Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl Win $33,000 Nutrena Holiday & Horses Opener

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Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. Photo (c) Mancini Photos.

Wellington, FL – November 27, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions’ (ESP) 2013 Holiday & Horses competition began on Wednesday, November 27, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with a win for Todd Minikus (USA) and Quality Girl in the $33,000 Nutrena Holiday & Horses Opener.

Holiday & Horses competition will continue through Sunday, December 1. Upcoming highlights include the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m FEI class on Friday, November 29; the $50,000 Holiday & Horses CSI 2*-W Grand Prix on Saturday, November 30 (5:30 p.m.); and the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (12 p.m.) and $10,000 Open Stake 1.40m on Sunday, December 1.

A total of 46 entries showed in Wednesday’s $33,000 Nutrena Holiday & Horses Opener jumping a course set by Anthony D’Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY. Thirteen competitors were able to clear the first round course without fault, and ten of those were also clear through the short course. The fastest time of 34.23 seconds belonged to Todd Minikus and Quality Girl, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare by Quidam’s Rubin x Dobrock, for the win.

Finishing second, Ronan McGuigan (IRL) and Capall Zidane stopped the clock in 35.37 seconds. Charlie Jacobs (USA) and CMJ Sporthorse LLC’s Flaming Star finished third in 35.60 seconds. Lauren Hough (USA) and The Ohlala Group’s Ohlala were fourth in 36.52 seconds, and Quentin Judge (USA) guided Double H Farm’s HH Donnatella to fifth place honors in 37.18 seconds.

“It was a blistering fast jump-off and it kept getting faster and faster, which is always fun,” Minikus detailed. “I’m not a big planner for the jump-offs; I kind of wing it, but I think the two rollbacks were the trick today. I got lucky that it came up where I could just keep continuing, so that was probably where I made the time.”

Quality Girl showed throughout the indoor horse show circuit this fall and had some rest before competing in Wednesday’s class. Minikus thought she felt fresh and ready to go coming back outdoors.

“She had a couple of weeks off and it didn’t hurt her any,” the rider noted. “It seemed like she stayed right in form from the National in Kentucky. She had a couple of funny classes in Harrisburg and Washington D.C., but in Kentucky she really was on the game, and then she was awesome today.”

“Transitioning back outdoors seemed to be no problem,” Minikus added. “She really went nice in the first round. She always goes well in the jump-off for some reason, but the first round she really jumped fresh, so that was good. She is sometimes quieter in the jump-off. The first round settles her a little bit and just knocks the edge off of her.”

There was an impressive group of horses and riders in Wednesday’s class to kick off the winter competition as the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival quickly approaches. As Minikus pointed out, Wellington draws many of the best in the sport, and the competition is never easy.

“It’s welcome to Wellington,” he laughed. “You might as well get used to it because that’s the way it is. It is always a who’s who. Nothing is ever going to come easy, so even at these pre-season shows, you have to come with your ‘A’ game. That’s just the way it is here in Wellington.”

Equestrian Sport Productions’ Holiday & Horses competition will continue through December 1 with a full schedule of exciting competition. For the prize list and more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com. For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.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

Competitions, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut Finishes Third in Longines Global Champions Tour Series with Cedric

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Laura Kraut and Cedric at Doha 2013 CSI5*. Photos By: Stefano Grasso/Longines Global Champions Tour.

Doha, Qatar – November 26, 2013 – It has been a whirlwind of excitement for Laura Kraut and Cherry Knoll Farm’s Cedric during the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT). After leading the GCT Series from the start, they played their last pawn at the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre in Doha, Qatar during the final event of the GCT. The anticipation continued as they entered into a heated battle of the best, finishing third in the series with 187 points.

The 15-year-old grey gelding recently returned from an injury in September, rising to the challenge of the Doha 2013 CSI5*. The class consisted of two rounds, with the top 18 from the first round progressing into the second round.

The pair was nothing short of incredible as they adeptly navigated the first round course. They made a brilliant turn to the daunting wall, clearing it with ease, and as Kraut and Cedric approached the last line the audience sat in a frenzy of anticipation. A clean round was in their grasp, but the second to last fence fell as they accrued four faults for their effort.

“I would have been willing to bet you that he wouldn’t have had a rail down coming down the last line, but he just got a little quick off the ground. It’s plain and simple; he just jumped too low,” Kraut said. “It was just an unfortunate time because for the rest of the course he jumped amazing.”

Kraut continued, “He was phenomenal out there, especially after his injury, but that’s sort of Cedric. He has made a career out of having some funny incidents happen and coming back and putting it behind him. I had a lot of faith in the fact that he wasn’t really going to remember his experience in Lausanne. Thankfully, I was right. Every horse makes a jumping error now and then. I am thrilled with how he went, and now we are going to go to Paris and try to win that.”

Although Kraut and Cedric did not progress into the second round of the competition, their partnership throughout the GCT proved successful enough to score Kraut a 187-point total and eventually the third place finish. Christian Ahlmann (GER) found his way into the second round with a clean first effort, and although he finished fourth in the final event, he sealed his spot as second in the series. It was Scott Brash (GBR) aboard Hello Sanctos who jumped in the standings from eighth to first place to clinch the Longines Global Champions Tour Series Title.

Laura Kraut sealed the third place rank in the Longines Global Champions Tour Series aboard Cedric during the Doha 2013 CSI5*
Laura Kraut sealed the third place rank in the Longines Global Champions Tour Series aboard Cedric during the Doha 2013 CSI5*

“I am pleased with that [third place]. When I went there, I told them that if I stayed in the top five I would be happy,” Kraut explained. “I was pleased with third. It was a very nice bonus, and if it weren’t for Margaret [Duprey] and Cedric, as well as the Le Bon’s allowing me to ride Jubilee d’Ouilly, I would not have had such a wonderful series and finished where I did.”

Owner Duprey was onsite at Al Shaqab, watching the competition unfold before her eyes. It was a very exciting event for Team Cherry Knoll Farm, and Duprey could not have been more proud of the partnership Kraut and Cedric have.

“It was an exciting time on Saturday,” Duprey expressed. “I am so proud of Laura and Cedric on a great series this year. After Cedric’s accident in Lausanne, his comeback to jump like a stag at Doha was fantastic. What a pro he is!”

Kraut concluded, “It was a beautiful facility; I was pleasantly surprised with the whole sort of week. The people were so friendly; the facility was incredible; so were the people and the horses. It was an incredible event; I would be very pleased to go back.”

For more information on Laura Kraut and Cedric’s performance throughout the Longines Global Champions Tour, please visit http://www.globalchampionstour.com/.

Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

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

Pensacola Prelude – Three Weeks of AA Shows as a Prelude to the Gulf Coast Winter Classic Circuit

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As the cold winter weather settles in, it’s time to set your sights on warmer climates, beaches and… horse shows!  That’s right; the Gulf Coast Classic Company is ready to welcome you to their AA winter show series that kicks off January 8 in Pensacola, Florida for three weeks followed by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classics starting February 5 along the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Mississippi!

Week 1 gets the competition heated up with a $10,000 Open Jumper Class on Saturday night and then it’s a $25,000 Grand Prix weeks 2 and 3.  “We always run our grand prix on Saturdays so our customers don’t feel rushed to catch a flight if they are heading home Sunday night,” commented Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.  “And the entire city of Pensacola comes out to watch the jumpers on Saturday night. It’s really fun and the stands are packed with people,” he added.

Genie Harper of Oak Haven Farm in Folsom, Louisiana said, “We’re looking forward to showing in Pensacola this year.  Last year was our first year there.  We went weeks 2 and 3 because it set us up nicely for the Gulfport shows,” she said.  “Our clients really liked it.  The shows are AA and our people did really well and collected a lot of points,” she added.  “We usually bring between 5 to 10 horses and mostly adult amateurs.”

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. With plenty of jumper prize money each week, the Pensacola shows are really the best place to earn some cash and mileage for the more novice horses and riders.

Special performances always run before feature grand prix to the thrill of the crowd.
Special performances always run before feature grand prix to the thrill of the crowd.

“Bob’s shows really work with my program.  Our farm, Oak Haven Farm, is very hands on. We have a customized program and I have a good rapport and relationship with my clients and their horses.  That special attention to detail that Oak Haven offers is what Bob’s shows offer us, and that is totally in line with the way I do business too,” she said.

