Tag Archives: featured

Awards, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian

Rebecca Hart Earns 7th USEF High Performance Para-Dressage National Championship

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani. Photo (c)SusanJStickle.com.

Annie Peavy garners reserve, Kate Shoemaker takes home the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship and competitors top the ranks in the Katy, Texas CPEDI3* and CPEDI1*

Katy, Texas – November 3, 2015 – Accomplished Grade III athlete Rebecca Hart once again took home the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage High Performance National Championship. Hart maintained the lead over a large field of competitors at the 2015 Championship earning the Leading Athlete award. She also topped the ranks of Grade II in the Katy, Texas CPEDI3* event. Hart is a two-time Paralympian (2008, 2012) and two-time World Equestrian Games athlete (2010, 2014). Annie Peavy earned the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian High Performance Dressage Reserve Championship with Ozzy Cooper, owned by Rebecca Reno. Winning the 2015 National Para-Equestrian Dressage Championship was Kate Shoemaker and her own Solitaer 40. Kelly Boccia and her own Donauwalzer CSF won the Reserve National Championship. Running concurrently with the National Championship was the Katy, Texas CPEDI3* and CPEDI1*, October 30 – November 1, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Para-Dressage athletes in Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV competed in front of CPEDI ground jury President David Schmutz 4* USA, Eva Maria Bachinger 5* AUS, Gudrun Hofinga 5* GER, Sarah Leitch 5* GBR, and Kristi Wysocki 4* USA, with national judges David Schmutz, “S”, Kristi Wysocki, “S”, and Susan Mandas, “S”. Following a successful Championship, riders will next head to Wellington, Florida for the 2016 Para-Dressage shows at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

The weekend went well for Rebecca Hart and her partner, Danish Warmblood Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Rebecca Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Sycamore Station Equine Division, Barbara Summer, The Ruffolos, and Bill and Sandy Kimmel. In addition to winning the High Performance Championship and earning the Leading Athlete Award, the duo topped the Grade II CPEDI3*.The pair has been campaigning around the world perfecting their tests and earning valuable feedback from judges across Europe. This championship showed Hart that even after a top score she felt Schroeter’s Romani could give even more. She noted, “Having a 74 and finding there is more to get out of her is a great feeling.” They completed the weekend with a Freestyle score of 77.650%.

Hart noted, “I am ecstatic with the National Championships in Houston. It was my lucky number seven. It was a fantastic feeling to retain my title with Romani and win this event for the seventh time. Para-Dressage has grown so much and it has been a pleasure to watch it develop over the years. One of the exciting things has been watching the depth of the field increase as many more talented horses and riders join the sport and raise the bar every year for this competition. I am excited for the future of U.S. Para Dressage. I am incredibly grateful for the support from the awesome team around me. It is a privilege to represent them and share in this victory. A huge thank you to Margaret Duprey, Bill and Sandy Kimmel, and Barbara Summer for partnering with me and seeing the potential in Romani and me. Without their support, I wouldn’t have this amazing horse.”

Hart added, “I just recently moved to Florida full- time and I am honored to ride for Margaret Duprey and Cherry Knoll Farm under the tutelage of Todd Flettrich. Todd has been paramount in helping me build my relationship with Romani over the last year and Margaret has been a longtime friend and supporter of me and the whole sport of Para-Dressage.   It is because of their guidance and support that I am able to ride at the level I do. It’s exciting to see the progress Romani and I have made and I look forward to training intensively in Florida as we continue to ride toward Rio.”

Annie Peavy and Ozzy Cooper. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall
Annie Peavy and Ozzy Cooper. Photo (C) Lindsay Y. McCall

World Equestrian Games athlete Annie Peavy and Rebeca Reno’s nine-year-old Trakehner Ozzy Cooper took home the 2015 USEF High Performance Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve National Championship.

Peavy noted, “I am very pleased with Ozzy’s performance. We are getting a stronger connection each show and I know there is a bright future for us. I couldn’t have done this without the help from my parents and wonderful groom, Alexia. Thank you to my trainer Heather Blitz for getting us prepared for this championship.”

For the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship Kate Shoemaker and her own eight-year-old Hanoverian, Solitaer 40 earned the Championship while Kelly Boccia and her own Rheinlander Stallion Donauwalzer CSF garnered the Reserve Championship.

Kate Shoemaker noted, “Solitaer really impressed me this weekend. We’ve been partnered for 6 weeks and every day we made improvements. This weekend we continued that trend as our half halts came through better each day while we developed better communication and improved the self-carriage. I’m excited as both of my horses have not experienced the big and fantastic atmosphere that the facility, Houston Dressage Society and the countless individuals behinds the scenes provided. Dachstein and Solitaer flourished with the experience and I’m looking forward to getting back to work in preparation for their first CPEDI three star in Wellington. The five judges provided great feedback on each ride. I’d like to extend a special thank you to USEF, the volunteers, show staff, and officials for the fantastic event.”

Kelly Boccia commented, “I am very happy with the outcome for my first CPEDI show. My horse Donauwalzer CSF is a new horse for me and this is our second show so we are still learning how to be a cohesive team. He (Donauwalzer CSF) has an impressive show record thru 4th level. Now I need to improve on my technical accuracy so I can show him to his ability. I want to thank Kai Handt for his support and coaching during this show. In addition, a special thank you to Susanne Hamilton for her encouragement and support in allowing me to own this exceptional horse.”

