Category Archives: *Featured/Spotlights

Special features, spotlights, headlines

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Phelps Media Group, USEF

International Horse Sport Palm Beach Launches 2012 Season with New Footing

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The USEF committee, Ann Gribbons, Eva Salomon and Heather Blitz, inspected the footing of the rings at the IHS Champions Park at the Equestrian Estates. (L to R) Ann Gribbons, Eva Salomon, Noreen O'Sullivan, Heather Blitz, Lars Petersen, Edward Borreson and John Flanagan. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group

Wellington, FL – December 19, 2012 – International Horse Sport Palm Beach is ready to launch its 2012 season with new footing in all of the rings at The IHS Champions Park at Equestrian Estates, site of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and IHS Series Shows. The first to view and approve this tremendous upgrade was an elite committee representing the United States Equestrian Federation.

The committee, consisting of Eva Salomon, Director of High Performance Dressage, Ann Gribbons, USEF Team Coach for Dressage, and FEI rider representative Heather Blitz, inspected the footing in the FEI competition and warm-up rings last week and recommended approval to the Dressage and Executive Committees of USEF.

The beautiful property in White Fences, which is owned by Mary Ann and Walter McPhail, is managed by International Horse Sport Palm Beach. The IHS Palm Beach Managing Partners include FEI riders and trainers Ed Borresen and Lars Petersen, together with well-known show organizers Noreen O’Sullivan and John Flanagan. The IHS Champions Park consists of 10 rings suitable for national and international competition on over 50 acres, including 15 acres of parking, 150 horse stalls for the international horses and another 200 temporary stalls available for the national shows.

Continue reading International Horse Sport Palm Beach Launches 2012 Season with New Footing →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy, EQUUS Foundation, Phelps Media Group

Grant a Wish! Donate Something Other Than Money?

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WESTPORT, CT – December 16, 2011 – Halters, lead ropes, hay, horse feed, shampoo & conditioner, salt blocks, grooming brushes, fly spray, ink cartridges, supplements, blankets, saddles, bridles, riding helmets, postage stamps, saddle pads, shavings, buckets, boots, duct tape, rakes, clippers, fly masks, gift cards to supply stores, and more.

These are just a few of the wish list items of the over 400 organizations on The EQUUS Foundation carrots4acause network, most of which are directly involved with horse rescue and welfare, or are providing equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) to the public.

The EQUUS Foundation launched the carrots4acause network last fall to bring together interested individuals with equestrian and horse-related organizations across America and build a support base of equine advocates. Each organization has its own profile page with contact information, website address, a mission statement, and logo, along with the ability to post volunteering opportunities and wish-list items of needed products and services.

It’s easy to grant a wish – click www.equusfoundation.org/wish and then enter your zip code to find an organization near you.

Continue reading Grant a Wish! Donate Something Other Than Money? →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian

United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Brings Home the Gold at 2011 Melbourne CPEDI3* in Australia

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The Gold United States Para-Equestrian Team (Left to Right: USEF Director Pam Lane, Chef d'equipe Missy Ransehousen, Rebecca Hart, Erin Alberda, Mary Jordan, and in front is Donna Ponessa) Photos © 2011 Lindsay Y McCall

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – December 16, 2011 – When the United States Para-Equestrian Team flew Down Under for the 2011 Melbourne CPEDI3* (held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Center), they were prepared to give it their all.  This competition was not just about top scores but it was an opportunity to earn team spots for the 2012 Paralympics held in London, England. With outstanding performances each day, the United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team captured their third Team Gold within a four-month period. The impressive Gold Para-Equestrian Dressage Team consisted of Donna Ponessa for Grade Ia (New Windsor, NY), Rebecca Hart for Grade II (Unionville, PA), Erin Alberda for Grade III (Woodinville, WA), Mary Jordan for Grade IV (Wells, ME), and Chef d’equipe Missy Ransehousen. From December 9-11, 2011 teams from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States challenged themselves under F.E.I. international judges Mr. Kjell Myhre (NOR), Dr. Ulf Wilken (SWE), Ms. Jan Geary (AUS), Ms. Sue Cunningham (AUS), and Ms. Wendy Barker (AUS).

Continue reading United States Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Brings Home the Gold at 2011 Melbourne CPEDI3* in Australia →

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

Maher Produces the X-Factor at Olympia

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Great Britain’s Ben Maher and Tripple X on their way to victory in the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012 qualifier at Olympia in London today. Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton.

Olympia, London (GBR), 18 December 2011 – Great Britain’s Ben Maher produced a stunning performance from the nine-year-old Tripple X to win the seventh leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012 series at Olympia in London, Great Britain this evening.  In yet another of this season’s super-exciting showdowns, the 28 year old rider effortlessly surpassed the seemingly impossible target set by three-time Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping champion Marcus Ehning from Germany in an 11-horse jump-off against the clock.

And, in a truly international line-up, Ireland’s Dermott Lennon slotted into third ahead of America’s Laura Kraut, while reigning European champion Rolf-Goran Bengtsson from Sweden finished fifth and Spain’s Manuel Anon filled sixth spot.  “It’s the biggest win of my career, and the perfect end to a roller-coaster year,” said Maher who was additionally pleased because he bred the winning horse himself.  “Some people breed hundreds of horses each year, and I breed just three, so I know I’m really lucky to not only ride, but to have bred one as good as this!” he pointed out.

The Grand Hall at Olympia is always a challenging venue, with the buzz of the crowd creating an electrified atmosphere and the relatively narrow confines of the arena placing extra pressure on horses and riders.  And Bob Ellis, the man who will design the courses for next summer’s London Olympic Games, tested them truly this afternoon, with a course that required their full attention.

Continue reading Maher Produces the X-Factor at Olympia →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

Truppa Tops the Line-Up in Frankfurt

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Valentina Truppa pictured with Lisa Wells from Reem Acra after her victory, riding Eremo Del Castegn. Photo: FEI/Karl-Heinz Freiler.

Frankfurt (GER), 18 December 2011 – Valentina Truppa won the fifth leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2011/2012 series in Frankfurt, Germany today with a great performance from Eremo Del Castegno.  The 25 year old rider from Monferrato in Northern Italy, a prolific winner already in her career, pinned Germany’s Monica Theodorescu and Dorothee Schneider into second and third places respectively, while Sweden’s Patrik Kittel finished fourth ahead of The Netherlands’ Hans Peter Minderhoud in fifth.

It was a disappointing day for German super-star Isabell Werth who threw down the gauntlet with victory in yesterday’s preliminary Grand Prix, but who had to settle for sixth place this time around in the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.  While her flamboyant nine-year-old, Don Johnson, showed flashes of brilliance, the accumulation of mistakes during their lively test proved too expensive.

Today’s result has boosted Truppa to runner-up spot on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Western European League 2011/2012 leaderboard which is now headed by Kittel, but it is very tight at the top.  Just three marks separate the three leading riders going into the next leg of the series at Mechelen in Belgium after Christmas.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Driving, Events, JRPR, USEF

Cast Your Vote for Chester Weber and Help Him Make History as the First Combined Driver to Win Equestrian of the Year!

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Combined Driver Chester Weber has been named a USEF Equestrian of Honor and is in the running for the 2011 Equestrian of the Year title. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)

Ocala, FL (December 17, 2011) – United States Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, has been named a USEF Equestrian of Honor. One of eight equestrians in the country to receive the prestigious honor, voting is now underway to select one of the eight to become the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year – the most esteemed and sought after award in the country. The Equestrian of the Year is selected by the votes of the USEF general membership, the USEF Board of Directors and the Media. Weber’s fans are encouraged to go to the USEF website and cast their votes and name Weber the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year!  Although Chester has been nominated for the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year in the past, he would be the first combined driver to win the prestigious title.  The winner will be announced at the end of the 2011 competition year and is announced when the horse world meets at the United States Equestrian Federation’s annual Pegasus Awards Ceremony in January.

Weber’s stellar show record, along with his upstanding character and desire to support and give back to the equestrian community, helped him win the 2011 Equestrian of Honor title. Each of the eight USEF Equestrians of Honor were awarded a unique competitive trophy and Weber won the 2011 Becky Grand Hart Trophy, representing the best competitor of any horse or pony breed in international driving, endurance, reining, vaulting or Para-equestrian competitions.

Continue reading Cast Your Vote for Chester Weber and Help Him Make History as the First Combined Driver to Win Equestrian of the Year! →

*Featured/Spotlights, Auctions, Diana de Rosa, Driving, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

WIHS Silent Auction Holiday Edition Is Now Open for Bidding

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McLain Ward. Diana De Rosa Photography

Online auction offers fabulous, one-of-a-kind and equestrian-themed holiday gifts

Washington, D.C, Dec. 16, 2011 – Looking for that perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself)? The Washington International Horse Show silent auction is offering a wonderful selection of fun, one-of-a-kind and equestrian-themed items for the holidays. How about a private riding lesson with Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward or a weekend getaway at the Blackthorne Inn in Upperville, Va., with two polo lessons and a special dinner at the Fox’s Den Tavern? And for the non-equestrian on your list, who wouldn’t love tickets to NBC’s Saturday Night Live, or the ultimate father/son getaway at the Otesaga Hotel & Resort, golf at Leatherstocking Golf Course and a private tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

For one week only, Dec. 13-20, these and a dozen other specially selected items are available for your bid in the WIHS Silent Auction Holiday Edition, an online auction allowing you to join in the fun and place bids from your computer or smart phone at home, at the barn, at work or anywhere you have Internet access.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Driving, Eventing/H.T., Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Wofford, Arnold to Receive Year’s Highest Equestrian Awards at the 2012 Pegasus Awards

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Jacob Arnold. Photo: Joanie Morris/USEF Archive

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is proud to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted awards. Presented by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Additionally, the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information about that is available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/7915/2011/12/14/usef_announces_the_2011_equestrian.aspx.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Virginia’s James “Jim” Wofford, 67, is a legend in his sport of Eventing. A decorated athlete, Wofford has helped shape an industry as a trainer, clinician, author, and administrator. His lifelong involvement with equestrian sports and his incredible list of accomplishments have secured his place in history.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Associations/Breeds, Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

USEF Announces the 2011 Equestrian of the Year Nominees; Voting Is Now Open!

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Chester Weber. Picsofyou.com

Lexington, KY – Voting is now open for the coveted 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year, which, following decades of tradition, comes at the end of the 2011 competition year and is announced when the horse world meets at the United States Equestrian Federation’s annual Pegasus Awards celebration in January.

Known as the USEF Equestrians of Honor, eight stars of equestrian sport – across breed and discipline – each recently received a unique competitive trophy. These honors will be presented during the celebrated Pegasus Awards on January 14 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

But now it is time to pick just one of these Equestrians of Honor to win the distinguished grand prize: the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Here are the nominees, and the distinctive honors they have achieved:

Continue reading USEF Announces the 2011 Equestrian of the Year Nominees; Voting Is Now Open! →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, Show Jumping, USEF

USEF Announces the 2011 USEF Horse of the Year Candidates; Voting Is Now Open!

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Sjoerd. Rick Osteen photo

Lexington, KY – To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport takes talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2011, six horses have shown the world those qualities and more. And on January 13, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. This year – a change from years past – both a national and international horse will win.

The six champions have earned their place on the elite list as USEF Horses of Honor, and each will be recognized at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner in January – part of the USEF Annual Meeting – at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

It will be up to you to choose the two special horses, selecting from a range of talents and from across the Federation’s breeds and disciplines. Your vote will help determine the champions that join the pantheon of past winners including reining horse Gunners Special Nite (2010); dressage horse Ravel (2009); driving horse Jamaica (2008); eventer Theodore O’Connor (2007); show jumper Authentic (2006); and dressage horse Brentina (2005).

Continue reading USEF Announces the 2011 USEF Horse of the Year Candidates; Voting Is Now Open! →