Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Show Jumping

Minikus Delivers at Hampton Classic and Prepares to Defend Million Dollar Title

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Todd Minikus was third with Two Swan Farm’s Babalou 41 in the $400,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows. (Photo courtesy of Spruce Meadows Media Services)

Bridgehampton, NY (September 2, 2015) – Another successful weekend in the show jumping ring has wrapped up for Todd Minikus, who is currently ranked second in the United States on the Longines $30,000 Rider’s Challenge rankings. Three strong performances on three different horses at the 40th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, New York is the most recent set of accomplishments in an incredibly successful summer for the Florida resident. The Hampton Classic also helped to strengthen Minikus’ position among the elite 50 horse and rider combinations headed for a $330,000 first place prize in the Canadian Pacific $1 Million FEI CSI5* Grand Prix on September 2-6 in HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII in Saugerties, New York.

Minikus began his week at the Hampton Classic on Tuesday, August 25, riding eleven-year-old KWPN gelding Paratrooper – owned by Lori Custer – to a second place finish in a 41-horse field in the $20,000 Royalton Farms Jumper Challenge. Paratrooper, who had two top ten finishes under Minikus the week before at Princeton Show Jumping, is also one of the horses Minikus will have in his jumping arsenal for the HITS VIII competition.

Facing an even larger field of 52 entries the next day, August 26th, in the $10,000 Wollfer Estate 1.4m Open, Minikus rode Matthew Degrande’s Oldenburg gelding Cordonos to a win – besting his runner-up by nearly three seconds in the competitive speed class. The upper level show jumping classes, held on a turf field, featured obstacles not often seen in summer East coast competitions, such as an open water and bank jump. These obstacles served as an early practice round for Minikus as he prepares to represent the United States as part of the Nations Cup team competing at the Spruce Meadows Masters tournament, to be held on September 9-13 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Sunday, August 30, at the Hampton Classic featured Minikus riding Babalou 41, Two Swans Farm’s champion mare. Minikus was the highest-placed American and one of only four clear rounds in the $250,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix presented by Longines jump-off, finishing in 43.890 seconds for second place in the victory gallop behind Karen Polle of Japan on With Wings.

This week, Minikus is planning to show Paratrooper; Plum Creek Hollow Farm’s twelve-year-old Westphalian stallion, Con Capilot; and The Quality Group’s defending $1 Million CSI5* Grand Prix champion, Quality Girl, at the HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII. Minikus, a lifetime career winner of over 130 Grand Prix titles, and Quality Girl, his twelve-year-old Oldenburg partner of three years, will face an extremely talented field of competitors at HITS’ richest FEI show jumping division event of the summer.

When not competing, Todd Minikus offers sales and training services just minutes from Wellington, Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) show grounds. Follow Team Minikus on Facebook or click www.toddminikus.com to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action with Minikus and his world-class string of show jumpers.

Contact: Amanda Minikus
amandajl16@aol.com
562-762-3762
www.toddminikus.com

Championships, Competitions, Driving, FEI

Morgan Seeking Top Finish at the 2015 FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies

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Tracey Morgan and Fuego 88 (Picsofyou.com)

Breda, Netherlands – Accomplished pony driver Tracey Morgan (Beallsville, Md.) will represent the United States this week at the 2015 FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies. The championships will take place during Outdoor Brabant at the beautiful Prinsenhoeve Estate in Breda, The Netherlands, September 2-6, featuring 88 drivers from 16 nations competing across three divisions: single, pair, and pony team. Morgan will drive her own trusted partner, German Riding Pony, Fuego 88, in the single pony division. They join a field of 32 drivers all vying for the chance to be named Singles Pony Driving World Champion.

Morgan is no stranger to these championships having helped the U.S. team win Bronze in 2007 and competing in the 2009 and 2013 championships. That experience will help as she faces tough competition from returning Single Ponies Champion Martin Hölle of Hungary. However, she and Fuego 88 come into the 2015 FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies following stellar performances in national and international competitions.

In July, the combination finished third in the National Single Pony division at CAI3* Beekbergen. They reclaimed the USEF Combined Driving Single Pony National Championship and also won the CAI2*-P1 division at the Live Oak International in March. Earlier in the year, they took first in the CAI2*-P1 division at the Kingdom of the Sun CDE.

The 2015 FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies will begin on Thursday with the dressage phase. On Saturday, drivers will test their ponies’ endurance during the marathon phase. The championships conclude on Sunday with the cones phase.

Visit Outdoor Brabant for more information on the 2015 FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies, including day-to-day schedules, starting lists, score updates, and results.

From the USEF Communications Department

Central Park Horse Show, Competitions

Matinee Performers to Headline Two Days of Central Park Horse Show

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Tommie Turvey and Pokerjoe. Photos provided by Matinee Performers, as well as David Handschuh and the Arabian Horse Association.

Tommie Turvey, “Wild Riders” Trick Riders, Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, Pony Club Mounted Games, Pony Steeplechasing, Bebe Davis Dressage Exhibition, and Arabian Costume Class to provide interactive family fun in the heart of NYC

New York, NY – With a world-class lineup of the finest acts, performers, and athletes of equestrian sport and entertainment, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, in its second annual year, wants you to join the fun as New York City prepares to host the most talented equestrian performers in the industry as they take on Wollman Rink in the heart of the Big Apple! Providing interactive family fun for audience members of all ages, the matinee performances are not to be missed at this year’s edition of the world-renowned Rolex Central Park Horse Show.

The matinee performances will be held on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, beginning at 10am in the iconic setting of Central Park under the New York City skyline. Tickets for the matinee performances are $30 each and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv.

Popular equestrian personality Tommie Turvey of Tommie Turvey Horsemanship will headline the matinee, engaging audiences with a showcase of the adaptability, versatility, and intelligence of the horse within the entertainment industry. Turvey has prepared and trained horses for numerous major Hollywood roles including appearances in The Walking Dead, The Blacklist, and Batman: The Dark Knight, as well as working with the Budweiser Clydesdales during their popular Super Bowl commercials each year. Turvey’s comedy act is considered one of the most entertaining equestrian performances and is sure to provide laughs, while he will also show off skills in trick roping, liberty horsemanship, and roman riding.

Alongside Turvey, the “Wild Riders” Trick Riders Meishja Petersen and sisters Shanae and Hannah Ritter will showcase captivating trick riding routines to get your adrenaline pumping while Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey and his Border Collie partner Boogie will also entertain the crowd with their impressive and comedic sheep herding skills.

The Shetland Pony Steeplechase
The Shetland Pony Steeplechase

The youngest of the featured entertainers will make a grand entrance in the big city as Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Steeplechase race into town.

These sports provide a learning platform for horsemanship and teamwork skills to young children while exemplifying the sturdiness and heart of the pony breed. Both events are sure to excite and capture the sentiments of any audience.

Barbara “Bebe” Davis, 17, a young American dressage phenom, will return to Central Park to provide a dressage demonstration and exhibition aboard her mount Rotano, on whom she was the 2014 U.S. Championships FEI Junior Level Silver Medalist. Davis is a two-time Pony National Champion, who has accumulated several top awards throughout her career, including two gold medal finishes at North American Junior Young Rider Championships in 2014 and 2015. The pair will showcase the foundation of dressage and beauty of the movements in an educational and dynamic demonstration of one of the world’s oldest equestrian sports.

An Arabian costume class will also highlight the matinee performances in a representation of the Nomadic people of the Arabian Peninsula, who were the first to breed and ride these ancient horses, now considered the oldest purebred breed in the world. You’ll feel as though you’re traveling through time to when Arabian horses roamed the desert and began their journey as ancestors to the now modern day light breeds. The Arabian Mounted Native Costume Class will present both horse and rider in full costume and depict the breed as they might have been while defending their tribes.

Arabian Mounted Native Costume class
Arabian Mounted Native Costume class

The second annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport. The schedule will include the inaugural U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers, Dressage, Hunters, U25 Jumpers, and Arabians.

Tickets are now on sale for all events at the 2015 Rolex Central Park Horse Show and matinee tickets will be $30 each. There are only a few hundred tickets still available for the event and they are anticipated to sell out. Tickets can now be purchased at http://bit.ly/1AV2imv. To request table information in the Hospitality Tent, please e-mail Anne Caroline Valtin at vip@centralparkhorseshow.com or call 561-784-1133.

Additional information can be found at www.coth.com and www.centralparkhorseshow.com.

Media Contact:
Shin-Jung Hong
Nicholas & Lence Communications
ShinJung@nicholaslence.com
Tel: 212.938.0005

Equestrian Media Contact:
Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Lindsay Brock
lindsay@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Classic Company, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Historic $5.00 Pre-Green Division Entry Fees Offered at All Gulf Coast Winter Classic 2016 Shows

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To celebrate the fifth tour of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola shows, which kick off on January 13th and run through January 31st, the Gulf Coast Classic Company is proud to announce that the Pre-Green Division entry fees will be $5.00 a division or $1.00 a class. That’s right! All three weeks of the Pensacola Gulf Coast events will offer $5.00 Pre-Green Division entries or a $1.00 per class in the Pre-Green Division. This special will be continued through the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Gulfport, Mississippi, which is set to kick off on February 10th and run through March 20th, offering a total of 9 weeks of $5.00 Pre-Green entry fees on the Gulf Coast!

Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, the Gulf Coast Classic Company and USHJA Board Member, said, “From discussions at the committee and board levels, there has been much conversation concerning the development of young horses and the associated competition costs.” Bell has wholeheartedly supported the Pre-Green Incentive and Challenge programs by offering them at almost every Classic Company and Gulf Coast Classic Company horse show. “I feel that further advancement in the development of our young horses can be made by the Gulf Coast Classic Company and therefore am pleased to announce that we will offer all Pensacola Pre-Green Divisions and Pre-Green entries $5.00 and $1.00 entries this winter. Further, to demonstrate our commitment to the sport, we will extend this offer to our Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit in Gulfport, Mississippi,” he added.

Janet McCarroll, Gulf Coast Winter Classic Show Coordinator, commented, “We are so excited to be able to offer a discount to our pre-green owners and riders. The cost of showing our horses can be excessive,” she said, “but through reduction of the show fees at the pre-green level, the Gulf Coast Classic Company can help so our riders can continue to develop their young horses,” she added.

Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm, located in Brookeville, Maryland, said, “We are looking forward to the 2016 Pensacola shows. We are really excited that Bob [Bell] has reduced the Pre-Green entry fees to $5.00! All I can say is way to go Bob and Janet!”

The 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classic will celebrate its 18th year of operation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Equestrians move into the Gulfport area for six to eight weeks along with their staff, clients, families, owners and trainers. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic offers over one million dollars in prize money and awards and the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers the rest-world class dining, accommodations, entertainment, shopping, casinos and breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets.

The 2016 Gulf Coast Winter Classic gets underway on February 10, 2016 and runs for six consecutive weeks until March 20. Come discover why the grass is greener on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and visit www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Gulf Coast Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Andrew Kocher Kicks Off HITS Saugerties Week VII with Back-to-Back Wins

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(C) ESI Photography. Andrew Kocher and Ora de te di La San Giorgio.

Saugerties, NY (August 31, 2015): It’s back to New York’s majestic Hudson Valley for HITS Horse Shows and competition kicked off in Andrew Kocher’s favor who jumped his way to a victory in the $10,000 Brook Ledge Open Welcome aboard Ora de te di La Giorgio, owned by Ora del te LLC. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama native bested a field of 37 and sped his way through two rounds for a $2,800 payoff.

Round one was smooth sailing for 13 riders, including Kocher. The jump-off began and the top spot switched hands three times before Kocher entered the ring eighth in the order. Kocher zoomed through the abbreviated course to a clean finish with a time of 37.878, the lead, and five remaining challengers hungry to steal it away.

Kocher was in the clear through the next four competitors, all of whom had a minimum of four faults, which meant the only thing standing in his way of the blue ribbon was Laura Chapot and Umberto, owned by Mary Chapot. Chapot, who has collected a number of victories this summer at HITS Saugerties, impressed as usual and breezed clean through the course, but her time of 39.004 was not enough to take the lead.

Third place was Heather Caristo-Williams riding Cosmopolitan 30, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Caristo, while Pablo Mejia followed in fourth place aboard Andres Muller’s Regilsse and the fifth place ribbon went to Chapot and her second entry, Thornhill Kate, co-owned with Mary Chapot.

