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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Catherine Tyree Seals $20,000 SJHOF Jumper Championship Victory at NHS

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Catherine Tyree and Don’t Go.

Victoria Colvin Secures SJHOF East Coast Junior Series Championship

Lexington, KY – October 31, 2014 – It was a race to the finish today during the Amalaya Investments $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) Amateur-Owner Jumper Championship, presented by the Nusz Family, at the National Horse Show. Thirty-one of the East Coast’s most talented horse and rider combinations competed in the series finale, but it was Chicago’s Catherine Tyree and Don’t Go who proved that they have what it takes to go to the top. They shattered Tori Colvin’s time by over two seconds to seal their win in a blazing time of 30.478 seconds. Colvin however secured her second consecutive East Coast Junior Series Overall Championship.

“This is my biggest jumper win for sure,” Tyree smiled. “It is truly an honor to not only compete here at the National Horse Show, but also end up winning one of these classes.”

Tyree and her own Don’t Go, a 12-year-old stallion, put forth their best effort through the entire Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, only narrowly missing the Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Series overall victory by 81 points, just behind Laura Linback and Attention Please.

Tyree said of her mount, “I call him my war horse. He is so reliable. He is game for anything. I can do a small ring like Washington or a big ring like the Hamptons. He is so good to me. I always know he is going to be there for me. His character is what makes him so great.”

Thirteen riders qualified for the shortened course, designed by internationally renowned course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. In the jump-off, only seven of the original 16 jumping efforts remained in the Alltech Arena, allowing ample opportunity for the riders to open their strides and tackle the long distances to the obstacles.

Colvin set the pace early in the order with Don Juan, using his foot speed to her advantage over the course to break the beam in 32.052 seconds. Her speed went unmatched until Tyree entered the ring aboard Don’t Go.

Tyree had already tested the track as the second rider to go in the jump off with her first qualified mount, Wetter. The opportunity gave her an advantage as she executed her plan both efficiently and effectively aboard Don’t Go on her second try. His large stride covered the ground with ease, leaving out strides to trip the timers in an astonishing 30.478 seconds.

“Don’t Go is such a game horse,” Tyree said. “Once I picked up the gallop to the first jump and went off the nine strides to the oxer, I was able to do only five strides turning back to the next oxer. That was where I was able to get the time. He has such a big stride, is so careful and has such a fighting attitude. I knew that if I gave it a good shot, he would give his all for me.”

Haley Gassel gave a valiant effort with Quite Dark 2, owned by Westwind Equine Training Center, but was shy of the victory by 4/10ths of a second. Gassel has ridden Quite Dark 2 for almost two years, and she showed the confidence she has in their partnership as she sliced the turns and raced to the final oxer.

“He is very sweet in the barn, and in the ring he is very confident,” Gassel said. “You put him anywhere and he will jump. If you ride him correctly, he will always go clean. He is just a great horse in general. He has a huge stride. I always tell people that he has to have an 18-foot stride. He covers the ground incredibly, it gets so long, but it is not a loose long. It is still tight and adjustable.”

Gassel concluded the Amalaya Investments $20,000 SJHF Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper Championship in second place, while Colvin finished third. Colvin was presented with the overall series award as the highest scoring junior for her second consecutive year.

“I call him my donkey in the barn,” Colvin laughed as she talked of her mount Don Juan. “When we gallop around he doesn’t even canter, but when you point him at a jump, he is like a dirt bike. He revs up because he has to in order to make it over the jump. His mom was a pony, so he is really small, and he has the pony attitude, too.”

Colvin concluded the series with 955 points, a full 250 points ahead of fellow contenders. She proved unstoppable from her wins during the Winter Equestrian Festival, and her lead became insurmountable after the Lake Placid Horse Shows.

Colvin continued, “You have to be consistent throughout the year in order to win the series, and I think that for the juniors to be able to have that opportunity gives us a great chance and experience.”

Francois Mathy Goes Wire to Wire to Win Chansonette Farm $45,000 Gamblers Choice Costume Class

Halloween Night at the 2014 National Horse Show featured creative costumes throughout the building; some on the many kids that came to trick or treat as well as those created by the riders in tonight’s popular Chansonette Farm $45,000 Gamblers Choice Costume Class. Although it wasn’t realized at the time, the class was over right after the first rider finished his imaginative course. Francois Mathy of Belgium, dressed as a soccer referee, raced Ornellaia through some tight tricky turns and amassed a grand total of 1340 points to secure the Friday night wire to wire win.

No one else came close.

The 200 point Joker fence, a tall, difficult 1.65m vertical of three white poles in the center of the ring proved to be the decider for many of the competitors tonight as only 11 of the 25 riders in the Gamblers Choice were able to add the 200 points to their score. Almost all that cleared the Joker ended up in the money when the tally was finally counted. Fourteen riders saw the 200 points deducted sending them home without a prize.

Schuyler Riley came the closet to catching Mathy’s top score but was still 110 points off the pace in second place. Riley, dressed as a big game hunter, rode Dobra de Porceyo to a total score of 1230 points.

Third place went to cat woman Laura Kraut and Cedric with 1220 points over the Guilherme Jorge designed course.

Rounding out the top four was Shane Sweetnam, riding as Woody from Toy Story. Sweetnam piloted Cyklon 1083 to a 1210 point total.

Francois Mathy and Ornellaia
Francois Mathy and Ornellaia

“It is never easy in this kind of class when you go first,” said Mathy following his victory gallop. “You don’t have a lot of references; you don’t know how many obstacles you can jump. I saw the first part was quite tricky and I had quite a few fences coming up quite quickly, and I thought if I could do that all right, the rest of the course was smoother and easier. In this kind of class what you have to do is try to keep the fences as close as possible and not run too much without jumping a fence. I think that worked out quite good in my course. I just kept going around in the same way, not too many changes of direction.”

“In this kind of class I don’t think you always meet everything really right, you have to improvise a little bit. As soon as you have a fence down, your whole course goes flat, and for me tonight, that didn’t happen,” Mathy detailed. “I was really happy. This mare is still quite green and she jumped super, and the fences were just coming. It’s quite amazing what these horses can do. The fences keep coming at them every four strides and they have to jump it clear. I was really impressed, especially at the joker, a big 1.65m fence; she jumped that really, really well,” he said.

And did he think his lead would hold up? “Normally not,” he said. “Normally in this kind of class when you show the way, someone is going to catch you. I think my track was not so bad a track, but not so many other riders tried it. I think just two copied me. Normally when you go first you don’t have a big advantage. But that worked out all right today,” he smiled. “My track maybe was not the best, but it won today.”

This is the Belgian’s second trip to Lexington and his week was a successful one. “I’ve had a good show. I came last year and I enjoyed it a lot also. I won one of the big classes with a very good mare last year,” he recalled. “The facility is fantastic. I think it is great sport here. The conditions are super. The ring has really good ground. The facility is exceptional with the stabling also. We have plenty of room to ride.”

