Wellington, FL – February 25, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions announces that the Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show originally planned for Saturday, March 2, has been cancelled. The shows are run in cooperation with the North American Studbook.
The second show of the season, planned for Tuesday, March 5, is still planned as scheduled.
The deadline for entries for the March 5 Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show has been extended to Wednesday, February 27.
The prize list for the Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show can be found at www.younghorseshow.com.
Classes include Four and Five-Year-Olds competing in Under Saddle, Jumping and Dressage. Classes will also be held for all age divisions (yearling to five-year-old) in the In-Hand/At Liberty and Jump Chute.
Wellington, FL – February 25, 2013 – The Challenge of the Americas unfailingly draws top riders from around the world, and this year’s duo from Canada is no exception. The accomplished mother-daughter pair of Evi Strasser, an Olympian dressage rider and a longtime Canadian National Team member, and Tanya Strasser-Shostak, an up-and-coming Young Rider, will perform a pas de deux at the March 9 event.
Both mother and daughter support the Challenge of the Americas in its effort to raise funds for breast cancer research. “It’s for a very good cause, for breast cancer fundraising,” Strasser said. “I want to support that and be part of it.”
“It’s such a good cause and it’s something that’s affected everybody, or someone that we’ve known,” Strasser-Shostak added.
The pair is choreographing a test that will showcase the best qualities of the two horses they choose for the event. Strasser plans to ride her Grand Prix horse, Action Tyme, while 17-year-old Strasser-Shostak has yet to decide between Dancing Tyme and the Karen Soupcoff-owned Ruby Tyme. Strasser-Shostak, who will take on the challenging task of fitting music to the test, is enjoying her involvement in all aspects of the planning and preparation.
“I’m looking forward to riding whatever horse I’m going to be riding,” she said. “I’m excited to be working on the choreography with my mom, and I’m looking forward to hopefully making the music properly, because it’s something that really interests me. I just think the whole experience is really good.”
Tanya Strasser-Shostak and Dancing Tyme at the 2013 Wellington Classic Dressage Spring Challenge
With their extensive competitive experience, the mother-daughter duo fit right in among the renowned international riders who gather at Challenge of the Americas to support breast cancer research and put on a show for spectators. Evi Strasser has been among Canada’s top dressage competitors for the past two decades. Born in Germany, she moved to Canada in 1988 and founded Good Tyme Stables in 1994. She represented Canada at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, riding Lavinia.
In 2003, Strasser helped secure a team Silver Medal for Canada at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, where she also finished eighth individually with Quantum Tyme. She and Quantum Tyme earned the highest result for a Canadian pair at the 2006 World Equestrian Games and also competed at the 2005 and 2007 World Cup Finals. Strasser has often been selected as the alternate for Canada’s teams at such major events as the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. She continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport and collected many top results on the international circuit in 2011 and 2012.
Strasser’s influence on the dressage world extends beyond her own impressive competitive results. She specializes in training young horses up to the Grand Prix level, and several of the horses she’s worked with have gone on to make their marks on the international dressage scene. Hiscox Artemis was the most recent of a number of graduates of Strasser’s program to compete at the Olympic Games. Strasser trained Hiscox Artemis through to the World Cup before selling him, and, with rider Richard Davison, he was chosen as the British team’s individual entry for the 2012 Olympics in London. He also finished fourth in the 2012 World Cup Final.
Strasser-Shostak has already compiled an impressive record and appears poised for another successful show season in 2013. She was the youngest competitor in the Young Rider division at the 2012 FEI North American Young Rider Dressage Championships (NAYRC), where she collected a team Bronze Medal and finished eighth individually on Dancing Tyme. She also rode Dancing Tyme to several top-three finishes in the Young Rider divisions. With Ruby Tyme, she earned top placings in the Junior divisions, including several wins at CDI competitions in West Palm Beach.
Strasser and Strasser-Shostak are in South Florida for the winter competitive season, training and campaigning several of their horses. Strasser-Shostak hopes to return to NAYRC and will try to qualify for the Young Rider World Cup in Europe, while Strasser is taking her time preparing new Grand Prix mount Action Tyme for the international scene.
Strasser-Shostak is looking forward to making her Challenge of the Americas debut after watching her mother perform previously. “I think it’s pretty neat that we can do this one together,” she said. “I used to watch it when I was younger, and my mom participated a couple of years ago in it. It’s something I grew up watching and now I get to be a part of it, and it’s great.”
“Most of the time, you see older people do it and it’s good, I think, that there’s someone a bit younger also in it,” she continued, noting that breast cancer research is an important cause for her generation to support as well.
