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Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, World Equestrian Games

US Para-Equestrian Dressage Athletes Close Out Team Tests at WEG

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Susan Treabess and Kamiakin (SusanJStickle.com)

Caen, France – The United States closed out the Team Tests, the first portion of the Para-Dressage Team Championship, at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on Tuesday standing in 15th place at the half-way mark. Susan Treabess, Rebecca Hart, and Roxanne Trunnell headed down centerline at the La Prairie Racecourse for the U.S. in Grade IV, II, and 1a competition, respectively.

Treabess (Winters, Calif.) and Kamiakin were first up for the U.S. in the morning session, performing their Grade IV Team Test before the Ground Jury of Kjell Mmyhre, Sarah Leitch, Alison, King, Marco Orsini, and Hanneke Gerritsen. Treabess, a 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games veteran, used her experience to produce the best from the nine-year-old PRE stallion and work through some of his nervousness to finish on a score of 65.833%.

“It’s nice to have one under the belt; this is his (Kamiakin’s) first time competing overseas. There were a couple mistakes, but I’m still happy,” said Treabess. “I was going for a clean test, and I got fairly close to that, and I can’t complain.”

The pair finished the Grade IV Team Test in 10th place.

The winner of Tuesday’s Grade IV Team Test was Great Britain’s Sophie Wells and Valerius on a score of 74.595%.

Rebecca Hart and Schroeter's Romani (SusanJStickle.com)
Rebecca Hart and Schroeter’s Romani (SusanJStickle.com)

Next up for the U.S. on Tuesday was Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and Paralympic veteran Hart (Unionville, Pa.) and her own Schroeter’s Romani. The six-time National Champion utilized her experience to ride the 11-year-Danish Warmblood mare through tension and nerves at the beginning of the test to finish with solid work to earn a mark of 67.971% from the Ground Jury of Eva Bachinger, Freddy Leyman, Anne Prain, Alison King, and Kjell Myhre.

“I was really happy with her. She got a little nervous in there, but tried hard,” said Hart of her partner of less than a year. “She’s a young horse, a talented horse. So I’m really excited.”

The combination finished the Grade II Team Test in seventh place.

Great Britain’s Natasha Baker and Cabral were victors of the Grade II Team Test on a score of 73.647%.

Trunnell (Rowlett, Texas) and Sidney Trunnell’s 19-year-old KWPN mare, Nice Touch, rounded out the U.S. effort on Tuesday with a consistent effort in Grade 1a competition and a score of 68.087. Trunnell gained valuable experience on Tuesday as she looks to produce an improved effort in Thursday’s Individual Test.

Trunnell
Roxanne Trunnell and Nice Touch (SusanJStickle.com)

“It felt good; she was a good girl. It was the test I wanted. We have been working on squaring up the halts. I have been paired with her since I was 13; I know her well. This is her first international competition. She has always been good; she has been there and done that. I want to be consistent and have my next test be the same,” said Trunnell. “It feels really good to be here, and this was definitely my goal. It felt amazing to be selected, and this is my first team experience.”

Trunnell and Nice Touch finished the day in eighth place in the Grade 1a Test, with the top finisher of the day being Italy’s Sara Morganti and Royal Delight on a score of 75.783%.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the Para-Dressage Championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit: http://www.normandy2014.com/2014-games/the-disciplines/8/para-dressage.

Learn more about the Para-Equestrian Team: click here.

*Featured/Spotlights, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

US Reining Team Defends Gold Medal

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Mandy McCutcheon and Yellow Jersey (Andrea Bonaga Photo)

 Caen, France – The Adequan U.S. Reining Team kicked off the opening week for the United States with a spectacular performance at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games earning the Team Gold medal. Andrea Fappani riding Custom Cash Advance, Shawn Flarida riding Spooks Gotta Whiz, Jordan Larson riding HF Mobster, and Mandy McCutcheon riding Yellow Jersey all gave electric rides to take the U.S. to a large winning margin, earning a team score of 677.5. Today’s FEI Reining World Championship was the conclusion of the Team Championship and the continuation of the first round of the Individual Qualifying Competition. Belgium earned the Team Silver medal with a score of 663, and Austria earned the Team Bronze medal with a score of 658.5.

After Fappani and Larson started things out convincingly yesterday at the Caen Exhibition Center, the final two U.S. Team reiners had to keep up the high scoring rides to ensure a Gold medal finish. Mandy McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) riding Yellow Jersey did just that, sliding her way to a score of 224, tying her with Fappani and Martin Muehlstaetter of Austria as the second best score of the 82 rides over the two-day Championship.

Receiving high marks for her circles to both the left and right, she had accurate transitions that helped propel her up the leaderboard. “In the first turn, I maybe was a little rough with my hand, so when I did that I said to myself, ‘Okay, you’ve got the first maneuver, you’re going now, trust him and believe that he’s going to do his thing,’ and he did,” explained McCutcheon. She added, “It’s an honor to be here and to represent our country; it’s just unreal.”

Coming from a well-known reining family, McCutcheon was thankful for the support she has received from her husband and fellow squad member Tom, as well as her parents, Colleen and Tim McQuay. “I convinced him (her father) that I needed him here and in my corner like always, and it has made such a huge difference even just having him here giving me the nod making sure I am doing the right thing,” said McCutcheon.

With Team Belgium’s final rider completing his pattern, a six-point lead took the pressure off U.S. Reining National Champion and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist Shawn Flarida (Springfield, Ohio), as the U.S. had secured the Gold position. Flarida, riding Spooks Gotta Whiz, did not let that hold him back from putting on a master class for the enthusiastic audience, earning a 229.5, the highest score of the Team Championships. In a flashy ride, he showed off his mount’s characteristically impressive rollbacks, circles, and accurate spins.

Shawn Flarida and Spooks Gotta Whiz (Andrea Bonaga Photo)
Shawn Flarida and Spooks Gotta Whiz (Andrea Bonaga Photo)

“I’ve been so fortunate to be able to ride this horse for the last three years; he’s great minded. I’m honored to show him and I’m honored to be here,” said Flarida after his ride. The atmosphere was electric and Flarida noted, “It’s a blast to be here. To ride out there when the people are screaming, there’s not a better feeling.”