Mathy also has the World Cup Finals in mind. “I enjoy coming here. It’s important for us because we can also get some World Cup points here and in Europe it’s quite difficult to access the World Cup classes because it’s a limited number of riders per nation and there are not as many World Cup shows as here,” he said. “It gives you a good opportunity here.”

For tomorrow’s $250,000 CP World Cup Grand Prix, Mathy will saddle Royal. “The same one I jumped last week in Washington,” he said. “He jumped really good, was tenth in the grand prix in Washington. Hopefully we have a good shot tomorrow – that’s the main goal here this week.”

Finishing in fifth place tonight was Lisona and Jessica Springsteen, decked out in pirate regalia. Springsteen scored 1100 points and crossed the finish line in 53.72 seconds to edge out Olivier Philippaerts who also scored 1100, but finished with a slower time in 57.19 seconds. The Belgian rider was dressed out as Raggedy Andy.

Seventh place went to Cassinja S and Charlie Jacobs. The Principal of the Boston Bruins was dressed accordingly and banked a total of 1080 points. Eighth went to Balous Day Date and Candice King with 1000 points. King was decked out as Miss Captain America.

Tomorrow the jumper divisions will conclude with the Under 25 Championship Final Competition and the $250,000 CP World Cup Grand Prix.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, FEI

The Dutch Master, Parzival, Reigns Supreme for Cornelissen in Lyon

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Two-time series champions, Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival NOP, won the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League at Lyon, France tonight. (FEI/Pierre Costabadie)

Lyon (FRA), 31 October 2014 – The great Dutch master, Jerich Parzival, claimed maximum points for The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen at the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League in Lyon, France tonight. Belying his 17 years, the big chestnut gelding who carried his rider to a double of series victories in 2011 and 2012 and who was runner-up at the opening leg of the series in Odense, Denmark two weeks ago, produced a lovely performance to post the highest score of 80.300 in the Grand Prix Freestyle. But the Dutch duo, who also claimed team and individual Freestyle bronze at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy two months ago, were closely followed by Germany’s Fabienne Lutkemeier and D’Agostino FRH in runner-up spot while another former FEI World Cup™ Dressage double-champion, Germany’s Ulla Salzgeber, slotted into third with Herzruf’s Erbe.

There were some very bright lights shining tonight, with an eye-catching performance from fourth-placed Danielle Heijkoop and Kingsley Siro for The Netherlands and a strong result for Sweden’s Patrik Kittel partnering the promising 10-year-old mare Deja who finished fifth.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season so far, however, has been the emergence of Denmark’s Agnete Kirk Thinggaard and the 11-year-old Jojo AZ as a real force to be reckoned with. The pair, who finished fourth in the Dutch Championship earlier this year, lined up sixth in round one at Odense, and they showed that was no fluke when doing exactly the same this evening when, once again, they left some very big names in their wake.

Such is their success-rate of late that they now share the top of the Western European Leaderboard alongside tonight’s winners with a total of 37 points to date.

Sporting ambition

The Danish rider combines her sporting ambition with a great deal of common sense, and the 31-year-old, who has only returned to competition after an eight-year absence while rearing her three young children, set tonight’s first serious target with a mark of 77.400 when last to go before the judging break.

Together, Thinggaard and Jojo AZ presented a Freestyle that was a pleasure to watch, including rock-solid piaffe, seamless transitions and tremendous symmetry with the musical score. Last time out they finished sixth behind Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Flirt. Tonight the Dutch pair had to settle for ninth place despite some very nice work from the 13-year-old mare.

And Thinggaard remained at the head of affairs until Patrik Kittel threw down a mark of 77.850 with Deja, thanks in no small measure to the Swedish rider’s proficient production of clockwork passage. With three now left to go, Germany’s Salzgeber raised the bar when posting 79.325 with Herzruf’s Erbe, the horse with which she finished third at the Reem Acra Final in Leipzig, Germany in 2011. But she was immediately demoted by Cornelissen and Parzival who bounced through their always-captivating routine and finished with their usual flourish to score 80.300.

Only Lutkemeier and D’Agostino could spoil their party now, and the German pair very nearly succeeded when earning a mark of 80.050 for a lovely test during which the 14-year-old gelding maintained an attractive outline.

Lutkemeier and her horse have enjoyed a great year, following team gold at the FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark in 2013 with team gold at this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. And the rider, who was reserve for the London 2012 Olympic Games, particularly enjoyed her success tonight as it came just three days after her 25th birthday. “D’Agostino gave me the best birthday present!” Lutkemeier said. “He was really super. He hadn’t done a Freestyle since last May, at the German Championship, so I’m really happy with how we finished! I rode the Special all the time coming up to Caen, but I always love competing in Freestyle and I was happy with him the whole way through his test today,” she added. She continued, “This is his first show indoors and he was really concentrated, really good in the flying changes and the pirouettes particularly – I’m very, very happy!”

Reflected

Cornelissen, meanwhile, reflected on how things turned out for her over the last few days. It wasn’t completely plain-sailing with Jerich Parzival under the Lyon lights. “I know he is very experienced and really knows his job, but he was quite spooky yesterday in the Grand Prix and not full of confidence. I think the light in the arena was a bit different or something, but he turned into his old Jerich Parzival spooky self yesterday, so today I hoped he would be better and he was – a lot better and much more confident!”

To some extent, however, his renewed confidence created its own problems today. “I could ride forward a lot more, he was going so well I wanted to let him go when he was happy to do it, but as a result I got a bit ahead of my music so that wasn’t perfect,” Cornelissen explained.

She talked about how she keeps this great horse in such good shape at this late stage in his career. “I try to do as much of his work outdoors as I can, on the race-track and in the woods, doing piaffe and passage, that’s how I train him now rather than in the arena, although of course sometimes you have to go in the arena, especially before a competition. He’s top fit at the moment,” she pointed out.

He certainly looked in great form tonight, and well on the road to challenging for his third Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage title when the 2014/2015 Final arrives in Las Vegas, USA in six months’ time.

For further information on the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 leg at Lyon, France, go to website www.equitalyon.com or contact Press Officer Daniel Koroloff, Email daniel@blizko-communications.com, Tel +33 611 021812.

The next leg will take place at Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday 22 November. For details of the German fixture, visit http://stuttgart-german-masters.de or contact Press Officer Joerg Klopfer, Email joerg.klopfer@in.stuttgart.de or Tel +49 7119 5543128.

Detailed result here.

Facts and Figures:

Lyon, France presented the second leg of the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Western European League tonight.

The League takes place over 9 competitions, and the Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2014/2015 Final will take place at Las Vegas, USA from 15-19 April 2015.

Tonight’s winners were The Netherlands’ Adelinde Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival.

The judges for tonight’s competition were: At E, Ghislain Fouarge NED; At H, Christof Umbach LUX; At C, Isabelle Judet FRA; At M, Stephen Clarke GBR; At B, Katrina Wuest GER.

