FEI Nations Cup 2011 – Draw, Round 7, Dublin

FRENCH WILL BE PATHFINDERS AT PENULTIMATE LEG IN DUBLIN TOMORROW by Louise Parkes

FEI Director Press Relations, Grania Willis, and Pat Hanly, Show Director at the draw for order-of-go at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show in Dublin, Ireland yesterday. Photo: FEI/Tony Parkes.

Dublin (IRL), 4 August 2011 – The French are drawn first to go in tomorrow’s crunch leg of the FEI Nations Cup 2011 series at the Discover Ireland Horse Show in Dublin, Ireland.  It’s getting down to the wire with just one more leg remaining following the Irish fixture, and the draw took place this morning at the gracious Royal Dublin Society showgrounds which is widely recognised as the birth-place of the sport of show jumping.

The order-of-go is as follows: 1, France; 2, The Netherlands; 3, Belgium; 4, Denmark; 5, USA; 6, Great Britain; 7, Ireland; 8, Germany.

The host nation is not under great pressure, as the Irish are lying comfortably third on the series league table which is headed by The Netherlands followed by Germany, while the British are in fourth. But there’s nothing quite like the expectation of the Dublin crowd.  As team manager Robert Splaine acknowledged today, “The last time we won at home was in 2004, and the Aga Khan Cup is one of the most coveted trophies in the world – we want to do well tomorrow and give the home spectators something to cheer about, and we’ll be going out there to give it a try!”

NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY
The pathfinders from France however are amongst the four nations occupying the lower end of the FEI Nations Cup league table, and the double-champions have no room for complacency going into tomorrow’s competition. Denmark has picked up only eight points from the previous six rounds, and seems destined for a return to the Promotional League in 2012, but just 4.5 points separates the French, winners in 2009 and again last season, from the Americans who are in second-last place behind Belgium.

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Ready for the KWPN Keurings? Eight Page Guide Available Online

11 Keuring Sites throughout North America

Sutherlin, OR — You’ve devoted your resources – financial and energetic – to producing quality sport horses with hopes that they will compete at the highest levels of dressage, jumping, eventing or driving. One of the best tools for breeders, whether you have one mare or a herd, is the keuring, or inspection of breeding stock. You can receive invaluable advice and feedback on your breeding and training decisions from respected authorities. Perhaps your horse will be rewarded with high scores or a predicate, potentially increasing his or her value. There are also the networking and marketing opportunities that can only occur when like minded horse people get together. The 2011 KWPN of North America (Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook) keuring tour kicks off next month and has 11 locations throughout North America. Breeders, owners and spectators are welcome at all events.

The KWPN-NA keurings offer inspections for both young and mature horses. Foals are examined for correct movement, conformation and type. The jury comments on each foal, making the process educational for all who attend. Mature horses are evaluated on conformation, movement and jumping (if applicable for their type) and are assessed in-hand and moving freely. Horses are able to advance to the studbook, earn predicates and compete in the DG Bar Cup (dressage 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old) or Iron Spring Farm Cup (jumping 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old) Championships.

Are you ready to take your horse to a KWPN-NA keuring? Download an eight-page guide, complete with photos at: KWPN Keuring pictorial overview. This reference will help you present your horse properly and answer many common questions.

Continue reading Ready for the KWPN Keurings? Eight Page Guide Available Online

Elite Dining and Hospitality Club to Debut at 53rd Annual Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C., August 3, 2011 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is offering an elegant new way to experience the most exciting indoor equestrian sporting event in the country, which will be held October 25-30, 2011, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

The Fidelity Investments Club, a new VIP dining platform created expressly for the horse show, will offer the best vantage point to watch the top horses and riders in the country, including Olympic veterans, in breathtaking jumping competition.

“Dining facilities close to the action are a mainstay of big European horse shows and we are very proud to bring this concept to the Washington International at Verizon Center here in the nation’s capital,” said Juliet W. Reid, WIHS President.

Sponsored by Fidelity Investments, the new hospitality space will be built at the west end of Verizon Center, easily accessible from the arena concourse.

“We are very pleased to welcome Fidelity Investments as the title sponsor of this elegant VIP dining facility,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. “The Fidelity Investments Club will be the perfect place to enjoy the show and entertain business associates, clients, family and friends.”

“After scouting all possible locations at Verizon Center to create something new and very special for sponsors and friends to enjoy the show, we selected a position near the in-gate, where patrons of the Fidelity Investments Club will have a unique view of the horses and riders as they enter and exit the ring, and get a real sense of the size and scope of the jumps,” added Meehan.

Continue reading Elite Dining and Hospitality Club to Debut at 53rd Annual Washington International Horse Show

USEF National Junior Hunter Championship Continues

©ESI Photography. Lillie Keenan rode to victory for the second time in Tuesday's $4,000 Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under Classic Round aboard Madison.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 3, 2011) – On Tuesday, the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast at HITS-on-the-Hudson welcomed Junior equestrians to the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium for the first phase of competition. Riders vied for individual Champion awards as well as Wild Card Berths in September’s Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

Riders in Small Junior 15 and Under, Large Junior 15 and Under, Small Junior 16-17, and Large Junior 16-17 completed the first two phases of the three-phase format on Tuesday. The initial standings were established after the scores from a $4,000 Classic Hunter Round, worth 40% of the overall score, were then coupled with the scores of the $2,000 Under Saddle Phase, worth 20% of the overall score. After the third and final phase, the top ten overall in each section will be pinned, and the champion rider of each section will receive a Wild Card Berths for September’s Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final.

Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under

Lillie Keenan of New York, New York aboard Don Stewart’s Confidential established a strong hold on the top spot of the overall rankings in the Small Juniors 15 and Under, winning both the Classic Round with a score of 88 and the Under Saddle with an impressive 92.

“My goal is to qualify for the [Diamond Mills] $500,000 [Hunter Prix] Final and winning the Wild Card would be great,” said Keenan, who trains with Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm. “I would love to show Confidential in the Hunter Prix Final. He is so much fun to ride and the class will be a great match for us.”

Continue reading USEF National Junior Hunter Championship Continues

Angel Karolyi and Galant Speed to Victory in 1.40m Open Jumpers at Kentucky Summer Classic

Angel Karolyi and Galant won the 1.40m Open Jumpers at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/ PhelpsSports.com.

Lexington, KY – August 3, 2011 – Early thunderstorms could not stop the exciting jumper action in the Rolex Stadium for the opening day of the Kentucky Summer Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park. This afternoon, riders had the opportunity to compete in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed class and the 1.35m Open Jumpers. Angel Karolyi led the way in the 1.40m Open Jumpers aboard long-time partner Galant, while Michael Morrissey sped to victory in the 1.35m Open Jumpers, completing the fastest double clear effort with Vorst.

Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela designed today’s technical tracks in the Rolex Stadium. For the 1.40m speed class, riders had to show over a wall fence, a liverpool, an oxer-vertical double combination, and a vertical-oxer double combination. Only six horse and rider combinations were able to be speedy and tidy, leaving all the rails intact and tripping the timers without fault.

Christian Heineking was the first on course during today’s 1.40m Open Jumper speed class, and he set the pace with a clean effort in 77.187 seconds aboard NKH Barbosa, who would eventually place fifth. Michael Tokaruk quickly upped the ante with a fault-free round in 74.409 seconds riding Gama Righter Z, and eventually taking home the fourth place award.

Angel Karolyi and Galant, owned by McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, were only the third horse and rider combination to enter the ring during today’s 18-horse competition, but they easily jumped to the top of the leaderboard. The talented rider guided his nimble mount over each obstacle, and with each rail intact they crossed the finish line in 70.183 seconds to eventually earn the winning title.

Continue reading Angel Karolyi and Galant Speed to Victory in 1.40m Open Jumpers at Kentucky Summer Classic

Multiple Stakes Winner Prized Arrives at Old Friends

GEORGETOWN, KY — AUGUST 4, 2011 — Old Friends, Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, today welcomed Prized, the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf champion and sire of the great Brass Hat.

Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, made the announcement this morning.

The 25-year-old Prized (Kris S -My Turbulent Miss by My Dad George) arrived at the Georgetown farm in excellent condition from Randy and John Funkhouser’s O’Sullivan Farms near Charles Town, W.VA.

Bred by Florida’s Meadowbrook Farm, which campaigned him along with Clover Racing Stables and trainer Neil Drysdale, Prized raced on both the dirt and the turf and had total career earnings of $2,262,555.

As a 3-year-old, Prized won the GR 1 Molson Million at Woodbine and the GR2 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park where he famously upset Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence.

Later that year the dark bay stallion won the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which was his first start on grass.

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HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 – Luhmühlen

Lausanne (SUI), 3 August 2011 – A total of 15 nations have announced their intention to compete at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 (25-28 August).

The 30th running of the Championships will be hosted for the fifth time at Luhmühlen (GER), which has been synonymous with international Eventing since 1975.

As well as the excitement of the Championships themselves and the battle for medals, the two best ranked teams from Olympic Groups A, B & C at the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 will also qualify to take part at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Visit the FEI Press Kit Zone to download the HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 press kit, which includes:

•    Nations intending to field teams and individuals
•    Competition timetable and media contacts
•    Interview with Julia Otto, Event Director and Managing Director of Turniergesellschaft Luhmühlen mbH
•    Detailed history of FEI European Eventing Championships
•    Images dating back to 1977 (free for editorial purposes)
•    HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships interesting facts and figures
•    The medals table (1953 – 2009)
•    Interview with Ginny Elliot (GBR) – still the only rider to have won three European titles in a row

Continue reading HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships 2011 – Luhmühlen

Opening Day of USEF National Junior Hunter Championships – East Coast Crowns Winners in ASPCA Maclay, WIHS Equitation Classic and USEF/Pessoa Medals

©ESI Photography. Kendell Adelberger and Redfield Farm’s Werner took home the top honors in Monday's ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Medal.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 2, 2011) — This week, HITS-on-the-Hudson is host to some of the best junior riders in the country as it welcomes the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast to the Saugerties show grounds.