For the U.S., the impressive rides did not stop there, as Tom McCutcheon (Aubrey, Texas) riding Dun Git A Nicadual and competing as an Individual, kept the momentum going for the squad, looking towards Saturday’s Individual Final. Impressing the judges with his sliding stops and rollbacks, he earned a score of 221.

After his ride, McCutcheon said, “My horse was a lot better than I was,” referencing an over-spin. “My horse wanted to be really good; I made a couple of dumb mistakes out there, but hopefully I got them behind me and for the Individual round. Maybe I am done with all that and I will go show better.”

Team and Individual Gold medalist from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, McCutcheon commented on the strength of the Adequan U.S. Reining Squad this year, saying, “We’ve got a great team and I am really proud of this team. I think this is as strong of a team as we have ever had from top to bottom.”

Looking back on the U.S. competitors’ performances, Chef d’Equipe Jeff Petska said, “It’s an honor to get to see them do what they do. It’s a great pleasure for me to watch them prepare and watch them become a team. These riders have the benefit of a tremendous amount of work and a tremendous staff that makes all this happen.”

On Thursday, August 28, Troy Heikes will compete in the Second Individual Qualifier, with the top five combinations from that round moving forward into the Individual Championship Final.

Fappani, Flarida, Larson, Mandy McCutcheon, and Tom McCutcheon’s scores have qualified them for Saturday’s Individual Final Competition at 2 p.m. ET in the Caen Exposition Center, as they are part of the top 15 scorers over the past two days of competition.

By Mark Coley

For more information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit: www.normandy2014.com.

Follow the 2014 Adequan U.S. Reining Squad here.

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aaron Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck Win $40,000 HITS Culpeper Grand Prix

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©ESI Photography. Aaron Vale and Quidam’s Good Luck top the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix.

CULPEPER, VA (August 25, 2014) – Of the four horses Aaron Vale entered in Sunday’s $40,000 Grand Prix presented by Zoetis at HITS Culpeper, his confidence was vested in an unlikely candidate. Eight-year-old Quidam’s Good Luck, owned by Troy Glaus, was the youngest of Vale’s rides, but stood as a prime example that pure talent was enough for a win.

With speed, eagerness and tight knees, Quidam’s Good Luck makes it look easy. Vale has been his pilot for two years and the pair began moving up the ranks this winter at HITS Ocala, jumping consistently well in the 1.40m Brook Ledge and 1.45m Prix. Vale believes he’s barely scratched the surface of the horse’s potential.

“This is his first year doing the grand prix and got his first win earlier this season. Our plan is to keep moving him forward into bigger classes as he gains experience,” said Vale (Williston, Florida) of the strapping bay Holsteiner gelding. “He doesn’t have the mileage some of the other horses have, but makes up for it with natural quickness.”

That inherent speed was put to the test in the HITS Grand Prix with 10 horses advancing to Ken Krome’s [Westminster, Maryland] jump-off. Tall verticals and challenging square oxers tested a field of 27 in the first round, weeding out the top contenders for the short course. “I only watched a couple ride before me, but knew if it came down to leaving out strides we were going to have a shot,” said Vale.

He was proved correct by the bending approach to a double combination in the jump-off. “I watched most ride ten strides from a single fence to the combination and I thought we could do eight,” added Vale. “We pulled it off and it’s what made the difference.”

Crossing the timers in 39.48 seconds, Vale took the win with nearly three seconds to spare. Second-place was awarded to Filip De Wandel (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania) and his own Gentley with a jump-off time of 42.25 seconds.

With only fractions of a second deciding second through fourth, Daniel Damen (Ocala, Florida) took third aboard Seth Vallhonrat’s Bahrain 8 in 43.22 seconds, while local girl Brooke Kemper (Culpeper, Virginia) piloted her own Classified to fourth in 43.56 seconds. Ian Silitch (Ocala, Florida) rounded out the top five double-clear efforts in the irons of Cordovo for Gaston Family Investments in 43.90 seconds.

Vale was back on the road first thing Monday morning with plenty of momentum driving him toward the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York. “I’ve got some promising young horses, but I’m deciding between Honeylands Douglason [owned by Doug’s Crew] and Spirit of Alena [owned by The Spirit Group] for the [Zoetis $1] Million Grand Prix,” he said.

Qualified Zoetis Million contenders from all corners of the U.S. and beyond, including Vale, will soon converge at HITS-on-the-Hudson for the Richest Week in Show Jumping September 3-7. Two more chances remain during Week VII as riders vie for a spot in the coveted high-stakes event.

©ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon claim the win in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix
©ESI Photography. Tracy Fenney and MTM Timon claim the win in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix

$15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix
Tracy Fenney (Flower Mound, Texas) continues her reign over high-performance jumper action at HITS Culpeper. She and MTM Farm’s MTM Timon bested 23 contenders in Friday’s $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix to pocket a $4,350 winner’s check.

One of 14 pairs to advance to the jump-off, Fenney and her 14-year-old KWPN gelding are known for their speed, which propelled them to the win over five double-clear efforts.

Kama Godek (Fairfax Station, Virginia) is often at the top of the Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix finisher’s list, but this time she and her own Air Force One settled for second. Hayley Waters (Sparr, Florida) jumped to third with Fine Fleur, owned by Check and Dana Waters.

Mary Lisa Leffler (Brookeville, Maryland) and Carlot finished fourth for Rolling Acres, while Agatha D’Ambra (Rexford, New York) and Trade Winds Farm’s Vitaly settled for fifth.

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation presents a weekly jumper class throughout the HITS Culpeper summer and fall series. Aside from the winner’s purse, Brook Ledge Open Welcome riders also compete for the Brook Ledge Rider Bonus, which includes a $1,500 shipping credit for the rider who accumulates the most points in those classes throughout the circuit.

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

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

Competitions, Dressage, Para-Equestrian, World Equestrian Games

Team Test Kicks Off Para-Equestrian Dressage in Normandy

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Great Britain’s Lee Pearson riding Zion took today’s Grade Ib in Round 1 of the Team competition with an impressive 77.960% at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Normandy (FRA), 25 August 2014 – The Para-Equestrian Dressage team competition kicked off at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) today with athletes from as far afield as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel and the USA at La Prairie racecourse in Caen (FRA).

Hannelore Brenner (GER), defending world champion and double gold medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, earned the top Grade III score of 72.474% on Women Of The World, despite heavy rain. European champion Sanne Voets (NED) on Vedet PB N.O.P. was next in line on 72.053% ahead of Denmark’s Annika Lykke Risum with Aros A Fenris in third on a mark of 69.868%.

Close competition

“I’m really happy to be here with my horse,” Brenner said. “It’s our eighth championship and every year she is so wonderful. She is nearly 19 years old and she was really fantastic. There are some things we can do better but I am happy with the ride. I want to ride the best I can with my horse but I know there are some really good horses, so we will see how we can do.”

With less than one percentage point separating Brenner and Voets, it is clear that the competition for the individual title in Grade III will be close.

Voets said of her first competition of the Games: “I think we had a very nice test today with a lot of control. I started a little safe because this is a very important test for our team result. Our main goal here is to medal so we’re on track for Rio 2016. During the test he was there with me, so I started to take a few more risks. I think every step was a little bit better and that was the goal for today.”

Today’s competition saw a return to the arena for Risum, just seven months after giving birth to a baby boy. The three-time World silver and Paralympic bronze medallist said: “It was okay but a little bit weak. I think the horse was a little bit tired and maybe I was as well. We had no big mistakes, so that was overall a good test but I could have pushed him a little bit more forward. It’s really good to be back, but it’s a big challenge as well as I’ve only been preparing for this event for four months, so with that in mind I am really pleased.”

The morning’s Grade III competition also saw some younger athletes take to the international stage to represent their countries for the first time, including Canada’s Roberta Sheffield and Australia’s Elizabeth Sobecki and Chelsea Higgins.

London 2012 stars at Normandy 2014

A field of 25 riders took to the arena for Grade Ib, including all three London 2012 medallists, competing against each other for the first time since the Games in Greenwich Park.

The competition marked a clear return to form for Great Britain’s Lee Pearson riding Zion, who took the win with an impressive 77.960% ahead of Austria’s individual freestyle London 2012 gold medallist Pepo Puch on Fine Feeling S with 76.520%. Italy’s Silvia Veratti on Woikoski Double U were third on 72.000%. London’s other gold medallist, Australia’s Joann Formosa, winner of the FEI’s Against All Odds 2013 award, finished in seventh place on Worldwide PB with 71.200%.

Today’s victory for Pearson, his first major international competition since London, was sweet: “He (Zion) went into the arena and he was a bit tense, but I was still really pleased with him and the trot work was phenomenal. He’s a brilliant horse to train. He’s so laid back and he learns very quickly; I’m very excited about his future career.

“It’s an honour to be on the selected squad and put back on the team. I’m still looking forward to the individual test as it has more trot work and from what friends and family have told me his trot today was keeping me above Pepo (Puch). I’m really pleased for the team as well. Days like today you wish it was a medal day.”

Puch was equally happy about his performance, particularly given the wet conditions. “I am really happy, especially as my horse doesn’t like rain,” he said. “Normally when it rains she goes back in the stable. It is very nice of her to do this, especially in this rain and with the water on the floor it is not easy to hold the horse in line.”

Third-placed Veratti was thrilled with her result: “I didn’t expect that. I expected a worse position, and I’m staying positive,” she said.

This afternoon also saw the début of the youngest competitor in the Para-Equestrian Dressage competition, the USA’s Sydney Collier, who is just 16 years old. “It was an incredible experience to be riding with such amazing riders and for my first time my horse was super well behaved,” she said.

Day two at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 will see athletes in Grades Ia, II and IV take to the arena for Round 1 of the team competition, before Team Round 2 and individual competitions on Wednesday (28 August) to decide the team medals in Normandy.

Road to Rio

The Games in Normandy are also the first opportunity for nations to qualify for Rio, and with three spots up for grabs on Wednesday the competition will be fierce.

By Rob Howell

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

For more information, see: www.normandy2014.com.

History Hub

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

Visit the FEI History Hub here.

Media contacts:

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

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 Organising Committee:

Amélie Patrux
Press Officer
presse@normandie2014.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, World Equestrian Games

Germany Takes the Early Lead in Dressage

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Germany’s Kristina Sprehe and Desperados FRH finished at the top of the leaderboard after Day 1 of the Dressage Team Championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 at Stade D’Ornano in Caen, France. (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Normandy (FRA), 25 August 2014 – Germany holds the advantage over the defending team champions from The Netherlands after the first day of Dressage at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France today. It could have been a daunting task for competition pathfinder, Fabienne Lutkemeier, who was first into the arena at Stade D’Ornano in Caen early this morning. But the 24-year-old from Paderborn showed great strength of character when posting a score of 73.586, and when German team-mate Kristine Sprehe added the best mark of the day, 78.814, then the country that took bronze in 2010 confirmed their sense of purpose.

A lot has happened in this sport since The Netherlands broke the stranglehold of the long-dominant Germans at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky four years ago. It was a Dutch team gold for the very first time on that occasion when the silver medal winning British also showed their increasing strength by pinning Germany into bronze medal spot. However, there is no denying the resurgence of German Dressage, and this week in Caen they, once more, look the ones to beat.

Still all to play for

However, with only two riders from each team in action today, it is still all to play for in the Team Championship when the action resumes tomorrow morning. The Dutch lie second following a lovely performance from Hans Peter Minderhoud and Glock’s Johnson who posted 74.357 after Deiderick van Silfhout really rose to the challenge to score 73.414 with Arlando NH. Van Silfhout only got his team call-up when Danielle Heijkoop’s Kingsley Siro was withdrawn last Thursday, but the 26-year-old rider showed exactly why he was on the reserve list, and with Edward Gal and Glock’s Voice, and Adelinde Cornelissen with Jerich Parzival yet to come, the Dutch will be hoping to pull ahead of their German rivals by tomorrow evening.

Great Britain holds third spot thanks to Carl Hester’s mark of 74.186 with Nip Tuck. Gareth Hughes was the first Briton into the arena, scoring 69.714 with DV Stenkjers Nadonna, but Hester really raised the British game with his relatively inexperienced ride who charmed the Ground Jury for individual third place. With the multiple record-breaking partnership of Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, and Michael Eilberg with the handsome mare Half Moon Delphi still to come it seems the British could rally strongly tomorrow.

But it will be German star Isabell Werth who gets the second half of the team competition off to a start in the morning, and if she can persuade her mare, Bella Rose, to shimmer and sparkle like she did at Aachen (GER) last month then her country’s position will be further reinforced. And as if that isn’t enough, Germany also has the super-talented partnership of Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW to rely on as anchors. The battle for supremacy will be played out in full as the day progresses, and it promises to be a thriller to the very end.

Good situation

“I’m very happy after our first two riders today,” said German Chef d’Equipe, Monica Theodorescu, today. “We are in a good situation at the halfway point and I’m looking forward to tomorrow for our next two team members,” she added. With Sprehe in pole position and Fabienne Lutkemeier currently lying fourth, that comes as no surprise.

“I woke up at 5 o’clock this morning, it’s a terrible time to start (the dressage test) but I had to be first in this competition!” said Lutkemeier with a laugh after making her 08.00 appearance. Talking about her performance, she said, “I was very delighted with the trot tour but there was a mistake in the flying changes and I’m disappointed about that. I know we can do better. I wanted to ride fresh but controlled, but I decided to take a calculated risk and I believe it paid off,” she explained.

Kristina Sprehe reflected, “I felt very confident today, and Desperados was wonderful to ride. Normally he can be a bit nervous in the first competition at an event, but today he was fantastic. The piaffe could be better, but I wasn’t brave enough this morning. The stadium doesn’t impress him too much so he was really relaxed.”

Every reason to be pleased

Hans Peter Minderhoud has every reason to be pleased. He competed in one of the heaviest downpours that beset the competition programme today and spent a lot of his warm-up time sheltering from the rain before deciding that he just had to go out there and get a soaking. He said the footing in the arena “was not slippy but a bit sticky” and that his horse, Glock’s Johnson, “felt it a little at the beginning of the test and was not so expressive, but then he went forward as usual after that and went quite well.” When asked what he hoped his score might be today, he replied, “I was looking for a score a bit better than Kristina’s (Sprehe)! I was hoping to get a little higher but there were a few small things – overall I am quite happy even though this was not our best test of the season. I had hoped to have that here, but I think I got it a few weeks ago!”

The Dutch rider talked about how proud he is of his 12-year-old stallion who was a real eye-catcher in the ring this afternoon. “I have him since he was three years old so he has been in our stable for almost seven years. He has been breeding a lot so he has two jobs to do. He did his first Grand Prix in January, at the World Cup at Neumunster (GER) he was really good and again at the World Cup Final in Lyon (FRA). He is developing really well and he has a lot more improvement to come in the future. He’s not spooky, he’s quite a clever boy and he always wants to work with you,” Minderhoud pointed out.

Talking about his country’s battle to defend the Team title, the Dutchman said, “It’s difficult, especially since we are without Undercover and Siro, but we still go for it because if you don’t then you can never get it! Germany is looking really good, and Carl (Hester) did a good test but we have Edward and Adelinde so there is more to come from us!” he insisted.

British hopes alive

Hester has certainly kept British hopes alive going into the second day. “I’m delighted – we’re in the hunt with The Netherlands and Germany and this was a personal best for my horse. He’s 10 years of age and he’s only just stepping up there. I’m very excited about the competition tomorrow and for the rest of the week,” he said.

Nip Tuck’s owner, Jane De la Mare, was tearful with delight as her horse left the arena with the British rider. “For both my owner and me it’s very exciting,” Hester said. Nip Tuck was not an expensive purchase, so his presence at a world championship is all the more exceptional. “He cost me 1000 Euros, so to me, that he’s doing this – that’s like my gold medal to be honest. I know he did his absolute best in there for me and did everything I asked,” Hester pointed out.

Hester enjoyed the enthusiasm of the spectators who greeted his arrival with a great roar. “You don’t really know what to expect with this crowd; they’re very enthusiastic and it was such a nice reception going in. It’s 24 years later for me, because I rode in Stockholm (at the first World Equestrian Games in 1990), so I’m really happy to be here again on another horse and to get that result.”

Kristina Sprehe said Desperados FRH was “very good to ride today.” Judge at C, Great Britain’s Stephen Clarke, awarded Sprehe’s highest mark of 80.400 and all five members of the Ground Jury put her in first place. Talking about her performance, she said, “I had a light connection at all times and he was really perfect today. The first piaffe was a bit unbalanced but this was our best Grand Prix for a long time,” she added.

Tomorrow, however, there are another 50 riders who also have their hopes and dreams, and some of them will be trying very hard to better the German rider’s result.

It may be another early start, but the German contingent will be out in force to support Isabell Werth as she prepares to bolster her country’s position as the second half of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ Dressage Team Championship gets underway.

The medals are definitely not decided yet….

Results:

Team Grand Prix Part 1 (after 2 riders from each team have completed):

1. Germany 152.4: Desperados FRH (Kristina Sprehe) 78.814; D’Agostino (Fabienne Lutkemeier) 73.586.

2. Netherlands 147.771: Glock’s Johnson TN (Hans Peter Minderhoud) 74.357; Arlando NH N.O.P. (Diederick van Silfhout) 73.414.

4. Great Britain 143.9: Nip Tuck (Carl Hester) 74.196; DV Stenkjers Nadonna (Gareth Hughes) 69.714.

Individual Standings after Day 1: 1, Desperados FRH (Kristina Sprehe) GER 78.814; 2, Glock’s Johnson TN (Hans Peter Minderhoud) NED 74.357; 3, Nip Tuck (Carl Hester) GBR 74.196; 4, D’Agostino (Fabienne Lutkemeier) GER 73.586; 5, Arlando NH N.O.P (Diederik van Silfhout) NED 73.414; 6, Norte Lavera (Jose Antonio Garcia Mena) ESP 72.414; 7, Wizard (Adrienne Lyle) USA 72.000; 8, Santana (Minna Telde) SWE 71.171; 9, Mariett (Lars Petersen) DEN 70.800; 10, Noble Dream Concept Sol (Marc Boblet) FRA 70.686.

