Left to right – third-placed Hans Peter Minderhoud/Glock’s Flirt from The Netherlands, runners-up Isabell Werth/Don Johnson FRH from Germany and winners Edward Gal/Glock’s Undercover from The Netherlands. (FEI/Arnd Bronkhorst)
‘s-Hertogenbosch (NED), 14 March 2015 – The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover clinched victory at the last qualifying leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League on home ground at ‘s-Hertogenbosch today. Always favourites to take maximum points after their convincing win in yesterday’s Grand Prix, the pair didn’t disappoint this afternoon when producing some spectacular work when third-last into the arena. But Gal’s masterful riding skills were fully tested by moments of tension from the 14-year-old gelding with which he finished third at the Reem Acra Final in Lyon, France last season.
Runner-up today was Germany’s Isabell Werth who nailed a great performance with Don Johnson FRH, and it was an excellent result for the host nation contingent as Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt lined up third ahead of fellow-Dutchman Diederik van Silfhout and Arlando NH in fourth spot.
Up for grabs
With last-minute points still up for grabs it was always going to be an interesting contest, and Sweden’s Paulinda Friberg took full advantage of one more opportunity to add to her scoreline when posting 76.750 with her black mare, di Lapponia T, just after the judging break. This would eventually leave her in eighth place in today’s competition and in overall eleventh spot on the series leaderboard. And, as it turned out, it was plenty good enough to book her ticket to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final in Las Vegas, USA next month.
Patrick van der Meer posted an impressive 77.750 with Uzzo to take the lead just before Werth set off with Don Johnson who really turned it on today as he set a significantly higher target score of 81.650. The double FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion decided some time ago that El Santo would be her choice for Las Vegas, but she also wanted to demonstrate the improvements “Johnny” has made. And her decision to return to the music she used when campaigning her former star Warum Nicht, or Hannes as he was also known, turned out to be something of a triumph.
Continues to sparkle
Spain’s Morgan Barbancon Mestre didn’t present any real threat when scoring 78.900 with Painted Black, but at 18 years of age this stallion, who was so successful earlier in his career for Dutch legend Anky van Grunsven from The Netherlands, continues to sparkle. And his mark would eventually leave the pair in fifth spot and earn another of those much-sought-after berths in Las Vegas.
However, all eyes were on Gal and Glock’s Undercover as they set off with just three left to run, and it was clear from the outset that the Dutchman was not going to have an easy time. Gal knows how to create enormous energy and power in his horses, but containing it is another thing entirely and the 45-year-old ace had to call on all his extensive experience to complete a test that swung from brilliant to extremely tense. Such was the quality of the good work that the scoreboard showed 84.925 after they left the arena.
Diederik van Silfhout produced a happy, balanced and compliant performance from Arlando NH for a mark of 79.925 when second-last to go while Dutch compatriot, Hans Peter Minderhoud, also had plenty of reason to be pleased with Glock’s Flirt when last to go. The chestnut stallion was confident and rhythmic throughout his test, and Dutch coach, Wim Ernes, was smiling broadly when a mark of 80.425 went up on the board for this pair.
Winning test
Gal talked afterwards about his winning test during which he ran into trouble during both of his tempi changes.
“He (Glock’s Undercover) felt very good at the start but then we made a little mistake, and at the start of the changes there was another mistake and we lost a little bit there, but for most of it he felt quite good,” he said.
He said he was expecting a strong test because Undercover did a good warm-up, “but when he came in to the big arena with all those people he was very aware of them. When we started I thought, “OK, this is really nice!”, but the mistakes cost us a lot of points even though the percentage marks we got were good.” So now he’s thinking ahead to how his horse will cope with the buzz and excitement of the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas.
“It is the way he is to get a little excited, so for me it’s better not to think too much about it!” he said this evening. “I just hope he will grow into it; it felt easier for him today but you never know. The difference for me now is that I feel I have enough control and I’m enjoying riding him like this, but I will have to ride my very best there. I know he will be a little bit tense, but when he goes well he is so brilliant, and I will just have to try very hard to help him!” he insisted.
Made the cut
Today’s result has now decided the top nine riders who have made the cut to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final 2014/2015, but it is not the first nine names on the Western European League leaderboard.
There can only be three representatives from each nation, and since five of the top nine are from Germany, only Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Fabienne Lutkemeier and Isabell Werth will fly their nation’s flag while Ulla Salzgeber and Sonke Rothenberger miss out. Gal, Danielle Heijkoop and Minderhoud will represent The Netherlands while Agnete Kirk Thinggaard will be the sole Danish competitor, and the door to the 30th FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final has opened up for Spain’s Morgan Barbancon Mestre and Denmark’s Paulinda Friberg.
For further information on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 qualifier at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, visit website www.indoorbrabant.com or contact Press Officer Denise van der Net, Email denisene@xs4all.net, Tel +31 627 031 674.
The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2015 Final will take place in Las Vegas, USA from 15 to 19 April. For details of the event, visit www.worldcuplasvegas.com or contact Press Officer Marty Baumann, Email marty@classic-communications.com, Tel +1 508 698 6810.
The ninth and last leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League took place today at the Brabanthalle in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
The competition was won by Dutchman Edward Gal riding the 14-year-old gelding Glock’s Undercover.
Runner-up was Germany’s Isabell Werth with Don Johnson FRH while host nation riders filled four of the top six places.
The Ground Jury for today’s Freestyle was: at E, Magnus Ringmark SWE; at H, Francis Verbeek van Rooy NED; at C, Ghislain Fouarge NED; at M, Peter Holler GER; at B, Jacques van Daele BEL.
Today’s winning partnership finished third at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2013/2014 Final in Lyon, France last April.
Gal previously claimed the FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in 2010 riding the black stallion Totilas and completes the 2014/2015 series at the top of the Western European League leader board.
The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final will be held in Las Vegas, USA from 15 to 19 April.
FEI World Cup™ Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, is now in its 30th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.
The complete rules, calendar, updated ranking and results are available here.
Wellington, FL (March 14, 2015) — A dual citizen of the United States and Israel, Danielle Goldstein has made impressive strides as an international rider. Most recently, the show jumping extraordinaire has piloted Carisma, owned by Israeli Equestrian Partners, to take second place in the $372,000 Suncast CSI 5* Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival against riders like Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Beezie Madden, Margie Engle, and Ben Maher.
After being one of only six horse-and-rider teams to clear the intense Grand Prix course, Goldstein and Carisma went on to be one of only two pairs to achieve another clear round in the jump-off. Germany’s Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum aboard Fibonacci 17 managed to beat Goldstein’s time, leaving the Israeli rider in an impressive second place.
Goldstein’s second-place finish was a culmination of hard work. “I was quite proud of my ride on Saturday,” she said. “When I came out of the ring, I looked at my good friend and said, ‘Ah, finally a good ride!’ So, I’m proud that I had a plan and was able to execute it well.” During a recent week of competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival, the pair once again beat the majority of a large field of competitors by placing ninth in the $372,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix CSI-W 5*. They also placed eleventh in the $127,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Rd IX class.
She continued, “I’ve been changing a lot of things with my riding recently, so to have it all come together was a great feeling. Now I just have to keep the ball rolling and try to do it again!” The rider has been recently focusing on fine-tuning her already impressive jumping skills, as well as perfecting her flat work. By constantly taking riding lessons — including dressage lessons — to strengthen her abilities in the saddle, Goldstein is a true example of “practice makes perfect.”
Goldstein also credits the amazing Carisma for this recent success. “I’m thrilled with my horse. She truly jumped spectacularly on Saturday. She’s always been a fabulous animal — she was just waiting for me catch up to her!” Goldstein joked.
Coming up for the horse and rider pair is hopefully the Winter Equestrian Festival finale grand prix in week twelve. Then, Goldstein is heading back to Europe for the European tour and European Championships in August, of which their Grand Prix score was a qualifying score for.
The show jumper’s career certainly is looking bright. Be sure to keep an eye out for this amazing pair and stay tuned for more accomplishments sure to come their way. For more information about Danielle Goldstein, please call 917-544-3349 or email dani.goldstein@gmail.com.
Wellington, FL – March 13, 2015 – For nine weeks, Canada’s Beth Underhill consistently placed at the top of The Ridge Turf Tour series, yet victory seemed to evade both her and her veteran mount Viggo. During Week 10 of the Turf Tour Series, Underhill left nothing to chance, racing to the top of the leader board with Viggo in 33.003 seconds. They closed out the competition only five-hundredths of a second ahead of Sharn Wordley and Popstar Lozonais.
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour series saw one of its largest competition days, with over 50 horse and rider combinations traversing Nick Granat’s technical track. Brianne Goutal was the first entry of the day, riding to a double clear effort in 34.411 seconds with Ballade Van Het Indihof to set the pace for the consecutive competitors. Sharn Wordley (NZL) was the first of the 21 jump-off contenders to surpass Goutal, riding Popstar Lozonais to the impressive time of 33.056 seconds.
Quentin Judge nearly caught Wordley, landing from the final fence in 33.122 seconds with HH Dark de la Hart. The 12-year-old stallion has a plethora of experience, and Judge uses The Ridge Turf Tour to freshen up his mount.
“He is a very good turner, you can really trust him to turn back as tight as you want, and he knows where his legs are,” Judge said. “He has so much experience that he finds the way for you, so he doesn’t have to go that fast across the ground. I thought the course was fair, and I think the courses have gotten more technical as the winters have progressed, as they should. Today was a good test, and we are looking forward to the finale in a couple of weeks.”
Nina Fagerstrom and Hot Topic put in a super effort in the jump-off, following immediately after Judge; however, their time of 33.198 seconds put them as third in the standings, pending when Underhill and Viggo took their turn at the track three rounds later.
Until today, Underhill was always the bridesmaid, but never the bride. She took the top placings consistently throughout the 12-week series, as one of The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour’s most competitive exhibitors. Today, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC), the winds changed, as Underhill left no stone unturned, shaving the seconds with Viggo on the turf.
“I knew I had to be right on it to be competitive in the jump-off,” Underhill explained. “I walked from one to two knew that if I believe the six strides is there we could do it. It was a bit of a blind turn, but we pulled it off. I feel I did the most efficient track I was capable to do with Viggo. He has a big canter and sometimes spends a little bit of time galloping. He was very smooth and efficient today, and honestly, I think it was his best jump-off of The Ridge so far.”
Underhill continued, “I am so pleased with how consistent he has become. He has been so competitive and consistent each time out that it makes me really pleased to see how well he has responded to being down here. This is helping to prepare him to move up to the bigger classes.”
Underhill’s time knocked Wordley into the second place, with Judge finishing the day in third. Fagerstrom closed out the 1.40m Grand Prix in fourth, while Goutal took the fifth place finish. Chicago’s speed demons Lisa Goldman and Aslan rounded out the top six.
“I think it is a fantastic tour,” Underhill concluded. “I have been able to bring some young horses here, as well, giving them their first opportunity to experience the turf. This series is such a benefit for riders and trainers. We are able to bring our young horses along, as well as many of our students. For me, it is an opportunity to get out and do some great show jumping at a different location. The quality of these competitions is top notch, which is why we keep coming back every week, and why there are more and more of us. People are becoming more aware and really seeing the benefit of competing.”
The second ring was alive with action as the 1.40m Grand Prix action unfolded concurrently. The Low Schooling Jumpers kicked off Jumper Ring 2 with double wins from Emily Snack and Jessika, owned by Centennial Farm. In the speed class, Ned Cuniffe and Dollydoo picked up the second place, while Sarah Wayda and Contentus finished third. During the jump-off class, Alessanda D’amour and Diamon Dance captured the second place, while Cuniffe duplicated his clean and speedy effort from the first class to take the third place with Dollydoo.
In the Medium Schooling Jumpers, Diego Vivero and Big Brother raced to the first place in the speed class. In second place was Jonathan McCrea with Brugal VDL, while Matthew Metell and Everton closed out the class in third. The jump-off class saw a 1-2 finish for Marshall Field aboard Click for Quality and Carpathia K, respectively. Third place was awarded to El Casper with Victoria Guilleksen in the irons.
