Lauren Kieffer and Veronica (Shannon Brinkman Photo)
West Yorkshire, England – A field of 50 combinations headed into the final phase of the Equi-Trek Bramham International Horse Trials CCI3* on Sunday, and Land Rover Eventing Competition Grant recipients Lauren Kieffer and Veronica placing near the top of the leaderboard. A double clear show jumping round over Di Boddy’s track vaulted the pair from their overnight position in 12th place to finish seventh place on a score of 49.1. Team Rebecca, LLC’s 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare additionally received the Angela Cotton Memorial Trophy as the highest-placed mare in the Equi-Trek CCI3*.
The pair started off the competition in 10th place after scoring 44.7 in the dressage phase and collected 4.4 time penalties in the cross country phase, finishing strongly Sunday by adding nothing more to their score of 49.1
“I’m so pleased with how Veronica came out today,” Kieffer said. “She was very fresh and certainly wasn’t feeling anything from yesterday. Clear rounds were hard to come by and she jumped great. It was a very competitive and educational weekend and I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity”
Flora Harris (GBR) and Bayano won the Equi-Trek CCI3* finishing on her dressage score of 36.8. In the Bishop Burton College Under 25 CCI3* division, U.S. combination Caroline Martin and Quantum Solace had one of only two double clear show jumping rounds to finish in 10th place with a score of 75.5, while Holly Woodhead (GBR) and DHI Lupison won on their dressage score of 33.0.
Calgary, AB, Canada – June 13, 2015 – Francois Mathy got a win for Belgium in Saturday’s international show jumping competition at Spruce Meadows. Riding the 12-year-old Selle Francais mare, Polinska des Isles (Diamant de Semilly x Valespoir Malabry), Mathy topped a three-horse jump-off to win the $85,000 Repsol Cup 1.50m in a field of 63 starters. USA’s Georgina Bloomberg and Caleno 3 finished second; Venezuela’s Andres Rodriguez and Darlon van de Groenhove placed third.
Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) set a challenging track for horses and riders in the $85,000 Repsol Cup. Fourteen of the 63 entries were unable to finish the course, and the faults were numerous for many others. Only three entries came out of the first round without fault to advance to the jump-off.
Bloomberg was first to go over the short course with Gotham Enterprizes’ Caleno 3 and cleared the track in 41.60 seconds. Rodriguez followed aboard Darlon van de Groenhove with a rail at the last fence in 41.76 seconds. Last to go, Mathy and his own and Team Harmony’s Polinska des Isles took the win in a time of 40.15 seconds. They earned the winning prize of $28,050.
Mathy and Polinska des Isles also earned a 1.60m win on opening day of the ‘National’ Tournament two years ago, but the rider noted that this was their biggest win together at Spruce Meadows. He has had the mare for seven years, since she was five years old, and was happy to get another great victory.
“This is a big win. I have had wins here, but I think this is quite a good win for her,” Mathy acknowledged. “She has been my top horse for quite a few years. She has placed in the ‘Masters’ here also and we were double clear in the Nations Cup. I think she likes Spruce Meadows. She is a very good mare and she is performing well.”
Commenting on the win, Mathy stated, “First of all, it was tough just to get in the jump-off. There were a lot of retirements and faults; it was a tough course.”
“In the jump-off, I think I was faster on the rollback to the blue vertical,” he continued. “The mare turned really well there, so I think that is where I made a bit of time. Georgina had a really super jump-off. She had every distance right and forward; I just think I was a bit tighter around that turn.”
Originally, Mathy did not plan to jump on Saturday, but he still needed to qualify for Sunday’s grand prix.
“I had to change the plan a little bit because Plan A was to jump her yesterday and then the grand prix tomorrow, but then I had two down yesterday. She was a bit fresh, so I had to ride again today to qualify for the grand prix. It was bad news yesterday, but it helped me to win the competition today. Now tomorrow she will do the grand prix. I think today took a little bit out of her, but she has blood and she is a fighter, so hopefully we can perform well tomorrow as well.”
Mathy will return home for two weeks and then returns to compete in the last two weeks of the Summer Series. Fans can watch him jump one more time this week as the ‘Continental’ Tournament CSI 5* concludes in Sunday’s $400,000 CP Grand Prix.
For a complete tournament schedule and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
Susan Treabess and Kamiakin at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo (C) SusanJStickle.com.
Rancho Murieta, CA – June 13, 2015 – The Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* kicked off on Friday with the Para-Equestrian Dressage Team Tests followed by Saturday’s Individual Tests. Eleven horse and rider combinations competed in Grades Ia, Ib, II, III, and IV in Rancho Murieta, CA. It was a warm day Friday for riders and horses with the thermostat reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Murieta Equestrian Center offered both a covered warm-up and competition arena for the riders allowing them to focus on the competition. Saturday, June 13, continued with the Individual Tests resulting in the United States earning the Team blue over Canada. U.S. Grade IV rider and 2010 and 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) athlete Susan Treabess (Winters, CA) and Kamiakin excelled over the two days earning a 70.079% in the Team Test followed by a 69.563% in the Individual Test. Grade III rider Lara Oles (Heber City, Utah) and her new mount Bella also earned commendable scores over both days. Ashleigh Flores-Simmons (USA) and her partner Binero earned first place both days on Binero in Grade II and Cambry Kaylor (USA) and Markgaards Donnewind traded blue for red against Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) in Grade Ib. 2014 WEG athlete Roxanne Trunnell had leading scores over both days in Grade Ia with Royal Dancer and NTEC Daytona Beach in Grade Ia finishing the Individual Test on Royal Dancer with a 72.319%. Scheduled June 11-14, 2015, the Golden State Dressage Classic features top international dressage competition. Para-Dressage riders will continue competing with the Freestyle Test on Sunday, June 14. The FEI Ground Jury includes Carlos Lopes (POR) 5*, Anne Prain (FRA) 5*, and David Schmutz (USA) 4*. Although this CPEDI3* is not a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Paralympics they are FEI shows where riders may earn their FEI Certificate of Capability. U.S. Team riders led by U.S. Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt included Susan Treabess and Kamiakin (Grade IV), Kate Shoemaker and Pacific M (Grade III), Laurietta Oakleaf and Niekele Fan Busenitz (Grade Ib), and Roxie Trunnell and Royal Dancer (Grade Ia).
