Tag Archives: Conor Swail

Competitions, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Conor Swail and Ariana Win Week 4 Wellington Turf Tour 1.40m Grand Prix

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Conor Swail and Ariana.

Week 5 at Wanderer’s Club on Wednesday and Saturday

Wellington, FL – January 30, 2015 – The competition was fierce Friday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) as The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour completed its fourth week of competition. Conor Swail and Ariana were the trailblazers, leading the class from start to finish with their phenomenal double clear effort completed 31.860 seconds. Alexander Zetterman and Avon finished in second place with a time of 34.072 seconds, while Andrew Bourns and Tzargazer rounded out the top three with their time of 34.372 seconds.

Over 50 horse and rider combinations gathered on the polo field at IPC, vying for the $15,000 offered in prize money for the fourth of 12 Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour 1.40m Grand Prix. Nick Granat designed the course for the day, setting a technical track that proved for a heart thumping jump-off.

Brianne Goutal was the first horse to post a double clear effort and continue onto the shortened track. She rode Ballade Van Het Indihof to the time of 34.960 seconds. The 2014 Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour Leading Rider Jeffery Welles aboard Callais followed her to the second clean round of the day, but his time of 36.350 seconds would only prove good enough for the tenth place, while Goutal would finish fifth.

Goutal said, “All of us riders are really grateful to have The Ridge as an option to come and jump away from the show grounds – it is a nice change of pace and atmosphere. It is always really fun to jump on grass. The weather and everything couldn’t have been better here today. Nona [Garson] and George [D’Ambrosio] do an amazing job maintaining everything. The management really shows.”

Current leading rider Conor Swail aboard Ariana cleared the first course with ease and moved into the jump-off. They were smoking as they covered the ground and completed all the possible options to shave the seconds, with Swail never touching the reins. As only the twelfth rider of the day, Swail admitted that he was riding fast with the hopes of staying in the top three by the end of the competition.

“The jump-off today was short, so it meant that I had to be very fast,” Swail said. “I left out a stride from one to two, then I did a good rollback. It was important to cover the ground efficiently. She was very good to jump the double today and we left out a stride to the final fence. I didn’t leave too much room out there, but I knew I was going to have to run quite hard; there are some great riders here.”

Swail continued, “Ariana is about 14 years old, and this is her first show since Toronto. The facilities are so great here to start your horses back. It is a great environment and good ground. It is a beautiful arena. She is well qualified to do this. She was my top horse over the winter, and she won some top classes over there. She jumped great today, as she always does. I always like to say that it is good enough for top three. I had a good day, so I am very pleased.”

Zetterman attempted to catch Swail’s speed with Avon later in the day, but he broke the beam two seconds behind Swail’s blazing time, surpassing Andrew Bourns with Tzargazer who finished in 34.372. Juan Andres Rodriguez completed the jump-off just behind Bourns in 34.372 seconds aboard Bugatti for the fourth place.

It seemed as though nobody would catch Swail’s time, but Sharn Worldey and Popstar Lozonais flew around the shortened course, racing to trip the timers. They nearly took over the lead with their time of 31.351 seconds, but four faults in the penultimate obstacle, a technical double combination, would put them out of the rankings.

Beth Underhill and Viggo finished sixth behind Goutal in 35.203 seconds, while Charley, with Juan Ortiz in the irons, captured the seventh place in 35.342 seconds. Angela Covert and Utan completed the day in eighth.

“We are getting set up for the rest of the season, and it is great to come and show over here. I try to bring a couple of horses every week. It is great to start with your better horses and bring your younger horses here and improve them,” Swail concluded.

Running concurrently in the second ring were the long-awaited schooling jumpers and classics. It was Sierra Ucci Peddie who rode to the win in the $2,000 M&S/NAL WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic with Big Easy. Paul Yanke and Carle captured the $3,000 NAL Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic victory.

“I think that this is a great opportunity for people that want to come and compete while having a good time,” Peddie said. “I think that it is definitely worth the trip out here, and I think everyone, horse and rider, will have a good experience. The courses were great, and it really was a good time showing.”

The Wanderer’s Club will host the fifth week of The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour, at their private facility boasting a pristine polo field that will showcase the best show jumping has to offer. Both Wednesday and Saturday’s events promise to be exciting, with the 1.30m-1.35m classes and the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix running from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The turf will see low and medium schooling jumpers with two classes running concurrently offered at each height on both days. The schooling jumper classes will continue to be offered on Friday throughout the remainder of the Turf Tour.

For week five of the Wellington Turf Tour, Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide a complimentary shuttle to and from the Wanderer’s Club in Wellington, FL, on Wednesday and Saturday. Parking and space is limited, so please arrange to make plans to jump on one of Wellington’s most prestigious turfs. The Ridge would like to thank their most recent sponsor, Dover Saddlery, for their support of the 12-week series as the cooler and banner sponsor.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Simba de la Roque Top $34,000 1.45m Speed at WEF

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Conor Swail and Simba de la Roque. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 21, 2015 – Ireland’s Conor Swail began the third week of competition at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) just as he left off in week two, with another trip to the winner’s circle. After topping Sunday’s $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic riding Susan and Ariel Grange’s Martha Louise, Swail won Wednesday’s $34,000 FEI 1.45m speed class aboard his own Simba de la Roque, a nine-year-old Selle Francais gelding by Kannan x Allegreto.

Sponsored by Adequan®, WEF 3 runs January 21-25, 2015. The week’s feature event is the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, January 24. The 12-week WEF circuit continues through March 29, awarding over $8.2 million in prize money.

Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) is the course designer in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for week three. Palacios kicked things off with 63 entries in the 1.45m speed class and saw 31 clear rounds with increasingly fast times.

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) finished fourth in 55.90 seconds aboard Spy Coast Farm LLC’s Cyklon 1083. Emanuel Andrade (VEN) placed third aboard his own Nokia de Brekka in 55.13 seconds, and Abigail McArdle (USA) guided David McArdle’s Cosma 20 to second place honors in 54.76 seconds. Swail and Simba de la Roque finished well ahead of the others with the fastest round of the day in 53.06 seconds.

While Swail proudly capped off week two with his 1.50m win for owners Susan and Ariel Grange, Wednesday’s win was special for the rider in a different way, competing a horse that he owns himself.

“I bought him in November, and he has just jumped four times,” Swail said of Simba de la Roque. “I did a 1.30m schooling class and then a 1.40m jump-off and he was double clear. I did another 1.45m and he won that, and this was his next class and he has won that as well.”

Swail bought Simba de la Roque from French rider Marie Hecart, whose father bred the horse. The nine-year-old gelding had a few different owners, but was reconnected with Hecart last year when she was riding for one of them.

“He is a lovely horse,” Swail stated. “Marie had some good results with him as an eight-year-old, and so far, so good with me. He is very fast. He seems to have plenty of power, and he has a big stride.”

“That was fun today,” the rider smiled. “With that course, you had to run a little bit. For some horses, it can be difficult for them to run so fast and stay careful and calm. Obviously a few people decided not to overdo it today, but there were enough.”

“I should have caught jump one a little better and the five-stride got a little far. I had to run right across,” Swail detailed on his round. “I think after that he was very good. He was very efficient. I jumped into the last double very hot, and I think he was very good to me there. I was going very fast, and I was a little off. He was very good to jump in and out of that because that was a tricky jump to jump. He really helped me out there. I think a lot of people took more time to that. They were much safer, whereas I took a lot of risk there. I think that is probably one of the places where I gained a lot of time.”

Swail looks forward to developing his partnership with Simba de la Roque throughout the winter and hopes to step the horse up to the next level.

“He will do the next 1.45m and maybe the 1.50m this week,” he noted. “It is just a learning curve. I think there is a lot more left in him and once we get to know each other he could possibly do a few 1.50m classes and maybe even a little more. He is a very exciting horse to have, and it is nice to own him myself too.”

“It was a good day,” Swail concluded. “I thought the horse was fabulous. He is fast. I never realized how fast he was. He won quite well and no one could get near him, so that is good going forward. I think once we get to know each other better we will be able to smooth things out and get more efficient and do it better, so I am excited about him.”

Also showing on Wednesday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed was held in a California Split with 145 total entries. Laura Chapot (USA) took the top two positions in Section A with her own Bradberry and Mary Chapot’s Shooting Star. Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) topped Section B with Jacobo Zaga’s Calvaretto, and Heather Caristo Williams took the second place prize aboard Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Caristo’s Balou’s Fly High.

Week three of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues on Thursday with the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 in the International Arena. The Shapley’s Green Conformation Hunters will conclude their championship in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Victorious in $34,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

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Conor Swail and Martha Louise. Photos © Sportfot.

Kelli Cruciotti Wins $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix; Boneparte Z and Ellie Ferrigno Finish as Champions of the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded its second week of competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, on Sunday with a win for Ireland’s Conor Swail and Martha Louise in the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Earlier in the day, Kelli Cruciotti and Chamonix H were victorious in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider. Ellie Ferrigno and Boneparte Z won the championship in the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″ division.

Course designer Luc Musette finished the week with 34 rounds in the 1.50m competition with six to jump-off. Swail and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Martha Louise cleared the short course in 37.23 seconds for the win over Brianne Goutal (USA) and Remarkable Farms LP’s Wirma in 38.49 seconds. Kelsey Thatcher (USA) and Pony Lane Farm’s Everything finished third in 39.26 seconds. Eric Lamaze (CAN) was fourth in 39.47 seconds with Artisan Farms LLC’s Coco Bongo.

Following a successful year with several wins at Spruce Meadows, Martha Louise had a long break and came back fresh and in top form last week after not jumping since September. The 11-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare (Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang) is known for her speed and put it to the test with an excellent round on Sunday.

“We started her off last week, and she jumped very well,” Swail said after the class. “She probably should have been second in the grand prix last week, but I made a little mistake on her. Then she jumped a good first half of the WEF (Challenge Cup) on Thursday. It was a little bit disappointing in the second half of it, but then you go away and you think about what could be better. I think I rode her a little better and gave her a little more confidence and today she was totally amazing. I thought she was great.”

Commenting on his jump-of, Swail explained, “There were a few options and I had an early draw and there were a few quick ones behind me, so I think you had to just have a good, tight round. From jumps one to two, I got a good shot. I went wide in the seven-stride. Maybe six was an option there, but I decided to go seven. She was very good back to the liverpool and the vertical, left one out to the next one, and got a very good turn back to the double of verticals. Then I thought she was quite good coming home. I knew it was going to be close. Brianne jumped very well there. I would say if she had gotten a good shot to the last fence there she would have been close to beating me.”

Swail was especially happy to earn the win on Sunday to cap off an excellent week for owners Susan and Ariel Grange. Their horse, Dixson, was second in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday and stepped up to win Saturday night’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* with Canada’s Ian Millar.

“This a great win. My owners, Sue and Ariel Grange, have had a great week,” Swail acknowledged. “They were second in the WEF, they won the grand prix, they have now won the 1.50m, so they could not really ask for much of a better week. We have great horses and we have a good team of people, so it is great that we have started off so well.”

Seventeen-Year-Old Kelli Cruciotti Wins $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, Presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider

Kelli Cruciotti hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but has already asserted herself as one of the most competitive young riders at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival and a contender in the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, presented by the Dutta Corp. in association with Guido Klatte. From an original order capped at 68, Cruciotti and Chamonix H, owned by Serenity Equestrian Ventures, joined an 18-horse jump-off before taking an early-season win in the $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by Equine Couture/TuffRider. The class is one phase of 2015 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series, which kicked off with Saturday’s Welcome and will offer $170,000 in prize money in seven featured events throughout the circuit.

Cruciotti
Kelli Cruciotti and Chamonix H

Returning 13th in the jump-off, Cruciotti chose an inside turn option to the final two fences that shaved vital seconds off her time and stopped the clock at 38.47. The effort bumped Under 25 Grand Prix Series veteran Nicole Bellissimo and Bellissimo, LLC’s VDL Bellefleur to second with a time of 39 seconds flat. Just fractions slower, Sydney Shulman aboard Jill Shulman’s Venice crossed the timers in 39.70 seconds for third place.

“I wanted to have a nice, forward round and was originally going to do the inside turn,” said Cruciotti. “Then I went back and forth and finally thought I might as well try.” The gamble worked out perfectly for the young rider who is a senior at K12 International Academy and trains with her mother Cindy Cruciotti at Serenity Farm Show Stables in Elizabeth, Colorado.

Cruciotti has been partnered with 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood Chamonix H for two years and is eager to showcase the mare’s talent. “She had a lot of experience before I got her. She has done some 5* classes and I don’t have that much experience, so it’s a nice combination to know my horse has plenty of scope and I can trust her throughout the course,” she said. “I am really looking forward to seeing her do the different classes offered [in the series] from the speed to the team event. It’s a fantastic series, and I have to thank Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, (Dutta Corp.), and Artisan Farms. ”

Riders concurred that Musette’s course was a true test of horse and rider with lines built on the half stride and big, wide oxers. But 21-year-old Bellissimo maintains it was an even bigger test of familiarity. “He set a course where you had to know your horse and whether they could handle the options that were there,” she said. “Walking it I didn’t think 18 would go clear, but there were a lot of exceptionally nice horses and talented riders and you saw that come out over this course.”

Bellissimo also opted for an inside turn and gallop to the final fences of the course, but couldn’t make the win. “I was a little slow from one to two and I got stopped doing the inside turn,” she said. “I didn’t think I was going to do it when I went into the ring. My trainer Candice [King] said to see what happened when I landed. VDL Bellefleur is a really brave horse and I thought that I’d do it and luckily it ended up being okay.”

Bellissimo plans to compete in all classes offered in the Series while juggling a course load at Harvard University where she is currently a Sophomore.

While Cruciotti and Bellissimo have found a rhythm with their horses, it was Shulman’s maiden voyage in the irons of Venice. “I bought this horse a week ago and this is my first horse show on her, so this is very exciting for me. It’s a good start with her,” said 19-year-old Shulman about the nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare. “I knew her in Sweden as a seven-year-old, loved her and I got her. She just started at 1.60m this fall, so it’s all new for her.”

Sunday’s Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix sponsors and equestrian apparel brands Equine Couture and TuffRider were represented by the company’s founders who have returned to the horse show scene after previous involvement at WEF several years ago.

“We feel that being part of something at such a high level really catapults our brands into the limelight,” said Laurie Sharma. “We love and enjoy every second, especially being involved in a grand prix with young, talented riders and to be seen by so many people. This is the equestrian capital of the world, so for us it’s a pure honor.”

Besides sponsoring classes in the Series, Equine Couture/TuffRider truly appreciate the input of up-and-coming riders. “We are happy to continue the association with young rising stars,” said Varun “Timmy” Sharma. “We have an ambassador program starting, and we will be electing from winners of the Series. From the ambassadors, we look forward to getting product ideas and input as to how we can improve.”

While the horizon is bright for the top finishers in this week’s Grand Prix, the future is also promising for the series as a whole. “I’m so pleased about the success of the Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions. “I want to thank the Ziegler family of Artisan Farms, as well as The Dutta Corp. with Guido Klatte and the other sponsors that have joined us for the Series this year. We created this program four years go to provide a path for talented young riders. With 70 horses jogging for the classes this week. With the level of participation increased this year, the enthusiasm for the Series is outstanding.”

The Series gives young riders a valuable stepping-stone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level and culminates with the $50,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series Final. The Final will take place Sunday, March 22 on the grass derby field at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during WEF 11.

Boneparte Z and Ellie Ferrigno Finish as Champions of the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″

Ellie Ferrigno guided Kristi C Siam’s horse, Boneparte Z, to three firsts and a second over fences to finish the final day of hunter competition as the Echo Junior Hunter 3’3″ champion. Only working together for a month, Ferrigno and Boneparte Z looked like seasoned partners. “He’s [Boneparte Z] a really sweet horse. We match really well, and he’s really fun!” Ferrigno exclaimed.

The reserve champion was awarded to Molly Zisook and her horse C’est Si Bon. Over the two days of competition the pair finished first and fourth over fences and second in the under saddle.

Even though Ferrigno is new to Boneparte Z, she is used to being on a horse. Only 12 years old, Ferrigno has been riding almost her whole life and started taking the sport seriously about four years ago. With a home base in Newtown, CT, Ferrigno is able to travel to Florida during the winter to compete at WEF.

After the division champion was announced, Ferrigno was very happy about how Boneparte Z performed over the two days. “I couldn’t believe that I won both trips yesterday and that he [Boneparte Z] was first and second today,” Ferrigno smiled.

Trainer Val Renihan was also excited to see Boneparte Z and Ferrigno top a field of 25 competitors. Renihan commented, “I thought the horse went beautifully for her [Ferrigno], and she found all the jumps so smoothly.”

Along with competing in the Junior Hunters, Ferrigno also competes in the 3’6″ Equitation classes. Despite having five years left as a junior, Ferrigno looks forward to riding as an amateur in the future.

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with week three CSI 3* competition, sponsored by Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), on January 21-25, 2015. The week will feature the $127,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, January 24. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

Competitions, Show Jumping

Conor Swail Continues Winning Streak at Wellington Turf Tour 1.40m Grand Prix

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Conor Swail and Dillinger win $15,000 1.4m Grand Prix at The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour.

Wellington, FL – January 16, 2015 – The second Friday of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour hosted by the International Polo Club saw a number of talented horse and rider pairs trying their hand at Chris Jones’ courses. Conor Swail picked up the victory in the 1.40m Grand Prix on Dillinger, owned by Susan Grange.

The International Polo Club provided a lively backdrop for the talented show jumpers, with tennis and polo taking place on either side of the grass fields.   A bit of drizzle held off some of the competitors, but the afternoon saw a strong showing once the weather brightened up.

Chris Jones, one of Canada’s rising international course designers, composed two beautiful sets of courses for the second Friday of the Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour. For ten years, Jones has been assisting some of Canada’s top designers and traveled to Wellington to assist Eric Habrouck during the first week of competition at WEF. This week, Chris designed the courses for the Turf Tour with assistance from Hasbrouck.

Riders commented on the Grand Prix course, remarking on how fair it was while being technical, requiring quite a bit of rideability. Fourteen horses went on from the field of 38, making for a competitive jump-off. Riders from both rings praised his designs and are looking forward to his future work with the Turf Tour.

Conor Swail once again proved unbeatable in the $15,000 1.4m Grand Prix at The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour. Last week, he claimed the top spot on Fortis Fortuna, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. This week, he bested a field of 38 to claim victory aboard Susan Grange’s Dillinger. Swail rode in the latter half of the day and posted a swift time of 36.945 seconds to top the field.

“I thought it was a very nice course today,” noted Swail. “It’s different from last week just for obvious reasons – it’s in a different arena, so there are more open spaces and a lot more for them to look at. It’s just fantastic for the young horses; it’s a great education for them. There’s beautiful footing and there’s a bit of prize money, so if things go well you can get a check.”

Samuel Parot posted a very fast time early in the day on his own Thea. Although only the fourth horse in the ring, Parot knew where he needed to make time and blazed through Jones’ course. The mare Thea is extremely new to him, having only had the ride for the last two weeks since she was just imported from Germany. Last week they competed in the first stop of the Turf Tour, going clean in the first round and finishing with a rail in the jump-off. This week Parot was not afraid to try to capture the class, riding an extremely tight rollback to the last line of the jump-off course and finishing with a time of 37.297 seconds.

Beth Underhill was third on her own Viggo, finishing with a time of 38.555 seconds. Darrin Dliin, riding Susan Grange’s Tennyson, finished fourth, less than a half of a second behind Underhill with a time of 38.871 seconds. Jeffery Welles rode Herbert Sambol’s Broken Heart with a time of 39.635 seconds to a fifth place finish. Adolpho Franco was right on his heels and rode his own Chambery 25 to a sixth place finish in 39.757 seconds.

The second ring saw a number of trips throughout the day. While the early divisions were a bit light due to less than ideal weather, the $2000 Marshall & Sterling/NAL WIHS Child/Adult Classic and the $3000 NAL Junior/Amateur Owner Classic were very popular and the schooling jumper classes were well received by the competitors.

Candy Tribble riding her own Centrefold, and Alexandra Robinson riding her own Levita Ballou each finished with a blue ribbon in the Low Schooling Jumpers.

Denise Wilson, who rode Blue Gate Farm LLC’s Norbert, won the first Medium Schooling Jumper course. Ansgar Holtgers, riding his own El Casper, finished second.

Ansgar Holtgers continued his successes, winning the Second Medium Schooling Jumper class on his own Way of Life. Roosje Brouwer, riding for Javier Salvador Stables, finished second on Excellent and fifth on Baileys. Darrin Dliin captured third place with Susan Grange’s Somerset. Nicolas Paillot finished in fourth place on his own Ti Amo Bo Regard and sixth on Sabine Des Ibis.

Whitney Lind won the first Child/Adult 1.15M class on Paradysz Farm’s PF Twister II. Olivia Melody claimed second, ridden by Cynthia Hampton for Hampton Farms LLC. Dana Rizzo was third on her own Wisteria.

The $2,000 Marshall & Sterling/NAL WIHS Child/Adult Classic was won by Isabel Jolicouer on Andrea Neves’ Shaitan D’altenbach. Rene Johnson picked up a second place ribbon on her own Maximus. Jennifer Knobel on her own Stash finished third.

Paul Yanke continued his successful Turf Tour with a victory aboard his own Carle in the first Junior/Amateur Owner 1.30m class. Alexandra Robinson rode her own Levita Ballou to finish second. Chloe Field, riding for Hidden Brook Farm, picked up a third place on Via Veneto and a fifth place on Estar. Hidden Brook Farm horses also rounded out the ribbons, with Click for Quality finishing fourth and Carpathia K finishing sixth, with Marshall Field VI in the irons.

Kathy Kitterman dominated the $3000 NAL Junior/Amateur Owner Classic. She rode Javier Guerra’s horses to claim the top four placings. First went to Accetto Du Lys, second to Catch Me Z, third to Bengt and fourth to Louis K2.

The next stop of the Turf Tour will be at The Ridge at Wellington. The Ridge’s address is 14415 Palm Beach Pt. Blvd, Wellington FL.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus and Cordonos Win $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix at WEF

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Todd Minikus and Cordonos. Photos © Sportfot.

Adele Norton and Pitch Perfect Top Bainbridge Companies Amateur Owner 18-35 Division

Wellington, FL – January 11, 2015 – Week one of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded on Sunday with the $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. In a 22-horse jump-off with some of the fastest riders in the world, USA’s Todd Minikus came out on top aboard Carl Brem’s Cordonos. Ireland’s Conor Swail and Grafton finished second and USA’s Mclain Ward and HH Ashley were third.

Course designer Eric Hasbrouck’s final track for week one competition yielded 22 out of 55 entries in the $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix. In the jump-off, nine entries were able to clear the short course without fault in a race against the clock.

Marie Hecart (FRA) and Rogelio Pellerano’s Quatour de B Neville set the pace, first to jump clear over the short course in 35.83 seconds, to eventually finish seventh. Liza Finzness (USA) and Shiver took the eighth place honors in 36.94 seconds. Alise Oken (USA) and Hi Hopes Farm LLC’s Teirra upped the pace next to finish fourth in 33.75 seconds. Daniel Zetterman (SWE) and Gyllebo Farm LLC’s Zhivago were clear in 34.82 seconds to finish sixth.

Conor Swail and Ariel and Susan Grange’s Grafton followed to take the lead in 32.67 seconds, but were soon pushed into second place. Eirin Bruheim (NOR) and Nordic Lights Farm LLC’s NLF Favorite also jumped clear and finished ninth in 43.57 seconds. The winning round followed with Todd Minikus and Cordonos blazing through the timers in 32.22 seconds. McLain Ward and Double H Farm’s HH Ashley jumped into third place in the next clear round with a time of 33.04 seconds. The final clear came from Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Bijzonder, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Paul Tracy, with the fifth place time of 34.30 seconds.

Todd Minikus first rode class winner, Cordonos, for the first time a couple of days before competing in the Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, one week ago. The 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Lordanos x Tin Rocco) had just arrived in Florida and jumped quite well, then went on to a nice four fault round in Thursday’s Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 to begin the WEF circuit. Although they are just getting to know each other, the pair was perfectly in sync for Sunday’s winning jump-off round.

“Today we knew each other a little better, and it all worked out,” Minikus declared following his win. “It ended up being an extremely fast class. Conor is obviously blistering fast. I didn’t see him go, but I knew what to expect. I didn’t really know how to manage the jump-off. I was stuck right in the middle of 22 horses. I kind of tapped him with my stick behind my leg and he jumped into the bridle a little bit. I thought, ‘Okay, seems like he’s ready.’ I hate trying to ride for fourth place anyway.”

“The times were almost the same,” Minikus said of where he beat Swail. “I don’t have any idea. Conor’s horse probably jumped a little higher or something. It seems like the times were very close.”

Commenting on the course, Minikus noted, “It is the first grand prix of the circuit and some of the top horses are coming here in a few weeks. These are young horses or horses you’re trying to get familiar with. There were enough clean, but it’s hard to build this first week. It’s only supposed to be 1.45m. Eric did a good job. The reality is that everybody is confident enough to move on to next week. I don’t think there were any horses that got into trouble.”

Minikus has big plans for the season as the current leader in the North American East Coast League for the FEI World Cup Finals. He also has his sights set on the Pan American Games later in the year. He has some top horses to show this winter, including superstar mount Quality Girl, and looks forward to what may come with Cordonos as well.

“I don’t know a lot about the horse to be honest,” Minikus noted. “I don’t know what he’s done, but he has been a good sport in every class so far. He comes back over here and we run his legs off, and he jumps great. I guess we’ll keep feeding him Purina and see what happens!”

For second place finisher, Conor Swail, Sunday’s class was a great start to the circuit for his mount Grafton, a nine-year-old Selle Francais stallion (Calvaro x Vondeen). Swail previously owned the horse himself in partnership with Barry O’Connor, and then Ariel and Susan Grange purchased the horse so that he could continue to show it.

“He did a little bit here last year. I was injured for six months, but Darren Dlin rode him here and did a nice job with him,” Swail detailed. “I started riding him a little bit in Spruce Meadows in the 1.45m, 1.50m classes. He was green, but impressive. He did a bit in Europe and jumped some speed classes in Dublin. He jumped three days clear.”

“I’m sort of building him up as one of my better horses in the near future,” Swail continued. “Today he jumped a nice round. He’s hard to get underneath the time allowed in the first round. He jumps quite high and hangs in the air a bit. In the jump-off, I started off in a good rhythm and I got a great shot back to the vertical. I went inside to the double and Todd was saying it was the same for him that for whatever reason, they didn’t turn great away from there. When I came out, I knew it was going to be very close. For me, I knew I had nothing left apart from one less step across the gallop. It was one of those jump-offs where you couldn’t touch the reins. Every time you saw anything, you just took it. It was great; I’m delighted with the horse.”

Watch Conor Swail and Grafton in their jump-off round!
http://youtu.be/pCYclY_SOlU

Swail is happy to be back in the ring at WEF after an Achilles tendon injury sidelined him last winter. He got back to riding in May and had a successful summer of competition and is feeling great with the start of another season.

“When I first started riding again I felt very loose in the saddle and I wasn’t strong. My eyes were working well and I knew everything to do, but the body wasn’t working well,” he explained. “It wasn’t doing exactly what I wanted it to do, but in the last few months I have gotten very close to where I was before, so I’m excited for WEF this year. I’m looking forward to it. I have some nice horses and great owners in Sue and Ariel Grange and her family. I’m hoping for a good 12 weeks here.”

Along with top prizes for the grand prix, a special award was presented to the Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider of week one competition, an award presented by Martha Jolicoeur of Illustrated Properties in memory of Dale Lawler. Marie Hecart of France had a fantastic start to the circuit including her seventh place finish in the day’s grand prix with Quatour de B Neville to earn the honor.

Adele Norton and Pitch Perfect Top Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner 18-35 Division

On the final day of week one hunter competition Adele Norton of Falls Church, VA and her horse Pitch Perfect took home championship honors in the Bainbridge Companies Amateur-Owner 18-35. Norton and Pitch Perfect won the handy hunter round yesterday and finished first and second over fences today.

Chablis, owned by Libertas Farm and ridden by Kelly Tropin, finished the day as reserve champion. Tropin guided Chablis to a first and third over fences, paired with a win in the under saddle.

Adele Norton and Pitch Perfect
Adele Norton and Pitch Perfect

Norton had always wanted a hunter and in June, trainer Kimberly Prince found her the perfect one. “He [Pitch Perfect] was my 21st birthday present, best present yet!” Norton said smiling.

Taking most of the indoor season off, the pair got back in the show ring last week. Norton explained, “I was a little star struck. It had been a while since I showed, but he [Pitch Perfect] took care of me.”

After starting out this week in the First Year Hunters, Norton and Pitch Perfect were confident going into the weekend. The pair had a score of 83 in the first round, topping the field of 18. In the second round, Pitch Perfect and Norton remained consistent, earning a score of 85.

Not only is Pitch Perfect a superstar in the ring, he is an “honors student” at home. Pitch Perfect earned the nickname because of his brave attitude and smart personality. “I’ve had a lot of horses I’ve been in love with, but I’ve never had a horse I’ve loved as much as this one!” Norton beamed.

One of Pitch Perfect’s favorite things is water. In Lake Placid this past summer, Pitch Perfect was the only one who would go in the river. “He [Pitch Perfect] loves it. He splashes it all around and the other horses look at him like he’s a dolphin,” Norton laughed.

Norton is currently a student-athlete at the University of South Carolina. At school Norton is pursuing her love of reading and writing as an English major and is a member of the Equestrian Team. Being a part of the team allows Norton to ride when she is away from her own horse.

Despite a busy schedule, Norton hopes to come back to Florida as much as possible to show Pitch Perfect. She is hoping to earn enough points during the winter season to qualify for indoor finals this coming fall.

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with its second week of competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, on January 14-18, 2015. The week features the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday, January 17. The Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Series will also get underway with its first two competitions of the circuit. The $10,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix Welcome will be held on Saturday, January 17. The $25,000 Artisan Farms Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider, will be held on Sunday, January 18. WEF features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 29, awarding over $8.2 million in prize money. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

Competitions, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna Finish on Top of Wellington Turf Tour 1.40 Grand Prix Rankings

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Conor Swail and Fortis Fortuna.

Wellington, FL – January 9, 2015 – Ireland’s Conor Swail left little room for competitors to match his pace today during the Ridge at Wellington’s 2015 Turf Tour held at Wolfstone Stables. The Irishman showed that he had more than luck as he took the lead early in the day as one of 10 riders to master the track and post a double-clear effort with Fortis Fortuna, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange. As only the ninth rider, Swail knew that he had speedy competitors hot on his heels, but he could not compensate speed for accuracy.

“I don’t know her [Fortis Fortuna] that well because our other rider mainly rode her last year,” Swail explained. “I just started riding her again this year, so we are working on getting to know one another. It was just about being as efficient as I could out there. I am lucky that I have the quality under me because of great owners.”

Fortis Fortuna is a 10-year-old mare who had a little bit of time off last year and has been gradually building up since then. Swail took several chances during the shortened track, making tight turns and using her quick speed across the ground to shave the seconds. The pair tripped the timer in 31.920 seconds to take the lead from Canada’s Amy Millar, who posted the first double-clear of the day in 34.162 seconds.

“Fortuna had a great round out there today, and this is a great facility to be able to come and train your horses and be competitive in a beautiful grass arena,” Swail said. “There are a few more horses that we have resting right now, but we will be rotating them for the competition at the Turf Tour. It is lovely to come here. It is a nice bit of money for this class, and it is very relaxed. I think this is good for the horses to get a change of scenery from the everyday of the Winter Equestrian Festival; it keeps them fresh.”

It was 2014 Turf Tour Leading Rider Jeffery Welles who would claim the second place with KM What Ever RV, owned by Nod Hill Farm of Wilton, CT. Welles had a stronghold on the 2014 Turf Tour Circuit, leading the ranks with his two mounts, Bilion and Antaris S. Today he brought out the Dutch Warmblood gelding and mimicked Swail’s swift pace and clean course; however, his time of 32.330 seconds would prove only good enough for second place. Sarah Wayda and her own Faroukh would finish in third place in 32.939 seconds.

Beth Underhill and Viggo captured the fourth place in 33.301 seconds, while Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino de Tili took the fifth. Millar, the initial leader of the class, would round out the top six.

“I think today’s course was challenging, without being over-facing,” Millar said. “I have a bit of a young horse, and it is a great experience for him to go to different rings and see different 1.40m courses so that he can get all of the experience I need to bring him on as an international horse. If you have a horse that isn’t ready to do a big grand prix at WEF, there isn’t a place for them in Wellington. Being in the business, it is nice to be able to jump at a reasonable cost for good prize money. It is a great way to get the experience without breaking the bank.”

Not only was the competition fierce for the second day of the Wellington Turf Tour, but the hospitality was unparalleled. The Ridge at Wellington hosted a beautiful spread for breakfast and lunch, allowing riders, owners and trainers to take a moment to relax in the tranquil atmosphere.

The course opened at 8 a.m. and remained open until 4:30 p.m., allowing competitors ample time to come at their convenience to ride and enjoy the ambiance of Wolfstone Stables. The 12-week series continues next week at the prestigious International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Riders have the opportunity to ride over straight from the show grounds, or trailer their horses over while enjoying hospitality and quality competition. Whether it is an hour, the morning, the afternoon or the entire day, The Ridge Turf Tour offers a traditional and laid back environment for exhibitors, trainers and owners.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.

The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.

The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.

Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.

The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.

Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.

What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.

Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Show Jumping

Victory in “NYC vs. The World” Speed Challenge Goes to Suncast World Team at CPHS

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Kent Farrington and Waomi. Photos © Kit Houghton/Rolex.

Conor Swail and Lansdowne Best in Individual Rounds; Hilary McNerney and Oscar Top $5,000 Junior/Amateur Speed Challenge

New York, NY – September 19, 2014 – Central Park’s Trump Rink was alight with excitement Friday night as the inaugural Central Park Horse Show (CPHS), presented by Rolex and produced by The Chronicle of the Horse, continued with its second day of show jumping competition under the beautiful New York City skyline. The evening featured a $50,000 “NYC vs. The World” Team Speed Challenge, presented by Donald J. Trump, with a win for Suncast® Corporation’s World Team. Representing his home nation of Ireland, Conor Swail won the competition overall with the leading round aboard Lansdowne.

A $5,000 Junior/Amateur Speed Challenge was held later in the evening with a win for 22-year-old New York based rider Hilary McNerney and Oscar. Kent Farrington, the number 3 ranked rider in the world, guided the winning efforts in both competitions serving as captain of the victorious Suncast World Team as well as training McNerney to her win. The Central Park Horse Show presented by Rolex continues through Sunday, September 21.

Friday’s Speed Challenge featured teams for Land Rover of America NYC with riders representing the home city of New York matched up against international riders representing the Suncast Corporation World Team. Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL set the track for the competition, which was run in a faults converted speed format. The world team was the winner overall, topping 10 of the 15 match-ups while the team for NYC, captained by Georgina Bloomberg, settled for second.

In addition to team prizes, the top eight individual riders shared in a $50,000 purse with a win for Ireland’s Conor Swail riding Susan and Ariel Grange’s Lansdowne. The pair laid down a blazing fast clear round in 45.83 seconds to win their match-up and the winner’s share of prize money.

Jessica Springsteen (USA) was second individually riding Stone Hill Farm’s Davendy S to a clear round in 47.23 seconds. Shane Sweetnam rode to third place for his home nation of Ireland with a clear round in 47.40 seconds on Cyklon 1083.

Farrington commented on the event following another great evening of competition representing his winning team. “I think this is one of the best venues we can have to showcase our sport,” he stated. “It is really exciting to be here and be a part of this event, getting it off the ground. A special thank you to everybody that has put big efforts into making this happen – Mark Bellissimo, Donald Trump, Rolex being our sponsor here, all the staff of the park, and everybody that has helped. I think for the first year, it’s a success, and I know there will be big efforts into making it better. I think that this could turn into a major stop on our tour and turn into a world-class event.”

With a very talented group of experienced international competitors on his team, Farrington’s job as captain was easy. “If you look at my list of riders they don’t need any advice,” Farrington declared. “They know what their plan is. They all know what they are doing, so I don’t really need to do anything.”

Conor Swail knew his plan with top mount Lansdowne, with whom he has had many international wins together. “I was fortunate that I have Lansdowne, and he is my top grand prix horse,” Swail acknowledged. “It was a lot of fun tonight. The horse has done a lot of big classes, so it was nice for him to run around and be able to enjoy himself and go as fast as he could. You have a good plan before you go in and you try and execute it the best you can, and thankfully it came off very well for me tonight. The horse was fabulous.”

“It’s fantastic to be invited to this show, to be a part of such a fantastic event here,” Swail added. “I think in the future it can grow to be one of the biggest shows in the world.”

Georgina Bloomberg and Washington Square
Georgina Bloomberg and Washington Square

Mark Bellissimo of International Equestrian Group (IEG) was happy with another great night of competition and congratulated the riders. He looks forward to planning an even better event next year and is already brainstorming great ideas with everyone involved.

“I think we cut our teeth on this and hopefully we’ll have a good blueprint and learn a lot of the different elements or areas of feedback,” Bellissimo stated. “Some riders have some very good ideas. We are very excited about the future of this event, and I think we will spend the next weeks and months figuring out how to work on a strategy for Central Park version number two.”

Chrystine Tauber, President of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), was on hand for the competition as well and thanked Bellissimo for putting the event together. “To be able to bring sport horses right into the heart of New York City and have this backdrop is an absolutely amazing opportunity for our sport,” Tauber stated. “We are going to continue working together in the future to build this event. It has gone very smoothly. I want to thank everybody, and we look forward to coming up with some really interesting events that we can develop. I think this is a world-class stage, and we will make it into a world-class event going forward on all levels.”

Friday night also hosted a $5,000 speed competition for the junior and amateur riders. The class saw a win for Hilary McNerney riding Amy Carr’s Oscar with a clear round and the winning time of 51.87 seconds. For her victory, McNerney was presented with a VertuoLine Chrome Nespresso machine.

Brianne Link and E-Bay had a rail, but were still very fast to finish second in 53.05 seconds with their faults converted into time. Yamin Rizvi and Peacock Ridge Farm LLC’s Delilah jumped clear in 55.57 seconds to finish third.

“I’m super grateful because my horse is so fast, and I wasn’t worried about going into this ring with him,” McNerney said of her ride. “He can do anything. He’s a little bit older; he’s 18, so we try not to do too much with him.”

Hilary McNerney and Oscar
Hilary McNerney and Oscar

McNerney just graduated from Duke University and got Oscar this summer when she decided to get back into riding. “Kent got me this horse who is amazing. I went to school and decided to just take those four years and focus on school,” she explained. “I’d ride occasionally when I could. After school I wanted to take a year and see how it goes and get back into it. I missed it for the four years.”

McNerney recently moved into the city and was very excited to compete in Central Park at this inaugural event. “Walking into the ring, it was like, ‘Wow, we’re in Central Park!’ It’s really cool to ride in this ring and show,” she expressed. “It was surreal. I’m very lucky to be able to compete here. Oscar has done everything. Ben Maher had him, and he has done Aachen and five-star grand prix. He loves it, and he loves to win. I just try to hold on and get him in the right place, and he’s good.”

The Central Park Horse Show continues on Saturday with two matinee performances at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. followed by a special evening of dressage. The Central Park Dressage Challenge, presented by The Axel Johnson Group, will host some of the world’s top dressage horses and riders, featuring Olympic gold medalist Isabell Werth and American superstars Steffen Peters and Ravel.

The U.S. Polo Assn. Central Park Polo Challenge will conclude the weekend on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. Entertaining matinee performances will also be held on Sunday at 9 am and 12 pm.

For more information, please go to www.centralparkhorseshow.com. For tickets, please go to centralparkhorseshow.tix.com.

Discounted Hotel rooms are available at the JW Marriott Essex House at the following link: http://bit.ly/1nRumC6.

“Like” the new Central Park Horse Show Facebook page and follow them on Twitter at @CPHorseShow, and on Instagram at @CPHorseShow!

About Rolex

Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its Oyster watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. A pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, exploration, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities as well as philanthropic programmes.

About The Chronicle of the Horse

For 76 years, The Chronicle of the Horse has been the industry leader in providing news coverage of national and international sport horse competitions. Through our award-winning weekly magazine and web coverage we offer everything from competition results to compelling features and thought-provoking commentary. The Chronicle Untacked quarterly lifestyle publication launched in 2013 to rave review. Read more at www.chronofhorse.com.

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

Equestrian Media Contact:
Jennifer Wood, Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Karolyi and Indiana 127 Win Cenovus Energy Classic Derby at Spruce Meadows

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Angel Karolyi and Indiana 127. Photos © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Win $85,000 Enbridge Cup

Calgary, AB, Canada – July 6, 2014 – The ‘North American’ Tournament CSI 5* at Spruce Meadows concluded on Sunday with an extraordinary showdown in the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby. It was déjà vu from the ‘National’ Tournament in June, as Angel Karolyi of Venezuela and Quentin Judge of the USA battled it out in an exciting derby jump-off. Judge took the win four weeks ago and was hoping to repeat his victory with HH Dark de la Hart, but this time, Karolyi and Indiana 127 took the win. Will Simpson (USA) and Geledimar placed third.

Watch highlights from Sunday’s competition!

Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) designed the derby course seven years ago with a demanding 19 numbered obstacles and 25 jumping efforts. It is an incredible test of endurance and stamina for both horse and rider, including double liverpools, a table bank, a 26-foot, steep derby bank, and the Devil’s Dyke. The course is the same for every derby competition.

On Sunday, Palacios saw 27 entries with the two impressive clear rounds of Angel Karolyi and Quentin Judge. Two more finished on four faults each. During the first derby of the summer, Karolyi and Judge jumped off following eight faults each over the main course. On Sunday, they both mastered the track.

In the 29-year history of this derby competition at Spruce Meadows, Karolyi and Judge were only the 18th and 19th riders to ever go clear over the course out of 615 entries overall. In the jump-off, the two riders returned in the same order as week one of the Summer Series. Karolyi and Hollow Creek Farm’s Indiana 127 jumped double clear over the short course in 38.13 seconds. Judge and Double H Farm’s HH Dark de la Hart had eight faults in 39.31 seconds to finish second.

Will Simpson (USA) and Monarch International’s Geledimar had just four faults over the first round course in the fastest time of 136.32 seconds to finish third. Richard Spooner (USA) and Show Jumping Syndication International’s Cristallo had four faults in 136.75 seconds to place fourth.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios was happy with the result in Sunday’s competition and was also impressed with the exceptional efforts of the top horses and riders.

“I am very happy,” Palacios smiled. “I had 30 riders, and it is becoming popular. There were very good rounds, not only these three (Karolyi, Judge and Simpson). At the beginning I was worried, but at the end, I say it was good. It was safe for the horses, and they were jumping nice.”

Winner Angel Karolyi has been riding Indiana 127 for a year and a half and has had increasingly good results with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Indoctro x Voltaire). Sunday’s victory was his first International Ring win at Spruce Meadows and a significant moment in his career.

Watch an interview with Angel Karolyi about Indiana and his victory.

“I’m glad I finally got my win in an important class like this one,” Karolyi acknowledged. “It’s a very special win for me. Not only probably the biggest win in my career, but also a horse that I really believed in. He finally is showing me this year that I was right in believing in him. This horse impressed me at the beginning of the circuit. I was second to Quentin, and he produced a beautiful round. I was not surprised that he went clear again. Obviously his horse is a very good derby horse as well. This time I’m just glad to be the winner.”

Speaking about Indiana, Karolyi added, “He’s very relaxed, very honest, and easy to keep the same pace around the whole course and not stress too much. By the end of the course he still has enough energy to keep jumping the jumps properly.”

Karolyi chose a little bit of a different tactic going into the jump-off this time around, explaining that he had planned to take more risk.

“This time I said, ‘Okay, last time I went a little bit on the safe side, a clear round,’ and now I said, ‘Okay, I got second for sure. I’m going all out, and if it works out, it works out.’ In the ‘National’ Tournament I went a bit safe and clear and he was faster. This time I thought, ‘If I lose, it’s not because I went too slow.’”

Not much changed in preparation for this week’s competition other than keeping Indiana 127 in top physical condition, but Karolyi now had experience to his advantage.

“I think more than helping him, it helped me,” the rider stated. “It helped me to ride the Devil’s Dyke properly. Last time I didn’t ride enough through it; he looked a little bit and I had ‘c’ down. It wasn’t really his fault. Both rails last time were my fault. I had an early draw; I went first in the derby. Watching a few rounds definitely helps. For the horse, it was the same. For me, it did help having one round already.”

Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart
Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart

Judge and HH Dark de la Hart, an 11-year-old Belgian Sport Horse by Kasmir van Schuttershof x Nonstop, also had the experience of their win under their belt.

“Last time when I did the derby at the ‘National’, I didn’t really have any expectations,” Judge stated. “I wanted to do well at the beginning of the week and thought, ‘If the derby goes well, great. If it doesn’t, it’s okay.’ Now when I knew I had a good derby horse, I showed him in one class this week and tried to keep him fresh and his energy up and aim him for this class.”

“I knew he had gone fast,” Judge said of the jump-off. “Before I went in, McLain Ward watched Angel’s jump-off and he said that he went fast and was quick. He said, ‘Your horse is faster naturally, but he really went fast.’ I knew I could really trust my horse those first three or four jumps, and he’s really good turning back on verticals. The ‘b’ of the double got a little bit far away, the back rail, and I think I was a little deflated for the last jump and had it down also, but the horse was perfect.”

Third place finisher Will Simpson knew that he had a good derby horse in Geledimar as well. The mare had shown in the derby three years ago as a nine-year-old and was very competitive even then.

“She’s just been on fire. The whole team at Monarch has been great,” Simpson stated. “It was just such a beautiful day out there, so I thought, ‘Well, we’ll just go for a nice ride.’ The horse went along with me. I was just happy I wasn’t in the jump-off with those two guys. They’re fighters.”

“It’s a spectacular event. It should be preserved,” Simpson said of the derby. “The course designers are usually my enemy, but I have to take my hat off to them. They have done a great job with setting the course for the field of horses. It was very, very tough today, but there were a lot of great horses in there. The result was just spot on.”

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Win $85,000 Enbridge Cup

The $85,000 Enbridge Cup 1.50m competition was held first in the International Ring on Sunday with a win for Conor Swail (IRL) and Susan and Ariel Grange’s 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare, Martha Louise (Maloubet de Pleville x Wolfgang). Thirty-four entries jumped the first round course set by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) with 10 returning for the jump-off. Six went clear over the short course, where Swail and Martha Louise were last to go in 40.04 seconds for the win.

Daniel Bluman (COL) finished second in 41.88 seconds with Ricardo and Alberto Simhon’s Apardi. Sameh el Dahan (EGY) took third place honors in 41.93 seconds aboard Sumas Zorro, owned by Dahan and Joanne Sloan-Allen.

Conor Swail and Martha Louise
Conor Swail and Martha Louise

“I think I was in a nice position there, last to go,” Swail said after his win. “I know at this stage, Martha with her form, that she is normally not far away. She is quick enough to win if I can ride her correctly and give her a good chance to jump the jumps, and thankfully today, that is how it worked out for me.”

“She loves it here, that’s for sure,” Swail stated. “She wins a lot everywhere, but especially here. She just keeps getting better and better. This is her second year, but it’s two wins, and I don’t know how many placings already. She is such a good girl.”

Martha Louise is just 10 years old, but shows the skill and maturity of a much more experienced horse. Swail knows that he can always count on her and even stepped her up a bit this week while his top horse was not showing.

“I did her in a few bigger classes the start of the week because Lansdowne hasn’t been out. He is just going to be coming back after this tournament, and she was going to have to maybe jump next week,” Swail explained. “I was sacrificing maybe winning or being competitive in the 1.50m classes, but I thought, ‘Okay, we’ll try to make a plan for next week and teach her how to jump a few of those bigger jumps and see how we get on next week with her as well.’ I’m glad it worked out nicely that we gave her the two big classes and this was the one that I was trying to win, and it worked out like that. I like when a plan comes together.”

“I have a lot of confidence in her,” Swail added. “When you are going in with her, unless you make a mistake, she won’t normally. That is our job to ride our horses correctly, and if we have quality as good as her, then that is nice that when you do all the right things. She always does.”

“She is unreal. You see her walking around in the parade, and you would think she was just out for a stroll there,” Swail said of Martha’s cool demeanor. “Funny enough, she does get quite nervous. She is a little funny in that if she hits a jump, it makes her really nervous and the reaction is kind of to get quicker. For me today, I thought she was fabulous in the first round. She was high and loose. This is her third class (this week), and she always relaxes into it a little bit and obviously that’s a good thing. The more jumping, the better for her a little bit.”

Commenting on the competition, Swail noted, “The first round was tough. It was a big track and quite long. There was a good few questions. There weren’t so many clean. The jump-off also was tricky. I think I got a little lucky for sure going into the double (combination). She gave that a good rub. It’s nice to be able to get a little rub and get away with it and have a good day. It was good and fast. To win at Spruce Meadows, you have to be going very, very fast, and I am lucky that she is very capable of doing that.”

Martha Louise will step up to show in next week’s grand prix, and Swail looks forward to giving her some good experience and seeing what she can do. “It will be pretty cool. It’s experience, but knowing Martha, she won’t be too far away,” he smiled.

Spruce Meadows’ Summer Series concludes next week with the ‘Pan American’ Tournament CSI 5* running July 10-13. The week features the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex on Sunday, July 13. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
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Spruce Meadows Media Services
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403.974.4232
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*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Conor Swail and Martha Louise Victorious in $85,000 Husky Energy Classic 1.50m

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Conor Swail and Martha Louise. Photo © Spruce Meadows Media Services.

Calgary, AB, Canada – June 12, 2014 – The second week of the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the ‘Continental’ Tournament, hosted the $85,000 Husky Energy Classic 1.50m with Conor Swail (IRL) and Martha Louise, owned by Susan and Ariel Grange, winning the first FEI competition.

The ‘Continental’ CSIO 5* Tournament features the $125,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Scotiabank on Friday, June 13, the $85,000 Talisman Energy Cup 1.50m on Saturday, June 14, and the $210,000 CP Grand Prix on Sunday, June 15.

There were 63 entries in the $85,000 Husky Energy Classic 1.50m, and they contested a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio of the United States. Nine were clear and moved on to the jump-off, with the pacesetter, McLain Ward (USA) and Sagamore Farm’s Rothchild, posting a time of 42.33 seconds.

Swail deliberately finished schooling early so that he could go and watch Ward on his first horse in the jump-off. Seeing his pace and path, Swail knew what he needed for the win. He and Martha Louise, a 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville x Wolfgang, sped through the short course in 39.74 seconds to take the lead.

Swail commented, “The big help for me was that McLain was before me. Obviously he wants to win as well. I made sure to watch him. It gives me great indication on pace, especially since he had a good round and was fast and clear. When I went in, I knew I wouldn’t be far away. But I knew he was going again, and Kent, other top class riders as well. You just have to hope you can hang on, and thankfully I did.”

A late bid came from Kent Farrington (USA) and Voyeur, owned by Amalaya Investments. They were close in 40.56 seconds, but had to settle for second place.

Swail had two third place finishes last week with Martha Louise and was happy to get the win with her and for her owners, who he thanked for their support. “It’s always great to win here because it’s very hard. Or I find it hard, anyway,” he remarked. “The mare was fantastic. For me, I had a little luck maybe, but you need a little luck sometimes. She just makes such a good effort every time you go in the ring. It’s a pleasure to ride her.”

Crediting Martha Louise’s big step, scope, and carefulness, Swail said she isn’t difficult to ride. “If you give her a good ride at all, you’re never going to be far away,” he said. He added that her attitude is what helps too. “In the parade she was eating grass, and she’ll plod out like she was out for a hack,” he smiled. “That’s what makes her a good horse. She has a great attitude towards it.”

The mare had an incredible record at last year’s Spruce Meadows Summer Series, placing in 12 of 14 classes, and she is well on her way to another great year. Swail feels that the big competition rings at Spruce Meadows suit her. “In these arenas, you really need to cover the ground, and she does that easily. I think when I’m going quick, it doesn’t take much out of her. In that respect, I can really let the canter loose and it’s still very relaxed and calm,” he said. “That really helps me with going quickly, and consistently doing that.”

The ‘Continental’ Tournament continues on Friday with the $40,000 AltaGas Cup 1.45m, followed by the $125,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ presented by Scotiabank. For more information and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.

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info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
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Spruce Meadows Media Services
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403.974.4232
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Jennifer Ward, Show Jumping

Conor Swail Claims Caledon Cup at Caledon Equestrian Park

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Conor Swail and Lansdowne won the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Caledon Cup Phase 2. Photo Credits – Shoot Photographic.

Palgrave, Ontario – For the second day in a row, Ireland’s Conor Swail emerged victorious to win the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Caledon Cup, Phase II, presented by Aviva, and claim the coveted Caledon Cup trophy at the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament held September 18 to 22 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON.

On Saturday, Swail had topped a 22-horse starting field to win Phase I of the RAM Equestrian Caledon Cup competition riding Lansdowne.  A day later, their fortunes remained the same, as the pair led the victory gallop after holding off jump-off challengers Ljubov Kochetova of Russia, David Arcand, the father and son double threat of Ian and Jonathon Millar, and their student, Jordan MacPherson.

While 10 had found their way around Michel Vaillancourt’s track on Saturday without incurring faults, only eight would be successful on Sunday.  However, MacPherson’s was the only new face amongst the jump-off line-up, as Vaillancourt once again pitted the best against the best in the all-deciding final round.  The individual silver medalist at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Vaillancourt has been appointed course designer for the show jumping events at the 2015 Pan American Games, which will be hosted by the Caledon Equestrian Park.

For the second day in a row, Russia’s Ljubov Kochetova jumped clear with Wilford 2, only to be caught by the clock for one time fault, leaving her ninth in the final placings.  Chris Sorensen of Caledon East, ON, who will be representing Canada next month in Nations’ Cup competition in Brazil, turned in the fastest four-fault performance riding The Jolly Group’s Wriomf to round out the top 10.

23-year-old David Arcand of Mont-Royal, QC, produced the only four-fault performance in the jump-off to slot into eighth position with Vledder, his 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding.

With seven riders again producing clear rounds in the jump-off, time would be the final decider.  Jonathon Millar of Perth, ON, was the first rider back to attempt the shortened jump-off track with Contino 14, turning in a time of 41.51 seconds.  He would soon be overtaken by the next rider in the line-up, Swail riding Game Ready, owned by Susan Grange, who stopped the clock in 39.03.  Shaving exactly three seconds off the Irishman’s time was Jordan MacPherson, 23, who stopped the clock in 36.03 seconds with Piccobello du Val de Geer.  No strangers to the winner’s circle at the Caledon Equestrian Park, the Toronto native and her 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare had won the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Grand Prix in August.

Ljubov Kochetova of Russia took a shot with Aslan, falling short in 38.81 seconds to place fourth overall while MacPherson’s coach, 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar of Perth, ON, came close with Star Power, crossing the timers in 37.33 seconds to take third place for Team Works.

MacPherson’s time had only to withstand one last challenger in the form of Swail and Lansdowne, who had claimed victory in dramatic fashion one day earlier.  Proving to be on form, the pair tightened their turns and sailed around Vaillancourt’s track almost two seconds faster, stopping the clock in 34.07 seconds for victory.

“It always helps to go last, although Jordan was very quick and she made it where I had to take all the risks and hope that everything worked out,” said Swail, 41.  “My horse was terrific.  There were a few turns where a horse with less quality might not have come back with the same result that he did.  He’s obviously one of the favourites at the show, but it’s nice that he’s expected to do well and that he doesn’t let you down.  That’s the sign of a top horse.”

Of the conditions, the rider who hails from County Down commented, “The new footing makes a huge difference, and it even showed in the results.  The course was well-built, but the footing was so good that I think the horses jumped well off of it.  There were more clears than I thought there would be.”

In addition to winning the $35,000 CSI2* RAM Equestrian Caledon Cup, Phase II, presented by Aviva, Swail was also awarded the RAM Equestrian Caledon Cup.

“It worked out well for Lansdowne,” said Swail of the 10-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood stallion owned by Sue and Arial Grange of Cheltenham, ON.  “It’s his last show of the year, and it’s great for him to finish off on the best note possible.  Now he gets a well-deserved rest.”

Sunday’s victory marked the fourth one of the year for Swail at the Caledon Equestrian Park.  Before winning back-to-back grand prix events at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament with Lansdowne, Swail won the $20,000 Adequan Open Welcome with Martha Louise and the $30,000 RAM Equestrian Grand Prix with Game Ready, both owned by the Grange family, back in May.  Before this year, he had never before competed at the Caledon Equestrian Park.

And Caledon Equestrian Park is the ideal host to international competition.  Athletes come from all over the world to compete at the world-class facility, and the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament was no exception.

“The riders jumped in reserve order of finish from yesterday, and the cream rose to the top,” said Craig Collins, managing partner of Equestrian Management Group, which operates the Caledon Equestrian Park.  “It was an exciting jump-off.  After Jordan MacPherson went, I didn’t think anyone would beat her, but the turn that Conor did at the top of the course was unbelievable!  Lansdowne jumped beautifully and deserved to win.”

Collins continued, “Michel Vaillancourt did a great job and was complimented by everyone on his courses.  Yesterday was a supreme test of the new footing with all of the rain, and everyone commented on how good the ground was and how good the footing was.  We had riders from Ireland, Russia, Vanessa Mannix from Calgary, and Quebec was very well-represented.  We had competitors from right across the country.  And it was great to have Jonathon Millar back with us, qualifying two horses for the jump-off.”

Sydney Vince rode Echodancer van de Heffinck to victory in the inaugural $20,000 MVS Solutions Junior/Amateur Pan Am Challenge
Sydney Vince rode Echodancer van de Heffinck to victory in the inaugural $20,000 MVS Solutions Junior/Amateur Pan Am Challenge

While the Caledon Cup was the featured event of the day, the inaugural $20,000 MVS Solutions Junior/Amateur Pan Am Challenge proved to be a spectacular addition to the Tournament’s schedule.  Riders qualified throughout the season in the 1.20m, 1.30m and 1.40m divisions, and went head-to-head jumping at their respective heights at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament.  Sydney Vince, competing in the 1.30m section of the competition, emerged victorious riding Echodancer van de Heffinck, earning $6,000 in prize money for owner Trinity Farms of Burlington, ON.  Page Mawson and her own Under Pressure took second place and $5,000 in prize money while Adrien Vilcini and her Gervantus earned $3,000 for their third place finish.

The CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament is proud to benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, raising more than $15,000 in 2013 for the non-profit organization.  This year’s fundraiser saw corporate partners uniting to underwrite the costs of hosting a two-day Children’s Wish celebration which included brunch and ringside tables for Saturday and Sunday’s grand prix events.  Thanks to the generosity of Alberta Premium, Brick Brewery Co., Brookvalley Developments, Schickendanz Brothers, TechPower Developments, and Gourmandissimo Catering and Fine Foods, every dollar from the purchase of tickets went directly to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

With the final event of the season having come to a conclusion, phase two of construction now begins at the Caledon Equestrian Park in preparation for hosting the 2015 Pan American Games.  A new grand prix stadium, spectator pavilion, indoor complex, and new FEI barn are all expected to be complete by spring of 2014.

For more information on the CSI2* Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, including full results, please visit www.equiman.com.

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