Yesterday’s preliminary Grand Prix was also won by Cornelissen and Jerich Parzival who scored a back-to-back double of Reem Acra victories in 2011 and 2012.

Tonight’s winning horse, Jerich Parzival NOP, was the oldest in the competition at the age of 17.

The youngest horse was the 10-year-old Swedish-bred mare, Deja, ridden by Sweden’s Patrik Kittel into fifth place.

Third-placed Ulla Salzgeber is a two-time FEI World Cup™ Dressage champion. Partnering the great Rusty, she came out on top at Aarhus in Denmark in 2001 and at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands in 2002.

Quotes:

Adelinde Cornelissen NED, talking about her plans for Jerich Parzival: “My next plan is to do Stockholm at the end of November and then give him a bit of a break in December and January – to break the winter season in two – and see how he is then.”

Fabienne Lutkemeier GER: “It was a great pleasure to be part of the (world championship winning) team in Caen, and it has been a wonderful 12 months for me, Aachen was great this summer too. My next target is the Reem Acra leg in Stuttgart in three weeks’ time.”

Full standings here.

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/W1ax_909XS0

Reem Acra FEI Hub http://fei.org/fei/sponsors/reem-acra-and-fei gives access to extensive information about the series.

FEI World Cup™ Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, is now in its 29th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to Music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Lyon:

Daniel Koroloff
Press Officer
daniel@blizko-communications.com
+33 611 021812

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Press Relations
Email: grania.willis@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 142

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
Email: malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
Tel: +41 787 506 133

Phelps Media Group, Western/Reining

Cow Horse Extravaganza Series Wraps Up with Fun Finale

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Trevor Steed works a cow during the ranch horse exhibition.

Jupiter, FL – October 30, 2014 – Steed Training’s goal for their Cow Horse Extravaganza series was to put on family friendly events that brought the community out to experience the excitement of reined cow horse competition, and their success was evident at the final event of the season. Spectators, sponsors and supporters gathered on Saturday, Oct. 25, to watch the ranch horse exhibition, listen to live music and enjoy a barbeque dinner.

The exhibition was held alongside a cow horse play day, which drew riders of all experience levels out to Golden L Ranch in Jupiter, Florida, to run through reining patterns and work cows in a laidback environment. Zeus the zebra, who has been trained by Rick Steed, greeted visitors to the ranch as they arrived.

Reverend Marcia MacNeal, a non-denominational minister from the Center for Spiritual Living of the Palm Beaches, was on hand for the Blessing of the Animals. Visitors brought their horses and pets for the touching ceremony.

Erin O’Brien, a former international trick rider, barrel racer and team roper, carried the American flag out for the singing of the national anthem. She was dressed in a beautiful red, white and blue outfit.

“I think this is the greatest family event,” O’Brien said. “I was thrilled to come out and carry Old Glory. There’s so much camaraderie, and it’s so all-American. You don’t get this anymore. Rick Steed and his wife Toni are the most gracious hosts, and Rick has the patience of a saint with children.”

The series finale showed plenty of Halloween spirit, with young riders dressing in costume to perform reining freestyles. Spectators cheered on Batman and the others as they showed off spins and sliding stops.

Rick and Trevor Steed led the way in demonstrating ranch horse competition. Debbie Hall provided commentary, giving the spectators insight into the sport as she explained what the riders’ goals were in each phase and what the judge would be looking for. Hall has been involved with Horse Show by Appointment since the organization began, and she judged several of the summer exhibitions.

Zeus the zebra, trained by Rick Steed, posed for selfies with visitors
Zeus the zebra, trained by Rick Steed, posed for selfies with visitors

“These events have been really great for opening up the Western world to those who aren’t traditionally part of it,” Hall said. “They’re great family events.”

Announcer Bubba Dunn agreed.

“We had a kid today who has only been riding since March, and he did great,” Dunn said. “What makes events are the people, and the people here are wonderful. They enjoy coming out and spending time together.”

Liz Olszewski, Director and Founder of Horses Healing Hearts, was on hand to represent the charitable organization, which helps children in families suffering from substance abuse by connecting them with horses. Olszewski, a dressage rider, also had a chance to try her hand at riding a cowhorse.

“Our goal here today was just to spread the word and get exposure,” Olszewski said. “We have been in existence for five years, and we are serving 49 kids now.”

“From a rider’s perspective, this was so cool,” she added. “I was telling people, ‘Thank God I don’t have money; I’d be buying one of these horses!’ I’ve had it on my bucket list, and to be able to come out and have this experience locally was a real treat.”

Singer and guitarist Tom Blake provided musical entertainment throughout the afternoon, performing classic country tunes as well as original songs. He said he was happy to be part of the event.

“It’s nice to be a part of real Western riding, being a country music singer and loving country music,” Blake said. “It’s great to play in front of my peers. Rick is awesome – I had a polo pony in training with him, and we became friends.”

Andres Sanchez, who competes in HSBA events alongside his two young daughters, generously provided food for the exhibition series.

“My daughters are 7 and 10 and have been riding for about two years now, and my wife helps out with the cow return,” Sanchez said. “The girls love it. There are a lot of children getting involved now, and they’re having a ball.”

Sanchez’ wife, Tracy, said the family friendly atmosphere at every event put on by Steed Training and HSBA is a big draw. She feels that her daughters have learned respect and commitment from their involvement with horses, and she does her best to spread the word and introduce others to Rick Steed’s events.

“This is life for us, but our daughters’ friends know nothing about it,” she said. “So for each show, we try to bring one of their friends along so they can get a taste of it. What’s really great is the excitement of the next generation that’s coming up.”

The Cow Horse Extravaganza series has drawn a great deal of sponsorship support, and Steed Training and HSBA are grateful to all those who have stepped up and contributed to the events.

While the Cow Horse Extravaganza summer series is coming to an end, things are just heating up for Steed Training as they prepare to open an additional facility in Loxahatchee Groves, FL, less than 10 miles from the center of Wellington. Once complete, it will be a top-notch venue for reined cow horse competitors and other Western riders. The new facility, including a state-of-the-art arena complete with lighting, will open in January and allow Steed Training to build on their commitment to bringing Western riding to the Wellington area.

HSBA Reined Cow Horse Experience

If the Cow Horse Extravaganza leaves you wanting to get in the saddle yourself, Steed Training has the perfect solution: the HSBA Reined Cow Horse Experience. Rick and Trevor Steed welcome groups to their Jupiter location – and, as soon as it opens, their new Loxahatchee Groves location just minutes from Wellington – for a day of immersion in the reined cow horse discipline.

Riders of all levels, from complete beginner to seasoned professional, can learn the ropes from a well-schooled cow horse and feel the rush of working a cow under the expert guidance of the Steed Training team. Kick back and relax with a limo ride to the farm from surrounding towns. Steed Training can also bring the Reined Cow Horse Experience to your farm in the South Florida area. Contact Rick Steed at (772) 263-6830 or Tom DiRocco at (561) 371-4997 for more information.