Riders also competed as a team in the CPEDI3* and CPEDI1*. The USA teams were led by Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt. The CPEDI3* USA Team included Grade Ia athlete Roxanne Trunnell and Royal Dancer; Margaret McIntosh and Rio Rio in Grade Ia; Sydney Collier and Wentworth for Grade Ib, Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani in Grade II*, and reserve position Grade III rider Angela Peavy and Ozzy Cooper. The CPEDI 1 * USA Team included Grade III riders: Eleanor Brimmer and London Swing; Lara Oles and Bella; Kate Shoemaker and Dachstein; Kelly Boccia and Donauwalzer CSF in Grade II; and reserve rider Pamela Hardin and Quaterjack in Grade III. The CPEDI3* Team scored a 424.764 while the CPEDI1* scored a 402.240.

USPEA President Hope Hand noted, “I am so proud and honored that our U.S. Para-Dressage riders represented their country by showing such high standards of quality horses and riding. This was the best National Championship, bringing together all the high performance riders from both the East and West Coast to meet at the Great South Western Equestrian Center in Houston, Texas. Thank you show management for the Texas warm welcome and for making our stay a wonderful experience.”

USA Team rider and Grade III athlete Ellie Brimmer competed over the week not only in the 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship but the CPEDI1*. Brimmer noted, “As we continue to grow the sport of Para-Dressage, having these l star opportunities create a great stepping stone between our national shows. Rather than having to immediately jump into the deep end of the three star level, horse and rider combinations have an opportunity to gain experience before presenting themselves as a team candidate at the three star level.”

Riders from Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV competed for multiple accolades including the supreme title of National Champion, Leading Athlete, Grade Champion, and the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Sportsmanship Award. Earning the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Sportsmanship Award was National Championship winner Kate Shoemaker.

The Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Sportsmanship is awarded at the USEF Para Equestrian National Championship each year. The Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy is to be awarded annually to the Para-Dressage Athlete competing at the USEF Para Dressage National Championship who best personifies the high standards and virtues of integrity, sportsmanship, honor, courage, team spirit, good temper and unselfishness. This award is selected through the organizing committee and officials of the competition. They may nominate up to three competitors exemplifying the award definition the day before the final awards ceremony. The athletes participating in the event vote for the winner (one vote per athlete) once the slate has been announced. The winner shall be presented the award during the final awards ceremony. The Perpetual Trophy will be engraved with the annual winner’s plate and maintained by the USEF. A take-home trophy will be given to the recipient of this coveted award. This award was first given in 2014 to Marsha Cullen.

Following a successful 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship, international Para-Dressage athletes will next compete at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, in January 2016.

By: Lindsay Y. McCall

To view an online version of this press release, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Liza Finsness and Shiver Dominate $25,000 ESP Fall Finale Grand Prix

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Liza Finsness and Shiver. Photos © Mancini Photos.

Wellington, FL – November 3, 2015 – Liza Finsness of Wellington, FL piloted her own Shiver to a win in the $25,000 ESP Fall Finale Grand Prix hosted on Sunday, November 1, at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on the final day of the 2015 Equestrian Sport Production Fall Finale competition. Finsness and Shiver finished the class as the only clear trip in the jump-off round, crossing through the timers in 50.36 seconds. Daniel Zetterman of Sankt Olof, Sweden finished in second aboard LB Carwyn, owned by Gyllebo Farm LLC, dropping a rail in the jump-off round and finishing with a time of 46.448 seconds. Heather Caristo-Williams of Wellington, FL and Cosmopolitan 30, owned by Holly Caristo, were the fastest four-fault round, which would earn them third place recognition. Competition at PBIEC continues this weekend with the ESP “Regional” competition (Nov. 7-8).

Finsness, a junior at University of Georgia, found herself incredibly pleased with the performance of Shiver, a 2005 Hanoverian gelding (Stakkato x Germina), who has continued in work with her trainers Chris Ewanouski and Federico Sztyrle while she has been focused on school for majority of the year. The duo also collected a second place finish in the $10,000 Open Stake during ESP Fall Finale earlier in the week.

“We’ve had him for almost three years now and since we’ve gotten him he’s grown so much. He’s an incredible horse and I love riding him. He can be a bit hot but he’s really calmed down over the past few years,” said Finsness. “He’s so incredible to jump and the feeling when we’re in the air is like nothing else. I think we trust each other now and that has been really important for us. He doesn’t mind that I haven’t been riding as much, but at this point it’s like riding a bike. He gives me so much confidence when I can come back from school, hop on, and be competitive in a class like that.”

Going head-to-head against last week’s champion Daniel Zetterman, Finsness followed as the second ride in the jump-off round and knew she needed to capitalize on Zetterman’s single rail aboard LB Carwyn. She explained, “I went after him in the jump-off and I knew that we really needed to ride clean, so I tried to keep it as tight as possible. I made sure to focus on giving him a good approach to every fence and even though he [Zetterman] beat my time, I just wanted to make sure that I went clean.”

With a strong plan in place to tackle the jump-off, Finsness looked to her trainers Sztyrle and Ewanouski for guidance, as she knew leaving every rail in the cups would earn her the win. She commented further, “Before the round I was really only focused on going clean. Every time I come home and ride him I really rely on our experience together and his ability to get the job done. When I walked the course I thought it was very solid. It was a good height but not too big and it was challenging. It was a great course for Shiver and there were a lot of turns where we were able to make up time and the result was exactly what we were looking for.”

“My plan for the next couple of months will be to come back for breaks and try to do well during the winter circuit. I want to try and do a lot of WEF dependent on my schedule,” she noted. “My trainers have done an incredible job at keeping Shiver going while I’ve been at school and I’m so thankful for the hard work. It is really paying off.”

Viggo Bjorklund and Abu Dhabi Gold
Viggo Bjorklund and Abu Dhabi Gold

Viggo Bjorklund of Garsnas, Sweden earned top honors in the $10,000 Open Stake during ESP Fall Finale aboard his own Abu Dhabi Gold with a time of 46.072 as the only double-clear effort in the four horse jump-off round. Liza Finsness of Wellington, FL and Shiver finished in second place, crossing through the timers in 48.072 seconds with four faults. Bjorklund also piloted Flecu, owned by Gyllebo Farm LLC, to a top three finish, collecting five faults around the jump-off track and completing the short course in 50.149 seconds.

Hunter Highlights:

The combined Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter division presented by Hendrick Brothers Construction saw Lindsey Tomeu of Wellington, FL and Due West, owned by Popish Farms LLC, earn the tricolor for the division. Tracey Gorin-Byrne and Wagner Park also owned by Popish Farms LCC took home reserve honors in the division.

Miranda Green and her own The Good Knight reigned in the Children’s Pony division presented by the Wanderers Club as the duo picked up Champion recognition for the division. Riley McKesson of Loxahatchee, FL and Libby Lou Who owned by Emilee Arrington were awarded with Reserve Champion honors. McKesson and Libby Lou Who also earned Wanderers Club Children’s Pony Circuit Champion honors.

Amelia Ruth of New York, NY piloted Spellbound, owned by Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC, to a win in the $500 Pony Hunter Classic presented by Charles Moorcroft Inc., while Abigail Brayman of Charlestown, RI and Dreamland, owned by Linda Evans, followed in second place. Amelia Ruth also captured a third place finish, this time aboard Sportin Around, owned by AKA Showstoppers LLC.

Competition will continue at PBIEC next weekend with the ESP “Regional” show hosted from November 7-8. For more information and a full list of results from ESP Fall Finale, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Driving, JRPR, Publications/Media

Chester Weber Featured on Driving Radio Show with Horse Radio Network

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Photo courtesy of Pics Of You.

Louisville, KY (November 3, 2015) — Fresh off two consecutive wins in Kentucky, where he clinched his historic twelfth USEF National Four-in-Hand title followed by a victory in the FEI2* Four-in-Hand division at the Hermitage Classic CDE, Chester Weber had a chance to sit down with the Driving Radio Show to talk all about his endeavors. Hosts Glenn the Geek and Dr. Wendy Ying of Horse Radio Network covered topics such as the new horses joining the team that Weber and Jane F. Clark have put together, and Team Weber’s extraordinary record twelfth national title. They also took a look ahead at the 2016 edition of Live Oak International driving and show jumping competition, to be hosted by Weber and his family in Ocala, Florida, this February.

Weber is featured on Episode 224 of the Driving Radio Show, called “Chester Weber, Live Oak Announcements, and The National Drive.” Find and listen to the episode at any time at www.drivingradioshow.horseradionetwork.com.

Recounting his past summer competing in many Four-in-Hand competitions across Europe, Weber is glad to be back in the States. “Competing from May to September is a long time; it’s nice to sleep in my own bed again,” Weber joked, adding that it was even nicer to see his son, who just turned a year old. “He’s getting big. He’s walking. It’s exciting. I took him out in the carriage with the big horses. He’ll be driving his own team soon.”

Nurturing young talent has been part of this new father’s game plan for much of the season, as Weber introduced new horses Danzer and Zeppelin Let’s W to the competitions in Kentucky. “I’m really pleased. The young horses did really well and we’re using them for bigger and bigger tours.”

The inclement weather conditions Team Weber faced in Lexington to win their twelfth USEF National title, particularly in the Marathon phase, did not deter them from reaching their objective. “By European standards, it wasn’t muddy at all,” he grinned. “Our goal this season was the national championship, with a different grouping of horses. So it was a nice testament to have that, that this new group of horses could hat trick and win across all three phases,” said Weber.

While back in Ocala, Weber and his show management team are working on delivering another exceptional line-up for the annual Live Oak International competition. “It’s taking shape,” Weber told the radio show hosts. “It’s coming up early this year, at the end of February, and we have some interesting new things planned, like a kids’ play area, as well as exploring some new options for covering all the action during our live feed.”

The 2016 Live Oak International, as Weber enlightened, will debut a Preliminary jumper division on Saturday, a World Cup qualifying grand prix on Sunday, and there is a “pretty good chance” that the Budweiser Clydesdales will return for a visit. “The show,” Weber said, “continues to not stand still.”

Nor does Team Weber. Follow news, live posts, video and photo galleries of the national champion team, and their preferred product reviews at www.chesterweber.com. Find and listen to the episode at any time at www.drivingradioshow.horseradionetwork.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139
www.chesterweber.com

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier Drama Highlights Day Nine at Royal West

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Samuel Parot of Chile and Atlantis, winners of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Calgary. Photo Credit to Katy Whitt Photography.

October 30, 2015, Calgary, Alberta: It was a special night in Calgary on Saturday as the inaugural $132,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Calgary 1.60 m took to the floor of the Agrium Western Centre. The long-awaited event – one of four World Cup qualifiers in Canada this year – lived up to the hype as only three riders went clear on Werner Deeg’s challenging course in Round One.

