand Prix on Horse & Country TV

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Ben Maher and Explosion W. Photo by LGCT/Stefano Grasso.

Prague, Czech Republic – Nov. 29, 2019 – Show jumping fans will be able to enjoy an exciting evening of thrilling sport Saturday as Horse & Country TV (H&C TV) will air highlights of both the Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup and the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix back-to-back on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m. EST.

Hosted in the historic Czech capital Prague, also known as “the city of spires”, the awe-inspiring championship format saw top competition over four days in the O2 Arena with over 14,000 spectators. From dramatic entrances to dazzling pyrotechnic shows and top entertainment, the Global Champions Prague Playoffs was one of the year’s most thrilling equestrian events.

With a €6.4 million purse on the line, the GCL Super Cup was an intense battle for the top spot on the leaderboard. At the end of the four rounds of action, it was the Shanghai Swans who delivered stand-out performances to walk away with the lion’s share. The winning team was made up by Sweden’s Peder Fredricson on H&M Christian K, Germany’s Daniel Deusser on Jasmien vd Bisschop, and Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer on Cortney Cox. The full roster of the Shanghai Swans team included Shane Sweetnam, Kim Emmen, and Alexandra Thornton.

“The pressure was on and it was really exciting competition,” Fredricson said. “It was three riders on each team with no drop score – so much could happen. The best horses are here with the best riders, and it was two big courses. It was hard work but we’re finally in the spot we wanted. I didn’t believe it!”

Don’t miss the exciting action of the GCL Super Cup and find out how the other top teams including the Paris Panthers, Cannes Stars, Madrid in Motion, and Monaco Aces performed at the penultimate conclusion of the tour’s season.

Following the highlights from the GCL Super Cup and kicking off at 8:30 p.m. EST on Saturday will be the epic individual finale, the €1.25 million LGCT Super Grand Prix. The competitors earned an invitation to compete in the class in Prague if they won one of the grand prix events earlier in the series or they had the chance to qualify by placing second or third in grand prix events throughout the year. The pressure was on during the LGCT Super Grand Prix as 18 world-class combinations navigated two rounds of a challenging course with the results still up for grabs until the last rider cleared the final fence.

It was Great Britain’s Ben Maher who proved to be unstoppable once again with his talented stallion, Explosion W. The pair won the league’s overall championship last year after solidifying the win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* and they have continued to dominate the series winning the overall 2019 LGCT championship for a second consecutive year after their stand out performance at the LGCT Grand Prix of New York CSI5* in September.

“[It was] amazing sport with top horses and riders in the world,” Maher said. “It is an amazing feeling to be able to win here with this horse and the people who are around me to make this possible. [He’s] magic. No words can explain him – what he has done over the past two years and how he has learned. He proved how good he is tonight.”

Joining Maher on the podium was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Balou du Reventon in second place while Martin Fuchs of Switzerland rode Clooney 51 into third.

If you missed any of the action from Prague or just want to relive the spectacular performances, join H&C TV to watch the exciting highlights!

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

*Featured/Spotlights, Equine Assisted Therapy, Publications/Media

Book Release of Mercury & Sirius

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Just because we are different doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. We just need to care about each other. That is the magical message of real-life best friends Mercury and Sirius, a miniature therapy horse and his canine companion.

Therapy horse Mercury works with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, one of the largest equine therapy programs in the world. The therapy horses were called in to comfort survivors and first responders of the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, and the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. They helped the tornado survivors of Moore, OK, victims of the fires in Gatlinburg, TN, families in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, and they visit thousands of patients in children’s and veterans’ hospitals across the country each year.  A multiple award winning, 501(c)(3), the charity is celebrating over 20 years of service and brings love to more than 25,000 adults and children a year.

The therapy horses also “bring books to life” for thousands of children each year inside schools, libraries, mentoring programs, at literacy events, and at education resource centers in high crime neighborhoods. Gentle Carousel’s literacy program has a special focus on at-risk readers.

The heartwarming friendship between Mercury and Sirius has been featured in national magazines and on television programs. Now they have a beautiful children’s book scheduled for release on November 15, 2019.  Mercury & Sirius is currently available for pre-order on Amazon (Prime), Barnes and Noble, and other top booksellers.

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
www.gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com
352-226-9009

Community/Charity, Publications/Media, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Top Stars to Sign USET Foundation’s “Riding for the Team” Book at WIHS

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Olympic show jumper Margie Engle on her pony at five years old.

Gladstone, NJ – The U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation announces a unique opportunity for fans of equestrian sport with a book signing for the coffee table-style book, Riding for the Team, at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on Saturday, October 26, at 6:15 p.m.

The 302-page hardback volume contains memories, images, and stories from 47 top riders and drivers in all eight international equestrian disciplines who competed and won medals for the U.S. over the last 30 years, including show jumping stars like McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Margie Engle, and more.

Copies of Riding for the Team will be available for purchase at WIHS at the US Equestrian booth on the concourse of the Capital One Arena and will be sold in line during the autograph signing. Some of the riders featured in the book will join fans next to the Land Rover booth on the concourse on Saturday night of WIHS to sign copies of the book.

In the book, McLain Ward recounts just what went through his mind at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as he walked into the ring knowing that the U.S. team’s medal depended on his performance. “[I] took a moment to tell myself, ‘Okay, it’s a little bit disappointing. But now there’s a job to be done, and I have to focus on the things I can control and let the bigger outcome sort itself out.’” Ward gives readers of the book an insightful glimpse into the mental aspect of the sport.

Renowned equestrian journalist Nancy Jaffer compiled and edited the first-person accounts from the athletes for Riding for the Team. Along with stories of athletes at major games competition, the book features fantastic photographs, including behind-the-scenes moments and images of top riders in their younger years, such as Margie Engle’s pony ride as a five-year-old and Phillip Dutton in his Australian Pony Club days.

“The compelling stories collected in this volume, as told by the athletes who have become part of equestrian history, demonstrate how to make dreams reality, while acknowledging sacrifice as the other side of achievement,” Jaffer writes in the opening introduction. “Those who compete at the highest level share several characteristics in addition to the love and appreciation of the horse. All have demonstrated singular focus to achieve excellence, putting aside other pursuits as they strive to represent their country.”

The book is a sequel to Riding for America, published in 1990 and also compiled by Jaffer. Riding for America highlighted key figures on the American equestrian scene from 1976 to 1990. It followed the tradition of the 1976 volume, The USET Book of Riding: The First Quarter Century of the USET, which was produced by the late USET chairman emeritus and Olympic show jumping gold medalist, Bill Steinkraus.

Published by Trafalgar Square Books, Riding for the Team is available for pre-order on the USET Foundation website. A rare opportunity to learn more about the stars of American equestrian sport, the book also makes an excellent gift and is sure to be a treasured addition to any horseman’s library.

Proceeds benefit the USET Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide funding for the High Performance competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing athletes and horses in partnership with the national federation, US Equestrian.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Publications/Media

Olympic Superstar Valegro Stars in Exclusive Documentary on Horse & Country TV

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Wellington, Fla. – Sept. 19, 2019 – Featuring the dressage superstar Valegro on the screen for fans around the world to enjoy, Valegro: Sculpting the Legend is now available on demand only on Horse & Country TV. The exclusive documentary tells the heartwarming story of the citizens of Gloucestershire, England and their inspiration to honor Valegro with a bronze sculpture.

In November of 2017, Valegro’s hometown of Newent celebrated one of the world’s most famous horses with the launch of a project that would commemorate his brilliance for years to come. A half life-size bronze statue of Valegro was to be constructed to proudly stand in the center of the Gloucestershire market town, in celebration of the gelding’s achievements representing Great Britain.

The film highlights the creation of the half life-size bronze statue, designed and commissioned by world renowned equine sculptor, Georgie Welch, who was also tasked with producing 12 limited-edition bronze miniature models. Each of the smaller sculptures, which stands around 11 inches high, will be sold and one raffled in order to raise funds for the exciting masterpiece.

In partnership with Charlotte Dujardin, Valegro, who is owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard, has accumulated three Olympic gold medals and hold multiple world records in all three divisions: the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Freestyle, and the Grand Prix Special. Great Britain’s equestrian dream team of Dujardin and Valegro closed the competitive chapter of their partnership at a retirement ceremony held at the CDI-W London Olympia Horse Show in 2016, but the excitement of their performances is still talked about around the world.

Welch takes viewers through the various processes of making the miniature bronzes before sitting down with Hester, Dujardin, and the other people involved in the project for interviews, in addition to paying a visit to Valegro himself.

“Valegro was a horse of a lifetime – he is a complete legend,” his rider, Charlotte Dujardin, stated. “This lovely documentary gives a fascinating insight into the horse that had brought so much global awareness to the sport of dressage and has a place in my heart forever, as well as for many of you.”

To mark the start of the project, Valegro, Dujardin, and his groom, Alan Davies, made an appearance to the town center, meeting some of the locals who would enjoy the iconic structure for years to come.

Don’t miss out on this exclusive behind the scenes look at the process that has gone into Valegro’s sculpture, recognizing the dressage legend’s achievements. Head on over to Horse & Country TV to subscribe and watch the event’s highlight show to see their podium finishes.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Publications/Media

Horse & Country TV to Air Thrilling Highlights from Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials

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Pippa Funnell (GBR) and MGH Grafton Street.

Lincolnshire, UK – Sept. 13, 2019 – As one of the world’s greatest 5* equestrian events, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials draws the world’s leading event riders and enormous crowds of spectators to Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire for the annual four-day event. Claiming the coveted trophy for the second time in history was Britain’s Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street, emerging victorious by a mere 0.1 of a penalty. While the live action took place from Sept. 5 to 8, Horse & Country TV (H&C TV)’s highlight show featuring Funnell’s winning ride as well as the other top performances, including exciting finishes from the American contingency, will air on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST.

Join H&C TV and watch the thrilling events transpire as British riders swept the competition in front of their home crowd. Never lacking excitement, the 2019 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials feature a down-to-the-wire final show jumping phase with a field of talented athletes and horses in hot pursuit of the winning title.

Sixteen years after her first win in the 2003 Burghley Horse Trials abroad Primmore’s Pride, Funnell made her return to the top, this time aboard Jonathan and Jane Clark’s MGH Grafton Street. Funnell and the 11-year-old gelding received an impressive dressage score of 22.8 to lead the standings going into the final show jumping phase. Although the pair lowered a rail at fence eight, their determination to remain in the lead was rewarded when they clinched the overall win with an impressive score of 30.8.

“It’s been such an amazing journey and hopefully it will continue, but it’s the horses that have kept me going,” said Funnell. “He’s not the best show jumper but I’ve always been convinced he had a big win in him – what an incredible two weeks with this and the Europeans.”

Hot on the heels of Funnell was Piggy French and Vanir Kamira, who won the 2019 Badminton Horse Trials in May, and Oliver Townend on Ballaghmor Class, who won the 2017 Burghley Horse Trials.

Eleven horse-and-athlete combinations represented the United States throughout the competition with Lauren Kieffer and Ariel Grald earning top 10 finishes. Don’t miss out on the exhilarating highlights of this premier equestrian event, airing on Horse & Country TV on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Publications/Media, Western/Reining

Because of Horses Podcast Celebrates Its 100th Episode with Reiner Shawn Flarida Friday, Sept. 13

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Shawn Flarida’s name is synonymous with the sport of reining. One of the most successful reiners in the world, Shawn won five World Equestrian Games gold medals, is a nine-time winner of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and in 2017 became the first reiner to break the $6 million mark in winnings.

Shawn produces horses for Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic competition, as well as mounts for Non-Pros and Youth Riders. In choosing his horses, Shawn believes that the mind, body, and heart are keys to a great reining horse. He has partnered with dozens of top horses, including Wimpy’s Little Step, Wimpy’s Little Chic, KR Lil Conquistador, and Spooks Gotta Whiz, all of whom have helped him to build a comprehensive resume which includes all the sport’s top jewels.

Every horse or rider who trains at Shawn Flarida Reiners in Springfield, Ohio receives his best, no matter what their goals. He is especially dedicated to helping young riders progress within the sport, taking students from Rookie to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Reining Championships.

Shawn credits his success to the support of his family. He knew he wanted to be a horse trainer from a young age and was mentored and encouraged by his father, Bill. Shawn turned pro right out of high school, spending two years working for older brother Mike before striking out on his own. Shawn’s wife Michele helps keep the business running smoothly, while son Sam is an up-and-coming reining competitor. His parents Betty and Bill still support Shawn at shows, and Bill continues to offer friendly advice from the sidelines.

“We can’t believe this will be our 100th Because of Horses podcast episode. It is truly a labor of love. Thank you to all our loyal listeners. We appreciate your kind words and comments and love hearing from you!” — Elise Gaston Chand, Because of Horses host

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Old Friends Hosts Dr. Seuss Kids’ Weekend

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GEORGETOWN, KY – August 30, 2019 – Old Friends, The Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, will host a children’s reading and art event highlighted by the newly published Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum (Penguin Random House), for two weekends in September.

The events, to be held Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 and again on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, from 2 pm to 4 pm, will welcome children ages six to 10 for a horse-themed afternoon featuring a book reading, an arts & craft session, a visit to Old Friends’ own “Horse Museum,” and a short interactive farm tour to introduce youngsters to some of the farm’s most famous equine athletes, including two winners of the Kentucky Derby.

Participating kids will also receive a gift bag that includes a copy of the new Seuss book and other related goodies.

“This new book offers Old Friends an opportunity to have a focused children’s event, something we’ve not really had the opportunity to do,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “We hope this will not only encourage reading and creativity, but at the same time teach children about the long-term care of horses and other animals, and, of course, raise awareness of our farm and its mission.”

Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum is a never-before-published Dr. Seuss book about creating and looking at art. This book is like a visit to a museum – with a horse as your guide.

While beloved children’s book author Theodor Geisel — AKA Dr. Seuss — passed away in 1991, this new book is based on a manuscript and sketches discovered in 2013. Taking inspiration from these original sketches, acclaimed illustrator Andrew Joyner has created a look that is both subtly Seussian and his own.

His whimsical illustrations are combined with “real-life” paintings by such artists as Picasso, Alexander Calder, and Jackson Pollock, among others. The book also features cameo appearances by classic Dr. Seuss characters, among them the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Horton the Elephant.

Fifty (50) seats are available for each session of the Dr. Seuss Horse Museum event at Old Friends Farm, and the cost is $35 per child. Reservations are required (no walk-ins please) and are being accepted now. To reserve, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit the farm at 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY. Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Payment is required in advance of event (cash, checks, and all major credit cards accepted). Payments can be made by phone, by mail, or in person at the farm.

Old Friends is a Thoroughbred retirement farm based in Georgetown, KY. The non-profit organization cares for over 200 retired and rescued horses, including breeding stallions. Among the famous residents are 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners Silver Charm and War Emblem. The farm is open to the public for tours daily by appointment.

For more information, visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (502) 863-1775, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; or Barbara Fossum, (502) 863-1775, barbara@oldfriendsequine.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Art/Photography, Publications/Media

Award-Winning Equestrian Journalist Diana De Rosa to Visit Because of Horses Friday, May 24

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Photo courtesy of Diana De Rosa.

For over 35 years, veteran equestrian journalist, photographer, and public relations maven Diana De Rosa has covered equestrian sport around the world, including the past eight Olympic Games, all eight World Equestrian Games, several Pan Am Games, and FEI World Cups. Diana enjoys creating richly told stories through photography and writing and has over 1,000 published credits to her name.

Diana is the owner of Press Link, a public relations firm based in Farmingdale, New York. Her past and present clients include the Hampton Classic, National and Washington International Horse Shows, USA Equestrian Trust, Healthy Horse Boutique, Running Wild, Dream Works, the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, and Twentieth Century Fox. Diana worked with the late actor Christopher Reeve for eight years before his death in 2004.

A past president of American Horse Publications, Diana is also a longtime member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. She currently is on the executive board of the Press Club of Long Island. Diana’s work has taken her to 30 countries and has even led to a stint in front of the camera when she co-hosted the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show for local TV station WVVH. She was presented with the 2005 US Equestrian Federation Media Award for Photography in recognition of a photo of show jumper Peter Wylde and Fein Cera competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Diana dedicated her win to Reeve.

Diana is the co-organizer of the EQUUS Film Festival, held annually in New York City with tour stops around the United States. Notable recent tour appearances by the Festival included the 2017 World Cup in Omaha, Nebraska and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

Diana is a former riding school manager and a graduate of SUNY Albany, where she studied languages.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.