Full results and startlists at www.normandy2014.com.

Facts and Figures:

49 horse-and-rider partnerships started in Day 1 of the Dressage Team competition today.

Germany’s Kristina Sprehe heads the Individual rankings with Desperados FRH going into Day 2, and Team Germany hold the advantage on the team leaderboard.

The Ground Jury consisted of: At C, Stephen Clarke (GBR); At H, Elizabeth McMullen (CAN); At E, Isabelle Judet (FRA); At K, Susan Hoevenaars (AUS); At M, Francis Verbeek (NED); At B, Dietrich Plewa (GER); At F, Liselotte Fore (USA).

100 horse-and-rider combinations will compete in the Dressage discipline.

24 teams are competing for the 2014 World title.

31 National Federations are represented.

6 National Federations are represented by individuals only.

Three sets of medals are up for grabs during the week – Team Championship, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle.

First competitor into the Stade D’Ornano arena tomorrow morning is Germany’s Isabell Werth with Bella Rose who start at 08.00.

Quotes:

Tina Konyot USA (currently 17th place): “We made little mistakes but the horse had plenty of energy so it felt like an 80! (% score). My horse (Calecto V) is 16 years old and he’s done so much for me, you can’t imagine. The highlight of my test was maybe the pirouettes. They were very nice. I had some ups and downs during preparation, that’s life, but the training was super, with a super US trainer and individual help from the French trainer too. We are a great team (USA), everyone is also here to help the others.”

Jeroen Devroe BEL (currently 14th place): “It’s the first time this horse has competed at this level and in such a big arena. I only started to train him two years ago and he’s learned everything to top level. This is his 15th Grand Prix competition since March. He’ll be showing more, he will be more expressive in another year. It took a lot of work at home to get here and we made it, and it’s good to start for the team. This will be my horse for Rio!”

Alexandre Ayache FRA (currently 26th place): “It was an incredible feeling to be the first French rider to enter the stadium, it’s all new to me! The applause helped me a lot, but it worred the horse a little bit. I didn’t want to take risks in the piaffe/passage, so I didn’t get high scores but I’m happy with the horse who performed well in cater. The Grand Prix must not be a test worked at all costs, as we would risk upsetting such a young horse. The objective is to perform with a horse that is willing to be playful, and I think this is the case with mine. I would like to tell the other riders to enjoy themselves – it’s an exceptional moment that you can’t feel until you enter the arena!”

Marc Boblet FRA (currently 10th place): “I am very happy personally. You could feel the public behind us as the French team. My plan today was to turn up, stay calm and give a consistent performance, and I am happy that I achieved that.”

By Louise Parkes

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

For more information, see: www.normandy2014.com.

History Hub

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

Visit the FEI History Hub here.

Media contacts:

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

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 Organising Committee:

Amélie Patrux
Press Officer
presse@normandie2014.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Western/Reining, World Equestrian Games

Team USA Takes the Lead on First Competition Day

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Andrea Fappani (USA) and Custom Cash Advance are in the lead after the first individual Reining qualifier (Dirk Caremans/FEI)

Normandy (FRA), 25 August 2014 – The Reining team competition and first individual qualifying round of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy took place today in the Parc des Expositions in Caen. Piet Metsdagh (BEL) riding RS Spat Man O War was first in the arena. The pair closed their run with a score of 216.5, which remained unbeaten until, 12 horses later, Andrea Fappani (USA) closed his pattern with a 224.

Riding Custom Cash Advance, an eight-year-old stallion quarter horse by Custom Crome and out of Cash In Roan owned by Silver Spurs Equine, Fappani thrilled the crowd and his score held until the end of the first part of the individual competition.

“This horse has been shown very successfully in the past by other professionals but I’ve only competed with him twice before coming to the Games and today I tried to do my best,” the native Italian, who now represents the USA, said. “I was careful in the spots I wasn’t confident about. I had tried to qualify for team US in 2010 and didn’t make it by one point. I was pretty disappointed at the time so I am thrilled to be here today,” he pointed out.

The second horse-rider combination for team USA, Jordan Larson and HF Mobster (Colonels Smoking Gun x Dun Its Black Gold), owned by Heritage Farms, closed their pattern number six with a 221. “I’m pretty happy with our run today,” Larson, who has been showing this horse since 2011, commented.

Team USA is currently leading on a score of 445. Fappani and his mount lead the first individual qualifier rankings and Larson lies in third place.

The Belgium-USA battle is on

After 41 horse-and-rider combinations had performed, Ann Poels-Fonck representing Belgium aboard Nic Ricochet (Ricochet Rooster x Minnie Nic), scored the second highest mark of the day, 222.5.

“I’m really happy with my score and my horse’s performance today,” she said. “This was not the horse I was supposed to ride here originally. Last week I was lucky enough to have its owner, Manuel Bonzano of Italy, offer to let me ride it. It has been successfully shown by Manuel in non pro competitions in the past and was wonderful for me today. I must admit the crowd was also fantastic!”

The total score for Team Belgium, including Poels and Mestadgh’s performances, is 439. This puts them in second place behind the USA.

Team Germany are third with 436.5 points thanks to Ludwig Grisha’s performance aboard Ruf Tuf Juice (Little Ruf Peppy x Smart Like Juice). Riding the horse owned by Fabien Strebel, Grisha earned a score of 218.5 and is also tied for third place in the individual standings with Australian Martin Larcombe who rode Wimpys Cute Tune (Wimpys Little Step x Gwyneth), owned by XCS Ranch LLC.

Team Australia closed with a total of 435 thanks to the performance of Shaun Saunders who slid Sparkin Tinsel (Tinsel Nic x Setting Off Sparks), owned by Corinna Schumacher, to a score of 217.

The detailed results after today’s competition are available here:
Team results
Individual results

The second part of the Reining team competition, which features 16 nations, and the first individual qualifier will take place tomorrow at 8.45 CEST. At the end of the day, the first prestigious FEI medals of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy will be awarded.

By Simona Diale

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

For more information, see: www.normandy2014.com.

History Hub

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

Visit the FEI History Hub here.

Media contacts:

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

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 Organising Committee:

Amélie Patrux
Press Officer
presse@normandie2014.com

HITS, HITS, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Christina Serio and Outsider Top Devoucoux Hunter Prix

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©ESI Photography. Christina Serio and Outsider on their way to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix.

CULPEPER, VA (August 24, 2014) – Growing up under the tutelage of her mother Louise Warner Serio at DerbydownFarm, Chrissy Serio knows that while ribbons and prize money may be the end goal, consistency is the silver lining.

“My mother always taught me to try and maintain solid rounds. That is exactly what Outsider had today,” said Serio after her $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win at HITS Culpeper. “When I stay soft and confident, he jumps beautifully.”

Serio and “Emmett” as she fondly calls Outsider in the barn, jumped to a pair of 86s for the blue. The eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding became the ride of Serio last year when owner Alex Currier started college.

“We bonded immediately,” she said. “Emmett and Alex had a lot of success, but he excels in every hunter division we put him in. He was perfect and deserved this.”

While the pair earned Sunday’s win, it didn’t come easily. Jennifer Jones (Marion, South Carolina) was hot on Serio’s heels with two mounts. Jones and Lisa Williams’ Julliard pocketed 85.5 in the first round and an 86 in the second to finish a half point behind Serio. Jones also claimed third with Redfield Farm’s Clear Sailing after an 83 and 85.5.

Jason Berry (Verona, Virginia) rounded out the top five with Oak Ledge Farm’s Rose Gold scoring a pair of 84s to place fourth, and then fifth riding Twin Oaks Farm, LLC’s Upswing with an 82 and 79, respectively.

Multi-tasking as rider, trainer and groom didn’t keep Serio from the coveted Devoucoux win while also coaching Alley Milam in the USHJA Children’s/Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships held at Commonwealth Park this year. Milam’s team was number one after Saturday’s Nations Cup format competition.

“Between teaching, grooming and competing I don’t know how I made it to the warm-up, but everything fell into place and Emmett felt great,” said Serio. “Now I want to focus on making it to the Final in Saugerties – what an unbelievable opportunity for hunter riders.”

One qualifying Hunter Prix remains before the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at the HITS Championship in Saugerties, New York. To view qualifying standings for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, click here.

©ESI Photography. Katie Cooper and Color Up jump to a win in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
©ESI Photography. Katie Cooper and Color Up jump to a win in the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix

$1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix
With only one qualifying opportunity remaining, the race to ride in the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final during the HITS Championship is down to the wire. Katie Cooper (Owings Mills, Maryland) led 3’ hunter riders in Constitution Classic qualifying.

Posting the high score in both rounds on Jacqueline Watts’ Color Up, Cook pocketed an 82 in the first round and bested herself with an 84 in the second to secure the blue.

Franny Selhaver-Ramos (Amissville, Virginia) stayed consistent during late summer competition and took home her second red ribbon in two weeks. A 75 and 78 in the irons of her own Sandro Reuben settled them thirteen points off Cooper’s significant lead. Diane Wade (Falls Church, Virginia) piloted her own Wish List to third on scores of 72 and 79.

Jennifer Baron (Norfolk, Virginia) was fourth aboard her how Wallstreet Rumor when the second highest score in the first round, an 81, was coupled with a 69. Jordan Toering (Oak Hill, Virginia) rounded out the top five with Premonition BHF, owned by Rick Toering, with scores of 50 and 66.

Platinum Performance Hunter Prix riders will soon turn their focus to HITS Saugerties where junior and amateur riders will battle for $250,000. To follow Platinum Performance Hunter Prix Final qualifying, click here.

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

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

Competitions, Polo

Fiercely Contested Semi-Finals at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament

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Photo: Xavier Boudon/Pixizone.

Saturday 23 August 2014 – The spectators at the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad Tournament were treated with two captivating semi-final matches on the third day of an action packed Tournament. Team Gstaad Palace beat Team Banque Brothers Sturdza SA, in what could be argued the hardest fought match of the Tournament so far, with a final score of 7 – 5.5. In the second semi-final, despite a noble fight from Team Vicomte A., it was Team E.I Sturdza Investment Funds who came out on top with a winning score of 7 – 4.5.

Team Gstaad Palace looked hungry to defend their 2013 Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad title, setting the pace in the first semi-final match with threatening attacks, charging down the field. Jeronimo Fanelli (ARG) proved to be a formidable force as he scored two striking goals, catapulting Team Gstaad Palace into an early lead. A penalty gave David Bernal (ARG) an opportunity for Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA to make their first mark on the game. Successfully slotting the ball between the posts, Bernal’s goal clearly spurred the team into a valiant come back ending the first chukka half a goal behind Team Gstaad Palace 3 – 2.5.

Team Gstaad Palace looked to be striding towards victory as they entered the 4th chukka with a 6 – 3.5 lead. However, Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA came back fighting fiercely with two goals from Pedro-Fernandez de Llorente, in a matter of minutes putting them back into contention, once again trailing by just half a goal. Despite this magnificent fight from the worthy side of Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA, Jeronimo Fanelli (ARG) sealed the deal as he streaked away successfully with the ball to bring the final score to 7 – 5.5. Team Gstaad Palace now has the chance to defend their title in the prestigious Hublot Polo Gold Cup Final held tomorrow at 15:00.

In the second semi-final of the day, despite an admirable fight from Team Vicomte A., the pressure proved to be too much for them against the adept Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds. The spectacular performance of Eduardo Menendez proved to be unstoppable, scoring five out of Team E.I Sturdza Investment Funds’ seven goals in the match, allowing them to stride ahead of their opposition.

Entering the final chukka with a 3.5 goal advantage E.I Sturdza Investment Funds remained in charge adding one more goal to their tally to claim their second victory of the Tournament and earn a place in tomorrow’s final with a 7 – 4.5 triumph.

Team Gstaad Palace will now face Team E.I Sturdza Investment Funds in what is set to be a tense final tomorrow at 15:00 to determine which Team will be crowned the Hublot Polo Gold Cup Gstaad 2014 Champion. Team Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza SA plays Team Vicomte A. in the 3rd place playoff at 13:30.

Quotes

Gualtiero Giori, the team captain of Team Gstaad Palace: “It was a tense close match; we were never leading by too much and were constantly under pressure from Team Banque Brothers Sturdza SA. We are happy to reach the final and defend our 2013 title.

“Our plan was to take a strong attacking approach in the first chukka, which we did successfully. As the match progressed we wanted to keep in control of the game so became slightly more defensive. When the final whistle blew we were happy with our well-deserved victory.”

Mohammed El Sewedi captain of Team E.I. Sturdza Investment Funds: “For us, that was a really tough game against Team Vicomte A.; we made sure we marked the opposition tightly which enabled us to win.

“This is our first time in Gstaad; the scenery is so beautiful and the tournament has been organised to a very high standard. It is a real honor for us to be competing in tomorrow’s final; we will do all we can to win!”

– The Polo Club Gstaad was founded in 1995 and the first polo tournament was held in 1996.
– In 2006 Pierre Genecand became President of both the Club and the Tournament.
– In polo, handicaps vary from -2 to +10 (+10 being the best level).
– The Polo Village will be open on Saturday and Sunday

For all further information, contact:
ComPeaR Sports Management: Mrs Magali Dubois Vaucher, press@pologstaad.ch Tel: +41 78 608 03 23
Polo Club Gstaad: Mrs Marianna Nagyova, info@pologstaad.ch www.pologstaad.ch Tel: +41 33 744 07 40

Eventing/H.T., Phelps Media Group

Successful Cross-Country Day at Colorado Horse Park CCI**/CCI* Training & Novice 3-Day & Nat’l HTs

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Tiffany Cooke and Patent Pending. Photo by Cristy Cumberworth.

Parker, Colo. – August 23, 2014 – It was cross-country day for competitors participating in the Colorado Horse Park CCI ** / CCI*, Training and Novice 3-Day, National Horse Trials and Area IX Championships. Tiffany Cooke, Olivia Cliver, Bonner Carpenter, Haley Clark and Amy Dalrymple all held on to their leading positions established in the dressage phase.

CCI**

Cooke, who practices law in Dallas, and her horse Patent Pending maintained their dressage score of 52.80. The big liver chestnut Thoroughbred marched around the 25-obstacle, 4,781m course without penalty in a time of 8:34. The optimum time was set at 8:42.

CCI*

Cliver and My Mitch also remained on top over the competition after a fantastic cross-country effort. The pair was only 6 seconds off the optimum time and held on to their leading score of 45.90 and completed the 24 jumping efforts without incident. Cliver trains with Mike Huber and Heather Morris of Gold Chip Farm.

“There wasn’t anything on the course that had me too worried,” said Cliver. “We ended up having a pretty scary ride at the up bank. I should have done five strides but I ended up doing six. That was our only hairy moment; other than that it was a lot of fun. I had just done a two star but this was my first CCI. I wasn’t sure how he’d finish at the end and he came off and was ready to go back in five seconds!”

Cliver admits that show jumping is their weakest phase. “I’m feeling pretty nervous about show jumping tomorrow but Mitch jogged great,” she said.

Hayley Clark and Bold Impression. Photo by Carrie Wirth
Hayley Clark and Bold Impression. Photo by Carrie Wirth

Training 3-Day

Hayley Clark from Garden City, MO and her 15.3 hand consistent partner Bold Impression also enjoyed a successful day out in the wide-open spaces of the beautiful cross-country course at the Colorado Horse Park. They will carry their score of 33.20 from their dressage test into the show jumping phase on Sunday.

“He was awesome today,” said Clark. “He is always great cross-country. If I say go, he goes. I rode really well into the second water – I sat down, widened my hands and he went. He’s pretty strong in all three phases. Show jumping is probably our weakest phase. Tomorrow we just have to keep all the rails up!”

“We’ve worked very hard on his front end,” Clark said. “We’ve done a lot of grid work. I got him two years ago. He came from a dressage barn. He didn’t know how to go out in the field or what a cross-country jump was. Once he got it, he loved it.”

Clark plans to step him up to preliminary at the end of this year. Then she’s going to Florida this winter and hopes to do her first one star and go to the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships next year.

Novice 3-Day

Amy Dalrymple from Eagle, Colorado and her own Triton’s Echo, a Connemara/Oldenburg cross, remain in strong contention advancing to the show jumping with no penalties added after cross-country and carrying 32.00.

“I have never done the Novice 3-Day so that was all very new to us,” said Dalrymple. “The roads and tracks and the steeplechase were the most exciting part of that, especially the steeplechase – to gallop to the jump like that! It was great because she was calm after roads and tracks and the steeplechase phase and she was better on cross-country.”

Dalrymple, who trains with Sophie Mueller, hopes to step her up to training level.

“I was really happy to be first after dressage yesterday,” Dalrymple said. “It has only happened once before. That had always been our weakness. She’s come a long way.”

Dalrymple has really enjoyed her experience at the Colorado Horse Park.

“It has been great,” she said. “The whole show makes you feel like you’re at Rolex.”

Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Cristy Cumberworth
Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Cristy Cumberworth

Open Intermediate

Bonner Carpenter from Dallas and her own Basco, a bay Dutch Warmblood gelding, are still in the lead after cross-country in the Open Intermediate Division.

“He’s been really good all weekend,” said Bonner. “I couldn’t ask for him to be much better than he’s been. He is the strongest in dressage or show jumping.”

Bonner, who trains with Mike Huber and Heather Morris, is headed to California to compete at several three-stars and then the three-star at Galway in November.

Open Preliminary

Heather Morris from Lewisville, Texas and Laker, owned by Mike Huber, were in the lead going into cross-country but had a stop on the course.

