*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Events, Olympic Games, USEF

USEF Report from First Pre-Olympic Games Dressage Clinic

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David Wightman on Partous with Anne Gribbons and Steffen Peters (Photo: USEF Archives)

Lexington, KY – The first of six pre-Olympic Games Dressage Clinics kicked off at beautiful Epona Farm in Thousand Oaks, CA. These clinics, a joint effort by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the USET Foundation will help prepare horses and riders for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Linda and Michael Fowler were gracious hosts at Epona Farm. Nine horses (with seven riders) worked with USEF Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons and Olympian Steffens Peters. For two days the riders focused on schooling the Grand Prix and then rode a test in front of Gribbons. Gribbons is also an FEI 5* judge.

“Going into 2012 it was useful for the riders to practice the new Olympic Grand Prix Special test,” said Jenny Van Wieren-Page USEF Director of Dressage, High Performance. “Another important aspect of these clinics is planning the 2012 competition and training schedules with Anne.”

Continue reading USEF Report from First Pre-Olympic Games Dressage Clinic →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Phelps Media Group

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Picked for the Great Charity Challenge Drawing

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Loxahatchee, FL – December 14, 2011 – The 2011 Holiday HorseFest held in Downtown West Palm Beach, FL, on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at the Meyer Amphitheatre was a huge success. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) emerged victorious as a nominated charity to be represented at the 2012 FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments on the evening of Friday, February 17, 2012.

As one of the 32 selected charities, VTRC will be randomly assigned to one of the sponsored teams competing for the top prize money at the Great Charity Challenge. The Challenge is a competition consisting of two junior/amateur-owner riders combined with one Olympic or world-class rider. This year, $1.5 million is the goal, and all proceeds will directly go to the participating charities, with the least amount received being $10,000.

VTRC also had the honor of participating in the opening ceremonies of Holiday HorseFest. Juan Burbano, A. J. Zembrzuski, Carrie MacMillian, and Jason Legato performed a color guard routine to represent the VTRC and the Special Olympics.

Continue reading Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Picked for the Great Charity Challenge Drawing →

*Featured/Spotlights, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Rolex Signs Partnership Agreement with Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

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Geneva (SUI), 13 December 2011 – Rolex has become an official partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014. The agreement was signed today, 13 December, in Geneva (SUI), home town to Rolex and venue of the sixth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping 2011/2012.

The Swiss luxury watch maker has been involved in equestrian sport since 1957 and is a major force behind many of the sport’s finest events and riders. The brand’s association with the FEI World Equestrian Games dates back to 2002 and Rolex was the official sponsor of last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky (USA).

FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos welcomed the news of the Rolex partnership with Normandy 2014. “The FEI is delighted that Rolex, one of the world’s best brands and a dedicated partner to equestrian sport, has renewed its cooperation with the FEI’s flagship event, the FEI World Equestrian Games,” he said. “Rolex’s loyalty to our sport is exceptional and we are looking forward to the Games in Normandy, which are expected to stage absolutely top-class sport in an area renowned for its connection with the horse.”

Continue reading Rolex Signs Partnership Agreement with Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 →

Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Publications/Media

Equine Therapy: Travels in the Equine World, by Claire Dorotik

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The client shifts around nervously in her chair, her darting eyes revealing a weak defense system. As she searches for a disguised response to an honest question, I wonder to myself, ‘Why must this be so difficult?’ The truth is, she is only doing what she knows — hiding. The problem, however, is that she is also uniquely attached to her only familiarity, and it — her unconscious desire to remain a victim, perpetrated upon by a long line of offenders — is killing her. And again, I wonder to myself, ‘I wish there were a way for me to show her this’. It is at this time that I wish for a horse.

Horses, unlike people, don’t disguise much, if anything. So a person’s unconscious wish to remain a victim doesn’t go unnoticed. Neither does the anger behind it. Because at some point in this person’s history, she was truly a victim, and what should have happened simply didn’t. So now she must replay this history with new relationships — and sometimes old ones — hoping to finally be cared for. However, unfortunately, the kindness that is now proffered to her doesn’t make up for what was missed, and naturally, she is angry about this. But this is a hopeless cycle, because her anger now pushes away the kindness that she needs so much.

Continue reading Equine Therapy: Travels in the Equine World, by Claire Dorotik →

Community/Charity, Dressage, JRPR

Premier Equestrian Sponsors Young Adult Brentina Cup Winner and Dressage Trainer Caroline Roffman

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Caroline Roffman is being sponsored by Premier Equestrian. (Photo courtesy of Sue Stickle)

Sandy, UT (December 12, 2011) — Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, is pleased to announce their sponsorship of Wellington-based dressage rider and trainer Caroline Roffman. The 23-year-old has set the dressage world on fire and during the fall of 2011 proved she is a rider to be reckoned with when she won the Young Adult Brentina Cup at the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions and took home three Reserve National Championship titles from the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships.

“Premier is very excited to be sponsoring Caroline. She is certainly one of the brightest dressage stars of our young generation and, in addition to that, she is a lovely young woman,” said Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian. “Premier is a world leader in dressage products, from arenas and letters to footing for the arenas, and we are proud that Caroline will be using and supporting our products.”

