*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, USEF, USEF

Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108 Lead National Young Rider Championship

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Battle of the Pony Riders Begins at 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm Dressage Festival of Champions

Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108. Photos: SusanJStickle.com

Gladstone, NJ – The 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions kicked off day two with grey skies and ground that was doing its best to dry out after Thursday’s deluge.

With four championships on the line, Friday proved busy. Isabelle Leibler rode determinedly in the Young Rider Dressage National Championship on Watson 108 and set a mark that couldn’t be beat.

They were the only pair to score above 70% and their 70.263% meant they took a convincing lead over Brandi Roenick on Pretty Lady and Jillian Kemenosh on Nelzon. All three of these riders have been successful at the Junior and Young Rider level, and for them, coming to Gladstone is an annual pilgrimage not to be missed.

Leibler (Greenwich, CT), despite her considerable success over the last two years, thought Watson was at his best today.

“It’s my best score so far,” said Leibler, who is 16. “I had little mistakes in my fours, I wasn’t paying attention. I couldn’t ask for anything more from him. He doesn’t have a lot of confidence naturally.”

The Individual Gold medalist from the 2011 Adequan/FEI Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) continued her winning streak in Gladstone, and Leibler was incredibly pleased with how Watson went.

Continue reading Isabelle Leibler and Watson 108 Lead National Young Rider Championship →

Classic Company, Classic Company, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Tryon Fall Classic – Stall Reservations

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September 8, 2011 – The 21st Annual USEF A rated Tryon Fall Classic is two weeks away at Harmond Field, Sept. 23-25, and stall reservations are very light. We are trying to plan and maybe make a change to the schedule. If you are planning to attend, please call our office for reservations: 843 768 5503.

The Atlanta Fall Classic I & II, Nov. 9-20, will have many new classes this year along with the annual finals for NCE and NHJL. Qualified riders for NCE will be posted on our website this week and will be mailed next week.

See you at the rings,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457

Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 Preview

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MADRID PROMISES A FEAST OF FINE SPORT by Louise Parkes

Lausanne (SUI), 8 September 2011 – The FEI European Jumping Championships celebrates its 31st anniversary as the action begins at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Spain next Tuesday.  At the inaugural Championship in Rotterdam (NED) back in 1957, where there were only individual medals on offer, just eight riders competed, and it was no surprise when Germany’s Hans Gunther Winkler took the title.

Fast-forward 54 years, and the 2011 fixture has attracted 85 riders from 22 countries, while 17 nations will fight it out for the team medals which were first introduced at Munich (GER) in 1975.  The team title on that occasion went to the host nation, which also claimed individual gold (Alwin Schockemohle), silver (Hartwig Steenken) and bronze (Sonke Sonksen).  The German record in these Championships is extraordinary – 45 medals in total including 14 individual and 6 sets of team gold.  Their nearest challengers in terms of supremacy are the British, but with a relatively modest 28 medals, including six individual and four team gold, they are a long way adrift of their German counterparts.

PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT
Staged every two years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle, the FEI European Jumping Championships are particularly significant in the season preceding the Olympic Games.  With London 2012 growing ever-closer, there is great pressure on the non-qualified nations to take this final opportunity to earn one of the three remaining places.

Continue reading FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 Preview →

Awards, Community/Charity, Conferences, Events, Products/Services, WHIN

WHINs 3rd Annual Horse Industry Meeting Racing towards Finish Line

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The Women’s Horse Industry Network’s 3rd Annual Business and Networking Expo is gearing up to be an exciting event.

The speakers that are lined up to make presentations are: Lua Southard, CEO of Equine Resources International; Sheryl Kursar, Executive Director, Equestrian Aid Foundation; Randi Thompson, CEO, How to Market Your Horse Industry Business; Nettie Barr, President of Canadian Natural Horsemanship; Anke Johnson, Natural Solutions by Anke; Author and Clinician Lisa Wysocky; Andrea Featherston-Rossi, CEO, Roanoke Design and Marketing; Catherine Masters, CEO, WHIN; Wayne Williams, CEO, Speaking of Horses TV; Nanette Levin, President Book Conductors; Jill Elsey, President, National Equine Escrow; Dr. Deb Baginski, President, Gooseberry Natural Feeds; Jodie Siegel, Horse Gold; Deb Kidwell, President, Lake Nowhere Mule and Jack Farm; Denise Bean-Raymond, President, Exclusive Equestrian Services; Christine Taylor, Owner, Equinature, LLC; Shelley G. Nyuli, CEO, SciencePure Nutraceuticals Inc.; Jennifer Foster, President, EQ Bookkeeping Services; Charlene Peterson, Marketing Director, EasyMileLog; Rebecca Cagle, Professional Equestrian Life Coach and Equestrian Book Author; and Pam Salem, President, Horses Teaching & Healing.

