Category Archives: Competitions

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

Dancer, Wrigley-Miller and Yoder Set to Drive in Their First FEI World Pair Driving Championship

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Joe Yoder winning the 2011 National Championship (Photo by Picsofyou.com)

Lexington, KY – The 2011 FEI World Pair Driving Championship get underway this week in Conty, France, and three American drivers are set to make their International Championships debut. Led by Chef d’Equipe Chester Weber and Coach Michael Freund, the U.S. will be represented by Katherin Dancer, Misdee Wrigley-Miller and Joe Yoder. These three drivers drove as a team at Reisenbeck CAI in July and earned valuable international experience which Weber believes will serve them well going into the World Championship.

Dancer, a German expatriate now lives in California where she runs a riding program – she drives a team of Warmblood horses and comes off a strong spring which featured a third place finish at the USEF National Pair Driving Championships at the Live Oak CDE in March. She is guided by her husband Scott, who serves as her navigator.

Wrigley-Miller is also driving on her first international team, but she is also hugely successful in the Saddlebred world. She drives a promising group of young warmbloods and with her pair, Wrigley-Miller had top finishes at the Live Oak CDE, Sunshine State CDE and at the German National Championships. She also competed at Great Britain’s Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2010.

She has one of the best navigators in the world, Dutch superstar Koos de Ronde, on her carriage for the marathon.

“We made that decision earlier in the year,” said Weber. “It seems to be going quite well. There was a small injury to one of her best marathon horses – but that horse is back for the World Championships and we are excited about that.”

Continue reading Dancer, Wrigley-Miller and Yoder Set to Drive in Their First FEI World Pair Driving Championship →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper

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© ESI Photography. Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome on course during the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (August 22, 2011) — Jennie Edwards and her own Welcome rose to the top when she won the blue in the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals on Saturday night at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida is a seasoned equitation rider and trains under the tutelage of her aunt, Ginny Edwards at Hidden Hollow Farm. In all, 33 riders navigated course designer Jerry Dougherty’s route, and 12 of the top riders were invited back to show on the flat. After the flat phase, the top four were brought back for additional testing over fences, after which, Edwards emerged as the winner.

“I got this horse back in March and he’s been such a great ride,” said Jennie Edwards. “I’ve learned so much on him already. This is one of the most important events I look forward to each year, so winning it was just great. I couldn’t believe when it happened.”

For her efforts, Jennie Edwards won a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, and a cooler donated by Gary Baker, while Ginny Edwards won a $300 trainer award for helping to guide her student to the crown.

“My goals this year were to qualify for the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals, the regional ASPCA Maclay Finals and this Final,” added Edwards. “I’ve been able to do all of that so far, so this year has been really successful for me. I’m very lucky to have my aunt as my trainer – she is so caring and hardworking, and it made the win a lot more special with her there.”

Continue reading Jennie Edwards Captures the USHJA Tad Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals at HITS Culpeper →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equus Events Inaugural Atlanta Summerfest Kicks Off to Rave Reviews

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Snook and Christina Jason jumping. Picture copyright Steven G. Webb photography

August 21st, 2010 – Equus Events has just wrapped up its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Chatt Hills (Bouckaert Farms) in Fairburn, GA.  The show, a USEF “A” sanctioned event took place August 18-21 and was managed by Aiken, SC’s Equus Events Inc. and show manager J. P. Godard.  “We are unbelievably excited about this new show series,” boasted Godard.  “This facility is outstanding and I am really looking forward to the future and all of the potential we have here.”  Well known in the eventing world, Chatt Hills will host the 2011 USEA American Eventing Championships in just over a week and Godard is excited to introduce it to the hunter and jumper world.  The facility boasts an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands with ample room to ride located along the Chattahoochee River.  From excellent footing to exceptional stabling, this place really has it all!  During the week, exhibitors and spectators were treated to daily hospitality all sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors; Brad Spragg and the Atlanta Hunt Club, Elizabeth Warmington and Brooksgate Stable Inc., Matt Martin and Windy Oaks Farm, Casey Whitaker, and The Farm House.

