Tag Archives: equitation

Madison Sellman and Clover Win THIS National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship

Madison Sellman aboard Clover.

Lexington, KY – October 24, 2020 – The 137th National Horse Show (NHS) continued Saturday, October 24, bringing top athletes to the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park for another day of historic sport. In addition to naming its first round of champions, day two of the 2020 National Horse Show featured the highly-anticipated Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship. Seventy-six adult equitation riders were called to order in the evening for the THIS National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship, which challenged them to show their best position and style over a three-phase contest. Ultimately, Madison Sellman outshone the rest to ride to a standout victory aboard Clover.

A hefty start list of 76 exhibitors navigated course designer Bobby Murphy’s 12-effort track for the first phase of competition. The flowing course featured a series of lines, including two bending lines to fences at the far end of the ring, a question that repeatedly posed a challenge to riders and their equine partners. Following the conclusion of the first round, judges Keri Kampsen and Chance Arakelian invited 24 contenders back to the arena for the final two phases of competition, which consisted of a flat class in addition to another trip over fences. Whittled down to the best performers, the flat portion of the class was split into two sections, which saw the remaining challenger demonstrate all three paces. Following that, all 24 eligible partnerships advanced to the final phase, one more over fences trip to demonstrate their skill.

A new pattern, Murphy’s second course featured some familiar elements from the first track, but offered riders a few new opportunities to showcase their abilities. With the 24 rounds completed, judges Kampsen and Arakalien invited four finalists – Jessica Stone, Madison Myro, Madison Sellman, and Ashton Alexander – back to the ring for one final test.

Riding in that order, Stone tackled the track first, which consisted of counter-cantering fence 1, cantering fence 2, a halt, cantering fences 4a and 4b, trotting fence 5, cantering fences 6a and 6b, then returning to the line. She and her mount put the pressure on with an expertly-navigated work-off to set the standard for the remaining contestants, and Myro followed suit, managing to halt her horse earlier than her peer. Not willing to be outdone, Sellman performed admirably with another expert trip, hoping to add further success to her division championship won earlier in the day, leaving Alexander for last. Also a division tricolor winner Saturday, Alexander piloted her equine partner to a seemingly flawless execution of the pattern, leaving a tough decision for the judges to order the quartet of talented riders.

As the results were announced in reverse order, Sellman’s efforts over four phases were ultimately rewarded as the judges named her the 2020 Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Horse Show Adult Equitation champion. Alexander was awarded reserve honors, followed by Stone in third place, while Myro rounded out the top four.

From Honeoye Falls, N.Y., Sellman is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she was named the 2019-2020 SEC Equestrian Scholar Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year. In the competition arena, Sellman excelled as well, earning NCEA All-America Second Team and All-SEC honors as a senior for her work on the flat. Her catch-riding skills from collegiate equestrian came in handy Saturday, as the young rider navigated Clover, a horse that she does not normally ride, to a prestigious victory.

To learn more about the 2020 National Horse Show, click here.

Madison Olvert and Kennedy Duke Lead Pérez & Bennett 16-17 Equitation Division at NHS

Kennedy Duke and Galan.

Lexington, KY – October 23, 2020 – The 2020 National Horse Show (NHS) began Friday, October 23, returning to its home in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park for its 137th year of top competition. As the oldest indoor horse show in America, the National Horse Show is a major fixture on the national and international equestrian sports calendar. Now in its third year, the Opening Weekend highlights age-group equitation classes and two championship events, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship and the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship, over the course of three days. In the Pérez & Bennett 16-17 Equitation division, Madison Olvert stood out as the big winner of the day, riding to back-to-back blue ribbons in Section A of the split division aboard her own Green Book. In Section B, Kennedy Duke and her own Galan led the way thanks to two top-three results.

Friday brought the first over fences round of divisions ranging in height from 2’6”-3’3” and under saddle classes, with a number of exhibitors earning coveted ribbons from judges Keri Kampsen and Chance Arakelian for equitation excellence. Kicking off the Pérez & Anne Bennett 16-17 Equitation division, Section A competitors took center stage following the Pérez & Bennett Under 14 and 14-15 Equitation divisions earlier in the morning. Olvert and Green Book jumped to the top of the leaderboard as the early frontrunners ahead of 30 competitors thanks to a stellar over fences round that earned them a first-place prize, and the partnership later returned to the ring to add to their success. Under saddle, Olvert and Green Book once again shone the brightest, nabbing the top honors ahead of a hotly-contested flat class to kick off the horse show on a high note and conclude the day as the division leaders.

In Section B, 29 entries attempted to demonstrate accuracy and precision over the 10-fence course, and in the end Duke bested the pack with the ride on Galan following an exemplary trip that kept them at the head of the talented class to earn invaluable points towards the division championship. Duke and Galan once again impressed with a third-place finish under saddle, but were bested by Courtney Craver and her own Kentucky Ter Doorns, who walked, trotted, and cantered straight to first place in the class. Duke and Galan will aim to maintain their status as the division frontrunners Thursday with the final over fences class.

The National Horse Show will return for its second day of riding Saturday, Oct. 24, and will highlight the championship crowning of the age group equitation divisions, as well as the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship.

To learn more about the 2020 National Horse Show, click here.

Livestream Timetable Announced for Three Days of Virtual Windsor Autumn Series

Organisers of CHI Royal Windsor Horse Show are excited to announce the packed official programme for the Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 Show!

The Virtual Show takes place via a daily streamed video from 25-27 September, starting at 1pm every day. Available worldwide via Facebook, YouTube, and the Virtual Windsor website, the Show will comprise the judging of the online Showing classes, plus The Omega Equine Pony Club Dressage Home International, The Riding for the Disabled Association Dressage Challenge, supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Wychanger, and The Omega Equine Equitation Jumping alongside regular Shopping Fixes, Horse Wellness, and an exclusive masterclass from international showjumper William Whitaker.

William Whitaker Brings Top Coaching to a Screen near You

Virtual Windsor teamed up with a loyal and hugely successful Windsor stalwart, William Whitaker, to deliver three fantastic Masterclasses covering a range of exercises which can be adopted by everyone.

The three sessions, which will be aired one per day on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Virtual Windsor, cover top tips on everything from walking a course, identifying and adjusting striding and lines, flatwork and polework exercises, and a range of improving exercises to suit different horses.

In the first, William talks viewers through his techniques for riding lines between fences and says, “I didn’t get them right every time, but then explained where I’d gone wrong and did it right. I think that’s good for people to see as they only usually see the end product – the 80 seconds in the ring – and think that’s how it is all the time but it’s not at all!”

For the third Masterclass, William did some gridwork with a seven-year-old who can rush his fences, and adapted some of the exercises for his eight-year-old daughter Bella and her pony, proving that you do not need to be jumping 1m40 to practice. He ended his Masterclasses with some wise words to remember in the lead up to any event be it Virtual or ‘real’: “Build up steadily so your horse knows exactly what’s being asked.”

Livestream Schedule for Autumn Series

With three days of international competition across three disciplines, the Virtual Windsor Autumn Series is gearing up for an exciting weekend.

Commentators Nick Brooks-Ward and Adam Cromarty lead the action, interviewing judges, competitors, and viewers to bring a whole show’s worth of competition online.

Far from ‘competition lite’, the format of the show has thrown entries open to riders around the world, bringing the very best of the best together and pitching professionals and amateurs side by side to find some real world champions.

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

The first day of the Autumn Series kicks off with a superb round of showing classes, with a judging panel headed by Senior Judge Nigel Hollings, accompanied by Julian White, Mark Broadbent, Anne Leaver, and Patricia Pattinson. Nigel and the team cover a strong international entry from Hunters, Hacks, Riding Horses, Cobs, Private Driving supported by the Carriage Association of America, and the return of the Heavy Horse class by popular demand – guest judged by Steve Gregg, Vice President of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada.

One of the highlights of the Friday livestream is The Riding for the Disabled Association Dressage Challenge supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Wychanger. The video dressage competition, which has been encouraging RDA and para riders to #RideUnstoppable through challenges posed by this difficult year, is won by the rider with the highest percentage score across eleven sections available. Judged by John Robinson, one of only three British para judges qualified to judge at 5* level, the class has been an opportunity for riders to get back to competition – with several entries competing in their first ever dressage test at Virtual Windsor!

SCHEDULE

  • Class 1 ‐ Ridden Hunters (Small & Lightweight). Prize kindly provided by Brass Tacks
  • Class 2 ‐ Ridden Hunters (Middleweight & Heavyweight). Prize kindly provided by Latham & Taylor
  • Class 3 ‐ Ridden Hacks
  • Class 4 ‐ Ridden Riding Horse supported by High Weald Horse Hydro. Prize kindly provided by Mojo Europe
  • Class 5 ‐ Ridden Cobs (Lightweight, Heavyweight & Maxi) supported by Horses Inside Out
  • Show Horse Championship
  • Class 6 ‐ Private Driving supported by The Carriage Association of America
  • Class 7 ‐ Heavy Horses & Draught Horses of the World supported by The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto. Prize kindly supplied by Estribos
  • THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION DRESSAGE CHALLENGE supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Prizes generously provided by Wychanger Equestrian & Country Store
  • Shopping Fix: Fashion & Jewellery
  • Horse Wellness with High Weald Horse Hydro
  • Masterclass Part 1 with William Whitaker

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Saturday is a great day for young riders and jumping enthusiasts, with Show Pony, Show Hunter Pony, Plaited Mini Pony, and Working Hunter and Working Hunter Pony classes coming to the fore.

Highlights of Saturday include The Omega Equine Equitation Jumping – an all-new discipline designed with virtual competition in mind, which enables riders to compete in jumping classes from home. Loosely based on Prix Caprilli, entrants film a short test which include three jumps arranged according to a specific stride pattern and then judged on the horse’s way of going and the rider’s skill and technique. The height and style of fence were entirely at the rider’s discretion. Two classes, divided into U16s and Open sections, were hotly contested with entries coming in from Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand.

SCHEDULE

  • Class 9 ‐ The Equisafety Show Pony
  • Class 10 ‐ The Equisafety Intermediate
  • Class 11 ‐ The Equisafety Show Hunter Pony
  • Class 12 ‐ Plaited Mini Pony (Show Pony, Lead Rein, First Ridden, Lead Rein Hunter) Prize kindly provided by Crafty Ponies
  • Pony and Intermediate Championship
  • Class 14 ‐ Working Hunter & Working Show Horse Supported by Mr and Mrs Swallow Prize kindly provided by Finer Equine
  • Class 15 ‐ Working Hunter Pony & M&M Working Hunter Pony Supported by Mr and Mrs Swallow Working Championship
  • THE OMEGA EQUINE U16s EQUITATION JUMPING
  • THE OMEGA EQUINE OPEN EQUITATION JUMPING
  • Shopping Fix: Horse and Rider
  • Horse Wellness with Voltaire Design
  • Masterclass Part 2 with William Whitaker

SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

The Autumn Series reaches a climax on the Sunday with The Omega Equine Pony Club Home International Dressage. A competition usually held at Royal Windsor Horse Show, this time the event has gone virtual – with a new qualification system which threw open Team places. The riders representing each nation have won their spots through getting a top placing in an initial qualifying round, with the highest scores going on to the team.

The Sunday will also feature the highlight of the showing, as Nigel Hollings and his team judge the Side Saddle, Coloured, and ROR classes, before The Voltaire Design Virtual Windsor Supreme Showing Championships take place. It caps a veritable feast of Showing across three days which would not have been possible without the generosity of our Sponsors and donors.

Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, commented: “The organising team has done a tremendous job to put on what we believe will be another spectacular Virtual Show Week building on the excitement and fun of the Virtual Show in May.  We hope as many people get involved as possible and continue to enjoy their sport – even if it is from the sofa.”

The free-to-view content will begin at 1pm each day and be available on Facebook, YouTube, and on the Virtual Windsor 2020 website.

SCHEDULE

  • Class 18 ‐ Side Saddle (including Best Costume) Prize kindly provided by Welligogs
  • Class 19A ‐ Coloured Ridden (Plaited Horse or Pony) Prize kindly supplied by Country Frog
  • Class 19B ‐ Coloured Ridden (Traditional & Native Horse or Pony) Prize kindly supplied by Country Frog
  • Class 20A ‐ Coloured In Hand (Traditional & Native Horse or Pony) Prize kindly supplied by Country Frog
  • Class 20B ‐ Coloured In Hand (Plaited Horse or Pony) Prize kindly supplied by Country Frog
  • Coloured Championship
  • Class 22 ‐ The Saracen Horse Feeds RoR Ridden
  • Class 23 ‐ The Saracen Horse Feeds RoR In Hand
  • RoR Championship
  • The Voltaire Design Supreme Championship
  • THE OMEGA EQUINE PONY CLUB HOME INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE
  • Shopping Fix: Country Lifestyle and Living
  • Horse Wellness with Saracen Horse Feeds
  • Masterclass Part 3 with William Whitaker

Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 can be found at https://virtual.rwhs.co.uk/ — the site will be constantly updated and will remain in place throughout the year.

For more information, please contact:
Nicholas Clarke / rEvolution / nclarke@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)7423 799 776

Meet Xavier: Young Rider Magazine’s Fall 2020 Cover Model

Photo courtesy of Bethany P Photography.

Wellington, FL (September 18, 2020) – Fall 2020 Young Rider magazine’s cover model has serious X factor: it’s even in his name. Xavier Gomez and his handsome mount shot to the spotlight this September on one of the nation’s biggest youth equestrian magazines. An avid equitation and hunter jumper rider, Xavier’s feature highlights his own mindset on riding and competing, as well as his plans to continue this X factor success into the hunter, jumper, and equitation arenas through the end of 2020 and 2021.

As a rider of Colombian and Dominican decent, Xavier breaks the mold in terms of your average equestrian, but the real individuality comes from his own passion and dedication to his horses and the sport. With the support of his father, Jose Gomez of Wellington Agricultural Services, Xavier trains daily with Kobi Rhodes of Kobi’s Place Stables in Wellington, Florida, striving for perfection in the saddle. In equitation, this perfection is a product of practice and precision, and Xavier’s hours of work are a testament to his own passion and perseverance. “I love riding, and especially jumping,” said Xavier. “But to be the best jumper I can be, I know position and effectiveness is everything. Really focusing on my equitation has been my goal and under the guidance of Kobi I’m excited to see how far I can go.”

The 16-year-old has his sights set on the 3’6″ Dover Hunt Seat Medal Final along with the Maclay Championship. Xavier also has a number of wins under his belt following shows resuming after the COVID lockdown, including winning both the ASPCA Medal and Maclay at the ESP Summer III in late August aboard Elios, an 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Michael Deitrich. Elios was imported in August of 2019 and will be his main mount for his equitation campaign. In addition, Xavier is pursuing an out-of-the-saddle modeling career with the assistance of national representation.

Follow Xavier on Instagram (@xavier_.gomez).

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Riders from 16 Countries Compete in Virtual Windsor’s Autumn Series

The Virtual Windsor Autumn Series has received over 1,200 entries, with participants competing from 16 countries around the world. The September edition of the first-of-its-kind virtual show series — which runs entirely via a live-stream composed of video competitions, photographs, and calls — will take place from 25-27 September 2020. Alongside online Showing, the Show also hosts a new-format video jumping competition, The Omega Equine Equitation Jumping, The Omega Equine Pony Club Dressage Home International, and The Riding for the Disabled Association Dressage Challenge.

ONLINE SHOWING

The 20 Online Showing classes saw a good turnout, with several well-known names making an appearance. Top showing producer Robert Walker’s seven-year-old daughter Isabella will contest Class 12, the Plaited Mini Pony, on the eight-year-old Sorells Royal Jubilee. Robert says, “Willow, as he’s known at home, has given Isabella four years of enjoyment. He has been very successful in Lead Rein [classes] picking up many wins, including the Blue Riband and Champion at Cheshire two years running.”

Young rider Liberty Taylor-Hopkins competes in the Intermediate class on the Emma-Jayne Dujardin-produced Carnsdale Kings Secret. Emma-Jayne, sister of Olympic medallist Charlotte Dujardin, is a renowned Showing Producer, who said previously that she is “very proud to be the Producer of two of the top Show Hunter Ponies in the top 10 of the [May Edition] Virtual Windsor Horse Show.” Liberty is a previous winner at the inaugural Virtual Windsor Show, where she took the Show Hack and Riding Horse title on Whalton Goodness Gracious.

Another one to watch in the Online Showing will be Fiona McIntyre, an Australian Showing Producer who was recently awarded the 2020 ‘Lady of Racing’ for her contribution to the retraining of former racehorses. Amongst her entries is Bart Cummings’ former grand stayer Precedence, who competed in four Melbourne Cups and won two Moonee Valley Cups. The online Showing classes have been particularly popular amongst Australian riders, with 135 entries across the board.

The Showing will be played out over the three days of the Show and will culminate in The Voltaire Design Supreme Championships.

THE OMEGA EQUINE EQUITATION JUMPING

Brand new for this Series is The Omega Equine Equitation Jumping, an entirely new video discipline which brings jumping competition into the mix. Riders complete a set test, which incorporates a one-stride triple of any safe height and construction along one side of a 20x40m marked out space, and are marked on their rhythm, riding and the willingness and shape of the horse. Designed to make competition accessible, and to promote excellent horsemanship at all levels, the Autumn Series will see two sections: U16s and Open.

The U16s will see a familiar name in the shape of 13-year-old Ellie Stockdale, niece of the late Tim and cousin of Joe. She rides Ostaras Umberto, a Dutch New Forest Pony who she has owned for six months, with whom she has recently been to Pony Club Camp. The Stockdale family has been great supporters of the Royal Windsor Horse Show for many years, with both Tim and Joe securing memorable victories there.

The Open section also sees young rider Gracie Tyte, better known by her social media handle @pony_nuts. Gracie, who is also an ambassador for British Eventing, blogs about her training journeys with her four horses and has a quarter of a million followers across her social media channels. She contests the class on her six-year-old mare, Myspires Another Star.

The Omega Equine Equitation Jumping has seen great support from overseas riders, with entries from as far afield as Canada, Bulgaria, New Zealand, and Finland. Six entries have also come from Thailand, including nine-year-old Punyaphat Budsaenkhom who contests the U16s aboard City NP, having previously achieved 10th in the 2019 Thailand Pony Showjumping Championship.

THE OMEGA EQUINE PONY CLUB HOME INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE

Entries for the qualifying rounds of The Omega Equine Pony Club Virtual Dressage Home International have also closed and selection for the national teams is underway. The competition, where the winners of the qualifying rounds go on to represent their countries in the Virtual Home International, saw 89 entries from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.  Several competitors, including Tirion Budd (Wing Man) and Jazmin Vollands (Mo Chara Nua), represented their country at the inaugural event at Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2019 and are competing for the 2020 Virtual Trophy; former RWHS Tetrathlete, Lauren McGlennon (OMS Lady Esquire), is also competing for a place on the team.

THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED DRESSAGE CHALLENGE

There was a total of 43 entries for The Riding for the Disabled Dressage Challenge, supported by Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and Wyychanger. Open to all levels and grades of riders, the result is decided on the highest overall percentage, with riders performing the test most suitable to their grading. Alongside some well-established RDA and para riders, the class was also an opportunity for many new RDA riders to take part in their first competitions virtually in this COVID-19 year, including Sophie-Alice Pearman (Carnival Red), Lisa Brooks (Blue), and Alfie Brew-Lee (Maple), who are all riding in their first dressage competition at Virtual Windsor.

Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 can be found at https://virtual.rwhs.co.uk/ — the site will be constantly updated and will remain in place throughout the year.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II Dash for the Cash in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic

Lexington, Ky. – July 30, 2020 – It was a drizzly morning in the Rolex Stadium as 51 horse and rider pairs made their way around Bobby Murphy’s track for the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. For the first time in history, the second class of the Hagyard Challenge season tour was adjusted to a 2B format with riders remaining in the ring immediately after their first trip to perform their jump-off track to better fit the Kentucky Summer Classic’s show-and-go protocol. Unaffected by the weather or change in format, it would be Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II who would dash for the cash Thursday morning.

Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace Are Best in USEF Large Pony Medal

Competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic continued Thursday, July 30, featuring another day of top sport at the Kentucky Horse Park. With primarily hunter competition taking place in the Claiborne ring, the USEF Large Pony Medal broke up the hunter judging at the end of the day, highlighting junior talent as they displayed skill and strength in a variety of equitation classes. Besting a competitive field was Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace, who claimed the top spot in the USEF Large Pony Medal.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Ellie Ferrigno, Lola Head, Samantha Takacs Dominate Equitation Ranks at Kentucky Summer

Lexington, Ky. – July 24, 2020 – Equitation competition took center stage in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday, July 24 for the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Showcasing junior talent, a number of medal classes and equitation divisions filled with a hefty number of entries as athletes made their efforts to garner valuable points toward the 2020 indoors season finals. Making her mark in the ASPCA Maclay, Ellie Ferrigno walked away with the blue, while Lola Head won the USHJA Hunter Seat Medal and Samantha Takacs won the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal.

Lucy Matz and Quetal Are Smooth and Speedy in 1.30m Jr/AO Medium Jumpers

A field of 27 junior and amateur-owner jumper competitors entered the Rolex Stadium on Friday afternoon to contest Bobby Murphy’s 1.30m Junior/ Amateur-Owner Medium Jumper course Friday afternoon at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Despite rain showers earlier in the week, the sun was shining bright, setting a beautiful backdrop for the day’s competition lineup in the famed Rolex Stadium. Topping the large and competitive field was Lucy Matz aboard Dorothy Matz’s entry, Quetal, who delivered a quick and tidy jump-off round to secure the win.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Save the Date for the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals

Photo: Victoria DeMore Photography.

Tampa, Fla. – July 23, 2020 – The 2020 Southeast Medal Finals (SEMF) will be held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida and is set to take place August 27-30. The annual event welcomes horses and riders for an exciting weekend of competition and camaraderie.

New this year, the weekend of show jumping competition will culminate in the $15,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Grand Prix, set to take place Sunday, August 30. Equitation competition will culminate Sunday with the highly anticipated Junior Medal Final.

The Southeast Medal Finals will offer hunter, jumper, and equitation competition for all levels and ages. USEF-rated and sanctioned by the CFHJA, this regional competition is the perfect season culmination for riders seeking an affordable and attainable horse show experience. Join us!

Exhibitors are conveniently offered online entries that can be submitted at HorseShowsOnline.com. For more information, please visit www.southeastmedalfinals.com.

Virtual Windsor Returns for Autumn and Winter Online Horse Show Series

Following the success of Virtual Windsor in May, the organisers of Royal Windsor Horse Show are delighted to announce that the online Show will be returning as a new series with two editions taking place in the Autumn and Winter. The Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 will be live-streamed on 25-27 September, and will feature three disciplines in which riders from all over the world can participate from their own homes.

The Show will comprise 22 Showing classes, alongside new additions in the form of International Pony Club Dressage, a Riding for the Disabled Association class and a specially designed ‘Equitation Jumping’ discipline open to all. In addition, the popular shopping section will be bringing visitors new products and offers, and there will be yard tours and masterclasses with first-class riders.

THE PONY CLUB HOME INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE

Leading the charge for Virtual Windsor in September will be the Pony Club Home International Dressage, featuring teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Previously held at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the competition pits up-and-coming riders against each other, and this year will be made even more special with live judging and commentary for the audience to enjoy.

The Pony Club Home International Dressage will be a precursor to a worldwide International Dressage competition, to feature in the Virtual Windsor Winter Series later in the year, where teams from all 18 Pony Club countries will be invited to compete in a never-seen-before worldwide Pony Club event.

Marcus Capel, Pony Club Chief Executive, said: “We are hugely pleased to be able to run our Home International Dressage competition on the Virtual Windsor platform this year. The competition highlights the hard work and talent of our young riders, and we hope that by holding it online we will enable many young riders to enjoy and be inspired by the competition from their own homes.”

VIRTUAL SHOWING CLASSES RETURN

Virtual Windsor’s Showing Series returns to your screens, with Chief Judge Nigel Hollings back by popular demand. The May edition of Virtual Windsor saw over 4,000 entries to the Showing coming from as far afield as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, included both amateur and professional riders and even Her Majesty The Queen. The Virtual Windsor Autumn Series in September will showcase 26 Showing classes, covering everything from Riding Horses and Hunters, to Show Ponies and Side Saddle, while the Winter Series – planned for later in the year – will have an international flavour including horse breeds from around the world such as Quarter Horses, Iberian Breeds, and Arabians. The classes remain free to enter for all.

Nigel Hollings will be joined on the judging panel for the Autumn Series by Julian White, Anne Leaver, and Pat Pattinson. “I am delighted to be returning as Virtual Windsor’s Chief Judge this September, having hugely enjoyed the May Show,” said Hollings. “The standard of entries was incredibly high at the last event and I really enjoy the Virtual format which gives me the opportunity to share feedback with the audience as I judge. I was particularly impressed with the number of international entries in the May edition. To be a winner at Virtual Windsor against entries from all over the world, you really do have to be the best.”

SHOW JUMPING MAKES ITS DEBUT

In addition to International Dressage and Showing, the organisers of the Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 have created a jumping discipline which allows riders from across the globe to compete. Based on Prix Caprilli, Equitation Jumping requires competitors to submit a video showing a short set test, which includes three fences of any kind with one stride between each at any height. Marks are awarded for the rider’s position, use of aids, and straightness and the technique, shape, and impulsion of the horse. Designed to be accessible to all levels of equestrian, the class is open to all and will have a Championship taking place on the Sunday of the Show.

The competition will be judged by professional judge, show jumper, and event rider Julian White, who said, “During these difficult times that we’re all facing I’ve just had the most amazing ray of light shone onto me by being asked to be a judge on the Virtual Windsor Horse Show Series which is just brilliant, I’m so excited. It is a real honour to be asked and I am looking forward to it hugely. So thank you so much, and I’m judging with Nigel Hollings who I was meant to be judging with in South Africa, so that’s also a joy and a double whammy!”

FURTHER ADDITIONS ADDED TO THE LINE-UP

In addition to the competition, a Masterclass will be streamed on each day of the three days of the Show, featuring world-class riders from around the world. Covering topics from Grand Prix Dressage to training tips, riding international courses and the thrills of top competition, the Masterclasses will be available to all through the live stream.

It has been a tough year for many exhibitors, and Virtual Windsor will continue to support tradestands and shops through its Virtual Shopping Village, where visitors will find a full list of shops selling everything equestrian, plus some “Show Week” discounts.

Royal Windsor’s Show Director, Simon Brooks-Ward, said of Virtual Windsor: “We were so thrilled by the response to the first Virtual Windsor that it wasn’t a difficult decision to build a series of events.  Although 2020 has been a challenging year, Virtual Windsor has shown us that the equestrian community has a really positive outlook and will come together to enjoy competition and celebrate equestrianism. I cannot wait to see how the Series fares and to welcome all the international competitors and visitors to the event.”

The Virtual Windsor Autumn Series 2020 will run from 25-27 September 2020, with entries for Showing and Equitation Jumping opening in August and closing in early September. Schedules and rules for each class will be available at virtual.rwhs.co.uk from Friday 10 July.

For more information, please contact:
Gayle Jenkins / rEvolution / gjenkins@revolutionworld.com / +44 (0)203 176 0355

Amy Pitts Awarded IHSA Senior Academic Achievement Essay Honors

Amy Pitts at an IHSA show at Crosswinds Equestrian Center, Lagrangeville, New York. Photo courtesy of Amy Pitts.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – June 8, 2020 –The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) recognizes students through the Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF) with scholarships and academic awards. The IHSA Senior Academic Award is granted to seniors who have earned a 3.5 grade-point average or higher. To win the Senior Academic Achievement Essay Award, they must first meet Senior Award requirements. Then, they must submit a 500-word essay about how their IHSA and academic experience have prepared them for a future career. Amy Pitts (New Haven, Vermont), a member of the Marist College team, exceeded the criteria and submitted the winning essay.

“Amy has been an invaluable member of our equestrian team since she joined in 2016,” said Clare Knapp-Englehart, IHSA board member and coach of the Marist College team. “For four years, she has worked tirelessly to serve the team in any capacity possible and was the only candidate we considered for treasurer. Amy is highly intelligent, incredibly disciplined, amazingly organized, and a complete team player.”

Pitts, a double major in applied mathematicians and data science with a minor in computer science, qualified for Regionals in the World Equestrian Center Limit Equitation on the Flat division.

“Our region adjusted the schedule to accommodate Amy so she could rush back to school to present the keynote address for the Honor Society induction that evening,” Knapp-Englehart said. “Sadly, Regionals were canceled due to COVID-19.”

In addition to serving on the Marist College Equestrian Team executive board as treasurer, Pitts was president of both Pi Mu Epsilon (a math honors society) and the Association for Women in Mathematics. She also served as the vice president of Marist Math Club and for two years ran the Marist math lab. Pitts also participated in research with Marist faculty during the academic year and over the summers.

Pitts has accepted a fellowship at Columbia University to study in their Ph.D. biostatistics program.

“Amy has been an unsung hero for a Marist Equestrian Team, and is a great representation of the IHSA,” Knapp-Englehart said. “I cannot think of a more fitting student-athlete for this award.”

Read Amy Pitts’ Essay

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