Breeds, Championships, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Events, USEF

2011 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horse Show

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Lexington, VA – The 2011 IFSHA Friesian World and Grand National Horse Show will return this year to the East Coast and will for the second time in its history be held at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. Hundreds of classes will fill the five days of competition, beginning with dressage on Wednesday judged by Virginian, The Honorable Elizabeth Lewis of Keswick. In addition to classes from Intro through Grand Prix, IFSHA is proud to introduce Western dressage to the schedule this year as one of the Recognized Breed Affiliates of the newly formed Western Dressage Association.

Judging the halter and performance divisions throughout the week will be a “dream team” of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) women: The Honorable, Sue Burkman, Los Alomos, CA; Nancy Troutman, Salem, VA; and Judith Warner of Asheville, NC, respectively. This panel of three judges will rotate duties as call judge during the show, depending on their specialties and fields of expertise. Joining the talented trio in rotation on the carriage driving classes will be The Honorable ADS Judge Mickey Bowen of Unionville, PA. An open carriage driving division has been added to the show this year to take advantage of our judges skills and encourage local whips to join the fun.

USEF Steward Shirley Nowak and Dressage Technical Delegate Janice Enneking will be available for exhibitors’ questions. Master of Ceremonies Doug Shane of Penrose, CO, will add his golden voice and library of music to assure a festive mood to the event. The management team of Gareth A. Selwood and Nancy Nathanson will once again run the show with their usual flair and are excited to announce that this year the IFSHA Board of Directors has chosen “The Yellow Ribbon Fund” as the official charity to benefit from this year’s show. The Yellow Ribbon Fund was founded in 2005 to help injured service members and their families who are recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and The Navy Medical Center. A special “Yellow Ribbon” Championship class will be held during the Horse Show on Saturday Night with all entry fees collected from that class donated to the Yellow Ribbon Fund in the name of the winner of that class. It will be sure to be a highlight of the show.

Continue reading 2011 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship Horse Show →

Awards, Breeds, Competitions, USEF

Time to Cast Your Votes in the 2011 USEF My Favorite Breed Competition Contest

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Lexington, KY – Every horse show exhibitor has a competition they most look forward to each year. For some exhibitors, the anticipation is due to outstanding facilities, while for others it’s management going far beyond the call of duty to make the show a memorable and fun experience for all involved. Still others say it’s the excellent competition that draws them to a particular show. Whatever the case may be, there is no doubt about it – there are some shows that rise above the rest and become exhibitor favorites. For the second year in a row, the United States Equestrian Federation has honored two favorite competitions chosen by the exhibitors in the 2010 Favorite Breed Competition Contest. This year, top honors went to the Blue Ridge Classic Horse Show in Asheville, NC, and the Penn Marydel Welsh Show in Bel Air, MD.

The contest was created in 2009, providing a competitive outlet for exhibitors to rally in support of their favorite breed competitions across the country. The top vote earners for each of 11 breeds were recognized as individual winners, earning a plaque, and bragging rights to go with it. These “favorite” competitions were then entered into a drawing to determine the Grand and Reserve Prize winners.

The Blue Ridge Classic Horse Show, voted best amongst the competitions featuring American Saddlebreds, was drawn as the Grand Prize winner for 2010, and was awarded a pizza party for the competitors at this year’s show, featuring 65 large pizzas, plates full of brownies, and iced tea and lemonade to wash it down.

“Blue Ridge Classic is very exhibitor friendly,” said one competitor who voted for the show. “It has a wonderful staff and they are very thoughtful toward the exhibitor’s needs.”

Continue reading Time to Cast Your Votes in the 2011 USEF My Favorite Breed Competition Contest →

Championships, Competitions, Events, HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Lillie Keenan and Kristen Lutz Dominate 2011 USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast at HITS-on-the-Hudson

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Lillie Keenan with her overall Grand Champion award with Don Stewart's Confidentialand overall Reserve Grand Champion award with Chansonette Farm LLC's Madison. ESI Photography.

Saugerties, NY — After three rounds of competition, Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, returned to the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium at HITS-on-the-Hudson to accept champion awards with not one, but two horses in the 2011 USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast. Keenan claimed the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under Champion award as well as overall Grand Champion on Don Stewart’s Confidential with an overall score of 89.37. She also captured the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under title in the irons of Chansonette Farm LLC’s Madison, to post an overall Reserve Grand Champion score of 87.83.

“These horses were up to the challenge,” said Keenan. “They are a really special pair and winning both champion and reserve was unexpected and exciting.”

