Tag Archives: Beezie Madden

Competitions, FEI, HITS, Show Jumping

United States Claims the Throne in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSI04* at HITS Ocala

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(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. McLain Ward and Rothchild.

Ocala, Florida (February 20, 2016): The U.S. dream team including Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Todd Minikus, Lauren Hough, and led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, claimed a memorable victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSI04*, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, at HITS Post Time Farm on Friday, February 19. Not only winning the class and a piece of the $112,900 prize purse, but the U.S. team also secured a spot at the top of the 2016 FEI Nations Cup rankings for the Furusiyya Final in Barcelona later this year.

The stage was set at HITS Post Time Farm complete with two sold out VIP clubs, a bustling grandstand and thousands viewing a live FEI TV webcast, all waiting to see which of the eight teams – Australia, Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States – would go home with a win. Competitors did not disappoint their fans as the showdown for international bragging rights ensued.

A total of thirty-one riders from across the globe contested the FEI Nations Cup course set with 12 obstacles at 1.60m and designed by Alan Wade of Ireland. The first three competitors, Luke Dee (NZL) and Aucland De I’enclos, Daniel Bluman (COL) and Conconcreto Sancha LS, and Shane Sweetnam (IRL) riding Eregast van’t Kiezelhof, all sped through the course with hopes of going clear, but fell victim to penalties during their attempts. It wasn’t until Matt Williams (AUS), aboard Valinski S, entered the ring did onlookers see a clear round. Williams was just over the time allowed leaving him with one time fault and Australia for the lead.

The crowd went silent as the fifth rider in the order, McLain Ward (USA) and the iconic Rothchild, appeared at the in-gate. In true Ward fashion, he gave spectators just what they wanted – a clean round.

“Alan did a spectacular job as usual. We were actually speaking at dinner last night about what a fan we all are of his courses. When I walked the course I thought it was quite big, but straightforward enough. I was a little concerned,” said McLain. “We have a strong team here and we wanted it to be difficult but I was thinking it might ride a little too easy.”

(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Lauren Hough and Cornet
(C) ESI PHOTOGRAPHY. Lauren Hough and Cornet

Second to ride for the Team U.S.A. was 2015 Nations Cup Ocala alumni, Lauren Hough (USA), piloting Cornet. Careful in their step, they cruised over the obstacles but trouble at the triple would cost them four faults.

Competition grew fierce, and the audience more engaged, waiting to see who, if anyone, could best McLain. Third to ride for Colombia, Fernando Cardenas (COL) and Quincy Car, whipped through the turns of the course, going clear and confirming that a race to first place was on.

Pressure was building for Pan American Games Bronze Medalist and 2014 HITS Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix winner, Todd Minikus (USA) and Babalou, who were on deck for the States. Keeping his cool and living up to a winning reputation, Minikus went fault free to continue his team’s success.

The next few trips ended with penalties for downed rails but that came to a halt when Scott Keach (AUS) and Fedor, rode fourth representing the Land Down Under. Keach led his bay mount to a clean finish for Australia’s only zero fault score in round one.

The chase continued for the final U.S. rider of the round, Beezie Madden (USA) and Breitling LS, who once again proved that she is the ultimate horsewoman. Careful and efficient, Madden cleared the final jump as the crowd erupted in cheers. After the FEI Nations Cup™ scoring format was applied, dropping the highest penalty from each team, the standings going into the second round had the U.S.A. in first, Colombia in second with Mexico trailing by one point in third, Australia in fourth, Ireland in fifth, New Zealand in sixth, Canada in seventh and El Salvador in eighth.

Round two commenced as ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ filled the air for the first six riders who all had rails in their paths leading to penalties against their teams. Seventh in the round two order was Daniel Bluman (COL) who was ready for redemption and rode his 13 year old bay to a zero fault finish. Ward, who was the next trip of the day, hoped for a repeat performance from his round one success but a rail at the second obstacle of the combination would result in four faults, leaving it up to his teammates to pull through for a win.

“I think riding for your country is the ultimate goal or dream, and when you get the opportunity you certainly want to do a good job,” said Ward. “These three riders here and the Chef d’Equipe – I have the utmost respect for them and I consider them my friends. I didn’t want to let them down.”

Troubled trips leading to scoresheet faults continued for the second wave of riders with only one, Cian O’Connor (IRL) and Sam du Challois, going clear. As Hough prepared to ride second for her team she was determined to put it all on the line and trust in her gifted, four-legged partner. Unfortunately, she would have two rails in the triple combination for eight faults but that didn’t mean the U.S. was out of the game just yet.

“The first round he withheld himself a bit at the triple and I knew I had to really ride him strong in the second round, where he held himself even more. I was lucky to actually get out of the triple with only two down,” said Hough of her 12 year old grey mount. “I still had a long way to go and I fought really hard to make it home. Thank goodness I have three strong teammates here.”

Third to ride for their country, Amy Millar (CAN) and Heros, Claudia Hay (NZL) and Euro Sport Centavos, Richie Moloney (IRL) and Ypaja Yando, Thomas McDermott (AUS) and Quick Petite Folie, Federico Fernandez (MEX) and Guru, Fernando Cardenas (COL) and Quincy Car, as well as Todd Minikus (USA) and Babalou all left the ring with faults, leaving the crowd questioning who would pull through as the champion. Would the anchor riders clean up? Could a sleeper pull ahead and place in the top three? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain – powerhouse Beezie Madden (USA) was the final trip of the day.

The fourth rider for each team gave it everything they had, but once again fallen rails would keep them all from the top spot. A legendary anchor, Madden was on her A-game to close out the day. With precision and caution she navigated Breitling LS to a clear round and although taking her time would cost her one time fault, she sealed the deal for a Team U.S.A. win.

“I had a nice position because I could afford to have two rails down and still win, so as an anchor rider that is one of the best positions you can be in. Thanks to these guys [pointing to her teammates] we were in that position,” said Madden.

Humble in her win, Madden gave credit to her partner, adding, “I took a little extra time with the second round. He is just now starting to get pretty dependable at this level and we couldn’t be more excited about him.”

Dressed to the nines in Furusiyya coolers and sashes, with smiles larger than life, the home team took a well-deserved victory lap in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium as the National Anthem carried throughout the stands.

Beaming with pride, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland praised his teams’ performance. “We knew coming in that the competition was going to be tough. We had to bring our best team to be able to have a chance to win. It was definitely stressful and we did it a little bit differently than in the last few years. We had a habit of easing off in the first round, unintentionally, and come back in the second… We did come with our best and we were fortunate to come away with the win. We are fortunate to be where we are today.”

Ridland continued, acknowledging HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri for a superior event in the heart of horse country. “Tom, you and your staff at HITS, and of course the sponsors, did a tremendous job in putting this on. A beautiful course and an incredible crowd on a Friday afternoon – it couldn’t have been better.”

A common theme of patriotism and honor continued during the post-event press conference, with Course Designer Alan Wade adding, “It is a great honor to be chosen as the course designer for the Nations Cup. Everyone that competed in that class today – you cannot take that away from them. They were chosen as the best in their country in the sport and whether you had a rail down or three down that is something you cannot take away from them. They represented their country on that stage.”

“When we hired Alan for this class it was unlike most hires. It was moving to hear him talk about it. It is really important to him and it’s even more important to me to hear his sentiments,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “It was great to have this team that Robert brought here. I can’t imagine how it must be to ride for the U.S. Team because I was moved to hear the anthem at the end, and that made it worthwhile for me.”

FEI ranked competition at HITS Ocala continues on Saturday, February 20 with the $34,600 HITS Jumper Classic and on Sunday, February 21 with the $100,000 City of Ocala Grand Prix.

Todd Minikus for one is already looking ahead to the weekend, adding, “Babalou jumped fantastic in the first round. And to tell you the truth she’s been off her game a little bit this week and I think she just got a little down in the second round. She’s going to make a heck of a comeback in the Grand Prix.”

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Competitions, FEI, HITS, Show Jumping

Team USA Reigns Supreme in Furusiyya Leg at Ocala

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Team USA (L to R) – McLain Ward, Beezie Madden, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, Lauren Hough and Todd Minikus. (FEI/Anthony Trollope)

Ocala (USA), 19 February 2016 – Team USA won today’s second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2016 series on home ground at Ocala, Florida (USA), but had to rely on anchor rider, Beezie Madden, to clinch it with a last-to-go effort with Breitling LS. On a day of very mixed fortunes, and with many inexperienced horses and riders facing the biggest challenge of their careers so far, this opening round of the three-leg North and Central American and Caribbean League produced a fascinating contest.

The top-drawer American side of McLain Ward, Lauren Hough, Todd Minikus and Madden always looked strong favourites, but had to see off a determined effort from Team Mexico who lined up second, while Colombia put up a tremendous battle to clinch third spot ahead of Australia in fourth place.

The Irish, winners at last year’s edition at the same venue, had to settle for fifth this time around, while it was a disappointing day for Team Canada who slotted into sixth. A big first-round score put the writing on the wall for the Canadian foursome who only managed to leave New Zealand and El Salvador in their wake.

Winning Chef d’Equipe, America’s Robert Ridland, admitted afterwards that today’s success was no walk in the park. “We knew coming in that the competition was going to be tough, especially when you see the line-up. Since the Pan-American Games the level has gone up a notch and we needed to bring the best team to Ocala in order to have a chance to win. It was a bit stressful!” he said.

The hunt for points

Of the eight participating nations, there were four – Canada, El Salvador, Mexico and USA – in the hunt for the two places on offer at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final 2016 in Barcelona (ESP) in September. The team from El Salvador was vulnerable from the outset with only three horse-and-rider combinations, but they got off to a great start with one of just six clears in the opening round from Paulo Santana and his lovely 16-year-old gelding, Taloubet.

However, the Americans were in complete control when they produced three clears to lead at the halfway stage on a zero score, Lauren Hough’s four faults for a mistake in the middle of the Longines triple combination providing the discard.

Irish course designer, Alan Wade, presented a typically bold track, and just about every fence hit the floor at some stage during the competition. The wall at fence three was followed by a 1.50m-high oxer of green poles over a water tray which backed up a few, but the first big test was the open water at fence five which penalised six horse-and-rider combinations in the first round and continued to wield its influence second time out. Some found it difficult to re-group for the following vertical, but it was the triple combination off the following left-hand turn that produced much of the early drama, the vertical-oxer-vertical built on a one-stride distance, and demanding absolute accuracy.

Denied a brilliant clear

The double three from home also claimed a significant number of victims, opening up with a wide triple bar that drew horses on to the following oxer, but Australia’s Tom McDermott had tackled this, and the following vertical only to be denied a brilliant clear by what appeared to be a momentary miscommunication with his horse, Quick Petite Folie, who seemed to set his eye on the arena entrance and ran left of the final fence.

His 22-year-old rider had to circle and popped the last easily, but the 10 faults they collected proved expensive. Without those, his team would have finished the first round a very close second, carrying just the single time fault picked up by Matt Williams and Valinski S after Scott Keach and Fedor were fault-free.

Two fences in hand

As the second round began Team USA had two fences in hand over Colombia in second place while Mexico was close behind in third with just nine faults on the board. The Australians lay fourth carrying 11, but the Irish were already out of the picture with 21 while New Zealand carried 22 and the Canadians were trailing the field with a surprising 24.

The team from El Salvador decided to retire because, despite Santana’s lovely first effort, they were already on a 35-fault scoreline.

The US lead began to diminish, however, when McLain Ward’s feisty 15-year-old gelding Rothchild hit the second element of the double towards the end of the course and then Hough left the last two elements of the Longines triple combination on the floor. When Todd Minikus and Babalou piled on another 12 faults it was beginning to look a bit ominous, but Madden still had nine faults to play around with going into the arena for the last time.

The Colombians, meanwhile, had added 16 to their total despite a clear from Daniel Bluman and Conconcreto Sancha LS this time out, so Mexico had already moved ahead of them despite an alarming 19 faults for their opener, Alberto Michan. The Mexican rider’s stallion, Warrant, did almost exactly the same as Barnett, the 12-year-old gelding ridden by New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley who suddenly slammed on the brakes in front of the triple combination in the first round after giving himself a fright at the open water two fences earlier.

Hanging in the balance

Wordley retired, but Michan knew how much was hanging in the balance so continued on, collecting additional fence and time faults before getting through the finish. His team-mates kept their nerve, however, Eugenio Garza Perez (Bariano) and Federico Fernandez (Guru) both faulting just once at the second element of the double on the last line, and Santiago Labre adding four more at the middle element of the triple combination. Their final tally of 21 meant that Madden would need to pick up nine faults to draw level, and that three fences down would give Mexico the victory.

That never looked likely to happen, the 52-year-old double Olympic team gold medallist making it all look fairly elementary as she brought her 10-year-old stallion home with just a single time fault to clinch it.

“I was in a nice position because I could afford to have two rails down and win. As an anchor rider that’s the best position to be in!” she said afterwards. “My horse jumped great in the first round so I was confident he could do the same again. I wasn’t worried that things were falling apart for different people. The sun coming down and the shadows undoubtedly affected my vision a bit which is why I took a bit more time,” she explained.

She sees a great future for Breitling LS. “We got him when he was seven. He is now starting to become quite dependable and I couldn’t be more excited about him!” she added.

Delighted and relieved

American Chef d’Equipe, Robert Ridland, was both delighted and relieved. “We competed a bit differently than previous years whereby we have tended to start badly and finish well. This year was the contrary, so I was a bit worried to begin with! The liverpool affected the horses. One of the really unique aspects of the Nations Cup is the courses and it was a real mix today. We were fortunate to come away with the win. It’s clear after today that the next two qualifiers will be really tough. We are going to be in Mexico on their home patch next time, and we saw today how difficult it is going to be, given their result in particular,” he pointed out.

“Our biggest goals this year are the Olympic Games and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona,” he continued. “The team events are what we are all about and it’s such a unique situation. A course like that today, and the way Lauren fought for the score in the second round, you don’t get that in a Grand Prix,” he said.

Course designer Alan Wade concluded, “Everyone thought the class was over at the break, and yet it all came down to the last horse – that was a great enjoyment for me.”

For further information on the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2016 series Ocala (USA), contact Press Officer Emily Glass, Emily@HitsShows.com, +1 845 246 8833.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Ocala in Florida (USA) hosted the second leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2016 series today.

This was the first leg of the three-leg North America, Central America and Caribbean League from which two teams will qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2016 Final in Barcelona (ESP) in September.

8 nations lined out in today’s competition – Australia, Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, USA.

4 countries were chasing points towards the Furusiyya Final – Canada, El Salvador, Mexico and USA.

There were just three team-members in the side from El Salvador.

The host nation team from the USA won through ahead of Mexico in second place and Colombia in third.

6 horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear in the first round, including three of the four members of the US team.

There were no double-clear rounds, with American anchor Beezie Madden producing the best result of the day when collecting only a single time fault in the second round to seal victory.

Course designer was Ireland’s Alan Wade.

The open water at fence five, the Longines triple combination at fence seven and the triple bar/oxer double at fence 10 proved influential throughout the competition.

The next leg of the North America, Central America an Caribbean League will take place at Coapexpan in Mexico at the end of April.

Quotes:

John Madden (FEI 1st Vice-President): “The FEI Nations Cup is such an important competition – it highlights the majesty and all the values of our sport that we cherish so much. This is what makes it better than any other sport – it’s because of the horse. We are in fantastic horse country here in Ocala. The FEI understands and sees the developments happening here in equestrian sport in the Americas. We thank Furusiyya, Longines, Ocala and all the folks at HITS.”

Todd Minikus USA: “My horse jumped fantastic although she was a bit flat in the second round. She is going to make on hell of a comeback in the Grand Prix!”

Lauren Hough USA: “This is the first time I jumped this horse in a Nations Cup. The horse is extremely competitive and he held himself on the triple a bit. I knew I had to ride him strong and was actually lucky to get out of that one with two down! We have a really strong team and with these guys you have to fight for every jump. I had a long way to go to make it home and the horse brought its game so that’s great – luckily I also had three fantastic riders to help out!”

McLain Ward USA: “Alan (Wade, course designer) did a great job again. I thought the course was a bit big to begin with, but it turned out to be relatively straightforward. I thought it may ride a bit easy, but there were no double clears due to the time.”

Alan Wade IRL (course designer): “The more often you compete at the higher standard, the easier it becomes. The distances were built at the right dimensions and I felt it needed to live up to the billing. It was enjoyable sport and, on the day, the riders that made the least amount of mistakes won.”

McLain Ward USA: “You are always proud to jump for your country, which is the ultimate goal. I have so much respect for these riders and the chef d’equipe so I certainly didn’t want to let them down! That’s what jumping for your country does to you. The Olympic Games is coming up as is the Furusiyya Final so it’s a big year and it was important to start things off well and see how the combinations would fare.”

Alan Wade IRL: “It was a great honour to be selected for the event here in the US… and all of the riders that were chosen as the best in their country – that’s something you cannot take away from them.”

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series, check out this link.

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At Ocala:

Emily Glass
Press Officer
Emily@HitsShows.com
+1 845 246 8833

At FEI:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, HITS, Show Jumping

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Wins Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping at CSIO4* Ocala

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Beezie Madden and Breitling LS (ESI Photography)

Ocala, Fla. – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team rode to victory today at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona hosted at CSIO4* Ocala at HITS. The team of Lauren Hough, Beezie Madden, Todd Minikus, and McLain Ward put in a stellar first round, entered round two on zero faults, and were able to hold off a tough field of eight teams for the win. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the U.S. earned valuable qualifying points for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in September in Barcelona, Spain.

“We knew coming in the competition was going to be tough,” said Ridland. “We had to bring our best team to be able to have a chance to win and it was stressful – we did it a little differently than we have in the past few [Nations Cups] where we have eased off unintentionally in the first round and came back in the second round. We came with our best hand and we were fortunate enough to come away with the win.”

Starting off strong over the Alan Wade-designed course for the U.S. was pathfinder Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) aboard longtime partner Rothchild, Sagamore Farm’s 2001 Warmblood gelding. The Team Bronze and Individual Gold medal winners from the 2015 Pan American Games set the tone with a clear round. Following Ward in for the U.S. was Hough (Wellington, Fla.) with Paris Sellon’s 2004 Oldenburg gelding, Cornet 39. The pair had the only rail of the round for the U.S. at the second element of the triple combination. Both Minikus (Loxahatchee, Fla.), with Jack Snyder’s 2005 Oldenburg mare, Babalou 41, and Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.), with Abigail Wexner’s Breitling LS, a 2006 Dutch Warmblood stallion, produced brilliant clear rounds, sending the U.S. into round two on zero faults.

Round two proved to be a challenge for many of the combinations as clear rounds were much harder to come by. The first three U.S. representatives collected faults and with Mexico and Columbia trailing within striking distance the pressure was on Madden who entered the ring with two rails in hand. The steely veteran delivered a clear round that added only one time penalty aboard rising star Breitling LS, in the horse’s first Nations Cup appearance.

“I had a nice position because I could afford to have two rails down and still win; as an anchor rider that’s the best position you can be in. Thanks to [my teammates] we were in that position. My horse jumped great the first round so I had confidence that he could come back and do the same or at least come through so I wasn’t too worried,” said Madden.

The U.S. riders will all compete on Sunday in the $100,000 Grand Prix of Ocala, taking place at 2:00 p.m. ET.

From the USEF Communications Department

Equestrian Assistance, Show Jumping, USEF

Madden Returns as Team Ariat Captain on February 26th to Defend “Best Performance” Title

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Beezie Madden will be competing as captain of Team Ariat in the Best Performance Team Invitational at the EQUUS Foundation’s fête cheval étoile on Friday, February 26 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

Judged this year by Tim Kees and Frank Madden, with live commentary by Don Stewart and Jimmy Torano, the Best Performance Team Invitational tests the abilities of the teams of show jumping riders to effectively compete over a 1.35m course based on style, function and execution.

Madden rose to the top in 2015 claiming the title of Best Individual Performance with a score of 99 out of 100 on Lilly Higgins’ Zinnia.

“The EQUUS Foundation is a great organization not only for the horses but also for how horses can help people. We all do this sport because we love the horse,” Madden said. 100% of event proceeds directly benefit horse welfare in the United States.

Join us at 6pm in PBIEC’s International Club for cocktails, an auction and dinner followed by the tribute to the 2016 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductees and the 2nd annual Best Performance Team Invitational.

The EQUUS Foundation is the only national charitable foundation dedicated solely to ensuring the quality of life of horses and fostering the horse-human bond.

Don’t miss out on your chance to support the event of the season that gives back to horses! For more information, contact Shannon Coakley at shannon@equusfoundation.org or 203-259-1550. RSVP here to reserve your spot.

About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

About USEF: Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is dedicated to raising the level of access to and participation in equestrian sport at all levels by ensuring its continuing creativity, growth, and excellence. The USEF’s vision is to continue to lead equestrian sport in the United States while ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment for an ever growing number of people. Learn more about the USEF at www.usef.org.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden Breezes to Victory with Coach at CP Wellington Masters

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Beezie Madden and Coach.

Wellington, FL – Feb. 6, 2016 – Beezie Madden is bringing a new winner up the ranks, and Saturday he claimed his first major Wellington win. Madden and Coach, owned by Abigail Wexner, earned the victory in the $20,000 1.40m Jumpers at the CP Wellington Masters, presented by Sovaro™.

With Madden in the irons, Coach, an 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding, was one of 39 horses to compete over the Alan Wade designed track set at Deeridge Farms and one of 15 to advance to the jump-off before taking an impressive win.

“I am super excited about him,” Madden said. “We got him in the middle of the summer last year, and he was 7. He’s come so far already. He’s got everything you want. He’s got blood, he’s careful, he’s scopey, he’s rideable and he’s got fantastic character.”

Before Coach jumped to victory, eight combinations attempted the jump-off track, and while many of them finished on just four faults, it was not until the ninth to return that a double clear effort was successfully produced.

Jonathan McCrea and D Carolus, owned by Candy Tribble, were the first to cross the second round track without fault, setting the time to beat at 48.279 seconds.

From there it turned into a quick race against the clock with nearly every round going faster than the next. Chris Sorensen and his own Zellobee shaved the time to beat down to a clear 42.329 seconds. Then Tori Colvin and Take the High Road LLC’s Austria 2 blew that time out of the water, setting the lead at 38.884 seconds.

Daniel Bluman and his own Bocara D’Archongosse came next and saw one rail fall in 45.081 seconds. But then it was back to the quick race against the clock with Callan Solem and VDL Torlando giving it their all and leaving out a long stride to the final oxer.

Callan Solem and VDL Torlando
Callan Solem and VDL Torlando

“That’s the benefit of having a grand prix horse in the 1.40m. You can do that,” Solem said. “He’s a great horse. We’ve done it together for so long. I wasn’t super surprised.”

Solem continued, “I’ve had [VDL Torlando] for 10 years. He’s basically my best friend; I love him so much. He’s still getting ribbons in the grand prix at [the Winter Equestrian Festival]. He still jumps grand prix, but I think it’s nice to let him jump something easy once in a while and let him feel like a hero.”

VDL Torlando showed that he was quite the hero on Saturday, finishing on a time of 38.221 seconds to temporarily take over the lead.

It would not be for long though as Madden and Coach were the next to return and left it all on the line to finish in in 38.127 seconds.

With Madden in the lead, it came down to Juan Pablo Gnecco and Silius Brown, and when he finished in an easy 44.021 seconds, it clinched the victory for Madden and the second place spot for Solem.

“I thought it was a great course. It’s a fantastic ring to ride in, especially I think for tomorrow this is going to be super for the World Cup Qualifier because the jumps come up quick like they do indoors,” Madden said. “The ends of the ring come up quickly, and I think that’s what you need to practice for indoors. Alan Wade, I’ve always been a fan of his. I think he does very fair but subtly difficult courses, and your horses usually jump better as the week goes on.”

Madden continued, “This event is super. I think we’ve been dying for an event like this down here just to have a little something different. I don’t think it hurts the other venue at all. They have plenty of customers at both. I think the specialty event is fantastic to have here. I think people will really welcome it, and they will keep it top notch and not concentrate on volume. They concentrate on volume a lot over there, and they don’t need to here. There’s a place for both. They have done such a fantastic job. It’s like a super European show. It’s nice to have some different jumps; it’s fresh.”

Solem echoed Madden’s sentiments closely. “The footing is perfect, and it’s such a beautiful day. Of all the miles that [VDL Torlando] has done, he just doesn’t have to do anything that isn’t really nice, and this is really nice. The event is so nice, and he’s thrilled to be here. The footing is perfect. You just can’t say enough nice things. It’s such a fun show; it’s been great.”

Following Saturday’s class, Madden has sights set on bright future for Coach.

“He’s so talented that we could probably move him up fast, but because his experience level isn’t so big, I am going to try and play it a little cool,” Madden said. “If we end up in a 1.50m class by the end of circuit I’ll be very happy with that. Then after he leaves here he’ll be a little older, a little more mature, and ready to do some bigger classes.”

As for Solem, she will now turn her attention to Sunday’s $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington with VDL Wizard.

“VDL Wizard is wild! I have to put red ribbon in his tail tomorrow,” Solem laughed. “He was beside himself yesterday, so excited to show. I think McLain said in one of his interviews how important it is to give horses a break and that it’s a dying art. I gave him a break, and he’s come back so fresh! I think it will serve him well come spring into summer that I left him a little fresh coming today.”

The Wellington Masters will continue Saturday with the $20,000 Jumpers 1.40m Open Jumpers at 11 a.m. On Sunday, the day will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the 1.15 Open Jumpers, followed by the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Wellington at 11 a.m.

A total of 14 athletes from the new Longines FEI World Cup™ North American league will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden March 23-28. The top seven athletes from the East Coast U.S., the top three from the West Coast U.S. and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico, will qualify for the final, along with the winners of 15 other leagues around the world.

For more information, please visit wellingtonmastersworldcup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carrie Wirth
Phelps Media Group International
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 201
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389
cw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

HITS, Publications/Media, Show Jumping

Flip to Ride TV and Watch Beezie Win the CP Million

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Just when you thought Fridays couldn’t get any better – they do! This Friday, October 30, at 9 pm EST, tune in to Ride TV (Dish Channel 248) to relive the highest-ranked class in U.S. show jumping this year, the Canadian Pacific $1 Million Grand Prix FEI CSI-5*, presented by Wells Fargo.

Flip to Ride TV (Dish Channel 248) and reminisce that historic Sunday in September when Beezie Madden was dubbed the First Lady of the HITS Championship, winning the CP Million with her trusty mount Simon.

Cozy up and tune in to Ride TV (Dish Channel 248) and enjoy an exciting evening of show jumping competition – right from your own couch! Don’t have Dish? Call 800-303-7400 to learn more about how you can sign up and watch your favorite HITS Shows on Dish.

For more information, please visit RideTv.com.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden Clinches $150,000 Win at Del Mar International

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USA’s number one and world number two Beezie Madden rode Simon to victory in the $150,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping at the Del Mar International Horse Show last night. (FEI/Kim F Miller)

Del Mar (USA), 18 October 2015 – Against a field stacked with seasoned, international competitors, Beezie Madden (USA) reinforced her ranking as the USA’s number one Jumping athlete, and the world number two in the Longines Rankings, by riding the fastest clear in an eight-man jump off.

The stands in the indoor venue were packed as Madden strategically maneuvered 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Simon (Mr. Blue x Polydox) to the win in 37.33 seconds, over a second faster than Jack “Hardin” Towell’s 38.75-second round.

“I saw a couple of the earlier rounds, thanks to the TVs that Longines now provides in the schooling areas,” Madden said. “I planned to do seven strides up the first line, same as the others, but then to catch them on the turns later in the course.

“I actually didn’t see Hardin go, but I think my turns at least to the double combination and probably after the double combination – my horse is brilliant with that. He has a lot of practice trying to do short turns because running isn’t always his best thing. But I have to say, he and I together are figuring that part out a little better and doing seven up the first line wouldn’t always have been in our plan, but tonight and the way he’s been going lately, I’m very comfortable doing that with him. Indoors especially, he can be really fast with the short turns.”

Madden’s plan worked accordingly, and she and her veteran mount shaved additional time with tighter turns than the rest of the field.

“Simon has been my World Cup Final horse for the last three years,” according to Madden. “He doesn’t really have any quirks except that he whinnies at the in gate every time before he goes into the ring. He’s a pleasure to deal with and to ride.”

Earlier in the year, Madden helped launch the inaugural Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, but tonight’s event was the first of the series that she could attend, without conflicting with her international commitments. She recently returned to the United States after competing on the country’s all-female team at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final in Barcelona in September.

“I like that the North American League has reduced the number of qualifiers and number of scores that count toward qualifying for the Final,” said Madden. “It gives more opportunities for international competition. This is the first one I’ve done in the League, but I can still get enough in to get four good scores and not really over jump my horses.”

The next qualifying class for Madden will be aboard Breitling LS (Quintero x Acord II) in Lexington, Ky. on November 1, followed by the East Coast stops in Toronto, Palm Beach, and Ocala. Madden will also compete in the CSI-5* in Thermal on November 8.

Leading the pack

“It feels great to be at my current rankings,” Madden said. “It’s the highest I’ve been in the world rankings. I’m just lucky to have a string of good horses that can let me be there and a fantastic owner in Abigail Wexner. It gives me a chance. I’m very lucky to have my whole team.”

Staying at the top is especially important this year as Madden hopes to be selected to represent the United States at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games next summer.

“We’re trying to hit the grand prix classes that are high on the list,” said Madden. “We’re not trying not to run around to a bunch of shows but trying to pick the ones that are worth the effort and trying to do well at them.”

With such high stakes on the line, Madden’s ability to focus on the task at hand while competing is both an asset and a testament for one of the country’s most decorated riders.

“Anybody who says that they never get nervous isn’t telling the truth,” according to Madden. “I get excited and anxious for sure and with some nerves. But luckily when I get on a horse, it all goes away.”

By mid-November, Madden will have the opportunity to rest herself and her horses before returning to competitions at the beginning of January.

Crème de la crème

The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League class gave reason for many of the class’ 29 riders to schedule their first visits to the Del Mar International Horse Show in California.

The solid, 13-obstacle track designed by Germany’s Heiko Wahlers presented multiple challenges to the horse-and-rider pairs that included optional striding and a very large triple combination. One of the biggest questions, according to the riders during the course walk, was the decision between six or seven strides from a double combination to a wide oxer over a liverpool. The decision to set a really big course stemmed from the many great riders featured in the class, Wahlers said.

When the evening’s first two riders, Richard Spooner (USA) and Kent Farrington (USA), both managed faultless rounds, it was clear to the full house of spectators that the riding level was elevated to an international caliber. Kirsten Coe (USA), Michelle Rodal (USA), Kevin Babington (IRL), and Christian Heineking (GER) joined Spooner, Farrington, Towell, and Madden in the jump off. All eight riders have extensive experience competing at international level, including multiple FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping appearances amongst them.

“I thought (before my jump-off round) that Kent had already gone and Spooner had already gone and had a rail and knew I had Beezie behind me, but with Lucifer this year, too many times I’ve gone too fast and had the last jump down in several grand prix in Europe that I could’ve easily taken one more,” Hardin said. “My turns on him are not great, and I knew from the beginning that Beezie was definitely going to be able to go faster. And going to the last jump, I saw one less and then I thought, you know what, I’m probably going to gallop down there, knock it down, and I would’ve still been slower than Beezie.

“So I decided to take one more, and Beezie beat me. But I’ve been the bridesmaid a lot in the past couple months, so it is what it is. But having Beezie behind me, you can only do so much, and I was thrilled with my horse. He’s really improved in the past two years, and even in the past year. This was his first World Cup last year, and I hope next year that he’ll have a bright future ahead of him.”

Heineking managed a clear first round despite his horse losing a shoe after the liverpool. The pair successfully completed the remaining eleven fences and had the shoe reattached ahead of the jump off, finishing in third overall.

Results: http://bit.ly/1RhVsO5

Facts and Figures:

Eight horses went clear in the first round, and half of the jump-off field were double clear in the final round.

The course designer was Heiko Wahlers (GER).

The first round was contested over 13 obstacles with 16 jumping efforts. The jump-off round had seven obstacles with eight efforts. The height was set at 1.60 meters.

Nine nations were represented in the class: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United States.

Quotes:

Beezie Madden (USA): “We’re all competitive people and we all love to win. It’s been a fabulous event here. Thank you to West Palms Events and especially to Longines for stepping in and having this World Cup North American League. It’s really raised more excitement for our league and makes us want to win more.”

“My horses are staying out here so they have a two week break. I’m going to go back to the East Coast and do the National Horse Show in Kentucky for another World Cup Qualifier there. Then I’ll come back for the five star at Thermal.”

Jack “Hardin” Towell (USA): “The Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League has completely changed the World Cups in North America. It’s like competing in Europe. It’s fantastic. And all the shows, by having the scoreboards and bringing in everything, it’s really stepped up. It’s very nice having that come to our country. It almost feels like Europe. And tonight there was a great crowd and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

“When I got Lucifer, that was his name. It’s quite funny because for the first year, he acted a lot like it. He’s one horse that means a lot to me because I’ve always believed in him. And the people that work with me, for the first year I had the horse, nobody liked him or thought he was going to be any good, and he’s really surpassed everybody’s expectations. But sometimes he acts like his name; he bucks, he spins, he’s quirky but he’s fantastic.”

“I have another horse Emilie de Diamant AS going to Washington and Kentucky, and then, unfortunately, I’m going to take the week off for Thermal. There’s just so many shows, and my horses have been going hard. Then I’ll do Las Vegas then take a well-needed break for my horses and myself.”

Heiko Wahlers (GER): “Sometimes I need five minutes; sometimes I need five days (to design a course). You never know. But this, I think it was not a long time. It was a flowing work, it was big enough, and I’m happy with the result.”

Christian Heineking (GER): “After following everything, for sure it was a strategy to go double clear, and it happened so I’m very happy with my horse.”

“My horse lost a shoe right after the liverpool, and I finished the course and got it fixed before the jump off.”

“We’re going to stay out here for the two weeks of Thermal and Las Vegas then take a break.”

Del Mar International Horse Show

Taking place at one of Southern California’s finest horse show venues, the Del Mar International Horse Show encompasses two full weeks of world-class competition which attracts an elite field of internationally recognized horses and riders. Minutes from San Diego, the Del Mar area features golden beaches, luxurious resorts, upscale shopping and dining, and a mild year-round climate.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for next year’s prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which will take place in Gothenburg (SWE) on 23-28 March 2016.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The new league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medalist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. The full launch release is available here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW.

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL.

By Esther Hahn

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 787 506 145

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Show Jumping, West Palms

Del Mar Kicks Off with Some Big Names and Exciting Classes

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Kent Farrington. Photos By: ESI Photography.

Day One of the Del Mar International Horse Show’s Welcome Week began with plenty of thrills and excitement as the 1.30m, 1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers got underway in the Del Mar International’s Del Mar Arena. These three classes boasted an impressive lineup of superstar riders, including Longines World Ranked #2 Rider Beezie Madden, Longines World Ranked #6 Rider Kent Farrington, Longines World Ranked #32 Rider Lauren Hough, Longines World Ranked #68 Jack Hardin Towel, Susan Artes, Mandy Porter, Canadian Ben Asselin, Olympian Will Simpson, Hap Hansen, Nayel Nassar, Lane Clark, Ashlee Bond, Karl Cook, and many others.

There were 67 horse and rider pairs to go in the 1.30m, 36 entries in the 1.35m and just 13 competitors to see in the 1.40m.

The 1.30 was taken by Nayel Nassar aboard his own mount Baraka, besting 66 other entries to emerge victorious. In the 1.35, Jamie Sailor rode Jodie Camberg’s Veneto DHZ to an impressive win, and in the 1.40, Will Simpson and The Dude, owned by Monarch International, took home the blue to the delight of spectators.

Today was just the beginning, as Del Mar prepares for two weeks of thrilling international competition featuring 2015’s top riders in show jumping, hunters, and hunter derbies.

Don’t miss these exciting events coming up during Welcome Week:

Friday, October 9th

  • $5,000 South Shore Farm Grand Prix Hunter Derby, Presented by Fleeceworks
  • $25,000 LA Saddlery 1.45m

Saturday, October 10th

  • $25,000 PCHA/Equine Insurance Children’s/Adult Hunter Championship Round 1
  • $25,000 Del Mar Welcome Prix

Sunday, October 11th

  • $25,000 PCHA/Equine Insurance Children’s/Adult Hunter Championship Final
  • $45,500 Grand Prix of the Pacific, Presented by Copernicus Stables
Beezie Madden
Beezie Madden

Next week, the $150,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Del Mar takes place on Saturday evening, with a riders’ press conference immediately following. Please visit www.jumpdelmar.com for more information on this exclusive event.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy top international equestrian competition, with all of the thrills, excitement and breath-taking action elite show jumping has to offer. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more information! Stay up to date on all our exciting events and the 2015 show season by visiting our website and following us on Facebook.

West Palms Event Management | 2683 Via de la Valle | Suite G #717 | Del Mar | CA | 92014

FEI, Show Jumping, USEF

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Finishes Fourth in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final

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Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ (NACHO OLANO)

Barcelona, Spain – Eight nations took to the main arena of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona on Saturday night for the last round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final. The teams faced a highly difficult track designed by Santiago Varela (ESP) as they competed for top honors at CSIO Barcelona. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team of Lauren Hough, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden had a strong performance in a tough round against some of the world’s best combinations to finish in fourth place on 12 faults.

“It was a very difficult, but brilliant course. It was exactly what you would expect at the Final; it’s the highest level of sport with great countries competing here. We knew it was going to be tough when we walked it,” explained Ridland. “We are pretty pleased with our performance. Obviously we always hope to win but we were only one rail from second. It was very close for all teams.”

Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and the Evita Group’s Nouvelle, a 2004 KWPN mare, were the pathfinders for the U.S. team over the demanding track, knocking rails at the Caixa Bank oxer at nine and the B element of the Passeig de Gràcia double at 11 for an eight-fault round. Next to go was Kessler (Lexington, Ky.) and Cylana, Kessler Show Stables, LLC’s 2002 Belgian Warmblood mare, who joined the team for the final round. They also collected eight faults with rails at fences nine and 11A. With the pressure on, Hough (Wellington, Fla.) and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala, a 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare, went into the ring and had an unfortunate rail at the Freixenet vertical at three but finished strongly over the rest of the course for a four-fault round. Last to go for the U.S. team was Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Cortes ‘C’, Abigail Wexner’s 2002 Belgium Warmblood gelding, needing a clear round to finish close to the top of the leaderboard. The pair delivered, posting one of only seven clear rounds in the conclusion of the Final. Their round put the U.S. team in fourth place.

“It was difficult for sure,” Madden said of the course. “It was big, technical, and kind of tricky in some places, but I couldn’t be more pleased with my horse. He’s been super all year. His owner, Abigail Wexner, is a huge supporter, and it was neat to be able to share it with her, and it was also good for my whole team.”

The Final format allows five riders to compete for each nation, as a substitution is allowed for the second round. Lucy Davis (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Barron, Old Oak Farm’s 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding, competed in the first round of the Final on Thursday, while Kessler rode her mount Cylana in the final round. Ridland added: “We did what we have done for all three years of the Final and used all five riders. All five riders had solid performances that contributed to our overall placing.”

Belgium won the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final on a team score of four faults. Great Britain and The Netherlands both finished with eight faults, but Great Britain finished with a total team time of 223.14 while The Netherlands had a time of 226.80, thus determining their respective second and third placings. The U.S. was in a three-way tie for fourth with Ireland and Germany on 12 faults but had the lowest total team time of 219.61 to claim fourth place.

Find out more information about CSIO Barcelona.

By Kathleen Landwehr

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Hermès US Show Jumping Team Qualifies for Final Round of Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final

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Laura Kraut and Nouvelle (Nacho Olano Photography)

Barcelona, Spain – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team was in top form today as it secured a spot in the final round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final for the first time in the season-closer’s three year history. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the team of Lucy Davis, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden finished the first round of the prestigious competition on nine faults, tying for fourth place with Great Britain. As part of the top eight teams from the first round, the U.S. team will compete in Saturday’s final round.

Setting the U.S. off to a strong start was Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and the Evita Group’s Nouvelle, a 2004 KWPN mare. Kraut and Nouvelle were one of only 13 combinations in the 76-horse field to leave all the rails up, but added one time penalty to their total. Next to go was Davis (Los Angeles, Calif.), who piloted Barron, a 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Old Oak Farm, to a 12-fault total. The pair had rails down at fences two, five, and 12B, but was in the elite group to finish within the time allowed of 81 seconds. Hough (Wellington, Fla.) and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala, a 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare, were next for the U.S. to take on the Santiago Varela-designed course. Displaying their signature speed, the pair finished well inside the time, but had the top rail down at fence five. Anchoring the U.S. team was Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’, a 2002 Belgium Warmblood gelding. With just a rail down at fence eight, the pair ensured the team’s berth to the final round.

Belgium won the first round on five faults, followed by Germany and Sweden, who tied for second on eight faults. Great Britain, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland also secured spots in the final round.

Competition for the Nations Cup title gets underway on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on FEITV.org.

From the USEF Communications Department