The prestigious title – and the precious World Cup qualifying points – came down to a jump-off among Canada’s Jill Henselwood aboard the 10-year-old bay gelding Farfelu du Printemps; Samuel Parot of Chile riding Atlantis, a bay 12-year-old gelding; and Canada’s Yann Candele on Granit S, a bay 10-year-old gelding.

In a tension-filled showdown, it was Parot, the man who “doesn’t know the meaning of the words ‘going slow’,” who emerged with his second North American League triumph of the 2015 campaign. In typical bold style, Parot and Atlantis found the speed in the course with a clean round in 39.23. The win boosted him to top spot in the East Coast standings with 40 points.

“With this win in the North American League, I believe I’m in very good position now for the Worlds,” Parot told the press afterward. “The North American League is harder than the South American League, and so I think I will be better prepared.

“Atlantis was calm in the first round, but he got a little more excited in the jump-off. But he’s a good horse.”

In second was the remarkable Candele, who rode Granit S as a catch ride, completing an unlikely story with a second-place finish in 41.58 seconds. “John has been trying to bring me here to ride for a long while,” Candele said afterward. “Our schedules worked out this time. We had a chance to ride on the flats early this week. It’s the sign of a fantastic horse that he put his heart out and accepted my riding tonight.”

Third was the former Olympian, Henselwood, who’s had a consistent Royal West meet with multiple trips to the podium. Her excellent showing came after a late switch to Farfelu from her usual mount. “This is supposed to be a horse for a 19-year-old Canadian who is in engineering at Queens University with a full course load. So I had Farfelu. That tuned out to be great planning.”

John Anderson, the host at Royal West, who came fifth, was satisfied at having such a great event in his hometown. “I was ecstatic that it all came together after some tough months for my family with the death of my father J. C. This event helped me get through that. This shows we can pull this off in Calgary. I hope to have the Longines event back here many times in the future.”

Added Henselwood, “What a great thing that John’s done to bring this event to Calgary. It really boosts out ability nationally to come up the rankings for the World Cup.”

Lisa Carlsen of Calgary was top local rider aboard Worlds Judgement. “The course was very technical, very fast and some of the jumps came up very quickly. Werner did a great job of setting a challenging test.”

Points won on Saturday count toward the final of the Longines FEI World Cup™ final to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden next year.

Earlier in the day, Elizabeth Gingras nabbed the $7,500 Hotel Arts Open Jumper 1.30 m aboard her Floreen SFN. In second was Brian Morton on Cartoon. Third-place honours were won by Vanessa Mannix on Dooley’s Deluxe.

For more information, contact Rhys Dowbiggin at Redbackpack PR redbackpackpr@gmail.com.

About Rocky Mountain Show Jumping:
RMSJ hosts its tournaments at Anderson Ranch in Calgary’s south end, a world-class facility featuring permanent stabling for 300 horses and a grass grand prix field complete with natural obstacles. For more information on Rocky Mountain Show Jumping, please visit www.rmsj.ca.

About Royal West:
Hosted by Rocky Mountain Show Jumping, Royal West is the heart for equestrian competition. Over ten days at the Agrium Western Events Center at Stampede Park, Royal West features both international and national events with over half of a million dollars in prize money handed out throughout the tournament. The tournament hosts the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Calgary, the Spirit of the West Cup, the Royal West International Championship, Western Canadian Hunter Derbies and when applicable the CET Medal National Finals.

Contributors/Press, Show Jumping

Longines Beijing Masters Highlights Top Competition and International Collaboration

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Beijing, People’s Republic of China (November 3, 2015) – The fantastic façade of the iconic 2008 Olympic Stadium set the stage for a week of top equestrian sport in the heart of Beijing, with over 100 horses competing for around 1.3 million RMB in prize money. The Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters ran from October 23-25, 2015, and featured world class show jumping, equestrian demonstrations, workshops, substantial spectator attendance, and an unprecedented internationally collaborative atmosphere.

Having just completed its fifth year, the Beijing Masters has acted as a catalyst for the development of sustainable equestrian sport in China. Top riders from around the world are invited to attend, and compete against the best Chinese equestrians as a way to introduce and integrate the sport into Chinese culture and expose both its riders and spectators to international caliber competition. Because of an unsolved quarantine issue, the international riders participate on borrowed horses, ramping up the challenge. Ludger Beerbaum and Leonidas clinched the title in the event’s headline class, the individual Grand Prix. With 11 international and 22 Chinese riders, the Grand Prix was a landmark event for horse sport in China. The Masters also included a team competition, wherein one international rider and two Chinese riders formed teams of three. The riders collaborated on all aspects of the competition, from tack and training to walking the course. The experience of the international riders, which hailed from Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Great Britain, and France, combined with the enthusiasm and talent of the Chinese riders to create a unique competitive atmosphere.

With show jumping and other equestrian disciplines growing exponentially in China, the organizers of the Beijing Masters have placed a great emphasis on the quality of its events, riders, and competition. Enlisting the support and experience of the Aachen Reitturnier GmbH, organizers of the CHIO Aachen, the show has built on a strong initial foundation in 2011 into an exceptional international showcase of equestrian sport. Beerbaum is also a co-organizer and consultant for the event, which made his victory in the Grand Prix that much more poignant. With the long-term goal of establishing the show permanently as a 5-star competition, the organization took another major step in the right direction with the culmination of the 2015 Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters.

While China does have a major equestrian association similar to the USEF, the pony clubs and equestrian events are more privatized, with many groups and small associations that host competitions. For the majority of the population, international caliber horse sport is an entirely new experience, and the organizers of the Masters have sought to teach, as well as entertain, spectators during its events. One such initiative was at the Hermès booth, where attendees are introduced to tack and other riding equipment, as well as the rules of the sport and even pony rides for children. The Masters also featured demonstrations of dressage and a presentation of traditional Hungarian riding before Saturday night’s international team competition.

This increased exposure for the general population, along with the steadily growing participation and interest in equestrian events, will hopefully open doors for China to become a more internationally competitive equestrian nation. Some obstacles are still in place, such as exceptionally long and complicated quarantine processes, but by harnessing the growing interest in and passion for the sport, unique venues such as the Bird’s Nest, and the expertise of top riders and organizers, the Masters is building a strong foundation for international equestrian sport in China.

Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
954 205 7992
holly@equinium.com

Championships, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, USEF, USEF

Hart and Shoemaker Dazzle during Freestyle to Win USEF Para-Dressage National Titles

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Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (Moonfyre Photography)

Katy, Texas – It could not have gone more perfect for Rebecca Hart. After posting spectacular scores in the Team Test and Individual Test, Hart wowed the judges in the Freestyle to earn her seventh USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship today. Hart topped the CPEDI3* Championship High Performance division with an overall score of 73.333%. Kate Shoemaker edged out the field in the CPEDI1* Championship National division to win the National title on an overall score of 71.435%, also due to a fascinating Freestyle. In addition to her title, Shoemaker was awarded the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Sportsmanship Award for exemplifying good sportsmanship throughout the competition.

CPEDI3* Championship High Performance Division

Hart (Unionville, Pa.) and her own Schroeter’s Romani started the competition with a stellar Team Test. The Grade II athlete and the 2002 Danish Warmblood mare remained focused despite a storm rolling in to score a 73.118%. They moved into Saturday’s Individual Test on a high and followed it up with a magnificent showing to score a 74.314%. Sitting comfortably on top of the standings, the combination put together a flashy performance to score a 77.650% in the Freestyle. Hart changed the music around to match Schroeter Romani’s tempo, and it paid off.

“It was a good week and it feels amazing. This was a good way to give back to everyone who has been on this adventure with Romani and me. I would not be doing this without them. Without the support and guidance of Margaret Duprey and my trainer Todd Flettrich we wouldn’t be as solid of a team. We’re going to take everything we learned here and prepare for the CPEDI competitions in January,” said Hart.

It was a close competition for the Reserve National Title. However, an amazing Freestyle performance allowed Grade III athlete Angela Pevy (Avon, Conn.) and Ozzy Cooper, Rebecca Reno’s 2006 Trakehner gelding, to solidify the honor with a score of 74.950% and an overall score of 71.278%. Pevy started the competition with a wonderful Team Test for a score of 70.866%. They continued with a consistent performance during the Individual Test to score a 69.854%. Grade Ia athlete Roxanne Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) also had a wonderful Freestyle for a score of 70.850%. She and Royal Dancer, Julia Handt’s 2005 Westphalian gelding, finished on an overall score of 69.352% for third place.

CPEDI1* Championship National Division

Shoemaker (Edmond, Okla.) did not know what to expect going into the Freestyle. This was her first one with Solitaer 40. No one would have known as they performed like seasoned veterans scoring a 74.700%. The Grade III athlete and her own 2007 Hanoverian gelding had an outstanding competition, overall. Each day Shoemaker asked her mount to give a little more, and he delivered. They began the competition with a solid Team Test for a score of 70.237%. They posted another laudable score in the Individual Test for a score of 71.122%.

Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40 (Moonfyre Photography)
Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40 (Moonfyre Photography)

“This was like a dream come true. We are going to use the feedback from the judges and work to improve especially on bringing more power and brilliance in the movements, while maintaining accuracy. There were dozens of people who came together to make this championship happen; I could not have done this without them,” said Shoemaker.

Kelly Boccia (Phoenix, Ariz.) maintained her lead after the Freestyle to be named the Reserve Champion with an overall score of 68.556%. She and her own Donauwalzer CSF had a terrific performance to score a 70.350%. The combination found themselves barely in third place after the Team Test with a score of 67.471%. They moved into second place after having a respectable Individual Test for a score of 68.743%. Shoemaker finished in third place, overall, on a score of 67.791%, with her own Dachstein, a 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding.

Complete 2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship Results

From the USEF Communications Department

Competitions, Eventing/H.T.

Dutton and Kieffer Excel at Galway Downs International CCI3*

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Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman (Captured Moment Photography)

Temecula, Calif. – A small but mighty field contested the Galway Downs International CCI3* this weekend with USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Phillip Dutton and Mr. Candyman and Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett having stellar performances. The combinations finished in the top four with Dutton winning top honors with his other mount, Fernhill Fugitive.

Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) earned finished first- and fourth-place finishes with Fernhill Fugitive and Mr. Candyman, respectively, to conclude a fantastic weekend at Galway Downs. With Fernhill Fugitive, Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding, Dutton added nothing to the duo’s dressage score of 43.4 to take home the win. His performance with his USEF Land Rover Competition Grant mount, Mr. Candyman, was equally impressive. Dutton and Ann Jones, Bridget Colman, and Caroline Moran’s 2007 Holsteiner gelding had a respectable test in the horse’s CCI3* debut to earn a score of 50.9. The pair had masterful double-clear cross-country and show jumping rounds to finish in fourth place on its dressage score.

“Fernhill Fugitive has had an incredible year and he just keeps getting better and better. For Mr. Candyman, this was a great experience. He is still a work in progress for me. This is the toughest event he’s done and it was a great learning experience which is so important to his development and the grant helped make that possible,” Dutton said.

Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook's Scarlett (Captured Moment Photography)
Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett (Captured Moment Photography)

Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett had an excellent showing at Galway Downs. It was the first competition for Marie Le Menestrel’s 2007 Thoroughbred Cross mare since the Pan American Games, but the horse delivered. Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett had a lovely test to start the competition off with a dressage score of 45.0. They made light work of the tough cross-country track, collecting just eight-tenths of a time penalty. Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett had a single rail down for four faults in an otherwise smooth show jumping round to finish in third place on a score of 49.8.

“I’m really happy with her. She really tried in there; we just had an unlucky rail,” Kieffer said. “She was great considering her last event was the Pan American Games. She stormed around [the cross-country course] yesterday. I’m grateful for the grant and the support of her owner, Marie Le Menestrel, that allowed me to have this great opportunity.”

Finishing in second place between Dutton and Kieffer were Alexandra Knowles and Sound Prospect after they added nothing to their dressage score of 46.7.

Find out more about Galway Downs International and view results.

By Kathleen Landwehr

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington Speeds to Victory on Voyeur at Kentucky

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Kent Farrington (USA) and Voyeur claimed the victory at the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping qualifier in Kentucky (USA) after producing the fastest round in the jump-off. (FEI/StockImageServices.com)

Lexington, Kentucky (USA), 2 November 2015 – The United States’ Kent Farrington and Voyeur used their long-term partnership to produce the fastest round in a 13-rider jump off, winning the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League qualifier at the CSI4* CP National Horse Show. Already with a victory in a grand prix class earlier in the week, on a different horse Willow (Guidam x Little Rock), Farrington proved his close knowledge of his two mounts could deliver the fastest clears in competitive company.

“I know those horses really well and that’s my advantage this week,” Farrington said. “I brought two really experienced, qualified horses to compete and both went great. Both are owned by the Nusz family, and I’m really grateful to have horses of that caliber.”

For the North American League qualifier, Farrington chose the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill) that he described as having a hot character, and which allowed Farrington to ride extremely tight turns to the jump-off design’s double combination and large oxer.

“The horse is very hot to ride,” Farrington said. “Physically, he’s very strong, and it’s taken a long time to get him rideable. And for him to add strides in an indoor ring, it’s due to his experience. It’s taken me a while to get him there.”

“I think the ring here is actually quite big so it gives course designers freedom to make what they want to build,” he continued. “I actually thought the time allowed [in the first round] was pretty generous. If it were a shorter time allowed, it could have been a different outcome.”

Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) also noted that the time allowed played a factor in the outcome of the class.

“This is a fantastic venue and it’s a great group of riders and horses, and of course we want to start a little easier and make it tougher throughout the week,” Jorge said. “But it looks like the riders had the same kind of idea as I did because they kept jumping better and better. In this level, it’s a very fine line and I think the riders today jumped it great and that’s the reason why we had 13 clears in the jump off.”

An American product

With the Maclay Final, an American junior equitation division sharing the spotlight with the North American league qualifier on the final day of competition, Farrington had the opportunity to reflect on his own experiences coming through the riding ranks in the country.

“I think that today, I’m a product of a lot of different systems,” Farrington said. “Early on in my career, I did some equitation riding and the Finals. But even more than the riding, it was the experience of the pressure that was even more important at those events than anything else. You build up to a Final and then you build on a round and deliver it on a specific day,” he said. “There were only so many shots at it. I think all of that experience is the most beneficial thing. Of course, at the lower level, it was about building the fundamentals and the basics of learning how to ride, but the most important thing was just learning to deal with pressure and big shows and how to handle those situations.”

The ability to handle the pressure to deliver a step-perfect round played a factor in Farrington’s win, in addition to riding later in the order of go.

“Both [Laura Kraut and I] had a later draw so there were a lot in it but we got to watch the first couple – we actually watched them together,” Farrington said. “It really comes down to what plan is going to suit your horse at that time. The first line was seven strides to the wall, and I think we both did the same. And then it was really what suited your horse, how tight you could roll back to the vertical and how fast you could go to the double and the last fence. Today I was on a much more experienced horse than Laura and that was probably my advantage.”

It’s still too early in the season for Farrington to decide on a specific horse to qualify and take to the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg (SWE) in April. Next on Farrington’s schedule is to fly to California to campaign a different string of horses, with a possible West Coast qualifier appearance in Las Vegas.

“I’m sort of shuffling around with different horses,” said Farrington. “I have really good owners behind my career, so I’m lucky I can map out a schedule where I’m showing horses in a few places.”

Modern-day jumper

Farrington and runner-up Laura Kraut (USA), who also earned the title of Leading Lady Rider at the show, credited their horses with the ability to perform in a variety of settings, including large, outdoor tracks and indoor arenas.

“I think that’s today’s modern show jumper,” Farrington said. “He’s a really versatile horse that’s rideable and fast and scopey and careful. That’s overall what most of the experienced horses are in this sport. They can usually do both. I think he’s better outside than indoors, but this indoor is quite big so that’s why I thought it would quite suit him to bring him here.”

“[Voyeur’s] pretty wild actually,” he added, when asked about what his horse was like in the barn. “Laura and I were joking around about what we consider a normal horse and what everyone else considers a normal horse. We’re both known for riding sort of erratic or special horses. He’s very fresh, so you usually have to be a little bit awake when you’re riding him because he can spin very quickly and he can spook at a lot of things. He’s a handful but I think most of the good ones are.”

Kraut picked up the ride on Deauville S (Diamant de Semilly x Lux) when her partner and British Jumping professional Nick Skelton did not match well with the Holsteiner gelding.

“Deauville actually came from Germany and the owner sent him for Nick to ride,” Kraut said. “So Nick started jumping him in Wellington this winter and about halfway through he didn’t have the right temperament for him. He said, ‘Why don’t you get on him and show him?’ So I jumped him in a 1.45-meter class and won the first class I rode him in, and he said, ‘Well, that’s it, I’m never riding him again.’ So that’s how I got him. I might add that my clients were wonderful in that they went ahead and purchased him for me and I’m so thankful for that.”

Much of Kraut’s strategy with Deauville comes from her experience with a Thoroughbred that she rode in the past.

“I’ve had some really special horses,” Kraut said. “I rode a Thoroughbred horse years and years ago called Simba Run, and [Deauville’s] as close to Simba as I’ve had since then. In the warm up, he’s really special. Again, I’ve learned he likes to just stop and stand. And if I just let him stand, you can then make him go to a fence and he’ll jump it then he likes to stand. As long as you don’t make him keep going, going, going, then he seems fine with that. In the stable, he’s a puppy; he’s very sweet and really a kind horse.”

Full results: http://bit.ly/1ixpLEL

Facts and Figures

The Lexington stop of the North American League is the richest on the East Coast.

Thirteen horses went clear in the first round, and eleven finished double clear in the jump-off.

The course designer was Guilherme Jorge (BRA).

The first round was contested over 13 obstacles with 16 jumping efforts. The jump-off round had seven obstacles with eight efforts. The maximum height was set at 1.60 meters.

Nine nations were represented in the class: Belgium (4 riders), Columbia (2 riders), Ireland (2 riders), Japan (1 rider), the Netherlands (1 rider), New Zealand (1 rider), Russia (1 rider), United States (22 riders) and Venezuela (1 rider).

Quotes:

Mason Phelps, President of the CP National Horse Show (USA): “We’re thrilled to be one of the stops of the North American League,” said Mason Phelps, President of the CP National Horse Show. “I thought today’s jumping was excellent, and the jump off very much engaged the crowd. It was a very good afternoon. Longines is a terrific sponsor to have for the World Cup tour, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

“Certainly partnering with Longines for this World Cup qualifier was a big plus for us, and working with the Longines team and the organising committee was great. I think we have a great partnership and I look forward to a big future. And of course, our partnership with Canadian Pacific. Their sponsorship created the funds [to make the World Cup qualifier] a $250,000 class.”

Guilherme Jorge (BRA): “I thought the course today was big enough, but obviously not that big because they jumped really well. It’s a fantastic arena that when you come to indoors. It’s big and the footing’s fantastic, there’s a lot of room, riders can ride it as though it’s an outdoor ring. I had a grand prix last month and I had the time allowed maybe one second too short and I had three riders less than I wanted. Today, if I had the time one second shorter, I would have had the number I was expecting between eight and nine riders. I think the class today, if I had to go back and see I could have made the time a little shorter.”

Kent Farrington (USA): “I thought the prize money was very good here for a North American World Cup show. The Friday class was $130,000 and the grand prix today was $250,000, so I brought two horses that I thought would be very competitive. I brought my best horses for the grand prix and they both performed up to expectations so I couldn’t ask for more.

“I expected a few clear. I think the group of riders here is quite strong. I think there were some very good horses jumping in the class. I thought it was really going to depend on the time allowed. When the first couple went and they were close to the time, I know that didn’t leave much room to move the time at that point so then I thought okay, there’s going to be quite a few clear; it’s going to be a fast jump-off today.”

Laura Kraut (USA): “It was a great week. Kentucky Horse Park is fantastic. I think not only for the jumping in the ring but the warm-up is really nice and then the stabling, it’s all around a great place to be so that’s nice for us. I’m really happy with my horse. I brought this horse, which is a nine-year-old, and then I brought a young eight-year-old just for the experience. He also placed in every class and jumped really well. But this horse I’m particularly excited about, Deauville. I’ve had him since March and he’s really coming along. He won a big grand prix in St. Moritz then he was second in a World Cup qualifier in New York and now second again so I’m thrilled.”

“I was lucky that I actually went after Kent, and I had the advantage of at least being able to see him go, which was helpful. And I tried to stay on with what he had done but I couldn’t get the momentum to the last fence, I knew I was close enough I thought I’d be maybe second or third so I played it a little safe going to the last.

“Right now, I will go [to World Cup Final] if I qualify but I don’t know which horses yet. So far, it would be Deauville since he’s the only one I’ve jumped in a qualifier, but I’d like the opportunity to jump Nouvelle in a couple and decide how I’m looking toward the Olympics and all of that will weigh in on how all of that will work out.”

About CP National Horse Show

The CP National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington, presented by CP, “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship Finals. The event took place in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, site of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2010.

Official fan site – www.feiworldcup.com/NAL

The FEI has developed an official fan microsite for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League, enabling fans to find all the latest information for this brand new series under one digital umbrella.

Fans can keep close tabs on the athletes competing in this exciting series as they do their utmost to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 23-26 March 2016.

Tickets can be purchased through the fan site, with event-specific information uploaded regularly by the organisers of the events in this series for fan enjoyment.

Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League

A total of 14 athletes from the new North American League will qualify for the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

The top seven athletes from the East Coast US, top three from West Coast US and the two best-placed athletes from Canada and Mexico will qualify for the Final, alongside winners of the 13 other leagues from around the world.

The North American League boasts a minimum of US $2.4 million prize money across the series, and offers the best Jumping athletes from North America and around the world the chance to qualify for the jackpot of more than US $1.4 million (€1.3 million) on offer annually at the Final.

The new league was launched by Beezie Madden, the most decorated US female equestrian athlete of all time, American Gold Cup winner and FEI Solidarity Ambassador Jessica Springsteen, and Hannah Selleck, team and individual gold medalist at young rider level and one of the sport’s up-and-coming stars. Full launch release here: https://goo.gl/kCIsyW.

Share images, video, experiences using hashtag #FEIWorldCupNAL.

By Esther Hahn

FEI Media Contacts:

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

Shannon Gibbons
Manager Press Relations
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 46

Championships, Show Jumping, USEF, USEF

Deslauriers Captures Gold in Inaugural USEF U25 National Championship

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Lucy Deslauriers and Hester (Shawn McMillen Photography)

Lexington, Ky. – The future stars of United States Show Jumping were tested during three days of tough competition for the 2015 USEF U25 National Championship presented by the Porter Family, the Jacobs Family, the Jobs Family and the Keenan Family. Following two clear rounds during last night’s $30,000 Final Competition, Lucy Deslauriers stood on top of the podium as the winner of the inaugural USEF U25 National Championship.

Deslauriers (New York, N.Y.) and her partner Hester, Lisa Deslauriers’ 2005 Belgian Warmblood gelding, mastered the courses brilliantly throughout the entire competition. They kicked off Wednesday’s $15,000 Faults Converted competition on a high note with no faults and a time of 77.69. They came out more aggressive during the $20,000 Jump-Off competition on Thursday, had a faultless first round, and cruised to victory in the jump-off with a time of 30.74. These performances put Deslauriers and Hester on top of the cumulative standings leading into Saturday night’s final competition. They maintained this lead as the only pair to put in two clear rounds in the Final, securing the win in the $30,000 Two Round Final Competition and the Gold medal in the $35,000 Championship.

“It was a really great week. My horse jumped incredibly in all the rounds. The first round I didn’t ride my best, so I really tried to put in strong efforts the rest of the week, and he really helped me out there,” said Deslauriers.

This performance added to an incredible year for Deslauriers and Hester, who won the Young Rider Individual Gold and Team Silver at the 2015 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, and Individual and Team Gold in the 2015 Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Championship.

Designed to mimic the difficulty encountered during international competition, Course Designer Guilherme Jorge, architect for 2016 Olympic Games, developed courses for this championship with the intent of challenging a horse’s focus and a rider’s intellect. Twenty-six riders started in the first round of the Final Competition after which only the top twelve in the overall standings qualified for the second round. Jorge’s second round track, which included a triple combination, proved to be the most challenging of the Championship rounds and as only two clear rounds were produced.

Trailing Deslauriers, going into the second round of the $30,000 competition were Katherine Strauss (Southampton, N.Y.) and Catherine Tyree (Chicago, Ill.), who took Silver and Bronze in the Championship respectively. Each finished the Saturday’s first round with cumulative scores of six faults. During the first round, Katherine Strauss, LLC’s All In, a 2005 KWPN gelding had trouble with the double-combination at 10b and knocked a rail down. They then put in a fault-free finish in the second round to place second to Deslauriers in both the Final Competition and the Championship.

“I had a really great first day. My horse jumped amazingly. In the second round I had a little bit of an error so coming into today I was a little behind Lucy and Cat so I knew I had to ride my best and keep working to climb up the ranks,” said Strauss.

After an unexpected refusal in the first round of the Final Competition, Tyree and Enjoy Louis, Mary and Joseph Tyree’s 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding, returned to the second round tied with Strauss and All In. They were penalized four faults for a knock down and picked up one time fault to finish on a total of 11 faults to earn the Bronze Medal.

“My horse jumped incredibly all week. Today, I made a mistake that was nowhere his fault, and I just thought in the first round I would try and be as fast as possible. I knew in the end that it would come down to time faults so I was so lucky to have a horse that was so with me throughout the entire competition,” said Tyree.

Visit nhs.org for the complete results of the USEF U25 National Championship.

From the USEF Communications Department

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Jumper Clinic with Grand Prix Rider & Trainer Carlo Graziani

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November 14th-15th, 2015

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Carlo on Centano 8 – 1.25m Power & Speed 1st Place

Numerous competitions and placing at all levels of competition, including:

  • Competed in international competitions representing the Colombian Equestrian Team in the Children’s Jumper division including Argentina in 1996, Venezuela in 1995, and Brazil in 1994
  • Took third place in the world at the FEI Samsung Competition in the Children’s division
  • Represented the Colombian National team in the South American Championships in Ecuador and Guatemala
  • Placed 4th in the $25,000 Grand Prix at Littlewood Fences in Wellington
  • Rode in the George Morris Clinic in Chicago, Illinois
  • Assistant Rider for Grand Prix Rider, Aaron Vale
  • Assistant Rider for German Camargo, Pan American finalist and Olympic qualifier for the Colombian team
  • Placed 2nd in the $25,000 Grand Prix for City League
  • Placed 1st in the Mini Prix at Central Florida Hunter Jumper Association

Click here to learn more about Carlo.

Click here for more info or to reserve your ride.

Contact MahanFarm@gmail.com or call/text Lindsay at 850-528-1267 with any questions.

Mahan Farm | 8150 Mahan Drive | Tallahassee | FL | 32309