Category Archives: Events

Auctions, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, EQUUS Foundation, Events, Fundraisers, More/Other, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Leads the Fun & Games at Fete Cheval for The EQUUS Foundation

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Fete Cheval winner Darragh Kenny riding Leia, with Visse Wedell, Clea Newman Soderlund, Jenny Belknap Kees, and Elizabeth Press. Photo By: Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2011 – This year’s Fete Cheval was a huge hit that featured fantastic riders performing games on rescue horses on Friday, March 11, 2011. The beautiful night, presented by Foundation Farm, benefitted The EQUUS Foundation, which helps equestrian and horse related charities across the United States. There was a beautiful dinner for guests, catered by White Horse Tavern Catering on the grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center at their Special Events Tent.

The evening’s events got underway at 6:00 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, which were followed by a dinner buffet. The main event, the Gymkhana Games, got underway at 8:00 p.m., with horses provided by Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue and a group of world class riders. This year’s riders included Max Amaya, Derek Braun, Nick Dello Joio, Sandy Ferrell, Patricia Griffith, Charlie Jayne, Darragh Kenny, Kate Oliver, Kim Prince, Havens Schatt, Louise Serio, Shane Sweetnam, Jimmy Torano, and McLain Ward. As part of the silent auction, guests could bid to become a guest rider, which went to junior rider Alex Crown. The judges for the night were Ralph Caristo and Leo Conroy, along with special guest judge Kim Jacobs, with emcee David Distler.

Continue reading Darragh Kenny Leads the Fun & Games at Fete Cheval for The EQUUS Foundation →

Breeds, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

United States’ PRE and Lusitanos to Perform this Week at Dressage under the Stars: Iberian Challenge

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Wellington, FL – March 15, 2011 – Join the crowd this Wednesday evening, March 16th, at the world famous Players Club for Dressage under the Stars, starting at 7:00pm.  In its seventh week of competition, Dressage under the Stars will feature a breed competition this week, showcasing the US PRE and Lusitano horses. Two horses of each breed will perform musical freestyles showcasing the talent and history of these incredible breeds.  Guests can enjoy delicious drinks and dinner patio side or upstairs on the balcony overlooking the dressage arena.

Nationally renowned trainer Mr. Vitor J. Silva and his students, Emily Kannenstine and Leah Winston from Sons of the Winds Farm, will represent the Lusitano breed.  Kannenstine and Winston will both perform individual freestyles and midway through the evening, Mr. Silva and his riders will also be performing a rousing quadrille demonstration for guests to enjoy, showcasing this incredible breed and its history.

Riders representing the United States PRE Association are Rachel Chowanec and Summerville Harris, will each perform cultural and fun Freestyles at the FEI level.

“The US PRE Association works solely for the promotion of the breed and education of the public about the PRE,” noted US PRE President Kimberly Boyer.  “We also strive to service breeders who are working to grow this specific breed. We are excited about Dressage under the Stars and this competition between the PREs and the Lusitanos.  We thought it was a great opportunity to celebrate the similarities these breeds share, along with their neighborhood stud books!  It should be a great evening!”

Continue reading United States’ PRE and Lusitanos to Perform this Week at Dressage under the Stars: Iberian Challenge →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, HITS, Show Jumping

Andre Thieme Captures His Second Grand Prix Win of the Season in the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix at HITS Ocala

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© ESI Photography. Andre Thieme and Coco 135 on course in the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida.

OCALA, FL (March 15, 2011) — On a perfectly beautiful afternoon at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, German show-jumping icon Andre Thieme riding Seth Vallhonrat’s Coco 135 captured the victory in Sunday’s $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, to close out the Ocala Finals. Thieme’s win marked the first time this season that a rider captured more than one victory in a Sunday Grand Prix, his first being aboard his own Cesar three weeks ago in the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at the Ocala Winter Festival.

Thieme is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Rapidly making a name for himself as a top rider competing in the United States, he’s built a solid reputation at HITS shows, nationwide, in a very short time. At the 2010 Ocala Masters, he and Cesar won the $75,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Thieme also traveled west to compete at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California, that same year and placed fifth aboard Aragon Rouet in the $300,000 Lamborghini Grand Prix, presented by Lamborghini of Newport Beach, which helped to cement his spot in the top 20 of the 2010 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix Rider Rankings. Last September, Thieme traveled back from Germany to compete in the Pfizer Million and placed ninth aboard Aragon Rouet, collecting $15,000 in prize money. This year, with six of the eight Grand Prix needed to become eligible, he is once again on a path to qualify for the 2011 Pfizer Million, a clear goal for him as his winnings continue to grow.

Continue reading Andre Thieme Captures His Second Grand Prix Win of the Season in the $50,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix at HITS Ocala →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Rodrigo Pessoa & Let’s Fly Soar to Victory in $231,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 4*-W

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Rodrigo Pessoa and Let's Fly won the $231,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W 4* Presented by Bainbridge Companies during week nine at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – March 12, 2010 – Saturday Night Lights at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival brought a crowd of over 4,200 spectators out to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this weekend to watch Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa and Let’s Fly jump to victory in the $231,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 4*-W Presented by Bainbridge Companies. Pessoa earned the winning cut of prize money after an exciting jump-off of many of the top horses and riders in the world.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival’s ninth week of competition, sponsored by Bainbridge Companies, will conclude with the Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday at 1 p.m. The 2011 WEF will continue through April 3 and award more than $6 million in prize money.

Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela designed tonight’s course for a field of 42 starters. Eight jumped clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off. Six of those eight were the top women riding for the United States followed up by two of the world’s best men from Great Britain and Brazil. The men were able to best the ladies tonight, taking the top two places with the only clear rounds over the short course.

Continue reading Rodrigo Pessoa & Let’s Fly Soar to Victory in $231,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI 4*-W →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Breeds, Classic Company, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulf Coast Winter Classics Wraps with Circuit Awards, $25,000 Budweiser Grand Prix and a Bittersweet Farewell to Continental B

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Wilhelm Genn & Happy Z. ©Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS — Mar. 14, 2011 — “I want to thank the exhibitors, trainers, owners and my staff for the best winter shows we have ever had in Gulfport. Both Janet McCarroll [Co-Chair of the Winter Classics] and I are thrilled that our shows went so well and were so well attended.  It’s always sad when all the horse trailers and campers start leaving after a circuit, but all good times must come to an end… until next year,” Bob Bell of The Classic Company said Sunday evening as crews began the task of packing up.

This was the most anticipated week; exhibitors were on pins and needles awaiting the announcements for this year’s Circuit Awards. Aiken, SC based Daniel Geitner was the first recipient, taking the Grand Champion title in both the High Performance Hunters with the Robin Hughes owned Living Color and the Green Conformation Grand Hunter with Allison Mills’ Stature. Via text Geitner said he was thrilled with the news and had enjoyed the weeks of competition in the Gulf greatly. Jordan Siegel of the Flower Mound, TX based Summer Hill Farm garnered two Circuit Awards, beginning with the 1st Year Green Working Hunters partnered with Cherry Stone for owner Fallon Bock and later in the Performance Working 3’6-3’9 Hunters piloting Jetset for owner Castle Point Farm, LLC. And Memphis, TN based pro Phoebe Sheets grabbed a pair of Circuit Awards as well, first in the Baby Green Hunters with Jean Tuttle’s Ring Ling and in the Performance Working 3’3 Hunters aboard Casino for owner Cheryl Rubenstein.

Continue reading Gulf Coast Winter Classics Wraps with Circuit Awards, $25,000 Budweiser Grand Prix and a Bittersweet Farewell to Continental B →

Breeds, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group

Sons of the Wind Lusitanos to Perform at Dressage under the Stars

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Vitor Silva from Sons of the Wind Lusitanos will be performing at Dressage under the Stars. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Palm City, FL – March 14, 2011 – Sons of the Wind Lusitanos is pleased to announce that they will be competing at Dressage under the Stars on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. The beautiful event is held at the world famous Players Club in Wellington, Florida. The festivities begin at 7:00 p.m., with delicious drinks and fine dining available both patio-side, and the Lusitano/PRE competition will begin at 8 p.m.

Nationally renowned trainer Mr. Vitor J. Silva and his students, Emily Kannenstine and Leah Winston, who will be working for Sons of the Winds, will begin by competing in a dressage competition against a group of PRE horses, showcasing the talents of the different breeds. Midway through the evening, Mr. Silva and his riders will also be performing a rousing quadrille demonstration for guests to enjoy.

The Sons of the Wind and Mr. Silva are famous for exhilarating airs above the ground and their quadrilles have been featured at the Boston Portuguese Festival, Bear Spot Freestyle, PVDA “Ride for Life”, and many other locations. The Sons of the Wind School for the Equestrian Arts, based in Merrimac, Massachusetts and now for the winter Palm City, FL, were founded by Portuguese trainer Mr. Vitor Silva. With their dedication to classical training, these unique centers provide a venue for the starting and sales of the young Lusitanos, along with instruction to all levels of students by the Lusitano school masters developed by Mr. Silva for amateur enthusiasts, instructors and competitive riders from around the world.

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Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Eventing/H.T., Events, Media/Radio/TV Sources

Eventing Radio Episode 125 by Bit of Britain – Red Hills Horse Trials Final Day

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The final of coverage from the Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida. Chris provides coverage today of the final day with many of the winners. Take a listen….

Eventing Radio Episode 125 by Bit of Britain – Show Notes and Links:

  • Show Host: Chris Stafford
  • Photo Credit: USEventing.com
  • Thank You: Thank you to the organizers of the Red Hills Horse Trials for inviting us to cover the event live and taking such good care of us.
  • News: The Eventing Radio Show and HORSES IN THE MORNING live from Rolex Kentucky 3DE: April 27 – May 1, 2011

_________________________________________

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Contributors/Press, Events, Products/Services, Racing Sources

AQHA: Digital Rule Book Now Available

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The 2011 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is available for download on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations is now available at the touch of a button.

At the 2011 AQHA Convention, March 4-7 in Grapevine, Texas, AQHA announced the release of a digital version of the AQHA Official Handbook. The AQHA 2011 Rules digital tool is available through iTunes to download to the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and is free for everyone.

The digital handbook is a useful tool for any AQHA member. For instance, if you are at a show and forget your AQHA Handbook, all the information you need is on your device. You’ll find everything from proper attire to reining patterns, registration requirements, color and marking definitions, and more. AQHA will soon add additional features, with the possibility of including access to records, show dates and other important AQHA announcements.

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

Gulf Coast Finale – Updates and Reminders

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I want to thank all the exhibitors, trainers, owners and my staff for the best winter shows we have ever had in Gulfport.   Both Janet McCarroll and I are thrilled that our shows went so well and were so well attended.  It’s always sad when all the horse trailers and campers start leaving after a circuit but all good times must come to an end.   We look forward to six weeks of fun on the Gulf next year.  The Harrison County Equestrian Center will start building the 500 new permanent stalls around April 1st.  I will keep you all up on the progress.

We had a great circuit and I would love to list the 45 Grand Champions but I am afraid it would make for such a long message, that no one would read the whole thing.  They will be listed in an ad we are making for the Chronicle of the Horse along with some great pictures of our five winners our Grand Prix events.  I will say that Lincoln Case was selected by the staff as the winner of the 2011 Gulf Coast Sportsmanship Award.  Congrats to Lincoln and thanks for the support for 13 years.

Today we also had a tribute to Continental B, a wonderful horse who was a great supporter of our events.  It was a great few minutes between rounds of our Grand Prix to remember the history of CB.  He looked great covered in all his champion ribbons and everyone ringside took the moment to remember all the classes he won.  We were proud to have the tribute at our show in Gulfport and that he will be taking it easy from now on in a pasture.

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events, FEI

National Federations Request More Time for Consultation on Restructuring

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Lausanne (SUI), 14 March 2011 – Following requests from National Federations, the FEI Bureau has agreed to extend the period of consultation on new FEI Statutes that would allow for restructuring of the current FEI governance model. The vote on restructuring had originally been scheduled to take place at an Extraordinary General Assembly at the FEI’s new headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on 6 May 2011.

The consultation process, which started on 18 January, sought input from the National Federations and the Bureau on the restructuring proposal. Following this input, a first draft of the revised Statutes was sent to the National Federations on 11 February, with a deadline of 25 March for receipt of further comments.

However, a number of National Federations have requested an extended timeframe for the consultative process and the Bureau has acceded to this request.

The Extraordinary General Assembly will still take place on 6 May as scheduled and the agenda will include a vote on statutory changes relating to FEI Development, a session on the format of an annual Sports Forum, and a debate on the restructuring process, ensuring the input of National Federations.

The official opening of the new FEI Headquarters in Lausanne will also take place on 6 May after the Extraordinary General Assembly.

Media contact:

Malina Gueorguiev

Manager Press Relations

malina.gueorguiev@fei.org

+41 78 750 61 33