Tag Archives: featured

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo Victorious in $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier

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Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo. Photos by Rebecca Walton.

North Salem, NY – September 13, 2013 – Friday the 13th proved to a lucky day for Beezie Madden, who stormed to victory on her veteran mount Coral Reef Via Volo during the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, presented by Double H Farm & Windsor Show Stables. Fifty-five entries showed on the Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm during the 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, but only eight finished without fault to qualify for the jump-off, where Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo sped past the other double clears, Brianne Goutal and Nice De Prissey in second, and Margie Engle and Royce in third.

Alan Wade of Ireland built a solid track for today’s feature event, which tested rides with a pole over an open water fence, a skinny vertical off a sharp turn, and three double combinations, as well as multiple fences off of hills and long gallops. Mid-way through the competition, a rain shower passed through, and despite eight horse and rider combinations going clear during the first half, none were faultless during the second half of the class.

The eight athletes returning for the jump-off were all females, and for the short track they began over two new oxers to a single vertical. Then they showed over a vertical-oxer double combination to a single vertical, before rolling back over the skinny jump and galloping towards the gate for the final obstacles.

Birthday girl Brianne Goutal was the first to return for the short course riding Nice De Prissey for Remarkable Farms of Royal Palm Beach, FL. The duo was quick and precise, making easy work of the fences and galloping through the timers in 41.51 seconds to set the pace, which would hold up for second place.

Margie Engle was next riding Royce for Elm Rock Partners LLC of Bronxville, NY. Despite an ankle injury, Engle proved that she had all of the answers, leaving all the rails intact and crossing the finish line in 42.48 seconds for third place.

Katie Dinan of New York, NY, was next in the ring with her first of two qualified mounts, Nougat Du Vallet. They had a single error at the second new oxer for four faults in 40.40 seconds for fifth place, while Dinan’s second mount Glory Days had a single error in faster time of 40.01 seconds for fourth place.

Tracy Fenney with MTM Timon, owned by MTM Farm of Flower Mound, TX, and Molly Ashe Cawley on Carissimo, owned by Olivia Jack of Fairfield, CT, also had a single rail each, finishing sixth and seventh respectively. Although Leslie Howard and Tic-Tac, owned by Jane F. Clark of New York, NY, were perfect in the first round, they had 12 faults in the jump-off for eighth place.

The final clear competitor in the jump-off proved to be the best, demonstrating why she is currently ranked second in the world. Beezie Madden found the perfect distance to each obstacle with her Olympic mount Coral Reef Via Volo, owned by the Coral Reef Ranch of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, opening up the mare’s big stride to the first fences and easily galloping home through the last line. They blazed across the finish line in 41.09 seconds, beating Goutal by 5/10ths of a second to lead the lap of honor.

“As far as turning on the footing for the jump-off it felt quite good, so I went to try and win,” noted Madden. “I thought I was pretty quick to the first two fences and the double, but we were on the same time at the skinny, so I must have been faster the last two fences. Even though she’s little she has all of the scope to jump big fences. She’s been good at a lot of different venues and she is pretty comfortable here.”

Leading up to this event, Coral Reef Via Volo competed at Hickstead and the Hampton Classic. “We try to split up the work load,” explained Madden, who won the American Gold Cup Grand Prix in 2010 with the 15-year-old mare. “She’s had a lot of experience in Europe and at Spruce Meadows, so we left those for the other two horses and thought she had a good chance here.”

Madden is based out of John Madden Sales in Cazenovia, NY, and she is thrilled to have the American Gold Cup in her home state. “This venue is so fantastic and the Gold Cup has a great history,” she stated. “There is a lot of prize money and we love the area. It’s close to home and we get to stay with my brother-in-law, Frank Madden.”

Frances Land and Vieanne
Frances Land and Vieanne

Earlier today, competitors showcased their speed in the to $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, presented by Bedford Magazine. Alan Wade utilized different natural options through the course, including cantering down the bank, jumping through the grob, and jumping on and off of the table. Riders could choose the easier options that did not include the natural obstacles, but it would cost them on the clock.

Thirty horse and rider combinations showed over the track, but only seven managed to do so without fault. The first clear effort came from Frances Land of Alpharetta, GA, and Vieanne, who wasted no time in the air as they galloped around the field in a time of 68.027 seconds.

Catherine Tyree of Chicago, IL, tried to catch Land with her first round, Udento VDL, and while they were able to leave all the rails intact, they crossed the finish line in 68.753 seconds, just 7/10ths of a second slower for an eventual fourth place finish. Tyree came even closer to Land’s time wither her second mount, Don’t Go, but was still just fractions away with a clear round in 68.753 seconds for the third place award.

Three riders finished over the 70-second mark, choosing a more conservative pace in an effort to leave all the fences untouched. Kira Kerkorian of Sagaponack, NY, clocked in at 72.970 seconds aboard Rashmo Z for fifth place, while Katherine Strauss and Angelstone Partners’ Fidel Van De Kouldries placed sixth with a time of 73.127 seconds. Lucy Deslauriers of New York, NY, had the slowest clear round, finishing in 74.547 seconds riding Hester for the seventh place honors.

The only rider that could top Land’s early clear with Vieanne came from the smallest package. The 8-year-old mare Itty Bitty and rider Kelly Soleau of Marlborough, CT, picked up a quick gallop to the first obstacle and never held back, bravely navigating the natural obstacles and shaving off valuable seconds through each turn. They broke the beam at 66.252 seconds, jumping straight to the top of the leader board, while Land and Vieanne settled for second place.

“I was so pleased with Itty Bitty,” smiled Soleau. “For some reason I stepped in the ring today and everything showed itself. I didn’t touch the reins and she jumped brilliantly. I just stayed as tight as I could everywhere and she is a pretty fast horse naturally, so when I let her do it she is very quick.”

Soleau was excited about the challenges the course presented. “We don’t get to do the natural obstacles very often, and she’s a brave horse, so when you have a brave horse it’s really fun. This is my first time showing at the Gold Cup and they have done a fantastic job with the venue. We don’t often get to ride in a field like this. It’s so nice to do something different.”

Soleau trains with the Millar family, who bred Itty Bitty. “I started working with her when she was only 2 years old and I’ve done pretty much everything with her,” expressed Soleau. “I’ve had her since she was young, and I did her first jumps, her first walk, trot and canter, and it’s been a great time. Every year we ask a little bit more and she’s really come a long way; it’s been a fantastic journey.”

Darragh Kenny and Top Gun IV
Darragh Kenny and Top Gun IV

The first event on the Grand Prix Field today was the $3,000 Roberto Coin 1.35m Open Jumper Speed class. Out of 53 starters, there were 16 clear rounds, so riders had to put on the gas to score a top ribbon. The winner was Ireland’s Darragh Kenny riding Top Gun IV, owned by Oakland Ventures of Ocala, FL, who used his mounts quick foot speed to finish in a handy 59.381 seconds without a single error. He was followed closely by Julie Welles riding Banana D’ive Z for North Star of East Aurora, NY, stopping the clock in a clear 61.716 seconds. Kyle Timm and Platinum, owned by the Apex Equestrian Center of Apex, NC, rounded out the top three with a faultless round in 62.760 seconds.

“I knew if I stayed on it in couple places that he’s a very fast horse and very careful,” said Kenny, who has only been showing Top Gun IV for a month. “The first couple of jumps I went quick, and it meant at the end I could slow down and he wouldn’t get flat.  He’s very simple and very competitive; he likes to win.”

The Irish native is excited to be making a splash at the American Gold Cup this year. “They have done an amazing job with this horse show,” he commented. “It rained all last night and the footing is still fantastic. They run it like a proper horse show and the management does a fantastic job. It’s a really enjoyable show to be at and I would never miss it.”

“This is such a beautiful showcase for the horses and the jewelry,” said Martha Webster who presented the award for her husband, Peter Webster, President of Roberto Coin Jewelry, sponsors of the class. “I think it is spectacular. It is an amazing forum for not only for the horses but also for the vendors and the sponsors. It is an international group. It is a different level of clientele here.”

The 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W will continue tomorrow with the $50,000 Hermès Classic and the Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships. On Sunday, the qualifiers from today’s feature event will compete in the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W World Cup Qualifier, presented by Suncast, which gets underway at 2:00 p.m. on the Grand Prix Field.

About the American Gold Cup

The American Gold Cup will feature world-class and Olympic athletes, such as Beezie Madden, reigning FEI Rolex World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Also confirmed to compete are show jumping mega-stars Kent Farrington, Margie Engle, Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea and many more, all vying to secure their position at the World Cup Finals in Lyon, France

Highlights of the schedule include the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake on Thursday, the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier presented by Double H Farm and Windsor Show Stables on Friday and the $50,000 Hermes Classic on Saturday. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. EST.

The American Gold Cup will also feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers and Open Jumpers. New this year, the Zone 2 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

For further information, visit: www.stadiumjumping.com or www.theamericangoldcup.com.

43rd Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What: The $200,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When: September 11-15, 2013

Where: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon
Sunday: Gates open at 11 a.m. with family activities with the $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W at 2 p.m.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/7/12 941-744-5465 800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610  ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Results:

Results are available at www.ShowNet.biz. Coverage of American Gold Cup will be provided by ShowNet to the USEF Network at: http://usefnetwork.com/.

Televised Broadcast: The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $15 per person, $10 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.

Tickets are available at the gate and online at www.theamericangoldcup.com.

Jockey Club:

The Jockey Club offers full service gourmet cuisine and beverages for tables of six and eight. Click here to reserve your Jockey Club table. New this year, The American Gold Cup is adding luxury suites for parties of 10 or more on the second floor of the Jockey Club. For more information and to reserve your American Gold Cup luxury suite, contact Matt Morrissey at: matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com.

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

April Wehle
561.459.9259
aprilw@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:

Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
http://danburyplaza-px.trvlclick.com/
(877) 270 1393

Ridgefield, NY
West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323

Brewster, NY 5-10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011

Mt. Kisco, NY 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600

Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: 941-744-5465
Fax: 941-744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389  Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Dressage, Eventing/H.T., USEF

Montgomery Sits in Third Following Day Two of Dressage at Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

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Meghan O’Donoghue and Pirate (Julie Badrick/iesportsmedia)

Lexington, KY – The second day of dressage wrapped up Friday at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Woodstock, England. The final set of U.S. horse-and-rider combinations in the CCI3*, took to the dressage arena in front of the judging panel of Eric Lieby, Nick Burton, and Lindsay Jenkins. After scoring a 42.7 on Thursday, USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen were the top U.S. pair and currently sit in third place going into Saturday’s cross country phase. He and Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding remain in the top three on the strength of their impressive, flowing test. Sarah Bullimore (GBR) and Lilly Corinne lead the CCI3* with a score of 38.9, with Aoife Clark (IRE) and Fenyas Elegance are in second on a score of 40.0.

As first U.S. pair down the centerline Friday, Meghan O’Donoghue (Carbondale, IL) and her own Pirate earned a score of 52.3, their best ever dressage score at an FEI competiton. The pair was able to compete overseas for the first time with the help of a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant from the USET Foundation, and they did not disappoint. Though dressage is not the 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding’s strongest phase, O’Donoghue rode an accurate test not leaving any points on the table, holding her own in a field of seasoned international competitors. The pair sits tied in 42nd place out of 84 competitors going into the cross country phase.

“I was pleased with my horse today. I thought he tried very hard and showed improvement,” said O’Donoghue. “Thankfully he is a very obedient horse in the ring which allows me to focus on accuracy.”

Cindy Rawson (Somerset, GBR) rode a respectable test with Mocharabuiee, whom she co-owns with Donald Collier and Pip Bowerman, to receive a score of 56.0 to lay in 62nd place. With the 12-year-old Thoroughbred/Irish Sport Horse cross gelding, Rawson produced a quality test in the atmosphere at Blenheim Palace.

With her second mount in the CCI3*, Pandora X, Julian Stiller (Berkshire, UK) obtained a score of 61.4. She and the nine-year-old Hanoverian mare she owns with Jules Delvecchio struggled with some tension throughout the test but remained composed. They sit in 76th place following the first two days of dressage.

After performing their dressage tests on Thursday, Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) and Team Rebecca LLC’s Holsteiner gelding Ben sit in 21st place with a score of 48.3, while Stiller and her own eight-year-old Warmblood mare Sintra BK lie in 82nd place on a score of 64.2.

In the CIC3* for eight-and nine-year-old horses, Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, England) and her own HHS Cooley executed a solid test Thursday in front of the judging panel of Christoph Hess, Jane Tolley, and Nikki Herbert to receive a score of 49.8. They currently sit tied in 30th place out of 67 competitors heading into Saturday’s stadium jumping phase.

Christopher Burton (AUS) and Graf Liberty lead the CIC3* with a score of 32.9, while William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Fernhill Pimms are second with a 33.1 and Emma Dougall (AUS) and Belcam Bear lie third with a 35.4.

The CCI3* field will tackle the cross country course designed by Eric Winter (GBR) with nearly 40 jumping efforts on Saturday. Stiller and Sintra BK will be the first U.S. pair on course at 11:42am BST. Dutton and Ben leave the start box at 12:00pm BST followed by Montgomery and Loughn Glen at 1:17pm BST. O’Donoghue and Pirate will tackle their first cross country course across the English countryside at 2:17pm BST. Rawson and Mocharabuiee go at 2:34pm BST, with Stiller and Pandora X, the last U.S. pair, leaving the start box at 3:34pm BST.

“The course is a classic track that is big and bold,” said O’Donoghue. “I think it will suit my horse and encourages forward-thinking riding. I’m excited to get this experience.”

By Kathleen Landwehr

For more information on the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, click here.

To view the live scores, go to http://www.bdwp.co.uk/cgi-bin/3dif.pl?fn=ble13.csv&nav=left.

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

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation

Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May Capture Buffalo International Horse Show Grand Hunter Championship

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Jennifer Alfano and Candid captured the $1,500 USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Hunter Class. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Buffalo, NY – September 12, 2013 – There were perfect conditions for the second day of the 67th Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) as the Indoor Arena remained dry as rain soaked the ground outside at the Buffalo Equestrian Center. The fierce hunter competition continued as the professional hunter divisions came to a close, and the announcement of the Grand Hunter Champion was named. Jennifer Alfano and Maggie May stood center ring for the prestigious Grand Hunter Champion presentation, after capturing a clean second day sweep of the First Year Green Working Hunter division. Alfano also piloted the young and talented Candid to the top of the Pre-Green Incentive, presented by Robert-James Sales, Inc., while also taking home the Working Hunter Championship with the renowned hunter horse, Jersey Boy. Jazz Johnston Merton and Kingston posted the first-day lead for the Amateur-Owner 3’3″-3’6″Hunters, while Penelope Ayers and Zandor were hot on their heels.

The hunter courses were designed by Brian Brown of Bloomfield, NY, and were comprised of green foliage, natural fences, brick walls and wooden gates. It was the handy course that proved a challenge with a serpentine of fences challenging both horse and rider alike.

The morning commenced with the First Year Green Working Hunter division where Jennifer Alfano dominated with back-to-back blue ribbons aboard Billie Steffee’s Maggie May. Alfano not only captured the championship, but she also secured the Grand Hunter Championship for her final total of 46 points. Jaime George and Sox Appeal, owned by Kelly Waples, rode to the reserve championship after adding two red ribbons for their rounds.

“I think it is great for Maggie to have won both champion and Grand Hunter Champion,” Alfano said. “She has come a long way this year, and become really consistent. I am sad that Billie wasn’t here to see her go, because she went so beautifully, but I know Billie is very proud.”

Alfano continued, “We are going to go to Harrisburg and the Alltech National Horse Show this year, she has been doing so great. I was so proud of how she has improved, and how well she did during this show.”

Alfano’s success had only just begun as she entered the High Working Hunters with the illustrious Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. No other pair could best the talented team. They earned two first place ribbons over fences today, excelling in the handy round with smooth turns and athleticism. They were dually awarded the High Working Hunter Championship. Rachel Clawson and Montenegro, owned by Lilly Ulrich, earned the reserve championship.

“Jersey Boy is something special,” Alfano smiled. “He feels like he is back to himself, and I think that he really went out there and proved it to everyone. He won the Grand Hunter Championship three years ago, and Miss Lucy won it last year, but it was Maggie May’s time to shine; we like to keep it in the family.”

The Pre-Green Hunters were hot with anticipation as riders entered a battle of the best with the hopes of securing not only the division championship, but also the $1,500 Pre-Green Incentive Stake victory. It was Alfano’s very own Candid who excelled during today’s competition. The duo earned the judges’ nod and the Incentive Stake score of 87 points. Alfano also ranked second with Helen Lenahan’s Me Again, finishing with a final score of 82 points. Alfano and Candid were awarded the Pre-Green Hunter Championship, and she also claimed the reserve championship aboard Me Again.

“I love the Incentive Program; I think it is doing great things for our sport,” Alfano explained. “People now want to buy Pre-Green Horses, when in the past there was nothing to really merit them wanting to buy a young horse. It is really neat too, that I personally own Candid; he has been doing so well, and the incentive is definitely worth it. I am very impressed with how Candid has been coming along; he is becoming so consistent, and although he is still green, he is learning with each and every show. Me Again is a more recent mount, but he has really been coming along, too. I was very impressed with how he did over the last two days, and in today’s Incentive Class.”

The Pre-Green Incentive is a new class to the Buffalo International Horse Show, and a newly developed program designed by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). The Pre-Green Incentive program is aimed to showcase the time and dedication that goes into the development of pre-green horses across the nation. The horse and rider combinations compete in Pre-Green Incentive classes across the country with the hopes of qualifying for the USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive Finals in Lexington, KY, in 2014. The Pre-Green Incentive Program at the BIHS was sponsored by Robert-James Sales, Inc., and Jim Bokor was on site to present the award to Alfano today.

“It is a great show, and my daughter used to show here all the time. I wanted to support it, and keep the show going,” Bokor stated. “We talk about the future of our sport with younger riders, but we also need to talk about the future of our younger horses. This program provides a place to grow up, show their abilities, learn and move into the bigger classes. This is an important class for our sport.”

The first day of the Amateur-Owner Hunters got underway this afternoon. Jazz Johnston Merton and Kingston secured the first place win in the handy round, as well as the top finish in the under saddle. Penelope Ayers of Ravens Wood Farm also showed to a first place finish in the first round over fences with Zandor, as well as the second place in the under saddle.

“He was originally a jumper, and when we got him I started riding him in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunters. I have suffered three injuries over the last year and a half, and only recently began coming back. I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” Ayers smiled. “I thought it was an excellent course. Because he was a jumper he can make all of the turns and leave from anywhere. He really keys in and does a great job.”

Ayers has been a long-time supporter of the Buffalo International Horse Show and its beneficiary, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. She recently worked alongside Steve Kesselhaut to create the BTRC’s most recent video.  To view the video, please click here.

Ayers elaborated, “I had the privilege to make the new video for the BTRC that is on their Web site. I came up in June and spent a whole day with the program doing still photography, video and interviews. Steve and I put it together. This is a great show and anything to help these children is amazing. The video will be shown at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show this year. Since the BTRC is a beneficiary of the Pennsylvania National, they jumped at the opportunity to show everyone what the program is all about.”

