(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.
“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.
Jerome Wirth, Carlucho Arellano and Nic Roldan. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Stunning 16-10 Victory in Ylvisaker Cup
Wellington, FL – February 5, 2015 – In one of the widest victory margins in high-goal play this season, Enigma rolled over Audi 16-10 Thursday in the Ylvisaker Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Not once did Enigma let go of its lead or give Audi even the slightest chance to tie the score.
You had to wonder how many cups of espresso the Enigma players had downed or maybe what they ate for breakfast (“Corn Flakes!” said their smiling patron later). These guys came out firing on 16 cylinders and stayed in overdrive until the final horn.
As far as anyone knew, Audi was coming into the match a force to be reckoned with. The team was fresh off its win Sunday in its first match of the Ylvisaker Cup and its win in the Bobby Barry Cup finals less than two weeks ago. But somehow things just didn’t gel for Audi on Thursday.
Showing straight away who was in charge, Enigma made four staccato goals – bam! bam! bam! bam! – in the first chukker, with Jeff Hall and Carlucho Arellano each scoring twice. Arellano had to work extra hard for his first goal, as he was chased down relentlessly by Freddie Mannix and took a big bump from Nic Roldan just before he reached for the ball in front of goal. Audi was scoreless until the second chukker, when Mannix and Lucas Lalor scored from the field, both within 60 seconds of the warning horn.
Audi started to perk up in the third chukker, which opened 6-2 for Enigma. Roldan poured it on like nobody’s business, making two goals from the field in quick succession. In classic “Roldan rampage” mode, he tried nonstop to turn things around for Audi. In a mad dash on goal, he made a daring acrobatic move. Desperately trying to keep the ball, he reached out on the offside a lot farther than gravity should have allowed. In each of the following chukkers, Audi made two goals (all but one provided by Roldan) But try as it did, time and time again, Audi just couldn’t decode the Enigma machine.
Enigma rolled like an avalanche down Mont Blanc, its threat increasing with every inch of ground it covered. At the half Enigma led by three points, continuing to widen the gap by another point each chukker – moving ahead by four points, then five, and finally six at the end of the game. Six of Enigma’s goals in the second half were delivered by Arellano, whose marksmanship was so precise he looked like William Tell using an arrow to split an apple in half atop someone’s head. (When asked about his performance, a humble Arellano shook his head and replied, “The only thing I want to say is: Glory be to the Father. He really helped us today.”)
Noting that a team needs a bit of luck to win, Hall said, “We have a hell of a team. We told ourselves to go out and play the same way we have been – don’t change a thing, and we’ll be fine. And I really believe that’s the case.”
Matias MacDonough, Enigma’s captain, said he told everyone at the pre-game meeting, “Look, guys, if we can get up by a nice difference before the end of the third, I think that’s the key to the game. We need to get fired up right at the beginning.”
An always gracious Jerome Wirth said, “I feel sorry for Audi. It’s a good team. But you need a winner, and I’m happy it was us. It’s a great victory, and we’re still on track for the quarterfinals.” (Enigma’s next game is the featured match on Sunday at 3 p.m.)
Despite an unrelenting downpour several hours before Thursday’s match – which caused other major equestrian events in Wellington to cancel the day’s classes – players without exception said the field played beautifully, owing to the excellent drainage and field care at IPC.
IPC will be teeming with 20-goal play all day long Friday as the Ylvisaker Cup continues. The 10 a.m. match pits CT Energia against Valiente. There are two games at noon: Casablanca vs. Tonkawa, and Villa del Lago vs. Gateway Merchants. The final game of the day is Coca-Cola v. Lucchese at 3 p.m.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
Lars Petersen and Mariett. Photos copyright SusanJStickle.com.
Wellington, FL – February 5, 2015 – Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett were victorious again this season at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the first class of the highly anticipated FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett topped the large Grand Prix class with a score of 74.160%, followed by Danish teammate Mikala Gundersen (DEN) aboard My Lady finishing with a 72.960% and Kathleen Raine (USA) and Breanna coming in third on a 72.420%. AGDF 5 competition will continue tomorrow, February 6, with the FEI Intermediaire 1 CDI 1* presented by Mission Control and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty during the day, and the highlight class of the week, the “Friday Night Stars” FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5* presented by Diamante Farms, beginning at 7pm with a special salute to Olympians from Diamante Farms prior to the class.