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix

Andrew Kocher’s lucky streak at HITS Saugerties Week VII continued Friday in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix when he and Prof De L Roque, owned by Postage Stamp Farm LLC, beat 41 others to take home first place and their piece of the prize purse. The first round course, designed by Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico, tested riders over 12 obstacles and proved to be a challenge for the majority, with only the top nine moving on to the jump off.

It wasn’t until the fourth entry of the second round that onlookers saw a clean round. Bull Run’s Holy Smokes, owned by Bull Run Jumpers, Inc., piloted by Kristen VanderVeen, crossed the timers in a careful 44.547 to turn up the heat in the competition. Next in the order, Kocher and his mount gave the valiant performance, complete with picturesque form and electric energy, to finish clean in a time of 41.091 for the lead.

Jonathon Millar and Sly, owned by Lauren Patava and Bonaventure, were next to challenge the course and although clear in a time of 45.404, Millar wasn’t quick enough to steal the spotlight from Kocher. The next entry was Tracy Fenney riding MTM Farm’s MTM Reve Du Paradis and in true Fenney fashion, she chased Kocher for the win. With an undisturbed course behind her and crossing the timers in 42.521, Fenney was just one second behind Kocher, securing herself second place.

Of the remaining two riders, David Raposa and his own Waultraut were the last to go clean. With a time of 43.392, they would end the day with third place honors, bumping VanderVeen to fourth and Millar to fifth.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

Dressage, JRPR

Custom Saddlery MVR Catherine Chamberlain’s Young Rider Grand Finale

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Catherine Chamberlain and Avesto van Weltevreden (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wayne, IL (August 31, 2015) – Custom Saddlery MVR (Most Valuable Rider) Catherine Chamberlain ended her time as a Young Rider with the remarkable achievement of winning the Young Rider division at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, held at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, on August 19-23. “It’s actually my first national title – what better way to go out?” said Chamberlain. “This whole Young Rider experience has been an amazing opportunity and an amazing journey. I’ve had ups and downs. I’ve finished very last at the North Americans (NAJYRC), I’ve finished first at North Americans, and everything in between. It’s definitely been a roller coaster ride.”

Chamberlain and Avesto van Weltevreden (owned by Kimberly Pribble) were in their best form over the weekend of the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions. By the end of the second day, they had earned an overall average of 69.43 percent to take home the title in the AGCO/USEF FEI Young Rider National Championship. For Chamberlain and Pribble, the choice to bring Avesto van Weltevreden to the competition was a last-minute decision – a decision they’re incredibly glad they made. The Dutch Warmblood gelding recently toured with the United States’ first-ever Young Rider team in Europe, where he and Chamberlain had several successful rides. They then traveled to Kentucky, where the pair helped their region to Team Gold and won an Individual Silver medal at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). “We thought he might be too tired,” said Chamberlain before the Festival of Champions. But Avesto van Weltevreden proved to be a champion both in and out of the ring, as he took the travelling extremely well and was more than ready to compete after his excursions. “He came home and was super fit and feeling good. At the last moment, we decided to take a chance and bring him,” explained Chamberlain. “Obviously it’s gone really well. I’m thrilled!”

Chamberlain is thankful for her journey through her Young Rider career, and is looking forward to what lies ahead of her in dressage as she moves out of the 16-21-year-old division. “Each new step teaches you something, and I think you have to learn to become open to the whole process. To finish out with a highlight means so much to me,” Chamberlain expressed. “I’m thankful to everyone – the whole team behind me, the sponsors of this event, and especially the horse. I really owe a lot to him.”

One supporter cheering Chamberlain on was her sponsor Custom Saddlery. Alis Carbone, a saddle fitter for Custom Saddlery, praised the young rider. “Congratulations to Catherine on an amazing weekend at the Festival of Champions, winning the Young Rider division and placing 6th in the U25! She has worked so hard for this and is always such a pleasure to work with.”

Chamberlain rides Avesto van Weltevreden in a Wolfgang Constanze Custom Saddle. Custom Saddlery provides comfort and excellence for both the rider and horse through carefully crafted saddles. The Aiken, South Carolina based company currently offers twenty-two innovative, one of a kind dressage saddles as well as professional fitting services to ensure the perfect fit for each individual horse and rider. To learn more about Custom Saddlery, visit www.mysaddle.com or call 1-800-235-3865.