The hunter ring was featured Friday evening during a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic.  Julie Curtain and Donna Bassinger’s Miramax took top honors in that class topping the field of 14 just edging out another of Curtain’s mounts, Gregg Burrows’s Vince.  Junior rider Alexa Boggio took rounded out the top three with her Alamo.

The jumpers were the highlight in Saturday evening’s Chattahoochee Hills $5,000 Jumper Classic.  Exhibitors and spectators were treated to an exhibitor’s party sponsored by the show’s hospitality sponsors during the class.  Five horse/rider combinations advanced to the jump off over the J. P. Godard designed course.  In the end it was Aiken, SC young professional Christina Jason and CDS Stable’s Snook who took home the blue in a time of 36.819 just edging out Mary Kate Dillon’s Utharo and Glenn Hartigan’s time of 36.825.  Highridge Farm’s entry Uranda and rider Susie Fried took home third.  “The show grounds is beautiful!” quoted Jason.  “It was a fun, fast class and Snook was absolutely perfect … I had a great time!”

Another Aiken, SC rider rose to the top on Sunday in the $2,500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Adult Jumper Classic.  This time it was Heather Crespo and her Fritz R.B who took home the blue in the class.  The action continues this week with the Atlanta Summerfest II starting up on Thursday August 25th.  For complete horse show results or this week’s schedule of events please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Hagyard Challenge Series Continues to Be Led by McLain Ward

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McLain Ward placed first and second in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to take over the lead in the Hagyard Challenge Series standings. Photo: Rebecca Walton/PMG

Lexington, KY – August 22, 2011 – McLain Ward continues to hold the lead in the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series after claiming the first and second place honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. The talented rider completed double clear rounds aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to earn valuable points towards the $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus.

After last Friday’s $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, Canada’s Yann Candele has moved into the second place position, trailing Ward by just 20 points. Candele took home the winning prize aboard Azzaro during the prestigious event, and also placed fifth and sixth with Carlotta Singular La Magnifiqua and Ariana, respectively. Fellow Canadian Ian Millar has slipped to the third position, having ridden Instyle and Star Power to fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively, during both of the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic competitions during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

The Hagyard Challenge Series features seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $45,000 Leading Rider Award, presented after the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier held on September 23, 2011, during the Kentucky National Horse Show.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: presenting sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra 200, Wyatt Equine Law Group, Johnson Horse Transportation, Chase, and J. P. Morgan.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI World Endurance Championships For Young Horses 2011, Compiegne (FRA)

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BAHRAIN AND UAE TAKE YOUNG ENDURANCE HORSE TITLES by Louise Parkes

Salman Isa Al Radhi from Bahrain steered Persepolia Larzac to win the 8 Year Old title at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses 2011. Photo: FEI/Gilly Wheeler.

Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011 – Horse and rider combinations from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates claimed the titles at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses which took place at Compiegne in France last Friday. Over testing courses, and in intense heat, it was Bahrain’s Salman Isa Al Radhi and Persepolia Larzac who returned the quickest time in the 8 Year Old division, while the UAE’s Shames Sd Sn Al Marri produced a strong ride with Qatar La Majorie to win the 7 Year Old competition.

Endurance riding only developed into a competitive sport in the 1950s and arrived in Europe during the following decade. In 1982 it became an FEI-approved discipline, and gradually the number of events increased. In 1998 the World Championships were staged in the United Arab Emirates, with competitors from 47 Federations taking part, and this proved the catalyst for an explosion of growth in participation over the following years.

This year’s FEI World Championships for Young Endurance Horses attracted competitors from 20 countries – Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.

8 Year Olds
Of the 27 starters in the 8 Year Old Championship, a total of 14 were representing France, but the host nation had to settle for silver medal position when Bahrain’s Al Radhi completed the 160 km course with an average speed of 19.442 kmh. Al Radhi, who only joined the Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain in 2011, was delighted with the performance of his mare Persepolia Larzac.  “From the third loop I could feel her speed.  I rode her in a 160km race in Germany this year and came fifth, but this is my first time in Compiegne,” he explained.

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

Who Will Make History at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships?