Grade IV rider and 2010 and 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. athlete, Susan Treabess (Winters, CA), had a top performance in the Team Test earning a 70.079%. The duo of Treabess and the 2005 Pura Raza Espanol Stallion Kamiakin have been competing in able-bodied and para-dressage competitions all year and have had numerous successes along the way. Treabess is looking forward to Sunday’s Freestyle competition.
Treabess noted, “I’m absolutely thrilled with my rides and even more so with Kam. He’s really come on in the months since the WEG and I’m so happy it translated to the ring. He’s maturing to a point where he’s confident and powerful and he’s really become a great partner. Our next steps are to show him Prix St Georges and Intermediaire I throughout the summer to confirm him at FEI. I’m so excited about him; he’s a blast to ride and a cool horse to be around. His future is bright.”
Grade III rider Lara Oles (USA) of Heber City, Utah and her new partner Bella, a Canadian Sport Horse, earned the blue both days with a 68.991% in the Team Test followed by a top score in the Individual Test. Kate Shoemaker (Glendale, AZ) earned the second place with her own Pacifec M followed by Canadians Tristiana Allwood and Rufus and Sara Cummings and West Bay in 4th place both days.
Lara Oles commented, “The past two days have been like a dream come true. This is our first CDI and Bella has been amazing. After we won the Grade lll Team Test, I cried when they played the National Anthem; I was so overwhelmed. I feel like everything that has ever happened in my life has led me to this one defining moment. The past three years since I started competing in Para Dressage have been my happiest yet. I look forward to the future with my Team including Annie Sweet, my trainer, my ‘manager’ husband, Dan Oles, and my extraordinary Canadian Warmblood mare, Bella. Thank you to all my sponsors; I couldn’t be here without them.”
In Grade II, Ashleigh Flores-Simmons and new horse Danish Warmblood Binero, owned by Brie Simmons of Elk Grove, CA, earned the blue both days followed by Canadian Jennifer McKenzie with Lexington Star Brite. Flores-Simmons began her Para-Dressage journey on an Arabian and in three years is now aiming at the 2016 Paralympics with her high performance horse Binero.
Young Rider Cambry Kaylor (USA) and Markgaards Donnewind earned the blue in Grade Ib on Friday. Markgaards Donnewind is a Danish Warmblood formerly shown by Denmark Para-Dressage rider Malene Hoj Sommerlund. Laurietta Oakleaf (USA) with Friesian Stallion Niekele Fan Busenitz, owned by Laura McGinnis of Loxahatchee, FL, took home first place in the Grade Ib Individual Test.
2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games rider Roxanne Trunnell earned outstanding scores with Royal Dancer, owned by Julia Handy of Wylie, TX, and Trunnell’s own Westphalian mare NTEC Daytona Beach in Grade Ia. Trunnell improved on her Team Test and scored a 72.319% with Royal Dancer.
Riders will have an opportunity on Sunday to showcase their Freestyles on the final day of the Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3*.
Following the Golden State Dressage Classic will be two USEF High Performance Events for Para-Dressage and Para-Driving. June 14-16, 2015, 8am-5pm is the USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Dressage Symposium Develop the Coach Program for Coaches and Selected High Performance Riders in Rancho Murieta, CA. Clinicians: Kai Handt (USEF Chef d’Equipe in Para-Dressage), Carlos Lopes (5* FEI Para Equestrian Dressage Judge). For more information, visit: http://uspea.org/may-17-2015-prepare-now-for-the-usef-high-performance-west-coast-para-equestrian-dressage-symposium/.
On June 15-16, 2015 9:00 AM – USEF High Performance West Coast Para Equestrian Driving Clinic for Coaches and High Performance Drivers occurs. All levels welcome from Novice to Advanced and there is no fee. Those interested may borrow a horse and carriage or use their own. Clinicians include Hardy Zantke and Diane Kastama. USEF Para-Driving will be providing full tuition. For more information, visit: http://uspea.org/may-17-2015-usef-high-performance-west-coast-para-equestrian-driving-clinic/.
Murieta Equestrian Center
7200 Lone Pine Dr
Rancho Murieta 95683
916-985-7334
FEI Chief Steward: Sandra Rafferty USA
FEI Technical Delegate: Alison King HK
CHIEF CLASSIFIER: Joanne Benjamin USA
CLASSIFIER: Susan Foell CAN
FEI VETERINARY DELEGATE: Dr. Mike Tomlinson, DVM USA
Golden State Dressage Classic CPEDI3* Schedule:
June 12, 2013 – Team Test Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
June 13, 2013 – Individual Test Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
June 14, 2013 – Freestyle Championship Tests Grade Ia, Ib, II, III, IV
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: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.
