Category Archives: Competitions

Kentucky Summer Horse Show Wrap-Up: July 27-31, 2011

Lexington, KY – August 2, 2011 – Sunny skies and warm temperatures returned to the Kentucky Horse Park for Sunday evening’s $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The nation’s top horse and rider combinations gathered at the Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to compete for the winning title. At the end of the night, it was Germany’s Christian Heineking and River of Dreams who led the victory gallop after an excellent double clear effort. Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride followed with the second place honors, while Rebecca Conway and Twister took home the third place award with the only other two fault-free jump-off rounds.

Karen Cudmore was the first to attempt Wednesday’s short course aboard Southern Pride, owned by Blair Cudmore of Omaha, NE, and they set the bar high. The duo clocked in at 40.203 seconds with all the rails in place, which would eventually earn the second place award.

Lauren Tisbo and Coco135, owned by Tequestrian Farms of Wellington, FL, raced to catch Cudmore’s time, and they were able to do so, but their speed proved costly when they lowered the height of the last vertical. Their four-fault effort in a time of 40.109 seconds would be good enough for the fourth place honors. Rebecca Conway was next in the ring and she claimed the third place award aboard Twister, owned by Blue Hill Farm of Salt Lake City, UT. The duo chose to keep a conservative pace and leave all the fences intact, breaking the beam at 47.733 seconds.

The final rider on course proved to be the best of day. Christian Heineking knew that he would have to be fast and accurate with River of Dreams, owned by Kai Handt of Wylie, TX, and the talented gelding executed the plan beautifully. They kept a fast gallop to every obstacle without even the slightest of rubs. The pair dashed through the timers in 39.530 seconds to jump to the top of the leaderboard and lead the evening’s victory gallop.

Continue reading Kentucky Summer Horse Show Wrap-Up: July 27-31, 2011

FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships 2011

NEXT GENERATION RISE TO THE CHALLENGE AT TOUGH KENTUCKY CHAMPIONSHIPS by Louise Parkes

Avery Klunick, Alyssa Phillips, Alexa Ehlers and Victoria New, USA Area 5's Gold Medal Junior Eventing Team Champions. Photo: FEI/Anthony Trollope.

Lausanne (SUI), 1 August 2011 – A heat-wave and thunderstorms failed to throw the next talented generation off their stride at the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championship which came to a thrilling conclusion at the Horse Park In Kentucky, USA yesterday.  Open to riders from the USA, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands, the five-day action-packed fixture attracted 250 entries, all hoping to make their mark in the five disciplines of Dressage, Endurance, Reining, Jumping and Eventing.

DRESSAGE
US Region 5 captured Young Rider Dressage Team gold.  Aylin Corapcioglu (Ruhmann), Madeleine Birch (Uceri), Catherine Chamberline (Verdicci) and Brandi Roenick (Pretty Lady) completed with a combined score of 198.104, but only pipped Canada BC/QC – Emily Fownes (Frapuccino), Mathilde Tetrault (Michelango), Anna Mylai Messier (Marzipan) and Esmee Ingham (Norseman) – by just over one point, while USA Region 8 were less than another point further adrift in bronze.

Roenick produced the highest score of the competition, 69.289, and the 16 year old from Arizona complimented her team-mates: “It’s an awesome opportunity to ride with these girls and really get to know them,” she said.  Canada’s Esmee Ingham put the Canadian silver medal in context.  “Since British Columbia is on the West Coast and Quebec City is so far east, for us to come together as a team having never met, and to take a medal is really incredible!” she pointed out.

Roenick had to settle for silver in the Individual Championship however when Isabelle Leibler (Watson) took gold and fellow-American Chase Hickok (Palermo) claimed the bronze.  And it was Hickok who moved into silver medal position in the Freestyle in which Leibler’s flawless performance with her 14 year old Westphalian gelding earned a winning score of 74.00. “He just felt like he was right there for me… it was the most amazing feeling,” Leibler said.  Mackinzie Pooley claimed the bronze with her last ride in international competition with the 20 year old Oldenburg Jonkara.

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Atlanta Summerfest and Aiken Fall Festival Offer a Variety of Opportunities for Competitors

August, 1st 2011 – It is hard to believe but summer is already coming to a close and fall is just around the corner.  Show manager J. P. Godard’s Equus Events is gearing up to unveil its inaugural Atlanta Summerfest at Bouckaert Farms in Fairburn, GA.  These new shows taking place August 18th-21st and 25th-28th will be one of the most popular tickets in town as stalls and camper spots are limited at the renowned Bouckaert Farms home of the 2011 USAE American Eventing Championships.  Well known in the eventing world, Godard is excited to introduce Bouckaert Farms to the hunter/jumper contingent.  “We are really looking forward to getting this show series off the ground,” Godard said with a smile.  “It took a little bit of time to get everything together, but now we are just looking forward to a great first year and hope everyone has a fantastic time.”

The facility itself has no lack of bragging rights boasting an over 8000 acre equestrian paradise filled with established pastures, lakes, and woodlands situated on the Chattahoochee River.  Stabling is all permanent and every stall features rubber mats.  The Atlanta Summerfest will offer something for everyone including walk/trot classes all the way up to the Open Jumpers.  Exhibitors and spectators can also look forward to Equus Events daily hospitality and weekly parties and events.  Some of the feature classes include:

-$5,000 Open Jumper Classic each week
-$2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (wk1)
-$1,500 Jr/AO Jumper Classic each week
-$2,500 NAL/WIHS Ch/Ad Jumper Classic each week
-$500 Pony Classic
-$500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic
-$500 NAL/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic

Continue reading Atlanta Summerfest and Aiken Fall Festival Offer a Variety of Opportunities for Competitors

Sue Hehl Dominates Adult Amateur Hunters on Last Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

Sue Hehl and Something's Cookin'. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 31, 2011 – It was yet another gorgeous, sunny day for the final day of hunter competition at Horse Shows by the Bay. Over the past four weeks of the show series, scenic Traverse City has offered exhibitors almost nothing but quintessential summer days. The R. L. Polk Main Hunter Ring was no different today with the Amateur-Owner Hunter and Adult Amateur Hunter divisions wrapping up their competitions. Weatherly Stroh and Sigfried, owned by Susanne Stroh, continued their winning streak, as did Lindsay Lyden and Copperfield, owned by Fox Meadow Farms. The Hunter Classics in both divisions were the day’s highlights, offering spectators one final chance to appreciate the elegance and style that the hunters have put on display throughout the series.

The Amateur-Owner Hunters got their morning off to a jump start. Kelsey Wickham and Wait and See Farms’ Just Because earned the blue ribbon in both the hunter and the handy rounds today. Moira Corcoran and her Pacifico took home second in the hunter round, just ahead of Jovanna Haddad and Veron in third place. This duo won both over fences classes yesterday. Following Wickham in the handy class was Sara Gentry aboard Olivaire with second place. Shawna Yeihey and her Benchmark took home the yellow ribbon in the handy course. After all the points were tallied for the two days of competition, Just Because and Kelsey Wickham earned the champion honors with 34 points. Reserve champion went to Jovanna Haddad and Veron with 27 points on the board.

Sigfried and Weatherly Stroh earned the top call in both the handy and the hunter rounds today in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″, which meant that she won all but one of the over fences classes. Abigail Wijek was on top of her game once again today with Magic Man and took home second place in both classes. In the hunter round, Sherri Werner and Unlimited earned third place, while Amy Stanley and her Saneffo Z received third place in the handy round. It was a close call for the champion title, a matter of just 6 points. Stroh and Sigfried earned the prestigious honors with an impressive 38 points, just ahead of Abigail Wujek and Magic Man with their 32 points. That was the third time champion honors have been granted to Sigried and Stroh in this division at Horse Shows by the Bay. The pair also took home the prize during Series I and III. The duo was also honored with the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion title, and Stroh earned the OVATION Leading Amateur Owner Hunter Rider Award for accumulating the most points throughout all of the Horse Shows by the Bay series.

Continue reading Sue Hehl Dominates Adult Amateur Hunters on Last Day of Horse Shows by the Bay

First Time’s a Charm for Farrington and Uceko Who Win Prestigious Hickstead Grand Prix during First Trip to Europe on the U.S. Team

Hickstead, Great Britain – U.S. Nations Cup rider Kent Farrington and the Dutch Warmblood gelding Uceko, owned by R.C.G. Farm, held their own among the best of the British in a packed jump-off on Sunday to win the Longines King George V Gold Cup at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead.

Out of the 47 starters, 10 went forward to the jump-off. Farrington – the only American – was seventh to go. Farrington won the incredibly fast jump-off with 54.36 seconds. Great Britain’s Robert Smith came in second with 54.80 and Leon Tyson of the Netherlands took third with 54.96 seconds. Among his fierce British competitors, Farrington held off defending champion Tim Stockdale to win British showjumping’s richest prize, approximately $93,000.

