Tag Archives: featured

Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Global Champions Tour Miami Beach Countdown: Three Weeks to Go!

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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).

For more information, please visit globalchampionstour.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Nick Dello Joio and Contiki Jump to Win in $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10

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Nick Dello Joio and Contiki. Photos © Sportfot.

Peter Lombardo Leaves His Mark on WEF 2015 with Hunter Tricolors

Wellington, FL – March 12, 2015 – Nick Dello Joio (USA) and Coker Farm, Inc.’s Contiki were the winners over Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel in a thrilling jump-off for Thursday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Twenty-five-year-old Dello Joio edged out Farrington by less than one-tenth of a second for his first ever WEF Challenge Cup win.

Watch Nick Dello Joio and Contiki in their winning round!

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. Other features include the $34,000 1.45m FEI world ranking class on Friday and the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday, also live streamed here – http://bit.ly/1wZSYz4.

Michel Vaillancourt (USA) set the course for 83 entries in Thursday’s tenth round of WEF Challenge Cup competition. He saw 12 clear rounds, and 10 returned for the jump-off where only three were able to clear the short course without fault.

Meagan Nusz (USA) and Amalaya Investments’ Sri Aladdin were first to clear the jump-off in 41.88 seconds to finish third. Farrington and Blue Angel upped the pace in 38.56 seconds, but eventually settled for second. Last to go, Dello Joio and Contiki completed the winning time of 38.47 seconds. Andres Rodriguez (VEN) and Arao Enterprises LLC’s Caballito had the fastest time in 37.10 seconds, but one rail put the pair in fourth place.

“It was nice to go last in both rounds,” Dello Joio pointed out. “I was able to watch the first one go in the jump-off and then my Dad was able to watch Kent go on the screen and kind of gave me a plan. We stuck to it and luckily it paid off today.”

“That horse is a bit of his own way. There is not really a lead change or great rideability. He is very good at going fast though. His natural gait is just to want to go and he is super careful, so fast and careful is a good combination when you are in a jump-off,” Dello Joio remarked. “Contiki doesn’t spend much time in the air. He lands and he goes; it’s not like he lands and you have to create. What is hard for me, where I probably lost a few seconds with that horse, is the turns. He is not one to just turn back on a jump. He doesn’t really allow you to do that with his rideability yet, so I probably just covered more ground faster. I was not as tidy as Kent probably was, but Contiki has a huge stride and when you let him go, he is a really quick horse.”

Contiki is a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Contendro x Calido I). Dello Joio began riding him before the 2014 WEF circuit and explained that the horse has come a long way since then.

“That horse last year was doing the medium schooling jumpers here, and we were having trouble,” Dello Joio stated. “We didn’t know what we had, but as the summer progressed he got better. Spruce Meadows is where he really started to shine. He started in the 1.30m and ended up in the main ring in the 1.45m the last week getting ribbons. Then he won two grand prixs in eastern Canada and a grand prix or two in Tryon. He has been a little weapon for me. He has been great, and nobody would have thought that. Nobody wanted him. He is a bit of an oddity.”

“He doesn’t do lead changes, he is tough to ride, and he spooks at everything,” the rider continued. “You just wouldn’t think he was a grand prix winner when you sat on him. This time last year we were ready to give up on the horse, but now he is my favorite. He is just a little winner.”

Commenting on his very first WEF Challenge Cup victory, Dello Joio acknowledged, “It feels great to win. It is a tough class to win, especially today. This course was really hard. I thought it was quite technical, but luckily we pulled it off today.”

In addition to the winning portion of prize money, Dello Joio was awarded the $3,000 SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” bonus. Each week of the WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.

Also showing on Thursday, Hardin Towell (USA) and Jennifer Gates LLC’s Cadence won the $8,000 1.45m jump-off class. Laurenz Buhl (GER) and Gotham Enterprizes LLC’s Jolie Le Coer S finished second.

Peter Lombardo Leaves His Mark on WEF 2015 with Hunter Tricolors

Peter Lombardo may have still been jet lagged after a cross-country trip to Wellington last week, but it didn’t stop him from jumping Academy Award, owned by Mary Katherine Dick, to a Shapley Grooming Products Regular Conformation Hunter Championship during WEF 9 and clinching the Week 10 honor again today.