Miguel Ventura and Helen fly over the final fence in last night’s $10,000 Six Bar Class.
The entire show grounds packed the VIP tent and the stone walls surrounding the Olympic Arena last night as the second annual $10,000 Six Bar Class, presented by Regions Private Wealth Management, took center stage.
A field of fourteen horse and rider teams took to the series of six jumps which began at a height of 1.20 meters (3’11”). After two rounds the six fences were reduced to a series of four fences and after four rounds, were raised to a final fence height of 1.70 meters (5’7″). Only seven horses advanced to the final stage.
Courtney Osborne of Marietta, Georgia and Roger Seitzmeir’s Hibiscus were the first to tackle the final round and had a heartbreak rail at the final fence. Glenn Hartigan of Alpharetta, Georgia was next to go in the irons of Phyllis Hines’ Ace of Spies. The heartbreak rail at the final fence had them tied with Osborne and Hibiscus.
Michael Kocher of Tryon, North Carolina was next to challenge the four jumps in the irons of Judith Habeeb’s Secretive. However, a rail at the third fence with four jump faults had him tying with Osborne and Hartigan.
Lizzie Van Der Walde from Ann Arbor, Michigan and Anne Gardner’s Zippo Ii were next to go. However, after a rail at the third fence and refusal at the fourth, they elected to retire.
Richard Matthews of Odessa, Florida and Sheetal Patel’s No Doubt Vt followed Van Der Walde, but had rails at fence three and four.
Aaron Vale and Okla Homa go clean over the final fence, tying for first place
Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida in the irons of Donald Stewart’s Okla Homa were next to go and the first to go clean to the delight of the crowd!
Miguel Ventura of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Allison Ventura’s Helen were the last to go in the class and also turned in a clean round! The packed VIP tent and arena walls lined with spectators erupted with cheers!
“The Six Bar Class was very exciting and a competition that everyone can understand. The crowd was really on the edge of their seats. For many, it was the first time they have seen such a class,” commented Bell. “It was especially great to have our sponsors Regions Private Wealth Management with us to experience this well-loved, exciting event,” he added.
“To run this event in conjunction with the Annual Outback Steakhouse Dinner to benefit the Hope Clinic is fantastic. This is such a great charity and we are thrilled that we can partner with them in their fundraising efforts. Giving back is what true horse people do and I feel that our clientele embodies this sentiment.” Bell believes that philanthropic efforts not only give to worthy organizations, but also give back to the individuals participating in them ‘ten-fold.’ “It feels good to give back to the community,” he said.
The Hope Clinic provides affordable alternatives to the hospital emergency room for the primary care/ internal medicine medical needs of the uninsured in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The Hope Clinic was founded on March 29, 2002 by Dr. William Martin. After 30 years of practicing internal medicine in Gwinnett County, Dr. William Martin was seeing a trend he couldn’t ignore – an ever-growing number of needy patients falling through the cracks of the medical system.
The Hope Clinic’s mission is to provide the very highest quality of medical care to those with limited or no access to healthcare and to treat each patient with the utmost respect and kindness without regard to language, national origin, or ability to pay.
A total of 3,159 patients were served in 2014. Total visits provided by the Hope Clinic in 2014 were 7,538. 56% of all patients are female with 46% of Hope’s patients being Female Head of Household. 17.3% of the Hope Clinic’s female patients are totally dependent on others for food, shelter and clothing and considered indigent. Services include Chronic Care Management for those suffering multiple diagnosis, mental health care, well-women care and acute care. The Hope Clinic’s goal is to provide a medical home to those who need it the most.
The Outback Steakhouse Charity dinner raises approximately $30,000 each year towards the Hope Clinic’s mission to provide services to the uninsured and indigent of Metro Atlanta through sponsorships and ticket sales.
Saturday, June 13: $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix
Friday, June 19: $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Saturday, June 20: $35,000 Atlanta Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
VIP opens at 6:30 pm. Tables of 8 are $450 per week and a cash bar is available each week. Be sure to see the office and purchase your table now for the best views, meals and events at the Atlanta Summer Classic. For those on the run, feel free to call Grace at 843.786.5503 to reserve your table.
The Atlanta Summer Classic is the first stop on the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour which combines three show-destination circuits. The Olympic spirit of the Atlanta Summer Classic, Brownland Farm’s pastoral venue in close proximity to America’s music scene in Nashville, Tennessee and the show-cation destination of the Charleston Summer Classic on Johns Island, South Carolina make up the Tour that offers more!
The 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 Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
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
Vale pilots E.S. Finou 4 over an obstacle in the Olympic Arena in the Horseflight Open Welcome Thursday.
Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida and Thinks Like a Horse Farm started the opening week of the Atlanta Summer Classic on a winning streak after securing wins in both the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome and the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby and won the Kastel Denmark Style of Hunter Riding Award.
Thursday’s $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome saw 21 horse and rider teams compete for the cash in the Olympic Arena over a course designed by Manuel Esparza of Mexico City, Mexico. The first round time was set at 79 seconds and only six turned in clean first rounds.
Aaron Vale of Morriston, Florida and Sarah Turner’s Acolina R were second to go in the class and the first to go clean in a time of 70.307 seconds. Their second round effort in a time of 41.442 seconds was also clean and well within the time allowed of 57 seconds which put them in the lead. But with 19 to follow, it was still anyone’s class.
Michael Kocher of Tryon, North Carolina and Ri Arm Farm’s Fair Enough were the next pair to turn in a clean first round in a time of 73.824 seconds. Their second round effort resulted in four jump faults in a time of 46.896 and would see them finish in fifth place overall.
Mauricio Guevara of Bogota, Colombia and his own Capano Z were the next pair to go fault-free in their first round and second rounds in times of 76.044 and 45.960 seconds, respectively, which put them in contention for a ribbon.
Colleen Acosta from Roanoke, Texas and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond were the next to turn in a clean first round in a time of 73.002 seconds. Eight jump faults in their second round in a time of 53.664 seconds, would see them finish in sixth place overall.
Forgiven, owned and ridden by Derek Petersen of Archer, Florida, was next to turn in double clear rounds in times of 69.798 and 39.434 seconds, respectively, which put them into the lead.
Equi-Sport LLC’s E.S. Finou 4, piloted by Vale, was the next and final pair to turn in double clean rounds in times of 69.301 and 39.050 seconds, respectively, taking the lead away from Petersen.
The class wrapped up with Vale and E.S. Finou 4 taking the win followed by Petersen and Forgiven in second. Vale returned for thirds with Sarah Turner’s Acolina R and fourth place went to Guevara and his own Capano Z. Kocher and Ri Arm Farm’s Fair Enough secured fifth place and Acosta and Anastasia Stewart’s Diamond took home the sixth place ribbon.
Seventh was awarded to Quidam’s Good Luck, owned by Troy Glaus and ridden by Vale, while eighth place was awarded to Haley Gassel of Lenoir City, Tennessee in the irons of Westwind Equine Training Center’s Quite Dark 2.
Vale and Dress Balou won the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Friday
Vale continued his winning streak right into Friday when he captured the win in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby in the irons of Donald Stewart’s Dress Balou with a first and second round total score of 179.
Ashton Alexander rode Stewart’s Cold Case to a second place finish with a combined score of 176.5 and followed with a third in the irons of Mindy Whitman’s Carmo after earning a combined score of 173. Daniel Geitner rode Brenda Mackay’s Champagne to fourth place honors with a combined score of 171.5 and Vale returned for fifth place with Fairfield Farm LLC’s Just Sayin with a combined score of 171. Alexander came back for a sixth place ribbon this time aboard Stewart’s Lilly Wood with a combined score of 168 and Elizabeth Boyd rode Tracey London’s Smile to seventh place honors with a combined score of 167.5. Liddy Strickland wrapped up the class with Wendy Arndt’s Valentine with an eighth place and a combined score of 167.
Saturday, June 13: $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix
Friday, June 19: $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Saturday, June 20: $35,000 Atlanta Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO
VIP opens at 6:30 pm. Tables of 8 are $450 per week and a cash bar is available each week. Be sure to see the office and purchase your table now for the best views, meals and events at the Atlanta Summer Classic. For those on the run, feel free to call Grace at 843.786.5503 to reserve your table.
The Atlanta Summer Classic is the first stop on the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour which combines three show-destination circuits. The Olympic spirit of the Atlanta Summer Classic, Brownland Farm’s pastoral venue in close proximity to America’s music scene in Nashville, Tennessee and the show-cation destination of the Charleston Summer Classic on Johns Island, South Carolina make up the Tour that offers more!
The 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 Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.
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
Calgary, AB, Canada – June 11, 2015 – The ‘Continental’ Tournament CSI 5* began at Spruce Meadows on Thursday with a big win for Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Victor in the $85,000 Husky Energy Classic. Out of 82 competitors, only five were able to go clear over the Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) designed course in the Meadows on the Green. Margie Engle (USA) and Royce finished second; Brianne Goutal (USA) and Orbetello placed third.
The second week in Spruce Meadows’ Summer Series, the ‘Continental’ Tournament continues through Sunday, June 14. Upcoming highlights include Friday’s $126,000 Scotiabank Cup, Saturday’s $85,000 Repsol Cup, and Sunday’s $400,000 CP Grand Prix.
For Thursday’s feature event, a challenging course and tight time allowed caused problems for many of the competitors. In addition to the five that made it to the jump-off, six other entries cleared the jumps, but finished on one time fault. A couple of the top horses and riders that made it to the jump-off also had challenges over the short course.
Richard Spooner (USA) was first to jump-off with Chivas Z and ended in fifth place after a fall on course resulted in elimination. Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner’s Simon had an unfortunate rail at the first jump and placed fourth in 41.99 seconds.
The final three competitors were all clear in round two. Margie Engle clocked in at 38.48 seconds with Elm Rock LLC’s Royce, eventually finishing second. Brianne Goutal and Hampton Farms LLC’s Orbetello moved up in the order while Victor had a shoe replaced in the warm-up area. Their time of 38.73 seconds took the third place prize. After a slight delay, Tiffany Foster and Victor returned to lay down the winning time of 38.05.
A 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Elmshorn x Grandeur) owned in partnership by Torrey Pines Stable & Artisan Farms LLC, Victor had a six-month break from competing over the winter and returned fresh and ready to go this spring. He jumped a few competitions in Europe before coming to Spruce Meadows and has been in excellent form.
“He had a six month break after last summer to refresh and recharge,” Foster detailed. “He had been going hard since he was like seven years old, so he got a good break. We were kind of aiming him for this series and he has come out really fresh. Actually, he has been clear in every round he has jumped so far; he has been awesome.”
Speaking of the day’s competition, Foster noted, “That course was hard. It was a very difficult time allowed. It suited Victor because he is a really quick horse anyway, so you could kind of ride your normal track and still be under the time, but normal horses you were not. If you look at the field in the jump-off, that was mostly grand prix horses in a 1.50m jump-off. That gives you a good indication of how difficult that first round was, but Anthony kind of had to make it tough because it was a big, strong field. One second more on the time allowed would have made it a little easier, but it was fine for me!”
Commenting on her jump-off round, Foster continued, “I lost a shoe and Brianne nicely moved up, so I was able to go last. Victor is a really quick horse, so I did not want to risk too much to the second jump, the vertical, or the double verticals. I probably actually went too slow there and then I had to go fast everywhere else, but it worked out.”
Victor will jump again in Friday’s $126,000 Scotiabank Cup 1.55m to finish out his competition for the week. He will then return to compete in the last two weeks of the Summer Series.
“He will show a lot here. This is kind of his renaissance,” Foster laughed. “It is home turf and he loves it here. We know each other really well. I have had him for a long time and to jump these classes with him is actually a lot of fun.”
Also competing in the Meadows on the Green Thursday, Juan Manuel Luzardo (URY) jumped to victory in the $8,000 Wipro Cup 1.45m. A one round speed competition, 51 horse and rider combinations contested the track with 11 clear rounds. Luzardo clocked the fastest clear in 63.08 seconds to earn top prize aboard Mauricio Guerra Colorado’s Stan.
Second place went to Antonio Chedraui (MEX) aboard his own Corcega La Silla in 63.17 seconds. Third place honors were awarded to Gonzalo Azcarraga Rivera Torres (MEX) with a time of 64.34 seconds riding Jaime Azcarraga’s Quite Nice 5. Nicolas Pizarro Suarez (MEX) rode his own Polasko to fourth place in 64.99 seconds.
The first competition of the day was the $8,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.45m, also held as a speed round, with 52 entries. The winner was Abigail McArdle (USA) aboard David McArdle’s Cosma 20. The pair had the fastest of nine clear rounds in 59.77 seconds.
Georgina Bloomberg (USA) finished second in 62.56 seconds riding Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s Washington Square. Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) set the early pace in 63.12 seconds with Felipe Gaspar’s Puertas So What to eventually finish third. Luis Larrazabal (VEN) was also fast and clear in 63.63 seconds to place fourth riding Gustavo Mirabal’s G&C Close Up.
The ‘Continental’ Tournament continues in the Meadows on the Green on Friday with the $40,000 AltaGas Cup 1.45m followed by the $126,000 Scotiabank Cup 1.55m.
For a complete tournament schedule and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
June 8, 2015 – Wellington, FL – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) continued its June show series this weekend with June II, which featured a $7,000 Open Stakes Class. Competition was held at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, beneath the roof of the Van Kampen covered arena.
The $7,000 Open Stakes class only saw three clear rounds, and German Camargo and his mount, Centurio, claimed victory with a jump-off time of 55.498 and 2 time faults. Taking second place was Diego Gonzalez Cremer aboard Pedro S.A.’s Air Force Z, with a jump-off time of 48.007 and 4 faults. In third place was Alex Granato and Page Tredennick’s Zenith Dance, with a jump-off time of 49.11 and 4 faults.
Jumper Highlights
In the Add Back Jumper Division, sponsored by Omega Alpha, German Camargo and Sofia Jaramillo’s Chuasus rode to the championship. In reserve were Amy Foster and Cheyenne Considine aboard Cheyenne Considine’s Venturesome.
Sponsored by Sanda Gane, the Children’s Jumper division championship was claimed by Amy Foster and Cheyenne Considine aboard Cheyenne Considine’s Venturesome. The reserve championship was earned by Anderson Wagner and his mount, Thunderball.
The High Schooling Jumper Division, sponsored by OnTyte, saw another victory for German Camargo, this time aboard Ana Umana’s Scaramanga. The reserve championship was earned by Eduardo Salas and his mount, Santa Teresita Lechon.
Sponsored by Long Meadow Farm, the Hopeful Jumper division championship was awarded to Becky Fruehling and Morgan Bailey’s Baby Ruth. In an exciting three-way tie for the reserve championship were Emily Like aboard her mount, T-Rex, Daniela Rojas and Isabella Kaelber both aboard Lorena Kaelber’s Le Cordon, and Laura Camargo aboard Hayley Barnhill’s Toucan Tango.
The Level 6 Jumper championship was claimed by Emily Rizzo and her mount, Tuya. In another exciting three-way tie for the reserve championship place were Diego Gonzalez Cremer aboard Claudia Licausi’s Dafnina, Shoshana Gordon aboard Buttonwood Street LLC’s Cipriani Z, and Alex Granato aboard Page Tredennick’s Zenith Dance.
The Low Schooling Jumper Division, Sponsored by Derby Gold, saw German Camargo claim another championship aboard Ken Haley’s Lionwood Kinsale’s Lad. In a tie for the reserve championship were Ivan Camargo aboard Two Swans Farm’s Colt II and Hannah Hink and Amy Foster aboard Hannah Hink’s Martini.