Ayers also sponsors the $1,000 Ravens Wood Farm Groom’s Class, one of the most highly contested classes of the show. Today it was Jessica Litfin of SBS Farms, Inc., who took home the top prize. Maynor Dubon of Ravens Wood Farm earned second, while Kaylee Dreier captured the third place.

Ayers concluded, “This is a very special show to me; it is one of my favorite shows. I love Susie Schoellkopf and the BTRC program. I think anyone who is privileged to ride and show like I do, and have the horses I do, should spend one day out here to see everything this program offers. It is amazing to watch these children come to grips with challenges, and see how the horses benefit them.”

The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will conclude tomorrow when the champion is named, as well as the $1,000 “Full Monty” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic. The Junior Hunters will get underway with their divisions, as well as the $1,000 Up the Creek Junior Hunter Classic. In the evening, onlookers will have the opportunity to watch the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Demonstration and enjoy the Children’s/Adult Jumpers and Low Children’s/Adult Jumpers.

For more information regarding the 67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, please visit www.thebtrc.org or call (716) 877-9295. Entries may be faxed to (716) 877-4001.

67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Fast Facts:

EVENT: 67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

WHAT: Buffalo’s most prestigious horse show. The ‘AA’ rated show is one of the best ways for exhibitors to prepare themselves and their horses for the fall indoor circuit of finals. BIHS offers a large indoor arena for competition that gives horses and riders a chance to compete indoors before showing at the national finals in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. or Kentucky. The horse show offers generous prize money in every division.

Sanctioned and recognized by: United States Equestrian Federation, Rated ‘AA’ Hunter and 2* Jumper; Syracuse Professional Horsemen’s Association; Ohio PHA; WPPHA.

WHERE: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216

WHEN: September 11-15, 2013

HIGHLIGHTS: The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

THURSDAY:
$1,000 Ravenswood Groom’s Class

FRIDAY:
$1,000 “The Full Monty” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic
$1,000 Up The Creek Junior Hunter Classic

FRIDAY NIGHT (not before 6 p.m.):
BTRC Demonstration

SATURDAY:
$500 “Scribbles” Pony Hunter Classic

SATURDAY NIGHT (not before 6 p.m.):
$3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby
$2,500 Stephen A. Comunale Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
$1,000 Stephen A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic

SUNDAY:
$500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic
$1,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Silver Stirrup

ADMISSION: Free for spectators, except for Friday and Saturday night events, where admission is $5 for adults, and children 10 and under are free.

PARKING: Free on Amherst Street, on the grass on Great Arrow street, or in the school parking lot on Great Arrow.

VIP SEATING: Blue Carpet Club and Box Seating are available. The Blue Carpet Club offers tables overlooking the ring from the balcony. Only six tables are available in the Blue Carpet Club, so please make reservations early. Tables are $200 for a table of six for Friday or Saturday night, and $375 for both Friday and Saturday night combined. Box seats offer the most superior seating choice available; the closest to the action ringside. Box seats are $500 for Wednesday – Sunday afternoon until 4 pm. All Boxes include seating for six. Payment and order forms should be sent to: BIHS Attention: Blue Carpet Club and Box Seating, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY, 14216.

VENDOR/TRADE: Trophies are sponsored by EMO Insurance. Prizes for reserve champions are donated by The Hunting Horn of Penfield, NY, who is also the vendor for the horse show. Ribbons have been donated by M&T Bank.

DIRECTIONS: From NY thruway/I-90, it is only 10 minutes to the horse show facility. From I-90, take Rt 33 West. Follow to NY-198 East/Scajaquada Expressway West. Follow 198 until the Route 384 North/Delaware Ave exit. At the stop light, turn right and immediately turn left at the next light, which puts you on Delaware Ave. Follow Delaware Ave. until Amherst Street. Turn left on Amherst Street, travel less 200 feet, and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is on the right.

THE FACILITY: The Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club was built in 1921 as an indoor polo arena. Today it is known as The Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC) and features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Located at 950 Amherst Street, in the heart of metropolitan Buffalo, it is now the home of The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Inc., The Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. The five-acre site includes the indoor sand 120×90 riding arena, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding ring. The spectacular barn offers permanent stalls for all horse show participants.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for over 10 years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.

Programs are designed and taught by Jenna Zografos, an instructor certified with PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International.

Volunteers are always needed and are an invaluable part of the program. They can assist with horse care and handling or can serve as a friend and side walker. For more information, please call (716) 877-9295.

The Buffalo Equestrian Center is part of The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. They continue the tradition of the Saddle and Bridle club, giving lessons to kids starting at age six through adult ages. The BEC holds clinics with Jennifer Alfano, hosts a summer camp, and is now a member of the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association), where members of area middle schools and area high schools compete as a team at IEA shows in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Lessons are given all year Tuesday through Sunday.

SBS Farms is also part of The BTRC, and Susan Schoellkopf is the owner. Susie serves as chairman of the Zone 2 committee, the chairman of the Open Hunter Task Force, she is a member of the Junior Hunter Task Force and the D&M committee. Susie is also an “R” rated hunter judge. Jennifer Alfano is the trainer for SBS. She is a two time World Hunter Rider Champion, she has won the International Hunter Derby Series for the past two years aboard Jersey Boy, and has won several USEF Horse of the Year awards. Jennifer has trained top amateur, junior and pony riders.

CONTACT:
Buffalo International Horse Show
950 Amherst St.
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-877-9295 (phone)
716-877-4001 (fax)
sbeat@aol.com
www.thebtrc.org
http://ryegate.com/SHOWS/BTRC/Prize%20List.pdf

Kendall Bierer 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

Championships, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Big Haul of Gold for Turkish Riders on Home Ground in Istanbul

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(L to R) silver medallist Cristian Ceausescu from Romania, gold medallist Ioli Mytilineou from Greece and bronze medallist Marina Theofanopoulou from Greece. Photo: FEI/Alexic Vassilopoulos.

Istanbul (TUR), 13 September 2013 – It was a great result for the host nation of Turkey as they claimed two team and three individual titles at the FEI Balkan Jumping Championships 2013 in Istanbul last weekend.  Greek riders dominated the 2012 edition in Athens, but the situation was reversed this time around when they had to settle for double-gold in the Junior category as the home-side contenders went into over-drive.

Riders from six nations – Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Serbia and Turkey – lined out at this year’s event which also included non-championship classes for Ladies along with a Young Horse category.  Staged at Kemar Golf and Country Club, 28 miles from Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, the FEI Balkan Jumping Championships once again embraced generations of equestrian athletes from the region who shared a great week of sport.

Seven Sets of Medals

French course designer, Jean Philippe Desmaret, was a busy man with seven sets of medals to be decided during the four-day fixture.  And when the first set of medals went to the Greek Junior Team last Friday, it might have seemed a little like history was about to repeat itself.

The Greeks fielded three of the team that won the 2012 Junior title, Iolo Mytilineou once again partnering Ascot, Marina Theofanopoulou again riding Oscar du Perron and Anna-Maria Papageorgiou with a different horse, LC Waikiki Akino.  Stefania Cheinoporos and Championess were the only new recruits to the side, and when they joined Mytilineou and Papageorgiou on a zero first-round score it was already clear they hadn’t lost their touch.  Theofanopoulou produced the only foot-perfect second round, but with just a single error from her three team-mates the Greek total of eight faults left them convincing winners.

Just three countries lined out for the Junior Team title and Turkey took silver when Talya Afyoneri (Wervelwind), Zeynep Aksoy (Axioma Ter Goes Z), Elif Ozsahin (Timberland) and Buse Samli (Matcho) racked up a 24-fault result.  This left them well clear of the Romanian side of Claudiu Floristean (Carnaval ll), Stefan Leonte (Ogici), Corneliu Paul Iionescu (Dona Doll) and Cristian Ceausescu (Duende) in bronze with 50 faults at the end of the day.

Mytilineou, who competed at this summer’s FEI European Junior Jumping Championship at Vejar de la Frontera in Spain and who is considered one of the great hopes for the future of the sport of Jumping in Greece, claimed the Individual title for the third time in succession, but it wasn’t without a battle.  The 16-year-old rider went into a medal-deciding jump-off with 18-year-old Cristian Ceausescu from Romania who, with four faults in a slower time, filled silver-medal spot.  The Greeks really left their mark on this one when Theofanopoulou claimed bronze as Cheinporous just missed out on a podium placing.

Comfort Zone

Winners of the Children’s Team title last year, the Greeks had to settle for silver this time around as the home-side competitors moved into their comfort zone.  Double-clear from pathfinder Emre Eratici (Village Born), third-line rider Necmi Eren (Grandioos BZ) and anchorman Emir Kocak (Florentine) left them completely fault-free and in a position to drop the 20 collected by Ahmet Berk Basegmez (Zara).

The combined-time rule decided silver and bronze, with the Greek side of Anna-Sophia Danalis (Lili Marlen ll), Andreas Vardinogiannis (Litium), Paola Martini (Cobbydor) and Konstantinos-Evangelos Papathanassiou (Quatuor des Bordes) getting the advantage.  Their time of 217.05 seconds left them almost three seconds faster than Croatia’s Laura Dragicevic (Aidora l Ritz), Filip Jadrijevic (Castro), Dunja Al Jamal (Filou du Pichoux) and Nina Madirazza (Lavai) when both teams finished on four faults.  Bulgaria completed with a 12-fault total in fourth place ahead of Romania with 25.

It took a jump-off to decide the Individual Children’s title and in the end just 0.20 separated 13-year old Turkish gold medallist Emir Kocak from 14-year-old Ventsislav Isov from Bulgaria in silver, while Paola Martini from Greece claimed the bronze.

