Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Driving, FEI

Boyd Exell Wins First Edition of the FEI World Cup Driving in Verona

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Boyd Exell on his way to win the first edition of the FEI World Cup Driving in Verona (Photo: Rinaldo de Craen/FEI).

Verona (ITA), 10 November 2013 – Four-time FEI World Cup Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) claimed the inaugural edition of the FEI World Cup Driving at the popular Fieracavalli equestrian event in Verona (ITA). Exell finished ahead of European four-in-hand Champion and wild card competitor Theo Timmerman (NED), and József Dobrovitz jnr (HUN), driving his first FEI World Cup event of the new season.

Fieracavalli, which this year celebrated its 115th anniversary, has been host to FEI World Cup Jumping for many years, but it is the first time Verona has hosted an FEI World Cup Driving qualifier. The Driving was scheduled after the popular Gala evening and, despite the late night hour, many spectators stayed to watch spectacular driving sport offered by the seven top drivers.

POTENTIAL SUCCESSOR
Following the death of Boyd Exell’s top horse Bill last summer; the Australian has found a potential successor in the 13-year-old trotter gelding Knight Templar. Exell drove a very fast clear round and had already set an advantage of over 12 penalty seconds. He wanted to try something more technical in the winning round and took tighter turns in the obstacles. Although that resulted in two knockdowns, his lead was strong enough to hold onto victory.

Theo Timmerman received a wild card from the organising committee and proved to be more than worth it. Timmerman lived and worked in Italy for many years and knew the Fieracavalli as a visitor. He set the goal for himself to use the competitions in Hannover and Verona to get his four-in-hand ready for the other four competitions in which he is competing. He knocked two balls of the last two cones in the first round and was very pleased to still qualify for the Winning Round, in which he set a fast time.

ALL ROUND HORSEMAN
Less than a week earlier, József Dobrovitz jnr won the individual silver medal in the pony four-in-hand class at the FEI World Championships for Combined Ponies in Pau (FRA), and the 21-year-old proved to be a true all round horseman by putting down two wonderful rounds with his horse team in Verona. Like Exell and Timmerman and József Dobrovitz senior, who were in Pau as trainers, József jnr did not have a chance to practise with his horses as he was focusing on his pony team over the last two weeks.

Dobrovitz jnr deliberately drove long but fast routes in the course, designed by O-course designer Johan Jacobs, who is also responsible for the indoor courses at Olympia and Mechelen. Junior’s left leader horse Aba Sam, which is part of his outdoor team as well, caused some problems on the first night and was not in his usual mood, but after a change of bit, the seven-year-old Lipizzaner performed well again. Junior’s right leader Janko has only been in Dobrovitz’ stables for the past three weeks and was a pairs horse before.

FAMOUS NAVIGATOR
For Georg von Stein (GER), Verona was his first FEI World Cup competition of the season. Von Stein drove his team of mixed breed geldings to fourth place, assisted by two German four-in-hand colleagues. The well-known and successful driver Christoph Sandmann acted as navigator for Von Stein, while Sascha Utz was on the back-step.

József Dobrovitz senior came sixth, driving a new horse in the left lead for the first time. Von Stein’s compatriot Michael Brauchle experienced some problems with his four-in-hand, which became a bit too strong to handle during the course, resulting in several knockdowns for sixth place.

The famous and popular Italian driver Carlo Mascheroni was delighted to compete in Verona after receiving the second wild card. The 73-year-old pair and four-in-hand driver conquered the course with his team of German and Dutch bred horses to finish in seventh.

Quotes:
Boyd Exell: “The potential in Verona is very good; just the timing needs to be different to make it better for the spectators, sponsors, our horses and ourselves. The course was good; it was flowing and fast. I am very pleased with my new horse Knight; he can be a universal horse but he just needs more experience.”

Theo Timmerman: “I haven’t had time to train my indoor team in the past two weeks so I am very happy that it went well for me. I put these horses out in the field last summer and I noticed that it takes a lot of time to get them back in form, so I won’t do that again next season. I enjoy indoor driving; it makes me quicker during the outdoor events as well.”

József Dobrovitz jnr.: “This is my first season as a World Cup driver. I drove with a wild card before in Budapest, but indoor driving is definitely a different game. I just have to learn to drive the cones and the obstacles without mistakes. My father was very happy for me that I did well. He is happier when I do better than him!”

Results in detail can be viewed here: Official results.

The FEI World Cup Driving 2013/2014 series now moves on to Stuttgart (GER) on Saturday, 16 November. For information on the next leg, go to www.stuttgart-german-masters.de or contact Press Officer Hartmut Binder, hartmut.binder@mps-agentur.de, +49 172 972 2848.

By Cindy Timmer

Media Contacts:

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

At Verona:
Caterina Vagnozzi
c.vagnozzi@gmail.com
+39 335 610 7070

Competitions, Dressage

Diane Creech and Devon L Takes the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup

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Creech said Devon L performed with power and focus. Photos by Ben Radvanyi.

Toronto, ON – November 10, 2013 – Diane Creech of Caistor Centre, Ontario, and Devon L, a 13-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Louise and Doug Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, put in nearly flawless performances in the Grand Prix and the Freestyle to earn the pair the win of the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario.

“The Royal is the highlight for all of our Canadian riders,” said Creech. “Being invited is already very special. Only the top four riders get to go. We already felt honored to be there, but to win is like a dream come true. It makes us very proud.”

Creech and Devon L finished second to David Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital in the Grand Prix on Wednesday, Nov. 6, where they scored 67.801 percent to begin the show on a strong note. The following night, Creech and Devon L took it up another notch. The pair’s outstanding freestyle effort earned them a score of 75.417 percent, giving them a clear lead over second-placed Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital (72.917 percent) and securing the win of the coveted Canadian prize.

“Devon was spectacular in the ring; he had all the power but stayed focused,” Creech said. “I was so proud of him because the atmosphere was electric. Afterwards, I was so happy to call Doug and Louise who were unable to attend. I am so grateful to them for supporting me and having the trust in Devon.”

Spectators clapped and cheered as Creech piloted Devon through their freestyle to a soundtrack assembled by Karen Robinson. Creech shared that her coach, Lars Petersen, told her that Devon had so much presence during their freestyle that it gave him goose bumps.

