Tag Archives: featured

Competitions, Polo

USPA International Cup and Legends of Polo Games to Be Televised on Sunday

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Team USA’s Carlitos Gracida (2) stole the ball from Chile’s Max Silva (2). Photos by Scott Fisher.

WELLINGTON, FL – Dec. 4, 2013 — The USPA International Cup and Legends of Polo doubleheader hosted by Grand Champions Polo Club will be televised on Sunday, Dec. 8th.

The feature game, pitting Team USA against Chile, along with the Legends of Polo game, will be televised on WTVX, WWHB and WTCN from noon to 1 p.m.

The game will reach households in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

It is the first time a major polo game held at Grand Champions Polo Club will be televised in its entirety. Nearside Productions LLC Director Gavin Guinan, director and producer of Polonow, put the hour-long broadcast together.

Team USA dominated Chile to capture the coveted USPA International Cup with a convincing 13-8 victory on Nov. 30.

It was the second consecutive year that Team USA won the trophy in front of a hometown crowd that included VIPs and dignitaries including Chile Consul General Juan Luis Nilo in the final game of the 2013 fall season.

“Always when you play for your country there is a different element to it,” said Team USA’s Nic Roldan of Wellington, a Cardinal Newman High School alum who was named Most Valuable Player of the international tournament for the second straight year.

Joining Roldan on the victorious U.S. team were Marc Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida and Jeff Hall.

The game marked the final Chile national team appearance of Jose Antonio Iturrate, making his first U.S. appearance since 2003. The former 8-goaler plans to continue to play in Chile.

Iturrate was joined by Juan Antonio, Max Silva and Matias Vial.

Chile has a solid polo resume including the 2008 FIP World Championships and 2013 BMW International Polo Series.

The Legends of Polo game, with players such as brothers and Grand Champions Gray teammates Julian and Howard Hipwood and Grand Champions Blue's Joey Casey, will also be televised on Sunday.
The Legends of Polo game, with players such as brothers and Grand Champions Gray teammates Julian and Howard Hipwood and Grand Champions Blue’s Joey Casey, will also be televised on Sunday.

The Legends of Polo game featured some of the sport’s greats including Hall of Famer and former 10-goaler Carlos Gracida and Great Britain’s former 9-goalers, brothers Julian and Howard Hipwood.

Grand Champions ended its fall season in grand style with white tents lining both sides of the field, an array of international flags hanging from flagpoles that could be seen from Lake Worth Road, a dance floor in the VIP tent, music and DJ, entertaining game announcers, tailgaters and Argentine food truck Che Grill for friends, family and polo players and fans.

Proceeds from the polo doubleheader benefitted the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in Lake Worth. It is the only polo museum of its kind in the world.

The museum is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the development, history and tradition of the sport of polo by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

WHERE: 13444 Southfields Road, on the corner of South Shore Boulevard and Lake Worth Road, Wellington, 561-644-5050.

INFORMATION: There are great field side views for tournament action at the home base of pro team Audi. Everyone is welcome to watch high and medium goal polo in a relaxed atmosphere during the spring and fall tournament season and other special events including the International Cup in November, Buzz Welker Memorial Junior Tournament in March, ProKidz Tournaments in the spring and fall, Women’s Championship Tournament and Gay Polo League International Tournament, both in April.

Sharon Robb 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

Community/Charity, Show Jumping

Donald Trump and Mark Bellissimo Announce Second Annual Trump Invitational

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A scenic setting for show jumping on the Intracoastal Waterway. Photo © Sportfot.

The $125,000 FEI Grand Prix Show Jumping Event will raise money toward the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments fundraising goal of $1.75 million

Wellington, FL – December 4, 2013 – Donald Trump and Mark Bellissimo announced today that they will host the second annual Trump Invitational on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix presented by Rolex will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition. Once again, the Trump Invitational will benefit the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC), which has raised more than $4.2 million dollars over the last four years for over 90 Palm Beach County charities. It will also serve 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 on January 8 – March 30, 2014.

The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S. National Landmark.

“Last year’s Trump Invitational was a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event. In addition to showcasing equestrian sport’s top athletes in a FEI world ranking class, the event was instrumental in achieving our record-breaking fundraising for the FTI GCC,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo.

This year, the event will set a new standard with one-of-a-kind auction items, exciting musical guests, and improved footing. Bellissimo noted, “Donald was extremely generous in providing both a $100,000 FTI GCC donation as well as donating his time in two golf outing auction items that raised an additional $68,000 towards last year’s record FTI GCC fundraising of $1.5 million.”

Mr. Trump added, “It is vital during these difficult financial times to support the efforts of the unsung heroes that operate these great charitable organizations within Palm Beach County. I am honored to be a part of this effort.”

Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka will join Paige Bellissimo and Georgina Bloomberg as event chairs.

Spectacular New Footing to Provide Unparalleled Show Jumping Competition

Last spring, based on feedback from the riders, Trump spared no expense by engaging the team from Equestrian Services International (ESI) led by Brett Raflowitz to replace the footing on the lawn of The Mar-a-Lago Club utilizing ESI’s “Turf Blend Footing,” a top soil mix with fiber and three different blends of sand that now provides the base for approximately 98,000 square feet of new Celebration turf. Mr. Trump commented, “A world-class event requires world-class footing.”

In addition to show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be cocktails and a red carpet welcome at the pool and a VIP experience bordering the ring. Equestrian Sport Productions expects that many of the top riders in the world, including Olympians, international competitors, and up-and-coming stars, will return to the Trump Invitational to compete.

If you would like to attend this historic show jumping event, or are interested in competing, please call Anne Caroline Valtin at 561.784.1133 or send an email to annecaroline@equestriansport.com.

About Rolex

Oyster watches are symbols of excellence, performance, and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch since 1905, the brand is at the origin of several landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, and the perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, exploration, sports, and the environment through sponsoring and philanthropic programs. Rolex has been present in equestrian sports since 1957. For more information, visit www.rolex.com.

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) has 12 weeks of world class competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, with more close to $8 million in prize money awarded. Please visit www.equestriansport.com for more information.

About the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC)

Founded in 2010 by Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments raises and distributes money to Palm Beach County based charities. This unique show jumping event aligns 34 show jumping teams with 34 randomly selected charities that serve the county. Please visit www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com for more information.

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

Benefits, Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance, World Equestrian Games

USET Foundation Hosts “Soirée du Cheval” to Benefit US Equestrian Teams at World Equestrian Games

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Wellington, FL – December 4, 2013 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a World Equestrian Games benefit event on Friday, January 24, 2014 at The Pavilion at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL. “Soirée du Cheval,” co-chaired by Bruce Duchossois, S. Tucker S. Johnson and Robin Parsky, will help raise funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare to compete at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

This celebratory evening will include awarding two of the USET Foundation’s most coveted awards, the prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy and the Whitney Stone Cup, as well as the launch of its Campaign for Continuing Our Competitive Excellence.  Guests will enjoy cocktails at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 8:00 p.m., a live auction that will had guests enthusiastically bidding for some incredible items followed by dancing.

Mark your calendars and make your reservations to attend today! This wonderful evening is always a sell out and you do not want to miss this fun and important event recognizing the USET Foundation’s generous supporters and this country’s top athletes while continuing to raise funds for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. For further information, please contact: Nancy Little, USET Foundation (908) 234-1251, or nlittle@uset.org.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

Rebecca Walton 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

Awards, USEF

USEF Announces 2014 Pegasus Award Winners

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Lillie Keenan (©alcookphoto.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year’s most coveted honors. Awarded by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Friday, January 10, at The Hyatt Regency Lexington in Lexington, Ky. The winner of the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information is available here: http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2014USEFAnnualMeeting/.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Keith Bartz

Keith Bartz of Naples, Fla., has been a leading figure in the American Saddlebred industry for many years. Bartz’s influence spans the entire scope of the sport, as he has served as a competitor, trainer, administrator, and leader. For his undying support and incredible legacy, Bartz has been awarded the 2013 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and will receive the Jimmy A. Williams Lifetime Achievement Trophy at the Pegasus Awards gala.

Bartz has spent his entire life devoted to the promotion of the American Saddlebred. For 27 years he and his wife, Carol, owned and operated Hollow Haven Farm, where they helped many amateurs and juvenile riders reach success in the show ring. Bartz also served as an active American Saddlebred Horse Association judge for 11 divisions until his retirement in 1998. He has shown his dedication to the American Saddlebred by serving as the Director of the American Saddlebred Museum for more than a decade as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. For his outstanding sportsmanship, Bartz was the recipient of the USEF’s Walter B. Devereux Sportsmanship Award in 2003.

Bartz’s influence on the American Saddlebred sport and the entire equestrian industry expands beyond the show ring, as he has dedicated significant time and effort to governance, including serving many years on the Board of Directors, Budget & Finance Committee, and Admin & Finance Working Group and as an Officer of the Federation. He also served many years as chairman of the USEF Licensed Officials Committee. Bartz is a past President of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association and currently serves on the American Saddlebred, Ethics, Compensation & Human Resources, and Nominating Committees for the USEF.

Junior Equestrian of the Year – Lillie Keenan

At just 17 years old, Lillie Keenan is already epitomizing the dedication, skill, poise, and sportsmanship that are required to reach the top of equestrian sport. A junior at the Spence School in New York, N.Y., Keenan actively participates in hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. For her talent, integrity, and contributions to the equestrian world, Keenan will be awarded the Ruth O’Keefe Meredith Memorial Trophy as the 2013 Junior Equestrian of the Year.

