Tag Archives: Driving

Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI

Exell Continues Success Story in Aachen

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Four times Aachen winner Boyd Exell continued his success story at Aachen © FEI/Rinaldo de Craen.

Aachen (GER), 17 July 2011 – Top driver Boyd Exell (AUS) has continued his amazing success story in Aachen. Crowned World Champion at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky last year and winner of the FEI World Cup Driving Final for the third consecutive time in Leipzig in April this year, the Australian has won this year’s prestigious CAIO Aachen for the fourth time in his career. Boyd first won Aachen in 2003 and was unbeatable in 2009, 2010 and now in 2011.

Five competitions
The CAIO in Aachen consisted of five competitions for all drivers this year; the first dressage test (FEI Test 8a) counted for the individual classification, the second dressage test (FEI test 6a) counted for the team classification and was also compulsory for individual drivers like Boyd Exell and Chester Weber (USA). The first cones competition counted for the individual classification, the marathon counted for both the individual and the teams and today’s final cones competition counted for the teams and was again compulsory for the individuals.

First dressage
Boyd Exell had a head start in the first dressage test, which was driven in the pouring rain in the Aachen driving stadium on Wednesday. Boyd drove his team of black geldings owned by Támas Vincze from Hungary to a winning score of 35.97 penalty points. After a great start, Exell’s left wheeler horse became very excited during the latter part of the test, but this did not prevent Exell from getting the best score of the day. First into the arena, Chester Weber the USA put down a very solid test with his two new leader horses Splash and Uniek.

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Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, USEF

Laura Kraut Victorious in Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup, Steffen Peters Continues to Win, and Chester Weber Drives to Third Overall at CHIO Aachen

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Laura Kraut on Teirra during the Warsteiner jumping competition at 2011 CHIO Aachen. Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images.

Aachen, Germany – Another American victory came Saturday at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany. Show jumper Laura Kraut rode Woodstock O, owned by Joan Kalman and The Freedom Group, to the win in the Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup. They were also awarded with the overall special prize for the best rider/horse of the three Youngsters Cup competitions.

Kraut and Woodstock O have consistently been in the ribbons this week in the Youngsters Cup, with clear rounds in the previous two speed classes. “I don’t think he rubbed a fence the whole time. I didn’t go fast the first two days, even though they were speed classes, because it doesn’t really matter. The goal is to qualify for the final and save yourself for the last class,” Kraut explained.

They did just that, as Woodstock O, an 8-year-old KWPN gelding, was clear through two rounds today and the fastest in the jump-off to take home the top prize over Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on Urmel 86 and Lars Nieberg (GER) with Coco Mademoiselle.

Kraut said, “We jumped the first round at 9:15 this morning and we didn’t have the jump-off until 2:15 in the afternoon. This morning he was actually quite fresh and strong. He was sort of a handful to ride around, but he jumped brilliantly. By the afternoon, he settled down and he was so good in the jump-off. It was his type of course with a lot of galloping. Even though he’s small, his stride is very big. He did everything he was supposed to do.”

Continue reading Laura Kraut Victorious in Sparkassen-Youngsters Cup, Steffen Peters Continues to Win, and Chester Weber Drives to Third Overall at CHIO Aachen →

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping, USEF

Chester Weber and Four-In-Hand Team Capture First Place in Driving Phase at Aachen CHIO

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Aachen, Germany – Team USA notched another win today at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO in Aachen, Germany. Chester Weber and his four-in-hand team won the second dressage test in driving.

Weber handled the reins of Jane Clark’s team – Para, Senate, Splash, and Uniek – in the dressage test, which was a rating competition for team classification. Weber competed as an individual for the United States, and he was given scores of 193, 203, 194, 196, and 193 from the judges. He and his team received a total score of 34.69 for victory and the Prize of Martello Immobilienmanagement GmbH & Co. KG.

“It was spectacular,” said Ed Young, U.S. Driving Chef d’Equipe. “He drove a wonderful test. It really was flawless, and it went beautifully.”

Weber will compete tomorrow in the obstacles phase.