Adding to Keenan’s list of accolades, she also rode Madison to win the War Dress Memorial Trophy, awarded to the high score mare of the Championship.

At 14 years old, Keenan, who trains with Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm, proved that age is irrelevant, beating all riders in both older divisions to take home Reserve Grand and Grand Champion honors. While age may not play an important role in success, Stewart admits that genetics do.

“This is second nature for Lillie,” said Stewart. “She comes from a family of champions, as do these horses.”

Continue reading Lillie Keenan and Kristen Lutz Dominate 2011 USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast at HITS-on-the-Hudson →

Community/Charity, Driving, FEI

Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Journey to the World Championships Is One Step Closer Thanks to Successful eBay Auction

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Suzy Stafford has been nominated for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships with her registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine. (Photo courtesy of Meredith Fetters)

Chester County, PA (August 8, 2011) – From winning world championships to winning gold medals, champion driver Suzy Stafford has found great success in the field of combined driving. Stafford hasn’t done it alone, however, and believes it takes a “team” for real success to be achieved. Stafford, who has been nominated for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships with her registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine, recently called upon her team – which includes sponsors, clients, friends, family, horse lovers and driving enthusiasts – to take part in an online eBay auction to help her raise the finances needed to travel to the World Championships in Slovenia.

“The eBay auction featured a variety of fabulous equestrian and non-equestrian items and I want to thank everyone who went online and bid,” Stafford said. “I have raised half of my budget for the trip and this was a big help in getting closer to reaching my goal.  Shipping a pony and two carriages overseas is quite expensive, as you can imagine!  There was a lot of last minute, ‘stealth’ bidding, and I am very pleased with the enthusiasm of the bidders and the outcome of the auction.”

Stafford added that she also wanted to thank all of the supporters who stood behind her and donated prizes. “There were so many fabulous items, from dressage or driving lessons with Larry Poulin to a catered three-course dinner for six to signed Breyer Model Horse statues.  The two most popular items turned out to be the Dansko shoes and quilted dog bed; they went for more than expected,” Stafford said. “All the proceeds from the auction will go toward helping Josie and I travel to the World Championships in Slovenia, a trip that will cost over $40,000 including airfare for Josie and the shipping of the carriages and equipment. Without the support of my sponsors and contributors, none of this would be possible.  Knowing that I have been helped in such a big way makes me even more thrilled to thank all of the donors, including Dover Saddlery, Shawn Faust, Jim Graham, Hidden Valley Acres, Bit of Britain, Beth and Dan Steinke, Chester Weber, Dansko, Unionville Feed, Weyerbacher Brewing Company, Vita Flex, Equine Journal, Larry Poulin and Harness by Smucker.”

Continue reading Champion Driver Suzy Stafford’s Journey to the World Championships Is One Step Closer Thanks to Successful eBay Auction →

Community/Charity, Driving, FEI

US National Champion Pony Driving Heading to Europe

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August 8, 2011 – Next week, US National Champion combined driver Shelly Temple and her Morgan gelding Cooper (LR Ami B-Line) will fly to Germany to prepare for the World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia.

Prior to the Championship, “Team Catalyst” will stay in Frankfurt, Germany and train with Michael Freund, the USET driving coach and multi-time world champion. While in Germany, Shelly and Cooper will compete at Minden, the German national pony championship, along with other short-listed US drivers.

Shelly and Team Catalyst are excited about the opportunity to represent the United States and compete in their second world championship. In 2007 Shelly was a silver medalist in dressage and a member of the bronze medal US team. Shelly and Cooper have been the USEF National Champions for the past two years and have their eye on the gold medal. To follow Shelly’s progress, visit her blog at http://www.catalystdriving.blogspot.com/ or her website at http://www.catalystdriving.com/.

Competitions, Eventing/H.T., Events, JRPR

Perfect Eventing Trifecta – World Equestrian Brands Riders Hawley Bennett-Awad, Buck Davidson and Alexandra Slusher Finish 1, 2, 3 at the Event at Rebecca Farm

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Hawley Bennett-Awad rode Gin N’ Juice to victory at The Event at Rebecca Farms, where an exciting show jumping phase resulted in a close finish between three pairs. (Photo courtesy of Kat Netzler)

Kalispell, MT (August 8, 2011) – While the Event at Rebecca Farm featured an exciting and suspenseful turn of events during the stadium jumping phase in Kalispell, Montana, in the end Hawley Bennett-Awad rode Linda Paine’s Gin N’ Juice to the victory. Buck Davidson and Carl Segal’s Ballynoecastle RM finished a mere one point behind Bennett-Awad with Alexandra Slusher and Christie Campbell’s Last Call landing in a close third.

