Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Show Jumping

Third Annual Trump Invitational, Presented by Rolex, at The Mar-a-Lago Club This Weekend

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Last year’s Trump Invitational Grand Prix winners Kent Farrington and Blue Angel. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – December 30, 2014 – The third annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2015, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. In addition to world-class show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be a red carpet entrance, Perrier-Jouët champagne, and a poolside Welcome Reception presented by Suncast® and Carol Sollak PA of Engel & Völkers. A VIP experience borders the ring and looks out over the water, making the Trump Invitational one of the most unique show jumping events in the world. Several luxury items will also be featured in this year’s live auction.

The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition, including World Number Two Kent Farrington, two-time Olympic gold medalists Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut, top show jumper Georgina Bloomberg, and up-and-coming star Jessica Springsteen.

The co-chairpersons for the event are Paige Bellissimo, Ivanka Trump, and Georgina Bloomberg.

The event will benefit the 2015 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments®, which has raised over $6.2 million dollars over the last five years for more than 100 Palm Beach County charities. It will also serve as the kickoff party for the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 7 – March 29, 2015.

The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S National Landmark.

Rolex returns as the presenting sponsor, and additional sponsors include Suncast®, Land Rover, Carol Sollak PA of Engel & Völkers, Perrier-Jouët, Rosenbaum Mollengarden, PLLC, and Horseshoe Trail Farm.

Following the grand prix is a special invitational junior/amateur jumper class that will highlight some of the top junior and amateur riders in the sport.

For table information, please contact Kathleen LaMour at kathleen@equestriansport.com or call 561-784-1106.

To watch a video about the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, click here: https://vimeo.com/86656450.

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

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, FEI

Fabulous Victory for Koos de Ronde in Mechelen

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Koos de Ronde (NED) on his way to his fifth victory in Mechelen. (Photo Dirk Caremans/FEI).

Mechelen (BEL), 31 December 2014 – Koos de Ronde produced an excellent performance late on Monday evening to win the FEI World Cup™ Driving at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen, Belgium for the fifth time in his career. Sweden’s Fredrik Persson drove with enormous skill to finish second ahead of Germany’s Georg von Stein whose team is finally coming together. Top favourite, Boyd Exell from Australia, knocked four balls down to line up in sixth place.

Fantastic atmosphere
De Ronde was the last man to compete in the Winning Round, in which the Top Three drivers started from scratch for the first time. He felt the pressure after Fredrik Persson had driven a clear round to beat De Ronde’s time of the first round by two seconds. The team gold medallist of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy decided to go for it and drove at full risk. He knew exactly where he was able to make up some time and drove his team fast, fluently and faultlessly through the course, cheered by the many enthusiastic spectators in Mechelen who created a fantastic atmosphere.

De Ronde, who also topped the line-up at the Belgian fixture in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012, finished four seconds faster than Persson. He started with a wild card, and therefore did not earn World Cup points, but with one more leg to go in Leipzig, he is lying fifth in the standings and it seems very likely that he will be amongst the Top Six drivers for the Final.

Top three plan
Another brilliant round was put down by Fredrik Persson. The driving teacher at the National Equestrian school in Flyinge, Sweden grew in the competition with his team of older horses who worked together in perfect harmony. After some hiccups on the first day, and one ball in the first round, Persson took full advantage of the new system and put the pressure on De Ronde by driving a fast and clear Winning Round, which took place over the same course.

Perssons’s goal was a place in the top three in Mechelen to secure his starting ticket for the Final in Bordeaux, and his plan worked. Because de Ronde was competing on a wild card, Persson picked up ten points and is now lying second in the standings.

Happy man in Mechelen
Georg von Stein was a very happy man in Mechelen. He was second to go in the first round and drove clear but not very fast. He had not expected to qualify for the Winning Round, but after his compatriot, Christoph Sandmann, had one knock-down, Theo Timmerman (NED) collected two faults and Boyd Exell left the arena with an uncharacteristic 20 penalty seconds, Von Stein was back in the game.

His four-in-hand with two new leader horses, which he has been driving since the start of this season, did a great job and Georg could drive them at high speed through the course. The experience they gained at the previous competitions is paying off. Unfortunately Georg made one mistake himself and one horse hit a ball, which resulted in third place. Georg was nevertheless a very happy man in Mechelen.

Five-time FEI World Cup Driving™ champion, Boyd Exell, who has been busy moving his horses and his home to Valkenswaard in the Netherlands in the past days, was unable to focus as he normally would and finished sixth in Mechelen after knocking down four balls.

