Category Archives: Awards

Awards, Community/Charity

Rio Olympic Champion Nick Skelton Takes Top FEI Award

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(Left to right): Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines’ Vice President and Head of International Marketing, Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA), FEI Honorary President, HRH Princess Haya, FEI President Ingmar De Vos, Sönke Rothenberger (GER), Moroccan Secretary General, Badr Fakir accompanied by traditional Japanese Taiko drummers. (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

Tokyo (JPN), 22 November 2016 – Rio 2016 Olympic Jumping champion Nick Skelton (GBR) added another major accolade to his collection when he was declared the winner of the top prize at the prestigious 2016 FEI Awards gala dinner in Tokyo (JPN), in the presence of guest of honour, FEI Honorary President, HRH Princess Haya.

Nick Skelton won the coveted FEI Best Athlete honour at the “Oscars of the equestrian world” presented in association with the FEI’s top partner Longines, at the Park Tower Hotel. The FEI Awards celebrate the excellence, commitment, dedication and courage of those in equestrian sport, and the glittering ceremony also saw Nick’s groom Mark Beever (GBR) declared winner of the FEI Best Groom award.

In recognition of outstanding efforts in what has been another exceptional sporting year, the ceremony kick-started with the presentation of the Longines Rising Star award going to Sönke Rothenberger (GER), an award honouring the pursuit of excellence and rising talent for a person aged 14 to 21. Along with his FEI award, Sönke Rothenberger was also presented with a Longines Conquest Classic watch.

Brazil’s Rodolpho Riskalla took home the Against All Odds award, while the FEI Solidarity award went to the Morocco National Federation/SA Charif Moulay Abdellah Alaoui, President of the Royal Moroccan Federation for Equestrian Sports.  This award was accepted on behalf of the Federation by the Moroccan Secretary General, Badr Fakir.

Hosted by joint Master of Ceremonies Liz Price (GBR) and the Athens 2004 Olympic hammer champion Koji Murofushi (JPN), now Sports Director for Tokyo 2020, the FEI Awards gala ceremony was watched by more than 300 distinguished guests, National Federation representatives, FEI partners, VIPs and international media.

“The FEI Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of those who deserve the recognition, not just of our community but of the wider sports industry, and we’ve had five fantastic award winners tonight,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “These talented and dedicated athletes and individuals constantly inspire future generations of athletes, and not just equestrian athletes, and can literally change lives and communities. The FEI is very proud to honour and acknowledge these achievements.”

Longines’ Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli, who presented the Longines Rising Star award during the ceremony, said: “It is my great pleasure to be here this evening and to be a part of the FEI Awards’ celebration of these great equestrian heroes. As we have seen here tonight, all of the winners have shown what hard work and dedication are all about. They are champions that we can be very proud of.

“On behalf of Longines, I extend my warmest congratulations to tonight’s winners, and in particular our Longines Rising Star, Sönke Rothenberger. It’s very exciting to see all these incredible people pursue their dreams and continue to be great ambassadors for their sport.”

The five categories in the FEI Awards 2016 attracted a record number of nominations from the public, giving the judging panel an extremely hard task to select the final winners. Chaired by Japanese Olympic Committee President and FEI Honorary Vice-President Tsunekazu Takeda, the judging panel also included the FEI President Ingmar de Vos (BEL), Longines Vice President, Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli (SUI), last year’s best athlete Boyd Exell (AUS), President of the Swaziland National Federation Glenda Warburton (SWZ), FEI Awards Against All Odds winner in 2010 Angelika Trabert (GER) and British television presenter Liz Price.

The evening’s celebrations had opened with a presentation made by Juan-Carlos Capelli to the FEI President Ingmar De Vos of a limited series timepiece from the Longines equestrian collection, the Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Horses Trio 1911. This special presentation was made on behalf of the Swiss watchmaker to celebrate their 105-year commitment to the discipline of Jumping. The exclusive 18 carat rose gold timepiece will be permanently showcased in the state-of-the-art interactive gallery at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI).

Find out more about the five FEI Award winners below:

LONGINES RISING STAR – Sönke Rothenberger (GER)

Sönke Rothenberger and his mount Cosmo were the youngest combination competing in the Olympic Dressage at Rio 2016, with a combined age of just 30, but they claimed team gold for Germany on their Olympic debut! Rothenberger’s other major achievements include: member of the winning German team at CDIO5* Aachen 2016, German Young Riders champion 2014, European Young Riders team gold and individual bronze 2014, European Ponies team gold and individual silver 2009, European Ponies double gold 2008 in Avenches, European Ponies team gold and individual bronze 2007.

“To receive this award is a great honour for me,” he said. “There are so many other people who would deserve this, but to be the one who receives it – well it’s just amazing and the icing on the cake for everything we have experienced this year. I am really surprised and thankful and never expected that the FEI would honour me with this prize. Thank you again very much.”

BEST ATHLETE – Nick Skelton (GBR)

Individual Olympic Jumping gold medallist at Rio 2016 with the great horse Big Star, Nick Skelton began riding at the age of 18 months. In 1975 he took team silver and individual gold at the FEI European Jumping Championships for Juniors. At senior European level, he has won three gold, three silver and three bronze medals with the British team over a 26-year time period. In 1980 he competed in the Alternative Olympics in Rotterdam (NED) where he was a member of the British silver medal team. At the age of 54, Skelton was part of Britain’s gold medal team at the London 2012 Olympic Games and finally claimed individual gold in Rio, at his seventh Olympic Games.

Skelton broke his neck in September 2000 which could have ended his career, but after retiring in 2001 he recovered and began competing again in 2002. He has also had a hip replacement and two knee operations.

“I would like to thank the FEI for this most fabulous award,” he said. “I’ve had an incredible year and this award makes it even better. I would like to thank the team that is behind me and Big Star for all their hard work and patience.”

BEST GROOM – Mark Beever (GBR)

Nick Skelton’s loyal groom Mark Beever received multiple nominations (the most in this category) from other grooms, riders and the larger equestrian community. His loyalty and dedication to his boss is clearly evident as he’s worked for him for 31 years! Beever has groomed at numerous Championships and Olympic Games, and knows how to keep both horse and rider relaxed. His skill, knowledge and incredible work ethic means his horses always look outstanding, and he was instrumental in ensuring Big Star was fit and in prime condition for the Olympic Games in Rio. Beever is very well respected by his peers and his dedication to Big Star is beyond question, as he caters to his every need, ensuring the horse is happy and settled down before he looks after himself. Most importantly, Skelton has full confidence in Beever’s ability to care for his horses.

“I would just like to say thanks to everybody that voted for me,” he said. “It’s not just all about me. It’s a big team, a lot of hard work, but it all paid off in the end. Thank you to everybody and the FEI for doing this for me.”

FEI SOLIDARITY – Moroccan National Federation / SA Charif Moulay Abdellah Alaoui, President of the Royal Moroccan Federation for Equestrian Sports

The Moroccan Equestrian Federation were popular nominees in this category and even received full endorsement from the FEI Solidarity team at FEI Headquarters complimenting them on their proactive stance on development and their successes in 2016. They represent a concrete example of development in equestrian sport with all the necessary ingredients – development of the National Federation structures, Coach education, Athletes training, values, and particularly horse welfare. They have developed a state-of-the-art national training and competition centre – the Institut National du Cheval. They were hosts of the FEI World Jumping Challenge Final 2016, which was a tremendous success, and hailed as the best-ever Challenge Final, from both an organisational and sporting standpoint. This year they had their first-ever participation of a Moroccan athlete at the equestrian events of the Olympic Games when Abdelkebir Ouaddar competed at Rio 2016. The Federation has created solid foundations for the development of the sport and related employment in the sport in Morocco, as well as increasing awareness and promotion of the sport nationally and regionally. Education and knowledge transfer, and assistance to local breeders is also a priority.

“My Federation is very honoured to have received the FEI Solidarity award this evening,” Prince Moulay Abdellah Alaoui said. “Thank you very much; we are very touched and very humbled by the award we are receiving today.”

AGAINST ALL ODDS – Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA)

Multiple nominations were received for Rodolpho Riskalla, winner of the Against All Odds award. The 31-year-old competed for his home country of Brazil in Rio 2016, but in the Para-Equestrian Dressage events at the Paralympic Games and not in the Olympic Dressage events, which was his original plan. Riskalla contracted meningitis in 2015 which resulted in the loss of both his feet and most of his fingers. Nevertheless, barely out of hospital following life-saving amputations, he was back in the saddle with his sights set firmly on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, with less than a year to achieve his new goal! He had to learn how to ride again using prosthetic legs and few fingers, and his determination, passion, resilience and dedication have made him a national hero. Riskalla pursued his dream of representing his country at his home Games despite what life threw at him and had to work tremendously hard to overcome adversity.

“To win the FEI Awards, it’s like the Oscars; it’s like being a superstar,” he said. “But also, to win Against All Odds represents exactly what happened to me this last year. Before this I never believed a human being could be so strong and adapt so quickly; it’s something that’s come from inside; it’s like the Olympic spirit. It’s something that is inside you and I am really proud to be a para dressage rider, a Paralympian and to be a representative of our discipline.”

FEI Awards 2016 hashtag:  #FEIAwards

FEI Media Contacts:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Awards, FEI

FEI Equestrian Heroes of 2016 Shortlist Unveiled

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Lausanne (SUI), 15 November 2016 – The shortlist for the FEI Awards 2016, the Oscars of the equestrian world, will be unveiled on Facebook and Twitter by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport, this week.

The FEI Awards, launched in 2009, put the spotlight on the men, women, young people and organisations that are making outstanding contributions to the development of equestrian sport. As we celebrate the elite performers and honour the excellence, commitment, dedication and courage of our athletes and their connections, stay tuned on the FEI social channels daily to check out the outstanding list of contenders.

Nominated hopefuls for the Longines™ Rising Star award, for a person aged between 14 and 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment, can already be seen here.

Follow closely as the remaining four FEI Awards 2016 categories are announced over rest of the week:

Best Groom – for that vital behind-the-scenes person who and ensures the horses they look after are given the best possible care.

FEI Solidarity – for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, an individual or organisation that has shown skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

Against All Odds – for a person who has pursued his or her equestrian ambitions despite a physical impairment or extremely difficult personal circumstances.

Best Athlete – for the athlete that, over the past year, has demonstrated exceptional skill on the field of play and taken the sport to a new level.

The FEI Awards Gala 2016, presented by Longines, will be held at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo (JPN). Joint-MCs for the evening’s celebrations will be Liz Price (GBR) and the Athens 2004 Olympic hammer champion Koji Murofushi (JPN), who is now Sports Director for Tokyo 2020. Over 350 guests representing National Federations, equestrian sport fans and the FEI’s partners from around the world will join in the party atmosphere as they celebrate the achievements of the 2016 FEI Awards winners.

FEI Awards 2016 hashtag: #feiawards

FEI Media Contact:

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Awards, USEF

Alexandra Ferris Wins 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award

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Alexandra Ferris (Andy Illes)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Alexandra “Lexie” Ferris as the winner of the 2016 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is designed to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and provides an opportunity for the USEF to recognize outstanding youth members for their achievements. A fourth generation horsewoman from Ipswich, Mass., Ferris was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association.

The 18-year-old high school senior began her riding career by showing in leadline classes as a young child. Over the years, Ferris has competed Morgans in hunter and saddle seat divisions, and worked for carriage pleasure driving, Hackney, Friesian, hunter/jumper, Morgan, and American Saddlebred facilities in attempt to expand her knowledge in any way possible. She has competed on an Interscholastic Equestrian Association team for six years and has been to the Zone Finals once and the Regional Finals five times. Ferris has been a member of the Massachusetts Youth Council for four years and USEF Equestrian Athlete Lettering Program for three years. She has won accolades such as the 2014 North Shore Horsemen’s Association New Hunter Reserve Champion title, 2014 Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association Outstanding Youth Award, and 2015 North Shore Horsemen’s Association Children’s Equitation Champion title.

A student at Ipswich High School, Ferris is involved in the Interact Club, I AM Mentoring Program, National Honor Society, and plays varsity soccer. She takes honors and Advanced Placement classes, maintaining a 3.92 GPA. Ferris plans to major in equine sciences in college, and to ride on an IHSA or NCAA team, with the hopes of working in equine rehabilitation therapy in the future.