Bennett-Awad, Davidson, and Slusher, all endorsed by World Equestrian Brands, LLC, were thrilled with the results in the CIC3* event, part of the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series. In addition to sharing the common thread of World Equestrian Brands, Davidson is Bennett-Awad’s coach and Slusher is her good friend. Bennett-Awad was a member of the Silver 2003 Canadian Pam Am team, represented Canada in the 2004 Olympics, was a member of the 2005 World Cup Finals and in 2009 she won the Bromont CCI***.

“We were thrilled to see three of our riders in the top three spots at the Event at Rebecca Farm,” said Robin Moore, President of World Equestrian Brands, US distributor of Amerigo and Amerigo Vega saddles and strap goods, Vespucci, E. A. Mattes, and Equilibrium products. “It really was an unbelievable finish, because going into the stadium jumping phase Allison Springer, who had an awesome dressage and cross country go, was leading by 10 points. While Allison had some unfortunate trouble with Arthur being spooky, Hawley was fortunate and Ginny jumped like her life depended on it.  The pair really fed off the energy of the crowd and ended up in first place. What an amazing outcome and WEB is so happy for Hawley, Buck and Alexandra, and we are equally very proud of Allison and Arthur, who we also sponsor; that pair is truly dynamic.”

Continue reading Perfect Eventing Trifecta – World Equestrian Brands Riders Hawley Bennett-Awad, Buck Davidson and Alexandra Slusher Finish 1, 2, 3 at the Event at Rebecca Farm →

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

Piaffe-Performance Team Winning on Two Continents

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Piaffe-Performance Students Dominique Cassavetis and Chase Hickok Win Gold and Silver Medals at North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships

Chase Hickok, a student at Piaffe-Performance Farm, riding Palermo at the 2011 USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships. (Photo courtesy of Sue Stickle)

Lexington, KY (August 8, 2011) – Dominique Cassavetis and Chase Hickok, students at Cesar Parra’s Piaffe-Performance Farm, mounted the medal podium at the 2011 USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, following an intense competition that included not only brilliant performances but severe storms as well. Despite the weather, the staff, friends and family at Piaffe-Performance were all smiles as Cassavetis rode away as part of the Junior Gold Medal winning team from Region 1 and Hickok won the Individual Silver medal in the Young Rider Freestyle and the Individual Bronze in the Young Rider Team test. While his students were winning in North America, Dr. Parra was wrapping up a successful European tour.  Parra and Grandioso, owned by Sara and Michael Davis, racked up impressive wins overseas and proving that they are formidable competition at the international level.

Katie Riley, Senior Trainer at Piaffe-Performance, was thrilled with the young rider’s results. “We are all so proud of Dominique and Chase. They really rose to their fullest potential and showed that they have very bright futures ahead of them,” Riley said. “Dominique was part of the NAJYRC Junior team aboard Charming Princess, and they won the Gold Medal which was absolutely fantastic.”

Hickok piloted Palermo, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood, to Individual Bronze in the Young Rider Team test and to Individual Silver medal in the Young Rider Freestyle, earning at 70.725%. “This was our first time to do this freestyle in competition and we rode to Latin-themed music,” Hickok said. “The music is really great because it matches Palermo by having a lot of energy and personality. It also really showed off his gaits. He has the most heart of any horse I’ve known and really does his best for me every day. I also have to thank Katie Riley, for coaching me at the show, as well as Kevin Kohmann and Laura Pradels for their work on my freestyle. But mostly, my parents for their support and encouragement.”

Continue reading Piaffe-Performance Team Winning on Two Continents →

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI

FEI World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, Verden (GER)

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ASTRIX DOES THE DOUBLE, BUT WOODLAND FAROUCHE IS THE SHOW-STEALER by Louise Parkes

The Hannoverian mare Woodlander Farouche, with Michael Eilberg on board, produced spectacular scores to take the 5 Year Old title at the FEI World Championships for Young Dressage Horses 2011. Photo: FEI/Karl-Heinz Freiler.

Lausanne (SUI), 8 August 2011 – Over 50,000 visitors descended on Verden, Germany for the FEI World Championships for Young Dressage Horses 2011 over the weekend as the KWPN stallion, Astrix, claimed his second gold medal in succession with The Netherlands’ Emelie Scholtens on board.  But the sensation of the event was the Hannoverian mare, Woodlander Farouche ridden by Great Britain’s Michael Eilberg, who took the coveted 5 Year Old title with a spectacular score of 9.72%.

