2012 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session Presented by USEF

2011 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session. Photo: USEF Archives.

Lexington, KY – The sixth annual George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session presented by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will take place January 3-7, 2012, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

An opportunity not to be missed, Morris, the legendary horseman and Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Show Jumping Team, will again lead top young riders in a comprehensive program including mounted sessions, with other experts teaching stable management, veterinary care and nutrition. Riders will assume sole responsibility for their horses during the Training Session, the goal being to develop a pipeline of young “horsemasters” for future U.S. Equestrian Teams.

The invitation system for the participants will be announced in September, but auditing of the mounted and educational sessions is free and open to the public; however, a donation to The USET Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

More information will be available at www.USEF.org.

For additional information on the 2012 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, contact Lizzy Chesson at lchesson@usef.org.

Amanda Steege and Bavarian Rule in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Amanda Steege and Bavarian won the $10,000 Fieldstone 2'9” Hunter Derby Final. Photo © Anne Gittins Photography

Halifax, MA – August 25, 2011 – The Fieldstone Summer Showcase hosted two hunter derbies today on the beautiful grass Grand Prix Field. Amanda Steege of Bedminster, NJ, rode Bavarian, owned by Lise Revers of Weston, MA, to victory in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9” Hunter Derby Final. In the $10,000 Pony Hunter Derby Final, Jordyn Freeman of Long Meadow, MA, took the top two places on Blueberry Hill and Head’s Up. The Fieldstone Summer Showcase features top hunter/jumper competition at their beautiful facility in Halifax, MA.

Today marked the third day of competition for the Fieldstone Summer Showcase, which will now run through Saturday, August 27. The MHJ Finals will run at the same times and in the same rings but now on Saturday instead of Sunday. The $25,000 Herb Chambers Companies Grand Prix start time has been moved to noon on Saturday, August 27 (from 3 p.m.). The $7,500 Herb Chambers Companies Speed Stake has been moved to Friday, August 26, at approximately 11 a.m. (from Saturday).

Professional rider Amanda Steege had a brand-new ride on Bavarian, who was only purchased three weeks ago by Revers. Revers trains with Lindsey Moore, who had Steege compete today on the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “My dad has been helping Lindsey Moore. I got lucky!” Steege said with a smile.

The new pairing practiced yesterday and entered the ring together for the first time in the derby. They had a solid score of 84 in the first round, and with a handy hunter score of 86, they moved into the lead with a total of 170. Second place in the class went to Socrates, ridden by Kristen Bumpus and owned by Jackie Arakelian of Winchester, MA.

Continue reading Amanda Steege and Bavarian Rule in the $10,000 Fieldstone 2’9″ Hunter Derby Final at Fieldstone Summer Showcase

Ready for Rotterdam: U.S. Jumpers Face Big Task in FEI Nations Cup

Lexington, KY – The U.S. Jumping riders have a big task before them in tomorrow’s FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Rotterdam. They take to the final leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Series in the Netherlands and jump to maintain their position in the Series for 2012.

Currently ranked seventh out of the eight teams in the Series, the U.S. needs to finish at least three places ahead of Belgium tomorrow in the Nations Cup to earn a spot to return in 2012. Belgium is currently two points ahead of the United States. The two lowest-placed teams will be relegated after Rotterdam, and Denmark is already out of consideration.

The four riders set to represent the U.S. are up for the challenge for Chef d’Equipe George Morris:

Lauren Hough and Quick Study just won the Longines Grand Prix at CSIO5* Dublin in an epic victory over a top-flight field. She will lead off the U.S. effort.

Christine McCrea and the ultra-consistent Romantovich Take One will follow Hough into the ring; they have been quietly racking up solid results all summer. They jumped two clear rounds in the Nations Cup at CSIO5* St. Gallen and went on to finish third in the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland two days later.

Continue reading Ready for Rotterdam: U.S. Jumpers Face Big Task in FEI Nations Cup

FEI Nations Cup 2011 Round 8

FRENCH GET THE BEST OF THE DRAW, AT LAST by Louise Parkes

The draw for the eighth and final leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 series took place in Rotterdam (NED) today.

Rotterdam (NED), 25 August 2011 – The luck of the draw went in favour of France for the first time this season today, so the defending double-champions will be last into the arena for tomorrow’s final leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 in Rotterdam (NED). French form has been unexpectedly weak throughout the series, and they are one of three nations that could possibly face the prospect of joining Denmark, already assured of relegation, in the Promotional League in 2012.

The order-of-go for the eighth leg of the series is as follows: 1, Germany; 2, The Netherlands; 3, Denmark; 4, Great Britain; 5, USA; 6, Ireland; 7, Belgium; 8, France.  And there is plenty of tension in the air ahead of the final clash.

The rules dictate that, after the last of the eight legs in the premier tournament, the two lowest-placed nations are demoted to the second-tier Promotional League.  And the countries in most danger of joining the Danes are the Americans and Belgians. But after the previous round in Dublin (IRL) three weeks ago, the French are lying fifth on the leaderboard and just four points ahead of Belgium.  Should they experience yet another bad day, the country that has dominated the sport of Nations Cup Jumping for the last two seasons could be in a very vulnerable position.

Continue reading FEI Nations Cup 2011 Round 8

Germany Sets Pace at HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships

Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Opgun Louvo hold the individual lead and have put the German team out in front after the first day of Dressage.

Lausanne (SUI), 25 August 2011 – German riders gave an exhibition of Dressage-riding to fill six of the top eight individual places and take a commanding lead in the team competition at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in Luhmühlen, to the evident delight of their home crowd.

Sandra Auffarth (GER), 25, who sprang to prominence when finishing second in the HSBC FEI Classics at Luhmühlen CCI4* in June, was the big sensation on a hot sunny afternoon today, producing another exquisite picture of harmony and suppleness with the nine-year-old Opgun Louvo.

She earned a perfect 10 for her entry and halt from Ground Jury member Anne Mette-Binder (DEN) and finally wound up with the excellent score of 35.4 penalties.

“It’s the best mark I’ve had at this level,” said a delighted Auffarth, who has been riding the chestnut gelding by Shogun ll since he was six.

“At one point in the walk, I thought ‘oh no, don’t be nervous’, but he concentrated very well and was relaxed so I could ride him like I do in training. He has a very good character – he is like a pony at home.”

Auffarth added: “It was quite a surprise to be picked for the team, but perhaps in another way it wasn’t so unexpected, because we’ve had a good season as a combination.”

Continue reading Germany Sets Pace at HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships

Aiken Fall Festival Just Around the Corner

August, 25th 2011 – The closing date for the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show is just under a week away, but crew and staff at Equus Events have been busily preparing for the event all summer long. The show, a USEF “A” rated event will take place September 8-11 and 15-18 at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC.  The show has become a “staple” on the fall social and event calendar according to the Aiken Standard and it’s easy to see why.  Aiken’s famous horse community, its eclectic shops and restaurants, and events such as the 2011 Aiken’s Makin’ Festival (September 9th-10th) makes this town a prime stop on the horse show calendar. Horses and riders will be competing for awards and prizes in upwards to $100,000 throughout the two week show series and vying to have their name engraved on many perpetual trophies. Some of last year’s Grand Champion and Perpetual Trophy winner’s included:

*At A Glance Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Champion Hunter – Cezanne owned by Lilly Haun and ridden by Vick Russell
*Joyce Lineburger Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Junior Hunter – Babette and Noel Fauntleroy
*Good Golly Miss Molly Perpetual Trophy for Grand Pony Hunter – Caroline Hargreaves and That’s It
*Grand Amateur Owner Hunter – Onassis and Sarah Ward
*Grand Adult Hunter – Westside and Cindy Prestage
*Grand Children’s Hunter – Ransom and Lily Foy
*Grand Children’s/Adult Jumper – Oh My Lord and Terrell McKey
*Grand Junior/AO Jumper – Fargo and Mary Huitt

Continue reading Aiken Fall Festival Just Around the Corner

Mandatory Outing for the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Set to Begin

Lexington, KY – The journey to the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico makes its next eventing stop in Richland, Michigan. Fourteen of the 15 horses currently short-listed by the USEF head to the Midwest to contest their Mandatory Outing at the Richland Park CIC and Horse Trials August 25-28.

The Pan American Games will be contested at the CCI2* level in 2011, which gives many riders who have never before represented the United States the chance to ride on the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the first time. They will contest a modified division made up of the CCI2* dressage test, the Advanced cross country course and an Advanced height show jumping track.

Allie Slusher withdrew her horse Pierre on August 23, which moved Jennifer Taxay Kelly onto the Short list as the first ranked substitute. The second ranked substitute, Matt Flynn, also withdrew Breakthrough from consideration. This leaves 15 horses on the short list, all of which will contest the Mandatory Outing except for Cold Harbor. Boyd Martin and Cold Harbor were excused from the event as Martin prepares Neville Bardos for the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England next week. Michael Pollard will ride his wife Nathalie’s Schoensgreen Hanni at Richland Park before he joins Martin in England to ride Icarus at Burghley.