Sponsored by TuffRider and Equine Couture, the Low Children’s Jumper Division saw Hannah Hink and Amy Foster aboard Hannah Hink’s Martini ride to the championship. The reserve championship went to Sophie Hoffman and her mount, Romeo.
In the Puddle Jumpers Division, sponsored by Equine Tack & Nutritionals, Elm Creek Holdings LLC’s Surf’s Up, piloted by Kayla Bruise, claimed the championship. Melissa Brusie and Sweet Oak Farm’s Wonderful Look earned the reserve championship.
Sponsored by Nutrena, the Training Jumper Division championship was won by Deborah Ball and her mount, Catch Me If You Can. Riding to the reserve championship was Jordan Rachel Hill with her mount, Prestige.
Hunter Highlights
In the combined 3’3″ & 3’6″ Junior Hunter Division, Olivia Albright and her mount, Say No More, rode to the championship. The reserve championship was claimed by Emily Cherney and her horse, Kinder Scout.
Sponsored by Gold Coast Feed, the Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ Division saw Josh Dolan aboard Sarah Tredennick’s Amara claim the championship place. In reserve was Gretchen Ardnt and Long’s Stable LLC’s Grand Rose ABF.
The Baby Green Hunter Division, which took place in the Wellington Equestrian Realty Ring 2, saw Ki-Juan Minors and Lori Mattiasen’s Carrera Z earn the championship ribbon. The reserve championship was awarded to Devon De Phillips and Elite Supplements Inc.’s Date Night.
In the combined Pre-Green Hunter Division, Ki-Juan Minors tied with himself for champion, piloting both Linda Frick’s Royal Onyx as well as Florence Hessen Scher’s Gerry’s Jewels. Claiming the reserve championship was Stacie Sprague and Gun Powder Ranch LLC’s Quite Easy-Acorado.
Liv Otto and Vanlentina Demar Munoz’s Atlantika T rode to champion in the Low Working Hunter Division. Claiming reserve champion was Roxanne Moss aboard her mount, Eternity.
In the Low Adult Hunter Division, sponsored by Pilates Rocks, Roxanne Moss and her mount, Eternity, claimed the championship. Nina Zollo and her horse, Likely V, claimed the reserve championship.
Ashley Briggs and her mount, Tea Ticket, were champions in the Child/Adult Hunters, sponsored by Hendrick Brothers Construction. Taking reserve was Page Tredennick and her mount, Apricot Lane.
Ella Bostwick piloting Patrick Burssen’s Royal Classic claimed the championship in the Modified Hunter Division, sponsored by McGuinn Farms. Mary Jo Engstram and Grassy Ridge Farm’s Claczic Grace finished in reserve.
In the Small Pony Hunter Division, Nicole White and Two Point Equestrian LLC’s Saddle Sold Separately rode to the championship. Ansgar Holtgers Jr. aboard his mount, Bieber, earned the reserve championship.
The Medium Pony Hunter Division saw Hana Bieling and Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC’s Woodland’s Talulah claim the championship spot. Erika Luter aboard GC Ponies’ Elegance finished in reserve.
In the Large Pony Hunter Division, Sydney Monroe claimed champion aboard Sloane Kapit’s Caleche. Hana Bieling and Caitlyn Zaranek’s Mapleside Corinthian rode to the reserve championship.
Sponsored by The Wanderers Club, the Children’s Pony Division championship ribbon was won by Sarah Steadman and Amy Jensen’s Good Time Charlie. Following in reserve was Alexandra Cisneros and her mount, Sunkist.
Equestrian Sport Productions continues its show series with ESP Summer II, taking place August 14-16, 2015. For more information and full results, please visit www.equestriansport.com.
Mill Spring, NC – June 7, 2015 – On the final day of the successful Tryon Spring Series at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), Ali Wolff (USA) and John Wolff’s Artemis secured a win in the $34,000 FEI Tryon 1.50m Challenge, finishing the jump-off in 42.012 seconds. Scott Keach (AUS) and Southern Cross Equestrian, LLC’s Viriato followed in second, crossing the timers in 43.984 seconds. Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run Inc.’s Bull Run’s Eternal rounded out the top three, completing the jump-off in 44.025 seconds. The Tryon Spring Series hosted two weeks of FEI competition, the first two occasions on which international competition had been hosted at the facility. The Tryon Summer Series will begin on Wednesday, June 24, and will host four consecutive weeks of FEI competition at TIEC.
Artemis jumped beautifully throughout the class, adding another top place finish for Wolff, who has been incredibly consistent during her time at TIEC. A second place finish in last night’s $210,000 Tryon Grand Prix for the Governor’s Cup presented by Rolex was a true highlight for the 25-year-old Columbus, OH native, as was her growing consistency in the international ring.
“Last night was just amazing. He really came together for me and it was too bad we missed out on that last fence, but today was just a little bit of redemption I think,” smiled Wolff. “I was pretty tired this morning and was having a hard time waking myself up, but the second I got on her she felt amazing and she really inspired me.”
The 2005 Anglo European mare (Chamberlain Z x Odette) has not been an easy ride for Wolff, but has taught her to be patient and careful in the ring. The pair has been together for nearly eight years, and Artemis is beginning to shine for Wolff.
“With her, you have to stay consistent and smooth. She gets very nervous and the more nervous you get; she feeds off that and gets a shorter stride and before you know it you’re chasing her,” she explained. “I always tell myself to just stay smooth with her. I had a time fault on my first ride in the class, and she’s fast, but I wanted to stay careful.”
Artemis joined the Wolff family like most of the other horses in her string, young and talented. The enjoyment of producing younger horses and bringing them up the ranks herself is something that she always looks for when adding to her team.
“We got her as a seven-year-old and have really built and grown from there. She can be difficult because she’ll throw you for a loop. Some days she’s really calm, and other days she’s incredibly nervous,” remarked Wolff. “Like I said, consistency is so important with her and if we keep going in and giving her the opportunity to jump a clear round, it is incredible for her confidence. I really like to buy them young and develop them a lot. We get most of them as six or seven year olds, and I think that’s the fun part.”
Scott Keach and Viriato
Wolff plans to travel to Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, and Artemis will be a key component in her competition plans for the next several months. They will then head to Europe to contest Hickstead and Gijon before returning to the States later in the summer.
“She has the ability, the scope, the carefulness, really everything you look for. It’s just about getting both of our minds together and on the same page now,” she said. “I have a second horse to take with me to Europe, which is a great feeling. It’s really a toss-up now! I was going to take Brianda but Artemis also has what it takes, and I’m going to have a tough decision to make! This horse show, they just love it across the board. All of my horses have done so well here. We’re definitely coming back.”
As for Wolff herself, the goal remains the same, representing the United States in team competition. Her performances throughout the week have served as a testament to her continued and growing talent. Gaining international experience will be a key piece of Wolff’s future success, and her competition schedule for the rest of the year was created with that in mind.
“My goal is to starting getting to the top and staying there. I feel like consistency is really my word right now. I’ve come in second the past couple of days, and I’m thrilled with those results because that is the definition of consistency,” she said. “Right now, I’m focused on building up my points in FEI and trying to get higher on the leaderboard and in the rankings so that I can be in contention for a team, while still building up my young horses and string at the same time.”
For more information and a full list of results, please visit www.tryon.com. Please “Like” the TIEC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tryonresort to be eligible for various contests and promotions.
About Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon International Equestrian Center is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. This new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and fitness center. Future expansion includes a sports complex, two hotels, sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course plus a full calendar of equestrian competitions and activities. It is a spring, summer and fall haven for eastern and northeastern American equestrian competitors and enthusiasts. For more information, call 828-863-1000 or visit www.tryon.com.
Richard Spooner Tops $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby with Cristallo as Well as $40,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup with Chivas Z
Calgary, AB, Canada – June 7, 2015 – The ‘National’ Tournament CSI 5*, presented by Rolex, concluded at Spruce Meadows on Sunday with a clean sweep for USA’s Richard Spooner in both of the day’s features competitions. Spooner began the day with a win in the $40,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup 1.45m aboard his own Chivas Z and continued on to victory in the $210,000 CNOOC Nexen Cup 1.50m Derby aboard Show Jumping Syndication International’s Cristallo.
It was record attendance for derby day at this year’s ‘National’ Tournament, with 41,089 spectators in the stands to witness one of the sport’s most exciting events. Venezuela’s Leopoldo Palacios designed the derby course for Spruce Meadows eight years ago with a demanding 19 numbered obstacles and 25 jumping efforts. It is an incredible test of endurance and stamina for both horse and rider, including double liverpools, a table bank, a 26-foot, steep derby bank, and the Devil’s Dyke.
The course is the same for every derby competition and has only seen three clear entries out 179 starters since it was first set in 2007. Beezie Madden (USA) cleared the course twice aboard Judgement, the first year in 2007 and again in 2008. Pablo Barrios (VEN) went without fault in 2010 with G&C Sinatra. As has happened so many times before, not a single entry out of 25 was able to clear the course without fault on Sunday.
Spooner and Cristallo won on four faults, with one rail down going into the Devil’s Dyke and a time of 162.88 seconds. Returning champions, Quentin Judge (USA) and Double H Farm’s HH Dark de la Hart, finished second with two rails down in 154.03 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) and Juan Pablo Betancourt’s Troya Retiro finished third, also with two rails down, in a time of 162.03 seconds.
Spooner and Cristallo also won the competition in 2012, finishing with an impressive clear jumping effort, but one time fault. This time around, the 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Caretino x Cicero) had no problem with the clock.
Speaking about Cristallo’s ride, Spooner noted, “He has a lot of experience. He is the oldest horse in the field and he probably has twice as much experience as a lot of the horses out there. He has so much blood that he basically just runs away with me the whole time. The whole time I’m out there, I am begging and pleading for him to slow down, whereas everybody else is having to push and pull, and push and pull. I like to get pulled rather than pushing. I am really fond of the fact that he just kind of gets going and then I ride the wave.”
“I do not worry about the faults; it is just holding him that is the problem,” Spooner added. “I was working pretty hard out there. I was quite exhausted actually when I came out because he is very, very strong. Every year I think he is going to get a little softer, but that has not happened yet.”
At 17 years of age, Cristallo stays in a strict fitness program to remain in shape and burn off some of that excess energy, which also helps with his stamina on the demanding derby course.
“He works probably harder now than he did when he was younger,” Spooner detailed. “I think it was Jack LaLanne that said, ‘As I get twice as old, I have to work twice as hard to stay half as fit.’ Cristallo works really heard. He lunges in the morning. He probably lunged for 45 minutes this morning, and he worked hard yesterday and the day before. He is just constantly working and it seems to suit him. He likes it. If I do not work him, he is totally out of his mind.”
