Category Archives: Competitions

Competitions, Dressage, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Show Jumping, USEF, Western/Reining

NAJYRC Stars on the Rise at the Kentucky Horse Park

Leave a comment

Lexington, KY – It’s “all hands on deck” as the final touches are being made and the horses and riders are arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park for what has become a celebrated annual event – the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. And for the 2011 competition, there are some exciting additions to this highly-regarded series of international championships.

In addition to championships being contested in dressage, eventing, and show jumping, for the first time at the NAJYRC, the discipline of endurance will contest a CEI4* 100-mile championship race (a CEI2* 75-mile, non-championship race will also be run concurrently). Additionally, reining, which joined the championships in 2008 for the first time, will have two divisions for the first time in 2011. Non-championship events will also take place in the form of a vaulting demonstration during the Opening Ceremonies and a pair of para-dressage freestyles prior to the dressage freestyle championships on Saturday.

In all, some 250 riders spanning six countries have made the pilgrimage to the Kentucky Horse Park to battle for medals. Among them include:

174 riders from the U.S. (57 dressage, 19 endurance, 39 eventing, 52 jumping, 7 reining)
59 riders from Canada (21 dressage, 3 endurance, 9 eventing, 12 jumping, 14 reining)
10 riders from Mexico (3 endurance, 3 jumping, 4 reining)
2 riders from Columbia (endurance)
1 rider from Germany (endurance)
1 rider from Spain (endurance)

Continue reading NAJYRC Stars on the Rise at the Kentucky Horse Park →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Dr. and Mrs. Pearse Lyons Named Honorary Chairpersons of the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition

Leave a comment
Dr. and Mrs. Pearse Lyons have been named Honorary Chairpersons of this year's Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. Photo: © Alltech.

Lexington, KY – July 26, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that Dr. and Mrs. Pearse Lyons have been named the Honorary Chairpersons for the inaugural event to be staged at the Alltech Arena at the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, from November 2-6, 2011.

Dr. Lyons, the President and Founder of Alltech, presides over a company that has become one of the most important and generous sponsors for equestrian events worldwide.

“That’s why we asked them to become our Honorary Chairpersons,” said National Horse Show of America, Ltd President, Mason Phelps, Jr. “We wanted to honor Dr. and Mrs. Lyons because of their commitment, not only to this show, but their contribution to the industry all over the world. Without them the Alltech National Horse Show would certainly still be a storied tradition, but the new beginning would not have been possible without the commitment of Alltech.”

“Deirdre and I are touched by this honor and delighted to have this opportunity to bring enthusiastic support to the Alltech National Horse Show,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech’s president and founder.  “The show is an institution in the equestrian world, and we are pleased to be a part of preserving its legacy.”

Earlier this year Dr. Lyons was honored with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Commonwealth Legacy Award for his pivotal leadership role in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, which were recently shown to have had a $201.5 million economic impact on the state of Kentucky.

Continue reading Dr. and Mrs. Pearse Lyons Named Honorary Chairpersons of the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition →

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

Horse Shows by the Bay Series III a Hunter/Jumper Spectacular

Leave a comment
Wilhelm Genn and Copyright 3 jump the Mackinac Bridge at Horse Shows by the Bay. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 25, 2011 – The third week of Horse Shows by the Bay proved to be an excellent series for both hunters and jumpers. A hunter derby and an open jumper grand prix demonstrated the best of the best in both disciplines, while numerous other events made for another action-packed show in scenic Traverse City, MI. Several jumper classics, as well as a welcome prix, added to the week’s bustling schedule, as did an adult hunter classic and a children’s hunter classic. Equitation riders also continued to fine-tune their skills, resulting in medal classes that were overflowing with up-and-coming equestrian talent. Finally, multiple division championship and grand championship honors were awarded, adding to the winning atmosphere that enveloped week III at Flintfields Horse Park.

In Friday night’s $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Kelley Farmer made a clean sweep of the top four spots aboard Clearly, Praise, Red Sky, and Bases Loaded. A three-way tie between Clearly, Praise, and Red Sky, all with phenomenal overall scores of 387, amazed the large crowd who turned out for the evening event. Farmer also had a fabulous score with Bases Loaded, earning a 364 for their polished turn in the ring. Clearly is owned by Jane Gaston, Praise belongs to Selma Garber, Red Sky is owned by Larry Glefke, and Bases Loaded is owned by Am Free, Inc. Farmer’s slew of smooth rides saw her win this event for the second year in a row. Peter Pletcher also had great success on multiple mounts in the derby, finishing fifth, sixth, and seventh in the highly-anticipated contest. Pletcher rode Copperfield, owned by Jennifer Noski, to a fifth place finish. Primero, owned by Sleepy P Ranch LLC, came in sixth with Pletcher, while Susan Baker’s Tell All came in seventh. Finishing eighth was Carson Gibson on Shadyside Farm’s Caden, coming in ninth was Melissa Donnelly on Elizabeth Stroh’s Chin Chin, and placing tenth was David Beisel on Ammeretto, owned by Equine Holdings. Eleventh place went to Micah Gentry on Robin Swinderman’s INXS, and the twelfth position was earned by Rachel Geiger on her own Midnight Date.

Continue reading Horse Shows by the Bay Series III a Hunter/Jumper Spectacular →

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

G&C Farms Pablo Barrios Posts Victory at Global Champions Tour in Chantilly, France

Leave a comment
Pablo Barrios and G&C Quick Star won the Prix France Galop 1.50m speed class at the Global Champions Tour event in Chantilly, France. Photo © Cealy Tetley

Wellington, FL – July 26, 2011 – G&C Farm and rider Pablo Barrios have continued their summer tour with victory and strong performances at major CSI five star competitions across Europe, including a win at the Global Champions Tour event in Chantilly, France. G&C Farm is based in Wellington, FL, and owned by Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal of Venezuela. Barrios, who competes for Venezuela, is also based in Wellington.

Barrios piloted G&C Quick Star 11 to the win in the Prix France Galop 1.50m speed class in Chantilly. The pair posted a time of 66.34 seconds for the win over Alvaro de Miranda (BRA) on AD Wilbert Z and Leopold van Asten (NED) with VDL Groep Amelie.

This was the second win for the pair on the Global Champions Tour circuit this summer. G&C Quick Star 11 is a 13-year-old KWPN mare by Quick Star x Grannus. “Quick Star has been so solid and consistent this year,” Barrios said. “We are very happy with her and want to keep her strong and ready for the Pan American Games this fall.”

Barrios was very pleased to have posted another win at a five star show. “Winning never gets old,” he said with a smile. “Just being at these shows gives me a lot of knowledge and experience. I hope we can continue our success.”

Continue reading G&C Farms Pablo Barrios Posts Victory at Global Champions Tour in Chantilly, France →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

Hampton Classic Horse Show to Hold a Food Drive in Support of Local Food Pantry

Leave a comment

Bridgehampton, NY – The 36th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, which returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 28 – September 4, is sponsoring a food drive in support of the Sag Harbor Food Pantry. The online personal shopping service, mygofer.com, is lending its support as sponsor of the Drive.

Spectators who present three or more nonperishable items at the entrance gate on Tuesday, August 30 or Wednesday, August 31 will be granted free admission to the show that day courtesy of mygofer.com. All of the items collected will be donated to the local Sag Harbor Food Pantry and shared with other area food pantries, depending on the amount of food collected.

www.mygofer.com is an innovative one-stop shopping experience that offers a range of groceries, prescriptions, and various other products with same day delivery service to the customer. It is available within hours for pickup at local participating Kmart stores, and in some locations, is available for home delivery.

“mygofer.com makes life easier for our customers and gives them more time in their day to focus on what’s important to them. It allows them to shop online for groceries, prescriptions, health and beauty products, electronics and more and have them delivered that same day to their home or to a local participating Kmart store where it is available for pickup,” said Rob Roy, director and general manager of mygofer.com. “Given mygofer.com’s presence in the Bridgehampton community, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to team up with the Hampton Classic Horse Show in support of the local food pantry.”