There was no Young Riders Team event this year as there were not sufficient numbers to make up more than two teams, but three nations shared the podium in the Individual Championship.

It was topped by Turkey’s Yusuf Cem Kayacan and his eight-year-old bay mare Abner while Bulgaria’s Kristian Valev steered his 11-year-old Belgian-bred mare Ching van Berkenbroeck into silver medal spot.  Serbia’s Irena Ilic took the bronze with her 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion, Clear, after winning the Grand Prix on the final day.

No Stopping Home Contingent

With the bit now firmly between their teeth there was now no stopping the home contingent as they swept to team gold before clinching two of the three Senior Individual medals.

Turkish pathfinders, Husnu Dinc and Chiara, produced one of just three clears in the Senior Team Championship in which all five nations racked up significant scores.  Dinc led the way with a four-fault result before producing his clean sheet second time out with Chiara, and when Sencer Can (Ballistic) and Mert Alicioglu (Valdos) collected 12 faults over the two rounds, then the 40 picked up by Kaan Kiilkaplan (Cordijana ll) could be discarded for final tally of 28.  The proved plenty good enough for gold when Greece finished with 40 to take silver ahead of Bulgaria in bronze on a final scoreline of 45.

The clear registered by Monika Martini and Cleopatra Vl was pivotal to the result of the Greek team that also included Grigoris Voglis (Quetcha de Chenee), Stelios Stavroulakis (Alerion 2) and Dimitri Natsis (Cartago).  Bulgarian anchorman, Angel Niagolov, was also foot-perfect first time out with Cartina, and only a single fault separated these two sides at the half-way stage.

Dramatic Improvement

There was a dramatic improvement in the Bulgarian performance in round two when pathfinder, Ivaylo Bonev, followed his eight-fault first-round effort with just a single mistake with Mister Big, Vladimir Georgiev and Farina added just eight faults to the 17 collected first time out and Asparum Atanasov and Colorado following their 22-fault first effort with 14 at their second attempt.  A second clear from Niagolov would have seen Bulgaria clinch silver, but two fences down saw them finish with the bronze.

The event finished on a really high note when Turkey took two of the three Senior Individual Championship medals, including gold for Husnu Dinc and Chiara and bronze for Mert Aligioglu and Valdos.  Silver went to Bulgaria’s Niagolov and Chiara.

Successful Week

Turkish Chef d’Equipe, Kerem Alkan, said, “We have really enjoyed the atmosphere here in Istanbul and we had a very successful week. In general the performance of the Turkish National Teams were satisfying and we were expecting these results from our team. Furthermore, we have high hopes for the next year’s European Children and Junior Championship.”

Junior Individual Champion, Ioli Mytilineou from Greece, said, “I was extremely happy with our performance in the Junior category, both team and individual, at this year’s Balkan championships. My horse, Ascot, was a star and did everything right, he just got better and better throughout the championship to help me win individual gold. We also won team gold, due to a strong team, with every member contributing to this achievement. I really enjoyed the competition and the place and facilities were great.”

Her mother, Hannah Mytilineou, was Greek Chef d’Equipe and commented, “I would like to thank the Turkish federation for their hospitality. This year’s Balkans took place in Kemer Club, a beautiful setting with super facilities. Everything was lovely and the new federation did their very best to keep things running smoothly. As a nation we were satisfied with our results and along with a good number of medals we heard our national anthem four times, which is always something to be proud of!”

Results:

FEI Balkan Senior Team Jumping Championship:  GOLD – Turkey 28 faults: Chiara (Husnu Dinc) 4/0, Cordijana ll (Kaan Kizilkaplan) 24/16, Ballistic (Sencer Can) 8/4, Valdos (Mert Alicioglu) 4/8; SILVER – Greece 40 faults: Cleopatra Vl (Monika Martini) 4/0 Quetcha de Chenee (Grigoris Voglis) 12/16, Alerion 2 (Stelios Stavroulakis) 8/4, Cartago (Dimitri Natsis) 20/12; BRONZE – Bulgaria 45 faults: Mister Big (Ivaylo Bonev) 18/4, Farina (Vladimir Georgiev) 17/8, Colorado (Asparuh Atanasov) 22/14, Cartina 8 (Angel Niagolov) 0/8.

FEI Balkan Senior Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD – Chiara (Husnu Dinc) TUR 9.98; SILVER – Carina (Angel Niagolov) BUL 12.28; BRONZE – Valdos (Mert Alicioglu) TUR 20.00.

FEI Balkan Young Riders Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD – Abner (Yusuf Cem Kayacan) TUR; SILVER – Ching van Berkenbroeck (Kristian Valev) BUL; BRONZE – Clear (Irena Ilic) SRB.

FEI Balkan Junior Team Jumping Championship: GOLD – Greece 8 faults: Ascot 76 (Ioli Mytilineou) 0/4, Championess 10 (Stefania Cheinoporos) 0/4, LC Wiaikiki Akino (Anna-Maria Papageorgiou) 0/4, Oscar du Perron (Marina Theofanopoulo) 4/0; SILVER – Turkey 24 faults: Wervelwind 4 (Talya Afyoneri) 8/4, Axioma Ter Goes Z (Zeynep Aksoy) 8/4, Timberland (Elip Ozsahin) 0/9, Matcho (Buse Samli) 8/0; BRONZE – Romania 50 faults: Carnaval ll (Claudiu Floristean) 14/8, Ogica (Stefan Leonte) 8/16, Dona Doll (Corneliu paul Iionescu) 24/12, Duende (Cristian Ceausescu) 8/0.

FEI Balkan Junior Individual Jumping Championship: GOLD – Ascot 76 (Ioli Mytilineou) GRE; SILVER – Duende (Cristian Ceausescu) ROU; BRONZE – Oscar du Perron (Marina Theofanopoulou) GRE.

FEI Balkan Children’s Team Jumping Championship: GOLD – Turkey 0 faults: Village Born (Emre Eratici0 0/0, Zara (Ahmet Berk Basegmez) 4/16, Grandioos BZ (Necmi Eren) 0/0, Florentine 62 (Emir Kocak) 0/0; SILVER – Greece 4 faults 217.05 secs: Lili Marlen ll CH (Anna-Sophia Danalis) 4/0, Litium (Andreas Vardinogiannis) 0/8, Cobbydor (Paola Martini) 0/0, Quatuor des Bordes (Konstantinos-Evangelos Papathanassiou) 8/0; BRONZE – Croatia 4 faults 220.07 secs: Aidora l Ritz (Laura Dragicevic) 0/0, Castro (Filip Jadrijevic) 0/0, Filoudu Pichoux (Dunja Al Jamal) 12/8, Lavai (Nina Madirazza) 0/4.

FEI Balkan Children’s Individual Jumping Championship:  GOLD – Florentine 62 (Emir Kocak) TUR; SILVER – Ezop (Ventsislav Izov) BUL; BRONZE – Cobbydor (Paola Martini) GRE.

By Louise Parkes

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Captures $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake at American Gold Cup

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McLain Ward and Cadence. Photo by The Book LLC 2013.

North Salem, NY – September 12, 2013 – Passing thunderstorms did not deter the exciting action during the second day of the 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W. The international jumping competition featured the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake, where McLain Ward of Brewster, NY bested 60 entries to capture the winning honors on the Grand Prix Field at Old Salem Farm. Earlier in the day, Michael Hughes and Dromma topped a 19-horse jump-off during the $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class, presented by Gotham North.

Alan Wade of Ireland set a challenging track for the opening round of the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake, which utilized all of the Grand Prix Field and included three double combinations, as well as technical vertical-oxer-oxer line. Twenty-two of the original 60 staring entries qualified for the jump-off. For the short track, the competitors began with three fences set off of long distances, before galloping to an oxer off of a blind turn. They then made sharp rollback to a single vertical, before finishing over a vertical-oxer double combination to an airy vertical.

Yesterday’s winner in the 1.40m Open Jumpers, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, was the first to return for the tiebreaker, riding Cyklon 1083 for Spy Coast Farm of East Setauket, NY. They made it look easy, never touching a rail and breaking the beam at 34.90, setting the pace to beat.

Fellow Irishman Andrew Bourns had the next faultless round aboard New Boy De Logerie, but in an effort to leave the fences up their time of 39.68 would only be good enough for fourth. Although young rider Katie Dinan of New York, NY, had an untimely dismount from her first qualified jump-off mount, she returned with her second horse Couletto K James to complete the short course without error in 40.07 seconds for fifth place. Judy Garofalo Torres of Wellington, FL, was next with Quattro Queen, and they all left all the rails intact, tripping the timers at 41.33 seconds to round out the top six.

Quentin Judge and HH Wilco, owned by Double H Farm of Wellington, FL, added their names to the list of double clears with one of the faster rounds by making sharp inside turns with his experienced mount. They crossed the finish line in 37.82 seconds to take home the third place award.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo by Rebecca Walton
Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo by Rebecca Walton

The only competitor that could top Sweetnam came from the final faultless jump-off round. McLain Ward was on his home turf and proved he could not be beat with his talented mount Cadence, owned by Procedures Inc of Agoura, CA. The duo picked up a quick pace to first fence and never held back, making sharp inside turns to both of the single oxers before galloping home over the final line. Ward and Cadence captured the victory, relegating Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083 to second place.

“Cadence is a very fast horse to start out with,” explained Ward. “He’s very quick and he knows the job well.  There was a very difficult inside turn to the fourth fence. He’s really honest and he tries really hard for you, so I knew I could take a little risk there. I was dealing cards a little coming down the last line, but the horse helped me out.”

Ward began riding Cadence this summer, and the pair has already been very successful, winning in Dublin, Ireland, and at the Spruce Meadows Tournament. “He’s been a great horse,” said Ward. “He’s really pretty easy and straightforward. He knows the game and he’s always trying to win for you.”

The American Gold Cup is an historical event that Ward is proud to be involved with, and thrilled that it has taken root at Old Salem Farm. “What the Hakim family has done with this venue is incredible,” he expressed. “The Gold Cup was looking for a home and I spoke with Michael Morrissey personally about coming here. This is a great match. This is a real horse community with good people. I am proud of the job that Stadium Jumping has done, that Old Salem has done, and I am proud to be a part of it with my community. I personally feel this is the best horse show in America.”

Earlier today, athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills during the $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, presented by Gotham North. With 19 entries advancing to the jump-off, just fractions of a second separated the leaders. The first round course tested riders with two double combinations and many related distances as the fences wound their way through the spacious Grand Prix Field.  For the short track, competitors began with an oxer-vertical line to a double combination and another oxer. Finally, they made a sharp rollback to a fourth oxer before finishing with a big gallop over a single vertical.

Brittni Raflowitz and Elios. Photo by The Book LLC 2013
Brittni Raflowitz and Elios. Photo by The Book LLC 2013

Only the third athlete to enter the ring, Brittni Raflowitz wore a target on her back when she piloted Elios, owned by Maarten Huygens of Chester Springs, PA, to a faultless jump-off effort in 30.054 seconds after using a hard slice to the final fences.

Three riders came within tenths of a second to catching Raflowitz at the end of the class, causing the third place position to switch hands three times. Adrienne Sternlicht of Greenwich, CT, rounded out the top five aboard Quidam MB, posting a clear time of 30.988 seconds. She was eventually bested by Karen Polle of New York, NY, and What Ever who clocked in at 30.781 seconds with all the rails intact. Polle and What Ever had to settle for fourth, as Erin Haas entered the ring next riding As Di Chupito for the North Face Farm of Chesea, MI. After advancing to the jump-off, they also made their way across the shortened track without error, breaking the beam at 30.659 seconds for third place.

The only competitor to best Raflowitz was 17-year-old Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ, riding the 11-year-old mare Dromma for owner Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, Alberta. Leaving strides out and using the inside turn after the second line, Hughes and Dromma galloped easily over the obstacles and were the only duo to break the 30 second mark, dashing across the finish line in 29.433 seconds. They took home the winning honors, while Raflowitz claimed the second place prize.

“I never pulled the reins to the in-and-out, and I left out a stride in the first line and after the combination so I could turn tighter back to the next oxer,” explained Hughes. “I never pulled the whole way around, which is the main thing.

Hughes added, “Dromma is a great horse and she knows how to go fast. Conor Swail rode her last year, so she knows about speed classes and she just loves to go fast. She has a really big stride, which really helps. I know I am covering a lot of ground even when I am not going very fast.”

Based out of New Jersey, Old Salem Farm is just around the corner for Hughes, who is excited to be participating in the 2013 American Gold Cup. “It’s such a great venue,” he noted. “It’s a lot of fun to show here and it’s such a prestigious event, so we are having a great time.”

The 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W will continue tomorrow with the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, presented by Double H Farm & Windsor Show Stables.  Saturday’s highlight events will be the $50,000 Hermès Classic and Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships, while Sunday features the $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W World Cup Qualifier, presented by Suncast.

About the American Gold Cup

The American Gold Cup will feature world-class and Olympic athletes, such as current World Cup Show Jumping Champion Beezie Madden and Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Also confirmed to compete are show jumping mega-stars Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, Margie Engle, Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea and many more, all vying to secure their position at the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France.

Highlights of the schedule include the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake on Thursday, the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier presented by Double H Farm and Windsor Show Stables on Friday and the $50,000 Hermes Classic on Saturday. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. EST.

The American Gold Cup will also feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers and Open Jumpers. New this year, the Zone 2 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

For further information, visit: www.stadiumjumping.com or www.theamericangoldcup.com.

43rd Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What: The $200,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When: September 11-15, 2013

Where: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon
Sunday: Gates open at 11 a.m. with family activities with the $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W at 2 p.m.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/7/12 941-744-5465 800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610  ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Results:

Results are available at www.ShowNet.biz. Coverage of American Gold Cup will be provided by ShowNet to the USEF Network at: http://usefnetwork.com/.

Televised Broadcast: The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $15 per person, $10 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.

Tickets are available at the gate and online at www.theamericangoldcup.com.

Jockey Club:

The Jockey Club offers full service gourmet cuisine and beverages for tables of six and eight. Click here to reserve your Jockey Club table. New this year, The American Gold Cup is adding luxury suites for parties of 10 or more on the second floor of the Jockey Club. For more information and to reserve your American Gold Cup luxury suite, contact Matt Morrissey at: matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com.

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

April Wehle
561.459.9259
aprilw@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:

Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
http://danburyplaza-px.trvlclick.com/
(877) 270 1393

Ridgefield, NY
West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323

Brewster, NY 5-10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011

Mt. Kisco, NY 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600

Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: 941-744-5465
Fax: 941-744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389  Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, HITS, Hunter/Equitation

HITS Working Hunters Kick Off Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals

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©ESI Photography. Rob Burroughs guides Spellbound to HITS Working Hunter – Professional Championship.

SAUGERTIES, NY (September 12, 2013) – The first day of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson hinted at an exciting week forthcoming. Competition got underway yesterday in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium as HITS Working Hunters, both Professional and Non-Professional strutted their stuff.

Rob Burroughs and Spellbound ride to a clean sweep of the HITS Working Hunter – Professional
Rob Burroughs of Pompton Plains, New Jersey delivered Tricia Flood, who owns Spellbound, Champion honors after piloting the nine-year-old Trekehner mare to the top of the HITS Working Hunter – Professional division. Burroughs and Spellbound rode to a pair of 84s to win both over fences classes and topped all comers in the under saddle, to dominate the division.

Burroughs, trainer at North Jersey Equestrian Center, is spending the week at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals with his group of qualified riders.

Greta Heimbold of Howell, New Jersey finished eighth in the first over fences class, but returned with a score of 75 to finish third in the second aboard Jayna Suoninen’s Diesel Only. She then rode to second place in the under saddle to earn Reserve Champion with the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding.

©ESI Photography. Lena Reeb and Private Ryan on course during the HITS Working Hunter – Non-Professional
©ESI Photography. Lena Reeb and Private Ryan on course during the HITS Working Hunter – Non-Professional

Lena Reeb comes off a big week to capture HITS Working Hunter – Non-Professional
After riding to seventh place in last week’s HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS-on-the-Hudson, Lena Reeb of Weston, Connecticut and Jamie Ringel’s Private Ryan didn’t slow down one bit, returning to the ring Wednesday to take Champion in the HITS Working Hunter – Non-Professional division.

An 82 landed Reeb with third place in the first over fences class, and she returned with an impressive 90 to win the second class. Reeb also won the first over fences class with Susan Schoellkopf’s Call Me.

“Private Ryan was so great out there today,” said Reeb. “He goes so well in the grand prix ring because I can get him on a nice long stride, which made all my rounds flow really nicely today.”

Reeb has been riding Private Ryan for several years and the two have a storied career together, with countless ribbons on their record. “I want to thank Jamie Ringel for letting me ride this horse – it’s a great opportunity to be able to ride a horse like this,” said Reeb who was also quick to hand out appreciation to her parents and her trainer Michelle West.

Adding to Reeb’s hardware, she and Private Ryan won the under saddle to clinch the division championship. “He tries so hard for me all the time,” said Reeb of Private Ryan. “It’s exciting to win Champion at a finals as prestigious as Marshall & Sterling [Insurance League National Finals] – it’s not every day we get to show in the grand prix ring.”

Taking Reserve Champion was Holly Caristo of Saugerties, New York with Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Caristo’s Hayden. They were second and seventh in the two over fences classes and finished second under saddle.

HITS Working Hunter 2’
Victoria Rainis and her own Galen Raintree earned Champion honors in the HITS Working Hunter 2’ division during the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals. Rainis and Galen Raintree won the first over fences class and were seventh in the second before riding to second place under saddle.

Behind Rainis, Madeleine Mallon piloted Laugh Out Loud, owned by Hannah Matts to Reserve Champion. Mallon won the second over fences class and rode Laugh Out Loud to eighth in the under saddle.

The Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals continues today as jumpers take the stage in the $7,500 Low Junior/Amateur, Adult and Children’s Jumper Classics, while one hunter rider will also be honored with the Adequan Hunter Championship. Then, the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic will be the featured event of the afternoon.

About The Marshall & Sterling League
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 22nd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.com • HitsShows.com

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

Montgomery Leads after Day One at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

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Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen (Samantha Clark)

Lexington, KY – The first day of dressage began at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Woodstock, England, with the first batch of U.S. riders coming down the centerline on Thursday. In the CCI3*, a talented international field performed their dressage tests in front of the judging panel of Eric Lieby, Nick Burton, and Lindsay Jenkins. Clark Montgomery (Wiltshire, UK) and Loughan Glen, USEF Land Rover Competition Grant recipients, had a stellar dressage test earning a 42.7, putting them in first place following the first day of dressage. Jessica Montgomery, Kathryn Kraft, and Holly and William Becker’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding performed brilliantly for Montgomery, producing a lovely, rhythmical test with excellent trot and canter work.

“He was good. He tends to drop a little bit behind my leg when he gets in the ring, but that’s normal so we continue to work on it,” Montgomery commented modestly, thinking of ways to improve upon his and Loughan Glen’s performance in the future. “It was a little bit better today. We still need to work on fine-tuning the execution of the test I think a little bit more, but the quality was good.”