World Cup debut
It was the first time that Dutch international Level 4 Course Designer Jeroen Houterman designed the course in Mechelen and the drivers were all very pleased with his track, which included several cones gates, a bridge and three marathon-type obstacles.

After the first day, some small changes were made to make the course even more fluent and this worked very well. The course was nice to watch for the spectators. Houterman himself was happy as well: “I will always keep learning; there are always small things to improve, but I am very pleased.”

New format
The new format in which the Top Three drivers start from scratch in the Winning Round was a huge success. This option was introduced into the FEI World Cup™ Driving rules this year and it was the first time that an organiser made use of it. It offered an equal opportunity for all three drivers, which resulted in a very exciting competition that was much appreciated by the fantastic crowd in Mechelen.

Quotes:
Koos de Ronde (NED): “I decided to go for it and drove at full risk. Everything came together and it was fantastic. This is the best way to win, being the last man in and then drive clear! The good feeling I had with this team in Budapest was back again after my somewhat disappointing results in London Olympia, and I am ready for the Final now!’

Fredrik Persson (SWE): “I was second to go in and I knew that Georg had two knockdowns. I wanted to go for it, but I wanted to drive clean as well. The feeling of my horses was so good, they developed throughout the competition. They went so much easier than on the first day. I am so happy with them and with the team of people that are with me; it make me feel very confident.”

Georg von Stein (GER): “My two new leader horses have really proven themselves in Mechelen. They have showed that they have a lot of quality in them, they are so fast. I am so pleased with my results in Mechelen; I don’t actually care that I won’t be in the Final. My horses gave me much satisfaction and next season they will be even better!”

Results in detail can be viewed here.

The 2014/2015 FEI World Cup™ Driving series now moves on to Leipzig (GER) on Sunday, 18 January 2015.

The FEI World Cup™ Driving competition in Leipzig will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official video platform, on 18 January at 12.05 CET.

For information on Leipzig, go to www.partner-pferd.de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, +49 4307 827970.

By Cindy Timmer

Media contact:

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

At Mechelen:
Edith de Reys
edith.dereys@skynet.be
+32 475 659 281

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Qlassic Victory for Delestre at Longines Leg in Mechelen

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The French partnership of Simon Delestre and the stallion Qlassic Bois Margot produced a devastating turn of speed to win today’s eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League at Mechelen in Belgium. (FEI/Dirk Caremans)

Mechelen (BEL), 30 December 2014 – Simon Delestre produced a devastating turn of speed from the stallion Qlassic Bois Margot to clinch victory at the eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014 Western European League at Mechelen, Belgium today. Last to go in an intriguing nine-horse jump-off, the 33-year-old Frenchman shattered the early target set by Britain’s Joe Clee to scoop maximum points and set himself firmly on the path to the series Final in Las Vegas, USA next April.

The first-round course set by Belgian course designer, Lucien Somers, presented a tough test for the 39 starters, with the double at fence seven and the triple combination at fence 12 proving particularly influential. “The triple was very difficult – the double of oxers with one stride followed by a vertical at the end of the course meant you needed a fit horse with a lot of scope today,” Delestre commented afterwards.

First to go

Clee really threw down the gauntlet when first to go in the jump-off with the 10-year-old stallion Utamaro d’Ecaussines who gave it everything he had to set a strong target in 32.42 seconds. And the 36-year-old rider who is married to the youngest daughter of the late Eric Wauters, in whose memory the popular Belgian fixture is staged, then had to stand back and watch the rest try to better that.

America’s Lucy Davis and Barron lost their chance at the very first fence, but Sweden’s Douglas Lindelow left all the timber intact when steering Casello home in 35.07, and he wouldn’t regret being a little cautious when this eventually proved good enough for third place.

The packed stadium of spectators gasped with dismay when the first of the two Belgian contenders, Judy-Ann Melchior and her grey mare Cold as Ice Z, also fell afoul of the opening vertical, but they were gripping their seats with excitement as Jos Verlooy galloped down to the last well up on the clock with the 11-year-old gelding Domino. One of the new wave of super-talented young Belgians blazing a trail on the international circuit right now, the rider who turned 19 just two weeks ago decided to take a stride out to the final oxer, however, and paid the price as it came crashing down for four faults in 34.60 seconds. He couldn’t forgive himself afterwards. “I made a terrible mistake and I’m so disappointed. I will never get the chance to win a competition like this again!” he insisted, but of course a young man of his calibre has a great future ahead of him.

Could be beaten

He had shown that Clee’s target time could be beaten, and although French stars Kevin Staut (Qurack de Falaise HDC) and Roger Yves Bost (Nippon d’Elle) each left a fence on the floor, and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann played the percentage game with a safe but slow clear from Cornado ll which would earn them fourth place in the final analysis, Delestre and his black stallion never looked like they were ready to compromise.

The precision of their opening round suggested they are a pair right on form, and when the Frenchman asked for a colossal effort at the last, the horse never flinched, galloping through the timers more than two seconds faster than Clee to put the result beyond doubt.

Tried to do my best

“I thought Joe was very quick and I wasn’t sure I could do a better time but I tried my best without going crazy. It was a good jump-off track for my horse; we could take one stride out in every line and he’s always very quick, but I was sure to be careful because twice before in the qualifiers this season I have been really fast but picked up four faults!” said Delestre afterwards.

The pair has had a busy and super-successful year, with the team silver medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy followed by a second-place finish at the Global Champions Tour in Vienna, fifth at the Longines qualifier in Lyon (FRA) and 12th at Stuttgart, “and now we won – I’m really so happy with him!” Delestre said of his horse. “He will do Basel (SUI) and Bordeaux (FRA) and then go breeding for seven weeks. Last year he covered about 300 mares; he is a great stallion for the French mares with a fantastic bloodline,” he added.

Very special

Talking about his stallion, he continued, “Qlassic is special in many ways; he’s full of energy, but not stupid energy, and he’s usually very careful. He can be sensitive sometimes if things are not going well, but we understand each other. He’s best when he’s been jumping over a few days. On Thursday we jumped a class, and then we went in a jump-off but we went slowly. He needs a few times in the ring to be happy, and today he was really ready!” he added.

With 37 points the Frenchman has now moved up to eighth place on the Western European league leaderboard and is already planning his trip to the Longines Final. However, he’s not sure which horse he will take. “I will think about it closer to the time. It’s a very small ring there for a horse like Qlassic, so I might take Ryan (Ryan des Hayettes) instead,” he pointed out this evening.

For further information on the eighth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League at Mechelen, Belgium, check out website www.jumping-mechelen.com or contact Press Officer Edith de Reys, Email edith.dereys@skynet.be, Tel +32 475 659281.

The next leg takes place in Leipzig, Germany on Sunday 18 January 2015. For all information on the German fixture, visit website www.engarde.de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, Email andreas.Kerstan@comtainment.de, Tel +49 177 75 32 624.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Mechelen in Belgium presented Round 8 of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2014/2015 Western European League today.

This is the 34th edition of the fixture created by the late Eric Wauters whose family continues to be deeply involved in the staging of the event.

9 horse-and-rider combinations qualified for the second-round jump-off against the clock including two from both Belgium and France.

4 produced double-clear performances.

Course designer was Belgium’s Lucien Somers.

Winner was 33-year-old Frenchman Simon Delestre partnering Qlassic Bois Margot, the 10-year-old stallion with which he helped the host nation claim team silver at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.

Quotes:

Sweden’s Douglas Lindelow, who took the Leading Rider of the Show award – “The oxers were quite big but they suited the capacity of my horse. The short distances were difficult for him in the first round but he was great in the jump-off. Sweden only has two places at the (Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping) Final so I am hoping for more invitations to the qualifiers so that I can get to Las Vegas. I’m the leading Swedish rider in the standings right now so I’m hoping I can get there!”

Joe Clee GBR – “This was my first World Cup of the season so to finish second was great!”

Joe Clee GBR – “I’d love to go to Las Vegas but we also have the European Championships to think about next year so even if I do qualify for the Final we will have to have a discussion about whether it will be right for my horse to go.”

Joe Clee GBR, joking about Simon Delestre’s victory which pinned him back into runner-up spot – “Last year in the Small Grand Prix Simon also beat me, so I don’t think we should send him an invitation next year!”

Full standings 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://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

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 Mechelen:

Edith de Reys
Email: edith.dereys@skynet.be
Tel: +32 475 659 281

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

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

Pensacola – Call for Stalls

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Saturday night grand prix action under the covered arena.

Entries are coming in, but did you call for stalls? The Gulf Coast Winter Classic in Pensacola, Florida starts January 7th and kicks off three weeks of top show jumping competition along the Gulf of Mexico.

For those who are still deciding what classes they want to do, what horses they want to bring and all the details for the best three weeks of January shows out there, the Classic Company asks that you CALL FOR STALLS! “We want to deliver the best show experience to our competitors so we want to be prepared for everyone. Planning stabling is key and so we want everyone who has not yet reserved a stall to call 843.768.5503 and reserve them now,” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.

For those still on the fence, the prize lists are online and entering could not be easier! Just go to Classic Company’s service partner horseshowsonline.com and enter your entire barn for NO ADDITIONAL FEES!

All online entries for the next week will be accepted at no additional fee if you use horseshowsonline.com. It is easy, safe and the fastest way to enter. Save yourself the headache of rushing to the post office during the holidays; go to horseshowsonline.com.

It’s Perfect in Pensacola!

The Escambia County Equestrian Center is home to the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola for three weeks and offers a huge covered arena, beautiful outdoor competition arenas, plenty of stabling in permanent barns with large stalls, indoor wash racks, and roomy aisles. On-site RV pads with water and electric hook up are available and scenic riding trails are also a part of the equestrian center.

Top hotels are just minutes from the show grounds offering plenty of lodging choices for those with and without pets.

World class shopping and dining on the Gulf of Mexico, just a fifteen minute drive from the show grounds, make for great Mondays for everyone in your barn!

Week I of the Saturday night grand prix schedule kicks off with a $10,000 Jumper Classic, Week II offers the $5,000 Horseflight Open Welcome, the $25,000 Nutrena Grand Prix, and Week III wraps up Pensacola with the $25,000 EMO Grand Prix. There are Derby classes each week and a $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Week II. There will be a complimentary Wild West Show Week III to close out this year’s Pensacola shows.

Partner hotel The Red Roof Inn offers special rates for those showing in Pensacola. Red Roof Inn is a pet-friendly hotel in close proximity to the show grounds that offers complimentary Internet access, breakfasts and parking. Select rooms offer microwaves and mini-fridges. Coin laundry is available. Book your rooms early and remember to mention that you are showing at the Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola shows.

“I’ve stayed at Red Roof Inn Pensacola and it is a wonderful place to come home to after a long day at the show. The rooms are immaculate, the staff is professional and nice, and they are pet friendly, which works for me and my dog Ellie,” commented Bell.

Make sure to book your room early and mention that you are showing at the Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola shows!

On Deck! Gulf Coast Winter Classics

The secret is out! Gulfport, Mississippi is THE place to show! With more than a million in prize money and awards, the best footing in the show world and the best management staff, as well as its Mississippi Gulf Coast location complete with beachfront hotels and condos and some of the best seafood and fishing in the country, and you have a winner!

This year the Gulf Coast Winter Classics offer six consecutive weeks of grand prix, hunter derbies, meter 1.20, 1.40 AND 1.30 jumper classes. Each week features the Horseflight Open Welcome as well as classics for everyone! “We’ve already had a lot of commitments that barns would be heading to show with us this year and we’re excited to introduce them to the Gulf!” said Bell.

Grand Prix rider Trapp O'Neil from Magnolia, Texas shows all six weeks of AA competition on the Gulf.
Grand Prix rider Trapp O’Neil from Magnolia, Texas shows all six weeks of AA competition on the Gulf.

The Gulf Coast Classics start on February 4 and run through March 15th – that’s right! Its Mardi Gras season. Only an hour from New Orleans – what a great way to spend your Mondays. Let the good times roll!

608 permanent stalls and more than 500 tent stalls are available. Strict bio-security measures have always made these show grounds a safe haven for all horses. Complimentary riders’ lounges at the jumper and hunter rings, VIP service and tables offer a full cash bar and delightful meals and snacks Thursday through Sundays.

More than 130 RV spots complete with electric and water hooks ups are available as well as partnerships with world-class hotels located just a short drive from the show grounds. The Residence Inn by Marriott and the Hilton Garden Inn are a 10 minute drive to the show grounds and adjacent to the Biloxi International Airport. The Residence Inn by Marriott is pet-friendly and offers special exhibitor rates in addition to the Manager’s Reception three times a week and a complimentary hot breakfast every day! Click here to book your room at the discounted rate.

The Hilton Garden Inn is located next door to the Residence Inn by Marriott and offers an onsite restaurant and bar, complimentary WiFi, fitness center and outdoor pool and special discount rates for those showing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics! A mile from the airport and just ten minutes from the show grounds, the Hilton Garden Inn is looking forward to providing you blue ribbon service while in Gulfport.

Exhibitor parties take place every week either on-site or at local world class casinos and restaurants. These are fun for the whole family!

The best news? The Gulf Coast Classic offers the best showing experience for a fraction of the cost of the other shows. Better footing, world renown course designers, a fun coastal town with world class shopping and dining, an airport just 15 miles away – what are you waiting for?

Join the Gulf Coast Classic on the Gulf of Mexico this winter and discover your new favorite show!

The Gulf Coast Classic Company and the Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter. Please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassiccompany.com and classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

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

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

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

Competitions, Dressage, Show Jumping

Equestrian Sport Productions to Host 2014 AIEC Student Rider Nations Cup World Final

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Lauren Zapitelli competing in the final round of show jumping at the Student Rider Nations Cup in Romania.

Wellington, FL – December 28, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions is pleased to announce that they will host the 2014 World University Equestrian Federation (Association Internationales des Etudiant Cavalieres, AIEC) Student Rider Nations Cup Final at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on December 30 – January 1.

This unique riding competition brings students from 12 nations around the world to compete in a format that combines the disciplines of dressage and show jumping. This is the first time that an AIEC event has been hosted in the United States in more than 10 years.

The horses for all the SRNC events are provided by the host country, usually loaned to the event by generous owners who support the program and enjoy sharing their horses with our promising young talent. In each round of competition, three riders are randomly assigned to compete against each other on the same horse. The best horse is never determined the winner of a class, the best rider performance on each individual horse is selected to continue to the next round. In each successive round, the level of expertise asked of the rider increases, and a new horse is provided to ride. No rider may sit on the same horse twice in the same discipline. Prior to a dressage test the riders are allowed only five minutes to warm up. Prior to a round of show jumping, riders are allowed two minutes to flat, then one single vertical and one single oxer. The limited time for getting to know each horse is no small feat, especially when riders in the final round may be asked to perform a Prix St. Georges dressage test or complete a 1.30m speed class.

The design most fairly eliminates the “luck of the draw” allowing the best riders, not the best horses, to come out on top. But it is not all about the riding; most of the competitors come away from these events with friends and relationships that last lifetimes, professionally and personally. “The best part about these competitions for me is the unity amongst all of the riders. It is something special to have so many different cultures and people come together and form friendships through their passion for equestrian sports,” said Lauren Franco (USA) about SRNC Germany 2014.

AIEC was founded in 1984, with its core vision being to promote advanced athletic competition among student riders and to encourage the development of relationships and respect between international competitors. AIEC has provided a means in which talented young riders with limited resources can represent their nations in prestigious riding competitions and build global networks for their future professional careers. As a non-profit organization, all of this is done at a minimum expense to the rider and intended to reward passionate individuals with true horsemanship skills and solid work ethics.

Competitors in the SRNC Final are all still enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours) in a University or Graduate school and therefore have a limited amount of time and resources to devote to international competition. In 1984, AIEC developed a series of competitions where student riders can come together in teams to represent their nations in advanced competition without having to organize complex and expensive horse travel.

The American Student Rider Organization (ASRO) in association with the International Student Rider Organization is a fully recognized 501c3 non-profit that can focus its energies on finding and promoting young American equestrian talent. They are looking for hard working, driven, and devoted young horsemen and women who relish the chance to represent their nation in international competition. This is not a competition that belongs to the best horse in the ring; it belongs to the best horseman. If you think that could be you, then come watch and meet the riders and organizers this week. If you just think this all sounds like an interesting competition, then please come and watch just for fun! Support the home team or become Irish or Belgian for a day, they will accept anyone willing to wear face paint or learn to sing a new song!

The Stadium at PBIEC is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington, Florida. Competition will begin at 8:00 am Tuesday, December 30, 8:45 am Wednesday, December 31, and 9:45 am Thursday, January 1.

For more information on the AIEC SRNC Final, please see the World University Equestrian Federation’s website, www.aiecworld.com, or contact Kate McManis at 469-261-5182 or klmcmanis@verizon.net.

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

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

Competitions, Dressage

CDIO Nations Cup, CDI 5*, and Increased Prize Money Highlight 2015 Global Dressage Festival

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Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – December 23, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce that the official prize lists for each week of the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) are now available online at www.globaldressagefestival.com. One of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits, the AGDF returns for its fourth annual event in 2015 with ten weeks of fantastic equestrian sport running from January 8 through March 28.

Held at the beautiful dressage facility at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, this year’s AGDF will feature three national and seven international weeks of competition. International competition includes four CDI-W rated shows, a CDI 4*, a CDI 5*, and the Western Hemisphere’s only non-championship CDIO, which is also part of the FEI Nations Cup series. With an increase to more than $650,000 in total prize money, AGDF has become the richest dressage circuit in the world.

The CDIO has been moved to the final week of the circuit this year, capping off the winter season with the very best in international dressage. The Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition will run March 25-28. The event is part of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage Series. This special team competition for dressage gives riders the unique opportunity to experience a championship-style format, also serving as the last team event before the Pan American Games in Toronto in July.

The CDI 5* competition, sponsored by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty, will be featured during week five on February 5-8, 2015. With over $200,000 in prize money, this notably makes it the second richest CDI 5* in the world.

AGDF is also pleased to announce that it will host the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby for the second year during the week of March 5-8, presented by Everglades Dressage and Peacock Ridge, which will feature a special new derby competition.

Each week, AGDF’s famous “Friday Night Lights” Freestyle performances will be showcased along with many special events throughout the season. Stadium seating and VIP dining are available to spectators who want to come out and enjoy an evening of fun performances and world-class competition.

Director of Dressage, Thomas Baur, and Show Manager, Lloyd Landkamer, each return to AGDF this year and look forward to another wonderful season. They are pleased to present two new divisions for the circuit.

A new CDI Amateur international division will be introduced during the first week of competition and will be offered during the whole season in every CDI. Riders must be at least 26 years of age and will compete at the Small or Medium Tour level. While riders in the CDI Amateur international division cannot be listed on the international ranking list (which is reserved for Large Tour riders), this division will give a great opportunity to those looking to step up to international level.

In addition to the new CDI Amateur division, a new section of pony competition has been added for all national shows throughout the circuit. For this competition, classes are offered from USEF Training Level through USEF Third level with classes designated for the JR/YR, Adult Amateur, and Open riders.

Newly appointed USEF Dressage Youth Coach George Williams commented, “I think having the pony division is a wonderful addition to the show. We would really like to see ponies in dressage take off and I think by offering the pony section with the three divisions, it will really help the growth of ponies in our sport. Not only does it give the opportunity to the youth, but it also gives the opportunity to adult amateurs who are comfortable on ponies and it allows for more experienced riders to introduce ponies to competition.”

Spectators are always welcome at AGDF to watch some of the best dressage competition in North America. Parking and general admission are free!

2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Schedule of Events*

January 8-11
AGDF 1 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by MTICA Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 9)

January 22-25
AGDF 3 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by US P.R.E. Association and Chesapeake Dressage Institute
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, January 23)

January 31 – February 1
AGDF 4 Dressage National

February 5-8
AGDF 5 Dressage CDI 5*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Diamante Farms and Wellington Equestrian Realty
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 6)

February 14-15
AGDF 6 Dressage National

February 19-22
AGDF 7 Dressage CDI 4*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, February 20)

March 5-8
AGDF 9 Dressage CDI W/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Everglades Dressage and Peacock Ridge
Palm Beach Dressage Derby
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 6)

March 12-15
AGDF 10 Dressage CDI W/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Today’s Equestrian and Mike & Roz Collins
Florida Youth Dressage Championships
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 13)

March 21-22
AGDF 11 Dressage National

March 25-28
AGDF 12 Dressage CDIO 3*/3*/1*/U25/Y/J/P
Presented by Stillpoint Farm
Dressage Nations Cup
(AGDF Grand Prix Freestyle Friday, March 27)

*Schedule Subject to Change

ESP looks forward to welcoming everyone to the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

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

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

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Phelps Media Group, Polo

Join Us at International Polo Club Palm Beach for World-Class Polo and Social Events in 2015

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Players gallop down the field at IPC. LILA PHOTO.

Wellington, FL – December 22, 2014 – Come one, come all to the place to be in 2015! Whether you enjoy hunters, jumpers or dressage, the thrill of polo will get any horse enthusiast’s heart racing. The International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) has announced its 2015 general tournament schedule and welcomed a new Championship Field sponsor, Engel & Völkers.

International Polo Club Palm Beach invites you to experience the best polo in the world at one of the most beautiful polo clubs right here in Wellington, FL. IPC attracts many of the best players in the world such as Adolfo Cambiaso and Facundo Pieres and the best American polo players, Julio Arellano, Jeff Hall and Nic Roldan. Whether you come for Sunday brunch, tailgating or general admission, you won’t want to miss the world-class polo games and elegant social events throughout the season.

Enjoy Sunday brunch on the veranda of the finest polo facility in the nation. The stunning new International Polo Club Pavilion has become a magnet for those who are at the center of the polo social season. Experience a thrilling polo game, fabulous cuisine, entertainment, fashion and world-class celebrities featured at IPC every Sunday. The Champagne Brunch includes a cocktail reception with champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres and music followed by lavish gourmet brunch stations. It’s a day you’ll never forget!

For more information:
For General Admission tickets and brunch reservations, click here.
For more information regarding membership, click here.
If you would like to book an event, click here.

IPC’s 2015 high goal tournament schedule features four 20 goal championships and three 26 goal championships. The season will kick off with the Herbie Pennell Cup 20 Goal Championship, Jan. 1-4. The season will culminate on Sunday, April 19, with the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship®.

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

Website:
www.internationalpoloclub.com

For Tickets:
http://internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com/

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

Management:
John Wash – President of Club Operations
jwash@internationalpoloclub.com
561-282-5353

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

Community/Charity, Racing

Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Kiri’s Clown Dead at 25

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Kiri’s Clown at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 23, 2014 – Millionaire and grade 1 winner Kiri’s Clown has died. The 25-year-old stallion, who had been pensioned at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY since 2006, was euthanized December 22 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital due to complications following colic surgery. A full necropsy is pending.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the sorrowful announcement this morning.

The son of Kentucky Derby Champion Foolish Pleasure, out of the Kris mare Kiri, Kiri’s Clown was one of Old Friends’s flagship retirees. He was donated to the farm by owners Bob and Mary Sullivan and was soon paddocked next to his old track rival Awad. The two faced off in several editions of the grade 1 Sword Dancer with Kiri’s Clown claiming victory by a neck in 1995 when he set a track record on the Saratoga Oval.

Trained by Phil Johnson and ridden by Mike Luzzi, Jean Cruguet and others, Kiri’s Clown raced for six seasons. His wins include the grade 3 Knickerbocker Handicap at Aqueduct as well as back-to-back editions of the grade 3 New Hampshire Sweepstakes at Rockingham Park in 1994 and 1995, where he set a course record each time.

In 62 starts the dark bay stallion had 16 wins and careers earnings of $1,005,469.

Kiri’s Clown stood stud for nine seasons at various farms in Kentucky before retiring from the breeding shed in 2006. His daughter, Foolish Gal, produced the grade 1 winner Get Stormy.

“I like all of our retirees, but there are a handful that I love. I loved Kiri,” said Blowen. “I’ll never forget the day he set the track record in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga in 1995 where I couldn’t get a seat.

“He was very intelligent and had the good fortune to be bred, raced, owned and retired by Mary Sullivan,” Blowen added. “We appreciate Dr. Scott Hooper and everyone at Rood and Riddle for doing their best to extend Kiri’s quality of life.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Competitions, Show Jumping

Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane Win $25,000 Nutrena Holiday III Grand Prix

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Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane. Mancini Photos.

Wellington, FL – December 22, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Holiday Festival III this week on December 19-21, 2014, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Friday featured the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake with a win for Nina Fagerstrom and Flower. Sunday highlighted the $25,000 Nutrena Holiday III Grand Prix with victory for Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane.

Hector Loyola of Wellington, FL was the course designer in the International Ring for Holiday III competition. In Sunday’s Grand Prix, he saw 34 competitors with six clear rounds to jump-off. Only three were able to clear the short course, where Ronan McGuigan and Capall Zidane went first and set a blazing pace at 39.88 seconds that would hold on for the win.

Kira Kerkorian guided Lisa Kerkorian’s Cassiopeia to second place honors in 40.87 seconds, and Juan Ortiz jumped Stransky’s Mission Farms, Inc.’s Phenix Royal to third place in 42.75 seconds. Two entries were able to surpass McGuigan’s time, but incurred faults along the way. Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Eternal had four faults in 39.27 seconds to place fourth. Darragh Kenny and Spruce Meadows’ Quiz had eight faults in 39.36 seconds and finished fifth.

Capall Zidane, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Concorde x Baloubet du Rouet, has had an incredible season with many grand prix wins. The pair also won the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake the week before in ESP’s Holiday II competition.

Commenting on his ride on Sunday, McGuigan noted, “He was very good. He felt nice and fresh. I didn’t jump him since Thursday, so he was well rested for Sunday. He won the stake and had a rail down in Thursday’s grand prix and then he did nothing until today, so he was pretty fresh with himself today.”

First to go in the jump-off with six in it, McGuigan knew he had to set a fast time to make the other riders chase him.

“I knew Darragh Kenny was coming behind me with that Quiz horse, who is very fast and has beaten me previous times, so I knew my horse can go just as fast as his,” McGuigan stated. “I just tried to put as fast a clear round up as I could without taking too many chances and hopefully push Darragh a little harder so that he might make a mistake. It’s not often that he makes one, but he was my main worry. A few other people got very close to the time though.”

Describing the first round course, McGuigan detailed, “It was a little smaller than it was on Thursday here or there, but the later half of the course was quite technical. Most people were able to jump around the first seven or eight jumps okay and then the last five or six jumps were tough. There was a plank at the gate with a short five stride that took a lot of people out. The very last fence, the in-and-out, was short and that also took a lot of people out. It was a nice course. He started nicely and then built you up and got a little more technical at the end.”

On Sunday, McGuigan also had the added bonus of having his parents there to see his win.

“My mom and dad came in as a surprise. I didn’t know they were coming, so they were there today to be able to watch that,” the rider smiled. “I think that is the first time they have ever seen me win a class, so that was nice for them.”

Capall Zidane will now have a short break through the holidays and then come back to compete in the FEI classes during week two of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in January. He finished out the season with a lot of great wins and McGuigan feels good going into the winter circuit.

“I feel confident now. I came down here during Holiday & Horses and he won a class there and he just had an unlucky rail in the World Cup qualifier,” McGuigan noted. “I think I have jumped him in five classes and he has won three of them, so we are heading into circuit feeling pretty confident.”

Earlier in the week, the $10,000 Equiline Open Stake was held on Friday with victory for Nina Fagerstrom and Finca Horse’s Flower. Out of 32 entries, seven made it to the jump-off, and Fagerstrom completed the only double clear round for the win. David Blake and Pine Hollow Farm’s Cassinjo had three time faults and finished second. Darragh Kenny and Spruce Meadows’ Quiz had the fastest time, but incurred four faults to finish third.

The 2014 ESP Holiday Series concludes with its Holiday Finale on December 31 – January 4. The week will feature the $10,000 Open Stake on Thursday, January 1, and the $25,000 Holiday Finale Grand Prix on Saturday, January 3.For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Katherine Bateson-Chandler Pays It Forward

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Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Carl Hester demonstrating how to produce a young Grand Prix Horse (Photo Credit – Kevin Sparrow).

Wellington, FL (December 22,2014) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler knows she is lucky to ride exceptional horses and to have experience training with Olympic athletes Carl Hester, Debbie McDonald, and Robert Dover. In order show her gratefulness for being able to live out her dressage dreams, Bateson-Chandler is giving back to the equestrian community by helping others pursue their own successful dressage careers.

The Grand Prix rider recently spent her sixth summer training with Hester, whom she works with for part of the year while working with USA’s McDonald during the rest of the year. She was also Robert Dover’s assistant trainer and groom before taking over Dover’s position of riding and training Jane Forbes Clark’s impressive horses. Now, the internationally acclaimed Bateson-Chandler is using her talents to help teach others.

She recently acted as a demo rider for Hester at educational events throughout the United Kingdom. The events included The Dressage Convention at Bury Farm in England on October 18-19, and Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, England on November 8-9. For Bateson-Chandler, providing educational opportunities in England was a sort of homecoming — the equestrian was born and raised in the U.K., and is now a U.S. citizen based out of Wellington, Florida.

“We showed everyone how we produce a young Grand Prix horse using Carl’s system,” Bateson-Chandler said about her experience as a demo rider with Hester. “We touched on most aspects of the Grand Prix, and showed how good basics can make life much simpler as you move up the levels.”

She rode Alcazar, a nine-year old KWPN gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark. Alcazar (Contango x Polina, Ferro) recently won the prestigious 2015 Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award in the Intermediate II level after putting in some impressive scores. Bateson-Chandler has been competing on the dark bay gelding for the past two years when she took over the ride from Dover after he retired from competition.

While Bateson-Chandler enjoyed helping her British mentor, Hester, by riding in the educational demonstrations, she also thought it was good experience for Alcazar.

“Both master classes were amazing experiences for my horse as they gave me the unique opportunity to ride him in an electric environment where the audience claps on a regular basis through the ride,” she said. “He, of course, was a little tense in the beginning but got better and better the more we rode.”

Bateson-Chandler is eager to see where the coming year of equestrian competition season will lead her, and is looking forward to more opportunities to pass on her talents to others. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her star equine partners, visit www.kbcdressage.com or follow the international competitor on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Bateson-Chandler-Dressage/651928248221736?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
Kbcdressage@me.com
908-391-9096
www.kbcdressage.com