Category Archives: Competitions

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kristen Vanderveen Wraps Up the Colorado Summer Circuit with a Big Win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix

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Kristen Vanderveen earned the top prize money in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix during week six of the Colorado Summer Circuit. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Kristen Vanderveen made her trip from Wellington, FL worthwhile when she capped three weeks in Colorado with a win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. The six-week Colorado Summer Circuit ended with a bang, complete with Military Appreciation Day, a visit from Congressman Mike Coffman and the final distribution of nearly $1,000,000 in cash and prizes.

“When we expanded the Colorado Summer Circuit from four to six weeks, we had high expectations,” said vice president and general manager Brian Curry. “We were excited when we sold out more than 1,000 stalls, plus the 100 horses that call CHP their permanent home.”

Added show manager Pat Boyle, “Our goal is to build fun, exciting shows so that competitors will enjoy spending their summer in Colorado. The feedback for the new classes, additional prize money and more parties was really extraordinary.”

The six-week extravaganza was highlighted by the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. Featuring Olympians and World Equestrian Games-competitors, the class was part of an afternoon of entertainment that included Military Appreciation Day. “We wanted to support and recognize military families. They deserve our gratitude and thanks for their service. We are very happy to do our part by offering them the chance to relax and enjoy a pleasant afternoon with their families,” said Helen Krieble, The Colorado Horse Park’s founder and president. Veterans and their families were able to enjoy the horse show, along with activities for the kids that included bouncy houses and pony rides. Congressman Mike Coffman, a Major in the Marines, Retired, also attended.

Continue reading Kristen Vanderveen Wraps Up the Colorado Summer Circuit with a Big Win in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix →

Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., Events, USEF

Area VII’s Florence Miller Leads the Pack of Junior Three-day Eventers after Phase 1 Dressage

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Area VII's Florence Miller sits atop the CCI*. Photo: Diana De Rosa.

Lexington, KY – The 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North continued today at the Kentucky Horse Park with Junior competitors completing the dressage phase of the USEA North America Junior Eventing Championship.

Topping the leader board of the CCI* event is Florence Miller of Area VII who ended her dressage test with only 47.3 penalty points aboard her horse, Tuscan Sun.

Area V representative Alyssa Philips and Sundance Bay are a little more than four points behind Miller while Sable Giesler and Evil Munchkin of Team Ontario are sitting comfortably in third.

“My horse is doing pretty nicely in dressage right now,” said the Montana-based Miller of her 8-year-old Thoroughbred. “It’s one of his stronger phases, and he had a really nice test today.”

For Philips, the score may have represented a personal best. “Sundance had a really nice test today, Generally he’s good all around, in each phase, but today he was very good. I think this is one of the best tests that we’ve had at the one-star level.”

The cross-country phase kicks off at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, and the top Juniors have already walked course.

“I think it’s really fair,” said Giesler. “It has a few tricky questions, like the corners, but it should ride well.”

If only it would rain.

Continue reading Area VII’s Florence Miller Leads the Pack of Junior Three-day Eventers after Phase 1 Dressage →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Show Jumping, USEF, USHJA

Team Show Jumpers Take the Stage at the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC

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Junior Gold Medal Jumping Team, U.S. Zone 4. Photo by Sportfot.

Lexington, KY – It was a clean sweep for the U.S. when Junior and Young Rider Show Jumping Teams vied in the USHJA North American Show Jumping Championships today.

In the Junior division, the team from U.S. Zone 4 led the victory gallop with their Gold medal in tow while the U.S. Zone 2 carried the Silver, and U.S. combined Zones 1/6 took the Bronze.

Michael Hughes and Shockwave, Hayley Barnhill aboard Toucan Tango, Hasbrouck Donovan on Delilah, and Frances Land with Merlin earned the first-ever Gold for Zone 4 with a team total of only 12 faults after two grueling rounds in the Rolex stadium.

While a steady four on the outside line and a difficult water jump caused rails to come down for many, the Zone 4 team persevered. Barnhill, aboard the 9-year-old Tango, went clear for both rounds, one of only six to do so.

“It feels amazing,” said the 18-year-old Barnhill. “Zone 4 has never won a gold medal here, and it’s just awesome to be the first ones to do it.”

Team Chef Kim Land (Frances Land’s mother) could not have been more excited. “I’m really proud of them, with how they helped each other,” she said. “They’ve had their ups and downs this week and today everybody just came together and got better and better.”

Continue reading Team Show Jumpers Take the Stage at the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, USEF, Western/Reining

Team Canada Defends the Gold, Mexico’s Maiden Voyage Silver, Long Haul for Bronze

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Canada's YR Reining Gold team, l-r: Lisa Hiebert, Kylie Wasiuta, Jessica Green, Nancy Pratch. Photo: Diana De Rosa.

Lexington, KY – High-quality runs and terrific scores from a field of top-quality reining horses and the continent’s most elite junior and young rider athletes made for a spectacular night at the 2011 SmartPak Reining Team Championships at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

Canada reclaimed the top of the podium at Thursday night’s team competition, this time with its Alberta/Manitoba team earning a score of 623. All three counting scores on the Gold medal team came in above the 200 point mark. Team members Jessica Green (201), Lisa Hiebert (206.5), Nancy Pratch (215.5), and Kylie Wasiuta (194) powered through the competition with determination and heart and their efforts paid off in a big way. Defending the Gold medal on behalf of Canada was a top priority for the team, and seasoned team veterans Pratch and Wasiuta knew just what it would take.

“The horses were great and we had very nice, consistent runs that helped us stay on top,” said Pratch. “It is a huge honor and we are super proud to represent Canada at such an important competition.”

Pratch wins her third FEI Gold medal in two years, as she was the anchor rider for the Gold medal Canadian team at the Adequan North American Junior & Young Rider Championships last year and won the Individual Gold medal in 2010. All eyes turn now to see if Pratch will also defend her Individual Gold on Saturday morning in the final round of championship FEI reining.

Continue reading Team Canada Defends the Gold, Mexico’s Maiden Voyage Silver, Long Haul for Bronze →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Nations Cup 2011 Round 6

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GERMANY WINS THROUGH IN EXCITING THREE-WAY SHOWDOWN by Louise Parkes

(L to R): Hickstead's Daisy Bunn, German team members Holger Wulschner, Janne-Frederike Meyer, Chef d'Equipe Sonke Sonksen, Philipp Weishaupt and Marcus Ehning, FEI President HRH Princess Haya and Andrew Finding, British Equestrian Federation. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

Hickstead (GBR), 29 July 2011 – Germany emerged victorious in a three-way jump-off against France and the USA at the sixth leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 at Hickstead (GBR) today.  In a competition that produced big scores as the notoriously testing British track took its toll, it was Marcus Ehning who sealed the result with the only double-clear of the competition and the quickest run against the clock.

The French lined up second ahead of the Americans in third, but for the USA the danger has not gone away.  Lying second-last on the series table going into today’s event, they failed to improve their position and must now head to Dublin, Ireland next week under even greater pressure.  The Germans, meanwhile, have overtaken the Irish to move into second place on the leaderboard and lie just a comfortable five points off the leading Dutch who, however, didn’t enjoy their best afternoon when having to settle for joint-sixth alongside the struggling Irish in today’s competition.  It was another rough day for the Danes whose fate appears to be sealed.  They look relegation-bound in this, their debut season, having picked up just eight points from the six legs of the series to date.  It will take something very special indeed to rectify that situation with just two competitions left to go.

HALFWAY STAGE
The Germans and French were joint-leaders at the halfway stage, carrying just four faults each.  Olivier Guillon (Lord de Theize) and Roger-Yves Bost (Nifrane de Kreisker) contributed clears to the French cause while Penelope Leprevost (Topinambour) and Kevin Staut (Silvana de Hus) left just one fence on the floor. Meanwhile Germany’s Janne-Friederike (Cellagon Lambrasco) and Marcus Ehning (Plot Blue) were foot-perfect, thus ensuring Philipp Weishaupt’s single error was the only addition to their scoreline as Holger Wulschner’s (Cefalo) double-error was dropped.

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 Round 6 →

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

McLain Ward Places First and Second in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show

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McLain Ward and Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve won the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – July 28, 2011 – It was a late night at the Kentucky Horse Park as riders gathered at the Rolex Stadium to compete in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. McLain Ward proved to be the best of the best, dominating the jump-off with the only two double clear efforts aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to place first and second, respectively. Ashlee Bond and Shane Sweetnam also tackled the short course, but with four faults each they placed third and fourth, respectively.

Tonight’s class was the third of seven grand prix events that make up the Hagyard Challenge Series, sponsored by Hagyard Medical Institute and presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Following the final event in the series, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series for the Leading Rider Bonus.

Twenty-seven riders competed over tonight’s first round designed by Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, which featured an open water with a scored lath and pole, a oxer-vertical double combination, and an oxer-vertical-vertical triple combination. Only three riders were able complete the technical track without fault and advance to the jump-off. The short course began over a single oxer to two single verticals, a second oxer, the first two obstacles in the triple combination, and finished with a gallop over a large oxer near the gate.

“It was a good course,” noted eventual winner McLain Ward. “Obviously it is very hot, so I am sure that was a factor. It is a great venue with great footing and good lighting. I thought it was a difficult course, but very appropriate.”

Continue reading McLain Ward Places First and Second in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Kentucky Summer Horse Show →

Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Events, USEF

Leibler and Lahey Take the Gold in Individual Dressage at the 2011 NAJYRC

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Young Rider Devon Brown leads after the dressage phase. Photo by Brant Gamma Photos.

Lexington, KY – The competitive action jumped into high gear on Day Two of the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, which got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday and will continue through Sunday.

In the Rolex Stadium, it was a quest for Individual Gold for dressage competitors, then, later in the day the show jumpers took the course for phase one of the Individual qualifiers. Across the compound, three-day eventers took part in the dressage portion of their eventing championship, and in the Alltech Arena, the Team Reining finals wrapped up the day.

In all, 34 Young Riders vied in the USDF/Platinum Performance Dressage Championship Individual tests today, but it was Region 8 representative Isabelle Leibler aboard Watson 108 who earned the Gold. Team Gold medalist Brandi Roenick (Region 5) and Pretty Lady took Silver while Chase Hickok (Region 1) and Palermo captured the Bronze.

Kelli McLean Newton and Luciano (Region 7) sat at the top of the leader board for a good part of the day with a 64.526, but soon after the lunch break the scores just kept growing higher. But it was Leibler, a Team Bronze medalist, who turned in the winning performance that scored a 67.289.

In the end, less than half a point separated the top three riders.

Continue reading Leibler and Lahey Take the Gold in Individual Dressage at the 2011 NAJYRC →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Western/Reining

FEI European Reining Championships 2011, Wiener Neustadt (AUT)

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IT’S ALL GOLD FOR UNTOUCHABLE ITALIANS by Louise Parkes

Giovanni Masi won Junior Team and Individual gold at the FEI European Reining Championships 2011 at Wiener Neustadt, Austria where Italy reigned supreme at all levels. Photo: FEI/Christian Kellner.

Lausanne (SUI), 29 JULY 2011 – Italian riders swept all before them at the FEI European Reining Championships 2011, which came to a close at Wiener Neustadt, Austria yesterday.  In an extraordinary run of form they claimed gold in all three team championships, and took both gold and silver in each of the individual divisions.

Competitors from 10 countries were in action throughout the week, but the remaining nine had to bow to the supremacy of the Italian performers who out-rode all others.  They began with success for their Junior Team on Tuesday, and they never looked back.