Strasser, who has ridden at The Challenge of the Americas in previous years, enjoys the event’s electric atmosphere and devotion to the cause. “It’s always amazing,” she said. “It’s always a great turnout. They always do a fantastic job organizing it and really emphasize the reason for why it’s done. Lots and lots of people are supporting it.”
“It’s always a lot of fun to do this with your daughter, and it is always a lot of excitement,” Strasser added. “We really enjoy working together and figuring out what we’re going to do with this and how we’re going to present it. (Show organizers) thought it was a good routine because it’s mother and daughter, and we’re doing this for breast cancer.”
“I think it’s just a fantastic job by all,” Strasser concluded. “I really enjoy doing it.”
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.
When:
Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m. Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m. Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945 Anglot@aol.com
Ticket prices:
VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron $6,500 per table
Silver Patron $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron $2,000 per table
VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing) $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) $100 per person
General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.
OCALA, FL (February 25, 2013) – HITS, Inc. is very happy to report that no new cases of EHV-1 have been detected at HITS Ocala. The infected horse that was competing at the show last week continues to do very well at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville. The horse was diagnosed with the wild-type strain of the EHV-1 virus (read below for EHV-1 strains defined)*.
One tent at HITS Ocala remains under quarantine, and all horses stabled in that tent remain in excellent health with no symptoms whatsoever. Exhibitors are urged to continue to be diligent in abiding by bio-security measures, including a consistent daily temperature – check schedule. There are no restrictions on horses coming or going from the show grounds or over Florida state borders.
HITS looks forward to continued good sport in Ocala. The 30-horse grand prix yesterday resulted in the second win in a row for 20-year-old Jared Peterson, and the question at hand is, can his streak continue? HITS Ocala has entered the final three weeks of the circuit with classes and scheduled events running as planned, including the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, March 17.
*Are there different strains of EHV-1? There are two strains of EHV-1 ubiquitous in the environment. The wild type non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus most commonly causes respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal foal death, but may occasionally result in neurological disease. Licensed vaccines effective against this strain of the virus are available. The mutant neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 (NEHV-1) most commonly causes the neurologic disease syndrome, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Currently manufactured licensed vaccines have no label claims to protect against the mutant neuropathogenic strain.
Source: California Department of Food & Agriculture
The IPHDA Reining is a reining pattern that has been changed slightly to take the different type of ground and facility out of the equation:
Stops will all be judged on the balance and forward energy provided going to the stop so that the stop can be balanced and strong. (Forward energy is what allows horses to stop strong after a small slow circle in NRHA pattern 5). Extension of stride and or quickening of stride will not be allowed on the approach to the stop and will be marked down, as that creates an unfair advantage over the riders who do not have ground suitable for that maneuver from speed and does not require the same balance and forward energy that should be developed.
Roll backs will be judged on balance and control starting during and leaving the 180.
Circles will be judged on the horses overall balance during the circles and their ability to extend their stride in the large circles.
Spins will be judged on balance and cadence and lateral foot speed, with balance being the first criteria.
Figure 8s with lead changes can be performed from/with any stride length, and they will be judged on balance during the figures and during the lead change; simple changes of lead through trot will not be penalized but will judged on the overall balance of the 2 transitions involved in a simple lead change.
Penalties will be dealt with in the balance evaluation as most penalties incurred during a reining pattern result from poor balance.
This will not be judged as a regular reining but in a manner that will promote better balance and better control in every horse.
All patterns may be ridden one or 2 handed in any bit.
The IPHDA Reining Patterns and Drawings are on the web site: All IPHDA Patterns.
Praise and Sheila Motley Win Big as World Championship Hunter Week Concludes at the FTI WEF
Wellington, FL – February 24, 2013 – The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded its seventh week of competition, sponsored by Hermès, with action at two parts of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Sunday. At The Stadium, Irish riders Andrew Bourns, Darragh Kenny, and Shane Sweetnam swept the top three in the $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby with a win for Bourns and his mount Gatsby. In the International Arena, Praise and Sheila Motley won the Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic. Tina Allen and French Kiss were victorious in the $5,000 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Classic.
Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, set a demanding track for Sunday’s jumper derby that featured 20 numbered obstacles, including the derby bank, table bank, open water, devil’s dyke and more. The number of challenging natural obstacles along with the length of the course and the heat of the day tested the stamina of all of the horses and riders competing. With only two clear rounds completed in the faults converted format, speed was key, and the top three riders finished with just three one-hundredths of a second separating them.