When asked about how he felt coming into the event, Montgomery stated, “I think I have all my little points on the three phases that I want to improve on or get near, and if I can do that I will be happy with whatever place that ends up.”

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) performed a lovely test with Team Rebecca, LLC’s Ben to earn a 48.3, putting them in seventh place. He and the Holsteiner gelding had a flowing test with quality trot work and clean flying changes. Julian Stiller (Berkshire, UK) and her own Sintra BK scored 64.2 to sit in 39th place. The eight-year-old Warmblood mare struggled with some tension throughout the test but Stiller rode her new mount of only a few months well.

In the CIC3* for eight- and nine-year-old horses, Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (East Sussex, England) and her own HHS Cooley executed a solid test in front of the judging panel of Christoph Hess, Jane Tolley, and Nikki Herbert to receive a score of 49.8. With the flowing test with quality trot and canter work, she and the nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding currently sit in 12th place following the first day of dressage in the pair’s first attempt at the CIC3* level.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Pirate, recipients of a Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant from the USET Foundation, kick things off for the U.S. on Friday at 10:22am BST, followed by Cindy Rawson and Mocharabuiee at 11:22am BST. Stiller will ride her second mount, Pandora X, in the afternoon session at 2:52pm BST.

By Kathleen Landwehr

For more information on the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, click here.

To view the live scores, go to http://www.bdwp.co.uk/cgi-bin/3dif.pl?fn=ble13.csv&nav=left.

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

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Aiken Fall Festival I Wrap Up

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Liza Boyd and Fenway. David Mullinex Photography.

September 11th, 2013 – The opening week of the 2013 Aiken Fall Festival came to a close on Sunday.  The week was filled with exciting hunter and jumper action and included some of the country’s top riders.  The show, in its 6th year took place September 5-8 at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC.  The week was jammed packed with events including a $2,500 National Hunter Derby on Friday evening sponsored by Holley Tractor and the $15,000 Aiken Premiere Jumper Classic on Saturday.  Kicking the week off in style was the $5,000 Open Welcome Stake Thursday evening which was won by U-Turn and owner rider Maggie Sjoberg.  Attention then shifted to local Aiken eatery The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate who hosted the official Aiken Fall Festival Welcome Party.  Riders, trainers, and sponsors were treated to food, libations, and live music by New Holland Road.  Many thanks to The Stables for a fabulous evening.  A great time was had by all.

Friday evening featured the popular USHJA National Hunter Derby class sponsored by Holley Tractor and low country boil under the Aiken Fall Festival tent sponsored by the 2103 Aiken Fall Festival Hospitality Sponsors.  This year’s hospitality sponsors include: Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Brick Church Farm, Bridlewood Farm, Christison Stables, DFG Stables, Gagne International, Hot To Trot Boutique, Liz Tarumianz, The Willcox, and The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill.  A field of 40 competitors tried their luck against the course designed by Toledo, OH native Joseph Carnicom out on the derby field.  The hunter derbies are designed to showcase the hunter horse and rider over an outside course that usually consists of natural obstacles encountered in the hunt field.  The top 12 horse rider teams out of the original field are invited to return for a second handy hunter round that includes a shortened more technical route.  Camden, SC native and current USHJA International Hunter Derby finals champion rider Liza Boyd and Jennifer Gates’ Fenway took home the top call of the night with scores of 91 and 94.  Jennifer is the daughter of Bill Gates and trains with Boyd’s Finally Farm and trainer Jack Towell out of Camden, SC.  Local Aiken rider Daniel Geitner and Robin Hughes Living Color took home second place honors, and Alpharetta, GA’s Julie Curtain and Golinski Equine’s Rainbow Row rounded out the top three in this challenging class.

The $15,000 Aiken Premiere Jumper Classic took center stage Saturday evening out on the grass field.  Exhibitors, trainers, and sponsors were also treated to a VIP dinner under the AFF tent during the class.  Corona Du Domaine Z owned by Mistletoe Farms, LLC and rider Mario Garcia found themselves in the winner’s circle again taking home the blue ribbon and smoking the competition with a speedy jump off time of 42.976.  Christina Jason and her Tamino were second with a time of 45.823 and Victor Segovia and The Romeo Group’s Romeo rounded out the top three crossing the markers in 48.414.

Rachel Bethea and Wakefield. David Mullinex Photography
Rachel Bethea and Wakefield. David Mullinex Photography

Focus shifted back to the hunter ring Sunday morning as the prestigious South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association’s Governors Cup Medal Finals took place as well as a rider’s breakfast sponsored by Equus Events.  16 entries were on hand to compete in the finals.  Riders have been competing all year in the Governor’s Cup Medal classes accumulating points to have the opportunity to be invited to compete in the finals at the Aiken Fall Festival.  18 year old Rachel Bethea took home top honors this year aboard her Wakefield.  “It was a huge accomplishment to me in more ways than one because I trained my horse myself,” quoted Bethea.  “Being able to show her in the medal finals and to do so well felt amazing and I am definitely a proud mom.”  Bethea trains with Bruce and Amy Christison of Christison Stables out of Camden, SC.  Second place went to Maddy Parker, third place to Jordan Heithold, and fourth place went to Hallie Anderson.

For complete horse show results and more information, please go to www.equusevents.com.  Week II of the Aiken Fall Festival kicks off on Thursday with another week packed full of events.  Friday will feature the second annual Bridles and Birdies Celebrity Ride and Drive Relay Challenge and Saturday night will host the $15,000 Jumper Classic sponsored by the Willcox along with exhibitor dinner catered by the Willcox and sponsored by DFG Stables, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, and Allison Mills.  The Barn Book and Sidelines Magazine are also offering a special treat with their shabby chic riders lounge located under the VIP tent.  They along with The Stables restaurant will host an ice cream, lemonade, and cookie party on Saturday afternoon.

Contact:
Equus Events
www.equusevents.com
803-643-5698

*Featured/Spotlights, Show Jumping

Shane Sweetnam Tops 1.40m Open Jumper aboard Solerina at 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W

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Shane Sweetnam and Solerina. Photos by The Book LLC 2013.

North Salem, NY – September 11, 2013 – The 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W returned to the picturesque Old Salem Farm today to kick off the week-long international jumping competition featuring the world’s top athletes. Thanks to phenomenal reviews from 2012, a large number of entries created a section split for the day’s main event on the Grand Prix Field: the $8,000 Danbury Porsche Audi 1.40m Open Jumper class. During the first section, it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Solerina who bested Todd Minikus and Uraguay by three seconds at the end of the class with a quick and clear jump-off. Allison Robatille made a splash in Section B, competing in her first jump-off class since November with her veteran mount Cover Girl, who was just returning from injury, beating Meagan Nusz and Elias by a full second in the tiebreaker.

Ireland’s Alan Wade designed two tracks for the day’s feature class, each winding throughout the large field and including multiple bending lines as well a vertical-oxer double combination, and an oxer-vertical double combination. With over 40 competitors in each class, it came down to speed and accuracy in the jump-off. Fifteen horses showed over the short course in the first section, which began at the far end of the field and used the oxer-vertical double combination, as well as multiple places to slice fences and finished over an oxer towards the gate.

Todd Minikus was only the fourth athlete to compete aboard Uraguay, owned by Legacy Stables of Princeton, NJ, but he set the target early in the class. After a faultless round, they managed to mimic the clear effort during the jump-off, making inside turns and breaking the beam at 32.773 seconds.

Ten rounds later, Sarah Segal made a bid for the win with Ubris, owned by Chartwell of Flemington, NJ. Although they managed to leave all the fences intact and leave a stride out to the last fence, their time of 34.273 fell just shy of the leader and they took home fourth place. Meagan Nusz of Houston, TX, was right on Segal’s heels, piloting Waomi to a clear time of 34.763 for the fifth place honors.

Roberto Teran missed Minikus’ time by just 2/10ths of a second riding Woklahoma for the Ark Partners of Wellington, FL. They also posted a clear round, but crossed the finish in line in 32.992 seconds for the third place award.

Shane Sweetnam was one of the final competitors to show in the first section, but his experienced mount Solerina was ready to win. They had a strong gallop to the first three fences, only steadying for the double combination before slicing the final vertical and leaving a stride out to the last oxer. The duo blazed across the finish line in 29.770 seconds, jumping straight to the top of the leader board and leading the victory gallop.

“I think I was quick enough from one, two and three and then I took a little time to the double,” explained Sweetnam. “Then I just let go and went across to the second to last and I knew if I got a good shot there, that I’d have a chance to do the one less to the last. She’s got quite a big stride and she doesn’t spend too much time in the air. In the second round I know she can be quick enough to be lucky enough to keep all the jumps up.”

Owned by Spy Coast Farm and Sweet Oak Farm, Solerina is a 14-year-old Irish Sporthorse mare by Cruising that Sweetnam began riding last year. After winning the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, Solerina used a month of working at home to come out fresh and ready for a victory.

“I think since I’ve had her she nearly picks up a win in every class, so her results are phenomenal,” smiled Sweetnam. “She’s got a little bit of character, but her results make up for it. She’ll do two of the four indoors next. Last year she had a good indoors and I know her better this year, so I think she’ll have a good one again this year.”

Sweetnam was happy to return to the 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W, noting, “Michael Morrissey and the staff do a great job here. It gets better every year. It’s great money and the footing looks to be so much better this year. They’re trying to upgrade it and make it a really good four-star show. I appreciate it and all the other riders appreciate it.”

In the second section of the $8,000 Danbury Porsche Audi 1.40m Open Jumper, fourteen horses advanced to the short course. This time the jump-off was held opposite of the in-gate, beginning with a sharp rollback from a single vertical to a single oxer, and finishing with a double combination to a final wide-oxer.

Only five athletes posted double clear efforts, the first coming from Lauren Tisbo of Wellington, FL, and Darconscheefkasteel Z. The pair stopped the timers at 31.227, which would be good enough for fourth place. Judy Garaofalo Torres of Wellington, FL, and Quattro Queen were the slowest of the double clears for fifth place.

Megan Nusz scored another top placing for Amalaya Investments, this time piloting Elias to a clear round in 31.084 seconds, which captured the second place honors. Hillary Simpson was just a fraction away from Nusz’s time with Chinwies BZ, owned by Palmyra Partners LLC of Southern Pines, NC. Their faultless round clocked in at 31.149 seconds for third place.

Allison Robatille and Cover Girl produced the fast clear jump-off. Despite today’s class marking Cover Girl’s first jump-off after sustaining an injury in November, the mare proved that she was in top form. Utilizing her mare’s large stride, Robatille picked up a quick pace to first fence, slicing the rollback, and then quickly making it towards the next two fences.

“Cover Girl is an amazing horse,” expressed Robatille. “She got injured last November after winning the Nations Cup in Buenos Aires. I’ve been slowly bringing her back. I showed her at Spruce Meadows and she did 1.10m and 1.20m, and did her first 1.45m class at the Hampton Classic. This was the first time I felt like she was ready to do two rounds in a row.”

Robatille continued, “Now that she is back jumping, I have needed to make myself put the injury behind us and just ride her like I normally would, so I am not being too cautious and too careful. I love her so much, so it’s hard.”

This is Robatille’s first return to Old Salem Farm since her days in the Junior Hunters, but after hearing rave reviews from last year’s event she was excited to show at the international jumping competition. “It’s beautiful,” she commented. “I heard great things last year and I am really impressed.”

In the $2,500 1.35m Open Jumpers held in the Jumper Ring, winning honors were presented to Roberto Teran and ADC Chef, owned by Richview Farm of Nobleton, Ontario. The duo completed a clear short course in 34.156 seconds, while Charlie Jayne and Speedy Chicolina, owned by Anna Murphy of De Pere, WI, clocked in at 35425 seconds for the second place award. Candice King and VDL Dogan picked up the third place honors, leaving all the fences intact and breaking the bream at 36,499 seconds for owner Bellissimo LLC of Wellington, FL.

Kent Farrington and Monopoly
Kent Farrington and Monopoly

The first class of the day was the $2,000 1.30m Open Jumpers with 69 entries. Kent Farrington came out on top, piloting Monopoly to the winning honors for Salamander Farms of The Plains, VA. The pair’s clear effort broke the beam at 32.439 seconds, while Guillermo Williams’ time of 33.322 seconds with Marbella, owned by El Milagro of Dallas, TX, was good enough for second. Paul Halpern and Royal Flush, owned by Kathleen Kamine of Oldwick, NJ, rounded out the top three, completing a spotless jump-off in 34.523 seconds.

The 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W will continue tomorrow with the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake, as well as the $3,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers, presented by Gotham North. Highlight throughout the week include Friday’s $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, presented by Double H Farm & Windsor Show Stables, the $50,000 Hermès Classic and Region 2 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Regional Championships on Saturday, and Sunday’s $200,000 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W World Cup Qualifier, presented by Suncast.

About the American Gold Cup

The American Gold Cup will feature world-class and Olympic athletes, such as current World Cup Show Jumping Champion Beezie Madden and Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward. Also confirmed to compete are show jumping mega-stars Reed Kessler, Kent Farrington, Margie Engle, Pan American Games Gold Medalist Christine McCrea and many more, all vying to secure their position at the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in Lyon, France.

Highlights of the schedule include the $33,000 Don Little Memorial Welcome Stake on Thursday, the $100,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier presented by Double H Farm and Windsor Show Stables on Friday and the $50,000 Hermes Classic on Saturday. The featured event, the coveted $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 and broadcast on NBC Sports Network the following Sunday, September 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. EST.

The American Gold Cup will also feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers and Open Jumpers. New this year, the Zone 2 ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships will be held on Saturday in the Old Salem Farm indoor arena.

Old Salem Farm, located an hour north of New York City, boasts a state-of-the-art stabling facility, an historic pristine grass Grand Prix field and outstanding competition and schooling arenas, all of which are surrounded by one of the world’s most quaint and picturesque competition venue settings. For the past two years, the Old Salem Farm competitions have been recognized by the North American Riders Group (NARG) on their NARG Top 25 List. For more information on Old Salem Farm, including its year-long competition schedule, prize lists, clinics, boarding, lessons and training, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net.

For further information, visit: www.stadiumjumping.com or www.theamericangoldcup.com.

43rd Annual American Gold Cup Fast Facts

What: The $200,000 American Gold Cup FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W

When: September 11-15, 2013

Where: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem, NY

Hours:
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday with the ASPCA Regional Championships on Saturday afternoon
Sunday: Gates open at 11 a.m. with family activities with the $200,000 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast, an FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition CSI4*-W at 2 p.m.

Facility: Old Salem Farm is New York State’s Westchester County’s premier equestrian facility, offering 26 annual competitions, boarding, top-level training and sales. It offers state-of-the-art facilities surrounded by 120 gorgeous acres.

Stabling:
Stalls are 10 x 10 and housed under canvas. The FEI stalls are 10 x 12 and stabling area will be secured by fencing with 24/7 security. FEI horses will be scheduled to school separately from non-FEI horses. Schedules will be posted and riders will be given notification of times during the horse inspection.

Parking:
Available on the grounds

Directions:
From Interstate 84 or Interstate 287: Take interstate 684 to exit 8 (Hardscrabble Road), turn right. Old Salem Farm is on the right.

Information:
Before Show – before 9/7/12 941-744-5465 800-237-8924
During Show – 914-669-5610  ext 201
Stable office – 941-744-5465
Prize List Advertising – 941-744-5465
Vendors – Matt Morrissey 941-915-3457

Website – www.theamericangoldcup.com

Televised Broadcast: The 2013 American Gold Cup, Presented by Suncast will be broadcast on NBC Sports Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. EST.

Tickets:

Weekdays: Admission is free to the public
Saturday and Sunday: Admission is $15 per person, $10 per child 4-12 years and seniors 65+, children 3 and under are free.

Gates open at:
Wednesday – Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.

Tickets are available at the gate and online at www.theamericangoldcup.com.

Jockey Club:

The Jockey Club offers full service gourmet cuisine and beverages for tables of six and eight. Click here to reserve your Jockey Club table. New this year, The American Gold Cup is adding luxury suites for parties of 10 or more on the second floor of the Jockey Club. For more information and to reserve your American Gold Cup luxury suite, contact Matt Morrissey at: matt.morrissey@stadiumjumping.com.

Charity Partners:

JustWorld International
http://www.justworldinternational.org/

ASPCA
http://aspca.org/

Sponsorship Opportunities:

April Wehle
561.459.9259
aprilw@stadiumjumping.com

Connie Sawyer
518.461.6288
sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com

Advertising Opportunities:

Mary Silcox 800-237-8924
mary.silcox@stadiumjumping.com

Ring dimensions and footing:
Grand Prix Field 350′x450′, footing bluegrass mix turf. Grand Prix Annex 200′x250′, Schooling 130′x170′. Jumper Annex 146′x307′, Schooling 155′x173′. Indoor 115′x195′, Schooling 74′x135′. Hunter 138′x243′, Schooling 108′x158′. Footing in all arenas is all weather German-designed fiber and sand.

Hotels:

Official Hotel of the American Gold Cup
Danbury Crown Plaza
http://danburyplaza-px.trvlclick.com/
(877) 270 1393

Ridgefield, NY
West Lane Inn (203) 438-7323

Brewster, NY 5-10 min
Heidi’s Motel (845) 279-8011

Mt. Kisco, NY 5-10 min
Holiday Inn (914) 241-2600

Danbury, CT 10-20 min from grounds
Hilton Gardens (203) 205-2000
Comfort Inn (203) 205-0800
Danbury Plaza (203) 795-0600
Ethan Allen (203) 774-1776
Spring Hill Suites (203) 744-7333
Residence Inn (203) 797-1256

Management:
Stadium Jumping, Inc.
1301 Sixth Ave. West, Suite 406
Bradenton, FL 34205
Tel: 941-744-5465
Fax: 941-744-0874

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Boulevard, Suite 105 Wellington, FL 33414
Tel: 561.753.3389  Fax: 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Jennifer Alfano Dominates Opening Day of the Buffalo International Horse Show with Multiple Victories

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Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy took led the Working Hunter division sweeping the over fences for the opening day of the 67th Buffalo International Horse Show. Photo By: Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group.

Buffalo, NY – September 11, 2013 – The first day of the sold out 67th Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) opened to top-tier hunter competition as the Indoor Arena at the Buffalo Equestrian Center was alive with action. The premier fundraiser for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) offered an array of hunter classes for all experience levels, with some of the top hunter professionals vying for the coveted honors. Jennifer Alfano dominated the Professional Hunter Divisions early this morning, while Mandy Bittner piloted Handsome Rob to the championship in the $1,000 Robert-James Sales, Inc. Thoroughbred Hunter division.

The morning began with perfect conditions, as competitors were welcomed to the Indoor Arena. The hunter arena was buzzing with anticipation as BIHS boasted a record high number of entries for their 67th year of competition. The First Year Green Working Hunters were the first to take their turn against Brian Brown’s course, where Jennifer Alfano and Jamie George went neck-to-neck to try for the opening day’s lead of the division. The course consisted of natural fences, including single oxers, a bending line and two vertical-oxer outside lines. Each horse and rider combination was challenged by the confines of the Indoor Arena, proving the perfect preparation for the quickly approaching Indoor Finals set to start in only a few short weeks.

“She has been great,” eventual leader of the First Year Green Working Hunter division Alfano remarked. “We didn’t show Maggie May a lot this summer, but she has really grown into herself and become very consistent. I thought she went great today, and she is a really fun horse to ride. She is still green, but she is so straightforward, that she makes my job easier.”

It was Alfano and Maggie May, owned by Billie Steffee, who rode away with the first and second place finishes over fences, as well as the under saddle. George captured the second place in the first class over fences, the blue during their second round, and was pinned second in the under saddle.

Alfano showed two mounts this morning, returning during the Working Hunters with Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to capture the lead. They recently rode to the third place finish in the prestigious $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and their success followed as they continued into today’s hunter division. The duo swept the over fences with their picture-perfect rounds, and also were presented with the third place for their efforts in the under saddle. Hot on their heels was Rachel Clawson and Montenegro, owned by Lilly Ulrich, who earned two seconds over fences and the first place award in the under saddle.

“Chicago was probably the first time that he felt totally back to his normal, healthy self,” Alfano described. “At the Derby Finals a few weeks ago, I don’t think he was quite up to his fitness level. I think if we had had one more week, then we would have been ready, but he shined in Chicago and was on the money. He felt great out there today, too.”

Next in the order was the Pre-Green 3′ or 3’3″ Hunter division. There was no close call as Alfano navigated Candid to two first place ribbons over fences. They took the first-day lead as the pair to watch at the top of the leader board. Andrew Lomker and Tivoli, owned by Chris R. Steer, captured the third place finish over fences, as well as the second place in the under saddle, while Alfano rode Me Again, owned by Helen Lenahan, to the second and third place over fences and the third place in the under saddle.

“I knew Candid was a really nice horse when I originally purchased him, but he turned out to be amazing,” Alfano stated. “He was, and still is, so green but I am having so much fun with him. It is unbelievable. He puts a smile on my face every time I ride him.”

Alfano also captured the Baby Green Hunter Championship with Uptown Girl, owned by SBS Farms, Inc. Andrew Lomker and Marvelous, owned by Chris R. Steer, were awarded the reserve championship.

Mandy Bittner took control of the Thoroughbred Hunter courses with Handsome Rob, owned by Nancy Bittner. She earned the first and two second place ribbons over fences, and also snatched up the first place in the under saddle to take the class championship. Alfano and Chasin the Red, owned by Joe Alfano, were awarded the reserve championship.

“I have had Handsome Rob for eight years, and he has come a long way since I first got him. This was our first time here, and I was really happy with how he went out there today,” Bittner explained. “I am planning on going to Zone 2 Finals, so I wanted to compete somewhere inside; this was the perfect preparation.”

Bittner continued, “He needs a helpful ride, but I can’t get too nervous, because he feeds off of my energy. I am super happy with how he was; the course was difficult, but he handled it great. He is a good old boy.”

Holly Ferrell led the Low Hunter division from start to finish, piloting Tempo to the eventual championship tricolor. They were awarded the first, second and third place over fences. Alicia Heberle picked up the reserve championship with Del Piero, owned by Doreen Tobin. Heberle is a new addition to the SBS Farms, Inc., family, only recently joining as their new Assistant Trainer.

“I rode at SBS as a kid, and then I went to ride for my mom at her barn in Rochester, New York. My sister recently graduated, and was looking for a riding job, so I jumped at the opportunity to work as an assistant trainer at SBS Farms,” Heberle elaborated. “I am still settling into the job, and figuring out what to expect. It is an amazing opportunity for me.”

The first day of the 67th Buffalo International Horse Show concluded with the Performance 3’3″ Hunter division. It was Alfano and Winter Hill, owned by Emma Merritt, who earned the tricolor. The pair picked up the first place and two second place ribbons over fences, and also rode to the first place in the under saddle to seal their championship award. Heberle once again rode to the reserve championship, guiding Rio’s Reflection, owned by Harper Hills, LLC, to back-to-back blue ribbons over fences.

“Rio’s Reflection is just coming back into the show world, and this was his first time back to his normal self. He was great out there, very comfortable,” Heberle explained. “This is such a unique horse show; it has been around for so long, and they really know how to make it special. The courses feature some beautiful jumps, and they go out of their way to make it mean something to the exhibitors.”

Tomorrow the hunter action will continue as the second day of the 67th Buffalo International Horse Show gets underway. The professional divisions will come to a close tomorrow, and the Amateur-Owner Hunters will begin. The highlight of the day will be the inaugural USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Stake where riders will compete to get the top points in the hopes of qualifying for the finals to be held in Lexington, KY, in 2014. The well-liked $1,000 Ravenswood Grooms Class will take place in the afternoon, seeing many of the show’s grooms approach the center of the ring for their turn at scrutiny as the judges choose the best.

For more information regarding the 67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, please visit www.thebtrc.org or call (716) 877-9295. Entries may be faxed to (716) 877-4001.

67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show Fast Facts:

EVENT: 67th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, which benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center.

WHAT: Buffalo’s most prestigious horse show. The ‘AA’ rated show is one of the best ways for exhibitors to prepare themselves and their horses for the fall indoor circuit of finals. BIHS offers a large indoor arena for competition that gives horses and riders a chance to compete indoors before showing at the national finals in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. or Kentucky. The horse show offers generous prize money in every division.

Sanctioned and recognized by: United States Equestrian Federation, Rated ‘AA’ Hunter and 2* Jumper; Syracuse Professional Horsemen’s Association; Ohio PHA; WPPHA.

WHERE: Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216

WHEN: September 11-15, 2013

HIGHLIGHTS: The Buffalo International Horse Show benefits the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

THURSDAY:
$1,000 Ravenswood Groom’s Class

FRIDAY:
$1,000 “The Full Monty” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic
$1,000 Up The Creek Junior Hunter Classic

FRIDAY NIGHT (not before 6 p.m.):
BTRC Demonstration

SATURDAY:
$500 “Scribbles” Pony Hunter Classic

SATURDAY NIGHT (not before 6 p.m.):
$3,000 Johnson Horse Transportation USHJA National Hunter Derby
$2,500 Stephen A. Comunale Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic
$1,000 Stephen A. Comunale Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic

SUNDAY:
$500 “Say Hey” Children’s Hunter Classic
$1,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Silver Stirrup

ADMISSION: Free for spectators, except for Friday and Saturday night events, where admission is $5 for adults, and children 10 and under are free.

PARKING: Free on Amherst Street, on the grass on Great Arrow street, or in the school parking lot on Great Arrow.

VIP SEATING: Blue Carpet Club and Box Seating are available. The Blue Carpet Club offers tables overlooking the ring from the balcony. Only six tables are available in the Blue Carpet Club, so please make reservations early. Tables are $200 for a table of six for Friday or Saturday night, and $375 for both Friday and Saturday night combined. Box seats offer the most superior seating choice available; the closest to the action ringside. Box seats are $500 for Wednesday – Sunday afternoon until 4 pm. All Boxes include seating for six. Payment and order forms should be sent to: BIHS Attention: Blue Carpet Club and Box Seating, 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY, 14216.

VENDOR/TRADE: Trophies are sponsored by EMO Insurance. Prizes for reserve champions are donated by The Hunting Horn of Penfield, NY, who is also the vendor for the horse show. Ribbons have been donated by M&T Bank.

DIRECTIONS: From NY thruway/I-90, it is only 10 minutes to the horse show facility. From I-90, take Rt 33 West. Follow to NY-198 East/Scajaquada Expressway West. Follow 198 until the Route 384 North/Delaware Ave exit. At the stop light, turn right and immediately turn left at the next light, which puts you on Delaware Ave. Follow Delaware Ave. until Amherst Street. Turn left on Amherst Street, travel less 200 feet, and the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center is on the right.

THE FACILITY: The Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club was built in 1921 as an indoor polo arena. Today it is known as The Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC) and features one of the largest indoor riding arenas in the nation. Located at 950 Amherst Street, in the heart of metropolitan Buffalo, it is now the home of The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Inc., The Buffalo Equestrian Center and SBS Farms, Inc. The five-acre site includes the indoor sand 120×90 riding arena, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding ring. The spectacular barn offers permanent stalls for all horse show participants.

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for over 10 years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.

Programs are designed and taught by Jenna Zografos, an instructor certified with PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International.

Volunteers are always needed and are an invaluable part of the program. They can assist with horse care and handling or can serve as a friend and side walker. For more information, please call (716) 877-9295.

The Buffalo Equestrian Center is part of The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. They continue the tradition of the Saddle and Bridle club, giving lessons to kids starting at age six through adult ages. The BEC holds clinics with Jennifer Alfano, hosts a summer camp, and is now a member of the IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association), where members of area middle schools and area high schools compete as a team at IEA shows in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Lessons are given all year Tuesday through Sunday.

SBS Farms is also part of The BTRC, and Susan Schoellkopf is the owner. Susie serves as chairman of the Zone 2 committee, the chairman of the Open Hunter Task Force, she is a member of the Junior Hunter Task Force and the D&M committee. Susie is also an “R” rated hunter judge. Jennifer Alfano is the trainer for SBS. She is a two time World Hunter Rider Champion, she has won the International Hunter Derby Series for the past two years aboard Jersey Boy, and has won several USEF Horse of the Year awards. Jennifer has trained top amateur, junior and pony riders.

CONTACT:
Buffalo International Horse Show
950 Amherst St.
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-877-9295 (phone)
716-877-4001 (fax)
sbeat@aol.com
www.thebtrc.org
http://ryegate.com/SHOWS/BTRC/Prize%20List.pdf

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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