Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Dressage, Driving, FEI, Show Jumping

London International Horse Show Olympia – Three Live Events on FEI TV

Leave a comment

Scott Brash (GBR), pictured here with Hello Sanctos on his way to victory at the opening leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping in Oslo (NOR), heads to the London International Horse Show Olympia as leader of the Longines Rankings (Roger Svalsroed/FEI).

Lausanne (SUI), 16 December 2013 – Tune in to the FEI’s wide range of online information resources for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage, FEI World Cup Driving and Longines FEI World Cup Jumping at the Olympia Horse Show, the “World’s Best Equestrian Christmas Party”, this week.

Watch live

Live action on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform, kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday, 17 December) with the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle at 19.40 GMT, followed by the seventh qualifier for FEI World Cup Driving on 20 December at 18.10 GMT and the fifth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping on Saturday, 21 December at 14.40 GMT (see full FEI TV live schedule here).

FEI TV subscribers can also now watch all the action on their iPhones, as well as iPads, thanks to the new and free FEI TV on the Go application.

In addition to live coverage, the FEI’s official YouTube channel carries interviews with riders, as well as competition and behind-the-scenes footage – feel free to share!

Get the info

Our detailed press kits for each of these series, which are updated after every leg with results and standings, can be downloaded from www.feipresskits.org.

We also have dedicated online hubs, giving you access to all you need to know about these exciting series: Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage hub, FEI World Cup Driving hub, Longines FEI World Cup Jumping hub.

Engage

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/the.fei

Follow and share on Twitter: @myfei_home, @Reem_Acra, @Longines, @OlympiaHorse #driving, #dressage, #longinesjumping

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

Media contacts:

At FEI:

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

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

At Olympia:

Jo Peck
Press Officer
JoPeck@hpower.co.uk
+447887 551879

Competitions, Driving, FEI

Boyd Exell Secures Ticket for Bordeaux Final with Victory in Geneva

Leave a comment

Australia’s Boyd Exell proved unbeatable in the FEI World Cup Driving at Geneva (SUI) to earn his ticket to the Final in Bordeaux (FRA) next February. (Rinaldo de Craen/FEI)

Geneva (SUI), 15 December 2013 – Four-time FEI World Cup Driving Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) has secured his ticket for the FEI World Cup Driving Final with victory in Geneva (SUI), sixth leg of the 2013/2014 season. IJsbrand Chardon gave (NED) everything he could, but one knockdown dropped him to second ahead of Stockholm winner Tomas Eriksson (SWE) in third.

Dutchman Johan Jacobs, O- and World Cup Course Designer, replaced his colleague Falk Böhnisch who retired last year. Jacobs treated the eight drivers in Geneva to a nice course with fluent and technical parts, including the exciting and unique water obstacle.

Despite the early hour on Sunday morning, the stands in the Palexpo hall were filled with enthusiastic spectators, who enjoyed this ‘small final’ as the competitors described the competition in Geneva. The time difference between the top three drivers after the first round was less than two seconds, resulting in a thrilling Winning Round that demanded the most of the drivers’ skills.

Boyd Exell had a short stop in the first obstacle in the first round, which cost him around six seconds, but his speed overall was excellent and he remained clear in the long course to earn a place in the Winning Round. Second man in for the decider, Exell tried to maintain his high speed without making any mistakes. Driving a new right leader horse, the seven-year-old gelding Aba Sam previously driven by József Dobrovitz junior (HUN), the Australian Boyd powered round the course to set the fastest time and an unbeatable standard.

It was Exell’s sixth win in a row in Geneva, including the FEI World Cup Driving Final of the 2009/2010 season. He has now tops the standings after finishing his five FEI World Cup Driving events. The Great-Britain based driver will compete with a wild card at the next leg in London-Olympia next week, after which he will enjoy a well-deserved holiday in his homeland Australia.

Exell’s good performance put the pressure on last man in, IJsbrand Chardon, who drove the same team that he steered to victory in the FEI World Cup Driving competition in Budapest (HUN) two weeks ago. Although the speed of his Lipizzaner horses was not so high in the first round, Chardon gave everything he had and took all the risks in the Winning Round. The speed was good this time, but with one ball down at obstacle 11, Chardon had to settle for the runner-up spot to secure his place on the Bordeaux Final start list.

Tomas Eriksson also had the same team of horses with which he was successful at Stockholm two weeks ago, including a horse of his Swedish colleague, four-in-hand driver Axel Olin, who acted as navigator for him in Geneva. Eriksson was first to go in the Winning Round and he really put the pressure on his rivals by driving his team fluently through the course, putting down a very fast and clear round. But both Exell and Chardon were faster, leaving the Swede in third place at the finish.

Wild card driver Jérôme Voutaz (SUI) put down a wonderful performance with his four-in-hand of Freiberger mares and his results were much appreciated by the other drivers. Voutaz is the reigning Swiss champion and competed for the first time in an international competition in September of this year in Donaueschingen (GER), where he finished 19th. A mechanic by profession, he spends all his free time after work training his horses and was very proud to be able to compete in the FEI World Cup Driving competition in Geneva, his first-ever World Cup start. Voutaz set a fast time and had two knockdowns, which resulted in a well-deserved fourth place, leaving experienced drivers Theo Timmerman (NED) and reigning FEI World Cup Champion Koos de Ronde (NED) behind him.

Both Timmerman and De Ronde made a driving error going into the water obstacle, which cost them precious seconds and one knockdown.

Werner Ulrich (SUI) and Thibault Coudry (FRA) had also received wild cards. Ulrich, who is manager of the driving department of the Swiss Equestrian Centre in Bern, competed with the same horses that he used in the FEI World Cup Driving season 2012/2013 to finish seventh in Geneva. His goal for next season is to be in the Top Ten again and to compete in the FEI World Cup Driving.

Thibault Coudry used the bay trotter horses of his outdoor team and was kindly lent two grey geldings by a four-in-hand driving friend from France, but the unfamiliar team did not have the necessary high speed in the world’s largest indoor arena and finished eighth.

Quotes:

Boyd Exell (AUS): “The golden era, the successful five years I had with my old team is over and I am changing horses to put the best team together again. I think the time has now come to stay with the team and allow them to become a team. I have used the extra competition in Geneva to try new combinations and I will do the same at Olympia next week.”

IJsbrand Chardon (NED): “I lacked a bit of power in the first round, but it was enough to make it to the Winning Round. I really went for it and wanted to win, but the risk I took unfortunately resulted in a knockdown. But I am still happy with the good feeling my horses gave me and I enjoyed the good course. I am pleased with my second place; I am now certain of a ticket to the Final in Bordeaux.”

Tomas Eriksson (SWE): “I tried to put the pressure on Boyd and IJsbrand by driving clear and fast. The course was very good to drive and Johan Jacobs made some small adjustments compared to the first night, which made the course more soft and round. I am happy with the third place.”

Results in detail can be viewed here.

The 2013/2014 FEI World Cup Driving series now moves on to London Olympia, Great Britain on Friday 20 December.

For information on the next leg, go to www.olympiahorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Jo Peck, jopeck@hpower.co.uk, + 44 1753 847 900.

By Cindy Timmer

Media Contacts:

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

At Geneva:
Corinne Druey
druey@syntagme-lausanne.ch
+41 21 312 82 22

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Steve Guerdat Wins the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva

Leave a comment

Steve Guerdat (SUI) and Nino des Buissonnets, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix, Geneva 2013 © Rolex/Kit Houghton.

New Live Contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping

Geneva, Switzerland 15 December 2013, In front of a huge crowd of over 9,500 fans, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat riding the great Nino des Buissonnets, today won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, and becomes the live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Each time he entered the arena, the Swiss crowd greeted Rolex Testimonee Guerdat with wave after wave of cheers, which at one stage seemed to rock the foundations of the huge Palexpo Arena. He was one of 10 riders to make it through to the jump-off and, fourth to go, his time of 43.26 seconds was only briefly threatened by the World No. 1 Scott Brash (GBR), who produced a second clear round just 0.32 seconds behind Guerdat.

“I get a little scared sometimes on what is going to be next and how I am ever going to be able to give to the fans who have already had so much success with me here over the years. But every year I come back and something new happens and some bigger wins and it just feels amazing!” said a delighted Guerdat.

“Nino has won so much already since the Olympics – he is not jumping a lot but every time he goes out he is in the top and again today. He is just in a class of his own,” continued Guerdat.

At one stage it looked as though Belgium’s Peter Devos, riding Candy, could make it a ‘double’ by winning a second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – he was the ‘live’ contender having won the CN International presented by Rolex, at Spruce Meadows in September. Having gone clear in the first round he went into the jump-off showing good form, but two poles down and eight faults put paid to his chances of taking the Rolex Grand Prix title.

It was a truly exciting Rolex Grand Prix, with 10 superb spectacular clears around the 14 fence course. The first clear came from the Rolex Grand Prix winner at Calgary – Pieter Devos and Candy. Athina Onassis Miranda (GRE) rode a brilliant round, but was very unlucky to get one time fault on AD Camille Z. Her husband Alvaro de Miranda (BRA) was next into the arena and rode a great clear, followed by Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) who also left the ring on a clean sheet on the stunning Embassy II. Then followed seven more riders with clear rounds; Luciana Diniz (POR), Gerco Schröder (NED), Simon Delestre (FRA), Scott Brash, Kevin Staut (FRA) and Patrice Delaveau (FRA).

The 2013 CHI Geneva has been the most successful in the show’s long history with over 40,000 spectators packing into the Palexpo over the four days to watch the some of the world’s best riders including Rolex Testimonees Kevin Staut, Eric Lamaze, Meredith Michaesl-Beerbaum and Rodrigo Pessoa compete at the highest level of the sport.

Alban Poudret, Sports Director for CHI Geneva, commented: “It is like a dream; we are flying at the Palexpo Arena. For us, always when Steve wins, it’s a big gift, because he is the rider of the show. But this year it was something special you know with the Rolex Grand Slam and more pressure for us, more pressure for Steve, for everybody. To have him winning, it’s really a dream come true, but I think he is even better when he has big pressure. He has won eight major Grands Prix in Geneva in nine years; it’s incredible. Nobody did that. The bigger the pressure, the better he is!”

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping now takes a break until CHIO Aachen from 11-20 July 2014, but Rolex continues to support the sport at the highest level and will be the Official Timepiece at the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida from 9 January to 31 March 2014, and also at Indoor Brabant from 20 to 23 March 2014.

The Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping features three of the world’s greatest equestrian shows – the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and CHI Geneva – and is the first global initiative to reward the outstanding rider who wins the Grand Prix at each show in succession. The winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping will be rewarded with a €1 million bonus prize.

For details of the final placings in the CHI Geneva Rolex Grand Prix, please click: http://results.scgvisual.com/2013/geneve/r21.html.

Websites:
www.rolex.com
www.rolexgrandslam.com

Rolex Equestrianism Press Room:
equestrianismpressroom.rolex.com

Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping – The Rules

The rules of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping are simple: any rider that wins the Grand Prix at each of the three shows consecutively will receive €1m on top of the prize-money for each show’s Grand Prix. Moreover, any rider that wins two out of the three show’s Grands Prix will also receive a bonus.

If the Grands Prix at two shows are won in succession, the bonus will be €500,000. If a rider is successful in qualifying for the “two out of three mode”, but doesn’t claim the victories at two consecutive shows’ Grands Prix, the bonus will be €250,000. It is only the rider that counts, not the horse i.e. it is possible to claim the bonus riding different horses. This system is infinite; it is not limited to a calendar year.

Three wins in a row – €1,000,000
Two wins in a row – €500,000
Two wins out of three (not consecutively) – €250,000

Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 7770 647 662

Niels Knippertz
press@rolexgrandslam.com
+49 241 9171 180

Phelps Media Group, Polo

World-Class Players, Team Sponsors Announced for Piaget World Snow Polo Championship

Leave a comment

Snow polo returns to downtown Aspen.

ASPEN, CO. — Dec. 13, 2013 — Some of the world’s greatest polo players will converge on Wagner Park, the crown jewel of Aspen, for the Dec. 19-20 Piaget World Snow Polo Championship.

Melissa and Marc Ganzi of Aspen Valley Polo Club, sister club of Wellington, Fla.-based Grand Champions Polo Club, along with Nacho Figueras and Larry Boland, president of Piaget North America, are hosting the final stop on the World Polo Tour.

The Dec. 20 championship will be a round-robin tournament format with three polo teams: Audi, Piaget and St. Regis.

The event has attracted three of the biggest names in polo and two of only six players in the world with the perfect 10-goal rating.

Ten-goaler Facundo Pieres, ranked second in the world, will captain the Audi Polo Team. His older brother, Gonzalito Pieres, also a 10-goaler, will head the Piaget Polo Team and 6-goaler Figueras will captain the St. Regis Polo Team.

Facundo Pieres is coming off an outstanding year that includes playing for winning teams in the U.S. Open, Queens Cup, British Open and Gold and Silver Cups in Spain. He was ranked No. 1 in the world for most of the year.

Facundo’s older brother, Gonzalito Pieres, is ranked sixth in the world. Pieres was a member of Audi’s 2009 U.S. Open and C. V. Whitney winning teams and 2011 USPA Piaget Gold Cup.

Gonzalito Pieres will captain the Piaget Polo Team in the Dec. 19-20 Piaget World Snow Polo Championship.
Gonzalito Pieres will captain the Piaget Polo Team in the Dec. 19-20 Piaget World Snow Polo Championship.

Both brothers are members of the legendary Pieres family headed by their father and polo legend Gonzalo Pieres Sr.

Figueras, polo’s international ambassador and face of Ralph Lauren, is one of the sport’s most popular and well-recognized players in the world. The Argentine polo player was named Sentebale Ambassador by Prince Harry and also serves as St. Regis Connoisseur.

Other players on the team rosters include Melissa Ganzi, one of only two women player patrons in high goal polo in the nation; her husband, Mark Ganzi, one of the world’s top amateur players ranked in the Top 50 among high goal players; 8-goal rated player Nic Roldan; and 5-goalers Juan Bollini and Brandon Phillips.

Players will be competing for valuable World Polo Tour points in the final snow polo event of the year.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, polo practice chukkers will be held to enable players and horses to acclimate to the weather and playing surface. Friday tournament action will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Games begin 12:30 p.m. each day. Gates open 11 a.m.

Polo fans can relax and watch world-class snow polo from the VIP Pavilion while enjoying mountain fare from the St. Regis Hotel along with cocktails from Johnnie Walker Blue.

Tickets are available through Ticket Leap (www.ticketleap.com). A one-day pass for the VIP tent is $150. General admission is free to the public and will be first-come, first-serve bleacher seating on the east side of the park.

VIP Pavilion access includes full access to the heated tent, lunch courtesy of St. Regis and cocktails provided by Johnnie Walker’s mixologist.

All proceeds benefit Sopris Therapy Services and Aspen Sister Cities.

Sopris Therapy Services is a non-profit organization that provides Equine Assisted Therapy and rehabilitation in a ranch-setting to children and adults with various disabilities.

Aspen Sister Cities’ mission is to share ideas and cultures through the international exchange of students and community members from Aspen and its respective sister cities.

ASPEN VALLEY POLO CLUB

CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 970-710-1663 and email: aspenvalleypolo@bellsouth.net.

ABOUT THE CLUB: The nation’s newest private polo club still in its’ developing stages features a complete facility offering stick-and-ball field, club house, wooden horse polo pit, exercise track, indoor school, arena, pony hire, livery, coaches, stable and turn to hire and grooms accommodations.

Sharon Robb 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, Awards, Driving

Vote Chester Weber for USEF Equestrian of the Year

Leave a comment

Team Weber in the dressage phase at the 2012 CAI Altenfelden. (Photo courtesy of www.hippoevent.at)

Ocala, FL (December 13, 2013) – Ten-time USEF National Four-in-Hand Champion, 2012 World Driving Championships Individual Silver and Team Bronze Medalist, and 2010 World Equestrian Games Silver medalist Chester Weber has been nominated for the one of the most prestigious titles in American horse sport: the USEF Pegasus Award as Equestrian Of The Year (EOTY).  But to win Weber needs an act of teamwork from his nation’s horsemen comparable to that of his champion horses.

Weber’s competition record abroad as well as in the US was one of the prime motivators behind his nomination for Equestrian of the Year, and through his success, leadership, horsemanship and generosity he has continued to demonstrate his dedication to the sport and industry.  In addition to his landmark 10th national title, he drove his team to a string of European successes including wins at the 2014 WEG test event at CAI-Caen, CAIO Saumur, and top three finishes at Beekbergen and Aachen, assuring that 2013 will go down as one of the greatest seasons ever in the history of American combined driving.  As the European press cited this year’s list of nominees for Equestrian of the Year as lacking dressage representation, a vote for the Weber would take the edge off such accusations, as his near-flawless dressage phases have earned him the worldwide sobriquet of ‘Mr. Dressage’.

Through winning its 2013 Becky Grand Hart Award for international success in a non-Olympic discipline, Weber became an USEF Equestrian of Honor and candidate for its coveted Equestrian of the Year title. The nomination stems from exceptional performance in the international arena and a dedication to community service and improving the equestrian industry.

Chester Weber at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. (Photo courtesy of Schyett Photography)
Chester Weber at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. (Photo courtesy of Schyett Photography)

Weber’s own history of giving back is as impressive as his competitive record.  He has served on numerous boards and committees, including a current seat on the USEF Board of Directors, and his philanthropic contributions to the sport and his community remain numerous year after year.

His most endearing accomplishment has been equal parts philanthropy and competitive achievement: In 2001 he purchased Jamaica, a partbred Hackney rescued from slaughter in Holland.  When life as a Bruges carriage horse didn’t pan out, he was purchased by Weber and integrated into his team. The results exceeded anyone’s expectations.

With the plucky rescue horse in harness, Team Weber collected multiple victories including national titles and a Silver Medal at the 2008 World FEI Championships. The same year, Jamaica was named Farnam Platform Horse of the Year by the USEF and, in keeping with his dedication to the equine industry and his horse’s history as a rescue, he donated Jamaica’s Horse of the Year winnings — a year’s worth of feed – to local horse rescues in Ocala.

“My commitment has always been to present American horses and horse sport in the best possible light on the international stage, and to lead by example that great horses are the product of strong foundations in training and care.  Jamaica’s story, from slaughterhouse to medals podium, helped raise awareness for rescue programs, which play an important role at the grassroots level of our industry.  I’m humbled to have been nominated as an Equestrian of Honor and will continue to focus on great horse care as the foundation to great horse careers,” said Weber.

Voting for the Equestrian of the Year from among the Equestrians of Honor is now open to all USEF members through December 30, 2013.  The winner will be announced on January 10, 2014.  To vote, visit the Equestrian of the Year website at https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/eoty/.

Follow Team Weber at www.chesterweber.com and via Facebook.

For more information contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Driving, FEI, FEI

Follow FEI World Cup Driving Qualifier at Geneva Online

Leave a comment

IJsbrand Chardon (NED), pictured here on his way to victory at the FEI World Cup Driving qualifier in Budapest at the beginning of this month, will be one of the eight drivers to take part in the series sixth leg in Geneva (SUI) (Rinaldo de Craen/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 13 December 2013 – Driving enthusiasts and the media will be keen to know that they can follow the sixth FEI World Cup Driving qualifier of the 2013/2014 season taking place this Sunday 15 December in Geneva (SUI) via the FEI’s usual wide range of online information resources.

The competition, featuring current FEI World Cup Driving champion Koos de Ronde (NED), standings leader and four-time title holder Boyd Exell (AUS), as well as local hero Werner Ulrich who will be competing with a wildcard, will be broadcast live on FEI TV, the FEI’s official online video platform. Check out the schedule here. The life-streamed coverage will also be available to all iPhone users through the newly launched FEI TV on the Go iPhone application.

A detailed press kit can be downloaded from www.feipresskits.org.

The drivers biographies, which are updated after each leg, can be found on the FEI website here.

Our dedicated FEI World Cup Driving online hub gives you access to useful information including the series calendar, results and standings.

Watch and share the previews, interviews as well as competition and behind-the-scenes footage available on the FEI’s official YouTube channel.

And last but not least, join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/the.fei and Twitter @myfei_home #Driving.

Media contacts:

At FEI:

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

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

At Geneva:

Corinne Druey
Press Officer
druey@syntagme-lausanne.ch
+41 79 226 78 59

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

Perfect in Pensacola

Leave a comment

Holly Shepherd and Triomph are a formidable force in the grand prix arena at the Gulf Coast Classic’s Pensacola shows.

As the winter snows fall through much of the country and the trailers head south for the annual equestrian migration, all eyes are turned to Pensacola, Florida as the newest series of AA shows produced by the award-winning Gulf Coast Classic Company.

AA 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!  Pensacola gets hopping January 8 for three straight weeks of AA hunter and jumper competition on the Gulf of Mexico.

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 community packs our arena on Saturday night to watch the show jumping; it’s really a social event here in Pensacola!” said Gulf Coast Classic Coordinator Janet McCarroll.  “We find that our competitors really appreciate the Saturday night grand prix so they don’t feel rushed to catch a flight if they are heading home Sunday night,” commented Gulf Coast Winter Classic Company President, Bob Bell. “So it’s a win-win for the riders and the community,” he added.

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.

The covered arena, the barns in close proximity to the rings, the dependable footing, and good courses are just some of the reasons riders pick Pensacola over other shows.

PensacolaThe town of Pensacola does the rest.  Just twenty-five minutes from the airport and a short, ten minute drive from the show grounds, the coastal town of Pensacola offers charter fishing expeditions, sailing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, dining and shopping.

Patty Foster of Rolling Acres Farm in Maryland brings her barn for all three weeks of the shows.  “My barn loves the Pensacola shows.  I can take my kids who have never done a show to Pensacola and they all have a great time.  It’s got a great location, the stalls are great, the camper area is really nice, and the footing is super and all the rings are always dressed to impress!”   Foster added, “It’s so nice and Bob’s horse shows are always great.  Classic Company always has the sort of customer service where I can call and make changes to my schedule and they will do it, no problem.  Service with a smile all the time – they are so easy to deal with.”

The Pensacola shows are fun!  And the footing is fabulous!  The footing at the Escambia Equestrian Center is customized by Classic Company with the equine athlete’s well-being in mind.  As a matter of fact, Classic Company travels to each of its shows and manages the footing prior to the start of the shows.  “We have a footing trailer, complete with tractors and an assortment of drags that we bring to all Classic Company and Gulf Coast Classic Shows,” commented Bell.

Let’s 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.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Training/Clinics

James Lala to Lead Annual December Clinic at Country Ridge Stables in Mundelein, IL

Leave a comment

James Lala at a clinic in Wellington, FL.

Wellington, FL – December 12, 2013 – For 26 years Chris Kappler has led the annual December Clinic at Country Ridge Stables in Mundelein, IL. Due to prior commitments, Kappler was unable to attend the yearly event. Laura Stern, trainer at Country Ridge Stables, reached out to top trainer and rider and owner James Lala who agreed to fill in for Kappler.

As a clinician, Lala is known to put horses and riders through their paces with exercises he’s learned over the years from trainers like Robert Hoskins, Katie Prudent, Geoff Teall, Joe Fargis and many more.  Known for his great sense of humor, Lala keeps riders and horses engaged and having fun. The clinic promises to be a productive and entertaining way to spend the weekend.

“We are excited to have James Lala for our annual clinic,” said Stern. “I have known him forever. He has an entertaining approach to teaching. We look forward to our weekend with James!”

A few years back Lala refocused his career as the owner and manager of the country’s busiest CEM quarantine. Lala’s Wellington Quarantine hosts the many of the most important international show jumpers, hunters and dressage horses and their riders and owners when they come into the country from Europe to compete for the season in Florida and beyond.

Lala will launch his new yearlong, monthly show series this January: the Citrus Series for developing horses and riders at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. He also co-manages the successful and popular Southeast Medal Finals in Jacksonville with Bob Bell and Classic Company.

Despite his busy schedule, Lala manages to take on a few developing hunters and jumpers and a handful of lucky students and clients.

Here’s what clinic attendees have to say about Lala:

“His expertise, vigor and humor are just what our souls need,” said Ginny Confer of Pepperell, MA.

“The weekend was such a blast; I had a wonderful time,” said Jane Wielgoszinski. “James is a fabulous instructor and person. He makes you feel very comfortable and confident.  He has a very good sense of each individual’s needs and addresses them accordingly.”

Country Ridge Stables James Lala Clinic Fast Facts

When: Saturday and Sunday December 14-15, 2013

Where: Country Ridge Stables
27060 N Owens Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060

To audit: $30 for one day $50 for both days

For more information, contact:
Laura Stern (847) 452-1783 or info@countryridgestables.com

About James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine

James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine, LLC is recognized as South Florida’s top CEM quarantine. Conveniently located just minutes from the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds, the facility is owned and operated by James Lala, one of the country’s leading riders and trainers.

Lala’s facility is known for being an ultra-safe, peaceful environment with fantastic amenities like top-of the-line GGT footing. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds but close enough to be convenient.

Lala rescues quiet and accommodating mares to serve as quarantine test mares. He has several lovely horses for customer lessons and for clients in need of supplemental riding to stay in condition.

For more information about James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine:
www.jameslalaquarantine.com/
(561) 906-6668
james@jameslalaquarantine.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, Awards, Publications/Media

HorsesintheSouth.com Receives 2013 Best of Keystone Heights Award

Leave a comment

Keystone Heights Award Program Honors the Achievement

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS December 3, 2013 — HorsesintheSouth.com has been selected for the 2013 Best of Keystone Heights Award in the Computer Advertising category by the Keystone Heights Award Program.

Each year, the Keystone Heights Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Keystone Heights area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Keystone Heights Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Keystone Heights Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Keystone Heights Award Program

The Keystone Heights Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Keystone Heights area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Keystone Heights Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

CONTACT:
Keystone Heights Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardredemption.org
URL: http://www.awardredemption.org

Championships, Competitions, USEF, Western/Reining

USEF Announces Dates for 2014 Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial

Leave a comment

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to join with HorsePower, Inc. and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) in announcing that the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship will be held as part of the Kentucky Reining Cup which is being run in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, April 24-27, 2014 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The Reining championship will also serve as the Selection Trial for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Reining Team.

Produced by HorsePower, Inc., the 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup will also feature a World Championship Freestyle class and offer $120,000 in total prize money. The Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial will be a CRI3* event held in two rounds over three days, April 25-27, in the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Athletes must complete at least two Tryout Events/Qualifying Competitions to be eligible to compete in the Selection Trial. A list of Selection Trial Qualifying Competitions can be found at: https://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/reining/MemoSelectionTrials.pdf.

“It is very exciting to once again have the Kentucky Reining Cup held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “The excitement will be elevated in 2014 with the addition of the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and Selection Trial. We look forward to a great weekend of competition.”

Reining was first held during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2011, following its success at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Its popularity with both riders and spectators has been evidenced through the world-class field and enthusiastic crowds it has attracted.

“In just three short years, the Kentucky Reining Cup has become established as a major competition on the national reining calendar,” said Brad Ettleman, President of HorsePower, Inc. “The opportunity to host the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and WEG Selection Trial guarantees that we will have the best horses and riders in the nation at next April’s event!”

“The Kentucky Reining Cup has proven to be the perfect event to complement the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said Darren Ripley, President of EEI, producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.  “We are thrilled that it will be back bigger and better than ever in 2014.”

Further information on the Kentucky Reining Cup is available at www.KentuckyReining.com. Further information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover is available at www.rk3de.org. Further information on the U.S. Equestrian Federation is available at www.usef.org. Further information on HorsePower, Inc. is available at www.hpowerinc.com.