Category Archives: Competitions

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Hayley Barnhill Wins North American Equitation Championships at Capital Challenge

Leave a comment
Hayley Barnhill and Asparagus

Upper Marlboro, MD – October 2, 2011 – Hayley Barnhill, of Collierville, TN, earned an exciting victory today as she topped the North American Equitation Championships at Capital Challenge. Barnhill’s win was followed by a top finish for Pilar Flournoy, of Topanga, CA, in the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals. The day concluded with the North American Amateur Equitation Championships with a victory for Adrienne Dixon, of Hillsborough, CA. This weekend’s equitation competition at the Show Place Arena was presented by BigEq.com. The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will continue through October 9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Sunday’s competition began with the North American Equitation Championships with two rounds of competition. Nearly eighty competitors started out the day over fences, but the field was sharply narrowed to only twenty who were invited back for a second round. Riding Cayla Richards’ Asparagus, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Hayley Barnhill posted scores of 90.20 and 90.05 for a two-round winning total of 180.25.

“I’m very excited!” Barnhill beamed after her win. “It was a last minute thing to get to come here, and I love this horse show. I was second in this class last year; I was so close, so it is nice to win it.”

Yesterday’s flat winner, Morgan Geller, rode her gelding Fabricio to second place. Sarah Milliren and War Eagle, owned by Don Stewart, finished third. Conor Perrin and Nat King Cole earned fourth place honors. Alicia Gasser rode Schubert, owned by KMG Equestrian, to fifth place and Oliva Esse guided Oscany, Inc.’s Fernway Park into the sixth position.

Continue reading Hayley Barnhill Wins North American Equitation Championships at Capital Challenge →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events

A Week of Poetry in Motion Concludes at Dressage at Devon

Leave a comment

October 2, 2011 (Devon, PA) – More than 35,000 spectators enjoyed the equine entertainment and education provided by more than 700 horses (and their riders) at this year’s Dressage at Devon.

Tuesday through Thursday featured the breed division in which young horses, from weanlings to six-year-olds, shown both in-hand and under saddle, had their day in the sun (or in the rain depending on the time of day).  Friskiness dominated the younger classes as their handlers worked hard to show off their charges.

The open breed class – the largest in the world – featured many of the horses that are likely to become the dressage stars of the future. Stunning young horses that wowed the crowd included Radiance HVBH, a Hanoverian by Rotspon out of EM Whitney claimed the USDF/Great American Insurance Group Mare Championships; Innverness, by Parabol out of Parelex who won the Stallions 4 Years and Older and Felix, a 4-year-old Oldenberby who won the Materiale Champtionship after coming in second in the USEF Materiale 4 and 5 Year Old Stallions and Gelding class.  EM Rheporter, by Shakespeare RSF, meeting stiff competition, earned first place in both the Mare Championship and the Mature Horse Championship.

It goes without saying that the people at Dressage at Devon love horses. But then there are breeders who have chosen to specialize in a particular breed.  Each has their own reasons for their choice and each is passionate. The individual classes showed off the beauty of 20 breeds including the Warmblood Horse of Trakehner Origin, the German Oldenburg Verband, Morgan, Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International, Haflinger and Cleveland Bay.

Continue reading A Week of Poetry in Motion Concludes at Dressage at Devon →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events

Wizard Conjures Up His Second Grand Prix Win at Dressage at Devon

Leave a comment
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard

October 1, 2011 (Devon, PA) – Dressage enthusiasts wait all year for Dressage at Devon where professional riders from around the world compete in the Dixon Oval and Gold Ring. Eagerly awaited, however, is the talent and experience shown in the Saturday classes – providing the standards for which dressage riders strive.

The Next Generation

Tanya Strasser-Shostak, from St. Adele Canada, and her 6-year-old Reserve Champion Oldenburg stallion, Cappuccino Tyme, teamed for a win in the FEI Pony Team Test CDN. This test, among other things, challenges rider and pony with a six-loop serpentine on a counter canter. A family affair, Tanya’s mother Evi Strasser bought Cappuccino Tyme when he was three and has worked with Tanya to help her train him. Given his youth, Tanya was pleased with Cappucino Tyme’s performance and ability to focus despite the distractions of Devon. “He was really good considering this was his first big show,” she said.

Other juniors had also had their day. Nicolas Torres Rodriguez, originally from Columbia, executed a blue-ribbon ride on Silver Label, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Michael Shondel. The gray gelding is by Rambo out of Nicca.  “It’s fantastic to be here and to win. It’s beyond what I expected,” said Rodriguez, smiling.

Continue reading Wizard Conjures Up His Second Grand Prix Win at Dressage at Devon →

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Classic Company Launching New Winter Circuit for 2012

Leave a comment
Terry Brown and 2006 Horse of the Year Sequel. Photo © Flashpoint Photography

October 1, 2011 – Pensacola, FL – If you’re looking for a change from the same ole same ole in your winter showing plans, Classic Company president Bob Bell has the answer to your dilemma: three weeks of USEF AA rated Hunter/Jumper classes in Pensacola, FL at the Escambia County Equestrian Center from January 11th through the 29th.

This isn’t the first time Classic Company has visited Pensacola. Following hurricane Katrina’s visit in 2005 to the Gulf Coast and the damages at the Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport, the 2006 Gulf Coast Winter Classics were invited by the Pensacola community to hold an abbreviated version of the annual winter circuit at the Escambia locale, rather than be forced to cancel the event altogether. “The facility, the staff, and the surrounding community were all so welcoming to us,” Bell said, “and our three weeks in Pensacola were simply wonderful. I’ve never forgotten their hospitality or how much exhibitors enjoyed the series, so when I learned of some open dates in their calendar my idea of new winter option became a reality.” Since Classic Company’s last visit, the facility has undergone a million dollar renovation along with new footing in the hunter rings.

The Pensacola series will offer an AA schedule similar to its larger sibling, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, which will kick off six weeks of exciting equestrian action in Gulfport, MS on February 8th and continue through March 18th.  Each week in Pensacola will feature a $25,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix and the USHJA National Hunter Classic along with an array of rated classes for both hunters and jumpers. And for those riders just starting out, the popular Opportunity Classes will be offered to provide a fun experience and introduction to horse showing.

Exhibitors can also count on some wonderful social gatherings during the three weeks. “We have a reputation here at Classic for throwing great parties and the Pensacola event will not be deprived of that!” Bell teased.

Prize list for both the Pensacola Series and the Gulf Coast Classics will be available in mid-November. For early reservations or additional information, please call the office at 843-768-5503 or visit us on the web at www.classiccompany.com and for great hotel or condo rates, contact www.equestriantravel.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Performance Division Off to a Running Start at Dressage at Devon

Leave a comment
Guy McLean

September 30, 2011 (Devon, Pa.) – Spectators at Dressage at Devon today had the chance to listen to step by step commentary provided by Dressage experts on Dressage at Devon Radio. This year’s event benefits from an expanded field of notable experts who are willing to share an insider’s perspective, adding engagement and enhancing interest for all levels of spectators. For the riders, experienced and novice alike, the educational opportunity is invaluable, as the listener gains real-time insight into the thought process of the judges.

“We call the ability to bring this type of event-based broadcast to individual spectators ‘edu-tainment’,” said Don Costanza, partner in the Fort Wayne, Indiana-based FLR Group. “It is well received by spectators because it brings an extra dimension to their experience.” The FLR Group provides the technology and the radios to make Dressage at Devon radio a reality.

Costanza was eager to express his appreciation for Dressage at Devon. ‘’We work with venues all over the country, but Devon has a special place in our hearts. The people are personable, friendly, and professional. This is one of the coolest places to be! We are humbled and honored to be invited back every year.”

Guy McLean, a Special Attraction

During the day, and continuing on throughout Saturday and Sunday, spectators will enjoy the incredible performances of Guy McLean. Guy and his equine partners – Hope, Seuel, Pride, and Spinnaby – have performed all over the world, winning the hearts and minds of thousands of equestrian fans. Guy was first seated on a horse at the tender age of 16 months and began training horses seriously at age 15. When asked how he accomplishes amazing equestrian feats, he uses two words: devotion and dedication. He simply wants to be the best equestrian he can be.

Continue reading Performance Division Off to a Running Start at Dressage at Devon →

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

Nine Olympians Highlight Open Jumper Division at Alltech National Horse Show

Leave a comment
Laura Kraut. Photos © Erin Cowgill

Lexington, KY – September 30, 2011 – Nine Olympic veterans, including four gold medalists, highlight the talented roster of riders scheduled to compete at this year’s Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on November 2-6, 2011.

This year’s debut event in Kentucky, designated a CSI-W 4*, will feature a big money Open Jumper division with over $370,000 in prize money, including the main event, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifier, on Saturday night. All in all, over $600,000 in prize money is up for grabs in November. “That brings this show on par or better than any show in North America, or any indoor show anywhere in the world,” noted show manager Hugh Kincannon.

American Olympians McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Lauren Hough, Joe Fargis, Margie Engle and Todd Minikus will lead a stellar field of riders, representing eight different nations at this year’s show.

Currently ranked number two in the Rolex World Rankings, two-time Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward will be joined by his Athens and Hong Kong teammate Laura Kraut. Joining this dynamic duo is veteran rider Joe Fargis who secured Olympic Gold in Los Angeles in 1984. Margie Engle and Lauren Hough, members of the United States Olympic team at Sydney, Australia are also scheduled to compete in Lexington.

Engle and Ward are currently ranked one-two on the list of all time grand prix wins in North America.

Continue reading Nine Olympians Highlight Open Jumper Division at Alltech National Horse Show →

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Competitions, Dressage, Events

Dressage at Devon Breed Division Wraps Up as Performance Classes Begin on Day 3

Leave a comment

September 29, 2011 (Devon, PA) – It goes without saying that the people at Dressage at Devon – competitors and spectators alike – love horses.  But then there are the breeders that have chosen to specialize in a particular breed. All breeders have their own reasons for their choices.

L. Hunter Wilson, owner, trainer and rider from Margaux Tip LLC, based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, loves her Cleveland Bays.  The breed originated in England, where they were used for carriages and as fox hunters – in fact, they pulled the carriages to the hunt, did the hunt, and pulled them home again.

Wilson and her husband have bred Cleveland Bays for 12 years.  “My husband had a mare that was half Cleveland Bay and he fell in love with them – he made it his personal passion.  And passion is important with this breed.  Today it is estimated that there are only about 250 breedable pureblood Cleveland Bay mares in the world.

Another crowd-pleaser is the Haflinger – a relatively small horse, always a flaxen chestnut in color with distinctive gaits. The breed traces its ancestry to the Middle Ages and there are several theories for the breed’s origin.  But today, Chelsea Deephouse, Assistant Trainer at Dreamfield Manor Farm in Coopersburg, PA, just knows that she loves the breed.  “They’re smart and kind,” she said, pointing out that she has evented and done hunter classes as well as dressage – and done will – with her horses.

The individual classes showed off the beauty of 20 breeds including the Warmblood Horse of Trakehner Origin, the German Oldenburg Verband, Morgan, Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International, and even Spanish Mustangs.  And the day was not over yet as Dressage at Devon moved into the Performance Division.

Continue reading Dressage at Devon Breed Division Wraps Up as Performance Classes Begin on Day 3 →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, FEI, JRPR

Pony Team USA Drives to Team and Individual Bronze Medal at the 2011 FEI Pony Driving World Championships

Leave a comment
Chef d’Equipe Chester Weber (far left) with Pony Team USA at the 2011 World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia. (Photo courtesy of Marie de Ronde-Oudemans)

Lipica, Slovenia (September 30, 2011) – The United States’ reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the sport of combined driving just got stronger thanks to a stellar performance at the 2011 FEI Pony World Driving Championships.  After the marathon, the US Pony Team was placed third and they defended that finish through the cones, bringing home the Team Bronze Medal.  Their total of 402.3 earned them the medal behind Germany with a 359.4 and The Netherlands with a 375.4.  Suzy Stafford, who was competing as an individual for the United States, brought home her second consecutive Individual Bronze Medal after a brilliant cones phase boosted her from fourth to third.  Stafford won an Individual Bronze Medal in Germany in 2009 and an Individual Gold Medal at the 2005 World Pony Driving Championships in England.

Chef d’Equipe Chester Weber was pleased with the US Teams’ successes.  “The single Pony and Pony Pairs and pony teams all put in excellent performances here in Lipica,” Weber stated.  “Team Bronze is a fantastic achievement for the Pony Team, and is highlighted by Stafford’s Individual Bronze Medal.  The Pairs Team also had a great show, and both Teams gained invaluable experience showing and training on the international level.”

Weber, who finished second in the FEI World Cup Standings this year for Four-in-Hand Combined Driving, also served as Chef d’Equipe for the Pony Team in 2007 and 2009, and this was his first year as Chef for the Pairs Teams.  Weber is a seasoned international competitor in the Four-in-Hand, and returned to the States to win the US Four-in-Hand Reserve National Championship.  While competing in Europe he was mentored by the US Four-in-Hand Chef d’Equipe, Ed Young.  “I have been working with Ed since 2006, and with Michael Young, the Team Coach, since 1998,” Weber said.  “We were determined to use our knowledge and experience to improve the US Pony and Pairs Teams, and I think we did just that.  My hopes were that we could create a medal finish for the US while exposing our drivers to the sport at the highest level and increasing their depth of experience.  Clearly the standings for both Teams and Suzy Stafford medaling in the individual competition are a mark of our success.”

