Category Archives: Championships

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Sarah Milliren Garners 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship Title at Alltech NHS

Leave a comment
Sarah Milliren of Sapula, OK, won the 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. Photo Credit: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – November 6, 2011 – Today marked the final day of competition at the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. The highlight event at the Alltech Arena in Lexington, KY, was the 2011 Maclay National Championship for the ASCPA Alfred B. Maclay Horsemanship Classes – Presented by Hadfield’s Saddlery. Riders worked all year to qualify for this event and after three phases of competition and a final test it was 17-year-old Sarah Milliren of Sapula, OK, leading the victory gallop and taking home the championship honors.

In the first round of competition, 198 riders were tested on a course designed by the judges, Cynthia Hankins and Kip Rosenthal in cooperation with course designer Richard Jeffery. The fences included bending lines with inside options, as well as a vertical-oxer or oxer-vertical double combination option followed by an oxer-oxer combination. The end of the course included a snaking line of obstacles with the ASPCA fence and a technical vertical-vertical fan bounce. While some riders had difficulties during the first round, the course was very inviting overall and gave each rider many opportunities to show off their horsemanship.

Continue reading Sarah Milliren Garners 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship Title at Alltech NHS →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, USEF

Scott Monroe Holds On to Lead after Cones to Win USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid

Leave a comment
Scott Monroe and Bethesda After Dark ("Shadow"). PicsofYou.com

Lexington, KY – Scott Monroe (Sharon, CT) and his black Morgan gelding Bethesda After Dark (“Shadow”) held onto their marathon lead and after Sunday’s cone phase won the USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid, with a score of 132.39.

Kim Stover and Laughlin – fifth after the marathon – surged ahead and took second on a score of 141.25.

In third was Sara Schmitt (Bedminster, NJ) who finished on a score of 142.58. Schmitt, driving Kaboom, was fourth after the first two phases.

Seventeen-year-old Jan Jan Hamilton (Alva, FL), driving JAO Desperado (“Desi”), was the only advanced driver that went double clear in cones.

A fairly new event in the growing driving community of Aiken, this marks the first USEF National Championship held at Katydid.

Complete results, as well as photographs and articles, are available on USEFNetwork.com at: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2011DrivingNatlChamps/.

For more information on combined driving programs please contact Elizabeth Staller at estaller@usef.org.

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, USEF

Scott Monroe Takes the Lead after Marathon at USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – Scott Monroe (Sharon, CT) took the lead on Saturday during the marathon in Aiken, SC, at the USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid, with a score of 123.39.

Monroe was nearly 7 points in front of Olof Larsson (Ocala, FL) as they head into Sunday’s cones phase. In third place was Sterling Graburn (Georgetown, KY) who on Friday had led after the dressage competition phase. He finished the day Saturday with a combined score 133.46.

Saturday’s marathon course was designed by Barry Hunter, FEI course designer who also designed the courses in Conty, France, for the FEI World Pair Championship this summer.

The drivers will now turn their focus to Sunday’s cones phase – scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET. – and the conclusion of their quest to earn the title of National Champion.

Continue reading Scott Monroe Takes the Lead after Marathon at USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Lillie Keenan & Vanhattan Ride to Top of Show Jumpers Hall of Fame Championship at Alltech NHS

Leave a comment
Lillie Keenan and Vanhattan won the $50,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship. By: Shawn McMillen

Lexington, KY – November 5, 2011 – This evening hosted an array of talented Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper riders as they vied for the top honors at the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. The $50,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship put riders and horses to the test as the qualifying riders competed for the coveted winning honors. This was the first time in the history of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame series that such a large purse was offered. It was Lillie Keenan who rode Vanhattan to the top of the leaderboard for the third consecutive night and led the victory gallop.

The course this evening was designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, and he built it with several oxers, a double combination, a triple combination, roll backs, and several bending lines. Out of the original field of 31 qualifying riders, only five rode clear and continued into the jump-off. The short course challenged the horse and rider combinations beginning over a standalone vertical designed to look like a traditional starting gate from the Keeneland racetrack. From there, the course continued over a vertical-oxer combination headed toward the in-gate. A sharp right turn upon landing from the oxer had the riders quickly showing over the second oxer of the outside vertical-oxer combination. With a hard right rollback, a single green vertical led to the Alltech oxer where riders then raced to finish over the Muhammad Ali skinny vertical and trip the timers.

Continue reading Lillie Keenan & Vanhattan Ride to Top of Show Jumpers Hall of Fame Championship at Alltech NHS →

Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Olivia Esse and Illusion Crowned Junior Hunter Grand Champions at Alltech National Horse Show

Leave a comment
Olivia Esse and Illusion won the Junior Hunter Grand Champions at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG

[Lexington, KY] – November 5, 2011 – Today the Junior Hunters showcased their talent during the stake classes this afternoon in the Alltech Arena during the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. Olivia Esse and her talented mount Illusion garnered the Small Junior 16-17 Championship award for their efforts throughout the division. The duo also was presented with the Junior Hunter Grand Champion award for their excellent placings over the last two days.

Illusion with Olivia Esse of Pasadena, CA, in the irons earned the top call for their score of 83.00 points in the Moyer Family $7,500 Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Stake this afternoon. Coupled with their top honors yesterday, they scored the division’s championship tricolor. Esse also earned the reserve championship honors aboard her younger and more recent mount, Clooney.

“I made it a point to come from California and be a part of this show, especially since this is probably going to be my last Indoors as I am going away to college next year, so this win really holds a lot of significance. I was hoping that I would be able to earn both the championship awards, but I didn’t want to get too worked up about it,” Esse explained. “It really feels great to earn such a coveted award like Grand Champion overall at a show that holds so much history, tradition and prestige.”

Continue reading Olivia Esse and Illusion Crowned Junior Hunter Grand Champions at Alltech National Horse Show →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, USEF

Sterling Graburn Leads after Dressage Phase at USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – An exciting day of dressage in Aiken, SC, showcased some of the very best in the U.S. vying for USEF National Single Horse Championship honors at the Katydid CDE.

After all but one of 19 horses passed inspection – Wilson Groves’ UVM Worthy was deemed unfit to compete – Sterling Graburn (Georgetown, KY) drove to the lead in Friday’s dressage competition phase, on a score of 43.09. Kate Shields (Middleburg, VA) was in second on a score of 45.87 followed by Olof Larsson (Ocala, FL) who finished on a score of 46.72.

A fairly new event in the growing driving community of Aiken, this marks the first USEF National Championship held at Katydid.

The drivers will now turn their focus to Saturday’s marathon which begins at 9 a.m. ET.

Complete results are available at: http://drivingnews.us/results/results2011/Katydid/KD11-Dressage100.pdf.

Visit www.USEFNetwork.com for photos, articles and information about the U.S. drivers throughout the event.

For more information on combined driving programs please contact Elizabeth Staller at estaller@usef.org.

Awards, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Sexton and Zoom Awarded Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship at Alltech NHS

Leave a comment
Laura Sexton and Zoom awarded Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship at the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG

[Lexington, KY] – November 4, 2011 – The Amateur-Owner Hunters took center stage today in the Alltech Arena during the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. Laura Sexton and her talented mount Zoom captured the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters Championship with three blue ribbons over the last two days. The duo was also awarded the Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter title for their excellent efforts in the ring.

The Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters were the first to compete today, and during the final stake class Debbie Perkins of New Canaan, CT, showed Whispering to a score 83 to win the blue ribbon. Their win today and third place finish in yesterday’s over fences class garnered them the division’s reserve championship prize. Tracy Scheriff-Muser of Wellington, FL, and Macallan were the day’s big winners, taking home the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Championship. They placed first in yesterday’s over fences class and also earned two second place ribbons and third place ribbons.

“Macallan is the sweetest horse I’ve ever had, which is really funny because he’s a stallion,” commented Scheriff-Muser after her win. “He’s just been such a pleasure to own and ride. Sometimes he’s too lazy, but I’ll take that over crazy. He’s so slow and comfortable; I get excited every time I get to show him because he’s so fun.”

