Tag Archives: featured

Awards, Endurance Riding, USEF

Kimery Awarded Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy

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Christine Kimery (Fanny Doublein)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Christina Kimery as the winner of the two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. 2013 is the first time the coveted awards have been won by the same individual.

The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm, and Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is in memory of Maggy Price, who was the 1992 FEI World Endurance Championship Silver medalist instrumental in the development of international endurance in the U.S. The award is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List Junior/Young Rider athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, who was a successful endurance athlete and an active supporter of the Junior/Young Rider program.

Sixteen-year-old Kimery (Bixby, Okla.) had a noteworthy year, claiming top honors at numerous endurance races in 2013. Kimery began her year with two wins in January at the Broxton Bridge CEIYJ2*, riding Jeremy Olson’s SA Belshazzar and Laurie Pearson’s Rohara Royale +.  Her success continued with an impressive showing at the CEIYJ2* in Williston, Fla., finishing in first place on Rohara Royale + and in third on Amy Wallace-Whelan’s Wallace Hill Shade. She had additional wins and high placings at the Indian Springs Endurance (Las Cruces, N.M.) CEIYJ2* and the Zone Team Endurance Challenge (Ashland, Mont.) CEIYJ2* & CEIYJ3*. Kimery had a strong performance in Tarbes, France, while representing the U.S. at the FEI Junior/Young Rider World Endurance Championships. She is involved in the Bixby High School Future Farmers of American program where her endurance riding is recognized and supported, allowing her to compete throughout the school year. Kimery is also a member of her high school’s skeet team and enjoys hunting and fishing with her dad.

“Christina Kimery was an immense joy for me to have on the team of Young Riders this summer at the Worlds in Tarbes, France,” said Emmett Ross, Endurance Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor. “As my youngest team rider she was one of the most focused and competent. Christina has an immense unlimited future in endurance.  Her family support group was incredible as well. Thanks to the Kimerys.”

United States Equestrian Federation | 4047 Iron Works Parkway | Lexington | KY | 40511

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equestrian Sport Productions’ Holiday Finale Wrap-Up: January 1-5, 2014

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Frances Land and Vieanne. Photo © ManciniPhotos.

Frances Land and Vieanne Top $25,000 Holiday Finale Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Holiday Finale horse show on January 1-5 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with a full schedule of great competition. The show hosted a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake as well as the $25,000 Holiday Finale Grand Prix, featured under the lights on Saturday night.

Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, was the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC this week. He set the track for 44 entries in Saturday night’s $25,000 Holiday Finale Grand Prix for an exciting win for Frances Land (USA) aboard the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Vieanne (Andiamo x Voltaire). The pair had the fastest of three double clear rounds in the jump-off in 39.556 seconds. They beat out Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Mimosa, owned by Sweek Oak and Spy Coast Farms in their time of 41.195 seconds. Gabriela Mershad (USA) and Mershad Stables LLC’s Skara Glen’s Basel also cleared the short course and finished third with their time of 43.162 seconds. Roberto Teran (COL) and ARK Partners LLC’s Tam Tam Hero had the fastest round of the night in 39.521 seconds, but had one rail down to finish fourth.

Frances Land was beaming after her victory gallop and praised her horse on a great win. “She is the best. She has been so amazing,” Land smiled. “This whole year she has been the 1.45m queen. She loves it.”

The pair had an amazing 2013 season with wins in the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m at Spruce Meadows this summer, the $50,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series Championship Grand Prix in Kentucky in October, and the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix in Georgia as well as the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic at ESP’s Holiday and Horses competition in November. Land noted that Vieanne really enjoyed showing under the lights at PBIEC this weekend and thrived off of the crowd cheering her on.

“It’s definitely different,” Land stated. “She is so careful that under the lights maybe she gets a little bit too careful, so I have to use a lot of leg, but now she loves it. She really likes the pressure and the atmosphere. It helps gets her pumped up, and I have been riding her for long enough now that people know the horse and they are all rooting for her.”

Commenting on Saturday’s course, Land noted, “It was hard, but Anthony is one of my favorite course designers. I liked it. He always gives you options, and he never does anything too stupid for the horses. He is never trying to trick or scare the horses, so if you have a good horse and you ride it well, then you have a chance. I really like that with him as a course designer. I think the course really suited my horse because the lines were a little bit forward, and she is always better like that.”

“Going into the jump-off, I knew Shane had been really fast, and him going first, he is always one that you have to chase,” Land said of her plan for the second round. “I went last, and my dad told me exactly what I had to do. She is so adjustable, she is so careful, she is so scopey, and she just does exactly what I ask. She is with me every step of the way, so it is pretty much all you can hope for.”

Land is currently in school at Emory University and rides on the weekends at her family’s farm in Georgia. She plans to return to Wellington during week two of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, which runs January 15-19.

Jumper Highlights

ESP’s Holiday Finale hosted a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Thursday afternoon with a win for Danielle Goldstein and Israeli Equestrian Partners’ Carisma. Thirty-one entries showed with 14 clear rounds to advance to the jump-off. Just five of those were able to jump double clear, and Goldstein had the fastest round of 37.618 seconds for the win.

Lorenzo De Luca and Neil Jones Equestrian’s Utopias finished second in 38.172 seconds. Lauren Tisbo was third and fourth, stopping the clock in 38.573 seconds aboard Roundthorn Madios and 39.131 seconds with Darcon Scheefkasteel Z, both horses owned by Tequestrian Farms LLC.

The $1,500 Tackeria NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic was held on Friday with a win for Jacklynn Carey and Sher-Al Farm’s Lexa 22. Stephanie Ann Cook and Lionsway Farm’s Eastbound and Down finished second with Shanee Herskovitz and Divo in third.

Friday also featured a $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic, with a win for Anderson F. Wagner aboard Thunderball. Carly Dvorkin and Joe Saltim Z placed second, and Charles Jacobs Jr. was third aboard CMJ Sporthorse LLC’s Elphaba. In the $1,500 Low Adult Jumper Classic, Christina Cohan was the winner aboard Susan Dixon’s Shamrock. Elizabeth Craven and Silverado finished second, and Jim Buchanan guided Ariane Stiegler’s Watkiekie to third place honors.

Saturday’s $1,500 M&S Children’s Jumper Classic saw a win for Alexandra Indeglia riding Hans, with Hana Bieling and Wonderland Farm LLC’s Rainbow Brite in second. Baily Martin and Contador finished third. In the $1,500 M&S Adult Jumper Classic, Jacklynn Carey and Lexa 22 earned another victory. Annie Gardner and Cassandra Z finished second, and Tracey Logan was third aboard Curb Appeal.

The $2,500 Equiline NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was also held on Saturday, with a win for Stephanie Novas aboard Aretina M. Allyson Shryoc placed second aboard Cheval d’Espoir Z, and Stephanie Novas was also third riding Amyra R. Erin Haas and North Face Farm’s As Di Chupito were victorious in the $2,500 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Gold Coast Feed. Gabriella Mershad and Mershad Stables LLC’s Udonna placed second. Adrienne Sternlicht and Hathaway were third.

Hunter and Equitation Highlights

A full schedule of hunter and equitation classes was also held throughout the week. In the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division, Krista Weisman and Reality earned the championship with Bella Cramer and Emilio in reserve.

The #1 Education Place Junior Hunter 3’3″ champion was Redfield Farm’s Playlist, ridden by Eliza Bienstock with Rockin La Bamba and Audrey Muscari in reserve. The #1 Education place Large Junior Hunter champion was Amanda Foard’s Julian, ridden by Ashton Alexander. Further Lane Farm LLC’s Stellar and Sophie Michaels finished in reserve. Ali Tritschler topped the #1 Education Place Small Junior Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Isabelle Mann’s Einstein and finishing in reserve aboard Elizabeth D’Loren’s Zapateada.

In the combined Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ and 3’6″ division, championship honors were awarded to Deborah Perkins’ Set To Music, ridden by Havens Schatt. There was a tie for reserve honors between Jane Olson Fisher’s Stoli with Stephen Heinecke in the irons as well as Lordano and owner/rider Lynn Seithel.

Kelley Farmer earned the Regular Conformation Hunter championship with Glefke and Kensel LLC’s Scripted with Zenfield Farm’s Garcia and Adam Ottomanelli in reserve. Ottomanelli and David Glefke’s Pen Name also tied with Zenfield Farm’s Next Page and Evan Colucci for championship honors in the Second Year/High Performance Working Hunters. Kelley Farmer and Glefke and Kensel LLC’s High Regard were reserve champions.

Mary Katherine Shaugnessy won the Pilates Rocks Low Adult Hunter championship riding Special K, owned by Shaughnessy’s Shamrock Ventures LLC. June Speisman’s Magic Hour and Jennifer Speisman finished in reserve. Shaugnessy was also reserve champion in the Low Working Hunters aboard Shaugnessy’s Shamrock Ventures LLC’s Whitecap with Michael Delfiandra and Karen Brook’s Arjuno topping the division.

In the equitation classes, Ashton Alexander and Donald Stewart’s Fernleigh won the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal presented by Randolph College as well as the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. Ali Tritschler won the ASCPA Maclay class aboard Lauren Wessan’s Krunch, and Ailish Cunniffe won the WIHS Equitation Overall riding Venice. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival begins this Wednesday, January 8, and runs through March 30, 2014. The Mar-a-Lago Club is the title sponsor of week one competition as well as the presenting sponsor of the $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday, January 12, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Another highlight of the week is the $75,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes, which starts the “Saturday Night Lights” series on Saturday, January 11, with gates opening at 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Wolfstone Stables Hosts First Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour Events This Wednesday and Friday

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Andres Rodriguez and Caballito.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2014 – The Wellington Turf Tour has found a home for its first event of the series at the immaculate Wolfstone Stables in Wellington, FL. Pristine new fences will sit atop the open grass field as riders, owners and onlookers enjoy a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of what can only be described as show scene tradition. This Wednesday and Friday, Schuyler Riley will welcome attendees to the first of an 11-week series filled with top-tier competitors, horses and nearly $200,000 in prize money. Get your entries in now by clicking here.

Last winter Nona Garson and George D’Ambrosio responded to a call that long needed answering, introducing the Wellington community to a new way of competition – one that involved rolling grass fields, top tier hospitality and unparalleled competition. The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour has returned to the Wellington show scene with resurgence, beginning the first week of the Winter Equestrian Festival and running for 11 consecutive weeks.

“Last year I didn’t have a chance to compete in the series, but it definitely wasn’t because I didn’t want to,” Riley explained. “The only thing stopping me was not having the right horses for it, but this year I do. I’m really looking forward to competing at my place, as well as at some of the other Ridge at Wellington competitions.”

The Ridge at Wellington Turf Tour was designed to develop young riders, as well as young horses, and the inaugural event became the talk of the 2013 Wellington circuit with an unprecedented amount of earnings at stake for Level II Jumpers. The event was hailed as the highlight of the season with top riders, amateurs and juniors alike choosing to ride in the invitational series, challenging their young horses to a new experience during the Winter Equestrian Festival. This year the series is back, bigger and better than could have been anticipated, kicking off at Schuyler Riley’s Wolfstone Stables in Southfields.

“I think a series like this is really helpful and is something special that will help us create our young horses and allow some of the young riders to get exposed to different venues, different courses and different jumps,” Riley stated. “WEF has its own attributes, but The Ridge really brings something new to the industry that we’ve been missing.”

Riley continued, “I think it’s a fabulous opportunity for horses and riders to go to different venues, and also to not have all of the costs that are associated with bringing a stable full of horses and staying at WEF for the three months.”

McLain Ward and Coco 135
McLain Ward and Coco 135

This Wednesday, January 8, 2014, competitors can take their turn at the 1.30m-1.35m courses, designed by Pierre Jolicoeur. The 1.30m-1.35m jumper classes will take place side-by-side on their stunning grass field, offering the popular open in gate format. The long anticipated 1.40m Ridge at Wellington Invitational Grand Prix will also find its first home of the series at Wolfstone Stables Friday, January 10, 2014. Both events will run all day beginning at 8 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. To avoid post entry fees, please send in your entries by tomorrow, January 7, for the 1.30m-1.35m Jumpers, and by Thursday, January 9, for the $15,000 1.40m Invitational Grand Prix.

Riders will have the opportunity to ride over straight from the show grounds, or trailer their horses over while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and quality competition. The Ridge series is the perfect training opportunity to help riders and horses prepare for the classes held at the Winter Equestrian Festival, helping to end the daily grind and prevent complacency throughout the circuit.

Meadowbrook Horse Transport will provide transportation to and from the horse show and other locations throughout Wellington for both the Wednesday and Friday 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.

“You can trail ride over; you can trailer over and compete on great footing at great venues, and I think it’s something that’s been missing in our country,” Riley concluded. “We tend to gravitate toward more of these series like WEF or Saugerties where you get sort of in the same sandbox showing again and again, and that definitely does have benefits in making some green horses that need repetition, but then when you want to try and develop horses for the next level it’s really important to get them to different places. I think it’s really special that George and Nona have gone out and sought out private properties that have fantastic fields to be able to put on these events at.”

The Wellington Turf Tour’s Grand Prix Finale will once again find its home at the illustrious Deeridge Farms on March 22, 2014. With just under $25,000 in prize money at stake, the competition will be fierce as qualifying invitees return to the outstanding grass field. For those riders who compete in nine Grand Prix events leading up to the finale, the entry fee will be waived. The Leading Rider Award will once again be offered at the culmination of the series to the rider who racks up the most points throughout at least six of the Grand Prix classes.

The Ridge has available sponsorships for their Wellington Turf Tour. For more information, call (908) 500-0996 or download information at http://www.theridgefarm.com.

Sponsorships are available for the $25,000 Finale, $15,000 Weekly Grand Prix, $2,000 Weekly Hospitality Text, $3,500 Show Jump Sponsor for series, $750 Ring Banner for the series and $500 Weekly Class Presenter.

All checks should be made payable to the Ridge Farm LLC.
The Ridge at Wellington Grand Prix Series
C/O Eda Tordiff
110 Edwards Rd.
Parsippany, NJ, 07054

This premiere state-of-the-art facility offers the best of the equestrian sports with varying competition levels. Their shows offer a wide array of classes, as well as generous prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Located only two miles from the prestigious Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the Ridge at Wellington offers one of the most centrally located horse shows in Wellington.

For more information about the Ridge at Wellington, please go to http://www.theridgefarm.com. For up-to-date information, please follow the Ridge at Wellington on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264.

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.

Where:
Wolfstone Stables
3655 Middleburg Dr,
Wellington, FL 33414

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

Text: (908) 500-0996

Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ridge-at-Wellington/219358376264?ref=ts&fref=ts.

Management:
Nona Garson
14415 Palm Beach Point Blvd. East
Wellington, FL, 33414
(561) 791-1471 (show office)
(908) 839-3859 (show cell)
(561) 791-1543 (show fax)
Email:  RidgeShows@aol.com
Website: http://www.theridgefarm.com

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel Win $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix CSI 2*

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Kent Farrington and Blue Angel. Photos © Sportfot.

Palm Beach, FL – January 5, 2014 – Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel added another victory to their roster of recent wins with a top finish in Sunday’s $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Held at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL, the second annual event brought together many of the best in equestrian show jumping for a day of great competition and charity fundraising, set on the lawn of Mr. Donald Trump’s scenic estate. Despite substantial rain, the grass footing that was newly replaced after last year’s event held up well throughout the day’s competition to give Farrington his second consecutive victory. He won the inaugural competition in 2013 aboard Amalaya Investments’ Dynamo.

International course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, set the track for Sunday’s highlight competition with twenty-eight horse and rider combinations, eight of which cleared the course without fault to advance to the jump-off. Seven entries returned over the short course with three double clear efforts. Kent Farrington and Blue Angel, a 2002 Anglo European mare by Luidam x Ascendant, led the victory gallop with a time of 36.85 seconds.

Candice King (USA) and Bellissimo LLC’s Kismet 50 finished second with a clear jump-off round in 38.76 seconds, and Todd Minikus (USA) and Legacy Stables LLC’s Uraguay were third in 38.88 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala had the fastest four-fault round in 38.30 seconds for fourth place.

Following an exciting class, Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo praised the event and its many contributors, including the addition of new turf footing installed by Mr. Trump. “I think this event was amazing,” Bellissimo acknowledged. “To see the riders take very significant horses into the ring and ride in this condition is a testament to the great investment that Donald had in this class. Congratulations to Kent – another great job and a gutsy ride. I also want to reach out to all of the sponsors and all of the phenomenal contributors to this event. I am very excited about this class, and I think that this will grow in stature each year.”

Donald Trump had another great year hosting the event and looks forward to 2015. “I just want to congratulate Kent and our great champions,” Trump smiled. “They are amazing athletes. As a novice, I think the weather made it more exciting. Last year we had the sun beaming down, and it was hot. I had no idea that these athletes could even perform in this kind of weather. I was very surprised by it, and it was amazing. I think it really made it quite exciting.”

After back to back wins, Farrington expressed his gratitude for another victory, as well as the improved conditions this year. “I think all of the riders want to applaud Donald and Mark for redoing the footing,” he stated. “I think that is a huge effort for them to undertake, and part of making this a really top-notch, high level event so that we can bring our best horses here and know that we can count on great footing even in conditions that aren’t ideal, like today. I think it is really exciting having Donald get involved in our sport. I think that raises not only the level of competition, but also the exposure here in Florida. Also thank you to Rolex for getting involved, I think that is huge for show jumping in North America.”

Commenting on his success with Blue Angel, Farrington noted, “That horse was already a winner before I started riding it. Lauren Hough had a lot of success with it, and it continues to be a great horse. It’s great to win two in a row (here). A big win is always exciting and for this event, to be part of it and to win it, is really special for me.”

Farrington went into the jump-off after some very fast rides and a clear round already posted by Todd Minikus and Uraguay, but he shaved almost two seconds off of their time for the winning round.

“These are fast riders that I’m against, so it was more to measure the competition and to see how fast they were going so that I could plan my ride accordingly,” he said of the jump-off. “Todd is one of the fastest riders in the world, so today I relied on the speed on my horse and I just tried to stay very smooth. That horse is a seasoned competitor. She knows her job and she is all business when she comes to the show.”

Candice King and Kismet 50
Candice King and Kismet 50

Candice King was pleased with her second place finish aboard Kismet 50, who put in a great effort in Sunday’s class as well. “Kismet 50 is quite special to me,” the rider stated. “I am usually one to go double clean and not so fast, but I was going last, so I wanted to really put it all out there as best I could. I knew I could go as quick as I safely could on this footing in the rain, so I tried to put it as smooth as I could, be quick and efficient, and see where it brought me.”

Commenting on the course, King added, “Anthony is seasoned; he builds all over the world and he did a fantastic job. This arena and this setting are fantastic, and the footing this year was great. There is no way that we could have competed like we could today at a lot of venues on grass. That is a testament to the new footing put in, and we are really appreciative as riders for our horses and their safety.”

Third place finisher, Todd Minikus, also had a great day. “I thought Uraguay jumped a fantastic first round and, going earlier in the jump-off, my plan was to put in a double clear and hope everyone else had a rain storm come in and give them a little bad luck,” Minikus joked. “I left the door open. I told the handlers of Uraguay when I came out, ‘That was a third place round,’ and it was. Nevertheless, we are very happy to be part of this event. I know everybody is extremely thrilled, and even though it was a little wet, it was a great day.”

Paige Bellissimo, chairwoman of the event along with Georgina Bloomberg and Ivanka Trump, summed it up nicely with her take on the day, stating, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t control the weather, but we tried our best to control all of the other elements, and I think everything else came out really well. The whole team put in so much work, and I think you could really see it. Everything came together except the weather, and all of the riders did an incredible job and really showed what great athletes they are to prevail through these conditions.”

Cloe Hymowitz and Bon Vivant Top $5,000 Junior/Amateur Speed Exhibition Class

A $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, was also featured on Sunday afternoon following the main event. The exhibition class gave junior and amateur riders a special opportunity to compete at this unique venue and saw an exciting win for Cloe Hymowitz and Rose Hill Farm’s Bon Vivant. The pair had the fastest of three clear rounds with a time of 53.42 seconds. Heather Hooker and her longtime partner Perle finished second with a time of 56.83 seconds. Kira Kerkorian placed third aboard Lisa Kerkorian’s Rashmo Z in 59.46 seconds.

Cloe Hymowitz and Bon Vivant
Cloe Hymowitz and Bon Vivant

Hymowitz explained that she had not ridden in a month before Sunday’s class and was very happy with her ride. “I didn’t expect much, but I have confidence in my horse and myself,” she remarked. “With the conditions, it is definitely more challenging. With the rain, you want to be more careful and cautious when you make turns, but I went out there and rode my hardest and did my best, so I’m very happy and excited.”

“It is an amazing opportunity,” she said of showing at The Mar-a-Lago Club. “This is probably the nicest horse show I have ever been to. I was really excited when I heard that I was invited to compete. It was nice to see all of the top grand prix riders compete first and be able to watch how they executed their course and learn from them. It is definitely an honor to come and ride here with all of these great riders.”

Heather Hooker has had her horse Perle for almost five years and had confidence in her ride on Sunday. “We have done horse shows all over the place together,” Hooker stated. “Any conditions, you name it, she’s game. I can always trust her. The conditions definitely made it a little more challenging, but it was a really nice course and the footing held up really well.”

Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions, concluded the day by thanking EnTrust Capital for their support of the new class. “We wanted to add something special for the riders that don’t often get to jump in front of the limelight like this, and then we were very lucky that EnTrust really wanted to sponsor it,” Stone noted. “We are really delighted that they wanted to do it because the enthusiasm from the riders is fantastic.”

The second annual Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, would not be possible without the generous sponsors that support the event. Equestrian Sport Productions would like to recognize Mar-a-Lago Club; Rolex; Suncast Corporation; The Bainbridge Companies; Gucci; Nespresso USA; EnTrust Capital; Salamander Resort & Spa; Carol A Sollak PA, Engel & Völkers; Braman Motorcars; Perrier-Jouët; Rosebaum Mollengarden, PLLC; Remarkable Partners; Debbie Burrows; and Gut Einhaus.

Sunday’s class also served as a kick-off to the season for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The 12-week circuit begins this Wednesday, January 8, and runs through March 30, 2014. The Mar-a-Lago Club is the title sponsor of week one competition as well as the presenting sponsor of the $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday, January 12, at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Another highlight of the week is the $75,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes, which starts the “Saturday Night Lights” series on Saturday, January 11, with gates opening at 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Hunters and Jumpers Get Productive Show Mileage at Citrus Series

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Cynthia Hankins and Noah. Photos by Carrie Wirth.

Jim Brandon Okeeheelee Park Proves an Ideal Venue

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2014 – The inaugural Citrus Series Horse Show Wellington held at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Okeeheelee Park continued on Saturday. Hunters and jumpers showed over courses that ranged from 2 foot to 1.30m. Course designer Gerry Briggs and the Citrus Series management created beautiful, well-decorated and inviting courses.

“I gave the Zone 4 Clinic here last year but I hadn’t shown here,” said top judge and clinician and 1975 AHSA (now USEF) Medal Finals winner Cynthia Hankins. “It is so close. It is unbelievably easy. I love this. I lived in Europe for 10 years. I haven’t owned horses in a while and I bought a couple of very green horses.  Before spending an outrageous amount of money, I wanted to give them a chance to get into a ring. I am hoping that others will support this because we have to have these other shows. Not every horse is ready to walk in and win and so they need to come and do this.”

“This show offers all the flowers and the color,” Hankins said. “The ring is beautifully set. They’ve set it so I can do hunter classes and a couple of jumper classes.”

Salim Radi is a native of Columbia going to at Northwood University who competes in the jumpers. He brought his six-year-old jumper, Charon, to the Citrus Series.

Salim Radi and his young jumper Charon
Salim Radi and his young jumper Charon

“I was really happy with him,” said Radi. “It was great to be able to compete over two different courses at one height and then jump similar tracks a little bit bigger. The difference between his first trip and his last was like night and day. I couldn’t get this kind of experience in another show setting anywhere. Plus, the facility and the footing are really fantastic. It is easy to ship in and show. I had no idea it was so close.”

Citrus Series organizer James Lala was pleased with the outcome of the first show.

“I was cautiously optimistic for the first show of the series,” said Lala. “I am trying to incorporate the wish lists I’ve discussed with professionals of all levels through the years-we are a little a bit revolutionary. I wasn’t sure how it would actually go over. I watched horse after horse, rider after rider improve and leave with a positive experience. I am convinced this concept is really worthwhile. I overheard one trainer say that he accomplished about a month’s worth of training in an hour.”

Citrus Series returns to Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park February 21-22 with jumpers under the lights on Friday night at 6 p.m. and hunter, equitation and jumper classes starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located just a three miles/five minutes from the intersection of 441 and Forest Hill Boulevard.

2014 Citrus Series Fast Facts:

What:  New high-quality horse show series especially for developing horses and riders needing mileage.

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL

When: Inaugural Show January 3-4, 2014
Friday: Schooling and Jumpers under the Lights
Saturday: Hunters Jumpers and Equitation

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

Entries: Showgroundslive.com

Officials:

Manager:  Lala Land Productions, LLC, James Lala  (561) 906-6668 – jdlala@aol.com
Secretaries: Cindy Bozan and Randi Muster
Veterinarian: Reid and Associates
Farrier: Ignacio Cardenas
Stabling: James Lala
Judge: Dee Thomas, Wellington, FL
Course Designer: Gerry Briggs, Smyrna, TN

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Show Jumping

Olympian David Marcus to Perform Dressage Exhibition at Trump Invitational

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David Marcus and Don Kontes. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Junior/Amateur Riders Named for Speed Exhibition Class

Wellington, FL – January 4, 2014 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) announces the following riders have been invited to the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital. The class follows the $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, and is held at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Palm Beach Island on Sunday, January 5, 2014. The exhibition class gives junior and amateur riders a special opportunity of competing at this unique event. Adding to the entertainment at this year’s event will be a dressage exhibition by Olympian David Marcus.

The riders invited to compete in the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, are: Gustavo Mirabal, Hannah Patten, Madeline Thatcher, Annabelle Gundlach, Cloe Hymowitz, Heather Hooker, Mareya Godoy, Jennifer Gates, Kira Kerkorian, Jennifer Santana, Alicia Gamboa, Mikala Chesler, and Paris Sellon.

An elegant dressage exhibition will be performed by Canadian Olympian David Marcus on one of his top horses, Don Kontes, during Sunday’s festivities. “I look forward to introducing dressage to the spectators at the Trump Invitational,” Marcus said. “The Mar-a-Lago Club is a spectacular venue, and I think it will be a great experience!”

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, David Marcus began riding at the age of seven. In 1996, he made a decision to take the sport to the next level, heading north of the border to Canada to train with Olympic-level coaches while also pursuing his university education. Marcus represented the United States in five North American Young Riders’ Championships, winning silver and bronze medals.

At the end of 2011, Marcus officially became a Canadian citizen, and immediately began representing his new home country successfully at the Grand Prix level with Chrevi’s Capital and Don Kontes. In his Canadian Team debut at the 2012 Nations Cup at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital proudly wore the maple leaf, scoring a win for Canada. Marcus drew on that top performance and represented Canada at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Following London, Marcus continued to excel in international competition, topping the 2012/2013 North American World Cup League and enjoying impressive victories at such prestigious events as CDI-W Dressage at Devon, the CDI-W at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and, most recently, the $20,000 Royal Invitational Cup at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show.

Marcus has his sights firmly set on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, and, in preparation, will compete throughout the winter circuit in Wellington at the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

With the addition of the $5,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Speed Exhibition class, sponsored by EnTrust Capital, as well as a grand prix dressage exhibition, the Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is sure to be an exciting, action-packed day.

The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, serves as the kick-off party for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington on January 8 – March 30, 2014.

Mar-a-Lago, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate purchased and restored by Mr. Donald Trump in 1985, is one of the most spectacular mansions in the world and in the national register of historic places and a designated U.S National Landmark. The Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex, is the only equestrian event ever held on Palm Beach Island. Ivanka Trump, Georgina Bloomberg, and Paige Bellissimo are co-chairs of the event.

Tables are selling quickly – if you would like to buy a table, please call Anne Caroline Valtin as soon as possible at 561.784.1133 or email annecaroline@equestriansport.com. Tables will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no general admission to this event.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Citrus Series Horse Show Gets Underway

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Javier Berganza from Team Rakowsky and Remarkable, owned by Shadyside. Photos by KFAM Photography.

Jumpers Go under the Lights at Jim Brandon

Wellington, FL – January 3, 2014 – The inaugural Citrus Series Horse Show Wellington kicked off at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Friday night. Jumpers competed under the lights at the unique show series especially tailored for developing horses and riders.  A group of spectators cheered on the riders in jumper classes ranging from .90m through 1.30m. Riders were permitted a warm-up round and were given the opportunity for a do-over.

“This is a great opportunity especially people that have horses for sale and kids that want to go in the ring without so much pressure, before they go into the big circuit,” said Ivan Rakowsky of Team Rakowsky who brought over horses with Arly Golombek and Javier Berganza. “It is also great for horses that need to develop and horses that you want to practice with under the lights with good footing. They have great stabling and it’s easy access within only a few minutes from our barns and WEF. It is perhaps an hour or two hours out of your day when you can accomplish so much.”

Kama Godek came by to see the Jim Brandon facility before she signed up to show. She wanted to make certain it would be a good experience for her horse. She was impressed with the quality of the facility.

“I am really happy with this,” said Godek after her jumper rounds. “It is a great place to bring young horses. I just got this horse two weeks ago as a sale horse. I don’t want to sell a horse that I’m not familiar with in the ring. So I like to show the horses myself, but I didn’t want to invest a lot of money. It is a perfect opportunity – no pressure. He was great. I couldn’t be happier. To be able to do this for less than $100; this is the way a horse show should be.”

Kama Godek and her sale horse Vincent VD Henrietlehoeve
Kama Godek and her sale horse Vincent VD Henrietlehoeve

Godek is from Washington D.C. and winters in Wellington but has spent thirteen years in Europe. “When you go to shows in Europe you can compete in Grand Prix for the same price as here. There are enough people in this area that we could have several shows running at the same time.”

Rakowsky was pleased with the progress his horses made in one night. “It’s also so great to have the opportunity to go in the ring two, three or four times (if you need to) starting from .90m to 1.40m. Tonight I watched one of my young horses on his first show outing accomplish so much within five rounds in one night. I go home feeling like I have accomplished a lot in a very short period of time and I go home with a smile on my face. I had a wonderful time, it was no pressure, it was a great training method for us and it is something I want to do again.”

Citrus Series continues on Saturday with hunter, equitation and jumper classes starting at 8 a.m.

About Citrus Series Horse Shows

The unique features of the show are designed to help trainers, developing horses and riders achieve their goals. 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, a close, convenient high quality facility. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located just a three miles/five minutes from the intersection of 441 and Forest Hill Boulevard.

For more about the Citrus Series, go to www.citrusseries.com.

2014 Citrus Series Fast Facts:

What:  New high-quality horse show series especially for developing horses and riders needing mileage.

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL

When: Inaugural Show January 3-4, 2014
Friday: Schooling and Jumpers under the Lights
Saturday: Hunters Jumpers and Equitation

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

Entries: Showgroundslive.com

Officials:

Manager:  Lala Land Productions, LLC, James Lala  (561) 906-6668 – jdlala@aol.com
Secretaries: Cindy Bozan and Randi Muster
Veterinarian: Reid and Associates
Farrier: Ignacio Cardenas
Stabling: James Lala
Judge: Dee Thomas, Wellington, FL
Course Designer: Gerry Briggs, Smyrna, TN

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

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, FEI

Timmerman Wins His Ticket to FEI World Cup Driving Final

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Dutch driver Theo Timmerman (NED) on his way to victory in the eighth leg of the FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 at Mechelen (BEL). Photo Dirk Caremans/FEI.

Mechelen (BEL), 31 December 2013 – Dutch driver Theo Timmerman has concluded his very successful year by winning the eighth leg of the FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 and has secured his ticket to the series Final. Timmerman beat his compatriot Koos de Ronde and Hungarian driver József Dobrovitz. Seven drivers took part in the last qualifier of 2013 held in Mechelen, Belgium last night.

Dutch O-course designer Johan Jacobs, who was responsible for the tracks in Verona, Geneva and London Olympia this season, had laid out a good course for the Belgian leg of the series. Jacobs will also be building the course for the FEI World Cup Driving Final which will be held in the French city of Bordeaux in February 2014.

It was a last chance competition for Timmerman who had to finish among the top three in Mechelen to qualify for the Final. His outdoor season had been very successful with individual gold at the FEI European Four-in-Hand Driving Championships held in Izsák (HUN) in September and at the Dutch National Championships. The Dutch driver’s indoor season however has had its ups and downs.

At Mechelen, Timmerman set a very fast time in the first round but unfortunately knocked a ball off the last pair of cones. The result was nevertheless sufficient for a much-needed place in the Winning Round. József Dobrovitz and four-time Mechelen winner Koos de Ronde were in top form as well and, cheered by the enthusiastic spectators in the sold out Nekkerhal, they secured their places in the top three.

In the Winning Round, Dobrovitz knocked a ball off the first obstacle and lost his chances to victory when another ball fell. Mechelen was the last competition for the Hungarian who will sadly not make it to the Final for the first time in four years.

Theo Timmerman was determined to perform well in Mechelen, knowing De Ronde was competing with a wildcard and the full 10 World Cup points would go to him even if he were to finish behind his teammate. Timmerman drove his special indoor team very fast through the fluent course and even managed to beat his own time of the first round by nearly two seconds. The reigning European four-in-hand champion remained clear which put the last man in the arena Koos de Ronde under pressure.

De Ronde drove the same four-in-hand horses as last week at London Olympia where he finished second. An unlucky knockdown in one of the marathon obstacles prevented him from securing his fifth victory at Mechelen and he had to leave the honours to fellow countryman Timmerman.

Theo Timmerman had finished second in Verona and in Budapest and knew it was possible to win with this team, but falling balls kept preventing him from doing so. In Mechelen, it finally came together for him and he was able not only to win his first ever FEI World Cup Driving competition, but to also secure a ticket for the series Final.

Tomas Eriksson (SWE) was very close to a top-three placing, but after one knockdown, he also hit the last set of cones, which dropped him down to fourth place. Mechelen was also the last competition for József Dobrovitz Jr (HUN), who had his good friend, double FEI world pony four-in-hand champion Bram Chardon (NED), assist him on the carriage as his navigator. Dobrovitz Jr drove a clear and safe round, but did not reach the speed necessary for a top placing. The 21-year-old finished in 10th place in his first FEI World Cup Driving season.

Georg von Stein (GER) had two knockdowns and came in sixth, which puts him into a provisional fourth place in the series standings. Von Stein will start with a wildcard in Leipzig in mid-January and it will depend on the performances of his compatriots Michael Brauchle and Daniel Schneiders whether he will manage to remain in the top six to qualify for the Final.

Second wildcard driver Glenn Geerts (BEL) put on a very good performance driving his outdoor team of horses. Geerts has invested a great deal of effort and training into his team to be able to keep up with the professional World Cup drivers in Mechelen. Sadly he lost one of his best wheeler horses several weeks ago and had to use a spare horse, but the 24-year-old talented driver was still very proud to compete at top level in front of his home crowd.

Quotes:

Theo Timmerman (NED): “It went very well for me and I am pleased with my horses. I had some knockdowns on the first night and I decided to focus on my own round and not to look at the others. As soon as I found out that Dobrovitz had had two knockdowns, I knew I would be able to get the 10 World Cup points because Koos was competing with a wildcard. I had some margin, but it went so well that I just went for it.”

Koos de Ronde (NED): “We knew that we had to set a time of 124 seconds to beat Theo. We knew that was possible, because we normally drive faster in the second round. Unfortunately we had a knockdown at the third obstacle and we only noticed that when we came into obstacle four. That ball cost us the victory, but we are happy for Theo. In London we drove five horses in three different setups and the last one turned out to be the best. We are not 100% sure of the Final yet, but we are confident to put on a good performance in Leipzig in January.”

József Dobrovitz (HUN): “I am pleased with my horses; they did very well. I had hoped to win in Mechelen to secure a ticket for the Final, but unfortunately it did not work out for me.”

Results in detail can be viewed here.

The detailed standings are available here.

The 2013/2014 FEI World Cup Driving series now moves on to Leipzig (GER) on Sunday 19 January 2014.

For information on the next leg, go to www.partner-pferd.de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, +49 4307 827970.

By Cindy Timmer

Media Contacts:

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

At Mechelen:
Edith de Reys
edith.dereys@skynet.be
+32 475 659 281

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equestrian Sport Productions New Year’s Wrap-Up: December 27-29, 2013

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Emanuel Andrade and ZZ Top VH Schaarbroek. Photos © ManciniPhotos.

Emanuel Andrade and ZZ Top VH Schaarbroek Win $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – December 30, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its New Year’s horse show this weekend on December 27-29, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. The competition featured National ‘A’ rated hunter and 4* jumper competition, including a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake and a $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix.

The $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix was the highlight event of the weekend, held on Sunday afternoon in the International Arena at PBIEC. Jumping a course set by Puerto Rico’s Mauricio Garcia Ballesteros, 30 entries jumped in round one with five advancing to the jump-off, and three double clear rounds.

Seventeen-year-old Emanuel Andrade of Caracas, Venezuela, guided Hollow Creek Farm’s ZZ Top VH Schaarbroek to the fastest clear jump-off round in 45.64 seconds to earn top honors. Amy Momrow (USA) and Monty Kelly’s Baldino du’Rouet placed second in a time of 48.11 seconds. Bryn Sadler (USA) guided Showcase 81 LLC’s Bon Giorno to third place honors with their time of 48.12 seconds.

Andrade’s win comes just one month after celebrating a Team Gold Medal in the 2013 Bolivarian Games in Trujillo, Peru. He made his debut for the Venezuelan Show Jumping Team at the Bolivarian Games riding ZZ Top, a 12-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Zandor Z x Latus I).

Commenting on his winning round on Sunday, Andrade explained, “I was third going back for the jump-off, and the first two had jumped clear and really fast. I jumped three seconds faster. The last two riders had almost the same time as me, but had fences down.”

Baldino du'Rouet and Amy Momrow
Baldino du’Rouet and Amy Momrow

“I’m so thrilled!” said Andrade who trains with Andrea King of Hollow Creek Farm in Aiken, South Carolina. “It feels so good. I’m so excited. I really worked hard these last three weeks with Andrea. She helps me a lot. She spends all day with me and teaches me about the horses.”

Andrade began riding ZZ Top mid-way through the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

“He jumped so well,” the rider noted. “He matches nicely with me, and we are a team now.”

The win marked the second grand prix victory of Andrade’s young career. In June, he won the $50,000 Grand Prix of Roanoke at the Roanoke Valley Horse Show in Salem, Virginia, riding Walter 61.

In addition to claiming the win in the $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix, Andrade also won the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on the same day riding Tiny Tim.

Andrade now has his sights set on the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival opening January 8 and running for 12 weeks. In addition to contesting the Low, Medium, and High Junior Jumper divisions, Andrade will also be going head-to-head with seasoned professionals in the grand prix divisions.

Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno
Bryn Sadler and Bon Giorno

“Especially after today’s win, we feel so ready for that,” said Andrade. “This year, we want to go to the next level and jump Saturday nights. We know it’s hard, but we think we are ready for it.”

At only 16 years of age, Andrade was named the Leading Jumper Rider of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival while King was named the Leading Jumper Trainer and Hollow Creek Farm was named the Leading Jumper Owner. A student in his hometown of Caracas, Andrade divides his time between Venezuela and the United States.

Jumper Highlights

ESP’s New Year’s horse show began on Friday afternoon with a win for Callan Solem and Horseshoe Trail Farm Florida LLC’s VDL Wizard in the $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class. Out of 22 competitors, five jumped off in the class, and Solem and VDL Wizard were the only combination to post a double clear round. Todd Minikus and Legacy Stables LLC’s Tuxedo finished second with the fastest four-fault round, and Lauren Hough and Bockman’s Lazio, owned by Karina Rotenberg, finished third.

The $1,500 Tackeria NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic was held on Saturday with a win for Luciano Gomez riding Conterno, owned by Stephanie Saint-Pierre Bernier. Courtney Line and VDL Zulu Time, owned by Caroline Young and The Zulu Group, placed second. Stephanie Ann Cook guided Lionsway Farm’s Eastbound and Down to third place honors.

The $2,500 Equiline NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic saw a win for Meg O’Mara riding Walstib Stables LLC’s Aborillo. Taylor Alexander and Alexander LLC’s Onyx du Haut Bois finished second. Jorge Matte and Buberta VDK placed third.

Emanuel Andrade and Hollow Creek Farm’s Tiny Tim won the $2,500 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Gold Coast Feed. Jennifer Santana and Santana Stables’ LLC’s Player de Brocelia placed second, and Alexa Lowe-Wiseman finished third aboard Windsor Farm Sales’ Excellent.

The $2,500 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic was also held on Sunday with a win for Lucy Mitchell-Innes riding Riley II, owned by Casey Curtis. Stephanie Ann Cook and Eastbound and Down placed second. Courtney Line and VDL Zulu Time were third.

In the $1,500 Low Children’s Jumper Classic, Kennedy McCaulley guided Zandro RV to victory. Charles Jacobs, Jr. finished second aboard CMJ Sporthorse LLC’s Elphaba, and Natalia Gierbolini placed third riding Twinkie, owned by McLain Ward. In the $1,500 Low Adult Jumper Classic, Alexandra Lieberman and Heritage Farm Inc.’s Z were the winners. Lieberman also finished second riding Redfield Farm’s Baronesse, and Nathan Rolfe guided Alex Jayne’s Fly Away to a third place finish.

Hunter and Equitation Highlights

Professional hunter rider, John French, swept the combined Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ and 3’6″ division this week, earning the championship aboard Lyn Pedersen’s Small Affair and finishing in reserve with Pedersen’s Silhouette. The Green Hunter champion was Avignion, owned by Francesca Migliore and ridden by Jennifer Bauersachs. Le Reve Farm Inc.’s Good Call and Christopher Payne finished in reserve.

In the Amateur-Owner/Junior Hunter 3’3″ division, Bella Cramer and Emilio earned the championship with Paige Tredennick and Apricot Lane in reserve.

The UHealth Children’s Hunter champion was Lochmoor Stables’ Leopold, ridden by Madison Arani. Evangelista, owned and ridden by Ally Marrinan, finished in reserve.

The Pilates Rocks Low Adult Hunter champion was Spoken For, owned and ridden by Hillary Jean with All-Star and owner/rider Lynn Blanchette in reserve. The Pine Hollow Stables Low Children’s Hunter champion was Without Question, owned by Ponies and Palms Show Stables LLC and ridden by Sophie Gochman. There was a tie for reserve champion between Slow Dance and Elizabeth Foster and Rivervue, owned by Michelle Guardino and ridden by Gabrielle Bernier.

Emma Kurtz and Scott Stewart’s Find the Laughter topped the Large Pony Hunter division with Pride and owner/rider Francesca Dildabanian finishing in reserve. Kurtz swept the Medium Pony Hunter division, earning the championship with Elizabeth Foster’s Qualen’s Commence the Magic and finishing in reserve aboard Cyprus Taraporevala’s Blackout. The Small Pony Hunter champion was Rafael, owned by David Gochman and ridden by Mimi Gochman. Emma Seving guided David Gochman’s Grand Jete’ to reserve honors.

In the equitation classes, Kate Ross rode Valerie Renihan’s Sancho to top honors in the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal presented by Randolph College. The pair also topped the ASCPA Maclay class. Sophie Simpson won the WIHS Equitation Overall riding Dutch Letter, owned by Ginny James. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Equestrian Sport Productions will host its Holiday Finale on January 1-5, 2014, featuring premier (AA) and 5* jumper rated competition. Highlights include a $10,000 Open Stake on Thursday, January 2, and a $25,000 ESP Holiday Finale Grand Prix on Saturday, January 4, at 7 p.m. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Deusser and Cornet d’Amour Turn On the Magic at Mechelen

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Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Cornet d’Amour won today’s sixth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series at Mechelen, Belgium. Photo: FEI/Hippo Foto, Dirk Caremans.

Mechelen (BEL), 30 December 2013 – Germany’s Daniel Deusser produced a fabulous performance from Cornet d’Amour to win the sixth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series at Mechelen, Belgium today.  From a starting field of 40, only four horse-and-rider combinations found the key to Lucien Somers’ tough first-round track. But the 32-year-old rider and his graceful grey gelding were smooth as silk when earning their spot in the jump-off, and they went on to clinch victory in the finest style with a thrilling run against the clock.

Runner-up was Sweden’s Jens Fredricson with his veteran partner, Lunatic, while Spain’s Pilar Cordon finished third with Nuage Bleu.  Last to go against the clock, 2000 Olympic champion Jeroen Dubbeldam from The Netherlands retired after lowering a fence with Zenith, but this nine-year-old gelding is clearly one for the future.  Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander did well to play the percentage game with Ego van Orti whose single first-round time penalty was good enough for fifth place ahead of the fastest of the four-faulters – Great Britain’s Joe Clee and Diablesse de Muze.

Today’s competition was one in which every inch of the arena had to be ridden to perfection in order to be successful.  “I expected more clears, but it was a long, tough course and the time was tight.  It was the kind of course where you had to totally concentrate from the first fence to the very last,” said the winning rider this evening.

Particular challenge

The arena at the Nekkerhalle in Mechelen is long and narrow, thus presenting a particular challenge to both course designers and horse-and-rider combinations alike.

Starting out over an oxer, several horses had already lost their concentration by the time they took the bending line to the vertical at fence two, while even more lowered the oxer at fence three after the turn-back there.  Another vertical at four followed by an oxer at five and then a right-handed turn to the vertical at six led to the influential line from the oxer at seven to the double – vertical to oxer – at fence eight.  Every fence took its toll, and the following oxer at nine was followed by the triple combination before another right-handed swing to the last three fences.

The triple-bar at eleven put many horses on the forehand, so riders often had a handful of horse coming down to the penultimate oxer along the ringside. And with five short strides to the final planks, control of pace and balance was critical at the very end.

Great cheer

It took quite a while for the first clear to be recorded by Fredricson and his 15-year-old gelding whose success, when eleventh to go, was greeted by a great cheer from the big crowd. And then, as so often happens, another followed just two horses later when Spain’s Pilar Cordon and Nuage Bleu also got it all just right.  However there was a long wait for the final two to join them on the jump-off start-list, Deusser and Cornet d’Amour looking in a class of their own with their foot-perfect round when fourth-last into the ring, and Dubbeldam most impressively steering Zenith home without incident when second-last to go.

The 72-seconds time-allowed was all that denied Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander and Ego van Orti the opportunity to contest for maximum points, but her fifth place finish has boosted her points tally to 47 and she is now comfortably qualified for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final next April.  She lies third on the Western European League table after today’s result, four points behind Olympic champion Steve Guerdat from Switzerland in runner-up spot and just five points behind Longines No. 1 rider Britain’s Scott Brash who remains at the head of affairs going into the next leg in Leipzig, Germany in three weeks’ time.

Against the clock

Fredricson led the way against the clock today and really threw down the gauntlet when galloping through the finish clear in 36.43 seconds.  Cordon also left the new seven-fence course intact to slot temporarily into runner-up spot when just over a second slower, and Deusser admitted afterwards that he wasn’t sure he could better the target set by the super-competitive Swedish partnership.

“When you have only four clear you think, well that’s not so bad. I had a good feeling about just four, but Jens was very fast and clear.  I saw him on the screen and my alarm button was already on. I thought, Oh no! Now it’s going to be really hard work to beat that! But I know my horse and he can do fantastic things.  I was lucky on the double vertical and I knew my horse could jump the combination very fast. There was a long run to the double of verticals and I knew he could do one stride less to that, so I think that’s where we picked up the time,” he later explained.

Shaving more than a second off that posted by the Swedish pair he crossed the line in 35.66 seconds.  And when Dubbeldam’s up-and-coming prospect left one on the floor, the Dutch rider sensibly retired to finish fourth.

Coming into his prime

The German winner talked about his eye-catching gelding son of the great Cornet Obolensky who, at 10 years of age, is still only coming into his prime. “I’ve been riding Cornet d’Amour since June 2012. I took a couple of months to get to know him before we went to our first big show together in Calgary (CAN) where he jumped double-clear in the Nations Cup. But then he got an injury in November so we had to stop for two months, and in the end the break was maybe good for him because he came back out in February to win the Grand Prix at Wellington in Florida.  We’ve had a great year in 2013 including finishing fourth in the Grand Prix of Aachen!” the rider happily pointed out.  The elegant pair also claimed the German Championship title at Balve this year before taking team silver and fifth place individually at the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships in Herning, Denmark in August.

Describing Cornet d’Amour, Deusser said, “He likes to present himself in front of the crowd.  In the warm-up he is totally relaxed, but he loves to know that people are watching him and when he comes into the arena he always grows a little – he likes to show off!”  He was particularly pleased about today’s win because it was on home ground. He lives in Mechelen with his girlfriend Caroline Wauters who is part of the organising team for the Belgian fixture and a daughter of the late Belgian jumping star Eric Wauters in whose memory the hugely popular annual fixture is staged.

Deusser recognised today’s victory as an important watershed in his career and said it has influenced his plans for 2014. “At the beginning it was not my goal to go to every World Cup show and try to qualify for the Final, but my other horse has grown so well in the last few months and this horse is in great form. So now I must consider whether I should try to get to the Final.  I’m planning to go to the US in February – this has always been part of my plan.  We went last year and it worked out really well,” he explained.

And he commented on how lucky he is to have the horse with which he won today. “Cornet d’Amour is jointly owned by Stephan Conter of Stephex Stables and Hunter Harrison from America.  Stephex Stables is a very big sales centre for horses so it is great that, thanks to these two people, I now have two great horses for myself to ride so I can really make a plan and get to the good shows.  It costs a lot to have horses on the road, and grooms and show expenses so, once in a while, it is great to get to keep some good ones!” he said appreciatively.

Today’s result has moved Deusser into ninth place on the Western European League leaderboard from which the top 18 will qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 in April.  The next leg of the series takes place in Leipzig, Germany on January 19.

For more information on the sixth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League 2013/2014 series at Mechelen, Belgium, go to www.jumping-mechelen.com or contact Press Officer Edith de Reys, Email edith.dereys@skynet.be Tel +32 475 659 281.

The next leg takes place in Leipzig, Germany on Sunday 19 January 2014.  For all information on the Germany fixture, go to website www.partner-pferd.de/de or contact Press Officer Andreas Kerstan, Email andreas.kerstan@comtainment.de, Tel +49 177 7532 624.

Full result here.

Full standings here.

Facts and Figures:

Mechelen in Belgium presented round 6 of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series.

From a starting field of 40, just four horse-and-rider combinations jumped clear in the first round.

Course designer was Belgium’s Lucien Somers assisted by Eddy Geysemans.

Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander finished fourth with Ego van Orti when collecting just a single time fault in the opening round.

A total of 10 horse-and-rider combinations had a single fence down in round one.

5 riders opted to retire in the first round.

Norway’s Victoria Gulliksen was eliminated in the first round when riding a circle following a refusal at the second element of the double at fence 8.

The annual Mechelen fixture is dedicated to the memory of the late Belgian jumping star, Eric Wauters.

Today’s winning rider, Germany’s Daniel Deusser, is based at Mechelen with his girlfriend Caroline Wauters who is a daughter of the late Eric Wauters and a key member of the Mechelen Organising Committee.

Just four more qualifying rounds will take place in the Western European League over the coming months – at Leipzig (GER) Sunday 19 January, Zurich (SUI) Sunday 26 January, Bordeaux (FRA) Saturday 8 February and Gothenburg (SWE) Sunday 2 March.

The Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Final will take place in Lyon, France from 17-21 April.

Quotes:

Winning rider Daniel Deusser (GER): “My girlfriend, Caroline Wauters, is part of the organisation here, and we live together in Mechelen so this is my home show!”

Pilar Cordon (ESP): I tried to do better than Jens, but it was difficult.  I was really happy with my horse.  I tried, but in the end it was difficult.”

Peter Bollen, Mechelen Show Director: “We are very happy with the show this year.  The riders are the ones that create a fantastic show and I would like to thank them all very much. It was last year, during the show, that we heard Longines would be the new sponsors of the FEI World Cup Jumping series. The teams onsite are very professional.  Most importantly, the value of the Finals this year will be higher and more riders will want to participate with the prizemoney involved.  They have increased it significantly – well done to them for taking that step.  The Longines FEI World Cup product now is extremely strong, and I want to thank Longines for their fantastic support.”

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By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Mechelen:

Edith de Reys
Email: edith.dereys@skynet.be
Tel: +32 475 659 281

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

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

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
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