Week 11 of the Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will return to The International Polo Club Palm Beach, located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington, FL, 33414. The show entrance is off 120th Street between Lake Worth Road and Pierson Road. Week 11 of the series will offer their jumper classes on Wednesday and Saturday, with the second of their annual Hunter Derby Days taking place on Friday at The Ridge Farm.
The Ridge would like to thank Dover Saddlery for their support of the 12-week series as the cooler and banner sponsor, and they would also like to announce their most recent jump sponsor, Panthera, the leaders in wild cat conservation. Panthera joins Hollow Brook Wealth Management and PJ Saddles as the series’ jump sponsors.
Show Net will be onsite for both Wednesday and Saturday events posting live results, as well as videoing rounds in both rings. For results and videos, please visit www.shownet.biz.
Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.
The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its third year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 27, 2015.
The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 7, 2015 and running until March 18, 2015.
Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour, running concurrently with the 1.30-1.35m and 1.40m Jumpers.
The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January 6 – March 23, 2015. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.
Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 6, 2015 and March 20, 2015.
What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Adult Classics, Masters Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Classics, two hunter derbies and the Pre-Green Incentive Stake.
Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
Text: (908) 500-0996
Ellen Toon and Iberia Find a Rhythm in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A
Wellington, FL – March 13, 2015 – USA’s Wilton Porter led the victory gallop over Venezuela’s Emanuel Andrade and Luis Fernando Larrazabal in Friday’s $34,000 1.45m speed class at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Porter and his mount, Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Paloubet, steered to victory for the first time this season as they gear up for the end of the winter circuit and the season ahead.
The tenth week of WEF competition, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, runs March 11-15. The highlight event of the week is the $127,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, March 14, which will be live streamed at this link – http://bit.ly/18EqpLH. The $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday will also live streamed here – http://bit.ly/1wZSYz4.
Michel Vaillancourt (USA) saw 64 entries on his 1.45m speed track on Friday with 17 clear rounds. Andrade held an early lead in 68.49 seconds with ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek Z, until Larrazabal and San Francisco Stables LLC’s G&C Close Up took over in 66.55 seconds. Porter then soon stole the top spot with Paloubet in 64.95 seconds. Andrade returned at the end, determined with his second mount Fananka A, but just missed the mark and posted the second best time of 65.01 seconds.
Paloubet, a 14-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Baloubet Du Rouet x Voltaire), has had a light show schedule this winter. He placed eleventh in week two’s $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSI 2* and showed lightly throughout the winter. This week, he came out fresh as Porter prepares for the final weeks of the circuit.
“He had kind of a quiet season, especially compared to last year,” Porter stated. “We have been trying to save him here for the end, for the final stretch. We got results in the grand prix week two and since then he has just been taking it easy and he was really good today.”
Commenting on his winning round, Porter explained, “I saw Luis go, and he was pretty fast. It was a tough course, I thought. Sometimes the speed courses are not quite as difficult and people really end up racing around, but today you had to balance a little bit between speed and trying to jump a clear round. There was one turn to the triple combination that, when I walked it, I thought everybody was going to do that inside turn, but you ended up not even having to do that in order to have the fastest time. I didn’t see Emanuel on his last horse, but I would have been sweating it. I was still walking around in the warm-up ring.”
Porter and Paloubet have a great partnership that has improved with each year, and the gelding has brought his rider up the ranks and taught him a lot.
“I have had him for a few years now, and I have definitely gotten to know him really well. He is obviously pretty unique,” the rider noted. “I think over the years I have just become smoother with him with the help of my trainer, John Roche, and my past trainers, Katie and Henri Prudent. I have just developed smoothness, he has taught me that, because otherwise he just runs away with me.”
“He is pretty calm at home. You would not think that he is such a strong horse in the ring when you are just flatting him at home,” Porter added. “He is very quiet, and he is pretty nice to ride actually.”
A sophomore at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, Porter travels back and forth from school each week to compete. He now has his sights set on next week’s WEF Challenge Cup and hopes to qualify for the week’s grand prix with Paloubet. He kept the horse rested for the final weeks of competition with the ultimate goal of competing in week twelve’s $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*.
Along with his success in the 1.45m, Porter also finished second with Sleepy P Ranch LLC’s Patriot in Section A of Friday’s $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge. Held in a California split, Laura Chapot (USA) and Bradberry were the winners in Section A, and Sydney Shulman (USA) and Jill Shulman’s Venice topped Section B. Chapot was also second and third in Section B with The Edge’s Out of Ireland and Mary Chapot’s Umberto respectively.
Ellen Toon and Iberia Find a Rhythm in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A
In only their third week of showing together this winter, Ellen Toon and JT Farm’s Iberia made a clean sweep of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A over fences classes by winning all four. Coupled with a seventh-place finish under saddle, Toon and her seven-year old Hanoverian mare clinched the division.
Ellen Toon and Iberia
With husband and trainer Jimmy on the ground, Toon has been flying back and forth from WEF to their home base in South Salem, New York, giving Iberia several weeks off from competition. The breaks appeared to be a positive, however, as consistent scores in the high 80s handed Toon the title over a field of 20.
“For every two weeks of showing, I usually take a week off and this was the first time all circuit I have showed her twice consecutively. Last week we both felt a little rusty, but this week she felt like she was back to her old self and was terrific,” said Toon. “She’s a really nice, simple ride. She’s still green, but does her lead changes and just walks down the lines.”
Iberia has been part of Toon’s JT Farm string for a year and a half after being imported by Jimmy as a five-year-old. “We got her as an investment horse. Jimmy found her in a field, pulled her out and brought her home,” said Toon. “She came to us never having been shod or anything. She was very green, but she knew seemed to know how to do everything once we got her in the ring.”
Despite taking a few days to get back into the swing of showing, Toon admits that during Week 10, it was nice to have a fresh horse under her. “She was very interested in the ring and the fences. That turned out to be really good for us,” she said.