Continue reading Chester Weber and Four-In-Hand Team Capture First Place in Driving Phase at Aachen CHIO →

Auctions, Community/Charity, Driving, FEI, JRPR

Bid on Fantastic Items in eBay Auction to Help Champion Driver Suzy Stafford Make It to the 2011 World Pony Driving Championships

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Suzy Stafford has been long-listed for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships with her registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine. (Photo courtesy of Pics of You)

Chester County, PA (July 12, 2011) – World Champion driver Suzy Stafford has been long-listed for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships with her registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine, but before Stafford and Josie head to Slovenia the determined driver still has a great deal of work to do. Part of that work includes raising funds for the trip, so Stafford will be hosting an eBay auction beginning Friday, July 15th, featuring a variety of fabulous items both equestrian and non-equestrian.

All proceeds from the auction will go toward funding Stafford and Josie’s World Championship trip to Slovenia.  ”I am really excited that people will have the chance to bid on so many great items, from a week’s vacation in Maine to many, many equestrian related items,” Stafford said, adding that she wants to thank her many supporters who donated items to the auction. “I am truly grateful to all my supporters! I would like to thank all the donors of these wonderful items for their on-going support and generosity including Dover Saddlery, Shawn Faust, Jim Graham, Hidden Valley Acres, Bit of Britain, Beth and Dan Steinke, Chester Weber, Dansko, Unionville Feed, Weyerbacher Brewing Company, Vita Flex, Unionville Saddlery, Fridays’s Horse, Jewelry by Moolenschot, Equine Journal, Larry Poulin, Stoltzfus Farm Service, Inc., and Harness by Smucker.”

Some of the items in Stafford’s eBay auction include: a one-week vacation waterfront rental house in Maine; a personal brewery tour and tasting by the owner/brewer of Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton, Pennsylvania; a new deluxe Black with Brass Harness by Smucker; a “signed” Breyer Model of Jamaica, Chester Weber’s Horse of the Year; a “signed” Breyer model of Stafford’s Gold Medal driving pony Cefnopark Bouncer; a new Charles Owen Helmet; a “signed” print from Delaware artist Shawn Faust; a one-hour photography lesson with nationally recognized photo journalist Jim Graham; training with Bronze and Silver Medal Dressage rider and trainer Stacey Parvey-Larrson; a pair of Dansko shoes of your choice; and a new bridle.

Continue reading Bid on Fantastic Items in eBay Auction to Help Champion Driver Suzy Stafford Make It to the 2011 World Pony Driving Championships →

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Endurance Riding, Eventing/H.T., Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Show Jumping, Vaulting, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Alltech Signs Up as Title Sponsor for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy

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Laurent Beauvais, Chairman of the Basse-Normandie Regional Council and of the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, and Dr Pearse Lyons, President of Alltech, celebrating the announcement of Alltech as the title sponsor of the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - Normandy © MC Chantrait

Lausanne (SUI), 8 July 2011 – Laurent Beauvais, chairman of the Basse-Normandie Regional Council and Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, and Alltech president Dr Pearse Lyons today announced that Alltech will be the title sponsor of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

The agreement represents an historic partnership in the world of equestrian sports with a commitment from Alltech to the value of EUR 10 million. The seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games will officially be known as the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014.

“Alltech is proud to continue our partnership with the World Equestrian Games,” said Alltech President and Founder, Dr Pearse Lyons.

“These world championships of equestrian sport epitomise the values that we applaud; passion, excellence and performance. When the eyes of the world tune in to watch the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, we will be there. France and Normandy in particular, with its worldwide reputation of excellence in horse breeding, is a strategic location for our company. Alltech has a long-standing history of serving the agricultural community in France and we are thrilled to support the event in Normandy and to share in the pride of this spectacular event.”

“The FEI is delighted by the renewal of Alltech’s title sponsorship of the FEI’s flagship event, the FEI World Equestrian Games,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar de Vos. “We are proud of the Games’ enduring appeal and are looking forward to an unforgettable seventh edition organised by Normandy 2014’s professional team and supported by an outstanding title sponsor such as Alltech.”

Continue reading Alltech Signs Up as Title Sponsor for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy →

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Community/Charity, Driving, FEI, JRPR

Half-Arabian Goes from Leadline to World Headlines

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Suzy Stafford has been long-listed for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia with her half-Arabian pony Miss Josephine. (Photo courtesy of Pics Of You)

Chester County, PA (July 8, 2011) – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford’s registered half-Arabian mare Miss Josephine may be long-listed for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Slovenia, but the 14-hand FEI mare’s career has also included much “smaller” competitions. Those competitions include being a patient and wonderful leadline mount for children.

“Josie has an amazing heart and loves a challenge, which is what makes her a fantastic international competitor,” Stafford said. “But like most Arabians, she is very sweet and being a child’s leadline mount also suited her. In addition to being a leadline mount, Josie was part of a driving pair before I bought her. I do think going from a leadline mount to a world champion competitor is pretty remarkable.”

Stafford also thinks it is remarkable that Josie will be the first registered Arabian to compete in the World Pony Driving Championships for the United States. “Arabians are a very versatile breed and they really can excel in any discipline,” Stafford said. “Arabians are a great mount for children and adults. Even though Josie has the ability to win in the leadline division with a small child, she also has the ability to become an award-winning FEI World Driving Pony Champion. As one of the oldest and most popular breeds in the United States, the Arabian is known for having boundless energy, great intellect and a gentle disposition and that is a great description of Josie.”

Stafford and Josie became partners in September of 2010, and the pair has already proven they have the drive to win. Stafford and Josie won the Reserve National Single Pony Championships at Live Oak International earlier this year and as the most consistent competitors in three selection trials held in Florida, the pair also drove away as the winners of the Triple Crown of Driving sponsored by Live Oak International, the Sunshine State CDE and Little Everglades CDE.

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Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting

This Week in International Disciplines – June 30, 2011

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Mt. Eden Team. Primo Ponies Photography.

Vaulting
Several U.S. vaulters participated in the CVI competition in Saratoga, CA. Patrick Stevens took home the win in the Male Senior CVI2*with a score of 7.195, while Joseph Gadd came in second with a 6.247. In the competitive Female Senior CVI2*, Mary McCormick took home the win with an impressive score of 8.219. Katharine Wick came in a close second with an 8.147, while Marisa Hamar finished third with a 7.671. The Mt. Eden Sun Team finished in first in the Senior Team CVI2* with a score of 7.799. The Woodside A Team came in second with a 7.420 and the Pacific Coast Vaulters finished third with a 6.931. In the Senior Pas de Deux, Rosalind Ross and Devon Maitozo had strong performances to win with an 8.121. Kimberly and Cassidy Palmer finished second with a score of 7.086, while Alexandra Thrasher and Joseph Gadd came in third with 6.849. In the Male Senior CVI1*, Nicholas Cox took the top prize with a score of 5.363. Tessa Divita took the top prize in the Female Senior CVI1* with a 7.067. Grace Robinson came in second with a 6.753, while Karly Frankel-Newman finished third with a 6.732. In the Senior Team CVI1*, the Mt. Eden 7 Sisters won the division with a score of 5.995, while Tambourine came in second with a 5.260.

Please visit http://www.cvisaratoga.com for more information.

Dressage
At the CDI-W Milton in Canada, David Marcus competed two horses throughout the weekend. In the Prix St Georges class, Marcus and Don Kontes finished in fourth with a score of 66.711%, while he tied for fifth with Chevri’s Capital with a 65.570%. Marcus once again had strong finishes in the Intermediaire I class, finishing third with Chevri’s Capital with a score of 69.737% and fifth with Don Kontes with a score of 67.895%. Susan Dutta had consistent performances in the Grand Prix class, finishing third with Currency DC scoring a 65.182% and fourth with Manette DC scoring a 65.061%. In the Grand Prix Special, Dutta and Golden Choice DC finished third with a score of 62.515%.

Continue reading This Week in International Disciplines – June 30, 2011 →

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Show Jumping, USEF, Vaulting

USEF Names Riders, Drivers and Vaulters for CHIO Aachen

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be represented in four disciplines at CHIO Aachen, which runs July 8-17, 2011 in Aachen, Germany. Please click on any athlete or team name for more information about them.

The following horse/rider combinations have been named in ranked order to represent the U.S. in Dressage:

Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) will ride Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki’s Ravel
Ravel is a 13-year-old KWPN gelding

Jan Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) will ride Ann Romney and Amy Roberts Ebeling Rafalca
Rafalca is a 14-year-old Oldenburg mare

Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, CA) will ride Dick and Jane Brown’s UII
UII is a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood

Todd Flettrich (Royal Palm Beach, FL) will ride Cherry Knoll Farm’s Otto
Otto is a 15-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding

Catherine Haddad-Staller (Vectha, Germany) and Winyamaro have been named as the first ranked substitute.

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Breeds, Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events

Combined Driver Shelly Temple Raising Funds to Represent US in World Driving Championships

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June 27, 2011 – Getting to Europe for humans isn’t as hard as it seems — passport, airplane ticket, maps, and some spending money and you’re ready to go.

However, an equestrian athlete traveling to Europe to complete for one’s nation is a tougher.  Shelly Temple, 3 time US National Champion Combined Driver and member of the 2007 bronze medal team, is seeking to travel to Slovenia to compete in the World Pony Driving Championships.  Her Morgan pony, Cooper, is a top form in 2011 where Temple hopes to improve upon her second place in dressage in 2007.

Getting to Europe has been Temple’s goal since 2010; however, she states, “Shipping the horse and carriages is very expensive.” The cost for Team Catalyst to compete at the World Championships is estimated to be around $50,000.  Traditionally, the drivers have had to raise the majority of funds to get there and to compete. “We have worked very hard to get ready and now ask for your help to get there and hopefully win a medal for the US,” exclaims Temple.

To learn how you can support Temple, Cooper, and Team Catalyst visit www.catalystdriving.com or call 804-837-4888.

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Driving, JRPR, Media/Radio/TV Sources

HRTV Re-Airs the Show “Holding the Reins” Showcasing Chester Weber and Combined Driving Following Weber’s Four-In-Hand Victory in Hungary

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Chester Weber is featured in an episode on HRTV called “Holding the Reins.” HRTV will re-air the show in June and July, with added commentary from Weber about his win in Hungary. (Photo courtesy of Altenfelden Hippoevent)

Ocala, FL (June 22, 2011) – Fans of USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driver Chester Weber have been lining up to congratulate the American driver following his victory at the CAIO Vecses, an international combined driving competition held recently in Vecses, Hungary. Weber won the Four-In-Hand division against a highly competitive field of international drivers.

HRTV, The Network for Horse Sports, recently aired a show on Weber called “Holding the Reins,” and they also congratulated Weber on his recent victory. HRTV said they will re-air “Holding the Reins” in June and July with an added interview in which Weber discusses his victory in Hungary. The show is a 24-minute look at the exciting world of combined driving – which is considered one of the fastest growing sports in the industry – and features the story of how Weber grew up on a Thoroughbred racehorse farm to become one of our country’s leading drivers.

Weber has had great success both internationally and nationally and is currently the USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, a championship he has won a record eight years in a row. The goal-oriented Weber has his sights set on being the best in the world and during the HRTV show the United States Driving Chef d’Equipe, Ed Young, discussed Weber’s ambitions. “I think we will see Chester become the World Champion,” Young said.

“Holding the Reins” not only highlights Weber’s success, but also brings to light the intriguing and challenging sport of combined driving. The sport features speed, power, agility, grace, beauty and teamwork. “There are three phases in combined driving — dressage, the cross-country marathon and the cones. The cross-country is the real showstopper. You don’t have to like horses to appreciate the marathon,” Weber said.

Continue reading HRTV Re-Airs the Show “Holding the Reins” Showcasing Chester Weber and Combined Driving Following Weber’s Four-In-Hand Victory in Hungary →