Commenting on another exciting win, Spooner stated, “I have always enjoyed derbies around the world. The derby is fun because it is exciting and I like feeling the palpable energy that you get from the audience.”
Quentin Judge and HH Dark de la Hart
Returning as the defending champion, Quentin Judge really wanted a repeat victory, but finished second after rails came down jumping into the Devil’s Dyke as well as the second to last fence. Judge explained that his initial plan with trainer McLain Ward was to go clear, but after the first rail came down, he made an error.
“I had a huge mistake,” Judge explained. “Last year we jumped off with eight faults and I did not realize that the eight-faulters would jump-off. I thought I would be the fastest with eight faults like a normal class. So last year McLain and I spoke, and he said that if I had one down to go inside to the second to last jump and if I was clear, go around. That was a bit in the back of my head. When I had one down, I thought that I should be faster than Richard to be a fast four-faulter. I thought that just for two seconds, and then I was already turning inside, and then I had the jump down. That was not at all the plan, but that is what happened.”
Although it was not what he had planned, Judge still finished out the day with a $30,000 prize for second place, followed by Ward in third for $20,000 in prize money.
As Ward said, “It was not the move we had planned, but you know that is also part of the sport. Quentin had quite a lot of pressure today, going last and as the returning champion. I thought he did a very good job to stay quite composed. He will be beating himself up about it, and he will not make that mistake again, I guarantee it.”
Speaking of his own round with Troya Retiro, Ward remarked, “He has not done any derbies before, but we have the benefit of being able to school at Double H Farm, which has a beautiful derby set up. He handled everything really well. He jumped very well on Thursday and then he went for a cruise around the course yesterday to get a look at everything. I thought we had a good prep and I thought he jumped a spectacular round today. You need something to break your way a little bit to win one of these, and I think he had a little bad luck, but I think this horse will hopefully come back and do the next derby well in July.”
With a huge list of accomplishments, a derby win at Spruce Meadows has eluded Ward, but he hopes to get it done one of these years and enjoys competing either way.
“It is an exciting class,” Ward acknowledged. “It is not a class you want to see every day because it takes a lot out of the horses for sure. It is a real stamina test, but it is a skill set and it is part of our sport. I think it is exciting for the athletes, for the fans, and for the media. It is a cool thing to watch, especially when it is done well.”
Course designer Leopoldo Palacios was happy with another great derby and spoke of the importance of the skillset for the riders.
“I think we had a very good class. For me, a derby is not to make a clean round. Every derby in history only has a few clean rounds. This derby has three cleans in eight years,” Palacios pointed out. “I think that a derby is very important for the sport and I think that today, every rider should do the derby. It makes braver riders and this is the nature and the roots of the sport.”
Spooner Goes Two for Two
Richard Spooner and Chivas Z
Prior to his derby win, Spooner raced to victory with Chivas Z in the $40,000 ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup, a 1.45m faults converted speed competition. Out of 58 entries, Spooner and Chivas Z finished with a clear round and the fastest time of 70.323 seconds over the Uliano Vezzani (ITA) set course.
Juan Pablo Gaspar Albanez (MEX) jumped Felipe Gaspar’s Puertas So What to the second place time of 70.770 seconds. Rodrigo Lambre (BRA) finished third with Mario Onate’s Charielle in 74.702 seconds.
Spooner has been riding Chivas Z, a 16-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Cumano x Lord Gotthard), full-time for two years now. He helped rider Ashlee Bond with the horse before that, so he knows the gelding well.
“I think it is coming together,” Spooner said of their partnership. “I do not know how much further we are going to go. I think he is doing the 1.50m really well. I would like to see if I can get him in the 1.60m division a little bit and we will see what happens. I will try to pick a few of those out as the circuit goes on.”
Commenting on the day’s track, Spooner noted, “It was a tricky course. There was a lot of turning and running. It was a bit tough to get back to the one white jump by the gate because it was right next to the liverpools, but my horse was great there. Classically, that is a bit of a struggle for him, but he was quite good today. Once we got past that I was able to just lay the hammer down and keep going.”
“I think it was a good course for him,” Spooner added. “Basically, the plan was just to go as fast as I possibly could. We had a little bit of a mistake earlier in the week, but I would say it was rider error. Today, I wanted to go out and be very positive with him and get him really going fast in the beginning, and the plan worked out.”
Although Spooner did not qualify for Saturday’s grand prix this week, he was happy to have the opportunity for another good competition Sunday morning.
“I was disappointed that I did not qualify for the grand prix obviously, but if I had qualified for the grand prix I would not have done this competition, so ultimately you never know where the chips are going to lay,” he remarked.
With his derby payday of $60,000 and a $10,000 top prize in the 1.45m as well as a $1,000 tenth place finish in that competition with Zaprilia M, Spooner raked in a grand total of $71,000 in the International Ring on Sunday. He will continue on to compete in the remainder of the Summer Series, which hosts four more weeks of competition through July 12.
Up next is the ‘Continental’ Tournament CSI 5*, which begins on Thursday, June 11, and continues through Sunday, June 14. Highlights include the $400,000 CP Grand Prix, the $126,000 Scotiabank Cup, the $85,000 Husky Energy Classic, and the $85,000 Repsol Cup.
For a complete tournament schedule and full results, please visit www.sprucemeadows.com.
