Category Archives: Competitions

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 Day 1, Team Championship

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BRITISH TAKE THE LEAD IN TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP AS DUJARDIN SHINES by Louise Parkes

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro produced a sparkling test to put Great Britain in the lead after the first day of the team competition at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today. Photo: FEI/Peter Nixon.

Rotterdam (NED), 17 August 2011 – Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) and Valegro created a great buzz of excitement with a delightful late-morning test at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2011 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands today that put the British on course for team gold for the first time in the 25-year history of the event.

A score of 78.830 from the 26-year-old who has been working as stable-rider for team-mate Carl Hester for the last four years, has cemented the British position.  And it is now up to Dujardin’s boss, Hester riding the exciting Uthopia, and to Laura Bechtolsheimer with Mistral Hojris, to capitalise on the advantage provided by their considerably less-experienced colleague whose score, along with that of veteran Emile Faurie’s mark of 70.426 with Elmegardens Marquis, brought the British tally to 149.256.

Germany lies second as the action resumes in the morning, but they are heading the third-placed defending champions from The Netherlands by only just over a single point, so the battle for silver and bronze promises to be a close-fought affair.

HELD THE LEAD
Second into the arena, it was Helen Langehanenberg (GER) and Damon Hill NRW who held the lead after the first tranche of riders completed. But there was a tension about the work produced by the German duo who were awarded a score of 71.079. Meanwhile Faurie’s calm, controlled ride on the big bay gelding Elmegardens Marquis included some lovely piaffe, but few could have expected that his compatriot Dujardin would produce a personal-best performance on her debut at championship level to place the British in a position of such strength.

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

Alltech National Horse Show Finds a Home at the Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky

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Photo credit: Alltech

After a hundred plus year run in the heart of New York City at Madison Square Garden, the nation’s oldest indoor horse show has been somewhat nomadic for the past decade, having landed on the Piers in New York for two unsuccessful seasons following the departure from Madison Square Garden, and then stopping in Wellington, Florida, for four years before finally landing in Syracuse, NY, four years ago.

Then, after numerous complaints by a large segment of the National Horse Show exhibitor base, Mason Phelps, Jr., along with the progressive thinking members of the Board of Directors of the National Horse Show, spearheaded the drive to finally give this national equestrian treasure a permanent home. The site they chose was the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

“It was the logical and perfect place for the National,” Phelps said. “It’s quite simply one of the outstanding venues in the entire world. Also, the excellent management infrastructure that Hugh Kincannon has had in place for years makes this a seamless transition,” he noted.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2-6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Kentucky Horse Park in saying that we are honored to be chosen as the venue of the Alltech National Horse Show and it is our sincere wish that it will be a long and happy association,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park.

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

Red Rock Hounds Returns to Demonstrate Fox Hunting at 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby

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Carson City, NV – August 16, 2011 – The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA International Hunter Derby will take place at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, Nevada on September 5, 2011. As spectators admire the beautiful hunter derby course set upon the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range they will be treated to a display of the sport of fox hunting by Lynn Lloyd of Red Rock Hounds from Reno, NV. Following the fox hunting presentation, the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title.

Lynn Lloyd will demonstrate and explain the excitement of fox hunting, the hounds, and the tradition of this wonderful sport. This event will take place at 12:00 p.m. with the derby beginning at 1:00 p.m. Lloyd and her team at Red Rock Hounds will be parading 80 of her fabulous American bred Walker Hounds around the hunter derby course on horseback.  Lloyd is excited to gallop around and show off her prized hunting dogs as she enjoys sharing her passion with the public.

“I think it is good exposure for the hounds. It is part of the hunter derby,” noted Lloyd. “The derby came because of field hunting. All of the hunters came from the field or that’s how it all started so this is kind of presenting its roots. I think that they begin to understand that this is where hunters in the show ring began and that hunting in America is still available and we hope it stays available. I want people to understand the freedom and being in nature. I think it grounds people and I want them to remember the fun of horses. Sometimes I think they forget that.”

Lloyd began hunting in England where she became captivated with fox hunting. She explained, “The first time I heard the call of a hound something inside me came alive. I have not stopped hunting since. I feel as though I am the luckiest person on the face of the earth. We have so much land to hunt on in Nevada that you cannot believe it. You never have to stop the hounds or the horses and it is the best way to see nature and the beautiful state of Nevada.”

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Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, Pan American Games, USEF

Changes to the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Short List for the Pan American Games

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the following changes to the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Short List for the Pan American Games:

Alexandra Slusher with Last Call and William Coleman III with Obos O’Reilly have withdrawn from consideration for the 2011 Pan American Games.

The first ranked substitute Shannon Lilley with Ballingowan Pizzaz and second ranked substitute, Alexandra Slusher with Pierre have been added on the Short List.

In addition, Boyd Martin and Cold Harbor have been granted permission by the USEF Eventing Selectors to be excused from competing at the Mandatory Outing at Richland Park August 25-28, 2011, for logistical reasons. Martin will be preparing to represent the U.S. on the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials to be held September 1-4, 2011, in the U.K., and will be unavailable to compete at Richland Park.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Show Jumping

HITS Joins Forces with HRTV, the Network for Horse Sports, and A Good Show to Bring Equine Show Jumping Competition to Broadcast Television Starting with the 2011 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix

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©ESI Photography. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward of Brewster, New York captured the first ever Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix aboard Sapphire in September of 2010.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 16, 2011) — HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with HRTV and A Good Show (AGS) to bring coverage of the 2011 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and other select competition from the national HITS show series to broadcast television. As part of the deal, HRTV and A Good Show will also provide a free, live webcast of the second-annual Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and first-ever Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final on Sunday, September 11.

“This is an exciting partnership that will, for the first time ever, bring both national and international coverage and attention to a U.S. show jumping series,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President & CEO. “We believe that by working with HRTV and A Good Show we will once again raise the bar for American show jumping and provide an opportunity for the world to watch some of the best in equestrian sport.”

In addition to the Pfizer Million coverage, this agreement will extend to include coverage of select high-profile events showcased at the 2012 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California and the 2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Ocala, Florida.

HRTV, the Network for Horse Sports, is a 24/7 multimedia network dedicated to serving the news, information and entertainment needs of one of the world’s largest, but most underserved audiences – horse fans. Leading with the finest in thoroughbred racing, HRTV also delivers programming for virtually all equine sports.

Continue reading HITS Joins Forces with HRTV, the Network for Horse Sports, and A Good Show to Bring Equine Show Jumping Competition to Broadcast Television Starting with the 2011 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Events

Good Dressage Rewarded with High Scores at The Colorado Horse Park

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Mary Allyn's Rock On, ridden by Shannon Dahmer, won two FEI High Points. All photos: Artizencreations.com

Parker, CO — A thrilling summer at The Colorado Horse Park continued last week during the 2011 Parker Adventist Hospital Dressage in the Rockies Presented by Horseware Ireland. More than 40 scores above 70% were awarded by judges Sandy Osborn, Olympic bronze medalist Hilda Gurney and Beverly Rogers. As one of the largest dressage shows in the region, Dressage in the Rockies attracted competitors not only from Colorado, but the surrounding states. The three-day event was actually three separate shows (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), allowing riders to earn qualifying scores for various championships and awards in a single weekend.

“I want to congratulate all these riders on their success; these scores came from very legitimate judges,” said show manager Glenda McElroy of Cornerstone Dressage. “All of the judges have been very complimentary about the quality of horses and riders.” McElroy’s Cornerstone Dressage, based out of Los Angeles, has managed some of the top CDI (international) shows in the country, as well as the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Finals in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

Among the big winners during the 2011 Parker Adventist Hospital Dressage in the Rockies Presented by Horseware Ireland was rider Shannon Dahmer. She collected six High Point and Reserve High Point awards over the course of the three shows with three different horses.

Riding Mary Allyn’s Rock On, Dahmer won the Intermediaire I classes and FEI High Point during shows I and III. On Saturday, Dahmer and “Rocky” performed an Intermediaire I Freestyle to a compilation of music from the “Rocky” soundtracks, including “Eye of the Tiger”. “He thinks he’s very cool,” Dahmer said of the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, “so the music really suits him. Plus, everyone knows it so you can get the crowd involved.” The pair received a 70% for their efforts.

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

Le Mans Welcomes over 200 Vaulters for FEI Open European Vaulting Championships 2011

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Vaulting star Joanne Eccles (GBR), reigning Individual World and European Champion © Dirk Caremans/FEI

Lausanne (SUI), 16 August 2011 – The 15th FEI Open European Vaulting Championships for Seniors and Juniors will see over 200 athletes from 19 nations bidding for the medals tomorrow in Le Mans, France (17-21 August).

Reigning Individual World and European Champion Joanne Eccles (GBR) will be on a mission to retain her title against competition from 33 Female Individual Vaulters.

World and FEI World Cup Vaulting Champion Patric Looser (SUI) and European Champion Nicolas Andreani (FRA) will also be going head-to-head with 14 other Senior Male Athletes in the battle for this year’s European Vaulting Champion title.

In addition, eight Senior and 10 Junior Teams of seven Vaulters will compete at the Championship, along with 12 in the Pas de Deux.

Ten vaulters from South Africa, along with Junior Individual Male Lambert Leclezio from Mauritius, are also making the journey to this year’s FEI Open European Vaulting Championships, making it a truly international affair.

“Spectators in Le Mans will see highly impressive Athletes delivering powerful and original performances as Individuals, Teams and Pas de Deux,” said Ian Williams, Director Non-Olympics Sports at the FEI.

“We will see well-known Champions vying for the top spot and witness many more international Vaulters pushing themselves to the limit to come up through the ranks – it will be an extremely exciting Championship.”

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Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

Beezie Madden Breezes to Glory on New Horse

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Beezie Madden and Cortes C. Photo: Stefano Grasso/GCT

She is steady, accurate and very focused.  She has a great team around her and today it all came together.  USA rider Beezie Madden romped off to an emphatic win in the VDL Groep sponsored Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard. Beezie claimed the win with a new team horse Cortes “C’ that she has only had for a few months.

This is just her second Global Champions Tour start this year and although Beezie has been competing on the Global Champions Tour since 2006, this is her finest result to date.

Course designing by Italian Uliano Vezzani was a delight for the spectators and riders.  The 15,000 spectators were not kept away by the wet conditions and stood shoulder-to-shoulder ringside and the stands were packed. The VIP marquee was buzzing with activity from the 500 or so guests all involved in the spirit of the competition.

Round two presented a completely unique track with many new fences added and nothing resembled from the first round.

Of the top eighteen combinations that travelled through to the second round, 12 were clear and it looked like too many at this stage.  Three riders on one time fault also went through along with the fastest three riders with four faults.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Horse Shows by the Bay Raises Awareness for Several Charities

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Traverse City, MI – August 15, 2011 – Besides competing for prize money, awards, and points, or enjoying the surrounding Grand Traverse region, Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival exhibitors also found time to participate in several charity fundraisers held this season.

Held at the majestic Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI, the five-week-long summer destination circuit provided not only a first-class venue for equestrian competition, it also served as a backdrop for philanthropy and raising awareness.

Support from Hampton Green Farm, the Jacobs Family/Deeridge Farm and MEIJER enabled three charities to receive monies raised throughout the series.

With two locations in Fruitport, MI and Wellington, FL, Hampton Green Farm was the sponsor of a special participant fundraising party held during the Dressage by the Bay FEI Freestyle event on July 1. Party proceeds plus the gate admission sales during the following Molon Excavating Kids’ Day served as a weekend of awareness for Leelanau and Grand Traverse County 4H. Children of all ages enjoyed K9 agility demos, pony rides, face painting, horseless blue ribbon jumping and activities hosted by 4H and Sunny Country 101.9 FM Radio.

Hampton Green Farm specializes in the breeding and development of the PRE horse here in America and in Spain, and also hosts various educational events for young equestrians nationwide.

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

USEF Pony Finals Wrap-Up: August 10-14, 2011

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Sunday was the last day of the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships, and it began bright and early with exciting competition in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. The EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Finals brought the 2011 Pony Finals to an end. Leading the class from beginning to end with a solid two rounds over fences was Madison Goetzmann and Denmark to garner the championship prize.

The top 20 riders returned for the second round including nine medium ponies, four small ponies, and seven large ponies. Today’s courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and consisted of short lines, rollbacks, a halt, and a trot jump. Goetzmann was at the top of the order for today’s second round and executed another flawless trip making the lines look easy. Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY, and Denmark proved to be unbeatable, eventually earning them the Easter Sunday Memorial Trophy donated by Ms. Catherine A. Kaiser and Ms. Jennifer T. Pesko. Katherine Strauss of Southampton, NY, and Sumerland were originally ranked tenth during their first course; however, with an exceptional second round they earned the reserve championship honors. Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY, and Macy Grey were ranked eighth coming into the second round and earned the third place honors after an impressive round.

The judges were confident with their decision after the second round and the riders were not asked to return for a test phase. At the end of the day, Goetzman was named the 2011 EquiSport Insurance/USEF Pony Medal Winner aboard Denmark, while Strauss and Sumerland earned the reserve championship honors. Taking home third place honors was Deslauriers and Macy Grey, who performed excellent rounds during both phases of Sunday’s event.

Hunter Highlights: August 10-14

It was beautiful and sunny for the first day of the 2011 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park. Tuesday, the top ponies and riders from across the nation gathered at the Walnut Ring for the Green Pony Hunters Model and Under Saddle, as well as the Regular Medium Pony Hunter Model. Throughout the year riders have worked diligently to qualify for this prestigious event and compete for the winning honors.

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