Wellington, Fla. – Clear rounds were the order of the night on Friday evening as 12 teams went to task over Steve Stephen’s 12-obstacle track in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm, the feature competition of CSIO4* Wellington. The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team headed into the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s International Arena for the two-round competition, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, looking to secure a top finish in America’s only Nations Cup. The team of McLain Ward, Brianne Goutal, Laura Kraut, and Beezie Madden jumped to a third-place finish on a score of 12 faults.
While the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team was looking to start their 2013 campaign with a win on home soil, Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was pleased with his team and their resilience.
“We felt that we were in it until the very end; it was just a rail here and a rub there,” said Ridland. “This is a Nations Cup we can be proud of that was a tough competition between 12 very good teams.”
Jumping in his customary lead-off position, Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild produced an immaculate clear in round one to start the night for the United States. In round two, the two-time Olympic Team Gold medalist and 13-year-old Warmblood gelding returned with an eight-fault trip after lowering the heights of the bicycle at six and the final oxer, fence 12.
Goutal (New York, N.Y.) jumped in the second spot for the U.S. with Remarkable Farms’ 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Nice de Prissey. In the first round, the pair jumped a four-fault trip after rolling a pole jumping out of the double at nine. In their return trip to the International Arena, they appeared to be on track for a clear round but again were plagued by a rail at fence nine, faulting at the A element in round two.
Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and her Team Gold medal-winning partner from the 2008 Olympic Games, Cedric, were the third combination to head into the International Arena for the U.S., completing a faultless round in their first trip. Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding was poised to join the double clear list but barely dipped a foot in the open water at 10, resulting in a four fault effort for the second round.
Anchoring the U.S. effort on Friday night were reigning FEI World Cup Final champions, Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Simon. Abigail Wexner’s 15-year-old gelding looked on track to jump a clear, tidy round until coming a bit strong to 11 and lowering the oxer at the A element, resulting in a four-fault effort. The veteran pair returned to the International Arena for a second time and never looked in doubt of a clear round as they cruised faultlessly over Stephen’s track.
“I was happy with my horse,” said Madden. “I wish I had been clear in the first round because I thought he went fantastic, and then he was clear in the second round and went even better.”
On Friday, the U.S. also earned vital points in qualifications for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final. Among countries from the North and Central America and the Caribbean Islands regions, the U.S. earned 90 vital points towards qualifying for the Series Final in October.
Nations Cup competition continues Saturday with the top Young Riders, Juniors, and Child Riders contesting FEI Nations Cups presented by Hollow Creek Farm. The first round of Young Rider competition kick-off the youth showcase at 1pm ET.
Robert Bielefeld and Regard Triumph in Low Hunter 2’6″ Division
Wellington, FL – February 27, 2014 – The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with round 8 of its Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series and a win for USA’s Beezie Madden aboard Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’. The class was held in a timed first round format with 19 clear rounds out of 78 starters with the win for Madden and Cortes ‘C’, with McLain Ward (USA) and Zander in second, and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and Citizenguard Cadjanine Z in third.
FTI WEF week eight, sponsored by G&C Farm, runs February 26 – March 2, 2014, featuring CSIO 4* show jumping and a full schedule of ‘AA’ hunter and equitation events. The week will highlight the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm, on Friday, February 28. There are Hollow Creek Farm classes for Children’s, Juniors and Young Riders throughout the week as well as three separate FEI Nations’ Cup team events on Saturday, March 1. Many other exciting jumper classes will be featured throughout the week, including Friday’s $10,000 G&C Farm Speed Stake and Saturday’s $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m and $25,000 Nutrena Jumper Classic. The week will conclude on Sunday with a $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic as well as the $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty.
Steve Stephens (USA) set the speed track for Thursday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 that saw the winning round for Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ in 65.83 seconds. McLain Ward and Zander completed the second place round in 66.44 seconds. Rodrigo Pessoa and Citizenguard Cadjanine Z set the pace early on in 66.83 seconds to eventually finish third.
Madden has a great relationship with Cortes ‘C’ that includes many top finishes in Wellington and around the world, and the rider was happy with their very fast round on Thursday.
“He is a blast to ride. He just does it,” Madden described of the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Randel Z x Darco). “You just kind of canter around and steer. He canters to the jump, and he jumps over it. He makes my job very easy.”
“It is difficult with a class this big, but I had plan of what I thought I could do with him,” Madden said of her round. “He can leave out strides where other horses might not be able to. He did it easily, leaving out the strides, like to the last fence and from jump one to two. It doesn’t really get him riled up to do that. He went beautifully, so I was happy.”
Madden has a fantastic string of top horses right now, including Cortes ‘C’, Coral Reef Via Volo, and Simon, who she will ride in Friday night’s $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm. She is also excited about a talented new mount, Breitling LS, who placed third in this morning’s 1.45m class.
“I am very lucky with what I have right now,” the rider acknowledged. “I have a fabulous young horse that was third today in the 1.45m, so I am really excited about that too. He is coming along really well.”
Madden looks forward to Friday’s Nations Cup and feels good about Team USA’s chances on home turf. “We have a good team. On paper I think we look pretty good, but as we know anything can happen in the Nations Cup,” Madden noted. “I think Robert (Ridland) did great picking the team. He’s got hot riders and hot horses right now, so that’s all he can do. For sure it is important to us to win here. It will be a pressure cooker tomorrow night.”
Madden felt that Simon and Cortes ‘C’ were her top horses to compete this week and chose Simon for the Nations Cup. “He feels good,” she stated. “Last week was the first week we showed him, so he feels fresh and ready to go. I had both he and Cortes ready to go this week because I think we were risking a little starting late with Simon, but he came out and he looked great last week, so I am going to go with him.”
She spoke about the difference between the two incredibly talented horses, stating, “Simon is funny. He is laid back at home. He is not really more high strung than Cortes, but he gets his blood up a little more, and he takes a stronger hold of me. You have to keep him together, and that’s when he makes his best jump. I know his moves a little bit now, and he knows mine, and we work together. He can jump from anything. It’s amazing how slow you can go to a big oxer and he sails over. Cortes, he is just the happiest if you can pretty much just steer and leave him to his own devices.”
“He is so sweet,” Madden added of Cortes. “He loves people. I think he would like to be a lap dog in his next life because when you walk in his stall he just puts his head on your shoulder. That’s all he wants to do is be cuddled.”
Thursday’s competition began with an $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45 jump-off class with a win for Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca aboard Mike Collins’ Cornetiero. The Hollow Creek Farm Nations’ Cup Series also hosted jump-off Classics for its Children’s, Junior, and Young Rider divisions in the afternoon.
The $5,000 Hollow Creek Farm Young Rider Classic was held first with a win for USA’s Frances Land and Vieanne. The $2,500 Hollow Creek Farm Junior Classic followed with victory for Mexico’s Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez riding Eric Hochstadter’s Shamrock V. The day concluded with the Hollow Creek Farm Children’s Classic and a win for Brazil’s Vittorio Burger aboard Yves Sportiello’s Cheese Z.
Robert Bielefeld and Regard Triumph in Low Hunter 2’6″ Division
Robert Bielefeld and Regard took home the division championship in the Low Hunter 2’6″ division on Thursday morning at the FTI WEF. Regard, a nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding out of Hanussa II by La Tot De Semily owned by Leah Patipa, won both over fences classes on the second day of competition for the division to clinch the division title.
Reserve champion for the division was Clementine, ridden by Molly Sewell and owned by Dr. Elizabeth McRae. Sewell and Clementine were first, seventh, and second over fences.
Regard and Robert Bielefeld
Regard is yet another former jumper that has found himself more at home in the hunter ring. While he had the scope to jump around a 1.30m course, he simply didn’t have the speed.
“He’s quite capable, but he’s so quiet. I can’t imagine him being a jumper. There’s no way, so obviously that’s why they didn’t want to keep him as a jumper. He could jump the height, but he would not be a winner in the jumpers for sure,” Bielefeld explained.
Regard’s laid-back attitude made it easy to transition him into the hunter ring. The gelding is not only an easy ride for Bielefeld, but he’s also proved himself to be the perfect amateur mount for owner Patipa.
“Nothing fazes him,” Bielefeld described. “He could go in any one of these rings at the showgrounds. He’s really good for his owner, which is even more important.”
He continued, “A little short, a little long – he’s got enough scope that he can make up the distance. He’s got enough scope that he can still make it look correct. That’s really the nicest thing about him. You don’t have to have absolutely perfect distances every time. He’s very forgiving.”
Bielefeld, whose RSB Farms, Inc. is based in Wellington, loved Regard from the first time he watched a video of the horse last year. Regard’s well-balance canter caught Bielefeld’s eye and continues to be one of Bielefeld’s favorite traits.
“He has a great rhythmical canter. He’s got really good balance and a nice soft mouth,” Bielefeld remarked.
Eventually, Regard will move up to the Adult Amateur Hunters with his owner, but until then she will continue to campaign him in the Ariat Low Adult Hunter 2’6″ division while Bielefeld will take over the reins in the Low Hunter 2’6″ division.
Competition for week eight of the FTI WEF continues Friday morning with the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search in Ring 6. The $10,000 G&C Farm CSIO Speed Stake will be held in the International Arena during the day. The highlight $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm, will be the feature event at 7 p.m. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.
About FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.
Brianne Goutal and Nice de Prissey (Shawn McMillen Photography)
Wellington, Fla. – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team heads into the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm looking to repeat its victory from last year and secure its sixth win in its home Nations Cup. A total of 12 teams are set to go head-to-head on Friday evening at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during the feature of CSIO4* Wellington, held in conjunction with the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Two members of the last year’s winning team, Laura Kraut and Beezie Madden, return in 2014 with rising star, Brianne Goutal, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist, McLain Ward, rounding out the U.S. effort. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland will lead the U.S. in its quest for victory on home soil.
The U.S. has drawn sixth in the order for Friday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm; the first round of team competition gets underway at 7pm ET.
Brianne Goutal (New York, N.Y.) will ride Remarkable Farms’ Nice de Prissey.
Nice de Prissey is a 2001 Selle Francais stallion.
Goutal made a name for herself when she was still in the junior ranks by completing a sweep of the four major U.S. equitation titles, which included the 2004 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, the 2004 Washington International Equitation Classic Finals, the 2005 USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal Finals, and the 2005 ASPCA Maclay National Championships. She has continued to demonstrate winning form in the jumper ring and was honored with the 2007 Maxine Beard Award, in addition to jumping on multiple U.S. Nations Cup teams. She heads into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form, having placed fourth in Adequan Grand Prix CSI4* a week ago.
Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) will ride Cherry Knoll Farm, Inc.’s Cedric.
Cedric is a 1998 Holsteiner gelding.
Kraut brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort after jumping on numerous Nations Cup teams, including representing the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games and winning Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. With Cedric, she helped the U.S. to the Team Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games, in addition to representing the United States at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The two-time Olympian will look to showcase the form that earned a third place in the overall standings of the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour after winning in Wiesbaden with the diminutive grey gelding. The pair also helped the U.S. to jump to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Rotterdam.
Beezie Madden and Simon (Kit Houghton)
Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) will ride Abigail Wexmer’s Simon.
Simon is a 1999 Dutch Warmblood gelding.
Madden enters the 2014 season as the reigning USEF Equestrian of the Year and FEI World Cup Final champion. The three-time Olympic medalist (Team Gold in 2004 and 2008 and Individual Bronze in 2008) and Team and Individual Silver medalist from the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games was a major contributor to the United States’ success in 2013. In addition to helping the U.S. team win in Wellington, she aided in an American Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final at CSIO5* Barcelona with her World Cup champion, Simon. With Cortes ‘C’, she contributed to second-place Nations Cup efforts in Rotterdam and Hickstead and a third-place U.S. finish in Dublin.
McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) will ride Sagamore Farms’ Rothchild.
Rothchild is a 2001 Warmblood gelding.
Ward also brings a wealth of experience to the U.S. effort in Wellington as he joins his Gold medal-winning teammates from the 2008 Olympic Games, Kraut and Madden. Additionally, his resume boasts earning Olympic Team Gold in 2004, Team Silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, and a second-place finish at the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas. Ward and Rothchild were vital members for the U.S in the Consolation Round victory at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final, second-place efforts in Spruce Meadows and Hickstead, and a third-place finish in Dublin. They head into Friday’s Nations Cup competition on strong form after earning a fourth-place finish in the Fidelity Investment Grand Prix and a seventh-place finish in the FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI-W5* presented by Rolex this year in Wellington.
The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm is doubly important for the U.S., as not only will the team look to secure victory in the only Nations Cup held in America, but also a strong result will be vital in qualifying for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Season Series Final in October.
Spectators and fans in attendance at the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm are invited to a Team USA Nations Cup Pep Rally Reception hosted by the USET Foundation and the USEF from 6-7pm on Friday evening. To learn more about this event, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/10923/2014/2/11/junior_and_pony_riders_invited_to_g.aspx.
Watch the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm on FEITV.org.
Gladstone, NJ – January 28, 2014 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that reigning Show Jumping World Cup Champion Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, is the recipient of the 2013 Whitney Stone Cup. The award is presented annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport. This marks the third year that Madden has received the prestigious honor after an incredible year that included her victory at the 2013 FEI Show Jumping World Cup Finals aboard Abigail Wexner’s Simon in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Madden was presented with the award during the USET Foundation Gala on January 24th, in Wellington, Florida. “It’s always an honor to win this award and be an ambassador for the sport,” she stated. “This year has been amazing, and winning the World Cup was a huge accomplishment. All of the horses contributed, with Simon at World Cup and Cortes winning a qualifier at WEF last year and helping the teams qualify at the Nations Cups. It has been a huge team effort.”
The 2013 World Cup Finals were a dream came true for Madden, a staple on the U.S. Show Jumping Team, who has won countless grand prix honors and competed all over the world. She and her talented mount Simon took home a title that had eluded her previously: World Cup Finals Champion. A brilliant clear round gave them an early lead and helped them get to the nail-biting jump-off, where Madden and Simon managed to best the reigning Olympic champions with a brilliant round and take home the coveted title.
The success did not stop there though, as Madden went on to win the $60,000 Great-West Life Cup 1.50m, the $35,000 ATCO Energy Solutions Cup 1.45m, and the $33,000 1.50m AON Cup at Spruce Meadows to earn the Spruce Meadows North American Leading Rider Award. She concluded the year with a victory in the Longines Grand Prix of Chantilly aboard Cortes ‘C’, as well as helping the United States win the Furusiyya Nations Cup Final Consolation Round by completing a clear jump-off round with Simon.
“I was happy with all of my horses and their progress over the year,” noted Madden “We were able to finish the year early and give them a nice break, so I think they are going to be fresh and ready to go for this year. Simon and I have grown to know each other better and have been more consistent. I am really thinking Cortes had an equally good year with his Nations Cup performances and his win at Chantilly and Wellington.”
Madden added, “That is probably what I am most satisfied with this year, because I’ve always believed in that horse. He’s a little more sensitive than he looks, and he just needed more time. This year he got to where jumping clear rounds over big courses was what he did.”
Madden will continue to compete in 2014 and hopes to return to the Show Jumping World Finals to defend her winning title, as well as representing the United States during the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.
“The Foundation has been great help to me and the U.S. Team,” concluded Madden. “They fund our entire trip to WEG, and we owe a lot to them and the Foundation’s contributors. WEG is the most important goal this year, and I think both horses will be ready.”
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.
For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Lexington, Ky. – To cap off a record-setting year, jumping superstar Beezie Madden added one more record to her résumé on Friday night at the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards dinner, becoming the second person to ever score the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year title three times.
Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.), who won the top honor in 2005 and 2006 as well, earned the 2013 USEF Equestrian of the Year title after a campaign that saw her win at nearly every turn. The dual Olympic Team Gold medalist cemented her status as one of the sport’s elite producing top finishes stateside and abroad, in addition to capturing one of the few individual titles that had eluded her.
She began her record-setting season at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival winning the $125,000 FEI W-Cup Grand Prix CSI3* presented by Spy Coast Farm with Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’ before aiding in the winning U.S. effort in the $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm with Wexner’s Simon. Also during the CSIO Wellington, Madden and Cortes ‘C’ teamed up for a second-place effort in the $150,000 CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty.
In April, Madden traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden, to capture the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final crown for the first time. She kicked off the week with a win in the Speed Leg before jumping three more consistent rounds with Simon to force a jump-off with the reigning Olympic champion, where a clear effort saw her claim victory. Madden continued to dominate in Europe producing two impressive double clears in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competitions and a Longines Global Champion Tours Grand Prix of Chantilly victory over the summer with Cortes ‘C’. Madden then assisted the U.S. to a win in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. As a testament to her 2013 success, Madden spent three months as the second-ranked rider in the world on the Longines/FEI Rankings.
“Congratulations to all who have won awards tonight. I am honored to be Equestrian of the Year. I am thankful to my whole team,” said Madden.
Earlier, after receiving the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, the reining Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals Champion recognized all those that had helped her during her record setting year.
“There are so many people that should be up here with me. Great horses make great riders and I am very lucky to have the partners I have.”
Madden received The William C. Steinkraus Trophy, awarded to an equestrian in an Olympic discipline, for the third time. As a result, she was one of eight equestrians in the running for the USEF’s top honor.
The following awards were presented on January 10, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency Lexington:
The Becky Grand Hart Trophy was presented to Four-In-Hand driver Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.). The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes. Weber added to his legacy in 2013 with a campaign that saw him win at home and abroad. Always regarded for his skill on the first day, he proved his proficiency in the dressage by going undefeated in the phase throughout the year. He started off the season with victories at the Little Everglades CDE and Live Oak International CDE before traveling to Europe where he was the winner of the Saumur CAI-4A and the Caen CAI-A4. Also while in Europe, Weber produced third-place finishes at the CHIO Aachen and the CAI Beekbergen. He then finished out the season by earning a 10th USEF Four-in-Hand National Championship at the Kentucky Classic CDE.
Chris and Sonya Bickford (Sherwood, Ore.) were awarded the Bill Robinson Trophy for their success in the sport of carriage pleasure driving. The Bill Robinson Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing with horses or ponies across all the breeds in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions. In 2013, the Bickfords once again enjoyed an extremely successful show season that had often seen them heading the field. Chris earned two Carriage Pleasure Driving National Championships in the Working and Gambler’s Choice divisions, as well as garnering four National Top 10s in Turnout, Pick Your Route, Reinmanship, and Timed Obstacles at the 2013 U.S. Arabian & Half Arabian Sport Horse National Championship Show. Additionally, he drove the second-ranked USEF National High Point Horse for Carriage Pleasure Driving Single. Sonya had a wildly successful season in her own right as well, driving to the Arabian & Half-Arabian Sport Horse National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Reinmanship and Arabian & Half-Arabian Sport Horse Reserve National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Working titles. She actively competed with the 2013 leading USEF National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Single and Grand National Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving horse, trained by Chris.
Liza Boyd (Camden, S.C.) earned her first Emerson Burr Trophy for her success in the hunter ring. The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences. With longtime partner Brunello, Boyd scored her biggest career victory when she topped a star-studded field in the 2013 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships. This was the pair’s fifth International Hunter Derby win in as many months after topping fields in the Camden Spring International Hunter Derby, the Atlanta Spring International Hunter Derby, the Atlanta Summer International Hunter Derby, and the BRCHS International Hunter Derby.
For the second time, Jim Stachowkski (Mantua, Ohio) has had his name added to the list of equestrians to win the C. J. “June” Cronan Trophy. The C. J. “June” Cronan Trophy is presented to those excelling in under saddle show breeds. In 2013, Stachowski’s success in the show ring speaks for itself, as he earned countless top prizes throughout the year in the American Saddlebred and Arabian disciplines. At the World’s Grand Championship Show at the Kentucky State Fair, he garnered World Championship titles in the Three-Year-Old Three-Gaited and Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure Futurity divisions, as well as a World Reserve Grand Champion Fine Harness Stallion/Gelding Stake title. Stachowski’s storied foothold in the Arabian show arena was punctuated with top honors in the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Futurity and Country English Pleasure Championships and Reserve National Championships in the English Pleasure and the Half-Arabian English Pleasure Junior Horse classes at the 2013 U.S. Arabian & Half Arabian National Championship Show.
The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy was awarded to Rick Gervasio (Ocala, Fla.). This trophy is presented to an equestrian showing in a non-reining Western discipline. Gervasio has competed at the Morgan Grand National in Oklahoma City, Okla., for the last three years, garnering a plethora of top finishes. In 2011, 2012, and 2013, he earned multiple World and Reserve World Championships, as well as Grand National Championships in the ever-competitive Western Pleasure division. His versatility extends beyond the western pleasure division, as he continually earns top honors in Trail and Western Dressage, is a true testament to his skill and versatility.
For a second consecutive year, Bruce Griffin (Gretna, Va.) was awarded the Norman K. Dunn Trophy, presented to an equestrian competing at halter or in-hand. A notably true horseman, his results from the 2013 IFSHA World and Grand National Championship included 10 National and World Titles, eight Reserve National and World Titles, and four Top Five awards in halter and sport horse in-hand classes. Additionally this year, he won the coveted Grand Championship at the prestigious Dressage at Devon Horse Show. Adding to his accolades in 2013, Griffin trained and showed the first-ranked USEF Friesian Halter Horse.
The Vaughn Smith Trophy was awarded to Martha Rattner (Paris, Ky.) for her success with Arabians in 2013. The Vaughan Smith Trophy is presented to the best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter pleasure, show hack, hunter hack, dressage hack, costume, side saddle, or Western dressage. Rattner has been a fixture in the winner’s circle of Arabian Sport Horse, Dressage, and English Trail divisions with an outstanding year in 2013 which saw her win 23 Regional Championships, nine National Top 10 titles, and a Reserve National Championship.
It was a banner year for these eight equestrians across the USEF breeds and disciplines. The USEF membership, board of directors, and designated equestrian media voted to decide the winner.
Keith Bartz (Naples, Fla.) received the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy for his undying support and incredibly legacy in the equestrian community. Bartz has been a leading figure in the American Saddlebred industry for many years and his influence spans the entire scope of the sport, as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader.
Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) was awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Junior Equestrian of the Year. With her unprecedented success in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines, Keenan now stands among the most decorated junior riders in history.
Linda Bibbler (Woodside, Calif.), Larry Langer (Burbank, Calif.), and Dr. Armand Leone Jr. (Glen Rock, N.J.) received Pegasus Medals of Honor.
The Sallie Busch Wheeler Trophy is given, at the discretion of USEF President Chrystine Tauber, to honor distinguished service in equestrian sport. The winner of this award is known only to the president until it is presented and for 2013, Tauber chose Bill Moroney.
The McDevitt Award of Merit is awarded posthumously to people who have passed away during the preceding competition year. In 2013 Marjorie “Marge” Peterson Fergusson, Howard Lewis, and Fred Nava were honored.
Sportsmanship Award and Walter B Devereux Trophy was given to Ed Young in 2013.
USEF Equus Foundation Humanitarian Award was awarded to Margo Dewkett.
James Brown, Valerie Knight, James LaHood, and Judy Richter were added to Honor Roll of Distinguished Officials for their service to equestrian competition.
Joan Lurie, an acclaimed Saddlebred breeder at Willowbank Farm, was honored with the Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Trophy.
Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo. Photos by Rebecca Walton.
North Salem, NY – September 13, 2013 – Friday the 13th proved to a lucky day for Beezie Madden, who stormed to victory on her veteran mount Coral Reef Via Volo during the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, presented by Double H Farm & Windsor Show Stables. Fifty-five entries showed on the Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm during the 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, but only eight finished without fault to qualify for the jump-off, where Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo sped past the other double clears, Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey in second, and Margie Engle and Royce in third.
Alan Wade of Ireland built a solid track for today’s feature event, which tested rides with a pole over an open water fence, a skinny vertical off a sharp turn, and three double combinations, as well as multiple fences off of hills and long gallops. Mid-way through the competition, a rain shower passed through, and despite eight horse and rider combinations going clear during the first half, none were faultless during the second half of the class.
The eight athletes returning for the jump-off were all females, and for the short track they began over two new oxers to a single vertical. Then they showed over a vertical-oxer double combination to a single vertical, before rolling back over the skinny jump and galloping towards the gate for the final obstacles.
Birthday girl Brianne Goutal was the first to return for the short course riding Nice De Prissey for Remarkable Farms of Royal Palm Beach, FL. The duo was quick and precise, making easy work of the fences and galloping through the timers in 41.51 seconds to set the pace, which would hold up for second place.
Margie Engle was next riding Royce for Elm Rock Partners LLC of Bronxville, NY. Despite an ankle injury, Engle proved that she had all of the answers, leaving all the rails intact and crossing the finish line in 42.48 seconds for third place.
Katie Dinan of New York, NY, was next in the ring with her first of two qualified mounts, Nougat Du Vallet. They had a single error at the second new oxer for four faults in 40.40 seconds for fifth place, while Dinan’s second mount Glory Days had a single error in faster time of 40.01 seconds for fourth place.
Tracy Fenney with MTM Timon, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, TX, and Molly Ashe Cawley on Carissimo, owned by Olivia Jack of Fairfield, CT, also had a single rail each, finishing sixth and seventh respectively. Although Leslie Howard and Tic-Tac, owned by Jane F. Clark of New York, NY, were perfect in the first round, they had 12 faults in the jump-off for eighth place.
The final clear competitor in the jump-off proved to be the best, demonstrating why she is currently ranked second in the world. Beezie Madden found the perfect distance to each obstacle with her Olympic mount Coral Reef Via Volo, owned by the Coral Reef Ranch of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, opening up the mare’s big stride to the first fences and easily galloping home through the last line. They blazed across the finish line in 41.09 seconds, beating Goutal by 5/10ths of a second to lead the lap of honor.
“As far as turning on the footing for the jump-off it felt quite good, so I went to try and win,” noted Madden. “I thought I was pretty quick to the first two fences and the double, but we were on the same time at the skinny, so I must have been faster the last two fences. Even though she’s little she has all of the scope to jump big fences. She’s been good at a lot of different venues and she is pretty comfortable here.”
Leading up to this event, Coral Reef Via Volo competed at Hickstead and the Hampton Classic. “We try to split up the work load,” explained Madden, who won the American Gold Cup Grand Prix in 2010 with the 15-year-old mare. “She’s had a lot of experience in Europe and at Spruce Meadows, so we left those for the other two horses and thought she had a good chance here.”
Madden is based out of John Madden Sales in Cazenovia, NY, and she is thrilled to have the American Gold Cup in her home state. “This venue is so fantastic and the Gold Cup has a great history,” she stated. “There is a lot of prize money and we love the area. It’s close to home and we get to stay with my brother-in-law, Frank Madden.”
Frances Land and Vieanne
Earlier today, competitors showcased their speed in the to $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, presented by Bedford Magazine. Alan Wade utilized different natural options through the course, including cantering down the bank, jumping through the grob, and jumping on and off of the table. Riders could choose the easier options that did not include the natural obstacles, but it would cost them on the clock.
Thirty horse and rider combinations showed over the track, but only seven managed to do so without fault. The first clear effort came from Frances Land of Alpharetta, GA, and Vieanne, who wasted no time in the air as they galloped around the field in a time of 68.027 seconds.
Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL, tried to catch Land with her first round, Udento VDL, and while they were able to leave all the rails intact, they crossed the finish line in 68.753 seconds, just 7/10ths of a second slower for an eventual fourth place finish. Tyree came even closer to Land’s time wither her second mount, Don’t Go, but was still just fractions away with a clear round in 68.753 seconds for the third place award.
Three riders finished over the 70-second mark, choosing a more conservative pace in an effort to leave all the fences untouched. Kira Kerkorian of Sagaponack, NY, clocked in at 72.970 seconds aboard Rashmo Z for fifth place, while Katherine Strauss and Angelstone Partners’ Fidel Van De Kouldries placed sixth with a time of 73.127 seconds. Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY, had the slowest clear round, finishing in 74.547 seconds riding Hester for the seventh place honors.
The only rider that could top Land’s early clear with Vieanne came from the smallest package. The 8-year-old mare Itty Bitty and rider Kelly Soleau of Marlborough, CT, picked up a quick gallop to the first obstacle and never held back, bravely navigating the natural obstacles and shaving off valuable seconds through each turn. They broke the beam at 66.252 seconds, jumping straight to the top of the leader board, while Land and Vieanne settled for second place.
“I was so pleased with Itty Bitty,” smiled Soleau. “For some reason I stepped in the ring today and everything showed itself. I didn’t touch the reins and she jumped brilliantly. I just stayed as tight as I could everywhere and she is a pretty fast horse naturally, so when I let her do it she is very quick.”
Soleau was excited about the challenges the course presented. “We don’t get to do the natural obstacles very often, and she’s a brave horse, so when you have a brave horse it’s really fun. This is my first time showing at the Gold Cup and they have done a fantastic job with the venue. We don’t often get to ride in a field like this. It’s so nice to do something different.”
Soleau trains with the Millar family, who bred Itty Bitty. “I started working with her when she was only 2 years old and I’ve done pretty much everything with her,” expressed Soleau. “I’ve had her since she was young, and I did her first jumps, her first walk, trot and canter, and it’s been a great time. Every year we ask a little bit more and she’s really come a long way; it’s been a fantastic journey.”
Darragh Kenny and Top Gun IV
The first event on the Grand Prix Field today was the $3,000 Roberto Coin 1.35m Open Jumper Speed class. Out of 53 starters, there were 16 clear rounds, so riders had to put on the gas to score a top ribbon. The winner was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny riding Top Gun IV, owned by Oakland Ventures of Ocala, FL, who used his mounts quick foot speed to finish in a handy 59.381 seconds without a single error. He was followed closely by Julie Welles riding Banana D’ive Z for North Star of East Aurora, NY, stopping the clock in a clear 61.716 seconds. Kyle Timm and Platinum, owned by the Apex Equestrian Center of Apex, NC, rounded out the top three with a faultless round in 62.760 seconds.
“I knew if I stayed on it in couple places that he’s a very fast horse and very careful,” said Kenny, who has only been showing Top Gun IV for a month. “The first couple of jumps I went quick, and it meant at the end I could slow down and he wouldn’t get flat. He’s very simple and very competitive; he likes to win.”
The Irish native is excited to be making a splash at the American Gold Cup this year. “They have done an amazing job with this horse show,” he commented. “It rained all last night and the footing is still fantastic. They run it like a proper horse show and the management does a fantastic job. It’s a really enjoyable show to be at and I would never miss it.”
“This is such a beautiful showcase for the horses and the jewelry,” said Martha Webster who presented the award for her husband, Peter Webster, President of Roberto Coin Jewelry, sponsors of the class. “I think it is spectacular. It is an amazing forum for not only for the horses but also for the vendors and the sponsors. It is an international group. It is a different level of clientele here.”
The 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W will continue tomorrow with the $50,000 Hermès Classic and the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships. On Sunday, the qualifiers from today’s feature event will compete in the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W World Cup Qualifier, presented by Suncast, which gets underway at 2:00 p.m. on the Grand Prix Field.
About the American Gold Cup
The American Gold Cup will feature world-class and Olympic athletes, such as Beezie Madden, reigning FEI Rolex World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Also confirmed to compete are show jumping mega-stars Kent Farrington, Margie Engle, Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea and many more, all vying to secure their position at the World Cup Finals in Lyon, France
Highlights of the schedule include the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake on Thursday, the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier presented by Double H Farm and Windsor Show Stables on Friday and the $50,000 Hermes Classic on Saturday. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. EST.
The American Gold Cup will also feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers and Open Jumpers. New this year, the Zone 2 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena.
Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.
What: The $200,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W
When: September 11-15, 2013
Where: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY
Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon
Sunday: Gates open at 11 a.m. with family activities with the $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W at 2 p.m.
Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.
Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.
Parking:
Available on the grounds
Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.
Information:
Before Show – before 9/7/12 941-744-5465 800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610 ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457
Televised Broadcast: The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.
Tickets:
Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $15 per person, $10 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.
The Jockey Club offers full service gourmet cuisine and beverages for tables of six and eight. Click here to reserve your Jockey Club table. New this year, The American Gold Cup is adding luxury suites for parties of 10 or more on the second floor of the Jockey Club. For more information and to reserve your American Gold Cup luxury suite, contact Matt Morrissey at: matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com.
Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all weather German-designed fiber and sand.
Brewster, NY 5-10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011
Mt. Kisco, NY 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600
Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256
Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: 941-744-5465
Fax: 941-744-0874
Madden, Sweetnam, and Swail Also Win on Opening Day of ‘North American’ Tournament
Calgary, AB – July 3, 2013 – The ‘North American’ Tournament CSI 5* started today with four major competitions in the International Ring. The winner of the $35,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.60m was Cameron Hanley (IRL) on Antello. In the $33,000 AON Cup 1.50m, Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo were fastest in the jump-off. The $33,000 Suncast Cup 1.45m victory went to Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on Solerina, while Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise were fastest in the $33,000 Friends of the Meadows 1.45m.
The ‘North American’ Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features the $200,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup on Saturday, July 6, and the $140,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby on Sunday, July 7.
The $35,000 Sun Life Financial ‘Reach for the Sun’ 1.60m competition had 21 entries. Four advanced to the jump-off and it was Cameron Hanley who was fastest for victory with Antello, a 10-year-old Warmblood gelding by Animo Z x Continue owned by Eleonore Paschoude and Yves Bouvier.
McLain Ward (USA) and Cadence set the time to beat with a clear round in 44.91 seconds, which would hold up for second place. Daniel Bluman (COL) and Sancha LS La Silla placed third with their time of 44.93 seconds. Lauren Tisbo (USA) placed fourth when she and Roundthorn Madios finished in 45.42 seconds.
Hanley and Antello went last and he opened the big horse’s stride up through the long gallops on course. That and a chance at the final oxer gave them victory when they stopped the timers in 42.97 seconds.
“He’s naturally a very quick horse, he covers the ground very quickly, and I just let him roll and everything came up quite nice, like the turn back to the second to last (fence). The great thing about him is he’s so careful that I can just ride him to that last fence and I don’t really have to worry about him knocking it down,” he explained. “He’s always going to try to jump it. As long as I get a reasonably good distance, he should jump it.”
Hanley said that this was probably only the second time that he has pressed for speed in a jump-off with Antello. “The first week here I was clear in the 1.60m and I started to go quick and had a fence down early, so I slowed down. I haven’t really galloped him so much. He’s not a horse I would really do every class very competitive with,” he explained. “But today, last to go, four in the jump-off, I knew they were all really fast riders so I knew I had to go as fast as I could. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip; I was going to take it if I could.”
Today’s win was another step in Hanley’s comeback from a devastating knee injury and resulting 17 surgeries due to infection and complications. It was a special win for him on this horse that he and his brother purchased as a seven-year-old. When Hanley was injured, Michael Whitaker purchased him and brought him along. When Hanley returned to the sport and got new sponsors, he knew the horse they should buy for the grand prix ring. Since they have been back together, they won the grand prix in Wiesbaden, were double clear to help Ireland win the Nations Cup during the ‘Continental’ Tournament, and have now won again.
Hanley expressed, “Once I got him and back in the saddle, it just felt so comfortable sitting on him again. He’s really special, and we fit each other really well. We suit each other’s personalities, I guess. I’m quite easygoing and he’s quite lively, so we cancel each other out.”
This is Hanley’s fourth time competing at Spruce Meadows, and he noted, “It’s an amazing show and I’m really delighted to go in and raise the trophy. All wins are special, but now especially I take nothing for granted. Something like today, it means a lot for me.”
Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo
Beezie Madden Rides to Victory
There were 46 entries in the $33,000 AON Cup 1.50m, and five of those found the path to a clear round and tackled the shortened course. From those, Beezie Madden was fastest to win on Coral Reef Via Volo, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Clinton x Heartbreaker owned by Coral Reef Ranch.
First into the jump-off was Nick Dello Joio (USA) on Carlos VHP Z owned by EM Horses. They put down a quick, clear round in 41.82 seconds, which would slot into fourth place. Next in was Antonio Maurer (MEX) on Charro owned by Salvador Onate. They had eight faults in 41.38 seconds for fifth place.
Pablo Barrios (VEN) and Zara Leandra, owned by ZL Group Inc., set the next time to beat at 39.69 seconds, but it would not be quite enough. They would finish in second place.
Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo then took the lead with a time of 39.36 seconds. Madden said of her jump-off ride, “I did the leave out, which was six (strides) up the first line. I think I actually got a little wide and not quite as fast to fence three. I tried to make up some time after that. I was quick to the double verticals and quick down the last line.”
Shane Sweetnam (IRL) tried to make it two wins in a row, but he was just off the time in 39.81 seconds with Sweet Oak Farm’s Fineman. They placed third.
“We’ve been together for a while now, so we have confidence in each other,” Madden said of her partnership with Coral Reef Via Volo. “Sometimes she’s difficult about one end of the ring or the corners of the ring, but she’s getting more and more used to this ring. (And) she’s getting more seasoned now and less things bother her.”
While Madden showed in Europe the past two weeks, Via Volo had two weeks rest from showing. “She felt good and fresh. I had to work her a little bit this morning! She felt great, which was good. I did this so I could qualify for the 1.50m on Saturday. She’ll do that and then the derby on Sunday,” Madden noted.
Sweetnam and Solerina Keep Early Lead
Shane Sweetnam and Solerina
Riding out of the fifth position in the order, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Solerina were able to keep the lead through the entire competition. They set a very quick time of 64.70 seconds with no faults to win the $33,000 Suncast Cup 1.45m out of 48 total entries. The next fastest to finish in second place was another early in the order – Katie Dinan (USA) and Glory Days went second in the order and were clear in 66.36 seconds. Third place went to Francois Mathy (BEL) and Opus PSG, were finished in 70.16 seconds.
Sweetnam and Solerina, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Cruising x Diamond Lad owned by Sweet Oak Farm, did not have to go all out to win, and Sweetnam said he was surprised that his time held up.
He acknowledged, “I thought I’d finish in the top three, especially with Kent and Brianne and plenty of people there that I thought would catch me.” He also said that while it was quick, he left some in the tank for Solerina. “There was more. I’m still trying to keep her relaxed in there. I did think I could have been faster, maybe two seconds faster, but I tried to keep close enough to my plan and keep her within her range. I didn’t want to run her too fast and get her upset about things.”
Keeping Solerina happy is something that Sweetnam works on, and it includes an unusual item in her stall – a television. Sweetnam described her as a typical chestnut mare, “more than anybody,” and that he tries to work with her personality.
“She’s a bit quirky. I was wondering how she would be up here because there is a lot to look at here in the rings. It’s not out of badness, it’s more nerves. If you can keep her in the same routine all the time, she’s fine,” he explained. “She’s afraid of the TV (screens), so we have one in her stall. She’s watching ‘The Top 100 Moments of Spruce Meadows’ right now!”
Conor Swail and Martha Louise
Swail and Martha Louise Are Fastest
The $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m was the first competition of the day in the International Ring. There were 47 combinations in the speed format, and it was Conor Swail of Ireland who was fastest with Martha Louise, a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. They sped around the course in 63.50 seconds.
Second place went to John Perez (COL) on Utopia in 64.72 seconds, while Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Wang Chung M2S were third in 65.44 seconds.
This was Martha Louise’s first win, although she has placed in eight out of nine competitions at the Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments. Swail was happy to be back in the International Ring and noted, “She felt very good today. She was in here week one and then she has been a few weeks away (in other rings). When she went back in, I thought she felt more comfortable. She handled it very well. She jumped lovely.”
Despite losing his stirrup going into the double combination, Swail was able to ride through it and regain his stirrup before the next oxer. “It affected me. I think it’s nearly worse losing one because you have no balance. She didn’t jump the in and out particularly well I think because of me, where I was (with) my balance, but she was good to leave that double up,” Swail pointed out. “I was probably lucky that I have nice quality because she tries to do her best.”
While Swail got the win, he did not have to go all out today for victory. “Honestly, I think there was a bit left there today. It certainly wasn’t the fastest round that I’ve ever had with her. In that respect, it is nice to come out on top and not have them going crazy,” he said.
Swail originally purchased Martha Louise two years ago and she has been a consistent winner for him. She moved up to the higher levels this winter in Florida. “Since Sue (Grange) bought her, she has been absolutely amazing,” he commented. “She is just such a consistent horse. She is a really versatile mare; she can do many jobs. She did the grand prix last week, which was very big for her, but she handled it very well.”
Martha Louise is leading the Horse Health Care Championship presented by Pfizer Equine Division and Moore Equine Veterinary Clinic, which is awarded on Friday, July 5, to the horse/rider combination who accumulates the most points throughout the 1.45m Derby Series. Swail hopes that she will able to take that top prize.
Swail said that Martha Louise is not your typical chestnut mare. “She’s not like a mare at all, she is just so nice. She is so laid back. I think her temperament is the best part of her because she is very willing to do anything and try anything. When she goes in, she is laid back, but at the same time very careful and I think that is a great quality,” he said.
What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?
Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food and shopping. Limited Reserved Seating tickets are also available – for full details, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.
Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 will feature the Royal Occasion Brunch – all are welcome to join us at the royally inspired breakfast from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm in the Meadowgreen Building, adjacent to the Meadows on the Green Ring. Fresh berries and cream, scones, pancakes, sausages and more will be complimentary to the first 3,000 guests. In light of the recent flood in Southern Alberta, Rush Seating for Saturday and Sunday will be complimentary. Reserved Seating and Club International tickets are available on our website in advance.
Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest featuring a chance to name future show jumping star and a trip to the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.
The ‘North American’ continues tomorrow with the $33,000 Horse Health Cup 1.45m, $35,000 Process Energy Cup 1.50m, and the $35,000 PwC Cup 1.60m. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Calgary, AB – June 16, 2013 – The ‘Continental’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows finished with a fantastic day of competition, including another big victory for Kent Farrington and Uceko in the $200,000 CN Performance Grand Prix CSI-W, the second week in a row that they have won the grand prix. Beezie Madden (USA) and Coral Reef Via Volo won the $60,000 Great-West Life Cup 1.50m. The Spruce Meadows Summer Tournaments will continue on June 25-30 with the ‘Canada One’ Tournament CSI-W 4*.
Course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela tested the riders today with a technical track, but six were able to find the clear path to the jump-off. First in was McLain Ward (USA) on Rothchild, owned by Sagamore Farm. They were the fastest pair of the day in 44.327 seconds, but it came at the price of four faults at the second jump. They would finish in fifth place.
Reed Kessler (USA) and Cylana were clear in 46.810 seconds, but it wasn’t quite enough to pull out the win today. Kessler has had a string of second place finishes at this year’s Spruce Meadows, including one earlier in the morning in the 1.50m with Mika.
She laughed, “I’m living under some kind of a curse; I’ve been second about 25 times in a row now! I actually had a feeling he would beat me, going after me. I came in a little fast to that combination in the first round, and she was quite good to me. I wanted, out of that big gallop, to really make sure I gave her a better chance this round. He did the big 10 strides to (fence) 10c, which I could have done. But that’s kind of the way it goes early in the jump-off. It’s just making me hungrier I guess!”
Reed Kessler and Cylana
Kessler praised Cylana, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Skippy II x Darco, and their teamwork. “She was fantastic. I thought I wasn’t totally spot-on in the first round. It’s part of being a team. She was definitely on today and she carried me through the first round. I’m happy with my second place finish. I wish I could have beaten him, but there are still a few weeks left,” she said with smile.
Farrington and Uceko were next in the jump-off, and they set out in a huge gallop before they even crossed the start timers. Everything came up smoothly for them, and they left out a stride to a wide oxer, the second to last fence in the jump-off. They stopped the timers in 44.469 seconds to take the lead, which no one would be able to catch.
Farrington said rather than trying to only catch Kessler’s time, he was also trying to think about the fast horses and riders who would follow him. “Beezie was on the horse that won the World Cup Finals and is one of the best riders in the world on a fast horse. Charlie Jayne has a very big gallop on that horse, similar to mine. I thought they were both real threats coming after me,” he acknowledged. “It was more about sticking to my own strategy (and) using my horse’s strengths, which are his bravery and his great gallop. I just let him open up right from the start and didn’t let up.”
Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Simon wouldn’t threaten Farrington’s time. They were clear, but their slower time of 48.197 seconds would leave them in fourth place.
Charlie Jayne and Alex R. Jayne’s Chill R Z, a 10-year-old Zangersheide stallion by Chellano Z x A Lucky One, had a dramatic start to their jump-off with a long gallop around the ring before the first jump, but it didn’t quite work out as planned. After drifting right after the first jump, they added in a stride from what Farrington did in the first line. Following that, Jayne let off the gas pedal a bit.
Jayne remarked, “I started galloping about 50 strides away and the wrong one happened to show up. The 16 foot rails are very impressive here. That was the one jump in the first round that he didn’t jump well, the CN oxer that was jump three in the first round. It was fence one in the jump-off, so I was a little worried that he was going to be backed off. He didn’t back off, but I got a little too deep and shifted right.”
He continued, “I just made a decision after I got 12 (strides) to fence two that I was going to try and go for a clear round. I was really happy with the way he went. He’d been knocking on the door the last two weeks. I’ve been making little rider errors, so I was happy that I fixed those for today.”
Jayne added, “I wanted to say thank you to CN for being such a long-time sponsor for the sport. They’ve done amazing things for this sport, along with Spruce Meadows, so thank you.”
The final horse in the jump-off was Ilan Ferder’s Baronez with Kirsten Coe. They had a rail at the second to last jump to finish with four faults in 47.821 seconds for sixth place.
Uceko, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Celano x Koriander owned by RCG Farm, is a horse that knows what he’s doing now and “doesn’t need experience,” Farrington said. Before the competition, “he felt wild; that’s how he’s at his best,” he added. “We keep him fresh and don’t over-show him. My job is to manage his career and make it last as long as I can,” Farrington commented.
By winning the first two grand prix competitions of the season, Farrington won a CN Bronze Spike and a $50,000 bonus through the CN $1,000,000 Precision Series. If Farrington and Uceko are victorious in the Atco Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup during the ‘North American’, they will receive a CN Silver Spike and $450,000. The million dollar series will conclude with the CN International Grand Prix during the ‘Masters’, where an additional $500,000 bonus will be on the line if Farrington can come up with the winning formula once again.
Regarding the Series, Farrington said, “It’s a great start, now we have to keep being great. We have to see if we’re up for the challenge, but we’ll give it our best shot.” When asked how he’ll spend his bonus money, he said, “I’ll put it away and forget about it for a little while and just stay focused on what’s still left to do here. I’ll buy a few rounds at the pub for everybody! It’s difficult to win anywhere, especially here in these classes with top competitors and big jumps. Two rounds of a serious course at Queen Elizabeth and the Masters, it’s certainly not going to be easy.”
Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo
Madden Shows How It’s Done in 1.50m
Of the 37 entries in the competition and nine in the jump-off, it was Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare by Clinton x Heartbreaker, who rose to the top of the competition in the $60,000 Great-West Life Cup 1.50m. They put down a clear round in a time of 42.10 seconds for victory. Second place went to Reed Kessler and Mika, who were clear in 43.31 seconds. Katie Dinan (USA) and Glory Days were third with no faults in a time of 43.78 seconds.
Madden smoothly executed an inside turn after the fourth jump, which set her up for a good line to the next skinny vertical. “I thought it would be faster,” she said. “I went in and looked at it when I went in, so I could see it from a horse and it for sure gave you a better line after the skinny so you didn’t have to slow down so much, in order to make the turn after it. I know she turns left so well, that she would jump a little left after that and spin inside there, and I would end up being able to do that fast.”
Madden said that the first round course was hard for Via Volo “because a lot of the lines were steady,” but if she can “just keep hunting along, she’s usually pretty fast.” She explained, “She has a big stride and the less I can fight with her, the better. She really handled it well. When I asked her to do something, she responded.”
While Via Volo can be quirky about her surroundings, she was all business today. “She’s always looking around; she doesn’t miss much,” Madden agreed. “For sure, she gets looking at things other than the fences sometimes and you have to try and keep her focus on the fence. Today she felt great. She was a little funny from (fences) one to two in the first round, but then she was right down to business.”
The next week of competition is the ‘Canada One’ Tournament on June 25-30, which will include the $50,000 RBC Royal Bank Cup and the $100,000 Esso Imperial Oil Challenge CSI-W. For more information on Spruce Meadows and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Lucas Porter Captures Mercer Junior/Amateur 1.40m Win
Calgary, AB – June 7, 2013 – Beezie Madden led the victory gallop in both competitions in the International Ring today. In the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m, she and Amadora found the path to win. The $35,000 ATCO Energy Solutions Cup 1.45m had a field of 62 competitors, and it was Madden and Wrigley who were fastest in the jump-off. Fifteen-year-old Lucas Porter rode Phineas to victory in the $10,000 Mercer Junior/Amateur 1.40m.
The ‘National’ Tournament continues through Sunday, June 9. Weekend highlights include the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix, CSI-W, on Saturday, June 8, at 2 pm and the $175,000 Nexen Cup 1.60m Derby on Sunday, June 9, at 2:30 pm.
The $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup 1.50m was the feature event and was held in the winning round format. The top 25 placed horses from the Enbridge Cup on Wednesday qualified for today’s competition. From the top 25, the top eight returned to compete over a shortened course to determine the winner.
Madden and Amadora, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Chin Chin x Indoctro owned by Abigail Wexner, were clear in the jump-off and able to set the winning time at 42.18 seconds, despite adding a stride to the last jump.
“For sure to the last fence I got a little Edward Scissorhands-ish there!” Madden laughed. “I thought I was going pretty good until after the double combination. I could have been a little faster to the coin (jump) and for sure a lot faster to the last.”
Second place went to Enrique Gonzalez (MEX) on Quilebo D Tillard, who were also clear in 43.79 seconds. Meagan Nusz (USA) and Dynamo, owned by Amalaya Investments, were third in a time of 49.47 seconds.
Madden is second in the All-Time Money Won List at Spruce Meadows, and her two wins today have helped inch her toward first place, currently held by Canadian Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze. Madden won this class last year with another mount, Mademoiselle.
Amadora has been in the Maddens’ barn since she was five years old, and it has taken time to get the “sensitive” mare on a consistently winning track. “We knew she always had a lot of quality. She’s been a little bit of a project,” Madden described. “Although she’s very nice to ride, she actually has a lot of blood and a bit of a fight in her. When that fight went in the right direction, we knew we’d have a good horse. It’s been an up and down road, but she’s starting to get more consistent now. We can count on her.”
Enrique Gonzalez had an unfortunate fall outside the ring before the awards ceremony, so he was unable to attend the press conference.
Meagan Nusz was there and spoke about her plan going into the jump-off. “I knew the few before me had rails and I knew who was coming behind me. I thought if I could just put in a good, clean round, that would be good for me. This is only my second year to show in the International Ring. My main strategy was just to stay clean.”
Nusz has ridden Dynamo for almost three years and said when she brought him to Spruce Meadows last year for the first time, he “grew into himself.” She explained, “He was a completely different horse. He loves the grass, he loves Spruce Meadows, he loves the ribbon presentations, everything about it, which is great for me. He jumps awesome here and gives me a lot of confidence.”
Nusz will continue to show at Spruce Meadows before traveling to Europe, where she will represent the United States at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Beezie Madden and Wrigley
Madden’s First Win of the Day in ATCO Energy Solutions Cup
The $35,000 ATCO Energy Solutions Cup 1.45m had the largest starting field of the day with 62 entries, and 10 qualified for the jump-off. Leading the pack with a time of 38.72 seconds was Olympic gold medalist and 2013 FEI World Cup Finals winner Beezie Madden on Wrigley, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Padinus x Burggaaf owned by John Madden Sales, Inc.
Second place went to Jonathan McCrea (USA) and Twisther, owned by Candy Tribble, who had a jump-off time of 39.27 seconds. Katie Dinan (USA) and Grant Road Partners’ Glory Days were third in 39.61 seconds.
Madden said of the track, “It was a tough enough course with the time allowed factor. You needed a little speed in the first round. The jump-off, I didn’t see anybody go, but my husband told me it was quite fast. I just tried to go as fast as I could. I think I was pretty fast from the triple bar to the double (combination), and then I was really fast over to the coin jump.”
While Madden just got the ride on Wrigley this year, she knows the mare quite well; former student Callie Schott used to ride the grey mare for her and husband John Madden’s business, John Madden Sales. She described, “Wrigley started very late in her career. She’s had two foals, I think. She wasn’t even broke to ride until she was five years old. She is a little green for what she’s done, but she’s game.”
She went on to say, “She’s brave and careful. She’s a naturally fast horse too; she covers the ground pretty quick. You can run her and she stays careful. She has a funny mouth, but she’s not really strong. Like I can not be afraid to run her over to the coin jump and she’s going to slow down when I stop pushing. That’s always a nice feeling.”
Madden said it was nice to win already, and she feels good about showing Simon in tomorrow’s $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix CSI-W 5*. The ‘National’ is their first competition back after they won the FEI World Cup Finals in April.
Lucas Porter and Phineas
Lucas Porter and Phineas Race to Mercer Junior/Amateur-Owner Victory
In his biggest win yet at Spruce Meadows, 15-year-old Lucas Porter of Bartonville, TX, raced through the jump-off on Phineas, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Lamentos x Quattro B owned by Sleepy P Ranch LLC, to win the $10,000 Mercer Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m. He beat 27 entries in the competition and six others in the jump-off for victory in 38.943 seconds.
Beatriz Franco Sol (MEX) and Melody de la Fosse set the early pace in 39.085 seconds, which would hold up for second place. Third place went to Catherine Tyree (USA) and Don’t Go, who stopped the timers in 39.573 seconds.
Porter recounted, “I knew Beatriz who was leading did nine (strides) from (fences) one to two, which was a turn. With his stride, I could do a fast eight (strides). That’s where I made up my time. Other than that, I basically matched her. She was so fast.”
Porter “inherited” Phineas from his older brother Wilton, who rode him for two years. Porter and the bay gelding started together in the Low Junior Jumpers and moved up the 1.40m level. They were selected for the U.S. team at the FEI Junior Nations Cup in Wellington this past March.
“He’s just been awesome,” Porter described. “He’s extremely careful, really fast, and he has a little bit of a short stride, but that makes the lines quick. I can do quick adds. He sometimes gets a little spooky, but you just have to ride him through it and he gets over it. Once he’s in the ring, he goes into a different mindset and is all focus.”
Porter credited his trainer John Roche for his biggest win at Spruce Meadows in the three years he’s been coming here. “He’s been an amazing help. I’ve won a couple times, but not as big of a class as this one. It’s pretty amazing. I didn’t actually think I was quick enough in the jump-off, but I guess my kick through the last really did it.”
The ‘National’ Tournament CSI-W 5* continues tomorrow with the highlight event of the week, the $400,000 CN Reliability Grand Prix, CSI-W 5* at 2 pm. Also held in the International Ring will be the $60,000 Transcanada Parcours de Chasse 1.45m Speed. For more information on Spruce Meadows and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
What Can You Do at Spruce Meadows?
Spruce Meadows includes affordable fun for the whole family. With admission starting at only $5 per person, and children (12 & under) and seniors (65 & up) free, it is the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a day of show jumping, activities, delicious food, and shopping.
From Friday through Sunday, there will be a number of activities for the whole family (all included in your admission to Spruce Meadows) such as Pony Rides, presented by Kozy Shack, the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs, presented by RE/MAX, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, children’s games in the Garden Court Restaurant and more! Delicious food is offered throughout the grounds, featuring a healthy menu at the Garden Court Restaurant, a wide range of options at the Time Faults Public House, and International Fare in the Plaza.
Looking to test your luck? Spruce Meadows has several contest options for those wanting to win excellent prizes, including the Jump to It contest, with a chance to win a full set of jumps, the CN/Sun Media Name the Foal contest, and the Win a Year contest, with a chance to win a year of access to all Spruce Meadows events. If you are looking for some retail therapy, vendors in the Gallery on the Green and Vendor Village offer an excellent variety of gifts and services, both equine and non-equine in nature.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Spruce Meadows is the brainchild of the Southern family who built a Show Jumping complex at the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains. It was in 1976 that the first Spruce Tournaments were held, with annual spectator attendances reaching over 50,000 by the end of the decade. Today, Spruce Meadows boasts one of the greatest outdoor equestrian venues in the world and offers an incredible experience for riders and fans alike. Spruce Meadows focuses on the organization and hosting of show jumping tournaments of unmatched quality for junior, amateur and professional athletes in a manner that reflects basic family values in a clean, green and welcoming environment that celebrates the horse and encourages the breeding and training of quality sport horses and the teaching and development of athletes. For more information on Spruce Meadows, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Beezie Madden & Simon (Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group)
Gothenburg, Sweden – The 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final came to an exciting yet familiar conclusion Sunday in front of a packed house in the Scandinavum Arena. In the first of two rounds, Course Designer Uliano Vezzani tested 23 horse and rider combinations over a demanding track composed of 12 obstacles that did not yield a single clear round. The number of competitors was then whittled to 17 for the 11 obstacle second round with two riders producing flawless efforts. But for a second consecutive year, four rounds would not be enough to determine a champion and again an American and Swiss competitor would jump-off.
The United States’ Beezie Madden and Steve Guerdat of Switzerland each ended on a four round total of nine faults. In a replay of the 2012 Final, Guerdat riding his 2012 Olympic Individual Gold medalist Nino Des Buissonnets, would be forced to jump off against a U.S. partnership that was known for turning in quick and efficient trips. Last year it was Rich Fellers and Flexible but in 2013 Madden (Cazenovia, NY) and Abigail Wexner’s impressive 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Simon were looking to keep the title in the United States.
Madden and Simon, the winners of Thursday’s Speed Leg, entered Sunday’s first round on a single fault in second place and were poised to jump a clear round until just rolling the pole coming out of the double at five. Their four fault round was good enough to move them to the head of the field going into round two. In the second round, the pair again jumped a beautiful round only to be marred by a single rail down (11A) and stand on a total of nine faults.
“It’s been a fantastic week. The first leg was one of those rounds where everything came up. Friday, I was happy with the first round and I was kicking myself for the jump-off,” said Madden, recapping her performances earlier in the week. “I was disappointed (today) I would have liked to have gone clear in the second round but you have to shake that off and concentrate on the jump-off.”
Guerdat was one of two to go clear in Sunday’s second round to also lay on nine faults. The 2012 Final runners-up again entered as the first pair in the jump-off and set a lightning fast pace from the very beginning but faulted at the final two fences.
With Madden following him into the jump-off, Guerdat knew that he would need to produce a scorching time if he were to claim top honors.
“I know she’s a very fast rider, so I had to try.”
Once she saw that Guerdat had two rails down, the double Olympic Team Gold medalist knew all she had to do was leave all the rails in place and be careful to not exceed the time allowed. Madden and Simon returned to the arena for a final time and the hard-trying, careful gelding produced a steady clear to earn the 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final title.
“The cards laid out right for me today. Steve made a great jump up on the leaderboard and the door was left open for me in the jump-off,” said Madden.
The veteran rider has claimed many of the most prestigious honors in the sport including Team and Individual medals at the Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games. However, a Rolex/FEI World Cup Final title had eluded her until today.
“It’s been a dream of mine to win the World Cup and I can’t believe I’ve done it,” said Madden. “It’s a title I’ve always wanted to win and the closest I had been before was fourth so it was a nice jump to make.”
Madden was joined by five other Americans in Sunday’s final as McLain Ward, Reed Kessler, Karl Cook, Katie Dinan and Charlie Jayne also completed both rounds.
Three-time Olympian McLain Ward (Brewster, NY) produced a fifth place finish overall with Grant Road Partner LLC’s Super Trooper De Ness on a score of 13 faults. In Sunday’s first round, the scopey 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion jumped a near flawless round just adding four faults at the sixth oxer. The pair returned in round two with a podium finish on their mind but were one of many to get caught out in the triple combination adding four faults at 4C.
Rounding out the U.S. competitors in the top ten was 18-year-old Reed Kessler and her 2012 Olympic Games partner the 11-year-old Belgian mare Cylana. Kessler (Lexington, KY) was making her Rolex/FEI World Cup debut this week in Gothenburg and produced an eight fault total in Sunday’s first round after dislodging rails at fences 5B and 9B. In round two, she again incurred eight faults: rolling poles at 4C and 5.
Kessler finished in 10th place on 25 faults.
Directly behind Kessler in the 11th place was Karl Cook (Woodside, CA) riding Signe Ostby’s 11-year-old Zangerscheide stallion Jonkheer Z to four fault totals in both rounds. They completed their first Final appearance on a score of 28 faults.
Completing the U.S. effort were Dinan and Jayne. Riding Grant Road Partners LLC’s 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding Nougat De Vallet, Dinan (Wellington, FL) jumped eight and 12 fault rounds respectively to finish on a score of 38 in 16th place. Like Kessler and Cook, the 19-year-old was also riding in her first Final. Jayne (Elgin, IL) and Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher’s 10-year-old Zangerscheide stallion Chill R Z produced an eight fault trip in round one. But 20 faults in the second round left the 2012 Olympic reserve combination in 17th place on 44 faults.
Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) also qualified to represent the United States in Sunday’s final but chose to save R.C.G. Farm’s Uceko for another day.
Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was pleased with the results of all the U.S. combinations this week.
“We’re very excited; we made this a huge goal. This was a priority; not just winning but really doing better with all our riders in the running and we saw that today,” said Ridland. “It was just icing on the cake that Beezie won.”
