Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Show Jumping

Emanuel Andrade Wins $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix

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Emanuel Andrade riding ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek closed out the 2013 season by winning the $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix in Wellington. Photo by Jack Mancini.

Wellington, Florida – One month after celebrating a Team Gold Medal in the 2013 Bolivarian Games in Trujillo, Peru, Emanuel Andrade of Caracas, Venezuela, was back in the winner’s circle after claiming the $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix on Sunday, December 29, in Wellington, Florida.

Andrade, 17, made his debut for the Venezuelan Show Jumping Team at the Bolivarian Games riding ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek.  The same horse carried him to victory in the $25,000 New Year’s Grand Prix, where Andrade defeated a 30-horse starting field in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  Five riders returned for the jump-off, with Andrade posting the fastest clear effort to take the win.

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

Andrade was understandably thrilled with his victory, having edged out such seasoned professionals as U.S. Equestrian Team veterans Todd Minikus and Lauren Hough, as well as 10-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar.

“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.”

Andrade began riding ZZ Top v/h Schaarbroek, owned by Hollow Creek Farm, mid-way through the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

“He jumped so well,” said Andrade of the 12-year-old bay Zangersheide gelding (Zandor Z x Latus I).  “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.  Having won the two classes offered earlier in the week riding Luky des Rocquelines and Tiny Tim, Andrade was favored to take Sunday’s Classic title.  He did not disappoint, winning without the need for a jump-off.  Having made a clean sweep of the division, Andrade was named the High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Champion with Tiny Tim, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (No Limit x Nimmerdor) purchased from Nick Skelton.

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.

“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 competing in Venezuela and the United States.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Classic Company, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Gulf Coast Classic Company Announces Bio-Security Measures

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Photo by MH Hamm.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is dedicated to the health, welfare and safety of all exhibitors both equine and human.  To protect our equine partners, the Gulf Coast Classic Company will be enforcing the following protocols at both the Pensacola, Florida and Mississippi Gulf Coast Circuits this winter.

It is advised that all horses stabling on the show grounds arrive between 7 am and 6 pm.  If it is necessary to arrive at any other time, you must check in with the night security officer.

You are required to have in hand:

1.  A current negative Coggins test.  It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds.  Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days.  Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you should use.

2.  A Health Certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of arrival at the Gulf Coast Classic show grounds, documenting that the horse has:

  • Received regular and consistent vaccination against Equine Influenza and EHV1 & 4 with most recent booster being within 90 days and not within 7 days.
  • Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days.
  • Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-4/1 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms of EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days.

3.  Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.

4.  You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival.  Please do no ship horses with elevated temperatures.  It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily.  If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local veterinarian immediately.

5.  Every effort should be made to minimize stress and co-mingling of horses shipped long distances.  Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses and the health of your neighbors’ horses.

6.  Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or suspicious origin must be reported to Gulf Coast Winter Classic Show Management and to the Show Veterinarian.  It is always better to err on the side of safety.  Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.

7.  Please take time to review equine good hygiene practices. Please convey the importance of this to your equine caretakers for their daily routines.

The Gulf Coast Classic Company strives to provide a safe and enjoyable show experience.  An important part of that experience is maintaining healthy horses.  Please continue to check the Gulf Coast Classic Company website for any additional and possible mandatory requirements.

Thank you for choosing to show with the Gulf Coast Winter Classics in Pensacola and Gulfport!

Remember, the Gulf Coast Classic Company never charges a credit card fee charged by the show office and never an add/scratch fee – you pay only for what you show in! Make the Gulf Coast Winter Classics your showing destination this winter. Come for the show and stay for the fun!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.  All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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

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

Awards, Competitions, Eventing/H.T.

USEF Awards $264,500 in Land Rover Competition and Training Grants to 2013 U.S. Eventing Team

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Will Faudree and Andromaque (Shannon Brinkman)

Lexington, Ky. – In 2013, Land Rover, the official automotive partner of the USEF, continued its unfailing support of the U.S. eventing program, awarding $208,000 in Competition Grants and a further $56,500 toward Training Grants. Eighteen horse-and-rider combinations from the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team received funding to compete at seven prestigious competitions in both Europe and the United States.

“I feel very fortunate to have received travel grants from Land Rover for two of my horses, which offset my expenses to two successful CCIs this fall,” said Clark Montgomery who received grants to compete with horses Universe and Loughan Glen at prestigious European competitions. “Land Rover’s continued support has maximized my exposure and therefore my competitive edge. I am grateful and looking forward to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2014 season ahead.”

The USEF awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to horse-and-rider combinations to compete at the Saumur CCI3*, the Aachen CICO3*, the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3*, the Military Boekelo CCIO3*, The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, and the Galway Downs International Event and Horse Trial CCI3*.

“The relationship between Land Rover and the USEF is very organic, as equestrians are active, outdoor enthusiasts and this lends well for us to showcase our vehicles within this athletic and adventurous community,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America. “Through our support of USEF we have a focus on eventing, and therefore we are pleased to be able to offer travel stipends to those riders who are at the very core of the Sport in the U.S.”

Saumur CCI3*

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at the Saumur CCI3*, May 22-26, 2013, in Saumur, France.

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot
Buck Davidson (Ocala, Fla.) and Sherrie Martin’s The Apprentice
Will Faudree (Hoffman, N.C.) and Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque
Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister (Shannon Brinkman)
Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister (Shannon Brinkman)

Aachen CICO3*

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at the Aachen CICO3*, June 24-27, 2013, in Aachen, Germany.

Tiana Coudray (Ojai, Calif.) and Jatial Inc.’s Ringwood Magister
Will Faudree (Hoffman, N.C.) and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow
Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders’ RF Smoke on the Water
Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s Universe

Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3*

The following horse-and-rider combination was awarded a USEF Land Rover Competition Grant to compete at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3*, September 12-15, 2013 in Woodstock, England.

Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker’s Loughan Glen

Military Boekelo CCIO3*

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*, October 10-13, 2013 in Boekelo, The Netherlands.

Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Team Rebecca, LLC’s Veronica
Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Trading Aces, LLC’s Trading Aces

The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International CCI3*, October 16-20, 2013 in Elkton, Maryland.

Ellen Doughty (Heartland, Texas) on her own Sir Oberon
Katherine Groesbeck (Temecula, Calif.) on her own Oz The Tin Man

Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott (Libby Law Photography)
Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott (Libby Law Photography)

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, October 23-27, 2013 in Pau, France.

Hannah Sue Burnett (The Plains, Va.) and Jacqueline Mars’ Harbour Pilot
Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s Mr. Medicott
Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms and Team Demeter’s RF Demeter
Kristi Nunnink (Auburn, Calif.) and her own R-Star
Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s Universe
Michael Pollard (Dalton, Ga.) and Carl Bouckaert’s Mensa G

Galway Downs International Event and Horse Trial CCI3*

The following horse-and-rider combinations were awarded USEF Land Rover Competition Grants to compete at the Galway Downs International Event and Horse Trial CCI3*, October 31 – November 3, 2013 in Temecula, California.

Buck Davidson (Ocala, Fla.) and Sharon Will’s Absolute Liberty
Allison Springer (Upperville, Va.) and Copycat Chloe Syndicate, LLC’s Copycat Chloe

To learn more about the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team, visit: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/LandRoverUSEventingTeam/.

To learn more about Land Rover USA, visit: http://www.landrover.com/us/en/lr/.

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Equestrian Sport Productions Holiday Festival III Wrap-Up: December 20-22, 2013

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Paul O’Shea and Primo de Revel. (c) Mancini Photos.

Paul O’Shea and Primo de Revel Win $25,000 Holiday Festival III Grand Prix

Wellington, FL – December 23, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Holiday Festival III this weekend on December 20-22, 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 Holiday III Grand Prix.

The $25,000 Holiday III Grand Prix was the highlight event of the weekend, held on Sunday afternoon in the International Arena at PBIEC. Jumping a track set by Mexico’s Anna Catalina Harris Cruz, 47 entries contested the first round course, and 10 advanced to the jump-off with three double clear rounds. Second to jump-off, Ireland’s Paul O’Shea and Primo de Revel, owned by Michael Hayden, had the fastest round of the day in 35.029 seconds that could not be beat.

Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Goldrush, owned by Alexander LLC, finished second in 35.943 seconds. Jimmy Torano (USA) and Ben Maher’s Dolores MB placed third with their time of 38.655 seconds. Alex Granato (USA) was fast with Paige Tredennick’s Zenith Dance in 35.173 seconds, but the pair had one rail down in the jump-off to finish fourth.

Paul O’Shea has had a phenomenal year with Primo de Revel, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding by Quinault x Lys de Darmen. Sunday’s win marked the pair’s fifth grand prix victory of the season, adding to their wins in the $25,000 ESP Spring III Grand Prix in April, the $75,000 Equine Insurance Services/Great American Great Prix of Lake Placid in June, the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Planning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak in August, and the $25,000 ESP Fall III Grand Prix in Wellington in October.

O’Shea was excited to get another win this week and see his top horse continue to perform consistently. “He just knows his job, and he always does the right thing,” the rider remarked. “He is good everywhere. It doesn’t matter where he goes; he just has a great mind.”

O’Shea and Primo de Revel were second to go in the jump-off out of 10 and stuck to their plan on course. “I saw the first rider go, but I just did what I had decided and everything came up good,” O’Shea explained. “I think we all did the same thing. The main difference was the last fence. The fence was in the corner, very close to the stands, and we were coming at it at a little bit of an angle. It was a little bit difficult, but it actually helped me because we went down there quite fast and it kind of backed him up, so he gave a really good jump over it.”

O’Shea has been riding Primo de Revel for nearly seven years and has a great relationship with the horse in and out of the ring. “We have been friends a long time now,” O’Shea acknowledged. “He is like the stable pet. He is like having a dog around the place. He is very quiet. He is just a real gentleman, and he is very easy to do everything with.”

At home or at the show, Primo de Revel is a class act with a simple training routine. “He is just really straightforward,” O’Shea said. “He really knows his job. Everything kind of came naturally to him, so we don’t do much. Most of the time I don’t even jump him at home. You don’t need to train him because he just goes, and he just does everything. We focus on keeping him fit, keeping him happy, and keeping him interested. He goes in the field every day. Nothing stresses him out. He is very laid back.”

Primo de Revel will conclude a fantastic season with one more night class, competing in two weeks in the $25,000 ESP Holiday Finale Grand Prix on Saturday, January 4, at 7 p.m. O’Shea then plans to give the horse a well-deserved break and only work him lightly throughout the winter, gearing up to show again in the spring.

Jumper Highlights

ESP’s Holiday Festival III began on Friday afternoon with a win for Darragh Kenny in the $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class riding Skara Glen’s Basel, owned by Mershad Stables LLC. The class saw 38 entries with 10 qualifiers for the jump-off. There were six double clear rounds and Darragh Kenny and Skara Glen’s Basel had the fastest time of 34.107 seconds for the win.

Emanuel Andrade finished second riding Hollow Creek Farm’s Carboni through the timers in 34.145 seconds. Jordan Coyne and Lazaro finished in 34.657 seconds to place third. Untouchable and Alma Bjorklund were fourth in 35.736 seconds.

The $1,500 Tackeria NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic was held on Saturday with a win for Maya Kobacker and The Kalahari Group’s Kalahari Mario. Nancy Hooker and Heather Hooker’s Corianos Boy finished second. John Tredennick and Trueman’s Affair, owned by Wood Run Farms, placed third. Tessa Weise and Carzat won the $2,500 M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic on Sunday with Keely McIntosh in second aboard McLain Ward’s Twinkie. Sheer Levitan placed third and fourth with Penelope Z and Nabuco du Theil, respectively.

The $2,500 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was won by Daniela Stransky aboard Liverpool, owned by Stransky’s Mission Farms Inc. Heather Hooker and Perle finished second, with Jennifer Santana and Santana Stables LLC’s Option d’Auge in third.

The $2,500 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, sponsored by Gold Coast Feed, saw a win for Liza Finsness aboard Shiver. Haley Schaufeld and River Farm Sporthorses’ Ana Sia placed second. Emanuel Andrade and Hollow Creek Farm’s Tiny Tim were third.

Joaquina Barrios and Simply the Best won the $1,500 Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic with Elizabeth Craven and Silverado in second and Tamara Seely riding Legrako finishing in third.

Hunter and Equitation Highlights

A full schedule of hunter competition was also featured throughout the weekend with many top horses and riders. In the combined Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3″ and 3’6″ division, Chris Brown guided his horse Pillow Talk to championship honors with Paige Tredennick and Apricot Lane finishing in reserve.

Kelley Farmer swept the First Year Green Working Hunters, earning the division championship with Certainty and the reserve honors with High Regard, both horses owned by Glefke and Kensel LLC. Farmer also earned the championship in the combine Second Year/High Performance Working Hunter division with High Regard. There was a tie for the reserve championship between Farmer and her mount Verbatim, owned by Glefke and Kensel LLC, as well as Jennifer Bliss riding Harris Hill Farm LLC’s Poker Face.

In the #1 Education Place Junior Hunters, Ali Tritschler guided Elizabeth D’Loren’s Zapateada to championship honors with Sophie Michaels and Further Lane Farm LLC’s Stellar in reserve.

The Large Pony Hunter champion was Scott Stewart’s Find the Laughter ridden by Emma Kurtz with Back Country Farm’s Love and Logic, ridden by Alexandra Pielet, in reserve. Kurtz also swept the Medium Pony Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Cyprus Taraporevala’s Blackout and finishing in reserve riding Elizabeth Foster’s Qualen’s Commence the Magic. Alexandra Pielet and Back Country Farm’s Secret Love topped the Small Pony Hunter division with Christina Rogalny and Lochmoor Stables’ Firefly in reserve.

In the equitation, Spencer Smith rode Artisan Farms LLC’s Naturel to a clean sweep of the the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal presented by Randolph College as well as the ASPCA Maclay and WIHS Equitation classes. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com.

Equestrian Sport Productions will host its ESP New Year’s horse show next on December 27-29, 2013, featuring National (A) and 4* Jumper Rated competition. Highlights include the $10,000 Open Stake on Friday, December 27, and the $25,000 ESP New Year’s Grand Prix on Sunday, December 29 at 2 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

Art/Photography, Phelps Media Group

Fine Artist Louise Mellon Joins Phelps Media Group Family of Clients

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“Under the Neck Shot” by Louise Mellon.

Wellington, FL – December 23, 2013 – Phelps Media Group is pleased to announce that fine artist Louise Mellon will join its roster of clients. Mellon currently resides in Aiken, SC, and is originally from Middleburg, VA. She is known for her brightly-colored and whimsical portrayals of the equestrian and animal worlds.

“We are thrilled to have Louise join our family of clients,” said Mason Phelps Jr., president of Phelps Media Group. “Her work is fun, bright and positive. We look forward to spreading the word about Louise to an even wider audience.”

Often seen gracing the pages of equestrian publications, Mellon’s work is representative of her positive and enthusiastic approach to life. She prefers to represent the everyday world from an unexpected and high-impact slant. Often, her paintings will elicit a smile or a chuckle. The Chronicle of the Horse selected Mellon’s piece, “Horse on Skis,” for the cover of its Dec. 23, 2013 – Jan 6, 2014 edition.

The Chronicle of the Horse selected Louise Mellon's "Horse on Skis" for its holiday issue
The Chronicle of the Horse selected Louise Mellon’s “Horse on Skis” for its holiday issue

Mellon has served on the boards of the National Gallery of Art, the Collectors Committee of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art in Richmond and the American Academy of Equine Art. She is currently a board member of the Aiken Center for the Arts.

Editors and publishers often reach out to Mellon for cover art and to enhance the pages of their publications. Southwest Art Magazine, Sidelines and the covers of multiple event programs and publications such as the Tanglewood Steeplechase program, Polo America Directory, Barn Book and Aiken Horse have all chosen Mellon’s distinctive work.

Mellon’s work has been presented at solo and juried shows in Washington, DC; Middleburg, VA; Aiken, SC; Upperville, VA; Portland, Maine; Lexington, KY; New Haven, CT; Marietta, GA; Rockingham, NH; Saratoga, NY; and West Grove, PA.

Friend and collector Bruce Duchossois will host a private showing of Mellon’s work in Wellington, FL, during the 2014 winter equestrian season.

About Louise Mellon

Mellon was born to a family of artists who encouraged her creativity early on. She was raised in Middleburg, VA, where she rode and drove horses. Mellon’s keen visual sense led her to a career as a commercial photographer and artist. Her work has been seen branding numerous products and covers of prize lists, racing programs and publications. She moved to Aiken, SC and custom built a very special studio, where she works, welcomes visiting artists and hosts local events. Mellon’s unique view of the world is demonstrated through all her work. Her style is instantly recognizable and certain to bring enjoyment, laughter and wonder.

For more information, visit Louise Mellon’s website at: http://louisemellon.com/.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12230 Forest Hill Blvd.
Suite 214
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

May Day Qualifier

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Jacqui Cuddy on Malcarat, taken by Palmer Photo.

Every May, dressage riders from all over the southeast look forward to the May Day Qualifier, a USDF and USEF recognized show presented by Westwind Events of Archer, Florida. This year, the show on May 10-11 is moving to the Florida Horse Park (FHP) in Ocala, Florida. Currently, the horse park is building a huge covered arena and stabling to host large, international shows.  Florida Horse Park is where the next hub for dressage, eventing, jumper shows as well as other disciplines will take place well into the future. May Day will offer levels from Introductory to Grand Prix, with a $1,000 Musical Freestyle Challenge.  Westwind Events is known for producing professional, fun, laid back shows with beautiful awards, excellent scheduling, great judges, and a friendly staff.

Look for the prize list on the FHP web site in late March.  Interested vendors and sponsors may call 352-328-6112.

Directions: I-75 to exit 341; go east on 484 to the light at 475. Turn north; go approximately 2 miles on the left.

Wendy Low/Organizer
May Day Qualifier

Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Fundraisers, Western/Reining

The Old West Comes to Palm Beach County for Who Reins Supreme?

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Peter Pletcher competing in the reining competition last year. Photo: Tom Tracy.

Reining Competition, Trick Riders, Music, Cocktails and More at Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Fourth Annual Fundraiser

WELLINGTON, FL (December 19, 2013) – The Equestrian Aid Foundation will host the fourth annual winter Who Reins Supreme? on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach. The Old West themed event will feature a unique reining competition, cocktail hour, trick riders, awards ceremony, live and silent auctions and more.

The highlight of Who Reins Supreme? will be a reining competition between two teams, each comprised of a compilation of hunters, jumpers, and dressage riders. The competitors will include Ashley Holzer, Nick Dello Joio, Peter Pletcher, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson. World Equestrian Games individual Gold Medalist Tom McCutcheon and Tim McQuay, one of the all-time leaders in the sport of reining, will captain each team, coaching the competitors and representing their teams in the competition.

The past two presidents of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Robert Dover and Mason Phelps, Jr., will be honored along with the current president, R. Scot Evans, for their dedication to the equine community and role in providing care and support for those in need.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in a position that allows me to give back to those who make equestrian sports possible and share my passion for these remarkable animals,” said Evans. “I truly believe that the Equestrian Aid Foundation provides an invaluable service, and I am proud to be a part of their great work.”

Proceeds from the evening will benefit EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries. Tickets and tables can be purchased at equestrianaidfoundation.org.

About the Equestrian Aid Foundation: For 17 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has delivered financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as food and housing – enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. The EAF is a 501 (c) 3 organization.  Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or @ride4hope.

Sarit Schneider
Account Manager
Sirota Public Relations
261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl.
New York, NY 10016
O: 917.525.4372
C: 917.783.2334

Competitions, Show Jumping

Ben Maher Proves He Still Has the X-Factor

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Olympia, London, 22 December 2013 – Ben Maher saved the best until last at Olympia, The London International Horse Show, when winning the last big class of the week, the Olympia Grand Prix, with a classic display of calm horsemanship on his own and Quainton Stud’s home-bred stallion Tripple X lll.

In a stirring climax to a week of great competition, the world number two narrowly overhauled his 58-year-old compatriot John Whitaker, who had the audience on the edge of their seats with his vintage display of bold riding on Argento.

Penelope Leprevost of France, third on Flora de Mariposa, set the early standard with a beautifully judged clear in the 12-horse jump-off but, to the home crowd’s delight, Ben beat her by nearly a second.

John then produced his gallant effort, but a tiny check in front of the penultimate fence cost him a fraction of a second and first place in one of the few competitions he has yet to win.

Until this evening, only two senior British riders had won classes, William Funnell and Laura Renwick, who finished the show as H&M Leading Rider, and Ben was the first to admit that it hadn’t been one of his finest weeks – the day before, Tripple X hit two fences in the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier.

“Actually, the horse was jumping well and I felt he was on form – it was me that needed to calm down,” confessed Ben. “I have been struggling all week, making mistakes I don’t normally make, so I went Christmas shopping and changed my plan.”

The magnificent stallion Tripple X rattled the second fence in the jump-off, but Ben kept his head. “I heard the crowd gasp but, if anything, that helped me. There’s huge prize-money all over the world but you can’t beat history and all the people cheering. I’d rather win the Grand Prix at Olympia than anywhere else in the world.”

Amazingly, Ben is the first British rider to win the Olympia Grand Prix since Robert Smith in 2005, so to have a British one-two was doubly encouraging and greeted with rapturous applause by the packed house.

“I’m excited about this horse,” said the sporting runner-up John Whitaker. “He’s improving all the time and was bang on today.”

And, although British riders certainly did not have it all their own way this week at Olympia, the H&M Leading Rider of Show accolade went to another popular Brit, Laura Renwick, whose consistency meant she beat Peder Fredricson (SWE) by four points to win the award.

Jur Vrieling (NED) was third, William Funnell (GBR) fourth, Italy’s Luca Moneta fifth and the talented young Dutchman, Maikel Van der Vleuten, winner of the Christmas Masters as well as the Longines FEI World Cup, was sixth.

Thus ended a fantastic week at Olympia in which eight of 11 performances were a sell-out – a new record.

Laura Renwick, Britain’s leading lady, summed up the week: “This is right up there with anything else I’ve done. This is the showcase for the year for British riders and so to win this leading rider prize is a great thing for my CV!”

Audio Links

Scott Brash – The World Number 1 reflects on his week at Olympia Horse Show
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Scott_Brash.mp3

Laura Renwick – The British rider crowned H&M leading rider of the show
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Laura_Renwick.mp3

Ben Maher – The British rider wins the final International class of the show, the Grand Prix.
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/Ben_MaherSUN.mp3

Final Placings

For details of the final placings in the Olympia Grand Prix, please click HERE.

For more information, please visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com.

Olympia, The London International Horse Show

Throughout the week of 16 December, the Olympia Exhibition Hall, located in West Kensington, London will play host to packed timetable of all things equestrian and boasts a total of over 80,000 visitors. The show mixes top class equestrian action including FEI World Cup Jumping, Dressage and Extreme Carriage Driving with family entertainment, such as The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art display and the Osborne Refrigerators Shetland Pony Grand National which raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Olympia Horse Show celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2007 and is regarded as one of Europe’s oldest equine competitions. Olympia Horse Show’s official charity for 2013 is veterinary charity, the Animal Health Trust, which works behind the scenes to monitor equine disease around the world and undertakes extensive on-going research to minimise the risk of injury to sport horses. The evening performance on Wednesday 18 December will be dedicated to the Animal Health Trust and 50p from every seat sold will go to the charity.

For more information, please contact Hannah Grissell, Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Email: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 207 592 1207

Eventing/H.T., FEI

Andrew Nicholson Celebrates Second $50,000 HSBC Rankings Bonus

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Andrew Nicholson, HSBC Rankings leader at the end of the 2013 Eventing season, was presented with a silver salver by HSBC Sponsorship Manager Kate Fullam at the London International Horse Show at Olympia. (Photo: FEI/Kit Houghton)

Lausanne (SUI), 22 December 2013 – New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson has collected his second consecutive US$50,000 bonus after an extraordinary 2013 Eventing season as uninterrupted leader of the HSBC Rankings.

Nicholson was first awarded the HSBC bonus last year after retaining the top spot in the world Eventing rankings since the London 2012 Olympic Games in Greenwich Park, where he led the bronze medal winning team and secured New Zealand’s first medal of the Games.

The 52-year-old, born and raised in Te Awamutu on New Zealand’s North Island and based in Great Britain since1980, has now held the HSBC Rankings lead for 19 consecutive months and also won the HSBC FEI Classics.

He will also end the 2013 Eventing season as leader of the British Eventing Rankings for the 15th time in his career, with Luhmühlen winner Mr Cruise Control and Pau winner Nereo, who last month was crowned Eventing horse of the year by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses, occupying first and second places.

“This is a great honour, and it doesn’t get more special than this,” Andrew Nicholson said today, after being presented with a silver salver by HSBC’s Sponsorship Manager Kate Fullam at Olympia, The London International Horse Show (GBR).

“I’m very grateful to HSBC, which has helped raise the profile of top-level Eventing massively. The competition is a lot fiercer now right from the beginning of the season because of the focus on world ranking points. Thanks to Nereo, Mr Cruise Control, Avebury, Calico Joe and Quimbo and my team at home, we’ve pulled it off again, and I’m now focusing on the 2014 Eventing season, the World Equestrian Games and of course Rio.”

Giles Morgan, HSBC Group Head of Sponsorship & Events, commented: “On behalf of HSBC I would like to congratulate Andrew on ending the Eventing season as the leading rider in the HSBC World Rankings. This, along with his victory in the 2013 HSBC FEI Classics series, is testament to Andrew’s talent and his commitment to the sport. We wish all the riders the best of luck for next season.”

“HSBC has made a tremendous contribution to global Eventing during its partnership with the FEI, helping to propel the sport onto a mainstream stage,” said Ingmar De Vos, FEI Secretary General. “As well as supporting the highest level of Eventing as title sponsor of the HSBC FEI Classics for six successful years, HSBC has helped young riders at grass roots level to develop skills enabling them to come up through the ranks to compete internationally, and this positive impact on the sport will be felt for many years to come.”

HSBC became title sponsor of the Eventing Rider Rankings in 2008. The HSBC Rankings are run on a rolling 12-month basis. In July 2011, HSBC announced a new initiative to reward the leading rider at the end of the season with a US$50,000 bonus and Great Britain’s Mary King was the first to celebrate this windfall.

The December HSBC Rankings will be published on 27 December here.

HSBC concludes its partnership with the FEI at the end of 2013. The FEI is currently evaluating partners and possibilities for the highly popular FEI Classics series and wider events including the FEI’s first team series, FEI Nations Cup Eventing.

Media contacts:

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

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

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

Young Jumpers Added to Pensacola Schedule

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The Gulf Coast Winter Classic Pensacola shows are set to kick off on January 8 and it is shaping up to be a winner!  If you haven’t sent your entries in yet, add that to your holiday to-do list!

Besides the great weather, waterfront location and action packed show schedule, the show will also be offering the Young Jumper Five, Six, Seven and Eight Year Old Qualifying Classes.  Please visit the YJC website at www.youngjumper.com for complete details.

If you know you are going to be showing on the Emerald Coast in January but have not yet sent in your entries, make sure to call the Gulf Coast Classic office at 843 768 5503 and reserve your stalls now!  “This show is really popular and we need to make sure we have enough stalls for everyone,” said Gulf Coast Classic Company President, Bob Bell.  “For those of you who have not shown at our Pensacola shows, you have to try it,” said Bell.  “This venue is exhibitor-friendly and is probably the most ideal show to earn some valuable AA hunter points early in the year,” he said.

A non-stop hunter and jumper schedule gets started Week 1 with the $10,000 Open Jumper Class on Saturday night.  Weeks 2 and 3 offer a $25,000 Grand Prix on Saturday nights.  The USHJA National Hunter Derby will be offered weeks 2 and 3.  A comprehensive list of classes will be offered each show week ranging from the Child/Adult Jumpers, Jr./Amateur Owner Jumpers to Open Hunters to the Walk Trot Division. The Pensacola shows offer riders and their horses the opportunity to earn valuable experience and mileage in a fun, vacation-like setting at a top show facility.

Pensacola2AA horse shows with a vacation-destination feel are the hallmark of the Gulf Coast Classic Company and Pensacola is a perfect destination for show jumping and wave jumping!

Ready, Set, Go!

When looking to book your accommodations for the Pensacola shows, please book with the Official Gulf Coast Classic Company lodging partners!

Just minutes from the Escambia Equestrian Center, beach, airport and quaint Gulf side restaurants and shops, Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partners are ready to offer you award winning service and accommodations.  The Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn, located at 2390 West Detroit Boulevard, offers its customer friendly service along with complimentary high-speed Internet access, microwaves, refrigerators and cable satellite televisions.  An outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, free parking and complimentary daily hot breakfast will give you a leg up on your busy show day.  Make sure to call them directly to ensure the horse show rate.

The Red Roof Inn Pensacola West, located at 2591 Wilde Lake Boulevard welcomes you and your pets to the Gulf Coast Classic Pensacola shows.  Conveniently located in close proximity to the show grounds, this pet-friendly hotel offers complimentary Internet access, breakfasts and parking.  Select rooms offer microwaves and mini-fridges.  Coin laundry is also available.  Call directly to secure your horse show rate!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.  All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director, at lisa@classiccompany.com.

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