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Kristina Cook leads Great Britain to Gold at HSBC FEI European Championships 2009 in Fontainebleau (FRA). Image: Kit Houghton/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 22 August 2011 – The hand of history will be resting heavily on some of the 71 riders heading for this week’s HSBC FEI European Eventing Championship in Luhmühlen (GER) on 25-28 August, as anticipation mounts for what promises to be an enthralling competition.

Host nation Germany, the reigning Olympic Champions, were World Champions in 2006, and their superstar rider Michael Jung (GER) is widely tipped for yet more individual honours. But they are making no secret of their longing to win European team gold on home ground for the first time – they had to settle for silver last time in Luhmühlen in 1999.

German team trainers Hans Melzer and Christopher Bartle have some of the world’s most talented and experienced riders from which to choose a dozen representatives – the home side is allowed 12 places.

Most notable among them are the World Champion Jung, riding his fabulous horse La Biosthetique Sam, and a quartet of Olympic gold medallists: Ingrid Klimke, Frank Ostholt, Peter Thomsen and dual CCI4* winner Andreas Dibowski.

Add to that mix former Pau CCI4* winner Dirk Schrade and Luhmühlen CCI4* runner-up Sandra Auffarth, who has been taking the circuit by storm, plus a host of other consistently successful competitors, and German supporters could well be celebrating by Sunday evening.

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

FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 Day 4, Freestyle

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CORNELISSEN IS THE FREESTYLE QUEEN by Louise Parkes

On the podium after the Grand Prix Freestyle: L to R - silver medallist Carl Hester (GBR), gold medallist Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) and bronze medallist Patrik Kittel (SWE). Photo: FEI/Peter Nixon.

Rotterdam (NED), 21 August 2011 – The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen was in a class of her own as she claimed her second gold medal in two days when winning the Grand Prix Freestyle at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam (NED) this afternoon.

Yesterday she was super-cool when topping the Grand Prix Special, despite an error of course that might have unhinged many others, but today she was simply super-confident, ultra-professional and totally concentrated as she steered Jerich Parzival to a flawless performance that left the Freestyle result beyond any doubt.  “She did a wonderful job, and was the clear winner of the day,” said Ground Jury President Ghislain Fouarge afterwards.

In a gripping competition filled with all kinds of possibilities, the spectators engaged with every competitor that came into the ring and expressed their opinion each time a result went up on the board. There was a huge roar from the home side when Cornelissen was awarded the winning mark of 88.839, but it was almost matched by the approval registered for the 84.179 achieved by silver medallist Carl Hester from Great Britain who has stolen the hearts of a whole new generation of dressage fans. Bronze went to Sweden’s Patrick Kittel whose foot-perfect test with Watermill Scandic was awarded 83.429.

These Championships have provided a refreshing boost for the sport of Dressage, as a rising tide is exposing a wealth of new human and equine talent while also highlighting the quality of the current stars.

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

FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 Day 3, Grand Prix Special

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ADELINDE DOES THE DOUBLE ON A DRAMATIC DAY IN ROTTERDAM by Louise Parkes

Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival won gold in the Grand Prix Special at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 today. Photo: FEI/Peter Nixon.

Rotterdam (NED), 20 August 2011 – Adelinde Cornelissen defended her title in style when recording her second successive victory in the Grand Prix Special at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today.  On the afternoon she claimed gold with Jerich Parzival at Windsor in Great Britain two years ago she set a new world-record with her sparkling chestnut gelding. But today’s competition was an altogether different affair as, despite the highest expectations, the leading riders all made significant mistakes including the eventual champion.

Cornelissen’s class showed through however with a superb recovery.  “I knew I had to ride double-well afterwards!” she explained, and that was exactly what she did, producing a run of late scores that not only rescued her from disaster but provided her with the ultimate accolade once again.

British riders took silver and bronze, Carl Hester and Uthopia once again displaying their massive potential, and Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris producing a much-improved performance to that shown in Thursday’s Team Championship in which she and her team-mates reigned supreme.

The biggest surprise of the day was the uncertain performance of Germany’s Matthias Alexander Rath and Totilas. In the team event 48 hours earlier it seemed the stallion and his relatively new rider were at last cementing their partnership, but from the outset this afternoon they were hesitant and sometimes at odds with one another. Despite that, they finished just outside a medal position in fourth place.

Continue reading FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 Day 3, Grand Prix Special →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Lillie Keenan Wins the $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at Bluegrass Festival Horse Show

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Lillie Keenan and C Coast Z earned the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Championship at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo: Heather Bellock/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 20, 2011 – It was an incredible night for the Final Round of the 2011 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Spectators gathered in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park to see who would take home tonight’s victory. Junior Rider Lillie Keenan rode to success with C Coast Z proving to be unbeatable throughout tonight’s competition. Scott Stewart and Declaration took home the second place honors while Tammy Provost and Carlson earned the third place award.

After a 12-month qualifying period, the top 75 horses were invited to compete for championship honors. Yesterday the qualifying round was held in the Rolex Stadium, and the top 25 horse and rider combinations returned to show during tonight’s Second Round competition. Riders were tested over a Classic Hunter Course with the top 12 scoring combinations advancing to the Handy Hunter Course. Scores from yesterday’s qualifying round did not carry over and riders began with had a fresh start to impress the judges. However, the scores earned in the Classic Hunter Round did carry over in the Handy Hunter Round and was a factor in determining tonight’s results.

Scott Hofstetter, Otis Brown, Russell Frey, Julie Winkel, Carleton Brooks, Jimmy Torano, Jim Clapperton, and Mike Rosser had the pleasure of judging each of tonight’s rounds. The courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and Patrick Rhodes and were created to replicate traditional hunt country. The course was beautifully set, mimicking a picturesque hunt field and barnyard with a winding stream and fence separating the barnyard from the open fields. The courses included hedges, stonewalls, oxers, coops, hay bales, gates, logs, and an in-and-out. During the Handy Round there were several elements to test both horse and rider and plenty of opportunities to show off handiness and earn bonus points as well as four higher options that would add an additional point per fence to their base score due to their added heights and elevated difficulty.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping, USHJA

Scott Stewart Takes Top Three Spots in 3rd Annual $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

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Scott Stewart and Carlos Boy took top honors during Round One of the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Photo By: Heather Bellock/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 19, 2011 – The day that riders, trainers, owners and spectators have been waiting for throughout the Kentucky Horse Shows Series has finally arrived. The 2011 $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals commenced this morning in the Rolex Stadium. Attendees could not have ordered a more perfect day with sunny skies and moderate temperatures to kick off the long anticipated event. This is the third annual USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and it has returned to the Kentucky Horse Park. Scott Stewart and Carlos Boy won today’s class and Stewart placed in the top six with all of his mounts and is one of the top 25 horse and rider combinations to advance to tomorrow evening’s final event. Lillie Keenan took home the fourth and fifth place finish with Madison and C Coast Z, respectively.

This event was created to bring show hunters to the world stage, to increase spectators, media and sponsorship interest, and bring tradition and basic riding principles back to the sport of show hunters. It is an event that involves a 12-month qualifying period and only the top 75 horses are invited to compete for the championship title. Opening ceremonies began at eight this morning, and soon after the competition got underway with the qualifying round for all 59 horse and rider combinations in the Rolex Stadium. The judges panels were comprised of Scott Hofstetter and Otis Brown for panel one, Russell Frey and Julie Winkel for panel two, Carleton Brooks and Jimmy Torano for panel three, and Jim Clapperton and Mike Rosser for panel four.

Bobby Murphy and Patrick Rhodes designed the qualifying round course, the first of three courses in the finals. This Hunter Derby style course challenged riders over 12 fences ranging from 3’6″ to 4’0″. The course offered four optional obstacles that would add an additional point per fence to their base score due to their added heights and elevated difficulty. The fences being used throughout the weekend are reminiscent of those that would be found out on a hunting field. Obstacles on the course included oxers made up of natural posts, rails and white board fences, gates, hedges, hay bales, a brush, logs, and natural foliage.

Continue reading Scott Stewart Takes Top Three Spots in 3rd Annual $100k USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals →