Category Archives: Competitions

Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Central Asian Open Jumping Championships 2011, Astana (KAZ)

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KAZAKHSTAN’S SOLOVYOV TAKES INDIVIDUAL GOLD, RUSSIA SCOOPS TEAM TITLE by Louise Parkes

Peter Solovyov (Liebestraum Z) is awarded with his individual gold medal at the FEI Central Asian Open Jumping Championships 2011. Photo: FEI/Alexander Buikevich.

Lausanne (SUI), 18 JULY 2011 – Peter Solovyov took individual gold for the host nation at the recent FEI Central Asian Open Jumping Championship staged in Astana, Kazakhstan where Russia won the team title.  This was the third major fixture to take place in Kazakhstan this year, following the Endurance and Dressage Championships which were held in May and June.  It is a measure of the development of, and enthusiasm for, the equestrian disciplines in the region that the 2011 calendar has been such a busy one.  And Solovyov’s victory is a major boost to the small National Federation which boasts a panel of just five riders in its senior Jumping squad this season.

Solovyov’s march to individual glory was a gradual one, with his opening effort with It’s Me du Mesnil leaving him 23rd in a field of 26 starters.  It was Russia’s Karin Ruslan and Migdolas who came out on top here, ahead of Kazakhstan’s Talyat Islamov and Atom in second while another Russian, Sergey Shepelin, steered Amigo into third place.

Astana, which officially became the capital city of the newly-independent Kazakhstan in 1997, was only granted its name the following year.  In Kazakh, the word Astana means “capital”, but it also has Persian origins referring to a “threshold”, and, located where it is, on the cross-roads between East and West, that threshold has been crossed by many of its neighbours this summer as they have pursued their equestrian hopes and dreams. Competitors from five nations – Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Urkraine – lined out in these championships.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation

John Pearce Victorious in the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix

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Small Affair Dominates the Hunters in Week Five at the Colorado Summer Circuit

Small Affair, shown here with John French, dominated week five of the Colorado Summer Circuit with two championships and two classic wins. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — Have you jumped at a mile high? If not, you are missing one of the most talked about horse shows of the year. With its expanded six-week schedule, The Colorado Horse Park has been the summer vacation spot with big money for both hunters and jumpers. Of course, this show is also about the parties, including the Friday Afternoon Club at A Bit of Tack, sponsored this week by Arenus, and an exhibitor party that rocked for hours after the Grand Prix.

Week five of the Colorado Summer Circuit was highlighted by the $40,000 Griffis Apartment Funds Grand Prix. Twenty-nine entries contested the course designed by Dave Ballard. Among the trouble spots was the triple combination into the crowd, with a related distance to the Griffis Group jump, the final obstacle on the course. Maggie Jayne, Elgin, IL, who had four rides in the class, reflected, “I thought it was a nice, challenging course.”

John Pearce had no difficulty with the first round, qualifying both of his rides, Son of a Gun and Chianto, for the jump-off. Karen Cudmore also qualified two horses and Jayne, rode Thomas Edison to a perfect first round to join the World Equestrian Games veterans in the second round.

Karen Cudmore and Southern Pride were first to return. As always, the perennial winner gave the audience a thrill. The 1998 Holsteiner stallion cut an impressive figure, but he lowered the last fence in a time of 33.892.  Pearce and Son of a Gun were next. Although they had won last week’s $30,000 Grand Prix Presented by Nutrena, this week they too were foiled by the last jump. Although the pair’s time of 31.973 gave the rest of the class something to aim for.

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Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Patty Stovel Wins the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper Week III aboard Kenya

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©ESI Photography. Patty Stovel and Kenya in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix at HITS Culpeper.

CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (July 18, 2011) – Accomplished professional Patty Stovel and Shoal Creek Stables’ Kenya won Saturday’s $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix to highlight a week of tough competition in the hunter rings of the Cavalier Classic at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia.

Stovel of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania and Kenya were the top horse-and-rider team out of the 34 that showed over Saugerties, New York course designer Rian Beals’ first-round track. They also sat atop the 12 pairs that advanced to the second round as they scored a first-place check. More importantly, the talented duo added their names to the list of top contenders for the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, which is scheduled to roll into HITS Saugerties in September.

“There were some great horses and riders in this class, and for us to come out on top – proves that we belong,” said Stovel. “I am heading up to Saugerties for the next three weeks, where I plan to show in the Devoucoux Hunter Prix, which will be a huge advantage since the big class will take place right in Saugerties.”

Stovel finished on Sunday with a total score of 175 and led the charge at HITS Culpeper, boasting the top score in both rounds and winning the class by 10 points. Jonelle Mullen Stern, of Warrenton, Virginia, rode Carolyn Williams’ Delorian to a second-place effort and junior rider, Emma Kennedy of Ocala, Florida, took third aboard Donald Stewart’s Van Guard.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood

$25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby Announces Exciting News for 2011

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Antioch, IL – July 18, 2011 – Chicago Equestrians for a Cause is pleased to announce that they will host the third annual $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby in 2011 to benefit The Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago as well as the USHJA Foundation. The Chicago Hunter Derby will return to the beautiful Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, on September 11, 2011. This is a 2011-12 Member Event of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series.

Following in the footsteps of its first two events, the Chicago Hunter Derby hopes to raise even more money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, a philanthropic group that donates money to significant charities, including the Children’s Memorial Hospital and the USHJA Foundation. The USHJA Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to advance and promote the hunter and jumper disciplines by supporting the programs of the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc. The Foundation offers numerous new initiatives, including the Horsemen’s Assistance Fund which benefits horses, individuals and organization in need of emergency relief.

The group looks forward to another fantastic turnout in 2011 as the unique one-day hunter derby event gets closer. The Chicago Hunter Derby is a very distinctive event that draws the very best hunters from all over the country to compete. The class is held on the beautiful grass in-field of an old steeplechase track with a stunning pond in the background, adding to the unique history and atmosphere of the setting.

A new addition to the weekend this year will be a three-foot national hunter derby class on Saturday.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, FEI

Tseliapushkina in the Driving Seat, but Faminou Moves to Third in FEI World Cup Rankings

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Alena Tseliapushkina (BLR) on her 2008 Beijing Olympic horse, Passat, puts her stamp on the fifth leg of FEI World Cup Eventing 2011 in Minsk.

Lausanne (SUI), 18 July 2011 – Alena Tseliapushkina (BLR) led from the start to put her stamp on the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup Eventing held on her home ground at Minsk (BLR).

Riding her 2008 Beijing Olympic horse, Passat, she scored the only sub-50 Dressage mark and added just 1.6 time penalties across the country to finish ahead of Russian rider Mykhailo Nastenko on Coolroy Pit.

In what Technical Delegate Andy Griffiths (GBR) described as a first-class event, attended by the Belarusian Minister for Sport, there was an impressive 30 starters from Russia and Belarus. A total of 23 finished the Cross Country, with 15 of those clear over the fences and three also inside the time. Twenty-three horses completed the competition, which was televised.

Runner-up Nastenko also gained useful extra points with an eighth place, but it was Aliaksandr Faminou (BLR) who made the biggest impact on the FEI World Cup Eventing rankings by shooting into third in the standings when scooping fourth, sixth and seventh placings.

New Zealander Clarke Johnstone is still way out in front in the rankings, having won the first two events of the season. He is now based in Britain, from where he can easily compete at the next leg in Malmö (SWE) on 05-07 August 2011 and the final event at Haras du Pin (FRA) on 18-21 August to secure his pole position.

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

Inaugural Interscholastic Reining Championship Secures New Alliance

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Layla Choate winning the inaugural NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship aboard Kathleen Ray’s Dunit Pistol Pete (Photo by Waltenberry).

Oklahoma City, OK – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitors to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby Show on June 30, 2011. Competitors were given an opportunity to participate the first-ever NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship, a competition similar to the long-standing NRHA Collegiate Championship.

The new championship class brought together the top four riders from the Individual Open Reining at the IEA National Western Championship and the top four riders from the 2010 NRHA Youth 14-18 division in an exciting competition where the youth will show unfamiliar horses donated by generous supporters.

Layla Choate of Hazel, Ky. and Dunit Pistol Pete (donated by Kathleen Ray of Aubrey, Tex.), earned the first Interscholastic Championship title with a score of 217.5. Megan Foley of the Autumn Rose Equestrian Team in Powell, Ohio, rode Check This Dun It (donated by Lorrie & Terry Thrasher) and was awarded Reserve Champion with a score of 217.

Choate will be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall where she will be majoring in environmental science. Choate offered advice to young riders by saying, “Work hard every day and ride as many different horses as you can.“ She said that by doing so you will improve yourself as a showman.

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Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, USEF

Peters and Ravel Take Second in Grand Prix Freestyle; Ward and Rothchild Win Yageo Prize at Aachen CHIO

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Steffen Peters and Ravel Sunday at CHIO Aachen. Photo: Ken Braddick/ dressage-news.com.

Aachen, Germany – Team USA wrapped up the 2011 World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany, with more strong performances, including a second-place finish for Steffen Peters and Ravel in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO and a win for show jumper McLain Ward on Rothchild.

Peters and Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazki and Four Winds Farm, stepped up their game today and gave the best dressage horse in the world a run for his money in the Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO for the Deutsche Bank Prize.

The judges gave Ravel and Peters technical scores of 77.25, 77.00, 80.50, 80.50, and 76.75, along with artistic scores of 86.00, 83.00, 83.00, 89.00, and 87.00 for an overall 82.000% – just .825% off the winning score set by Matthias Rath of Germany and Totilas.

According to Dressage-news.com, Peters said, “It felt fantastic. I’m still searching for words to describe it. The icing on the cake was the reaction of the crowd. That was a huge honor. I finished fifth in the Grand Prix and the Special, so to come within fractions of Totilas and Parzival in the freestyle is amazing.”

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Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USHJA

Charleston Summer Classics – A Vacation for Horses and Riders

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Elizabeth Boyd and Marksmann Win $2500 USHJA National Hunter Classic

Liza Boyd & Marksmann ©Flashpoint Photography

Johns Island, SC — July 17, 2011 — How often during the heat of summer can an exhibitor in the Southern portions of the US say they enjoyed horse showing? While much of the equine community is experiencing uncomfortable temperatures, participants at the Charleston Summer Classics are being treated to a resort like atmosphere.

Week one at the Mullet Hall Equestrian Center welcomed riders with a vacation sensory overload – from pleasant ocean breezes billowing across the beautiful grounds – to put them in a beachy frame of mind to tropical drinks under the ringside tent each afternoon. “Exhibitors are enjoying a resort escape that just happens to include a horse show! Everyone is having a ball,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.  The Charleston Summer Classic is one of Bell’s Boutique Shows, which he defines as: “Boutique (boo teek)-noun- A horse show that is fashionable and unique. Always held at wonderful venues with excellent accommodations for special horses, owners, and riders. Always includes parties, trendy classes, and fun events. Always has stylish trophies and rewards for Grand Champions. Always has Mimosas on Sunday mornings.”  Bell even designed class schedules to allow exhibitors and their horses more time for fun on the multitude of white sandy beaches, a mere 10 minutes away.

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Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunters Come to Strong Close at Horse Shows by the Bay Week II

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Lynn Walsh and Ocean Park. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 16, 2011 – As the weather warmed up at Horse Shows by the Bay today, so did the competition. The R. L. Polk Family Hunter Ring wrapped up the Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunter Divisions, in preparation for tomorrow’s $10,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic and $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic. The Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic is a two round classic, with only the top 12 riders returning for the second round. This classic is open to all riders, with 3’6″, 3’9″, and 4′ sections, including professionals, amateurs and juniors. The horse and rider must have completed at least two over fences classes in the height section in which they wish to compete. First place in this classic will receive $3,000 in prize money.

The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic is a member event for the 2011 USHJA National Hunter Classic Program, and horses will receive Zone Horse of the Year points for the class. The fences will be set at 3 feet, with 3’3″ to 3’5″ option fences. This classic is also open to all horses and riders and will consist of two rounds, with the first place winner receiving $1,250 in prize money. The $1,000 Adult Hunter Classic took place today, with an impressive top 11 riders returning for round two.

It was a spectacular day for Lynn Walsh today in the Older Amateur-Owner Hunter division, as she took home the champion honors in the class aboard her Ocean Park. On top of her champion title, Walsh earned the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion title, as well as the high score honors in a three way tie. “It’s great being a part of a competition like this,” noted Walsh. “Everyone is doing so well, and I’m glad to be a part of the hunter tradition.” Also tying for the high score prize was Kenzie Donovan on Flower and Caroline Gibson on Primetime, both competing in the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner division. Caroline Gibson also took home the young Amateur-Owner champion ribbon, riding Silvano. In the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters, Kenzie Donovan and Flower rode smoothly to the tricolor. Lynn Walsh, Caroline Gibson, and Kenzie Donovan dominated the Amateur-Owner Hunter division with confident, put-together rounds this week at Flintfields Horse Park in scenic Traverse City, MI. “I’m really proud of Silvano,” remarked Gibson. “This horse did really well out there and I appreciate the hard work so much.”

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Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI

Exell Continues Success Story in Aachen

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Four times Aachen winner Boyd Exell continued his success story at Aachen © FEI/Rinaldo de Craen.

Aachen (GER), 17 July 2011 – Top driver Boyd Exell (AUS) has continued his amazing success story in Aachen. Crowned World Champion at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky last year and winner of the FEI World Cup Driving Final for the third consecutive time in Leipzig in April this year, the Australian has won this year’s prestigious CAIO Aachen for the fourth time in his career. Boyd first won Aachen in 2003 and was unbeatable in 2009, 2010 and now in 2011.

Five competitions
The CAIO in Aachen consisted of five competitions for all drivers this year; the first dressage test (FEI Test 8a) counted for the individual classification, the second dressage test (FEI test 6a) counted for the team classification and was also compulsory for individual drivers like Boyd Exell and Chester Weber (USA). The first cones competition counted for the individual classification, the marathon counted for both the individual and the teams and today’s final cones competition counted for the teams and was again compulsory for the individuals.

First dressage
Boyd Exell had a head start in the first dressage test, which was driven in the pouring rain in the Aachen driving stadium on Wednesday. Boyd drove his team of black geldings owned by Támas Vincze from Hungary to a winning score of 35.97 penalty points. After a great start, Exell’s left wheeler horse became very excited during the latter part of the test, but this did not prevent Exell from getting the best score of the day. First into the arena, Chester Weber the USA put down a very solid test with his two new leader horses Splash and Uniek.

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