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Konyot and Parra Produce Determined Efforts in Grand Prix at FEI World Cup Dressage Final

Tina Konyot and Calecto V (MA Brakenridge/PSdressage.com)

Lyon, France – The highly anticipated 2014 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final got underway Saturday afternoon at the Lyon Eurexpo. As 17 of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations performed the FEI Grand Prix Test before the Ground Jury of Eduard de Wolff van Westerrode, Dr. Jean-Michel Roudier, Thomas Lang, Dr. Evi Eisenhardt, Gary Rockwell, Jacques van Daele, and Leif Tornblad. The U.S. combinations of Tina Konyot with Calecto V and Cesar Parra on Van the Man produced determined efforts to overcame mistakes in their performances on Friday and look forward to Sunday’s Freestyle.

Konyot (Palm City, Fla.) and her 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and 2012 London Olympic Games partner once again demonstrated an impressive trot-tour to score 70.443% for their Grand Prix test. However, a few mistakes including in the one-time changes and over-anticipation on final centerline kept the pair from scoring even higher. Additionally, they overcame an unenviable starting position, number one in the order, to finish the day in 11th place.

“I was very happy with my horse; I made some mistakes that cost me. But I am very pleased and it is an honor to be here,” said Konyot who did not let her pathfinder status on Saturday deter her from the task at hand. “It is always disappointing but someone has to go first. But I’ve been doing this awhile, so it didn’t affect me.”

Parra (Whitehouse Station, N.J.) and Michael and Sarah Davis’ Van the Man showed impressive work in their test on Friday but moments of tension kept them from landing higher up the leaderboard as they finished in 16th place with a score of 65.543%. After breaking to the canter in the first extended trot they rebounded with a solid finish to their trot work. However, following the walk tour the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding became nervous in the corner by M resulting in a disobedience and backing up.

Nevertheless, Parra was still pleased with the progress his horse has made in the last year and is excited about competing in Lyon.

“I’m very excited to be here; this is a beautiful venue,” said Parra. “At the beginning and going around the ring the feeling was very good and he was feeling very well. He’s grown up a lot and he feels more and more confident.”

As expected it was the world first and second ranked combinations battling it out for top honors on Saturday. Collecting second-place honors was the World number two combination and 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final champions Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW on a score of 83.343%. Finishing almost four points ahead of the field, and setting a new World Record as well, were the World’s number one combination and reigning Olympic and European Champions Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro of Great Britain. In their first ever Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final start they claimed the Grand Prix victory on a score of 87.129%.

All eyes will be on Dujardin in Saturday’s Freestyle as she debuts new music and tries to top her current Freestyle World Record of 93.975%.

“I can’t believe it; he never lets me down. Each year there’s a bit more and a bit more,” said Dujardin. “I’m very excited (for tomorrow). It will be a full house and it’s the music; it’s fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

By Helen Murray

To find a full list of orders of go and results from the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals, visit: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/890/index.html.

Learn more about the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals here.

To watch the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals live, visit feitv.org.

Follow the U.S. Jumpers here.

Farrington Wins Second Leg of Longines Final, but Guerdat and Delaveau Share the Lead Going into Monday’s Decider

Kent Farrington and Voyeur galloped to a thrilling victory in the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Lyon (FRA), 19 April 2014 – America’s Kent Farrington and Voyeur galloped to victory in the thrilling second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2013/2014 at Lyon, France tonight. From a starting field of 38 there were 21 into the jump-off and the US rider produced a devastating turn of speed against the clock that rocketed him up from overnight 18th place to lie equal-10th going into Monday’s third and deciding competition following tonight’s success.

Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, lined up second ahead of defending FEI World Cup Jumping champion Beezie Madden from the USA, while Germany’s Daniel Deusser finished fourth ahead of French rider Patrice Delaveau in fifth.

After the results of the first two competitions have been calculated, it is Guerdat and Delaveau who top the leaderboard going into the last day when they will both start on a zero score, followed by Deusser carrying two penalty points, and Madden, Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, and first-day winner Pius Schwizer from Switzerland next in line carrying four penalty points apiece. It’s going to be a close-fought affair right to the very end, as only six penalty points separate the top 10.

Course

The first-round course included a vertical at fence five followed by a looping turn to another, with an option, at six and that led to the triple combination at fence seven which consisted of two big square oxers followed by a vertical. A left-hand bend led on to a rustic Swedish oxer at eight and a four-stride run to a double – gate to oxer – at nine before tackling the delicate white gate at 10, three fences from home. A right-bending line after the oxer at 11 led on to the penultimate vertical and another four-stride distance to the final oxer.

In the jump-off the ability to make a tight loop back from the vertical at five to the one at six proved pivotal in every sense, while the rollback from the oxer at seven to the two elements of fence nine was also critical. However, it was the long run from there to the final oxer that had the spectators gripping their seats and gasping with excitement as the cream of the sport battled it out in the intense jump-off.

American riders have always demonstrated a particular flair for running and jumping against the clock and, fourth to go in the timed round, Charlie Jayne and Chill RZ were the first to do just that when setting the target with a second clear in 42.52 seconds. US colleague, Katie Dinan, had two down with Nougat du Vallet, and although Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander was clear with Ego van Orti, her careful tour of the track in 50.51 seconds presented no threat.

Next in was Farrington however, and the Florida-based 33-year-old electrified the arena with an amazingly tight turn from five to six and a heart-stopping gallop to the last that broke the beam in 39.69 seconds. That was now the time they all had to beat, and none of them could do it.

Chances were dashed

Kevin Staut’s chances were dashed when the Frenchman’s mare, Silvana HDC, jammed on the brakes at 10 after lowering the first element at nine, and two fences on the floor left both Britain’s Michael Whitaker and Viking and America’s McLain Ward and Rothchild out of contention. Leslie Burr-Howard was having a fine cut at it until her bay stallion, Tic Tac, hit fence six but fellow-American Beezie Madden left all the poles in place to slot, temporarily, into runner-up spot with Simon in 40.35 seconds.

