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HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Lisa Goldman Makes a Clean Sweep at HITS Ocala Week IV

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(C) ESI Photography. Lisa Goldman and Morocco on their way to a $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix win.

Ocala, Florida (February 8, 2015): Lisa Goldman of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois is on a hot streak at HITS Ocala Winter Circuit winning the $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome on Wednesday with Rocs to Riches and the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Thursday with Morocco.

Twenty four horse and rider combinations attempted Bernardo Cabral’s course of 15 efforts set at 1.45-1.50 meters for the opportunity to take home their share of the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix prize purse. Twelve riders had clear first round efforts and went on to the jump off.

“Every one of these horses is capable of being the winner. It just depends on whose day it is,” said onlooker Michael McCormick of MTM Farms.

The jump off was a footrace with all twelve taking short turns and gallops at every available opportunity. The abbreviated course included Fences 1 and 2 with an optional inside turn to a vertical across the middle, which caused the lions’ share of faults. The course continued with a left roll back to the newly introduced Adequan jump and another left to the original Number 4 oxer. The finale included a line from 11a to 11b and a strong gallop to Fence 12.

“It’s okay for me that a bunch went clean because my horse is a speedball,” said Goldman. “I‘ve really liked the courses so far this week. They ride really well. I love it here at HITS.”

David Beisel on Call Me Hannes was first to go in the jump off and finished with four faults and a time of 43.424 to finish tenth. Next up was speedster Lisa Goldman on Morocco who took all the inside turns and encouraged her horse the whole way to go as fast as he could, ultimately setting the Great American Time to Beat at 39.474.

Ten more riders unsuccessfully tried to catch Morocco’s time, including Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas. Fenney, fresh off her second place finish in the HITS Ocala Week III $50,000 Grand Prix, came close riding MTM Centano, owned by MTM Farm. She stopped the clock at 41.187 on the big strided bay with a clean round and second place.

Laura Linback of Mundelein, Illinois, on Woodrun’s stallion HH Dauphin, had a clean jump off round with a time of 41.615 to finish third. Amanda Flint of Long Valley, New Jersey, riding The Coverboy Group’s Balotan, had a tidy clear on a pretty grey in 42.134 for fourth place.

Jerome Navet, nephew of World Champion Eric Navet, riding OnlyJumpers.com’s Sirius Brown was also clear in a time of 43.866 to finish fifth. Thursday’s SmartPak Grand Prix was Navet’s first time showing in the U.S.

Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas had four faults on each of Hays Investment Corporation’s horses finishing sixth on Any Given Sunday in a class leading time of 38.310 and seventh with I Love Lucy in 40.523.

$2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome

Lisa Goldman already has three horses in the top six vying for the Brook Ledge Leading Rider Award at HITS Ocala, and she continued her reign returning to the winner’s circle again after Wednesday’s $2,500 Brook Ledge Open Welcome. This week she was first on her eight year old chestnut mare Rocs to Riches and third on Zacantos Z.

Twenty-two horses competed over a course of 13 jumping efforts set between 1.4 and 1.45 meters, designed by Bernardo Cabral. Ten horses went clear in the first round with five clear in the jump off.

Goldman had two horses in the jump off and finished third on her own Zacantos Z who was clear in a time of 33.083. Kirk Webby from Whitehouse, New Jersey finished second after holding the lead on Brando Du Rouet in a time of 32.951 until Goldman jumped off last in the order.

Having already jumped clean on Zacantos Z, Goldman was ready to chase the clock with Rocs to Riches. The pair finished with a time of 32.011 for the win.

“The course was great. It let you get in and built up as you went along,” said Goldman.

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

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof Win $127,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI 3*

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Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Photo © Sportfot.

Tori Colvin and Inclusive Take Home the Blue in Final Two Over Fences Classes in the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17

Wellington, FL – February 8, 2015 – Week five of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Ariat® International, concluded on Sunday with a win for Brianne Goutal (USA) and Ballade van het Indihof in the $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3*. After topping Friday’s $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5, Goutal and the 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Heartbreaker) continued their winning form into the week’s finale event, held on the beautiful grass jumping field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Olympic course designer Robert Ellis of Great Britain set the international courses at PBIEC for week five and concluded with a great track for 45 competitors on the field on Sunday. Seven entries were clear over the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and two went double clear in the tiebreaker.

Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof, owned by Remarkable Farms LP, were the fastest double clear in 47.10 seconds. Heather Caristo-Williams (USA) and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Caristo’s Evening Star finished second in 50.78 seconds. Harrie Smolders (NED) and Copernicus Stables LLC’s Don VHP Z had the fastest round of the jump-off in 46.77 seconds, but a rail at the final fence put the pair in third place.

“I am thrilled,” Goutal said of her victory. “This week she has been amazing, but in general she pretty much only jumps good rounds. I was very disappointed not to have her for the last two years due to a couple of injuries and now that she is back, it is really just a pleasure every time you go in the ring. She is very strong, but she takes you right down to the big jumps. She is ultra-careful, so you are never worried. She is just something else. She is a freak of nature, and I am grateful every time I go in the ring with that horse.”

Goutal had to catch the clear round of Heather Caristo-Williams and Evening Star, but knew her horse could beat their time.
“Honestly, my horse is so fast,” Goutal said. “She wastes no time across the ground. She jumps very high, but somehow it is efficient at the same time. You never feel like you have really opened up. I just keep a high rhythm, a high canter and kind of let her go. She is so careful that you can kind of guide her and snake through a little bit. Heather had a beautiful ride, but I think her horse is a bigger mover, more bounding, and I think my horse is just really, really fast.”

Caristo-Williams explained that her horse had some time off last year and is just coming back to this level of competition, and she was thrilled with his performance.

“I was really happy with my jump-off in general,” she stated. “It has been a little while since I have been able to be in a jump-off with these guys, so I just wanted to do what was right for my horse. There was that pillar placed before the combination. I went inside that in the class on Friday and we had a little trouble and had the last jump down in the WEF (Challenge Cup), so I knew that I was not going to make that mistake twice. I wanted to do what was best for my horse and I know it was a slower option, but at that point going against everyone else here, I was just really happy to be efficient and go for a clear round.”

“It is so much fun out there,” Caristo-Williams added. “I love the jump-offs and I am just so happy to be able to go in there. I gave him the summer off because our end of the season last year we kind of went a little bit downhill, which is odd for him because he really is a trier. Now we are just kind of getting back into it again and peaked today, so that was nice.”

Harrie Smolders had the time in hand with Don VHP Z, but took extra risk in his jump-off course with the knowledge that Goutal and Georgina Bloomberg were still to follow. The risk did not pay off when he had the final fence down, but Smolders was happy with his horse. He began riding Don VHP Z last year and has already developed a great partnership.

Commenting on his round, Smolders noted, “My horse I think is naturally a slower mover than Brianne and Georgina’s horses, so that is why I had to take a bit more risk to put on the pressure. I think we were a bit unlucky today because I think Don is in really good shape and he deserved to go clean.”

“I think I am starting to know him better and our results are getting there now,” Smolders stated. “He is a great horse. He is really scopey. Now I am looking forward to the future with him.”

The last time Smolders competed in Wellington was in 2012, and he has seen great growth in the level of competition in the last few years.

“I think the competition is very strong here,” the rider acknowledged. “There are many good horses here. It is good sport. It is not easy. It is not easy to win anywhere, but it is definitely difficult here. There are many good riders and many good horses.”

Goutal proved a great combination with Ballade van het Indihof this week, and with her success, was presented with the Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider award, presented by Martha Jolicouer in memory of Dale Lawler. She also accepted the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style award to conclude week five.

Tori Colvin and Inclusive Take Home the Blue in Final Two Over Fences Classes in the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17

On the final day of WEF 5 competition Tori Colvin and Inclusive were named champions of the Antares Large Junior Hunter 16-17. Inclusive, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, won three of the four over fences classes, along with a third place finish in the handy hunter round. Colvin exclaimed, “Today he went amazing! He went very slow and nice.”

Further Lane Farm’s horse, Stellar, was ridden to reserve championship honors by Sophie Michaels. The pair was first and second over fences and won the under saddle.

This week was Inclusive’s 2015 WEF debut. “He [Inclusive] was a little nervous yesterday. He used to be a jumper, so he went into jumper mode and got a little fast,” Colvin commented about her horse’s performance.

Despite having a long break, Colvin and Inclusive have been working together for the past five years. Although he was a little out of practice the first day, the second day Inclusive was back to his winning ways. “I know him [Inclusive] very well. He is my best friend, he can have his days, but he steps it up in the ring,” Colvin said.

“In the handy round I did the skinny trot jump, which was fun for him [Inclusive] because the spookier the jump, the better for him,” Colvin smiled.

Looking ahead to next week, Colvin is planning on riding Inclusive in the $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Colvin has won the class for the past three years and is excited to try and defend her title this year. After WEF, Colvin hopes to qualify Inclusive for the Devon Horse Show and the Indoor Finals.

When Colvin is not competing in the hunter ring, she is busy competing in the equitation and jumpers. As the 2014 ASPCA Maclay Finals Champion, Colvin is looking to have similar success this fall in her last junior year.

The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with its sixth week of competition, sponsored by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, on February 11-15, 2015. Week six features the coveted $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, the $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3*, and much more. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, FEI

Exell Writes History with a Record Sixth Win

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Boyd Exell on his way to a historic sixth victory in the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final at Bordeaux (FRA) today. (Pierre Costabadie/FEI)

Bordeaux (FRA), 8 February 2015 – Title defender Boyd Exell (AUS) wrote history this afternoon in the dramatic FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux (FRA). Christoph Sandmann (GER) finished second, ahead of Exell’s biggest opponent, IJsbrand Chardon (NED). The Australian won the FEI World Cup™ Driving champion title for the sixth time, once more than the previous record holder Germany’s Michael Freund.

It was a three-man Winning Round. After Christoph Sandmann and Boyd Exell had driven theirs, IJsbrand Chardon entered the arena with his special indoor team. The Dutch held an advantage of approximately three seconds over Exell and flew through the course, determined to win the coveted title which has eluded him since 2006. Unfortunately however his carriage lost balance in the left turn and Chardon had to make a correction. This caused his right leader horse to come out and spectacularly jump over the start/finish element. As Chardon had come too close to the next marathon type obstacle, he could no longer correct the situation and went through the wrong gate. He had no other choice except to retire.

Boyd Exell drove two wonderful clear rounds in full concentration and put the pressure on last man Chardon. Exell was especially pleased with his right wheeler horse, the 25-year-old Carrington Park Ajax affectionately called Junior, who has now been retired from the sport. Junior has been part of Exell’s team at every FEI World Cup™ Driving competition. He thanked the exceptional gelding by escorting him out of the arena, walking beside him while his navigator Michelle drove the team.

Christoph Sandmann was very pleased with his second place. The multiple German champion and organiser of a CAI3* at his home in Lähden did not take any risks in the first round and went full speed in the Winning Round, knowing he had nothing to lose since the difference between him and the two leading drivers was too big. His clever tactics resulted in a wonderful third place for the experienced driver, who had not competed in Bordeaux since the series’ first season in 2002.

Fredrik Persson (SWE) finished in fourth place, ahead of Koos de Ronde (NED), wildcard driver Sébastien Mourier (FRA), and Georg von Stein (GER).

Quotes:

Boyd Exell (AUS): “Once we got in our zone, it felt like the old winning wheel again. Because of my injured hand, I had to sharpen the bit settings and I could not play with them as much as I would have liked to. Poker, who is only seven, was a true member of our team today but the highlight for me really was the retirement of Junior. I am so thrilled for him and so happy he finished his career with a win.”

Christoph Sandmann (GER): “I am very happy with my second place. I did not compete in the World Cup last season and I had a special indoor team for this season with which I am very pleased.”

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I was very fast and I believe I was even five seconds ahead of Exell when fate struck again. I feel terrible that this has happened; I really wanted to win. But this is the game and I accept it.”

Official results

YouTube content: http://youtu.be/w3dn-MoiMnU.

For information on Bordeaux, go to www.jumping-bordeaux.com or contact Press Officer Pascal Renauldon, p.renauldon@rbpresse.com, +33 608759407.

By Cindy Timmer

Media contact:

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Allen Does the Double with Another Longines Win at Bordeaux

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Ireland’s Bertram Allen clinched his second victory in the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League at Bordeaux, France tonight riding Romanov. (FEI/Pierre Costabadie)

Bordeaux (FRA), 7 February 2015 – Irish Jumping sensation, Bertram Allen, made it a double of wins when scorching to victory in the thrilling penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series at Bordeaux, France tonight.

And his result was all the more phenomenal for the fact that the 19-year-old rider was partnering Billy Twomey’s stallion Romanov who, at 17, was the oldest horse in the class and just two years younger than the man in the saddle.

There was plenty of tension in the air, as many riders were desperately bidding for those elusive extra qualifying points that will get them to the Longines Final in Las Vegas, USA in two months’ time. But Allen was already well-assured of his ticket following a spectacular indoor season, and tonight the young man who recently moved up to 14th in the Longines world rankings stands top of the Western European League leaderboard.

Underpinning his extraordinary achievement, he left German superstars Ludger Beerbaum (Chaman) and Marcus Ehning (Singular Ls La Silla) in his wake, while Timothee Anciaume (Olympique Libellule) slotted into fourth for France.

When asked afterwards if he was surprised to have beaten such a world-class field, Allen replied, “No, not really. I’ve always known that Romanov is a great horse, and he was just brilliant tonight!”

Up to the task

Course designer, Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, gave them a generous 78 seconds to complete the first course of fences, and 11 of the 40 starters proved up to the task. The triple combination at fence 10 took the biggest toll, but there were also plenty of mistakes at the vertical at eight and the oxer at fence nine which each had a water-tray below them.

The clever jump-off track took horses on a figure-of-eight before looping back to the last element of the former triple combination which was followed by the 1.60m vertical at fence 11 and a long gallop to the final oxer. It seemed Germany’s Beerbaum had it in the bag when the 51-year-old ace, who enjoyed very little luck in earlier legs this season, produced the smoothest of runs from the 16-year-old Chaman to set a strong target in 37.72 seconds when fourth to go.

That left him almost five seconds ahead of the only other clear round produced by the host nation’s Timothee Anciaume and Olympique Libellule after Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander kicked out the last with Lintea Tequila and Italy’s Luca Moneta and Connery lowered the third.

Despite a breath-taking turn inside fence 11, Marcus Ehning and Singular la Silla still couldn’t better Beerbaum’s target time when clear in 38.44. And when Zurich winners Sergio Alvarez Moya and Carlo from Spain left two on the floor, and Ireland’s Denis Lynch (All Star), and Kevin Staut (Reveur de Hurtebise) and Penelope Leprevost (Flora de Mariposa) from France all collected single errors, Beerbaum was still out in front.

Formidable reputation

However, although still so very young, Allen has already earned a formidable reputation for skilled riding against the clock. With his top horse, the grey mare Molly Malone with which he clinched victory at the Longines leg in Verona, Italy last November, he is always to be feared. But he had no doubt that Romanov could do the job equally well this evening. Setting off at a relentless pace, he was well in touch as he cleared the penultimate vertical and the crowd held their collective breath as he urged his veteran campaigner to a big stand-off at the final oxer, stopping the clock in 36.48 seconds to go well out in front. And when the final partnership of The Netherlands’ Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Group Verdi made a mistake, it was the Irishman’s moment.

“I knew I was in with a chance, and I just kind of set sail down the last! He’s a brave horse with a lot of experience,” Allen said afterwards. He said Romanov “had a win in Zurich (two weeks ago), but it wasn’t a big class. He had a break after Birmingham (GBR) where he won the Showjumper of the Year last October, and we’ve been building him up especially for today.”

Quick to praise

Runner-up, Ludger Beerbaum, was quick to praise the winner. “To be honest, the competition in the jump-off wasn’t really close – he (Allen) was more than a second faster – fantastic work from him. He is very fast and so is the horse. I don’t think I could have beaten him today for speed.” And he added, “Looking at Bertram today, I remember how old I am! The first time I competed in Bordeaux was in 1987, Bertram wasn’t even born then! I was 23 years old at the time and won the Grand Prix. Since then, I haven’t won the World Cup here, so I guess I need to come back again next year then!”

Third-placed Marcus Ehning wasn’t at all disappointed, as his horse is only a nine-year-old and full of promise. “He competed in his first Grand Prix and World Cup in London and he jumped clear over there, and now he’s done it again here – twice! I’m really happy, despite not being the fastest,” he said.

Course designer, Uliano Vezzani, had the final word when putting tonight’s result into context. “I’m very happy,” he said, “because Bertram is the future.”

For further information on the eleventh leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series in Bordeaux, France, visit www.jumping-bordeaux.com or contact Press Officer Pascal Renauldon, Email info@rbpresse.com, Tel +33(3) 44 620 621.

The twelfth, and last, Western European qualifier will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday, 1 March. For details of the Swedish fixture, check out website www.gothenburghorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Mayvor Thorin, Email mayvor.thorin@gotevent.se, Tel +46 31 368 4349.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Bordeaux, France presented the eleventh and penultimate leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series tonight.

The winner was 19-year-old Bertram Allen from Ireland partnering Billy Twomey’s stallion Romanov who, at 17, is just two years younger than Allen and the oldest horse in tonight’s competition.

Allen is the only rider to win two legs of the current series. He previously came out on top with his mare, Molly Malone, at Verona, Italy last November.

Allen, who earlier this week moved up one place to No. 14 in the Longines world rankings, now heads the Western European League table with a big total of 71 points.

11 of the 40 starters qualified for the second-round jump-off against the clock.

The top four riders all jumped double-clear rounds.

Course designer was Italy’s Uliano Vezzani.

France was represented by three riders in the jump-off, including Kevin Staut who has competed at all 11 of the Western European League qualifiers to date and who, tonight, finished fifth with Reveur de Hurtebise HDC. Staut now lies second on the Western European League table with 63 points.

Gothenburg, Sweden presents the 12th and last leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League series on Sunday 1 March 2015.

Quotes:

Bertram Allen: “There is a super atmosphere here in Bordeaux; it’s one of the best shows on the circuit. I’m delighted. When you are one of the last ones to go at the jump-off and manage to get away with it, it’s a great feeling!”

Timothee Anciaume: “The aim today was simply to keep up the good run of form my horse (Olympique Libellule) has been in. He isn’t well known; I am aware of that. Nevertheless, he has come to Bordeaux in solid form and, given his lack of experience, today was all about trying to get to the jump-off and jump clear; time was not really the priority or focus. The horse has progressed very well and jumped 10 cm higher than the courses he is used to. I am obviously not aiming to compete in Las Vegas considering this was my first World Cup. I’m around the 100th place; if I can get to the top 50 in the coming months then that would be great.”

Marcus Ehning: “Singular LS is owned by Maria Gretzer. I’ve had him now for two years. He’s very much an up-and-coming horse and has improved a lot over the last two years. I’m very proud of him.”

Eric Dulong (President of the Event): “It’s my first year as President and it has been a wonderful, unique experience. It’s also been a great success in terms of visitors, quality of the event and riders – especially today, when you see how young the winner is! This has been another great step for us as a show and we want to keep going further. Thank you to all the riders for having come to Bordeaux and contributing to this success.”

Full standings here.

FEI YouTube here.

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://www.fei.org/bios.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Bordeaux:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
info@rbpresse.com
+333 44 620 621

At FEI:

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, FEI

Chardon Takes the Lead after First Competition

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Dutch driver IJsbrand Chardon is in the lead after the first competition of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015 in Bordeaux (FRA) (Pierre Costabadie/FEI)

Bordeaux (FRA), 8 February 2015 – Dutch driver IJsbrand Chardon has taken the lead of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015 in Bordeaux (FRA) after the first competition held last night. The reigning FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) is close second. Germany’s Christoph Sandmann is currently lying in third position.

IJsbrand Chardon was the first of the three favourites for the title to start on the challenging course laid out by Dan Henriksson (SWE). Despite the late hour, the Bordeaux spectators cheered enthusiastically the seven drivers. Chardon drove his team of three Lipizzaners and one KWPN to a clear and very fast round.

Fredrik Persson (SWE), the next man in the arena, went also clear crossing the finish line 14 seconds behind Chardon and finishing in fourth place with his lovely team of Swedish warm blood geldings. This means that in today’s second competition he will start with seven seconds to his name since 50% of the score differential between each competitor and the leading driver from the first competition on Saturday evening converted into seconds will be carried forward into the competition on Sunday.

Next favourite in was Koos de Ronde (NED), who drove the same team with which he won the last FEI World Cup™ Driving qualifier in Leipzig (GER) two weeks ago. De Ronde however knocked a cone down and had bad luck when the trace of one of his wheeler horses came loose. His grooms had to step down from the carriage to repair this, which cost him five penalty seconds in addition to some time penalties. De Ronde will change one horse in Sunday’s competition and will use the leader with which he won the qualifiers at Budapest (HUN) and Mechelen (BEL). De Ronde will start with nine seconds behind Chardon on Sunday.

Last man in and top favourite Boyd Exell drove a very nice round in which he did not push for speed. His goal was to drive a clear which he managed to produce. Exell finds himself at a disadvantage this weekend as he nearly lost one of his fingers after a concrete block smashed his left hand last week. The stitches are causing much pain and the Australian used his hand carefully in last night’s competition. The difference between Chardon and Exell is 1.59 seconds, which means Exell will only be 0.8 seconds behind Chardon in Sunday’s grand finale which is building up to be very exciting.

Third starter Christoph Sandmann drove a smooth round and was well on his way to a clear but unfortunately knocked a ball off the last gate. Despite this mistake, Sandmann, who has not competed in Bordeaux since the start of the FEI World Cup™ Driving series in 2002, went in a very fluent manner and finished in third place. He will start with 5.90 penalty seconds to his name in the Final.

The sixth place went to wildcard driver Sébastien Mourier (FRA) with his team of mixed grey Polish, Spanish, and Austrian horses. Georg von Stein (GER) missed the necessary speed and fluency in his team and had to settle for seventh place.

Quotes:

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “My tactics were not to give too much. Because this first competition counts for the Final, I wanted to finish as close as possible to the time of the winner. I did not want to take any risks and to take myself out of the competition on the first day already. I used Aladin again in the lead of my team and my round went very easily. I am very happy!”

Boyd Exell (AUS): “My team was very driveable and easy. I did hold them back the whole round to make sure I drove clear. I also had to be careful with my hand. For the Final I can put IJsbrand under pressure a little bit by driving a clear round. My main goal is to keep my focus!”

Christoph Sandmann (GER): “The course was technically very difficult and it will be decisive in the Final on Sunday. My plan was to drive a clear round after I had seen the first two competitors and I took few risks. In the Final I will start safely and keep it that way until at least the fifth gate. After that I’ll give it my all and take all the risks there are.”

Official results

YouTube content:

Check out the FEI TV preview here.

First competition wrap-up http://youtu.be/h3PGb2MMcko

Course designer Dan Henriksson (SWE) http://youtu.be/wexvASEMYvc

Boyd Exell (AUS) http://youtu.be/wK9LY_jtFis

Christoph Sandmann (GER) http://youtu.be/1toUbQzyAAU

Fredrik Persson (SWE) http://youtu.be/BkgXpLZricY

Koos De Ronde (NED) http://youtu.be/OKhE2gr34ro

The second competition of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video platform, on Sunday, 8 February at 13.25 CET (local time in France).

For information on Bordeaux, go to www.jumping-bordeaux.com or contact Press Officer Pascal Renauldon, p.renauldon@rbpresse.com, +33 608759407.

By Cindy Timmer

Media contact:

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Press Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Dressage, Jennifer Wood

Kathleen Raine and Breanna Top the AGDF Week 5 Grand Prix Special CDI 5*

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Kathleen Raine and Breanna. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 7, 2015 – Kathleen Raine (USA) and the lovely mare Breanna scored a 73.667% to win the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 5*, presented by Diamante Farm at Week 5 of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) and Divertimento followed in second with a 72.000% and Jill Irving (CAN) and Degas 12 rounded out the top three with a 69.078%. Week 5 AGDF continues tomorrow with a schedule of junior and amateur classes and the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI 1*, presented by Mission Control, highlighting the last day of competition.

CLICK to watch the winning ride for Kathleen and Breanna!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Raine and Breanne have been partners for more than 10 years, as she began working with the mare when she was four years old. The duo’s performances this week at AGDF are a testament to the time Raine has dedicated to creating a strong partnership with the mare. “It has been so fun to have had her for so long. We know each other really well, and I enjoy starting them from the beginning and training them up,” said Raine.

The duo’s extended stay in Europe this past season has really helped Breanna cope with large atmosphere venues. “Being in Europe really helped her suppleness and her whole way of going. I can see it in her reaction, her consistency, and the atmospheres we were able to experience there, which we don’t really have here. It helped to boost her confidence,” said Raine.

Vilhelmson-Silfven performed a very correct test on her partner Divertimento. “Tim”, who is known to get excited in electric environments, settled nicely for Vilhelmson-Silfven during the test. “This is our third week showing, and he keeps going and holding up very well. The weather earlier in the week made him a bit more excited than I wanted, but we cope with it and have figured out how to handle it,” she explained.

Divertimento’s large size can be intimidating to some, but he is the sweetest horse in the barn according to Vilhelmson-Silfven, which is what makes him so fun to work with. “He’s the sweetest one. Absolutely anyone could hack him, but once he hears applause he starts to get worked up,” she commented. “He tries really hard and all he wants to do is his best for you.”

Jill Irving and Degas 12 had a lovely test to place them third in the class. “I am so thrilled with our performance. He has finally become a man!” she exclaimed. “He was very good and I feel like now we’re covering ground in the canter, especially in the two-tempis. We landed right on the letter.”

Irving is the presenter of the Jill Irving Owner’s Award at each “Friday Night Stars” Grand Prix Freestyle event of the 2015 season, highlighting owners of winning combinations in both the CDI Prix St. Georges tests and the AGDF National Shows. “I think this city, Wellington, has grown so much and is so international now. Just right now we have Sweden, Canada, and the U.S. represented here and I thought that it was time we started recognizing the owners who are such great stakeholders,” said Irving.

She hopes the award will continue to draw the spotlight to many of the owners who make this sport possible. “I just felt like this was something really dear to my heart, and I’m so passionate about this sport. I think the owners deserve to get a trophy and have some time in the limelight,” she continued.

Steffen Peters and Rosamunde
Steffen Peters and Rosamunde

Steffen Peters (USA) and Rosamunde, the spectacular mare who has wowed crowds this week at AGDF, took home another win, this time in the FEI Grand Prix Special CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The duo received a 73.745% to win the class followed closely by Charlotte Jorst and Kastel’s Nintendo scoring a 69.608% and Shelly Francis and Danilo in third on a 69.137%.

Peters said the pair made further strides building their relationship today, as “Rosie” really impressed him in her ability to carry herself. “The beautiful thing about today was that I found I can really trust her in the piaffe. I didn’t trust her enough in the first piaffe in the Grand Prix on Thursday, and she got a little bit quick,” he explained. “I rode it today just like I do in training and that is quite unusual to be able to do with a horse in the show arena. Her one-tempis also worked beautifully and they were a bit straighter already than the first day.”

Watch the test for Steffen and Rosamunde – CLICK here!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

The mare looks to be the next big star of dressage in the U.S. and continues to impress Peters with her trainability and willingness. “She is a horse you can really count on. Never since I have had her has she taken a wrong step or said no. She just has that type of attitude that reminds me an awful lot of Ravel. She has the power and this beautiful soft connection,” he smiled. “When we retired Ravel I didn’t think I would ever get that feeling again in the show arena, and it is a true honor to ride a horse like that not just in the show ring, but every single day.”

