Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Dressage, HITS

Lauren Sammis and Lombard V Awarded FEI High Score Award in Saugerties

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Lauren Sammis and Lombard V. Photo by Susan J. Stickle.

Sammis to Travel to U.K. to Train with Kyra Kyrklund

Wellington, FL – June 26, 2014 – Lauren Sammis and Lombard V, a 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Lobster-Heidi, Diplomat) owned by Hope Greenfield, were on top of their game at the recent Centerline Events at HITS II in Saugerties, NY. The pair scored a 70.658 and a 71.579 percent for first place finishes in the Intermediaire II on both June 14 and 15, and earned the FEI High Score Award on June 14.

“I was very, very pleased with him on Saturday and it was a really solid test,” Sammis said. “The horse is going really well. He’s getting 8s on gaits.”

Sammis and Lombard V, along with another Grand Prix horse, Whitman, will depart for the United Kingdom on July 2 to spend two months training with Kyra Kyrklund in West Sussex. Whitman is an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Rhodiumr-Camora, Saluut) owned by Jane Suwalsky, and Sammis has had the ride on him for about two months.

Sammis said her main goal while there is to train and then to compete in some smaller shows.

“I plan to get the horses going and get as much consistent help as I can,” she said. “I’ve never been in that situation where I have help every day.”

She plans to return in time to compete in Saugerties, NY, in September and hopes to have the scores to participate at Dressage at Devon.

Lauren Sammis and Cinco. Photo by Carol Fraser.
Lauren Sammis and Cinco. Photo by Carol Fraser

Sammis is looking to friends for assistance in subsidizing her European expedition, and will update supporters with exclusive blogs and photos to include them in her adventures as she travels to learn from one of the greats. If you are interested in helping, contact her at lcsammis@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, she is packing and preparing for her two months with Kyrklund.

“I think I will come a long way,” she said. “I’m really, really, really, really excited.”

To learn more about Lauren Sammis and Cinco, go to www.sammissales.com.

Like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LaurenSammisDressage.

Sue Weakley for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
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Dressage, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

Gymnastics Test Riders during George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Annali-Brookwood Farm

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George Morris demonstrates dressage – Photo by Aullmyn Photography.

Antioch, IL – June 26, 2014 – Day three of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program at Annali-Brookwood Farm, organized by Diane Carney, brought more experience and knowledge to the ten riders selected by Morris to participate in the prestigious program. Today’s session included a review of flatwork, more difficult gymnastics for horses and riders, continued education on confirmation, and learning and understanding an FEI jog; as well as a discussion with Young Rider Chef d’Equipe, Diane Langer.

In Morris’ sessions today, he emphasized contact with the horse’s mouth and raising the hands to meet the horse’s mouth. Horses ridden correctly have no need for draw reins to get the horse on the bit. Morris said gadgets and trendy gimmicks have no place in proper riding. He also made the point that riders should make sure the horse go forward, and then come back and listen to the leg. The horse should always be in front of the leg and behind the hand.

“If you teach a horse something they will use it against you,” said Morris. “If you teach them to go forward they will run away. If you teach them to stop and back they will rear. That’s why the counter canter is so helpful to discipline the horse.”

The groups moved on to a trot jump and a bending line to a 4′ wide oxer and 20′ to a vertical and did the exercise back and forth. The jumps today included a triple bar over the 12′ water, the USET oxer with a liverpool, a single narrow wall with a picket gate and a three-oxer triple combination.

Adrienne Dixon
Adrienne Dixon

“A gymnastic can be any arrangement of jumps,” said Morris, “they don’t have to be in a straight line to be a gymnastic.”

For the afternoon session, G. Marvin Beeman, DVM of Littleton Equine Medical Center in Denver, CO, continued his presentation on conformation. Dr. Beeman, the key veterinarian behind the successful career of the Olympic horse, Calypso, spoke about the dynamics of locomotion – where the horse lands, turns and puts pressure. Then he gave examples of diagrams used to study the conformation of the horse, speaking to the fact that about 60-65% of the horse’s weight is supported by the front end.

“Horses can tolerate poor conformation but it eventually catches up with them,” said Dr. Beeman. “It’s also usually not one defect, but a combination of defects that can limit the horse’s ability or soundness.”

He continued to teach riders how to evaluate conformation. Dr. Beeman broke it down into five categories: Head, neck, body and balance; front limb; rear limb; type of horse; and way of going. He explained the details of each category.

He also discussed the effects of altitude on horses and navicular, the foot and shoeing and the skeleton and muscle attachment. Dr. Beeman’s presentation encouraged conversation and questions from the riders. It was clearly evident he is a true horseman who has dedicated his life to horses like Morris. Morris then emphasized that to be the best it takes dedication and ambition.

Riders fed their horses and then sat down to listen to Diane Langer talk about applications and information considered for a United States team competitions. Langer was a wealth of information and opened the floor for discussion about the Young Riders competition. She also discussed with riders the need for them to create a plan and a map of competitions, allowing their horses to peak at the right times and which types of classes riders should be striving for.

The group also discussed the FEI jog, which riders will actually participate in at 7:30 am tomorrow. In addition to Morris’ sessions tomorrow, riders will hear from farrier Bill Liggett.

For more information, contact Diane Carney at dtelluride@aol.com or 847-922-6167.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Dressage

Vita Flex Victory Team Dressage Riders Put in Top Performances at Festival of Champions, Set to Compete in Europe

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Adrienne Lyle and Wizard. (Photos courtesy of JRPR)

Gladstone, NJ (June 25, 2014) – It was another 3 for 3 success for all of the dressage riders on the Vita Flex Victory Team at the US Festival of Champions. Riders Adrienne Lyle, Lisa Wilcox, and Caroline Roffman brought it full circle by all finishing in the top 8 and securing a spot to compete in Europe as final selections are made for the US Dressage Team for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Held at the United States Equestrian Team Headquarters in Gladstone, New Jersey, the Festival of Champions served as the selection trials for the World Equestrian Games, where the top 2 horse and rider combinations would earn a spot on the team, and the top 8 would be sent to Europe to compete. The Grand Prix division featured 3 classes set over four days, with each constituting a different percentage of the overall score. The Grand Prix was Thursday, and accounted for 45% of the total. The Grand Prix Special was Friday for 40%, and the final day was the Freestyle, which made up the following 15%.

Vita Flex’s top finishing pair was 2012 Olympian Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, who finished fourth overall with a 73.543%. She and Peggy Thomas’s 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Weltmeyer put in accurate and expressive rides in both the Grand Prix and Special, followed by an impressive Freestyle set to blues rock. Wizard also displayed an exceptional piaffe and passage tour, along with bold extensions.

Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O
Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O

Finishing sixth was Caroline Roffman and Her Highness O with a 72.760%. Hannah, as the mare is called, also displayed brilliance in her passage and extensions, along with neat, correct pirouettes and a freestyle set to upbeat pop music including Katy Perry’s Roar. Roffman could not have been more thrilled with the mare’s performance, saying, “The Festival was only Hannah’s fifth Grand Prix event, and I am so excited to be bringing her to Europe. Last summer we did the small tour with her in France and now we will be shooting for a spot on the team for the World Equestrian Games!”

Veteran Olympian Lisa Wilcox and Denzello rounded out Vita Flex’s top 8 finish with an overall score of 71.633%. The pair’s solid performance secured them a chance to compete in Europe and to contend for the additional two spots left on the US Dressage Team for Normandy.

“We were so thrilled that all three of our Victory Team dressage riders made it to the prestigious Festival of Champions, and now that excitement is doubled as all three will go to compete in Europe,” said Vita Flex Brand Manager Tanner Clark. “They’ve all worked very hard to get where they are, and Vita Flex is thrilled to be able to continue to support the horses as they travel overseas and hopefully make an appearance at the World Equestrian Games.”

Lisa Wilcox and Denzello
Lisa Wilcox and Denzello

The Vita Flex Victory Team is comprised of many world-class riders from all disciplines. Members rely on Vita Flex® products and are proud to represent the company. Vita Flex Nutrition offers animal health supplements, antioxidants, electrolytes, joint supplements, performance products, topicals and vitamins and minerals. Vita Flex® products are researched and tested by equine nutritionists and veterinarians and have been relied upon for more than two decades by owners, trainers and top riders.

Vita Flex is a registered trademark of Farnam Companies, Inc.

Contact Tanner Clark
Tclark@central.com
www.vitaflex.com
(800)848-2359

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

Six Bar a Success at the Atlanta Summer Classic Week II

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Martien Van Der Hoeven and Easy Touch 4 make it look easy. Flashpoint Photography.

What a night! The Classic Company’s inaugural $10,000 Six Bar class was the talk of the horse show community Friday night at the Georgia International Horse Park which took place center stage in the Olympic Arena.

The event coincided with the Annual Outback Steakhouse Charity Dinner to benefit the Hope Clinic. The Hope Clinic was founded in 2002 by Dr. William Martin to provide an affordable alternative to the hospital emergency room for the primary care medical needs of the uninsured. The clinic is a vital part of Gwinnett’s healthcare safety net and supplies over half of the available charitable primary care capacity in the county. Dr. Martin and the team of providers at the Hope Clinic specialize in internal medicine and chronic care diagnosis. The Classic Company has supported the Hope Clinic for the past 8 years. “This is an incredibly worthy group. They provide a tremendous amount of services to the local community and provide the less fortunate with needed medical services. The Classic Company is one of their largest fundraising groups and we are so happy to work with them and help make a difference.”

“The six bar class was amazing. There must have been 1,000 at the grand prix. Literally everyone at the show was watching!” commented Classic Company President Bob Bell.

“The class is a straight line of six fences. We started the first fence at 3’9. As each rider went clean, the fences were raised. We did four rounds and ended with the last fence at 5’10”. We ended up with a three way tie and the crowd just loved it!” said Bell.

Derek Petersen and Cassevel fly over the Six Bar challenge. Flashpoint Photography.
Derek Petersen and Cassevel fly over the Six Bar challenge. Flashpoint Photography.

The three victors were Martien Van Der Hoeven of Spring, Texas in the irons of Courtney DeHechavarria’s Easy Touch 4, Michael Murphy of Apopka, Florida riding Suzanne Dennis’ Bunny Hop, and Derek Peterson of Archer, Florida in the irons of Madddie Skimming’s Cassevel.

Paul McCrea of Alpharetta, Georgia rode Krista Jones’ Diamond DeLuxe and made it to the fourth round. But eight jump faults would keep them from the winner’s circle.

Van Der Hoeven also rode Augusta Pines Farm’s Nuateloe. The team was out after Round 3 saw them with four jump faults. Round 3 also claimed Sherry Hill of Cordele, Georgia on her own Bellami and Randii Goble of Friendsville, Tennessee aboard Icon Sporthorses, LLC’s Queen of Calla, both with four jump faults at the last fence. Round two spared all of the horse and riders and round one claimed Mary Katherine Hargreaves and her own Jump Start with eight jump faults.

During the event, the Annual Silent Auction also took place for those looking to make a win outside of the ring in the sold out tent. Outback Steakhouse served ribs, chicken breasts, Caesar salad and deserts. “The food was delicious and everyone had a great time,” said Bell.

$5,000 Open Welcome Jumpers

Thursday night the Open Jumpers saw 29 take to the course designed by internationally known course designer, Steve Stephens of Palmetto, Florida, but only 10 went clean. Stephens has designed courses for the Olympics and the Pan Am Games. He is one of the most well-known course designers in the world.

Of the ten that went clean, Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11, ridden by Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida, won the class with a double clean round and jump off time of 31.013 seconds, well within the time allowed of 47 seconds. Trapatoni, owned by Billie Dorouet and ridden by David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee, came in second after turning in double clear rounds and a jump off time in 32.06 seconds. Third place finisher was David Blake of Parkland, Florida aboard Doma Sue, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, after turning in double clear rounds and a jump off time of 33.221 seconds.

In other news… show-cation!

Did you book your beach condo? The Show-cation destination is coming up at the Charleston Summer Classic which starts July 8 through 19. Beach front condos a few minutes from the show grounds are where the riders stay, so don’t miss out on the best show-cation of your life! Bring the family, friends, dogs and horses! Minutes from the beach and only a short drive to historic Charleston, this is the show that offers something for everyone from fishing to kayaking, to shopping to wave jumping, from walk-trot to weekly grand prix and hunter derbies. This is your Show-cation destination!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! Friday night exhibitor parties, Saturday night grand prix, complimentary ringside Saturday pizza and luncheons all with the exhibitor in mind! And remember, Classic Company does not charge extra office fees for credit card transactions nor is there a scratch or add fee! Classic Company wants to make your showing experience the best ever!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

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

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Paternoster Rides Figarro D in His First Grand Prix to the Win

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Gemma Paternoster and Figarro D. Flashpoint Photography.

Internationally known course designer Steve Stephens from Palmetto, Florida designed the Olympic stadium during the Atlanta Summer Classic Week II. A USEF R licensed hunter course designer, 4* FEI course designer, R jumper course designer and judge, Stephens has pretty much done it all, including tenure as the show jumping course designer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The $35,000 Antares Sellier Grand Prix saw 29 horse and rider teams take to the challenges posed by Stephens, but it was Gemma Paternoster of Wellington, Florida who took the win in the irons of Figarro D, owned by Julia Harrison-Lee.

Although Paternoster currently resides in Wellington, she is one of Great Britain’s top international show jumpers. She is the Young Rider European Champion (2006) and was victorious in 2010 as part of the British Nations Cup Team on her horse Osiris in Linz, Austria. Gemma competes for Great Britain in team and individual events.

Only three went clean in the first round which had a time allowed of 87 seconds. Derek Petersen of Legacy Farms in Archer, Florida was the fourth to go and the first to go clean aboard Maddie Skimming’s Cassevel in a first round time of 85.871 seconds. Sixteen trips later Jordan Coyne of New Port Ritchey, Florida would go clean in the irons of her own Lazaro, and give the crowd a jump off when they turned in a clear first round effort in a time of 84.825 seconds. But Paternoster, just two trips after Coyne, would join them in the jump off with the nine year old Belgium Warmblood, Figarro D, when the pair went clean in a time of 84.126 seconds.

“Steve [Stephens] is a brilliant course designer. There was nothing unfair in that course. The course needed an experienced rider and a fit horse,” commented Paternoster. “He built it big and asked a lot of questions of the riders,” she said. “He had three combinations. Steve tested us early with the first one – it was a tall vertical coming in and you needed a very careful horse. The oxer going out was big and floaty,” she said.

“The combination using fences 4, 5 and 6 had the first oxer narrow and square then it was followed with a wide oxer where a lot caught that back rail. You needed to be very committed to send the horse across the extra width,” she commented. The first and second combination Stephens designed would claim rails for half the class.

“The last five jumps were way up in the 1.50 meter territory and between the height of the jumps and the length of the course in that huge ring, you needed a very fit horse to finish that round clean,” said Paternoster.

Derek Petersen was first to go in the jump off with Skimming’s Cassevel and although they beat the time allowed of 55 seconds, had rails at the combination resulting in eight jump faults. Coyne was next to go with her own Lazaro and although they posted a time of 44.172 seconds, rails at the combination cost them eight jump faults too. Figarro D and Paternoster went in the enviable last to go position. Although the pair had a rail down in the combination, their time of 51.243 seconds and four jump faults would give them the win. The win would be the first grand prix win for Figarro D!

“I found this horse through a friend of mine as a 4 year old in Holland. He was very green with a difficult character, but a talented difficult character,” she laughed. “He felt like an Olympic horse,” she said confidently. “I was forced to sell him and my friend Belinda Inwood stepped up and bought him for her son James. They showed him a bit up to the 1.20 level and had him for three years,” she said. They called Paternoster last September and asked if she wanted the horse back since James decided to start traveling.   After three weeks competing in Portugal, Julia Harrison-Lee and Belinda Inwood made an arrangement for Julia to secure the horse and have Gemma ride him since all three saw the Grand Prix potential in the horse.   “I took him to Wellington and started at 1.30 meters and finished at 1.45, then we went off to Kentucky for a couple of weeks and then we decided to do his first Grand Prix at the Classic Company’s show in Atlanta – and he won it!”

“After walking the course I nearly scratched it because it was so big and technical. I didn’t because I just believe in him. I always have this feeling about him. I know with me he will be in good hands. I thought it’s time for him to try it. I will give him the best ride to ensure he gets a confident and accurate trip. I won’t miss,” she said. “I thought, he can do it and even if he crosses the timers with a couple of faults, I will be happy with him. It was his time,” she added.

The final results of the class saw Shiver, owned ridden by Liza Finsness of Wellington, Florida finish in fourth place with a first round time of 87.338 seconds and one time fault. Fifth place was awarded to Kendra Bullington’s Basje, ridden by Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina; the pair finished with a first round time of 88.259 seconds and two jump faults. Sixth place was awarded to Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida in the irons of Derek Petersen’s Titus 2:11 with a first round time of 79.917 seconds and four jump faults.

Daniel Geitner of Aiken, South Carolina and the Kenwood Syndicate’s Kenwood finished in seventh place with a first round time of 82.628 seconds and four jump faults. Paternoster returned for the eighth place ribbon in the irons of Julia Harrison-Lee’s Osiris in a first round time of 84.180 seconds and four jump faults. Ninth place was awarded to David Jennings of Franklin, Tennessee riding his own Sweetheart in a first round time of 84.151 seconds and four jump faults. Timothy Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama finished in tenth place in the irons of Claudia Styslinger’s KT Cher in a time of 84.839 seconds and four jump faults. Eleventh went to David Blake riding Doma Sue, owned by Pine Hollow Farm; the pair finished in 85.957 seconds with four jump faults. Jennings returned for twelfth place with Billie Dourouet’s Trapatoni in a time of 86.151 seconds and four jump faults.

Paternoster said, “My general thought was the course needed an experienced rider. He built at a high level and if you’re not answering the questions as a rider, no matter how good your horse is, your horse will not. The horses needed help all the way around. I think he accomplished what he set out to do,” she added.

Paternoster is currently riding for the movie Sunday Horse which is being filmed at the Georgia International Horse Park. “It’s really cool seeing William Shatner,” she said. As a child, she was also in the movie Black Beauty.

“We love the Classic Company shows,” said Paternoster. “We love the people and they are so professional and nice to work with – a million times better than the other show companies,” she added. “I’m looking forward to showing in Charleston. The thought of the beach and the horse show rolled into one is great! I can’t wait!” she said.

In other news… show-cation!

Time is wasting! Did you book your beach condo? The Show-cation destination is coming up at the Charleston Summer Classic which starts July 8 through 19. Beach front condos a few minutes from the show grounds are where the riders stay, so don’t miss out on the best show-cation of your life! Bring the family, friends, dogs and horses! Minutes from the beach and only a short drive to historic Charleston, this is the show that offers something for everyone from fishing to kayaking, to shopping to wave jumping, from walk-trot to weekly grand prix and hunter derbies. This is your Show-cation destination!

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest: Classic Shows are FUN! Friday night exhibitor parties, Saturday night grand prix, complimentary ringside Saturday pizza and luncheons all with the exhibitor in mind! And remember, Classic Company does not charge extra office fees for credit card transactions nor is there a scratch or add fee! Classic Company wants to make your showing experience the best ever!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843.768.5503.

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

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

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

Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

First Day of George Morris Gladstone Program at Annali-Brookwood Farm Emphasizes ‘Excellence Begins in the Barn’

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George H. Morris demonstrates correct flatwork.

Antioch, IL – June 24, 2014 – The first day of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program Training Session, organized by Diane Carney at Rush and Caroline Weeden’s Annali-Brookwood Farm, was packed with learning opportunities for the ten hand-selected riders and large group of auditors. The “Gladstone Program” is an intensive week of training and education for exceptionally dedicated and talented show jumping riders who are serious about their interest and desire to pursue a path that will prepare them for international competition. The training session runs through the week until June 28th.

Riders began the day by completing their work in the barn with manager Laurie Pitts of Goochlalnd, VA, and then moved to the indoor arena for a session dedicated to flatwork fundamentals with the legendary George H. Morris.

Morris began by saying, “I want to thank Rush and Carl (Weeden) for this outstanding facility. It’s perfect and perfect for the horses. I also want to thank Diane Carney for her tireless hours and efforts. She gives 110%. These people appreciate quality.”

Morris continued to talk about standards, saying, “My interpretation of fun is excellence. Excellence starts in the barn.”

He then put the riders through a series of flatwork exercises emphasizing the importance of the inside hind leg of the horse when working on straightness. Morris demonstrated flexion and straightness on Stephen Foran’s horse and also on K C Van Aarem’s horse.

Olympian Anne Kursinski, re-emphasizing Morris’s theories on straightness and engaging the horse’s hind end, treated the lucky riders and auditors to a flatwork demonstration on Kathleen O. Hope’s Vision EH. Kursinski also discussed how our horses are a reflection of the rider.

Anne Kursinski
Anne Kursinski

“Be an athlete like the horse,” said Kursinski. “Train for a marathon or something to understand your horse and be one with the horse.”

“That’s why these programs are so great; you get the stable work and the riding. All the great riders, McLain and Beezie, know their horses inside out,” remarked Kursinski. “I’m a firm believer that it’s the journey not the destination and I’ve been to a lot of great destinations.”

She told a story about how they would always admire Michael Matz’s horses when the grooms hand walked them because the horses’ manes were perfect, the bandages were perfect and the coolers were immaculate and they were real winners.

“This is another thing I learned from George: set yourself up to be a winner – the stable management and how the horses are turned out are key. The horses get it also; they feel like winners and that’s very important.”

The other key Kursinski stressed was proper flatwork. “George never let us jump,” said Kursinski. “The horses were always fresh and jumped great. We kept the horses fit and muscled with proper flatwork. Young riders these days concentrate too much on going from horse show to horse show, and they really need to concentrate on flatwork.”

The riders then moved from the ring to the beautiful lounge for the unmounted learning part of the afternoon. Riders learned “How to Talk to the Media” presented by Brenda Mueller for Phelps Media and Chicago Equestrian. An overview of what to do at a press conference and how to answer the media’s questions was explained to riders. Then the fun began as the riders participated in a mock press conference where they had to field loaded questions from other team members posing as journalists. The experience gave riders a first-hand glimpse of what might be asked during a press conference and how to answer the difficult questions.

The group also had a discussion regarding social media and the proper use of it. Riders discussed how it could affect future sponsors and opportunities if used incorrectly.

As the day continued, riders fed their horses and moved to the outdoor arena to set gymnastics for Tuesday’s session. Riders then went back to the barn to finish taking care of their horses for the day.

Tomorrow’s session will begin again at 8:00 am and the afternoon will be spent with Dr. Marvin Beeman from Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado, discussing conformation.

For more information, contact Diane Carney at dtelluride@aol.com or 847-922-6167.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Dressage, JRPR

Sahar Daniel Hirosh and Sakramenter Score 70%, Look to a Future on the International Stage

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Sahar Daniel Hirosh and Sakramenter. (Photo courtesy of WhoTookThat.net)

Bedminster, NJ (June 24, 2014) – A new partnership began with a bang during the Dressage at the Ranch National show in Bedminster, New Jersey, where Grand Prix rider and trainer Sahar Daniel Hirosh and Sakramenter put in their debut performance as a team. The 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Samarant (Sandro Hit) and out of Weiha Cara (Westminster) received an 8 for gaits and Hirosh received an 8 for the rider’s correct an effective use of the aids to boost them to an even 70% in Fourth Level Test 1.

Owned by KCR Dressage, LLC, the 17.2 dark bay gelding only arrived at Hirosh’s barn a few weeks ago, and he couldn’t be happier with their first outing. The judge praised Sakramenter, awarding him 8s for overall gaits as well as specific movements, and calling him an “impressive horse with much talent for the higher levels.” And that is just where Hirosh is aiming him.

“I am very excited about working with this horse,” said Hirosh, who rides for Israel. “My goal is to channel his willingness to work and exceptional talent into the international arena.” Hirosh just finished off a successful winter season at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where he finished with impressive scores and top placings across a wide variety of classes, from the USEF 4-Year-Old Division to the Intermediate B and Fourth Level with his string of up and coming dressage horses.

Following Florida’s winter circuit, Hirosh and his horses returned to their summer base in Pennsylvania, and continued their winter winning ways in the spring. In May he and Lisa Grossi’s Hanoverian mare D’Esprit Joli finished with an impressive overall score of 80.4% at the Bucks County Horse Park Dressage show in the USEF 4-Year-Old class, and he also rode Francis Murphy’s 8-year-old warmblood Aragon to a 71.8% in the Prix St. Georges. Aragon’s score also secured them the FEI high score of the show.

With a history of bringing young horses to the FEI levels, Hirosh now will aim to repeat that success by guiding Sakramenter into the international show arena. USDF Gold and Silver Medalist and owner of KCR Dressage, LLC, Karen Ramsing-Bixler, was thrilled with the new team’s success in New Jersey. Sakramenter is one of four quality dressage horses currently owned by KCR Dressage, which is dedicated to importing and training European sporthorses for the American market and international competition. With over 20 years of competing in the FEI arena, Ramsing-Bixler will often be seen ringside acting as eyes on the ground and sometimes co-trainer for her horses. Early in her dressage career, Ramsing-Bixler apprenticed for seven years with Jessica Ransehousen in all phases of dressage: competing, teaching and judging. “Working with Jessica gave me a unique insight and sharp vision for the future of dressage and the necessity of developing horses for the American rider,” said Ramsing-Bixler. “My goal is to play a part in this and I am very happy to be an owner and share in someone else’s dream.”

Pairing Sakramenter with Hirosh’s proven system of bringing horses up the levels meshes well with KCR’s goal of taking European sporthorses into international competition. “The plan now is to continue to build Sakramener’s strength and confidence in the arena,” said Hirosh. “He has so much potential and I could not be more grateful to Karen and KCR Dressage for entrusting his training to me. I’m very excited for what the future holds for us.”

For more information, visit www.sdhdressage.com or call 516-448-3430.

Contact: SDH Dressage
Sahar Daniel Hirosh
516-448-3430
cococavalli@aol.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, World Equestrian Games

Positive Reactions to Dressage Test Event for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014

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Stade d’Ornano, main venue for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, opened its doors to two days of Dressage, with multiple aspects of the Games organisation being trialled as part of the final test events before the 23 August opening ceremony. Test event Dressage was not open to the public, but up to 24,000 spectators have downloaded free invitations for tomorrow’s competitions, the first of two days of Jumping. (FEI/PSV J. Morel)

Caen (FRA), 24 June 2014 – Conditions at the d’Ornano Stadium, main venue for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA), have met with extremely favourable reactions from National Federations and athletes attending the final test events before the Games get underway on 23 August.

The focus has been on Dressage over the past two days, with 15 riders from nine nations competing in Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle to test all areas of the organisation, including the field of play and training areas, footing, results and timing systems, as well as the back of house facilities, stabling, horse arrival and departure areas, and media services.

“It’s a really fantastic stadium and the sports side is top-class,” FEI Dressage Director Trond Asmyr commented after two days of Dressage competitions. “Of course as it’s a test event we will need to go through all the small details to be sure that if anything needs to be worked on or improved that it’s done, but the starting point is excellent and everyone is very much looking forward to coming back to Normandy in August.”

Carl Hester, a member of Britain’s Olympic gold medal team at London 2012, acted as foreign rider representative for Dressage and also took top spot in today’s Grand Prix Special with Nip Tuck, reversing Monday’s Grand Prix placings with team mate Gareth Hughes (DV Stenkjers Nadonna). Hester was also impressed with the venue set-up.

“It’s going to be brilliant,” he said. “It’s absolutely spot-on from a structural perspective. The footing is excellent and it will only improve for staying in place between now and the Games so that we can really ride to the maximum. It was definitely worth coming here and it should give the riders lots of confidence going into the Games.”

Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein (DEN), who finished third on both days with Fabienne, was also complimentary about the venue and organisation. “I came here with no expectations and have been really positively surprised,” she said. “The footing is really nice, the stables are good and the access is excellent. I’m very confident that things are going to work out well here.”

As CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Fabien Grobon is the man in overall charge of ensuring that everything is in place in time for the Games, and he too was pleased with the first two days of the final test event.

“The two days went as expected, and even though we decided not to have spectators for the Dressage so that we could test other aspects, we had a great show for the horses. Now we need to stay focused for a lot more horses in the Jumping and a big crowd coming tomorrow when our goal is to welcome around 24,000 spectators to the venue. We’ve had a lot of very positive feedback so far, but although the test events are a vital part of the process, we must remember this is only a test. What really matters is August.”

The Jumping test event gets underway tomorrow, with horses from 24 nations taking part in four competitions over the next two days. Test events in three disciplines – Endurance (Sartilly), Eventing (Haras du Pin/Caen) and Driving (Caen Hippodrome) – were held in August last year, and although no discipline specific test events have been held in Reining, Vaulting and Para-Equestrian, all technical aspects will have been trialled prior to the Games to ensure that the same level of excellence runs across all the disciplines.

Full results from the test events are available here and live scoring can be viewed here.

FEI 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

Community/Charity, Products/Services, Publications/Media, Racing

Racing to Heaven, by Harriet Tramer

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Cleveland, OH – June 19th, 2014 – Emotions, particularly in adolescents, can run very strong. A new book asks how much does it take for these sentiments to run out of control and command our lives along destructive paths?

“The book is what might be called magical realism,” said Harriet Tramer, the author. “It is very realistic in that many of the emotions the narrator describes are one we have all experienced on one level or another. Yet it is magical because you are not certain if she is imagining things or if they are really happening to her.”

The horses in this book seem to be cantering endlessly through the life of the woman who narrates her story. But are they really flesh and blood figures speeding along from place to place? Or are they simply something she imagines because of the turmoil in her mind? Read this book and then decide for yourself.

About the Author
Harriet Tramer has worked as both a journalist and a college instructor. And although the links between these two professions might not be immediately obvious, Ms. Tramer has learned that they have much in common: they both demand highly-developed communication skills. People in these two lines of work must not only learn to express themselves well (either verbally or through written words). They must also become adept at listening.

In writing Rounding the Circle of Love: Growing Up as She Grows Old, Ms. Tramer called into play everything she learned during her more than thirty years as a journalist/teacher. Her experience guided her as she interviewed experts in various fields – the law, medicine, exercise therapy – enabling her to present technical information in an approachable manner.

Ms. Tramer graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And she has Master’s Degrees in Communication and Urban Studies from Cleveland State University. She has written for a variety of newspapers – “The Cleveland Press,” “The Cleveland Plain Dealer,” Crain’s Cleveland Business – and has taught both at Cleveland State University and the New School (in New York City).

Available at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Racing-Heaven-Harriet-Tramer-ebook/dp/B00IG5JF1Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403649164&sr=8-1&keywords=racing+to+heaven

Magnus Publicity

Championships, Competitions, Driving, FEI, Para-Equestrian

US Para-Driving Team Prepares for the 2014 FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships Only Days Away

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Diane Kastama driving and Bob Giles (navigator) practicing the marathon course. Photos courtesy of USDFD.

Sandringham, England – June 23, 2014 – The U.S. Para-Driving Team prepares for the 2014 FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships beginning June 27. The three team members including Diane Kastama, Virginia Fitch, and Vietnam Veteran Bob Giles are currently in training for the week at the de Ronde’s establishment in the Netherlands. The team members, alternates, and individual competitor Mary Gray have been on the grounds during the week prepping and supporting the team before competition. The 2014 FEI World Para-Equestrian Driving Championships will be held in Sandringham, England from June 27-29, 2014. Marie De Ronde serves as Chef d’Equipe and Sara Schmitt will serves as coach.

Team Members for the 2014 FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships:

Diane Kastama  Grade 1
Virginia (Boo) Fitch  Grade 2
Vietnam Veteran Bob Giles  Grade 2

Alternates:

1st Alternate: Theresa (Ginny) Leal   Grade 2
2nd Alternate: Mary Gray   Grade 2

Representing the U.S. as an Individual at the 2014 FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles:

Mary Gray (Brunswick, Maine) will drive Nick Hammond’s Leyeswick the Rooster. Leyeswick the Rooster is a 2006 Welsh gelding.

Schedule of Events:

June 26-27 Driven Dressage
June 28 Marathon & Obstacles
June 29 Cones & Awards Presentation

Location: The Royal Estate, Sandringham, Norfolk PE35 6 EN

For more information: http://www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/drivingtrials/.

About Diane Kastama: Diane Kastama, Arroyo Grande, CA Grade I.  In 1991 a car crash left Diane paralyzed from the waist down. Although a lifelong horse person and dressage enthusiast, riding without the use of her legs was not much fun and she soon turned to driven dressage and then the exciting sport of combined driving. Her relatives and friends thought she was crazy for taking on a sport that involves sitting atop a tall carriage, pulled by a horse going “hell-bent” for speed.

Diane started competing with her home bred Appaloosas but now Diane competes with a pair of Section D Welsh Cobs, Rupert and George. She drives them single, pair and tandem. She competes against able-bodied drivers all over the Western United States and occasionally on the East Coast at the Intermediate and Advanced level. Diane has also demonstrated her skills at Rolex, KY, Horse Expo in Sacramento, the “Night of the Horse” in Del Mar, the Equine Affair and various therapeutic horse programs throughout California. She has also participated in the closing ceremonies at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Diane is always willing to share her skills and knowledge and bring driving to the forefront of equine sports.  Diane has been very successful in international Para-Equestrian competition, coming home with an Individual Silver and Team Bronze driving a borrowed Welsh Cob Stallion in 2002 Greven, Germany.  2004 she place 5th with a borrowed Welsh cob in Edinburgh, Scotland.  In 2006 she came home with Individual Gold driving her own Welsh cob gelding Jasper.  In 2008 Diane earned Individual Bronze and Team Silver driving Jasper once again. Kastama will drive Rupert at the Championships who is a 1996 Welsh Cob gelding.

Bob Giles working on the cones course
Bob Giles working on the cones course

About Bob Giles: Bob Giles (Morriston, Fla.) is a well-known driving horse trainer and clinician who has dedicated his life to the sport of driving. His selection to the USEF Para-Equestrian Driving Team is a dream come true for this accomplished competitor, Vietnam War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient.

Giles was in combat within the Vietnam War resulting in the loss of 90% of his hearing, a fused elbow and only partial use of his right hand. As a combat-wounded Purple Heart recipient, Bob is dedicating his drive to the memory of the 58,000 + men and women who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.

Giles’ enthusiasm and determination for the thrilling sport of Combined Driving has driven him to the 2014 World Driving Championships in Sandringham, England, June 27-29, 2014. Giles will drive Koos De Ronde’s Solo and Olando.

About Virginia (Boo) Fitch: Virginia (Boo) Fitch is from Pennhook, Va. Fitch grew up fox hunting and showing hunters. She attended Lynchburg College and rode on their intercollegiate riding team as well as the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Team. After graduating, she rode jumpers for a prominent family in Quebec Canada. It was during this time that Fitch developed Rheumatoid Arthritis. It came on suddenly and strongly. Within two years she had a hip replacement at the age of 26. By the year 2000, she was having considerable problems with her feet and ankles and it just so happened that she owned a school horse that drove and had a good friend that competed in Combined Driving. Between the safe horse and her friend she started driving and loved it. After five surgeries and three joint replacements over the course of 10 years from 2000 to 2010, teaching children just became too difficult and she was finding herself competing in Combined driving more often. Fitch has become a prominent competitor in the para-equestrian driving world and she looks forward to her recent appointment as a member of the 2014 Team. Fitch will drive Kiko, a 2003 Irish Sport Horse Mare at the Championships.

Virginia (Boo) Fitch practicing the cones course
Virginia (Boo) Fitch practicing the cones course

For more information about United States Driving for the Disabled, please go to www.USDFD.org.

USDFD Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/USDFD.

To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.

About United States Para-Equestrian Association:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.