Tag Archives: Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series

Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Winner Victoria Colvin Captures Chantilly

Leave a comment

Victoria Colvin guides Cesanna to victory in the CSI2* Global Champions Tour 1.35m speed competition in Chantilly, France. Photo by Sportfot.

Chantilly, France – Victoria Colvin of Loxahatchee, FL proudly represented the United States in the Global Champions Tour event in Chantilly, France, claiming two victories. The opportunity to compete in Chantilly, France, from July 24 to 27 was one of the prizes on offer to the winner of this year’s Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series (AFYRGPS), presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, held during the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Comprised of four competitions held throughout the 12-week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, Colvin emerged victorious in the AFYRGPS over the more than 50 participants competing for increased prize money under FEI sanctioning. The AFYRGPS is open to riders of any nationality between the ages of 16 and 25, making 16-year-old Colvin one of the youngest competitors.

As part of her prize, Colvin was awarded entry to the CSI2* division of the Global Champions Tour at Chantilly and two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge, courtesy of event director Gérard Manzinali. Transportation for her winning mount, Don Juan, was generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte. In addition, Artisan Farms’ lead rider, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, lent Colvin a second horse, Cesanna, to compete.

Colvin proved on international soil why she was a deserving recipient of the prize, winning back-to-back 1.35m classes on Friday and Saturday in the CSI2* division with Cesanna, an 11-year-old grey Oldenburg mare (Cento x Centauer Z). Riding Don Juan, Colvin took a strong third place finish among a 96-horse starting field in Friday’s 1.40m competition.

“It was amazing; I never would have thought I would be able to go and show in Chantilly!” exclaimed Colvin.

Of her catch ride, Colvin noted, “They were very nice to let me use Cesanna. I went on Tuesday to ride her, and then I went to the show and showed her. She was really fun, straight-forward and easy. She is definitely a good speed horse, considering that both of the classes I won were speed classes. I just turned and went and she left!”

For an American rider who has never before competed in Europe, there were some adjustments to be made.

“I had to get used to it, first of all because I did not speak French,” related Colvin. “They don’t post the orders of go until the morning, and they don’t tell you the jump-off course until the end of the first round. And everyone was so calm! It is completely different than showing in the U.S. Next year, it will be easier if I get to go again.”

Competing in the AFYRGPS, which featured four events held in three different venues, helped prepare Colvin for the new experience.

“The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series got you acclimated to come to a new venue,” said Colvin who was accompanied by her parents, her trainer, Ken Berkley, and Don Juan’s owner, Karen Long Dwight. “There were a few Americans here, like Kalvin Dobbs and Adrienne Sternlicht, but also a lot of French people that I have never shown against. The show itself was amazing, and it was on grass. I really gained from the experience, because everything is so different. It was so much fun!”

Carlene and Andy Ziegler of Artisan Farms created and developed the AFYRGPS to provide a bridge between the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level, allowing up and coming riders to gain experience at the upper levels of show jumping sport while still competing against their peers.

“Tori’s success in Chantilly was so gratifying to us,” said Carlene Ziegler, who was in Chantilly to witness Colvin’s two victories. “It is a validation of what our Young Riders Series is all about. She works so hard, and to see Tori make so much of the opportunity that was presented to her was fantastic. We are sure this won’t be her last international competition!”

In four short years, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series has produced an elite list of champions including Reed Kessler of the United States (2011), Nayel Nassar of Egypt (2012), Chloe D. Reid of the United States (2013), and Colvin. All four riders are currently enjoying incredible success as their international careers advance.

The fifth annual Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series will be held during the 2015 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival from January 7 through March 29 in Wellington, FL.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping. Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Competitions, Show Jumping

Victoria Colvin Captures Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series

Leave a comment

Victoria Colvin riding Don Juan won the 2014 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series. Photo by Sportfot.

Wellington, Florida – Victoria Colvin emerged the winner of the fourth annual Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series (AFYRGPS), presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.  With four different competitions held throughout the 12-week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, the Series attracted more than 50 participants competing for increased prize money under FEI sanctioning.

Following three qualifying events, the top 30 riders in the overall standings were invited to contest the $50,000 CSIU25 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Final.  Held Sunday morning, March 23, at The Stadium, riders and horses alike enjoyed competing on the expansive grass field.  Following a seven-horse jump-off, Alexander Zetterman of Sweden emerged victorious riding Flecu in the Series Final.  However, Victoria Colvin was at the top of the leaderboard coming into the final event and, despite having four faults with Don Juan, maintained her lead to emerge as the overall winner of the 2014 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series.

“The Series helps build confidence; you just keep doing more classes and jumping higher and going up against better riders,” said Colvin, who participated in all four qualifying events this year with Don Juan.  “I’m used to doing the High Juniors, which are really high and have good riders, too, but this is another step up.  There are amazing riders in the Series, including people over 18.  It’s a step up from Juniors, but it is between having to compete against someone like Maclain Ward.  It is a lot of fun and it makes you feel more confident that you are going to do well.”

Open to riders aged 16 to 25, regardless of nationality, the AFYRGPS was designed by Carlene and Andy Ziegler of Artisan Farms to provide a bridge between the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level, allowing up and coming riders to gain experience at the upper levels of show jumping sport while still competing against their peers.

At only 16 years of age, Colvin was one of the youngest riders in this year’s AFYRGPS.  As the overall champion, Colvin was awarded a Bruno Delgrange saddle valued at $6,000, and was presented with an invitation to compete at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show, part of the Global Champions Tour, held from July 25-27 in France.  In addition to their entry, the winner also receives two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge and transportation for one horse generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.

“It is amazing!” exclaimed Colvin, who is based year-round in Wellington, Florida.  “I get to go somewhere other than Florida!”

Canada’s Jordan Macpherson, who has participated in the AFYRGPS since its inception, was crowned the reserve champion in this year’s Series.  The 24-year-old university student from Toronto, ON, trains with 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar and his children, Jonathon and Amy.

“This Series is portrayed and modeled as a stepping stone, so the course designers and the riders treat it as such; it’s more challenging and more technical without over-facing either the horse or the rider,” said Macpherson who rode her young mount, Aanwinst, in the first two events and her veteran partner, Piccobello du Val de Geer, in the final two events.  “I think it’s a great structure, and it gives the riders and the horses more experience in different situations.  Having the team event under the lights gives it more pressure, too.  There is nowhere else that you get to compete as a team without it being a nations’ cup which is great, because how else are you supposed to learn how to work as a team without being able to practice it?”

Macpherson continued, “I think it’s wonderful that so many people and companies are sponsoring and supporting the Artisan Farms Series this year.  Thank you to Artisan Farms and everyone involved for giving us such amazing opportunities.”

New for 2014, participants in the AFYRGPS were invited to apply for a one-year sponsorship with equestrian clothing apparel company, Equiline.  Riders submitted essays outlining why they felt they would be ideal candidates, conducted interviews, did sponsorship networking, and were observed for attitude, spirit and performance while competing in the AFYRGPS.  Last year’s winner of the AFYRGPS, Chloe D. Reid of Washington, D.C., was awarded the Equiline sponsorship, while additional awards were presented to Caitlin Ziegler for Best Essay, Lucas Porter for Most Creative Essay, and Nicole Bellissimo for Best Interview.  Wilton Porter earned the Equiline Amateur Sportsmanship Award.

Colvin now joins an elite list of champions in the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series.  Previous winners include Reed Kessler of the United States (2011), Nayel Nassar of Egypt (2012) and Chloe D. Reid of the United States (2013), all of whom are currently enjoying incredible success as their careers advance.

“I am really pleased with the progression of the Series,” said Carlene Ziegler, who is the driving force behind the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series.  “We added some new things this year, we made it more of a true championship in the way that you went through the four different classes and that you had to qualify for the Final, which was a $50,000 FEI class.  We feel it is very important to provide the next generation with a spring board that is both relevant and beneficial as they progress.”

With over 50 entries this year alone, it’s obvious that the Series is not only popular, but also succeeding in its objectives.

“It’s been nice to see the riders themselves progress,” said Ziegler.  “We are attracting a new crop of riders each year and it’s really gratifying to see their progress.  One of the most gratifying parts is being able to provide a stepping stone up to the next level for these young riders.  The first year that we did this, we knew that we had a very strong group of riders – we had Reed Kessler for the win and we had a group of riders that went to Leipzig that included Reed Kessler, Charlotte Jacobs, Caitlin Ziegler, and Katie Dinan – these are people who have now truly made the next step, and our Series helped provide that for them.  The second year we had Nayel Nassar, who is now leading the west coast standings for the World Cup Finals.  That’s very exciting!  We hope that the same level of success happens for the more recent winners as well, and we think that it can.”

Ziegler continued, “One of the things that is exciting for this year is that we are giving the winner the opportunity to go to the Chantilly show.  It is a Global Champions Tour show in the most beautiful location in France.  It’s something that these young riders wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do.  I think it’s a big incentive to the participants in the Series.  Additionally, that they had the opportunity to vie for a sponsorship with Equiline is something that they wouldn’t have gotten to do otherwise.”

Riders aged 16 to 25, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in the AFYRGPS, which provides a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.  Featuring fences set at 1.45m, this year’s AFYRGPS offered four events held in three different venues, exposing developing grand prix riders to everything from competing on grass and in a team format, to jumping under the lights at night.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping.  Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Next Generation of Superstars Set to Compete in Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Grand Finale

Leave a comment

Victoria Colvin, pictured here with Don Juan, leads the Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series standings. Photo by Sportfot.

Wellington, Florida – This year’s Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series (AFYRGPS), presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, has been bigger and better than ever.  Now in its fourth year, the AFYRGPS has attracted more than 50 entries competing for increased prize money as well as FEI sanctioning.  Following three exciting qualifying events, the top 30 riders in the overall standings will contest the $50,000 CSIU25 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final on the grass derby field at The Stadium on Sunday, March 23, at 8 a.m.

“We have been thrilled with the response to this year’s AFYRGPS, and are proud to have taken it to the next level by increasing the prize money and obtaining FEI sanctioning for this week’s Grand Prix Final,” said Carlene Ziegler who, with her husband, Andy, owns Artisan Farms.  “When we started the AFYRGPS four years ago, it was our intent to create a program that provided a bridge from the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level.  We feel it is very important to provide the next generation with a spring board that is both relevant and beneficial as their careers progress.”

Following Sunday’s Final, the overall winning rider will receive a Bruno Delgrange saddle valued at $6,000, and will be presented with an invitation to compete at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show, part of the Global Champions Tour, held from July 25-27 in France.  In addition to their entry, the winner also receives two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge and transportation for one horse generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.  One lucky participant in the AFGPYRS will also win a one-year sponsorship, valued at $5,000, with equestrian clothing apparel company, Equiline.

Riders aged 16 to 25, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in the AFYRGPS, which provides a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.  Featuring fences set at 1.45m, the AFYRGPS offers four events held in three different venues, exposing developing grand prix riders to everything from competing on grass and in a team format, to jumping under the lights at night.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping.  Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series Returns Featuring Increased Prize Money and FEI Sanctioning

Leave a comment

Chloe D. Reid is presented as the overall winner of the 2013 Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Photo by Sportfot.

Wellington, Florida – The Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, presented by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte, returns for a fourth year, featuring increased prize money and FEI sanctioning, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.  This year’s Series opens with a $10,000 Speed class on Sunday, January 19, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Comprised of four events, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series includes the $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Speed class on Sunday, January 19, at 8 a.m. in the International Arena; a two-round $10,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Team event on Friday, January 31, at 5 p.m. under the lights at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival International Arena; the $25,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Semi-Final held under the lights in the International Arena on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m.; and the $50,000 FEI Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final held on the grass derby field at The Stadium on Sunday, March 23, at 9 a.m.  A total of $95,000 will be on offer, as well as coveted world ranking points in the final event.

Riders aged 16 to 25, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series, which provides a valuable stepping stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.  Featuring fences set at 1.45m, the Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Series is an opportunity for developing grand prix riders to not only gain experience jumping in a team format, but also competing in three different venues, on grass and under the lights at night, all important elements that competitors will face as their careers progress.

Riders are ranked based on the number of clear rounds they produce throughout the Series, which encourages, promotes and rewards consistency.  The top 40 riders in the overall standings will be invited to contest the $25,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Semi-Final on March 7 with the top 30 riders facing off in the $50,000 CSI2* Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix Final on Sunday, March 23.  The overall winning rider will receive a Bruno Delgrange saddle valued at $6,000, and will be presented with an invitation to compete at the CSI2* Chantilly Horse Show, part of the Global Champions Tour, held from July 25-27 in France.  In addition to their entry, the winner also receives two tickets to the Chantilly VIP lounge and transportation for one horse generously provided by The Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte.

“We are thrilled to be taking the Series to another level by increasing the prize money and obtaining FEI sanctioning for the Grand Prix Final,” said Carlene Ziegler who, with her husband Andy, owns Artisan Farms.  “When we started the Series four years ago, our intent was to create a program that provided a bridge from the junior and amateur divisions to the grand prix level.  The Series offers great variety with two classes at night and one on the derby field, as well as the team competition run in a Nations’ Cup format, which is one of the few opportunities that young riders have to gain experience riding as a team member.”

In addition to valuable competition experience, participants will be exposed to various educational and professional development opportunities through “Bridging the Gap” sessions to be held on Saturday, February 1, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 12:30–1:30 p.m.  Riders will also receive guidance on how to conduct themselves with the media, and interviews with all winners will be filmed and included in the official FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival press releases.  In addition, the top three riders in the overall Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series will attend a press conference following the final event.

New for 2014 is the opportunity for one lucky participant to win a one-year sponsorship with equestrian clothing apparel company, Equiline.  Eligible riders must nominate themselves to win a combined cash and product sponsorship valued at $5,000.  The winner will be announced at the final Artisan Farms Young Riders Grand Prix Series awards presentation.

Leading by example, Artisan Farms is committed to the continued improvement and promotion of competitive show jumping.  Based in Wellington, FL, and Vrasene, Belgium, Artisan Farms is home to rising amateur Andy Ziegler, young professional Caitlin Ziegler, 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze, and Olympian Tiffany Foster.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca