Tag Archives: equestrian community

Southeast US “Queen of Speed” Retires from Show Jumping

Hendersonville, NC — Shakira do Jacare, the brilliant 14-year-old Brazilian bred chestnut mare owned by Sarah Owen and Muny Sunk Stables, officially retired from the sport of show jumping in an emotional ceremony during the 2010 Atlanta Summer Classics.

Dubbed the “Queen of Speed” by her competitors, Shakira’s presence alone at many a grand prix was enough to rattle the nerves of most seasoned jumpers. However, this mare’s story begins with Longwood Equestrian Center’s owner and professional rider Sergio Campos. Shakira was bred by Campos at his family’s ranch in Campo Grande, Brazil. She is the offspring of his champion stallion Primo, who died tragically in a barn accident in 1997. “She [Shakira] was very tough to break; it took a lot longer than most normal horses. I remember when she was a 3-year-old she jumped out of one of the paddocks… over 6 foot tall fencing! She always showed signs of being a Champion.” Campos shared then added with a laugh, “When we imported her to the US she had an accident loading onto the airplane and got 20 stitches in her rump. She missed that plane and arrived 2 weeks later, proving both her headstrong nature and resilience.” A handy mare, known for her speed and turn-of-hoof, Shakira helped Campos lead the victory gallop in four Grand Prixs during their debut in 2005 as well as numerous mini prixs and Welcome Stakes throughout the Southeast. Over the next few years the number of wins only grew, but fate’s crossroad lay just ahead.

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National Equine Resource Network (NERN) Launches, Prepares to Assist Struggling Equine Welfare Organizations

Horse rescues & sanctuaries are struggling with high costs, low donations and a never-ending supply of horses. A new organization brings them hope…

Encinitas, CA (PRWEB) June 8, 2010 — Each year, more than 100,000 American horses cross the borders into Canada and Mexico where they are sold for slaughter. Countless thousands are seized by animal control officers in cases of abandonment, abuse or neglect, while an untold number of horses suffer silently in barns and backyards around the country. It seems an unfair fate for the animal that has, throughout history, given so much to mankind. Fields were plowed, battles were won, new frontiers were discovered and nations were built – all on the back of a horse.

Over the last decade, hope for a brighter future has blossomed in the widespread emergence of equine welfare organizations. While these organizations have begun to provide a safety net for America’s horses, the need for them is increasing exponentially. Rising costs of fuel and hay, coupled with an economic downturn, has thrust more equines than ever into at-risk situations. At the same time, feeling the economic pinch, Americans have decreased their charitable giving and equine welfare organizations are seeing fewer, smaller donations. The result is an industry that is financially struggling and has reached or is nearing capacity, in a climate where the need for these organizations is urgent and continuing to grow. Now, more than ever, the equine welfare industry needs to thrive.

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McLain Ward & Vocas Win the $25k Fairfield Grand Prix to Benefit The EQUUS Foundation

Vocas, owned by Louisburg Farm and ridden by McLain Ward, winner of the $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix and the Callari Cup presented by Wells Fargo Advisors. Photo courtesy of Reflections Photography.

WESTPORT, CT – June 29, 2010 – McLain Ward, aboard Vocas, owned by Louisburg Farm, emerged victorious over a field of 27 competitors at the $25,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, June 26, 2010, the culminating event of the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit Horse Show held in Westport, Connecticut.

Urged on by spectators and over 350 guests at The EQUUS Foundation Grand Prix Benefit Luncheon, Ward and Vocas claimed victory in an exciting jump off. Ward also placed 4th aboard Esplanade 7 owned by Louisburg Farm, and 12th aboard Miel D’Amuray owned by Gabby Slome. George N. Venizelos representing Wells Fargo Advisors was on hand to present the well-earned blue ribbon, along with Jonathan Moffly of Moffly Media, Show Co-Chairs, Alison Ashman and Catherine Herman, Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The EQUUS Foundation, and Lynn Coakley, President of The EQUUS Foundation.

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Big Ass Fans to Provide Cooling Comfort during 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, KY — 87 Days to Go — Big Ass Fans, an international company that designs and engineers industrial, commercial and residential large, slow-speed fans has been named the Official Fan Sponsor for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

As the Official Sponsor, Big Ass Fans will provide their cooling technology to many locations at the Games including the Tradeshow Pavilion and the Eventing Cross Country Course. The Games will feature world championships in eight equestrian sports at the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25 through October 10.

“Quality fans are crucial to create a comfortable environment for staff, spectators, and our human and equine athletes at the Games,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “Big Ass Fans is the perfect company to accomplish this task and their technologies will be valued during the 2010 Games.”

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Village of Wellington Prohibits GLBT Discrimination

(Wellington, Florida) – The Village of Wellington (pop. 55,584) has amended its Equal Employment Opportunity policy to prohibit discrimination based on both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” in Village employment.  The policy covers the Village’s 258 employees.

The action was taken following a request from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local non-profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

“People should not be fired, harassed, or denied promotion simply because they are gay or lesbian, or because they don’t fit the stereotypes for masculinity or femininity,” said Council President Rand Hoch.

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USEF to Award USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards at 2010 Shetland Pony Congress Show

Johnny Robb (right), the Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club, and Lori Nelson (left), USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates are excited for ASPC members who attend the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress Show this year.

Morton, IL (June 21, 2010) – Small equines from all across the nation who attend the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress Show this year will not only compete for National Championship titles but will also have the chance to win one of the new USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards provided by the United States Equestrian Federation. The Shetland Pony Congress Show, August 2-6 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, will feature some of the best Shetland Ponies in the country competing in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes.

“A USEF staff member will be present at the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress and award Championship and Reserve Championship ribbons to the high point winners with USEF membership in certain divisions,” said Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates. “The USEF is looking forward to honoring these members. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is a USEF recognized breed association and has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the USEF.”

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AQHA Launches Full Circle

Formerly known as Greener Pastures, the program serves to reunite horses and previous owners.

America’s Horse, June 21, 2010 – American Quarter Horse owners love their horses – past, present and future – and many want to keep track of those horses even after they are sold.

The American Quarter Horse Association developed the Full Circle program to reunite breeders and previous owners with horses they remember well. Through the free Full Circle program, AQHA members will be able to indicate on a horse’s registration certificate that if the horse ever becomes unwanted, unusable or simply ready for retirement, the member will – if possible – assist in providing or finding a suitable home.

Originally dubbed Greener Pastures, the program has been renamed Full Circle and enhanced. The Full Circle name more accurately reflects goal of the program when horses that were once sold by their original owner come full circle back to them, often times after lengthy careers enriching lives of multiple riders. Even in the program’s short existence, AQHA has received success stories from customers who have been reunited with horses they once owned. To read more about Full Circle, visit http://www.aqha.com/fullcircle.

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Safety Helmets Strongly Recommended by Dressage Committee

21 June 2010 – Following the accident in which Courtney King-Dye (USA) sustained serious head injuries in a schooling fall in Florida earlier this year, the FEI Dressage Committee has today issued a recommendation regarding the wearing of protective headgear.

The FEI Dressage Committee strongly recommends that all riders should wear properly fastened safety helmets when training and in pre-competition warm-ups at all international Dressage shows.

Riders still have the choice of wearing protective headgear in the competition arena.

Media Contact:

Grania Willis
FEI Director Press Relations
Tel: +41 787 506 142
Email: grania.willis@fei.org

The United States Para-Equestrian Association Thanks Everyone for a Successful Para-Webathon

Logos of the USPEA, 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Horse Radio Network, and Kentucky Performance Products. Logos property of their respective owners.

Thousand Oaks, CA – June 14, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to thank everyone involved with the Para-Webathon, which occurred on June 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM.  Broadcasted from the studios of Alltech, the Para-Webathon was presented by the USPEA and Horse Radio Network.  For two hours supporters for the United States Para-Equestrian Team were able to call or click to donate to the Para-Equestrians. The Para-Webathon was a very successful event bringing in $10,000 to support the organization.  The USPEA will be using this money for the 10 riders that will travel to Lexington, Kentucky, for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  The Para-Webathon would not have achieved its success without the volunteers, equestrians, Alltech, Horse Radio Network, and Kentucky Performance Products.

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Todd Flettrich Receives Invitation to Compete at CHIO Aachen

Todd Flettrich and Otto. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – June 14, 2010 – Dressage rider Todd Flettrich will depart for Europe the week of June 14, 2010, to compete in international competition with his Grand Prix mount Otto, a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Rambo X Rampal), owned by Cherry Knoll Farm. Flettrich plans to begin his trip competing in Fritzen, Austria, and will then head to the Falsterbo Horse Show CDI 5* in Sweden on July 8-11, 2010.  Flettrich will then show at The World Equestrian Festival at CHIO Aachen on July 9-18, 2010.

CHIO Aachen is the “Official International Equestrian Tournament of the Federal Republic of Germany” and the #1 ranked horse show in the world. It is a huge honor for Flettrich and Otto to be invited to compete amongst many of the world’s greatest horses and riders at this illustrious event. Flettrich will use the opportunity to gain exposure on the world stage and experience championship competition on the international level as he prepares for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

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