“I like the show grounds a lot and so do my customers.  The rings are convenient to the barns, and the stalls are very roomy.  There’s even a covered walkway for those stabling in the exterior stalls. The courses are always good and the footing is dependable,” she said.  “There is so much to do in the area and the show grounds are close to the interstate.  The hotels are easy to get to, there’s great shopping and dining convenient to the show grounds and its really a win-win for all of us.”

Are you bringing your family or your friends with you to the show?  The town of Pensacola has a lot to offer. Chartered fishing expeditions, sailing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, dining and shopping are only some of the many things to do besides riding your horses!  The show is no more than 25 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.  Exhibitors and their families love the show’s convenience to the airport and the town of Pensacola, right on the Gulf.

When looking to book your accommodations for the Pensacola shows, please book with the Official Gulf Coast Classic Company lodging partners!  The Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn is very convenient and offers horse show friendly accommodations and rates.  The Official Pet Friendly hotel is the Red Roof Inn Pensacola West and both are just minutes from the Escambia Equestrian Center, beach, airport and quaint Gulf side restaurants and shops. Make sure to mention you are with the horse show when securing your best rates.

Pensacola360The 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

Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy

Two Florida Therapy Horses Newest Breyer Model Horses

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Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity based in Gainesville, Florida. The teams of tiny horses visit over 25,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs and with children who have experienced traumatic events. From Sandy Hook Elementary School/ Newtown, CT to the tornado survivors in Moore, OK to child trafficking victims in Washington, D.C., they bring their special love where it is needed most.  Gentle Carousel is currently working with children living in orphanages in Athens, Greece and then will be returning home to make hospital visits in Nashville, TN and Florida for the holidays.

Gentle Carousel therapy horses Magic and Hamlet are the newest Breyer Model Horses.  Earlier this year, therapy horse Magic was even invited to tour the famous Breyer factory (Reeves International Inc.) in Pequannock, NJ and meet the artist working on her original model. She was returning from a second trip to Sandy Hook/Newtown, CT and the Yale-New Haven Children’s hospital and stopped to visit a child with a life ending illness in New Jersey where the factory is located. Magic is the first horse to ever to visit inside the Breyer factory.

GentleCarousel2Magic and Hamlet will be also be special guests at the 25th Silver Celebration BreyerFest in 2014.  BreyerFest, the world’s largest model horse collector and equine festival, is held each year at the Kentucky Horse Park. More than 10,000 people will attend. Breyer has strong ties to the real horse world and say they add “the latest and greatest stars” to their model line each year.

Therapy horse Magic was also named by TIME Magazine one of History’s Ten Most Heroic Animals (the only living animal on the list). She is AARP’s Most Heroic Pet in America, a Readers Digest/Americantowns Power of One Hero and was one of Newsweek/The Daily Beast’s Ten Most Heroic Animals in America.

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
www.Horse-Therapy.org
www.facebook.com/TherapyHorses
352-226-9009

Community/Charity, Dressage

Broadway Comes to Kentucky with Equine Theater Performance

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‘Spirit of the Horse’ Production a First for Kentucky Horse Park and Central Kentucky

A dazzling new holiday production in Central Kentucky, “The Spirit of the Horse:  A Holiday Equine Extravaganza,” out of Maple Park, Ill., is scheduled for the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 2013, at 7 p.m. both nights.

Capturing all the elements of an impressive Broadway musical, “The Spirit of the Horse” has one component rarely if ever seen on a Broadway stage: 18 high-level dressage/performance horses ridden by championship riders at the highest level in their sport.  Among them is Yvonne Barteau, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist and a Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) trainer and rider who has trained a dozen horses to the Grand Prix level.  Her mount is GP Raymeister, three-time United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Horse of the Year.

Yvonne’s husband and business partner, Kim Barteau, displays his enormous talents as a “Liberty” trainer with his equine partner and huge crowd-pleaser, GP Boater.  They have shown across the country to rave reviews and appear in the production as the “master of the house” and his stallion.  Also appearing in the show is Dan James, the well-known Australian of Double Dan Horsemanship who plays the “villain” in the 55-minute production.

“What makes our show unique are the multitalented horses that give audiences a spectacular performance every time, be it in a show like ‘Spirit’ or in a dressage arena,” says Yvonne Barteau, the author of the script.  “It’s rare that you find horses like the ones you will see in this production – horses that give their hearts in every step they take. These are the true stars of ‘The Spirit of the Horse.’ It is they who inspired me from the outset to write this story.”