Continue reading Hampton Classic Horse Show to Hold a Food Drive in Support of Local Food Pantry →

Associations/Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Events, USEF, Western/Reining

Gentile Wins NRHA Intercollegiate Reining Championship

Leave a comment

Oklahoma City, OK – Twelve college-age riders competed in the 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Collegiate Reining Championship during the recent NRHA Derby Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Jesse Gentile of The Ohio State University won the championship title and NRHA Lawson trophy with a score of 218.

When asked what advice he would give young reiners, Gentile who rode Out Dun the Son from Gary Sanders of Steele, MO, said, “Have fun, and even though it’s (reining) is a lot of work, it is worth it.” Paige Monfore of Auburn University, who rode Dunit Pistol Pete from Katheen Ray of Aubrey, TX, and Mckenzie Lantz of the University of Georgia who rode Playgun Chic Olena from Teresa Wynn of Benton, KY, tied for reserve with scores of 215.5.

NRHA selected four riders from a pool of collegiate NRHA members to participate in the championship. The individuals who competed on behalf of NRHA are Jenna Blumer, Oklahoma State University; Jesse Gentile, The Ohio State University; McKenzie Lantz, University of Georgia; and Austin Griffith, The Ohio State University.

Four individuals were selected to represent NCAA Varsity Equestrian competitors in the class. The riders selected to compete on behalf of Varsity Equestrian were: Page Monfore, Auburn University; Rachel Houchin, Oklahoma State University; Kristen Hansen, Auburn University; Becca Haaland, University of Georgia.

Continue reading Gentile Wins NRHA Intercollegiate Reining Championship →

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, USEA, USEF

Another Adequan USEA Gold Cup Victory for Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin N’Juice

1 Comment
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin N'Juice (Photo: USEA)

Kalispell, MO – After a rollercoaster day of extreme highs and lows, the 10th anniversary of the Event at Rebecca Farm in beautiful Kalispell, Montana wrapped up today with a nail-biting climax in the CIC3*, part of the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series.

Though Allison Springer and her longtime partner Arthur had a ten-point lead heading into today’s show jumping, victory wasn’t yet in their grasp, and because the Irish gelding is notoriously spooky, Springer knew she had her work cut out for her. A life-size horse statue in the middle of the ring would prove to be their nemesis, and Arthur took a serious dislike to the sculpture, though Springer fought to keep his mind on the task ahead. As the rails clattered down, the pair dropped further and further down in the standings — a heartbreaking end to such a promising weekend. Seven rails and a time fault left them with a disappointing 11th place finish.

Even though some horses were a bit on edge because of the course decorations and ringside crowds, many riders had fantastic trips over Richard Jeffery’s challenging course, and when the dust settled at the end of the day, it was long-time Rebecca Farm supporter Hawley Bennett-Awad and Linda Paine’s Gin N’ Juice who led the victory gallop. After picking up just a single rail in the triple combination, ‘Ginny’ reveled in the electric energy from the crowds and jumped her heart out, much to Bennett-Awad’s delight.

“It was awesome,” said Bennett-Awad. “She actually wanted to get a little excited as she passed that horse statue in the ring, but she kept her cool and I was really proud of her.”

Continue reading Another Adequan USEA Gold Cup Victory for Hawley Bennett-Awad and Gin N’Juice →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Prize List Now Available Online as Alltech National Horse Show Debuts New Website

Leave a comment
The Prize List for the 2011 Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, is now available online. Photo: ©ANHS.

Lexington, Kentucky – July 25, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that the show’s official new website is up and running at: http://www.nhs2011.org.

The site will be a one-stop source for all of the news and vital up-to-date information relating to this year’s exciting debut in Lexington, Kentucky.

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

The prize list for this year’s show is also now available at http://www.nhs2011.org.

Additionally, the prize list also on at the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows website at: http://kentuckyhorseshows.com.

The new website features important exhibitor information, including all of the details regarding the ASPCA Maclay National Finals. Also, look for essential information regarding vendors, table sales, program advertising and much more.

Also, scheduling details, directions to and from the ANHS Horse Show, hotel lists, sponsorship and sponsor links, press releases, who’s who at the ANHS and links to what you need to know about the venue at the Kentucky Horse Park are all available at http://www.nhs2011.org.

Continue reading Prize List Now Available Online as Alltech National Horse Show Debuts New Website →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, JRPR

Weber Wins Fahrderby at Riesenbeck, Moves into No. 1 Spot for FEI World Cup Standings

Leave a comment
Chester Weber with Kainzi the rabbit and Para, a KWPN gelding from Weber’s team. Kainzi and Para became stable mates at Altenfelden as the black rabbit’s presence keeps Para calm at competitions. (Photo courtesy of J. Schwarzl)

Riesenbeck, Germany (July 26, 2011) – If you are superstitious you might credit combined driving champion Chester Weber’s fourth winning weekend in Europe to his team’s “four lucky rabbit’s feet.”  Team Weber’s companion mascot, a hefty black rabbit named Kainzi, joined them earlier this summer at Altenfelden as a stable mate to Para to help keep the KWPN gelding calm at competitions.  It was love at first sniff for Para and Kainzi and word is that the rabbit may have “four lucky feet.”

But it takes more than luck to pull off the clean sweep in the dressage and the safe marathon round that made Team Weber impossible to beat last weekend at the Riesenbeck CAI.  It does however seem a bit lucky that for the third time in his career Weber won the prestigious German Fahrderby. And as luck would have it, the win at Riesenbeck catapulted Weber into the number one ranked position for the FEI World Cup standings.

Weber, who seems generally fond of the rabbit, is more likely to credit the support of Jane Clark and chef d’equipe Ed Young for Team Weber’s success. “The additional support of Jane Clark is playing an important role in our success,” said Weber. The Fahrderby win at Riesenbeck is a sweet victory for team Weber. “The derby is an old traditional competition with a history going back over 50 years.  There are two additional pair competitions: a pairs show ring class and a pairs dressage test.  It is a very thorough test of the quality of the horses’ training,” Weber explained after his record-breaking score of 24 penalty points for an impressive average score of 8.5.  Weber added, “It was great to be back in the heat of it in Riesenbeck. I feel that I gained added insight and was thrilled to have the opportunity to drive a course in the same venue as next year’s World Championships that was also designed by the same course designer.”

Continue reading Weber Wins Fahrderby at Riesenbeck, Moves into No. 1 Spot for FEI World Cup Standings →

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

Lisa Goldman and Morocco Make It Two for Two in the $40,000 Circle City Equestrian Grand Prix

Leave a comment
Lisa Goldman and Morocco with Mary Goldman, horse show chairman Craig Dobbs and competition manager Tom Blankenship. Photos © Brooke Bidgood/Circle City Equestrian.

Indianapolis, Indiana – July 24, 2011 – The spotlight was on the Pepsi Coliseum Saturday night as the Circle City Equestrian Horse Show’s main event took center stage.  Sixteen entries competed in the first round of the $40,000 Circle City Equestrian Grand Prix over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge.

Lisa Goldman, of Hawthorne Woods, Illinois, stole the show again aboard her speedy mount Morocco, an eight-year-old Oldenburg Thoroughbred cross by Roc USA. Going second in the jump-off, Goldman set the pace for the rest of the class; no one was able to catch her.

After winning the Welcome Stake on Friday night, Goldman had high hopes going into the Grand Prix. “I thought the course looked like a lot of fun,” beamed Goldman. “I didn’t think I could do it twice in a row, but I’m so ecstatic!”

Morocco appeared especially fresh going into the Grand Prix Saturday night. As the pair approached the first jump, a long run to a single oxer, Morocco almost bucked Goldman off before they had even gotten started. However, Goldman took that as a good sign. “Generally if he tries to buck me off on the way to the first jump, as long as I do my job we will go clear,” smiled Goldman.

The jump-off course was especially well suited to the winning duo. “There was a lot of running and turn backs, which we are really good at,” explained Goldman. “I love the long runs to the jumps.” With so many fast riders competing in the jump-off, Goldman knew she had to go for it if she wanted to win. “I left out a stride in one line, and then in the long run to the last oxer he just took over,” laughed Goldman. “He loves his job.” The duo will continue showing throughout the summer, hoping to continue their winning streak.

Continue reading Lisa Goldman and Morocco Make It Two for Two in the $40,000 Circle City Equestrian Grand Prix →