Highlighted by blue ribbons in the stake and over fences with the eight-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, Lombardo also took home second in the model, fourth over fences and sixth in the handy for the division championship. Hailing from Wilton, CT, Lombardo made his way to California in 2000 to work for West Coast trainer Archie Cox before opening his own Frontier Farms in Moorpark, California in 2009. A regular winner at HITS Thermal during the winter months, Lombardo flew six hunters to WEF for two weeks of Florida competition this year.

Peter Lombardo and Academy Award
Peter Lombardo and Academy Award

“The horses really benefit from something new,” he said about the change in scenery. “I grew up on the East Coast and we come for Devon and the indoor shows, but this is my first time ever showing at WEF and it’s been lovely. The horses went so nicely – it’s a special show and they reacted by giving their best. It takes a lot of planning and is a huge undertaking to fly these horses across the country, but it is really is nice to show in different places.”

First-time jitters were nowhere in sight for Lombardo and Academy Award, USEF Regular Conformation Horse of the Year in 2014, who also shows with Dick in the Junior Hunters. During WEF 9, Dick was Champion with her gelding and picked up the High Point owner/rider award after only purchasing him a few months ago in December.

“Round for round, he is always really good,” said Lombardo who brought Academy Award to his barn two years ago as a Green Conformation Hunter. “He’s a very glamorous horse and a great animal. I was really lucky to come across him.”

Lombardo was also Reserve Champion aboard Janie Andrew’s Ante Up with a win in the handy, third in the stake, sixth under saddle, and second and third over fences. “He’s a campaigner that we’ve have for a long time,” he said of the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “He does the amateurs with Janie and has had big wins on both the East and West Coasts.”

WEF 10 continues on Friday featuring the $34,000 1.45m speed class in the International Arena. Hunters will award championship honors in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 & Over Section A 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.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Dressage, Jennifer Wood

Charlotte Jorst Fulfills Life-Long Dream aboard Kastels Adventure with First CDI Win at AGDF

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Charlotte Jorst and Kastels Adventure. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Florida International Dressage Youth Championships Begin This Week

Wellington, FL – March 11, 2015 – Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastels Adventure achieved something most Adult Amateurs only dream of, when the duo placed first in the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival’s (AGDF) Week 10 FEI Prix St. Georges CDI-W 1* class presented by Mike and Roz Collins, a class that boasted more than 40 entries. Jorst and Kastels Adventure won the class on a 71.842%, followed by Shelly Francis (USA) and Rubinio with a 71.605% and Tina Irwin (CAN) aboard Fancy That in third receiving a 70.553%. Competition at AGDF continues tomorrow with a very large FEI Grand Prix CDI-W 3* class presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane and George Fellows beginning at 2:45 pm.

Jorst and “Adventure” have been paired for three years now, as Jorst found the 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding on a small farm in The Netherlands and decided to add him to her growing string of horses. “Adventure” has steadily improved under Jorst this season and has been incredibly consistent in the Small Tour classes. “Over the weeks, he’s just gotten better and better and he has gained so much confidence and he’s been so fun to ride,” she smiled. “I put my hands down and let him do his job and he’s doing it. He just dances now and every movement seems effortless.”

Strength has been a major component in the pair’s success so far this season, as “Adventure” was coming off of a lengthy rest period due to injury. “When we got here, we focused on getting his strength and confidence back in the ring and now I think he has it. He knows he’s a super star. You want their eyes to light up when you go in the ring, and that’s how he is now,” she commented.

Confidence has not only played a factor in the success of “Adventure” in the ring, but has positively influenced Jorst’s riding. “The repetition of it all has really helped me, and doing something every week has been so valuable,” she smiled. “This has been amazing, and it is truly indescribable to me. I’ve worked for something like this my entire life and then it happens, and it is so special. I feel so much more confident, and you can tell in the way that I am riding.”

Jorst, who has always dreamed big, consistently works towards being competitive in CDI classes as an Adult Amateur and continues to set goals for her impressive group of horses. As for the future, remaining competitive at the highest levels is the ultimate goal. “I would love to do the Pan-American Games with him if he continues to do better and better like he did today, then that is something that I think is within reach,” said Jorst. “Otherwise I will take him and some of the other horses to Europe to compete them there in the summer. I’ve never done that either and it is something I would love to do.”

The 2015 Florida International Dressage Youth Championships will begin this week at AGDF, highlighting some of the best rising talent in the world, giving them a unique competition experience against their peers. The event, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm, Pana Cavallo, and Dressage4Kids, has welcomed competitors from around the country and the globe to compete in FEI Pony, Junior, Young Rider, and U-25 classes on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with the awards presentations on Sunday morning.

“In the three years we’ve been running this show, it has gotten bigger and bigger,” said Lendon Gray, President of Dressage4Kids. “This was a group effort, and we are so thankful to have Kim Boyer of Hampton Green Farm and the Davis family of Pana Cavallo behind it with us.”

Four of the riders in this year’s Championships spoke at a press conference and rider informational meeting about their experiences competing and what they look forward to this week.

Nicolette von Leuwen, trainer of the two Dutch riders competing in the championships this week, Rosalie Bos and Dana van Lierop, said that opportunities like these continue to help grow the sport and the quality of riders pursuing the upper levels. “The show here is amazing. It’s a dream come true for these riders to have this experience in the U.S., and this competition is so well organized. It has been great for the girls to meet new riders, and it’s great to see how open everyone is here to learning.”

Vivian Niemann (GER) plans to take advantage of the opportunity to compete against the best in the U.S., but also enjoy her time in Wellington. “It’s amazing to ride here because there are so many different shows and riders, but I can say that we never have weather like this,” she smiled. “These rings are beautiful, and it’s really important to have fun while you’re competing because that is what is beautiful about the sport.”

In a unique situation, Asia Ondaatje-Rupert (USA) will ride in the Pony division for the third year in a row, but will also be competing in the Junior division with a new horse. “I got my Junior horse last winter, and I’ve always had a little bit of difficulty with my pony because he is very tough to ride,” said Ondaatje-Rupert. “Competing in the Pony classes has really helped me prepare for moving up to Juniors. I’ve become a better rider for doing the Pony classes, and I found that it was easier riding my horse because I was able to handle situations more quickly from my experience with my pony.”

Ashley Conroy Zugel (USA) switched from the jumper ring to the dressage arena and has pursued the sport ever since. Competing last year on her jumper-turned-dressage horse, Conroy Zugel feels confident for the 2015 competition, competing as a Junior. “The first time I competed here it was on my jumper horse who I trained into a dressage horse, and now I’m riding an actual dressage horse. I have a better understanding of the test, and my goal is to be accurate and keep him in front of my leg,” she explained. “I think this is a great experience for all of the riders and most shows you don’t have the chance to have all four divisions together at one time.”

Reigning Overall Champion from 2014, Tanya Strasser-Shostak (CAN), will be competing two horses this week, with her Young Rider horse and her more experienced U-25 mount. Strasser-Shostak, who is aiming at the Adequan FEI North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Lexington, KY this July, will be using this week as preparation for making a run at NAJYRC. “You won’t get an atmosphere like this anywhere else, and it’s really important to take advantage of an opportunity like this. I also think that having the European riders here really helps you to ride better and gives you something to work towards,” she commented.

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.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lisa Goldman and Morocco Race to Victory in $34,000 1.45m to Start WEF 10

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Lisa Goldman and Morocco. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 11, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) began its tenth week of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Wednesday with a win for Lisa Goldman (USA) and Morocco in the $34,000 1.45m FEI speed class. In a field of 70 competitors, the pair led a blazing fast line-up of Irishmen in the top four, finishing ahead of Shane Sweetnam (2nd), Cian O’Connor (3rd) and Ronan McGuigan (4th).

WEF 10, 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. Other features include the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 on Thursday, the $34,000 1.45m FEI world ranking class on Friday, and the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday.

Michel Vaillancourt (USA) is the course designer in the International Arena for week 10. Out of 70 starters, Vaillancourt saw 20 clear rounds over his 1.45m speed track. Goldman and Morocco were the winners in 63.70 seconds. The pair pushed Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm LLC’s Cyklon 1083 out of their early lead in 65.10 seconds. Cian O’Connor and Stall Gullik’s Zazou finished third in 65.12 seconds, and Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane completed the fourth best time of 67.29 seconds.

Goldman and the 12-year-old American-bred Oldenburg/Thoroughbred gelding (by Roc USA) have been partners since Morocco was four years old. The pair already earned an international win this season in week eight’s $10,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSIO Speed Stake. They proved themselves once again by beating some of the fastest horses and riders in Wednesday’s bunch.

“I didn’t watch Shane go, which is probably a good thing. Then you worry about going as fast as somebody else and where you can beat them,” Goldman remarked. “He (Morocco) is just so fast across the ground. He got last week off, so he really had a lot of energy today. He is just so incredible. He loves his job so much.”

A fiery character in and out of the ring, Morocco’s antics don’t bother Goldman. She explained that as soon as he is on course, he puts his game face on.

“There is a lot of compromise that happens with him. If he starts bucking and going sideways you almost have to let him do it because he gets worse if you try to stop him. Once he gets in the ring, he is all about his job,” she detailed. “Once I am going to that first jump, I never worry.”

“Sometimes he comes out like a western pleasure horse at home,” Goldman laughed. “He either comes out really slow and just bobs around, or he is crazy, but he is almost always crazy.”

Goldman thanked sponsors Samshield and CWD, along with her mom (Mary Goldman) and Morocco’s breeder, Nancy Whitehead.

“Morocco is one in a million,” Goldman stated. “He is probably my favorite. It is hard to say that over my other horse (Centurion B). I have my two boys and they are both so good, but this one is my pet. He is like a dog. You turn him out with one of those big balls and he plays all the time. He is so fun.”

Also showing on Wednesday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class was held in a California Split with wins for Hardin Towell (USA) and Jennifer Gates’ Emilie de Diamant A S in Section A and Mark Bluman (COL) aboard Stranksy’s Mission Farms’ Liverpool in Section B. The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class concluded the day with a win for Alison Robitaille and Hooves LLC’s Sensation 21.

WEF 10 continues on Thursday, featuring the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 in the International Arena at PBIEC. The Shapley’s Grooming Products Regular Conformation 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 for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

FEI Show Jumping Events Return to Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

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Margie Engle and Royce, winners of the 2014 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG.

Lexington, KY – March 11, 2015 – The Kentucky Horse Park will be full of action this spring, as the world-class facility hosts two weeks of world-ranking show jumping events. The Kentucky Spring Horse Show Series will be presenting an FEI CSI2* and CSI3* ranked week May 6-17, 2015.

“After not holding FEI competitions at these spring shows for the past two years, we have reinstated FEI status in response to the numerous requests from High Performance riders,” said Kentucky Horse Shows Manger Hugh Kincannon. “We are confident that the opportunity to gain Longines Ranking Points will address a legitimate need in North America for more of these FEI classes.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Show will mark the first week of competition, from May 6-10, 2015, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The week will feature an FEI CSI2* rating, with the highlights being the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, kicking off the seven part Hagyard Challenge Series, and the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix on Saturday evening. Both of these FEI classes will count for the Longines Rider Ranking List and the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List.

In addition, the $25,000 Bluegrass Classic will be held on Sunday, May 10th and will also count for the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List. New this year is a $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix.

Competition will continue the following week with the Kentucky Spring Classic held May 13-17, 2015, with a CSI3* rating. The $34,000 Welcome Speed will be held on Wednesday, followed by the $34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic on Thursday, as riders try to accumulate valuable points for the Hagyard Leading Rider Bonus. On Saturday, May 16, riders will compete under the lights in the Rolex Stadium during the $127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix. All three of these FEI classes will count for the Longines Rider Ranking List.

The $34,000 Hagyard Classic and the $127,000 Hollow Creek Grand Prix will also count for the USEF/Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List as will the $50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix on Sunday, May 17th.

Both weeks of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows will offer WIHS & NAL classics for Children’s & Adult jumper riders as well as $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classics.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com. To request a prize list, please email prizelist@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Kentucky Horse Shows 2015 Horse Show Series Fast Facts

Events: 2015 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

What:
The Kentucky Horse Shows 2014 series includes two weeks of top hunter/jumper competitions during the month of May. The Kentucky Horse Show Series is the host of the Hagyard Challenge Series and Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby Series.

Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, home to the United States Equestrian Federation.

When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW – May 6-10, 2015
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI2*
$75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI2*
$25,000 Bluegrass Classic
$25,000 U25 Classic
$15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby
WCHR Recognized Hunter Competition

KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC – May 13-17, 2015
$34,000 Welcome Speed CSI3*
$34,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic CSI3*
$127,000 Hollow Creek Farm Grand Prix CSI3*
$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix
$20,000 Bluegrass Classic
$5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby

Sponsors:
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows: Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Hollow Creek Farm, Audi of Lexington, Sleepy P Ranch, CWD, Farm Vet, Dietrich Insurance, Take2 Thoroughbred Program and the Official Hotel The Clarion.

Hours:
8am – 5pm daily

Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $15.00. Dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Before Show – (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show – Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling – Email Tom Blankenship at tomblank@bellsouth.net
Stable office – Before Show: (843) 269-4737, During Show: (859) 255-0605
Prize List Advertising – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Vendors – Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com or call (859) 608-3709
Shownet – www.shownet.biz

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.

Hotels:

CLARION HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859-233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles (OFFICIAL HOTEL)
Discover the place where elegant comfort in an ideal location meets excellent service and affordability. At the Clarion Hotel Lexington, you’ll find well-appointed accommodations with options of double/doubles, double queens, king rooms or suites, exceptional amenities such as our free hot breakfast buffet, and Southern hospitality at its finest. The best hotel for Keeneland – located in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region – home of the Kentucky Horse Park, the Lexington Convention Center, University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – our Lexington hotel is on Newtown Pike at Exit 115 on I-75, close to all the big attractions, and is the perfect place to stay whether you’re here to get down to business or have some fun. Best of all, bring your furry friends for any trip because the Clarion Hotel in Lexington is also pet-friendly.

CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS:
Reservations may not be made through the Horse Show office. To reserve a campsite at the Kentucky Horse Park for any of the horse shows, please call the Campground store at (800) 370-6416 or 859-259-4157 or email Sherry Logan at sherryd.logan@ky.gov. Be specific as to the show name and the dates you wish to stay. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 noon. You must make arrangements with the Campground store if you plan to arrive earlier than 2:00 p.m. or stay later than 12:00 noon. Vehicles that are not removed from a campsite by check-out time will be towed.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

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

Overdrive Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit

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Martien Van Der Hoeven and Cellino won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

Week V at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit was the largest competition week at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in the 17 year history of the series. Spectators, sponsors, horses and riders swarmed the Mississippi Gulf Coast for top prize money and for those who could not be there, the USEF Network live streamed the event to thousands around the globe.

Friday’s $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Brook Ledge, saw 35 horse and rider teams take to the hunt on the world class grass grand prix. Equestrian enthusiasts from around the globe had the opportunity to view the premier event on the USEF Network. More than 5,000 viewers watched as riders and their horses galloped across the hunter course.

Cellino, owned by Julie Thompson and ridden by Martien Van Der Hoeven of Spring, Texas, won the class with a combined total score of 365. Bowie, owned by Fleur de Lis Farms and ridden by Courtney Calcagnini of Argyle, Texas, turned in a combined total score of 363 and received second place. Third was awarded to Andy Kocher’s White Lightning, ridden by Callie Schott of Versailles, Kentucky; the pair received a combined score of 352.50.

The $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Tucci, followed the International Hunter Derby and saw a field of 35 compete for the win.

Swagger, owned and ridden by Lee Cesery of St. Augustine, Florida, rode away with the blue after receiving a combined score of 173.5. Second place was awarded to Pommegranate, owned by Heather Geller and ridden by Natalie Geller of Canton, Georgia, after receiving a combined score of 170. Deloise Noble-Strong of Ruxton, Maryland and her own Chazeaux finished in third place after receiving a combined total of 169.5.

Friday’s hunters paved the way for the jumpers and the $15,000 Horseflight Open Welcome took to the turf in the mid-afternoon.

Thirty-two horse and rider teams tackled the course and nine had the opportunity for a second round. Andy Kocher of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and Michael Rosenberg’s Crown Joker won the class after turning in double clear rounds and a second round time of 40.517 seconds, well within the 47 seconds time allowed. Matt Cyphert of Justin, Texas secured second place with his own Lochinvar after turning in double clean rounds with a second round time of 43.065 seconds. Third place was awarded to Taylor Flury of Minooka, Mississippi in the irons of Aliboo Farm Inc.’s Role Model. The pair turned in double clear efforts and a second round time of 45.374 seconds.

Saturday’s $5,000 Animo 1.30 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic was won by Laura Linback of Long Grove, Illinois and her own Carmina.

Andy Kocher and Heliante clear the Beau Rivage jump before a packed house in Sunday's $77,700 Governor's Cup Grand Prix.
Andy Kocher and Heliante clear the Beau Rivage jump before a packed house in Sunday’s $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix.

Sunday’s feature presentation, the $77,700 Governor’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Beau Rivage, saw none other than the unstoppable Andy Kocher take the win in the irons of his own Heliante, besting a field of 32 horse and rider teams.

The first round’s final fence, unlucky fence 13, saw 13 horse and rider teams take a rail and only four emerged to the jump off round. “The way to jump that 13 fence clear was to jump the Beau Rivage fence and go a little bit on the landing so you could slow down to 13 and give them some room. It was for sure the highest jump on the course,” commented Kocher. Kocher had two in the jump off round including his own Rooney IV. “Rooney IV jumped amazingly well and was easily the best horse in the class,” said Kocher. “I lost my stirrup after the first fence in the jump off with him and rode the rest of with one stirrup so that really knocked the wind out of my sails,” he commented. “So I took it nice and slow on Heliante and hoped she wouldn’t hit one,” he added. Despite the two time faults, Kocher and Heliante had a time of 58.351 seconds.

Matt Cyphert of Northlake, Texas rode his own Lochinvar to second place after posting a four fault jump off round in a time of 51.022 seconds. Kocher and Rooney IV returned for the third place ribbon after turning in a four fault jump off round in a time of 53.231 seconds, and Frank Owens of Windcrest, Texas and DS Holdings, LLC’s S&L Shoe Guru took fourth place after posting a time of 56.901 seconds and twelve jump faults.

Matt Cyphert received the Kastel Denmark Jumper Style of Riding Award for his efforts.

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

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

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

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series Begins at Flintridge Spring Classic

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Jenny Karazissis and Undeniable win the Fleeceworks Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the 2014 Del Mar International Horse Show. Photo by: McCool Photography.

Now in its third year, the Grand Prix Hunter Derby has been an incredible success story, bringing action, excitement and against-the-clock drama into the normally sedate hunter ring. Pitting the nation’s top hunters against each other in a test of style, pace and lightning-fast on-course decision-making, these classes are exciting to watch, and even more exciting to ride. Points are added or subtracted according to whether the rider is under or over the time allowed, and horses are judged on performance, way of going, style and handiness.

“Grand Prix Hunter Derbies are new and exciting,” says Jenny Karazissis of Far West Farms on why she loves riding in the Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series. “They’re not only exciting to ride in, but also to watch!

The first class in the 2015 series is the $2,500 Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the Flintridge Spring Classic, followed by the $2,500 Far West Farms Grand Prix Hunter Derby at the 94th Annual Flintridge Horse Show. The Central California Show Series at the brand new Paso Robles Horse Park will also host Grand Prix Hunter Derbies on the beautiful grass field! In all, riders get a chance to compete in ten Derbies held throughout the season in order to qualify for the $25,000 Grand Prix Hunter Derby Final, held at the Del Mar International Horse Show in October.

“I hope to compete in the Grand Prix Hunter Derbies at the Paso Robles Horse Park. I love that area and look forward to someplace new to show.” says Karazissis. She confesses, “Del Mar is by far my favorite venue!”

The derbies are open to all riders, and consist of two rounds, jumped at either the 3’3″ or 3’6″ height. The course has at least two option fences set at two to three inches above the respective heights.

“The Grand Prix Hunter Derby series brings a new level of excitement to the hunters, and the enthusiasm for these classes has been fantastic,” Dale Harvey said. “Each year, we’ve had more entries than the year before, and West Palms Events is looking forward to an amazing 2015 season.”

West Palms Events is excited for the opportunity to continue the successful Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series, beginning with Flintridge this Spring! Stay up to date on information about the Grand Prix Hunter Derby Series and the 2015 show season by visiting our website and following us on Facebook!

Competitions, Eventing/H.T.

Kieffer Claims Both Adequan USEA Gold Cup Divisions at Red Hills

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Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate won the CIC3* division at Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida. StockImageServices.com photo.

Lauren Kieffer stole the show this weekend, riding her way to two Adequan USEA Gold Cup Division wins. She was the overnight leader in both the Advanced and CIC3* divisions after cross-country, and managed to pilot both horses flawlessly around William “Fuzzy” Mayo’s technical show jump course today.

The crowds showed up to support the Red Hills International Horse Trials in the sunshine today, providing a lot of atmosphere in the newly renovated show jump arena at the Elinor Knapp-Phipps Park. The Advanced Division went before the CIC3* Division, and Kieffer rode Team Rebecca’s mare Veronica to an effortless double-clear round.

“Veronica was great, and she’s the type of horse that feeds off the atmosphere: the more of it, the better she gets,” said Kieffer. “She’s such a professional and experienced horse at this point, and she was such a pleasure to ride all weekend.”

Czechmate on the other hand did not take a liking to the atmosphere, but Kieffer handled the situation with poise and rode the Ramsay’s Czech Warmblood gelding through a very systematic round in the CIC3* Division.

“Being new to this level and this type of atmosphere, Czechy was a little spooky at the beginning, but I was happy with the way he got better as he went,” she said. “He really handled himself well this weekend and I’m proud of him.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp certainly kept the pressure on Kieffer in the CIC3*, leaving no room for error after her seamless double-clear round aboard Deborah Halliday’s Irish Sport Horse gelding HHS Cooley.

“He jumped out of his skin today, and I couldn’t have asked for more,” stated Halliday-Sharp, who has had the gelding since the beginning of his eventing career. “He had a bit of time off, and then I had a difficult time with him at the last two events, but he was just fabulous here all weekend. I really felt like I got my horse back this weekend, and that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Jennie Brannigan secured third place in the CIC3* with a beautiful double clear round aboard Nina Gardner’s Irish Thoroughbred gelding Cambalda.

Elinor MacPhail earned the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) award with her 13-year-old OTTB mare, True Dynamite, coming in as the highest placed Thoroughbred in the CIC3* Division.

“This is [True Dynamite’s] first CIC3* and I’m really happy with the way she jumped all weekend,” stated MacPhail. “Cross-country is her best phase, as she’s a quick horse, and my goal is to get her to the Jersey Fresh three star this spring.”

Once again, Red Hills proved to be a weekend of top class entertainment for the local community, and fierce competition for the competitors.

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series now moves to the Carolina International CIC3* on March 19-22 in Southern Pines, North Carolina and then heads west to the Galway Downs CIC3* in Temecula, California.

To see the full list of this weekend’s results at Red Hills International, go here.

About the Adequan USEA Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series

Qualifying for the 2015 Adequan USEA Gold Cup began last fall with the Plantation Field CIC3* (PA) and the Woodside CIC3* (CA) and features 11 qualifying competitions throughout the United States at the Advanced Horse Trials and CIC3* levels. The final will take place at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships September 2015 in Tyler, Texas. Riders who complete a qualifier earn the chance to vie for $40,000 in prize money in the Adequan Advanced Division and the title of Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion.

The 2015 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series is made possible through the support of its many loyal sponsors: Adequan, Standlee Forage, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, Point Two, Dubarry, and FITS.

The PRO Tour Series consists of 13 premier destination events in the United States and Canada, featuring the best riders and most entertainment. Riders and Horses are awarded points on the PRO Tour Rider Leader Board and PRO Tour Horse Leader Board.

Authored By: USEA

Championships, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Miss Lucy Returns to Hunter Ring, Capturing High Performance Championship at HITS Ocala VIII

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Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy.

Wellington, FL – March 9, 2015 – SBS Farms left their mark in the hunter rings this week at HITS Ocala VIII. Outstanding trips on several horses put Jennifer Alfano at the top of the ribbons in numerous divisions. The sensational mare Miss Lucy made her return to the show ring for the first time in over a year, claiming the High Performance Hunter Championship with her long-time partner back in the irons.

Owned by Helen Lenahan and ridden by Alfano, the chestnut mare made light work of her reappearance. She left no doubts about her ability, capturing the High Performance Working Hunter division championship with ease. The mare was first, second and third over fences. She then went on to finish second under saddle. The pair laid down an impressive score of 87 to win the handy class. The year is sure to be great for this preeminent High Performance and hunter derby horse.

Me Again, a Dutch Warmblood also owned by Lenahan, garnered good ribbons in the First Year Green Working Hunter division. The American-bred gelding continued to build on his successes from last year, which included winning the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. Me Again and Alfano picked up the fourth place over fences, and won the handy class with a score of 88 in the competitive First Year Working Hunter division.

Castle, ridden by Jennifer Alfano and owned by Sharon O’Neill, was consistent throughout the Pre-Green division, picking up three second place finishes over fences and finishing third in the under saddle, to capture the reserve championship.

Alex Trolli was extremely successful in the Low Junior 3’3″ Hunters with both of her mounts. Hey Sailor was champion of the division, with highlights including a score of an 84 to win an over fences class, and an 80 to capture the win in the handy. In the classic, Trolli entered the second round with an 83 and stayed consistent with a 77 to finish with a total of 160 in second place. She rode her own Del Piero to a fourth over fences and a total score of 157 in the classic to finish in third.

Based out of Buffalo, NY, SBS Farms’ Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano run one of the foremost show hunter training operations in the country, and travel nationwide to compete in the nation’s most prestigious horse shows. SBS Farms, Inc. continues the proud tradition of the Saddle and Bridle Club as one of the top show stables in the northeast. Schoellkopf is also the Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, which houses both The Buffalo Equestrian Center as well as SBS Farms. Built in 1922, the 160-stall facility is a historical landmark, with its unique English Tudor and gothic style architecture.

For more information on SBS Farms, please visit www.sbsfarms.com. For more information on SBS Farms and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Angel Karolyi Wins $50,000 Ocala Grand Prix with Wings

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Angel Karolyi of Venezuela guides Wings to victory. Photo by © ESI Photography.

Ocala, Florida – Angel Karolyi and Wings flew to victory in the $50,000 Purina Animal Health Grand Prix held at HITS Ocala on Sunday, March 8, in Ocala, FL.

Riding for Venezuela, Karolyi was the only entry in the 37-horse starting field to jump double clear. Competing over a course designed by Florencio Hernandez of Mexico, seven horse-rider combinations were clear over the first round track to qualify for the jump-off. Karolyi was in the enviable position of being last to go, and was well aware that a clear jump-off performance would win the class.

“I figured I had to play it safe, not go too slow or too fast, and hope for the clear round,” said Karolyi of his jump-off strategy. “Wings is a veteran. When you are riding a good, experienced horse, if you do things right and give him a good ride, he is going to give you quality and carefulness. It is pretty simple as long as you keep the basics correct.”

Those correct basics led to a clear round, giving Karolyi the win – and $15,000 in first place prize money – in the $50,000 Purina Animal Health Grand Prix. Dr. Fernando Cardenas riding Quincy Car and Kristen VanderVeen riding Bull Run’s Testify placed second and third respectively, having produced the only four fault efforts in the jump-off.

Wings is a horse that Karolyi and business partner Andrea King got last spring from double U.S. Olympic gold medalist, McLain Ward. Karolyi showed the 17-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lexicon x Columbus) briefly in the spring of 2014, enjoying a second place finish in the $25,000 Carolina Real Estate Grand Prix in Aiken, SC, before turning his focus solely to his top international mounts, Amigo and Indiana 127, both owned by Hollow Creek Farm.

In what would become a ‘career year’, Karolyi spent the latter half of 2014 embarking on a show jumping world tour. He scored a major victory in the $210,000 Cenovus Energy Classic Derby during the Spruce Meadows Summer Series in Calgary, Canada before competing with Amigo at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, marking the first time Venezuela had fielded a full team for the major championships.

In the fall, Karolyi was again a member of the Venezuelan Show Jumping Team for its debut in the Furusiyya Nations’ Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain. He then headed to Mexico for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz where he won the Silver Medal in the Individual Final riding Indiana 127.

Focusing on his international career meant a lot of travel and time away from the United States, where Karolyi makes his home. With 2014 in the record books, Karolyi, who is now based in Wellington, FL, traveled to Ocala to meet up with Wings, who is cared for by King at her base in Aiken, SC.

In their first competition together this year, Karolyi and Wings enjoyed success, winning the $10,000 1.45m Friday Prix on February 20.

“Wings is a horse that we got from McLain last year,” explained Karolyi. “I showed him a bit in the spring and then he stayed at home with Andrea. He had not been competing for a while, so when he won the $10,000 Friday Prix, it was very exciting for both Andrea and for me. Andrea had been working the horses and keeping them fit while I was gone, so to come off a long rest and win the $10,000 Friday Prix was exciting.”

Two weeks later, Karolyi and Wings were back to contest the HITS VIII Ocala Winter Finals, held March 3 to 8. Karolyi felt that King had put together the perfect plan to lead them to grand prix victory.

“Andrea thought up a strategy for this week,” said Karolyi of the renowned horse trainer. “We jumped a Level 6 class on Wednesday, gave Wings a day off, jumped the $10,000 on Friday, gave a day off, and then jumped in the grand prix on Sunday. I discussed it with Andrea, and we thought it was the perfect plan for the horse. It worked out, and ended up being a great result.

“I am really excited for Andrea,” continued Karolyi, 28, who has worked with King for the past seven years. “She has worked so much on these horses without me being there for the past eight or nine months, and they are all going beautifully. I am focusing on my career down in Wellington, but that is not stopping us from working together and continuing to have success.”

Karolyi’s major goal for 2015 is to compete for Venezuela at the 2015 Pan American Games, hosted in Toronto, Canada. The Pan American Games act as a qualifying event for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where Venezuela hopes to be one of two teams to earn an Olympic berth.

Contact: Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca