“Saturday Night Lights” continues during week seven of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.
The $280,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 4* will start tonight, Saturday, February 22, at 7 p.m. Watch some of the best show jumpers in the world vie for top honors in this four-star grand prix, held under the lights in the International Arena on the Main Grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.
Darragh Kerrins and Emir / Photos by Carrie Wirth.
Olympians and Amateurs Benefit from Citrus Series Format
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2014 – Citrus Series Horse Shows at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park provide the perfect setting for trainers to bring their developing horses for an easy-going outing and for amateurs to gain confidence over both hunter and jumper courses. The second Tuesday afternoon show was held on February 18 and was attended by horses and riders from a wide range of levels and abilities, all who benefited from the unique format.
Lynn Caristo Forgione brought her student Robert Matz and Wise Guy to compete in the .80m-.85m jumpers. Matz is the son of Michael and Dee Dee Matz. Michael Matz is one of the country’s most beloved and successful equestrians. He represented the U.S. at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and won the Gold Medal at the 1979 Pan American Games and won countless grand prix events.
“We were very pleased with the facilities and we were very pleased with how he rode,” said the elder Matz. “His pony was one that my wife got and both his older brother and his older sister rode. Now he’s the third rider and he’s doing his job.”
Carina Peterson from North Brookfield, Mass. brought her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Believe in Miracles, to Citrus Series for some show ring experience in the 1.0m jumpers.
“This is his second outing in Florida,” said Peterson of her horse, ridden by trainer Kalie Butcher. “I love the show grounds; it is good for him to get out and get experience. We’ll be back on Saturday.”
Maarten Huygens and Knockout
Top international riders like Darragh Kerrins and Maarten Huygens returned to Citrus Series the show to put some rounds in on their up-and-coming jumpers.
The unrated show was developed by trainer and Wellington Quarantine owner James Lala in response to the requests he has heard from trainers, owners and riders over the years. Citrus Series offers options for warm-ups and do-overs so that riders can accomplish a great deal in one ridiculously affordable show outing. It is the perfect way to prepare developing horses and riders for the bigger, AA circuits, like WEF.
Citrus Series returns on Saturday, Feb. 22 for hunter, jumper and equitation classes and is adding two Tuesdays next month on March 11 and March 18.
About Citrus Series Horse Shows
The unique features of the show are designed to help trainers, developing horses and riders achieve their goals affordably. Professionals and adults may ride ponies. If time permits, competitors can do do-overs to make sure the horse and rider leave the ring with a positive learning experience. A user-friendly class schedule and sale horse identifiers provide an opportunity to market sale horses.
Owners, breeders, riders, trainers and their assistants are encouraged to bring their up-and-coming horses and riders to come experience Citrus Series, at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Okeeheelee Park, a close, convenient, high-quality facility. Ship-ins are welcome at no cost and permanent day and overnight stalls are available. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located under three miles/five minutes from the intersection of 441 and Forest Hill Boulevard.
What: New high-quality horse show series especially for developing horses and riders.
Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL
When:
Saturday, Feb 22, 2014 – Hunters, Jumpers & Equitation
Tuesday, March 11 and March 18, 2014 – Hunters & Jumpers in the Afternoon and after Dark under the Lights
Contact Information:
Before Show
Telephone: (561) 906-6668
Email: jdlala@aol.com
During Show
Show Office: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496
Stable Office Telephone: (561) 906-6668
Manager: Lala Land Productions, LLC, James Lala, (561) 906-6668, jdlala@aol.com
Secretary: Susie Morrissey
Farrier: Ignacio Cardenas
Judge: Dee Thomas, USEF “R”-rated
Directions to Jim Brandon Equestrian Center:
FROM I-95
Exit Forest Hill Blvd. Go west on Forest Hill Blvd. for approximately six (6) miles. After passing Pinehurst Dr., make the next left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the NORTH on FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE
Exit #97 – Southern Blvd. After toll booth, turn left onto Pike Rd. (South). Make a left onto Southern Blvd. (East) and go to Jog Road. Make a right onto Jog Road (South) to Forest Hill Blvd. Make a right onto Forest Hill Blvd. (West). After passing Pinehurst Dr., make a left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the SOUTH on FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE
Exit #93 – Lake Worth Rd. and go east to Pinehurst Dr. Make a left onto Pinehurst Dr. (North) and go to Forest Hill Blvd. Make a left onto Forest Hill Blvd. (West). Make the next left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the WEST on FOREST HILL BLVD.
Cross over Florida’s Turnpike and make a right into Okeeheelee Park South.
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
THERMAL, CA (February 21, 2014) – It all came down to the gallop in the $33,500 FEI HITS Desert Classic, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Thermal on Thursday. With only two horses in the jump-off, Nayel Nassar put the speed of his nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lordan to the test and bested Bliss Heers by fractions of a second.
Nassar of Santa Clara, California represents the colors of Egypt and secured a jump-off in the HITS Desert Classic after chasing down Heers’ early clear in the first round. They would eventually be the lone two to advance.
Heers, who hails from Olivenhain, California, recently returned to American soil after riding in Europe for a time, and was the first to prove that the course designed by Mexico City’s Manuel Esparza could be jumped. She piloted Cesar, a 12-year-old gelding, for Bridgeside Farms, LLC. Heers and Nassar topped a field totaling 24 over a track of 13 obstacles and raced a tight time allowed of 80 seconds.
“It didn’t walk big – was fairly technical – but a tight time can make any track difficult,” said Nassar. “I was a little surprised that there were only two clears, but I’m not complaining.”
The clock indeed proved to be the trick as seven were kept from the jump-off with a single time fault. Heers went clean in the third go, while Nassar prompted a jump-off from the 19th position in the original order. In the jump-off, Heers set an immediate Great American Time to Beat of 40.28 seconds, putting all the pressure on Nassar and Lordan. Nassar jumped the first six fences of the course, including a double combination, relatively conservatively, but left nothing to chance in the last line.
From fence six, a long gallop stood between Nassar and the final jump. “When I landed, I looked at the clock and saw that I only had ten seconds to get to the other end of the ring, so I put the pedal to the metal,” he admitted.
Lordan extended his stride, jumped the final fence and landed in 39.48 seconds for the win. “He is a very quick horse and once I put him in gear, he set his eyes on the fence and that was all it took,” said Nassar. “He is a small, compact horse, so he sits on his hind end really quickly and I had no problem getting him back after the gallop.”
Cheers exploded from the on looking crowd as the pair’s nail-biting effort to the last fence paid off, delivering Nassar the win and Heers second. With the fastest of the time-fault rounds over the original course, Ashlee Bond Clarke of Hidden Hills, California rode the Little Valley Farms’ mare Chela LS to third. Also with one time fault apiece, Jenna Margaret Thompson of Calgary, Alberta jumped her own Webster to fourth, while Mexico’s Enrique Gonzalez capped the top five on his own Quilebo De Tillard.
With the momentum they gained in the HITS Desert Classic, Nassar and Lordan will jump in Saturday’s FEI World Cup Qualifier, but Nassar admits that the pressure is off. “We are locked into the World Cup Finals already, but I obviously want to be competitive in every class,” he said.
Along with his FEI World Cup goals, Nassar is also pointing Lordan to million-dollar glory. The pair is hoping for a repeat of last year’s win in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties, New York when they return to the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix on March 16. Nassar also announced that he may even have his eye on the HITS Triple Crown of Show jumping – he and Lordan plan to make their way to Ocala, Florida the week after the AIG Million to jump in the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on March 24.
“We have been aiming for the Millions all circuit and Lordan has the experience, but I just have to remind myself to ride them like any other classes,” said Nassar in reaction to the possibility of a second, and maybe third million-dollar victory. “I didn’t jump him too much the first half of the circuit and I plan to keep him really fresh during second half as well.”
World Cup qualifying will return to HITS Thermal on Saturday with the $50,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix CSI-W2*, presented by Zoetis. Also, with only three weeks left to secure a spot, the race for the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix is on.
About Zoetis Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives.
The Closer and Havens Schatt Seal the Deal in Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunter Level One
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2014 – Week seven of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday afternoon with a shared victory for Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda aboard AD Uutje and Rodrigo Pessoa with Citizenguard Cadjanine Z in the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7. Held in a “California Split” due to the large number of entries, the competition awarded two sets of placings, each with $125,000 distributed.
Sponsored by Adequan, FTI WEF week seven runs February 19-23, 2014. The week will feature the $34,000 G&C Farm 1.45m on Friday, the $280,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 4* on Saturday night, and the $84,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday. The FTI WEF, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, features 12 weeks of world-class competition through March 30, awarding $8 million in prize money.
Take in “Saturday Night Lights” from some of the best seats in the house! Tables and individual seats are available for sale in The Wellington Club, which offers a fantastic view of the International Arena for Saturday night’s grand prix. Enjoy a full buffet courtesy of White Horse Catering while watching thrilling competition from a spectacular vantage point on Saturday, February 22. Tables are going fast, so reserve yours today! Email vip@equestriansport.com for complete information.
Fredric Cottier of France set the track for Thursday’s $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 in the International Arena at PBIEC. The class saw a total of 115 entries in round one with 30 clear trips to jump-off. The short course saw ten clear rounds with two combinations opting not to return. Alvaro de Miranda completed the fastest tie breaking round in 37.63 seconds overall for the win in Section A of the class riding AD Uutje. Rodrigo Pessoa finished in 37.89 seconds with Alain van Campenhoudt’s Citizenguard Cadjanine Z for the win in Section B. Another rider for Brazil, Yuri Mansor, had the third fastest time of 39.01 seconds with QH Amor.
With the split class, the top three finishers in Section A were Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje in 37.63 seconds, Yuri Mansor and QH Amor in 39.01 seconds, and Reed Kessler (USA) with Ligist in 39.60 seconds.
Section B saw the top placing for Rodrigo Pessoa and Citizenguard Cadjanine Z in 37.89 seconds followed by Kent Farrington (USA) and Amalaya Investments’ Willow in 39.14 seconds, and Laura Kraut (USA) with Cherry Knoll Farm Inc.’s Cedric in 42.96 seconds.
De Miranda and AD Uutje also shared a victory in week two’s $34,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 and the rider noted that his horse, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding by Monaco x Calypso, is making great progress throughout the circuit.
Alvaro de Miranda and AD Uutje
“He is improving a lot,” the rider stated. “Sometimes it is still difficult for me between the lines, with a stride to add, but today in the first round it was easier than last time and I think, I hope, I can get him very good for the last grand prix.”
“He is a very nice horse, very sweet and nice to ride,” de Miranda said. “Only when you have lines that are very short, sometimes it is a little bit difficult for me to get him together, but it is improving. It is slow, but it is getting there. Nelson Pessoa did a very good job. He found the right bit for him, and he has helped me at home. I think that makes a difference because three or four months ago I was very lost with this horse, and with Nelson’s help everything came much easier. I see progress every day.”
Going into the jump-off, de Miranda knew that it had to be another very fast round with the leading time of Rodrigo Pessoa to chase. He remarked that this jump-off was even faster than his win during week two.
“With this horse, for sure, this was the fastest day for me,” he stated. “I saw Rodrigo go and the mare is so fast. I knew that from jump one to two I needed to take more risk. I think that was the only difference maybe because the rest Rodrigo was very fast, but at the end we both won, and that is good.”
AD Uutje will compete with de Miranda on the Brazilian team in next week’s $75,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm, and the riders are excited to have such a promising team going in after the top three finish for Brazil on Thursday.
“I am very happy,” de Miranda stated. “It was a long class with a lot of riders, and it is very special to have three Brazilians like that. It is very good before the Nations Cup also to give us more motivation. It was perfect for us.”
Pessoa agreed, adding that it is great to see so many new riders coming to compete in Wellington. “I think it is really good,” Pessoa acknowledged. “This circuit is really booming. There are a lot of newcomers. For us in particular, for the morale, I think it is really good. Uutje is going to do the Nations Cup, and I am going to do the Nations Cup with Status. He was clear as well today, but he didn’t go in the jump-off. Yuri that was third will go with that horse and then one more rider. It doesn’t mean that we are going to win the Nations Cup, but it is promising that the horses are jumping well and it is good for next week when our Chef d’Equipe (Jean-Maurice Bonneau) arrives. He will be happy with what we have been doing so far, hopefully.”
Pessoa was very happy with his top finish on Thursday aboard Citizenguard Cadjanine Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide mare by Canabis Z x Feinschnitt I Z. He started riding the mare in July of 2013 and explained that she was previously ridden by Gregory Wathelet from Belgium and went to the Olympic Games in London with him in 2012.
“She is a difficult mare, but she has a lot of potential,” Pessoa described. “She is very scopey, and she is very fast. She has a big stride. Her rideability is not always great, but she is a fighter. We had a slow start to the circuit, but I think she is coming around and we will see her now in some bigger classes as well.”
Pessoa explained that Cottier’s jump-off track suited his mount very well. “It was a really good jump-off for her because it was a big gallop and she has a very big stride,” the rider noted. “Actually, the course was ideal for her in the jump-off, it could not have been any better. I was really happy to be competitive with her.”
In addition to the prize money in Thursday’s class, de Miranda earned a special $3,000 bonus as part of the SSG ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion for wearing his SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves. Each week of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series, a $3,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning rider if they are wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in all rounds of competition with the SSG logo clearly visible.
An $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class was also held on Thursday with a win for Kevin Babington and Meco Equestrian LLC’s Cord 11.For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.
The Closer and Havens Schatt
The Closer and Havens Schatt Seal the Deal in Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunter Level One
The first hunter championship of week seven was awarded to Kelley Corrigan’s The Closer with Havens Schatt in the irons in the Loddon Stalls Pre-Green Hunter Level One three-foot division. Schatt and The Closer won the first class over fences on Wednesday and then placed first and second over fences on Thursday to earn the division championship.
Le Reve Farm, Inc.’s At Ease and Christopher Payne finished in reserve with first and second place ribbons on Wednesday and a second place finish in Thursday’s under saddle.
The Closer is a seven-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Sir Donnerhall. Owner, Kelley Corrigan, is from Lexington, KY, and bought the horse this past summer. He started showing in the Low Hunters there, and this is the third week that Schatt has shown him in the Pre-Green classes in his first trip to Wellington.
“He is green,” Schatt described. “He was a dressage horse, so he is very keen on his lead changes. Sometimes he will do a lead change in the line or just by getting confused, but he has been super brave here. I showed him in ring 7, ring 6, and this ring. Kelley is doing him in the adults. She was first and second today. He is just a really good, brave guy.”
Schatt explained that The Closer has beauty and consistency around the course that make him a winner. “His stride and his rhythm are always the same,” she stated. “He is very big and he is black, so he is very pretty. He is very pretty to watch go around the course, and he jumps all of the jumps the same. You don’t get a ten, but you don’t get a four. He is pretty much an eight all the way around and for an amateur horse, which is ultimately what he is supposed to be – for me that is what it is supposed to be about – (it’s about) consistency and nice rhythm and a nice way around the ring.”
The Closer will now have a couple of weeks off before showing at the end of the FTI WEF circuit. Schatt sees a bright future for the horse and hopes to keep him happy and enjoying his job as he continues to learn and compete.
About FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.
OCALA, FL – (February 20, 2014) – Tracy Fenney and MTM Farm of Flower Mound, Texas are on a hot streak at HITS Ocala with two crowd-pleasing grand prix jumper stars, MTM Timon and MTM Centano. The streak has strung together an impressive four grand prix wins to date – two for each horse – in a quest to qualify for the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix. Fenney notched her win this week in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, while competition heats up for the million-dollar showdown in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium on March 24.
Tracy Fenney is the consummate professional, jumping with impressive style to the blue on MTM Timon, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, with a time of 31.51 seconds against a field of 29 contenders.
“I enjoyed the course. It was well laid out and the fences flowed nicely. It was not really a difficult course, but a nice break for the horses to enjoy and restore their jumping confidence,” stated Fenney. “Timon likes a job and loves to jump. He is a perfect gentleman in the ring, but can be antsy if left too long in his stall.”
With trainer Michael McCormick looking on from the sidelines, Fenney also jumped to the red ribbon on MTM Farm’s equally talented grand prix jumper MTM Centano with a time of 32.62 seconds.
With 81 seconds the allowed first round time, course designer Jack Robson of Coronado, California challenged riders by offering thirteen fences with sixteen jumping efforts. The triple combination at fence eight, an oxer-oxer-vertical, and the oxer at fence thirteen, the last fence on the course, produced the most faults and heartbreak of the day with multiple downed rails.
Riders must have found what they wanted in their course walk as eleven returned to the jump-off, taking on the clock and seven fences, including the number four double combination with the time allowed set at 42 seconds.
Riding the first of two he qualified for the jump-off, professional rider/trainer Aaron Vale of Williston, Florida piloted Nicholas for owners Old Barrington, LLC to jump off first. They answered the call with the Great American Time to Beat in 32.70 seconds. Ultimately, the two-time 2014 HITS grand prix winner proved good enough for a third-place finish.
Fourth place went to rider/trainer Harold Chopping of Southern Pines, North Carolina for owner Kendra Bullington with a fault-free round and a solid effort in 37.46 seconds. Denise Wilson of Dousman, Wisconsin rounded out the top five for Blue Gate Farm, LLC with a time of 38.89 seconds.
Long-time partners, Fenney and Timon are a perfect fit. She concluded, “I’ve been with him since bringing him to Ocala six years ago and now we know one another pretty well. He was awesome today.”
There will be more great grand prix action on Sunday in the new stadium as the HITS VI Ocala Masters continues with the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The excitement is starting to build for the first-ever Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, which will debut as the second jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping Monday, March 24 in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium.
About SmartPak SmartPak powers healthy horses and happy riders. The patented SmartPak Supplement Feeding System makes it easy for riders across the country to take the best care of their horses. Founded in 1999, with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses, the system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly.
About Zoetis Building on 60 years of experience as Pfizer Animal Health, Zoetis delivers quality medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostics products and genetics tests and supported by a range of services. They work every day to better understand and address the real-world challenges faced by those who raise and care for animals in ways they find truly relevant. Zoetis produces a comprehensive range of safe and effective products, including equine vaccines, dewormers and sedative analgesics, to help professionals and individual horse owners keep their animals healthy. Both veterinarians and horse owners know and trust the Zoetis will help their horses live longer, healthier lives.
Piero d’Inzeo (ITA), who with his brother and teammate Raimondo were the first athletes in the world to compete in eight Olympic Games, is pictured on Uruguay at the Stockholm 1956 Olympic Games where he took individual bronze and team silver.
Lausanne (SUI), 20 February 2014 – General Piero d’Inzeo, one of Italy’s greatest Olympic Jumping champions, has died at the age of 90 in Rome, just three months after his younger brother Raimondo passed away.
The brothers, who were both military officers, were the first athletes in the world to compete in eight Olympic Games.
Piero d’Inzeo, who would have celebrated his 91st birthday on 4 March, won a total of six Olympic medals. At his first Olympic Games in Stockholm in 1956, he claimed individual bronze and team silver. He then won individual silver and team bronze at Rome in 1960, followed by team bronze at Tokyo in 1964 and Munich in 1972. At each of these Games, Piero and Raimondo shared the glory and special bond of team gold.
Piero d’Inzeo also won medals at four consecutive FEI European Championships. He took the individual title in 1959 at the Parc des Princes in Paris (FRA), individual silver at Aachen (GER) in 1958 and 1961, and shared silver with the legendary Hans Günther Winkler at London (GBR) in 1962, the same year that d’Inzeo won the prestigious Dublin Grand Prix in Ireland.
As well as his incredible medal haul, Piero d’Inzeo had a formidable international track record, winning numerous Grand Prix. He won the Aachen Grand Prix a record four times between 1952 and 1965, and it was not until 2013 that this impressive tally was matched by Great Britain’s London 2012 team gold medallist Nick Skelton.
To this day, Piero d’Inzeo also remains the rider with the most wins at the Rome CSIO in the famous Piazza di Siena (ITA), with a phenomenal total of 64 victories, seven of them in the Grand Prix.
On Piero’s 90th birthday last March, the Italian Defence General Staff awarded a joint medal of honour to the two brothers, Piero and Raimondo. Together they represented a golden age of Jumping and created an incredible equestrian and Olympic legacy for Italy. In recognition of Piero d’Inzeo’s Olympic contribution, his body was laid in state at the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Hall of Honour, prior to his funeral this week.
“Piero d’Inzeo was an officer and a gentleman,” said John Roche, FEI Director Jumping. “With his brother Raimondo he accomplished great things. The world has lost a great horseman.”
Canada-1 and Spain Round Out Team Medals, Lisa Wilcox Wins FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 3*, FL Intl Youth Dressage Championships Have Opening Classes
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2014 – Team USA-1 held onto its lead from day one to emerge victorious from team competition in the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).
USA-1 was crowned team gold medalists with an overall score of 423.543. Team USA-1 comprised Adrienne Lyle and Wizard, Silva Martin and Rosa Cha W, Tina Konyot and Calecto V, and Shawna Harding and Rigo.
For more video clips, visit the AGDF Facebook page in upcoming days!
The silver medal went to Canada-1, whose roster included Brittany Fraser and All In, Belinda Trussell with Anton, Chris Von Martels and Zilverstar, and Megan Lane and San D’or. Canada-1 finished second with a final cumulative score of 414.488.
Team Spain achieved a podium finish with a team composed of almost entirely small tour horses, earning bronze with a total score of 412.632. Juan Matute Jr. and Don Diego Ymas, Paula Matute and Tarpan Ymas, Carlos Munoz and Klouseau, and Marta Renilla and Presumido competed for Spain.
The Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition featured riders from nine teams, including two U.S. teams and two Canadian teams, as well as teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, and Spain. There are also individuals participating from Puerto Rico and Georgia. Individual medals will be presented after Friday’s FEI I-1 Freestyle and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition, part of the week’s featured “Friday Night Stars” event. AGDF 7 also hosts CDI 3* competition, presented by Peacock Ridge. Between CDIO and CDI 3* competition, 15 countries from around the globe are represented during Week 7 of the AGDF.
American Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover said that both USA teams came in to competition to win it and he’s looking forward to continuing to guide American teams to victories at Nations Cups across the globe.
“Of course, I came into this with not only the hope, but the expectation, that America would lead. I’m not a good loser at all. I like winning and so when America goes out, no matter where we are in the world, we’re going in to every arena with the idea of winning and of course doing our best. I was very proud of all of our riders, not only on this team but our B team as well. I’m looking forward to the next Nations Cups where America will be representing as well,” Dover commented.
Tuny Page of Stillpoint Farm was also on hand to express support for what she believes is the most important competition of the AGDF circuit. “I think this Nations Cup series is critical to the development of dressage in every country. It’s fantastic to see a team with young people here that probably haven’t ridden on a team before and have the experience of riding on a team. Our young Americans that haven’t ridden on a team before, where else would they get that chance? This has been really critical for the future development for everybody,” she remarked.
FEI Director of Dressage Trond Asmyr was thrilled to have the FEI Nations Cup competition in North America and hopes the success of the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup will set the precedent for more dressage Nations Cup competitions outside of Europe.
“We had the first test for the Nations Cup (Series) for dressage last year, and we only had European events, so when this event came up as a possibility for being part of the Nations Cup, we immediately said ‘Yes, we want to have it here.'” Asmyr expressed. “We have two main goals with the Nations Cup. To give new people the possibility to come in, as we’ve seen here that it works. And also to make the sport more global than it has been. So for me to see that, yes, it’s only one show outside of Europe this year, but it shows that it’s possible.”
President of the Ground Jury Cesar Torrente (COL) was also excited to see the success of the format for Nations Cup competition, which served as a test for the Pan American Games.
“First of all, this was such a very interesting experience for the judges. Especially because this is going to be the format for the Pan American Games, so it was a wonderful opportunity to see how it works. I think the judges, as a panel and as a team, agree that it’s going to work,” Torrente explained.
He continued, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the countries of the Americas to progress through the levels, and I just hope that next year we have some more representatives from Latin American countries.”
Adrienne Lyle was once again the top scoring American rider for USA-1, winning the FEI Grand Prix Special aboard Wizard with a score of 71.059%. Lyle won both of the large tour CDIO classes so far and was thrilled with her first true team experience.
“I went to the Olympics as an individual, so yes it was part of a team, but not technically scores counting for anyone else. I thought what a blast, what a fun atmosphere. Like Juan (Matute, Jr.) said, not just for our own country, but for other countries, to have the atmosphere and support of everyone there. It was a fun pressure of ‘Come on, let’s do this for each other!'” Lyle beamed.
Belinda Trussel and Anton
Belinda Trussell earned the highest score for Team Canada-1, finishing third in the FEI Grand Prix Special with a 70.569%. She and teammate Chris Von Martels expressed great gratitude for their incredibly supportive Canadian squad as well as the sponsors and organizers of the AGDF.
“[Canada has] just a great group of people around us and it’s true, Canadians are really supportive of each other. With Desi [Dillingham, Special Advisor to Team Canada], and [Dr.] Volker [Moritz, Technical Advisor to High Performance], Liz [Steacie] as our Chef [D’Equipe], it’s just been a great experience and we all just stand by each other. I just want to thank everybody, the sponsors and the organizers, for putting this wonderful show on,” Trussell expressed.
Team Spain had only having one large tour horse on their team, but still fought their way to the podium for the bronze medal finish.
“Just being here next to these amazing riders is already a dream. To be sharing a podium and look to the left and see all of these people is just incredible. I remember when I was a little, I would look up to them and watch videos and say ‘I want to be like them.’ It’s just incredible. I have no words,” Paula Matute expressed.
Paula Matute’s brother, Juan Matute Jr., was the high scoring Spanish rider, placing second in the FEI Intermediaire-1 in with a score of 70.569%. After winning the FEI Prix St. Georges on Thursday, his scores were a significant contribution to Spain’s medal, but Matute Jr. isn’t one to let that get to his head.
“It feels great [to contribute such high scores]. I think we all did a great job on the team. We all played our part for the CDIO competition. My score is just one more score for the team, it’s no better or worse. It’s just one more score that adds up to the total,” Matute described.
Matute was finally edged out in the FEI Intermediaire-1, after being on an impressive run in the last several CDI competitions. Leida Collins-Strijk broke the teenage sensation’s winning streak earlier on Friday with West Side. The pair had the highest score of 72.158%.
“I think [the I-1 test] was better than yesterday on the small things. I looked a lot at the video yesterday and I think, ‘Okay, I like the ‘wow’ factor, but sometimes here I like more [the smoother ride].’ That’s why I try to make it a little bit more smooth and nice. The horse has been a little bit [unsettled by the International Arena], but now he’s relaxed and I can ride him now so we can put more little points in,” Collins-Strijk described.
“It all worked out. And I was like, ‘I really want to beat Juan!'” she laughed.
Lisa Wilcox and Galant Win FEI Prix St. Georges CDI 3* presented by Peacock Ridge
Following the Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition, the CDI 3* kicked off with the FEI Prix St. Georges presented by Peacock Ridge. Lisa Wilcox won the class with Galant, a seven-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by Jacqueline Shear. The pair rode into first place with a score of 68.772%.
The FEI Prix St. Georges took place under the lights of The Stadium, and Wilcox couldn’t have asked for a better CDI debut for the gelding.
Lisa Wilcox and Galant
“He just broke through! I’m exceptionally proud. It couldn’t have gone any better, as far as I’m concerned, the first time out,” Wilcox grinned.
Wilcox knew she could ask for more from Galant after noticing how solid he felt in the ring. “I can ride more expression when I feel like he’s got the confidence to do it. I see a lot of future in this horse. I see a grand prix horse,” Wilcox expressed.
She continued, “He’s an absolute pleasure. To know you can count on him this early in his career [is wonderful]. The mistakes we had, it’s not because he wasn’t in it. That’s what makes a good show horse.”
Another strong indicator of Galant’s competition potential is his lack of concern for the increased atmosphere of showing under the lights. “It’s always an interesting atmosphere under the lights, but it didn’t bother him. I was just so impressed that he could go in that and not blink an eye and pay attention and do his job,” Wilcox remarked.
Florida International Youth Dressage Championships Award First Round Honors
The opening classes of the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships were hosted at The Stadium at PBIEC prior to Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup competition. First to hand out top honors was the FEI Pony Team class, won by Katrina Sadis (USA) and Poldy 10. The pair finished first with a score of 66.383%.
Fellow American Bebe Davis captured the blue ribbon prize in the FEI Junior Team class, riding Rotano to a 66.937%.
The final class to crown a winner was the FEI Young Rider Team Class, which Canadian Tanya Strasser-Shostak topped with Action Tyme. The pair finished on a score of 67.368%.
Competition for the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships will continue through Saturday with classes for the Under 25 Grand Prix as well as the Pony, Junior, and Young Rider Individual tests.
CDIO and CDI 3* competition continues on Friday, starting with the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 3* at 8:00 a.m. Individual Stillpoint Farm CDIO Nations Cup medals will be awarded following Saturday evening’s FEI Intermediaire-1 and FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO classes. For full results and more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.
About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 8 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $400,000 in prize money for the six international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area for the International Arena fully catered for relaxing and having an enjoyable experience.
Team USA 1 – Silva Martin, Tina Konyot, Adrienne Lyle and Shawna Harding – stood on the top step of the podium after emerging victorious in the opening leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2014 pilot series at Wellington, USA. Photo: FEI/Sue Stickle.
Wellington (USA), 21 February 2014 – Team USA 1 were convincing winners at the first leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2014 pilot series in Wellington, USA where the Canada 1 side finished second ahead of Spain in third place. A total of nine teams from seven countries contested this historic event which marked an important moment in the sport, as the Nations Cup concept moved outside the European region for the very first time.
The American side of Silva Martin, Tina Konyot, Adrienne Lyle and Shawna Harding established the lead on Wednesday and held on firmly to emerge victorious in yesterday’s closing stages.
The Canada 1 Team of Belinda Trussell, Chris Von Martels, Brittany Fraser and Megan Lane finished nine points behind when slotting into runner-up spot while the Spanish foursome of Paula Matute, Juan Matute Jr, Carlos Munoz and Marta Renilla were less than two points further adrift in third.
The USA 2 side of Catherine Haddad-Staller, Shelly Francis, Ashley Wimmer and Justin Hardin lined up a very close fourth. Both the USA and Canada fielded two teams for this competition but could declare only one for points purposes. Teams from Australia, Colombia, Germany and The Netherlands also took part.
Two rounds
Using a unique format created for this event alone, the team competition was held over two rounds hosting both Big and Small Tour competitors. The Ground Jury consisted of Anne Gribbons, Gabriel Armando, Cesar Torrente, Lorraine MacDonald and Bo Jena.
Adrienne Lyle’s winning Grand Prix test set Team USA 1 on the road to their first-day lead. Her result with the 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Wizard, left the team on a first-day total of 212.802, and she encapsulated the spirit of the competition when she said afterwards, “Just to have everyone there at the ringside for your rides and know that they’re rooting for you – it’s obviously a little bit more pressure, but it’s a fun pressure and I enjoy it.”
And Lyle headed the Grand Prix field again yesterday when scoring 72.559. Tina Konyot and the 16-year-old Danish stallion Calecto V posted a mark of 70.971 while the 67.211 that earned ninth place in the Intermediaire 1 for Silva Martin and Rosa Cha W, and the 66.816 that saw Shawna Harding and Rigo line up in tenth spot ensured the USA 1 team finishing score would leave the result beyond doubt.
Delighted
US National Dressage Coach, Robert Dover, was understandably delighted in the aftermath. “This concept is a definite move in the right direction!” he said.
“When I was on the FEI Dressage Task Force some years ago one of my great hopes, and suggestions, was the creation of a Nations Cup series. So I’m really thrilled that not only has the Dressage Committee created the series, but that Wellington is the first of the shows to be staged this season. It’s beautiful here – the grounds, the arena, the facilities are second to none. Overall I’m very excited to see so many teams from around the world, and as National Coach for the US I am determined that we will have teams at every Nations Cup for the rest of this season, except for Vidauban (FRA) next week,” he said.
“Vidauban takes place too close to our own event and in the middle of a huge show season here in Florida. We need to bring all the organisers together to discuss the calendar so we can have a win-win situation for everybody next season. And US riders will then compete at all the Nations Cup events,” he suggested.
He is determined that the Nations Cup concept will drive improvement in the general level of Dressage in the USA, and he talked about his vision for the future. “What I want is that, two Pan-Ams (Pan-American Games) from now, all of our riders will compete in Grand Prix. We have to raise the bar; it’s the only way, and when you do that then the riders know they have to step up their game.”
FEI Director of Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Trond Asmyr, was also very pleased with the successful expansion of FEI Nations Cup Dressage which looks set to become an official series over the coming years. “From an FEI perspective this is the direction we want to go, becoming a global series and not just European-based. And to have this event at a fantastic venue like the Wellington Showgrounds makes it all the more special,” he said.
Team spirit
Winning team member, Tina Konyot, talked about the comradeship and team spirit created by the event. “It’s nice that we’re all supporting each other in our own home country, and for me it’s my home state, in this beautiful venue of global dressage. The generosity of our colleagues, Tuny Page, her beautiful farm Stillpoint, the Dutta Corporation, I mean we’re all old friends so it’s pretty special to be here just all together. And also to have newer, younger people coming up on teams and I’m so proud of all of them. It’s wonderful,” she said.
Silva Martin was making her team debut this week in Wellington, but said she didn’t feel too pressured. “I felt like we had such a great support team with the coaches Debbie (McDonald) and Robert (Dover). I just really enjoyed the whole experience of getting their input and help. I’ve learned so much and I felt comfortable because everybody made me feel very comfortable.”
When asked what it was like to be back in action after time-out due to injury, Shawna Harding said, “It means the world. Just to be back in the saddle and back in this atmosphere with such incredible riders and working with Robert and Debbie’s help also.”
Wonderful experience
At the post-competition press conference, Chris van Martels, a member of the second-placed Canada 1 Team, said FEI Nations Cup Dressage is “a wonderful experience…. I think there’s not anybody in the room that will argue that Canadians always have a great sense of pride amongst each other as teammates. We have a wonderful support staff with Liz Steacie, Volker Moritz as our Technical (Advisor to High Performance) as well as Desi Dillingham (Special Advisor to the Canadian Team). So we have a lot of people behind us that are there to give us a little push, or a hand whenever we need it, so I think that can contribute to a bit of our success.”
Spain’s Juan Matute Jr said his country’s third-place finish “was a bit of a surprise!” but clearly a nice one. “I’m very happy and I think I can speak for the four of us that it was a dream come true!” he added.
The next leg of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage 2014 series takes place at Vidabaun (FRA) next Friday, 28 February. For information on the French fixture, visit this link or email sd.ferrer@wanadoo.fr.
Wellington, Fla. – The USA I team proved to be unstoppable on Thursday as they won the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* sponsored by Stillpoint Farm, the only Nations Cup held in North America, by a nine point margin. Held as part of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the team competition was held over two rounds hosting both Big and Small Tour competitors. The USA I team composed of Adrienne Lyle, Tina Konyot, Silva Martin, and Shawna Harding finished the Nations Cup on a score of 423.543 to earn the Gold medal. Canada I earned the Silver medal on a total of 414.488 with Spain occupying the Bronze medal podium on a score of 412.632. While Catherine Haddad-Staller, Shelly Francis, Ashley Wimmer, and Justin Hardin led USA II to a two-day total of 412.053.
The Ground Jury of Anne Gribbons, Gabriel Armando, Cesar Torrente, Lorraine MacDonald, and Bo Jena judged Small Tour combinations, performing the FEI Intermediaire I Test, and saw the Big Tour competitors ride the FEI Grand Prix Special Test (all Big Tour combinations were awarded an added 1.5% to their scores for team classification).
USA I Team
Martin (Unionville, Pa.), making her U.S. Nations Cup debut this week, led off the USA I effort on Thursday with the ever-improving Rosa Cha W to score 67.211%. The Rosa Cha W Syndicate’s 10-year-old Warmblood produced an expressive effort to finish the Intermediaire I in ninth place.
“This is my first time riding on an American team and I’m very excited,” said Martin of her first Nations Cup experience riding for the United States. “I didn’t feel too much pressure; we had a really great support team. I felt very comfortable because everyone made me feel comfortable.”
Harding (Aiken, S.C.) and Tonya Rowe’s Rigo were the second and final Small Tour Combination for USA I finishing the Intermediaire in 10th place. A few bobbles throughout the test meant the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding scored 66.816% keeping the pair from landing higher up the leaderboard.
Adrienne Lyle and Wizard (SusanJStickle.com)
For the second consecutive day, Lyle (Ketchum, Idaho) and Peggy Thomas’ Wizard topped the Grand Prix field, leading USA I to victory. The 15-year-old Oldenburg produced fluid, accurate trot work and, with the exception of a few miscommunications, an expressive canter tour to score 71.059% and with the Big Tour bonus contributed a score of 72.559% to USA I.
Konyot (Palm City, Fla.) and her own 16-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion, Calecto V, contributed the final score of 70.971% to USA I. The U.S. team veterans demonstrated their trademark trot tour but mistakes in the flying changes kept their score under 70% as the pair finished in fourth place in the Grand Prix Special on a score of 69.471%.
“All of us are friends and to compete together at our home Nations Cup is special,” said Konyot who has represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games, 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and numerous European competitions. “To compete among old friends and see these young riders coming up is very exciting.”
U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover was extremely pleased with all the U.S. riders and intends to keep having the United States represented in Nations Cup competition throughout the year.
“It is wonderful that we have this Nations Cup in America,” said Dover. “I had not only the hope but the expectation we would win. I was very proud of all our riders and look forward to the next Nations Cup competitions.”
USA II Team
Wimmer (Winston Salem, N.C.) was the first rider of the day from the USA II riding her own Somerhall to 20th place in Thursday’s Small Tour competition. Wimmer expertly guided the nine-year-old Oldenburg through bouts of spookiness throughout the test to score 63.026%.
The final Small Tour for the U.S. and the USA II team were Hardin (Long Valley, N.J.) and Judith Cardella’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding Wyatt Star. The Nations Cup veterans incurred mistakes in the pirouette and flying changes resulting in a score of 64.553% to finish in 17th place.
Haddad-Staller (Califon, N.J.) and her own Mane Stream Hotmail contributed a score of 68.578% for their Grand Prix Special performance to help the USA II team land in fourth place. The 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding had two small bobbles but demonstrated great potential for the future as the scored 67.078% to finish the test in 6th place.
Shelly Francis and Doktor (SusanJStickle.com)
Francis (Loxahatchee, Fla.) and Patricia Stempel’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Doktor, showed improvement from their work on Wednesday to score 70.569% and finish in second place in the FEI Grand Prix Special Test. With the additional 1.5% awarded for the Grand Prix Special, the pair contributed a score of 72.069% to the USA II total.
USA II Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald was extremely pleased with all four combinations efforts over the two days of Nations Cup competition and believes they all gained valuable experience.
“A lot of horses made little mistakes but I’m still pleased. Both Grand Pix rides were quite beautiful; everything improved over yesterday,” said McDonald. “The team spirit was unbelievable. For some of them this was their first team experience and they all handled it well all week.”
Individual medals will be awarded in Friday’s Intermediaire I and Grand Prix Freestyles.
Watch the Wellington Nations Cup CDIO3* sponsored by Stillpoint Farm live and find Video-on-Demand on USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2014AGDF/.
Wellington, FL – February 19, 2014 – The competition was fierce today at Deeridge Farm as the Wellington Turf Tour got underway with a field of more than 50 competitors. Joe Fargis and Lariat took the win for the first class of the day, tripping the timers in 28.269 seconds. Linda Sheridan rode Invitational to the victory in the second 1.30m-1.35m Jumper class in a time of 32.144 seconds. Today also marked the third of a five-week YJC Jumper Championship series where Sarah Scheiring and Cairobi rode to the first place in the 7/8 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class and Ramiro Quintana and Diardo rode to the top finish for the 5/6 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class.
It came down to three riders today in the $2,000 1.30m-1.35 Jumper Red Class with only tenths of a second separating each competitor. Although six horse and rider combinations posted double clear efforts, Ramiro Quintana and Largo were the first to set the pace at 28.589 seconds. Jeffery Welles soon followed behind with Bilion, owned by Triton Ventures Farms, Inc., leaving out strides and shaving just enough to push ahead of Quintana for the lead. He posted a time of 28.557 seconds.
The final rider of the day, Olympian Joe Fargis had his eyes set on the win. He entered the field with 13-year-old Lariat. Together they have ridden to the top of the leader board at numerous events, and has proven a consistent winner in the show ring. After a year off due to an injury, the Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour was the perfect place to bring the talented mount.
They rode the first course with finesse, and moved into the jump off where Fargis knew he was up against an exemplary time. He made a turn from fences two and three of the jump off to stay a tick ahead of the pace, riding to the winning time of 28.269 seconds.
“He needs a confident ride – strong,” Fargis described. “There is no plan because you don’t see anyone else. You go as quickly as you can, and still stay safe. I surprised myself.”
Fargis continued, “It is heaven. It is just wonderful to show here. The footing is good, the people are fun, and it’s nice. I think it is what horse showing is about. I think it is real old time. I plan to be back on Friday.”
Although Molly Ashe Cawley held the lead aboard Coq a Doodle until the end of the day, it was Linda Sheridan’s efficient strategy that pushed them into the lead for the green course. Sheridan and Invitational rode to the top of the standings, posting a speedy jump off in 32.144 seconds.
Sheridan has owned the 18-year-old Invitational for 10 years, and knew how to ride him to the time needed.
Sheridan explained, “I really wanted to have a smooth first round. In the jump off he is always fast. I knew I wanted to take a nice turn to the last combination off of the right lead. I didn’t want to take a shot there. I don’t have to think about much.”
“He has been part of the family, and he has really become a family member. He is a little tricky, but he is a good jumper,” Sheridan described. “When he is on he is on. The biggest thing is making sure that he is in front of my leg. He has a fabulous gallop, and is really careful. I don’t think he wants to do miraculous things anymore. We had a lot of fun out there.”
Darrin Dlin and Tennyson, owned by Susan Grange, rode to the second place by a narrow margin of 32.292 seconds, with Ashe finishing in third for her early pace setting time of 33.010 seconds. Grange brought numerous entries today for the 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, as well as the YJC Qualifying series.
“We had a great day today, and this gives the young horses an opportunity to get out on the grass while picking up a nice gallop and an open course. We are debating coming to these shows every week because they are so good for the horses,” Grange said. “We want to take our horses where they have the best opportunity. I thought Eric Hasbrouck did a great design job today for the courses.”
In the 7/8 Year Old YJC Qualifying Class Sarah Scheriring and Cairobi took the top honors. Their time of 32.840 seconds put them nearly two seconds ahead of the competitors. Quintana rode HH Cantino to the second place in a tidy 34.500 seconds, while also snatching third place with Bialda.
“I love showing here,” Quintana said. “I brought my young jumpers to give them a different experience, different venue with good footing and different jumps. It really helps to break the routine of being at the Winter Equestrian Festival week in and week out. It is a nice option to have, especially since the classes are for qualifying points.”
Quintana concluded, “I think that this series is gaining popularity. This week I see that there are more riders coming to show here, and I think that it is something I would definitely recommend to sponsors. You have people here to fill up this show in Wellington, and it reaches many different levels. This is a great option to have where exhibitors can show at both places. The open in gate is a great set up, and I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to show here.”
This Friday, Deeridge will welcome exhibitors to the sixth of the 11-week Wellington Turf Tour filled with top-tier competitors, horses and nearly $200,000 in prize money. This is a rare opportunity for jumper riders to compete on the beautiful turf with an Eric Hasbrouck designed course. The Friday Invitational Grand Prix also offers riders the opportunity to show on the same turf where the $24,750 Wellington Turf Tour Finale will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Competitors will continue to ride for the important Leading Rider Bonus Points.
This Saturday will mark the first of two Classic Days to take place at the Ridge at Wellington. The Child/Adult Jumper division will run in the sand ring from 8 a.m. until noon, with a Masters Jumping Section. The Masters Jumper division, open to riders age 50 and over, will take place from noon until 4 p.m. and will include a Child/Adult Jumper Section. Classes will run as an open gate beginning and concluding at the times scheduled. The gate will be open; however, times may be obtained by request. To request and confirm a specific start time for a horse/rider combination the show office many be contacted directly at (561) 791-1471.
Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for the Friday and Saturday events. The transportation is a nominal fee of $50 per horse, and will be calculated into the final show fees. To make a reservation for one of the three pickup times: 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. please call Peter Tufano of Meadowbrook Horse Transport at (954) 415-7217, or call Nona Garson at (908) 500-0996.
The Friday event will run from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Riders are encouraged to get their entries in as soon as possible for the approaching events. Turning in entries early will ensure that they get the time that they desire.
The Ridge still has available sponsorships for the Invitational Series. For more information, call (908) 500-0996 or download information at www.theridgefarm.com.
The Ridge at Wellington Horse Show Series Fast Facts
Events:
The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour offers their popular 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix for its second year, with an open in gate format taking place once a week at beautiful venues throughout Wellington. The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Finale will take place March 22, 2014.
The Turf Tour also will host 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers every Wednesday beginning January 8, 2014 and running until March 19, 2014.
Young Jumper Classes and both Children’s/Senior Jumper Classics will find their home intermittently throughout the Wellington Turf Tour.
The Ridge at Wellington offers Equitation Shows every Tuesday of the month from January – March 2013. There will also be a series of schooling shows at the Ridge at Wellington for all experience levels.
Two USHJA International Hunter Derbies will take place February 7, 2014 and March 21, 2014.
What:
The Ridge at Wellington series includes several weeks of competition throughout the Winter Season with USEF Rated Equitation Shows. This winter will also feature five two-day schooling shows. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour will offer 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix, Young Jumpers, Children’s/Senior Classics, and two hunter derbies.
Barn & Show Phone 561-791-1471 | Barn Fax 561-791-1543
When:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday, January 10, 2014 – 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Hours:
8:30am-5pm daily
Directions:
From the Florida Turnpike: Take the exit for LakeWorth Road West. Continue on Lake Worth Road approximately 6 miles to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Continue to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.
From Route 95: Take the exit for Forest Hill Blvd West. Continue on Forest Hill Blvd to South Shore Blvd. Make a left on South Shore Blvd. Once on South Shore Blvd, continue straight at light at Pierson Road and again straight through the intersection at Lake Worth Road, to the stop sign at 50th Street. Make a Right on 50th Street. Continue to Stables Way and make a right. Continue to the end of Stables Way and make a right on Palm Beach Point Blvd. Driveway to farm is 50 feet on the left.
Information:
Before Show – (561) 791-1471, Email: RidgeShows@aol.com
During Show – Telephone: (561) 791-1471, Fax: (561) 791-1543