In addition to the performances on both nights, barn tours are available to the public from 3:30-6 p.m. and a post-production party follows the show each night.  Show tickets range from $25 for VIP seating to $15 general admission for adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Barn Tour tickets are $5 for adults and complimentary for one accompanying child when purchased with a show ticket. Tickets to the “Post Production Party” to meet and greet the cast are $25 per person, adult or child. Official programs and The Spirit of the Horse Story Book will be on sale at the show.

Tickets are now only available on site the afternoon/evening of each performance at the Alltech Arena ticket windows, starting at 3:30 p.m. each day.  Information about “The Spirit of the Horse” is available at www.kybdressage.com or at www.kyhorsepark.com.

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

Year End Awards Wrap Up to Rave Reviews at the Atlanta Fall Classic

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Colorful fall foliage, warm days and cool evenings made for a perfect close out to the Classic Company 2013 show calendar.  Riders traveled from around the country to compete at the Olympic venue November 6 through the 17th.

Classic Company President Bob Bell commented, “We love this horse show since it gives us all a chance to catch up with our horse show families before the holidays.  We appreciate all of the support from the equestrian community and especially those who consistently show at our events,” he added. “We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!”

The $25,000 Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classics

The Barry Lane Memorial Jumper Classics kicked off opening week and saw a record increase in numbers. “These classics are very popular.  We have a lot of riders compete in them and it’s a great way to honor our friend and horsewoman, Barry Lane, who passed away far too soon,” commented Bell.

Belle Nuit and Julia Tedesco take the win in the $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classics. Flashpoint Photography.
Belle Nuit and Julia Tedesco take the win in the $25,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classics. Flashpoint Photography.

Belle Nuit, owned and ridden by Julia Tedesco and trained under the watchful eye of Paulo Santana, took first place honors both Saturday and Sunday which put a grand total of $5,200.00 in her pocket.  Kasaar, owned and ridden by Erin McGuire, won second place honors.

Adequan Pre-Green Hunter Classic Championship

The Adequan Pre-Green Hunter Classic Championship took place during the second week of the Atlanta Fall Classic.  “Total entry fees throughout the year for the Adequan Pre-Green Classes are added up and then doubled by Classic Company and offered as prize money at the Atlanta Fall Classic,” commented Bell.  This year’s Adequan Pre-Green Hunter Classic Championship offered $20,700 in prize money.

Honor, owned by Salter Hydinger and ridden by Timothy Maddrix of Birmingham, Alabama, collected first place honors and the big check with a score of 80.  Maddrix was on a roll and also rode Special, owned by Missy Nolen, to a second place finish with a score of 77.

National Classic Equitation Finals Crown Equitation Superstars!

The National Classic Equitation Finals were again a huge Classic success.  Equitation riders showed under the Covered Arena at the Georgia International Horse Park as families and trainers sat comfortably in the VIP.  “This is an important event in our industry because it showcases the up and coming riders and rewards them for their hard work throughout the year spent qualifying for the Finals,” commented Bell.

The National Classic Junior Equitation Medal Finals was won by Addison Howe, trained by Tim Sweat.  Annie Kunansky finished as Reserve Champion and she is trained by Matthew Le Master.

The Child Adult National Classic Equitation Finals was won by McKenzie Maloney, trained by Julie Curtain.  Reserve was awarded to Caroline Wilson, trained by Jane Olsen.

The Short Stirrup/Children’s Hunter Pony Equitation Finals winner was Anna Schwarzkopf who rode Elliott, owned by Leslie Jessee and trained by Bradd Spragg.  Reserve was awarded to Whitney McKinley, who rode her own Courtash Kaleidoscope.  The pair is trained by Kathryn Mulkey.

The Pre-Children’s Adult National Classic Equitation Finals winner was awarded to Natalie Weisman, riding her own Sophie, trained by Carolyn Bell.  Reserve was awarded to Katie Kittrell, riding her own Tikki trained by Kathryn Mulkey.

Zemmie Stegger rode Ella McDonald’s Snowday to the National Classic Equitation Pony Equitation Finals Championship.  The pair is trained by Matt Martin.

The Classic Company Children’s Hunter 15-17 High Point Circuit Award was won by Bella Blue, owned by AM Free Inc. and ridden by Madison Free. The pair is trained by Hunt Tosh.

The Classic Company’s Children’s Hunter High Point Pony Circuit Award was won by Sky Blue, owned and ridden by Lily Bennett and trained by Janet Salem.

Rave Reviews!

Billy the Kid and Jennings won the Welcome Class Week 1. Flashpoint Photography.
Billy the Kid and Jennings won the Welcome Class Week 1. Flashpoint Photography.

Everyone enjoyed themselves at the Atlanta Fall Classic at the Georgia International Horse Park.

David Jennings’ Full Circle Farm packed all of the rings with an assortment of hunter and jumper talent.  Jennings made weekly trips to the Winner’s Circle after winning the Classic Welcome classes.  “It was fun winning the Welcome both weeks in a row!  I appreciate all of my customers and the opportunity they give me to show their horses; I’m very fortunate,” he said.

“We really love showing here,” said Joshua VanderVeen of Bull Run Jumpers, LLC of St. Charles, Illinois. “We’ve had a great time and we will definitely be back next year!” he added.

“We had a great two weeks at Conyers and we’re looking forward to the best winter ever,” said Bell. “We have over a million dollars in prize money up for grabs at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classics and everyone is really excited about showing with us this winter!” he added.

On Deck!

Now, all eyes turn to Pensacola and the Mississippi Gulf Coast which will be offering more than a million in prize money this year.  Combine that with the new barns, world class footing, complimentary riders’ lounges and weekly special events and complimentary exhibitor parties… let the good times roll!

Pensacola kicks off January 8 for three weeks of AA shows, followed by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic which gets underway February 5 for six weeks of AA show jumping action and OVER A MILLION DOLLARS in prize money!  Add that fact to the new, permanent barns, complimentary riders’ lounges and the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast and it will make you want to say, “Let’s go for the show and stay for the fun!”  Come and enjoy Gulf Coast Classic Company’s world class customer service, beautifully decorated rings, big prize money, great events and fun for all!  Email Jonathan at jonathan@classiccompany.com or call the office at 843.768.5503.  Remember, you can also sign up for the Pensacola and Gulf Coast Winter Classics by visiting the Classic Company’s Official Service Partner, Equestrian Connect.

Anyone who has shown with the Classic Company knows what sets them apart from the rest:  Classic Shows are FUN!  Complimentary exhibitor parties, luncheons, Saturday pizzas and the friendliest show management team anywhere work hard to make your showing experience the best. Classic Company never charges an add or scratch fee for those last minute changes and there is no office surcharge added for credit card payments. 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 the Classic Company, the Gulf Coast Winter Classics, the Southeast Medal Finals and their 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

Community/Charity, Dressage, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Phelps Media Group Now Accepting Dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Public Relations Interns

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Steffen Peters and Legolas 92. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Wellington, FL – November 22, 2013 – Are you ready to experience the equestrian world at a new level and give your resume a boost? Phelps Media Group, Inc. (PMG), one of the foremost equestrian public relations firms, is currently seeking interns for the 2014 winter horse show season.

Dressage and Hunter/Jumper internships are available from January through April at PMG’s base in Wellington, FL. An additional internship with a focus on Public Relations is available beginning December 1.

Dressage interns’ responsibilities include writing daily articles about dressage competition in Wellington. Interns will be expected to photograph events and interview winning riders. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to our new dressage website, PSdressage.com, and help maintain social media accounts.

Hunter/Jumper interns are responsible for writing daily articles about the Winter Equestrian Festival as well as photographing the hunters and jumpers that are competing for PhelpsSports.com.

Dressage and Hunter/Jumper interns will also have the opportunity to work in the PMG office to assist account executives and their public relations clients.

Candidates should have an equestrian background and strong writing and photography skills as well as experience and an interest in journalism, public relations or marketing. Dressage and Hunter/Jumper internships are unpaid and applicants must be able to provide their own housing and transportation. PMG will assist with anything required for academic credit.

Scott Stewart and Dedication. Photo by Emily Riden.
Scott Stewart and Dedication. Photo by Emily Riden.

