Tag Archives: Arabians

Breeds, Central Park Horse Show, Competitions

Champions Crowned at US Open Arabians as Rolex Central Park Horse Show Begins

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Sally Wheeler-Maier and Captain Courageous PA accept Silver Champion from Cynthia Richardson. Photos by Emma Maxwell.

 New York, NY – Horses returned to New York City’s Central Park for the second-annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show on Wednesday with the inaugural U.S. Open Arabians, presented by Aljassimya Farm. Showcasing the athleticism and diversity of the Arabian breed in the foreground of the Manhattan skyline, Champions in four under saddle and six halter classes were crowned.

Classes including Hunter Pleasure, Western Pleasure, and Country English Pleasure showcased the Arabian horse under saddle. Yearling Fillies, Yearling Colts, Junior Fillies 2-3 Years Old, Junior Colts 2-3 Years Old, Senior Mares and Senior Stallions were presented in hand to highlight these horses as desirable breeding stock based on their conformation and shape.

Capping the evening, Arabian fans at Wollman Rink traveled through time to when Arabian horses roamed the desert. The Arabian Mounted Native Costume class portrayed the magic and romance of the Arabian horse as ancestors of modern day light breeds.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Champions were awarded for each of the ten classes offered at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show where Sally Wheeler-Maier, a New York City native, was presented as Silver Champion in the Country English Pleasure class aboard her own Captain Courageous PA. Wheeler-Maier is an amateur rider who makes a living as an actress and rides part-time.

“Usually you travel all over the country to show, but I walked ten blocks from 66th and 2nd carrying my show hat and I had a lot of family and friends here cheering me on, which was an amazing feeling,” she said.

Wheeler-Maier has been showing since she was nine years old, after reading The Black Stallion and asking her dad for a black Arabian stallion. She received just that and has since been dedicated to the breed through her training at Trowbridge Arabians in Westport, CT and at shows from coast to coast, a list that now includes New York City.

“It’s like a really fantastic fancy horse camp,” said Wheeler-Maier of competing in Central Park alongside professionals.

One professional that competed in five of Wednesday’s classes and earned two Gold, one Silver and two Bronze Championships was Ted Carson. Carson hails from Minnesota, but now calls North Carolina home and competes all over the world.

“I’ve been showing horses professionally for 26 years now and this is the most amazing spot I have ever shown a horse in. To run in there with the first horse of the show was special,” he said. “I think the footing is some of the best I’ve ever seen in the world. This is probably the best setting you could ever think about and I think that everyone who put in the effort to get this done is amazing and we want to support this heavily.”

Cathy Vecsey and HL Sanction on their way to winning the Native Costume Class
Cathy Vecsey and HL Sanction on their way to winning the Native Costume Class

While exhibitors were in awe of their surroundings, they still impressed the judges, including Dr. Nasr Marei, who traveled from Egypt to be part of the U.S. Open Arabians. “It is a true honor to be here and I think it will get better and better,” he said. “The show was tremendous and organizationally it was spectacular. The quality of the horses was impressive and it’s a backdrop that is the best in the world.”

Cynthia Richardson, president of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), spearheaded the U.S. Open Arabians after watching the inaugural Rolex Central Park Horse Show on television last year. “After I saw it, I asked the USEF if I could meet with the people who are organizing the show and I came to talk about how we could make this happen and it’s been an amazing journey,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to next year and building this.”

Richardson and International Equestrian Group CEO Mark Bellissimo were proud to announce that the U.S. Open Arabians will return to headline the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show and anticipate a huge response from the Arabian horse community.

“I think it adds a different dimension and twist to the show and we’re very excited about the possibilities as we move forward,” said Bellissimo. “With more time and more exposure, I think the level of the event will continue to grow and I’m looking forward to packing the stands next year. Our vision for this horse show has always been a celebration of the horse and I think expanding that appropriately to different disciplines and breeds is something we aim to do.”

Full results from the U.S. Open Arabians are available here.

