Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunters Come to Strong Close at Horse Shows by the Bay Week II

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Lynn Walsh and Ocean Park. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 16, 2011 – As the weather warmed up at Horse Shows by the Bay today, so did the competition. The R. L. Polk Family Hunter Ring wrapped up the Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunter Divisions, in preparation for tomorrow’s $10,000 Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic and $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic. The Horse Shows by the Bay Open Hunter Classic is a two round classic, with only the top 12 riders returning for the second round. This classic is open to all riders, with 3’6″, 3’9″, and 4′ sections, including professionals, amateurs and juniors. The horse and rider must have completed at least two over fences classes in the height section in which they wish to compete. First place in this classic will receive $3,000 in prize money.

The $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic is a member event for the 2011 USHJA National Hunter Classic Program, and horses will receive Zone Horse of the Year points for the class. The fences will be set at 3 feet, with 3’3″ to 3’5″ option fences. This classic is also open to all horses and riders and will consist of two rounds, with the first place winner receiving $1,250 in prize money. The $1,000 Adult Hunter Classic took place today, with an impressive top 11 riders returning for round two.

It was a spectacular day for Lynn Walsh today in the Older Amateur-Owner Hunter division, as she took home the champion honors in the class aboard her Ocean Park. On top of her champion title, Walsh earned the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion title, as well as the high score honors in a three way tie. “It’s great being a part of a competition like this,” noted Walsh. “Everyone is doing so well, and I’m glad to be a part of the hunter tradition.” Also tying for the high score prize was Kenzie Donovan on Flower and Caroline Gibson on Primetime, both competing in the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner division. Caroline Gibson also took home the young Amateur-Owner champion ribbon, riding Silvano. In the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters, Kenzie Donovan and Flower rode smoothly to the tricolor. Lynn Walsh, Caroline Gibson, and Kenzie Donovan dominated the Amateur-Owner Hunter division with confident, put-together rounds this week at Flintfields Horse Park in scenic Traverse City, MI. “I’m really proud of Silvano,” remarked Gibson. “This horse did really well out there and I appreciate the hard work so much.”

Continue reading Amateur-Owner and Junior Hunters Come to Strong Close at Horse Shows by the Bay Week II →

Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI

Exell Continues Success Story in Aachen

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Four times Aachen winner Boyd Exell continued his success story at Aachen © FEI/Rinaldo de Craen.

Aachen (GER), 17 July 2011 – Top driver Boyd Exell (AUS) has continued his amazing success story in Aachen. Crowned World Champion at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky last year and winner of the FEI World Cup Driving Final for the third consecutive time in Leipzig in April this year, the Australian has won this year’s prestigious CAIO Aachen for the fourth time in his career. Boyd first won Aachen in 2003 and was unbeatable in 2009, 2010 and now in 2011.

Five competitions
The CAIO in Aachen consisted of five competitions for all drivers this year; the first dressage test (FEI Test 8a) counted for the individual classification, the second dressage test (FEI test 6a) counted for the team classification and was also compulsory for individual drivers like Boyd Exell and Chester Weber (USA). The first cones competition counted for the individual classification, the marathon counted for both the individual and the teams and today’s final cones competition counted for the teams and was again compulsory for the individuals.

First dressage
Boyd Exell had a head start in the first dressage test, which was driven in the pouring rain in the Aachen driving stadium on Wednesday. Boyd drove his team of black geldings owned by Támas Vincze from Hungary to a winning score of 35.97 penalty points. After a great start, Exell’s left wheeler horse became very excited during the latter part of the test, but this did not prevent Exell from getting the best score of the day. First into the arena, Chester Weber the USA put down a very solid test with his two new leader horses Splash and Uniek.

Continue reading Exell Continues Success Story in Aachen →

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, USEF

Laura Kraut Victorious in Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup, Steffen Peters Continues to Win, and Chester Weber Drives to Third Overall at CHIO Aachen

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Laura Kraut on Teirra during the Warsteiner jumping competition at 2011 CHIO Aachen. Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images.

Aachen, Germany – Another American victory came Saturday at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany. Show jumper Laura Kraut rode Woodstock O, owned by Joan Kalman and The Freedom Group, to the win in the Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup. They were also awarded with the overall special prize for the best rider/horse of the three Youngsters Cup competitions.