With her unprecedented success over the last 12 months, Keenan now stands among the most decorated junior riders in history. In the hunter ranks, she was named the Grand Junior Hunter Champion at the Devon Horse Show, in addition to earning Reserve Champion honors at the US Junior Hunter National Championships – East. Keenan also made a huge splash in the jumping ranks, winning many of the most coveted titles offered annually in the United States. In July, she earned Team and Individual Gold medals at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North before capturing Team Silver and Individual Gold at the Randolph College/USEF Junior Jumper Championships. She also earned her first Grand Prix victory in June by topping the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix presented by Zoetis. Keenan showcased her exemplary riding style throughout the year by claiming the Shalanno Style of Riding Award at the Devon Horse Show and the William C. Steinkraus Style of Riding Award at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. She closed out her 2013 campaign by topping the fields in the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Finals, adding two of the most prestigious equitation titles to her resume.

In addition to excelling on the field of play, she also shines in the classroom, maintaining an A average while taking a full course load which includes Calculus, Biology, Spanish V, English, and Art History. Keenan, whose most meaningful victory to date came in the 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, also gives back to the sport she loves as a member of the USHJA Equitation Task Force and by helping other riders who also train out of Heritage Farm.

Pegasus Medals of Honor – Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone

The Pegasus Medal of Honor was created as an annual award to recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and equestrian sport. These dedicated individuals have engaged the community in their passion for horses through their work in the industry. This year’s winners, Linda Bibbler, Larry Langer, and Armand Leone, have all dedicated years of service to equestrian sport.

Bibbler of Woodside, Calif., has been an active member of the vaulting community at all levels for nearly 30 years. She began her involvement with horses at the age of 12 and showed hunters throughout high school. After graduating from Harvard University, Bibbler continued to show actively on the West Coast. When her daughter became involved in vaulting, she began her unending commitment to the exciting sport. Bibbler has served as Chef d’Equipe for U.S. teams at international competitions on five occasions including at FEI World Championships in 1996 in Kaposvar, Hungary and the 2008 FEI World Championships in Brno, Czech Republic. She has also served as a competition manager for numerous vaulting events in the U.S. and on the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and its test event held in 2009. Bibbler has an extensive resume in governance roles, having been a member of the Board of Directors for both the American Vaulting Association and USEF, and being a vital member of multiple committees. She was also a co-founder of the Woodside Vaulters and has owned, trained, and lunged several horses throughout her time in the sport.

Langer of Burbank, Calif., has spent a lifetime immersed in the sport of jumping at all levels, after taking up riding at the age of six and never looking back. He is best known as the President and CEO of the Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., which produces more than 35 hunter/jumper and dressage competitions annually. He also founded and managed the Pacific Horse Center in Elk Grove, Calif., in the 1970s, which hosted a lesson program as well as a college accredited Horsemastership Program. Langer also founded the West Coast Grand Prix Association that ultimately merged with the American Grand Prix Association, for which he served on the Board of Directors. As a show manager, overall director, and official he has been actively involved with FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships for many years. Langer was also the competition manager for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the 1992 FEI World Cup Finals in Del Mar, Calif. In governance roles, he has dedicated his time as a member of the Board of Directors and Committee member for the USEF, Show Jumping Hall of Fame, American Grand Prix Association, National Hunter/Jumper Council, USHJA, and the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association. As a testament to his dedication and knowledge of the sport, Langer has either been the President or Chairman of every major horse show organization in California.

Leone of Glen Rock, N.J., has expressed passionate and unwavering support of the United States’ international teams and their high performance athletes for many years. Leone, alongside his two younger brothers, internationally known as Team Leone, spent the beginning of his equestrian career in the show ring, jumping to many successful placings. In 1980, he was selected as an alternate to the jumping team for the boycotted Moscow Olympic Games. Leone has dedicated much of his time and effort to supporting and guiding the United States Equestrian Team Foundation; from 2003-2008 he served as the President and CEO of the Foundation and was the Chairman of the Board from 2008-2013. In his numerous roles with the USET, Leone helped guide the organization in providing the necessary financial support to ensure that the United States’ High Performance combinations were in the strongest possible position to win medals. He also served as a diligent Vice President of the USEF High Performance Working Group. Leone is still an active member of the USEF Planning, Compensation & Human Resources, Budget & Finance Committees as well as the Vice President, High Performance of the Ad Hoc Selections Committee.

For more information about the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting, visit https://www.usef.org/convention/.

