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Competitions, FEI, Show Jumping

Super-cool Brash Wins Longines Opener at Oslo

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Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos at the prize presentation with Longines ambassador Aksel Lund Svindal and Morten Thormodsen, Brand Manager and Sales Representative for Longines, Norway. Photo: FEI/Roger Svalsroed.

Oslo (NOR), 13 October 2013 – Great Britain’s Scott Brash once again proved himself to be the most formidable of opponents when galloping to victory with Hello Sanctos in the opening leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League at Oslo, Norway this afternoon.  Others might have been rattled by the last-minute drama of a broken noseband just before going in to jump against the clock. But the 27-year-old rider from Peebles in Scotland stayed as cool as a cucumber to clinch the win ahead of individual Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat, from Switzerland.  And, as if to cement the sheer quality of today’s competition, it was three-time FEI World Cup Jumping champion Marcus Ehning from Germany who slotted into third place ahead of Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Winningmood in fourth.

There was a time when the early legs of the Western European League series were considerably less competitive, but those days are history now.  This year’s start-list for the first round at Oslo included nine of the top 12 riders on the current Longines Rankings list, so it was never going to be an easy one to win.

And the course designed by Italy’s Uliano Vezzani, who was assisted by Anders Hafskjold and Terje Olsen-Nalum from Norway, was no walk in the park either.  It may have been the first big test of the indoor season, but the close confines of the arena which measures just 75m x 35m, and the intensity of the track layout itself ensured a very tough day’s work indeed.  “I thought it was a very difficult track when I walked the course, and I was surprised when there were so many clears – the fences came up very quickly and I’m told this was the biggest track ever in Oslo!” said winning rider Brash this evening.

Retired

The smallest fence on the course was the opening 1.50m vertical, but even that hit the floor for Germany’s Christian Ahlmann who retired with his grey stallion, Asca Z, after leaving two more on the ground.  And the 2011 FEI World Cup Jumping champion was one of seven to call it a day before the end of the track – reigning European Champion Roger-Yves Bost from France (Colombo van den Blauwaert) and Brazil’s Alvaro de Miranda (AD Uutje) amongst those who also decided it was best to leave the fight to another day.

The 1.50m square oxer at two remained intact throughout the afternoon, but the remainder of the fences were almost all dislodged from their moorings at some stage.  The triple-bar at fence three led to a 1.60m vertical at fence four before riders turned right-handed to the triple combination at five.  This was the bogey of the day, with 12 horse-and-rider combinations faulting at least once as they attempted to negotiate the vertical to a double of oxers.  Steve Guerdat said afterwards, “Triple combinations are always very demanding for horses and they were struggling with it; I don’t really know why.”

The turn to fence six proved the undoing of many, however.  Horses tended to be very much on the forehand after the triple combination and, if they were running on too much it proved difficult to ride the sharply bending line and arrive balanced, in control and still with enough impulsion to clear the tall vertical.  The oxer at fence seven and the Longines double at eight were located along the ringside before turning left-handed to the oxers at nine and ten, and then there were only three fences left on the homeward run.

The planks at 11 fell numerous times however as did the following Longines oxer at 12, but the most disappointed man of the day was, quite possibly, The Netherlands’ Gerco Schroder who steered his Olympic individual silver medal winning ride, London, through a gloriously easy tour of the track only to hit the very last.  This multi-coloured vertical, standing 1.60m and with two circular water trays beneath it, was located on another bending line and, second into the ring, Norway’s Stein Endresen was decanted onto the landing side here when his mare, Cassiopeia arrived on a bad stride and decided to slam on the brakes.  In Schroder’s case, London dropped his near foreleg to rebalance on the turn and caught the top pole on the way up for an unfortunate four faults.

Jump-Off

There were nine riders from nine different nations through to the second-round jump-off, and it was rising Brazilian star, Marlon Zanotelli, who led the way with Clouwni over the new track. A mistake on the distance between fence one and the oxer at fence 10 which was now the second obstacle on the course saw them return with four faults in 39.27 seconds, so when Athina Onassis de Miranda from Greece and her fabulous grey mare, AD Camille Z, produced a careful clear in 46.55 seconds they temporarily took the lead.  The Netherlands’ Frank Schuttert was first to take a tight turn to the third, an oxer, but his round unravelled when he lost his line to the vertical second-last – previously fence six, but now jumped in the opposite direction – so that his super-busy gelding, Winchester HS, rushed past it leaving them to cross the line with eight faults on the board in 44.17 seconds.

The crowd lit up when Geir Gulliksen entered the ring with Edesa S Banjan.  The 12-year-old gelding had produced a great opening round to make the cut for the host nation rider and, to the delight of the spectators, they went into the lead this time out when foot-perfect in 39.64 seconds.  But their advantage was short-lived as Marcus Ehning and Copin van de Broy cruised home with a silky-smooth run in 37.72 seconds to go to the top of the leaderboard.  Portugal’s Luciana Diniz and Winningmood followed with a lovely round in 39.00 seconds, and when Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander opted for a slow clear with the nine-year-old Ego van Orti she was also guaranteed some valuable qualifying points but didn’t pose any threat to Ehning’s supremacy.

Set Off Like the Wind

The final two did, however. Guerdat and the horse with which he enjoyed Olympic glory, the electrifying Nino des Buissonnets, set off like the wind, turning super-tight to the third fence and galloping down to the last to soar out in front in a time of 36.52.  It seemed unlikely that this could be bettered, and when there was a long delay before Brash arrived into the ring the crowd grew curious.  The British rider, meanwhile, was busy taking his horse’s bridle apart after the noseband snapped while warming up for the second time.

Luckily Geir Gulliksen’s gelding was wearing something similar, so, in typically sporting fashion, the Norwegian rider removed his horse’s noseband and gave it to his British rival who, with the help of Ireland’s Shane Breen, reassembled the bridle, put it onto Hello Sanctos and then jumped onboard and headed into the ring. Not ideal when there is a Longines FEI World Cup Jumping qualifier to be won, but Brash has shown time and again over the last year that he is about as unflappable as they come.

Setting off, he didn’t know what time he was chasing, so he decided to just kick on and hope for the best.  As it turned out that was a pretty good plan, because he shaved more than two seconds off Guerdat’s target to clinch the most convincing of victories.

Talking afterwards, Brash said, “I watched Marcus and I thought he was fast and then I heard that Steve was faster so I thought I’d just do the best that I could.  My horse was super again, I was really surprised by how fast we were!”  He said he was very grateful to the show officials who allowed him the time to reconstruct the bridle – “They were very kind by not rushing me” – but he pointed out that the drama had not thrown him off his concentration.  Clearly it hadn’t.

Remarkable

Making his victory today all the more remarkable was the fact that Brash rode the same horse into the winner’s enclosure in yesterday’s Oslo Grand Prix in which Angelica Augustsson and Mic Mac du Tillard lined up second. “Everyone was questioning me because I rode him fast in the Grand Prix yesterday but I know my horse!” he said today. Hello Sanctos will go to the second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European League series at Helsinki in Finland next week and will then travel to Doha in Qatar for the Global Champions Tour Final in November.

Runner-up, Steve Guerdat, said, “The last show I did was not great – it was our horse’s first show back since the Europeans and that is why he jumped in two of the smaller classes earlier here.  Today I could feel in the first round that he was a bit too fresh and jumping with a bit of caution – our first round was not so smooth. When we did the jump off he was already better,” Guerdat pointed out.

Third-placed Marcus Ehning left the post competition press conference early. “My wife and I are expecting our next baby. She is a bit nervous because I am far away so I have to catch the first plane back!” he explained.

Geir Gulliksen finished fifth for Norway, and was very happy with his result. “It is always very exciting competing in front of your home crowd. I was a bit worried as I jumped two rounds yesterday – I didn’t know how he (his horse, Edesa S Banjan) would react but he did great today. It is a great achievement for an old chap from Norway!” joked the 53-year-old rider who has been the linchpin of the Norwegian team for many years now.

Meanwhile Brash reflected on yet another great day’s work. “It feels great and my horse feels in very good form. It is great to start off with a win,” he said.  He talked about the frenzy that ensued when his horse’s noseband broke.  “We rushed around trying to borrow one; luckily Jimmy (Geir Gulliksen) had just got off the ring and he let me borrow his – it turned out to be lucky for him and me as well!” he explained.

And he talked about Hello Sanctos, the 11-year-old gelding which he rode to team gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games last year, and who played a pivotal role again at the PSI FEI European Jumping Championships in Herning, Denmark this summer.

“He is the horse of a lifetime considering what he has done for the country – he is outstanding. You don’t get too many like him. He is very clever, very sharp. When you work him at home he is very lazy, as if to say ‘do we really have to do this training?’, but then he goes into the ring and gives you his heart!” he said.

For more information on the first leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 series, go to website www.oslohorseshow.com or contact Press Officer Line Moen, Email: press@oslohorseshow.com, Tel: +47 95 92 63 47.

The next leg of the series takes place in Helsinki, Finland on Sunday 20 October 2013, website www.helsinkihorseshow.com, Press Officer Kati Hurme-Leikkonen, Email kati.hurme@helsinkihorseshow.fi.

Full result here.

Facts and Figures:

The FEI World Cup Jumping series celebrates its 36th season bearing the name of Swiss watch brand, Longines, which, last December, became Top Partner, and Official Timekeeping Partner, to the international governing body, the FEI.

The first leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 Western European League series took place today at the Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway.

A total of 40 riders from 21 nations lined out.

The countries represented were Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

A total of 11 qualifying rounds will take place before the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final is staged in Lyon, France from 20-23 March 2014.

Defending series champion is America’s Beezie Madden.

9 of the top 12 riders on the current Longines Rankings competed today in Oslo.

Course designer was Uliano Vezzani (ITA) assisted by Anders Hafskjold (NOR) and Treje Olsen-Nalum (NOR).

9 riders from 9 different countries qualified for second-round jump-off against the clock.

Today’s winner was Olympic and European team gold medallist Scott Brash from Great Britain riding Hello Sanctos.

He pipped reigning Olympic individual gold medallist, Steve Guerdat from Switzerland, and Nino des Buissonnets, while three-time FEI World Cup champion Marcus Ehning from Germany finished third with Copin van de Broy.

9 riders retired in the first round and there was 1 elimination – Stein Endresen from Norway who was unseated when his 12-year-old grey mare, Cassiopeia 55, stopped at the very last fence in the first round.

The second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping 2013/2014 series will take place in Helsinki, Finland on Sunday 20 October 2013.

Quotes:

Morten Aasen, Oso Show Director: “I have been part of this event for 22 years now. Longines, the new sponsor, has made things very exciting. Longines has brought in a new level of professionalism which is very nice. Moreover, 7 out of the top 10 riders are here which proves that the show is popular and we are very proud of that!”

Marcus Ehning (GER): “I have won the FEI World Cup three times and have great memories of it. I think it is a good series.”

Scott Brash (GBR): “I watched Marcus’ round and I thought he was too fast. I didn’t see Steve’s round but I knew he was second. I didn’t think I’d be as quick as he was but I got the strides just right today.”

Geir Gulliksen (NOR), talking about his horse, Edesa S Banjan:  “I met the breeder of the horse in Belgium – he was seven at the time and was a bit of a character. He jumped his first Grand Prix last year but I think he has some good years in front of him, just like his rider!

I have had many horses in my life – this one is small but very athletic. I was worried he was tired today. He is very different at home and even in the collecting ring – he is a completely different horse in the arena and you would question whether he can actually do it.”

FEI YouTube:  http://youtu.be/NoVvJNYg6ms

FEI TV: don’t miss a hoofbeat – www.feitv.org.

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

Rider biographies: view online and download from http://fei.org/fei/your-role/media/biographies.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations.

Longines’ passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and its mount. Over the years, the brand has built strong and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1912, Longines was proud to partner with its first Jumping event, the Grande Concurso Hippico Internacional, in Portugal.

Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

By Louise Parkes

Media Contacts:

At Oslo:

Line Moen
Email: press@oslohorseshow.com
Tel: +47 95 92 63 47

At FEI:

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

Ruth Grundy
Manager Press Relations
ruth.grundy@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 45

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

At Longines:

Longines International Public Relations
publicrelations@longines.com

Championships, Dressage, USEF, USEF

Peters, Herslow, Davis, and Redston Earn National Titles to Close Out US Dressage Festival of Champions

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Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp came to a conclusion on Saturday with the final four champions crowned. In The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, Steffen Peters claimed his seventh title in the division under the lights, while earlier in the day Kim Herslow and Rosmarin claimed their first National Title in The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship. Barbara “Bebe” Davis won the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship title in her first attempt at the annual competition, while Alison Redston and Tony 47 led the victory gallop in the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship

Grand Prix competition came to a conclusion under the lights of the Rolex Stadium as the eight competitors rode their Freestyle tests to earn the remaining 15% of their championship score.

Peters (San Diego, Calif.) scored a repeat victory with Four Winds Farm’s Legolas 92, as he cruised to an unprecedented seventh National Title in the Grand Prix division. The Olympic veteran pulled out all the stops with the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding as he produced strong piaffe and passage, as well as improved one-time changes. The talented combination concluded their Freestyle with an impressive pirouette in piaffe directly into halt on the centerline as they scored 79.450%.

“This was the best freestyle for sure. He felt great in the warm-up and I just hoped I could do that in the ring,” said Peters of Legolas 92. “Right off from the first step he felt as supple as in the warm-up. He stayed right with the music. I couldn’t be happier.”

The pair finished on a championship total of 76.476%.

Looking toward the future and preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Peters will rely on advice from Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Dover in planning for the future months.

“I have not thought about it,” said Peters. “California, Florida, we’ll think about it and I’m sure Robert will weigh in on that.”

Earning second place in the Freestyle and Reserve Champion honors overall was Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, Calif.) and Coral Reef Wylea. Coral Reef Ranch’s 13-year-old Westphalian mare earned a 76.450% in the Freestyle to finish on a championship score of 72.404%.

Despite a mistake in the two-time changes, Seidel was extremely pleased with the mare and believes she improved from Friday night’s Grand Prix Special.

“I thought she was great; there was the obvious mistake in the twos but it worked out great. In general, I thought she was better than the night before. Definitely, she felt good.”

Earning third place in the championship was Kathleen Raine (Murrieta, Calif.) and her own, Jennifer Mason, and David Wightman’s 13-year-old Hanoverian mare Breanna. The pair finished the Freestyle with a score of 70.225% and earned a championship score of 71.213%.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship

Herslow (Stockton, N.J.) and Rosmarin narrowly missed sweeping the three tests of Intermediaire I Championship, placing second in Saturday’s Freestyle but scoring a decisive victory in the National Championship. Kiroli Enterpirse Inc.’s eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s score of 75.200% counted for the remaining 15% of the pair’s championship average of 75.701%.

Kim Herslow and Rosemarin (SusanJStickle.com)
Kim Herslow and Rosemarin (SusanJStickle.com)

“I went easy on my horse yesterday and just did a really basic ride,” Herslow noted. “Today I wanted to have more horse and I think I had a little more than I have had for a little while, but that’s okay. I also have to learn how to ride that tension and I felt like I had him a little more up in his shoulders and I had him in a little more expressive frame. But I was a little on edge because we haven’t really been going there. But I’m thrilled.”

Herslow expressed how proud she’s been of Rosmarin and how’s he’s dealt with the pressure of such difficult competition.

“I’m amazed that he came back to showing after having the whole summer off and stepped up to the plate even more than in Florida this past season. I’m really looking forward to the season in Florida this winter and we’ll be moving up to the Grand Prix as soon as he’s ready.”

Caroline Roffman (Wellington, Fla.) and her own Her Highness O finished first in Saturday’s Intermediaire I Freestyle test, earning 76.625% and finishing on an overall total of 73.504% as the Reserve Champion. Roffman and her 10-year-old Hanoverian mare performed a powerful test in the Rolex Arena.

“For me, today was the perfect ending to Intermediaire I,” Roffman said. “She (Her Highness O) showed she’s able to compete with the best in the country. She was a blast to ride and it was the perfect way to end, in my mind. Today was perfect.”

Emily Jucsher Wagner (La Cygne, Kan.) and Wakeup, her own eight-year-old AWR stallion, finished third in the championship on a score of 69.612%.

AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship

Bebe Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)
Bebe Davis and Rotano (SusanJStickle.com)

Davis (Bedminster, N.J.) had another top performance on Saturday morning to claim victory in the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship with her impressive mount Rotano. She and her parents’ (Michael and Sarah Davis) 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding had a lovely test with excellent trot extensions and half-passes to score a 69.000% in the FEI Junior Individual Test. The pair finished the championship with an overall score of 68.771%.

“My ride this morning was really amazing. I couldn’t be more thankful for my horse, and for my trainers and my parents for always being there for me,” stated Davis. “Moments like this make all of our training and all of our riding totally worth it. He was just such a good boy. He was really there for me and just really trying and listening to my aids.”

Davis credits riding at the Pony level with enabling to reach the level she has in her riding. Last year she won the USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship and has moved up to Junior ranks this year finding much success. Davis believes she has learned a great deal about patience and perseverance while riding the intelligent little creatures.

“I showed two weekends ago at Devon and it was my last ride in the Pony division. I got a little bit emotional on centerline, but I am very happy to see how far ponies have come,” Davis said. “I did it the first year when there were only two and this year it is five times the size. It really makes me so happy to see that, that kids are really wanting to do it because I would never be where I am today if I didn’t do the ponies.”

Lindsey Holleger (Whigham, Ga.) had an improved test with Friedensfurst from Thursday, having beautiful trot extensions, strong canter half-passes, and a nice walk tour. She and the 11-year-old Trakehner gelding scored a 68.079% in Saturday’s test to finish with a 67.324% overall in the championship.

“I loved my ride today,” said Holleger. “He gave me everything and he was really relaxed, and that’s what I wanted to fix from the last ride. He did that and even more and I am really ready for Young Riders next year.”

Mallory Kent (Birmingham, Ala.) and Okiedokie slotted into third place in the AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championship with a solid effort, receiving a 66.842% in the FEI Junior Individual Test. She and her own 17-year-old Royal Dutch Warmblood gelding completed the championship with a 66.219%.

The girls thanked their families, trainers, and sponsors, as well as being appreciative of the show management and volunteers.

USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship

Redston (Needham, Mass.) swept the Pony division with her own Tony 47. She demonstrated a solid test with the 13-year-old German Riding Pony gelding to score 66.683% in the FEI Pony Individual Test. The pair won the National Championship with an overall score of 66.303%.

“I thought our test went pretty well,” said Redston. “Throughout the test he was more relaxed, especially compared to the awards ceremony the day before. I felt like it let out some of his energy and it also had a feeling that it was more like a regular show. He was much more relaxed and could be himself.”

Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)
Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)

Redston is thrilled with her results and has no regrets about getting into the discipline of dressage after this weekend.

“I got into dressage because whenever I would jump, I would fall on my face, which was never fun. I always like to watch it (dressage) and I would be like, ‘Wait, how did they do that?’ and I wanted to learn about it and learn how to do it like those people who do things that seem impossible.”

Finishing in second place in the division were Madelyn Guthrie and Jordy. Guthrie (Westmont, Ill.) and her own 15-year-old Welsh Pony gelding presented a solid ride to score 64.026%.

“Our ride had a lot more energy than yesterday,” Guthrie commented. “After our last test we knew we needed to improve the energy level a little bit to improve all the movements as well. I think some of our highlights today were the medium and extended trot as well as the canter and we just really upped our game and knew we wanted to strive to be better. Jordy did really well and was there for me.”

Savannah Rose Franklund (Boulder, Colo.) rode into third place with CF Godiva Chocolate. She and her own 13-year-old American Quarter Pony gelding finished with an overall score of 63.384%.

USEF Network will be streaming Friday and Saturday’s competition live at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013FestivalOfChampions/. Retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner will provide commentary during the broadcast.

Find out everything you need to know about the championships at http://www.usefconnect.com/festival/.

By Helen Murray, Kathleen Landwehr and Eileen Schnettler

Championships, Competitions, Western/Reining

Show by Appointment Crowns Champions at Inaugural Finals

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Shaun McBride and Pao Pao Chex.

Sarasota, FL – October 12, 2013 – Show by Appointment awarded its first set of championships on Saturday at the SBA Championship Finals, held at Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. Open and Non Pro Bridle and Hackamore divisions, as well as Non Pro Boxing, all wrapped up on Saturday as riders returned for their second go and vied for top honors.

Champions took home generous cash awards as well as prizes from three sponsors: Don Rich Saddlery, J. W. Brooks Custom Hats and Skyline Vaquero. J. W. Brooks was on hand to measure winners for their custom-made hats.

“We’re really excited about this new event, and it’s an event that we believe in: we think it’s going to go far,” Brooks said. “We’re proud to be here and to be a part of the beginning. They’ve done a great job with it so far, and we’re excited to be involved.”

“I think we get a pretty good response out of giving away custom hats because it’s something that not everybody gets – it’s a little different from the norm,” he added. “We can measure all the winners and make a hat that’s perfect for them. Everyone has been very positive about it.”

Don Rich Saddlery’s finely crafted saddles were a hit with the lucky champions who earned them. Don Rich was also on hand at the Finals on Saturday to present saddles.

“I’m proud to be a part of it,” Rich said. “SBA is a good organization and it’s going to be great for the cow horse industry, especially here in the East. It seems like everyone’s loved the saddles so far, and we’ll get more feedback once everyone rides in them and sees how they like them.”

Skyline Vaquero, which provided beautiful custom buckles and knives, added to their initial sponsorship to ensure that champions at all levels, from top professionals to beginners just starting out in the sport, would receive fitting recognition for their accomplishments.

“We know the beginning people really want a belt buckle, so we increased our sponsorships to provide that for them,” Dave Hammonds of Skyline Vaquero said.

The day began with the second go for riders in the Open Bridle divisions. The Open Bridle championship went to Rick Steed and Murray Logan’s Whiz Bar Sooper, who achieved a composite score of 293 over two days of competition. Shaun McBride paired with Pao Pao Chex, owned by Paula Burnett, for the Intermediate Open Bridle championship, scoring 287 to take the top spot. Trevor Steed rode Toni Steed’s Gunna Miss You to top honors in the 2K Open Bridle division with a score of 283.5.

Lucas McCullough and Nice Bobby Sox
Lucas McCullough and Nice Bobby Sox

After the Open Bridle divisions, Non Pro Bridle and Boxing riders took center stage. Lucas McCullough and Nice Bobby Sox, owned by Jean McCullough, scored 290.5 in the Non Pro Bridle to take home the championship.

“It feels great – it was a fun day,” McCullough said. “The championship early in the day was a big relief. It helped me focus on my second horse [Tinsel Lena in the Non Pro Hackamore] and not worry, since I already had something good going. I won $5,000 and a custom-made hat by J. W. Brooks. I’m really excited about that.”

Barry Spinweber and his own Suz Mountain Dew claimed double championships in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle and 2K Non Pro Bridle. “He’s a good horse,” Spinweber said. “He’s strong in the reining and good at the fence work – just a great all-around horse.”

“The reining was a highlight today,” he continued. “My cow was really fast going down the fence. I didn’t know if I would quite catch up to him before the end of the arena, but luckily, we made it. I won a ton of money and I won my first saddle, as well as a hat and a nice knife, so that’s really cool.”

Dwyatt Bull and his own Khatch a Diamond were impressive in the 2K Non Pro Boxing, claiming the championship on a total score of 281.5. In the Non Pro Boxing, Verna Benbow and 177 Performance Horses’ Choco Latte Lena earned 285 overall to secure the championship. Benbow was thrilled with her win.

“It’s just wonderful,” Benbow said. “I’m very surprised. I appreciate the people I ran against. They make you a better rider. And I’m grateful for all the help from Jay Holmes, Rick Steed, Robert Smith – everybody who has helped me get here. I was very happy with my high reining score today, and it’s great to win at the first Show by Appointment finals.”

Benbow also credited her horse with a great effort. “She carries me,” Benbow said. “I know I had to ride her, but she carries me. She makes me a better rider. I feel very blessed.”

Corey Rodgers and Dun It Big N Smart
Corey Rodgers and Dun It Big N Smart

Open and Non Pro Hackamore classes closed out Saturday’s competition. Jay Holmes and his own Senor Dun It maintained their lead in the Open Hackamore, taking the championship with a score of 293.5. Corey Rodgers and Joana Azevedo’s Dun It Big N Smart scored 280 overall to claim the 2K Open Hackamore title.

Morgan Holmes continued a successful weekend at the Finals by riding her own Mutt to the Non Pro Hackamore championship with a score of 287. Jeff Pressler and Paula Burnett’s Oh Cay Floyd collected a total score of 270, earning them the 2K Non Pro Hackamore championship.

Interspersed with the championships were three Derby classes. Jay Holmes won the Open Derby on Jen Frame’s Junkyard Cat, scoring 221 for the three phases of herd work, reining and fence work, while Morgan Holmes secured the win in the Non Pro Derby on Mutt with a score of 214. Jen Frame and her own One Time Bugsy scored 207.5 to take first place in the Non Pro Boxing Derby.

“He’s really a trouper,” Frame said of One Time Bugsy. “He’s a very honest horse – very steady and consistent.”

She added that she was happy to be at SBA’s first Championship Finals. “It’s exciting to be part of something new like this,” she said.

Saturday evening was highlighted by the debut of a unique SBA class, the Horse Sale Class showcasing sale horses to potential buyers. Show by Appointment’s first Championship Finals conclude on Sunday, when championships will be determined for Open and Non Pro Two Rein, Level One and Level Two Boxing, Youth Bridle and Boxing, and Little Britches Boxing.

About Show by Appointment

Show by Appointment’s fresh approach to reined cow horse competition has been an unprecedented success in its first season. SBA aims to make showing “Fun, Fair, and Affordable” for competitors.  To accommodate those traveling long distances to show and help busy riders fit showing in at their convenience, SBA allows riders to reserve their own ride times in advance. This cuts down on usual travel expenses such as stall rentals and hotels and encourages competitors to make the trip and join in the fun.

Each SBA series includes four shows. Riders who compete at three out of the four shows earn a place in the Championship Finals, slated for October 10-13, 2013, at Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. The Finals offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors may also qualify for the Finals in absentia by simply sending in entries and payment to each of the four shows. This system is designed to allow riders a chance to compete in the Championship Finals without spending the season chasing points and incurring excessive competition expenses.

Keep up to date with SBA’s news by liking them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShowByAppointment, following them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ShowByAppt, and checking out their website at http://www.showbyappointment.com. See SBA videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/ShowByAppointment.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Eventing/H.T.

Martin Leads the Way for the U.S. at Military Boekelo CCIO3*

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Boyd Martin and Trading Aces (Libby Law Photography)

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team experienced mixed fortunes on Sue Benson’s cross country course on Saturday at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*. As is customary at Boekelo, the Dutch weather and deep going proved extremely influential as the leaderboard saw an utter shake-up. Following the conclusion of the second phase, Boyd Martin and Trading Aces lead the way for the United States.

Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Trading Aces LLC’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding produced a steady clear round on Saturday. As the third-to-last combination to set out on the testing track the Richland Park CIC3* winners encountered extremely deteriorated footing and therefore collected 18 time faults. The pair heads into the final show jumping phase on a score of 64 in 35th place.

The first U.S. combination out on course was Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, United Kingdom) and her own Fernhill By Night. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding was enjoying a successful trip in his first CCI3* but a late run-out at 21C meant the combination would collect 20 jumping penalties and 15.6 time faults. They stand on an overnight total of 87.4 in 54th place.

Lauren Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Team Rebecca LLC’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Veronica were also representing the U.S. in team competition at Boekelo. The pair was enjoying a nearly foot-perfect round until they also ran into trouble at 21 resulting in a fall at the A element and elimination for Kieffer.

The U.S. stands in ninth place in the Team standings following the cross country on a score of 1151.4. Germany maintained the lead and head into the show jumping on a score of 124.6.

New Zealand’s Lizzie Brown and Henton Attorney General lead the individual standings on a score of 35.8.

By Helen Murray

For more information on the Military Boekelo CCIO3*, visit http://www.rechenstelle.de/2013/boekelo/.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Dressage, USEF

Peters Maintains Lead, Wagner and Uhlir Score National Titles as Redston Storms to Head of Her Field

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Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (SusanJStickle.com)

Lexington, Ky. – The Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park hosted a full day of competition on Friday, as riders went to task across four divisions at the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 maintained their lead in The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship in the evening session under the lights. In USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship presented by Dressage Today competition Emily Wagner and Weltdorff posted their second victory of the weekend to claim the 2013 National Title. Earlier in the day, Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer earned top honors in the AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship. USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship kicked off with Alison Redston and Tony 47 claiming the first victory if the weekend.

The Dutta Corp/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship

Eight Grand Prix competitors returned to the Rolex Stadium on Friday evening to earn a further 40% of their championship score by riding the FEI Grand Prix Special.

In their second test of the weekend, Peters (San Diego, Calif.) and Four Winds Farm’s 11-year-old Westphalian gelding were on track to again score in the high 70s but an error of course in the canter work meant their final score in the Special would be 74.771%. The 2012 National Champions once again demonstrated strong trot work and showed improvement in the changes.

“The horse was great; the rider wasn’t good. My mind was set on riding the twos but the judges didn’t want that,” joked Peters. “It was the cleanest test we’ve had; Legolas was fabulous. It didn’t matter too much tonight but I would have been really upset if this would have happened in a team competition. I’m confident it won’t happen again.”

Throughout the weekend at the 2013 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp competitors across all levels have shown great potential for the future. Peters believes this is an extremely fortunate position for the U.S. to be in and the tours many riders did in Europe over the summer were extremely beneficial.

“The European tours were very successful and it is important to not only look at where we stand but where we are going,” remarked the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Bronze medalist.

Finishing in second place on Friday night was Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, Calif.) and Coral Reef Wylea with a score of 71.917%. The U.S. team veteran and Coral Reef Ranch’s 13-year-old Westphalian mare demonstrated improvement in the FEI Grand Prix Special Test compared to Wednesday’s Grand Prix.

“I rode a little more of a conservative test today. Which I think worked out well,” said Seidel of his test on Friday. “From the rideability and the relaxation it was definitely the best test we’ve had.”

Seidel and Coral Reef Wylea now stand second in The Dutta Corp/ USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship.

Finishing in third place on Friday night was Kathleen Raine (Murrieta, Calif.) and her own, Jennifer Mason, and David Wightman’s 13-year-old Hanoverian mare Breanna. The pair scored 70.771% on Friday, and now lies third in the Championship.

Grand Prix competition comes to a close on Saturday night with the Freestyle as competitors will earn the remaining 15% of their overall title.

Prior to the start of Grand Prix competition, Dressage Celebrity Mounted Games will take place in the Rolex Stadium at 6:00pm. This event will feature teams of competitors and celebrity coaches participating in pony relay races as a fundraiser for the U.S. High Performance Dressage programs.

USEF Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Dressage National Championship Presented by Dressage Today

The championship title was decided for the Young Adult “Brentina Cup” competition during the end of the morning session on Friday as the up-and-coming riders performed the FEI Young Rider Grand Prix Test. Twenty-five year-old Wagner (La Cygne, Kan.) rode her own Weltdorff to claim the prestigious title with an overall score of 65.578%. She and her own 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding had a rhythmical, harmonious test, displaying their eight-year partnership.

Emily Wagner and Weltdorff (SusanJStickle.com)
Emily Wagner and Weltdorff (SusanJStickle.com)

“He was just so supple today and I loved that feeling,” commented Wagner. “My half-passes flowed and were really nice. The canter half-passes I really liked. We had a few shaky moments, but I know him very well so we recovered and really got out of it. We messed up our ones. Usually those are pretty solid, but what can I say?”

After getting Weldorff as an unbroken three-year-old in Germany, Wagner as moved up the levels and learned alongside him. That fact made the championship title more meaningful.

“He has done so much for me because I have had him since he was a rascally three-year-old and because we have gone through so much together. There have been so many times where I’ve thought, ‘I don’t understand, he doesn’t understand, we are up against a wall, what are we going to do?’ And that makes this mean so incredibly much to me. So I’m thrilled,” said a delighted Wagner.

Genay Vaughn (Elk Grove, Calif.) rode Donarweiss GGF to Reserve Champion honors with an overall score of 64.646%. She and Starr Vaughn Equestrian, Inc.’s 12-year-old Hanoverian stallion made a solid effort with lovely canter pirouettes highlighting their test.

“We had a pretty good test; we had a few mistakes but I am really happy with him,” remarked Vaughn. “I am even happier with how we did our first year out. I am excited to even be here; it’s an honor.”

Vaughn hopes to do some training in Europe next year, but would like to continue to compete in the USEF “Brentina Cup” Program.

Lauren Knopp of Wellington, Fl. rode Rantaro, her own 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding, to a third-place finish, scoring a 64.294% overall. The pair had good flying changes and nice trot half-passes.

“We did a shorter warm-up and he felt hot and great and wonderful. It actually felt too good since I went off course,” said Knopp of halting prematurely on the centerline.

Their placing was quite impressive since Knopp has been sidelined with a herniated disc in her back.

“I’m very excited. I had two months off because of my back so I didn’t think I would get here,” said an emotional Knopp of the accomplishment. “I just started riding two weeks ago, so I’m very, very excited.”

AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship

Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer (SusanJStickle.com)
Ayden Uhlir and Sjapoer (SusanJStickle.com)

The eleven Young Riders returned to the Rolex Stadium on Friday to perform the FEI Young Rider Individual Test, which would help determine the winner of the AGCO/USEF Young Rider Dressage National Championship. Uhlir (Kirkland, Wash.) added another title to her resume as she claimed top honors in the championship with an overall score of 68.211%. She and her mount for the past three years, Sjapoer, performed a lovely test that flowed from movement to movement to earn a 68.184%.

“He was a little bit quieter; he wasn’t so awake today. We only had mistakes in the walk and the halt-rein back, but we recovered for the rest of the ride,” commented Uhlir. “I felt that he was fairly consistent, and just a fairly decent and good ride. Our canter work was a lot better than our trot work. I felt like our tempis were very straight, jumpy, and overall good.”

Uhlir trains with USEF Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg and has found much success with the help of his long term intensive training program. After winning the 2012 USEF Junior Dressage National Championship, Uhlir moved up to the Young Rider level and continued to improve with her own 14-year-old KWPN gelding.

“There’s this big list and it asks you all these questions about what you want to do with your riding goals, both short term and long term. It’s a guideline to help you follow that path. It’s definitely an amazing program and seems to be working quite well for me right now,” Uhlir said with a smile.

Rachel Chowanec (Columbia, Conn.) claimed the Reserve Champion title with Embrujado XI with an overall score of 66.356%. She and Lendon Gray’s 15-year-old PRE gelding made a solid effort in their test, which was highlighted by quality canter work. The test only had a minor mistake during the shoulder-ins, scoring a 67.237%

“He was better today, not as spooky,” said Chowanec. “I couldn’t get him to turn during the shoulder-in to go across the arena but after that he was really good.”

Kaitlin Blythe (Rougemon, N.C.) rode Daverden to a third-place finish with an overall score of 65.645%. She and the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding had nice tempis and extensions to earn a 66.237%.

“My test was much better today. I feel like the quality wasn’t as good as yesterday, but we had a lot less mistakes,” said a pragmatic Blythe. “He was a lot different today. Yesterday he was a lot more up, but today he was a little quieter.”

USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship

Redston (Needham, Mass.) collected a first-place ribbon in the FEI Pony Team Test with her own Tony 47. She demonstrated an accurate, energetic test with the 13-year-old German Riding Pony gelding to score 65.923%.

“I thought my ride was pretty good,” Redston said. “I think Tony feels at home in this big stadium; he’s realized that this is finally where he’s supposed to be.”

Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)
Alison Redston and Tony 47 (SusanJStickle.com)

Redston views these Championships as an introduction to the top levels of Dressage in the U.S.

“I got into ponies because I always thought that ponies were really compassionate and they were the sweetest little things in the world.  I wanted to have a pony just for me, to take him around and show him and show what we can do.”

Standing in second place in the division are Nadine Orriss and Allegria. Orriss (Bellevue, Wash.) and her own 14-year-old Welsh/Dutch Warmblood mare presented a solid ride to score 64.026%.

“I thought I did pretty well,” Orriss commented. “It was kind of hot out so my pony was really lazy, so it was really hard to get her in front of the leg. But we tried our best. I know she always tries her best and puts on her game face whenever she goes in the ring, so I’m really pleased with how we did.”

Orriss enjoys riding ponies because she’s able to challenge herself among a level playing field.

“I wanted to do it because it’s a pretty hard test and there aren’t a lot of ponies. It’s been hard the past few years competing against the big warmbloods, so finally having your own division where ponies are going against ponies is really fun.”

Savannah Rose Franklund (Boulder, Colo.) rode into third place with CF Godiva Chocolate. She and her own 13-year-old American Quarter Pony gelding scored 63.718%.

The USEF Pony Rider Dressage National Championship comes to a conclusion on Saturday as they perform their FEI Pony Individual Tests to earn the remaining 50% of the championship score.

USEF Network will be streaming Friday and Saturday’s competition live at www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013FestivalOfChampions/. Retired FEI 5* judge Axel Steiner will provide commentary during the broadcast.

Find out everything you need to know about the championships at http://www.usefconnect.com/festival/.

By Helen Murray, Kathleen Landwehr and Eileen Schnettler

Competitions, Western/Reining

Robert J. Smith III and Morgan Holmes Earn Greatest Caballero Titles at SBA Championship Finals

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Robert J. Smith III and Fletchs Shorty Lena.

Sarasota, FL – October 11, 2013 – The Greatest Caballero Competition highlighted the second day of Show by Appointment’s Championship Finals at the Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. After strong performances in Thursday’s herd work, reining and fence work, riders vying for the title of Greatest Caballero came back to test their skills in steer stopping under the lights on Friday evening.

Robert J. Smith III and Fletchs Shorty Lena, owned by Ora Diehl, showed their consistency throughout all phases of competition to be crowned Greatest Open Caballero. Morgan Holmes and Jay Holmes’ Dun It Big took the title of Greatest Non Pro Caballero.

“The steer stopping is another aspect of the cow horse – it shows the all-around ability of the horse,” Smith said. “It would have been better if I could have caught my first loop, but my horse worked great and the steers were good.”

Holmes was on top of her game throughout the day, which included the first go for riders in most of the championship divisions. Along with her Greatest Non Pro Caballero title, she took the lead in three divisions: the Non Pro Hackamore on her own Mutt, with a score of 145, the Youth Bridle on her own Smart Shooter, with a score of 133.5, and the Non Pro Two Rein on Jay Holmes’ Im Dun R U, with a score of 142.5.

Morgan Holmes and Smart Shooter
Morgan Holmes and Smart Shooter

“My day was awesome, and the horses were really good,” Holmes said. She was happy to be competing Dun It Big after his long hiatus from the show ring, and although she had some trouble in the steer stopping, she enjoyed the experience nonetheless. “It was cool to be able to do something like that on him,” she said.

Her father, Jay Holmes, came out strong in the Open Hackamore, scoring 145 to lead the class with his own Senor Dun It. In the 2K Open Hackamore, Corey Rodgers and Joana Azevedo’s Dun It Big N Smart earned a score of 137.5 to sit in first place. John Jacob and Blair Bynum’s Miss Chic Dun It took an early lead in the Intermediate Open Hackamore with 140.5.

“We had good, clean rein work and drew a good cow,” Jacob said. “The mare is a nice, quiet young horse. You can put kids on her – she has that type of mind, but she really can perform as well. She is for sale, and I believe she’ll be a great bridle horse as she gets more seasoned.”

“The footing is always nice at Triple J,” he continued. “It’s good for the rein work, because it’s going to let your horses go, but it’s deep enough for your cow work, so they don’t fall out from underneath you. They always have great dirt. The cows have been great all weekend – very consistent.”

Other riders leading the way in the championships include Rick Steed and 177 Performance Horses’ Justa Merada Nut, who earned 146 in the Open Two Rein, Jeff Pressler and Paula Burnett’s Oh Cay Floyd, who scored 137 in the 2K Non Pro Hackamore, and Jody Brooks and Murray Logan’s Whiz Bar Sooper, who are out in front in the Level Two Boxing with 144.5.

Haily Findeisen and Barry Spinweber’s Suz Mountain Dew moved into first in the Youth Boxing with a strong score of 146.5. “I was happy with everything, especially with the cow,” Findeisen said. “I just started riding this horse after my horse passed away two months ago. It’s been difficult, but this horse is really broke and easy to ride. I’m looking forward to making another clean and good run on Sunday.”

Tracy Jo McFadden and Murray Logan’s Hannibal Lecter scored an impressive 146 to hold the lead in the Level One Boxing. McFadden just recently got back in the saddle after having a spinal fusion six months ago.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” McFadden said. “I’d had all this major surgery – the spinal fusion, and I had my knee done three weeks ago. But I really wanted to compete in the Championship Finals after qualifying. So the doctor gave me the okay on Friday to ride.”

She enjoyed the ride on Hannibal Lecter. “He’s super energetic and absolutely beautiful,” she said. “He moves really nice – super smooth. He takes his cues from you, so you have to be really quiet. But he’s sweet and kind as can be, and he has a lot of heart.”

“The facility here is really nice, and the arena’s amazing,” she added.

The leader after the first go in the Little Britches Youth class is Christina Cross, who rode Smarty to a score of 143. Cross competes in the Little Britches alongside her twin sister, Victoria. The twins just turned 9 on Monday. A year ago, for their 8th birthday, their present was their first riding lesson with Rick Steed. They’ve come a long way in their riding since then: this year, their present was becoming the new owners of the horses they have been riding.

“Smarty is a really good cow horse,” Christina Cross said. “His trot is bumpy but his canter is nice. It’s fun to go fast, and the horses are really fun.”

After the day’s championship classes wrapped up, spectators and competitors gathered to enjoy hors d’oeuvres sponsored by 177 Performance Horses and watch some of Show By Appointment’s special offerings. The Greatest Caballero Competition’s steer stopping led things off, followed by Down the Hairy Fence, an exciting fence run only competition that kept onlookers on the edge of their seats. Josh Veal and Miss Cat Kimlena put in a thrilling performance down the fence and earned the highest score of the class.

“It was smooth and fast,” Veal said of his ride. “Everything flowed really well. The only way you can score big is to have a fast cow and a high degree of difficulty.”

He said he enjoyed the fast pace of Down the Hairy Fence. “The whole atmosphere is great. The fence work is what we all try to work up to. The herd work and the reining all build up to the fence work, which is like a finale to us.”

“I’ve shown all over the country, and Triple J Ranch is one of the best places,” he added. “The ground is great, the cows are great, the people are great – everything is set up to flow easily. This has always been one of the best places to come. Everybody helps and roots each other on.”

Many of the riders who had their first go today will return on Saturday to finish out the championship classes, while others will complete their divisions on Sunday. The Horse Sale Class is the evening highlight on Saturday. Horses for sale will be exhibited in front of potential buyers, who can see what the horses are capable of and how they perform in a show atmosphere. Saturday also features the Open, Non Pro, and Non Pro Boxing Derbies.

About Show by Appointment

Show by Appointment’s fresh approach to reined cow horse competition has been an unprecedented success in its first season. SBA aims to make showing “Fun, Fair, and Affordable” for competitors.  To accommodate those traveling long distances to show and help busy riders fit showing in at their convenience, SBA allows riders to reserve their own ride times in advance. This cuts down on usual travel expenses such as stall rentals and hotels and encourages competitors to make the trip and join in the fun.

Each SBA series includes four shows. Riders who compete at three out of the four shows earn a place in the Championship Finals, slated for October 10-13, 2013, at Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, FL. The Finals offer over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Competitors may also qualify for the Finals in absentia by simply sending in entries and payment to each of the four shows. This system is designed to allow riders a chance to compete in the Championship Finals without spending the season chasing points and incurring excessive competition expenses.

Keep up to date with SBA’s news by liking them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ShowByAppointment, following them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ShowByAppt, and checking out their website at http://www.showbyappointment.com. See SBA videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/ShowByAppointment.

Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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

Phelps Media Group, Polo

Casablanca, ELG Play Sunday for USPA Kay Colee Memorial Trophy at Grand Champions Polo Club

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Newport’s Luis Escobar (3) and Kaisser Maakar (4) closely defend Beluga’s Leo Mandelbaum (2). Photos by Scott Fisher.

WELLINGTON, FL – Oct. 11, 2013 — After a full day of polo at Palm City and Grand Champions Polo Clubs, Casablanca and ELG emerged the finalists for Sunday’s USPA Kay Colee Memorial Tournament presented by The Tackeria.

The championship final is at 10 a.m. followed by the consolation at noon. The games will be held at Grand Champions Polo Club.

Casablanca, featuring three up-and-coming teenagers, advanced with a thrilling 11-9 victory over Palm House Friday afternoon at Grand Champions.

Juancito Bollini, 17, Grant Ganzi, 15, and Wes Finlayson, 18, three members of the winning Florida Zone 3 All-Star team at the inaugural USPA National Youth Series Championship, will join Hall of Famer Mike Azzaro in their first championship appearance of the fall season.

ELG (Equine Law Group), defending tournament champion, survived round-robin play at Palm City Polo Club Friday morning with a 5-4 victory over Newport and 6-3 win over Beluga.

In the opening three-chukker round robin game, ELG (Melissa Ganzi, Kris Kampsen, Juan Bollini, Avery Chapman) led from start to finish. After picking up a goal on handicap, all four players each scored one goal. ELG had a 3-1 lead after the opening chukker and held on for the win.

Newport (Gene Goldstein, Michael Dorignac, Luis Escobar, Kaisser Maakar) was coming off two consecutive championship final appearances. Dorignac, 27, making his Grand Champions fall season debut after competing in the recent Super Nations Cup for Argentina, led his team in scoring with three goals, all on penalty shots. Maakar scored one goal.

In the second round robin game, Beluga jumped out to a 4-1 lead after two chukkers to defeat Newport, 4-2. Beluga (Misha Rodzianko, Leo Mandelbaum, Joey Casey, Brandon Phillips) had balanced scoring, with each player scoring one goal. Escobar and Dorignac each scored one goal for Newport.

In the third and final round robin game, ELG jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the opening chukker and led 4-2 in the second chukker and controlled most of the game.

Beluga's Brandon Phillips (3) fights for possession against ELG's Kris Kampsen (2) and Avery Chapman (4)
Beluga’s Brandon Phillips (3) fights for possession against ELG’s Kris Kampsen (2) and Avery Chapman (4)

Beluga’s Joey Casey escaped serious injury with 3:35 left in the second chukker when an opposing player collided with him as he attempted a neck shot. Casey and his horse tumbled onto the field. Casey sustained a swollen right eye and abrasions around his eye and nose. He was replaced by Carlos Diaz for the remainder of the game.

Bollini and Kampsen each scored two goals, Chapman scored another and one goal was picked up on handicap. Phillips, Mandelbaum and Rodzianko each scored one goal for Beluga.

“The field was really fast,” Kampsen said. “The key was we all know each other well. I’ve spent a lifetime playing with Avery. It was fun.”

It was the fall season tournament debut for both Ganzi and Chapman, recently elected to the USPA Board of Governors. The chemistry between the ELG foursome was evident from the opening game.

“It’s fun playing with your friends; having that chemistry makes it easier,” Chapman said. “We have played together for a long time and that makes a difference. I think every chukker got better and better across both games for us. We feel real good about being in the finals.”

Added Bollini, “I think the team played hard and smart. Kris and I have been playing a long time. Avery was good at back and Melissa played very good today for her first day and scored a nice goal on a beautiful run.”

The fourth and final game proved to be one of the most competitive and exciting of the season.

The fast-paced, physical game saw Palm House (Marc Ganzi, Jonny Lavine, Carlitos Gracida, Nic Roldan) come from behind to tie the game twice, 5-5 on Roldan’s goal with 1:39 left in the third chukker and 6-6 on Gracida’s goal with 7:10 left in the fourth chukker.

Behind a tremendous defensive effort sparked by Finlayson and Azzaro’s leadership, Casablanca kept its composure to regain the lead for good on Finlayson’s big hit goal in the fourth chukker for a 7-6 lead. Casablanca never trailed after that.

Midway through the fourth chukker, Bollini avoided injury when his horse lost its footing. Bollini hit the field but quickly recovered and walked his horse off the field.

Azzaro, Ganzi and Finlayson each scored three goals and added two on handicap. Roldan led Palm House with six goals, Gracida had two and Lavine added one goal.

ELG's Melissa Ganzi and teammates Avery Chapman (4) and Juan Bollini (3) in hot pursuit of the ball defended by Newport's Luis Escobar (3)
ELG’s Melissa Ganzi and teammates Avery Chapman (4) and Juan Bollini (3) in hot pursuit of the ball defended by Newport’s Luis Escobar (3)

Sunday’s final will pit mother against son (Melissa and Grant Ganzi) and father against son (Juan and Juancito Bollini).

“Good news we are in the finals; bad news is it’s going to be against Marc or Grant,” Ganzi said. “I was so happy to play together with this team. I had a nice practice yesterday but have been out of town so I am out of the swing of things.”

One of the state’s oldest tournaments is named after Joey Casey’s grandfather, Kay Colee, a teammate and friend of polo legend John T. Oxley. Started in 1964, it was played at the former Royal Palm Polo Sports Club in Boca Raton for more than 20 years.

In last year’s Kay Colee Memorial, Flat Out/Equine Law Group won the title with an 11-9 victory over Newport Polo. Audi won the round robin consolation.

This is the third of seven medium-goal tournaments of the fall season which looks to be the most competitive in Grand Champion’s seven-year history. Two additional 20-goal tournaments are scheduled for November.

The remaining fall tournaments are the Oct. 18-20 US Trust Cup, Oct. 25-27 USPA Fall Plates; and Nov.1-3 Pedro Morrison Memorial and Nov. 8-10 Palm Restaurant Invitational.

The two 20-goal tournaments are the Oct. 30 – Nov. 9 USPA North America Cup and Nov.13-24 The National 20-Goal Championship.

The fall season is both fun and competitive. Rosters and lineups change from tournament to tournament. Evenly-matched teams are put together to help build players skills and performance.

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

Casablanca, one of Grand Champions’ fall season’s main sponsors, has been a pioneer in polo, recognized as the world’s foremost producer of cutting-edge polo equipment and apparel, used and worn by polo players and followers of the sport.

The Tackeria in Wellington is the local distributor of Casablanca merchandise which can also be found online at www.casablancapolo.com.

The Tackeria, located at 13501 South Shore Boulevard in Wellington, is a complete equestrian shop catering to all horse sports including polo.

The store carries a full range of polo gear, saddles and apparel. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

GRAND CHAMPIONS FALL SCHEDULE

Oct. 11-13, USPA Kay Colee Memorial
Oct. 18-20, US Trust Cup
Oct. 25-27, USPA Fall Plates
Oct. 30 – Nov. 9, USPA North America Cup
Nov. 1-3, Pedro Morrison Memorial
Nov. 8-10, Palm Restaurant Invitational
Nov. 13-24, The National 20-Goal Championship

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage, Eventing/H.T., FEI

Land Rover US Eventing Team Stands Sixth Following Dressage at Military Boekelo CCIO3*

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Boyd Martin and Trading Aces (Libby Law Photography)

Boekelo, The Netherlands – The final two riders from the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team completed their dressage tests on Friday at the Military Boekelo CCIO3* in a deluge of rain. Lauren Kieffer and Veronica were the first pair in the ring for the U.S., earning a mark of 47.4, while Boyd Martin was the third-to-last competitor down centerline scoring a 46 with Trading Aces. The third pair of the U.S. effort in Boekelo, Elizabeth Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill by Night, performed its test on Thursday, scoring 51.8. Following the first phase of competition, the U.S. holds sixth place in the team standings on a total of 145.2, with the team from Germany heading the field on a score of 123.4. Sweden’s Niklas Lindback and Cendrillon lead the individual standings on a score of 33.

Kieffer (Middleburg, Va.) and Team Rebecca LLC’s 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare produced solid trot and canter work to slot into 41st individually following the first phase. The talented combination put forth a solid effort throughout the test despite the muddy and less than ideal conditions. Veronica became slightly unsettled in the walk, resulting in scores dipping for the halt and reinback in an otherwise professional European debut for the pair.

Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) leads the U.S. effort following the dressage after riding Trading Aces into 28th place. Trading Aces, LLC’s nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding was ridden at the prestigious Dressage at Devon competition two weeks ago by Martin’s wife, Silva, and benefitted from the experience as he produced consistent work on Friday to score 46. The Richland Park CIC3* winners were undeterred by declining ring conditions as one of the final pairs of the day and on Saturday will look to showcase the jumping form that has helped them secure numerous top finishes in North America.

“The conditions really deteriorated today, but I think they all rode exceptionally well,” said USEF Eventing Team Coach David O’Connor, who believes the weather conditions will have a major effect on Saturday’s cross country. “I think they will all attack the course in the same way. We’ll see what the conditions are; a big thing will be the footing and weather. The horses are good mud horses and everyone plans to attack the course.”

Halliday-Sharp, standing in 60th place, will be the first U.S. competitor to tackle Sue Benson’s ten-and-a-half minute track on Saturday, setting off at 11:30am local time. Kieffer will head out at 2:10pm and Martin will anchor the U.S. effort, starting on the cross country at 3:54pm.

By Helen Murray

For more information on the Military Boekelo CCIO3*, visit http://www.rechenstelle.de/2013/boekelo/.

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

Competitions, Dressage

Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU Start European Tour with Two Wins at CDN Hagen

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Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU. PhelpsPhotos.com.

Ankum, Germany — Lisa Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU began their first European training and competition tour together in style last weekend at the CDN Hagen. Wilcox and Pikko del Cerro HU (by Pik L x Rohdiamant) bested the international field in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special, winning impressively with scores over 70%. The 2013 CDN Hagen was the first time Wilcox has contested a Grand Prix on German soil in six years, and the very first time for the 10-year-old American-bred Hanoverian stallion.

The S-level, German National show included riders from six countries, among them German stars such as Ellen Schulten-Baumer and Bianca Kasselmann. Based in Germany for twelve years, Wilcox had been looking forward to returning to her old stomping grounds for months now. “It is fantastic to be with old friends again,” exclaims Wilcox. “To not only see them, but to be riding in their mist again, felt like I was home.”

Winning both days aboard Horses Unlimited’s Pikko del Cerro HU was not the only accomplishment for Wilcox during her return to the German horse show scene. She also received excellent placings on her second mount Denzello (by DeNiro x Rohdiamant). The freshman Grand Prix gelding, owned by Canadian Betty Wells, placed third in Saturday’s Grand Prix and fourth in the Grand Prix Special.

Wilcox, Cerro and Denzello traveled to Germany to train and compete during the first part of the indoor European World Cup qualifying circuit. Based at Britta and Klaus Thormählen’s facility near Hamburg, and coached by long-time trainer Ernst Hoyos, the group is determined to make the most of their time in Europe. Wilcox plans to compete in three CDIs before returning stateside in December.

The first competition at the CDN Hagen was selected for several reasons. “The arena is where the famous PSI Auction is held each year. I felt that experiencing that atmosphere would be good preparation for our first European CDI-W in Odense, Denmark,” explained Wilcox. The indoor arena with its large, surround seating was a new experience for both horses.  “As you ride, you ride straight at the crowd sitting behind the judges.”  Those types of circumstances can be challenging for even the most seasoned horse. Clearly Wilcox and her mounts were up to the task.

During Saturday’s Grand Prix, Pikko del Cerro HU performed well but lacked concentration at times. On the second day, the stallion shined and was very professional. He won convincingly with a score of 73.16%. “Both days Cerro’s piaffe was good,” commented Wilcox. “Sunday was a power ride with beautiful, sweeping half passes.”

Anne Sparks, breeder and owner of Horses Unlimited, was unable to attend the show but that didn’t dampen her excitement upon receiving the results. “As a breeder, you dream of breeding a Grand Prix horse. Cerro has done everything that has been asked of him along the way and to win a Grand Prix in Germany is an honor,” pronounced Sparks. “Thanks to the generosity of the grants awarded to Lisa by The Dressage Foundation and the USEF, they have the opportunity to travel, train and compete in Europe.”

Denzello will accompany Pikko del Cerro HU to all three competitions in the coming months. “The ‘Rohdi Bros’ are neighbors in the stable at home and it is ideal that they can hold each other’s hand on the road as we go from show to show. I call them the ‘Rohdi Bros on the Road’,” joked Wilcox.

The “Rohdi Bros” and Wilcox make their next stop in Denmark on October 18, 2013.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Borgman
303-570-6060
amyborgman@gmail.com

Championships, Driving, JRPR

A Perfect 10 for Chester Weber

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Chester Weber and his team on their way to a tenth National Four-in-Hand Championship. (Photo courtesy of PicsofYou.com)

Ocala, FL (October 11, 2013) – Chester Weber made American four-in-hand driving history at the Kentucky Classic CDE, October 4-6, at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park.  Team Weber set a new milestone for the sport by winning an unprecedented 10th national championship.

Weber held a 16-penalty lead heading into Sunday’s cones phase and, despite drenching rains, orchestrated a 9.06-penalty performance from the quartet of Dutch Warmbloods he co-owns with Jane Clark to secure the win and his place in USEF Four-in-Hand National Championship history. Weber finished on a total score of 141.20; reserve went to U.S. driving squads veteran, Jimmy Fairclough, of Newtown, NJ (173.95).

Weber said of his team, “They operated like a dream. I was especially happy with the dressage and cones phases.”  In dressage, Weber put Boris and Para in the wheel, and Ultra and Splash in the lead. For marathon and cones, it was Boris and Splash in the wheel, and Boy and Ultra to lead.

“Boris,” he said of the popular wheel horse, “continues to improve.”  What also continues to improve is Team Weber’s record as the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy next summer draws closer. “Without a doubt, our European experience was invaluable, as it always proves to be, across all disciplines. We finished the season with a record of two wins and two third-place finishes, and I feel that has to leave us as a favorite for a medal next summer. With that said, winners train and losers complain, so back to training we go.”

Training led to a string of success in Europe including wins at the 2014 WEG test event at CAI-Caen, and the CAI-A Saumur, and top three finishes at Beekbergen and Aachen. Add this landmark 10th consecutive national title and Weber’s 2013 campaign is sure to go down as one of the greatest ever.

“Our immediate plans include tackling the Florida shows and spending the next season bringing along more depth to the team with Ringo and Zeppelin,” he said. But first, four-in-hand’s newly-minted ‘perfect 10’ is judging, October 10-13 at the Shady Oaks CDE in Lodi, CA.

Follow Team Weber and the official Cosequin Marathon Carriage at www.chesterweber.com and via their link to Facebook.

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