Petersen and Mariett are no strangers to the winner’s circle this season, as this is the duo’s fourth win in Large Tour classes at AGDF in 2015. In true form, the pair performed another nearly flawless test to bring home some of the highest marks they have received in a Grand Prix yet this season. “We’ve got it all wrong – she’s getting younger and younger and I’m just getting older and older, that’s how I think it really is,” joked Petersen when asked about the mare’s 17 years of age. “The thing now, at this stage, is what you do at home before you go to the show. I don’t practice that much. I just focus on keeping her loose, fit, and in good condition.”
Gundersen, who has also had a very successful beginning to the 2015 season on My Lady, had another great test under the lights with the mare as their scores continue to improve. “She loves this atmosphere, and I know she will be even better tomorrow,” she said. “I’m really happy with where I am. Looking at the starting list for this class, there are some very big names and I would have been happy to end up in the top five. Finishing where I did is really just a dream.”
Just back from a five-month trip in Europe, Kathleen Raine and Breanna had a strong showing for the first competition back on U.S. soil since June 2014. “I was thrilled with my ride tonight. We had a few little mistakes, but she was super consistent and she handled the atmosphere great,” she stated. “I’m really happy with how she’s doing. I think the experience in Europe really helped her. She’s much more mature.”
Tonight was Raine’s first experience competing at AGDF and she was impressed with not only the facility, but also the quality of footing, as both Petersen and Gundersen agreed. “I’m not only so impressed by this facility, but the way the footing held up today throughout all of the rain we got early in the day was truly amazing. I was just so impressed with how well it was taken care of today with the weather,” Raine said.
Steffen Peters (USA) aboard Rosamunde, the eight-year-old Rhinelander mare, won the FEI Grand Prix CDI 3* presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, in truly incredible form scoring a 71.300%. Arlene Page (USA) and Woodstock placed second with a 70.420%, followed by Charlotte Jorst (USA) and Kastels Nintendo in third receiving a 70.360%.
Peters was quick to give the young mare praise, as she is still very green at the Grand Prix level. “She amazed me the first day I sat on her. She’s just so focused. We had a few little rookie mistakes today, but there are a lot of wonderful things and the best thing is that she does it with so much lightness. There’s a lot of expression, and she feels so beautiful in the contact,” he said. The mare, who has only done one Grand Prix prior to competing today, has a bright future ahead of her with Peters in the irons.
Steffen Peters and Rosamunde
Rosamunde, who contested Small Tour classes in Europe last year, stepped up to the plate when Peters began asking for Grand Prix movements. “We started playing with the movements at summer training camp, and I wouldn’t compete her in the Grand Prix if I felt like I was pushing the movements. But once we started to try, it worked out great,” he commented. “The test two weeks ago was better, but it is still not a test in any way, shape, or form, I could be negative about. It’s really just a great to have an eight-year-old Grand Prix horse.”
As to a comparison between his two most established partners and Rosamunde, the now retired Ravel and his other Grand Prix mount here at AGDF, Legolas 92, Peters said there are similarities between the three but she seems to be more like Ravel at this point in her training. “They are all very different horses and the main similarity is that they all have a wonderful attitude and it is an honor to work with them each and every day. I do feel like her canter and canter pirouettes and also her trot half passes feel quite like Ravel’s, so you know he taught me so well, and I think Rosie will benefit from that,” he related.
Arlene Page, coming off a strong start to her 2015 season at AGDF, was pleased with her test aboard Woodstock, as it exuded confidence and was much more relaxed than her last outing with the gelding two weeks ago. “It’s nice to just do a solid and clean test. There was a lot of nice, steady canter work and a lot of confidence,” she said when describing her ride. “I am really lucky that I was able to experience this environment because he was a lot more content around the things that grabbed his attention two weeks ago. He was much more secure in his own body today, and I like that feeling a lot.”
The partnership between Page and Woodstock is relatively new, as this is her second year with the gelding and their connection and trust has grown incredibly since she took over the ride. “At this stage in the game it’s about building him up carefully. I really believe he can be a top, top horse, but I don’t want to leave a hole anywhere in his training. He needs to continue developing and also building the trust in himself and in me,” she explained. Woodstock has consistently improved upon his scores throughout this half of the AGDF season and Page hopes to continue that improvement throughout the rest of the year.
Page, who is based in Wellington for majority of the year, feels so fortunate to live close to the AGDF grounds, as it gives her horses the experience they need to progress through the levels. “I just want to continue to give him these great opportunities with great venues. I have to say this venue is as fantastic as anywhere you could find in the world and for me to say that it’s in my backyard is really just terrific,” she expressed.