Ferris is also active in her community. She has helped with Relay for Life, Red Cross blood drives, and senior citizens events. Ferris volunteers at two different horse camps at local barns, helping children learn about horses and how to properly care for them.

Ferris will receive a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 grant to the educational program of her choice.

The reserve overall winner of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is Brianna Relucio (San Ramon, Calif.), nominated by the United States Dressage Federation. She began riding at the age of eight and now competes at the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire – I level in dressage. Relucio is a 17-year-old senior at San Ramon Valley High School where she is the Associated Student Body president and a STEM Club officer. She volunteers her time as a Vacation Bible School counselor at her local church and a middle school tutor. As the reserve overall winner, she will receive a $500 grant.

The other national nominees were:

Cassidy Ball (Scottsdale, Ariz.) – American Saddlebred Horse Association
Ali Bedell (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) – Paso Fino Horse Association
Chloe Bellerive (Keedysville, Md.) – United States Hunter Jumper Association
Kathleen “Katie” Berger (Naperville, Ill.) – International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association
Grace Fulton (Finksburg, Md.) – United States Eventing Association
Janae Griffin (Gretna, Va.) – International Friesian Show Horse Association
Tessa Kimbler (Aberdeen, S.D.) – Arabian Horse Association
Makenzie Moore (Gastonia, N.C.) – American Road Horse and Pony Association
Coralee Richardson (Parker, Colo.) – American Connemara Pony Society
Emma Santellan (Modesto, Calif.) – Western Dressage Association of America
Audrey Schulze (Ridgewood, N.J.) – Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America
Haley Smith (Parker, Colo.) – American Vaulting Association

For more information on the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, please contact Natalie Norwood, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at nnorwood@usef.org or (859) 225-6951.

From the USEF Communications Department

Awards, Championships, JRPR

Sisters Win Premier Equestrian Award at IFSHA World and Grand National Championships

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Brin and Gracie Fairband (Photo courtesy of Avalon Photography)

Springfield, OH (November 11, 2016) – Excellent riding skills earned the young Fairband sisters Championship titles at the 2016 International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) World and Grand National Championships, but it took even more for the girls to win the title of Premier Equestrian. The Premier Equestrian Award is presented at horse shows across the United States to equestrians who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the equestrian community by showing good sportsmanship attitudes and kindness toward their horses and fellow competitors. The award is named after its presenter, Premier Equestrian, which is a prominent company known for its world-class footing, horse jumps, and quality dressage arenas.

Brin Fairband won not only the Premier Equestrian Award but also two World Grand Championships and two World Reserve Champion titles at the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships. “Often people do not see the bonding, care, and effort that go into these Friesians outside the show ring,” Fairband said. “These things are what made our wins in the Championships all the more special.” Brin’s sister, Gracie Fairband, shared in the Premier Equestrian Award and also won three World Grand Champion titles. She credited her success at the show to the reliability of her champion mount, Hugo.

These two exemplary young ladies truly understand the importance of always putting their horses first and supporting fellow competitors, which they showcased at the Springfield, Ohio competition. As Brin accepted the Premier Equestrian award, she explained, “Offering help and friendship to other competitors and devoting attention to the horse I competed with do not seem like amazing feats to me; it doesn’t even seem significant. I think that all of us should live naturally without any thought or motive behind it. Every kind action, no matter how small, is significant, large, and beautiful to the one receiving it.” Gracie agreed, stating, “Being polite and acting modestly are two actions I hope to encourage every competitor to display because it doesn’t cost anything to do so, yet it gives so much in return.”

Premier Equestrian was proud to present the two young sisters with an official tri-colored Premier Equestrian Award ribbon, an engraved plaque, a three-step mounting block, and the title of “Premier Equestrian.”

At the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships, Brin and Gracie rode under the guidance of Nathan and Erin Miley, owners of Miley Friesians in Greenville, Ohio. Both sisters lent a hand to fellow competitors of all ages by offering their help and sharing snacks behind the scenes. “We may be competing against one another in the ring, but we are humans and friends first,” Gracie said. Premier Equestrian congratulated their sincere sportsmanship, horsemanship, and efforts to create a positive show atmosphere – all crucial elements for an enjoyable horse show experience.