Kraut and Woodstock O have consistently been in the ribbons this week in the Youngsters Cup, with clear rounds in the previous two speed classes. “I don’t think he rubbed a fence the whole time. I didn’t go fast the first two days, even though they were speed classes, because it doesn’t really matter. The goal is to qualify for the final and save yourself for the last class,” Kraut explained.

They did just that, as Woodstock O, an 8-year-old KWPN gelding, was clear through two rounds today and the fastest in the jump-off to take home the top prize over Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on Urmel 86 and Lars Nieberg (GER) with Coco Mademoiselle.

Kraut said, “We jumped the first round at 9:15 this morning and we didn’t have the jump-off until 2:15 in the afternoon. This morning he was actually quite fresh and strong. He was sort of a handful to ride around, but he jumped brilliantly. By the afternoon, he settled down and he was so good in the jump-off. It was his type of course with a lot of galloping. Even though he’s small, his stride is very big. He did everything he was supposed to do.”

Continue reading Laura Kraut Victorious in Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup, Steffen Peters Continues to Win, and Chester Weber Drives to Third Overall at CHIO Aachen →

Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Dr. John Stutts Prevails at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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Dr. John Stutts on CF Cool Night Out. Courtesy of Howard Schatzberg Photography.

Lexington, KY – As a 6-year-old, Dr. John Stutts peeked through the fence at a Louisville, KY, riding club to watch the horses warm up. That little boy fell in love with American Saddlebreds, and today, as a grown man, he turned a childhood Saddlebred dream into reality.

Stutts and a dozen other qualified riders displayed their competitive ability within the adult amateur equitation division, trotting and cantering Friday on the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, KY. The 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final was particularly exceptional because it was the 75th anniversary of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Stutts, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Louisville, KY, rode CF Cool Night Out to the title of Champion.  Reserve champion honors went to Joel Dorignac of New Orleans, LA. The bronze medal winner, Casey Morgan Tibolet of Charleston, WV, rounded out the top three.

“I am very excited,” Stutts said of his first-place win. “It sounds corny, but people talk about dreams coming true. A dream came true for me today.”

That early childhood aspiration began at Rock Creek Riding Club, where Stutts had a real seat to a show at age 7. The following year, he pleaded for riding lessons. They never came, but he did get a riding magazine, and continue to watch in amazement the Saddlebred show world.

Continue reading Dr. John Stutts Prevails at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Laura Baginski Has Blue Ribbon Day at Horse Shows by the Bay Series II

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Carson Gibson on Caden. Photo Credit: Katie Anich/PMG

Traverse City, MI – July 15, 2011 – Clouds and a light breeze kept the temperatures cool as the Amateur Owners and Juniors took over in the R. L. Polk Family Main Hunter ring at Horse Shows by the Bay Series II. As the week continues, all points earned by riders will count toward World Champion Hunter Rider points. The points earned will give the top ten riders, those with the most points nationally at the end of the year, as well as the top six riders from each region, the chance to compete in the finals held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. There is also the chance to win some spectacular year-end awards for professionals, emerging professionals, amateur owners, amateur adults, juniors, children and pony riders. Points can only be earned at Member Events and Horse Shows by the Bay Series II has been granted the honor of being one the only seven Member Events held in the region. The cooler weather made the Junior Hunters a bit more challenging today, with frisky horses eager to take on the challenge.

Following the 3’3″ Amateur-Owner Hunters was the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Equitation Classic Hunter Phase, with many impressive rides over a classic hunter course. It looked to be a tough call when it came to judging the class, as there were so many riders with talent to spare. Top honors went to Hallie Miller aboard Discovery with a very smooth and composed round; it was clear that she has a great connection with this horse. Second place went to Virginia Ingram, who seems to have been picking up equitation ribbons left and right the past two weeks. Laura Baginski, on Devout has also been riding to the top of the equitation classes, as well as in the Junior Hunters, taking home third place in the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic.

Kicking off the Junior Hunters were the older Large Junior Hunters, which had a total of 15 competitors today. Each horse and rider completed two hunter rounds and an under saddle class this afternoon, their first day of classes. The brisk breezes seemed to be part of the challenge in the hunter ring today, but these young riders proved they could handle it and continued to create some beautiful trips. The first place prize in the first hunter class went to Madison Hayes and Santiago, who also took home second place in the second course. Carson Gibson guided Caden to second place in the first class and swapped positions with Hayes in the second class, eventually taking home the blue ribbon. Devout and Laura Baginski earned third place in the first class, while Lacey Gilbertson and Condanas received the yellow ribbon in the second class.

Continue reading Laura Baginski Has Blue Ribbon Day at Horse Shows by the Bay Series II →

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

Derbydown and Louise Serio Dominate Brandywine Valley Summer Series

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Louise Serio and Rock On won the Green Hunter Circuit Championship at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Devon, PA – July 15, 2011 – Louise Serio and the riders at Derbydown had great success over the past two weeks during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. Showcasing their mounts in the prestigious Dixon Oval at the Devon Show Grounds, riders consistently earned top placings and tricolor awards for their efforts.  Derbydown owner and founder Louise Serio led the way, claiming the Green Hunter Circuit Championship with Rock On after earning each week’s Overall Grand Champion Professional Hunter and Leading Hunter Rider Awards.

Rock On, owned by Jennifer Burger, and Louise Serio won the First Year Green Working Hunter Championship during both weeks of competition. During the second week, the impressive duo won four of the division’s classes. “Rock On was great; he’s so consistent,” said Serio. “He’s such a mellow horse, and I think these two weeks he’s been very consistent and he’s ridden very well. He’s a little lazy, but sometimes he can take over a little bit. I am very pleased with how he went this week.”

Serio also had great success with Burger’s second mount, Phillipa. The duo earned the reserve championship in the Second Year/High Performance Hunter division during the first week and received excellent ribbons in the First Year/High Performance Hunter division during the second week. For their efforts in the ring they were presented with the High Performance Hunter Circuit Championship. In the First Year Green Working Hunter division, Serio also received the reserve championship prize aboard Lisa Scott’s Head Over Heels during the first week.

Continue reading Derbydown and Louise Serio Dominate Brandywine Valley Summer Series →

JRPR, Seminars

Educational Seminars Presented by World Equestrian Brands on Leg Protection and the Influence of Tack on the Biomechanics of the Horse Wow Audiences

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Jen Wright of Happy Horse Tack Shop, Peter Menet of Amerigo Saddles, and Robin Moore of World Equestrian Brands, LLC, discuss proper saddle fit and its effects on a horse’s biomechanics during the seminar. (Photo courtesy of Nicole Musmanno)

Buena Vista, VA (July 14, 2011) – Professional trainers, amateur riders, Pony Club members, veterinarians, farriers, massage therapists and a variety of other equine enthusiasts recently had the chance to learn about leg protection and therapy practices, as well as the influence tack has on the biomechanics of the horse in sport, during seminars presented by World Equestrian Brands, LLC. The US distributor of Amerigo saddles and strap goods, Amerigo Vega saddles, Vespucci, E. A. Mattes and Equilibrium products, World Equestrian Brands is a strong believer in educating horse enthusiasts of all disciplines.

“Jen Wright, owner of Happy Horse Tack Shop, organized two great seminars, one held at CSU in Fort Collins and the other at Laura Backus’ Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center near Larkspur. The participants were able to listen to lectures and then go into the barn where we used ‘live models’ to demonstrate the basics of saddle fitting. We also had demo riders that were able to show that the right saddle does make a difference to both the horse and rider,” said Robin Moore, President of World Equestrian Brands. “None of the demo riders were pre-fit, so it was totally random and really proved the point. Also, we demoed the Equilibrium Massage Pad on the horses, and hands down, the equine response was a favorable horse smile!”

Alison Sherwood Bruce, Sales Director of Equilibrium Products, spoke about the latest technology in leg protection. “Equilibrium is serious about studying the effects of heat and weight on the horse, so there was in-depth discussion of having the right materials and the right boots for the different needs and levels of protection,” Moore said. “For example, you wouldn’t use a cross-country boot to school in dressage and vice versa. She also talked about the key points that should be met in boot design: light weight, flexibility, heat management, protection from penetration and concussion, and of course dealing with water on cross-country. It was a great presentation and Alison demonstrated the different materials and functions.”

Continue reading Educational Seminars Presented by World Equestrian Brands on Leg Protection and the Influence of Tack on the Biomechanics of the Horse Wow Audiences →

Awards, Community/Charity, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, USEF

USHJA Sportsmanship Award

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Dear NFJHA Members:
We are still taking nominations for the Youth Sportsman’s Award. The primary goals of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award are to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and to recognize youth for their achievements.

Nominees must be age 17 or under as of December 1 of the current competition year, and active members in good standing with NFHJA, USEF, and USHJA. They are to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and USHJA, by promoting the equestrian sport, exhibiting characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles and to serve as a role model for his or her peers. Nominees may participate at any level of competition, including local, state or national levels.

Please submit your nomination to info@nfhja.com and include a brief explanation of why you have chosen to nominate him or her.

You may visit http://www.ushja.org/content/awards/youth/youth-sportsman.aspx to learn more.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NFHJA
PO Box 24031
Jacksonville, FL 32241-4031
904-866-496-1626 (fax)
info@nfhja.com

Breeds, Training/Clinics, Webinars

“Keuring 101” Webinar a Success

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North American Department – KWPN (July 2011) – The idea for this unique event began in the autumn of 2010, following an analysis of the North American- KWPN keurings in general and the education seminars for our members specifically.  “How to reach more people with a minimum of expense for them and for us?” was the question kicked around by the seminar presenters and the Board of Directors.  “Everyone is always looking for more information, but the ‘How to get it to them?’” had been an ongoing dilemma.

Enter technology, our computers and a KWPN-NA Education Committee.  The first topic was easily selected with the keuring deadlines looming. A quick visit to the lists of questions the office receives gave an instant outline for content.  ‘Do I need to braid a foal?’ ‘How do I ride the IBOP test?’ ‘What is the Jury looking for in a jumper foal?’  ‘How is the DG Bar Cup (dressage horses) ridden?’  ‘How is a jumper scored in the Iron Spring Farm Cup?’ These provided a sampling of topics attendees wished to visit.

Registration for this unique event filled to the maximum capacity of one hundred in just a week – with a waiting-list beyond that.  The Board of Directors, Member’s Committee, and Keuring Hosts were each given a test-run for timing, questions, and familiarization with the software program.  For the real deal on June 28th, there were some technical glitches plus still more unanswered questions and requests for another go from those who couldn’t make it.  A re-run was quickly scheduled for July 6th, to include a longer session with interactive questions taking place.  The initial webinar stayed within its one-hour commitment, where the looser format ran almost 2 hours.

Attendees signed in from coast to coast and border to border of the USA and Canada.  Over 50% were non-members and had not been to a keuring; providing an opportunity for us to meet and welcome new keuring entrants, spectators, members and breeders.

Topics for future webinars are welcomed by the Education Committee at: kwpnna.webinar@gmail.com.

KWPN-NA
www.kwpn-na.org

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Hunter/Equitation

John French Leads an Impressive Group of Hunters at the Colorado Summer Circuit

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John French and Crown Affair won the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic Sponsored by Horse Connection. Photo credit: Flying Horse Photography

Parker, CO — While the Grand Prix horses are always a big draw at any hunter/jumper show, the hunters are getting a lot of attention during the Colorado Summer Circuit. Show manager Pat Boyle not only has great prize money in every division, but he’s created a wonderful, lush platform for the course designers to develop classes that show off the athletic ability and beauty of some of the nation’s finest hunters.

Last week John French and Yellow Dog Farm’s Crown Affair won three of four over fences classes in the High Performance Hunter division and also took home the blue ribbon in the $1,000 Open Hunter Classic sponsored by Horse Connection. Crown Affair, a Holsteiner stallion by Cor de la Bryere out of a Capitol I mare, is always a favorite in the Derby classes. “We’re preparing for the Derby Finals in Kentucky,” French explained. “He’s on his farewell tour and will retire at the Hampton Classic.” Although his show schedule is winding down, the handsome bay stallion will continue his already successful breeding career. With Crown Affair’s incredible performances, French said, “It’s hard when he goes so well. Does he really want to retire? I was so proud of how he went this week.”

French also praised the courses. He said, “The jumps were amazing with so much greenery and brush, plus a few natural jumps. It makes the horses jump their best. I was really happy that we came.”

Continue reading John French Leads an Impressive Group of Hunters at the Colorado Summer Circuit →

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