Dressage, Jennifer Wood

Dressage at Holiday & Horses Wrap-Up, November 30 – December 1, 2013

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Anne Cizadlo and Talent. Photos (c) Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – December 3, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Dressage at Holiday and Horses competition this weekend at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Home to the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), the beautiful facility featured two days of national competition on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1, 2013.

Dressage at Holiday and Horses featured a full line-up of classes to appeal to horses and riders of all levels. The competition was level two USEF/USDF rated, a Great American/USDF Regional Championship Qualifier, and a Dover Medal Adult Amateur program event. William Solyntjes ‘S’ served as the judge at (C) and Angela Goodwin-Volpert was the TD.

Anne Cizadlo, of Wellington, FL, and Oldwick, NJ, had a fantastic show at Holiday & Horses with her two mounts, Talent and Unique, both owned by Paula Runnells. Showing in the USEF First Level Test 2, Cizadlo and Unique scored a 71.081%. They then went on to compete in the USEF First Level Test 3 to earn a 75.484%. Cizadlo also showed in the USEF Second Level Test 2 with Talent to earn a score of 69.605%. Talent and Unique’s Owner, Paula Runnells, showed her horse Rubilat in the USEF Second Level Test 1 and earned a score of 60.143%.

Cizadlo has spent her winters in Wellington for the last 14 years and loves the dressage facility at PBIEC. She had a great weekend with her two mounts, who she has been riding for two years. Talent (13) and Unique (14) are both Dutch Harness horses that Runnell imported from Holland. Cizadlo explained that both horses originally started out as carriage driving horses for several years and then had a change of careers when Runnell took up dressage. Cizadlo was happy with both of their performances this weekend.

“When I first started with Talent, he was really tense when he would go in the ring,” Cizadlo detailed. “This was probably the first horse show where I was really able to ride him almost the same in the ring as I can ride him either at home or in the warm-up ring. He really relaxed and let me bend him when I needed to bend him and let me half-halt him when I needed to half-halt him without getting stiff and tense on me. I was really thrilled with how he performed this weekend. He did a really nice job. I showed in Second Level, and I am going to continue to show him Second Level for the rest of the season. I am excited to move him up when he gets a little stronger.”

Anne Cizadlo and Unique
Anne Cizadlo and Unique

“Unique has a little bit of the same story,” Cizadlo said. “When I started with him two years ago he would really get rigid when he was in the show ring and again this weekend, I don’t know if it was just the facility or the environment, but he finally also really relaxed. He let me ride him, not only pushing him forward, so he had a lot of power. I could feel his power, but also letting me bend him, and he was very flexible and pliable during the test as well. His best test was the second one. He really put it all together and gave me a lot of power and a lot of flexibility at the same time. I was really proud of him for that.”

Cizadlo loves showing at PBIEC, which is just down the road from Runnell’s farm in Wellington, and praised this weekend’s show and the great facility.

“The show was fantastic,” she smiled. “The footing is great, the staff is great, the shows run really smoothly. It is a really friendly atmosphere. I love the landscaping. It is just a really wonderful place to show horses. It’s really quiet around there, and the horses are very calm. It is a nice location. It’s so convenient to get there. It is the easiest place to show in the whole world. I love it.”

In addition to Cizadlo’s success this weekend, the Holiday & Horses event featured some great rides from Jennifer Marchand and many others. The FEI Grand Prix saw a top score from Marchand riding Today to a 62.553%. Kelly Layne and Von Primaire scored a 59.255%.

In the Prix St. Georges Open division, Marchand had great scores with her three mounts. Don Romeo scored a 67.368%, Beshardt earned a 63.684%, and Atreyu II scored a 62.368%. Showing as an amateur, Lily C. Zilo and Windsor’s Aron scored a 64.079%.

Lisa Hyslop showed in the USEF Third Level Test 1 to earn a 64.737% aboard Delauren. Hyslop also showed Devon to a 63.333% in the USEF Training Level 1.

In the USEF Third Level Test 1 Junior/Young Rider division, Ashley Walker earned the best score of 62.105% riding Vermeer HF. Aless Hall and Unze Funds received a 65.000% for their ride in the USEF Third Level Test 3.

Dressage at Holiday & Horses leads up to the start of the winter season in Wellington and this year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The 2014 AGDF begins January 9 and will feature 12 weeks of competition with five national and eight international shows running through March 30, 2014. For more information, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

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

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

Training/Clinics

Colorado Horse Park Awards Trainer Incentive Travel Packages

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Brianna Davis and Brunello. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Trainers Win Trips to Africa and Argentina

Parker, CO – December 3, 2013 – At the conclusion of this year’s show season at the Colorado Horse Park, two hard-working trainers received an extra bonus. Rebecca Johnson won the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association (CHJA) show series award and Brianna Davis earned the series award for the USEF A-Rated shows, all managed and held at the Colorado Horse Park. The Horse Park offered incredible travel package prizes for the winning high point trainers.

“Alexia Nostora, a local trainer who also works in the travel industry, put me in touch with Real Life Adventure Travel,” said Carole Kenney, Equine Manger at the Colorado Horse Park. Kenney spearheaded the trainer incentive program for the CHJA shows.

Real Life Adventure Travel put together an incredible travel package for an African Riding Safari.

“We wanted to reward the trainer who had the most well-rounded program in the hunters, equitation and jumpers,” Kenney said. “We developed a cumulative point system. Each rider had a certain number of points through their placings at a minimum number of shows. There were a couple of trainers who went for this hard, but Rebecca earned the points and was able to get this done.”

Johnson shared that the award didn’t change any of their showing game plans, but they worked hard at each show, arriving early and leaving late. Johnson and her assistant, Devon Hussey, were dedicated to prepping the horses and riders to give their absolute best performances.

“It was very rewarding,” said Johnson about winning the prize. “In my program, I have always thought that the basics are key for everyone. We have always started everyone with the hunter program, despite where they want to go. We move forward to equitation when they can handle more of a challenge, and then we introduce them to jumpers. It is sort of a pyramid-style training program. Once they’ve experienced all three, then they can pick which one is their passion and we can develop them further.”

Johnson thanks her husband, Derek, and their two children for their support. She will take her assistant, Hussey, on the riding vacation.

“Without Devon, this would not have been possible,” Johnson said. “She was my student for many years and is now my partner. She is just a wonderful person and a key part of my business. We’re really excited about this. This is one of the few opportunities I’ve had to go somewhere amazing simply for life experience and pleasure. Africa – holy cow!”

Hussey and Johnson plan to go on their Africa adventure in January, which is calving season for most animals in Africa.

“This type of award for the local circuit speaks volumes about the generosity of the Colorado Horse Park,” Johnson said. “I’d like to thank all the show managers that took part in the series and also the Horse Park. I would like to thank my clients. They were behind me 100 percent of the way.”

Here is a link to Real Life Adventure Travels’ blog entry about Johnson’s win: http://www.reallifeadventuretravel.com/blog/and-the-chp-chja-series-circuit-winner-is/.

Brianna Davis was unaware of the Colorado Horse Park A-Rated Trainer Incentive Award, so she was completely surprised when she was informed that she won an exotic trip for two to the Northern Patagonia District of Argentina. The Caballadas trip offers unique experiences riding through beautiful country secluded in the heart of the Andes Mountains.

“The program we did for the A-rated shows required participation in at least four of the six shows offered,” said Geoff Combs, Chief Financial Officer of Colorado Horse Park. “The trainer had to have at least one competitor in each of the jumpers, equitation, and hunters. Then, we assigned points to each and totaled up all the points by discipline, calculated an average based on the trainer’s total number of horses, then an average of the three to determine the winner. We wanted a program that would allow the smaller barns to compete with the larger ones.”

When the scores were tallied, Brianna Davis and Savoy Stables led the competition for the award.

“We have horses and riders that are really competitive in those three rings,” said Davis. “We always work hard at home. I try to lead one lesson a week where we focus on flatwork and the basics. Everyone works hard, but we try to keep it fun at the same time. It is also important that we enjoy what we’re doing, both the riders and the horses.”

Davis is pleased that the hard work she and her clients put in resulted in this surprise win.

“It was a very nice surprise when I found out that I won it,” Davis said. “It is a trip that I would never afford to do. I am very excited to go and explore a new place.”

Davis will take Savoy Stables owner Mary Dunahay on the Argentine adventure. They plan on traveling in January before the winter show season begins.

“She’s always been my biggest supporter,” Davis said of Dunahay. “The two of us can go and have some fun for a week.”

“The Colorado Horse Park always puts on a great horse show,” added Davis. “It is great to have such a well-run horse show right in our back yard. It is a wonderful facility, and they are always looking for ways to improve the experience.”

Click here to learn more about the Caballadas Patagonia trip.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.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

London 2012 Hero Charlotte Dujardin Rides with the Household Cavalry

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Wednesday 4 December 2013 – World number one dressage rider and double Olympic gold medallist, Charlotte Dujardin, went back to the roots of her sport today by riding with the Household Cavalry in Hyde Park, London.

Dujardin, who will next be seen in action competing at Olympia, The London International Horse Show on 16-17 December, is seen here riding ‘Integrity’, a Cavalry Black who is one of the lead horses in the Household Cavalry parades.

The London 2012 gold medallist, who is shortlisted for this year’s Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year Award, said: “It is a true privilege to go back to the roots of the sport that has given me so much joy and an honour to ride a well-known Cavalry Black horse.

“It is so interesting to experience how the sport of dressage has developed from the military and how they use the same skills of training that have been integral to the cavalry throughout history. These same skills are required between horse and rider even today to exhibit the grace and technique in a dressage competition.”

Dujardin will be hoping to win the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Leg, supported by Horse & Hound, for the second year running on 16-17 December at London’s premier horse show in the Olympia Exhibition Hall, Kensington.

Olympia, The London International Horse Show takes place on 16-22 December 2013 and will be broadcast throughout the week on BBC and Eurosport. For tickets and information, visit 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 and Dressage 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 further information please contact:
Hannah Grissell
Email: hannah@revolutionsports.co.uk
Tel: 07786 052926/ 0207 5921207

Competitions, FEI, Vaulting

France, Germany and Great Britain Win at Salon du Cheval de Paris

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European champion Jacques Ferrari (FRA) vaulted to victory on Poivre Vert, lunged by François Athimon, at the third leg of the FEI World Cup Vaulting 2013/2014 at last weekend’s Salon du Cheval de Paris event. (Eric Malherbe/FEI)

Lausanne (SUI), 4 December 2013 – The third leg of the FEI World Cup Vaulting 2013/2014 in Paris-Nord Villepinte (FRA) saw victories from France, Germany and Great Britain last weekend. World Champion Joanne Eccles (GBR) dominated in the female division, while European Champion Jacques Ferrari (FRA) and Germany’s pas-de-deux Pia Engelberty and Torben Jacobs celebrated their first wins in the series.

A total of 22 vaulters from seven nations travelled to the famous Salon du Cheval de Paris event to showcase their carefully choreographed performances.

Seamless success

Jacques Ferrari, the 25-year-old fitness coach from Saumur in western France, was a major draw in Paris. He won all his international competitions in the 2013 summer season, as well as the European Championships in Ebreichsdorf (AUT) in August, and continued this success seamlessly in Paris.

In both freestyle-to-music rounds he scored the highest marks with his Lucifer act on Poivre Vert, lunged by François Athimon, and finished with an overall score of 8,765.

“We had a medium beginning but a better second round, because we tried not to make the same mistakes twice,” Ferrari said. “I was not fully satisfied with the performance as we are now working on a new freestyle for 2014. I have changed some things as well as the sequence for the World Cup, and my freestyle is not as safe as the old one. It has been a great competition and particularly good preparation for next year’s World Equestrian Games.”

Ferrari’s compatriot Ivan Nousse, who was a wild card entry, also convinced the judges in Paris. Vaulting on Ramazotti, lunged by Elke Schelp-Lensing (NED), Nousse finished second on 8,401 points, with Lukas Klouda (CZE) on Danny Boy, lunged by Patric Looser (SUI) taking third with 8,174. The current World Champion and last year’s FEI World Cup Vaulting Final winner Nicolas Andreani unfortunately had problems with his fast cantering horse Tjekko, and ended up in fourth (8,125) to deny the home side the top three places.

British females dominate

The British female vaulters – Joanne Eccles, Hannah Eccles and Lucy Phillips – took the triple narrowly missed by the French males.

Joanne Eccles yet again proved her outstanding skills and vaulting capability on WH Bentley, lunged by her father John Eccles. With a score of 8,231 points for her Alien freestyle theme, the 24-year-old dentist was unbeatable in both rounds. Her sister Hannah, who finished second (7,759), also on WH Bentley, made this a sweet 1-2 victory for the Eccles family.

“It was fantastic to win the World Cup in Paris,” said Joanne Eccles. “It’s a shame we’re not able to compete at any other competitions in this series, but we are very grateful for the wild cards and it was a fantastic way to end 2013.”

Lucy Phillips, who has been vaulting since the age of six and is currently ranked eighth in the FEI World Vaulting Rankings, secured third with 7,730 points on Pitucelli, lunged by Elisabeth Phillips.

German pas-de-deux win

Cologne-based Pia Engelberty and Torben Jacobs (GER) vaulted to victory in the pas-de-deux for a successful return to competition after an injury break for Engelberty which kept her out of the first two legs of the series.

The pair celebrated their first FEI World Cup Vaulting pas-de-deux win with a score of 8,548 on Danny Boy, lunged by their coach and former World and European Champion Patric Looser.

“We are very pleased that we have started so well in the World Cup,” said 21-year-old medical student Jacobs. “It was a great feeling, especially after a difficult and late start into the season. We really had fun with our freestyle and particularly our music. We have reached the point where we can enjoy our gymnastics on the horse.”

“Of course it is a great feeling to win a World Cup, especially against such talented competition,” added 23-year-old sports student Engelberty. The pair now plan to head to “Partner Pferd” in Leipzig GER), the fifth leg of this series, in their bid to qualify for the Final in Bordeaux (FRA).

The Eccles family scored second place in the pas-de-deux on 8,322 points, with the USA’s Kimberly and Cassidy Palmer, winners of the second leg of this series at the German Masters in Stuttgart, came in third on Leon, lunged by Wolfgang Renz on a score of 7,306.

FEI World Cup Vaulting now heads to the Pappas Amadeus Horse Indoors event in Salzburg (AUT) on 5-8 December. Follow the action at www.amadeushorseindoors.at.

FEI World Cup Vaulting 2013/2014 – Paris results & series standings can be viewed here.

By Daniel Kaiser

FEI 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, Driving, FEI

Tomas Eriksson Starts His Season with Victory in Stockholm

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Tomas Eriksson got his FEI World Cup Driving season off to the best possible start with victory in the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 on home soil in Stockholm. (Anna Aalto/FEI)

Stockholm (SWE), 3 December 2013 – Tomas Eriksson (SWE) started his FEI World Cup Driving season in winning style when claiming the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 on home soil in Stockholm to leave German rivals Georg von Stein and Michael Brauchle behind him.

Eriksson’s victory is a page in the history books as he became the last FEI World Cup Driving winner in Stockholm’s Globen Arena. After 21 years, the Stockholm International Horse Show now moves to a new arena just outside Stockholm.

The atmosphere in the Globen Arena was electric as usual, with the many spectators enthusiastically cheering the six drivers during their performances on a course designed by Swedish international course designer Dan Henriksson.

Eriksson has recorded previous FEI World Cup wins in 2002, 2009 and 2010 and was determined to perform well in front of his home crowd. After a disappointing run in the first competition, Eriksson was first to enter the arena. Despite the addition of 15 penalty points after an incident at the fifth obstacle, fortunately for him, only two of his fellow competitors performed better, earning Eriksson a place in the Winning Round.

Driving one wheeler horse of his teammate Axel Olin, who assisted him as a navigator, Eriksson opened the throttle once more and was three seconds faster than his first round, remaining clear.

This put the pressure on second man in, 23-year-old Michael Brauchle. Brauchle, known for his excellent marathon skills, couldn’t get close to Eriksson’s record-breaking time and left the arena with 10 penalty seconds after his name for two knockdowns.

As in Verona, his compatriot Georg von Stein was assisted by international four-in-hand drivers Christoph Sandmann and Sacha Utz on the carriage. He drove a clear first round and equalled Eriksson’s time in the Winning Round, but one knockdown prevented him from winning in Stockholm.

Boyd Exell (AUS) set a fast round, but had two unfortunate knockdowns to leave him in fourth. Wild card competitor and winner of the first competition Fredrik Persson (SWE) was well on his way to secure a place in the Winning Round, but two balls down in the last phase of the course dropped him to fifth place.

Defending World Cup Champion Koos de Ronde (NED) drove the same team of horses with which he won the first leg of the FEI World Cup Driving in Hannover, but was less successful in Stockholm. His left leader horse was not cooperative and, with three balls down and a slow time, he ended in sixth place.

Quotes:

Tomas Eriksson (SWE): “I tried to drive very fast in the first round, especially after I knew that I had three knockdowns. In the second round I really went for it and I am very happy that I can start my season with this win in Stockholm. I used two wheeler horses of Axel Olin on the first night, but I don’t know them so well, so I decided to go safe and use my old wheeler Rachi Rodslev in the World Cup competition.”

Georg von Stein (GER): “I am very pleased with my performance; my horses went super. They become more and more a team; they really start working together. It was a pity that I had one ball otherwise I would have won, but I gave everything I had.”

Michael Brauchle (GER): “It all went well for me, but I have taken too much risk in the second round. This resulted in two knockdowns, which was a shame. But I am pleased altogether with my performance.”

Results in detail can be viewed here.

The 2013/2014 FEI World Cup Driving series now moves on to Geneva, Switzerland on Sunday 15 December.

For information on the next leg, go to www.chi-geneve.ch or contact Press Officer Corinne Druey, druey@syntagme-lausanne.ch, +41 21 312 82 22.

By Cindy Timmer

Media Contacts:

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

At Stockholm:
Lotta Amnestal
Lotta.Amnestal@ridsport.se
+46 709 79 56 35

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Molly Ashe Cawley Claims First and Third in $15,000 Holiday & Horses USHJA International Hunter Derby

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Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo. Photos by Emily Riden.

Wellington, FL – December 2, 2013 – For the last two years, Molly Ashe Cawley and Kennzo have kicked off the holiday season by earning a bit of an early Christmas present. On Sunday afternoon, that holiday gift came in the form of their second consecutive victory in the $15,000 Holiday & Horses USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Ashe not only won the derby aboard Kennzo, but she also finished third in the class with Original Du Rietz, earned ribbons in the open jumpers aboard Carissimo and helped coach Norfield Stables LLC rider Francesca Dildabanian to the Large Pony Hunter Championship.

Thanks to their numerous wins, the Holiday & Horses Show marked a fantastic start to the holiday season for the Newtown, CT based Norfield Stables LLC, at which Ashe trains alongside Timmy Kees and her husband Chris Cawley.

The $15,000 Holiday & Horses USHJA International Hunter Derby also marked Kennzo’s first time in the show ring since the Hampton Classic Horse Show in August.

“He hasn’t done anything since then – well, clearly he’s done a lot of eating. He’s fat as a house. He should be the poster child for Jenny Craig,” joked Ashe. “But he’s really cool that way. You’re able to just sort of pull him out of the field and go right out there, and he’s so on it.”

Kennzo, owned by Kristen Abbatiello-Neff, and Ashe were undoubtedly both on it from the get-go on Sunday. Their efforts over the first round classic hunter course, designed by Jason Shelley, shot them straight to the top of the leaderboard. Scores of 88 from the first judging panel and 87 from the second panel, plus four high option bonus points added to each score, gave them a total first round score of 183.

That score put Ashe and Kennzo in the top spot to return for the second round. Ashe also returned in the third place position aboard Elisee Browchuck’s Original Du Rietz, affectionately known as “Ritzy.”

Molly Ashe Cawley and Original du Rietz
Molly Ashe Cawley and Original du Rietz

“Ritzy, my boy! I have to say, I’m very proud of him,” Ashe said of Original Du Rietz. “He marched right out there. He hasn’t done anything since [The Hampton Classic Horse Show] either, and he laid it down right from round one. He handled it better than people might have thought at the beginning. As the class went on, you started to say ‘oh, he’s darn good.'”

Ritzy cemented the third place finish with judges’ scores of 80 and 85 in the second round for a total second round score of 184, including handy bonus and high option points.

With riders returning in reverse order of their first round standings, it came down to Ashe on Kennzo and Kelley Farmer on Skorekeeper, owned by Larry Glefke.

Farmer and Skorekeeper earned impressive scores of 87 and 87.5 for a second round total of 200.5 and an overall grand total of 374, leaving it all up to Ashe and Kennzo.

“I felt like I had to just not mess it up, instead of trying to scratch and claw my way ahead of somebody,” Ashe explained.

Far from messing it up, Ashe and Kennzo turned in a beautiful trip, earning them a grand total, two-round score of 382 and ensuring them the win.

“I was very happy with both of them (Kennzo and Original du Rietz),” Ashe concluded. “Kennzo goes in the ring, and he knows what to do. He is so much fun. He’s so scopey, and he has a great jump. He’s really turned into such a great show horse. He really knows his job now, and he’s all business every time.”

While Ashe earned her win in the Mogavero Ring, nearby in Ring 7, young Norfield Stables LLC rider Francesca Dildabanian was doing some winning of her own. The young competitor from New York, NY, and her own large pony, Pride, earned three blue ribbons over fences and the top call in the Large Pony Hunter Model before being named the Large Pony Hunter division champions.

“Pride was a green this past year, and he’s come a really long way,” Dildabanian explained. “He’s just naturally a really sweet pony.  He’s really cooperative and pretty laid back.”

Dildabanian continued: “I’ve been riding with Molly for about a year now, and I love it. It’s nice to have such a good relationship with your trainer. It’s almost as if she’s a second mom to me. She’s really inspirational in how she rides. It makes you want to ride that way.”

Dildabanian plans to continue showing Pride in the Large Pony Hunters throughout the winter season, as well as competing in the Children’s Jumpers and equitation divisions. She and much of the Norfield Stables team will look to continue their successful 2013 show year at the upcoming Equestrian Sport Productions Holiday Horse Show Series.

About Norfield Stables LLC

Norfield Stables LLC is a full service hunter/jumper facility run by Molly Ashe Cawley, Chris Cawley and Timmy Kees. Ashe is an accomplished show hunter rider who joined the grand prix tour in the late ’90s. In 1999, Ashe captured her first major grand prix victory during the $50,000 Grand Prix of Lake Placid aboard Rosewood Glen Ltd. Resolute. Since then, Ashe has won awards throughout Europe and the United States. With over 25 years’ experience on the “A” horse show circuit, Kees is one of the country’s most prominent hunter/equitation trainers. His riders have won the ASPCA Maclay, AHSA Medal and USET Equitation Finals a total of seven times. Kees has also trained hunters such as Holy Smoke, Watership Down, So No Wonder, Castaway and Double Cinco to championships at Devon, Harrisburg, Washington and New York. He is an USEF “R” judge and conducts clinics throughout the country. For more information, please email fjbmcb@gmail.com, and find Norfield Stables LLC on Facebook here.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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