Staged in the heart of Lower Saxony, these Championships have long been recognised as the cradle of the equine dressage stars of the future, and this year’s crop of youngsters were a truly exciting bunch.

TALKING POINT
The British-born Woodlander Farouche, bred by Lynne Crowden in Monmouthshire, England, became the talking point of the show when scoring 9.28 to win last Friday’s 5 Year Old Qualifier.  The judges awarded scores of 9.5, 9.2 and 9.7 for trot, canter and walk, and 25 year old Eilberg described the mare, which he has been riding since she was three years old, as “an incredible horse”.  Looking forward to Sunday’s final he added, “There is of course more pressure to come, but it is a good feeling that she has already presented such an outstanding performance. This strengthens the self-confidence of both of us,” he pointed out.

Second place went to Damon’s Divene, daughter of the double World Champion stallion Damon Hill out of a Rubin Royal dam and bred by Christian Becs.  Helen Langehannenberg steered the horse to a final score of 8.76, while two others shared third place.  Belgium’s Tom Franckx-Goen was awarded a mark of 8.64 with the Dutch-bred IPS Bon Bravour, and Germany’s Jessica Michel matched that with the Hannoverian Swing de Hus.

Continue reading FEI World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, Verden (GER) →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Retains Lead in Hagyard Challenge Series

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McLain Ward placed first and second in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show to take over the lead in the Hagyard Challenge Series standings. Photo: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 7, 2011 – After claiming the first and second place honors in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic during last week’s the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, McLain Ward took over the lead in the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series. The talented rider completed double clear rounds aboard Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve and Vocas to earn valuable points towards the $45,000 Leading Rider Bonus.

Ian Millar of Canada continues to hold the second place position, having piloted Instyle and Star Power to fourth and fifth place finishes, respectively, during both of the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic competitions during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Hector Florentino from the Dominican Republic is currently in the third place ranking, having placed first and sixth aboard Ultimo earlier in the year.

The Hagyard Challenge Series features seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the series will receive a $45,000 Leading Rider Award, presented after the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier held on September 23, 2011, during the Kentucky National Horse Show.

Several generous sponsors have helped make this exciting series event happen. These gracious supporters include: presenting sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Dean Dorton Allen Ford, Hagyard Flex-tra 200, Wyatt Equine Law Group, Johnson Horse Transportation, Chase, and J. P. Morgan.

Continue reading McLain Ward Retains Lead in Hagyard Challenge Series →

Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Catherine Tyree Earns Championship and Reserve Tricolors in Junior Hunters at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Catherine Tyree and Savant won reserve championship Award in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/PMG.

Lexington, KY – August 7, 2011 – The last day of the Kentucky Summer Classic began with looming clouds; however, the Kentucky Horse Park was filled with nothing but sunshine and a cool breeze as the afternoon approached. The best horse and rider combinations competed for top honors during their respective divisions in the Covered Arena and Stonelea Ring for the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunters, Small Junior 16-17 Hunters, Large 15 & Under Junior Hunters and Large 16-17 Junior Hunters.

Today, Catherine Tyree did not disappoint, as she brought home not only the championship award for the Small 16-17 Junior Hunter division, but also the reserve championship honors for the Large 16-17 Junior Hunters. Aboard Concetto, owned by First Partners Inc. of Chicago, IL, Tyree won two first place ribbons in yesterday’s Small 16-17 Junior Hunter Division and the fourth place ribbon today. In the Large 16-17 Junior Hunter Division Tyree and Savant earned the third place ribbon and fourth place ribbon in yesterday’s classes as well as two second place ribbons and the fourth place ribbon in the under saddle class today.

Tyree has been riding Concetto for the last four years and believes that the time they have been together has really helped them to grow with one another and move into the Junior Hunters. “Sometimes he acts a bit like a stallion in the barn and when he’s schooling, but once he gets in the ring he’s all work,” explained Tyree. “He goes in, he knows his job, always jumps a ten; he’s so fantastic.”

Due to Concetto’s long stride and easy-going personality, the handy round has become his forte. “He needs a very easy ride, outside you get on a nice gallop and go down, nothing bothers him and he has a huge stride. He jumps the oxers great all the time; you just have to keep his balance up a little bit. He loves to turn and gallop. He really shines in the handy.”

Continue reading Catherine Tyree Earns Championship and Reserve Tricolors in Junior Hunters at Kentucky Summer Classic →

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