JUNIORS
A total of 30 riders lined out in the Junior Team Championship in which the combined score of 643 points provided Italy with a clear victory over Germany in silver medal position while The Netherlands took bronze.  Germany’s Alisa Muller and Sparkling Cielo produced one of the highest early scores with 211 on the board, but it was Italy’s Giovanni Masi and his American Quarter Horse stallion Remins Remedy who produced the best result of the day. Rewarded with a mark of 220 it helped secure the ultimate honour for Masi and his team-mates Sara Ambrosini (Maxplease), Lara Lorengo (BH Shot O Lon) and Nicolo Boretti (Sun Olenas Red Chicka).

“I’m so glad about our success,” said Italian coach Filippo Masi.  “I knew I had four good riders on the team but, with the exception of Giovanni, they had no experience at this level.  Also Germany had a strong team,” he added.  Trainer Kay Wienrich was happy with the achievement of the German side.  “They all did a great job and I’m especially glad as we had three young and inexperienced riders in the team – and all four have qualified for the individual final.”

Continue reading FEI European Reining Championships 2011, Wiener Neustadt (AUT) →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Maclay, Show Jumping

Regional Maclay Finals, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and $25,000 Grand Prix Headline St. Louis National Charity Horse Show

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Last year's Region 5 and Maclay National Championship winner Hayley Barnhill

St. Louis, MO – July 27, 2011 – The 2011 St. Louis National Horse Show will be packed with classes guaranteed to please just about every exhibitor. Taking place from Sept. 14-18 at the National Equestrian Center in Lake Saint Louis, MO, the Show is honored to once again host the Regional Maclay Finals, Region 5, on Saturday, September 17, at 7 p.m. The Maclay Regionals will take center stage in the spacious indoor ring on Saturday evening under the watchful eyes of judges Alex Jayne and Linda Andrisani.

This year, the Show is thrilled to also feature a $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, which will debut in the outdoor Grand Prix ring at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 18.  “I think this will be a great Derby for both exhibitors and spectators,” said Show Manager Tom Blankenship.  “The large amount of space we have in the outdoor ring will allow our course designer, Richard Jeffery, to create something really special to ride and to watch.”

And jumper riders will take to the outdoor Grand Prix ring on Saturday, September 17 at 2 p.m. to tackle Jeffery’s course for the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show $25,000 Grand Prix.  Adding excitement to the events, both the Derby and the Grand Prix offer ringside tailgate parking.

Continue reading Regional Maclay Finals, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and $25,000 Grand Prix Headline St. Louis National Charity Horse Show →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, USDF, USEF

Region 5 and Region 1 Take the Team Dressage Gold Medals at the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC

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Region 5 claimed the Gold medal in the Young Rider competition. Photo by SusanJStickle.com

Lexington, KY – Temperatures soared, but dressage competitors managed to keep their cool as the 2011 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park.

This is the third year the championships have been held at the Kentucky venue, which was the site of the 2010 Alltech/FEI World Equestrian Games last fall.

The day began with Junior and Young Rider dressage competitors vying side-by-side in the USDF/Platinum Performance Dressage Championship Team tests and ended with the pomp and pageantry of the official opening ceremonies.

Competitors started early in the Young Rider Team dressage event, but late in the day when the dust cleared from the center line it was U.S. Region 5 standing on the Gold-medal podium for the second year in a row.

Brandi Roenick, aboard Pretty Lady, Madeleine Birch on Uoeri, Catherine Chamberline on Verdicci, and Aylin Corapcioglu aboard Ruhmann captured the top spot with a combined Team score of 198.104.

“It’s just great to be a double Gold medalist!” gushed Birch, 20, who was part of the 2010 Gold-medal-winning Young Rider Team, “especially coming back here with my own horse,” she added.

Continue reading Region 5 and Region 1 Take the Team Dressage Gold Medals at the 2011 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC →