Tag Archives: featured

Caitlin Boyle Captures Leading Honors throughout Fall Equitation Championships

Caitlin Boyle and Loredo. Photos by Shawn McMillen.

Chicago, IL – October 29, 2013 – Each year, Zone Five continues to produce leading riders who capture top honors in the hunters, jumpers and equitation across the country. Caitlin Boyle is among the young talent from the area, consistently earning strong finishes at the country’s most challenging competitions. After winning the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association (IHJA) Junior Medal and the Marshall & Sterling Midwest Junior Medal Finals in September, Caitlin went on to place 11th at the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals out of over 200 riders just two weeks ago. This past weekend, she was one of only 40 riders invited to compete at the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic.

Through three phases of competition in Washington, Caitlin produced brilliant equitation rounds. Beginning with the Hunter Phase, Caitlin and her longtime partner Loredo flowed through the course to earn a score of 86.75. She then returned for the Jumper Phase, and with perfect style she received a score of 83.875, qualifying her for the Final Work Off.

During the Final Work Off, the Top 10 riders return for a final course on a completely new mount. They only have a few minutes to learn about the horse and warm up before stepping into the area. Caitlin drew Victoria Colvin’s mount, Monsieur Du Reverdy, a junior jumper who was competing in the equitation for the very first time.

Caitlin Boyle and Monsieur Du Reverdy
Caitlin Boyle and Monsieur Du Reverdy

The challenge of an unfamiliar horse that was new to the equitation ring did not slow down Boyle. She once again finessed her way through the track, finishing with a total of 250.125 points to capture the fourth place honors during the prestigious event.

Diane Carney, professional trainer at Telluride Farm and USEF ‘R’ Judge, commented, “Being a participant in the Washington Finals is a great achievement in itself, and to be at the top of the standings once again showcases the consistency Caitlin has shown throughout the year.”

Caitlin’s father Patrick added, “Our key to success all year has been consistency. She is very well rounded and has ridden every type of horse, from an unbroken 3-year-old to difficult jumpers. She doesn’t care what she rides; she just wants to be in the saddle. I think riding all the horses we have at home helped her be able to get on Victoria’s horse, who is a Junior Jumper and is strong, and finesse her way around.”

Caitlin’s partnership with Loredo was key to their top ribbons in the ring. “She and Loredo have a very special relationship,” stated Patrick. “She loves that horse more than anything in the world. It’s a really special bond. It’s pretty amazing what he will do for her. He’s a special horse and he knows when it’s a big class. She has complete faith in him and it’s amazing to watch.”

Caitlin and Loredo will now travel to Lexington, KY, where they will be competing against 200 riders during the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay National Championships. Caitlin placed fifth in the regional qualifier after working all year to earn points and will now take on the best in the nation.

Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Driving World Gathers at Pau for FEI World Pony Driving Championships

Bram Chardon (NED) on his way to victory in the four-in-hand category of the FEI World Pony Driving Championships 2011. © Rinaldo de Craen/FEI.

Lausanne (SUI), 30 October 2013 – From 31 October to 3 November, the Pony Driving world will gather at Pau in the French Pyrenees for the sixth edition of the FEI World Driving Championships for Combined Ponies. Individual titleholders Kristina Klindt (DEN) in the single pony category, Dieter Baackmann (GER), pair pony, and Bram Chardon (NED), four-in-hand, will be in Pau to defend their gold medals. Team champion Germany has once again fielded a strong squad.

No less than 70 drivers from 16 nations will take part in the championships; 29 competitors are entered in the single pony class, 22 in the pony pairs, and 19 in the four-in-hand category. Teams consisting of one or two athletes in each class and representing 12 countries will be battling it out for the nations honours. The team classification will be determined by adding the best team competitors’ final combined scores. Only those scores of the team members who have completed all three competitions without elimination can be counted towards the final team scores.

The world championships will be organised as part of Les Etoiles de Pau on the site where the first leg of the FEI Classics 2013/2014 was held last weekend. The dressage and cones competitions will take place in the recently refurbished all-weather main arena where two out of the eight marathon obstacles will also be placed. The remaining six obstacles, including two beautiful water fences, were built on the cross country course used for Eventing.

This year the Organising Committee introduced an original initiative whereby each competing country was asked to make a creative contribution to the nations obstacle design. Instead of placing flowers on that fence, the organisers decided to offer each nation the opportunity to decorate its cube with an element representing their country. A special prize will be awarded to the nation whose decoration is judged the best.

The world championships begins on Wednesday, 30 October, with the horse inspection. The dressage competition will follow on Thursday, 31 October and Friday, 1 November. The marathon will take place on Saturday, 2 November. The design of the marathon obstacles is in the capable and experienced hands of international O-course designer Christian Iseli (SUI), who was also responsible for the course at the previous FEI World Pony Championships in Lipica (SLO) in 2011. The final obstacle driving competition and medal ceremony are scheduled for Sunday, 3 November.

The Ground Jury is chaired by Dr Klaus Christ (GER) and has Anne Marie Turbé (FRA), Dot Willcoxson (AUS), Joaquin Medina (ESP) and Diana Brownlie (GBR) as members.

More information: http://www.couleurs-automne.com/en/welcome.

By Cindy Timmer

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

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

Farmer and Stewart Professional Hunter All-Stars at Alltech National Horse Show

Kelley Farmer and Skorekeeper.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2013 – The Kentucky Horse Park hosts numerous, top-of-the-line horse shows throughout the year, but only once a year is the Alltech Arena transformed into the beautiful home of the prestigious Alltech National Horse Show. The final destination on the indoor horse show circuit, the Alltech National Horse Show welcomes the nation’s top hunter and jumper riders. Among them are Kelley Farmer and Scott Stewart.

Both riders are bringing to a close a remarkable show year, so it is only fitting that they would continue their winning ways straight through to the end. Farmer kicked off the first day of the Alltech National Horse Show with wins in both the Regular Conformation Hunter Model and the Green Conformation Hunter Model, both with Quotable, owned by Kenneth and Selma Garber. From there, Farmer and Stewart alternated turns atop the leader board, as Stewart next took the win in the first Regular Conformation Hunter class aboard Everly, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

“I was really happy with her today,” said Stewart of Everly, who just recently made her transition from the jumper to the hunter ring. “At the [Washington International Horse Show], she was a little bit spooky in the small ring, so this was more like she goes when she is outside. She was much more relaxed.”

Following Everly and Stewart’s win, it was again Farmer’s turn to ride away with the blue, this time in the Regular Conformation Hunter Handy, again with Quotable – as their back and forth winning continued for much of the day.

Farmer earned two more victories with Quotable in the Green Conformation Hunter division, sponsored by Dr. Kenneth Garber. Their success gave them a clean sweep of the division thus far and an overwhelming lead in the point standings going into tomorrow’s day of championships.

In the First Year Green Hunters, it was again the Farmer and Stewart show as Stewart earned the first over fences victory of the division, sponsored by Goshen Hill, aboard Rose Hill Farm’s Starmont. Farmer took the top call in the handy round aboard Larry Glefke and Quail Run Partnership’s Skorekeeper.

Starmont has enjoyed a relatively light show schedule throughout the year, but has seen success every time he has stepped into the ring.  “He’s really easy and straightforward,” Stewart said. “He has a really big stride. He also has a tendency, when he goes in the ring, to act like he’s going to spook, but then he doesn’t at all. I’m happy with him today.”

Starmont has definitely proved his success, as has Skorekeeper who has shot up quickly through the ranks with Farmer. “Skorekeeper really jumped right up to the head of the class,” said owner Glefke. “He’s really an incredible horse, and he just keeps getting better.”

While Farmer has seen great success throughout the year with all of her mounts, there is something special about the National Horse Show.

“At [Madison Square Gardens] it was really, really special, but they’ve done a good job of trying to bring that prestige here to Kentucky,” Farmer said. “It’s a really special horse show, and I think it has finally found a home again.”

Stewart shares slightly similar sentiments. “This is the best indoor ring to show in, so it’s nice to end the year here. You have more space outside to ride you horses, so it’s much more horse friendly.”

Scott Stewart and Dedication
Scott Stewart and Dedication

Stewart continued his winning streak in the High Performance Hunters, sponsored by Mr. Richard L. Duchossois, and the Performance 3’6″ Hunters, sponsored by SBS Farm, this time with Dr. Betsee Parker’s Dedication. They earned the win in the first class of each division.

“Dedication’s first course was the best he’s ever done,” said Stewart. “He’s only 8 years old. It seems like he should be older. He shows enough, but not all the time. He’s great to ride. When he goes his best, he’s really fun.”

In the handy round of the High Performance Hunters, a new name topped the leader board as Peter Lombardo upped the ante for the win with Ante Up, owned by Janie Andrew. In the handy round of the Performance 3’6″ Hunters, the victory went to another Dr. Betsee Parker owned mount, Way Cool, ridden by Victoria Colvin.

In the Second Year Green Hunters, sponsored by Oare & Adikes-Hill, it was Hunt Tosh who dominated with Queen Latiffa – a mare that has now led the Second Year Green Hunter division throughout major horse shows all year, including the Devon Horse Show and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Tosh and Latiffa earned back-to-back blue ribbons in today’s classes, to lead heading into tomorrow.

In the Performance 3’3″ Hunters, sponsored by PhelpsSports.com, Hunt Tosh and Designated captured the blue ribbon prize during the first class. During the handy round, it was Peter Lombardo and Typecast earning the top call to wrap up the day.

Today’s hunter competition set up a fantastic six-day competition for the top horse and rider combinations from across the country. The Alltech National Horse Show, 130th Edition will continue tomorrow with the start of the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter divisions, and the professional hunter divisions will award championship and reserve championship honors to the top finishers.

For more information or to view the competition live, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com. Coverage is provided by Shownet.biz, iHigh, HRTV, and USEF Network.

About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.

Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.

2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
NationalHS@aol.com

Website:
www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Karen Lucca at kll@phelpsmediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com or (561) 313-0384
Sponsorship:
Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389
Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Christian Palmer at Christian@phelpsmediagroup.com or (612) 618-8216

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:

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

Re: Media Credentialing:

Classic Communications
38 Mechanic Street – Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-698-6810 (phone)
508-698-6811 (fax)
info@classic-communications.com
www.classic-communications.com

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

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

Wellington, FL – October 28, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Fall III Horse Show this weekend on October 25-27, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. The first grand prix of the fall season was held on Sunday afternoon with a win for Ireland’s Paul O’Shea riding the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Primo de Revel (Quinault x Lys de Darmen), owned by Michael Hayden.

Skip Bailey of Wellington, FL, set the course for Sunday’s grand prix with six out of 29 entries advancing to the jump-off. Four of those jumped double clear over the short course, and Paul O’Shea and Primo de Revel had the fastest time of 33.910 seconds for victory. Sharn Wordley and Ashland Stables’ Axel finished second in 34.838 seconds. Michael Dorman finished third and fourth aboard Wyndmont entries IV Ever and Zephyr. IV Ever stopped the clock in 34.924 seconds to place third; Zephyr was fourth in 36.581 seconds.

Paul O’Shea has had Primo de Revel since the horse was six years old and has developed a great partnership with the gelding. Primo de Revel has been on top form this year, winning four grands prix, including the win this weekend. He also topped the $25,000 ESP Spring III Grand Prix in April, won the $75,000 Equine Insurance Services/Great American Great Prix of Lake Placid in June, and took top honors in the $75,000 Equestrian Estates Planning Group Grand Prix at Silver Oak in August.

O’Shea liked the course this weekend for Primo de Revel and noted that although it was not huge, it was difficult. They went third in the jump-off and had to chase a very fast time from Sharn Wordley and Axel.

“I saw Sharn go, so I just aimed to go a little bit faster and was hoping that that would be enough,” O’Shea stated. “There was a long gallop to the last jump and my horse is naturally very well balanced, so I knew that I could just keep going and he jumped it very well. It came off today. We were a little bit faster than Sharn, and it just happened to be enough.”

Primo de Revel will continue to show in Wellington this fall and in the ESP Holiday Show Series, which runs from November 27, 2013, to January 5, 2014.

O’Shea also had a top result with his mount Wizz, who finished seventh with the fastest four-fault round on Sunday. Wizz had top results this summer as well, including a win in the $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton a few weeks ago. O’Shea was happy with his finish this weekend.

“He is more inexperienced, but he is kind of getting it together now,” O’Shea acknowledged. “I have big hopes for him.”

O’Shea is now in Wellington for the season and looking forward to this winter’s FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival as well as the many great events leading up to the winter circuit. He noted that it is great to be able to come to Wellington early and jump in some good grand prix classes with good prize money.

“It is nice to have these classes to keep the horses jumping, and the money is good,” he said. “It’s great to get in the main ring too. For Primo de Revel, he has a lot of experience, but Wizz isn’t that experienced, so it was good for him to get in the main ring there and jump around. In three weeks there is a night class there, so that will be good experience for him too.”

Jumper Highlights

ESP’s Fall III Horse Show kicked off competition on Friday with a $10,000 Welcome Stake that saw victory for Ireland’s Darragh Kerins and his speedy mount Hot Wheels, owned by Sarah Kerins. Kristen Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Eternal placed second with Samantha Senft and Treasure Coast Stables’ Star Watch in third.

In Saturday’s Tackeria Child/Adult Jumper Classic, Evi Smith and No Limits were victorious over Sheer Levitin and Penelope Z with Lindsay Standley and Gail Sonnenberg’s Grappelli in third. The M&S Child/Adult Jumper Classic saw another win for Evi Smith and No Limits. Ana Olivares and Tornado finished second with Emma Butchard and Long Creek Properties LLC’s Capice BS in third.
In the Equine Conditioning Center’s NAL Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, Anne Bingler and Tanimara were the winners with Brett Burlington and ‘T Is Picobello Z in second and Jennifer Santana with Santana Stables LLC’s Horseflight.com Kendall in third.

The Office Depot Low Child/Adult Jumper Classic was won by Victoria Craig and Bellalina. Rebecca Fain and Ericka Koenigsberg’s Desert Rose finished second, while Elizabeth Craven and Silverado were third.

Hunter and Equitation Highlights

The weekend also hosted championship presentations for the hunter divisions. In the Adult Amateur Hunters, Calero and Susannah Rose were champions, with Meadowood Farm LLC’s Brave Art and Courtney Schweppe in reserve.

The Unhealth Children’s Hunter champion was Harriet Schiele’s Bismarck ridden by Marissa Damone with Cassis and Brooke Giacin in reserve.

Samantha Wight swept the #1 Education Place Large Junior Hunter division, earning the championship aboard Melissa Wight’s Nobility and finishing reserve riding Melissa Wight’s Charmeur S.

The Pilates Rocks Low Adult Hunter champion was Celtic-Z, owned by Lauren A. Kellar and ridden by Paige Benezette. Reserve honors went to Mr. Vegas, owned and ridden by Jenna Norton. In the Pine Hollow Low Children’s Hunter division, Grace Gruverman’s Ominous and Olivia Gruverman took the championship with Madison Specht’s Calypso Bay and Christine Potthast in reserve.

The McGuinn’s Modified Hunter champion was Christine Potthast’s Mr. Brightside with rider Jeanne-Marie Potthast. Kimberly Rice’s Run Forest Run and Marissa Rice finished in reserve.

The Performance Working Hunter 3’3″ division awarded championship honors to Hannah Whiting’s Tucandu with Lauren Schweppe in the irons. Jacob Pope and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Sway were the reserve champions.

In the equitation classes, Brett Burlington won the ASPCA Maclay riding Jefferson. Adam Rittenberg topped the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal, presented by Randolph College, riding Alchemy. Nikki Carr and SCNC Investments’ Lightning were the WIHS Equitation winners overall.

Equestrian Sport Productions 2013 Fall Series continues with three more shows through November:

  • ESP Fall Finale – November 1-3, 2013 – “A” rated hunter and 3-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 3.
  • ESP November – November 9-10, 2013 – “C” rated hunter and 2-star jumper competition featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 10.
    Counts for both PBCHA and ESP Circuits.
  • ESP Pre-Charity – November 16-17, 2013 – Featuring a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake class on Sunday, November 17.

For full results, please visit www.showgroundslive.com. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.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

American Saddlebred Five-Gaited Swap Premieres at Alltech National Horse Show

Misdee Miller and Grande Gil competing at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show. Brooke Jacobs of Jacobs Photgraphy.

Lexington, KY – October 29, 2013 – Tomorrow evening, there will be a game-changing event at the Alltech National Horse Show, 130th edition. It will be a night to remember, as four World’s Champion American Saddlebred trainers will team up with the top-tier hunter and showjumping professionals to compete in the Five-Gaited Swap Wednesday evening in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

It will be a spectacle to watch the stars of each discipline swap places, and tackle a new feat in their riding careers. American Saddlebred trainers Clark Clouse, Melinda Moore, Melissa Moore and Stephanie Sedlacko will ride over a hunter course set with 3-foot obstacles, as Grand Prix Show Jumpers McLain Ward and Laura Kraut along with professional hunter riders Jennifer Alfano and Hunt Tosh ride to a new rhythm: the five-gaited stride.

The Five-Gaited Swap is new to the Alltech National Horse Show this year, but two of the hunter/jumper competitors are not new to being pushed outside of their comfort zone. In fact, McLain Ward won the Five-Gaited Special Class at the Devon Horse Show in May of this year, and Alfano ranked close behind to take the third place. The class brings the disciplines together, promoting the horses and sportsmanship in tandem.

“I thought it was great,” Alfano reminisced. “It was so much fun, and I appreciate them letting us do it. I look forward to giving it another shot during Wednesday’s event. It is a very unusual class, but it is definitely a highlight, and something I am thrilled they brought to the Alltech National Horse Show.”

The Five-Gaited Swap will commence immediately after the Hackney Pony Amateur Stake comes to a conclusion. Each American Saddlebred trainer will be paired with one of the show jumping riders and together, the team with the best-combined score will take not only the bragging rights, but also the winning share of the prize money.

The Alltech National Horse Show, for the second year in a row, received a top ranking from NARG, the North American Riders Group and was named the Show Hunter Hall of Fame Horse Show of the Year in back to back years.

The Alltech National Horse Show returns to the Alltech Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on October 29 through November 3, 2013.

For tickets and more information, visit the website at: www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.

About Alltech:
Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 31 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2650 employees in 128 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. For further information, visit www.alltech.com. For media assets, visit www.alltech.com/press.

Alltech is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. For more information about these prestigious global championships, visit www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com.

2013 Alltech National Horse Show Fast Facts

What:
The Alltech National Horse Show is a week-long championship event featuring “AA”-rated hunters, open jumpers, junior/amateur jumpers, and the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. The event will run October 29 – November 3, 2013, indoors in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Parking:
The Kentucky Horse Park has waived the normal parking fee during the Alltech National Horse Show. Parking is free. While dogs are permitted at the Kentucky Horse Park on a leash, no dogs are allowed in the Alltech Arena during the ANHS.

Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. The KHP is 8 miles northeast of Lexington at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.

Information:
Carolyn Vincent
National Horse Show
PO Box 386
Greenvale, NY 11548

Telephone:
Phone: (516) 484-1865
Fax: (516) 484-1982

Email:
NationalHS@aol.com

Website:
www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com

Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located in the Alltech Arena.

Additional Contacts:
Vendors – Matt Morrissey at Mmorri4398@aol.com or 941 915-3457
VIP Table Sales – Karen Lucca at kll@phelpsmediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389
Advertising – Deborah Darwin at needlepointfarm@aol.com or (561) 313-0384
Sponsorship:
Mason Phelps at mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com or 561-753-3389
Susie Webb at webb_susie@yahoo.com or 301-520-6162
Christian Palmer at Christian@phelpsmediagroup.com or (612) 618-8216

Hotels:
CLARION HOTEL (formerly Holiday Inn North) – 859 – 233-0512 – Approximately 4 miles
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES BY MARRIOTT – 859 -977-5870 – Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0232 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
HOLIDAY INN GEORGETOWN – 502-570-0220 – Approximately 6 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES – 502-868-8000 – Approximately 6 miles

For further information on housing in the Lexington area, we invite you to visit www.visitlex.com and www.georgetownky.com.

Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Horse Show Secretary:
Cindy Bozan
859-233-0492
Email: secretary.nhs@aol.com

ALLTECH MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizabeth Adams
North America PR, Alltech
Alltech Corporate Headquarters
3031 Catnip Hill Pike
Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356
eadams@alltech.com
(859) 401-2964

ALLTECH NATIONAL HORSE SHOW MEDIA CONTACT:

Re: News and Information:

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

Re: Media Credentialing:

Classic Communications
38 Mechanic Street – Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
508-698-6810 (phone)
508-698-6811 (fax)
info@classic-communications.com
www.classic-communications.com

Equestrian Sport Productions Presents Dressage at Holiday and Horses

Don’t miss your chance to compete at The Stadium at PBIEC before the start of the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Photo © SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – October 28, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce the dates and details for this year’s new dressage competition during the Holiday and Horses horse show at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. Dressage at Holiday and Horses will host two days of national competition on Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1, 2013, at the dressage facility at The Stadium at PBIEC, home to the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

Dressage at Holiday and Horses will feature a full line-up of classes to appeal to horses and riders of all levels. The competition is level two USEF/USDF rated, a Great American/USDF Regional Championship Qualifier, and Dover Medal Adult Amateur program event.

William Solyntjes ‘S’ is a confirmed judge, and others will be added as entries warrant. Angela Goodwin-Volpert will serve as TD.

The prizelist and full list of classes can be found at http://www.dressageshowinfo.com/images/2014Prizelists/HolidayandHorsesPrizelist.pdf.

Don’t miss your opportunity to compete at the AGDF showgrounds before the circuit starts! Enter on-line through Equestrianentries.com. Entries close November 15, 2013.

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

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

One Week to Go! Atlanta Fall Classic UPDATE

Schuyler Riley riding Waterloo sail over a jump in the Olympic Arena last fall. Flashpoint Photography.

As the autumn leaves turn, all eyes turn to the Atlanta Fall Classic which kicks off on November 7th at the Georgia International Horse Park in  Conyers, Georgia.  The Classic Company calls the Olympic venue home for two weeks each year and welcomes new and familiar faces to the prestigious show grounds.

Finals events, such as the Adequan Pre-Green Hunter Finals and the National Classic Equitation Finals, will highlight the two weeks of show jumping in addition to the crowning of the Classic Circuit Champions.

Riders are traveling from across the country to participate in these events.  If you haven’t checked your status, now is the time to do so!  Don’t forget to click here to see if you have qualified!

Week 1 opens up with the $10,000 Open Jumper Welcome class and the $65,000 EMO Grand Prix as well as the $15,000 Barry Lane Jumper Classic and the $1,500 Take2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Division.  The $10,000 Child Adult Jumper Classic, the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Class, the $45,000 EMO Grand Prix and the International Hunter Derby take place Week 2 as well as the National Classic Equitation Finals, the Adequan Pre-Green Finals and the crowing of the Classic Circuit Champions.

Lisa Goldman makes the jumping look effortless in the irons of Morocco last fall
Lisa Goldman makes the jumping look effortless in the irons of Morocco last fall

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 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 is Classic Company’s Official Service Provider and 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 starting November 7th. 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.

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

Palm House Wins USPA Fall Plates Tournament; Guille Aguero Named Most Valuable Player

Audi’s Juan Bollini (3) defends Guille Aguero (2) of Palm House as he hits the ball. Photos by Scott Fisher.

WELLINGTON, FL – Oct. 27, 2013 — Palm House won its first tournament of the fall season Sunday at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Trailing by two goals in the sixth chukker, Juancito Bollini scored the tying goal at the 2:07 mark and a minute later Guille Aguero scored the winning goal to give Palm House a thrilling come-from-behind 11-10 victory over Audi.

Aguero, 36, of Wellington, was named Most Valuable Player for the second time this season. Aguero was also MVP of the USPA Fall Classic as a member of the Newport team that lost to Audi, 12-11.

“Can you believe it? Another MVP,” Aguero said with a smile. “I have been playing with Kris Kampsen for a few years so when he hit me that great pass I knew I had to score, I couldn’t miss it.

“Today was a great game, everyone had a great time,” Aguero said. “Everything went great. I love it over here at Grand Champions. This is my first time here.”

Aguero and Bollini each scored four goals. Teammate Kris Kampsen added two goals on penalty shots and Glenn Straub returned to the lineup for the final and scored on a penalty shot.

Kris Kampsen (3) of Palm House leans into his shot with Audi's Juan Bollini (3) and Luis Escobar (3) defending
Kris Kampsen (3) of Palm House leans into his shot with Audi’s Juan Bollini (3) and Luis Escobar (3) defending

Audi (Melissa Ganzi, Kaisser Maakar, Luis Escobar and Juan Bollini), which picked up two goals by handicap, was led by Escobar with five goals. Bollini added two goals and Maakar scored one goal on a penalty shot.

Palm House won two round-robin games, defeating ELG, 5-3, and Casablanca, 4-2, to advance into the final.

It was the third championship finals appearance by Bollini, 17, a freshman at Florida Atlantic University. Bollini has now won three tournaments including two with Casablanca.

The final was also the last game Kampsen played as a bachelor. On Saturday, he will marry longtime love Ali Solimine in a lavish ceremony at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

“I was really happy actually with the team’s comeback,” said Kampsen, whose team trailed at the half, 6-4. “When Guille scored that goal it was icing on the cake.

“Bollini and Melissa are super competitive and do really well. They had a two-goal lead by handicap and came out firing and before we knew it we were down 4-1. We had to come back from there.

“We missed a few goals in the beginning and didn’t have our confidence up. I didn’t have confidence running with the ball today. I kept missing everywhere. It must be those nervous wedding jitters.”

With Palm House trailing Audi, Aguero remained a picture of composure.

“I just told the guys to relax, that we could come back and we did great,” Aguero said. “I like this team but I like to play with anybody. This is giving me energy. I am ready for 20-goal.”

Best Playing Pony went to Zulu, a seven-year-old dark bay mare owned by Melissa Ganzi and Halo Polo and played by Aguero.

Luis Escobar (3) of Audi tries to gain control of the in-flight ball with teammate Juan Bollini (3) and his son Juancito Bollini (2) of Palm House looking on
Luis Escobar (3) of Audi tries to gain control of the in-flight ball with teammate Juan Bollini (3) and his son Juancito Bollini (2) of Palm House looking on

“There was a lot of talent out there and a lot of different momentum shifts,” Ganzi said. “Guille and Kris have been playing together in Connecticut. They have a long history of playing together. It was a nice competitive game. There were several lead changes and it could have gone either way and that was the fun of it.”

Palm House sponsor Glenn Straub was honored during the awards ceremony and presented a coffee table polo book, POLOSTARS by Melinda Brewer, who is currently working on a Grand Champions book for trophy awards.

Grand Champion officials Dale Schwetz and Horton Schwartz, two of the USPA’s top officials, were also honored.

In the USPA Fall Plates Subsidiary Cup game, ELG’s (Equine Law Group) Avery Chapman scored the winning goal for a 4-3 victory over Casablanca to clinch the title. ELG had also defeated Beluga, 6-5, and Casablanca edged Beluga, 7-6.

In the first game, Nic Roldan had three goals and Chapman added two for ELG and Misha Rodzianko scored three for Beluga. In the second game, 18-year-old Wes Finlayson led Casablanca with three goals and Mike Azzaro added two. Joey Casey had three goals for Beluga. In the third game, all four ELG players scored and Finlayson had two more goals for Casablanca.

The USPA Fall Plates Tournament is the fifth medium-goal tournament of the fall season which has been the most competitive in Grand Champions’ seven-year history. Casablanca has won two tournaments; Paladin, Audi and Palm House have each captured one tournament title.

Two 20-goal tournaments are scheduled for November and will be held simultaneously with two medium-goal tournaments.

The two 20-goal tournaments are the Nov. 5-9 USPA Beluga North America Cup and 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. In the national 20-goal final, Audi edged Piaget, 10-9.

All tournaments are USPA-sanctioned and have grown in stature since their start in the mid-1990s.

GRAND CHAMPIONS FALL SCHEDULE

Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, Pedro Morrison Memorial
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

Storyteller Earns Grand Pony Hunter Championship at the 55th Washington International Horse Show

Storyteller and Ashton Alexander. Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography.

Emma Kurtz Tops WIHS Pony Equitation Finals; Rosia and Wittig Win Regional Finals

Washington, D.C. – October 27, 2013 – The 55th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) concluded competition at Verizon Center in downtown Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 27, with the presentation of championship awards in the pony hunter divisions.

Storyteller, owned by Samantha Kasowitz and ridden by Barbara Ann Merryman and Ashton Alexander, earned the Grand Pony Hunter Championship. Daisy Farish was named Best Child Rider on a Pony. The WIHS Pony Equitation Finals were also held in the afternoon with a win for Emma Kurtz. The WIHS Regional Finals concluded the day with wins for Morgan Rosia and Alex Wittig.

Storyteller, a ten-year-old German Sport Pony gelding, earned The Miles River Moonglow Perpetual Trophy donated by Scott Novick and Rustic Woods, for the Grand Pony Hunter Championship after topping the Large Pony Hunter division. The Grand Championship was sponsored this year by Montana Coady.

Ashton Alexander stepped in last minute to ride Storyteller to a first place ribbon over fences on Saturday and Barbara Ann Merryman took over the ride on Sunday to place first and fifth. For the division championship, Storyteller and the girls accepted The Pegasus Stable Perpetual Trophy, donated by Ms. Fenwick Kollock. Woodland’s Misty Rain and owner/rider Isabel Ryan were the Large Pony Hunter reserve champions with a win under saddle and a second place ribbon over fences.

This was Storyteller’s first time showing at WIHS. His main rider, Merryman, is from Lutherville, MD. Merryman had a scheduling conflict on Saturday and was unable to compete, so Alexander helped out. Between the two riders, Storyteller had great two days of competition.

“He was fabulous,” Merryman stated. “I rode him off and on for the last four years. He was a baby when we got him, and now he is so grown and does everything. He is straightforward, and he was really good today.”

“For me, I think that he rides like a little horse,” Alexander said. “It was awesome getting on him to go. It was like getting on a horse and jumping three-foot. He was straightforward and did everything you asked.”

Merryman spoke of Storyteller’s personality, saying, “He’s happy. He’s very cute and very hands on. He likes to push you, nudge you and play with you. On the ground he is like a little toy.”

“It is my last show on him, and he is my favorite pony ever,” Merryman acknowledged. She is 18 years old now and attending school at John Hopkins University. “I am so proud of him, and he is so good. I could not have asked for any more.”

True Love and Mimi Gochman
True Love and Mimi Gochman

In the Medium Pony Hunters, Mimi Gochman of New York, NY, showed David Gochman’s True Love to championship honors to earn The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy donated by Evan Coluccio and Ashmont Farms, Ltd. The pair won two classes over fences. Gochman also received a special award as owner and rider of True Love for her high score of 88 in the handy round. She was presented with the Potomac Trophy High Score Junior Hunter Rider on a Pony award, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. John R. Ingram. True Love is a 14-year-old Westphalian Riding Pony gelding by Costolany.

Daisy Farish and Redfield Farms’ Sassafras Creek were the Medium Pony Hunter reserve champions. They were first and fourth over fences and third under saddle. Sassafras Creek earned the award for best pony hunter stake round with a score of 88. Farish, of Versailles, KY, was named Best Child Rider on a Pony for 2013 and received The Captain V. S. Littauer Perpetual Trophy donated by Hugh J. B. Cassidy III, Mrs. William Dillon and Miss Marion Lee.

“It feels really good to get the leading rider award,” Farish stated. “My ponies were really good. I have had both of these pones the entire year, and they have been really awesome. I am really excited that they have been so good through the whole year.”

Sassafras Creek was Grand Pony Hunter Champion with Farish in 2012 and had another great show this year. “Sassy is really great to ride because when she trusts you and has faith in you, she listens to you,” Farish said. “It is just a great bond, and I have a great connection with her.”

Commenting on the progress of her riding since 2012, Farish explained that she started riding horses this year and has learned a lot. “I have been doing a lot of horses,” she said. “I think that has taken me to the next level a little bit.”

Further Lane Farm’s Rolling Stone won the Small Pony Hunter division championship with Madeline Schaefer of Westminster, MD, and was awarded The Stombock Saddlery Challenge Trophy, donated by Stombock Saddlery in memory of E. P. (Bud) Stombock. In the division’s classes, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Schaefer and Rolling Stone placed first, third and third over fences. Sophie Gochman rode David Gochman’s Hi Lite to reserve honors with first and third place ribbons over fences. Rolling Stone is a 15-year-old Welsh Pony gelding.

Emma Kurtz and True Love
Emma Kurtz and True Love

Later in the afternoon, the young riders competed in the WIHS Pony Equitation Finals with a win for 13-year-old Emma Kurtz of Hudson, OH, riding True Love. Trained by Amanda Lyerly and Mike Rheinheimer, Kurtz scored an 86 over fences and moved from second to first with her ride in the work-off under saddle to take the lead. She was presented The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by the friends and students of Mrs. Jane Marshall Dillon. Coco Fath finished second, Charlise Casas was third, and Isabel Ryan placed fourth.

“It’s my second time here and it’s just really exciting,” Kurtz said of her win at Verizon Center. “It feels really good to win today.”

Kurtz was second in the U.S. Pony Medal Finals this year and has aspirations of moving up to do the big equitation classes. She has been very successful as a young hunter rider and the experience of catch riding and showing many different horses has helped her develop her riding skills. Today’s win gives her confidence to continue into the bigger classes.

Kurtz first rode True Love last winter and took him to some shows this summer. Commenting on her round over fences today, she stated, “It was probably the best round I’ve had with him.”

As far as her equitation, Kurtz explained that Lyerly often reminds her to keep her reins short since it is a different ride from doing the hunters. Her other winning quality – “I just try to show off as much as I can.”

Concluding the week of competition at the 2013 Washington International Horse Show were the Regional Hunter Championships. The WIHS Regional Pony Hunter Champion was 12-year-old Morgan Rosia of Germantown, MD, riding Miss Bermuda. Miss Bermuda is a seven-year-old Welsh Pony Cross by Gypsy Time Traveler, owned by trainer Cindy Newberry. For the championship, Rosia was presented with The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy. The reserve champion was Like a Fox, owned by Amy Walls and ridden by Claire Walls.

In addition to success at the regional competition at Prince George’s Equestrian Center last weekend, Rosia and Miss Bermuda won the final class of the division today with a score of 85 over fences. Carly Williams and Sunset’s Sleepin In placed second with a score of 83. Samantha Wolpin was third in the final with an 81 riding Michelle Brauning’s Blue Valentine.

“I wasn’t even expecting it,” Rosia said of her win. “I just went to local weekend to try to qualify, and I never even expected to get a ribbon. I was really nervous at first, but then once I got in there I lost all my nerves. It was perfect.”

Rosia has been riding for six years and started riding Miss Bermuda two-and-a-half years ago. “She brought me all the way from Short Stirrup to winning at Washington International!” the rider smiled. “She’s very easy, but you never really know what to expect. She’s a lot of fun.”

Rosia has a Large Green Pony Hunter that she is going to show next year and might also show Miss Bermuda in the Medium Pony Hunter division. She hopes to make it back to WIHS next year.

The WIHS Regional Hunter Horse Finals followed with a championship win for 16-year-old Haley Brennan of Bristow, VA, riding Shadwell. Brennan and the seven-year-old Warmblood gelding (by Futurist) were awarded The Black, Starr and Frost Perpetual Trophy donated by Black, Starr and Frost. Reserve honors went to Alex Wittig and True Story.

Wittig won the final class in the division today with a high score of 86 riding True Story. Brennan and Shadwell were second with an 84. Garland Alban and Save the Date placed third with a score of 80.

This was the first time qualifying for WIHS for both Brennan and Wittig. They were excited to do well and praised their horses for their success.

“It’s kind of shocking. I didn’t even realize I could win,” Brennan stated. “I was focused on just getting around the course! My horse was surprisingly good. I was pleasantly surprised, and I was glad he felt good. It gave me confidence.”

Brennan watched the show last year and was thrilled to qualify to compete. “I never expected to show here, so it was a good feeling,” she said. “It felt like I was really achieving something and making progress. I hope to eventually move up to juniors and keep showing.”

Wittig is 17 years old from Middletown, DE, and showed Rachel Grande’s True Story, a 19-year-old Rhinelander gelding by Concorde. “I’ve had him for a year-and-a-half, and he is my favorite because he’s the bomb,” Wittig laughed. “He’s awesome. He’s so fun. He knows his job, and he has a game face. He’s perfect, pretty much.”

Wittig’s round over fences was smooth and consistent, and she had a great experience in her first outing at Verizon Center. “It’s really fun. It makes all the hard work and not sleeping worth it,” she said of winning. “This is like no other show. It’s in the middle of the city. It’s different. It’s very cool how they set everything up. The whole process is really cool.”

Note: A special bonus was awarded to this week’s Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper champion, Bon Vivant, owned by Rose Hill Farm and ridden by Cloe Hymowitz of New York, NY.

Hymowitz and Bon Vivant were presented with the $5,000 SHF Enterprises, Inc. Young Jumper Championship (YJC) Incentive Bonus, which is awarded to WIHS rated jumper division champions who were also graduates of the Young Jumper Championship Series. Bon Vivant (Major de la Cour x Skippy II) is a YJC graduate who finished 11th in the YJC 6-Year-Old Midwestern League Finals in 2007.

For full results and more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

Lauren Fisher for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

About the Washington International Horse Show
An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show and the pinnacle of the equestrian year with leading riders, including Olympic medalists, and fabulous horses. More than 500 horses participate in show jumping, hunter and equitation events during the six-day show. Highlights include the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, the Puissance high-jump competition; and WIHS Equitation Classic Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders. Special exhibitions, boutique shopping and community activities will round out this family-friendly event.

Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington, DC, institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages. Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com

US Earns Four Top 20 Placings at Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*; Dutton Leads the Way in Fourth

Phillip Dutton and Mr. Medicott (Libby Law Photography)

Pau, France – Fifty combinations went forward to the final phase of competition at the 2013 Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4* on Sunday to tackle Bernard Basque’s 13 obstacle track. Rails fell throughout the day and proved costly as those that could produce clear rounds climbed the leaderboard. Five U.S. combinations headed into the show jumping phase at Pau and at the end of competition three Americans had landed in the top 15.

Overnight leaders William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF of Great Britain added four faults for a single rail down to finish on a score of 45.5 to clinch victory by .5 penalties over France’s Maxime Livio and Cathar de Gamel. Fox-Pitt also collected third place honors with Cool Mountain on a score of 46.2.

Leading the way for the United States were Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s Mr. Medicott. The pair which added just .4 penalties on the cross country to their seventh placed dressage score entered the final phase in fourth place. Despite incurring eight faults for two rails down the combination maintained their fourth place position to finish on a score of 52.6.

“He jumped well. I feel bad that I had two fences down; he is a horse that can definitely jump a clear round but it was a very difficult track,” said Dutton who had the dubious honor of following Livio into the ring after the French rider went clear. “Not to make excuses but I followed the Frenchman into the arena and the crowd went ballistic and he (Mr. Medicott) was a handful after that. If I were to do it over again, I would have taken a little more time.”

The Olympic and FEI World Equestrian Games veteran only began riding Mr. Medicott in June but has quickly forged a partnership with him. The talented 14-year-old Irish Sport gelding had been ridden at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games by Germany’s Frank Ostholt as well as partnering with Karen O’Connor to a ninth place finish at the 2012 Olympic Games. Therefore, Dutton has put a priority on getting to know the veteran horse, as well as having the gelding get acquainted with his style of riding.

“Looking back on the weekend on the whole I’m quite pleased. Coming here if I knew I would be fourth I would have been very excited.”

With his fourth place finish this weekend Mr. Medicott now has three top 10 finishes at Pau, with Ostholt the gelding was third in 2008 and 10th in 2011.

Clark Montgomery and Universe (Libby Law Photography)
Clark Montgomery and Universe (Libby Law Photography)

Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Jessica Montgomery, Carole Montgomery, Janet Higgins, and Elizabeth Smith’s Universe headed into the show lying in ninth place after a double clear cross country round. The Land Rover Competition Grant recipients incurred eight faults for rolling two poles on Sunday to drop one place in the standings, finishing 10th on a score of 60.

Montgomery and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding complete their 2013 campaign with two top 30 CCI4* finishes. In addition to their 10th place finish at Pau, the pair was 27th at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in Universe’s first attempt at the level.

Lynn Symansky and her own Donner travelled to Pau after having been awarded a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant and gained valuable experience over the weekend. The 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold medalists rose from 38th after the dressage on the strength of a double clear round on the cross country, they headed into the show jumping in 12th place. Two rails down meant they added eight faults to their total to finish on an overall score of 61.3 in 13th place in their first European competition.

Land Rover Competition Grant recipients, Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and Raylyn Farms and Team Demeter ‘s RF Demeter headed into the final phase of competition lying in 11th but 16 faults  dropped them down the order. The 11-year-old Oldenburg mare rolled four rails to finish on a final total of 68.8 in 18th place.

Michael Pollard (Dalton, Ga.) and Carl Bouckaert’s 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Mensa were the sole U.S. pair to jump in the first session of the day producing an eight fault effort, the Land Rover Competition Grant recipients finished on an overall score of 108 in 43rd place.

By Helen Murray

To learn more about the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, visit www.event-pau.fr/en/homepage/.

For start times and results, click here.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team here.