Category Archives: Competitions

Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival Starts This Week!

First Horse to Trot Down Center Line This Thursday – Updated Dressage Class Schedule & Order of GO Now Online!

Hampton Green Farm's Idolo Americano. Photo Credit: Diana Hadsall

Traverse City, MI – June 27, 2011 – The first of thousands of horses are due to arrive this week for the opening leg of the five week Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival. Kicking things off this Thursday is the production of Northern Michigan’s only rated Dressage show: Dressage by the Bay Summer Series 1 and 2.  The first ride will get underway at 8 a.m.

Following the three days of what is commonly called “horse ballet” will be four weeks of action-packed hunter/jumper competition commencing Wednesday, July 6th.

Feature events of this week’s show include Friday evening’s $5,000 FEI Musical Freestyle, where ten of the event’s best horse/rider combinations are expected to individually perform their routine to choreographed music. Scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is Molon Excavating Inc’s KIDS’ DAY, which promises many fun, family-oriented activities.

The public is welcome to attend this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or close.  Admission is $10 per person per day, except on Saturday when children of all ages gain entry for free. Courtesy of Hampton Green Farm, proceeds from the gate will be donated back to local 4-H.

For more information please visit www.horseshowsbythebay.com or call 231-267-3700.

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Jessie Lang and C. Quito Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

C. Quito claimed the blue ribbon in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during Summer in the Rockies III. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

 

Bjorn Ikast Makes It Three in a Row in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix

Parker, CO — The third week of the Colorado Summer Circuit ended with big money classes! Jessie Lang riding Margot Snowdon’s C. Quito brought home the blue ribbon and the winning check to Wyoming in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Amateur rider Rachel Boggus bested the pros in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. And in the $30,000 Gesco Grand Prix, Bjorn Ikast made it three in a row by leading the victory gallop in the Prix for the third consecutive week.

$10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Hunter riders got the opportunity to ride their Derbies over the big, permanent Linda Allen designed Derby field at The Colorado Horse Park. With banks and hilly terrain, riders were able to show off their horse’s brilliance in an inviting setting over the Skip Bailey-designed courses.

“The course was so beautifully put together,” said Jessie Lang, rider of C. Quito, a nine-year-old approved BWP (Belgian) stallion. The son of Parco (by Darco) won both rounds by a nice margin. After a successful indoor season last fall, including the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship at Harrisburg, C. Quito has had a light show season in 2011 to accommodate his busy breeding schedule this spring. The stallion was obviously in top form, earning a 90 from one judging panel in the handy round and bonus points in both rounds, to finish with a 382 overall.

In between his first and second rounds, C. Quito went over to the Adult Amateur ring with his owner Margot Snowdon, laying down trips that earned him first and fourth place ribbons in that division.

Continue reading Jessie Lang and C. Quito Win $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Jung Rockets to Third Place in FEI World Cup Eventing Rankings

Reigning World Champion Michael Jung (GER) has established his position in the 2011 FEI World Cup Eventing rankings after Strzegom (POL).

Lausanne (SUI), 28 June 2011 – Reigning World Champion Michael Jung (GER) has established his position on the 2011 FEI World Cup Eventing rankings after scoring an emphatic one-two at Strzegom (POL), the fourth leg of the series.

In a remarkable record, Jung, the reigning Series Champion from 2010 and winner of the 2009 FEI World Cup Eventing Final in Strzegom was winning at this leading Polish venue for the third consecutive time.

The German rider was in first and second position throughout the competition, only swapping the order of his horses in the final phase when Leopin, which had been re-routed after retiring the previous weekend in Luhmühlen CCI4*, jumped clear to take the top spot. Leopin was the only horse to achieve the optimum Cross Country time and, with his faultless Jumping round, was the only horse in the competition to complete on his Dressage score.

The Cross-Country leader, La Biosthetique Sam, the brilliant horse on which Jung won individual gold at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games last year, as well as the Luhmühlen CCI4*, the FEI World Cup Eventing Final and a European bronze medal in 2009, faulted just once in the final phase to drop to second place.

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Atlanta Summer Classics Finale Packed with Big Awards

Samuel Parot and Costa Real Win Outback Steakhouse Gamblers Choice; Taylor Ann Adams Named Grand Puba Junior Champion; Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z Triumphant in $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix

Wilhelm Genn & Happy Z. All photos © Flashpoint Photography

Conyers, GA — June 26, 2011 — The Atlanta Summer Classics wrapped up competition at the Georgia International Horse Park, awarding nearly $300,000 in prize money and raising thousands for local charities over the two week run. “We’ve had some of the best riders in our sport joining us; it’s been a remarkable series and I couldn’t be happier,” Bob Bell, President of Classic Company, said.

Starting off the finale week was a couple of highly anticipated clinics on Tuesday, beginning with a member of the $1 million dollar club, famed Grand Prix pro Wilhelm Genn, sharing his secrets of mastering water jumps. Sponsored by the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Genn used the covered arena to set a mini course of six jumps, two with water hazards and utilized approximately ten horses to demonstrate proper and improper approaches. Speaking over a wireless microphone to riders and trainers for nearly two hours, Genn answered questions and provided helpful tips to “boost a horse’s confidence” when confronting water obstacles. Following was a very informative Pony Model Clinic with one of the foremost experts in this area, Bibby Farmer from Ocala, FL. She carefully explained to the young exhibitors not only what judges look for, but how to get the best from their ponies. Covering all the essentials from the pony’s stance to where the exhibitors’ attentions need to be when a judge is walking about them. On Thursday evening it was the judges who found themselves in the proverbial hot seats for an open forum called Just Ask the Judges, sponsored by Practical Horseman magazine. Three of the most respected names in judging, Betty Oare, Scott Fitton, and Barry Lobel, fielded questions from exhibitors and provided insight on scoring in the Hunter/Jumper disciplines. The panel also shared several of what they referred to as Judges’ Pet Peeves, which included overly short releases, especially in the Equitation divisions. All the experts agreed a restrictive release interferes with the horse’s jumping style, but pointed out that that doesn’t imply they want to see the opposite extreme with the infamous overdone throwing of the arms release.  Another peeve they described was the exaggerated tour taken upon entering the ring, stating that if a rider needs to show their mount the ring and/or the fences then the rider appears unprepared. Questions were asked on a wide range of subjects and guests left the forum armed with a lot of valuable information. “The clinics were a giant success and we [Classic Company] will be introducing more of these throughout out show schedule,” Bell commented.

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Holmes and Gideon Win $25,000 Grand Prix at Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic

Gideon and John Holmes won the $25,000 Grand Prix at the Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic. Photo © Tony DeCosta

Halifax, MA – June 25, 2011 – The Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic concluded its main competition today and hosted the $25,000 Grand Prix in the lush grass of the Grand Prix Field hosted by Fieldstone Equestrian and Show Facility in Halifax, Massachusetts.

Michael Nielson of Diamond Bar, CA, was the course designer of the Grand Prix which saw four horse and rider combinations jump the first round clear to advance to a thrilling jump-off. Only two of the four in the jump-off were able to go double clear, and Gideon and Holmes had the fastest time of 38.528 seconds to earn them the win in Gideon’s second career grand prix.

Holmes imported Gideon, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Hamlet, as a 6-year-old stallion. After not having much success, it was decided he would excel better as a gelding, which has proven true as Gideon primarily shows in the High Amateurs and does quite well. However, when the opportunity arises, Holmes “tries to put him in some of the smaller 1.40m or 1.45m grand prixs like the one today at Fieldstone.”

Showing first over the shortened course on his other mount Zilano M, Holmes had the advantage of previewing the course when he returned with Gideon three horses later. Holmes said his plan for the jump-off was “made a little easier having the luxury of riding another of my horses earlier in the jump-off. So I got to see the turns and I knew there was a flat out open run from the first to the second fences of the jump-off and I went for it with Gideon. With Gideon, I had the opportunity to slice back to the third jump because he is a more experienced horse. After that I just kept running and the jumps just kept coming up right on target even when I was leaving strides out.”

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Huckleberry Finn and Sarah Tyndall Capture Victory in $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby at Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic

Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn won the $10,000 3'3” Hunter Derby at the Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic. Photos copyright Tony DeCosta

Halifax, MA – June 24, 2011 – The Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic held their $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby today and it was Sarah Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn, owned by Susan Huyett of Concord, MA, who excelled through two rounds for the win. The Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic runs through Saturday, June 25, 2011, and is hosted by Fieldstone Equestrian in Halifax, Massachusetts.

The “AA” rated show features exciting competitions for hunters and jumpers including tomorrow’s highlight class, the $25,000 Grand Prix.

In the first round of the $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby, Tyndall and Huckleberry Finn went third and received scores of 83 and 84 from the two sets of judges, plus coordinating bonus points of three and three for a total of 173. After the rest of the entries finished, they stood on top of the standings with a four point margin.

Tyndall described her round, “My first round was pretty good. I thought I was a little deep to one oxer and we had a quite a rub. On the way to the coop, there was some standing water and he actually leapt over it. I kept cantering to the next jump and luckily it worked out. It was a bonus jump!”

Coming into the second round, Tyndall admitted that she was nervous, with all of her students from Stoneymeade Farm (Acton, MA) watching and cheering her on. Tyndall said, “All of my kids were here watching me and putting the pressure on! I just wanted to go in there and have fun, and we did.”

Continue reading Huckleberry Finn and Sarah Tyndall Capture Victory in $10,000 3’3″ Hunter Derby at Plymouth Rock Hunter Jumper Classic

Alltech National Horse Show Accepting Official Media Partnerships

Lexington, KY – June 25, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, is now accepting a limited number of Official Media Partners for this year’s debut event in Lexington, Kentucky.

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.

In exchange for advertising space, detailed editorial content and coverage, Official Media Partners of the Alltech National Horse Show will receive a link on our Media Partners page on the ANHS website, recognition in the Official Alltech National Horse Show Program and exclusive rights to distribute magazines on the grounds during this year’s show. Only officially recognized magazines will be allowed during the Alltech National Horse Show.

For information regarding the Official Media Partnership, please contact Mason Phelps, Jr. or Karen Lucca. Mason Phelps can be reached at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com. To get in touch with Karen Lucca, email kll@phelpsmediagroup.com. Both can be reached by calling 561-753-3389.

The Alltech National Horse would like to welcome the following media outlets who have already signed on as Official Media Partners: the Lexington Herald Leader, Sidelines Magazine, PhelpsSports.com, ShowNet.biz, Equine International and Wellington the Magazine.

Equine International was recently named as the Official Publication of the Alltech National Horse Show.

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.

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2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Boasts Exceptional Hospitality

Reno NV – June 20, 2011 – The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA Hunter Derby proudly boasts exceptional hospitality at their annual event. This year, Red Carpet Events and Designs will once again be providing the layout, food, drink, and décor. They will be creating the elements that contribute to the atmosphere, and add to the exceptionally exquisite equestrian event and the novelty of a standalone hunter derby. This prestigious event will take place on September 5, 2011, at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, Nevada, and will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title.

During the next several months, Red Carpet Events and Designs will work with the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby to transform the location hosting the event. Red Carpet Events and Designs is a full service event planning and design company providing logistical support, staffing, and décor. They will oversee operational planning, secure vendor partners, and event décor to create the event that makes West Coast’s only standalone hunter derby an event to remember. Red Carpet Events and Designs is located in Sparks, Nevada, and is dedicated to helping the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby become a successful event. Their experienced, knowledgeable, and creative team of event planners gives attention to every detail.

Owners Julie Nobis and Karen Nichols are excited to be a part of such a unique and exciting event in the equestrian industry. They are pleased to offer innovative and enthusiastic total event management for such an outstanding equestrian event. Nichols and Nobis became involved with the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby during its inaugural year in 2010, which proved to be a resounding success. Franktown Meadows Derby and Red Carpet Events are looking forward to making this one of the premier equestrian events in the region.

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Pfizer Animal Health Presents the First-Ever Culpeper Horse Owners’ Event on July 8!

© ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Paparazzi 10 won the $40,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Culpeper in 2010.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (June 22, 2011) — HITS is proud to announce the debut of the first-ever Culpeper Horse Owners’ Event, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will take place at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia on July 8, from 4:30pm – 9pm, during Pfizer Animal Health Weekend. Commonwealth Park is located at 13256 Commonwealth Parkway.

Prior to the start of the event, guests will be able to watch the some of the top High-Performance riders in the country compete in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix, which will take place in the Grand Prix ring on Friday, located directly in front of the HITS Restaurant, where the event will take place.

All show exhibitors, horse owners and horsemen alike from the local and surrounding communities are invited to attend this exciting event, free of charge. The main presentation will be a featured lecture on Strategic Deworming by renowned veterinarian Mark Crisman, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVIM, Equine Veterinary Service on behalf of Pfizer Animal Health. Dr. Crisman’s presentation will be followed by a country cook-out featuring all the favorite fixings and a live music performance by the Gold Top County Ramblers. Also, all guests attending the lecture will be eligible to fill out entry forms for some fun give-aways at the end of the evening.

The Culpeper Horse Owners’ Event will be a great opportunity to learn about new innovative strategies to maintaining the overall health and care of your horses. In an effort to promote this inaugural event, the Culpeper Horse Owners’ Association has expressed their deepest support and admiration. “As an organization dedicated to the promotion of the horse industry in Culpeper, we are really excited that HITS and Pfizer Animal Health are putting on the Culpeper Horse Owners’ Event and inviting the surrounding horse community,” said Gardiner Mulford, President of the Culpeper Horse Owners’ Association (CHOA). “What a great opportunity to get to the show, watch exciting show jumping, learn from an expert in the field of equine health and enjoy the company of fellow horsemen and horsewomen while listening to great music at the country cook out.” He continued, “We are delighted that HITS and Pfizer Animal Health have invited the Culpeper community and CHOA to this event. We are looking forward to it!”

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Madden, Kraut, Hough, McCrea & Farrington to Jump for U.S. at CSIO5* Hickstead & CSIO5* Dublin

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) named the following horse/rider combinations for CSIO5*competitions: Hickstead and Dublin, which are part of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Series. These riders will jump at CSIO5* Hickstead, England, July 26-31 which is held in conjunction with the Longines Royal International Horse Show and CSIO5* Dublin, Ireland, August 3-7 as part of the prestigious Royal Dublin Horse Show.

Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) will ride Coral Reef Ranch’s Coral Reef Via Volo
Coral Reef Via Volo is a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare

Laura Kraut (Wellington, FL) will ride Happy Hill Farm’s Cedric or Stars and Stripes’ Tierra
Cedric is a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding
Teirra is an 11-year-old KWPN mare

Lauren Hough (Wellington, FL) will ride Laura and Meredith Mateo’s Quick Study
Quick Study is a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding

Christine McCrea (Windsor, CT) will ride Windsor Show Stable’s Romantovich Take One
Romantovich Take One is an 11-year-old KWPN gelding

Kent Farrington (Chicago, IL) will ride R.C.G. Farm’s Uceko
Uceko is an 11-year-old KWPN gelding

Information about Hickstead and the Longines Royal International Horse Show is available here: http://www.hickstead.co.uk/horse-shows.aspx.

Information about the Royal Dublin Horse Show is available here:  http://www.dublinhorseshow.com.