“We are both very grateful for not only receiving this special award, but for the whole amazing experience we had at the Friesian World Show,” Brin said. “Thank you to IFSHA and Premier Equestrian for recognizing us and for inspiring us to continue to always give and do our best.”

The girls’ mother, Sandi Fairband, also thanked Premier Equestrian, IFSHA, and Miley Friesians for the wealth of opportunities that her two young daughters enjoyed throughout the competition. “People I didn’t even know told me how polite, kind, and funny my daughters are. It always does a mama’s heart good to hear these kinds of sentiments. The Miley family is the real deal in terms of kindness and wanting to promote this amazing breed and show format. They truly believe in what they live, and they were huge role models to my girls during the entire week of the IFSHA Championships in how they treated and interacted with all other competitors.”

Premier Equestrian takes great pride in recognizing stellar sportsmanship, and in offering affordable choices for first-rate American-made products that enhance horses’ and riders’ performances. For more information about Premier Equestrian and its full line of products including footing, dressage arenas, and horse jumps, please visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

For more information contact:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
www.PremierEquestrian.com
Heidi@PremierEquestrian.com

Awards, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

M. Michael Meller Presents Style Award to Charlie Jacobs at CP National Horse Show CSI4*-W

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Lexington, Ky. – Nov. 8, 2016 – Each year, the CP National Horse Show brings together show jumping’s top athletes to showcase their skills during the world-class competition. Katherine Gallagher, M. Michael Meller and Dan Walsh of E2 Show Jumpers are proud to support the exciting World Cup event. This year, in addition to his sponsorship of the competition, Meller presented the M. Michael Meller Style Award, donated in memory of Pat Van Dyke Fischer, to Charlie Jacobs of Boston, Massachusetts.

During the opening ceremonies of Saturday’s $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington CSI4*-W in the Alltech Arena at the CP National Horse Show, Meller and Fischer’s daughter Sandy Van Dyke presented Jacobs with the award after a unanimous decision of the committee.

Fischer was a life-long equestrian with an amazing passion for the sport. The M. Michael Meller Style Award is presented each year to the international equestrian who exemplifies the best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure. Previous winners at events in 2015 and 2016 include Andres Rodriguez, Chloe Reid, Alison Robitaille and Conor Swail.

“Receiving this award is very flattering,” said Jacobs. “I was a lifelong friend to Pat and I knew her quite well. She spent some time at my family’s Deeridge Farm. It is an honor to be presented this award by Michael in her legacy.”

“Charlie is a gifted athlete and very deserving of this year’s award,” expressed Meller. “He is one of very few equestrian athletes that balance success at the top level of the sport with a fulltime career and a family. It’s been wonderful to watch his continued success over the years.”

Meller continued, “At E2 Show Jumpers we believe in supporting world-class competitions that showcase the best the sport has to offer. The CP National Horse Show and the organizers have created an amazing event in Lexington and we are excited to be a part of it.”

As the season continues, Meller and E2 Show Jumpers continue to support the industry by sponsoring awards at the Las Vegas National Horse Show. Founded by Gallagher, Meller and Walsh, the mission of E2 Show Jumpers is to find and produce some of the world’s top young show jumping mounts.

For more information about E2 Showjumpers, please visit e2showjumpers.com.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Awards, Racing, Racing Sources

Dashin Brown Streak Named Supreme Race Horse

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American Quarter Horse Association, October 24, 2016 – Dashin Brown Streak has been named an AQHA Supreme Race Horse.

The Supreme Race Horse award recognizes a racing American Quarter Horse who during its career earns $500,000 or more, wins two or more open Grade 1 stakes races and at least 10 races.

Dashin Brown Streak is a 2010 gelded son of Hotdoggin out of the Streakin La Jolla mare Annas Streakin Dash. He was bred by Flat Get It Farms Inc. of Villa Rica, Georgia and is owned by the estates of C. W. Navarre and Melvin Hatley, based in Oklahoma City.

Dashin Brown Streak has started 23 times in his five-year career, with 11 wins, four seconds and three thirds, and earnings of $543,631. His Grade 1 victories include the 2015 Leo Stakes and the 2015 Remington Park Invitational Championship.

Earlier this year, he was second in the Leo Stakes (G1).

He becomes the 37th horse since 2002 and the 108th horse in total to earn the award (the other awards were given retroactively). Dashin Brown Streak will also be honored at the 2017 Racing Champions Ceremony on January 18 in Oklahoma City.

For more information on American Quarter Horse racing, visit www.aqharacing.com.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104

Awards, Breeds, Championships, JRPR

Beth Noteman Recognized at 2016 Sport Horse National Arabian Championships

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Photo courtesy of Don Stine Communications & Photography.

Nampa, ID (October 20, 2016) – Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of high-grade footing, striking dressage arenas, and revolutionized horse jumps, recently recognized Beth Noteman for her exemplary horsemanship by presenting her with the Premier Equestrian Award at the 2016 Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show held in Nampa, Idaho. Premier Equestrian presents the award at shows across the United States to honor talented equestrians who demonstrate stellar horsemanship and sportsmanship, and promote positivity in and outside of the show ring.

Noteman stood out to the show committee as a well-rounded equestrian whose attention to the sport goes beyond her scores in the show ring. A talented rider and handler who has achieved remarkable success with her Arabians, particularly her renowned stallion HSA Haleys Comet++++//, Noteman has said that she is most proud of the fact that her horses lead happy and healthy lives. She strives to make every show a positive experience for her equine partners, and her close connection with her horses is anchored in genuine enjoyment of their company and a deep respect for their individual temperaments and capabilities. In addition to the sheer amount of patience and hard work that she has put in over the years, the show committee was impressed with Noteman’s flexible attitude in understanding and working with the core personality of each of her mounts.

Noteman, who believes that adaptability and a down-to-earth attitude is essential to achieving success as an equestrian, learned the importance of recognizing a horse’s potential when she purchased Arabian stallion HSA Haleys Comet++++// (Skamper x Ok Ellazella G) as a green four-year-old in 1999. “Comet” did not fit her vision of an ideal dressage mount, but Noteman was willing to compromise based on the recommendations of her trainers – and despite the unlikely pairing between an amateur rider and a green stallion, Comet turned out to be the horse of a lifetime. While working 12-hour days in order to fund her riding as an amateur, Noteman brought Comet up the ranks to win the most National Championships of any purebred Arabian Stallion in history. Her tenacity is an inspiration to amateur equestrians, proving that with a little luck and a lot of hard work, all riders can achieve the dream of Arabian horse ownership. Over the past few years, Noteman has expanded her horse family by purchasing Comet’s son, Comets Midnite Bandit (known as “Bandit”) and Bandit’s mother, Midnites Magic Genie (known as “Magic”). She competed on this Half-Arabian, Half-Friesian mother-and-son duo at the recent 2016 AHA Sport Horse National Championships, riding Bandit in First and Second Level dressage and Magic in Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges dressage.

In honor of being dubbed a “Premier Equestrian,” Noteman was presented with a tricolor ribbon and the Premier Equestrian engraved plaque.

Premier Equestrian is proud to reward talented riders like Noteman, who bring a positive attitude to equestrian sports and demonstrate true enjoyment of their horses both inside and outside of the show ring. The company offers an affordable choice for first-rate American-made products that enhance the equestrian performance of its customers. For more information about Premier Equestrian and its full line of products including footing, dressage arenas, and horse jumps, visit www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 1-800-611-6109.

For more information contact:
Heidi Zorn, Premier Equestrian
1-800-611-6109
www.PremierEquestrian.com
Heidi@PremierEquestrian.com

Awards, Competitions, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Western/Reining

Virginia Horse Center Hosts State 4-H Horse & Pony Show

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Morgan Strickler and Ima Glowin Coco Chip. Photo courtesy of Leona Randsdell.

Lexington, Va. – Oct. 18, 2016 – The Virginia Horse Center was proud to host juniors from around the state at the 2016 State 4-H Horse & Pony Show Sept. 15-18. Riders competed in a variety of disciplines from hunt seat to western to dressage, in addition to numerous other contests and events.

The overall high point Dressage championship went to Hannah Rice of Accomack County and Page 3 Girl. In the Senior Hunter division, Katie Define of Albemarle County and Prize claimed the championship title. Hannah Revere of Hanover County took home the top spot in the Junior Hunter division aboard She Sells Sea Shells.

In the Western divisions, Randi Roehl of Caroline County took home the top spot in the Junior division with Ima Keeper. The Senior division championship went to Morgan Strickler of Frederick County with Ima Glowin Coco Chip. Maryann Johnson of Southampton County took home the Overall Western Highpoint championship with Zippos Sweet Tea.

In addition to mounted competition the State 4-H Horse & Pony Show offers a wealth of other competitions for its exhibitors from stall decorating to art and photography. Ruth Alexander of Goochland County was the champion in the photography contest, while Taryn McFarland earned the top spot in the art contest.

The Leg-Up Award is given to a 4-H participant who exemplifies the qualities of 4-H and strives to “make the best better” This year’s recipient was Colleen Chaplin. She was nominated by Sofia and Kelly Whealton from the Chincoteague 4-H Club. With 10 years of 4-H experience, Chaplin is a multi-disciplined rider, and has held every office in her club, has been inducted as an All-Star, and is also a Northern District Horse Council Teen representative.

“I was very honored to be nominated,” Chaplin said. “It was nice to be recognized. I love showing at the Virginia Horse Center, it’s my favorite show of the year. I think the 4-H motto, ‘make the best better’, encompasses a lot, it’s amazing to see how helpful everyone is at the horse show and what a positive attitude all the competitors have, it’s great.”

The Connie Collier 4-H Scholarship Award is given to a 4-H participant who has been an exemplary volunteer. Applicants are required to submit an essay describing how 4-H has influenced their life and their goals for the future along with three letters of reference. This year’s award went to Libby Arnold and Mattie Ruth Stanley who were both awarded a $1,200 Scholarship.

The 2017 State 4-H Horse and Pony Show will be held September 14-17. For more information on the Virginia Horse Center, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Awards, Community/Charity

FEI Awards 2016: Last Chance to Nominate, Entries Close Sunday

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2014 Longines Rising Star Award winner Lambert Leclezio from Mauritius, receiving his award from Juan Carlos Capellli, Longines Vice President, Head of International Marketing. Lambert was recently crowned 2016 senior male FEI World Vaulting Champion, in Le Mans, France (FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 14 September 2016 – With nominations for the FEI Awards 2016 closing on Sunday 18 September, there are just five days left for the global equestrian community to nominate their favourites for the categories of Rising Star, Best Athlete, Against All Odds, Best Groom and the Solidarity Award.

Everyone can nominate their heroes via the online platform at www.feiawards.org.

Award winners will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Tokyo (JPN), in November, where their achievements will be celebrated by over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, representatives from the Tokyo 2020 and the FEI’s National Federations around the world.

“We’ve had a huge response to the Awards already this year showing how much equestrian has captured the imagination of fans across the globe, but keep those nominations coming in!” says FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez.

“Heroes, heroines, inspirational figures that never give up and make us think ‘wow’ are what the awards are here to celebrate, so get in touch and share with us who you deem should be recognised this year.”

There are five categories to vote in the FEI Awards 2016:

  • The Longines Rising Star Award is for a person aged 14 to 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment.
  • The Best Athlete Award celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level.
  • The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances.
  • The Best Groom Award is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention.
  • The FEI Solidarity Award is for an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, and individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding the sport.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2016 will close on Sunday 18 September.

FEI Media Contact:

Leanne Williams
Manager Press Relations
leanne.williams@fei.org
+41 79 314 24 38

Awards, Community/Charity

FEI Awards 2016: Global Quest for Equestrian Heroes Begins

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FEI Awards 2015 winners from left to right: Longines’ Vice President and Head of International Marketing Juan-Carlos Capelli, Hollywood actress Bo Derek, Reem Acra Best Athlete Boyd Exell (AUS), Longines Rising Star Jessica Mendoza (GBR), Against All Odds Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU), Best Groom Jose Eduardo (Eddie) Garcia Luna (USA), FEI Solidarity Anne-Rose Schoen Les Chevaux qui pansent les plaies (Horses that heal wounds) (HAI) and FEI President Ingmar de Vos. (FEI/Richard Juilliart)

Lausanne (SUI), 21 July 2016 – The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body of equestrian sport, has today launched the FEI Awards 2016. This officially marks the beginning of the 8 week nomination phase that will result in the winners being announced at the FEI Awards Gala Ceremony presented by Longines in Tokyo (JPN) on 22 November 2016.