Creech011544“Diane’s horse was wonderful,” said Elizabeth McMullen, who judged the famed Canadian competition at ‘C’. “Lots of power, lots of rhythm. The horse really makes you sit up and pay attention. He’s just lovely.”

Devon L is by De Niro x EM Wibranda by Wolkenstein II. The pair placed second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the Saugerties CDI-W in August. They had equally impressive results during the 2013 winter season in Wellington, FL, where they will compete again this coming season and debut a new freestyle designed by Robinson.

“As a Canadian, this is a very big deal,” said Doug Leatherdale about the win for Creech and Devon L. “We purchased his dam from our friend, Hans-Henning von der Decken, with Devon in-utero and shipped her to our farm in Minnesota, where he was born. We raised him and gave him to Diane to train. We couldn’t be more pleased with the result.”

About Leatherdale Farms
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding. The Leatherdale family owns several licensed stallions based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, the premium elite, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M); the premium elite Trakehner, Herzensdieb (Tambour); and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leatherdalefarmsworld.

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Carrie Wirth and Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Championships, Dressage, USDF

A Full Day of Championship Freestyles at Inaugural US Dressage Finals

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Competitors like Emily O’Neill of Conestoga, PA aboard “Sir Lancelot” danced to freestyle championship victories during today’s US Dressage Finals. Photo: SusanJStickle.com.

November 9, 2013 – Horses and riders danced the day away in the Alltech Arena in six freestyle championship divisions during the inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Despite facing some of the best horses and riders in their divisions from across the country, competitors rose to the challenge in their quest for national titles while also gaining the experience of a lifetime.

In the Third Level Freestyle Championship, Region 1 rider Emily O’Neill of Conestoga, PA danced to the win with Elaine Warner’s Friesian gelding “Sir Lancelot” (Sierk x Marge by Oege) on a score of 71.778%. “My ride was thrilling, that arena is amazing, and my horse was right on – he’s a showman,” said O’Neill, who admitted being initially anxious about the Finals atmosphere. “I was a little intimidated at first by all the amazing horses and riders here, but this was a really special experience and an honor to be at the Finals.” A score of 70.878% gave Jennifer Roth of Magnetic Springs, OH (qualified in Region 4) the Reserve Championship on her own Hanoverian gelding “Reebok” (Royal Prince x Andromache by Arrian, bred in the U.S. by Jack and Diane Vickery) for their “Game of Thrones”-themed freestyle. “I felt like my horse would walk through fire for me today,” said Roth. “He could not have been more perfect.”

At Fourth Level, Linda Strine of nearby Versailles, KY (who qualified in Region 4) rode the striking black Friesian gelding “Beerend W” (Goffert 369 x Jacqueline by Wicher 334) to a top score of 68.333% to claim the Championship trophy for owner Vickie Short. A close second with 67.889% was Wellington, FL’s Kristy Truebenbach Lund (Region 3) with Blue Marlin Farm’s Spanish Warmblood “Akvavit” (by Silvester). Another Region 3 rider, Kathryn Stoy, also impressed the judges with her harmonious ride on Virginia Moon’s Andalusian cross gelding “Maggio” (Lepanto I x Orisha by Peter Pan, bred in the U.S. by Shannon Sluser/CF Andalusians) to earn the winning score of 73.833% in the First Level Freestyle Championship, followed by Claudia Novick (Gastonia, NC, Region 1) in Reserve with 72.333% aboard her Friesian “Marco von Laar” (Onne 376 x Wydana von Laar by Sjaard 320). At Second Level , Hanoverian gelding “Fhreelancer” (Florencio x Lafayette by Londonderry) carried owner/rider Joanne Coleman of Birdsboro, PA (Region 1) to her division’s national freestyle title with a score of 73.678%. Finishing less than a point behind (72.833%) to earn the Reserve Championship was Fie Andersen (Hamilton, MA), who traveled from Region 8 with her Oldenburg stallion “Rocazino” (Rosentanz x Escarda by Silvio I) for a chance to compete at the Finals. “Despite the 17-hour haul, I thought that I needed to be here and try this to see where I stand,” said Andersen. “I am floored by how well this show has been put together. I’m just amazed.”

Anna Marek of Williston, FL (Region 3) impressed the judges and spectators alike in the Alltech Arena as she dominated the Grand Prix Freestyle Championship on a score of 75.135%. The win with her own black Dutch Warmblood gelding “Unico G” (Negro x Kleora by Animo), which she’s brought up from Training Level, was made even more meaningful after an unfortunate elimination in the previous evening’s Grand Prix. “Yesterday was heartbreaking but the rules are there for a reason,” said Marek. “I love my horse and today I was just out to get the win back for him. The Freestyle is one of my favorite tests to ride, it’s so much fun. And I think my horse enjoys it as much as I do.” Accepting congratulations for the Reserve Grand Prix Freestyle Championship with a score of 70.667% was New Jersey’s Heather Mason (qualified in Region 8) with “Warsteiner”, her 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Riverman-ISF x Welona by Roemer).

Championship action continued in the outdoor arenas where adult amateur competitor Amy Swerdlin of Wellington, FL (Region 3) and her Oldenburg mare “Scholastica” (Sir Donnerhall x Loni by Sir Sinclair) claimed their first national title for Third Level. Despite the cool fall weather, the south Florida residents relished the atmosphere, and were unanimously placed first by judges Jane Weatherwax, Jayne Ayers, and Lois Yukins while earning an overall score of 70.342%. “It was a big weather change for us because it’s still 90 degrees at home, but she acclimated and got comfortable,” said Swerdlin. “She was really with me today and I couldn’t be happier.” Kentucky rider Rachael Hicks (Region 2) earned her second Reserve Championship of the weekend, this time in the Third Level Adult Amateur division with “Fabio Bellini” (Westphalian gelding [Fuerst Heinrich x Dakota by Davignon I], owned by Hicks). Even though she was first to go in the Murphy Ring at 8am, Hicks’ score of 68.077% held strong for second place.

When Lucy Tidd of Germantown, MD (Region 1) woke up this morning, she had no idea that she would be competing her horse “Ellert HB” today, let alone that she would be accepting the crystal trophy for winning the First Level Adult Amateur Championship. “We just arrived last night to prepare for Sunday’s Training Level class,” explained Tidd. “But I checked in at the office this morning and due to a scratch, they offered me a spot in today’s First Level class (where I was on the qualified reserve list). I was hoping I might get lucky and get in at the last minute, and I did! It was fortunate that it all came together.” Tidd was thrilled that her young horse rose to the occasion, earning a winning score of 72.634%. “As a four-year-old, my horse hasn’t shown a lot, but he took it all in stride.” Following up on her success in yesterday’s Second Level division, adult amateur rider Erin Laurent of Morristown, NJ (qualified in Region 8) added yet another Reserve Championship to her resume by earning 72.419% at First Level with her U.S.-bred Oldenburg gelding “Whasabi” (Wonderful x Glimmer by Grundstein, bred by Maurine Swanson).

Debbie Hill of Gurley, AL (Region 3) earned her second national title in as many days by topping the field in the First Level Open Championship on a score of 75.484% in the Murphy Ring. For today’s win, Hill rode Marchella Richardson’s six-year-old U.S.-bred Hanoverian gelding “Boccaccio IOF” (Bugatti Hilltop x Roxette by Rubinstein I, bred by Hilltop Farm, Inc.). “The footing was great; the arena was super; he was relaxed and he did everything just as I had hoped,” said Hill. “I’m proud to have been invited to be here, and it’s been such great experience to compete outside our region with competitors from all across the country.” Region 2’s Carrie Wilson (Carson City, MI) and Jane Hutchins’ Friesian gelding “Scepter Fan Leandra” (Goffert 369 x Trinity by Daen 286, bred in the U.S. by Dave and Kelly Baugh) earned 73.011%, good enough to earn Reserve Champion honors for owner Jane Hutchins.

In the Fourth Level Open Championship, Heather McCarthy (Prairie Grove, IL, Region 2) claimed a decisive and unanimous victory with 74.292% earned from judges Gary Rockwell, Janet Foy and Sandra Hotz aboard the Oldenburg mare “Saphira” (Florencio x Roxina by Chairman, owned by Dr. Marilyn Johnson and John McGuire). Rider Karen Lipp will take the Reserve Championship trophy home to Region 3 with the help of her own Dutch Warmblood mare “Baximiliana” (Johnson x Vaximiliana M. by Ferro) as they partnered for a solid second-place score of 70.333%. Both riders were thrilled to be in Kentucky for the inaugural Finals. “It has been such a great experience,” said McCarthy. “I wanted to be a part of the first-ever Finals, and it’s been wonderful – I love everything about it.” Lipp, who came from Ball Ground, GA with several students, enthusiastically agreed. “I’ve been teaching and training for a long time, and I’m so happy that finally there is this terrific opportunity for adult amateurs,” said Lipp. “It’s about time!”

Exhibitors shared in a final evening of celebration in the Alltech Arena while a sold-out VIP crowd enjoyed ringside dining. Presentations were made by dignitaries including Kentucky’s First Lady Jane Beshear, the Kentucky Horse Park’s Executive Director John Nicholson, and Alston Kerr, Chair of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, followed by an amazing liberty performance given by Kim Barteau and the magnificent Friesian stallion “GP Boater” which entertained the enthusiastic crowd. Concluding the evening were the Intermediate I freestyles where Heather Mason once again found the winner’s circle when she rode her own eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding “Zar” (Iroko x Inga by Actueel, bred in the U.S. by Carol Collyer) to the Championship title on a score of 72.125%. Reserve Champion with 70.167% was yesterday’s Intermediate I Open victor Emily Wagner of La Cygne, KS (qualified in Region 2) and “WakeUp” (American Warmblood stallion [Wagnis x Maiden Montreal by Macho], bred in the U.S. by Beverly McLean Tetrick/Red Mare Farm).

The US Dressage Finals will conclude on Sunday as the last six champions for 2013 are crowned. Follow the action through updates on the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, as well as watch live online streaming of Sunday’s classes from the Alltech Arena on the popular USEF Network (www.usefnetwork.com). To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan, download competition information, review day sheets and results, and read daily news releases, visit the official event website at www.usdressagefinals.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Thirty‐Year Wait Is Over as First National Titles Are Awarded at Inaugural US Dressage Finals

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Photo by Jennifer Munson Photography.

NOVEMBER 8, 2013 – For the first time in almost 30 years, national titles for adult amateur and open dressage riders from Training Level to Grand Prix were presented today at the inaugural US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. A full day of intense competition extended into a festive evening as special celebrations were held to mark this historic event.

During the first set of awards ceremonies at midday, Emily Wagner (La Cygne, KS, qualified in Region 2) thoroughly enjoyed her victory lap around the Alltech Arena after topping 20 other competitors in the Intermediate I Open Championship. Wagner was aboard her longtime partner and U.S.‐bred American Warmblood stallion “WakeUp” (Wagnis x Maiden Montreal by Macho, bred by Beverly McLean Tetrick/Red Mare Farm) to earn a winning score of 72.412%. “It was a thrill to ride in that ring today,” Wagner said. “This venue is just amazing for this event.” Just a month ago Wagner and “WakeUp” were at the Kentucky Horse Park for the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by the Dutta Corp., where they placed third overall in the Intermediaire I division. Even as she debated making another 10‐hour trip to Lexington, Wagner knew she had to come. “I wanted to support it, and I think everyone should want to be here,” she explained. “The Regional Championships have always been our biggest event of the year, but now with the Finals I think it’s fun to be able to showcase all the hard work that everyone’s done throughout the year and then bring it together for a national event; I think that’s important for the sport.”

Perhaps no one had more success than Heather Mason on this first day of championship action at the Finals. In the morning, Mason rode her own eight‐year‐old Dutch Warmblood gelding “Zar” (Iroko x Inga by Actueel, bred in the U.S. by Carol Collyer) to the Intermediate I Open Reserve Championship with 70.219%. Under the brilliant afternoon sun in the Stonelea Arena, Mason not only topped a deep field to win the Third Level Open Championship aboard Lori Racioppo’s Hanoverian gelding “Romantico SF” (Romancero H x Wesermelodie by Wenzel I, bred in Germany) on a score of 72.821%, but also earned Reserve Championship honors in the same class by earning 70.299% with “Lincoln” (eight‐year‐old Oldenburg gelding owned by Meredith Whaley). Mason, of Tewksbury, NJ (qualified Region 8) has been looking forward to attending the Finals for a long time, and today’s wins added to her excitement. “I rode in the then‐American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) ‘national championships’ in 1984 in Kansas City and I’ve been waiting for them to come back ever since,” Mason said. “I think the organizers here have done an excellent job making this feel like a national championship ‐ it feels like a really big deal to be here. Of course I’m thrilled to win but most of all I’m just really happy with how my horses have gone today.”

Debbie Hill brought six horses to the Finals from Gurley, AL (Region 3), and her weekend got off to a winning start as she earned an impressive score of 76.339% to take the Training Level Open Championship with “Floretienne” (Oldenburg gelding, Florestan x Tamarinde by Jazz) owned by Leslie Waterman. Region 2’s Jennifer Conour of Carmel, IN rode Phoebe Crane’s Dutch Warmblood mare “Daisy Van Wittenstein P” (Johnson x Ziggy Van Wittenstein A by Florencio) to reserve honors with 74.800%. Meanwhile in the Murphy Ring, adult amateurs competed for top honors at Second Level, with Rachael Hicks of Prospect, KY (Region 2) and her own Rhinelander stallion “Don Cartier” (Don Schufro x Carmina by Cartier) receiving the unanimous win under all three judges with a score of 72.976%. Earning 67.103% for the Reserve Championship was Region 8’s Erin Laurent of Morristown, NJ riding “Whasabi” (Oldenburg, Wonderful x Glimmer by Grundstein, bred in the U.S. by Maurine Swanson).

In the afternoon, competition in the Alltech Arena was streamed live around the world via the online USEF Network, beginning with the Intermediate I Adult Amateur Championship class. Emerging victorious was Heather Mendiburu (Wantage, NJ) who returned to the saddle after six months off (due to being pregnant with her fifth child) just in time to qualify for the Finals from Region 8. Surrounded by her family, Mendiburu was thrilled with her mount “What Happen” (Hanoverian mare [Waldstar x Gina de Ro by Gloster] owned by Mendiburu and High Point Solutions) and how she earned the win with a decisive score of 69.518%. “I came to Kentucky to see the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, and it’s surreal to be here now showing in the same place. It’s a great honor to be here.” Sheryl Ross’s long trip home to Menlo Park, CA (Region 7) will be a happy one as she takes home the Reserve Championship on a score of 66.930% earned with her own Danish Warmblood gelding “Lancaster” (Lobster x Aleksis by Aleksander). “It’s been a long journey, literally and figuratively, to be here,” said Ross. “But it’s been a wonderful experience. I would make the trip again in a heartbeat.” Adult Amateurs also competed at Fourth Level, with less than a point separating the top two spots. Stephanie McNutt of Mechanicsville, MD (Region 1) claimed the Championship sash aboard her Oldenburg mare “Con Dia” (Contucci x Cor Dia by Cor Noir, bred in the U.S. by Hilltop Farm, Inc.) with 67.833%, while a close second (67.083%) was Patricia Fannin of Eads, TN (qualified in Region 4) with her Hanoverian partner “Roxy Royale” (Rotspon x Whisper by Werther). International rider, trainer, coach and “S” judge Kathy Connelly was the official commentator for USEF Network coverage, and she was impressed by what she saw from the Adult Amateur classes. “This is a huge accomplishment just to be here,” she noted. “We have seen some spectacular performances today, and I am very impressed with the quality of the riding.”

A huge crowd gathered at the Alltech Arena for a “Taste of the Bluegrass” dinner and evening festivities, including opening ceremonies and a special presentation by USDF President George Williams to unveil and dedicate the new Janine Westmoreland Malone Perpetual Trophy, to be presented by USDF at the US Dressage Finals for the Adult Amateur Prix St. Georges Champion. Spectators then enjoyed Grand Prix championship competition as both adult amateurs and open riders competed for the nation’s top honors in each division. Region 3 riders ruled the day in the Adult Amateur Grand Prix class as south Florida riders finished atop the leaderboard. Jennifer Huber (Wellington, FL) on her Dutch Warmblood gelding “Vito” (Jazz x Matouf by Wellington) drew first to go in the class but her score of 65.355% held up against seven other competitors, including Palm Beach’s Janne Rumbough with her gray PRE gelding “Junior” (Gaucho III x La Nina by Brioso VI) who earned 62.163% for the Reserve Championship. In the Grand Prix Open Championship, crowd favorites James Koford and “Rhett” (Dutch Warmblood gelding [R. Johnson x Madette by Hendo], owned and bred in the U.S. by Shirley McQuillan) claimed top honors with a score of 67.128%, while the Dutch Warmblood gelding “Oublette” (Amulet x Jinnardi by Expo) carried Anna Whit Watkins of Moody, TX (Region 9) to the Reserve Championship with 66.312%.

Competition resumes Saturday at 8:00am ET as ten new Finals champions will be crowned throughout the day. Follow the action through updates on the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, as well as watch live online streaming of Saturday evening freestyle competition on the popular USEF Network (www.usefnetwork.com). To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan, download competition information, review day sheets and results, and read daily news releases, visit the official event website at www.usdressagefinals.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer M. Keeler, Yellow Horse Marketing, jennifer@yellowhorsemarketing.com

Classic Company, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennings and Billy the Kid Steal the Blue

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Billy the Kid flies with rider David Jennings over an oxer in the Olympic Arena with eyes on the win. Flashpoint Photography.

Forty-nine riders tackled last night’s $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class in the Olympic Arena during the opening week of the Atlanta Fall Classic.  Well known grand prix riders such as Patty Stovel, Derek Peterson, Quentin Judge, Kristen and Josh Vanderveen, Paulo Santana, Sarah Segal, Sarah Scheiring and Frances Land, to name a few, set out to win the class designed by International Course Designer Manuel Esperanza of Mexico City, Mexico.  But it was David Jennings of Full Circle Farm from Franklin, Tennessee, in the irons aboard Cory Olson’s Billy the Kid, who would steal the blue in the fastest double clean round of 71.486 seconds and second round time of 40.751 seconds, respectively.

“This class was a lot of fun,” said Jennings, who showed Billy the Kid thirtieth in the forty-nine horse line-up.  “I rode six [horses] and I’m really thankful that Derek [Peterson] and Patty [Stovel] were able to ride a couple for me too,” he said.

“I had some seasoned horses in here and some younger ones which had their first experience jumping under the lights,” he said. “It showed for them, but they need to get that experience and this is a great show to give them that mileage,” he added.

Quentin Judge of Wellington, Florida and HH Donnatella, owned by Double H Farm, were second to go in the class and the first double clear round, setting the time to beat for the class at 73.586 seconds  and 41.917 seconds, respectively, which was well within the first round time allowed of 74 seconds and second round time of 64 seconds.

Frances Land of Alpharetta, Georgia, riding her own Vieanne, was the next double clear round to go and finished in 69.795 and 42.050 seconds, respectively, which would land her in third place behind Judge.

Judge followed Land on his second mount, and looked to take the lead aboard Double H Farm’s HH Dark De La Hart.  His first round time of 69.674 seconds looked to accomplish that, but a second round time of 44.562 seconds would see him finish in sixth place overall.

Paulo Santana of Wellington, Florida turned in the next clear round in the irons aboard Santana Stables, LLC’s Atanja in a time of 68.329 seconds.  But a rail at the second to last fence in the jump off round would cost them four faults in a time of 44.562 seconds which would land them in tenth place overall.

Patty Stovel from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania riding her own Carigo Z was next to go and turned in double clear efforts in a time of 71.733 seconds and 43.893 seconds, respectively, which would finish the pair in fifth place overall.

Jennings was next to go, this time in the irons of Emily Short’s Grand Finale 3E.  The pair finished their first round in a time of 71.720 seconds, but a rail down at the first part of the combination in the jump off would cost them four faults despite their time of 41.310 seconds, which would see them finish in eleventh overall.

Jennings’ winning ride was his fifth horse, Billy the Kid.  Santana followed Jennings in the irons of Rafael Contreras’ Florence A in a fault-free first round of 72.022 and a clean second round in a time of 43.865 seconds.  A couple of seconds shy of the winning time, Santana and Florence A would finish in fourth.

“The course was tricky and some of these riders are really fast,” he said.  “Quentin is really well-mounted and he just gets better every time I see him ride.  Pablo Santana has some great horses here and the competition was really tough,” he said.

International Course Designer Manuel Esperanza brings with him his experience designing courses for Spruce Meadows, the Beijing games, and as an Assistant Designer for the 1996 Olympic Games.  He will be one of the course designers on the schedule for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classics.

The $10,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic will wrap up this afternoon’s competitions in the Olympic Arena and looks to see about 51 riders tackle the course.  Tomorrow afternoon the $65,000 EMO Grand Prix will close out Week 1 at the Georgia International Horse Park.

It’s not too late to enjoy the last Classic Company Show of the year.  There is always something for everyone at Classic Company shows and the Atlanta Fall Classics are no exception.  So make sure to bring everyone to the Georgia International Horse Park next week and enjoy 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 Atlanta Fall Classic by visiting the Classic Company’s Official Service Partner, Equestrian Connect.

Equestrian Connect allows exhibitors to store their data one time, on the web, and then use that data to automatically fill out hunter/jumper entry forms across the country.  The service offers a free 45 day trial period for new members.  At the conclusion of the trial period, Equestrian Connect offers an annual subscription, or a “pay as you go” service.  The service allows exhibitors to save both time and money.  This is the one-minute online entry service that will help you get your entries in on time and you to the show!  There is no easier way to get your entries in today and the Classic Company recommends that you give it a try.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or novice looking for a positive show experience, look to the Classic Company shows and join them at the Atlanta Fall Classic which runs through next week.  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 www.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

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

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Prize List Online

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Photo by MH Hamm.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic Company is excited to announce that its Gulfport prize list is now available online! Check the mailbox next week because both prize lists for Pensacola and Gulfport will be waiting for you. But in the meantime, check out the increased prize money being offered now on the Gulf of Mexico this winter!

February 5 kicks off the sixteenth annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic Show Circuit and offers exhibitors extensive class offerings as well as more than one million dollars in prize money over six weeks.  That’s right!  More than a million up for grabs!

The show offers brand new barns with 400 extra stalls this winter, the best grand prix turf field in the country, ten minutes to beach side accommodations, dining, boating and shopping, fresh gulf coast seafood, shopping in unique boutiques and factory outlets, five star casino resorts, signature golf courses, International and National Hunter Derbies, and more jumper classes with plenty of prize money to go around!  Don’t forget, the complimentary rider lounges complete with restrooms, heat, tables and chairs and TVs are adjacent to the grand prix and hunter rings.  The RV parking provides everything you need to keep your mobile home in top shape.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic Company provides its signature parties at least twice a week.  “Our motto is come for the show and stay for the fun,” said Janet McCarroll, Show Coordinator.  “The Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic horse shows are so much fun and we plan all year for the thousands of folks heading to the Gulf to show with us each winter,” she said.  “No one leaves disappointed,” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company and Gulf Coast Winter Classic Show Producer.  “We offer the best horse showing experience at a fraction of the cost of other show companies at the best facilities in the most desirable location on the water each winter,” he said. “And we’re offering more than a million dollars this winter,” he added, “so come on down!”

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic shows’ bio-security measures last winter made the Harrison County Fairgrounds a safe haven for horses and riders looking to show.  “We saw what was happening in Florida and we were very diligent in our efforts to keep our show grounds healthy and everyone showing all winter,” said Bell.  “We will again have bio-security measures in place and plan on having a very successful show season ahead of us,” he said.

The USHJA International Hunter Derby is scheduled to take place this year during Week 5. Photo by MH Hamm
The USHJA International Hunter Derby is scheduled to take place this year during Week 5. Photo by MH Hamm

The schedule this winter offers weekly USHJA National Hunter Derby & Classics and an International Hunter Derby Week 5.  Some highlights include:

Week 1  $5,000 Welcome – $25,000 Grand Prix
Week 2  $25,000 Welcome – $35,000 Grand Prix
Week 3  $25,000 Welcome – $50,000 Grand Prix
Week 4  $25,000 Welcome – $50,000 Grand Prix
Week 5  $25,000 Welcome – $77,000 Grand Prix, $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Week 6  $5,000 Welcome – $25,000 Grand Prix, Plus Rodeo.

“I have been coming to Gulfport for eleven years,” said Adult Amateur rider Cheryl Rubenstein of Houston, Texas.  “I think this show gets better every year and the facilities are excellent,” she said.  “We probably have 16 to 18 horses over any given week, sometimes 20.  Most of them do the hunters and we have about 25% of them doing jumpers,” she said.

The new permanent barns offering 400 additional stalls are in close proximity to the hunter rings. “The footing here is fabulous,” said Rubenstein. “The slope of the rings lets the water drain really well and the rings never feel slick or dangerous even if it does rain,” she added. “The rings are very well managed, and the footing never feels like you’re sinking or like you can’t get out and it and they [the rings] get dragged enough.  I don’t have to do this,” Rubenstein said. “I do this because I love it.  I need to feel safe – I’m an adult and I don’t want to get hurt,” she said. “Bob and his staff take excellent care of the rings from the decorating to the footing and we know that we are his number one priority,” she added.

Cheryl Rubenstein and Casino compete each winter at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Flashpoint Photography
Cheryl Rubenstein and Casino compete each winter at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic. Flashpoint Photography

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is easily accessible by trailer or plane.  The airport is no more than a twenty minute drive to the show grounds which are located directly off the interstate.  Some of the competitors even rent beach front homes when showing at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic shows.

Location Location Location!

Check out Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic Company’s Official Lodging Partners!

The Gulf Coast Classic Company is pleased to announce the return of its Official Show Lodging Partners through Equestrian Connections.  Hotel properties range from Best Western to Hilton to Marriott brands.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic shows are always fun and this year have over a million dollars in prize money for you!  There is never a credit card fee charged by the show office and never an add/scratch fee – you pay only for what you show in!  Make the Mississippi Gulf Coast Winter Classic your showing destination this winter. Come for the show and stay for the fun!

The Gulf Coast Classic Company and the Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  Together, they offer the best exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events each winter.  Please visit them at www.gulfcoastclassic.com and www.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 or call 908.310.6248.

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

Phelps Media Group, Polo

Defending Champion Audi Plays Casablanca in Saturday Final of USPA North America Cup

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Piaget’s Piki Alberdi (3) follows the ball with Casablanca’s Jeff Hall (2) and Brandon Phillips (4) and Piaget’s Juan Bollini (4) and Melissa Ganzi (1) chasing Alberdi. Photos by Scott Fisher.

WELLINGTON, FL – Nov. 7, 2013 — Audi will defend its title against Casablanca on Saturday in the championship final of the USPA North America Cup presented by Beluga at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Audi, led by Nic Roldan’s game-high eight goals, led for most of the game to defeat Berlin Polo, 12-9, in Thursday’s first semifinal game.

In the second semifinal, Casablanca defeated Piaget with a thrilling 15-14 overtime victory. Fifteen-year-old Grant Ganzi, turning in the finest performance of his young career, scored a career-high eight goals including the game-winner at the 7:11 mark.

The championship game is Saturday at 4 p.m. after the Beluga-ELG subsidiary game at 2 p.m.

Casablanca will have its fourth sponsored team in a championship final this season at Grand Champions.

The highly-anticipated Grand Champions 20-goal season continues to live up to expectations with two more exciting games in the books.

Casablanca's Grant Ganzi (1) pulls up for the ball en route to scoring one of his eight career-high goals including the game-winner
Casablanca’s Grant Ganzi (1) pulls up for the ball en route to scoring one of his eight career-high goals including the game-winner

It didn’t take long for established Audi teammates Marc Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida and Roldan to make a smooth transition playing with 7-goaler Michel Dorignac who replaced Hall of Famer and former 10-goaler Carlos Gracida, who was competing in Mexico.

Audi had a 1-0 lead by handicap and was tied twice with Berlin Polo before regaining the lead on Roldan’s breakaway from midfield for a goal and 3-2 advantage.

Audi led by three at the half (7-4) and by as many as four goals (9-5) in the fourth chukker before Berlin Polo held them scoreless in the fifth chukker and came within one goal twice in the sixth chukker. Roldan’s two goals in the final two minutes put the game away.

Marc Ganzi scored Audi’s three other goals. For Berlin Polo, Jeff Blake led scoring with four goals, Sugar Erskine and Hector Galindo each had two goals and Moritz Gaedeke added one.

“There were a lot of times we were a little too optimistic,” Roldan said. “I think we tried to play a little more conservative. We were rushing ourselves heading to goal and struggled a little bit on defense but we picked it up in the end.

“We told ourselves just to relax a little bit more and it worked out,” said the 8-goaler. “We stuck to our game and that was it; that’s our strategy. We didn’t think about the way they came back and won against ELG. We just kept pushing. We knew they were a strong team and at some point would come back, but the idea was to stay focused on our own game.”

Roldan said Dorignac “jelled from the beginning” with the team. “That was nice,” Roldan said. “The chemistry was good. I have played with Michel before and he’s obviously a great player especially at back. Marc played great; Carlitos was amazing. As a team, we all just played well.”

Dorignac found out Monday that he would be playing with the defending champions.

“They had a good team from last year, all really good players, so all I had to do was play as simple polo as I could,” Dorignac said. “It was easy for me to adjust. It was great fun to play with them and great opportunity for me.

“I tried not to look at the score or worry about the team I was playing against. I just cared about our team. We knew they were going to come back at the end and we knew it was going to be tough. Casablanca has been winning everything and will be tough.”

After the semifinal pitted mother against son (Melissa and Grant Ganzi), the championship will pit father against son (Marc and Grant Ganzi).

Casablanca's Jeff Hall (2) winds up for the hit while Piaget's Tommy Biddle (2) tries to hook Hall and Mike Azzaro (3) out of the play
Casablanca’s Jeff Hall (2) winds up for the hit while Piaget’s Tommy Biddle (2) tries to hook Hall and Mike Azzaro (3) out of the play

In the second game, Piaget jumped out to 6-2 and 7-3 leads and led 8-5 at the half before Casablanca started to reel them in late in the four chukker, with Jeff Hall sparking the rally and Ganzi breaking loose and scoring at will with great passes from Azzaro and Brandon Phillips, including the game-winner assist.

With nine seconds left in regulation, Azzaro scored the tying goal to send the game into overtime and set up Ganzi’s heroics.

Azzaro scored four goals and Jeff Hall added three. For Piaget, Tommy Biddle had a game-high nine goals including three on penalty shots. Piki Alberdi added two and Juan Bollini and Melissa Ganzi each had one goal.

Grant Ganzi, a sophomore at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, was recently named Casablanca MVP Amateur in PoloLine based on his fall season results at Grand Champions.

The three-day, six-team USPA North America Cup presented by Beluga is the first of two 20-goal fall tournaments at Grand Champions. The other 20-goal tournament is the Nov.13-24 USPA National 20-Goal Championship.

During the 2012 fall season, Audi dominated the season winning back-to-back USPA North America Cup and USPA National 20-Goal Tournament titles with Marc Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida, Nic Roldan and Carlos Gracida.

On Saturday Beluga Noble Russian Vodka and caviar will be served in the Beluga VIP tent during the post-tournament party.

Beluga Noble Vodka is produced in the heart of Siberia, one of the most ecologically clean in Russia.

Beluga Noble is refined in every way. Thanks to its unique production technology, including both innovations and centuries-old traditions, the flavor of Beluga Noble has an irreproducible smoothness.

All the ingredients of Beluga Noble pass through a strict system of purification and filtration, which guarantees the maximum level of purity and quality in the final product. Beluga Noble “rests” for 30 days.

The refined design of the bottle with hand-made elements perfectly reflects the nobility of Beluga Noble. On every one of the bottles there is one important feature, a small Beluga fish, traditionally fitted by hand, making every bottle unique.

GRAND CHAMPIONS FALL SCHEDULE

Nov. 5-9, USPA Beluga North America Cup
Nov. 8-10, Palm Restaurant Invitational
Nov. 13-24, The National 20-Goal Championship
Nov. 30, International Cup, Team USA vs. Chile

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 teams Audi and Piaget. 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, 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
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Competitions, Dressage

Royal Victory for Canada’s David Marcus

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David Marcus and his Olympic mount Chrevi’s Capital won the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON. Photo Credit – Cealy Tetley.

November 7, 2013 – Toronto, Ontario – Canadian Olympian David Marcus of Campbellville, ON, won the Grand Prix and placed second in the Grand Prix Freestyle in the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup held November 6 and 7 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Limited to the best riders in the nation, the top four Canadians in the world rankings were invited to contest the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup.  The win was even more special as the Canadian Dressage Athlete Assistance Program, founded by Marcus’s owner, Deborah Kinzinger, was also the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.

Riding his 2012 London Olympic mount, Chrevi’s Capital, Marcus earned a score of 70% from the panel of judges for his Grand Prix test.  London Olympic alternate, Diane Creech riding Devon L, placed second with a score of 67.80%.

“In the Grand Prix, I wanted to go in, do a clean test, and hit that 70% mark; it was exactly what I wanted,” said Marcus, 33, of his performance.  “Capital was very relaxed and very rideable.  I said before the Freestyle that if we can reproduce that with the stands full, I’d be thrilled.”

Marcus is in the unique position of having two grand prix mounts, and gave the nod to Chrevi’s Capital over Don Kontes, also owned by Kinzinger, for the $20,000 Royal Invitational Dressage Cup.

“I felt like it would be good for his confidence, and show that he is in top form and can handle these situations comfortably,” said Marcus of his decision to ride Chrevi’s Capital, a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding (Chrevi’s Cavallo x Weinberg).  “The Royal is a unique competition in that it’s an indoor competition, which is rare in North America.  The fact that it’s an indoor competition makes it a great test of the horse’s ability to handle atmosphere, which is something that’s very important at the top level of the sport.”

Handle the atmosphere Chrevi’s Capital did, comfortably performing the Grand Prix Freestyle in front of approximately 4,000 spectators in the Ricoh Coliseum.  The program compiled by Dutch freestyle designer Joost Peters allowed Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital to execute several difficult movements set to the music of George Michael and Wham!.  The judges rewarded the pair with a score of 72.917%, reversing the top placings of the previous day’s competition and putting Marcus second to Creech.

“It’s a great show, I’ve been coming every year, if only as a spectator, since I first moved to Canada,” said Marcus, who represented the United States in five North American Young Riders’ Championships before obtaining his Canadian citizenship in 2011.  “It’s very exciting to be invited to compete here.  It’s a prestigious invitation, which I greatly appreciate.  And it’s exciting not only for me, but also for my owner, Deborah.  She rode as a child and a goal of hers was always to compete at the Royal, which she never did.  This has been a wonderful experience for her as well.”

If watching her horse win at the Royal wasn’t enough of a dream come true, Kinzinger was also recognized as the Dressage Canada “Owner of the Year” in a special ceremony held during the Royal Invitational Dressage Cup.

“Deborah’s support has meant so much to me personally, and she has also been greatly involved with developing dressage in Canada as a whole, working with Equine Canada to implement training and fundraising strategies that will help take us to the next level,” said Marcus, who himself received special recognition for being the highest-ranked Canadian on the FEI World Ranking list.

Marcus also relied on the support of his groom, Alison Malatestinic, and his partner, Nicholas Fyffe, who coached him at the Ricoh Coliseum each morning at 6 a.m. before traveling back to Campbellville to maintain the day-to-day training operation of riding and teaching clients.

Having only made their grand prix debut at the beginning of 2012, Marcus and Chrevi’s Capital shot onto the international stage, earning a berth to the 2012 Olympic Games and winning the 2012/2013 North American World Cup League.  The next goal on Marcus’s career path is to qualify for the Canadian Dressage Team for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games next August in Normandy, France.

Marcus operates David Marcus Dressage, a full-service dressage training and sales facility, in Campbellville, ON, just west of Toronto.  Beginning in December, he will be based in Wellington, FL, for the winter season, where he and his students have become familiar faces on the highly-competitive international show circuit.

Marcus appreciates the generous support of his sponsors, EquineLUX saddle pads, Neue Schule bits, and SSG Gloves, in achieving his goals.  For more information, please visit www.davidmarcusdressage.com.

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

Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Diane Creech and Devon L to Compete at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto

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Diane Creech and Leatherdale Farms’ Devon L. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Wellington, FL – November 5, 2013 – Diane Creech from Caistor Centre, Ontario, will go head-to-head against fellow Canadians in search of the Royal Dressage Championship at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Creech and Devon L, a 13-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding owned by Louise and Doug Leatherdale of Leatherdale Farms, will compete in the Grand Prix Wednesday, Nov. 6, and the Grand Prix Freestyle Thursday, Nov. 7, in hopes of winning the $20,000 Royal Invitational.

“It’s the biggest indoor show in North America,” Creech said. “One of the highlights of the show is the Grand Prix class. The top Canadians in the World Rankings are invited. It’s an important show for Canadian dressage.”

Devon L (by De Niro x EM Wibranda by Wolkenstein II) placed second in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the Saugerties CDI-W in August. He had equally impressive results during the 2013 winter season in Wellington, FL. The Leatherdales bred Devon L and have been there every step of the way.

“Doug and Louise have been such great supporters,” Creech said. “They’ve been so wonderful while Devon matures. And I am so, so happy and pleased with how he’s developing.”

According to Creech, the Leatherdales really enjoy the whole process of developing a Grand Prix horse, rather than going out and purchasing one. They prefer the journey and love the challenge, and they are committed. Creech shared that when Devon L was born, Doug Leatherdale joked, “Both his sire and his dam were black and out came this redhead!”

Creech011498“He’s a very, very talented horse,” Creech explained. “Nothing is very hard for him. With several seasons competing in Florida under his belt, he’s coming into his own. He’s one of those horses who is so close to being a genius and he’s becoming more confident all the time.”

Creech continued, “We were honored to be invited to the Royal Winter Show several years in a row. I think that he’s prepared and ready to prove himself.”

About The Royal Invitational Dressage Cup Grand Prix
The Royal Invitational Dressage Cup Grand Prix will be held at 3:50 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and the Grand Prix Freestyle at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The awards ceremony will be at 9:35 p.m. on Thursday. You can watch it live on demand at http://www.todocast.tv/rmpictures/royalfair2013free/. Results are available at http://royal.showmanagementsystem.com.

About The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show and runs Nov. 1-10 in the Direct Energy Centre and Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. This year’s Royal Horse Show will also feature performances by Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia, and her nine Arabian horses at Liberty, performing Nov. 6-9. Visit www.royalfair.org for more information.

About Leatherdale Farms
Situated 20 minutes from Minneapolis, MN, Leatherdale Farms is a privately owned farm owned and managed by Louise and Doug Leatherdale and dedicated to Hanoverian, Trakehner and Oldenburg breeding.  The Leatherdale family owns several licensing stallions all based in Germany at Hengstation Jens Meyer: Hanoverians Dorum, Damsey (Dressage Royal), First Dance (Florestan II), Rob Roy (Rubin Royale), Hampton (His Highness), Beltano (Belissimo M), the Trakehner Herzensdieb (Tambour), and the Oldenburg Fairbanks (Flemmingh). Frozen semen is available in North America and Europe. Leatherdale Farms was also the owner of the Licensing Hanoverian stallion His Highness, who died in 2007 and whose progeny is much appreciated all over the world.

To learn about Leatherdale Farms stallions in Europe, go to www.jens-meyer.com.

For more information, go to www.leatherdalefarms.com.

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leatherdalefarmsworld.

Xavier Boudon – Europe
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Phone: +33 608 82 94 86
Email: pmg-europe@pixizone.com

Sue Weakley 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)
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PhelpsMediaGroup.com

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Maclay, National Horse Show, Show Jumping

Kelli Cruciotti Places Second in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show

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Kelli Cruciotti and Monterrey competing in the ASPCA Maclay Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. Photo by Shawn McMillen.

Parker, CO – November 5, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park extends its warm congratulations to Kelli Cruciotti, of Elizabeth, CO, for her impressive second-place finish at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, presented by C. M. Hadfield’s Saddlery and held at the Alltech National Horse Show. Cruciotti, who trains with her mother, Cindy Cruciotti, at the family’s Serenity Farm, has earned her place among the top junior riders in the nation.

As part of her preparation for the major equitation finals, Cruciotti competed at the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer in the Rockies show series, where she consistently placed well in the equitation. She qualified for the ASPCA Maclay Region 6 Finals in September, where she took home the blue ribbon.

The 2013 ASPCA Maclay Finals got underway at the Kentucky Horse Park at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, with 148 riders competing over a challenging track designed by judges Robert Ridland and Susan Humes, as well as Bobby Murphy. Precise lines were used to make riders showcase adjustability and style over gates, fan jumps, combinations and walls. At the end of the opening course, the judges invited the top 30 riders to return and showcase their skills in the flat phase. Cruciotti was called back in eighth place after her first course and joined Group A for the flat.

Riders completed an extensive test on the flat, where they worked their mounts at the walk, trot and canter. They demonstrated collection and extension, as well as the counter canter and sitting trot. The judges also requested that the riders perform half-passes at the trot and canter.

After the three sections of the flat phase were complete, the top 20 riders were invited back for a final test. Cruciotti’s strong performance on the flat placed her in third, behind eventual winner Lillie Keenan and Sophie Simpson. The final test began with three oxers and a bending line that could be performed in six or seven strides to the signature ASPCA jump. Next, competitors had to canter an oxer away from the out gate before trotting a gate and cantering in seven strides to an oxer. A left turn led to a double wall combination without standards. The riders were asked to counter canter and jump a fan fence followed by another bending line and a triple bar to a vertical-oxer double combination and a final oxer just past the in gate.

Cruciotti continued to showcase her consistent style with Monterrey. They performed a direct approach in the bending line and were able to transition to the trot before the gate smoothly before exhibiting the counter canter. Her efforts throughout the day were rewarded with the second place prize.

Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
Kelli Cruciotti and her equitation mount Monterrey won the $15,000 USHJA Hunter Derby during Week III of Summer in the Rockies. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge

“When I walked the course, I knew that there were a lot of different tests within it that I had to execute to my horse’s strong suits and not strong suits,” said Cruciotti. “The course was very open, and the first line could either be done up in six or out in seven. I decided to do the out in seven. The hardest part to me was the canter to the trot out because my horse gets very excited when he gets in the ring. I was just very thrilled with how he jumped, and I just wanted to go in and give him a positive ride.”

“I just don’t think that there are any feelings to describe it,” she went on. “It’s amazing. I have to thank everyone who helped me get here: all my trainers, my mom, the great horse I am on and everyone who has put in the hard work to help me get to this point. I am overwhelmed, for sure.”

Cruciotti is in the 11th grade and attends the K12 Online International Academy.

“We could have never been here without everybody’s support: friends in Colorado, family, trainers – everyone,” said Cindy Cruciotti. “It is an overwhelming feeling to be here and be included in this amazing group of riders and trainers.”

Cindy Cruciotti also credited Kelli’s mount, Monterrey, whom they purchased from Andre Dignelli. She shared, “Kelli has been working and showing him and getting to know him. He’s just one in a million. He’s taught Kelli and me a tremendous amount about horsemanship.”

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/.

Wirth, Brakenridge and Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
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Suite 214
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