Category Archives: *Featured/Spotlights

Special features, spotlights, headlines

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

Women Win for the Third Year in Nespresso Battle of the Sexes

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Ashlee Bond and Chivas Z were victorious in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic during week 4 at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photos © Sportfot

Ashlee Bond and Chivas Z Find Key to Win the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2011 – The women have dominated the Nespresso Battle of the Sexes for three years now with another exciting win in Saturday evening’s dynamic competition. The women’s team, captained by Katie Prudent, and including riders Georgina Bloomberg, Ashlee Bond, Brianne Goutal, Lauren Hough, Maggie Jayne, Reed Kessler, Candice King, Laura Kraut, Christine McCrea, Catherine Pasmore, and Nicole Simpson, swept the three phase competition with 37 points over the men’s score of 25 to win their third title.

The evening’s attendance was approximately 6,500 people for the class at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo stated, “This was a great event and we’re very thankful to the riders and their owners for supporting this class with their time and their horses. Special classes like this really grow our spectator base, which is one of our biggest goals at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.”

Continue reading Women Win for the Third Year in Nespresso Battle of the Sexes →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Equestrian Assistance, Eventing/H.T., FEI, USEA, USEF

USEF Helmet Rule Update: Executive Committee to Consider Changes Defining Application to Breed Competitions

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Steffen Peters wore a helmet during the Dressage Freestyle at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo by Shannon Brinkman/USEF Archive

Lexington, KY – The Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will meet to consider Extraordinary Rule Changes to clearly define the implementation of the Federation’s new helmet rule to breed competitions that offer dressage classes. The committee will meet later this month to discuss the changes, which will clarify the rule in the Andalusian, Arabian, Friesian and Morgan divisions of USEF Licensed Competitions.

To review the latest memo regarding the use of protective headgear for dressage, visit: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/dressage/HelmetMemo.pdf.

To reiterate the existing guidelines, please refer to the press release below, regarding the new helmet rules for dressage and eventing. To link directly to this press release online (for inclusion in an article), visit: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6569&star=true.

Lexington, KY – January 25, 2011 – The Board of Directors during this year’s United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting approved new helmet rules for riders in both eventing and dressage – just two weeks after dozens of stakeholders in equestrian sport met with the goal of improving rider safety across disciplines.

Continue reading USEF Helmet Rule Update: Executive Committee to Consider Changes Defining Application to Breed Competitions →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Driving, Events, FEI, FEI

Dutch Driver IJsbrand Chardon Has Won Four-In-Hand FEI World Cup Driving Qualifier in Bordeaux

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Chardon went for it all the way in Bordeaux. Photo: FEI/Rinaldo de Craen

CHARDON IN TOP FORM IN BORDEAUX by Cindy Timmer

Dutch driver IJsbrand Chardon won last night’s FEI World Cup qualifier in Bordeaux in breath taking style. Wild card driver Chardon stayed ahead of Tomas Eriksson in second guaranteeing the Swede the sixth and last starting place for the Final in Leipzig. Werner Ulrich knocked two balls down in the winning round to finish third.

The atmosphere was superb on Saturday evening in the Palais des Expositions in Bordeaux. The drivers put on a perfect show, cheered on by the many enthusiastic spectators and the great music.

Second wild card for Coudry

As in Geneva, French four-in-hand driver Thibault Coudry had been given a wild card to compete in front of his home crowd in Bordeaux. The 30-year old farmer and truck driver drove a good round with his team of Polish warmblood horses and a French trotter. But the competition in Bordeaux was too strong this year for the 2010 winner of the French World Cup leg who ended in fourth.

Battle for Leipzig

Dutch driver Theo Timmerman, Sweden’s Fredrik Persson and Tomas Eriksson and Switzerland’s Daniel Würgler all had a last chance in Bordeaux to claim the sixth and last starting place for the Final in Leipzig. Würgler knocked three cones down in the course, designed by German course designer Falk Böhnisch, to lose his chance for Leipzig. Despite the use of one of Boyd Exell’s top horses Pascal in he lead of his team, Fredrik Persson could not manage to qualify for the Winning Round. By coming sixth, Persson also knew his chances for a starting place in the Leipzig line-up were gone. Timmerman had improved his team compared to the warm-up round, but he finished fifth despite his efforts.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13193

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Events, Fundraisers, Polo, Show Jumping, Western/Reining

EAF Tetrathlon Raises More Than $100,000 for Equestrians in Need

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Winning Team FarmVet: Christian Currey, Ashley Holzer, Candice King, Whistle Uys. All photos (c) Phelps Photos

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Presenting sponsor FarmVet edged out Team MeadowView to win the 2011 Sidelines Tetrathlon Presented by FarmVet on Jan. 30, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. More than 500 people came together for an evening of friendly competition, great food and exceptional auction items, to raise more than $100,000 to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF). The EAF helps equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries during their time of need. The event was managed by Sean O’Keefe Events, which specializes in developing signature events for nonprofit organizations.

“It’s been more than three years since the last Sidelines Triathlon and we’ve successfully brought it back to a higher level of competition by adding the all-American sport of reining,” said R. Scot Evans, president of the EAF. “With the overwhelming support from the community for the vision of Sean O’Keefe of Sean O’Keefe Events, we were given the resources to create a fun-filled evening that also successfully raised necessary funds for those in the horse world who need our help.”

Tetrathlon Competition

Master of Ceremonies Brian Lookabill added commentary to the competition, which included dressage, show jumping, polo, and reining. Riders showed world-class talent as they performed in disciplines not their own.

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

Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2010/2011 – Round 10, Bordeaux

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Philipp Weishaupt and the stallion Catoki secured Germany's sixth victory in the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series at Bordeaux, France tonight. Photo: Cecile Grand/FEI.

WILY WEISHAUPT IS BEST IN BORDEAUX – by Louise Parkes

Bordeaux (FRA), 5 February 2011 – Philipp Weishaupt and the stallion Catoki brought the German tally of wins in the 2010/2011 Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League qualifying series to a sensational six this evening at Bordeaux in France.  The 25 year old rider from Munich was one of 12 in the thrilling second-round jump-off, and he steered a line against the clock that proved too good for the rest and brought him through the finish more than a half-second quicker than French runner-up Simon Delestre.  Third place went to Beijing Olympic silver medallist Rolf-Goran Bengtsson from Sweden while Ireland’s latest super-star, Billy Twomey, was less than a second off the winning time when slotting into fourth.

Weishaupt was more than happy at the end of the day.  “Those 20 points were very important to me,” he said.  “I really wanted to get to the final in Leipzig, but I needed more points and now I think it’s possible so I’m very pleased!” he added.  The Germans look a formidable force going to the final on their home turf.  With six victories in the ten qualifying competitions staged to date, they will surely be the ones to beat when the action gets underway on April 27.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13190

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

Nearly $1,000,000 in Cash and Prizes Up for Grabs at the Expanded Colorado Summer Circuit

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Colleen Acosta on Posse, winner of last year's USHJA Hunter Derby during the Colorado Summer Circuit. Photo credit: Horse and Ryder

Parker, CO — A thrilling summer at The Colorado Horse Park will be highlighted with nearly $1,000,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs during the inaugural edition of the expanded Colorado Summer Circuit, June 8-July 24, 2011. For 20 years this circuit has attracted some of the continent’s best hunter and jumper competitors, and this year it expands to six weeks.

Riders will find more than just bigger paychecks. Pat Boyle and Showplace Productions will offer exhibitors their trademarked five-star hospitality, while CHP is busy creating an exciting slate of new amenities. The Grand Prix ring is currently under construction and brand new footing is being installed. New jumps, new gardens, a competitor’s lounge and other facility improvements are just a few of the items receiving a makeover.

“This year riders will see a whole new Colorado Horse Park,” explains Brian Curry, General Manager of CHP. “We are working closely with Pat and his team to deliver a summer that every rider will remember.”

Continue reading Nearly $1,000,000 in Cash and Prizes Up for Grabs at the Expanded Colorado Summer Circuit →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Disciplines, Driving, Events

Shelly Temple Wins 2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Single Pony

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Shelly Temple and Cooper race across the water hazard on their way to winning their 2nd national championship

For the third time, LR Ami B-Line, a Morgan gelding owned, trained, and competed by Shelly Temple, has been named the USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving-Single Pony. Cooper was honored twice previously in 2006 and 2007.

The 2010 HOTY honor capped a successful season for Shelly and her Team Catalyst.  She won the National Championship for Combined Driving Single Pony for the second time in her career. Shelly, Cooper, and Shelly’s husband, Fran Doto, won many combined driving events across the U.S. in a variety of divisions, including:

  • Advanced Single Pony, Laurels at Landhope, Pennsylvania
  • Advanced Single Pony, Iron Horse CDE, Illinois
  • FEI Single Pony, Live Oak International CDE, Florida
  • Preliminary Pair Pony, Pine Tree CDE, North Carolina
  • Preliminary Pair Pony, Katydid CDE, South Carolina

Continue reading Shelly Temple Wins 2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Single Pony →

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

Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin Dominate Again in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers

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Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin won the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers during the fourth week of the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo © Sportfot

Wellington, FL – February 2, 2011 – The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its fourth week of competition on Wednesday morning with another win going to Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. This was the pair’s third win in a row, also winning both of week three’s 1.45m classes.

The fourth week of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Adequan, continues through Sunday, February 6. The highlight jumper classes this week are Thursday’s $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 at 1 p.m., Saturday’s $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic at 2 p.m. and the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes at 7 p.m., and Sunday’s $75,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix at 2 p.m. The 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition through April 3, 2011, and will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit.

This week’s course designer in the International Arena is Richard Jeffery of Great Britain. Beginning the week, there were 36 entries in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class, and ten of those were clear to lead the standings. Rodrigo Pessoa and Double H Farms’ HH Palouchin were the fastest of those clear rounds with an unbeatable time of 55.552 seconds to take the top prize.

Continue reading Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin Dominate Again in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, Events, JRPR, USEF

Combined Driver Chester Weber Wins “2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Four-In-Hand Horses” Title

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Chester Weber won the 2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Four-In-Hand Horses title during the recent USEF Horse of the Year awards ceremony in Lexington. (Photo: Jennifer Thompson, DVM)

Lexington, KY (February 3, 2011) – Combined Driver Chester Weber may be in the running for the most decorated Combined Driver in United States history, but he doesn’t just settle for winning awards. Weber is also an extremely active member of the United States Equestrian Federation and in January was elected to serve on the USEF Executive Committee at the USEF National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky.

“Combined Driving is my passion but my passion also extends to promoting and protecting all equestrian sports and serving on the governing body of the USEF,” Weber said, adding that he was thrilled when his team of horses won the 2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Four-In-Hand Horses title during the convention in Lexington. “It was great to receive recognition in front of all of our sport horse peers.”

Weber’s horses that made up the 2010 Horse of the Year winning team included Para, Boy W, Grumus and Horus du Bois. “I am very proud of all of my horses,” Weber said, adding that he wants to thank his entire team, from staff to sponsors, for helping Team Weber win the award.

Continue reading Combined Driver Chester Weber Wins “2010 USEF Horse of the Year for Combined Driving Four-In-Hand Horses” Title →

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Western/Reining

Arenus and the National Reining Horse Association Congratulate Shawn Flarida on Winning Rider of the Year Title

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Arenus is pleased to announce that WEG Gold Medalist Shawn Flarida has won the Rider of the Year title. Sponsored by Arenus, in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association, Flarida won the title aboard RC Fancy Step. (Photo courtesy of Waltenberry.com)

St. Louis, MO (February 2, 2011) – Reining champion Shawn Flarida has added another win to his long and impressive resume, riding away with the 2010 National Reining Horse Rider of the Year title. Sponsored by Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), Flarida won the Rider of the Year title with RC Fancy Step, owned by the Plummer Family of SDP Buffalo Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We are really proud of Shawn for winning the title and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person or to a rider who is more committed to the sport of reining,” said Brady Karren, Arenus Equine Sales Specialist/Nutritionist. “Shawn has been supporting Arenus for a long time and serves as an Arenus Ambassador because he believes in our products. Arenus wants to congratulate all the Rider of the Year winners. Everyone put in a great amount of effort and dedication and Arenus is once again pleased to sponsor the Rider of the Year award.”

Continue reading Arenus and the National Reining Horse Association Congratulate Shawn Flarida on Winning Rider of the Year Title →