Charlotte Jorst brought an incredible energy to the press conference, and her excitement was palpable as her third place finish was a personal best in a Grand Prix class for her and partner Kastel’s Nintendo. “Just sitting next to these people right now. Last year, I read about them and this year I’m sitting here so it’s pretty exciting,” she smiled. “I didn’t have any expectations. I was just out there to try and learn as much as I could and my goal today was to just get a clean test and see if I could get that done.”
The duo will look to improve upon their scores in the next few weeks of the AGDF circuit and then Jorst will head back home to Reno, NV, to continue training and see what the pair can accomplish before next fall. “I would love to go ride in Europe. I’ve never trained there before or done any of the big shows. I would love to get on a team. I would go and do it if I ever got the chance,” she said.
Laura Tomlinson (GBR) and Unique topped the large FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 1* class presented by Mission Control, scoring a 73.321% to take victory. This is the pair’s first competition back since 2013. Tomlinson took a leave of absence from competition as she was expecting her first child with husband, polo player Mark Tomlinson. After giving birth, Tomlinson hopped back in the saddle and started to prepare for the 2015 season, which started with her win today. “It’s great to get back in the ring. It was my mare’s first time out since 2013. We just needed to get back in the ring together, and I am very happy with the way she went,” she said.
As for their time in Florida, Tomlinson hopes to create enough confidence with Unique that it will allow the duo to make a smooth transition to Grand Prix in the coming weeks. “In an ideal world she’ll be on a championship team for Britain by the end of the year for European Championships but to be honest, I won’t know until we do a few Grands Prix and see where we are,” Tomlinson commented. “I know I’m going to have to ride very low-key and more for confidence. We can’t fuss too much over the details at this point, and that will give me the ability to get a real idea of where we are and see how far I can push the buttons to really make it good. She’s a proper diva. You have to make her feel comfortable or she won’t agree.”
Olivia LaGoy-Weltz (USA) and Rassing’s Lonoir followed in second scoring a 71.947%, the only U.S. pair placing in the top three. LaGoy-Weltz is looking forward to building upon the strong start with “Lono” and hopes to be in consideration for the team representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games being held in Toronto, Canada this July. “I know there is some stiff competition which is really a great thing for the program and the country that we have several very nice combinations vying for those spots,” she explained. As for her test on the big gelding, she was pleased with his performance. “The half-passes were very expressive and nice. He listened very well for the pirouettes. He really just took the leg and didn’t jump out from underneath the aids,” she continued. “He is a very big and powerful horse and trying to get all of that power where you want it can be difficult, but he was great.”
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.
Boyd Exell (AUS), pictured here in Stockholm (SWE), will be competing for his sixth FEI World Cup™ Driving champion title at the series Final in Bordeaux (FRA) this weekend. (Roland Thunholm/FEI)
Lausanne (SUI), 5 February 2015 – This weekend the renowned French show Le Jumping International de Bordeaux will play host to the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015, one of the highlights on the international equestrian calendar, for the fourth time in a row. Six of the world’s best four-in-hand drivers representing four nations have earned their tickets to what is set to be a breath-taking event. The qualification phase of the series took place over seven legs held from November 2014 to January 2015. Five-time FEI World Cup™ Driving champion Boyd Exell (AUS), who won four out of the six competitions in which he took part, is the favourite to conquer the much coveted FEI World Cup™ Driving champion 2015 title. But it won’t be an easy job for Exell who will face fierce competition from his Dutch opponent Koos de Ronde, winner of three out of four competitions.
“We have had a great FEI World Cup season and the level is getting higher each year,” Károly Fugli (HUN), Chairman of the Driving Technical Committee, said. “The results of the drivers are getting tighter, which is excellent for the sport.
“Sooner or later we will have to look into the development of the FEI World Cup Driving. More and more organisers would like to host a leg and we might therefore have to consider raising the number of athletes who can qualify for the series. There is always room for improvement even though the format at the moment is brilliant as it is. It includes drama, winning and losing and all that within one hour! And the most important thing is that spectators understand and enjoy the indoor driving sport. This will hopefully lead to more spectators attending the outdoor events,” Fugli, who is very much looking forward to the Final in Bordeaux, pointed out.
Boyd Exell (AUS) Reigning World Cup and world four-in-hand Driving champion Boyd Exell won four out of the six competitions in which he took part this season. Exell won in Stuttgart (GER), Stockholm (SWE), Geneva (SUI) as well as in London Olympia (GBR), where he performed with a wildcard. In Mechelen (BEL) at the end of December he finished in an uncharacteristic sixth place, which was probably the result of the family’s move to the Netherlands between Christmas and New Year. At the series last qualifier in Leipzig (GER), where he also started with a wildcard, the Australian finished second behind Koos de Ronde. Exell has been very successful this season, driving his new leader horse Poker.
Koos de Ronde (NED) Koos de Ronde, who was crowned FEI World Cup™ Driving champion in Bordeaux in 2013, won the qualifiers in Budapest (HUN), Mechelen, where he competed with a wildcard, and Leipzig. This season the Dutch driver had put together a new indoor team in replacement of the old one which had partly consisted of the piebald horses of his father. De Ronde started off very well in Budapest, but had somewhat of a disappointment in London Olympia where the settings of his team let him down. In Mechelen and Leipzig however, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy team champion recovered his winning mood and was crowned the qualifiers’ winner.
Fredrik Persson (SWE) Fredrik Persson had some amazing performances this season with his team of Swedish warm blood horses, the youngest of which is 17 years old. Persson, who was respectable 10th in Normandy, had only three starts this season having placed 10th in the summer standings. The driving instructor at the national equestrian school in Flyinge came second in Stockholm and Mechelen and third in London Olympia, which resulted in his third place in the series standings.
IJsbrand Chardon (NED) Fredrik Persson and IJsbrand Chardon tied for the third place in the FEI World Cup™ Driving standings. Chardon finished in second place in Stuttgart, Budapest and London Olympia, driving his team of Lipizzaner horses. The four-time world champion was well on his way to victory in the series last leg in Leipzig when he suffered an unfortunate tip-over. Chardon is considered a serious candidate for the FEI World Cup™ Driving title alongside Exell and De Ronde, especially since his new trump Aladin adds extra speed to his team.
Christoph Sandmann (GER) Germany’s Christoph Sandmann, the winner of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2008, will return to Bordeaux for the first time since 2002. Sandmann finished third in Stuttgart and in Geneva and came in fourth in Mechelen, which allowed him to secure his ticket to the Final. The multiple German team medallist, who won the marathon at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, has not competed in a Final since 2012.
Georg von Stein (GER) Reigning German four-in-hand champion Georg von Stein competed in five FEI World Cup™ Driving events this season, using two new bay Lipizzaner horses in the lead, who kept improving at each competition. Von Stein received wildcards in Stuttgart and Leipzig, where he finished fifth and sixth respectively. A riding instructor by profession, he placed third in Mechelen, fourth in Budapest, and fifth in Geneva. It is the first time that Georg von Stein has qualified for the Final. In 2011 he was invited to compete at the Final in Leipzig with a wildcard.
Wildcard:
The wildcard for the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015 was allocated to French driver Sébastien Mourier, a marathon specialist who placed fifth in Normandy last September. It is the first time that the 35-year-old will compete in the indoor FEI series.
Course designer:
Dan Henriksson of Sweden has been appointed the Course Designer for the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final 2015. He has been responsible for the course of the Stockholm leg from the series’ onset in 2001 and also built the courses for the Finals in Gothenburg from 2002 to 2007 and in 2009.
The Jack Pemberton trophy:
Honorary FEI Bureau member Jack Pemberton (CAN) has generously donated the trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final. The first Jack Pemberton trophy was presented to Australia’s Boyd Exell after the 2012 Final. Jack Pemberton, who chaired the FEI Driving Committee form 1995 to 2003, has been involved with the FEI since 1968 and has made a huge impact on equestrian sport. He has been part of over 20 equine associations in his life. He was made a life member of the British Horse Society and the Canadian Combined Driving Association. In 2007 Jack Pemberton was the inaugural recipient of the Equine Canada Lifetime Achievement Award.
Scoring:
According to the scoring system introduced for the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in 2012, 50% of the score differential between each driver and the leading driver from the first competition on Saturday evening converted into seconds will be carried forward by that driver into the competition on Sunday. Scores from the first round on Sunday will be carried forward by the qualified drivers into the drive off.
Timetable and live broadcast on FEI TV:
Check out the FEI TV preview here.
The FEI World Cup™ Driving Final in Bordeaux will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video platform, according to the following timetable:
Saturday, 7 February – 23.20 CET (local time in France, GMT + 1 hour), Competition 1
Sunday, 8 February – 13.25 CET, Competition 2
Facundo Obregon, Cody Ellis, Jared Zenni and Rodrigo Andrade. Photo: Liz Lamont Images/Phelps Media Group.
Wellington, FL – February 4, 2015 – FlexJet beat Palm Beach Illustrated 13-11 in the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup on Wednesday at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Although FlexJet led for most of the match, Palm Beach Illustrated managed to tie it up three times – twice in the second chukker and once in the fifth, giving Palm Beach Illustrated fleeting moments of hope. The final tie (10-10) drew gasps from the sidelines, which were exceptionally crowded for a midweek match. That tie came courtesy of Facundo Obregon, who scored nine of Palm Beach Illustrated’s total 11 goals (four of them in the last two chukkers).
The game started with Palm Beach Illustrated making the first two goals, both by Obregon. In a horse race with FlexJet’s Miguel Astrada, Obregon rode a rocket ship with a mane and tail to score. Palm Beach Illustrated did a remarkable job of keeping the ball on its end of the field for a large portion of the first chukker, which ended 2-1 in its favor.
FlexJet’s players swarmed into the second chukker like escapees from a beehive that had just broken open, sending Palm Beach Illustrated scattering. FlexJet scored four rapid-fire goals, the first of which came on a penalty shot in the opening moments of the chukker. It was followed by a slick handoff from Rodrigo Andrade to Cody Ellis, who flipped the ball in on a belly shot so fast that had you blinked, you’d have sworn Andrade made the goal.
Palm Beach Illustrated seemed to start mimicking its opponent’s successful swarm technique, spreading out and then pairing up to pester the heck out of any FlexJet player who had possession of the ball. For a time the strategy was successful. Michel Dorignac briefly tied the game for Palm Beach Illustrated at 3-all, but a 72-yard slammer by Melissa Ganzi and a tight cutshot by Ellis added two more points to FlexJet’s side of the scoreboard.
Obregon responded by stealing the ball and making it his own all the way to goal. Tommy Collingwood herded a determined Andrade, keeping him completely out of the play so Obregon could score. The first half ended with FlexJet leading 8-6.
The most jaw-dropping defensive play of the game (and there were plenty of them) came in the fifth chukker. Dorignac pulled out ahead all by himself, stampeding downfield until he was just in front of the goal mouth. He wound up, and it looked like a sure goal – until Astrada decided to put the pressure on. He pulled out of the pack and charged in is direction. That apparently startled Dorignac, causing him to look up for a split second as he was taking the shot. It went wide. A penalty shot by Obregon then tied the game at 10-10, but FlexJet retook the lead and never let go for a 13-11 win.
FlexJet’s game was decidedly stronger than it was earlier in the tournament, when it lost to Valiente. In the match against Palm Beach Illustrated, all four FlexJet members scored, starting with Ellis. He turned out to be a stealth force, making FlexJet’s first goal of the match and following up with four more. Rated at 2 goals, Ellis provided an unanticipated boost to the scoring streak by Astrada, who put six points on the board. FlexJet’s Andrade and Ganzi each scored once.
The match was Ellis’s highest-scoring game to date in 20-goal tournament play. As player after player made a pilgrimage to the FlexJet tent to congratulate him after the game, Ellis was humble about his performance but couldn’t mask his excitement.
“It was fun! I got some ball, got to run a little bit,” he said. He attributed his goal-making to his recent opportunity to train with 9-goalers Andrade and Astrada. “It has been a great learning experience. I think I’m just getting to know them better and know the horses better and getting used to the speed.”
Astrada called it a tough game, adding that Palm Beach Illustrated is a very balanced team. “The four of them are good players, and they play well together. We had patience and we scored important goals. That’s what made the difference.”
The Ylvisaker Cup continues Thursday as two high-octane teams – Engima and Audi – battle it out at noon at IPC.
International Polo Club Palm Beach Fast Facts
What: Created by players for players, the International Polo Club Palm Beach was born out of the dream to build a facility to showcase the incredible skills of the ponies and players that dominate the sport.
Members and guests enjoy panoramic views of the action from field side box seats or lawn and terrace seating. Sponsors and fans convene at The Winners Circle to congratulate the players during the awards presentation following the games.
Gourmet brunches, après polo celebrations and the prerequisite charitable events will take place in The Pavilion, designed to accommodate large parties, corporate clients, as well as family and friends.
Featured Highlights:
Herbie Pennell Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 1-4, 2015
Joe Barry Memorial Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 4-25, 2015
Ylvisaker Cup – 20 Goal
Jan. 28 – February 22, 2015
Iglehart Cup – 20 Goal
Feb. 28 – March 8, 2015
USPA C. V. Whitney Cup – 26 Goal
Feb. 15 – March 1, 2015
Piaget USPA Gold Cup® – 26 Goal
March 4-22, 2015
111th Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® – 26 Goal
March 25 – April 19, 2015
Directions:
From the Turnpike:
Take the Lake Worth Exit
Head west on FL-802 W/Lake Worth Rd toward Hooks Rd
Continue to follow Lake Worth Rd (3.9 miles)
Turn right onto 120th Ave S
Destination will be ahead on the left (0.4 miles)
From I-95:
Exit Forest Hill Blvd, head West
Make Left turn onto 441/St Rd 7
Make Right turn onto Lake Worth Rd
Make Right turn onto 120th Ave S
Destination on Left
Information:
3667 120th Ave S, Wellington, FL 33414
International Polo Club Palm Beach: 561-204-5687
Mallet Grille: 561-282-5340
Spa & Fitness Center: 561-282-5288
Tennis Pro Shop: 561-795-7228
Polo Operations Office: 561-282-5283
Polo Hotline: 561-282-5290
Hotels:
Hampton Inn & Suites – (561) 472-9696 – Approximately 2 miles
Hampton Inn – (561) 472-5980 – Approximately 4 miles
Four Seasons Resort – (561) 582-2800 – Approximately 9 miles
The Breakers – (561) 655-6611 – Approximately 9 miles
Kimpton Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa – (561) 540-6440 – Approximately 9 miles
Wellington, FL – February 4, 2015 – The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) kicked off its fifth week of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Wednesday with a win for Ireland’s Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane in the $34,000 1.45m FEI speed class. McGuigan topped his trainer and fellow Irishman, Conor Swail, who finished second aboard Ariana. Meagan Nusz (USA) and Vesuvius finished third.
Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to welcome Ariat® International, Inc. as 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.
The course designer in the International Arena for week five is Robert Ellis of Great Britain. Ellis began the week with 57 to show in Wednesday’s 1.45m speed competition with 19 clear rounds.
Lillie Keenan (USA) and Chansonette Farm LLC’s Balance were first to go and set the pace at 65.71 seconds to hold the lead through 25 rounds, but were eventually pushed to fifth place. Meagan Nusz and Amalaya Investment’s Vesuvius upped the pace in 63.79 seconds and ended in third. Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane soon came along to take the lead in 63.54 seconds. Andrew Ramsay (USA) and Shalanno Farms LLC’s Welfare jumped into fourth with their time of 64.64 seconds. In the end, Conor Swail and Susan Grange’s Ariana were just of the mark in 63.67 seconds to finish in second.
McGuigan and Capall Zidane had a great 2014 season, including most recent wins in ESP’s Holiday Series in November and December. After a little time off, Capall Zidane was back in action in week two of WEF and jumped to his first win of 2015 in week three’s $8,000 1.45m jump-off class. The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Concorde x Baloubet du Rouet) had last week off and came back fresh and ready to go to kick off week five with a win.
“He felt good today. He was very fresh, and he was going forward,” McGuigan noted. “The course ideally did not suit me. There were a lot of turn backs and stuff. He prefers more of a gallop, but I’ll take it. Usually I give him quite a bit of room on the turn backs, but he is very fast over the ground, so once I get over the jump I am able to get away fast.”
The win feels greater for McGuigan after winning over his friend and trainer, Conor Swail.
“I got to beat my trainer, which is even better,” McGuigan smiled. “He helps me a lot. We are best buddies, but that made the win even sweeter. I’ll have lots of bragging rights now!”
With great prize money and FEI world ranking points on the line, the classes are very competitive, and riders have to do everything they can to finish on top.
“When you go in there you have to go for it from start to finish,” McGuigan professed. “There is no steadying up at all or you’re further down the line.”
Meagan Nusz held the lead before McGuigan entered the ring, and he detailed the difference between their rounds.
“Meagan went inside to number five, the in and out. I went around. She had also done five strides after the double and I had actually done six, but that helped me better in the next turn back. I think the five maybe threw you too far away.”
“I didn’t see Conor go, but he said he lost it on the second to last jump,” McGuigan added. “He came around the corner and got a bad stride and he had to get a little deep to that jump, so he lost a bit of speed on her. It was close.”
McGuigan and Capall Zidane will show again in Thursday’s $34,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 and hope to qualify for Sunday’s $127,000 Ariat® Grand Prix CSI 3* on the grass derby field. They were third in that class last year.