For more information contact:
Custom Saddlery, Cary Wallace
www.mysaddle.com
cary@mysaddle.com
1-800-235-3865

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Olympic Champion Jung Makes Burghley Debut

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Michael Jung (GER), pictured here on La Biosthetique Sam at Luhmühlen CCI 4* presented by DHL (GER) in June, has won most of the glittering prizes on offer in the sport of Eventing, but the reigning Olympic and European Champion has yet to take on the special challenges of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR), sixth and final leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015. (Eventing Photo/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 31 August 2015 – Michael Jung (GER) has won most of the glittering prizes on offer in the sport of Eventing, but the reigning Olympic and European Champion has yet to take on the special challenges of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR), sixth and final leg of the FEI Classics™ 2014/2015.

Spectators will be treated to the sight of this master horseman tackling the big, bold Cross Country track in the beautiful grounds of Elizabethan Burghley House on his two top horses. Jung is bringing the mare fisherRocana FST, a world team gold and individual silver medallist last year, and old favourite La Biosthetique Sam, his Olympic, world and European champion. The two horses finished first and second at Kentucky (USA) in April, the third leg in the FEI Classics™ series.

Ingrid Klimke (GER), who has established a clear lead in the FEI Classics™, is not entered for Burghley as she is focusing on next week’s Longines FEI European Eventing Championships in Blair Castle (GBR), but Jung, who is currently second in the rankings, William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Jonelle Price (NZL), third and fourth respectively, will be jostling for the five money prizes. The three are currently ranked first, second and third in the world.

Fox-Pitt (GBR), a record six-time winner at Burghley, is expected to save his top horse, Bay My Hero, for the British team at Blair Castle the following weekend, but he has an able mount in the form of the relatively inexperienced Fernhill Pimms. Price, also, has only one ride, the experienced Irish Sport Horse The Deputy.

Sir Mark Todd (NZL), currently just outside the money prizes in sixth place in the FEI Classics™, has already won Burghley five times. The great Kiwi horseman has been enjoying a stellar season and must have an excellent chance here on Leonidas ll, fourth at Badminton in May.

An impressive New Zealand entry is completed by Jock Paget on Shady Grey, 10th in the FEI Classics™, and Tim Price, seventh, on Ringwood Sky Boy, but, for the first time for more than 25 years, the nation’s line up will not include Andrew Nicholson. The five-time winner and defending champion, who has won the last three runnings of Burghley on Avebury, is currently recovering from the neck injury sustained in a heavy fall at Gatcombe last month.

For an even longer Burghley record, one has to return to 1979, when a young Australian, Andrew Hoy, won on the little stock horse, Davey. It took him 25 years to win again, in 2004 on Moonfleet, and for the 2015 edition he pins his hopes on Rutherglen.

The field also includes two more former British winners, Pippa Funnell and Oliver Townend, who could have three rides apiece. Interestingly, for both riders, their best chances may lie with spectacular, long-striding chestnut geldings, Redesigned (Funnell) and Armada (Townend), but neither horse is the easiest in the Jumping phase.

Around 80 horses from eight nations are expected to start at what promises to be as thrilling a Burghley as ever. The full startlist and live results are on www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Use hashtags #FEIClassics and #Eventing.

By Kate Green

Burghley CCI4* Media Contact:

Carole Pendle/Brand Rapport
cpendle@brand-rapport.com
+44 7768 462601

FEI Media Contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

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

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Fighting French Win Through at Gripping Furusiyya Qualifier in Gijón

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(L to R) Jaime de Rivera, Vice-President of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, Jesús Martinez Salvador, Gijón Town Council Sports Department President, team members Aymeric de Ponnat, Alexandre Fontanelle, Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat, Adeline Hecart and Cyril Bouvard, Ramón Méndez Díaz, Coca-Cola Communications Department and Javier Revuelta, President of the Spanish NF (Furusiyya representative). (FEI/Hervé Bonnaud)

Gijon (ESP), 29 August 2015 – Team France held on to win the penultimate leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Europe Division 2 League at Gijón in Spain today. But they had to see off a late challenge from the British and Irish who eventually shared second spot ahead of The Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium in equal-fourth.

It was an important day for the Ukrainian side who were the only ones chasing points towards the Furusiyya 2015 Final which takes place in just over three weeks’ time. And although they had to settle for seventh place, that was good enough to overtake Finland at the top of the Division 2 leaderboard this evening. However, it was a disappointing day for the host nation who slotted into eighth place from the starting field of 10 nations.

Canada and USA failed to make the cut into the second round, but Aymeric de Ponnat was the hero of the day when clinching victory for his side with one of six double-clears, and it was a poignant day for the French. As Chef d’Equipe, Philippe Guerdat, explained this evening, “The father of the fifth rider passed away last night and that was why we wore black armbands. We dedicate this victory to Geoffroy de Coligny’s father; the riders did it for him,” he said.

Superb track

Avelino Rodriguez Miravalles set a superb 12-fence track with a generous time-allowed of 77 seconds. “I tried to maintain a five-star level course that was also easy and fluid to jump for the horses. Other than the combination, which was quite tricky and difficult, the course was good overall to complete,” explained the Spanish course designer afterwards. And indeed it was the triple combination that produced the greatest number of faults throughout the competition, although the penultimate vertical with a plank on top also claimed a significant number of victims.

The Americans and Canadians disappeared from the reckoning at the halfway stage after posting 20 and 12-fault results respectively. And as the second round got underway, the French and Belgians looked set to battle it out for supremacy as the only two nations on a zero scoreline. But while many horses showed improving form and confidence on their return to the ring, the two leading sides were already in trouble by the time their second-line riders completed their second tour of the track.

Second fabulous clear

French pathfinder, Alexandre Fontanelle, produced a second fabulous clear from Prime Time des Vagues, but Cyril Bouvard’s handsome stallion, Quasi Modo Z, decided he didn’t want to go down to the triple combination again and indulged in a theatrical tantrum before eventually obliging and making it all look a breeze. Too late, however, as the Ground Jury had already rung the bell for elimination.

Meanwhile, Belgium’s Fabienne Daigneux Lange and Venue d’Fees des Hazalles were foot-perfect only to be followed by an eight-fault result from Catherine van Roosbroeck and Calumet whose round fell apart over the final two fences. The Swiss had been lying third, carrying just four faults, but when they added eight more, then the British and Irish began to threaten. Sharing an eight-fault first-round total with the Dutch, Ukrainians and Spanish they both held firm while the others faltered.

Double-clears from both Robert Bevis (Courtney Z) and Joe Clayton (Velini) boosted British chances. But with two eight-fault rounds from Keith Shore and Mystic Hurricane, only a foot-perfect run from anchorwoman Laura Renwick could keep them in touch. And it was a lot to ask as her eight-year-old gelding, Heliodor Hybris, was almost uncontrollable first time out when picking up 16 faults. A bridle change worked superbly, however, and the young horse showed his real potential with a brilliant second-round clear to put the pressure on the rest.

Also rallied

The Irish, meanwhile, also rallied, with Cameron Hanley producing a great double-clear from Z Acodate DDL, and the second four-fault effort from Anthony Condon and the stallion Aristio – who is a carbon copy of his very famous sire Arko – potentially the discard if Dermott Lennon could match Capt Michael Kelly’s fault-free effort with Ringwood Glen. But the 2002 world champion had also been involved in a battle of wills with his mare-with-attitude, Loughview Lou-Lou, first time out, and only a man with Lennon’s masterful skills could have followed his first-round eight-fault effort with a much-needed clean sheet to keep his side in the game.

A 12-fault result for Wilm Vermeir and Garrincha Hedoniste finally put paid to Belgian chances, and when Adeline Hecart, 20-year-old daughter of French Jumping star Michel Hecart, made her only mistake of the day at the vertical at fence three with Pasha du Gue, then everything depended on de Ponnat. A clear would clinch a clear-cut victory on a four-fault tally, but a fence down would leave France in a three-way jump-off with Britain and Ireland. As he set off with his 10-year-old stallion Ricore Courcelle, however, de Ponnat didn’t allow the pressure to get to him. “I didn’t let myself think about what would happen if I had one down. I just tried to jump the best I can. I know my horse and I have a lot of experience, so I just did what I had to do!” he said, after sealing the result with a foot-perfect run.