About Horse Show by Appointment

Horse Show by Appointment’s fresh approach to reined cow horse competition was an unprecedented success in its first season, and now HSBA is back for a second year. HSBA aims to make showing “Fun, Fair, and Affordable” for competitors. To accommodate those traveling long distances to show and help busy riders fit showing in at their convenience, HSBA allows riders to reserve their own ride times in advance. This cuts down on usual travel expenses such as stall rentals and hotels and encourages competitors to make the trip and join in the fun.

Each HSBA series includes four shows. Riders who compete at three out of the four shows earn a place in the annual Championship Finals, which offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors may also qualify for the Finals in absentia by simply sending in entries and payment to each of the four shows.

Visit www.showbyappointment.com for information and updates on HSBA shows. Check out HSBA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShowByAppointment.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Kathryn Haefner and Columbus Sail to A-O 3’3″ Hunter Grand Championship at NHS

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Kathryn Haefner and Columbus.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2014 – It took a rocket scientist to win the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Grand Championship at the National Horse Show – literally.

Kathryn Haefner is a graduate student at Stanford University, where she is completing a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Thursday at the Kentucky Horse Park, she and her mount Columbus rocketed to the top of the leader board to clinch the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 18-35 Hunter Championship, sponsored by Fashion Farm and Woodland Way. The pair’s performance also ultimately earned them the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter Grand Championship.

“He was champion last year at Capital Challenge, but this was actually the first time that he’s shown here,” Haefner said of Columbus. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just came from school so we were both a little bit rusty. I was basically here to have fun and just to say that I got to go to the National Horse Show.”

Haefner continued, “He’s been super this whole year. He’s really grown up a lot. He came in here, wasn’t spooky or anything. There was a lot of stuff to look at in there, and he was totally fine with it.”

Haefner purchased the 8-year-old Westphalian gelding four years ago, and he is presently one of 17 horses in her string.

“We have 17 horses that are going to Florida with us,” Haefner said. “Our barn is just me, and most of them are sale horses. I have a couple like this one that were sale horses and then I decided that they weren’t for sale anymore. We have a bunch of new Pre-Green horses, so I’m going to move my amateurs up, and we’ll see. Maybe I’ll do some of the young ones in the adults, and see how it goes.”

Haefner2Balancing her horses with a challenging course of study is not easy, but both are things that Haefner is passionate about.

“It’s my dad’s fault [that I chose to study aerospace],” Haefner said. “He’s an electrical engineer, but the company that he works for produces sensors specifically for space applications, so I’ve been exposed to a lot of science and math from a young age. I got to watch rocket launches, and I thought it was the coolest thing. I wanted to be an astronaut, but I get motion sickness, so that’s probably not going to happen. This is the next best thing.”

Haefner has another year and a half before graduation, but in the meantime, she is just enjoying the opportunity to compete at top competitions like the National Horse Show.

Finishing with the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 18-35 Hunters were Darby Toben and Peron.

In the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ 35 and Older Hunters, the championship, sponsored by Meralex Farm & Hunt, went to Kelley Corrigan and Game Day. Finishing in the reserve championship position were Ainsley Sadlo and Balin.

What made that one-two finish special is that both Corrigan and Sadlo train with Havens Schatt. Corrigan began riding with the Lexington, Kentucky-based trainer last spring, and has enjoyed it immensely since.

“It’s a mellow barn. There are a lot of horses, but it’s not tense,” Corrigan said. “Havens’ is great. The horses are all topnotch.”

One of those topnotch horses is Corrigan’s own Game Day. “I got him a year ago in August, and I have had him for a little over a year. We’ve been doing the 3’3″ every year, and we’re hoping to move up to the 3’6″,” Corrigan said. “He’s 7, but he kind of acts like he’s 11 or 12. He’s very amateur friendly.”

Following his success Thursday, Game Day will enjoy some time off at Corrigan’s home farm in Lexington, Kentucky, before getting back into Schatt’s program and heading to Wellington, Florida, for the winter, where Corrigan will set her sights on her goals for next year.

“I really, really want to get to Devon next year. It’s my favorite show,” Corrigan said. “I would like to do Indoors. He’s a horse that gets a little bored doing the same jumps all the time so maybe the following year we’ll start doing some derbies.”

Thursday afternoon marked the conclusion of the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters, but the hunter competition continues tomorrow with the conclusion of the Amateur-Owner 3’6″ Hunter divisions.

Watch live streaming of the National Horse Show all week on USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, and find out more about the show at www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

*Featured/Spotlights, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Philippaerts Captures Copernicus Stables $75,000 International Open Jumpers at NHS

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Olivier Philippaerts and Armstrong Van de Kapel.

Lexington, KY – October 30, 2014 – Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts guided Armstrong Van de Kapel to victory on Thursday night at the 131st National Horse Show, topping a starting field of 42 and then a massive jump-off roster of 21 to win the marathon Copernicus Stables $75,000 International Open Jumpers, presented by the Coulter Family. In the dash for cash, Philippaerts was the only rider to break the 40 second barrier as he raced home in 39.35 seconds for the win.

A star-studded roster of the best riders from around the world challenged the 1.50m course designed by popular builder Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. Tonight, the rider’s got the best of the deal with the 21 horse and rider combinations emerging from the first round. “They beat me up all day,” laughed Jorge referring also to an earlier Junior/Amateur class, one that saw a majority of the starters go clean and a huge twenty-five horse jump-off that followed. Speaking of the main event tonight, Jorge explained, “It’s a great challenge with such great riders on such terrific horses, jumping on beautiful footing and being limited to 1.50m to create a course that’s tough enough. For sure,” he admitted, “I should have dropped the Time Allowed by at least two seconds.”

Jorge’s claim was bolstered by the fact that not a single time fault was issued during any clear ride over the first round course.

Eleven of the 21 that jumped off went clean the second time around, with Philippaerts emerging as the star of the night.

“Well, in the beginning it was difficult enough, because you know with 21 in the jump-off, it’s going to be a very, very fast,” Philippaerts said. “It was a little too bad there were so many clear rounds. But I think for Saturday he will make sure there are less. For me, it worked out well. But for many people who rode horses for the World Cup as well today, it’s quite a lot to jump fast like that and then go again on Saturday,” he said.

As far as his winning strategy, the personable Belgian rider said, “I just tried to go as fast as possible. It was a little bit of a tricky jump-off. At the last fence, normally you should always go left, but we all took the risk to go to the right side. I think that made the difference in the jump-off.”

As far as his equine partner, Philippaerts said, “I got this horse in January and he had only jumped two star grand prix. He’s a little bit inexperienced, like the World Cup classes here, he never did that before. That’s why I brought him to America, to get him to this level, and hopefully he’ll go up to the highest level because I think he’s one of my best horses.”

Finishing just off the torrid 39.35 second pace set by the speedy Belgian was Jessica Springsteen of the United States on Lisona, who clocked in at 40.10 seconds, just 7/10ths off the winning time. “I don’t have that much experience going really fast with Lisona, so we just recently tried to go a little bit quicker. She was incredible tonight and I think she really enjoyed it, so I’m really happy with her,” Springsteen said.

Ireland’s Richie Maloney and Alsvid were 3/10ths of a second further back of Springsteen to finish third in 40.45 seconds. “He can be quite quick in the jump-off,” Maloney noted. “This is probably as big a class as he’s done. I normally use him for speed classes, but he does a bit of everything. He’s a little bit tense when he comes in the ring, but he tries very hard.”

Rounding out the top four was Roberto Teran of Colombia who tripped the timers in 41.01 seconds on Woklahoma. Exactly one second behind in fifth place was Beat Mandli of Switzerland piloting ZaZa Harvey to a final time of 42.01 seconds. Candice King of the United States took home sixth place honors in 43.48 seconds on Balous Day Date.

Paulo Santana, first to go on Taloubet, finished seventh and Georgina Bloomberg with Juvina was eighth.

Two in a Row! Farrington Races to $45,000 Staysail Farm International Open Speed Win

Red-hot Kent Farrington made it two in a row at the 2014 National Horse Show on Thursday, racing Waomi to her second win in as many days. The speedy pair outgunned a field of 34 to win the $45,000 Staysail Farm International Open Speed in a blazing time of 54.55 seconds, one of only two riders to break the 55 second barrier in today’s faults converted formatted class.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam finished a close second with Cyklon 1083, ripping across the finish line in 54.99 seconds, while Lexington’s Reed Kessler finished third aboard Ligist in 55.06 seconds.

The creatively designed Guilherme Jorge speed track allowed for a good number of fault-free performances and saw the top eight placings all finish within two seconds of Farrington’s winning time.

Kent Farrington and Waomi
Kent Farrington and Waomi

Farrington talked about today’s speed course. “Yeah, I think yesterday was a little bigger of a course. I think it was built typical of a fast faults-converted class, with the inside options and things like that where you could really make up time. But, with these riders that you have here and the speed that they get on this indoor footing, the classes always turn out to be very, very competitive,” he said.

Farrington did not get a chance to watch Sweetnam’s earlier leading round. “When it’s so very close like that, I think it’s really hard to say where the difference is. The rounds were probably almost neck and neck all the way around. They’re both fast horses. I probably just got a little lucky today,” he smiled.

While the top 20 or so were very competitive, a number of riders were just warming up for Saturday night’s main event, the $250,000 CP National Horse Show Grand Prix. Farrington had the advantage of having a speed specialist in the barn, in addition to Willow, who he will be riding on Saturday. “Yeah, that’s fun!” he said. “I like horses that win. I always try to pick horses that win at whatever level they’re going to do. I like horses that have a great heart and just want to win classes, and I think she’s a real winner. She was a good horse when Megan (Nusz) had her, and she’s a good horse now,” he said, and added, “And I think she’s going to continue winning.”

Finishing fourth this afternoon was Colombia’s Daniel Bluman who was first to go with Believe and came home with the speedy time of 55.29 seconds. Following up on a second place finish yesterday, Belgium’s Nicola Philippaerts finished fifth with J’Espere Dream in 55.630 seconds. Sixth place went to Roberto Teran, also from Colombia, tripping the timers in 56.070 on Farina.

Rounding out the top eight were Lillie Keenan and Francois Mathy. Keenan piloted Balance to a final time of 56.760 seconds while Mathy, a third place finisher yesterday, broke the beams in 56.82 seconds on Ornellaia.

Kalvin Dobbs Wins Second Leg of U-25 Championship; Michael Hughes Takes Lead in Championship Rankings

Twenty-four contenders made their way to the short track during the Sleepy P Ranch and Deeridge Farms $65,000 Under 25 Championship. It was a race to the finish with the top three finishing only tenths of a second apart, and Kalvin Dobbs led the victory gallop aboard Woodstock O, owned by Treesdale Farm, for his blazing jump off round.

Katherine Strauss set the pace early on in the jump off, clearing the course in 35.85 seconds. Strauss used All In’s large stride to shave the seconds, and she took the opportunity to take a shot at the win. Her time proved solid as the other competitors were forced to compensate accuracy for speed.

Strauss noted, “I wasn’t very high coming back in the standings so I didn’t feel too much pressure. I just wanted to give it as good a shot as I could. I haven’t done too many jump offs with my horse, so I really wanted to practice going fast.”

Dobbs was the first to break the barrier she set. His time of 34.35 seconds proved good enough for the victory. For Dobbs, his partnership with Woodstock O has been short, but with the help of trainer Olympian Laura Kraut, he showed how far they have come. They competed in Europe during the summer months, riding against some of the world’s best. He acknowledged that ‘Woody’ is a “step-up-a-tier horse,” very different than any mount he has ridden before.

“I’ve really had to learn how to make a horse jump clear and how to think about every single detail as I’m going around the course,” Dobbs explained. “I’m not just looking for a distance and trying to get around. I’ve really had to maintain my mentality about what I’m doing. Especially in Europe, I was with Laura, and it forced me to become more aware as an individual, know what my horse is like that day and ride him to how he’s going.”

Dobbs showed no hesitation during the second round, even though his first course was less than ideal.

“For the first round, I was schooling, and it was going really well. Then I totally missed, and it was unraveling. So I made what I could out of it. I’ve learned a lot on this horse. I think a couple months ago I wouldn’t have been able to pull out a clear round, but I did,” Dobbs smiled. “I was a little hesitant going into the jump off knowing I didn’t love the first round, but Woody knows exactly what he’s doing, so I just let him go and do his thing. Everything kind of came out of stride. I love it when that happens.”

A change in the ranks is nothing unfamiliar when it comes to the World Cup format. Tonight it was Michael Hughes and Macarthur, owned by Christina Fried, who topped the positions to lead the Under 25 Championship standings after earning their second consecutive red ribbon of the championship. Hughes currently sits at the pinnacle of the standings with 56 points, while Dobbs follows close behind with 52 points. Wilton Porter, yesterday’s leader, now sits in third after an unfortunate dismount during the jump off.

“I’m a little bit nervous going into Saturday, but my horse is usually a lot better the more he jumps, so hopefully that’ll work to my advantage. He feels really good this week, so hopefully it’ll keep going like that,” Hughes said of the pressure now resting on his shoulders.

The Sleepy P Ranch and Deeridge Farms $25,000 Under 25 Championship will conclude on Saturday.

Rinaldi Racks Up Another Win for Second Day Amalaya Investments $10,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers

Guilherme Jorge’s first round course for the Amalaya Investments $10,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers didn’t fool the field of 31 talented riders as they traversed the opening track. Twenty-four horse and rider combinations would make it through to the jump-off, but the jump-off would prove more demanding with only 11 posting double clear efforts.

It was 14-year-old Giavanna Rinaldi, representing Illinois, who raced to the top of the ranks early in the order with G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise. The pressure was on after her win in Wednesday’s $5,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers, but she didn’t let it get to her, racing to an untouchable time of 31.822 seconds.

“I didn’t think that many horses would make it through,” Rinaldi admitted. “I have never been in a jump off that had more than 20 horses, so I got a little bit nervous. I knew I had to set the pace because I went a little bit earlier in the course.”

Rinaldi continued, “I knew the turn after the third jump was going to be a little bit hard because his left turn isn’t as smooth. I knew I had to make up time from 1 to 2, so I did that. I made sure I got down to the skinny in three strides, and then I just kind of took a chance at the last line.”

Michael Hughes and Luxina tried to catch Rinaldi’s time, but their time of 32.217 seconds was just off the pace, earning second place. The third place went to Catherine Tyree and Wetter for their jump-off time of 32.769 seconds.

The $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHOF) Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper Championship will take center stage tomorrow afternoon at the 131st National Horse Show.

For more information on the 131st National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org.

Watch live streaming of the National Horse Show all week on USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, and find out more about the show at www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

Eventing/H.T., Phelps Media Group

Phillip Dutton among Top Riders Competing at the Virginia Horse Center

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Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton.

Fall Virginia Horse Trials Attract More Than 560 Entries

Lexington, VA – October 30, 2014 – This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of the Fall Virginia Horse Trials at the Virginia Horse Center, and the event, to be held Fri., Oct. 31 – Sun., Nov. 2, is on track to be one of the biggest competitions to date.

“We have 570 horses coming in for Beginner-Novice level through the CIC2*,” said founder and manager of the Virginia Horse Trials, Brian Ross. “We have quite an international field of riders. Phillip Dutton is coming in and a few other top riders such as Lynn Symansky.”

In addition to ushering in top competitors like Dutton, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, the Virginia Horse Trials will host the United States Eventing Association’s (USEA) Area 2 Championships for Beginner Novice through Intermediate level eventers.

Outside of the regular individual competition, the Fall Virginia Horse Trials will also be offering the Adult Rider Team Challenge and the College Team Challenge.

“The Adult Rider Team Challenge is for amateur competitors, and it should be fun. Riders are coming from Maine and Canada and lots of other places,” Ross said.

The Fall Virginia Horse Trials serve as one of the final events before the winter, and it’s an event that riders have grown to look forward to over the past 25 years.

“People want to finish their year off on a good note and Virginia has become a destination,” Ross said.

There is no cost to spectate the event, and all onlookers are welcome. For more information and event times, visit www.vahorsetrials.com.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Emily at emr@phelpsmediagroup.com or by phone at (717) 368-8102.

Fall Virginia Horse Trials Fast Facts:

What: The Fall Virginia Horse Trials

When: October 31 – November 1, 2014

Where: Virginia Horse Center
487 Maury River Rd, Lexington, VA 24450

Website: http://www.vahorsetrials.com

Media Contact: Emily Riden
emr@phelpsmediagroup.com
(717) 368-8102

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

Zenyatta’s War Front Filly Euthanized after Paddock Accident

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Zenyatta and her 2014 War Front filly, courtesy of Team Zenyatta’s Instagram (@teamzenyatta)

Zenyatta’s 2014 foal, a filly by War Front, was euthanized Oct. 28 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital as the result of a paddock accident at Lane’s End Farm.

Team Zenyatta issued the following statement on their website:

Dear fans,

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Zenyatta’s filly, affectionately nicknamed Z Princess. She was a member of our family and had just begun to make her mark on the world. This is a heartbreaking loss for those who knew and loved her.

The following is a statement from Lane’s End Farm:

It is with a heavy heart that I must report the death of the 2014 War Front/Zenyatta weanling filly. She was humanely euthanized last night at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital after a paddock accident on the farm.

As caretakers of these Thoroughbreds, we collectively mourn the loss of this beautiful filly.

On behalf of the Farish family and the entire staff at Lane’s End Farm, our condolences go out to Jerry and Ann, Team Zenyatta and all the great fans who support Zenyatta.

Respectfully,
Mike Cline
General Manager of Lane’s End Farm

At this time, we ask that all messages of love and condolence be sent to the Zenyatta office. Team Z would like to lessen the load on Lane’s End Farm and their dedicated staff.

Zenyatta.com
300 E. 54th St. #27A
New York, NY 10022

Our planned 2014 Zenyatta.com Celebration will continue as scheduled this weekend. This event is about celebrating the love that we share for Zenyatta, the strength of this community, and working together to improve our sport. We invite you to join us in raising money for Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. Details will follow.

Thank you for all of your love and support during this difficult time,
-Team Z

PaulickReport.com
Blenheim Publishing LLC
3070 Lakecrest Circle, Suite 400-292
Lexington, KY 40513

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Banner Day for Betsee Parker, Scott Stewart and Hunt Tosh at National Horse Show

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Scott Stewart and Lucador.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2014 – As the National Horse Show awarded its professional hunter championships Wednesday, there was one name repeated with almost every presentation: Dr. Betsee Parker.

Parker, of Middleburg, Virginia, is the owner of Casanova, Cold Harbor, Lucador and the lessee of A Million Reasons. The four horses constituted four of the five championship winning mounts Wednesday at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Hunt Tosh kicked off the Parker-owned hot streak aboard Casanova, claiming the division championship in the First Year Green Hunters, sponsored by Goshen Hill. Finishing in reserve behind Tosh were Sloane Coles and Autumn Rhythm, owned by Nilani Trent.

Tosh’s success continued in the Regular Conformation Hunters with 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cold Harbor.

“[Cold Harbor] was great here,” Tosh said. “Harrisburg was a little rusty; he didn’t do Capital Challenge. He hadn’t shown in a while, so he was a little rusty [at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show]. He went beautifully today. It’s a good week for him.”

Tosh and Cold Harbor earned the championship trophy, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wheeler, while the reserve championship went to Kelley Farmer and Mindful.

In the Green Conformation Hunters, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Selma Garber, it was Scott Stewart and Lucador who claimed the championship, with a perfect, clean sweep of the division, winning all five classes.

“[Lucador]’s been great. He’s actually gotten better at every show,” Stewart said. “I was really happy with him. This is actually the most consistent that he’s been. We usually have one class where one of us messes up. He’s only 6 years old, so he’s sort of green.”

While Lucador seemed not to take a step wrong in the show ring, his performance in the schooling area can be a bit of a different story.

“He’s a little bit girthy, and if you don’t give enough time he’ll buck and rear and try to throw me against the wall,” Stewart said. “He’s a little bit cold that way. Once he’s in the ring, he’s easier. ”

Stewart continued, “Julie Connors usually rides him for me and is always on him first and warms him up. Then I get on him, and he’s okay. I think he likes her better than me. He’s fine as long as she’s on him.”

In truth, Lucador seems more than fine with Stewart on him as well, and their winning rounds today helped Stewart clinch his eighth National Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider Challenge Trophy. Stewart previously won the award in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012 and now 2014.

Helping add to Stewart’s point tally toward the honor were A Million Reasons and Golden Rule.

A Million Reasons, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, claimed the blue ribbon in this morning’s $7,500 Second Year Green Hunter Stake before going on to also clinch the division championship, sponsored by Ernie and Betty Oare and Patricia Adikes-Hill.

“She’s the easiest horse I’ve ridden so far, and probably the nicest,” Stewart said of A Million Reasons, whom he just started riding following the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. “I like mares, but I haven’t had that much luck bringing them along. She’s super. There’s so much quality and scope.”

Stewart and Stephanie Danahkl’s Golden Rule finished out the day with the High Performance Hunter reserve championship, while the championship went to Kensel LLC’s Mindful.

The opportunity to compete Parker’s horses is one that neither Stewart nor Tosh take for granted.

“As a rider I think it’s great,” Tosh said. “Between the Wheelers and Betsee, to have owners that support us and just give us horses to ride that don’t do another division and are basically just for us to do is incredible. There aren’t a lot of owners out there that do that nowadays. She’s wonderful to both of us.”

Tosh continued, “For what she does, and as much as she puts into it, she wants to do it at the top level, so when you have a day like today it all pays off. Her plan and our plan and everything really worked out.”

While Wednesday marked the conclusion of the professional hunter divisions, the hunter competition continues on Thursday with the Amateur-Owner Hunters beginning at 7 a.m.

Watch live streaming of the National Horse Show all week on USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, and find out more about the show at www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Farrington Guides Waomi to Opening Day $45,000 Speed Stake Win at National Horse Show

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Kent Farrington and Waomi.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2014 – Kent Farrington, one of the most successful riders on tour throughout the 2014 show season, continued his winning ways on Thursday afternoon as the Open and International Jumpers got underway at the 131st National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.

Riding the Amalaya Investments’ Waomi, Farrington topped a large starting field of 51 in a one round speed class, racing home in 53 seconds flat to nail down the victory over a pair of Belgian riders, Nicola Philippaerts and Francois Mathy. Philippaerts, riding J’Espere Dream, clocked in just a whisper behind Farrington at 53.06 seconds. Meanwhile, Mathy piloted Ornellaia to a time of 54.56 seconds for today’s third place finish.

Veteran Course Designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, making his National Horse Show debut, created a 14 jump track with 12 numbered fences that saw 22 of the 51 starters go clean. Jorge was thrilled to be in Lexington and working at such an important and historic event. “One of the things I love most about our sport is the tradition, and I don’t think you get more traditional than at the National Horse Show,” he said. “I feel very honored to be part of it.”

Jorge, who builds his grand prix course first and then works backwards towards opening day, talked about that process. “It is nice that for the main division we have a speed class, then we have a big jump-off class and then we have the grand prix. I am sure we are going to have a very strong group of riders. I think the first class will be a nice speed competition, but the technical part will be important. The speed class is of course not as hard as the jump-off class, but I am anticipating a good group, so it will not be all about speed. It’s a table A speed class, so there is some riding and jumping involved as well,” he explained.

Kent Farrington, who arrived in Lexington fresh off a major international win in the Grand Prix of Barcelona at the FEI Nations Cup Finals and the $40,000 Big Jump at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, talked about today’s victory. “Waomi is naturally a fast horse, she anticipates the turns and it’s easy to leave strides out going around the turns,” he said. “I started off really aggressive leaving out a stride in the first line and that is probably where we scored the win.”

He then spoke of his excellent summer of success. “It’s really been a team effort. I have some great owners behind me, some really nice horses and a really great staff around me. It really comes down to putting yourself with the right people and getting the right horses underneath you,” he smiled.

“The National Horse Show has always been a staple of the famous shows in the United States, so it’s really exciting that they are making a big effort to make it special again,” he continued. “I think having it at the Horse Park makes it one of the best indoors we have. The organizers have gone to great lengths to make it feel special.”

Farrington continued the string of wins on horses borrowed from his student Meagan Nusz. In addition to the win on Naomi today, Farrington rode Nusz’ Dynamo to victory in the Trump Grand Prix in Florida two years ago. “That’s easy,” he laughed. “You get your students nice horses and then it’s easy to borrow them every now and again for a win.”

Following the two riders from Belgium, who finished second and third, Beezie Madden of the United States took home fourth place honors with her always reliable partner Cortes C, a horse who always seems ready for whatever the task at hand might be. Today, forced to go early in the ninth spot in the order, their blazing trip of 55.16 seconds looked unbeatable at the time. As it turned out, some 43 horses later, they wound up just over two seconds too slow.

Lexington based Reed Kessler finished fifth with her own Ligist. They finished 6/10ths behind Madden in 55.77 seconds. Olivier Philippaerts, the other half of the Belgian brotherhood, took home sixth place honors with Carlito C in 55.93 seconds.

Rounding out the top eight were Shane Sweetnam and Kama Godek. Sweetnam piloted the Spy Coast Farm entry of Eregast Van’t Kiezelhof to seventh and Godek was eighth on Air Force One.

The Open Jumpers continue tomorrow with the $75,000 International Open Jumpers – Time First Jump-off, the featured event at 9 p.m.

Amalaya Investments $5,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers, presented by the Nusz Family

Thirty-one horse and rider combinations tackled the tricky Amalaya Investments $5,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers course tonight, but it was Giavanna Rinaldi who came out on top of the speed class. The 14-year-old made a speedy National Horse Show debut with her own G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise, tripping the timers in 49.351 seconds. It was a nostalgic win for the young rider, who traversed pony jumper courses in the same Alltech Arena only a couple of years prior.

It seemed as though Wesley Newlands had the win in her grasp when she laid down a smooth course in 51.848 seconds with Wieminka B, owned by Weslands Farm. As only the ninth rider on course, she set a pace that her competitors would have a difficult time trying to catch. It wasn’t until Meredith Darst tackled the track 13 rounds later that Newlands would lose her grasp on the lead.

Local Kentucky rider Darst broke the beam in 50.311 seconds with Zenith Dance, owned by Page Tredennick. Rinaldi entered the ring only four horses later, making Darst’s lead a short one as she sliced the seconds. Rinaldi was the only rider to break the barrier of 50 seconds, stopping the clock in 49.351 seconds and proving uncatchable. She made up time to the skinny during the latter part of the course, and her inside turn made all the difference.

“I made a few mistakes around a couple of the turns,” Rinaldi said of her round. “I knew I was a little bit slower, but I had to make up the rest of the time everywhere else. It was a really fun course, and it works well for him because he goes right really well and there were some good turns I was excited about. I think my plan worked out well, even if it was a little spontaneous.”

Rinaldi continued, “The Alltech Arena is a fun ring to show in. I showed in the pony jumpers here when I was younger, and I have to admit that at the time I was a little star struck. It is a big ring, but returning now for my first time at the National Horse Show, it has been really fun to ride in.”

Darst finished in the second place position, while Newlands rounded out the top three. The Amalaya Investments $5,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers, presented by the Nusz Family, is only one of three classes offered for the Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers during the 131st National Horse Show. The division will continue tomorrow night with the Amalaya Investments $10,000 Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers and will culminate on Friday with the $20,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame (SJHF) Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumper Championship.

Sleepy P Ranch and Deeridge Farms $10,000 Under 25 Championship – First Round

Young riders shined tonight at the National Horse Show as 29 horse and rider combinations put their best foot forward over the first of three $10,000 Under 25 Championship classes. Sponsored by Sleepy P Ranch and Deeridge Farm, the class allows the rare opportunity for riders ages 16 to 25 to compete in the high pressure World Cup format. Riders from across the nation have worked to qualify for the championship, which culminates at the prestigious National Horse Show.

Wilton Porter and Patriot
Wilton Porter and Patriot

The opening course called for speed as riders attempted to shave seconds from their time. The penalties earned during the course will convert into points, and as of this evening, Wilton Porter leads the ranks with 30 points to his name after finishing at the top of the leader board in 59.240 seconds.

“It’s great that they have this new U-25 division,” Porter noted. “My brother [Lucas] and I have the main target of jumpers, and right now we are kind of in that age range for young riders. My mom thought it would be great if there would be an opportunity for young riders to compete against each other at this horse show, and that’s why she made this possible as a sponsor. I enjoy it, and it is especially special that I won this class and my mom is sponsoring it.”

Porter raced through the course and finished as the only rider to break the beam in under 60 seconds. The course suited his mount Patriot’s large stride, and they used the lines to their advantage as they consistently opted to leave out a stride down the lines. The two have had a long partnership, but in this past year, his brother took the ride on the grey gelding.

“I’ve had Patriot for a really long time. We got him as an 8-year-old,” Porter explained. “This past year, my brother has been riding him a lot and doing really well. I was just a little bit short on horses for this competition so he loaned him back to me. After this one, I don’t know that he will be getting him back.”

Porter concluded, “I really like the format of the championship – I think it is great and it gives us good experience for possible future World Cup competitions. We planned to try and win. Sometimes we go fast and not necessarily to win, but today we were planning on winning.”

Michael Hughes and Macarthur, owned by Christina Fried, rode to the second place in 60.170 seconds, while Kaitlin Campbell and her own Rocky W finished third in 60.450 seconds.

The race to the championship will continue tomorrow evening with the second of the $15,000 Under 25 Championship, and the series will culminate Saturday night prior to the Canadian Pacific $250,000 Grand Prix.

For more information on the National Horse Show, 131st edition, please visit www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Scott Stewart Dominates Day One of the 131st National Horse Show

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Scott Stewart and A Million Reasons.

Lexington, KY – October 28, 2014 – At the end of the year-long horse show circuit, there is one final destination where the nation’s top hunter and jumper riders all flock: the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. The prestigious six-day culminating final kicked off today with five full professional hunter divisions.

In the Second Year Green Hunter division, sponsored by Ernie and Betty Oare and Patricia Adikes-Hill, it was Scott Stewart who dominated the day aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s A Million Reasons.

Stewart and the 9-year-old Holsteiner mare come to Kentucky fresh off a championship win at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) in Washington, D.C., which marked the pair’s first time competing together. Given Tuesday’s performance, Stewart and A Million Reasons are well on track for a repeat performance this week.

The duo clinched the blue ribbon in the first class of the Second Year Green Hunter division and finished second in the handy class, only relinquishing a higher spot in the standings to another of Stewart’s rides, Loyalty, owned by Fashion Farm of New York, New York.

The National Horse Show marks only Stewart and A Million Reasons’ second horse show together, but Stewart has had his eye on the mare for a while.

“The Thatcher’s [of Pony Lane Farm] own her. They showed her in the First Years, and then I think she maybe took a year off and had some babies. I know they did some embryo transfers,” Stewart said. “I’ve always liked her, and when I heard she was available I talked to them and followed up on the opportunity.”

Stewart tried the horse for Dr. Betsee Parker (Middleburg, Virginia) for the first time at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and shortly after, Parker entered into a lease agreement with the Thatchers, which has already proven to be a positive decision.

“She’s amazing. I love her,” Stewart said. “Last week was the first time that I showed her, and she was champion. She won the first class with a 92. She was awesome.”

Stewart continued, “She’s the ideal hunter. She’s a beautiful mover; she’s a great jumper, and her type is just so nice.”

Stewart’s winning ways on Tuesday stretched beyond the Second Year Green Hunter division to the Green Conformation Hunters and the High Performance Hunters.

In the Goshen Hill sponsored Green Conformation Hunters, Stewart and Lucador, another Parker entry, turned in back-to-back blue ribbon performances to lead the way in the division’s opening day.

Stewart’s success in the High Performance Hunters, sponsored by Mr. Richard L. Duchossois, came aboard Stephanie Danhakl’s Golden Rule, with whom he has been successful throughout the year.

“The courses were great today. The horses all jumped well even though it’s the end of the circuit,” Stewart said. “It’s always nice to come to the Kentucky Horse Park. They do a good job.”

Hunter competition resumes Wednesday morning beginning with the continuation of the professional hunters at 8 a.m. in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, followed by the start of the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter divisions.

Watch live streaming of the National Horse Show all week on USEF Network at www.usefnetwork.com, and find out more about the show at www.nhs.org.

About the National Horse Show

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show, firmly established as a major fixture on the national and international sports and social event calendars. The National Horse Show Association’s primary activity is the annual production of the National Horse Show and all ancillary events. Over the years, the National Horse Show has provided financial aid to many worthwhile charities.

With $755,000 in prize money offered, this year’s National Horse Show offers an International Open Jumpers with $460,000 in prize money, while the top rated hunter sections have a total purse of $195,000. Meanwhile, $100,000 in total is offered to the Amateur-Owner and U 25 Jumper sections.

For the fourth consecutive year, The National Horse Show received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in four back-to-back years.

For more information, go to www.nhs.org.

2014 National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 28 – November 2, 2014, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
2245 Stone Garden Lane Lexington, KY 40513
Cindy Bozan
email: cindy@nhs.org
Phone: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496

Email:
Cindy@nhs.org

Website:
www.nhs.org

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com or call (941) 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Cindy Bozan at cindy@nhs.org Phone: (859) 608-3709
Advertising and Program Sales – Dee Thomas at jmstables@aol.com Phone: 561-310-7679
Sponsorship – Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389 or Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162

Hotels:
HILTON – DOWNTOWN – 859-231-9000 – Approximately 6 miles
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

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

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

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