Iberia also competes in the 3’3″ Pre-Greens with Jennifer Bliss in the irons, and Toon is looking to the future with hopes to point the mare at the 3’3″ Amateur Hunters next.
Continuing a female-domination of the Adult Hunter 50 and Over division, Sandra Epstein and her own 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare Gisele collected Reserve Champion. Winning top honors in the under saddle, Epstein, who trains with Molly Flaherty of Arcadia Farm in Yorktown Heights, NY, was fourth and second over fences.
WEF 10 continues on Saturday featuring the $127,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* in the International Arena in the evening. The Hunt LTD Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunters will award championship honors in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Lauren Fisher and Lindsay Brock for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
McLain Ward and Antares F capturing the first leg of the 2012 Taylor Harris Triple Crown at Devon. Photo By: Parker/Russell – The Book LLC.
Las Vegas, NV – March 13, 2015 – Every year, thousands of children compete at hundreds of horse shows across the nation for the chance to qualify for the prestigious Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Finals at the Capital Challenge in the fall. The series of equitation classes gives young riders an opportunity to gain equitation experience at the 3-foot height in order to continue along the pipeline of the equestrian sport. The Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Final is fundamental in producing top athletes. In April 2015, several of the top riders who have competed and placed in the equitation finals will ride for the U.S. to recapture the World Cup, epitomizing the journey to international champions beginning with the equitation medal finals.
“We feel that it is important to encourage and foster the talent of these young riders,” Michael Taylor, president of Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, said. “The kids’ determination is so impressive and we want to help them advance in their riding and feel confident as they reach for new levels.”
The Taylor Harris National Children’s Medal Final is a prime example of the beginning to a long and beneficial pipeline that produces athletes at the top of the sport. Taylor, Harris Insurance Services is committed to supporting the young, up-and-coming riders in the sport and remains dedicated to making the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals a special event each year.
“It is nice to see many young riders go through the children’s classes and move up to have success at higher levels in the sport,” Taylor added. “These classes give the riders great experience and help prepare them for future competition.”
Currently, Todd Minikus leads the East Coast League World Cup Qualifying standings with 81 points, while Laura Kraut is hot on his heels with a total of 77 points. Jack Hardin Towell, Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) Equitation Winner (2006), sits in third with 71 points, with four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year Beezie Madden ranking fourth with a total of 62 points. McLain Ward, recognized for his perfect equitation, holds the fifth place with ASPCA Maclay Winner (1972) Leslie Burr standing at sixth.
A proponent for the pipeline of show jumping, Ward, at 14 years of age, became the youngest rider ever to win both the USET Medal Finals and the USET Talent Derby. His solid equitation is what has helped him to balance classical training and individual needs for his horses and has made him a superstar of the show jumping world.
Ward was honored recently when asked to judge the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show. He spoke of the value of equitation. “I look at equitation as a steppingstone to something even bigger. While some junior careers end [after the Finals], many of those that are most successful in the equitation go on to have long careers as top show jumpers. If you look at it as a stepping stone, and you see the different ways the rider has developed, the talent as well as their horsemanship and mental point of view, the most well rounded, well prepared junior wins in the end.”
Since 2008, Taylor, Harris Insurance Services has been a proud sponsor of the National Children’s Medal, acting as a stepping stone for the larger equitation classes and competitions. Every ounce of support that THIS has for the equestrian industry is reflected in the annual competition and will be mirrored once again during the 2015 FEI World Cup™ Finals in Las Vegas this April.
International competitors will embark on a five-day battle of the world’s best, with the Taylor Harris Club offering unparalleled amenities during the long-anticipated Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, April 15-19, 2015.
THIS has a long history in the sport, and as the sponsors of the VIP hospitality experience, they aim to make it unforgettable. The 2015 World Cup Finals will mark the sixth time that Las Vegas has been host to the prestigious finals; however, THIS is revamping the experience with an exclusive package for VIP ticket holders that includes access to the National Horse Show Corporate Suite and the Taylor Harris Club, as well as deluxe food and beverages, wine tastings, Las Vegas entertainment and tickets to all events.
The Taylor Harris Club, presented by the National Horse Show, is only steps away from the front entrance to the Thomas & Mack Arena, offering VIP guests an extraordinary five-star experience. On top of the first-class cuisine and service provided by some of the best chefs of Las Vegas, guests will enjoy a Southern Wine and Spirits Expo complete with a sampling of an artful collection of fine wines, spirits and champagne, as well as the opportunity to interact with a master sommelier.
Whether the needs are straightforward or complex, for one horse or many, Taylor, Harris Insurance Services works with their clients to make sure they are equipped with the insurance coverage that’s right for each individual case. THIS places all policies with the highest rated and most secure insurance carriers, which are also selected for their prompt and reliable claims settlement.
Taylor Harris’s goal is protection for your horses at all stages of life, and peace of mind for you.
The action begins Wednesday, April 15, 2015 with the warm-up classes for both jumping and dressage. Actual competition begins on Thursday, April 16, with the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Grand Prix at noon, followed by the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Round I at 7:00 p.m. Competition continues the next day, Friday, April 17, with the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle Rehearsal at 7:30 a.m., the Las Vegas Dressage Showcase at noon and the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Round II at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, features the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final (Freestyle) at noon, followed by the Show Jumping Grand Prix of Las Vegas at 7:00 p.m. The competition concludes on Sunday, April 19, with the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Round III at noon. All times are local time.
Spectators have a variety of ticketing options from which to choose, but the VIP package, which includes one premier all-session seat and access to the Taylor Harris Club Presented by the National Horse Show for $1,500 per person, gives guests the opportunity to watch the action unfold in style.
Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (THIS), is a specialist equine insurance service that has been providing wide-ranging products developed from both the U.S. and London markets. THIS policies include coverage for show hunters, jumpers, eventing and dressage horses. Taylor, Harris’s expert in-house staff is on hand to help you with your selection. For further details visit www.thishorseinsurance.com or call 1.800.291.4774.
Pelon Stering and Adolfo Cambiaso. Photos: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Wellington, FL – March 12, 2015 – Three exciting matches and a penalty shootout took place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) as play continued Thursday in the 26-goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup. Valiente defeated Coca-Cola 12-8, with both sides of the field so lined with vehicles and spectators that it looked like a Sunday feature match minus the grandstand. Audi bested Las Monjitas 16-12 and Orchard Hill took Lechuza Caracas 12-11.
Alejo Taranco looked at Bob Jornayvaz after the game and came out with the understatement of the season: “I felt like we clicked more today.”
“Clicked” doesn’t even begin to describe the 42 minutes of synchronicity the four Valiente players displayed. Their playbook looked like it had been choreographed by Martha Graham. With the hand (if not the mallet) of megastar Adolfo Cambiaso in nearly every play, Valiente’s action was cohesive beyond belief.
All the way until the final chukker, the score was either tied or separated by a point. Although the action on the field was fast, the game began in fits and starts, with seven whistles in the first chukker. Cambiaso put increasing pressure on Julio Arellano in the second chukker, every now and then charging down the field glued to Arellano’s hip. The two intermittently took turns throwing a hook on each other and otherwise mixing it up.
Arellano was by no means the only recipient of Cambiaso’s attention. The game soon turned into a battle of the Titans between the two 10-goalers. Cambiaso had Pelon Sterling in his crosshairs from the get-go, and vice versa. They seemed to read each other’s plays as though looking through crystal balls (not surprising, given that three years ago they played on a Valiente team together). In the second chukker Cambiaso took the shot on a penalty three, making a 40-yard drive with spot-on accuracy – only to be thwarted by Sterling, who blocked it from cruising into goal. The two tangled again in the third chukker, when Sterling rode Cambiaso off the ball and made a dropshot direct to the mallet of Erskine, who scored.
In a textbook example of how to play polo at its pinnacle, Sterling tied the game at 4-all in the third chukker. After finagling the ball away from Cambiaso and company, he surveyed the field while on the fly aboard a full-steam-ahead gray. The moment a window cracked open, he took a shot from at least 80 yards out and easily found the goal.
For most of the first half, Taranco had been assigned to cover Sterling, with Guillermo Terrera on Erskine. A midgame powwow with Cambiaso resulted in a strategic shift that paid off in spades for Valiente. At the master’s direction, Taranco and Terrera swapped targets for the rest of the game, a move that seemed to keep Coca-Cola guessing how long it was going to last.
The fourth chukker saw renewed Cambiaso-Arellano friction, with one or the other trying to pressure his opponent into a foul (a skill that Cambiaso has nearly branded). One of their more intense skirmishes resulted in an automatic goal on a penalty one, which broke the tie and gave Coca-Cola a 5-4 lead.
Valiente had to regain ground, and Taranco came through for his team with two consecutive goals, the first on a penalty. Then he scored from the field on a play that showed the prowess of both teams. It began with Gillian Johnston slickly picking off Cambiaso’s backshot. He swooped in, took it back in his claws and toyed with it for a bit, leaving his opponents puzzling over what he had in store. Suddenly the ball was hurtling through the air toward goal, and just as quickly Erskine dispatched himself to stop it. Taranco, who had been waiting in the wings, read the play perfectly. He redirected the ball out of Erskine’s self-appointed danger zone and tapped it into goal.
Coca-Cola stormed into the fifth chukker determined to get the upper hand. In a smooth-as-silk series of touches, the ball sailed directly from Sterling to Arellano to Johnston and straight into goal to tie the score 6-all. Then it was Erskine’s turn to score for the team in red. On a determined run, he checked over his shoulder for a split second and then snapped his head forward, turned the corner, moved inside and slammed the ball into goal. (Announcer Gus Whitelaw said it looked like Erskine had looked back to ask, “Who’s there?” and answered himself, “Who cares?” as he smoked on.)
Erskine perpetually made himself the bane of Valiente’s existence. That came as no surprise to the team in white, nor did the strength of Coca-Cola as a unit. As Taranco said of his opponents, “We knew from the beginning that it wasn’t going to be easy. They play simple and classic polo, and they do it very well.”
It all came down to the final chukker, which began tied at 8-all. The game could just as easily have gone in Coca-Cola’s favor, but Valiente pulled the rug out from under their opponents. Cambiaso was at the controls from the moment the chukker opened until the final horn. He scored two goals, followed by one each by Taranco and Bob Jornayvaz. Those four goals went unanswered by Coca-Cola.
“We had a very good sixth chukker, which we needed,” said Taranco. “And we have Adolfo! He made a big difference in how the game ended.”
The quarterfinals of the USPA Piaget Gold Cup will be held Sunday, March 15 at IPC. Alegria plays Valiente at noon and Las Monjitas faces Lechuza Caracas in the 3 p.m. featured match on Engel & Völkers field.
Orchard Hill Hangs Tough to Defeat Lechuza Caracas
Orchard Hill vanquished Lechuza Caracas 12-11 in a nail biter to garner an undefeated record in USPA Piaget Gold Cup bracket play at International Polo Club Palm Beach. Facundo Pieres scored the final goal to secure the win just before the last horn. Facundo had nine goals in the match to outscore all players, including his brother Nico who trailed him with eight goals scored.
Ezequiel Martinez Ferrario and Nico Pieres
The third round match had strategic importance for both teams. Orchard Hill entered the match with a 2-0 record and had the goal in mind of securing the top spot in Bracket II and the bye to the semifinals. Lechuza wanted to win to avoid a shootout scenario that could potentially lead to elimination from the tournament.
Orchard Hill superstar Facundo Pieres emphasized the significance of the win, “It was important to win and go straight to the semifinal. We have played a lot of polo, first with the C. V. Whitney final, then we played hard against Lechuza and Coca Cola. It would have been very hard on our horses to play a quarter this weekend in the heat.”
The first half had a lot of quick runs to goal and great teamwork from each team. It also featured some great defense especially from Lechuza’s 10-goal player Juan Martin Nero. Nero played stellar defense against the normally invincible Facundo Pieres, it took Facundo until almost the end of the second chukker to get a goal from the field
After a steeply angled cut shot to goal from the corner by Nero in the first chukker, Lechuza in turn struggled to evade the quick sticks of Orchard Hill. Fortunately for Lechuza, Nico Pieres was shooting his penalties with authority. Nico Pieres was perfect on his penalties including three first half penalty four conversions from the 60 yard line. Thanks to the accuracy of Nico Pieres, Lechuza rode off the field at halftime with a slim 6-5 lead.
Orchard Hill found another realm of speed after the halftime break. Polito and Facundo Pieres teamed up for three flying goals from the field, outrunning Lechuza throughout the chukker. But they couldn’t outrun the steady penalty shooting of Nico Pieres, who continued his perfect performance from the penalty line to the match tied at 8 all.
Orchard Hill briefly took the lead in the fifth as Facundo Pieres won the initial lineup and darted to goal, Nico countered with his first field goal to keep the score tied 9 all.
As temperatures soared on the sultry day, so did the tension level heading into the sixth chukker. The teams traded goals, neither team willing to give an inch. First Nero scored, then Facundo converted a penalty four. Agustine Grossi won a lineup close to goal for a quick shot, only to see Polito dribble the ball through the pack to tie it back up at 11 all. With 1:19 left in the chukker, Orchard Hill was awarded a penalty 5 near mid field. Facundo went to the sidelines for his spare, which was C. V. Whitney Best Playing Pony NutraSweet. The agile mare carried Facundo around the Lechuza defenders, got him back to the ball after a Lechuza back shot, and Facundo and NutraSweet swept through the goal to make the score 12-11 for Orchard Hill just before the end of the chukker.
“That game was not easy. They were super tough!” exclaimed Orchard Hill captain Steve van Andel after the match. “They didn’t let up much. We finally had to start shooting from farther away and it worked, we pulled it out in the end.”
Orchard Hill will be fine-tuning their semifinal strategy this weekend while the quarterfinal teams battle it out on Sunday, March 15 at International Polo Club for the right to play them.
Audi Plays the Game Wide-Open Defeats Las Monjitas 16-12
Audi defeated Las Monjitas 16-12 in bracket play for the USPA Piaget Gold Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
The match started out with Audi in the lead 1-0 due to handicap, but Las Monjitas did not let it ride for long. After shots by both teams went wide, Las Monjitas warmed up and got down to business. Camilo Bautista scored the first goal of the match on the field, tying the score briefly before Facundo Sola and Sebastian Merlos went on a scoring spree for the remainder of the chukker, ending it 4-1.
Merlos and Sola started out the second chukker in the same fashion, scoring two more goals within the first minutes. However, the tide began to turn as Marc Ganzi drove the ball up field for Rodrigo Andrade to tap in. A foul in the goalmouth had Audi awarded a penalty one, and Fred Mannix hit a backshot for Gonzalito Pieres that brought Audi within three points of Las Monjitas.
Audi took advantage of the situation and took the bull by the horns, rapidly scoring two more goals to make the score 6-5. Another foul in the goalmouth resulted in a second penalty one for Audi, and Mannix sealed the second goal with a backshot Audi to take the lead 7-6. Two more penalty conversions before the end of the second chukker put Audi firmly in the lead 9-6 going into the third chukker.
Both teams fought valiantly to score in the third chukker, but shot after shot went wide in what seemed like a wide streak of la mala leche, or bad luck. Pieres managed to make one penalty conversion before the half, increasing Audi’s lead to 10-6 at halftime. Las Monjitas rallied with a penalty conversion to start off the fourth chukker, but Pieres drove in an answering conversion to maintain Audi’s four-goal lead.
Las Monjitas continued to chip away at Audi’s lead, with Audi responding with goals of their own. The chukker ended 12-9. Merlos tapped in a goal while evading defenders to bring his team within two at the beginning of the fifth chukker. Pieres racked up another penalty conversion, and Andrade made the shot of the game, taking the ball from Audi’s backfield all the way down field and sinking a cut shot from 70 yards out. Ganzi drilled in a goal on the run to end the fifth chukker 15-10.
The sixth chukker started similarly to the third with wide shots on both sides, but Andrade delivered the knockout punch with a breakaway goal to put one up on the scoreboard for Audi. Bautista charged down the field and tapped a goal in for Las Monjitas to make the score 16-11. A final safety penalty conversion by Merlos ended the match 16-12.
Audi patron Ganzi credited his team’s strategy for their success.
“That was a tough team we beat today,” said Ganzi. “They play a very specific brand of polo and it’s very effective. We spent the first chukker looking at them and looking at the ball. We weren’t looking at the man. Once we spread them, we could cut the angles. If you can spread all four guys out, you create space and you have openings.”
Pieres felt that the time between this game and the semi-finals was a welcome relief for everyone.
“I think it will be good for [the horses] to rest this weekend because we have been playing Thursday through Sunday,” said Pieres. “It will be good for everybody – and the horses too.
Lechuza and Valiente Take Advantage of a Second Chance to Advance to USPA Piaget Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Sharpshooters Nico Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso were perfect and nearly perfect from the penalty line to advance their teams through the penalty shootout tiebreaker to the USPA Piaget Gold Cup quarterfinals.
By virtue of the 1-2 tie in Bracket II in which all three teams had beaten each other, Coca-Cola, Lechuza Caracas and Valiente found themselves settling the tie with penalties. Earlier in the day, Lechuza suffered a heartbreaking loss at the last second to Orchard Hill, while Valiente edged out Coca-Cola in the last chukker to get their first win of the tournament and arrive at the shootout. The winner and runner-up of the shootout advances to the quarterfinals, with the winner playing a lower ranked team from the other bracket. The third place team does not advance. Each team sent their best penalty shooter to shoot penalties and face the pressure.
Nico Pieres began, followed by Adolfo Cambiaso, then Julio Arellano. Players shoot in the same order throughout the shootout. All three players nailed the initial penalty attempt from the 40 yards line.
The next step was penalty attempts from the 60 yards line. In a game, the 60-yard penalty four is defended, in a shootout tiebreaker it is not. Pieres split the goal posts on his attempt, Cambiaso followed with a successful conversion as well. Arellano walked up to the ball, concentrating hard, swung and the ball veered left of the goal. Pieres and Cambiaso breathed sighs of relief.
With Lechuza and Valiente qualified for the quarterfinals at this point, the pressure was reduced as Pieres and Cambiaso continued to shoot from the 60-yard line for bracket position. Both were supremely accurate through the next two shots. After Pieres’ fourth 60-yard attempt went straight through the goal, Cambiaso’s fourth 60-yard shot veered off course.
Nico Pieres found redemption for his Lechuza team in the tiebreaker after their loss earlier in the day to Orchard Hill. “We were unlucky against Orchard Hill, and we did not play a good game against Coca-Cola, but I think we deserve to be in these quarterfinals.” He was also perfect for the day, in both the game and the tiebreaker, on his penalty shots. “I have been practicing a lot the last week, because in the 20 goal I wasn’t hitting the penalties well. I have been practicing a lot with Milo and doing better,” referring to Milo Fernandez Araujo, the coach for Lechuza Caracas.
For the quarterfinals of the USPA Piaget Gold Cup Valiente plays Alegria at noon and Lechuza Caracas squares off against Las Monjitas at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at International Polo Club Palm Beach.
LIBERTY CUP
The 18-goal Liberty Cup resumes Friday, March 13 at IPC.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
On Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo takes place in the covered arena at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center, which will close out the most successful show jumping circuit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
The gates for the rodeo open at 6pm and there will be a special Kids’ Hour from 6:15 to 7:15. Don’t miss treating your little ones to free pony rides and kids’ activities! The Gulfport Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint will be vending so bring your appetites for award winning barbeque!
The Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo show starts at 7 and admission is $15 for adults, $12 for Seniors, Military and Children 12 and under are $8, and kids under 4 are free! Parking is free!
Some of the top bull riders and fastest barrel racers in the country will compete under one roof this weekend only. The Bull Riding is sanctioned by the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association. The Barrel Racing is sanctioned with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the Better Barrel Races.
K99 Country will be onsite at the show from 5-7 so be sure to stop by and say howdy to the radio celebrities.
Friday and Saturday nights will be nonstop excitement so be sure to bring the whole family!
Bull riding excitement Friday and Saturday night this weekend only
Can’t make it to the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo? You can still catch top show jumping action this final week of the Gulf Coast Winter Classic! On Friday, the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome takes place in the afternoon and the $25,000 eAwardz Grand Prix kicks off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
Friday and Saturday nights only the Gulf Coast’s Toughest Rodeo takes place in the covered arena which will close out the most successful show jumping circuit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Don’t miss it!
Each year during February and March the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit welcomes thousands of competitors for six weeks of top show jumping competition and fun on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Gulf Coast Winter Classic hosts their award winning six week circuit at the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Equestrian Center is a state of the art facility with an extraordinary grass grand prix field considered by top Olympic course designers to be the best in North America. In addition, the facility boasts well maintained, all weather footing competition rings, more than 600 permanent stalls and temporary stalls housing up to more than 1,500 horses, permanent, fully equipped RV sites, complimentary riders’ lounges, a VIP tent, covered arena, and many other features that make both horse and horseman happy.
The 2015 Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit is offering over $1,000,000 in prize money and awards, classes for all skill levels, and of course a big dose of their sweet southern hospitality. You are invited to enjoy and join in on the Gulf Coast Classic Company’s legendary exhibitor appreciation parties, Pizza Saturdays, Happy Hour Mondays and all of the amenities that the Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer!
Kids get the chance to get up close to the ponies
The area offers world class casino resorts, wonderful musical and theatrical shows, incredible dining opportunities of all types and also features delicious Gulf seafood, award winning museums, beach and boat activities along the twenty six mile long white sand beachfront, and just plain fun for the entire family.
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
Laura Graves and Verdades. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Wellington, FL – March 12, 2015 – Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades will clearly be a force to be reckoned with this season, as the duo continues to improve and impress. In just their second show back since the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) this past August, the pair scored a remarkable 76.680% in the FEI Grand Prix CDI-W 3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, to start competition in the Large Tour off with a bang at Week 10 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett placed second with a 72.500%, and Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Benetton Dream captured third, receiving a 70.760%. The highlight class, “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, will begin tomorrow night at 7pm at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
The test was a big step in the right direction for Graves and Verdades, as they knocked their competition rust off last week at AGDF 9. “This was much better for us tonight than it was last week. I think we kind of felt like we were rookies last week, even with our experience last year,” commented Graves. “Tonight I felt like we are actually headed where we want to be, and I’m hopeful that at Nations Cup we will see a Grand Prix test that is even a little bit tighter.”
The pair took home the win in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle last week but still felt there was more to improve upon in the ring. “We went back home to our farm in Orlando and I, just all by myself, said, ‘Where do we get this feeling?’ I figured it out over those two days. They were necessary for me,” she explained. “I think when you know you’re confident in your own mind then you can take the advice of your trainers. When it is coming from so many different places and you’re on so many different pages, you get caught up and forget to ride.”
The pair’s test was the highest scored ride in an FEI Grand Prix this season at AGDF, and Graves hopes that consistency will continue with them for the rest of the season. “He was really with me through the half-halts today and I know that we still leave a good 5-10% in the warm-up, so there will come a day when we bring it all,” she smiled.
Lars Petersen and Mariett are veterans on the circuit this season, and the mare will get a long vacation after this weekend’s competition. “This is a long circuit, and I’m really happy with how she’s been. I’ve done a lot of shows and she is not as fresh as she was in February and she has really earned her time off,” he said. “With her getting older I need to be careful of what I do with her and make sure that we don’t do too much. You always get smarter by the end.”
Vilhelmson-Silfven had a beautiful ride aboard Benetton Dream in just the young stallion’s fourth FEI Grand Prix test to date. As she continues to work through the test, it improves and he is clearly becoming more comfortable in the ring. “I am extremely happy with him today. He’s continued to get better and better with each show. With this short week in between the two competitions I was a bit worried, but he handled it well,” she commented. “He lost a little bit of power towards the end, but that’s because he still isn’t strong enough. I couldn’t ask for anything more from him, and I don’t want to ask for anything more right now.” Vilhelmson-Silfven and her team will head back to Sweden next Wednesday and will continue to compete in Europe this summer.
Competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival continues with the Florida International Dressage Youth Championships throughout the week and the highlight “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows, tomorrow night at 7 pm. For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.
(c) ESI Photography. Melissa Rudershausen and Abracadabra.
OCALA, Florida (March 8, 2015): Melissa Rudershausen of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, riding her own Abracadabra, took home the first-place prize in the $7,500 U-Dump/SJHOF Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, presented by VETERA® XP Vaccines, on Sunday morning in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.
Six moved onto the jump-off and Rudershausen had the advantage of going last, when one other rider had been double-clear. She posted a clear round in 51.223 seconds to claim first place. Two rounds earlier, Nicole Bellissimo, riding Bellissimo LLC’s Harley David, had posted a clear – but slower – round in a time of 53.831, which earned her second place. Hayley Waters, riding Qurint, owned Chuck and Dana Waters, was fastest in 46.376 but four faults put her at third.”
“I touched the clouds a few times today,” said Rudershausen, who added that the course was challenging and the time tight. “You had to be efficient and the timers were a ways away from the last jump so you had to be careful and then gallop away.”
“In the jump-off,” she added, “I planned to do the five strides from one to two but he landed a little shallow and he jumped so high over the oxer that he almost jumped me off. He jumped the next two huge as well then settled in. The door was open with only one clean in the jump-off, so I tried to be a little faster.”
Bellissimo was happy with her ride, saying, “I just wanted to do a nice clear so I rode carefully. My horse jumped great.”
Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico designed the course. The class is a qualifier for the VETERA® XP Vaccines $250,000 Junior/Amateur-owner Jumper Prix at the HITS Championship at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York in September.
Gabrielle Calvert and Cat Woman Win $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Children’s Jumper High Classic
OCALA, Florida (March 7, 2015): On Saturday night, the bleachers and VIP tent Saturday night were full of spectators who cheered for their favorites and sighed at downed rails in two jumper classics.
The juniors rode first in the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Children’s Jumper High Classic. A newcomer on an experienced campaigner followed her plan with a few improvisations and came out a winner: Gabriel Calvert and Cat Woman, owned by Daniel White of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was double-clear in 30.856 to take home first prize out of a class of 35 riders.
Second-place winner Isabella Roman, of Green Oaks, Illinois, and Moraleja, went last of the thirteen that jumped-off and galloped the entire course, going wide on the turns and clocking in at 33.051. Ashton Alexander beat her own time and was third and fourth with Zibon HC and Naturel in times of 35.125 and 35.758, respectively. The only other double-clear was Savannah Nicole Unger on Lagoa for fifth place.
Cat Woman has competed through the Level 7 Jumpers with owner Daniel White, who gave Calvert the opportunity to show the veteran mare. Relatively new to the jumpers, 17-year-old Calvert is leading the Children’s Jumper High Division for Circuit Champion and is aiming toward the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling/Team Barber Child/Adult Jumper High Classic coming up this Saturday.
An excited White praised his rider, saying, “She took all the inside turns and did the seven down the last line and followed the plan. This girl has a bright future.”
Saturday night at HITS also featured a trainer and exhibitor party sponsored by VETERA® XP Vaccines with complimentary food and drink in the Paddock Club VIP tent, which drew a terrific crowd.
Madison Akins on Chasm Z Take Top Place in $7,500 M&S/TuffRider-Equine Couture Adult Jumper High Classic
The crowd was treated to a thrilling jump-off when Madison Akins of Winder, Georgia, riding her own Chasm Z, won the $7,500 Marshall & Sterling/TuffRider-Equine Couture Adult Jumper High Classic, leaving out strides and mastering tight turns to claim the win.
Only six of the original 38 advanced to the jump off and five managed to go double-clear. First to go clear was Anna Whitman of Marston Mills, Massachusetts on Calino-GZ, who stopped the timers in 37.889, but her lead was short lived and she finished fourth.
Next to challenge was Avery Sharp on Skye’s the Limit who added strides in the lines but turned tight enough to shave more than two seconds off the lead and finish in 35.549. Lindsey Simmons of Middleburg, Virginia and 7-year-old Don Loma took over the lead in 34.812. Simmons had to settle for second when the lead changed hands for the final time as Akins and Chasm Z put it all together and galloped through the finish timers more than two seconds faster than Simmons in 32.840 for the win.
After the class, an excited Akins, who is at HITS while on spring break from the University of Georgia, said, “Honestly, I just knew I just had to go faster than I ever have. It was all him – he is an amazing horse. I’ve only had him for a year… What a great way to start my vacation.”
Florencio Hernandez of Mexico City, Mexico, designed both courses.
Excitement is building as preparations begin for the construction of the unique and spectacular Miami Beach venue on the stunning sands of Florida’s southern coast. Opposite Miami Beach’s Collins Park, 220 horses, 10 tons of hay, 1900 bales of wood shavings, 8 tons of horse food and 1000 tons of competition arena surface will take up residence ahead of this show jumping extravaganza. There will also be seating for 1400 spectators and VIP hospitality for around 500 guests per day!
The Tour will launch its landmark 10 Year Anniversary season in Miami Beach, Florida from 2-4 April with three days of world-class showjumping featuring the coveted Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach Grand Prix and prestigious American Invitational. Visitors to this unmissable event will enjoy electric, 5-star sport for FREE as the very best show jumpers in the land do battle on the beautiful sands of Miami Beach, just meters from sparkling ocean waves.
World No. 1 Scott Brash (GBR) and World No. 4 Kent Farrington (USA) will be joined in Miami Beach by USA’s double Olympic Gold medalists McLain Ward and Beezie Madden, and World Silver medalist Margie Goldstein-Engle; 2012 Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat (SUI) and 2008 Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze (CAN); 2012 Olympic Silver and 2014 World Gold medalist Gerco Schroder (NED); France’s 2014 World Silver medalists Kevin Staut and Simon Delestre; 2010 World Gold medalist Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Ben Maher (GBR).