Also showing on Wednesday, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class was held in a California Split with wins for Laura Chapot (USA) with Mary Chapot’s Zealous as well as Ramiro Quintana (ARG) with St. Bride’s Farm’s Bialda. The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class concluded the day with a win for Conor Swail (IRL) and Blue Hill Farm LLC’s Tahiti Island.
Competition continues on Thursday with the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 featured in the International Arena and the presentation of championship honors to the Equine Tack Second Year Green Hunters in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. For full results and more information, please visit www.pbiec.com.
Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy at The Derby in 2014. Photo by Vicci Valenti for The Book LLC.
$35,000 International Hunter Derby in Upstate New York
Mumford, NY – February 3, 2015 – After rave reviews following its inaugural year, The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum (GCV&M) returns to Mumford, New York on June 6-7, 2015.
The standalone United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) event features both a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, to be held on Saturday, and a $35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, to be held on Sunday.
Last year’s derbies attracted more than 1,000 spectators and some of the sport’s top hunter riders, including Kelley Farmer, Jennifer Alfano, and the International Derby winner Evan Coluccio, all of whom had nothing but rave reviews for the show.
“This is going to become huge. I think this is going to be one of these places that they’re going to have to turn people away because that field is unbelievable,” Alfano said. “It’s beautiful. It rode great. With the museum here you have kind of a built in spectator base. Usually it’s difficult to get this many people to come to a hunter derby.”
All proceeds from the 2015 Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum will benefit Make-A-Wish®.
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Fast Facts
What:
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum:
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Where:
The Genesee Country Village & Museum
1410 Flint Hill Road
Mumford, NY 14511
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and exposure!
To learn more about the numerous available sponsorship opportunities, contact Brian at browndawgroger@hotmail.com.
(c) ESI Photography. Amanda Steege and Zidane jump in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.
Steege’s Student Kimberly Maloomian Takes $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix on Urlala
Ocala, Florida (January 31, 2015): Saturday was a great day for Amanda Steege and Zidane, owned by Susan Darragh, who took home a $1,500 prize for first place in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix, and chalked up two in a row after their win last week. They scored an 85.5 in the first round and an 87 in the second, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard. Steege’s student, Kimberly Maloomian, of Needham, Massachusetts, also won Saturday in the $1500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.
Hunters were the focus of Saturday afternoon’s Outside Course at HITS Ocala with the two special classes: the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix and the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix. These classes are qualifiers for the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final and the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final held at HITS Saugerties in September during the HITS Championship.
Saturday’s courses, designed by Doug Russell of Ocala, Florida, included jumps up and down a hill, bending lines, and an option on the approach to the first jump in round two.
Steege, of Bedminster, New Jersey, said she wants to be among the top 20 riders in the year-end standings so she can ride two horses in the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final at HITS Saugerties in New York in September. So far, she has won two out of three HITS Ocala $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix this season after placing second in week one.
“I’m really excited about the changes HITS made for the specs for 2015 that are allowing for the top 20 for to ride two horses in the Diamond Mills $500,000 Final for a few reasons: First of all, I think making that change is going to encourage riders to show in that class more, but also will encourage hunter riders to ride their best horses,” Steege said. “The possibility of riding two will really motivate people to be more successful on a weekly basis, and I think it will make it a more exciting competitive class.”
A close second in the Hunter Prix on Saturday went to Patty Stovel of Georgetown, Kentucky, riding Winner HS, owned by Peggy Jones of Culpeper, Virginia, and trained by Sandra Ruiz. Stovel and Winner HS scored an 86 in the first round and an 85 in the second to earn $1,000. She said after the class, “We are getting closer. Last week he was ninth. He was a jumper and just started doing the hunters.”
Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, Maryland, placed both third and fourth. Schaefer was third riding her own Stallone, with scores of 87 and 82 — moving up from last week’s fifth place finish, and fourth with her horse Classified, with scores of 84 and 83.
$1500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
Kimberly Maloomian, riding her mother Terry Maloomian’s horse, Urlala, had a triumphant return to the winner’s circle in her first Hunter Prix since winning the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final last September. Maloomian and Urlala won $1500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Saturday with scores of 82 and 84 to top the leaderboard. Riders in the top 20 in the year-end standings for the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix can also ride two horses in the $250,000 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final.
(c) ESI Photography. Kimberly Maloomian and Urlala jump to win the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix.
Maloomian, who trains with Steege, said, “Urlala was originally purchased for my Mom to do the 2-foot division. She may not be the fanciest horse that I have, but she’s the nicest one. You always know when you are standing at the in-gate that you are going to jump all the jumps — she’s not going to spook at anything and it’s such a nice feeling.”
Steege said of her student’s win, “It was a thrill for team Ashmeadow (Steege’s farm) to have dominated the Hunter Prix in week three of HITS Ocala.”
Casey Zuraitis of Sutton, Massachusetts, riding her own KT Four Seasons, scored a first round of 85 and a second round score of 80 to finish just one point behind and take home second place and a check for $300. Third place with an 83 and a 78 went to Alexa Riccio of Ogunquit, Maine, riding Captain Millet, owned by Kevin Davis of Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Driving Derby Hoedown will support pony drivers representing the USA at the 2015 Pony World Championships. Photo By: Pics of You Photography.
Weirsdale, FL – February 2, 2015 – Mark your calendars today to help support the U.S. Pony Team! Saturday, February 28, and Sunday March 1, 2015, Katie Whaley and Jennifer Matheson, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, will be hosting a special fundraiser at the Grand Oaks Resort in Weirsdale, Florida. This exciting event will help raise funds for pony drivers representing the USA at the 2015 Pony World Championships September 2-6, 2015, in The Netherlands.
On Saturday, February 28, there will be a fun hoedown for guests, which will include a silent auction as well as team auction tied into Sunday’s Driving Derby. The main event will be held on Sunday, March 1, when drivers will participate in the Driving Derby competition. This is a new form of competition that was recently recognized by the American Driving Society.
The derby competition will feature two levels for drivers: Training (no cantering) and Preliminary (open to all above training level). The entry fee of $50 is a tax deductible donation to the USET Foundation, earmarked Pony Driving. Four-in-hand pony driver Boots Wright and driving event organizer Ellen Ettenger will be donating their time to officiate at this event. The Grand Oaks Resort is donating the use of their facility, and Nupafeed USA will be sponsoring all of the obstacles for the event.
Tickets for the Hoedown will be $50 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the USET Foundation and the U.S. Pony Team. Registration for the Driving Derby is also $50, with registration opening on January 15th.
For questions regarding the driving derby, please contact Jennifer Matheson at jennifermatheson@bellsouth.net. If you’d like to make a donation to the silent auction, please contact Katie Whaley at hatsbykatie@gmail.com.
For more information regarding the USET Foundation and its mission, please contact Sara Ike at sara.ike@uset.org.
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.
For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.
The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
February 2, 2015 – One of the goals of gaming today is to provide that alternate experience where the scenery is ideal and the experiences are endless! Today, we are approaching one of the most technologically advanced stages ever and it’s become apparent as games like the visually stunning and entertaining “Star Stable” take us to the next level! So what is it about Star Stable that has fellow gamers taking notice and caught the attention of horse enthusiasts alike in this virtual 3D horse adventure? Let’s take a look.
As the game begins, you’re taken over by beautiful graphics and enchanting music. Gamers know that one of the perks about the virtual world is the ability to make choices and control their alternate surroundings in ways that are easy, accessible and rewarding. Avatar choices and clothing options get you excited about the exploration that you and your horse will encounter. And just in case you thought it didn’t get any better by “suiting up” for yourself, the choices of horse and colors are exceptional as well. Although you should note that you only have access to particular horses as you reach certain levels. There’s also the option to play and chat online with multiple players as you explore the island of Jorvik.
Captivating missions are sure to keep the game interesting as you and your horse try to solve problems like the company on Jorvik Island that’s trying to mine for metals and minerals. The more missions that you and your “maned” friend become successful at, the more money and experience you gain as well. So as your confidence and reputation builds from completing missions in Jorvik, so can your wardrobe and equipment when you use your rewards to purchase them. You only need to continue advancing to the next level to enjoy all that Star Stable has to offer!
You have up to four levels that can be played for free. Then there’s the option to become a Star Rider for a monthly fee or just go all the way since you know the game is only going to get better and pay one time for a Lifetime membership! With constant updates to the game and new adventures being added frequently, one is sure to be lulled into a virtual world filled with the latest fashions in riding gear, unbelievably enchanting forests and ranges to view and exciting experiences that will leave you waiting eagerly for the next virtual journey for you and your four-legged friend.
Ultimately, one of the biggest pluses for this game, alongside the graphics, online chatting with other gamers and great missions to solve, is that it is a game for the ENTIRE family! Parents can relax with calm knowing that this is a game which offers the mental comfort a parent needs when allowing kids to play online.
But don’t take our word for it; visit starstable.com and discover for yourself the countless possibilities and endless treasures that await you and the horse of your dreams!