Reflected

The French Chef d’Equipe reflected on his team’s success. “It’s difficult to say anything bad when you win, especially when the course designer is sitting just beside you!” Philippe Guerdat said with a laugh. “Considering it is one week after the FEI European Championships, the course today was tough but not over the top. Usually Avelino is tight on time, so I had a chat with him the other day to make sure he would be as generous as possible, especially since we have slow horses here, and it worked!” he joked.

And he is constantly thinking ahead. “My job is to help riders develop, so if I always keep going with the same ones then there is no chance to improve. I will be in Arezzo next week with a completely different team made up primarily of 20 and 21 year olds. We are a little bit behind in France as we keep going for the same riders and it’s important for us to catch up now. We are not going to win every Nations Cup, but it is vital for us to keep improving,” he said.

For further details of the penultimate round of the Europe Division 2 series at Gijon, Spain, visit http://en.hipico.gijon.es or contact Press Officer José Ramón Rodríguez, Email jr.rodriguez@telecable.es, Tel +34 629 043 529.

The last leg of the 2015 Europe Division 2 series will take place next Friday, 4 September, in Arezzo, Italy. For all information on the Italian fixture, visit www.csiosanmarinoarezzo.com or contact Press Officer Caterina Vagnozzi, Email c.vagnozzi@gmail.com, Tel +39 335 6107070.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Gijon in Spain presented the seventh and penultimate leg of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Europe Division 2 league today.

10 teams competed, and Ukraine was the only nation chasing points towards the Furusiyya Final 2015 which will take place in Barcelona, Spain from 24 to 27 September.

The best 8 teams returned for the second round, and it was Canada and USA who missed the cut.

Course designer was Spain’s Avelino Rodriguez Miravalles.

The time-allowed over the 12-fence track was 77 seconds and no horse-and-rider combinations collected time faults.

6 horse-and-rider combinations jumped double-clear rounds.

The winners were Team France who completed on a final scoreline of four faults.

The youngest horse in today’s competition was the 8-year-old chestnut gelding Heliodor Hybris ridden by Great Britain’s Laura Renwick.

The oldest horse in the competition was the 15-year-old bay gelding Zamiro ridden by Canada’s Kara Chad.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping 2015 Final will take place at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 24 to 27 September.

Quotes:

Jesus Martinez Salvador, Gijón Town Council Sports Department President: “This show is the event of reference in Gijon and this class in particular – seeing all the spectators out there is proof that the public absolutely love this competition.”

Philippe Guerdat, French Chef d’Equipe: “The class wasn’t easy. With the old format of the competition, it was a closed league with only 8 teams. Here, for example, you have 10 teams filled with good riders and top horses.”

Adeline Hecart FRA: “This is the first time in my life I’ve had the chance to experience something like this! The feeling is really good; it was my first time competing at this level. I am very happy. We have a very good team and they are all so nice and supportive which is great. For me it’s a really good atmosphere here and the ambiance is really nice for us to ride in, particularly the public.”

Aymeric de Ponnat FRA: “My horse is a stallion with a lot of power; I think that he can maybe jump in a Championship next year. He is a bit slow but the time-allowed was easy so it wasn’t difficult for me. I have confidence in this horse; he has jumped in Grand Prix and big classes at 5-Star level including Rotterdam and St Gallen.”

For further information on the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping series, check out this link.

FEI YouTube

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Gijon:

José Ramón Rodríguez
Press Officer
jr.rodriguez@telecable.es
+34 629 043 529

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
Email: ruth.grundy@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 145

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Cross Country Proved Very Demanding at European Eventing Championship for Young Riders

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Will Furlong. Photo Credit: Leszek Wójcik.

The lead of European Eventing Championship for Young Riders in Moravia still belongs to Briton, Will Furlong. Michael Knap is on the 19th place.

Will Furlong on horse Livingstone, after a very successful cross ride and only with a slight excess of optimum time, received a score of 34.70 penalty points and kept the leader status. Like his compatriot, Sophie Beaty on a 16-year-old gelding Stanly kept the position which she won on the dressage competition, and with the result of 39.10 penalty points she took the second place. It did not happen for Constance Lucie Copestake from France, who after today’s collapse lost the third position from yesterday and was eliminated from the XC competition. Currently the third place with a score of 40.60 penalty points went to German rider Reemtsma Flora on the horse Ikarosz, who flawlessly ran the cross country.

In the Polish team the best result was achieved by Michael Knap on horse Bob the Builder. He took 19th place with a score of 52.80 points.

In the team classification, the lead of the team from the UK is not threatened by anyone. The French lost their chances for the podium.

Successful rides of representatives from Great Britain and the score of 121.9 penalty points, cemented their status as the leaders in after today’s XC test. Also Germans kept their second position with a score of 132.4 penalty points.

Representatives from France had to say goodbye to the dreams of the medals. Three riders after falls on the cross country have been eliminated from the competition. French team, from the third place after dressage, moved to the last one.

Poles were promoted from the 9th to the 8th position with a score of 1118.7 penalty points. Both Michael Knap and Szymon Nachotko ran XC without any mistakes, only with a slight excess of optimum time. Alexander Kadłubowski did not complete the cross country and after the fall on the last but one obstacle he was eliminated from the competition.

Today’s cross country proved to be a quite challenging for the young riders. Ten riders did not complete the competition and only 16 competitors were able to ride in optimum time.

Tomorrow’s show jumping will select the winners of the championship.

Press Office
Agnieszka Chmielinska
press@strzegom2015.pl
www.strzegom2015.pl

Eventing/H.T., JRPR

World Equestrian Brands Ambassadors Dominate Richland Park Horse Trials

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Buck Davidson and Balleynoe Castle RM (photos courtesy of Leslie Mintz/USEA Photos)

Richland, MI (August 28, 2015) – World Equestrian Brands ambassadors Buck Davidson, Kim Severson, Allison Springer, and Allie Knowles left the Richland Park Horse Trials victorious this past weekend, winning three divisions and earning several other competitive placings.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM, who were champions of the 2011 Adequan USEA Gold Cup CIC 3*, earned their second win in the same division at Richland Park this year. Despite competing with a few broken ribs from a fall during the competition just a few hours prior to his cross country trip, Davidson had an impressive cross country round on “Reggie,” as Ballynoe Castle RM is affectionately known. “My goal was just to get balanced and try to survive today,” laughed Davidson. “He looked after me. He is awesome, as all my horses are; I’m very proud of them.” The 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, owned by Carl and Cassandra Segal, also jumped a clear round in the show jumping portion of the event, helping Davidson to clinch the win in the CIC 3* event.

Kim Severson faced her own challenges in the advanced cross country portion of her ride. A mistake in the posted optimum time left her expecting a few time penalties. When she finished, she learned she was actually only a second over the optimum time, earning her and her ride – Cooley Cross Border – a win in the Advanced division. The single time fault in the cross country round as well as a clear round in the advanced show jumping put Severson in the obvious lead.

Severson has been taking it “very, very slow” with Cooley Cross Border, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding who has been Severson’s equine partner since 2011. Severson said, “I’m really excited about this horse. He is a horse of the quality that we need that hopefully can go on and perform at the highest level for us.”

Kim Severson and 8 year old Irish Sport Horse Cooley Cross Border
Kim Severson and 8 year old Irish Sport Horse Cooley Cross Border

Severson also took first place in the Open Preliminary division with Hope Cove, a 2001 Zangersheide owned by Michelle Parker. Severson has been riding Hope Cove since 2013.

World Equestrian Brands also sponsors Allison Springer and Allie Knowles, who were both successful in the Richland Park Horse Trials as well. Springer took 8th place in the CIC 2* on Cascani, and 10th on Athlone Anto in the Advanced division. “I feel so blessed with both my horses this weekend; they did incredible. They both jumped beautifully and were so much fun to ride. Thank you to everyone who made these partnerships possible!”

World Equestrian Brands is thrilled with the tremendous success of its ambassadors at the Richland Park Horse Trials. The company is proud to support these athletes and their horses with the highest quality brands of tack and equipment available on the market. The company’s first-class line of products includes saddles, bridles, girths, leg wraps, saddle pads, therapeutic equipment and more by Amerigo, Vespucci, E. A. Mattes, and Equilibrium.

For more information about World Equestrian Brands and its products, visit www.worldequestrianbrands.com or call 1-888-637-8463.

Robin Moore
World Equestrian Brands
540-264-0154
rmoore@worldequestrianbrands.com
www.worldequestrianbrands.com