Launched in 2009, the FEI Awards are an annual salute to excellence, determination, resolve, courage and dedication. In order to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations that make the equestrian community so unique, the FEI calls upon the public every year to nominate their heroes via the online platform at www.feiawards.org.

“We are a global sport but we are also a way of life and a community with a very strong set of values,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The FEI Awards honour everyone who make our sport happen and this has been shown time and time again in the thousands of nominations we have received since the FEI Awards were launched in 2009.

“This being an Olympic/Paralympic year, I am sure the performances and the dedication of so many individuals will add to the conversations around the heroes both in and out of the arena and I really look forward to discovering more inspirational stories that make our sport so unique. I encourage everyone to go to the website and nominate their heroes so that they can be recognised and celebrated by the global community.”

FEI Awards 2016 – five hotly-contested categories

The Longines Rising Star Award is for a person aged 14 to 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment. Jessica Mendoza (GBR), who won this award in 2015, has recently been announced as reserve rider for the British Jumping team heading to the Rio2016 Olympic Games! Former winners of this category also competing in Rio, include China’s Alex Hua Tian, described in the Chinese press as “one in a billion” following the 2008 Olympic Games.

Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines Vice President and Head of International Marketing, noted: “For a number of years we have been strongly supporting young sportswomen and men active in the disciplines we are associated with, such as equestrian sports, alpine skiing and tennis. As we conceive our partnerships on a long term basis, we are keen to contribute to further to the development and outreach of the sports we are involved in. The Longines Rising Star award will be presented for the fourth time to a young talented equestrian athlete between 14 and 21 years. The recipient will succeed to the previous outstanding laureates: American rider Reed Kessler, Mauritian vaulter Lambert Leclezio and British rider Jessica Mendoza.”

The Best Athlete Award celebrates the athlete who over the last 12 months has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arena, and has taken equestrian sport to a new level. It was awarded to Australia’s Boyd Exell in 2015 for his unmatched track record in the sport of Driving, including Six World Championship titles alongside numerous FEI World Cup™ titles. Previous winners of this category heading to Rio2016 seeking to add more Olympic gold medals to their collection include defending champions Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Michael Jung (GER), and Dutch jumping legend Jeroen Dubbeldam, gold medallist from Sydney 2000.

The Against All Odds Award acknowledges people who have pursued their equestrian ambitions despite physical issues or extremely difficult personal circumstances. Last year this award went to Endurance athlete Oriana Ricca Marmissolle (URU) who following diagnosis and treatment for Phase III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just 17 years of age was back in the saddle within days of finishing chemotherapy treatment competing at events in Uruguay, France, Brazil and Chile. Former winners of this category include USA’s Sydney Collier and Germany’s highly experienced and multi medalled Angelika Trabert, both selected to compete at the Rio2016 Paralympic Games.

The Best Groom Award is dedicated to the vital behind-the-scenes team members who work 24/7 to ensure their horses get the best possible care and attention. Last year, Mexico’s Eddie Garcia Luna was celebrated for his dedication and commitment to Olympic rider Steffen Peters horses.

The FEI Solidarity Award – which in 2015 went to a tailor-made project in Haiti called “Les Chevaux qui pansent les plaies” (Horses that heal wounds) providing therapeutic riding for over 250 children affected by the 2010 earthquake and in particular amputees.  The top athletes were then given the opportunity to train in Para-Equestrian sport. This award will be presented to an FEI Solidarity or equestrian development project, or an individual or organisation that has demonstrated skill, dedication and energy in expanding equestrian sport.

Nominations for the FEI Awards 2016 will close at midnight on 18 September 2016.

Glamorous Gala

The winners of the awards will be flown to the glittering FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Tokyo (JPN), where over 350 guests from the global equestrian community, including representatives from the Tokyo 2020 and the FEI’s National Federations around the world, will celebrate their triumphs.

Follow the FEI Awards 2016 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #feiawards

The FEI Awards, created by FEI Honorary President HRH Princess Haya, were launched in 2009. Full details on past winners are available here.

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145