Andrew Bourns and Gatsby went third in the order and cleared the course in 138.27 seconds to take the early lead. Two rounds later, Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm, LLC’s Little Emir had the time well in hand in 134.30 seconds, but a rail cost them four faults to eventually finish third in 138.30 seconds. Luis Larrazabal (VEN) and Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Lepanto were even faster in 131.17 seconds, but had two rails down to finish fourth with a final time of 139.17 seconds. Darragh Kenny took the second place prize with Hays Investment Corporation’s Any Given Sunday. The pair had a total time of 138.29 seconds with time taken after a refusal at the devil’s dyke.
Winning horse Gatsby is a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse stallion by Simba x Cruise On. Andrew Bourns purchased Gatsby four months ago in Ireland and just recently brought him over to the U.S. This is the pair’s fourth week showing together and they have had consistent results.
Watch an interview with Andrew Bourns
“I am very happy for him today,” Bourns stated after the class. “It was a big ask and I think it was a big step up for him and he really answered the call. I was a little worried about the length of the track and the heat. I thought it might take its toll, but he actually held up very well. Coming to the last fence he was pulling me just as hard as he was to the first fence. I was very happy with that.”
“He has never shown on this field before,” Bourns added. “Our relationship is very new, the combination is very new, so we are still trying to figure each other out. There were a few moments on the course where it got a little bit hairy, but he stayed careful and he just kept trying right away to the end.”
Bourns did not think that his time would hold up with the horses and riders that followed in the class, but he knew that he had a great round.
“I thought it was a fantastic round and I was extremely happy with the horse,” he stated. “I was very confident in a top two or three finish. I did not realize it would be as close as it was. When Darragh was coming down the last line I really thought he had me and then he stopped. As the class went on, I realized the track was quite tough and it wasn’t riding as easy as we thought, so I got more and more confident. When you are talking hundredths of seconds, it is very hard to be confident that you are going to win a class right until the very end.”
“I am glad I was as fast everywhere because there was nothing in it,” Bourns reflected. “It was right down to the wire. For even the top four spaces, it was so close. Over a track that length, you have to be a little bit relentless. You have to keep being fast everywhere because it is so long and it is such a large amount of time to stay riding. It was a big ask, but I think a lot of the horse and everything I have done so far he has been very consistent and extremely brave.”
Second place finisher Darragh Kenny was also very happy with his mount, Any Given Sunday. Despite a stop on course the pair still had one of the fastest times.
“My horse was brilliant,” Kenny praised. “He did everything I wanted, even probably faster than I expected. I didn’t even school any of these jumps or test the waters at all, so he was really brave. I was a little bit too fast to the dyke and I probably should have showed it to him first. It shocked him a little bit the first time and I just spun right around. He was fantastic. He is a super horse and he is so easy and brave. It was really simple for him. He stayed really careful at a really fast speed and tried so hard. It makes my life easier.”
Third place finisher Shane Sweetnam has had a lot of success with his experienced mount Little Emir, including the same placing in this class last year. Sweetnam noted that he had a fast time last year as well and ironically had the same jump down, but he was very happy with his horse.
“He was a good boy and he really tried hard,” Sweetnam stated. “My speed was good enough. I thought that I might still have them with one down, but I think I might have gone a bit wider up on the bank than I did last year. I was still very happy with him. He gives you everything when he goes in there, so he doesn’t owe me much. I thought it was a good class and a good crowd.”
Bourns agreed that the class was a real crowd pleaser. “Any time a class goes down to the wire with such a tight margin, it makes it fun for everybody. It was thrilling,” he noted.
“I have to thank the sponsors as well,” Bourns added. “Thank you to Hermès. I think they did a very nice job and I hope they all had a nice time. We put on a good show for them.”
Praise and Sheila Motley Win Big Again as World Championship Hunter Week Concludes at the FTI WEF
World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week came to a close Sunday afternoon with the $5,000 Peggy Cone Memorial World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Adult Hunter Classic. Praise and Sheila Motley bested a field of 56 over two rounds of competition during the fiercest week of competition for hunter divisions during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).
Praise, an eleven-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Garber, and Motley were the pair to beat after a high score of 85 early on in round one and secured their victory with an 87 as the final trip in round two. With an overall score of 172, the pair edged out second place finishers Arriana Boardman and Gatsby by only a quarter of a point.
Motley returned to the show ring during the 2013 FTI WEF after taking time off to have her son, Collins. Motley is happy to be back in competition, especially aboard a horse as spectacular as Praise. The pair has is currently first in the FTI WEF circuit standings for the La Mundial Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 Section B division after taking home an extraordinary four championship titles.
“I have a great horse in Praise. He’s done the derbies with Kelley [Farmer] and Holly [Orlando] for a couple of years, so there’s nothing like having one of those horses under you going into the Adults. I couldn’t be more thankful to Ken and Selma Garber for letting me show him down here all circuit,” Motley stated.
Although Motley and Praise have been unstoppable in the ring every week at the FTI WEF, Sunday’s victory was especially significant. “WCHR week is the most prestigious week for hunters. Missing champion [Saturday] was a little bit of a let-down, so I couldn’t be happier,” Motley commented.
Praise and Motley led the class after round one, but were last in the arena for round two as they chased Boardman and Gatsby’s first place standing. “Arriana is a great rider and [Gatsby] is a wonderful horse, so I knew that she was going to be good. I was maybe little more nervous than I would have been ordinarily. When you have other great riders like that with you, it makes you rise to the occasion,” Motley acknowledged.
Not only is Motley managing to juggle motherhood with the demands of showing, she also runs her own event management company in Wellington. She credits the team at Lane Change Farm with enabling her to remain competitive at a high level.
“It’s all about the people you ride with. You have to be able to show up and trust that the horse has been prepared and if you have the right team with you, there’s no need to worry. I hire the right people for my business, and Kelley and Larry [Glefke] do the same,” Motley described.
While Motley’s professional life will continue in high gear, Praise will be enjoying a well-deserved slow down from showing while he continues being marketed to be bred. “Maybe he found some dates today. He’s on the market; he’s dating!” Motley joked.
The $5,000 WCHR Amateur Owner 3’3″ Classic was the final class held in the International Ring on Sunday afternoon. Tina Allen and French Kiss won the class with an overall score of 168.5. French Kiss, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, was in third place after round one of competition with a score of 82 and came back late in the second round with an 86.5 with Allen in the irons.
“French Kiss felt great; it was his second time in the International Arena this week. He felt comfortable on Friday and again today,” Allen described. “The courses rode nicely; they felt a little ‘handy-ish.’ The turns keep his interest. The ring is beautiful and the fences are all inviting.”
French Kiss and Allen have been showing at the FTI WEF for most of the 2013 circuit, picking up reserve championship honors in the FarmVet Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ 36 and Over division just last week. “He’s been really consistent and I’m really happy with him,” Allen commented.
Like the rest of her fellow competitors, Allen takes extra pleasure in winning during the hunters’ biggest week at the FTI WEF. “It’s special for sure to win this week. I’m really happy to have won today. Everyone loves competing during Hunter Week and it draws a big crowd,” Allen concluded.
Florida Children’s and Pony Classics were the final rounds of WCHR competition during week seven. Francesca Dildabanian and Larkspur earned the top prize for the $2,500 Children’s Hunter 14 and Under Classic with a combined score of 176. Larkspur is a twelve-year-old Oldenberg gelding owned by Ashley Whitner. Gabriella Hurtadorode Dragonfly, an eight-year-old Oldenberg gelding, to a blue ribbon finish in the $2,500 Children’s Hunter 15-17 Classic with an overall score of 165.
The winner of the Large Children’s Pony Hunter was Chatsworth and Emma Kurtz. Chatsworth, a nine-year-old Dutch Riding Pony gelding owned by Victoria Press, jumped to a final score of 168 with Kurtz in the irons. Sophia Marino and her own Posh, a thirteen-year-old Welsh Pony/Connemara cross mare, emerged victorious in the $2,500 Small/Medium Children’s Pony Classic with a combined score of 163.
The $2,500 Large Pony Hunter Classic was topped by Daisy Farish and her own Beau Rivage, a seventeen-year-old Holsteiner/Welsh Pony cross gelding. The pair won the class with a total score of 174. Emma Kurtz collected another first place prize aboard Grand All Over in the $2,500 Medium Pony Hunter Classic. Kurtz rode Grand All Over, a fifteen-year-old Welsh Pony gelding owned by David Gochman, to a winning overall score of 176. Farish also championed the $2,500 Small Pony Hunter Classic aboard Further Lane Farm’s Rolling Stone with a final score of 170. Rolling Stone is a fifteen-year-old Welsh Pony gelding.
Week eight of competition for the FTI WEF, sponsored by G&C Farm, runs February 27 – March 3, 2013 at the PBIEC in Wellington, FL. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.
Lauren Fisher and Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 9 through March 31. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.
About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
OCALA, FL (February 23, 2013) – A horse competing at HITS Ocala was referred to the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine after showing clinical neurological signs on February 20th. The horse subsequently tested positive for the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), wild-type strain. Currently, the horse is in stable condition and continues to be treated at the University of Florida. There are no additional confirmed cases at this time.
Within hours of the positive diagnosis, an informative meeting was held at HITS Ocala where trainers were encouraged to strengthen their bio-security measures. Diane Kitchen, DVM from the Department of Agriculture, several other veterinarians and Tom Struzzieri from HITS, took part in the meeting. Suggested precautions included taking all horses’ temperatures on a regular basis.
Since the infected horse was diagnosed at the hospital, the following has transpired specific to HITS Ocala:
Most importantly, the sick horse is stable and his condition has improved.
Veterinarians at the horse show, under the watchful eye of Dr. Kitchen, have tested other horses that were either in direct contact with the infected horse, or who had a fever that was noticeably high. HITS is extremely happy to report that all tested samples have been reported negative.
The horse show has quarantined all the horses that were stabled in Tent 7, where the originally infected horse was stabled.
The horse show has continued and is in full swing. No restrictions on horses coming or going (except to and from the quarantined tent) are in place in any way.
No restrictions on horses coming and going across Florida boarder are in place.
As of today, there is a quarantined tent at both Ocala and Wellington. Good bio-security measures are in place and are being strictly enforced in Ocala, and will continue through the three remaining weeks of shows.
The Division of Animal Industry has begun a disease investigation, which includes the HITS show grounds in Ocala, the local index farm and multiple premises that have horses that may have been exposed to the positive horse. Currently, there are seven state quarantines in place. These quarantines include the index farm, Tent 7 at HITS and five additional premises in Florida; two farms in the Ocala area, one in Pinellas Park, one in St. Augustine and one in Wellington. At this point in the investigation there are no known exposed horses in other states.
Additional movement requirements or restrictions have not been imposed by Florida or any other states at this time. Horse owners and trainers are advised to contact the venue of destination for any additional requirements prior to travel.
The entire equine community should practice prudent bio-security and report any suspected cases of EHV-1. For reporting, call 850-410-0900 Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and 1-800-342-5869 after hours and weekends.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with continue to work with HITS management, trainers and veterinarians to ensure proper safeguards are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.
Frequent informational updates will be provided, so please continue to visit this Website regularly.
Additional Resources:
More information on the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) can be found at the following Websites:
WELLINGTON, FL – February 20, 2013 – Audi and Coca-Cola will meet Sunday in the championship final of the Ylvisaker Cup at 3 p.m. at International Polo Club.
It is the second consecutive 20-goal tournament final for Audi. Last month Audi lost to Crab Orchard in the Joe Barry Memorial Cup final.
It is also the second consecutive year the Grand Champions Polo Club-based pro team will compete in the Ylvisaker Cup final.
Audi advanced into the final with a thrilling 17-13 rout of Lucchese in Wednesday’s semifinals. The victory avenged its lone loss (10-9) of the tournament to Lucchese on Feb. 1.
Coca-Cola, led by Julio Arellano’s 13 goals, qualified with a 16-11 victory over Lechuza Caracas in the other semifinal game.
Audi and Coca-Cola, both 4-1, survived three weeks of preliminary games of the annual tournament that featured fourteen teams.
Audi’s Nic Roldan scored a game-high 11 goals including seven on penalty shots. Roldan now has 38 goals including 24 penalty shots in five games.
Sunday’s game will pit Cardinal Newman High School graduates Roldan and Arellano against each other. It will also be Audi 19-year-old Mariano Gracida’s first 20-goal tournament championship appearance at IPC.
Audi player-patrone Marc Ganzi will get the opportunity to keep the Ylvisaker Cup under the same Grand Champions Polo Club roof. Last year previously undefeated Audi lost in the final to Melissa Ganzi’s underdog Piaget team, 13-12.
Audi, the 2009 U.S. Open, has used second-half heroics to frustrate opponents for most of the 20-goal season and Wednesday was no different. Audi outscored Lucchese, 10-5, in the second half.
“Being a second-half team seems to be the rule for us, not the exception,” Audi’s Marc Ganzi said. “It’s not a bad thing, you don’t want to be a fast starter and a weak closer.
“I think today we felt like at halftime there weren’t any adjustments to make,” Ganzi said. “We felt like we were playing extremely well from the field. We had some bad luck and we didn’t score some goals. The penalty shots kept them in the game and when we stopped fouling, we started scoring goals.”
Audi made a small adjustment for the second half moving Gracida more forward to drag Lucchese’s Kris Kampsen and Andres Weisz with him opening the field up more for Roldan and Pieres.
“All of a sudden Nico starts shooting from 80 and 90 yards out and the goals started falling and they kept falling,” Ganzi said. “I think they really ran out of answers for us.”
Audi broke open a close first half (with Lucchese leading 8-7), in the fourth and fifth chukkers, outscoring Lucchese, 6-2, and continued its domination in the sixth chukker.
“In the first half we started playing really bad,” said Audi 8-goaler Nico Pieres. “I don’t know if it’s the horses or what but we always play much better in the second half.
“I think we are a young team and we start trying to do too much, trying to do everything in the first half,” Pieres said. “Then in the second half we calm down and we play much better. I think it’s a bit of luck and more experience in the second half.”
Pieres’ second-half hot hand scored four big goals including a 90-yarder from the field. Ganzi and Gracida each added one goal.
“It’s good to be in the final,” Pieres said. “To be in the second final is very good. We were in the first one and we lost. Now we have another chance. That’s good for us. This game meant more because it was the semifinal.”
Tincho Merlos scored nine goals for Lucchese, including seven on penalty shots and was four-for-four from the penalty four line.
Audi would eventually like to be able to put six good chukkers together especially in the big games.
“Can we put six of the same chukkers together is always the challenge in polo,” Ganzi said. “But I’ll take two chukkers like today’s fourth and fifth every game. We just have to think about the little details like Mariano taking the man for Nico on that one run and me taking Kris for Roldan to score.
“Those details are so important,” Ganzi said. “The ability to be selfless and to take a man and open up space for Nic and Nico, it just changes the entire game. When those guys can run with really no pressure on them and can take the ball into goal, they are going to score. They will score. Mariano and I understand the details that it takes for us to win and that’s the important part. That’s how you win.”
Ironically, Audi will play Coca-Cola on Friday in their 26-goal season CV Whitney Cup opener at 2 p.m. For Audi it will be Ganzi, Nico Pieres, 10-goaler Gonzalito Pieres and 7-goaler Jeff Hall.
Audi player-padrone Marc Ganzi on his way to scoring a goal
“This 20-goal has been amazing this season; it’s not 26 but it’s more 22 or 24 for sure,” Nico Pieres said.
Piaget will open CV Whitney Cup play on Friday at 10 a.m. against Alegria. For Piaget, it will be Melissa Ganzi, 10-goalers Sapo Caset and Miguel Astrada and Juan Bollini.
The Ylvisaker Cup is named after visionary business leader and lifelong polo enthusiast Bill Ylvisaker.
Ylvisaker, a former captain of the Yale polo team, founded the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club. He founded the Polo Training Foundation to teach and develop young polo players. He was a 7-goal rated player and won three U.S. Opens, two Coronation Cups against England and Australia, Gold Cup and four national 20-goal championships. He was chairman of the U.S. Polo Association (1970-75) and inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame in 1994. Ylvisaker died February 6, 2010 at age 85.
2013 SCHEDULE
AUDI YLVISAKER CUP GAME
Feb. 24, Sunday: Ylvisaker Cup final, Audi vs. Coca-Cola, 3 p.m.
AUDI/PIAGET TOURNAMENT LINEUP
Jan. 31 – Feb. 24, Ylvisaker Cup
Feb. 20 – March 3, Iglehart Cup
Feb. 20 – March 3, CV Whitney Cup
March 5 – March 24, USPA Piaget Gold Cup
March 26 – April 21, 109th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship
GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB
WHERE: On the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington.
INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro teams Audi and Piaget. Everyone is welcome to watch polo during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League Tournament.
Sharon Robb for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Wellington, FL (February 14, 2013) – Dr. Cesar Parra and his Piaffe-Performance Farm recognized Jane Springer as the recipient of the Piaffe-Performance Adult Amateur High Performance Award for her Florida debut in Grand Prix during the 2013 Global Dressage Festival. Springer and her gorgeous chestnut, Talent (Houston x Melona), scored a 60.479%, taking the top spot, and showing off the horse’s true talent. “He’s got some super highlights,” she said about the Dutch Warmblood. “His extensions are fabulous and really over the top! His tempi changes have come along, and he’s become confirmed in the piaffe-passage. It’s exciting to know that he was definitely ready to come out at this level.”
Springer has owned Talent since he was 4 years old, and working exclusively with trainer, Robert Dover, brought him out in the third and fourth levels at age six. Bringing him to Grand Prix is quite an achievement for an adult amateur. “It takes lots of motivation and commitment,” Springer advised. She was awarded a beautiful tri-color ribbon and engraved silver picture frame as part of the AA High Performance Award.
Designed to recognize exceptional performances by adult amateurs, the Piaffe Performance Adult Amateur High Performance Award is given out each week of the Global Dressage Festival. “Adult amateurs are the backbone of our sport,” comments Parra, sponsor of the award. “My team is made up of a number of young riders and adult amateurs, and their dedication to the sport and their horses is undeniable. I am proud to be able to recognize adult amateurs and their achievements on the GDF circuit in this way.”
Wellington, FL – February 15, 2013 – The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued today with two top classes for the Small Tour and Large Tour in the Florida Dressage Classic CDI-W presented by the USPRE Association. The $3,000 FEI Prix St. Georges, sponsored by Havensafe Farm, saw the top two spots going to Christilot Boylen (CAN) riding Hudson 18 and Dio Mio, both owned by Windhaven Farm and Jill Irving. Tina Konyot (USA) was the winner of the $20,000 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, sponsored by USPRE Association, on Calecto V, with Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento second and Jacquline M. Brooks (CAN) on D Niro in third.
Today’s judges in both the FEI Prix St. Georges and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle were Jane Weatherwax (USA) at E, Victoire Mandl (AUT) at H, Gary Rockwell (USA) at C, Jean-Michel Roudier (FRA) at M, and Jacques Van Daele (BEL) at B.
This morning’s FEI Prix St. Georges had an outstanding 19 entries. Winning first and second place, with scores of 69.921% and 67.868% respectively, Boylen was content with the performance of the 9-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding, Hudson 18 (Hohenstein x Democraat) , and the 10-year-old black Hanoverian gelding, Dio Mio (De Niro x Charmeur). “Dio is usually a horse that makes few mistakes, if any at all, so today’s couple mistakes were flighty. He was a little nervous in the ring this morning. He should be getting better since he’s seen this arena before. Hudson is very green, but did a super job today and I’m very thrilled with him. That’s his third Prix St. Georges. He rode in the National in January and then went international at the CDI-W two weeks ago. He’s gone from a 66 to a 69 in such a short span of time that I can’t ask for anything more. I always knew it was in him. He’s a brilliant horse. Now we just have to continue to get him experience in the ring,” remarked Boylen.
Christilot Boylen and Hudson 18
Jill Irving, part owner of both horses, won both today’s Adult Amateur FEI Intermediaire I and FEI Grand Prix-Open in the Wellington Equestrian Realty Ring 1. Riding Delavaux in the Intermediaire I, she scored a 67.500% and in the Grand Prix-Open, she rode Degas 12 (De Niro x Regazzoni) to a score of 70.213%.
With 12 entries in tonight’s FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, Konyot won with a score of 76.775%. Under the lights, she and Calecto V (Come Back II x Rastell), owned by Konyot and John Byrialsen, danced to the music. In reflecting on her freestyle, she commented that the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion felt wonderful. “I was looking to improve from yesterday so it was just great. When you are on your own, doing your own thing with your horse, you feel personally responsible. He’s been feeling fantastic. Yesterday’s warm-up and today’s was fantastic. I rode just to be happy. Because of issues in my personal life, I almost scratched today, but my boyfriend convinced me to go in and just enjoy myself and do the best I can. My horse is a good boy. I love him so much!” Konyot said.
Vilhelmson-Silfven and Antonia Ax:son Johnson’s Divertimento (Di Versace x Ferragamo) rode a brand-new freestyle this evening. Receiving a score of 74.700%, no one could tell she had only one run through this morning. “I thought it was great fun. I really enjoyed the music and I think it fits him well. It was a challenge to ride a new test since I haven’t had it a long time to practice with, but it felt good,” observed Vilhelmson-Silfven. In thinking about the 11-year-old bay Westfalen gelding, she felt he was a bit tense, but better than the last CDI here two weeks ago. “I had a little mistake in the last piaffe due to camera flashes, but otherwise I’m happy. Some more practice is necessary, but overall I like my new freestyle. He was comfortable riding it,” she noted.
Brooks and D Niro (D-Day x Napoleon 625) were awarded third place with a score of 70.900%. The 14-year-old grey Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Mary Brooks is finally being able to really feel the test. “Last year was making him happy with and practicing the test at these shows for the Olympics, which he was amazing at. This year it is about adjusting how he goes. The first few shows there was some miscommunication between us as he was confused as to why I was changing things. But today he was full-on in. He was committed and it’s a great feeling to know that he is content while riding the test. You know they’re happy when they get those floppy ears and that makes me really happy,” praised Brooks.
Konyot said, “He’s completed my bucket list. But he’s a strong horse and that’s so important. He’s been feeling great training, so I needed to have a good feeling in the arena, to confirm my feeling. I am certainly aiming for another World Cup qualifier and then we’ll take it from there.” Brooks is focusing on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, but the World Cup Finals could be on the horizon if things fall into place. Vilhelmson-Silfven has already qualified for the World Cup Finals with her top mount Don Auriello, but is concentrating on taking everything one step at a time.
Other CDI-W classes took place today in the International Arena as well. The winner in the FEI Pony Team was Barbara Davis (USA) riding Poldy 10 (Platello), owned by Michael Davis, with a score of 66.885%. In the FEI Young Rider Team, the blue ribbon went to Mathilde Tetreault (CAN) with Michelangelo (Admiral) with a score of 65.526%. The FEI Junior Team saw Naima Moreira-Laliberte and Diamond (Donnerhall x Werther), owned by Moreira-Laliberte, as the winners with a score of 65.649%.
Dressage continues tomorrow with the $5,000 FEI Intermediaire I beginning at 8:30 a.m and the $10,000 FEI Grand Prix Special beginning at 2:40 p.m.
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (GDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring five CDIs, including a 5*, the first non-championship CDIO Nations’ Cup in the Western Hemisphere, and nine U.S. national events. The Adequan GDF is offering more than $275,000 in prize money for the five international competitions making it one of the richest circuits in the world. In addition to the CDIs with national competitions, the Adequan GDF will feature six separate national shows to be held at the Stadium section of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) show grounds. The Adequan GDF encompasses almost 60 acres of the former Palm Beach Polo Grounds. The facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.
First Founding Sponsors: Matt Varney, Chris and Rob Desino, Wellington Equestrian Realty; Janet and William Richardson Pearson, Chesapeake Dressage Institute of Annapolis, MD; Devon and Terri Kane, Diamante Farm; Joe and Gaye Scarpa, Magnolia Farm; Tuny Page and Family, Stillpoint Farm; and Kimberly and Frederic Boyer, United States P.R.E. Association
Founding Sponsors: Ashley Holzer and Diane Fellows, Today’s Equestrian; Bethany Peslar, Everglades Dressage; Betsy Juliano, Havensafe Farm; Carol and Rebecca Cohen, Two Swans Farm LLC; Janne Rumbough, MTICA Farm; Mike & Roz Collins; Suhail and PJ Rizvi, Peacock Ridge; and Tim and Susie Dutta, The Dutta Corp.
Corporate Sponsors: Brown Distributing, Champion Equine Insurance, Charles Owen, Chronicle of the Horse, Custom Saddlery, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Equestrian Services International (ESI), Elite Equestrian Magazine, European Dressage Connection, Gold Coast Feed & Supply, Horse Of Course, Horseware Ireland, Interagro Lusitanos, Moet Hennessy USA, Nespresso USA, Paddock Cakes, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Pennfield, Piaffe Performance, Premier Equestrian, Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Rolex, Sanctuary at PBIEC, Show Chic, Sidelines Magazine, World Equestrian Brands
Itapira, Brazil (September 18, 2012) – Interagro Lusitanos was filled with the sounds of bidding and sights of stunning Lusitano horses at their annual Interagro Collection National Auction, which took place on August 25, 2012 in Itapira, Brazil. The auction featured horses from both Interagro and their guest breeder, Rocas do Vouga, and was for the first time the National auction was open to an international audience. Some of the new features included an app, which allowed buyers to view all of the horses in the auction on their mobile devices, as well as an English website and x-rays on the 12 adult horses presented. Over 430 guests attended the anticipated event, and 9 of the Lusitanos sold were purchased by buyers from other Brazilian states and other countries, including the United States.
The 2012 Interagro Collection was a combination of the 21st Annual Interagro Collection National Auction and the 5th Annual Lusitano Collection International Auction, and marked the first time that the auctions were combined. The much-anticipated event presented a select number of premium Lusitano horses from both breeders. All of the Lusitanos are evaluated from birth for their athleticism, trainability, and temperament. Interagro and Rocas do Vouga sold 25 weanlings and 9 sporthorse prospects at the auction, including Diacono Interagro, Dream do Vouga, Euforia do Vouga, Hamilcar Interagro, and Dervixe Interagro.