The companies that will be exhibiting include: Moxie Equestrian; Jane Heart Jewelry; Horse Gold, Inc.; National Equine Escrow; Planet Cowgirl; My Girlz Clothing Company; Lisa Wysocky, Author, Clinician; Sciencepure Nutraceuticals, Inc.; Unbridled Faith Farm; Mountain Feather Originals; Rebecca Cagle, Professional Equestrian Life Coach and Equestrian Book Author; Equinature, LLC; Clinician Colleen Kelly; How to Market Your Horse Business; Equestrian Aid Foundation; American Association of Riding Schools, Inc.; E3A Equine Experiential Education Association; Easy Mile Log; Canadian Natural Horsemanship, Inc.; EQ Bookkeeping; Natural Solutions by Anke, LLC; and Exclusive Equestrian Services.

Continue reading WHINs 3rd Annual Horse Industry Meeting Racing towards Finish Line →

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, FEI, USEF

James Fairclough, Josh Rector and Chester Weber Set to Drive at The Laurels at Landhope

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Chester Weber shows his winning form in the Four-In-Hand competition at the Riesenbeck CAI. Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber.

Lexington, KY – Three Americans – James Fairclough, Josh Rector and Chester Weber – will be among the best drivers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to gather in Kennett Square, PA, tomorrow through Sunday for the 25th Anniversary Laurels at Landhope International Combined Driving Event, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the U.S.

At the FEI-recognized event in a beautiful country setting just 40 miles from Philadelphia, drivers will compete in a series of three events with combinations from single horses and ponies to four-in-hands. The “Laurels” features competition in Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced divisions, with the signature event the U.S. National Four-In-Hand Championship – a driving competition for teams of four horses.

James Fairclough first made history at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, as part of the group that won the Team Silver medal. Prior to this, the best finish the U.S. had ever garnered at a Four-In-Hand World Championship was fourth place in 1984 and 1986.

Fairclough (Newton, NJ) has represented the U.S. at the Four-In-Hand World Championship seven different times between 1980 and 2002. 2010 was a stellar year for Fairclough – he started with a second-place win at the Little Everglades CDE and ended with a Team Silver medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Continue reading James Fairclough, Josh Rector and Chester Weber Set to Drive at The Laurels at Landhope →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., Events, USEF

Jules Stiller Leads the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team after Day 1 at Fidelity Blenheim International Horse Trials

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Jules Stiller and Enjoy Me. Photo: www. stockimageservices. com

Lexington, KY – Competition at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials got underway with 49 of the 97 competitors in the CCI3* cantering down centerline in the dressage ring. The American contingent of Will Faudree (a Land Rover Training and Competition Grant Recipient), Jules Stiller, Tiana Coudray and Aimee Chambers had a strong showing on the first day, occupying four of the top 14 placings. Great Britain’s Piggy French, fresh off a Team Bronze medal at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships, heads the field with Lemington Lett Dance on a score of 42.7.

U.K.-based Vermonter Jules Stiller will be looking for an improved result at the CCI3* level after a fall on the cross-country at the 2011 Bramham CCI3* last spring with Enjoy Me. They had a stellar effort on the first day and lie third on a score of 46.2 halfway through the division.  This combination was most recently placing 11th at the CIC3* at Hartpury.

“He was fantastic,” said Stiller about the 10-year-old Westphalian gelding.  “He does a good test anyway but today he did the best test he’s ever done. When I came out of the ring, Mark Phillips told me he thought I did a 38 and I was really excited, so I was a little disappointed when I heard the score but he stayed right in there which is fantastic.”

Sarah Cohen lies second on Irish Jester on a 44.0. Stiller is looking forward to making amends for the mistake she and Enjoy Me made at the horse’s CCI3* debut.

“So far the course looks really good,” said Stiller. “We had a bad fall this spring so I will be looking for a clear round and then go as fast as I can. But my goal is to give him a good ride.”

Continue reading Jules Stiller Leads the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team after Day 1 at Fidelity Blenheim International Horse Trials →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, USEF, USEF

Peters Overcomes Elements to Add Another Win to Ravel’s Resume at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions

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Steffen Peters and Ravel. Photos: SusanJStickle.com

Gladstone, NJ – Rain greeted the competitors on the first day of the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions but the quality of the competition shone through. The Grand Prix National Championship headlined the day, and the rain was at its heaviest during the class. Due to the conditions, the Prix St. Georges – which was scheduled for this afternoon – has been postponed until Friday, which will push the Intermediaire I Championship back one day.

Steffen Peters rode Ravel like it was 70 and sunny (which it probably was at their San Diego base) and between the raindrops put in the effort that the fans were expecting from the 2008 National Champions, the 2009 FEI World Cup Dressage Champions, the 2009 CHIO Aachen Champions and most recently, the Individual Bronze medalists from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Peters rode according to the conditions.

“I rode a little more conservatively,” said Peters. “I went for a clean test and it worked out great. He’s such a trooper.”

The 13-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki made his first competitive appearance in Gladstone and rose to the historical atmosphere. They scored 77.660% in a valiant, yet somewhat soggy test. The footing in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena was redone in 2010 and held up admirably in the conditions. The New Jersey area has been plagued by flooding and incredible amounts of rain between Hurricane Irene and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

“I really trusted the decision that they made,” said Peters. “It was safe, not slippery. I think the horses felt a little stuck. But they weren’t slipping at all. The main concern is safety and the decision to call it safe was very good.”

Continue reading Peters Overcomes Elements to Add Another Win to Ravel’s Resume at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Alltech National Horse Show Tickets Now on Sale at Ticketmaster.com

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Lexington, KY – September 8, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that tickets, ranging from only $10 to $30, are now available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult (limit 2 child tickets for every paid adult).

Additionally, fifty percent of the net proceeds from the General Admission gate receipts will be donated to the various charities that are featured each day at the Alltech National Horse Show. Those charities will be announced in the days ahead.

Doors for each session open 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. All seats are General Admission and parking is free.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2-6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Indoor Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

This year’s show, designated CSI4*-W, will feature a complete schedule of ‘AA’-rated hunter divisions, including the Pony Lane Farm High Performance Hunter section. Also on the agenda, a big money Open Jumper division highlighted by the Sasco Creek Farm $50,000 Welcome Speed Class, the $75,000 Double H Farms Thursday’s Jump-Off class, the $60,000 Spy Coast Farm Faults Converted Speed class on Friday and of course, the $250,000 Alltech National Horse Show Grand Prix, an FEI World Cup qualifying event. $100,000 will be up for grabs for the Junior and Amateur Jumper divisions, including the $50,000 SJHOF Junior/Amateur Championships, sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch, Chansonette and Deeridge Farm. The final Sunday is highlighted by the signature event of the National Horse Show, the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery.

Continue reading Alltech National Horse Show Tickets Now on Sale at Ticketmaster.com →

Competitions, Dressage, Events, Training/Clinics

Guy McLean, Australian Horseman Extraordinaire, to Perform at Dressage at Devon 2011

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Devon, PA (September 8, 2011) – Guy McLean is an accomplished, self-taught, thinking horseman who has entertained, inspired and educated many around the world.  Guy, with his equine partners, Hope, Sequel, Pride, and Spinnaby, have performed at the World Equestrian Games, The National Rodeo finals, and many more exciting venues.  McLean and his team of horses have won the hearts and minds of thousands, performing on stages and in arenas, as well as special exhibitions and countless special appearances both live and on television.

And this year, they will perform their equine magic at Dressage at Devon (www.dressageatdevon.org), taking place September 27 – October 2, 2011 at the Devon Fairgrounds, Devon, PA.

McLean translates his passion for horses to poetry as well.  As a two-time Australian Bush Poetry Champion, Guy McLean has a unique collection of Bush Poetry that touches hearts and fuels passion for every proud Australian.

What draws us to this animal?
This beast of flight and prey
What is it that enthralls us?
Makes us need them every day.

For me it is their beauty
And their undeniable power
Their Grace, their style and poise
In every second, every hour.

(excerpted from Why the Horse by Guy McLean)

Continue reading Guy McLean, Australian Horseman Extraordinaire, to Perform at Dressage at Devon 2011 →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, JRPR

Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Pony Miss Josephine Shines in Dressage Phase of German National Pony Championships

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Suzy Stafford and her half-Arabian Miss Josephine competed at the German National Pony Championships in Minden, Germany, placing second in the dressage phase. (Photo courtesy of Bettina Ruckelshaus)

Minden, Germany (September 8, 2011) – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford’s registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine put her best hoof forward in the dressage phase of the German National Pony Championships in Minden, Germany, placing second amongst a highly competitive field. Stafford and several other members of the U.S. team competed at Minden in preparation for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia.

“Josie and I started out well on dressage day. We came in second in dressage behind another U.S. pony team driver Shelly Temple. I was thrilled as Shelly and Cooper have been a pair for many years and have proven themselves as the dressage favorite in the States. Josie put in one of her best performances to date and I was overjoyed with how she did. Josie has only shown in the advanced level five times including Minden,” Stafford said.

Stafford said the marathon day was just as successful for Josie. “We had a good round and I was pleased how fit and ready she felt throughout the whole course. The rain the night before made for some slippery conditions but with the help of Janelle Marshal, my ‘rent a gator’ and Team Australia pony driver, we had a safe and noteworthy score. I felt Josie and my timing was a bit off due to the lapse of time in between shows, but now I feel the practice Josie and I had at Minden will help prepare us for the challenges ahead,” Stafford said.

Stafford and Josie were in second place going into the cones division; however, things didn’t go as smoothly as Stafford hoped. “We dropped to 11th place after the cones, which was very disappointing,” Stafford said. “But I will use this unfortunate circumstance to become a better driver, trainer and student under the influence of our coach Michael Freund. I think the cones issue was a biting problem in hindsight, so we have worked on that and should have things sorted out for the Championships.”

Continue reading Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Pony Miss Josephine Shines in Dressage Phase of German National Pony Championships →

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