“This is his first prelim so he just had a green moment,” said Morris. “I’m not worried about it. It’s one of those things that happen when they first move up. It’s not a big deal.”

Morris is very proud of her clients from Gold Chip Farm.

“I am feeling good about my group,” she said. “Everyone stepped up and had good rounds today. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”

International rider James Atkinson and Landonn II OHF, owned by Dan Michaels, took over the Open Preliminary lead.

“Actually it was really fun,” said Atkinson. “The horse is a catch-ride. Dan asked me to ride him and he’s a really nice horse. He was fun to ride.”

“My own upper level horse was injured at Rebecca Farm,” shared Atkinson. “He was my hopeful for the Pan American Games next year. So, we’re thinking to make a push to get Dan’s horse there. He’s certainly has the kind of quality to do the job. So, this may be the beginning of a very cool relationship. We’ll see.”

Atkinson is the cross-country course designer of the event and he asked to make a comment about the competing on the course he has built.

“At the FEI levels you’re not allowed to ride your own course. The reason it’s allowed at the national levels is because if course designers aren’t allowed to ride, then course designers will be people that don’t ride,” he explained. “Honestly, working on the course in the past four days I’ve probably had a total of six hours sleep. I’m out here aerating the footing until four in the morning every morning then I’m back out here at five getting things ready. I am probably the least focused person when it comes to riding. It also helps to really know the footing to get out there and gallop a horse. You just don’t get that by kicking the footing around with your foot.”

Eventing concludes on Sunday at the Colorado Horse Park with exciting show jumping action.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.com/.

Fast Facts Colorado Horse Park CCI **/* Training Three-Day, Novice Three-Day and Horse Trials:

Date:
Friday, August 22, 2014 to Sunday, August 24, 2014

Event Organizer:
Vivien VanBuren
303-883-6560
vniviv@cs.com

Event Secretary:
Rick Dunkerton
rdunkerton@amscalc.com
(601) 498-3330

Official Veterinarian:
Littleton Equine Medical Center
(303) 794-6359

Show Grounds Address:
7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

Important Note for Competitors:

VS has not been reported at the Colorado Horse Park, however all horses competing are required to have a health certificate dated 3-5 days before arrival stating that the horse is VS free. All horses will be checked by a veterinarian upon arrival. Please enter the Horse Park by the main entrance on Bayou Gulch Road.

Carrie Wirth 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

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, World Equestrian Games

Four-in-Hand Drivers Ready for Titanic Battle

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Title defender Boyd Exell (AUS) won the CAI3* competition in Horst (NED) earlier this season. Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 24 August 2014 – Some 46 four-in-hand drivers from 17 nations, including world champion and title defender Boyd Exell from Australia, are getting ready for the titanic battle, which will get underway on 4 September at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.

Exell will be facing a tough competition as his biggest opponent Chester Weber form the USA has firmly put his foot down this season, with victories at the key international Driving events at Windsor (GBR), Saumur (FRA) and Aachen (GER). The 2012 silver medallist, who recently became father of a baby son, Douglas, also won the test event at Caen in 2013, leaving nothing to chance.

But the Australian has proven to be an excellent competitor in all circumstances and is able to keep a cool head under pressure, which guarantees a nail-biting competition until the very last minute.

Dutch driver Theo Timmerman is also aiming for a place on the individual podium. The 2013 European four-in-hand champion won in Riesenbeck (GER) and finished second at the CAI3* events in Horst (NED) and Saumur. Timmerman is in great form and is determined to improve on his individual fourth place at the FEI World Four-in-Hand Championships 2012.

Timmerman’s teammates IJsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde will do everything not only to defend their team gold, which has been in Dutch hands since 2008, but will also be battling it out for the individual honours. De Ronde finished third at Windsor, Saumur, Aachen and Riesenbeck, while Chardon settled for a top five placings at Windsor, Vecsés and Riesenbeck, trying to find the right combination of horses for his four-in-hand team.

With Germany’s leading driver Christoph Sandmann, Hungarian top drivers József Dobrovitz and Zoltán Lázár, and former world champion Werner Ulrich from Switzerland, the outcome of the competition for the individual medals is anyone’s guess.

Host nation France is well represented with eight competitors – three team members and five individuals – amongst whom several drivers from whom strong performances in the individual phases are to be expected.

A special spotlight will be on the Lusitano stallion Xisto, part of the four-in-hand of Portuguese driver Manuel Campilho. Xisto was photographed by Portuguese photographer Filipa Scarpa, who has won the top prize in the FEI Solidarity World Photo Grand Prix for her stunning image of the 11-year-old stallion.

A total of 14 teams will line up in the nations competition, in which the Netherlands is the defending champion.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy is the world championship debut for 22-year-old Josef Leibetseder jr, (AUT), 24-year-old Edouard Simonet (BEL), 35-year-old Sébastien Mourier (FRA), 27-year-old Sébastien Vincent (FRA) and 41-year-old François Vogel (FRA).

At 22, Hungary’s József Dobrovitz Jr. is the youngest driver whereas Carlo Mascheroni (ITA) is, at 74, the oldest athlete of the entire Games.

The course design is in the capable hands of FEI Level 4 Course Designer Richard Nicoll (USA), former chairman of the FEI Driving Committee, who was in charge of the course at the previous Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 in Kentucky to great success.

The experienced Dr. Klaus Christ from Germany, who is also a member of the FEI Driving Committee, leads the Ground Jury.

Driving timetable:
Wednesday, 3 September: Horse Inspection
Thursday, 4 September: Dressage Part 1
Friday, 5 September: Dressage Part 2
Saturday, 6 September: Marathon
Sunday, 7 September: Obstacle Driving Competition

By Cindy Timmer

Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA) on 23 August – 7 September brings together close to 1,000 riders and 1,000 horses from 74 nations for 15 days of world-class competition in Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

For more information, see: www.normandy2014.com.

History Hub

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years in the middle of the Olympic and Paralympic cycle. They were first hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990 and have since been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

Visit the FEI History Hub here.

Media contacts:

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

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

Denise Devillaire
Manager Press Relations
Denise.devillaire@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 57