For more information on the US Pairs and Pony Team and results from Lipica, visit http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2011DrivingWorldChampionships/. For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com.

For more information contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
www.chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, USEF

Mountain A Wins North American Endurance Team Challenge

Leave a comment
Mountain Zone (Photo: Melinda Cassol)

Lexington, KY – Taking place across the rugged terrain of California’s Cascade Mountains, the 2011 North American Endurance Team Challenge drew 10 teams from the U.S. and Canada race for medals. In addition, five individuals representing four countries vied for individual honors.

Finishing in a combined time of 31:07:13, Mountain A took the Team Gold medal. Doug Swingley aboard Pal of Mine lead the team effort, riding into three of five vet checks in the lead, he finished in a time of 8:55:54. Also across the finish line for Mountain A was Suzanne Hayes with Greenbriar Al Jabal and Suzanne Hedgecock with Aireagle; teammate Christoph Schork was eliminated at gate four.

“I was riding a fairly young horse; he was only an 8-year-old and was only his second hundred (mile race),” said Hayes. “I wanted to test him a little bit – which we did. He shows a lot of promise as far as increasing his speed in the future. The Mountain Zone worked really well as a team. Everyone that was on the team worked really well together to solidify our performance as the gold medal team… The course was very well suited for us. We live in Montana – we train in the mountains; we are well suited for that.”

Taking the Team Silver was Northeast-North. The team completed the course within seconds of each other for an overall time of 33:57:29. Kyle Gibbon and Soho, Steve Rojek and Beaujolais, and Gene Limlaw and Con La Garcia were the team’s counted times as Kathy Brunjes and Frontier Random were eliminated at the finish.

The Northeast proved to be a dominate zone, as their second team, Northeast-East, captured the Bronze medal in 35:53:31. Leading the team was individual Silver medalist Meg Sleeper, who blazed to the finish in 8:17:34 with her own Syrocco Reveille. Sleeper was followed by teammates Lisa Green with LR Amana Tabi and Holly Corcoran with DJB Santanas Chief. Melody Blittersdorf was eliminated at gate three.

The Individual medals were determined by a race to the finish line as Jeremy Reynolds (Pacific South) and A Kutt Above outran Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Reveille by a mere second to take the Gold in 8:17:33. Becky Hart with No Repeat, riding as an individual for Pacific South, took the Bronze medal in 8:38:30. No Repeat also earned the coveted Best Conditioned Horse award.

More information is available here: http://patriotsdayride.com/PATRIOTS_DAY_RIDE/2011_N.A.E.T.C..html.

Competitions, Dressage, Events

Last Minute Plans Change the Course of Events at the Dressage at Devon Grand Championship

Leave a comment

September 28, 2011 (Devon, PA) – The world-famous Breed Division at Dressage at Devon continued today.  With some of the most stunning horses from around the world competing, it was Rheporter, Dazzle, Rabiola and Doctor Wendell MF who treated spectators to the final feast for the eyes, floating around the Dixon Oval as they competed for top honors in the Grand Championship.

It was déjà vu when Rabiola won the Four-Year-Old and Older Broodmare’s class.  The mare by Metall out of Fabiola by Zadok took home the same honor in 2010.

The Born in the U.S.A. Breeders Awards were started in 2003 to recognize and reward the achievements of American sport horse breeders.  Horses conceived and foaled in the U.S. are eligible for the fourteen different categories. The High Point winner for the Born in the U.S.A. was Sterlicht GGF owned by Rachel Ehrlich, followed by Reserve Champion Duet MF, owned by Maryanna Haymon.

Radiance HVH, a Hanoverian by Rotspon out of EM Whitney and bred and owned by High Valley Hanovarians in Suches, Georgia, claimed the USDF/Great American Insurance Group Mare Championship.  Earlier in the day she had won the USEF Materiale for 4- and 5-year-old Mares and the 4- and 5-year-old Maiden and Yeld Mare class. Innverness, by Parabol out of Parelez, who was bred by Hilltop Farm and owned by Ursula Ferrier, was the winner of the Stallions 4 Years and Older.

Continue reading Last Minute Plans Change the Course of Events at the Dressage at Devon Grand Championship →