Action got underway yesterday with four equitation classes and will continue through Wednesday as Small Juniors 15 and Under, Large Juniors 15 and Under, Small Juniors 16-17, and Large Juniors 16-17 will compete for the National Championship as well as a Wild Card berth in the inaugural Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII this September.

“The Junior Hunter National Championships have been a highlight of the HITS-on-the-Hudson Summer Series and we are pleased to welcome the event back to Saugerties,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “We felt strongly that this year’s Champions deserve a spot in the Hunter Prix Final and we hope this will help to contribute some additional excitement and attention to the Junior Hunter Finals.”

ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Medal
Kendell Adelberger of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania kicked off three days of Hunter competition with a win in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Medal, aboard Redfield Farm’s Werner. Adelberger is trained by Emil Spadone and topped a field of 15 to capture the blue. The group faced a technical course in HITS’ Hunter Stadium and then their equitation was put to the test on the flat.

Continue reading Opening Day of USEF National Junior Hunter Championships – East Coast Crowns Winners in ASPCA Maclay, WIHS Equitation Classic and USEF/Pessoa Medals

Sarah Milliren Captures the USHJA/Essex Classics Hunterdon Cup at HITS-on-the-Hudson

©ESI Photography. Sarah Milliren captured this year's prestigious USHJA/Essex Classic Hunterdon Cup at the 2011 USEF National Junior Hunter Championships - East Coast aboard Don Stewart's War Eagle.

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 3, 2011) — Sarah Milliren of Sapula, Oklahoma was all smiles when the number 515 – her number – was announced as the winner of Tuesday’s USHJA/Essex Classics Hunterdon Cup, the jewel of the equitation competition at the USEF National Junior Hunter Championship – East Coast at HITS Saugerties.

Milliren, trained by Bibby Hill and Don Stewart, rode to victory in the three-round class aboard Stewart’s War Eagle. According to Milliren, her smiles were both of joy and a little bit of shock as Lillie Keenan of New York, New York was pinned second aboard Catherine Cowie’s Vidarco.

“I was so surprised when we won the class – I thought Lillie had it,” said Milliren. “I have never won anything like this before, so it is really exciting.”

She finished the first round with a score of 85 to sit sixth, and then scored an impressive 90 points in the second round, which placed her in third with a total of 175 points going in for the final test.

Milliren posted a score of 89 points in the third-round test of eight fences. Per the specifications of the class, judges Hap Hansen and Russell Frey had riders switch horses, to serve as the deciding factor for the class. Milliren, therefore, rode Scott Stewart’s Vip Z to the blue, originally ridden in the class by Victoria Colvin of Loxchatchee, Florida. Milliren, however, couldn’t deny her original mount the credit he was due.

“[War Eagle] made the course seem simple,” she added. “He was amazing and I could not have asked for a better performance from him.”

Continue reading Sarah Milliren Captures the USHJA/Essex Classics Hunterdon Cup at HITS-on-the-Hudson

Dressage Debuts at 2012 College Preparatory Invitational

Equestrian Sport Productions Announced as Presenting Sponsor

A flat class at the 2011 CPI at the beautiful show grounds of the PBIEC. Photo Credit: Rolando Conesa.

Wellington, FL – August 3, 2011 – The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) will add dressage seat classes to the 2012 edition of their event, held January 13-15. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, this year’s CPI will be a must-attend event for aspiring hunt seat and dressage collegiate riders. You definitely can’t learn this stuff through an online class as dressage requires hands on learning and a careful teacher! The application for the dressage classes is now available online at www.collegeprepinvitational.com and is due by October 1, 2011.

With new dressage seat equitation classes at this year’s competition, the CPI is also excited to welcome six-time dressage Olympian Robert Dover as the judge.

Dover noted, “I was fortunate enough to ride competitively during my university years, but would have loved to have access to a program which included a CPI back then. It will most certainly be of great benefit to Dressage in the United States to have stronger grass roots programs for our young riders.”

Dover believes that collegiate programs for dressage riders are beneficial, and the CPI is a wonderful way to get involved and learn more about riding at school.

“The Intercollegiate Program has always been a great source of continuing training for riders who are at an age when school and riding are difficult to continue simultaneously,” he said. “The addition of a strong program for Dressage will do for our sport what it has done for the hunter/jumpers riders. Using top instructors to work with young riders who are in college will provide for ongoing progress so necessary for talented youth, whether they intend to go on as professionals in the industry or not.”

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