Continue reading Premier Equestrian Sponsors Young Adult Brentina Cup Winner and Dressage Trainer Caroline Roffman →

Awards, Community/Charity, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Hugh Kincannon Honored with USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Award

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Hugh Kincannon received the USHJA's President's Distinguished Service Award. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

Lexington, KY – December 12, 2011 – On December 6, 2011, Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was recognized at the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Kincannon received the President’s Distinguished Service Award for his management of USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the USEF Pony Finals, and the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition. The USHJA presented the award to Kincannon for his dedication to these events, and his efforts to always go above and beyond to make them a success.

In 2006, USHJA created a new award category, the USHJA President’s Distinguished Service Awards. These awards were developed by the President and staff to recognize and honor the dedication and service by members to USHJA and our sport. The staff and President reviewed the programs of USHJA, as well as the work involved in developing and implementing them, and those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to bring our sport to a new level and to benefit our membership.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, FEI, USEF

Team USA Places Fourth at FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship

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Kelsey Kimbler on Cody Canuck and Mary Kathryn Clark on DA Al Capone walking in. Photos courtesy Kelly Kimbler

Lexington, KY – The U.S. finished fourth among 19 teams Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship despite an uphill battle that included an injured horse at the first inspection.

“What an exhilarating team effort and realistically an unexpected result – but privately hoped for,” said Chef d’Equipe Emmett Ross.

Unexpected, in part, because Natalie Muzzio’s horse Khalil Asam was not able to ship, resulting in the loss of Team member Steven Hay. Then, at the first inspection on Friday, Kyle Gibbon’s horse, Misu Koran, owned by Stephen Rojek, presented with a sore shoulder and was not able to start. There are five vet checks throughout the race to check the horse’s soundness and metabolic capacity in order to be allowed to continue.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Endurance Riding, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders 2011

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STAR PERFORMANCE FROM STIRLING AS URUGUAY TAKES TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL GOLD by Louise Parkes

15-year-old Martin Stirling rode the nine-year-old Vendaval to Team and Individual gold at the FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders 2011.

Abu Dhabi (UAE), 12 December 2011 – Martin Stirling was the star turn at the 2011 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in Abu Dhabi over the weekend when the 15-year-old schoolboy led Uruguay to Team and Individual glory.

The French stood in silver medal position on the team podium ahead of the Australians who took bronze, and it was Australia’s Allix Jones who was runner-up for the Individual title. Firming up the dominant position of the Uruguayan squad at this biennial event, Oriana Ricca claimed Individual bronze while team-mate, Maria Pereira, took the Best Condition Award after finishing individually seventh with Mi Jade.

It was a surprise result all round, with high expectations that riders from the United Arab Emirates would feature prominently. The UAE’s Hussain Ali Al Marzouqi steered his horse, Sergai, to win the last FEI World Endurance Champion for Juniors and Young Riders held in Hungary in 2009, while Ahmad Ali Al Sabri and Alizee de Marjolaine claimed the Open category gold at the European Junior and Young Rider Endurance Championships in 2010.

Continue reading FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders 2011 →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Phelps Media Group

Challenge of the Americas Takes Break for 2012, Continues to Raise Funds to Fight Breast Cancer

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Wellington, FL – December 12, 2011 – The Eleventh Annual Challenge of the Americas competition and gala will be taking a recess for 2012. Although the event is taking the year off, it will return in 2013 bigger and better than ever. The recent death of Evelyn H. Lauder, founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), gave way to a new outlet to continue to raise funds for the Foundation. Challenge of the Americas Chairman Mary Ross and business partner Timmie Pollock will actively donate two dollars from each advertisement purchased on their equestrian marketplace Web site, MatchnRide.com, to Play for P.I.N.K, a grassroots fundraising organization which uses lifestyle and sporting events to raise funds for BCRF.

Lauder became an ardent advocate for breast cancer awareness in 1989 when she was personally diagnosed. She became the creator of the Pink Ribbon campaign, a worldwide symbol of breast health, and in 1993, she founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Since its establishment, BCRF has raised more than $350 million to support clinical and translational research at medical institutions worldwide. Lauder actively participated and partnered with Ross to organize Challenge of the Americas with all proceeds from the event benefiting BCRF. Lauder unfortunately passed away from non-genetic ovarian cancer at the age of 75, and the Challenge of the Americas expresses their sympathy and promises to carry on her work.

Continue reading Challenge of the Americas Takes Break for 2012, Continues to Raise Funds to Fight Breast Cancer →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, Sydney Masters-Durieux

Youngest Rider at Gucci Masters/Paris Teams with Friend for Toys for Tots Drive

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Emanuel Andrade Newest Junior Ambassador to the Step by Step Foundation

Daniela Stransky riding Starlight and representing Venezuela at the 3rd annual Gucci Masters in Paris. Photo by Sophie Durieux.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – December 12, 2011 – Daniela Stransky made her European show jumping debut at the 3rd annual Gucci Masters, which ran from December 2 to 4, 2011 in Paris, France. The 15 year old was the youngest rider at the prestigious international horse show and the only competitor representing Venezuela.

Cheered on by her mother Liliane Stransky, the founder of the international charity Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) and owner of Stransky’s Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, and her trainer Hector Florentino of the Dominican Republic, Daniela piloted her mare Starlight to two fault free and speedy rounds.  Just out of the ribbons, the tenacious teen vowed to return next year with her friend and fellow Venezuelan rider Emanuel Andrade (15).

Continue reading Youngest Rider at Gucci Masters/Paris Teams with Friend for Toys for Tots Drive →

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