Peters will look to continue educating the mare at the Grand Prix level but will be very careful not to push too hard because of her young age. “When I get home I would like to work on the transition from piaffe to passage and the straightness of the changes. Otherwise I am perfectly happy, and it is just sensational for an eight-year-old horse to be at this level. I would be silly to criticize her.”

Charlotte Jorst has another fantastic ride aboard her stallion, Kastel’s Nintendo. The duo has only been together for a year, but you would never be able to tell from their consistent performances in the ring. “He always feels great. I’m still learning how long to warm him up and today I think I may have warmed him up a bit too much because if he comes out soft, he only needs ten minutes to feel great,” she said commenting on her test today.

The pair will compete again in two CDIs in March at AGDF and will look forward to a strong summer circuit in California. “I don’t know what I’m going to do after California, but I’m going to continue competing because I have so much fun.” Jorst will be adding a new mount to her growing string, as she recently purchased Akeem Foldager from Andreas Helgstrand in Denmark and the horse will arrive on U.S. soil next week. “I’m just over the moon, and we will see how I can ride him. Maybe he will be a Pan American Games contender, but I’m just going to see if I can ride him first and get the one and two tempis because they’re the hardest for me, but if we can get them, I would love to go for it.”

Shelly Francis (USA) and Danilo had a strong showing in the class, and Francis feels like she is starting to get a hold of Danilo’s nerves in the ring. “If you overwhelm him he just gets hotter and hotter, so I am being really careful to make sure we don’t fry him mentally and do it the right way. He is so talented physically, he just has a little bit of catching up to do mentally,” she said.

The pair enjoys relaxing work sessions during the week to help keep the gelding calm and continue to build on their already solid relationship. “He’s learning to trust me more, and he’s staying much calmer. He really internalizes everything and starts to get nervous. We do a lot of work in the field several days a week and give him a chance to look at things. It’s good for him. He’s a very stimulated horse.”

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday, February 8, 2015.

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, Wellington Turf Tour

Kelley Farmer & Mindset Win $15,000 USHJA Int’l Hunter Derby at The Ridge at Wellington

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Kelley Farmer and Mindset.

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – An underdog rose to the top of the ranks today at The Ridge at Wellington’s second annual Hunter Derby Days. Mindset is the rising superstar of Rose Hill Farm, bought for Lilli Hymowitz to show in the Small Junior Hunter division, but today professional hunter rider Kelley Farmer captured the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby victory with consistent rounds and finesse on the turf derby field. Farmer and Mindset bested a field of top competitors, while David Oliynyk and Generous captured the second place and Brady Mitchell and Answer Me This finished third.

Kenneth Krome and Nick Granat of the United States captured the essence of a traditional hunt field as he transformed the turf Hunter Derby Field at the Ridge at Wellington into a challenging and beautifully set course. He utilized natural objects such as logs, brush and birch to set the scene, while challenging riders with a serpentine of obstacles. Set amidst the surrounding water and an array of palm trees, the top 12 riders had to traverse the technical second round course track while still earning valuable handy and high option points, adding crucial tallies to their already impressive score.

Out of a field of 22 horse and rider combinations, 12 would find their way into the challenging handy course, with Farmer and Mindful leading the way with a base score of 188 points. Returning in reverse order, each round showed handiness and accuracy with riders choosing inside turns, angles and strong hand gallops to impress judges Linda Andrisani, R. Scott Fitton, Mindy Minetto and Dee Thomas. It was Oliynyk who shined with veteran partner Generous, owned by Lori Gaudet. They earned seven points for their handiness through the course, and chose all four high options for a combined handy score of 194 points, jumping from seventh with the high scoring handy round to the second place position.

“It’s a wonderful venue. Being able to show out on the grass is so different than being at the show grounds,” Oliynyk said. “It is different to come and do and give the horses a different experience. We can to the second hunter derby last year, and we loved it so much we returned for this year. He has always been really good on the grass. He really hasn’t shown that much this year, this is his first show back.”

Oliynyk continued, “The first round he was a little spirited, but he settled down for the second round. He came back in beautifully and really felt like he was jumping well; it was fun to go out there. I thought the courses were very fair and considering the amount of rain we had yesterday, the turf was great, they maintain it so well.”

Although Farmer led the standings coming back for the handy round, a mishap at the birch trot jump ultimately lost her one-two finish she was hoping for with Mindful.

“I am dumbfounded as to what happened at that trot jump,” Farmer laughed. “My bravest horse! He has jumped every course in North America. I don’t know if it was the birch or the background, but it was a good experience for us. We will practice with more birch logs at home and more distractions in the background. He has given so much though, that he owes nothing.”

It was Mindset who would stand in the limelight today for his two consistent rounds in the International Hunter Derby. The young gelding has only been in the United States for a little over two months, but he is already earning a name in the hunter ring, and now in the hunter derby competitions.

“What an amazing animal — they all are!” eventual winner Farmer exclaimed. “We bought him and then we sold him to Rose Hill Farm. Lilli Hymowitz has been showing him in the Younger Small Juniors and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful match. Ideally, he is for her, but since yesterday got scrapped with all of the rain, we thought it would be best to bring him out and show him here where he can have a good experience.”

Taking a more conservative approach to the first round, Farmer chose to only jump the low options, earning the first round score of 86 and 86.5 for a cumulative base score of 172.5 points. They returned for the handy round with a little more gusto, choosing two high options and adding seven handy points to their score for an 85 and an 81.

“I jumped all low in the first round since he is such a good jumper,” Farmer said. “I had to think about what he has to do tomorrow; I may have taken a different option, but I didn’t want to overdo him. I used my better judgment.”

Farmer continued, “He is brave, scopey and athletic. I thought he might do well out here; I thought he had a chance; it is great that he won. This field is tough with the water and how open the field is; the horses sometimes get lost out here. He is a fantastic horse, and I am lucky enough that I still have the opportunity to ride him.”

Oliynyk would finish second with a combined score of 349 points, 12 points off of Farmer’s winning total. Brady Mitchell and Answer Me This, owned by Phoebe Weseley, took home the third place finish with a final score of 330 points.

Farmer described the courses, saying, “It was enough course for a young horse. This field is great! They take great care of it, and it rides nicely. I thought they built beautifully; it looks nice, and it was hard enough but still allowed riders to have the option.”

Chad Keenum and High Five captured the fourth place with a score of 329 points, while Evan Coluccio and Rarity finished fifth, just a point behind. Peter Wylde and Candor rounded out the top six with a cumulative score of 328 points.

Earlier in the day, riders from across the country traveled to compete in the first of two USHJA National Hunter Derbies, offered as part of The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour Series: Hunter Derby Days. The day kicked off with perfect conditions under sunny skies at The Ridge at Wellington, where the picturesque facility provided an incredible backdrop. The conclusion of the National Derby saw Dexter at the top of the ribbons, ridden by Peter Pletcher for Hollis Hughes Grace. Pletcher finished the day with a score of 356. Bringing home the second place prize was Coltrane, ridden by Dotti Barnwell Areson for Karle Rudy with a score of 324.5.