To apply for the Hunter/Jumper internship, please email a resume, writing samples, and photographic samples to Rebecca Walton at rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com.

To apply for the Dressage internship, please email a resume, writing samples, and photographic samples to Sue Weakley at skw@phelpsmediagroup.com.

Phelps Media Group is also offering a Public Relations internship. This internship could lead to a permanent position for the right candidate.

The duties of the position are to assist and support the production of client deliverables. Candidates should have an equestrian background with a major in public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field. They should have confidence, initiative, work ethic, and strong writing and people skills, and they should be ready to deliver the very best to our equestrian clients.

Applicants must be able to provide their own housing and transportation in Wellington, FL, and be willing to travel.

To apply for the public relations internship, please email a resume and writing samples to Carrie Wirth at cw@phelpsmediagroup.com.

Phelps Media Group is the nation’s leader in equestrian marketing, press and public relations. Founded by Olympian Mason Phelps Jr., PMG caters to a wide variety of clients. The talented and well-rounded professional PR team at PMG is ready to roll on any assignment. PMG has built an international reputation for its innovative promotional ideas, thorough and professional marketing programs, timely media responses, and, above all, the proven results it achieves for its clients.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, FEI, Show Jumping

Top Ranked Riders in the World among Nominations for FEI World Cup Jumping at Olympia

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Ben Maher on Aristo Z at Olympia 2012. Photo credit: Kit Houghton.

22 November 2013 – Seven of the world’s top 10 FEI-ranked show jumpers are set to compete at Olympia, The London International Horse Show on 16-22 December, as nominations for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping leg presented by H&M were announced this week, guaranteeing another year of exhilarating top class sport at London’s premier equestrian show.

Amongst the entries include current world number one ranked show jumper Ben Maher (GBR), who has nominated three of his best horses, Tripple X III, Cella and Aristo Z. Since winning team gold at London 2012, Maher’s success on the international circuit has continued to soar, with victories this year in the inaugural Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of London in June, the prestigious Longines King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead in August, team gold at the FEI European Championships in Herning, Denmark, and more recently he bagged the valuable Prize of GEZE GmbH at the highly regarded CSI5* Stuttgart German Masters.

The 29-year-old said: “I love competing in front of the Olympia crowd, and winning two competitions there in 2012 was just fantastic – there is simply no other show like it! 2013 has been an unreal year for me and I just hope that I can put the icing on the cake by winning once again at Olympia.”

Maher’s GB teammate, Scott Brash, has also nominated three of his top horses, including superstar Bon Ami fresh from his two CSI5* successes in one week in Verona, Italy. Brash’s other nominated mounts include Hello Annie and Ursula XII.

Among the 48 nominated riders is Britain’s number one ranked female rider, Laura Renwick, who has nominated four horses. Three members of the Whitaker family, Michael, John and Robert, have also been nominated.

From overseas, strong entries have come from the Netherlands and Germany. Individual silver medallist from London 2012, Gerco Schröder (NED), is nominated along with Sydney 2000 Olympic team gold medallist Marcus Ehning (GER), who is currently ranked third in the world.

Rising Portuguese star Luciana Diniz, who sits one behind Ehning in the FEI Rankings, is nominated with three horses: Upper Star, Winningmood and Fit For Fun 13. This year’s competition has just one potential Irish contender in Cian O’Connor, who has nominated his London 2012 individual bronze medal winning horse Blue Lloyd 12.

The Longines FEI World Cup Jumping leg presented by H&M takes place during the afternoon performance on Saturday 21 December 2013 and limited tickets are still available. Coverage will be broadcast live on BBC1 from 13:45-16:30*.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

*TV schedule subject to change, please check listings nearer the time.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Awards, Eventing/H.T.

USET Foundation Awards Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant to Meghan O’Donoghue

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Meghan O’Donoghue is the recipient of the 2014 Amanda Warrington Grant from the USET Foundation. Photo By: Shannon Brinkman.

Gladstone, NJ – November 19, 2013 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded the 2014 Amanda Warrington Grant to Eventing rider Meghan O’Donoghue of Carbondale, IL. The Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant is awarded through the USET Foundation Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund. Earlier this year, O’Donoghue and her talented mount Pirate competed at their first 4* event during the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event CCI, where they placed twelfth.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund was established by Amanda’s family in her memory with the purpose of helping provide financial assistance to an event rider who has been identified as a rider with great talent and ability to represent the United States in the future.

The Grant Committee recommends a recipient that they believe will benefit from the opportunity of continuing their training with top coaches and competing against the world’s best horse and rider combinations in Eventing, one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines, and it is then ratified by the USET Foundation Executive Committee.

“I am extremely honored to receive the Amanda Warrington Grant as this year comes to a close,” expressed O’Donoghue. “I had a great 2013 with my first 4* and first international event under my belt. The opportunities this grant will provide for me will hopefully produce even better results for 2014. Again, I can’t thank the USET Foundation and the committee enough for choosing me, and I will use this grant to honor Amanda.”

As the recipient of the grant, O’Donoghue will receive up to $5,000 to help offset expenses associated with her training over the next year. After receiving the Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant earlier this year, O’Donoghue was able to compete at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3* in England just six months after her 4* début with Pirate.

O’Donoghue was most recently named to the High Performance Winter/Spring Training Lists for the 2014 season. An 11-year-old off-track Thoroughbred, Pirate and O’Donoghue have been partnered together for eight years, taking the Eventing world by storm and ready to prove they can represent the United States on the international stage.

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

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Competitions, Dressage, FEI

Mouth-Watering Line-Up for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Leg at Olympia Horse Show

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Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro.

20 November 2013 – The world’s most sensational dressage duo, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro head the formidable line up of nominated entries for the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Leg supported by Horse & Hound, which takes place at Olympia, The London International Horse Show on 16 and 17 December 2013.

Dujardin, who has been shortlisted for the Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Year 2013, is also nominated to ride Valegro’s Olympic gold medal winning team mate, Uthopia , but it is likely that she will only compete him if Valegro does not line up. Whichever of the London 2012 heroes Dujardin rides, she will face strong competition with entries from eight different nations, setting the scene for what could be one of the most competitive dressage competitions ever staged at Olympia.

The current FEI ranked world number one rider said: “Winning the FEI World Cup Dressage at Olympia in 2012 on Valegro was just incredible and the support from the home crowds is always humbling. There are very few competitions in the world that compare to the atmosphere at Olympia and it is undoubtedly one of the greatest shows there is. Fingers crossed we can repeat our success from last year.”

Amongst those bidding to take on the current Grand Prix world record holder is Charlotte’s trainer, Olympic and European team mate Carl Hester, who will be riding Fine Time 13, with whom Carl won his eighth National Championship title in September 2013. Another Team GB mate of Dujardin’s, Michael Eilberg, who made his British team debut at this year’s European Championships, is entered with his team bronze medal partner, the British-bred mare Half Moon Delphi, with whom he was well placed in fifth at Olympia last year.

The overseas raiders include a powerful Dutch team, including three of the European team silver medallists, Edward Gal, Hans Peter Minderhoud and Danielle Heijkoop. While Gal and Minderhoud are popular regulars at Olympia, rising star, 26-year-old Heijkoop will be making her Olympia debut fresh from winning the CDI 4* Grand Prix and Special at the 2013 Oldenburg, Germany earlier this month.

Multi-disciplined rider, Ingrid Klimke, the only German representative at this year’s FEI World Cup Dressage at Olympia, rides one of the youngest horses in the competition, nine-year-old Dresden Mann. The highly talented Klimke, who competes in top level eventing as well as dressage, was last seen in the UK at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials where she came fifth.

A notable absentee from this year’s line-up is Laura Tomlinson (nee Bechtolsheimer). However, Tomlinson’s stable jockey, Lara Griffith, makes her Olympia and World Cup debut on Andretti H. The 18-year-old gelding was formerly ridden by Tomlinson, but with Griffith on board at the National Championships, the duo performed an eye catching test to come second to Carl Hester and will certainly be one to watch at Olympia.

Tomlinson will instead be taking part in a special performance with her long-standing dressage partner Mistral Højris – more fondly known as Alf – during the evening programme on Tuesday 17 December to celebrate the superstar’s retirement.

Tickets for Olympia, The International Horse Show start at £35 each and discounts for groups, children and concessions apply for certain performances. For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the website at www.olympiahorseshow.com or telephone the box office on 0871 230 5580.

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