The Rolex Central Park Horse Show continues through Sunday, September 27, with more multi-discipline equestrian sport. In addition to Arabians, the schedule includes the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, and U25 Jumpers. All classes will be streamed live at www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

About Aljassimya Farm

Aljassimya Farm is committed to the Arabian horse. Not only by linking the history of this timeless horse to his future, by breeding our own elite generations; but by sharing the magic of the breed with new audiences. It is a proud moment to be part of the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, bringing the Arabian Horse to the heart of New York City for the first time.

About Rolex Central Park Horse Show

Launched in September 2014, Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world as they vie for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues. As the event founder, Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and International Equestrian Group LLC; Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEF), Tryon Equestrian Partners and Colorado Equestrian Partners; and Publisher of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine. In its second year, Rolex Central Park Horse Show will make its triumphant return from September 23 to 27, 2015 and will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers, and Arabians. For more information, visit http://centralparkhorseshow.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CPhorseshow, and follow @cphorseshow on Twitter and Instagram.

Additional information can be found at www.coth.com and www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

Media Contact:
Shin-Jung Hong
Nicholas & Lence Communications
ShinJung@nicholaslence.com
Tel: 212.938.0005

Equestrian Media Contact:
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Central Park Horse Show, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Rolex Central Park Horse Show Kicks Off U.S. Open with Welcome Press Conference

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Georgina Bloomberg, Mark & Katherine Bellissimo, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Alicia Kershaw.

New York, NY – Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group (IEG), LLC, commenced the second-annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show in the foreground of New York City’s beloved Wollman Rink on Tuesday. Alongside inaugural Rolex Central Park Grand Prix winner and hometown hero Georgina Bloomberg, Olympic dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén, and GallopNYC Executive Director Alicia Kershaw, Bellissimo christened Central Park as the host site for the inaugural U.S. Open competitions with a welcome press conference. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show runs Sept. 23-27 with Arabian, Hunter, Dressage, and Show Jumping disciplines being showcased.

Competition at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show begins Wednesday, September 23, with the U.S. Open Arabians, presented by Aljassimya Farm. Action continues throughout the week, highlighted by the U.S. Open $212,000 FEI 3* Grand Prix, presented by Rolex on Friday, and the U.S. Open Hunters $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman Family and U.S. Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle, presented by Axel Johnson Group on Saturday.

“Last year, the inaugural event was an incredible success,” stated Bellissimo. “We really would like to use this event to create a world stage for equestrian sport – there is a great opportunity for us to raise the awareness in this country and there is no better place to do that than in New York City. I think this will continue to grow as one of the top events in the sport over time.”

New York City native and last year’s grand prix winner at the first-ever Rolex Central Park Horse Show, Georgina Bloomberg, was eager to greet local, international, and equestrian media in her hometown while preparing to defend her title.

“As a rider, I’m really excited about this event. It’s a fantastic week not only for Show Jumping, but now also for Hunters, Dressage and Arabians and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” said Bloomberg. “As a New Yorker, I look at the skyline and really appreciate both the surroundings and being able to ride in such an incredible venue.”

Decorated dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén of Sweden will compete at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show for the first time this year, and like Bloomberg, she is eager to participate in the second horse show held in Central Park since 1981.

“I’m incredibly excited to be here. As a kid I always loved New York City and enjoyed coming here, but I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to ride here,” she said.

While Silfvén admits she is in awe of the city, she maintains that the horses should handle the location with ease. “The atmosphere is exciting, but as all of the bigger shows have grown in size and scale many of the horses competing at this level are used to it,” she added.

The mounts of Bloomberg and Silfvén, who will arrive in New York City in the coming days, are in good company with the horses that call New York City home. Members of the NYPD Mounted Unit were on hand at Tuesday’s press conference to showcase a different kind of equine presence at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. The NYPD Mounted Unit is one of six charity beneficiaries of the event alongside the Central Park Conservancy, City Parks Foundation, GallopNYC, NYC Parks Enforcement Mounted Auxiliary Unit and The Police Athletic League.

Bellissimo has found success at his Florida-based horse show with an event called the Great Charity Challenge, which has raised more than $8 million in the past six years for charities within Palm Beach County. He has continued the charitable endeavors of IEG at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, giving a minimum of $30,000 in donations this year.

Alicia Kershaw, who is the Executive Director of Gallop NYC, a therapeutic riding program based in New York City, spoke to the presence of equestrian-based programs within the city and how pivotal donations are to organizations like GallopNYC.

“We help people with disabilities walk, talk, and learn so that they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible,” she said. “Two-thirds of our riders cannot afford to pay our fees. Disability can be a impoverishing circumstance for a family and so we very much welcome the financial support, but we also feel that we have a mission to show New Yorkers that horses are good for people. We are thrilled to be a part of an event that showcases horses in New York.”

As the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show gets underway this week, Bellissimo is already confident that the event has a bright future in New York City. “It costs several million dollars to host this event and it’s a long-term opportunity to make it a success,” he said. “We’re committed to doing just that over the next seven or eight years.”

Tickets for all events at the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.

About Rolex Central Park Horse Show

Launched in September 2014, Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world as they vie for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues. As the event founder, Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and International Equestrian Group LLC; Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEF), Tryon Equestrian Partners and Colorado Equestrian Partners; and Publisher of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine. In its second year, Rolex Central Park Horse Show will make its triumphant return from September 23 to 27, 2015 and will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers, and Arabians. For more information, visit http://centralparkhorseshow.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CPhorseshow, and follow @cphorseshow on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Shin-Jung Hong
Nicholas & Lence Communications
ShinJung@nicholaslence.com
Tel: 212.938.0005

Equestrian Media Contact:
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Central Park Horse Show, Competitions, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Mark Bellissimo Announces the Second Annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show

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The event will host the inaugural “US Open” in multiple equestrian disciplines over the five days.

New York, NY – July 17th, 2015 – As one of the most anticipated equestrian events of the year, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show will make a triumphant return to New York City’s iconic Central Park on September 23-27th 2015. The second-annual event will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will now host the inaugural US Open in the in the following categories. US Open: Jumpers, US Open: Dressage, US Open: Hunters, US Open: U25 Jumpers, and US Open: Arabians. Qualifications and schedule for the US Open classes will be forthcoming.

After the 2014 debut of sold-out Rolex Central Park Horse Show, which garnered over 640 million media impressions, work immediately began to further the reach and impact of the thrilling event. The Show Jumping competition will again be sanctioned by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). In addition, the expanded schedule includes the beauty of the Arabian horse, Under 25 US Open Jumper Grand Prix, graceful Hunter competitions including the inaugural Duchossois Cup, a Puissance and both a Dressage Grand Prix and Dressage Freestyle.

Primed for growth in only its second year, The Rolex Central Park Horse Show has already accomplished significant expansion with a more robust show schedule, expanded sponsorship, and an impressive list of the world’s top equestrians ready to attend. The event will also benefit a lengthy list of New York as well as equestrian based charities to be announced at a later date.

“The Rolex Central Park Horse Show made a spectacular debut and is poised for an even greater year as we introduce the US Open for Equestrian Sport. We will be welcoming more equestrian disciplines to the heart of New York City as a showcase for equestrian sport in the United States,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group, LLC (IEG).

“Showcasing the many facets of the horse world in the heart of New York City is an exciting endeavor for us and the equine industry in general,” he added. “We are also very proud to continue our relationship with NBC Sports and we will be broadcasting the event to horse enthusiasts across the nation and the world.”

Grand prix show jumping will welcome New York City native Georgina Bloomberg as she returns to defend her Title victory in last year’s inaugural $210,000 Central Park Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex. The US Open CSI 3* Grand Prix, taking place the evening of Friday, September 25, will air on NBC Sports Network during prime time on Sunday, September 27. The US Open format with be a two class competition.

The schedule kicks off with the US Open Arabian Horse Show on Wednesday, September 23, and continues with the Canadian Pacific $34,000 FEI Speed Class and a $10,000 1.2m Junior/Amateur class on Thursday. Friday welcomes Grand Prix Dressage, $25,000 Under-25 Jumper Grand Prix, and the $210,000 CSI 3* Grand Prix before the weekend gets underway with Dressage Freestyles as well as an Exhibition from the top Pony, Amateur, and Professional Hunters.

Spectator information, including matinee performances, Hospitality Tent opportunities and ticket sales, will be announced in the coming weeks. To request table information in the hospitality tent, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/1V6PZO7, or Email Anne Caroline Valtin at vip@centralparkhorseshow.com or call 561-784-1133. For all other information, please use the “Contact Us” form on the website or click the following link: http://bit.ly/1OgK8Rr.

Wednesday, September 23rd

6:00 PM – US Open Arabian Horse Show

Thursday, September 24th

6:30 PM – US Open $25,000 – U25 Grand Prix
8:00 PM – US Open (Round 1) $34,000 FEI Speed Class presented by Canadian Pacific

Friday, September 25th

1:30 PM – US Open Dressage Grand Prix
6:30 PM – $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Class presented by Price Waterhouse
8:00 PM – US Open $210,000 (Final) FEI 3* Grand Prix presented by Rolex

Saturday, September 26th

10:00 AM – Matinee Performance
1:30 PM – US Open – Hunters – Duchossois Cup with Pony, Jr./Amateur, and Professional Classes
6:30 PM – US Open – Puissance $50,000
8:00 PM – US Open $75,000 Dressage Freestyle presented by Axel Johnson Group

Sunday, September 27th

10:00 AM – Matinee Performance
1:30 PM – Special Equestrian Event (TBA) presented by Chronicle of the Horse

For more information, please visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com or follow Central Park Horse Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Please join our mailing list for more updates on the front of the webpage.

Media Contact:
Shin-Jung Hong
Nicholas & Lence Communications
ShinJung@nicholaslence.com
Tel: 212.938.0005

Equestrian Media Contact:
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Awards, Breeds, Dressage, Events, JRPR

Kara Wintersteen and BB Princess Liyah Take Home the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the 2011 Estes Park Arabian Horse Show

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Kara Wintersteen (left) was presented with the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the 2011 Estes Park Arabian Horse Show. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Reynoso)

Sandy, UT (August 18, 2011) – With a combination of a warm smile, encouraging comments, a humble attitude, and a striking amount of horsemanship, eighteen-year-old Kara Wintersteen won over the judges and earned herself the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the Estes Park Arabian Horse Show.  She and BB Princess Liyah, a nine-year-old Arabian mare, competed in a variety of classes and whether she missed a class or missed a lead, Wintersteen was never heard to complain, and always gave her horse credit for her winnings.  After having to scratch her morning dressage test due to a delay on the trail course, Wintersteen was given the chance to ride the test at the end of the schedule, just before the halter class was scheduled to begin.  She rode a beautiful dressage test before high tailing it out of the gate to strip off her tack for just in time for the halter class.

Premier Equestrian, one of the largest suppliers of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, was pleased to name Wintersteen the first Sportsmanship Award recipient as she obviously embodies the key attributes of a good sport.  Heidi Zorn, president of Premier Equestrian, congratulated Wintersteen on her wins and on her lovely attitude.  “Kara is a fantastic competitor and truly puts her horse and her fellow competitors before herself,” said Zorn.  “The show staff here noted how she rode in the Arabian Mounted Native Costume class and then came out and helped one of the other competitors get ready so they could compete.  This is the sort of deed we are looking to recognize with the Sportsmanship Award.”

Wintersteen has owned the purebred Arabian mare BB Princess Liyah, also known as Angel, since 2005, and the duo competed in fifteen classes at Estes Park, winning a third of them.  But placements aren’t Wintersteen’s first priority.  “All I really care about is the ride,” she stated.  “If I can come out of a class knowing we did our best, then that’s fine with me.  Angel was given to me as a hot, unbroken three-year-old when I was only thirteen.  Everything I have done with her has been without the help of a trainer.  We do get beaten, but it’s a learning process.  A good ride is a good ride, but especially so if it’s an improvement on previous rides.”

Continue reading Kara Wintersteen and BB Princess Liyah Take Home the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the 2011 Estes Park Arabian Horse Show →

Breeds, Training/Clinics, USEF

10 Questions with Arabian Trainer Michael Byatt

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Michael Byatt with World and U.S. National Champion Stallion Dakharo (USEF Archives).

Thank you USEF Facebook fans for these questions for Arabian trainer Michael Byatt. For the next “10 Questions With…” visit www.facebook.com/USEquestrian. Next to be featured is dressage superstar Guenter Seidel.

Michael Byatt
Arabian trainer and internationally-renowned halter showman
USEF 2010 Equestrian of Honor
New Ulm, TX

Mallory Krumm of Nicholasville, KY: What made you want to show horses? As a child, I loved doing anything that involved horses. One aspect of that was attending horse shows, which, in turn, made me want to participate and compete in horse shows. At the point that I began, it really made no difference what the competition was, be it egg and spoon, or park. I just wanted to be there. I believe to answer your question fairly it would be, I just wanted to be there – to be at horse shows – to be with horses.

Heather Heineman of Middletown, Ohio: Why did you decide to work with the Arabian breed? It was an accident. Truly it could have been any horse, any breed. I love Arabian horses, but horses were my primary love. I had a neighbor (Ethel Ortenburger) that owned Arabians and she exposed me to the breed.

Continue reading 10 Questions with Arabian Trainer Michael Byatt →

Breeds, Contributors/Press, USEF

Arabian Horse Foundation Receives Major Gift for Equine Rescue and Equine Research

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Aurora, CO — The Arabian Horse Foundation has announced it received a $50,000 gift from the Barbara Wright Hutton Trust, the largest gift the non-profit entity has ever received since re-launching in 2007. The $50,000 gift was directed to horse rescue and rehoming and to equine research.

“This gift speaks volumes for the message it conveys and represents an investment in the future of the Foundation,” said AHF President Larry Kinneer. “It is a clear indication of a family’s belief and trust in the Foundation to use their gift wisely. The Foundation board deeply appreciates this major gift.”

“I know my aunt would be pleased to know that her gift will be used for something that meant a lot to her and will make a difference in impacting the welfare of horses,” stated Wright Hutton’s niece, Jackie Johnston, an Arabian horse owner and an AHA judge of national and international shows.

Ms. Wright Hutton lived in St. Louis, MO, owned an Arabian and loved horses. Johnston describes her aunt as “a charitable person,” and recalls that her aunt, “truly enjoyed horses,” and was introduced to horses at various camps at an early age. Prior to Wright Hutton’s passing in 2008, she urged Johnston, the executor and a trustee of her Trust, to give to worthy animal charities.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13073

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Events

Unprecedented Sweep of the 2010 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals by Father & Daughter

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The 8th annual Arabian Horse Association Sport Horse National Show was held September 22-25th in Nampa, Idaho.  KB Omega Fahim+++// and daughter KB Jull Fahim+//, swept the open FEI dressage division.  This is the first time a father and daughter have dominated the entire open FEI dressage competition of this national championship show.  Fourteen year old KB Omega Fahim+++// won Grand Prix and Intermediate 11, while eleven year old KB Jull Fahim+// captured Intermediate 1 and Prix St. Georges.  People were on the edge of their seats for the final Grand Prix test to be performed on the last day of the championships.  Omega, under his exceptional trainer and rider, Chelsey Sibley, completed this monumental task with grace and ease.  During the evening’s special ceremony, both horses were presented and awarded as champions of each test.  Jull also achieved the open FEI high point of the show.

Approximately 400 horses displayed their athletic abilities at the Idaho Horse Park.  The Sport Horse National Championship Show featured 90 classes in several divisions that included in hand, hunter, jumper, dressage and driving, to name a few.  Horses from forty-one states and two Canadian provinces came to compete in this national event.  The prominent dressage judges were Marlene Schneider, Brian Ross, Jacqueline Lindberg and Sandra Chohany.  Sport Horse Nationals is the only single-breed sport horse event in the nation offered just for Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses registered with the Arabian Horse Association or the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry.

The breeder of Omega and Jull, Elaine Kerrigan, has devoted the past 35+ years creating these amazing Arabian sport horse athletes.  According to Chris Bailey, “Not only is Omega amazing but he also produces the perfect get; kind, smart and athletic. I have not seen one Omega offspring that I would not want.”

Arabian stallion KB Omega Fahim+++// is owned by breeder Elaine Kerrigan of Kerrigan Bloodstock in Eureka, CA and Half-Arabian KB Jull Fahim+// is owned by Chris Bailey, also of Eureka.  Both horses are trained and shown by Chelsey Sibley of Sky Ranch, in Sonora, CA.