A total of 24 entries traveled back to the era of the traditional hunt courses and tried their hand at the National Hunter course, also designed by Krome and Granat. The Ridge’s beautiful all-weather sand arena was filled with exquisite jumps complete with all the finery one would expect from a top-tier competition.

Krome and Granat’s course required accuracy and finesse in order to garner top scores. Riders began over a single vertical on the diagonal, then continued to the options of either the outside line as low fences, or a bending line on the inside track for high options. The course continued to a one stride. Next the riders were presented with the same high or low questions mirrored on the other side of the ring. They continued through the turn to the other combination on the course and concluded over a single oxer on the way home.

Dexter earned an 87 and 88 for a combined score of 175 in the first round to lead the class going into the handy. Dotti Barnwell Areson and Coltrane presented a beautiful picture, garnering a 152.5 from the judges to finish second. Santinero, with Marissa Damone in the irons, floated around the ring and completed the first round with scores that totaled 152. Olivia Notman scripted a lovely course with Signature to finish with a combined score of 159 in the first round.

Twelve entries continued on to the Handy Round. The shortened course challenged the riders, with several questions being asked, including with a trot fence across the ring to an oxer option. In the handy, Pletcher took all of the high options to add 4 to each of his scores of 87 and 86, to conclude with an overall score of 356. Coltrane added an impressive 172 to his original tally to total at 324.5. Santinero’s handy round also wowed the judges with a score of 168.5 to wrap up with a cumulative score of 320.5 points. Signature added his own flourish to the course to add 161 to the first round and finish on 320 points, only half a point behind third place.

In the world of hunter derbies, The Ridge at Wellington provides an exhilarating opportunity for riders of all levels. As a stand-alone derby day, the national and international classes are fully dedicated to showcasing and perfecting the derby classes with ideal turf that rivals the traditional fox hunting fields, reveling in the sport and athleticism of the horse.

The Ridge at Wellington is a premiere state-of-the-art facility that offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington. The Hunter Derby days provided unparalleled hospitality for exhibitors and owners, with a breakfast and lunch spread that impressed. Dover Saddlery generously sponsors all coolers and banners for the 2015 Wellington Turf Tour.

If you missed your chance to ride for the first Hunter Derby Days of the Wellington Turf Tour, there is no need to worry. The USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies will return to The Ridge at Wellington on Friday, March 20, 2015.

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

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359668144211383/

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

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

Hunter/Equitation, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof Top $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5

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Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Photos © Sportfot.

Lynn Rogers and Blue Point Finish the Day as the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A Champions

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) resumed with competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday after inclement weather forced the cancellation of Thursday’s classes. The $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5, originally scheduled for Thursday, was held in the afternoon with a win for USA’s Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Alexander Zetterman (SWE) and Flecu finished second and Abigail McArdle (USA) and Cade placed third.

Ariat® International, Inc. is the title sponsor of week five CSI 3* competition on February 4-8, 2015. The week will feature the $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on the grass jumping field at The Stadium at PBIEC on Sunday, February 8. The weekend also highlights the 6th Annual Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®, which will be the main event on Saturday, February 7, under the lights of the International Arena at PBIEC. Both events will be live streamed at www.COTH.com. The Great Charity Challenge will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Watch it LIVE at: http://bit.ly/1DfE5ZK. The $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Watch it LIVE at: http://bit.ly/1KvCJu5.

Robert Ellis of Great Britain set the speed track for Friday’s Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 with 77 rounds and 17 clear combinations. With her win aboard Remarkable Farms LP’s Ballade van het Indihof, Brianne Goutal broke Eric Lamaze’s four-week hold on the series. The defending winner had one rail down to finish out of the money.

Although other riders were faster, Goutal’s early clear round, fifth in the order of go, would prove unbeatable. Lamaze went right before her, fourth in the order, and it was no mistake that Goutal crossed the timers just fractions off of his time. She watched his every step before entering the ring, and followed the same track. Her resulting time of 59.90 seconds held on through over 70 rounds for the win. Sweden’s Alexander Zetterman and Flecu finished second, almost three seconds slower in 62.54 seconds.

“It helped a lot to have Eric before me,” Goutal admitted after the class. “He always has the best jump-off tracks or speed tracks. He wastes no time. You see which numbers he does. From jumps two to three he did six strides and everyone else did seven, including myself. I walked that line and I did not walk six, and I am still not so sure how he did it. He is amazing to watch because he is always cutting corners, but just in the right way that he is not compromising the fence, so it is great to have him in front of you.”

Goutal’s winning mount, Ballade vent het Indihof, is a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Thunder van de Zuuthoeve x Heartbreaker) that the rider has owned for several years, but had a long break from showing. She finished third in the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, to kick off the season in January and has maintained her top form.

“That horse is absolutely incredible. I just got her back. She was off for almost two years with injuries,” Goutal explained. “She is the most careful horse I have ever ridden, and I think I have ever seen. She is electric and allergic to wood. What’s wonderful is that she is super brave as well, which is a great combination. She is really, really fast. To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to win. I didn’t feel like I was going very fast. I felt I was neat. I was hoping for top ten, and I think I just got really lucky that she’s so fast naturally. She does everything so efficiently, never wasting any time. I went around to the last jump even.”

Goutal praised course designer Bob Ellis on a great track that saw rails in many different places for some of the top horses and riders on Friday.

“I thought it was a beautifully designed course. At this level, these course designers are so good. They just know where to put the jumps and how to trick you and how to test you. I was super impressed with the track today because I thought it was a big speed track that had options and a lot of tests, but it wasn’t overdone or underdone at all. A lot of different jumps came down, which is, in my opinion, the mark of a great course. You have to pay attention to every jump and be super aware from beginning to end,” Goutal stated. “He always builds different courses. I think he does all the right tests. We see a few course designers that are consistent like him, and there is a reason they are building in this ring. I am super grateful to be jumping these kind of courses all the time.”

Goutal will jump Ballade van het Indihof again in Sunday’s $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on the grass field at The Stadium at PBIEC. After a great finish on the grass at the Trump Invitational, she feels her horse is ready to take on the new venue.

“She jumps really well on grass. She is a really confident horse and she is just fun to ride, so I am looking forward to it,” Goutal stated. “I love to go over there. I think it is a great change of venue and pace, and we are super lucky to have that as an option.”

Also competing on Friday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge was held with two sections of competition. Adam Prudent and Patrick Flin and Plain Bay Sales’ Vasco won Section A in the International Arena. Laura Chapot and The Edge’s Out of Ireland won Section B in the Mogavero Ring.

Lynn Rogers and Blue Point Finish the Day as the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A Champions

Despite a rainy day on Thursday, Lynn Rogers, from Long Island, NY, and her own horse, Blue Point, were in winning form. Rogers and Blue Point stayed consistent throughout the day and finished first, second, and third over fences. With only one day of competition, Rogers ended up as the champion of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A.

Deborah Perkins and her own horse, Kaepernick, topped two of the over fences classes to finish as reserve champions of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 50 and Over Section A.

With the rain yesterday, Blue Point and Rogers prepared for today’s classes with a trail ride. Rogers commented, “He [Blue Point] didn’t even lunge today. He’s easy to prep and very quiet.”

Blue Point and Lynn Rogers
Blue Point and Lynn Rogers

Rogers bought Blue Point when he was four years old and has been competing with him for the past three years. “I was looking for a three-foot hunter and my trainer, Tommy Serio, had Blue Point in the barn. Tommy said he [Blue Point] was too young for me, but I wanted a horse just like him. After a week Tommy let me ride Blue Point, and we just hit it off!” Rogers explained.

After spending a year showing in the 2’6″ hunters, Rogers and Blue Point moved up the 3′ hunter division. Since competing in the Adult Amateur Hunters, Rogers and Blue Point have enjoyed numerous top ribbons. Last year, Blue Point was the WEF reserve circuit champion in the Adult Amateur Hunters 50 and Over and started off this year as champion of the Adult Amateur Hunters 50 and Over at WEF 1.

When Blue Point is not competing in the show ring, he enjoys going trail riding. “He is the best trail horse I’ve ever had!” Rogers smiled.

Now competing at WEF for over 10 years, Rogers is still enjoying her winter months in Florida. “I like the footing, the nice jumps, and of course the weather. The reason I still show is because I like jumping these courses,” Rogers said.

Competition continues in the International Arena on Saturday with the $34,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic during the day session and the 6th Annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, in the evening. Hunter action continues with the Shamrock Ventures Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ 18-35 in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.

Lauren Fisher and Maddy Stover for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Petersen and Mariett Win Third Consecutive “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle

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Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – February 6, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett won yet another “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the CDI 5* competition presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett scored a 79.175% for victory. Steffen Peters (USA) and Legolas 92 placed second with a 76.200% and Mikala Gundersen (DEN) and My Lady came in third scoring a 75.725%, all riding in front of a completely packed crowd, the biggest audience in history at an AGDF event.

CLICK HERE to watch the winning freestyle ride for Lars and Mariett!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Nearly a personal best for the duo, Petersen and Mariett produced a test that was flawless and fluid, a routine result for the pair’s performances so far in 2015. “Tonight was a very good feeling. I think Mariett actually liked that the atmosphere was so big and she knows when people are watching. I thought this was one of my best freestyles on her ever,” commented Petersen.

Legolas 92 was excited in the electric atmosphere and Peters commented on what it was like to try and keep the gelding relaxed, soft, and together. “Tonight his energy was a little bit more controlled than yesterday, which was the goal, and that is a good thing. This is good experience for him. If we qualify for the World Cup, that arena will be (even) bigger and more difficult than this one.”

The pair has a breadth of international experience, competing for the United States at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France, but the atmosphere was a factor for “Legolas” this weekend. “One thing with him being 13 is that there is certainly no lack of energy, and I doubt by the time he’s 18 that will change,” laughed Peters.

Gundersen, who has been hot on the heels of her Danish teammate Petersen this entire season, was pleased with her continued improvement on My Lady so far. “I love going down the centerline. It is my favorite part of the test. She gets so big and once she hears that music start to play, it just gets her going. The further we get down the centerline, the passage just continues to get bigger and bigger, and she’s always so on it when the music starts,” said Gundersen when describing how it feels to enter the ring on a Friday night.

Judge at C, Lilo Fore, was truly excited about the entire class of Grand Prix Freestyles tonight and was eager to express to the riders how impressed the judges were with the quality of performances displayed. “I think the horses in this class were absolutely top quality and also I think some of the music which these horses now have is very exciting,” she commented. “When you’re sitting in the judge’s stand and you’re tapping your foot and going with the music, you can only imagine what the audience is doing. I think that is a really good sign and the horses we saw tonight were absolutely exceptional. When you think about the entire class, nearly everyone was above a 70% and that is a wonderful step in the right direction for the sport here.”

Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann both joined the press conference as representatives of the Week 5 CDI 5* sponsors, Diamante Farms. “You couldn’t have asked for a better crowd, a better competitor list, a better venue. It really doesn’t get much better than this,” said Kane, who also competed in the class scoring a 70.700% aboard Destiny. “A few years ago this didn’t even exist; it was just a dream. To actually have it here and have the sponsorship money driving people to want to be here and the incredible quality of competition, it is an unbelievable dream come true. Kohmann mirrored Kane’s response, adding that nights like these will continue to draw more international presence at the show in the future and will only strengthen the sport here in the U.S.

Allyn Mann, Director of Luitpold Animal Health, was thrilled with the turnout and the atmosphere of the Week 5 “Friday Night Stars” event. “You always dream and you always think that these things can be wonderful, but this event has really exceeded expectations. I thought two weeks ago was amazing and then you wonder how it could get any better, and it did,” he expressed.

As with the new tradition of each “Friday Night Stars” event at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, several awards were given throughout the night to top performing pairs and to the owners of these winners. The Best Horse Owner Award for the AGDF Week 3 National competition, presented by Jill Irving, was awarded to Sarah Schmidt. The Best Horse Owner Award in the Prix St. Georges class was awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Bechtolsheimer, owners of class winner, Unique, ridden by their daughter, Laura Tomlinson for Great Britain. The Best Horse Owner Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty was awarded to Marcia Pepper for the third consecutive freestyle competition in a row. The Adequan® High Score Award for the Grand Prix Freestyle was also given to Petersen for his incredible 79.175% aboard Mariett.

Earlier in the day, Christoph Koschel (GER) and Rostropowitsch NRW finished first on a 75.100% in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3*, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty. The duo put together a lovely test during the horse’s first competition ever in the United States.

The horse arrived in Florida in mid-January and suffered an untimely spider-bite upon his arrival, which led to Koschel giving him a few more weeks off than previously planned. “When I came into the stable, it looked awful to be honest. It has healed great and we’ve been taking very good care of it, so he is good to go now,” Koschel explained.

As for their test, “Rusty” put together a lovely freestyle considering the pair hadn’t had much time to practice the routine. “He may have lacked a little bit of conditioning this week from being out for the spider bite, but I’m happy with the test,” said Koschel. “We had a few mistakes in the canter tour, a small mistake in our one-tempis, but he was very nice and in front of the leg the entire time. I really liked the ride.”

The delay to the start of their AGDF season will not affect the rest of their plans at circuit, and Koschel will bring “Rusty” back in two weeks for the FEI CDI 4*/3* at AGDF 7. The horse is a staple in Koschel’s string of competitive mounts, which he attests to the horse’s incredible personality. “He’s a very sweet horse, a bit like a big dog to be honest, which you wouldn’t normally expect from a Grand Prix horse. The kids play with him in the stall when he lies down. He is just so well-behaved,” he related.

Crowd favorite, the young Juan Matute, Jr. (ESP), placed second in the class aboard his longtime mount Don Diego Ymas. The pair earned a 72.375% in their second CDI Grand Prix Freestyle of the 2015 season. “I really enjoyed it. It is always so much fun. This is our second freestyle, and I think we’ve done great. I have another routine in the works, but we’re going to stick with this one at the moment and improve on it,” he said.

At only 17 years old, Matute is gaining valuable experience this season competing at the Grand Prix level. The switch from Prix St. Georges to Grand Prix is a large jump for many riders, and Matute feels that he is beginning to feel confident at the new level. He explained, “It’s a bit intimidating sitting up here next to some of the best, like Mr. Koschel, but like I said, it’s a challenge and I enjoy it. It is always so fun. I have five CDI horses here, and we have a great season to look forward to.”

As for the partnership he has with Don Diego Ymas, Matute says the gelding has taught him everything he knows and they have an established relationship that gives him confidence in the ring. “I did my first CDI as a junior on him in 2012, and we’ve grown up together and gotten to where we have,” Matute said. “I feel like we’ve built this relationship that now when I go into the ring, I feel such a strong connection with him and I trust in him, and he trusts in me. We have a special magic that just helps to make everything flow.”

Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique were two for two this weekend in their first week at AGDF, taking home the win in the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, scoring a 74.632%. The pair, who has had a strong start to their 2015 season here in Florida, will only look to improve this year as Tomlinson begins to prep the mare for Olympic qualifications for Rio de Janeiro in 2016. “My goal is ultimately Rio and the other competitions between now and then are stepping stones to that point,” she explained. “When I have her at a point where I feel like she’s comfortable with the Grand Prix tests, I will say yes to being on a team, and if not and she needs more fine-tuning, then that’s fine too. Rio is the name of the game, and everything has to be done with that in mind.”

Diane Creech (CAN) and Robbie W continued their success today in the Small Tour classes as the pair placed third in the FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* sponsored by Mission Control yesterday and capped off today with another top three finish, coming in second with a 73.368%. Creech had nothing but wonderful things to say about “Robbie” and his owners, Doug and Louise Leatherdale. “This was a personal best for us today. Robbie is just such a great guy, and he’s so talented and has the biggest heart,” she expressed. “Doug and Louise bought him almost five years ago, and I’m so grateful for them to give me a chance to ride a horse like this. They’re the best people ever, and they really love the horses. It is incredible to have their support. It’s really like a big family.”

The fifth week of the AGDF continues tomorrow with the FEI Grand Prix Special for the CDI 3* and CDI 5* divisions.

To learn more about the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and for schedules and ride times, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information. The FEI CDI5*/3*/1* competition will continue through Sunday February 5, 2015.

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, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Callan Solem on VDL Wizard Wins $50,000 Hits Grand Prix over Challenging Course

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(c) ESI Photography. Callan Solem and Horseshoe Trail Farm LLC’s VDL Wizard jump their way to a $50,000 HITS Grand Prix victory.

Ocala, Florida (February 1, 2015): Course designer Danny Foster of Milton, Ontario gave the entries in Sundays $50,000 Hits Grand Prix a daunting course of 17 efforts and a time allowed that took no mercy. Only two riders jumped clear within the allotted time to advance to the jump-off: winner Callan Solem on Horseshoe Trail Farm LLC’s VDL Wizard and Tracy Fenney on MTM Farm’s MTM Centano.

Solem, of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, had two rides in the class, and, as the seventh to attempt the course, she and VDL Wizard, were the first to finish without a fault. It took 17 more entries before a jump-off was assured, when Tracy Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas, aboard MTM Centano also went clean. In the jump-off, Solem and VDL Wizard rode beautifully and finished with a clear round in a time of 49.739 to put the pressure on Fenney. Fenney planned to leave out a stride between fence 6 and 7a, but her horse’s huge stride got her there too early and he had a rail. Fenney chose to retire after the rail, and Solem claimed the victory with VDL Wizard while her other horse, VDL Torlando, finished fifth.

Solem said of VDL Wizard, “I’m just so lucky to have this horse to ride. He’s such a special horse. It’s so nice on these winter circuits to have the opportunity to jump courses by different course designers and they all ask different questions and you come out with a really produced horse. I’ve had this horse since he was a 7-year-old but he’s really just gotten into top form in the last nine months or so. I knew he was ready for a win.”

Fenney said she had planned to leave out a stride between fence 6 and 7a and commented after the class, “I did the seven in the first round and planned the six in the jump-off. I put a little curve in it but not enough and got there too early and had the rail. He just covers so much ground.”

MTM Centano owner Mike McCormick, of MTM Farm in Flower Mound, Texas, said, “It was a big hard class. A lot of lines you had to come back in. Some were long and flat; a couple were really tight. It provided a lot of questions and the questions always had to be answered by a really, really careful horse that had to be scopey. The slowdown five after the triple to the giant oxer really called on your horse’s scope.”

Haley Gassel of Lenoir City, Tennessee, riding Westwind Equine Training Center’s Quite Dark 2, finished with just one time fault but in a time of 91.244 in the first round to earn third place.

Sulu Rose Reed from Mechanicsville, Virginia, riding her own Envy, went first in the class with no jumping faults but was also just over the time allowed for one time fault in 91.559 seconds and fourth place. “I started out over the first three jumps a little slow. I was a little cautious on the turn from one to two,” she said.

Laura Linback Wins $7,500 U-Dump Jr/Am Classic Again

Laura Linback scored back-to-back wins on Whitaker MVNZ in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit $7,500 U-Dump Jr/Am Classic Sunday, finishing first in the class two weeks in a row.

Five horses out of 13 jumped clean around the first round track designed by Danny Foster, of Milton, Ontario, Canada. Linback was in the catbird seat, going last in the jump-off. No one had been clean yet, and Linback rode slow and steady with Whitaker MVNZ to finish with no faults and clinch the win in 47.915 seconds.

(c) ESI Photography. Laura Linback and Woodrun's Whittaker MVNZ win the $7,500 U-Dump Jr/A-O Jumper Classic High.
(c) ESI Photography. Laura Linback and Woodrun’s Whittaker MVNZ win the $7,500 U-Dump Jr/A-O Jumper Classic High.

“It was just the luck of the draw,” Linback said. “With no one else clear I could nurse my way around. It’s been a great week here at HITS. I won the Medium Amateur Jumper Classic, too, for the second week in a row. My hunter was champion and I was fifth in the SmartPak Grand Prix on Thursday with HH Dauphin.”

Whitaker MVNZ (which stands for Mountain View, New Zealand) is a Dutch Warmblood, bred by Wendy Kedell who imported his dam from Europe. She keeps in close touch on his career with the Linbacks, she said.

Second place in the class went to Unique, owned and ridden by MacKenzie McGehee, of Jacksonville, Florida, with the fastest four-fault trip in 43.421. Third was Valentina 156 and Alex Parrish of Midway, Kentucky, also with four faults but just a touch slower in 46.660. Rounding out the top five was Via Dolorosa owned by Derek Petersen and ridden by Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida, with eight faults and a fast time of 45.734 for fourth, and Quirant with Hayley Waters from Sparr, Florida with16 faults and a time of 57.379 for fifth.

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

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