Tag Archives: Devon Horse Show

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group

Inclusive and Tori Colvin Head to Devon Following Successful Kentucky Spring Classic

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Tori Colvin and Inclusive.

Lexington, KY – May 18, 2014 – After a few months away from the show ring, Dr. Betsee Parker’s Inclusive is back and not missing a beat. The gelding returned to competition this week at the Kentucky Spring Classic and won both of the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter over fences classes this morning, clinching the division championship with Colvin in the irons.

“This was his first show back, and he’s been great,” Colvin said. “He’s just had some relaxing time, and now we’re bringing him back before [the Devon Horse Show].”

The Kentucky Spring Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park serves as the ideal, competitive stopping point before Devon, and based on their performance this morning, which earned them scores of 89 and 90 over the Bobby Murphy designed courses, Colvin and Inclusive are more than ready for the Dixon Oval at Devon this coming week.

Colvin continued, “He never spooks or anything, so even though he hasn’t shown in a little bit, we weren’t really worried about that. He had a big stride, and he just felt great today.”

The championship with Inclusive was the first of multiple hunter tricolors for Colvin today as she continued to dominate the Junior 16-17 Hunter divisions. She also earned the reserve championship in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters aboard Parker’s Way Cool.

Tori Colvin and Way Cool
Tori Colvin and Way Cool

Way Cool came in to the day as the frontrunner in the division with two wins under his belt from yesterday’s over fences rounds in the Claiborne Ring, but Inclusive edged out his barn mate today in the Stonelea Ring for the championship title.

“He got a little spooky today,” Colvin said of Way Cool. “He liked the Claiborne yesterday, but today he was looking at the fences like they were a little much.”

While spookiness may have been evident in his first round, it was not at all evident as he cantered around the second course and turned in a score of 87 for the second place finish and additional points toward the reserve championship.

With the 2014 Kentucky Spring Classic championships to their name, Inclusive, Way Cool and Colvin are now making the drive to Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley’s River’s Edge Farm in New Jersey before heading to Devon later this week.

Also making the trip to the Devon Horse Show after an enjoyable and successful week at the Kentucky Spring Classic is fellow junior rider Emma Kurtz. While Colvin led the championship charge in the Junior 16-17 Hunters, Kurtz did the same in the Junior 15 & Under Hunters.

She kicked off the morning by sweeping the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunters with two different horses: Rose Hill Farm’s Enjoy and Oscany, Inc.’s Clooney. The morning’s first blue ribbon over fences and blue ribbon under saddle were both awarded to Enjoy, while Clooney earned the day’s second top call over fences. At the end of the day, the two horses sat tied for the championship title with 34 points apiece. With more points earned over fences, the championship was awarded to Clooney while Enjoy took the reserve spot.

Kurtz also swept all three of the morning’s Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter classes and took home the tricolor with Rendezvous Farm’s Prologue. The reserve championship in the division was awarded to Sophie Simpson and Rose Hill Farm’s Statement.

Today marked the end of the Kentucky Spring Classic, but hunter jumper competition at the Kentucky Horse Park continues this summer with the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, kicking off on July 23.

To learn more about the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Driving, Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

$100,000 Grand Prix of Devon Kicks Off THIS Triple Crown Challenge with Top Jumper Competition

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Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ in last year’s grand prix. Photo © Brenda Carpenter.

Devon, PA – May 15, 2014 – The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair welcomes another year of world-class show jumping competition in the Dixon Oval, with open jumper competition beginning the evening of Tuesday, May 27, and continuing through Saturday, May 31. Devon will play host to the top show jumping riders in North America as they compete at one of the most historical and renowned shows in the United States.

The $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon also serves as the first leg of the $200,000 Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) Triple Crown Challenge, which awards $200,000 to the rider who can master three of the East Coast’s toughest grand prix – the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon, the $250,000 FTI Hampton Classic Grand Prix, and the $250,000 National Horse Show Grand Prix. The rider must win all three classes on the same horse within the same season.

Thursday, May 22, will be the first day of competition for Devon, which continues through Sunday, June 1. The Devon Horse Show hosts 11 days of top-tier competition across multiple breeds and disciplines, showcasing the best riders and horses in the country. Equitation, hunter, and jumper competitors must qualify for a coveted entry to Devon, which is awarded based on points accumulated at other top horse shows in the country.

Spectators will be treated to world-class show jumping, equitation, show hunter, driving, and American Saddlebred and Hackney divisions, with show jumping competition highlighted at the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon taking place under the lights on Thursday, May 29. For those unable to attend the Devon Horse Show in person, they can still watch every single round of competition thanks to continuous live-streaming from the USEF Network from every class at Devon.

Live-streaming every round of every class is new for the 2014 show, and Devon show manager Peter Doubleday is thrilled for the show to be offering increased coverage.

Friends, family, and fans of the riders at Devon won’t have to miss a minute of the show thanks to our new, expanded broadcasting schedule with USEF Network. Devon is a show unlike any other, and we wanted to enable viewers to be able to experience Devon from wherever they may be,” said Doubleday.

McLain Ward and Rothchild on their way to victory in 2013. Photo © The Book LLC
McLain Ward and Rothchild on their way to victory in 2013. Photo © The Book LLC

McLain Ward, Olympic gold medalist and winner of the 2013 Grand Prix of Devon, will return in 2014 to defend his title with Rothchild and is looking forward to have another shot at the THIS Triple Crown Challenge.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I think it’s a great perk. It’s a real challenge. To try to win three major classes with one horse like that is pretty hard to do, as we’ve seen. But if you can win the first one, there is always a chance! We’ll see what happens,” Ward said.

Rothchild is fresh off a win at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Antwerp, Belgium, and will return to the show ring for the first time at Devon, a show that Ward makes sure to never miss.

“He goes well [at Devon]. It’s an important event, and it’s a nice lead-up event to the Nations Cup in Spruce Meadows,” Ward, of Brewster, NY, explained. “I think it’s as good a crowd as anywhere in show jumping, just about anywhere in the world. They’re a horse-educated crowd, they understand the sport, they know what should and shouldn’t be happening. The atmosphere is phenomenal.”

Nineteen-year-old Sydney Shulman of Greenwich, CT, is no stranger to the atmosphere at Devon, but 2014 will be the first year that she takes on the big names like Ward in the open jumper division. Shulman first started at Devon seven years ago in the Small Pony Hunter divisions and finished her last junior year there in 2013, where she showed across the junior jumper, equitation, and hunter divisions. 2014 will be her first year in the open jumpers as a professional with her horse Quidam 13.

“It’s one of my favorite shows,” Shulman noted. “I’m definitely not going in with as much confidence as I did when I was a junior. It’s a totally different ballgame, and I’m at the bottom of the heap now! I’m excited to do the bigger classes. My horse has never been to Devon before, so it will be good for him.”

Like Ward, Shulman also enjoys the impressive atmosphere of the Dixon Oval, the central attraction each year for competition.

“I love how it’s contained. It’s only focused on that main ring, which is nice. Luckily I’ve shown there enough that I know the ring. Doing the equitation there helped a lot because you have to use every aspect of the ring. I like more pressure, so when it’s one ring and everyone is watching, it’s fun,” Shulman described.

You can join in the jumper action at the Devon Horse Show by purchasing tickets at www.devonhorseshow.org. Don’t miss the country’s best show jumpers at this spectacular event!

The Devon Show Horse Show & Country Fair, founded in 1896, is the nation’s oldest and largest multi-breed outdoor horse show. It is one of 16 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competitions. The 11-day event attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is one of the largest volunteer based fundraising events in the country. Proceeds from the event benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital. While attracting top competitors from around the world for events such as the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon (Thurs., May 29), the event remains one of Philadelphia’s premiere traditions, offering great food, boutique shopping, and rides, games, and events for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now; click HERE to purchase!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Championships, Competitions, Pony, Racing, Washington Int'l Horse Show

2014 WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series Debuts at the Devon Horse Show

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Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Washington, D.C. – May 14, 2014 – The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce the return of the wildly popular Shetland Pony racing exhibition and launch of the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, which will include a stop at the historic Devon Horse Show in Devon, Pa., plus two nights of racing in Washington, D.C.

The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races are run like professional racing events with a bugler, race caller and photo finish, but the jockeys are youngsters from seven to 14, mounted on traditional Shetland Ponies racing over a course of miniature hurdles.

“Last year the audience went crazy for the super cute, fluffy Shetland Ponies and their tiny colorful jockeys racing around Verizon Center!” said WIHS President Vicki Lowell. “We started talking right away about how we could bring them back in a bigger way. Devon is a natural fit as it’s such a special show with great spectators of all ages.”

Well-established in England, pony racing is growing in popularity in the U.S., thanks in part to Maryland-based U.S. Pony Racing, LLC (USPR), organizer of the WIHS exhibition series, which about a year ago started running flat and jumping races for Shetland Ponies at racetracks in Maryland, including Pimlico.

Before entering the USPR program, every pony is evaluated for suitability for its rider and every child is fully prepared for race day. “We don’t want them to be little race horses, we want them to be good ponies that kids can ride,” said Regina Welsh, USPR founder and director. “We want well-rounded kids and well-rounded ponies.”

Charles Owen, sponsor of the inaugural Shetland Pony Steeplechase at Washington last year, will return as sponsor for the expanded 2014 series. No newcomer to pony racing, the Wrexham, England-based helmet maker has been a significant supporter of pony racing in Great Britain since 2005.

“Charles Owen is delighted to be presenting sponsor of the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series,” said Roy Burek, Managing Director of Charles Owen. “With our long association with pony racing in England, we’re especially excited to be a part of its growth in the U.S. Devon and Washington offer a perfect showcase for this sport, and we encourage equestrians and non-equestrians alike to come out to experience and enjoy it.”

WIHS Executive Director Bridget Love Meehan sees the growing series as a mutually beneficial for its partners. “We’re delighted Charles Owen, with its knowledge and appreciation of pony racing, has joined us to create a fresh, fun and exciting new event,” Love Meehan said. “Very few people know that Kent Farrington, the winner of the WIHS President’s Cup Grand Prix in 2013, used to race ponies! It’s a fun event for spectators and a great way for kids to get into equestrian sports!”

The first stop in the 2014 series will be Memorial Day, May 26, at the Devon Horse Show, and it culminates with the finals at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. with races on WIHS Barn Night, Thursday, October 23, and on Grand Prix Night, Saturday, October 25. Additional venues may be added.

The 56th annual Washington International Horse Show will be held October 21-26, 2014, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

For more information on U.S. Pony Racing LLC, please visit www.facebook.com/usponyracing.

About the Washington International Horse Show

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show attracts more than 26,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for nearly half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition, Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Devon Horse Show & Country Fair Hosts Top Professional and Amateur Hunter Riders for Improved 2014 Schedule

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Trainer Susie Schoellkopf and professional rider Jennifer Alfano have joined the winner’s circle many times at the Devon Horse Show. Photo © The Book LLC.

Devon, PA – May 7, 2014 – Competition is sure to be fierce at the 2014 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, with many of the country’s top professional and amateur hunter riders currently qualified to compete. Professional divisions will begin on Monday, May 26, culminating with the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, now hosted on Thursday, May 29. Amateur-owner hunter divisions will compete on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31.

Thursday, May 22, will be the first day of competition for Devon, which continues through Sunday, June 1. The Devon Horse Show hosts 11 days of top-tier competition across multiple breeds and disciplines, showcasing the best riders and horses in the country. With the exception of equitation and local hunter classes, all other hunter and jumper competitors must qualify for a coveted entry to Devon, which is awarded based on points accumulated at other top horse shows in the country.

Spectators will be treated to world-class show jumping, equitation, show hunter, driving, American Saddlebred and Hackney divisions, with the featured $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon, the first leg of the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) Triple Crown Challenge, taking place on Thursday, May 29. New for 2014, the USEF Network will live-stream every round from every class. Video will also be made available on-demand following its broadcast.

The $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby’s move to Thursday was a decision made by Devon show management to better accommodate professional riders along with their horses and owners. The schedule change has resulted in the doubling of entries for the class.

The change is a welcome one for all parties involved. Renowned hunter owner and trainer Susie Schoellkopf described the move as “brilliant,” and praised show management for being so receptive to exhibitors’ needs. The responsiveness of Devon’s management was something Schoellkopf admitted could be difficult to find at many of today’s shows, but Devon’s history of excellence has continued to uphold the highest standards of exhibitor experience.

“Devon is tradition,” Schoellkopf explained. “Devon should be what everybody aspires to. We did as kids, and we still do now. Devon is not the same [as other shows]. It’s very different and very special.”

The aura of excellence that surrounds Devon is what puts it on every rider’s calendar year after year. Kelley Farmer, the first hunter rider to reach $1 million in earnings and the 2013 Leading Hunter Rider of Devon, will return to Devon in 2014 with another string of highly competitive mounts, including 2014 Grand Hunter Champion Back Story, owned by Tia Schurecht. Joining Farmer will be fellow hunter stars Jennifer Alfano, Louise Serio, Havens Schatt, Scott Stewart, and Hunt Tosh.

The roster of amateur riders qualified for Devon is equally impressive. Reigning 2013 Leading Amateur-Owner Rider Dawn Fogel will be back in 2014 with her Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion mount, Royal Oak. The rest of the list of qualified amateurs is just as impressive as the roster of professional riders, with top amateurs Stephanie Danhakl, Montana Coady, and Becky Gochman all making the cut.

Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, has owned a countless number of champion horses that have triumphed in the Dixon Oval at Devon, where many of her proudest moments have taken place.

“It makes me swell with pride [to watch my horses in the ring at Devon]. Even qualifying for Devon is one of the biggest in the cap that any horseman can ever wear in a lifetime, let alone to get a ribbon there,” Dr. Parker expressed. “I’ve been going to Devon since the late 1960s, and I really think it’s one of the very finest shows we have in the United States.”

As one of the country’s oldest horse shows, Devon possesses a uniquely rich history that Dr. Parker hopes that today’s generation of riders will continue to treasure.

“It is very special to come back to and see so many things you’ve loved since your childhood,” Dr. Parker smiled. “I hope that the younger generation will think about the memories and the shows of their childhood and how wonderful it is to come back. [I hope] one day they’ll come back and be supportive of it, whether it’s having horses of their own one day, or having their children there, or maybe they’ll be sponsors like I am.”

Get your tickets today to see the best hunters in the nation compete at the Devon Horse Show, or plan to watch online at USEF Network.

www.devonhorseshow.org

The Devon Show Horse Show & Country Fair, founded in 1896, is the nation’s oldest and largest multi-breed outdoor horse show. It is one of 16 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competitions. The 11-day event attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and is one of the largest volunteer based fundraising events in the country. Proceeds from the event benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital. While attracting top competitors from around the world for events such as the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon (Thurs., May 29), the event remains one of Philadelphia’s premiere traditions, offering great food, boutique shopping, and rides, games, and events for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now, click HERE to purchase!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Make The Derby Your Post-Devon Destination

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Mumford, NY – April 22, 2014 – Hunter riders officially qualified for the 2014 Devon Horse Show should plan to stick around the Northeast for a few extra days this year. Just days after the Devon Horse Show’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum offers riders another lucrative USHJA International Hunter Derby – this time on a scenic grass field and with $35,000 in prize money up for grabs.

The $35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2014 with a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby being held in conjunction on Saturday, June 7, 2014. Together the two derbies will make up the inaugural Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, just one of three stand-alone hunter derby events in the country.

“The stand-alone events are kind of the only true hunter derbies remaining, and there aren’t very many of them,” said Bobby Murphy, course designer for The Derby at Genesee Country Village & Museum and the Chicago Hunter Derby.

The stand-alone format allows for 100 percent of the focus to be centered on creating the ultimate enjoyable experience for the hunter derby horses and riders, as well as spectators. Both the National and International Hunter Derbies will be held on the Great Meadow of the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY, an area extraordinarily rich in equestrian history.

The Genesee Country Village & Museum is reflective of that history, as one of the largest living history museums in the country. It features costumed historic interpreters in restored historic buildings set in a beautifully preserved rural landscape that paints the perfect backdrop for the USHJA National and International Derbies.

Stalls and entries for both classes are already beginning to fill, and all entries are due by mail by May 30, 2014.

Stay up to date with all the latest announcements and updates from The Derby by liking the event on Facebook here!

The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Fast Facts:

What:
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum:
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Where:
The Genesee Country Village & Museum
1410 Flint Hill Road
Mumford, NY 14511

When:
June 7 & 8, 2014

Website:
www.thederby.us

Beneficiaries:
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and exposure!

To learn more about the numerous available sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact us online for more information!

The Derby Producers & Management:
Brian Brown – browndawgroger@hotmail.com
Craig Brown – cmbrown@rochester.rr.com
Liz Keller – lkeller6@rochester.rr.com

TSG Equine Events, LLC
http://www.tsgequineevents.com/

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Charlotte Jacobs Wins R. W. Mutch Equitation Championship at Devon Horse Show

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Charlotte Jacobs and Stallone VDL won the R. W. "Ronnie" Mutch Equitation Championship at the Devon Horse Show. Photo By: Parker/Russell - The Book LLC

East Aurora, NY – June 5, 2012 – For the second consecutive year, talented junior rider Charlotte Jacobs took home the R. W. “Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship during the prestigious Devon Horse Show. Jacobs and her leading equitation mount Stallone VDL were once again at the top of the leaderboard to claim the coveted honor. Later that weekend, Jacobs flew to HITS-On-The-Hudson, where she placed first and second in the $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic with Kachina and Cyrina Z, respectively.

Jacobs and Stallone VDL have been top competitors in the equitation ring throughout 2012, and during the Devon Horse Show their mastership of the discipline shone though. They earned the top call in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, and then won the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. At the end of the Devon Horse Show’s Junior Weekend, they were presented with the R. W. “Ronnie Mutch Equitation Championship for the second year in a row.

Continue reading Charlotte Jacobs Wins R. W. Mutch Equitation Championship at Devon Horse Show →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

$50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake Belongs to Charlie Jayne at 2012 Devon Horse Show

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Charlie Jayne and Chill RZ (Amy Dragoo)

Devon, PA – It was another glorious day at the Devon Horse Show and 15 horses lined up for the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake in the storied Dixon Oval at the 2012 Devon Horse Show. This afternoon’s class served as the second half of the third USEF Observation Event for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Fourteen combinations, 13 of which are vying for a trip to the 2012 London Olympic Games, tested Michel Vaillancourt’s track and only two horses managed to leave up all of the jumps.

Charlie Jayne (Elgin, IL) cruised to an exceptional clear on Pony Lane Farm’s Chill RZ adding just one time fault to seal the victory over the difficult course.

“I thought the course was big,” said Jayne. “I thought the course was as technical as two nights ago. I thought it was hard and that the jumps came up quick. I thought the water came up quick and that lie was very difficult. I thought you needed some stamina; I think it was a big round two nights ago and it was bigger today. By the last line, I think your horse really needed some energy left. I couldn’t have asked much more from my horse; he was amazing all week.”

Continue reading $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake Belongs to Charlie Jayne at 2012 Devon Horse Show →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Wins First Leg of $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge

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Photo: ©Parker/Russell - The Book LLC. McLain Ward is joined in the winner's circle by THIS' Michael Taylor and William Weeks after he won the first leg of the $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge by taking the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon

Middleburg, VA – June 1, 2012 – In a three horse jump off last night, McLain Ward and Antares F proved to be perfect winning the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon and at the same time, the first leg of the brand new $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge, America’s richest rider bonus.

McLain is now the rider in the spotlight this year, for the first ever Triple Crown Challenge offered by Taylor Harris Insurance Services.

Following this win, McLain and Antares F must also win the Hampton Classic’s $250,000 FTI Grand Prix & FEI World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, September 2, 2012 and the third jewel of the Triple Crown Challenge, the $250,000 Alltech Grand Prix at the Alltech National Horse Show on Saturday, November 3, 2012 to receive the $200,000 bonus.

“We are thrilled with McLain’s win last night,” said Michael Taylor of Taylor Harris Insurance Services. “He and Antares F were exceptional, and I believe they are more than capable of winning the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge and we are look forward to the second leg of competition at The Hampton Classic.”

Continue reading McLain Ward Wins First Leg of $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Events, Show Jumping, USEF

Emotional Night as McLain Ward Wins Seventh Grand Prix of Devon in a Remarkable Comeback

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McLain Ward and Antares F (AK Dragoo Photography)

Devon, PA – A small but mighty field of show jumping horses lined up to tackle the penultimate USEF Observation Event for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Thirteen combinations from the USEF Show Jumping Long List headlined the field of 16 in the 2012 $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon.

The Dixon Oval always proves a tremendous venue at the Devon Horse Show and with improvements made over the last few years, the storied competition, though steeped with history, continues to evolve into the modern age. Another chapter in its history was written this evening as McLain Ward scored his seventh Grand Prix of Devon title. The win was full of emotion as Ward (Brewster, NY) battled back from a shattered kneecap in January to fight for his spot on his third Olympic Team.

“Obviously it feels great,” said Ward after his win. “I haven’t jumped jumps that big in a while. It’s nice to be back – it was a really hard four months.”

Continue reading Emotional Night as McLain Ward Wins Seventh Grand Prix of Devon in a Remarkable Comeback →

Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Abigail McArdle Earns Top Honors at Devon Horse Show

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Abigail McArdle and Cosma 20 placed sixth in the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Classic at the Devon Horse Show. Photo By: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

Devon PA – May 30, 2012 – During Junior Weekend at the prestigious Devon Horse Show, young rider Abigail McArdle showcased her skills and earned top ribbons in both the equitation and the jumper rings. She placed in the top three during three of the equitation events with Apartico, and qualified for the jump-off during the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Classic aboard Cosma 20.

The equitation classes were held at the beginning of the week, and McArdle kicked off the competition with a score of 89 in the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase, which garnered the second place honors. She then went on to place third in the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Classic, as well as the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search with Apartico.

“It’s so nice to walk into the ring at Devon and in the first class lay down a trip and get a second in the Washington,” expressed McArdle. “Even though we didn’t win, we had very consistent trips in every class. There were great courses with a lot of different tests. You could have a forward line and then have to collect, and then need to make a bending line. It really showed off the relationship between Apartico and myself because we work really hard on the flat. It showed off which horses were adjustable, so that’s where all of my flatwork paid off and we could really shine.”

Continue reading Abigail McArdle Earns Top Honors at Devon Horse Show →