Continue reading Mandatory Outing for the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Set to Begin

Year’s First Equine Case of EEE Confirmed in Halifax County

RALEIGH – A 4-year-old horse in Halifax County was recently euthanized after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable in equine by yearly vaccination. It is the first reported case of EEE in horses this year.

“The number of reported EEE cases fluctuates each year,” said State Veterinarian David Marshall. “Late summer to early fall is peak mosquito season in North Carolina, and this is right on schedule for us to start seeing cases.”

North Carolina had 6 reported EEE cases in 2010, 23 in 2009 and 13 in 2008. It is estimated that for every reported case, four or more cases go unreported. There was one case last year of West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne disease that affects equine.

The EEE and WNV vaccinations initially require two shots, 30 days apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Neither vaccination fully protects the animal until several weeks after the second shot, so it is best to vaccinate as early in the mosquito season as possible. Marshall recommends that horse owners talk to their veterinarians to determine the best time to start the vaccination process. He also recommends a booster shot of each vaccine be given every six months in North Carolina because of the extended mosquito season.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death.

Symptoms of WNV in horses can include loss of appetite and depression, fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, convulsions, impaired vision or hyperexcitability.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the virus to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

Dr. Tom Ray, director
NCDA&CS Animal Health Program – Livestock
(919) 733-7601

Dressage at Devon Close Dates Extended and Extended Schooling Schedules

August 24, 2011 (Devon, PA) – The closing dates for both performance and breed classes at the 2011 Dressage at Devon have been extended until September 15 and late fees have been waived.

So enter now and enjoy the new, state of the art footing (Poels Sand Footing), in both the Dixon Oval and the Gold Ring.  Come check out this significant improvement to Dressage at Devon and show off your wonderful horse under the lights.  Schooling has also been extended in both rings in the early morning.  Warm-up for all Grand Prix classes will be held in the Gold ring commencing one hour prior to the start of the class.  For performance entry details, go to www.dressageatdevon.org or contact the Show Secretary, Monica Fitzgerald, at mon1206@aol.com.

Or, for breeders, has your two year old suddenly grow into their body?  Is your colt amazing?  Come showcase your incredible horses at Dressage at Devon and let your foal enjoy the attention and the new footing!  You can enter on-line at www.horseshowoffice.com.  Full details, including the prize list, are at www.dressageatdevon.org or contact the Show Secretary, Kathy Moffitt, at kmoffitt@optonline.net.

Danielle Myers
Project Marketing, Inc.
PO Box 155
Devon, PA 19333
610.889.2036
dmyers@projectmarketinginc.com

Safari Ride to Raise Money for Starved and Abused Horses

August 24, 2011 – Monroe, North Carolina – The United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. (USERL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in North Carolina in the year 1997. This horse rescue organization is funded by private donations/fundraising, and staffed solely by volunteers.  “All of the money raised goes to the starved and neglected horses that we bring into our Foster Home Network,” says Tracy Kloc, Regional Director of the USERL’s Central Piedmont Region of North Carolina. “We rescue abused, neglected, and/or abandoned equines; provide them with care and rehabilitation; and finally find them a compatible, loving home.”  For information on events, volunteering, donating, fostering, or horses available for adoption, go to www.userl.org or www.userl-nccp.org.

With the approaching winter months and an ongoing national economic recession, monetary donations have been extremely difficult to obtain.  The organization is hosting a Safari trail ride at Why Not an American Ark (WNAAA) in Monroe, NC on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Ride between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The “safari” will be a hunt for stuffed animals along the trail. Bring back a stuffed animal and win a prize. The harder the animals are to find, the better the prize that will be attached to it!

After the ride, enjoy lunch (concessions available) and continue to school your horse on the Ark’s cross country course, the new Extreme Cowboy race course, or go for a swim in the pond. You can also find out how your horse reacts to a real live camel or a zebra! There is also a covered arena, jump arena and dressage arena.  If you don’t have a horse, you can still come out and enjoy the day on the walking trail!

$15 to ride (your own horse).  Current Coggins Required.  Riders will have to sign a waiver for USERL and for WNAAA.  WNAAA (http://www.wnaaa.com/) is located at the intersection of Medlin Road and Charlie Williams Road in Monroe, NC.  For more information on the Safari ride or to make a donation, contact Deb Carl at dbcarl@bellsouth.net or 704-651-1831.  For more information about the US Equine Rescue League, Central Piedmont Region go to http://www.userl-nccp.org/.

Contact:
Deb Carl
704-651-1831
dbcarl@bellsouth.net

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