Continue reading Laura Sexton and Zoom Awarded Amateur-Owner Hunter Grand Championship at Alltech NHS →

Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

2011 Washington International Horse Show Wrap-up: October 25-30, 2011

Leave a comment

Washington, D.C. – October 31, 2011 – The 53rd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) hosted the best hunter, jumper, and equitation riders in the nation competing for top prizes at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. over six days of competition, and the WIHS thanks all of the sponsors, employees, exhibitors, volunteers, and spectators for making this year’s show an incredible success. From the puissance to ponies, the best in equestrian sport competed at the WIHS, and with community events like Barn Night and Kids’ Day, entertaining exhibitions, and incredible competition, the show brought horses to the city in fine fashion.

Nick Skelton and Carlo 273 Capture Victory in $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, CSI 3*-W presented by Events DC

Nick Skelton captured another big win at the 53rd Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), this time taking home the largest purse with Beverley Widdowson’s Carlo 273 in the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI 3*-W presented by Events DC. Along with prize money, Skelton was awarded a Rolex watch from Tiny Jewel Box as the Leading Jumper Rider sponsored by Elm Rock LLC.

Continue reading 2011 Washington International Horse Show Wrap-up: October 25-30, 2011 →

Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, USEF

Walker Claims 2011 USEF National CCI1* Eventing Championship Riding for the First Time as an American

Leave a comment
Robin Walker and Florenz (Image by Xpress Foto © 2011)

Lexington, KY – Riders from throughout the United States travelled to the Kentucky Horse Park to contest the 2011 USEF National CCI1* Eventing Championships held October 21-23. These championships, which were hosted in conjunction with the Hagyard MidSouth Three Day & Team Challenge, saw 25 U.S. competitors braved the frigid autumn temperatures to vie for top honors. Robin Walker and Florenz scored a wire-to-wire victory finishing more than 10 points ahead of the other National Championship competition.

Walker (Grass Lake, MI) was competing for the first time under the U.S. flag at the Hagyard MidSouth Three Day after having changed his nationality four days prior to the start of competition. He finished his first competition as an American in style, piloting Florenz to double-clear rounds in both the cross country and show jumping to add nothing to their dressage score of 45.

This pair was the winner of both the CCI1* and USEF National CCI1* Eventing Championship. Walker thinks very highly of Anne-Marie Rasch’s seven-year-old Oldenburg and believes she has a future in the sport.

Continue reading Walker Claims 2011 USEF National CCI1* Eventing Championship Riding for the First Time as an American →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, FEI

FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2011 – Le Lion d’Angers (FRA)

Leave a comment

GERMANY’S JUNG AND BRITAIN’S KING TAKE THE TITLES by Louise Parkes

Michael Jung won the 6 Year Old title with the Hannoverian mare, Rocana FST. Photo: FEI/www.equi-photos.com

Lausanne (SUI), 24 October 2011 – Germany’s Michael Jung won the 6 Year Old title with the Hannoverian mare Rocana while Great Britain’s Kitty King claimed the 7 Year Old honours with the Dutch-bred mare Zidante at the 26th FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers over the weekend. This specialist fixture is widely recognised for identifying the rising stars of the future. Proof of this is clear in the number of horses which progress from Mondial du Lion to produce results at European, World Championship and Olympic level. Frenchman Nicolas Touzaint is the most prolific winner in the history of the event having won six gold medals between 2000 and 2005, including the 6 year old championship in 2000 and the 7 year old championship in 2001 riding Galan de Sauvagère, his double individual European gold medal winning mount. Jung won the silver medal in both the 6 and 7 year old categories with his 2010 FEI World Eventing Championship ride La Biosthétique-Sam, and 2011 Lexington CCI4* winner, King’s Temptress ridden by Great Britain’s Mary King, is another Le Lion graduate.

The ‘Mondial du Lion’ has taken place every year since 1986 at the same venue – the Isle Briand Estate – and is always staged at the beginning of the French All Saints holidays. The winner of the inaugural fixture was the current coach of the French eventing team, Laurent Bousquet, on Jim Pam. That year 43 combinations lined out, a number which rose so rapidly it had to be capped at 110 by the FEI. The Championships have also proven increasingly popular with the public, with attendance figures rising from 5,000 in 1986 to a record 41,000 in 2009.

Continue reading FEI World Eventing Championships for Young Horses 2011 – Le Lion d’Angers (FRA) →