World No. 1, Britain’s Scott Brash, steered Ursula Xll to a smooth round in 42.16 seconds and, celebrating his 40th birthday today, Germany’s Marcus Ehning gave yet another exhibition of superb jumping with the fabulous grey Cornado NRW but didn’t pose any problem for the leader when crossing the line in 43.66 seconds. Fellow-German and 2011 champion, Christian Ahlmann, steered Aragon Z home in 42.13 while Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten posted a clear in 43.74 with VDL Groep NOP, so it wasn’t until the closing stages that Farrington’s supremacy really came under further attack.

Daniel Deusser put Germany near the top of the scoreboard when producing a super-smooth run from Cornet d’Amour that brought them across the line in 40.61 seconds, but Guerdat’s round that followed shaved a half-second off that. His Olympic ride, the 13-year-old gelding Nino des Buissonnets, is always a spectacular horse to watch as he looks so busy and seems to do the impossible time and again, particularly against the clock. And tonight was no exception, the spectators gasping when the pole on top of the second element of the double at fence 9 jumped out of the cups and then back in again, while the Swiss man’s breathtaking run to the last and Nino’s enormous leap at the final fence were nothing short of sensational.

But it still wasn’t quick enough to oust Farrington from the head of affairs, and when Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and Chiara hit the second element at nine, French challenger Delaveau stayed clear but almost two seconds slower with Lacrimoso HDC and first-day winner Pius Schwizer also faulted at fence nine with Toulago it was game over.

Super-speedy

Farrington talked about his super-speedy 12-year-old horse afterwards. “He’s naturally fast by himself so I try to let him run at his own speed – his speed is his speed – and the more I can leave him alone the better he jumps!” he explained. “I got Voyeur as a nine-year-old and he has come back from an injury. I have high hopes for him – he is strong and aggressive but I think he is a spectacular horse,” the Florida-based rider added.

Runner-up Guerdat talked about the 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final and what it means to him, especially since he came so very close to victory last year. “I have been very motivated for a long time about this Final. Today was important but in the end you don’t remember the one who finishes second. There is a lot of pressure because you want to make sure you don’t make any silly mistakes and let it slip away,” said the man who is clearly targeting the trophy.

He was happy with Nino des Buissonnet’s performance today. “He’s jumping very well, but we saw in the first round a few times where he was over careful – he jumped the triple combination too high and then it makes life a little bit hard keeping him under control, so hopefully he’ll calm down a bit for the final on Monday, because if it’s big, I need to have a little better round.”

When asked if he wants to win, he replied, “Yes, but I think everybody else does too – there are many other riders who want to win it and who also have the quality to win it, so we’ll see who’s the best on Monday!” One of those others is Delaveau who shares the top of the leaderboard going into that final competition and who will have the roar of the home crowd behind him as he attempts to clinch the crown of indoor Jumping – the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping title – for the host nation of France for only the second time in the 36-year history of the prestigious series. And, lying joint-fourth and just a single fence off the leading pair as the action gets underway, is another – defending champion Madden who is most unlikely to give up that trophy of trophies without a serious fight.

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/Tej3aSUtgz4

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

America’s Kent Farrington flew to victory in the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final at Lyon, France tonight riding the 12-year-old Voyeur.

Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat finished second with his Olympic gold medal winning ride Nino des Buissonnets and shares the top of the leaderboard going into Monday’s third and deciding competition with Patrice Delaveau from France who, tonight, slotted in fifth place.

38 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in tonight’s second Final competition and 21 went into the second round against the clock.

11 double-clear rounds were recorded.

Germany’s Daniel Deusser finished fourth and lies third on the leaderboard after the first two legs of the Final.

Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum, defending champion Beezie Madden from the USA, and first-day winner Pius Schwizer from Switzerland share fourth place, and only a single fence separates the top six riders going into Monday’s last test.

Quotes:

Kent Farrington USA, talking about his winning ride Voyeur: “Producing horses and bringing them along, you have to go at the steps that they’re ready for, so I’m excited to have him at that level and I think with more experience he could be a superstar!”

Frank Rothenberger, course designer: “I was expecting between 10 and 12 clears but we got a few too many. Unfortunately the time wasn’t a factor, a few seconds less and we would have had 10 to 12 clears. The course was big enough, the oxers were at 1.90m and the verticals were 1.60m – to me it was big enough. We have another two rounds on Monday and I didn’t want to take too much from the horses tonight, but 21 (into the jump-off) was definitely too many.”

Vicky Roycroft, former champion rider from Australia, talking about the big number of competitors in the jump-off: “The footing makes a big difference; horses make up a lot of ground on this surface and the ring is big, so taking out strides is easy which makes the time easier to get.”

Patrice Delaveau FRA talking about his jump-off ride: “I didn’t take a risk from the start. You can go really fast and have a rail down or go slower and end up finishing halfway between the two. I took an extra stride to the last and was slightly slower as a result, but so far so good!”

Daniel Deusser GER: “It is difficult in a jump-off with 21 riders but in the end I was always coming here to win so I had to try to be clear. I’ve had two good results; yesterday I was sixth and today fourth but there were three ahead of me today and if you have one down you drop a lot so I decided to take the medium risk in the jump-off and have a good result and it worked out well for me.”

Audio Files:

Kent Farrington
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_farrington_day2.mp3

Steve Guerdat
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_guerdat_day2.mp3

Scott Brash
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_brash_day2.mp3

Daniel Deusser   German Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_deusser_day2_ger.mp3

Daniel Deusser English Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_deusser_day2.mp3

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Longines FEI World Cup Jumping press kit: download all the details from www.feipresskits.org (contains series calendar, competition schedule, online media tools and history).

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Lyon:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
P.renauldon@rbpresse.com
+333 44 620 621

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com

Dujardin Does It Again with New World Record Score in Reem Acra Final Grand Prix

Charlotte Dujardin and the brilliant gelding Valegro set yet another new world record at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 Final in Lyon, France. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Lyon (FRA), 19 April 2014 – Britain’s Dressage superstars, Charlotte Dujardin and the brilliant gelding Valegro, set yet another new world record when scoring 87.129 to win today’s Grand Prix at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 Final in Lyon, France.  The British duo have blazed a trail through the sport over the last two years, setting world records in Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle while also scooping Olympic and European gold.  Today they re-set the Grand Prix world record target score again, and they now look well set to add the 2014 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage title to their extraordinary list of achievements when the Freestyle takes place tomorrow afternoon.

The Grand Prix start-list was reduced to 17 horse-and-rider combinations when Nanna Skodberg-Merrald’s gelding, Millibar, did not pass re-inspection first thing this morning.  But the class got off to a great start with a lovely test from the USA’s Tina Konyot and Calecto V which set the tone for a day on which more Dressage history would be made.

Target score

The Netherlands’ Edward Gal set the first strong target score when, fifth to go, he posted 80.029 with Glock’s Undercover.  But it was clear this would be bettered as, despite spectacular piaffe and some great passage, the 13-year-old gelding showed a lot of tension.

“Today was quite difficult; my horse was already excited in the warm-up, and in the arena he went a little better but he was still very tense.  Today, though, he was a little better than yesterday, so hopefully we will be better again tomorrow!” said the man who claimed the coveted title back in 2010.

Defending Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage champions, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, then raised the bar even higher when following with a mark of 83.353 for an accurate but somewhat conservative test that was marked by an early halt at the very end.  “He was a bit excited on the centre line. It felt like he wanted to do passage and I thought, ‘I don’t know where this is going,’ so I decided to stop where I was!” the 31-year-old rider explained with a laugh afterwards.

Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven followed with one of those elegant performances that have long been her trademark with Don Auriello for a score of 75.086, and this would prove plenty good enough for fourth place at the end of the day.

Steal the limelight

Second-last to go, it was Dujardin and Valegro who would steal all the limelight, however, as they cruised to victory with the greatest of ease. They never looked like they were working hard as they produced energetic passage and the smoothest of flying changes, their only mistake coming in piaffe.

“I’m so lucky to have such a horse; wherever I go he wants to perform although I was worried about this big arena.  The first day here he was very, very hot and I thought he might be on edge today, but when he goes down the centre line he does his job so I can ride to near-maximum.  I wanted to enjoy it; Carl [Hester, her trainer and mentor] gave me my instructions and I had just one blip in the piaffe so I was very happy with him [Valegro],” said the 28-year-old who now has her sights set on tomorrow’s deciding Freestyle competition.

She faces a significant challenge as she will be performing an entirely new arrangement of movements to a new musical score.  But she is relishing that challenge as she pointed out today.

First time

“I’m pretty used to riding my music for the first time in a competition!” she said.  “I love my new floor plan; I think it’s quite cool actually, and there’s an interesting bit at the end so I hope I can pull it off.  Carl is quite pleased with it and I’m very excited to be doing it tomorrow,” she added.

Breaking records is all in a day’s work for the British rider who, although she said she was “speechless” when she found out she had raised the Grand Prix target score yet again, appears to be near to unstoppable and just about unflappable.

She tried to make little of what she had achieved when interviewed at this evening’s post-competition press conference. “I wasn’t thinking about the score when I was in the arena; I just did my test and felt happy about it.  Carl was very happy which is always good, so when I heard it was a world record it was fantastic!” she pointed out.

Judge at C and today’s Ground Jury President, Germany’s Evi Eisenhardt, described today’s class as “one of the best competitions I have ever judged, with a great top line and a good midfield.”  It all bodes well for a thrilling conclusion to the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final 2013/2014 when the deciding Freestyle gets underway at 13.30 local time in Lyon (FRA) tomorrow afternoon.

And no-one can discount the possibility of another world-record-breaking performance from Dujardin and her dancing horse.

The Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final takes place in Lyon (FRA) from 17-21 April 2014. For all information on the French fixture, contact Press Officer Pascal Renauldon, Email p.renauldon@rbpresse.com, Tel +333 44 620 621.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Great Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, who already held all three world records in Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Freestyle, today set a new Grand Prix world record with their winning score of 87.129 at the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage 2013/2014 Final in Lyon, France.

28-year-old Dujardin, who is Olympic and European gold medallist, set the previous record at last summer’s ECCO FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark with a score of 85.942.

17 horse-and-rider combinations lined out in today’s Grand Prix.

Denmark’s Nanna Skodberg Merrald did not compete following reinspection of her horse, Millibar, this morning.

Defending Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage champions, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg and Damon Hill NRW, finished second in the Grand Prix ahead of The Netherlands’ Edward Gal and Glock’s Undercover in third place.

The youngest rider in today’s competition was 24-year-old Dong-Seon Kim from Korea who finished 17th with the 16-year-old Bukowski.

The youngest horse was the 10-year-old gelding Mister X who slotted into 10th place for Russia’s Inessa Merkulova.

All 17 riders go into tomorrow’s Freestyle which will decide the fate of the 2014 title.

The Freestyle competition begins at 13.30 local time.

Quotes:

FEI Dressage Director, Trond Asmyr, when asked about the music that was playing during the Grand Prix tests today:  “It is up to the organisers to choose the people who do the music for the Grand Prix.  The intention is that it should be background music that follows the rhythm of the horse but doesn’t interfere too much with what it is doing.”

Defending champion, Germany’s Helen Langehanenberg, talking about her performance: “It is so easy riding Dami now; he comes into the arena and he just wants to compete. The more people that are watching him the more he likes it.  I had a good feeling today.”

Charlotte Dujardin (GBR), talking about competition with the other riders: “I don’t think about that or about anyone else; if Helen beats me, or Edward, on the day then that’s just the way it is. You do your best; you don’t know what’s going to happen and that’s what makes it interesting and a big fight every time.”

Audio Links:

Charlotte Dujardin
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_dujardin_rd1.mp3

Helen Langehanenberg  English version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_langehanenberg_rd1_eng.mp3

Helen Langehanenberg  German Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_langehanenberg_rd1_ger.mp3

Edward Gal  English Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_gal_rd1_eng.mp3

Edward Gal  Dutch version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_gal_rd1_dutch.mp3

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

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

By Louise Parkes

Media contacts:

At Lyon:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
P.renauldon@rbpresse.com
+333 44 620 621

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

The Charleston Summer Classic Prize List Is Online

Frank Owens traveled from San Antonio, Texas to show his mount MTM 20s Girl as well as his other horses at last year’s Charleston Summer Classic. Flashpoint Photography.

Spring has sprung and it’s time to think summer vacations! For equestrians, there is no better way to incorporate time at the beach and the rings than a show-cation at the Charleston Summer Classic July 8th through 12th and July 15th through the 19th on Johns Island in South Carolina.

The prize list is online and features two regional standard $25,000 Grand Prixs.  These are the perfect competitions to gain some mileage and prize money for the up and coming grand prix jumpers.

Besides the grand prix, the Classic Company will offer weekly $5,000 Open Welcome classes, Pony Mania week II, the $2,500 1.30 Junior/Amateur Owner Jumper Classic, many AA Hunter classes, more than $10,000 offered in the Hunter Classics and even a Short/Long Stirrup Hunter Classic!  There truly is something for everyone at the Charleston Summer Classic!

The Classic Company modified its dates in order to better coincide with the condo rentals that run from Saturday to Saturday.  Exhibitors are welcome to come as early as July 5th and there is NO early arrival fee.  The rings will be open for riding on the 5th but not set for jumping until the 7th.  The Classic Company wants you to take advantage of your beachfront condo and have everything turnkey for you at the horse show – enjoy your horse show vacation destination!

And condo is really the way to go.  Besides the old adage, “location, location, location”, it is also, economically speaking, the best bet.  Contact Nancy Buck at Coastal Getaways at 843.789.4438 or click here to check out where you could be staying this summer!

When to rent?  Why not stay for two weeks?  The show schedule and party schedule, close proximity to the beach and marina, riding trails, and downtown historic Charleston will make this the best vacation and show-cation yet!

AA rated hunters, plenty of prize money and classics make the Charleston Summer Classic a winner. Flashpoint Photography.
AA rated hunters, plenty of prize money and classics make the Charleston Summer Classic a winner. Flashpoint Photography.

For twenty-two years, the Charleston Summer Classic has been offering riders, their families and friends the opportunity to jump the waves and the jumps.  Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, located on Johns Island, South Carolina, is twenty minutes from downtown historic Charleston with its abundance of historic southern mansions, fabulous seafood, dining, art galleries, horse and buggy tours and world class shopping.

The show grounds are even closer to the beach!  Yes, about 5 miles away from the show grounds, you can be on the Atlantic Ocean.  And that is really what helps to make the show so cool.  The show’s close proximity to the ocean keeps the temperature just perfect in the grand prix arena and hunter rings.  Miles of scenic, wooded trails meander through the show grounds and exhibitors love kicking back and trail riding if they are not enjoying the pristine beaches or competing in the arenas.

Does someone in your family enjoy fishing?   Kayaking?  Sailing?  The Bohicket Marina is about a four minute drive from the show grounds and offers charters and rentals as well as dolphin watching tours.

There are only 450 stalls available at the Charleston Summer Classic, so make sure to reserve your stalls early!  The prize list and entry forms are available online.  If you have any questions or special requests, please contact the Classic Company at 843.768.5503 or send them an email at info@classiccompany.com.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Weekly parties, Saturday ringside pizza, great prize money, great classes and the best, nicest show management team in the country! Remember, the 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!

So, whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, head for a Classic Company show where you get the red carpet treatment you deserve!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter.  Please visit them on the web 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

Madden Leads the Way in 12th for the US Following Speed Leg of FEI World Cup Jumping Final

Beezie Madden and Simon (Kendall Bierer/PhelpsSports.com)

Lyon, France – The 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final got underway on Friday evening at the Lyon Eurexpo, with 40 of the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations from 20 nations going to task over Frank Rothenberger’s 13 obstacle track. Of the talented field that lined-up to contest the Speed Leg 11 were representing the United States and looking to bring the World Cup title back across the Atlantic for the third time in as many years. Utilizing the faults converted format competitors were asked to balance forward riding and efficient turns with tidy jumping. On an evening where luck was not in their favor, American combinations left themselves within striking distance with three rounds left to jump.

“Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, and that’s a bit what happened to us tonight. We had a good night, except on the scorecard. So, I can’t be unhappy with that,” said U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland. “Tomorrow is a new day and these World Cups have a way of turning around.”

Leading the way for the U.S. after the first leg of the 2014 Final are reigning champions Beezie Madden and Simon in 12th place. Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) and Abigail Wexner’s 15-year-old KWPN gelding set-out eyeing a finish near the top of the order on Friday as they looked to retain their title. While they completed in a competitive time that would have challenged leaders, a rail at fence eight meant they finished on a score of 68.55.

“I thought he was fantastic. It was a fast class. I wanted to be in the top five after this round,” said the two-time Team Olympic Gold medalist. “If not for that (rail) I would have been third, but I am happy with him and there is still a ways to go.”

Hear more from Madden here.

Finishing in 14th and 15th on Friday were U.S. team veterans Leslie Burr Howard and McLain Ward. Riding Jane Clark’s powerful 11-year-old Belgian Sport Horse stallion Tic-Tac, Howard (Darian, Conn.) used her experience to produce a clear round in 69.14 seconds to be in the mix for the rounds to come.

Hear Howard’s thoughts here.

As the final competitors of the evening, Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Double H Farm’s HH Carlos Z made it clear from the outset they were aiming to challenge the leaders but when the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding lowered the oxer at fence eight it meant the combinations would finish on a score of 69.64.

Kent Farrington (Wellington, Fla.) preceded Ward into the ring as the penultimate rider with Robin Parsky’s efficient 12-year-old Anglo-European mare Blue Angel. They were another of the American pairs that completed in a competitive time but were forced to add four to their score after lowering the out of the double at fence four, finishing in 18th place with a score of 70.80.

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star (Kendall Bierer/PhelpsSports.com)
Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star (Kendall Bierer/PhelpsSports.com)

Charlie Jacobs (Boston, Ma.) was making his Finals debut on Friday evening and impressed as he produced a clear effort with CMJ Sporthorse, LLC’s 15-year-old Irish gelding Flaming Star in a time of 71.35. They head into Friday’s second round in 21st place.

Completing the Speed Leg in 24th and 27th place, respectively, were Katie Dinan with Nougat du Vallet and Charlie Jayne on Chill R Z. Dinan (Wellington, Fla.) and Grant Road Partners LLC’s 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding completed with a score of 72.41 after having a rail at 11C. Jayne (Elgin, Ill) and Alex Jayne and Maura Thatcher’s 11-year-old Zangersheide stallion also fell afoul of the final element of the triple adding four faults to their score and finishing on 72.9.

Ashlee Bond Clarke (Hidden Hills, Calif.) and Little Valley Farms’ 10-year-old La Silla mare Chela LS finished directly behind Jayne in 28th. The pair set a fast time but two rails on the ground meant they added eight faults to finish on 74.81.

Lucy Davis (Los Angeles, Calif.) jumping in her second World Cup Final lowered two poles to finish on a score of 77.73 in 31st place with Old Oak Farm’s 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Barron. Heading into round two in 32nd place are Saer Coulter (San Francisco, Calif.) and Copernicus Stables LLC’s 15-year-old Springtime, who also added eight faults in their first ever World Cup Final class to complete Friday with a score of 78.47.

Rounding-out the U.S. effort on Friday were Jenni Martin-McAllister and Granville Equine’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding Casseur de Prix in 35th on a score of 82.96 after adding eight faults to their time.

Leading the way following the Speed Leg of the 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final is Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer who produced a clear round in 63.37 seconds with Quidam du Vivier, lying second are France’s Patrice Delaveau and Lacrimoso HDC after a fault-free trip in 63.67, with Germany’s Ludger Beerbaum and Chaman standing third on a score of 65.54 after also jumping faultlessly.

By Helen Murray

To find a full list of orders of go and results from the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals, visit: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/890/index.html.

Learn more about the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals here.

To watch the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals live, visit feitv.org.

Follow the U.S. Jumpers here.

Schwizer Snatches the Early Lead with First-Time Winner at Longines Final

Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer steered Quidam du Vivier to victory in tonight’s opening round of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Final at Lyon, France. Photo: FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Lyon (FRA), 18 April 2014 – Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer clinched a sensational victory in tonight’s opening round of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Final at Lyon in France riding a horse that had never previously won an international competition.

Going 32nd in the field of 40 starters, the man who has come so very close to claiming the prestigious FEI World Cup Jumping trophy on several previous occasions steered the 10-year-old gelding Quidam du Vivier to pip the host nation’s Patrice Delaveau and Lacrimoso HDC by just 0.3 seconds, while German veteran Ludger Beerbaum lined up third with Chaman.

Defending champion, America’s Beezie Madden, had to settle for 12th place when penalised for a single error at one of the most influential fences on the course, the oxer at fence eight.  As a result she is lying outside the top-eight zone which, yesterday, she said was the place to be at the end of the first of the three tough days of competition at this annual test of the best.

Next in line

Olympic individual gold medallist, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, is lying fourth going into Saturday night’s two-round class, while Morocco’s Abdelkebir Quaddar is next in line following an exciting performance from the explosive stallion Quickly de Kreisker who kept the spectators entertained with his lively antics. Germany’s Daniel Deusser (Cornet d’Amour), Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten (VDL Groep Verdi NOP), and Ireland’s Billy Twomey (Tinka’s Serenade) fill the next three places followed by two more of the strong German contingent, Christian Ahlmann (Aragon Z) in ninth and Marcus Ehning (Cornado NRW) in tenth place.

It seemed more than possible that the very much on-form Olympic and European team gold medallist and Longines World No. 1 rider Scott Brash from Great Britain would edge into the lead in tonight’s closing stages when third-last to go, and he did indeed threaten to do just that.  But the final fence put paid to his chances, and, lying just ahead of Madden going into Saturday’s class, he faces a tough battle to get back into contention.  America’s Kent Farrington (Blue Angel) and McLain Ward (HH Carlos Z) were the final two to take on the first-leg Speed challenge in which four seconds were added for each fence on the floor, but both faulted once to leave them down the order.

Leading bunch

Frank Rothenberger’s 13-fence track produced the leading bunch without over-taxing the less experienced combinations. Sending them out over an oxer and on to a vertical of wavy planks, they turned right-handed to the vertical at three and on to the double at four before the big questions began.  The vertical at five was followed on a right-hand bending line to the water-tray oxer at six, and for many of the top contenders their line from here to the next vertical at seven saw them shave off valuable fractions of seconds.

The turn-back to the oxer at eight proved crucial, and only the boldest took a tight line here including the eventual winner.  As Rothenberger later explained he made the oxers very wide indeed and the four strides to the following white planks proved difficult for those who were in any way off-balance after their previous effort.  And following a right-hand bending line to another oxer at 10, a super-tight roll-back to the triple combination at 11 was required if riders wanted to stay in touch.  The penultimate oxer at 12 hit the floor many times while the final vertical only fell twice, the first time for America’s Lucy Davis and Barron and the second time for Brash who just got too deep here at the end of an otherwise foot-perfect run.

Drama

As always there were moments of drama, Latvia’s Andrius Petrovas parting company with his gelding, Complemento, when losing power on the approach to the oxer at eight despite a great run over the early part of the track. But there were also some memorable clears including the one produced by Leslie Burr-Howard and Tic Tac who are lying 14th at the end of the first day.

The 57-year-old American rode in exactly the same style as she did when winning the FEI World Cup title way back in 1986 at Gothenburg, Sweden.  And the exceptional nature of the sport of Jumping was underlined by the fact that the youngest rider in today’s competition, 18-year-old Hamad Ali Mohamed A Al Attiyah from Qatar, was born ten years after Burr-Howard recorded that great victory with McLain 28 years ago.

Beerbaum set the early target when fifth in to the ring, breaking the beam in 65.54 seconds, and another 21 horses tackled the course before Delaveau went out in front when clearing the line in 63.67.  But Schwizer and his chestnut gelding carved an even sharper line to take the lead in 63.37 seconds, and none of the remaining eight runners could better that.

Lot of experience

Talking about Quidam du Vivier afterwards, Schwizer said, “I have a lot of experience and the horse relied on that tonight. He has a lot of talent and I knew Quidam for four years before I began to ride him – that was about four months ago.  Previously he was ridden by Markus Hauri, son of Max Hauri.  He was a very spooky horse so he was brought on slowly in smaller classes to give him confidence and he never won an international class before, but he has had some good placings in 3- and 4-Stars over the last few months, including at Gothenburg (SWE).  He is a naturally fast horse, and in the end today was just my day!” the Swiss rider said.

Second-placed Delaveau said he was pleased to get the host country off to a good start, but he is not predicting the result just yet. “There are still another two days of competition so we must wait and see,” he said wisely.

Beerbaum meanwhile talked about Chaman, the horse of which he said, after winning at the Grand Palais in Paris (FRA) last year, “This is a horse to win a battle, but not a war.”  The first German rider ever to win the FEI World Cup Jumping title back in 1993, Beerbaum intends to compete over the remainder of the event with his second ride, Chiara.

Fantastic field of play

He talked about tonight’s course and conditions: “It’s not just because I finished third that I think it was a good, it is because of the facilities here – a fantastic big field of play, one of the biggest arenas in which we ride; a lot of outdoor arenas are smaller than this.  It is a perfect set-up.”  He said the course “was not a typical Table C track; it had a Table A character and there were not too many clear rounds; it was still delicate enough to jump, and in my opinion it was a great course.”

Delaveau agreed. “There was a bit of everything, nothing too difficult; it was designed with the horses in mind which is good as this is the first of three tough days.”

Rothenberger will be handing them out even bigger questions tomorrow night and again on Monday before the fate of the 2014 title is decided.

The second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2013/2014 begins at 20.00 local time on Saturday 19 April, and all the action is LIVE on FEI TV at www.feitv.org  Don’t miss a hoofbeat!

FEI YouTube: http://youtu.be/mBt_1Ou0qYY

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

Lyon in France is hosting the 36th FEI World Cup Jumping Final this weekend – 17-21 April.

Tonight’s competition was the first of three rounds of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final.

A total of 40 riders competed in the class which was won by Switzerland’s Pius Schwizer riding Quidam du Vivier.

First to go tonight was Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker who was competing in his 22nd FEI World Cup Jumping Final. He made a single mistake at fence 9 and is lying 16th with Viking going into the Saturday’s second Final competition.

Course designer is Germany’s Frank Rothenberger.

The oldest horse in tonight’s competition was the 17-year-old chestnut mare Tinka’s Serenade ridden by Ireland’s sole representative, Billy Twomey.  They finished in eighth place.

The youngest horses were both nine-year-olds – the bay stallion Caramsin competed by Latvia’s Kristaps Neretnieks and the bay gelding Amor ridden by Brazil’s Yuri Mansur Guerios.

The USA’s Beezie Madden has returned to defend her title with the horse with which she won the FEI World Cup Jumping title in Gothenburg, Sweden last year, the 15-year-old bay gelding Simon. After tonight’s competition, Madden is lying 12th.

Quotes:

Course designer Frank Rothenberger – “I said before the competition we should get 12 to 15 clear rounds and we got 14.  I gave them two or three little options, tight turns, but it was more of a classical course.  There were 31 faults at the oxers and 12 faults at the verticals.”

Patrice Delaveau FRA, when asked if, as a French rider, he feels extra pressure competing on home ground at Lyon – “Yes, but the crowd carries you and spurs you on, so it works both ways!”

Ludger Beerbaum GER, when asked if he was happy with his round today – “There is nothing I would have changed – even after the triple, I could have gone one stride less but these guys were two seconds ahead in the end so it wouldn’t have made any difference.  I am absolutely happy with my round and my horse; he couldn’t have done better today.”

Patrice Delaveau FRA – “I will ride Lacrimoso again tomorrow.  For this Final you need a horse that can go for three days and Lacrimoso is capable.”

Audio Files:

Pius Schwizer  German Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_schwizer_rd1_ger.mp3

Patrice Delaveau  French Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_Delaveau_rd_fre.mp3

Patrice Delaveau  English Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_delaveau_rd1_eng.mp3

Ludger Beerbaum  English Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_beerbaum_rd1_eng.mp3

Ludger Beerbaum   German Version
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_beerbaum_rd1_ger.mp3

Billy Twomey
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_twomey_rd1.mp3

Scott Brash
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Lyon_brash_rd1.mp3

Longines Live Timing Jumping application: available free for download from The App Store (iPhone) & Android Markets. Combining precision and performance, this is a detailed and exclusive application designed especially for Jumping fans – follow live results, see latest Longines Rankings, view competition schedules, obtain exclusive information and alerts on your favorite riders and get all the latest FEI news.

Longines FEI World Cup Jumping press kit: download all the details from www.feipresskits.org (contains series calendar, competition schedule, online media tools and history).

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Lyon:

Pascal Renauldon
Press Officer
P.renauldon@rbpresse.com
+333 44 620 621

At FEI:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com

Top Riders Ready to Compete in World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trial CEI2* 120km

Heather Reynolds and Chanses (Becky Pearman Photography)

Ehrhardt, S.C. – The top athletes in endurance are set to compete in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trail CEI2* 120 at Broxton Bridge Planation in Ehrhardt, S.C., April 18-19. Fifteen individuals will vie for a spot on the team that will compete in Normandy, France, on a course from Sartilly to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel on Thursday, August 28.

Currently, three competitors in this weekend’s competition are tied for first place on US Endurance Rider Ranking List. Cody Boysen, Ellen Olson, and Heather Reynolds all have 500 points as of October 20, 2013.

Boysen (Sidney, Iowa,) will ride Viktory Banner, a 13-year-old Arabian gelding he co-owns with Roxi Welling. The pair won the Zone Team Endurance Challenge (ZTEC) 160km CEI3* senior division in June of last year.

Olson (Lamotte, Iowa) will compete with Farzad Faryadi’s 13-year-old Arabian gelding Hot Desert Knight, with whom she won the FITS 100-mile Ride in March.

Reynolds (Dunnellon, Fla.), who represented the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian games and the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championship, entered 2013 with a win at the ZTEC 120-km CEI2* in June 2012, riding her own eight-year-old Arabian gelding Bound for Honor. This weekend she’ll compete with her own Chanses, a nine-year-old Arabian gelding.

Sitting just behind them on the Ranking List are Jeremy Reynolds, husband of Heather, in fourth place with 490 points, and Meg Sleeper in fifth with 450 points. Reynolds (Dunnellon, Fla.) joined his wife in representing the U.S. at the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championship. This weekend he’ll ride his own RR Gold Dust Rising, an eight-year-old Arabian Gelding, in the 120km competition.

Sleeper (Frenchtown, N.J.), who also competed for the U.S. at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and finished 11th at the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championship, will ride her own 14-year-old Arabian Mare, Syrocco Reveille. Gene Limlaw will ride Sleeper’s second horse entered in the competition, Syrocco Cadence, a 10-year-old Arabian mare.

Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.), an up-and-comer in endurance, will compete with My Wild Irish Gold, a 10-year-old Anglo Arab mare owned by Valerie Kanavy. The pair rode to an impressive fifth-place finish at the 2013 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in July of last year.

Kanavy (Fort Valley, Va.) will bring two horses to Broxton Bridge Plantation. She will compete with Just Gold, a nine-year-old Arabian gelding, while Wendy MacCoubrey will ride Raven About Gold, a seven-year-old Arabian mare. Kanavy helped the U.S. to a fourth-place finish at the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championship as the first member of the team to finish.

This weekend’s event will begin at 7 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 19.

Follow the U.S. Endurance Team here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/USEnduranceTeam/.

Horse Power Meets Ballet as FEI World Cup Finals Land in Lyon

Olympic and European Dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin OBE demonstrates the grace and harmony of her sport, alongside Kanstantsin Geronik from the Minsk Bolshoi ballet. Photos (c) FEI/Hamish Brown.

Lausanne (SUI), 17 April 2014 – The worlds of equestrian sport and ballet met face to face in spectacular fashion today for a photoshoot to launch the start of the flagship FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France (17-21 April).

Double Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) from the world of Dressage and US Jumping rider Charlie Jacobs were joined by dancers from the world-famous Minsk Bolshoi ballet at Lyon’s Eurexpo venue for this week’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping and Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Finals.

Dancers from the Minsk Bolshoi, performing Swan Lake at the Lyon Amphitheatre in Lyon as part of a nationwide French tour, took time out from their schedule to showcase the parallels between ballet and equestrian sport – the poise and grace of the dancers and the athleticism and beauty of the horses.

World number one Dressage rider Dujardin, dubbed the girl with the dancing horse after claiming double gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games with Valegro, said: “I’m very very excited to be here in Lyon and today has been a real experience.”

Dujardin, who was totally spellbound by the evening performance of Swan Lake after the photoshoot, is competing in her first Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Finals and will be dancing to new music with her horse in Sunday’s Freestyle competition. “I’ve got brand new music that I’ve never competed to before, first time competing to it, but it’s a great floor plan and I love the music,” the triple world record holder said.

US Elite Jumping rider Charlie Jacobs demonstrates the power and athleticism of his sport, alongside Liudmila Khitrova from the Minsk Bolshoi.
US Elite Jumping rider Charlie Jacobs demonstrates the power and athleticism of his sport, alongside Liudmila Khitrova from the Minsk Bolshoi.

Massachusetts-born Jacobs, whose family owns the NHL professional ice hockey team, the Boston Bruins (Sports Business Journal’s 2012 Sports Team of the Year), commented: “The photoshoot was drawing some similarities between the ballerinas and the jumping of the horses here. They’re very similar in terms of athletic ability; they’re very delicate but they’re very powerful.”

Making his debut at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, Jacobs is keen to put up a good showing this week: “I have my fingers crossed, and my toes! It’s a very big week for us.”

The FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals 2014 will be held at Lyon’s Eurexpo from 17-21 April.

FEI TV behind the scenes footage from the unique photoshoot can now be viewed on the FEI’s YouTube channel here.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
Grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

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

Four Weeks of Hunter Derbies and $52,000 in Prize Money in Western New York

Competitive Prize Money Classes Can Help Hunt for Top of USHJA National Hunter Derby Standings

Buffalo, NY – April 16, 2014 – This spring, there will be no better spot for multiple weeks of hunter derby competition on the east coast than Western New York. Between May 15 and June 22, 2014, the Buffalo Showtime Horse Shows and The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum will provide competitors with a total of four USHJA National Hunter Derbies and one highly-anticipated $35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Together the four hunter derbies offer a lucrative $52,000 in total prize money.

The Buffalo Showtime Horse Shows will offer three $4,000 USHJA National Derbies and The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum will offer one $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. With a total of $17,000 up for grabs, the four USHJA National Hunter Derbies provide competitors with the perfect opportunity to accumulate prize money and climb the USHJA Money Won Standings, all while staying in one region.

The Buffalo Showtime I Horse Show will run May 15-18, 2014 at the Fairgrounds Showplex in Hamburg, NY, with the $4,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 and sponsored by Skibbereen Farm.

From there, three back-to-back weeks of hunter derbies kick off with The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Derby at the GCV&M will become one of only three stand-alone hunter derbies in the country, allowing for emphasis on providing spectators and exhibitors with the highest quality hunter derby experience.

The expansive grassy Great Meadow at the Genesee Country Village & Museum will serve as the backdrop and stage for the National Hunter Derby on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Less than a week later, riders can return to the show ring at the Buffalo Showtime II Horse Show, running June 12-15, 2014 with the National Hunter Derby, sponsored by Stellar Equestrian, on Saturday, June 14, 2014. The Buffalo Showtime Horse Shows continue the following week with the Buffalo Showtime III Horse Show to be held June 19-22, 2014 with a hunter derby, sponsored by Up the Creek Farm, on Saturday, June 21, 2014.

For riders and owners from USHJA Zone 2, the derbies could have a big, positive impact on their year-end standings. USHJA Money Won Standings by Zone are based on money won solely at competitions held in the owner or rider’s home zone, so with all four derbies in Zone 2, riders and owners have numerous opportunities to climb the ladder.

Stay up to date with all the latest announcements and updates from The Derby by liking the event on Facebook here!

The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Fast Facts:

What:
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum:
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Where:
The Genesee Country Village & Museum
1410 Flint Hill Road
Mumford, NY 14511

When:
June 7 & 8, 2014

Website:
www.thederby.us

Beneficiaries:
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and exposure!

To learn more about the numerous available sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact us online for more information!

The Derby Producers & Management:
Brian Brown – browndawgroger@hotmail.com
Craig Brown – cmbrown@rochester.rr.com
Liz Keller – lkeller6@rochester.rr.com

TSG Equine Events, LLC
http://www.tsgequineevents.com/

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Diamante Farms Presents Exciting Final Week of Competition at 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Devon Kane and Destiny. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

Wellington, FL (April 16, 2014) – For the third consecutive year, Week 12 of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival was presented by Diamante Farms of Wellington, Florida. The prestigious CDI5*/3* and National Show of Week 12 featured outstanding riders and horses, including Diamante Farms’ own Devon Kane and her horse Destiny.

The GDF 12 CDI5*/3* and National Show took place on Thursday, March 27 – Sunday, March 30 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Diamante Farms, a dressage facility owned by Terri Kane and her daughter Devon, was happy to sponsor an event that is so central to their beloved sport of dressage. The week’s CDI 5* had the status of being the highest possible rating in international level competition. While Devon Kane competes with the best equestrians in the sport, she and Diamante Farms find equal importance in supporting all levels of riders.  The Adequan Global Dressage Festival — which hosts a range of classes from pony and junior to USEF-rated National classes — helps them do just that.

Besides serving as one of the presenting sponsors of GDF 12, Devon Kane was a competitor in the CDI 3*. She and her self-trained Danish Warmblood, Destiny, earned a 68.100% in the Open division of the FEI Grand Prix on March 27. Kane spent nearly seven years training the 16.2-hand gelding, refining him from the barely-broke animal she affectionately referred to as her “dragon” to the Grand Prix champion he currently is today.  After the FEI Grand Prix 3*, Kane said, “I’m so in love with my dragon! Desi was fantastic today – 68 for 6th in the 3* CDI Grand Prix. So proud and excited! We are getting better and better every time. Lots of 8s and plenty room to improve!”

On March 30, Kane and Destiny came in fifth in the Open division of the FEI Grand Prix Special 3* with a score of 66.490%.

Between Kane’s two days of competition, she further participated in the AGDF by assisting with the exciting liberty demonstration with an Arabian stallion from Al-Marah Arabians.  The stallion and his handler from Al-Marah Arabians gave a spectacular performance complete with rears, bows, galloping at liberty through the arena, and traditional Arabian attire.

Devon Kane and all of Diamante Farms’ continued support and sponsorship is part of their dedication to nurture the sport and the equestrian community. Diamante Farms offers dressage training, showing, and boarding services on 10 beautiful acres in Wellington.

To learn more about Diamante Farms and Devon Kane, visit DiamanteFarms.com or call 210-240-1614.

Contact: Devon Kane
Diamante Farms
devkane@mac.com
210-240-1614