Uceko is proving to be a spectacular match for the 30-year-old. He made a strong start to the 2011 season, collecting second-place honors in the $100,000 Deluca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix. In April, Farrington collected one of the largest victories of his career with Uceko claiming victory among a star-studded field in the $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational. This summer, the pair collected a pair of wins in Kentucky, where they topped the field in the $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix and the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix.

It was Farrington’s first time riding in the Sussex sunshine, and his first time to Europe with the U.S. Team. Earlier this week, the U.S. Team took Bronze after a three-way jump-off against France and Germany at the sixth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 at Hickstead.

The U.S. was lying third, counting four faults each from Farrington and Beezie Madden (riding Coral Reef Via Volo) along with a clear from Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One that negated Laura Kraut’s 12 faults with Teirra. The Irish were next in line with 12 on the board followed by Great Britain carrying 16, Belgium with 20, The Netherlands with 24 and Denmark already trailing with 36 faults after anchor rider Tina Lund retired.

The next stop on the Nation Cup series is Dublin, Ireland, August 3-7, 2011.

For further information on the sixth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011, visit www.hickstead.co.uk.

Complete FEI Nations Cup Series information is available at www.FEI.org.

It’s a Wrap! The Week That Was the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC

Team show jumping medals ceremony. Photo: Sportfot.

Lexington, KY – After a week of intense heat and one suspenseful afternoon of strong thunderstorms, the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North wrapped up today under sunny skies at the Kentucky Horse Park. The competition in all five disciplines – dressage, endurance, eventing, reining, and show jumping – was intense, and the approximately 250 riders from six countries showed that they had come to win.

Endurance
The first competition to wrap up this year was the inaugural North American Young Rider Endurance Championship. Friday’s 75-mile ride featured both CEI2* and CEI4* divisions. The United States brought home four Gold medals, three Silvers, and two Bronze medals in the endurance competition.

In the CEI4* divisions, Team USA took home the Gold after accruing a collective ride time of 25 hours, 25 minutes, and 31 seconds.

Individually in the CEI4*, Kelsey Russell and My Wild Irish Gold (USA) took home the Gold, Lindsay Bean and Tektonic (USA) the Silver, and Kyle Gibbon and Missu Koran (USA) the Bronze.

Also in the CEI4* division, Tektonic received the Best Conditioned Horse Award.

In the CEI2* class, the Team Gold medal was awarded to Team USA Northeast A, whose collective ride time totaled 25 hours, 40 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Continue reading It’s a Wrap! The Week That Was the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC

Katherine Dinan and Samantha Schaefer Jump to Golds at the USHJA NAJYRC

Gold medalist Young Rider Katherine Dinan. Photo: Sportfot.

Lexington, KY – Young Rider Katherine Dinan piloted the 13-year-old New Zealand Thoroughbred-cross gelding, Vancouver, quickly and carefully around the Rolex Stadium on Sunday to finish with a score of 10.14 – and a Gold medal.

It was the final day of jumping at the USHJA North American Junior and Young Rider Show Jumping Championship at the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

“I was a little nervous going into the first round [today],” said Dinan, from Zone 2. “Coming in on top, there was definitely some pressure. I thought my horse jumped really well today. I had two verticals down in the first round… but he jumped really well in the second round. I was proud that he pulled it together.

“It was definitely challenging with the five classes. He’s the kind of horse that will do two or three classes at a horse show, so I was expecting him to be a little less alert today, but he was really good. I have 100% faith and confidence in him. I know he can jump the world. I’m a very lucky girl.”

Finishing just behind Dinan in Silver-medal position were Zone 4’s Samantha Senft and Early Morning-a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, who amassed a total score of 10.24.

Continue reading Katherine Dinan and Samantha Schaefer Jump to Golds at the USHJA NAJYRC

Devon Brown and Dynamic Image Win Eventing Gold – Leading CCI2* from Start to Finish

Alyssa Phillips and 19-Year-Old Sundance Bay Claim CCI*

CCI2* Gold medalist Devon Brown on Dynamic Image. Photo: Sportfot.

Lexington, KY – Sunday’s USEA North American Junior Eventing Championship closed an action-packed week of competition at the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior Rider & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. The intense heat that plagued the area was a challenge for the eventers as well, but the majority of the horses and riders looked fresh and ready to complete the event.

Devon Brown and Dynamic Image (Area III) led the CCI2* from start to finish after posting a flawless show jumping round to finish on their dressage score of 50.5. The pair was awarded the Individual Gold medal after making easy work of the show jumping course.

“It’s unreal,” she said after her ride. “I came here just hoping for a good run in all three phases and to give him a good confident run. I was a little worried because he hadn’t done much all spring. It was just amazing. He just went above and beyond and just tried his heart out.

Jumping all the way from seventh to take home the Individual Silver medal was Area V & IX’s Jacob Fletcher with his flashy colored Australian Sport Horse gelding Falcon Splash. The pair jumped double clear over both the cross-country and show jumping courses to finish on their dressage score of 57.2.

In ninth after dressage, Fletcher said he didn’t foresee the leap up the scoreboard to the Silver-medal position: “My goal was to make time on cross-country and have clean show jumping. To go from ninth to second… I don’t think anyone can foresee that in such a big competition.”

Continue reading Devon Brown and Dynamic Image Win Eventing Gold – Leading CCI2* from Start to Finish

Bolero and Stacey Arani Steal the Show in the USHJA National Hunter Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

Stacey Arani and Bolero won the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Lexington, KY – July 31, 2011 – The final day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show was filled with nothing but sunshine and a practically cloudless blue sky. The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Classic witnessed talented horse and rider combinations striving to showcase their skills and claim the winning title in the Stonelea Ring. Stacey Arani and Bolero led the class from start to finish and eventually led the victory gallop after earning a total score of 185. Olivia Herbert and Capistrano finished second falling five points behind Arani and Bolero, while Abbygale Funk directed Enough Said to the third place award.

Today’s courses were designed by Bobby Murphy and simulated riding over a hunt country with all of the fences set to 3′ with four 3’5” high options and four handy options. Stacey Arani of Dover, MA, and Bolero took an early lead as the first rider of the Classic, scoring a 90 during the first round with three bonus options for a 93 total. Although they were the last to return during the handy round, the duo did not hold back. After executing a slice during an inside turn to an optional fence, they stayed consistent and smooth, receiving scores of 88 with four bonus points for a score of 92. Their two-round total of 185 points landed the pair the blue ribbon prize.

“I had so much fun out there with him,” Arani exclaimed as she patted Bolero’s neck. “He was great in both rounds and I feel as though everything went really smooth and flowed really nicely. The handy was slightly more difficult, but Bolero was so good, he turned back for me, I did a slice I wasn’t intending, but when I was out there and turned, the option presented itself and we took it.”

Since the introduction of the National Derby in 2010, the program has continued to grow and experience success. “The National Derby is a great option for people that don’t want to do the big derby classes,” Arani explained. “I haven’t been able to compete in a classic since I was a kid.” For Arani the USHJA National Hunter Classic provided a fun class with a course that has 3′ jumps with higher options,which make it so she can relax and enjoy the ride. According to the USHJA, the popularity of the International Hunter Derby Program prompted them to develop a separate series of competitions modeled after the Derby but geared toward the up and coming horses and riders. The National Hunter Classic Program was launched in 2010 to provide both horses and riders a place to gain experience in Derby competition at a lower height and difficulty level.

Continue reading Bolero and Stacey Arani Steal the Show in the USHJA National Hunter Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

HJAM Equitation Finals Take Over Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay

Courtney Trott and Carlotta with trainer Greg Crolick. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 30, 2011 – Traverse City granted exhibitors and spectators another beautiful, sunny summer day at Horse Shows by the Bay today. The Hunter Jumper Association of Michigan Equitation Finals illuminated the Grand Prix Ring with skills and style. The Hunter/Jumper Association of Michigan (HJAM) Finals drew quite a crowd, eager to watch and enjoy the festivities of all three sections of the finals. Courtney Trott, Gabrielle Thornton, and Katie Nowak all earning the top call in the three prestigious medal classes offered today. In addition, the Adult Amateur Hunters and Amateur-Owner Hunters had their first day of competition in the R. L. Polk Main Hunter Ring.

The HJAM Equitation Medal Finals each consisted of at least two rounds. The riders had to complete an equitation-style course of no less than 8 fences, either 3′ or 3’3″ in height. The riders who were able to complete the first over fences phase without any major faults were invited back for a second round to be done on the flat. During the flat phase, riders were asked to show at the walk, trot, and canter going both directions, and were also asked to perform a sitting trot, lengthening of the stride, and other tests of their equestrian skills. After the flat round, the top 8 riders were required to perform a specific test given by the judges. Ribbons were awarded through eighth place, with trophies going to the winners and awards given to the winners’ trainers and grooms. “If you have a facility like this,” noted Karin Flint, owner of Flintfields Horse Park, “we’d love to have more events for our local kids. In the future we would like to be able to open it up, and to do some more things for Michigan. International, national, and Michigan, bringing it all together.”

Continue reading HJAM Equitation Finals Take Over Grand Prix Ring at Horse Shows by the Bay